A Day in Paris

by Tegan, 11th grade

Kate Kaneko, beloved president of the National Charity League (NCL) Fullerton Chapter’s Class of 2027, is leading her class through one of the chapter’s biggest annual events– the 20th Annual NCL Fashion Show. It will take place on March 8, 2026, at The Westin Anaheim Resort. With the theme “A Day in Paris,” the event will blend style with philanthropy, raising funds for local charities that the chapter supports throughout the year.

For more than six decades, the National Charity League has brought together mothers and daughters to serve their communities, develop leadership skills, and fortify connections through volunteer work. NCL’s 2024 Impact Report revealed over 3 million annual volunteer hours and $95 million dedicated to such community work.

The Fullerton Chapter, founded in 1961, partners with over twenty local organizations. Among these are the Boys & Girls Club, the Muckenthaler Cultural Center Foundation, and Meals on Wheels. Kate’s favorite philanthropic activity is Meals on Wheels.

“Meals on Wheels allows me to spend time with my mom and see familiar faces [of the clients] each time,” she says. “It’s really sweet and fulfilling to see their smiles and make their day.”
Experiences like these remind her what NCL is all about: connection and compassion through action. This year’s fashion show is more than a fundraiser. It is a milestone for the Class of 2027. Months of preparation go into organizing this event, from finding sponsors and designing the setup to coordinating fittings and rehearsals.

Kate explains, “this show not only raises funds for the charities we support,” it is also a “chance for us [Class of 2027] to build skills such as time management, organization, and social awareness and to strengthen our bonds with each other and our moms, who play a big role in the fashion show. The event is a testament to their teamwork and generosity, both from the NCL members and the Fullerton community that supports them.”

Because the Class of 2027 is relatively small, they seek local donations and sponsorships. Any businesses, services, or individuals interested in sustaining NCL’s can contact Susie Bae at susiebae@yahoo.com.

Veterans Day

by Olive, 10th grade

Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, falls on November 11 every year. It marks the end of World War 1 on November 11, 1918, but was renamed in 1954 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to honor all U.S. war veterans.

Other countries like France, Britain, and Canada also observe November 11 though the names and focus of the holidays vary slightly. Many people in the United States celebrate Veterans Day by attending parades and ceremonies. Visiting memorials, volunteering, and contributing to charities also honor our veterans. Many individuals display the American flag in their homes as a sign of respect and support for those who have served.

Approximately 4.8 million Americans served during World War 1, and as of June 2025, the U.S. military has around 1.32 million active-duty service members and approximately 766,000 reserve and National Guard personnel. Therefore it is important that we show our respect and honor for these courageous men and women who selflessly serve in the United States Armed Forces, both living and deceased.

Ups and Downs of Vertical Farming

by Alicia, 11th grade

As the world population grows, agriculture faces many challenges, such as limited land, water shortages, and erratic weather. To address these issues, some farmers are turning to vertical and container farming. In these types of farming, plants are grown in controlled environments—stacked in layers or inside shipping containers, often in cities. These methods offer many advantages, but they also come with a few drawbacks.

The biggest advantage is space-saving. Vertical farms stack plants in layers, and container farms use small spaces to grow food. This allows farmland to exist in cities where land is scarce. Growing food close to consumers means fresher produce and shorter transportation times. Another key advantage is the ability to grow year-round. Unlike traditional farms that rely on seasons and weather, vertical and container farms use lights and climate control to grow plants at any time of year. This ensures a constant food supply, even during extreme weather conditions. These farms also offer environmental benefits.

Hydroponics or aeroponics are used to grow plants without soil, saving up to 90% of water compared to traditional farming. They also use fewer pesticides, as the controlled environment prevents pests from entering. However, there are some disadvantages.

First is the cost. Setting up vertical or container farms requires installing lights, pumps, and climate systems, which can be expensive.

A second major issue is energy demand, as lighting and system operations consume a lot of electricity. Furthermore, vertical and container farms typically grow fewer types of crops. Larger crops like corn, potatoes, or wheat don’t thrive as well in these systems. They are better suited for smaller plants like lettuce, herbs, or strawberries.

Finally, these farms require technical knowledge. Farmers must understand how to manage hydroponics and nutrients and operate the systems correctly. Incorrect decisions could damage crops and waste money.

In conclusion, vertical and container farming are innovative methods for growing food in extremely limited spaces. They save water, support year-round growing, and enable the transport of fresh food close to cities. However, they also come with high costs, energy demands, and technical challenges. With the right technology and planning, these farms could play a key role in ensuring global food security as the world population grows.

Legal Insights: New York Times Co. v. United States

by Kate, 9th grade

Freedom of the press is one of the most important rights in the United States, but it wasn’t always clear just how far that freedom went. This changed on June 30, 1971, when a Supreme Court case set a precedent that the government couldn’t censor the media from publishing classified information unless it was an immediate danger. This was a major win for the First Amendment and freedom of the press.
This ruling was first sparked in the case of New York Times Co. v. United States. The issue in the case of New York Times Co. v. United States was whether the government could stop newspapers from publishing the “Pentagon Papers,” a set of classified documents detailing U.S. government information about the Vietnam War.

The government said publishing these documents would harm national security, but the newspapers said the public had a right to know the truth. The First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech and of the press, was at the heart of the case.

When the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the newspapers, the decision made it clear that the government can’t use prior restraint to stop the publication of news except in extreme cases. The Court stated that the First Amendment protects the right of the press to publish information even if it embarrasses or criticizes the government. This means the media can do its job of keeping the public informed without fear of government censorship.

The case started in June 1971 and was ruled upon in a few weeks. While fast, the impact was lasting on U.S. history. It strengthened freedom of the press and the importance of government transparency in a democracy. The bravery of journalists to report the truth even in the face of legal action resulted in a decision that protects the rights of the press and the public to this day.