DPMHS seeks to change to a new, fresh name

Aidan Lia • May 13, 2025

DPMHS seeks to change its name to represent its students better. The new name will be either Daniel Pearl Film and Media Magnet or Daniel Pearl Film and Media Arts Magnet. “We do a lot here that people don’t know about,” Principal Armen Petrossian said. “This is a part of the effort to let the community at large know and help recruit new students.”

Since its founding in 2009, Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS) has always been a journalism school. Now, times are changing and so is the name.

DPMHS has two names with Daniel Pearl Journalism and Communications Magnet (DPJCM) being the name used within the Los Angeles Unified School District and also being the official name of the school. In 2025, the renaming of the school has come into question as some feel DPMHS or DPJCM no longer represent the school. The two choices for the new name are Daniel Pearl Film and Media Magnet (DPFAMM) and Daniel Pearl Film and Media Arts Magnet (DPFAMAM). Students, parents and staff can fill out a Google Form posted on Schoology until May 16 to choose their preferred choice.

The new name aims to represent the different types of media that students in the school produce. With websites, podcasts, videos and photography, there are multiple different forms of expression that do not fall under journalism.

“We do a lot here that people don’t know about,” Principal Armen Petrossian said. “This is a part of the effort to let the community at large know and help recruit new students.”

The DPMHS Renaming Committee had its first meeting on March 24 and was formed in order to conduct the creation of a new name as well as formally change the name. The committee is composed of district personnel, interested parties and the principal. Parents, teachers and students were urged to join in order to share their voice on the matter.

“I think just calling us a journalism school doesn’t represent all that our school can offer,” said junior Serena Elkins, who is also part of the DPMHS Renaming Committee. “With our new film program and even our music program, I think media represents us more.”

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About the Contributors

Aidan Lia, Sports Editor

Aidan Lia is a senior and the current Sports Editor. He has been on staff for two years and wants to make sure he works hard to better the publication and his fellow staff members. While not in school, Lia enjoys volunteering and going to the gym. He also enjoys going out with friends, playing sports and gaming.

Kristin Intal, Visual Editor

Kristin Intal is a senior and in her second year on staff. As the Visual Editor, she plans to support other staff members through photography, art and editing skills. Outside of class, she strives to participate in a variety of activities, such as martial arts and volunteering.