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
Zoe Karibian

Zoe Karibian, Arts Editor: Online

Zoe Karibian (’26) is the Arts Editor: Online of The Standard. She joined the publication as a staff writer in Grade 9, driven by her passion for creative writing and pop culture. When she is not in the newsroom, you can find Karibian in the pottery studio, reviewing the latest films at Everyman Cinema or playing NYT Connections at Gail's.

All content by Zoe Karibian
Yiannis Theofilopoulos (’27), Luca Akin (’27) and Byron Weiss (’27) tied for the final Grade 10 representative spot on the Student Council. This was the first ever three-way tie in the history of the school’s Student Council elections, resulting in a runoff election held Sept. 16.

Grade 10 students tie for fifth Student Council spot

Zoe Karibian, Arts and Entertainment Editor: Online
September 16, 2024
The phenomenon "It Ends With Us" has hit the big screen, with Blake Lively starring as Lily Bloom, a woman caught in the turmoil of a dazzling yet abusive relationship. The film raked in an impressive $200 million worldwide in its opening days, according to IMBd.

‘It Ends With Us’ tries hard, falls harder: A Pinterest board disguised as a movie

Zoe Karibian, Arts and Entertainment Editor: Online
September 6, 2024

[Video] VIDEO Inside the creation of “Puffs:” Advanced Acting class share their journey

Zoe Karibian, Ruby Rogers and Inez Stephenson
June 11, 2024
The high school yearbook, Sojourner, released at the end of the school year, documents the events, activities and students of the school year. Founded in 1960, the publication was originally named "Gateway." Covers courtesy of Sojourner.

Capturing memories: A dive into the High School’s yearbook

Zoe Karibian and Inez Stephenson
June 3, 2024
The horror film "Immaculate" featured Sydney Sweeney, marking one of her first movies in the horror genre. The film garnered immense popularity, raking in over 12 million dollars worldwide, according to Collider.

‘Immaculate:’ shallow plot hinders horror gem

Zoe Karibian, Media Team
April 29, 2024

Standard News Network: Week of April 8

Adrian Caillaux Diaz, Ailish Herrmann, Sophia Hsu, Zoe Karibian, Yasmine Rivera, Colton Stenson and Inez Stephenson
April 16, 2024
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has deeply affected the lives of thousands, yet it remains relatively unknown to many. The dispute started over three decades ago and has since resulted in two large-scale conflicts and intermittent clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The forgotten war: Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains overlooked, insufficiently acknowledged by world

Zoe Karibian, Media Team
April 15, 2024
Students will switch to using Teamie in the upcoming 2024-25 school year. Following grade book flexibility issues with Schoology, Tech Coordinator Mark Scharen collaborated with the administration for over a year to find a suitable alternative.

School to replace Schoology with Teamie as new learning platform in upcoming school year

Zoe Karibian, Media Team
April 11, 2024
The Cucamaras perform in a concert hall in St. Albans, England Nov. 22, 2023. According to EXAG' Records, it was their fifth performance in a series of 10 across the U.K.

5 British bands gain popularity, grow audience beyond London

Zoe Karibian, Media Team
March 25, 2024

Standard News Network: Week of March 11

Talya Berner, Ailish Herrmann, Sophia Hsu, Zoe Karibian, Yasmine Rivera, Colton Stenson, Inez Stephenson and Theo van Zyl
March 18, 2024

Standard News Network: Week of March 3

Ailish Herrmann, Sophia Hsu, Zoe Karibian, Yasmine Rivera, Colton Stenson, Inez Stephenson and Theo van Zyl
March 13, 2024

Standard News Network: Episode 6

Ailish Herrmann, Sophia Hsu, Zoe Karibian, Yasmine Rivera, Inez Stephenson and Colton Stenson
March 5, 2024
The Netflix show “One Day” has become a new sensation, garnering 5.3 million views in its first four days on Netflix, according to Variety. The show secured first place on the streaming platform’s top 10 list in the U.K.

‘One Day’ tells a gut-wrenching, authentic story of young love

Zoe Karibian, Media Team
March 4, 2024
Layla Khatiblou (’25) prepares to take a shot. Khatiblou said the team's collaboration allowed them to put pressure on ISB throughout the game. “We all did a really good job of being there on the press, helping trap and being able to just work together and stop them,” Khatiblou said. “I think that led us to many fast breaks, easy points, and buckets because we were able to communicate well and effectively.”

GALLERY Girls varsity basketball team competes against ISB

Zoe Karibian and Inez Stephenson
February 28, 2024

Standard News Network: Episode 5

Ailish Herrmann, Sophia Hsu, Zoe Karibian, Yasmine Rivera, Colton Stenson and Inez Stephenson
February 26, 2024

Standard News Network: Episode 4

Ailish Herrmann, Sophia Hsu, Zoe Karibian, Yasmine Rivera, Colton Stenson, Inez Stephenson and Theo van Zyl
February 5, 2024

Standard News Network: Episode 3

Ailish Herrmann, Sophia Hsu, Zoe Karibian, Noelle Quintin, Yasmine Rivera, Colton Stenson, Inez Stephenson and Theo van Zyl
January 29, 2024

Standard News Network: Episode 2

Ailish Herrmann, Sophia Hsu, Zoe Karibian, Yasmine Rivera, Colton Stenson, Inez Stephenson and Theo van Zyl
January 22, 2024

VIDEO The Standard reviews popular neighborhood gem “It’s Bagels”

Talya Berner, Zoe Karibian and Inez Stephenson
January 18, 2024
Reporters Yasmine Rivera (’26) and Inez Stephenson (’26) recap the week of Jan 21. Students and faculty reflect on Professional Development Day, recent basketball matches, and the impact of Storm Isha on student travel.

Standard News Network: Episode 1

Ailish Herrmann, Sophia Hsu, Zoe Karibian, Yasmine Rivera, Colton Stenson, Inez Stephenson and Theo van Zyl
January 16, 2024
The longstanding tradition of the "Junior Lock-In" has been retired and replaced with the "Junior Games." While the change is unfortunate, our StuCo has shown creativity in creating an enjoyable alternative.

‘Junior Games’ brings excitement despite ‘Junior Lock-in’ discontinuation

Zoe Karibian, Media Team
November 14, 2023
Taylor Swift's concert film, released Oct. 13, is achieving tremendous success in cinemas. According to Forbes, "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" accounted for 70% of box office grosses in the U.S. in the days following its release.

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” film dazzles audiences, brings concert experience to cinemas

Zoe Karibian, Reporter
November 7, 2023
Doja Cat's new album "Scarlet" has taken fans by storm following its release Sept. 21. According to Spotify, the track was the second-most played album during the week of Sept. 28.

Doja Cat’s “Scarlet” redefines her artistry, challenges controversy

Zoe Karibian, Reporter
October 16, 2023
Singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo performs at Glastonbury 2022 before her new album “GUTS” releases Sept. 8. Her pop-rock album took listeners on a journey of rebellion and vulnerability.

Olivia Rodrigo’s “GUTS” brings back 90’s pop-rock

Ailish Herrmann and Zoe Karibian
September 26, 2023
Danny Joseph (’26), an astronomy enthusiast, provides insights on recent news regarding space travel, missions and information. This is the second installment of the recurring column “Make Space for Danny Joseph.”

[Video] VIDEO Make Space for Danny Joseph: Episode 2

Zoe Karibian, Reporter
September 25, 2023
The fashion industry accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions, according to the BBC. As you shop for the autumn season, here are five fashion brands to stay sustainable.

Top 5 sustainable fashion brands for autumn

Zoe Karibian, Reporter
September 19, 2023
The Netflix show "Painkiller" received 7.2 million total views following its Aug. 10 premiere, according to Netflix. The show secured the second spot in the streaming platform’s top 10 list in the United Kingdom.

Netflix’s ‘Painkiller’ executed adequately, yet remains insightful

Zoe Karibian, Reporter
September 4, 2023
Social media can encourage the feeling that we should only display our best moments. Unrealistic social media standards can be harmful to our well-being as it prompts adolescents to compare appearances and feel dissatisfied about our experiences.

Social media perfection poses danger to wellbeing

Zoe Karibian, Reporter
August 29, 2023
Make space for Danny Joseph: Episode 1

Make space for Danny Joseph: Episode 1

Zoe Karibian, Reporter
June 14, 2023
Lewis is the co-founder of UES Education, an independent educational consultancy based in London. The school partnered with UES Education during May, utilizing their diagnostic SAT and ACT tests for Grade 10. (Photo courtesy of Simon Lewis)

Administration announces Simon Lewis to join university advising team

Zoe Karibian, Reporter
June 9, 2023
Spotify has rolled out a new discovery feed feature that allows users to scroll and listen to a preview of audio and video clips. While the feature is similar to TikTok, it can be an excellent tool for users who are looking for new music.

Spotify adds TikTok-style discovery feed to app

Zoe Karibian, Reporter
May 25, 2023
Students and faculty members reflect on the growing number of people adopting vegan and vegetarian diets. The rise of plant-based diets has shown a growing awareness on health and environmental impacts through our food choices.

Community reflects on health, environmental impacts of plant-based diets

Zoe Karibian, Reporter
May 24, 2023
King Charles and Queen Camilla travel by carriage during the coronation procession May 6. On the day of the coronation, King Charles became the 40th reigning monarch to be crowned at Westminster Abbey since 1066, according to the BBC.

Coronation of King Charles III, Queen Camilla evokes mixed emotions

Zoe Karibian and Inez Stephenson
May 10, 2023
In a recent survey, many students said they are affected by the added pressure of exams toward the end of the year. Students proposed strategies which can be used to manage anxiety levels during demanding times.

Students share advice for stress, anxiety management during exam season

Zoe Karibian, Reporter
May 3, 2023
India Clause (’26) prepares to return the ball with a forehand April 26. Clause has been playing tennis for ten years and practices off-season throughout the year.

JV tennis teams compete against ACS Cobham

Isabella Gibson and Zoe Karibian
April 28, 2023
WasteShark is a new aqua drone that removes plastics and other floating debris from the Thames' surface. According to Thames21, their organization and the Port of London Authority remove at least 200 tonnes of waste from the Thames each year, much of it being plastic.

Water-cleaning robot prompts discussion on protection of London’s rivers

Maya Fakhry and Zoe Karibian
April 17, 2023
The 65th annual Grammy Awards took place in Los Angeles Feb. 6, gathering music artists worldwide. Before the ceremony kicked off, some of the music industry's biggest stars hit the red carpet in their boldest looks.

Top 5 Grammy looks

Zoe Karibian and Isabella Gibson
March 6, 2023
Upon returning to in-person school after the pandemic, some students and teachers have chosen to use digital learning tools, such as tablets. While manyenjoy its flexibility, others prefer to use traditional learning tools, including notebooks and whiteboards.

Shift to digital note-taking prompts discussion

Isabella Gibson, Zoe Karibian and Inez Stephenson
March 1, 2023
Cleo Destin (’26) dribbles the ball up the court beside her teammates Yara Kassir (’26) and Noor Naseer (’25) Jan. 27. Destin had previously played two years of basketball and enjoys representing the school on her team. "I am so happy to be a part of the team," Destin said. "Even though we lost, I think we played well defensively and caught many rebounds."

JV basketball girls team competes against Crest Academy

Inez Stephenson and Zoe Karibian
February 16, 2023
Spotify has rolled out a new “Get Ready With Music” feature that creates a custom playlist matching both your outfit and the overall vibe of the day. The feature is entertaining to use, however, is not practical enough to become part of my daily routine.

‘Get Ready With Music’ Spotify feature provides personal entertainment

Zoe Karibian, Reporter
December 5, 2022
Director of Athletics John Farmer stands at his desk organizing components of the after-school sports program. He attended the school as a student and has worked in his current position since 2013, which he said has been fulfilling. “I like to think that the athletics program is an extension of the school day and part of the student experience,” Farmer said. “We hold the same values as the rest of the school, and work to create an avenue for people to want to pursue their passions of sport, exercise and fitness.”

[Photo] Familiar faces: Get to know 30 students, faculty

Beginning Journalism Students
October 12, 2022
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