2025: A Year in Pictures

Lila Golden, Sophie Bilu, Mina Kim, Chloe Chiang, Nareh Pogosyan, Sofia Hesling, Andrea Manale, Graciela Mills, and Catalina Sellier

January 25, 2026

Graciela Mills

Scorched remains from the Eaton Fire that ravaged the local community. Picture taken in Pasadena, California, U.S. January 9, 2025.

Menacingly fast winds fanned the literal flames of the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire, both causing great destruction and loss with over 16,000 structures marred and at least 31 people killed. As recovery continues, our community is working together to rebuild despite the psychological and physical toll.

The Tiktok Ban

The TikTok logo is placed on a U.S. flag in this illustration taken September 24, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

Tiktok, one of the most popular social media apps, was removed from the app store on January 18, 2025. This was due to Apple and Google having to comply with a law requiring ByteDance, the Chinese parent company to divest. Though the very next day newly elected president Trump granted an extension, ordering its delay. Even though the app continued to not be in the app store for the next three weeks, if it had not been downloaded, it would still continue to work on the phone, just with no updates. Though it was only banned for less than a day, many influencers and others whose main paycheck was through the app were worried for their future.

A New President

U.S. President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of congress in March 2025. Credit: White House Gallery

“From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world. We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer. During every single day of the Trump administration, I will, very simply, put America first,” – Donald J. Trump, at his inauguration as 47th President of the United States.

On January 20th, President Donald Trump and his vice president were inaugurated for his second term as a President of the United States of America. His first term was eight years before, in 2017.

Six: Teen Edition

In the spring of 2025 the Mayfield theatre and technical theatre conservatories presented Six the Musical: Teen Edition, a modern retelling of the lives of Henry VII’s six wives that enabled each queen to rewrite her story through a pop singing competition. Characterized by sold-out shows, standing ovations, and spectacular performances, these girls brought pure queen energy to this bedazzled production!

A Big Win for the MINT Team

MINT sent two teams to a stock pitch competition last spring. Most of the teams consisted of solely male members, with Mayfield being the only all female team. They were able to crush the competition and won. Talk about girl-power!

Katy Perry Goes to Space

The NS-31 crew prior to their flight. Left to right: Lauren Sánchez, Katy Perry, Aisha Bowe, Kerianne Flynn, Gayle King, Amanda Nguyễn. (April 14, 2025) Credit: Blue Origin.

Blue Origin completed its 11th human spaceflight including Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyễ, Gayle King, Katy Perry, Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sanchez. “What a privilege to witness this crew of trailblazers depart the capsule today,” said Phil Joyce, Senior Vice President, New Shepard. “Each of these women is a storyteller who will use their voices—individually and together—to channel their life-changing experience today into creating lasting impact that will inspire people across our planet for generations.

A New Pope

Pope Leo XIV waves as he arrives for a general audience in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican, December 17, 2025. REUTERS/Ciro De Luca.

Pope Leo XIV was chosen this year after Pope Francis’ unfortunate passing. The news sparked excitement amongst Catholics and Christians in America, especially for those who lived in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois. “Build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace… We want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering.” —Pope Leo XIV

Graduation

The Class of 2025 graduates in June 2025.

No Kings Protests

Caption: Members of the National Guard walk in formation as demonstrators (not pictured) take part in the No Kings protest against U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 14, 2025. REUTERS/Daniel Cole.

The New Kings Protests were a series of political demonstrations against authoritarian policies and the perceived corruption in Donald Trump’s administration. Organizers have estimated that more than 5 million people participated in more than 2,100 cities and towns. More protests have taken place in Puerto Rico, United States Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands and in 20 foreign countries including Europe, Japan, Canada and Mexico.

Coco Guaff

Tennis – WTA Finals – Riyadh – King Saud University Indoor Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – November 4, 2025 Coco Gauff of the U.S. reacts during her group stage match against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq

In a heated match, American tennis player Coco Gauff defeated the #1-ranked women’s player to win Roland Garros. This major victory was her first French Open title and her second Grand Slam title.

Pop Culture (67)

According to Spotify, the top song of the year was “Die with a Smile”, which had over 1.7 billion streams! This is the cover art for “Die with a Smile” by the artist Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.

During Mayfield’s 75th anniversary, celebration could be seen all around. Mayfield students danced a traditional Folklorico and musicians played jubilant melodies while the spectators sipped on some delicious horchata.

AI affecting students

A new policy came into play following the start of the 2025-2026 school year concerning Artificial Intelligence and how it should be used. Out of 59 responses in a school-wide survey, only one student said that she didn’t use it at all. “I don’t think it’s gonna take over the world, but I think it’s gonna be a detriment to society in the long term if we continue [to use] it,” Loren Baker ‘28 said.

Science Lab Renovations

Last summer, Mayfield’s science labs were renovated to give students a better environment to empower learning. Some of the improvements include movable lab stations, better equipment, and overall more conducive for collaboration and hands-on learning.

Charlie Kirk

Charlie Kirk, an ally of Donald Trump, was assassinated at Utah Valley University in Utah after being fatally shot in the neck. Following his death, controversy involving freedom of speech erupted in the United States.

A New Assistant Head of School

This school year, students welcomed Dr. Mabel Wong as the new Assistant Head of School. Dr. Wong has had experience for two decades working with students, has received a Ph.D. in Political Science from Johns Hopkins University, and has been a wonderful mentor for students thus far. Mayfield Crier Co-Editors Sofia and Gracie interviewed Dr. Wong concerning her stance on the Crier’s freedom of speech, especially in light of the recent rise in censorship. It was an enlightening discussion and the Crier was thrilled to hear from someone so knowledgeable in the fields of both politics and female education.

Dig Pink

Mayfield’s varsity volleyball team comes together with Flintridge Sacred Heart after a 4 set thriller for Dig Pink. Although the schools are known for having heated rivalry, the two groups come together annually to bring awareness to breast cancer and raise money for the charity.

Louvre Heist

View of a broken window protected by a wooden panel at the Louvre Museum as the museum remains closed the day after a spectacular jewel heist by thieves who broke into the landmark by using a crane and smashing an upstairs window, stealing priceless jewelry from an area that houses the French crown jewels before escaping on motorbikes, in Paris, France, October 20, 2025. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

The famous French Louvre museum was unexpectedly broken into on a chilly October morning by a particularly ambitious group of robbers. Within eight minutes, multiple pieces of the French Crown Jewels were stolen, including tiaras and necklaces adorned with priceless gems. Only the ornate gold crown worn by Empress Eugenie was recovered, but it still suffered some damage in the process. The rest of the items had undeniable historical and cultural value and remain lost.

ICE

After Donald Trump’s inauguration, Trump dramatically increased the enforcement of ICE in the United States. ICE, or the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is a federal agency that works under Homeland Security that focuses on immigration law by arresting, detaining, and deporting people in the U.S.

Dodgers Victory

On November 3, 2025 the Dodgers celebrated their 2nd consecutive World Series win. This win came after a long season with highs and lows, a close 4-3 win leading the Dodgers to victory against the Blue Jays. “I want to say, I am so proud of this team,” Shohei Ohtani stated in an English speech following the victory. “And I want to say, you guys are the greatest fans in the world. And, I am ready to get another ring next year. Let’s go!”

Dolores Huerta

Mayfield students were met by Dolores Huerta, who is the co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association and led strikes and boycotts in favor of farmworkers. By answering questions about her life, Huerta inspired Mayfield Students to remain strong even in hard times. Her motto, “Sí se puede”, which means ‘Yes, you can!’ continues to guide Mayfield Students today.

Radium Girls

In the fall of 2025, we traveled back to the 1920s as Mayfield’s theatre and technical theatre conservatories performed Radium Girls! The production follows Grace Fryer and her fellow dial painters who, after falling mysteriously ill, struggle for justice against their former employer. In hoping to share the stories of these inspiring women, the cast and crew passionately gave this show their hearts, opening to a full house and standing ovation.

Grand Illumination

The sun goes down and the festivities begin! The Grand Illumination shines throughout Mayfield and the choirs could be heard singing joyfully in the school. This was the first time this occasion took place, but the bright lights and beautiful carols spread the holiday cheer throughout the entire Mayfield community.

About the Contributors

Lila Golden, Staff Writer

Lila Golden is a freshman, and this is her first year as a member of the Mayfield Crier Staff. Lila is a lifetime writer, and she is part of the Creative Writing Conservatory and Vocal Foundations Course. Outside of school, Lila enjoys reading/writing about science fiction and fantasy, watches anime, and plays softball. She looks forward to gaining new experiences and learning about many things this year!

Sophie Bilu, Staff Writer

Sophie Bilu is a junior at Mayfield and this will be her first year on the Mayfield Crier, working as a staff writer. Sophie likes to cover topics including food, travel, science, and entertainment. She plays three sports including tennis, waterpolo, and swimming. Sophie enjoys hiking, skiing, and baking, and has a passion for nature. Although she doesn’t have publishing experience, Sophie loves to write and she is very excited for the 2025-2026 school year.

Mina Kim, Staff Writer

Mina Kim is a freshman beginning her first year as a staff writer for the Mayfield Crier. She is a fan of math and science, and she looks forward to sharing her passion for STEM at Mayfield. She is particularly interested in environmental and material sciences, which were the topic of her science projects for recent science fairs hosted by LACSEF, JIF, and CSEF. Mina currently plays volleyball on the freshman team and is enrolled in the vocal foundation course. She is a passionate artist who loves to draw and has a long history with piano performances since the age of three. Prior to joining Mayfield, Mina was in student council, academic decathlon, and served as a core team member for youth ministry. She’s excited to begin writing for the Mayfield Crier!

Chloe Chiang, Crier Managing Editorial Assistant

Chloe Chiang is a sophomore at Mayfield Senior School, and this will be her second year writing for the Mayfield Crier. Alongside being the Managing Editorial Assistant for the Crier, she serves in Campus Ministry and as the Newspaper Representative on Arts Council. Chloe focuses on community and culture pieces, often conducting interviews and showcasing her Filipino heritage. As a Filipino-American, she speaks fluent Illongo and strives to improve her articulacy in Tagalog as well. At Mayfield, Chloe enjoys participating in theater, photography, cubs in action ambassadors, and swimming. In her free time, she also loves baking, singing, reading, and taking part in outlets for creative writing. Chloe cannot wait to watch the Crier continue to flourish and is ecstatic to contribute to its growth this year!

Nareh Pogosyan

Nareh is a Junior at Mayfield Senior School and in her first year of the Mayfield Crier. She is very passionate about student life and political events all over the world. She believes being a part of newspaper will allow her to learn more about different societies and points of views. Outside of school, Nareh also loves photography, baking, and volleyball. She looks forward to advancing her writing skills and further pursuing her passion in politics!

Sofia Hesling, Editor In Chief

Sofia Hesling is a senior at Mayfield Senior School and this is her fourth year writing for the Mayfield Crier. She looks forward to enhancing her writing skills on the newspaper and outside of Journalism, Sofia enjoys representing Mayfield in sports on Athletic Leadership council and in water polo and swim. She participates in many service oriented clubs such as Campus Ministry and Cubs in Scrubs and looks forward to publishing more articles on the Mayfield Crier. She has won multiple honorable mentions and silver keys in poetry from the Scholastic Arts & Writing competition, and won the New York Times “My List” Competition in 2025.

Andrea Manale

Andrea Manale is a freshman and is happy to join the Mayfield Crier as a staff writer. She received a writing award when she graduated eighth grade and was on the yearbook committee, student council, robotics club, choir, and in sports. Such as basketball, track, and swimming and she’ll be in the vocal foundation course this year. Outside of school she is in martial arts and has many hobbies but she enjoys rollerblading the most. She enjoys trying new things (like newspaper) and is happy to see what this first year of high school will bring.

Graciela Mills, Editor-in-Chief

Graciela Mills is a Senior at Mayfield Senior School. This is her second year as a writer for The Mayfield Crier, now as the co-editor-in-chief, covering topics she is passionate about, such as languages and culture, Bioscience, and the environment. She has three years of experience writing in the Creative Writing Conservatory where she has won multiple honorable mentions from the Scholastic Arts & Writing competition. Outside of school, she enjoys taking walks with her dog, learning japanese, reading, drawing, and medialunas, and Messi.

Catalina Sellier, Staff Writer

Catalina Sellier is a freshman at Mayfield Senior and new member of the Mayfield Crier. This will be her first year as a writer. At her previous school, Catalina participated in varsity volleyball, dance, academic decathlon, and was on the student council as Commissioner of Religious Affairs. She is currently participating at Mayfield in volleyball, Spanish, and vocal foundation. Outside of school she is a green belt in karate and altar serves at her church. She is also a participant in her Youth Ministry and the Leadership Core Team. In her free time she enjoys learning fun dances, hanging out with family and friends, reading, playing games (such as Roblox), and going on adventures. Catalina is of Filipino and Trinidadian descent and loves to learn all about her cultures and their traditions. She would love to gain more knowledge about everyone’s cultures and learn more languages! Catalina is looking forward to being a part of Mayfield Crier and is excited to expand her writing skills. She is proud to be a cub!