The Smoke Signal

The Smoke Signal's 2026-27 staff applications are officially open! We encourage all students interested in writing, photography, illustration, or video editing to apply, as either a staff writer or member of the multimedia team. Find the application at tinyurl.com/smokesignalapps2627. Applications are due on January 16 by 1 .m. to M2.

Tune into the Smoke Signal’s “Obsessed October” playlist to hear what the Editorial Board is listening to this month!

Varsity Boys Water Polo clinched a thrilling 11-9 victory over Alhambra High School in their whiteout game on Thursday, October 9. Both teams started strong, trading goals early in the fast-paced, back-and-forth game. However, with the student section’s hype stirring up momentum, the Warriors began to pull ahead in the third quarter. Ultimately, MSJ was able to maintain its lead, resulting in a hard-earned victory.

Along with the coaches and players, much of the credit for the victory goes to the audience, who supported the team with their energy and unique celebrations. “The cheering definitely helped us a lot. In fact, if there were no crowd, I feel like we’d be kind of sloppy and less lively, but thanks to the support, we were able to fight back and take the win,” Varsity Boys Water Polo Captain Riley Ta said. With the remainder of the season, the team strives to earn a series of victories and finish with an 18-6 record.

✏️Andy Zhang

We scroll, we post, we debate — but are we really listening?

👀Check out our newest article exploring how Gen Z’s social media habits might be fueling political polarization — and how we can change that.

📰Out now!

For our upcoming March issue, the Smoke Signal is conducting a survey on the removal of course prerequisites. Please fill out the form by 11:59 p.m. on March 7, 2024. All survey responses will be anonymous. Thank you!

tinyurl.com/courseprereqsurvey

The surge in AI advancements in recent years has led to a significant expansion in its applications, especially in school settings. For our upcoming February issue, the Smoke Signal is conducting a survey on how students at MSJ use AI in their everyday lives!

🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨 Hear testimonials from our staff about their experience at the Smoke Signal!

Applications are due by 1 p.m. on Friday, January 31 at M2
🔗 tinyurl.com/smokesignalapps2526

Apply to be a part of the Smokie family at tinyurl.com/smokesignalapp2526! All apps are due by 1 p.m. during lunch on 1/31 in M2.

On Friday, September 27, Leadership 2 (L2) hosted MSJ’s annual Homecoming Extravaganza (HCX). Featuring food trucks, party games, music, and dancing, HCX brought Homecoming Week to a satisfying conclusion. Read more at thesmokesignal.org.

✏️ Staff Writers Felicity He & Scarlett Huang

Junior Shardul Marathe won first place in informative speaking at his first-ever California High School Speech Association State Championships. Read more at thesmokesignal.org