Empowering students to think critically and creatively since 1913
VOLUME 112, ISSUE 1 SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
SOUTH PASADENA HIGH SCHOOL 1401 FREMONT AVE, SOUTH PASADENA, CA 91030 REBUILDING ALTADENA Tiger examines the challenges Altadena is facing in its reconstruction following the Eaton Fire and the possible damages of gentrification. Page 7
PHISHING ATTACKS Read how scammers compromised SPUSD accounts, what happened to a student who clicked the scam link, and how tech cleaned up. Pages 8–9
New staff join SPHS
RECRUITMENT PROCESS Tiger explores the recruitment process for high school athletes, spotlighting the difficulties they undergo for the chance to play at the collegiate level. Page 15
OPINION
The dangers of confiding in AI
STORY RUBY FOUDY ILLUSTRATION KRISTEL HOUNG In 2023, over 49,000 people committed suicide, around one death every eleven minutes. Although there is still no official number yet, the suicide rates of 2024 and 2025 are predicted to have a similar trajectory. It is no secret that people are struggling, but there is currently no feasible way for everyone to access the help they need. The lack of mental health professionals, high prices of therapy, and general apprehension around opening up to another person are all roadblocks that can make mental health support inaccessible. One of the most common ways people have been getting this help is by confiding in AI, or more specifically, ChatGPT. See full article on Page 6
Clockwise from top left: Joseph Zelidon, history; Christa Kojima, PE; Joseph Ryan, ELD; Hannah Peng, Chinese; Alyssa de la Torre, attendance office
New staff fill positions left by Maryann Nielsen and Emily Chiang’s 2024–25 retirements. STORY UMA CHAKRABORTY & GAVIN BARTOLOME PHOTOS LUCINDA ERNST
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PHS starts the new school year welcoming five new staff members in the Social Science, Physical Education, and World Language departments; as well as Alyssa de la Torre working in the attendance office and Stephanie Miller working in the counseling center as a substitute for Joyce Ku-Rodriguez on maternity leave. Joseph Zelidon is excited to join SPHS staff as the new AP U.S. History teacher. Zelidon graduated from California State University, Los Angeles with a major in world history and a minor in Latin American history. With three years of prior experience teaching history, his first year teaching at SPHS marks his fourth. “Teaching has always stood out to me, ever since I was in high school,” Zelidon said. “I was going to work in the museum industry … but I quickly found out that the thing I like about working in museums is teaching people about history.” Christa Kojima hopes to encourage students to try different sports as she joins SPHS for her first year teaching physical education. Kojima takes inspiration from her mom, who is also a teacher.
IN THE NEWS
“I knew growing up that I always wanted to do something to help people,” Kojima said. “I started substitute teaching at my old school [and] started my teaching credential program, and then when I did my internship, that kind of confirmed … this was for me.”
“I feel grateful to be part of the South Pasadena community and excited to continue growing as an educator here,” Peng said. “My hope is that students leave my class not only with language skills, but also with an expanded worldview and the confidence to pursue new challenges.”
Kojima has worked with children while obtaining her teaching degree. With this as her first year officially teaching, she feels ready and excited to get started.
Joseph Ryan starts his first year as the English Language Development instructional assistant this year, assisting students who are developing their English language skills and aiming to support the classroom environments he enters to the best of his ability.
“In physical education, you get a really wide range of skill abilities [and I] wanted to help the students who maybe aren’t into being as active [and give them] the opportunity to try things that [they] maybe haven’t before,” Kojima said. Hannah Peng joins SPHS staff as a Chinese teacher, marking her third year of teaching. Since she was a child, Peng has always been drawn to being a teacher. “I have always enjoyed the idea of helping younger generations grow into their best selves … [for me] it’s a way to guide, encourage, and empower students to discover their potential,” Peng said. Peng decided to teach Chinese because she is drawn to its rich language and culture. Beyond the curriculum, she hopes to foster new ambitions and talents in her students.
Ryan attended Biola University, and he taught fully up until 2024 before spending a year as a substitute teacher and finally becoming a teacher’s aide at SPHS. “The students I encountered genuinely cared for their education, and also cared for one another,” Ryan said. “It is a lovely environment to learn in, and I am glad to be a part of it.” Ryan enters the new school year hoping to provide all the assistance students need to succeed in their education. “I have worked with special education, in low income to high income areas, and many different school subjects. I try to approach teaching with a mindset of making it accessible to everyone, regardless of your background,” Ryan said. “The greatest gift one can receive is an education, and I believe that wholeheartedly.”
PSAT REGISTRATION
COLLEGE REP VISITS
COLOR DAY
The deadline for sophomores and juniors to register for the PSAT is Friday, Sept. 12. The PSAT is on Saturday, Oct. 11.
Representatives from various colleges and universities will visit SPHS during the week of September 15.
The annual Color Day assembly will take place on Friday, Oct. 3. The football game is at Monrovia at 7 p.m.
TIGERNEWSPAPER.COM
FEATURE
Love Island draws global attention
STORY EVELYN DIAZ & MIRIAM ELGHEFARI ILLUSTRATION DIANA LOPEZ This summer, Peacock, an American streaming service operated by Comcast, brought viewers to Fiji with the newest season of Love Island USA. Known for its mix of romance, competition, and dramatic twists, the show remains among Peacock’s most popular series, drawing millions of viewers around the world. Contestants from all over America fly to Fiji with the hopes of finding love, forming connections, and winning a cash prize within a six-week period. With its addictive combination of charm, rivalry, and emotion, Love Island dominated streaming charts and social media conversations alike with the introduction of “fan voting” for contestants. The season kicked off with a lively mix of new contestants, each bringing unique personalities and strategies to the villa. See full article on Page 12