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
Asher Darling

Asher Darling, News Editor

 

Number of years in The Coat of Arms: 3

Favorite aspect of journalism: Hearing interesting perspectives and stories through interviews and sharing them with the community.

Interests outside of school: I like playing basketball and golf, traveling, cooking, and spending time with my dog Posey.

Class of 2026

All content by Asher Darling
Friday Knight Lights: Flag Football Finishes Season Undefeated (Ep. 3)

Friday Knight Lights: Flag Football Finishes Season Undefeated (Ep. 3)

Devon Schaefer and Asher Darling
December 2, 2024

Preview the third episode of Friday Knight Lights. In order to listen to the full episode, click the Spotify icon, the podcast title, the image or ‘Save...

Freehill runs the ball in the third quarter.

[Photo] Football Season Ends With Loss to Palma in CCS Division II Semifinals

Devon Schaefer, Sports Editor
November 26, 2024

Freehill runs the ball in the third quarter.

Junior quarterback Jack Freehill throws the ball on the run in the fourth quarter.

Menlo Beats SHP in 22nd Annual Valpo Bowl

Devon Schaefer and Asher Darling
November 10, 2024

Menlo’s varsity football team claimed the Valparaiso Cup with a 20-17 win over Sacred Heart Prep in the 22nd annual Valpo Bowl on Friday, Nov. 8. The...

Friday Knight Lights: Football Prepares for Annual Valpo Bowl (Ep. 2)

Friday Knight Lights: Football Prepares for Annual Valpo Bowl (Ep. 2)

Devon Schaefer and Asher Darling
November 7, 2024

Preview the second episode of Friday Knight Lights. In order to listen to the full episode, click the Spotify icon, the podcast title, the image or ‘Save...

Junior wide receiver Trevor Van Der Pyl (#13) bounces off tacklers and escapes on a huge gain for the Knights in the second quarter.

Football Suffers Homecoming Loss Against M-A

Asher Darling, News Editor
October 20, 2024

A group of seniors show off the spirit shield.

Friday Knight Lights: Water Polo Hoco Game (Ep. 1)

Friday Knight Lights: Water Polo Hoco Game (Ep. 1)

Asher Darling and Devon Schaefer
October 19, 2024

Preview the first episode of Friday Knight Lights. In order to listen to the full episode, click the Spotify icon, the podcast title, the image or 'Save...

Freshman Hunter Coleman Passes the ball to his teammate at Roche Invitational on Sept. 6.

[Photo] Boys Water Polo Beats Top Teams, Ranks First in CCS

Amelie Giomi, Spread Editor
October 10, 2024

Freshman Hunter Coleman Passes the ball to his teammate at Roche Invitational on Sept. 6.

New Phone Policy Follows CA Movement But Stops Short of Full Ban

New Phone Policy Follows CA Movement But Stops Short of Full Ban

Asher Darling, News Editor
October 8, 2024

Five years ago, Adam Gelb, who was serving as assistant principal at San Mateo High School, helped ignite a monumental movement for high schools across...

Freshman Elise Darling tees off at the Knights' season opener on Sept. 3. Photo courtesy of Pam McKenny.

Girls Golf Improves Scores

Asher Darling, News Editor
October 7, 2024

Menlo’s girls golf team began their season with a collective score of 265 strokes in their first match on Sept. 3 at Baylands Golf Links. The team has...

Dino Ambrosi speaks to students at Menlo School during an assembly on Sept. 17.

Project Reboot Founder Dino Ambrosi Speaks to Students About Technology Addiction

Asher Darling, News Editor
September 17, 2024

Dino Ambrosi speaks to students at Menlo School during an assembly on Sept. 17.

Screen Shot 2024-09-11 at 11.10.55 PM

[Photo] John Schafer Gives 2024 Election Talk

Caroline Clack, A&L Editor
September 10, 2024

IMG_3276 - Devon Schaefer

[Photo] Mikey McGrath Commits to Play Football at Williams College

Rafe Weiden, Staff Writer
May 20, 2024

50.5 Sports CC_ Willis (Asher Darling)

[Photo] Willis Johnson Commits to Puget Sound for Football

Bianca Putanec, Assistant Sports Editor
May 29, 2024

Senior Ryan Schnell throws a pitch in the first inning.

Baseball Clinches CCS After Two-Win Week

Asher Darling, News Editor
May 10, 2024

Menlo’s varsity baseball team celebrated senior day with a 5-4 victory over San Mateo on Tuesday, May 7, at Cartan Field. Before the game, the team...

New SEIA Grant Expands Student Summer Opportunities

New SEIA Grant Expands Student Summer Opportunities

Asher Darling, News Editor
May 5, 2024

This year, Menlo expanded on its summer grant program, offering a new scholarship for student research called Social Entrepreneurship in Action. According...

Tennis head coach Bill Shine talks with senior Octave Moha after the Knights’ match against Pinewood School on April 19.

Tennis Coach Bill Shine Retires After Illustrious Career

Asher Darling, News Editor
May 2, 2024

As Bill Shine’s dedicated 29-year head coaching career at Menlo comes to an end, the varsity boys tennis team is still yet to lose a league match during...

Athlete of Issue 50.4: Sandro Velazquez, Varsity Boys Soccer

Athlete of Issue 50.4: Sandro Velazquez, Varsity Boys Soccer

Asher Darling, Assistant Sports Editor
March 30, 2024

As the clock dwindles down and Menlo trails Los Gatos High School 4-3 in the CCS Division II boys soccer semifinal match, it seems senior striker Sandro...

Junior Hunter Guyer putts on the fifth green.

Boys Golf Loses to Sacred Heart

Asher Darling, Assistant Sports Editor
March 8, 2024

Junior Hunter Guyer putts on the fifth green.

And Then There Was One: Menlo’s APs Are Almost Gone

And Then There Was One: Menlo’s APs Are Almost Gone

Asher Darling, Assistant Sports Editor
March 16, 2024

After getting rid of AP Biology decades ago, the school has nearly completed its phasing out of Advanced Placement classes in the course catalog: beginning...

Sophomore Ethan Zhao elevates for the mid-range jumper.

Boys Basketball Loses in Heartbreaking CCS Finals

Asher Darling, Assistant Sports Editor
February 26, 2024

Menlo’s varsity boys basketball team was narrowly defeated 57-52 in the CCS Division IV final at Mission College by No. 1 seed Carmel on Saturday, Feb....

Jaden Richardson (second from right) stands with his family on his visit to USC. Photo courtesy of Richardson

From the Bay to LA: Alum Jaden Richardson Fulfills Dreams of Playing Football at USC

Asher Darling, Assistant Sports Editor
February 14, 2024

Growing up as a USC fan, Menlo alum Jaden Richarson (‘20) always dreamed of playing at the Los Angeles Coliseum for the Trojans. On Jan. 2, 2024 Richardson...

Sophomore Evan Arcilla gives senior Sam Reznik a haircut. Staff photo: Asher Darling

Evan Arcilla Gives Cuts Above the Rest in Locker Room

Asher Darling, Assistant Sports Editor
January 23, 2024

Last April, Evan Arcilla returned from his barbershop disappointed and ready to make a change. After giving his barber clear instructions, Arcilla still...

During player introductions, senior lineman Parker Ashton runs through the tunnel created by his teammates and coaches. Staff photo: Asher Darling

Knights Fall to Gators in Annual Valpo Bowl, Remain Optimistic

Asher Darling and Devon Schaefer
November 10, 2023

Menlo was defeated by Sacred Heart 31-19 on Nov. 3 at Cartan Field in the 21st Valpo Bowl. The rivalry game marked the end of the regular season for both...

Wang and Hardin celebrate after winning a crucial point in the first set.

Menlo Volleyball Sweeps Sacred Heart, Secures First Place in WBAL

Asher Darling, Assistant Sports Editor
October 31, 2023

Menlo’s varsity volleyball team prevailed over rival Sacred Heart in three straight sets on Tuesday, Oct. 17. The effort was spearheaded by the team’s...

Senior Kylie Jones (#35) puts the Menlo into Gator territory with her interception and long return. Jones’ pick was one of four for the Knights.

Girls Flag Football Wins Senior Day Matchup Against Sacred Heart

Asher Darling and Devon Schaefer
October 31, 2023

Menlo’s varsity girls flag football team celebrated senior day with a 25-0 shutout against rival Sacred Heart. Before their last game of the season on...

Illustration by Maya Stone

Menlo Community Reflects on College Conference Changes

Asher Darling, Assistant Sports Editor
October 19, 2023

For over a century, the Pacific Coast Conference — known as the Pac-12 since 2010 — has excelled athletically, garnering the nickname the ‘Conference...

Staff illustration: Amber More

Young Drivers Take a Wrong Turn: Upperclassmen Reveal Regrets Over Their Driver’s License Journeys

Asher Darling, Assistant Sports Editor
October 18, 2023

The number of teenagers with driver’s licenses has declined over the last several decades. According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation,...

Lopez at age five in an A’s windbreaker with his grandfather in 2000. Photo courtesy of Lopez

Menlo Community Reacts to Possible Oakland A’s Relocation to Las Vegas

Asher Darling, Assistant Sports Editor
September 8, 2023

On July 25, when the two Bay Area baseball teams met at Oracle Park in San Francisco as part of the annual Bay Bridge Series, Oakland A’s and San Francisco...

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 first tree fell on the morning of Oct. 21, 2022. Staff photo: Asher Darling

Middle School Loses Two Longstanding Heritage Oak Trees, Repurposes Valuable Wood

Asher Darling, Staff Writer
March 9, 2023

During the 2022-23 school year, the Menlo Middle School lost two beloved oak trees. The first tree fell on the morning of Oct. 21, 2022. Director of Dining...

Load More Stories