The student news site of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School in Lake Balboa, CA

The Pearl Post
  • November 5Shelter in Place Drill at 11:45 a.m. on Nov. 13
  • November 5Field trip to JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention from Nov. 12-16 with Ms. Chavira
  • November 5No school due to Veterans' Day on Nov. 11
  • November 5College Tour Field Trips to CSUN, UCLA, Pepperdine and CalArts from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Nov. 10
  • November 5J-Day competition at CSUN on Nov. 8
  • November 5PTSA Family Star Gazing and Movie Night on Nov. 7
  • November 5Coffee with the Principal at 9:00 a.m. in the MPR and via Zoom on Nov. 6
  • November 5Submissions for the “Reflections” PTSA Art Competition are due on Nov. 5.
  • October 16Fiesta Friday during lunch in The Grove on Oct. 31
  • October 16World Music Day Concert from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the MPR on Oct. 30

The Pearl Post

The student news site of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School in Lake Balboa, CA
The student news site of Daniel Pearl Magnet High School in Lake Balboa, CA

The Pearl Post
Alan Ruiz

Alan Ruiz, Print Editor-in-Chief

Alan Ruiz, a senior, is so excited to work on The Pearl Post this year as the Print Editor-in-Chief. In his third year on the DPMHS Student Media staff, Ruiz is looking forward to refining the writing, editing and photography skills that will help him pursue a career in journalism. Outside of school, Ruiz participates in the Student Advisory Council for LAUSD Board District 3, contributes to the Los Angeles Zoo Teen Council for Conservation and manages his sports news YouTube channel called All Things Dodgers. He also enjoys organizing and volunteering at school events, playing baseball and spending quality time with family and friends.

All content by Alan Ruiz

That’s a wrap for the Class of 2024

Rikka Dimalanta, Jenny Marquez, and Alan Ruiz
June 10, 2024
Salutatorian Maggie Simonyan is excited to take all of the lessons she learned throughout her time in high school to university and beyond.

[Photo] Appreciation and achievement: Top students look back on high school experience

Aidan Lia and Jasmine McNair
June 5, 2024
Video production teacher Mark Middlebrook, who will be retiring at the end of the school year, talks to senior Sara Gomez during period 5 on May 22.

[Photo] Video production teacher retires after 14 years of teaching

Aidan Lia
June 3, 2024
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Region North Superintendent Dr. David Baca addresses the freshman class in the MPR during period 5 on April 17. LAUSD officials visited the school to distribute turquoise dry-wick hoodies in a project intending to help students keep cool during hot days. District officials will return in two weeks to get feedback from the freshmen.

[Photo] Photo of the Week

August 19, 2025
Senior Alan Ruiz stands on the field of Dodger Stadium after the Los Angeles Dodgers played against the Chicago Cubs on April 16, 2023.

‘I can’t remember a more anticipated season’

Alan Ruiz
March 22, 2024
Junior Satenik Ayrapetyan watches a TikTok video about the potential future ban of the popular social media app.

[Photo] Possible TikTok ban incites mixed feelings among students

Emma Rosenberg
March 22, 2024
Los Angeles Pierce College representative Eddie Zelaya gives a financial aid presentation to the senior Class of 2024 in the MPR on Nov. 16.

[Photo] College Corner: FAFSA delays affect seniors’ college decisions

Jasmine McNair
March 22, 2024
Junior Sophie Brandrick signs in to attend the Heart of Winter Dance held in the MPR on Feb. 16.

Students dance their hearts out during winter dance

Serena Elkins and Alan Ruiz
February 20, 2024
Sophomore Serena Elkins watches highlights from the 20th anniversary of the annual Puppy Bowl event, which promotes animal adoption.

[Photo] Give a round of a-paws for the Super Bowl’s cuter half

Serena Elkins
February 14, 2024
Hispanic Club President Sara Gomez and Vice President Alejandra Iniguez call out cards during a game of Lotería played at a club meeting on Jan. 25. Lotería, which is similar to the game Bingo, originated in Italy and is a well-known game in Mexico.

[Photo] Club Corner: Students embrace Hispanic culture in Hispanic/Latino Club

Vanessa Morales
January 29, 2024
Senior Alejandra Iniguez practices piano during a winter concert rehearsal on Dec. 4.

[Photo] Get ready for a ‘Holly-Jolly Holiday’ concert

Emma Rosenberg
December 6, 2023
The heavy traffic around Daniel Pearl Magnet High School is potentially hazardous to students and staff. There has to be action taken to ensure the safety of students and staff and alleviate their fears.

[Photo] Editorial: Traffic around school remains unhandled, concerning students

November 30, 2023
Sophomore Ariana Lopez-Villacorta drinks from a water fountain during the period 3 P.E. class on Oct. 3.

Lead-contaminated water fountains still closed after almost 10 months

Jenny Marquez and Alan Ruiz
October 4, 2023
Senior Alan Ruiz attended a five-day workshop at the University of Southern California from July 19 to 23 as a participant in the Hispanic Scholarship Fund's Youth Leadership Institute program, which helps high school seniors with college and career preparedness.

‘I am not alone in navigating my life after high school’

Alan Ruiz
August 23, 2023
Juniors Miguel Quintanilla and Manuel Gil-Alvarado chat before the first day of school on Aug. 14.

[Photo] New schedule among changes for 2023-24 school year

Satenik Ayrapetyan
August 18, 2023
Students scan through a list of each student's period one class on Aug. 14 before the start of the first day of the 2023-2024 school year.

First day of school welcomes new, returning students

Alan Ruiz and Kristin Intal
August 14, 2023
Managing Editor Rikka Dimalanta, Online Editor-in-Chief Alan Ruiz, former Art Director Gabrielle Lashley, former Print Editor-in-Chief Delilah Brumer and former Digital Media Editor Jenica Felicitas attend the 65th Annual LA Press Club Journalism Awards on June 25.

Pearl Post takes home 3 awards, scholarship at 65th Annual LA Press Club awards gala

Alan Ruiz
June 28, 2023
Music teacher Wes Hambright leads the graduates and attendees in an acapella version of the "Star Spangled Banner" during the graduation ceremony on June 8.

[Photo] Class of 2023 graduation a bittersweet sendoff

Satenik Ayrapetyan
June 9, 2023
Senior Anthony Vallejos and junior Jose Becerra prepare to perform "Billete Grande" by Fuerza Abstracta at the Spring Showcase on May 3.

Musical talent showcased in second spring concert

Angela Ledesma, Jason Arevalo, Alan Ruiz, and Naamah Silcott
May 4, 2023

[Video] Climate activists on campus campaign for change

Rikka Dimalanta and Alan Ruiz
April 22, 2023
Junior Andrew Romero serves the ball in a lunchtime volleyball game during Fiesta Friday on April 21, the first time the event was held this semester.

Fiesta Friday returns with sports and live music

Keira Van Der Molen, Grant Asner, and Alan Ruiz
April 21, 2023
Senior Camila Valqui drains water through a soil-filled bottle on Sept. 12 to prepare for a three-month long lab in AP Environmental Science (APES). Students in James Morrison’s period 2 APES course created a mini ecosystem using soil, sand and empty water jugs as part of an ecosystem analysis lab.

[Photo] State revisits climate change in curriculum

Gabrielle Lashley
April 17, 2023
Juniors Natalya Lembo and Alejandra Iniguez remove weeds with School Climate Advocate Magaly Ruiz on April 15 during a campus beautification event organized by Volunteer for Our Sphere. The event was the club’s first organized activity since the group’s formation earlier this school year.

[Photo] Students clean up school during campus beautification event

Grant Asner
April 17, 2023
National Honor Society Club President Delilah Brumer leads the first club meeting of the school year on Sept. 20.

Club Corner: National Honor Society gives gift of volunteering

Alan Ruiz
March 29, 2023
The Los Angeles Dodgers will begin their season on March 29 against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.

‘The Los Angeles Dodgers should never be counted out’

Alan Ruiz
March 29, 2023
Six water fountains from Daniel Pearl Magnet High School were shut down in January due to unsafe concentrations of lead. The Los Angeles Unified School District sent out a letter informing parents and students on March 7.

Six water fountains shut off due to high lead levels

Delilah Brumer and Alan Ruiz
March 20, 2023
Varsity outfielder Monica Gonzalez fields a ground ball during softball practice on Feb. 8.

[Photo] Athlete of Month: Gonzalez slides into high school softball

Sophie Ortega
February 27, 2023
Junior varsity wrestler Anthony De La Maza wrestles a teammate during practice on Jan. 26. De La Maza, who is on the wrestling team for Birmingham Community Charter High School, has been wrestling in high school for several months.

[Photo] Athlete of the Month: De La Maza is ready to rumble

Sabrina Robertson
February 16, 2023
On Thursday, Feb. 2, the Local School Leadership Council will vote on whether to keep the 4x4 schedule at Daniel Pearl Magnet High School. In this photo, students work on an assignment in AP World History on Dec. 6, 2021.

[Photo] Local School Leadership Council to vote on 4×4 schedule

Maggie Simonyan
February 2, 2023
Senior Naamah Silcott earned a scholarship from The Posse Foundation. The scholarship will provide resources and guidance for college.

Senior Silcott secures selective Posse Foundation scholarship

Alan Ruiz
January 19, 2023

After winter break, students look ahead to new semester

Jenica Felicitas, Alejandra Iniguez, and Alan Ruiz
January 13, 2023
A student falls asleep while taking notes after school to catch up in AP Environmental Science. In a poll of 30 DPMHS students, 50% said that they struggle with procrastination or staying focused, while 13.3% said they don’t struggle with procrastination.

Sleep deprivation epidemic worsens with technology, college applications

Alan Ruiz
December 5, 2022
Junior Arvin Khosravy points to an audience member during his performance of "Blue Suede Shoes."

[Photo] World Music Day spreads joy

Satenik Ayrapetyan
October 28, 2022
English teacher Chris McAdamis helps sophomore Emanuel Diaz with an independent assignment on Aug. 31. McAdamis is one of two new English teachers this year.

English teacher joins staff after working at private school for 12 years

Alan Ruiz
September 8, 2022
Science teacher Timothy Hughes explains to parents the structure of his Period 1 chemistry class.

Parents welcomed on campus for first in-person Back to School Night in three years

Delilah Brumer, Desiree Spurkel, Alan Ruiz, and Grant Asner
August 26, 2022
Senior Cameron Frank smiles at a fellow graduate during the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony. Frank was the ASB President during his senior year and held many different school activities for fundraising.

Caps off to graduating Class of 2022

Naamah Silcott, Alan Ruiz, Emily Short, Rikka Dimalanta, and Delilah Brumer
June 10, 2022
Varsity small forward Justice Harper works on his one-handed slam dunk during practice for the Birmingham Community Charter High School Patriots.

[Photo] Senior athlete spotlight: Justice Harper

Nickalas Lembo
June 8, 2022
Varsity softball left fielder Danielle Gonzalez hammers the ball to left center field during her team’s March 30 matchup against the Providence High School Pioneers.

[Photo] Senior athlete spotlight: Danielle Gonzalez

Nickalas Lembo
June 8, 2022
Print Editor-in-Chief Valeria Luquin and Online Editor-in-Chief Delilah Brumer hold First Amendment Press Freedom and Online Pacemaker Finalist award plaques.

[Photo] Editorial: Wrapping up a productive year

June 6, 2022
Varsity softball center fielder Nadia Montiel embraces a close family friend during the team’s emotional Senior Night ceremony on May 5. The ceremony follows Montiel and the Birmingham Community Charter High School Patriot’s second to last season game where they secure a 5-1 victory over the Cleveland High School Cavaliers.

[Photo] Montiel makes her mark on varsity softball team, moves on to Cal Lutheran University

Branden Gerson and Emily Flores
May 31, 2022
After two years without a prom, seniors are excited to have this festivity before they graduate high school.

[Photo] ‘Putting on the Ritz’ after two year pandemic

Rikka Dimalanta
May 14, 2022
Junior Giselle Khalil runs down the field during a varsity lacrosse game against El Camino Real Charter High School.

Lady Patriots persevere to playoffs

Alan Ruiz
May 10, 2022
JV baseball second baseman, Zion Waddell, practices his throw at Birmingham Community Charter High School.

[Photo] Athlete of the Month: Waddell works toward MLB dreams

Emily Flores
May 4, 2022
Over the course of his 30-plus year career, Alberto Carvalho has an extensive background in education. Beginning as a physics, chemistry and calculus teacher, he worked his way up to becoming the superintendent for two large school districts.

[Photo] ‘I am first and foremost guided by the needs of students’

Delilah Brumer
April 25, 2022
Students display the school's First Amendment Press Freedom Award and The Pearl Post's Online Pacemaker Finalist plaque.

Students bond, win awards at national high school journalism convention

Alan Ruiz
April 21, 2022
Varsity outfielder Danielle Gonzalez fields a pop-fly during softball practice at Birmingham Community Charter High School.

[Photo] Athlete of the Month: Gonzalez strives for self-confidence in softball abilities

Rikka Dimalanta
April 1, 2022
Varsity power forward Justice Harper attempts an athletic finish at the rim, in the gym of Birmingham Community Charter High School.

Harper completes his high school hoops journey

Alan Ruiz
March 14, 2022
7116D469-41EE-4211-BF17-2906CDC55BD9

[Photo] Athlete of the Month: Coleman finds happiness in running

Emily Flores
March 2, 2022
History teacher Francisco Ortega leads a discussion in his third period AP World History class on the different perspectives of the World War II bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

[Photo] Students and teachers discuss lack of diversity in curriculum

Rikka Dimalanta
February 28, 2022
Senior Nadia Montiel throws the ball to a teammate during softball practice on the field of Birmingham Community Charter High School.

Pandemic prompts digital pivot for college sports recruitment

Alan Ruiz
February 17, 2022
Senior Derek Calderon swabs his nose in the gym during weekly district COVID-19 testing on Feb. 3.

Pandemic prompts event postponements, updated district protocols

Alan Ruiz and Valeria Luquin
February 4, 2022
Load More Stories
Donate to The Pearl Post
$200
$500
Contributed
Our Goal