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The Student News Site of The Bishop's School

The Tower
The Student News Site of The Bishop's School

The Tower
The Student News Site of The Bishop's School

The Tower
Sydney Chan

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief

Sydney Chan is an Editor-in-Chief for The Tower dedicated to discovering unique stories and bringing them to life through her pieces. She especially loves writing op-eds, covering the latest sports news, and publishing food reviews through her column, “Sydney’s Suggestions.” From dining at a great sushi restaurant, to watching her beloved Chicago Cubs play, to competing in Speech and Debate tournaments and Model UN conferences, to blasting 2Pac and SZA in the car, she’s passionate about experiencing life to the fullest and aspires to lead The Tower with a similar aura, alongside the support of the publication’s amazing team. Sydney is looking forward to another great year with The Tower and can’t wait to share more beautiful pieces with the community.

All content by Sydney Chan
The Premium Bosom Boiled in Various Herbs (upper right hand corner) from Yuk Dae Jang is everything you could ever want in a dish — the pork is tender, the lettuce wrap gives it a nice crunch, and the seasoned spicy radish and pickled sour plums take it to another level. The Prime Beef Bulgogi with Glass Noodle (upper left) is a classic and is a great option for those who want something delicious and reliable.

Sydney’s Suggestions: (Kinda) New Kids on the Block

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
June 1, 2024
During the Passover Seder, Jewish families remove a drop of wine from their wine cups ten times to represent the ten plagues that Pharoah placed on Egypt to free the Jews from slavery.

Bishop’s Guided Seder: Reflections on the Israel-Gaza War and Hopes for Next Year in Peace

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
May 11, 2024
I’m in no way against people expressing themselves. The thing I have a major problem with is when people take advantage of free speech to attack others.

The Land of the (Too) Free Speech

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
May 9, 2024
This Manhattan food truck is home to one of the best street eats on the planet — a combo platter with some crispy fries from The Halal Guys. The perfect midnight meal, it’s satisfying, fresh, and insanely flavorful. It’s what food-cravings are made of. Although this is a photo from their original location on W. 53rd in NYC, The Halal Guys has seriously expanded their franchise, including a couple locations in Irvine, CA.

Sydney’s Suggestions: SoCal All-Stars

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
May 9, 2024
These are my absolute favorite steamed buns from Sunny Dumpling House — chive and egg. They are literal perfection packed into a fluffy cloud. To dip, I have vinegar with a sprinkle of sugar, sesame oil, a drop of soy sauce, and a ton of chili oil. Bliss.

Sydney’s Suggestions: Best Dumpling Houses in San Diego

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
March 6, 2024
An important part of GEI’s cultural celebrations includes integrating the festivities in multiple areas on campus. During the 2023 Diwali Celebration, the chapel was decorated beautifully with flower garlands, candles, and portraits of the Hindu deities.

GEI: Practicing Cultural Diversity

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
March 6, 2024
“Friday is the big finish for the week,” Serena explained, when the lion dance troupe comes to campus. “[I love when the] dance troupes come and get to share their art with everybody and interact with the audience,” she added. Lion dancing is an important and special ritual in Chinese tradition, believed to rid a space from evil spirits and bring good luck. “That’s probably my favorite part of the whole week because feeding them the red envelopes is very fun [and symbolizes good fortune],” Momo added.

A Fiery New Year of the Dragon

Sydney Chan and Nora Bitar
February 23, 2024
SEC Network published this graphic following the retirement announcement of former Head Coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide Nick Saban on January 11, in recognition of the GOAT. Former Washington Huskies Head Coach Jalen Deboer will be taking his place. “[Saban's] dedication to the players and the university gave the people of Alabama a role model who inspired and achieved greatness,” Alabama football fan Riley Brunson (‘25) shared.

A New Era: Astounding Coaching Updates in College and Pro Football

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
February 4, 2024
This was my bowl from Ramen Nagi, where you can really customize the spice level, amount of bamboo shoots, and more, exactly to your liking. The broth is unbelievably flavorful, and I can’t wait to go back.

Sydney’s Suggestions: Ramen in San Diego

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
January 9, 2024
Associate Director for CBS Sports Ms. Alanna Campbell loves the TCS NYC Marathon because, “Similarly to the way I’ve committed to my career, I also committed to myself, for months of training, 26.2 miles of hard work, and a lifetime of knowing I earned that medal waiting for me at the finish line.”

“Every single mile is special,” Runners and sidewalk supporters reflect on the TCS NYC Marathon

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
January 9, 2024
On November 15, Chinese President Xi Jinping hinted that China will send new pandas to the U.S. He didn’t share extensive details, but it is likely that the new bears will be coming to California –– San Diego in particular. It’s time to pull out your panda merch.

Panda-monium: The End of Panda Diplomacy?

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
November 28, 2023
Recent alum Kosi Eguchi (‘23) (pictured second to the right, alongside Nao Nadahara (‘23), James Stutts (‘23), and Natasha Mar (‘23)) didn’t end up applying ED to any school, but he did apply EA to a few institutions. “They offered me a good balance of being able to [choose] what school I felt was best for me and [still] having the early security of knowing I got into a college,” he said.

Decisions, Decisions

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
November 27, 2023
The passion fruit tart from Patisserié by Jisun is otherworldly. The lightly caramelized meringue compliments the bright and tart filling in a way that can only be described in one word: perfection.

Sydney’s Suggestions: Pies & Tarts in San Diego (and close by)

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
November 16, 2023
Natalie Marvin’s (‘25) favorite lacrosse memory was winning the CIF Division I Championship last year. “It was the most surreal experience to win that game, knowing how hard we had worked all season to prepare. Lacrosse gave us the ability to experience such an amazing win and it has made my time at Bishops so special with all the amazing coaches, like Coach Carr, and teammates,” Natalie said. She’s looking forward to having her love for the sport be furthered as lacrosse grows in international popularity.

Five Sports Added to the 2028 Olympics

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
October 26, 2023
Behold: the best roll in the universe. The Toro Toro Roll from Shino Sushi + Kappo never fails to disappoint –– fatty tuna and crispy onions are topped with a drizzle of an addicting truffle soy sauce.

Sydney’s Suggestions: Sushi in San Diego

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
October 21, 2023
The Nebraska Cornhuskers’ Women’s Volleyball Team broke both national and international attendance records during their game on August 30, when 92,003 fans filled Lincoln Memorial Stadium. Support surrounding women's sporting events is on the rise –– the numbers don’t lie.

Progress in the Making

Sydney Chan and Nora Bitar
October 21, 2023
Mr. Marqo Aquinde is dedicated to making his classroom a place “kids look forward to going to.”

A Friendly Face in Bishops’ Math/Science Department: Mr. Marco Aquinde

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
September 27, 2023
Many students like Suriya Bowen (‘25) (left) and Sophia Bao (‘25) (right) signed up for service clubs on September 12, 2023. Students swarmed booths as service club leaders explained and pitched their clubs.

Serving it Up: Over 40 Student Service Clubs Shine at the Service Fair

Sydney Chan and Summer Hu
September 14, 2023
Pictured is the inside of the kanmiyagura used at Greenwell Farms. A traditional Japanese method of drying coffee, this roof on the shack is especially helpful when rain hits the island, ensuring that the drying of the beans can continue undisturbed.

Better Beans for Your Buck

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
August 22, 2023
A cup of Matcha/Oreo swirl from SomiSomi: creamy and decadent, the flavors at SomiSomi always hit the spot, and the crunchy toppings take you to another dimension.

Sydney’s Suggestions: Ice Cream in San Diego

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
August 22, 2023
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Mr. David Thompson greeted Presiding Bishop Michael Curry at the All-School Christmas Chapel on December 9th, 2022.

The DEIJ Jedi Master: Mr. David Thompson, Jr.

Sydney Chan, Crystal Li, and Leila Feldman
May 25, 2023
Throughout Director of Kitchen Services Ms. Sara Sweet 40 years at Bishop’s, she has experienced some of the School’s most interesting traditions: such as when the School “used to do a fashion show every year.”

Ms. Sweet Hangs Up Her Apron

Sydney Chan and Ben Brown
May 24, 2023
The Kouign Amann from Wayfarer Bread and Pastry is my absolute favorite — an airy and crunchy pastry, with a delicious and golden caramelized sugar bottom.

Sydney’s Suggestions: Best Croissants in La Jolla

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
May 24, 2023
Anna Balsdon (‘24) makes her way across a stream on a trek through West Bali National Park.

Once in a Lifetime

Sydney Chan and Isadora Blatt
May 24, 2023
The Storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, resulted from increased political polarization.

A Declaration of American Independents

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
May 1, 2023
This is one of my favorite hearty breakfasts: a piece of toast topped with a fried egg, pickled onions, and avocado. There are a ton of variations you can do on this breakfast for the perfect carb-and-protein-packed meal before you go to kill that AP!

AP Weeks: Do’s and Don’ts

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
April 25, 2023
The World Baseball Classic was founded in 2006 with the goals of expanding baseball across the globe. The next World Baseball Classic is scheduled for 2026.

Play Ball!

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
March 23, 2023
The Nutella Nuts French Toast from Sugar and Scribe paired with sliced strawberries and a light vanilla bean whipped cream is a delicious sweet brunch option.

Sydney’s Suggestions: Brunch in San Diego

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
February 28, 2023
Field hockey player Lily Gover (‘24) wears her lucky Union Jack HocSocx (under-shin guard covers) beneath her socks in every game, a superstition she’s maintained for three high school seasons.

Sporting Superstitions

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
February 28, 2023
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes had much to celebrate that night: the team’s big win and his second NFL MVP nomination.

A Super Bowl for the History Books

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
February 23, 2023
Some students participated in the dragon dance during both middle and upper school lunch. Holding long, wooden poles on various parts of the dragon’s body, the students could make the dragon look like it was dancing by swaying in different directions.

Hopping into the New Year

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
January 26, 2023
The pieces of mango and smooth texture of the mango smoothie from Happy Lemon make it, quite literally, happiness in a cup. Pictured beside the smoothie is a strawberry black tea with lychee jelly and boba, another great choice.

Sydney’s Suggestions: Boba in San Diego

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
December 21, 2022
In 2016, the Collins English Dictionary selected “snowflake generation” to be one of its words of the year, categorizing “the young adults of the 2010s as being less resilient and more prone to taking offence than previous generations.” Now, a little less than a decade later, this phrase is still relevant in our current society.

Snowflakes

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
December 21, 2022
Bishop’s seems to begin their holiday season with the annual and beloved Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration. On Thursday, December 1st, food tents lined the terrace, serving delicious eats from kettle corn to pizza; and more tents lined the quad, distributing baked goods.

Happy Holidays!

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
December 13, 2022
Being a head ambassador is a fun way to get involved at Bishop’s - just ask Ryan Arrowsmith (‘23), Shirley Xu (‘23), Justin Stone (‘24), Gabby Anderson (‘25), Audrey Lin (‘25) or any of the other students involved. They were all smiles during this lunch meeting from earlier this year.

[Photo] Your First Hellos: A Look Into The Head Ambassadors Program

Melanie Yau, Online Editor
December 7, 2022
The thick noodles, thinly sliced beef, and tons of onions and chili oil at Pho La Jolla make for a savory dish that warms you up in seconds.

Sydney’s Suggestions: Soup in San Diego

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
November 17, 2022
On October 15, 2022, the San Diego Padres beat the Los Angeles Dodgers to advance in the postseason bracket. After a strong pitch by Padres pitcher Josh Hader and a swing-and-a-miss from Dodgers player Freddie Freeman, the stadium was electric.

The San Diego Padres and Their Lucky Goose

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
November 4, 2022
No matter the cuisine, students enjoy spending time with each other during the school day over a meal. Juniors (pictured from left to write) Kylie Larson, Bella Gallus, and Lily Gover smile over plates of enchiladas and Spanish rice.

Food for Thought…

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
October 28, 2022
Being a head ambassador is a fun way to get involved at Bishop’s. This was a head ambassadors lunch meeting that happened recently, and pictured are most of the head ambassadors this year.

The Quad quickly filled up with family, friends, and pets galore, as the annual Blessing of the Animals event began. The Bishop’s Jazz Band provided some music during a portion of the festivities. Marching along the quad with pets walking behind them, the music enhanced the excitement of the event.

Wagging Tails at Blessing of the Animals

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
October 12, 2022
Coach Joey Yusanas (‘00) is looking forward to a great future at Bishop’s as a member of the School’s Athletic Department.

Coach Joey Yusanas (‘00): Preparing Student Athletes for the Next Level

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
October 7, 2022
As the juniors took the bus ride back to San Diego, the plumes of smoke from the wildfire approached closer than before.

[Photo] Retreating

Joyce Wu, Staff Writer
September 22, 2022
Seventh graders Davide Berti, Tom Adelizzi, and James Lila are eager to start the year as official Knights. “I’m [ready] for a new adventure!” Tom shared.

New Knights on the Quad!

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
August 29, 2022
The NIL is taking sports headlines by storm. From upcoming recruitments to talented students expected to make it to the big leagues, everything is changing in the world of college athletics.

The NIL: Name, Image, and Likeness

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
August 20, 2022
At the 2022 CIF Championships, Callum Bolitho (‘24) swam the breaststroke length of the 4x50 Meter Individual Medley Relay, winning his race with fellow teammates Greyson Davies (‘22), Lucius Brown (‘22), and Casper Lightner (‘25). “Winning the medley relay with Greyson, Lucius, and Casper was one of the best relays I’ve ever been on,” Callum said.

Spring Sports Profile

Spencer Ralph, Graham Walker, Summer Hu, Mihir Bhagatwala, Leila Feldman, and Sydney Chan
May 27, 2022
Saxophone players Steven Yin ('24) (left) and Connor Schneider ('22) (right), drummer Giacomo Berti ('24), vocalist/pianist Sashi Chuckravanen ('25), and mentor and bass player Mr. Robert Anderson played some snappy tunes at The Conrad.

Crescendo at The Conrad

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
May 26, 2022
In the finale of the production, the performers waved to the audience in a final goodbye. Pictured are members of the Bishop’s Singers, Bel Canto, additional Guest Artists, and sixth grader Bodhi Landin.

Iceberg Ahead!

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
May 26, 2022
We love a well-dressed king. Shoutout to the suit company that was able to make pants long enough for this Australian giraffe.

Another Day, Another Kyle Slay!

Sydney Chan and Spencer Ralph
May 23, 2022
This adobada taco from Tacos El Gordo is arguably my favorite taco ever. Slow cooked and roasted on a metal rod, shaved off to order, and topped with a green cilantro crema and freshly diced white onions and cilantro, it’s the perfect bite. The flavors overwhelm your pallet in a way that you just can’t stop yourself from coming back for more. No complaints.

Sydney’s Suggestions: Taquerias in San Diego

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
May 12, 2022
Mr. Racca and Mr. Saba worked hard to make Bobboi the welcoming and awesome place it is today. “We wanted our soul to be in [the floors, walls, and ceilings].”

Bobboi Natural Gelato: A Little Sweet Treat

Sydney Chan, Editor-in-Chief
May 12, 2022
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