Culture

The June 28-July 8, 2025 summer student expedition to Yellowstone National Park, organized through Ecology Project International (EPI), combined scientific fieldwork with immersive outdoor living. A total of 2 instructors and 12 students went on the trip. Although some participants had never been to Yellowstone before, many were drawn by a shared interest in wildlife ecology and the chance to connect learning with real-world experiences.

In today’s world—where headlines and social media scream conflict and fuel division—disagreement often feels like a dead end. But what if the goal wasn’t to win arguments, but to understand each other? What if, instead of retreating into unproductive debates, we leaned into dialogue—not to erase our differences, but to navigate them with empathy and clarity?

For the students and educators at OHS, who often dive deep into complex topics, whether it be in class, in pronto, or outside the “walls” of our school, this isn’t just a theoretical question. It’s a call to action. 

All over the world, OHSers fled to StartUps to meet their fellow classmates in person at the start of the year. The Norcal StartUp, boasting an attendance of around 160 people, was the biggest StartUp globally. Students of all grades gathered at the Los Altos Community Center on September 6th from 12 to 2 pm for ice cream, board games, and pizza. 

“Compared to the previous startups I have been to, I think this startup really gave students the opportunity to meet other students,” said Aanya Gupta ‘27. 

This summer, from June 24 to July 4, OHSers from around the world met up internationally to spend 10 days together in Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Ten students participated, exploring various cultural and historical landmarks as well as green spaces. 

Whether it's treats, tricks, or scary movies under a blanket, Halloween is a holiday for everyone! 

In our survey, our students shared their plans, fondest Halloween memories, and even some tricks of their own. Here is what they had to say:

It’s a bit crazy how fast time can slip by. As the end of their high school years creeps closer than ever, Pixel Journal invites the Class of 2025 to look back on their time at and share some of their favorite memories from OHS. 

Here’s what some of our seniors had to say!

Computer? Check. Notebook? Check. Food fuel? Check. Now that you are finally prepared to tackle your long to-do list of assignments, there is nothing that can stop you now. Oh wait. Your hand suddenly reaches for your phone, and by reflex you tap into Instagram. Or Tiktok. Or any other form of entertaining distraction that keeps you away from your studies. Before you know it, hours have passed by, so now you’re racing against time to complete your English essay, submitting just seconds away from the deadline.

Winter is a great time to embrace “productive procrastination.” If you'd rather spend time in the kitchen than tackling unending homework, tiring studying, or tidying your room, these festive dishes from around the world are the perfect excuse. Not only will you have something delicious to show for it, but you'll also get a taste of how different cultures celebrate the holidays. 

The winter months are often cold and dreary, and oftentimes people give in to the temptation to lie in bed all day. However, the Pixel Journal is happy to provide some winter themed book and movie recommendations to enjoy. 

Please be mindful and check content warnings before reading/watching!

*Disclaimer, this article is ever-so-slightly satirical, and written in the style of an epic, iconic priss–I myself do not live by many of these commands, I am not Emily Post, and my etiquette in OHS classes is far from perfect.