The Student News Site of Menlo School

The Coat of Arms

The Student News Site of Menlo School

The Coat of Arms

The Student News Site of Menlo School

The Coat of Arms

Aaron Widjaja, Assistant Opinions Editor

Number of years in The Coat of Arms: 2

Favorite aspect of journalism: My favorite part of CoA is being able to express my views through writing.

Interests outside of school: Playing Lacrosse and spending time with friends

Class of 2026

All content by Aaron Widjaja
Menlo Community Responds To Standardized Test Requirements

Menlo Community Responds To Standardized Test Requirements

Aaron Widjaja, Assistant Opinions Editor
March 20, 2024

During COVID-19, many colleges and universities decided to make standardized testing optional. According to Director of College Counseling Lisa Giarratano,...

Menlo junior Jackson Coleman (left) and former Menlo student Tyler Rattner (right), then freshmen, show up to campus decked in green from head to toe. “It’s fun to come together and dress up with your friends during the holiday, even if you don’t have a personal connection to it,” Coleman said.

St. Patrick’s Day Is Meant To Be Celebrated by Everyone

Aaron Widjaja, Assistant Opinions Editor
March 17, 2024

For centuries, children and adults alike have celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. But March 17 wasn’t always the flurry of leprechaun decorations and gold-plated...

Students Should Keep an Open Mind About Menlo Plays

Students Should Keep an Open Mind About Menlo Plays

Aaron Widjaja, Assistant Opinions Editor
March 16, 2024

Currently, members of the Menlo drama department are working tirelessly to prepare for their production of “Antigone,” which hits the stage from Feb....

Junior Amelie Giomi tutors freshman Marissa Louie in the library. Staff photo: Aaron Widjaja

New TA Booking System on Fortress Aces First Semester

Aaron Widjaja, Assistant Opinions Editor
March 5, 2024

Menlo’s teacher assistant or peer assistance program has been part of the school’s learning culture for close to twenty years. When students need assistance...

Junior Lily Kautai and Senior Aaliyah Sanders contend in a spirit activity, specifically an arm-wrestling tournament during lunch. Photo courtesy of Kevin Chan

Menlo Needs More Inter-Grade Mixing

Aaron Widjaja, Assistant Opinions Editor
February 12, 2024

Have you ever noticed that many Menlo traditions give seniors superiority over other classes when it comes to the aesthetics of t-shirt designs, spirit...

Freshman Cole Milotich goes for the rebound during his freshman boys basketball practice after school. Many winter sports, such as boys basketball, had practices and even games this Thanksgiving break. Staff photo: Aaron Widjaja

Menlo Should Not Hold Practices or Games During Breaks

Aaron Widjaja, Assistant Opinions Editor
January 21, 2024

Menlo’s athletic program’s mission is to provide students “the opportunity to develop mind, body and character.” If we want to develop ourselves...

Ana Banchs Rodriguez, a current senior, looks at the DSAT website to get new information regarding the new format. The DSAT is set to launch in the United States during the spring of 2024, with the majority of students taking the SAT for the first time in the spring of their junior year. Photo Courtesy of Karen Xin.

The SAT Turns 100 in 2023. Here’s Why It’s Time the Test Becomes Fully Digital

Aaron Widjaja, Assistant Opinions Editor
October 16, 2023

The Scholastic Aptitude Test, a standardized test widely used for college admission in the U.S., is soon to transform completely. The most recent official...

Menlo Students travel to Guatemala during the 2018 school year. Photo courtesy of Roger Zamora

Menlo Should Require Study Abroad Programs for Cross-Cultural Education

Aaron Widjaja, Assistant Opinions Editor
May 16, 2023

After moving back to the U.S. in March of 2022 after spending 11 years studying in Hong Kong, I’ve been surprised by some of the biased things my fellow...

Former Menlo Student Maddy Price speaks at an assembly about her mental health experiences as an olympic athlete. Photo Courtesy of Kevin Chan

More Mental Health Assemblies Would Encourage Students to Seek Support, Communicate their Struggles

Aaron Widjaja, Assistant Opinions Editor
May 10, 2023

Teenagers across the globe are experiencing a mental health emergency. In my experience, I rarely hear people talk about stress, anxiety and ever-increasing...

The auction featured a circus theme with a special show of aerial dancers. Photo courtesy of John Meyer

“The Greatest Knight” Auction Continues to Support Financial Aid

Aaron Widjaja and Asher Darling
April 24, 2023

On March 18, 2023, Menlo hosted its annual auction where members of the community gather for dinner, drinks and entertainment capped off with a live auction....

The Walmart parking lot in Mountain View floods after the first storm hit the Bay Area in early January. Staff photo: Lucas Kawamoto.

How Menlo Weathers the Storm: Facilities Team Manages Flooding and Damage

Aaron Widjaja, Staff Writer
March 25, 2023

Throughout the last month, strong storms have battered the Bay Area. In the first week of January, one significant class five storm, with sustained winds...

Sophomore Ruiqi Liu attempts a three pointer, while a Harker player tries to block the shot. Photo courtesy of Lucia Aguilar.

Girls Basketball Picks Up League Victory Over Harker

Aaron Widjaja, Staff Writer
January 30, 2023

Menlo girls’ varsity basketball defeated Harker 55-47 on Jan. 10 to earn their first league win of the year. The Knights were led by strong performances...

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