BEST DIVISION IN THE NFL: NFC East (Jesse A. ’26)

This football season has been completely different than what was expected going into the season. For starters, the NFC West was expected to be the best division in football, but this season, it’s one of the worst divisions in the league. While the 49ers and Seahawks have winning records and are doing well, the Rams and Cardinals both have losing records. The Rams, who won the Super Bowl last year, are one of the worst teams in the league this year with a 3-9 record and 30th in the power rankings. They are on a six game losing streak and haven’t won a game since week 6. The Cardinals are slightly better, sitting at 22nd in the power rankings. The Cardinals have won one more game than the Rams with a 4-8 record. Despite having a better record than the Rams, the Cardinals are arguably substantially more dysfunctional. There are arguments between players and coaches, and are just a mess.

On the other hand, the NFC East was expected to be one of the worst divisions in the league, but they are the best in the league this season with the highest win percentage of any division. The Eagles have the best record in the NFL at 11-1. Every team in the NFC East is in the top 20 in the power rankings. 

BEST SCHOOL TRIP: Israel (Alexis G. ’24)

My favorite thing of 2022 is the school trip to Israel. I was nervous at first to be away from home and my family, across the country, to a place I had never been before. Right as we landed, I knew it would be the best trip of my life. I have never been religious. I only celebrate Chanukah, and the only thing I really know about it is that we light eight candles and get eight gifts. To be able to experience life in Israel was incredible. I became so much more appreciative of my religion and started to embrace it. I also became incredibly close to my classmates. I made best friends on this trip and I wish I could go back every day.

BEST PART-TIME JOB: Lifeguard (Becca G. ’23)

The best thing that happened to me in 2022 is becoming lifeguard-certified. It was a very intense process, and I had to learn the correct way to complete all the different rescues. It feels very meaningful to me that I now have the ability to save people’s lives, which makes me feel like I can really contribute to the people around me. I completely pushed myself out of my comfort zone and was really glad that I did. I trained over Spring Break 2022, when most people were relaxing.  After getting certified, I was able to have the summer of my life as a pool CIT (Counselor in Training) at camp. It was really fun teaching all the little kids how to swim. I loved that I knew every camper at camp and helped them learn to swim because it is very important, especially living in California so you do not drown.

Becoming lifeguard certified was definitely the best part of 2022.

BEST WATERFALL: Sipi Falls, Uganda (Eliana H. ’24)

My favorite thing about 2022 is traveling. First I went to Israel for 2 1/2 months on EIEP, which was an experience of a lifetime. There I did school with Israelis, made new friends, and stayed with an Israeli family. I got to be independent and go on trips touring south and north Israel and I got to visit the Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee. The next trip I went on was in the summer to Israel as well to visit family, but I went to Italy for 10 days after this time. It was a great experience as I visited seven different cities in Italy, including Florence, Venice and Verona. I went there with my aunt and grandma just for fun to tour. We went on boats, visited museums and ate at fancy restaurants. The third place I traveled to this year was Uganda, which was an exclusive program Iwent on with six others. We grew Spirulina and played with African children and we got to visit the zoo. My highlight of the trip, though, other than helping the kids, was going on a hike to visit Sipi Falls. Overall I could not pick a favorite place because all of these experiences were very special, and I enjoyed traveling very much.

BEST YEAR FOR ALBUM RELEASES (Sammy S. ’24)

This was the best year for album releases. It ranges from Taylor Swift’s “Midnights” to Steve Lacy’s “Gemini Rights,” Drake’s “Honestly Nevermind” and “Her Loss,” controversial Kanye’s “Donda,” and even Metro Boomin’s “Heroes & Villains,” the most recent being “Heroes & Villains,” with over ten collaborations with top artists such as The Weeknd and Future.

Though all these artists are very talented, my favorite album was “Heroes & Villains” by Metro Boomin.

BEST MOVIE: “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (Shaun S. ’24)

The best part of 2022 was the movie “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Director Jon Watts combined the most loved and hated villains from the three different Spider-Man series and put them all in one movie together. One of most highly anticipated films ever, it lived up to the hype.  This movie was very good and had lots of surprises. This was one of my favorite movies of all time because of the action and character combinations.

BEST NEW ARTIST: Gracie Abrams (Lindsey S. ’25)

“Block Me Out” by Gracie Abrams is truly a musical masterpiece. Gracie Abrams is an emerging soft pop icon. She opened for Olivia Rodrigo on her debut tour and is opening for Taylor Swift on her upcoming tour. “Block Me Out” talks about Abrams grappling with self growth and thoughts in her head. As someone who struggles with self doubt, I’ve never felt so seen in a song. Some lyrics that really stuck with me:

“Cause now I only let me down 

When there’s no one else around

I’ve been thinkin’ way too loud

I wish that I could block me out”

These lyrics talk about wanting to turn the voices off inside your head when you’re alone. It’s an incredible feeling to have someone describe the thoughts in your head that you can’t put them into words.

“Block Me Out” is just a taste of the mastermind of Gracie Abrams. I cannot wait to watch her thrive and grow in 2023.

BEST NEW THING:  Driving (Alana W. ’24)

My favorite thing of 2022 has to be getting my license. I love how I have so much more freedom and independence in my life now. I get to go wherever I want to go whenever I want with the privilege of being able to take myself places. Not only do I love the independence that comes along with a license, I also love the act of driving itself. It’s a great way to take my mind off of things because while I’m driving, the only thing I’m thinking about is focusing on the road. While it can be scary to realize how dangerous driving can be, independence is well worth it, in my opinion. 

BEST COMMERCIAL/SOFT DRINK: Lebron and Sprite cranberry (Eden S. ’25) 

Caffeine-free Sprite tastes impeccable–it’s not too sweet, and the taste is a lemon-lime Sprite mixed with “a warm spice blend and tart cranberry flavor,” as said by Sprite. Lebron has a whole song about Sprite and it’s the “thirstiest time of the year.”

Sprite cranberry is released once a year and comes down from the sky like paradise. It’s a sip of happiness. Almost an addiction. The advertisement really captivated me. I like the song more than the drink itself, but it is still extraordinary. Making its debut in 2018, the seasonal drink has been loved and missed every year.