Culture

In the United States, only seven out of 50 states require high school students to take a full year course on civics. For a country that protects and encourages citizen participation in government affairs, this statistic emphasizes a shortfall in legislative action to fully commit to its values.

With Fall elections having concluded, meet and get to know more about your 2025-26 Student Government elected representatives!

"Gratitude helps us see what is there instead of what isn't." – Annette Bridges

As we enter the last month of autumn, November prompts us to appreciate and reflect on our blessings. Regardless whether the blessings are big or small, practicing gratitude has many benefits. Gratitude can improve your wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and help you find hope in challenging times. In a survey, our students shared the blessings in their lives, as well as the ways they showed gratitude. Here are their responses:

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.