News From the Students, For the Students

The Griffin Gazette
News From the Students, For the Students

The Griffin Gazette
News From the Students, For the Students

The Griffin Gazette
Photo courtesy of Aiden Shellhammer.

Bella Kim, Editor-in-Chief

Bella Kim is a senior at Los Alamitos High School. This is her third year with the Griffin Gazette and second year as editor-in-chief. Bella has won four Best of SNO awards, most recently for her article “Girls assumed to be TikToker Siyah died after shooting at Cerritos mall Saturday night.” Over the summer, she represented California at the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference in Washington, D.C. Currently, she advises The Youth Center’s student marketing interns and contributes to L.A. Times High School Insider. She has interned for the Orange County education news site Spotlight Schools and reported for South Bay Youth Journalism, a program by the newsroom CalMatters.

On campus, Bella is president of Interact Club and Literature Appreciation Club. She is an avid reader and dances at Los Alamitos Ballet School. Bella enjoys poetry, going to the beach and writing feature and news stories. She also likes musicals, roller coasters and collecting bookstore tote bags.

You can contact Bella at [email protected].

All content by Bella Kim
The shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday outside the Cerritos mall, resulting in one death.

Girl assumed to be TikToker Siyah died after shooting at Cerritos mall Saturday night 

Bella Kim, Editor-in-Chief
January 21, 2025
During the assembly, winter formal nominees played an intense game of "human ring toss."

[Photo] A 2000s flashback for winter formal assembly

Zoey Kurz, Staff Writer
January 19, 2025
Looking from an outsider's perspective.

[Photo] ‘The Outsiders’: Keeping our stories golden

Christopher Pagán, Staff Writer
January 22, 2025
Volunteers work hard to sort donated clothes by size and gender.

Griffin community joins together to support fire victims with donation drive

Giulietta Morad, Bella Kim, and Leah Oh
January 14, 2025
The National High School Journalism Convention is hosted twice a year by the Journalism Education Association and the National Scholastic Press Association.

A thriving democracy needs youth journalism

Bella Kim, Editor-in-Chief
November 27, 2024
Kohli covered education and breaking news at the L.A. Times for six years. (Photo courtesy of Sonali Kohli)

‘Don’t Wait’ author Sonali Kohli is ‘rooted in hope’

Bella Kim, Editor-in-Chief
November 20, 2024
With shows Oct. 17-19, LAHS wowed us with their amazing production of "Percy Jackson," the musical.

LAHS students amazed with ‘The Lightning Thief, The Percy Jackson Musical’

Brooklynn De Shazer, Bella Kim, Katie Arnoult, Esme Justice, and Lily Zimmerman
October 21, 2024
There are many pros and cons for Griffins to consider about video lessons.

Video lectures: Boring homework assignment or engaging education tool?

Bella Kim, Editor-in-Chief
October 9, 2024
Winners received prizes like a new bike or a tackle box, along with their trophies.

[Photo] 2024 Seal Beach Fishing Derby winners

August 17, 2024
Four journalism students decided to wear jeans and black shirts for twin day.

These journalism students matched in jeans and stripes for twin day.

Seniors arrived at the beach at 5:45 a.m. this morning for Senior Sunrise.

Class of 2025 welcomes senior year with the sunrise

Bella Kim, Editor-in-Chief
August 26, 2024
“I enjoyed seeing all ages participate in a community event, and it was great to meet a variety of families,” said LAHS senior Joy Shenouda.

Record number of participants at 32nd annual Seal Beach Fishing Derby

Bella Kim, Editor-in-Chief
August 19, 2024
This year in the Griffin Gazette, Owen has been the executive producer of Griffin Gazette Live, a series of news broadcast episodes featuring stories written by Griffin Gazette staff writers.

[Photo] Advice from seniors: What we can learn from the Griffin Gazette’s graduating class

Katie Arnoult, Editor
June 3, 2024
The valedictorians gave brief speeches in the gym at Valedictorian Signing Day.

Los Al announces 11 valedictorians from the class of 2024

Bella Kim, Editor-in-Chief
May 30, 2024
The boys' number in the dance program's recent show, "The Salon."

Los Al to introduce boys’ dance elective starting next year

Bella Kim, Editor-in-Chief
May 30, 2024
Students in AP Physics C were assigned to build their own paper airplanes in a tournament of paper airplane mini golf.

[Photo] What are AP classes doing now?

Jasmine Lee and Victoria Troncoso
June 3, 2024
"La La Land," released in 2016, is set in L.A. in the 40s and 50s and stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling.

ASB announces 2024 prom theme: ‘La La Land’

Bella Kim, Editor-in-Chief
April 17, 2024
Journalism students in the PAC with their advisor, Mrs. Franzen, who performed in the improv show.

Griffin Gazette reviews LAUSD Staff Improv Show

Owen Silverman, Bella Kim, Sydney Forsyte, Olivia Cooks, Kalea Davies, Layla Martinez, Issy Steinberg, and Katie Arnoult
March 15, 2024
Griffins relived their COVID memories this week, four years since the pandemic lockdown began in Los Alamitos. "I think COVID was something so traumatizing for a lot of us, but honestly, I look back at it and laugh because of all the memories I made at home," said Los Al senior Jada Gaither.

Four years ago today: Los Al’s COVID shutdown

Bella Kim, Victoria Troncoso, and Layla Martinez
March 13, 2024
Los Al sophomore Stewart McCaleb will be in Miami Feb. 17-24 competing in the Olympic Team Trials for sailing. "It’s more about the experience than actually trying to win,” McCaleb said.

Los Al sophomore to compete in Olympic Trials for sailing

Bella Kim, Editor-in-Chief
February 16, 2024
The Top Griffin candidates and their escorts pose for a group photo backstage. "I'm feeling excited, grateful for the opportunity, and so excited to see how the rest of senior year goes," said candidate Philip Pinto.

Review: Los Al crowns its first Next Top Griffin

Bella Kim, Editor-in-Chief
January 26, 2024
Los Al's Next Top Griffin is Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. in the PAC. “We think it’s going to end up being a hit," said senior class Co-President Mona Taylor.

Eight seniors take the stage for Los Al’s Next Top Griffin

Bella Kim, Editor-in-Chief
January 22, 2024
A close-up of the pink and purple roses and orchids decorating the side of a Rose Parade float.

Highlights of the 2024 Rose Parade Floatfest

Bella Kim and Ella Suos
January 12, 2024
Although it seems like nationwide violence is increasing, everyday safety in American schools has actually improved. “Los Al Unified prioritizes ensuring the physical, social, and emotional safety of all students and staff,” said Jerry Friedman, LAUSD's Director of Safety and Student Services.

Recent patterns in high school safety

Bella Kim, Editor-in-Chief
January 9, 2024
SAG-AFTRA's 118-day long strike officially ended last Thursday, Nov. 9. “These studios make billions of dollars off of our work, off our blood, sweat, and tears,” said Terry Wilkerson, Warner Brothers' head strike captain. “If it wasn’t for our writing and acting, they would have absolutely zero."

SAG-AFTRA strike ends after nearly four months

Bella Kim, Editor-in-Chief
November 14, 2023
Students can use the Curriculum Handbook to check course offerings and prerequisites. "I always describe schedules like a game of chess. We are just trying to place things strategically for four years so that you're in the best case scenario to learn," Mrs. Davenport said.

Requirements to take Los Al’s rigorous classes

Sydney Forsyte and Bella Kim
October 24, 2023
Equipped with impressive vocals and colorful costumes, the Soundtrax choir took over the stage with songs from the renowned Broadway musical "Six."

[Photo] Los Al choir’s first show of the year: Broadway

Katie Arnoult, Editor
October 3, 2023
Girls varsity volleyball and the 11 staff players gather for a post-game photo.

Los Al teachers take on girls varsity volleyball

Bella Kim, Editor-in-Chief
September 20, 2023
"[We have] to push several very heavy items from the band room to the grass field," marching band student Maya Wresinski said.

Los Al’s new hybrid PE policy for performing arts

Bella Kim, Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2023
Los Al Locos eagerly watch the action on the football field while the Varsity cheer team hypes the crowd.

[Photo] Los Al football crushed the competition at the first home game of the season

Katie Arnoult, Editor
August 29, 2023
The Griffin Gazette crew in the wild at the Harkins theater in Cerritos to see the new "The Little Mermaid" movie.

Griffin Gazette reviews ‘The Little Mermaid’

Katie Arnoult, Jason Khan, Bella Kim, Sydney Forsyte, Isabella Gasper, and Kate Schumacher
June 5, 2023
Tu'ufuli with Mr. Kennedy on his last day at Los Al.

2023 LAUSD retirees announced

Bella Kim, Staff Writer
June 2, 2023
Mrs. Post with her student Samantha Moody, one of four students who won the Scholastic All-Star Award in about 2013. 

Q&A with Mrs. Post

Bella Kim, Staff Writer
June 2, 2023
Mr. Ford, standing behind his podium in his classroom in the STEM building.

Q&A with Mr. Ford

Bella Kim, Staff Writer
June 1, 2023
Griffin Gazette staff members at the Cypress College visual and performing arts event.

[Photo] A Griffin Gazette recap

Katie Arnoult, Staff Writer
June 2, 2023
Kim plays the “human knot” game with her team during the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards camp at Idyllwild Pines last month.

‘Ain’t no party like a RYLA party’

Bella Kim, Staff Writer
May 23, 2023
Mallory Sullivan, Los Al alumna, attended Orange Coast College before transferring to Chapman.

Breaking down the community college stigma

Bella Kim, Staff Writer
May 18, 2023
The cast of “The Night Council” takes a bow; leads Benny Nottonson, Allison Qu, and Fiona Sampson Farrell in front.

Los Al dance dazzles in ‘The Night Council’

Bella Kim, Staff Writer
May 8, 2023
Mind Out Loud merchandise prize given to a student attendee.

I attended the Mind Out Loud webinar, and here’s what I learned

Bella Kim, Staff Writer
May 8, 2023
Students sitting in the PAC for Junior Jumpstart while Mr. Garcia speaks.

Junior Jumpstart helps students plan for after high school

Bella Kim, Staff Writer
April 26, 2023
These courses give students flexibility during the summer and open up their schedules during the school year.

Guide to summer course options

Bella Kim, Staff Writer
April 24, 2023
The Brass Boys: Howe, Barcelo, Ethan VanAndler, Bensavage, and Andrew VanAndler (left to right).

Brass Boys takes the stage

Bella Kim, Staff Writer
April 6, 2023
A group photo of the Women in STEM club during a meeting.

Club spotlight: Women in STEM

Bella Kim, Staff Writer
March 18, 2023
View of the car crash scene from the steps of the STEM building.

Every 15 Minutes returns to Los Al

Isabella Gasper and Bella Kim
March 3, 2023
A memorial for senior Kenna Dougherty that was placed on her desk after she "died."

[Photo] Los Al juniors and seniors experience alcohol-related driving incident first hand

Alicia Tan, Staff Writer
March 3, 2023
Mrs. Bright (left) in her scrubs and Mrs. Fox (right) in her FBI uniform at the scene of the crime.

Students crack a case

Bella Kim, Staff Writer
February 18, 2023
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