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The Student Newspaper of Oxford Academy

The Gamut

The Gamut

The Gamut

Aarya Halankar

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor

Junior Aarya Halankar is many things: a D1 Daydreamer, an instant ramen addict, and The Gamut’s very own Lifestyle Editor! When she isn’t daydreaming on command — one of her many hidden talents — or zoning out from boredom (which she would never do during Gamut), you can catch her at Key Club (she is a loyal devotee) or at swim practice. In her free time, she loves to frequent her favorite markets (Aldi and Trader Joe’s) and is both licensed and employed! What can’t she do? Beyond her normalmaxxing, productive member of society facade, Aarya spends her time lurking on internet forums that shall not be named and reforming from her 2020 days as a Dream SMP enthusiast. This year, Aarya will continue her reformation journey and move past the dark days as she conquers junior year with her favorite 90s movies and music by her side.
All content by Aarya Halankar
Student Speaks: Gamut Farewells!

Student Speaks: Gamut Farewells!

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor May 13, 2026

The end of the year is a time for reflection and learning; Who better to learn from than the students who have seen it all? For The Gamut’s final issue of the 2025-26 school year, hear from graduating members of staff as they share their favorite memories, words of advice, and lessons navigating the...

Student Speaks: Spring Break Plans

Student Speaks: Spring Break Plans

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor April 17, 2026

Spring break is a welcome oasis before the final quarter of school; Students get a chance to rewind and reset before a final push towards summer. Hear from four Oxford students as they share how they enjoyed break!   Sakura Iyota-Nguyen, 11th Grade What were your favorite ways to unwind...

SHARING VOICES: Speakers at the TEDxKennedy hold certificates of completion. (Photo courtesy of Kaela Suan)

TedxKennedy promotes student voices across AUHSD

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor April 17, 2026

As the first Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) occasion of its kind, TEDxKennedy High allowed student speakers from across the district to explore the theme of “What Shapes Us”. At the event, held on Apr. 2, Oxford students seniors Nathan Troung and Theodore Vang as well as freshmen Niha...

FARAWAY DISCO: Harry Styles’ upcoming Kiss All the Time. Disco Occasionally leans into an experimental theme, but tour tickets are following an old broken model.

Harry Styles’ Aperture

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor March 18, 2026

Mystifying posters, digital updates, and the cryptic ticking of a clock generate hype ahead of the release of Kiss All the Time. Disco Occasionally. English singer-songwriter Harry Styles’ long-awaited fourth studio album is set to drop on March 6, sparking eager excitement as fans rush to make predictions...

Students share Ramadan Traditions

Students share Ramadan Traditions

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor March 18, 2026

You may have heard of the spiritual daily routines, prayers, and fastings that characterize Ramadan in the past. Officially the ninth month of the Islamic calendar — from Feb. 17 to Mar. 19 this year — Muslims worldwide commemorate this period with traditions. Hear from four Oxford students as they...

ALTERNATIVE PATHWAYS: Despite the benefits offered by community colleges, many Oxford students unfairly view these institutions as lesser.

Stigma surrounding Community College must cease

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor March 18, 2026

March can be a tumultuous month for Oxford seniors, as college decisions evoke a variety of emotions. Whether they plan to pursue a certificate program, transfer in the future, or save money on education, approximately 15% of Oxford’s graduating class chooses to attend local community colleges (CCs)...

BREAKING STIGMAS: The AUHSD Mental Health Information poster is aimed to encourage students to seek help if needed.

AUHSD implements Mental Health Information posters

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor February 4, 2026

Aiming at providing increased resources for student wellness, the Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) rolled out new informative mental health posters at the start of the spring semester, in accordance with California Assembly Bill (AB) 748 and Education Code (EDC) 49428.5. These posters, which...

AN EMERGING DANGER: Undisclosed
social media advertisements harm
consumers with misleading content
and false reviews.

Undisclosed social media advertisements wound digital integrity

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor February 4, 2026

From staying on top of the latest trends to learning new skills, social media is an increasingly prevalent source of information for students, and companies are responding by ramping up digital marketing. As the influence of this new business medium grows, so does the danger of undisclosed online advertisements....

Student Speaks: Valentines Venues

Student Speaks: Valentines Venues

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor February 4, 2026

For the upcoming season of love, students search for unique, picture-perfect spots for Valentine’s Day. Celebrating this holiday, however, is a personal experience, and distinctive settings reflect this. Whether you’re spending time with a very special person, friends, or family, hear from these...

CHECKING OFF WISHLISTS: ASB members Carol Kim (12) and Evelyn Kim (9) sort through donated Bags of Hope.

Oxford ASB Partners with Bags of Hope

Aarya Halankar and Kenzie Laing December 12, 2025

Continuing their annual service project, Oxford’s Associated Student Body (ASB) partnered with the Bags of Hope Project to provide Christmas gifts to children in Anaheim experiencing or transitioning from homelessness. Collaborating with various clubs and organizations across campus, ASB collected...

FAULTY FACILITIES: Improvements in virtual technologies provided to students may not be as effective with crumbling campus infrastructures.

Improvements to campus facilities must be prioritized

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor December 12, 2025

While Oxford has strived to introduce new technology — such as ClassCompanion and sKrappyAI — to classrooms, it lacks in-person improvements with aging buildings and neglected facilities on campus. While beneficial to students’ education, advancements in technology and community services are insufficient...

Student speaks: Making the most of the holidays

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor December 12, 2025

The holidays are a season of exchanging gifts, comforting recipes, and most importantly, giving back and showing appreciation to those you love through heartwarming gestures. For this upcoming season, learn how three Oxford students give back to their communities and celebrate each year with family and...

Statewide Recognition: Oxford Academy has earned a 2025 California Blue Ribbon School distinction.

Oxford named California Blue Ribbon nominee

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor November 21, 2025

California state superintendent Tony Thurmond has named Oxford Academy as one of 31 2025 California Blue Ribbon Schools. The California Blue Ribbon School program recognizes schools that were previously nominated federally as National Blue Ribbon Schools, following the U.S. Department of Education’s...

FALL TREATS: Oxford students share their favorite fall flavors and traditional Thanksgiving foods.

Student speaks: Festive fall flavors

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor November 21, 2025

As the leaves shift colors and the weather gets colder, nostalgic notes of the holiday season begin to fill the air as rich caramels, tangy apple cider, and spiced cinnamon grace viral recipes and café menus. Relishing a plethora of cozy treats and trendy drinks, read about how four Oxford students...

SKILLED SWINGS: Freshman varsity
golf athlete Niha Goel adjusts her
stance during practice. (Photo
courtesy of Niha Goel)

Fall sports teams conclude successful seasons

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor November 21, 2025

Approaching the end of November, Oxford’s student athletes wrapped up the fall sports season, competing at league finals and CIF games. Girls volleyball, tennis, golf, and girls and boys cross country tackled their closing matches and meets, channeling skills honed through consistency, effort, and...

SPOOKY SURPRISES: Oxford students share the various ways they celebrate Halloween

Student Speaks: Halloween Traditions

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor October 29, 2025

As the season of witches, ghosts, and trick-or-treating approaches, Oxford students are preparing to celebrate Halloween. From smashing pumpkins to celebrating with birthday cake, learn about how four students treasure this holiday with a variety of spooktacular traditions   Harper Walsh,...

PRESENTING HER PASSION: Dr. Jennifer Moore demonstrates a combustion reaction to students as part of a hands-on activity during the conference.

Oxford Academy hosts Women in STEM Conference

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor October 29, 2025

Anaheim Innovative Mentoring Experience (AIME) hosted its Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Conference at Oxford on Saturday, Oct. 25. Students from Oxford and Cambridge Virtual Academy were invited to learn from guest speakers working at the University of Southern California...

SOLICITING APPLICANTS: The AUHSD Board of Trustees is accepting applications and nominations for Trustee Area 3.

AUHSD solicits applications for vacant Board of Trustees seat

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor October 16, 2025

On Oct. 2, the Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) announced that they are seeking applications for the Board of Trustees representing Trustee Area 3, following the resignation of Mrs. Katherine H. Smith, who had served on the Board since 1996. AUHSD is soliciting applications and nominations...

Nine Oxford students named National Merit Semifinalists

Nine Oxford students named National Merit Semifinalists

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor September 24, 2025

On Sept. 10, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Every year, only 16,000 students receive recognition from over 1.3 million test takers, and nine students from Oxford have been recognized for this award. Seniors Om Gupta,...

LAST FIRST ISSUE: Gamut seniors discuss their favorite memories and aspects of The Gamut, celebrating the start of their fourth year on staff (Collage by: Aarya Halankar)

Student speaks: Gamut seniors reflect last three years on staff

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor September 24, 2025

The start of senior year is a bittersweet time; a “beginning of the end” marked by classic traditions. For The Gamut staff, there’s a special milestone to distinguish—the last first issue of the year! Meet these four senior journalists who have been on staff since freshman year as they dive into...

EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES: Diya Luthra (12), Sora Suzuki (12), Muqadas Omid (10), and Salena Adhikari (12, not pictured) participated in career immersion experiences this summer.

Oxford Academy students explore career opportunities over the summer

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor September 24, 2025

Summer is a chance to relax, rejuvenate, and take time off from the busy routines that come with school life. Some Oxford students take this time to explore their passions and immerse themselves in potential career pathways. From caretaking dogs to shadowing surgeries, learn how four students dove into...

Spreading Awareness: OCHCA presenter Della Lisi Kerr displays a fentanyl test strip to supplement a presentation for the Fentanyl Awareness Workshop.

Anaheim Secondary Council of PTAs hosts Fentanyl Awareness Workshop

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor May 13, 2025

The Anaheim Secondary Council of PTAs hosted a Fentanyl Awareness Workshop on April 9 in partnership with the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) at the Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) Professional Learning Center. Parents, guardians, students, and community members were educated on the...

SUMMER FUN: Explore Orange County's fairs and festivals throughout this break with The Gamut's guide

Orange County festivals to explore this summer

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor May 3, 2025

As summer break advances, festivals and fairs around Orange County pop up to celebrate the arrival of the season. With the plethora of options to choose from, you may feel overwhelmed creating the perfect celebration setlist for the summer. Have no fear — introducing The Gamut with the ultimate guide...

W is for Winners: The girls basketball team poses for a celebration photo after winning their CIF playoffs against Faith Baptist High School

Girls basketball and soccer tackle CIFs

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor March 5, 2025

Closing off the winter season, girls varsity basketball and soccer qualified for CIFs. Girls soccer advanced up to the first round, while girls basketball advanced up to the quarterfinals.   Girls soccer hosted their CIF playoffs at home on Feb. 12, defeating Lawndale High School with a score...

Limiting Beliefs: Due to pressure to create a “spike” early in high school, students can feel the need to “box themselves in” to a certain pathway

Pressure to pick a path hinders students from finding passion

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor March 5, 2025

In the competitive landscape of college admissions, students feel the need to utilize every advantage they can to create their “spike.” At Oxford, many students feel pressured to commit to a career path immediately in their freshman year structuring their application, taking on a disingenuous interest...

Celebrate Friendship: Show appreciation for all the friends in your life with these Galentine’s day ideas

Galentine’s Day ideas to celebrate fun & friendships

Kenzie Laing and Aarya Halankar February 6, 2025

Although known as the holiday for romance, Valentine’s Day is a chance to appreciate all types of love and friendship. Originating from the popular NBC sitcom Parks and Rec, Galentine’s, celebrated on Feb. 13th, is a day where friends come together to display their appreciation for one another. So...

CLEANING UP THE COMMUNITY: OA Robotics and ECO members work together to collect electronic waste from the community during their Servathon event

AUHSD celebrates annual Servathon event

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor February 6, 2025

The Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) celebrated its annual Servathon event on Jan. 25. Students and staff from all over the district came together to celebrate their communities and give back through volunteering and civic engagement, with each school having a variety of service events on their...

MIXED SIGNALS: Controversial political tactics, like those seen in CA-45, lead to more division and reduce election integrity (Collage by Aarya Halankar)

Inflammatory political ads reduce election integrity

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor December 12, 2024

Americans were recently bombarded with election advertisements on all platforms preceding election season. While sometimes informative, these ads often slander candidates, pushing legal and ethical limits. To ensure fair elections, stricter federal regulations must be implemented against inflammatory...

TAKING ON THE CHALLENGE: Junior High flag football athletes run to secure the ball during a match against Lexington Junior High

Junior High Students explore intramural sports

Kenzie Laing and Aarya Halankar December 12, 2024

As the first semester comes to an end, so do the first two quarters of Oxford’s junior high intramural sports. Intramurals are a quarterly series of sports that offer students the opportunity to participate and learn, no matter their starting skill level. The program emphasizes team-building, growth,...

Community Celebrations: Oxford Academy students and staff share their Thanksgiving traditions before the break

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Oxford students and staff!

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor November 21, 2024

As Thanksgiving break approaches, Oxford is getting ready to celebrate the start of the holidays with family, friends, and food. This season, Patriots display their diverse traditions, exhibiting our community's various cultures and customs.   Senior Administrative Assistant Marisa Ortega, a dedicated...

JUMPING WITH JOY: Sophomore Brandy Nguyen leaps into the air in celebration after girls Varsity volleyball scores a point against Whitney.

Fall sports take on the Whitney Wildcats

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor October 23, 2024

On Oct. 15, 2024, Oxford Academy competed in the annual fall White Out Whitney (WOW) games, where girls Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Frosh volleyball rivaled the Whitney Wildcats. These games followed girls tennis matches against Whitney on Oct. 4 and preceded girls golf against Whitney on Oct. 17. Volleyball...

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: AUHSD students attend the annual College and Career Fair and learn about community and career resource organizations in the Anaheim Convention Center

AUHSD College and Career Fair opens students’ horizons

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor October 21, 2024

Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) hosted its annual College and Career Fair in the Anaheim Convention Center on Oct. 14, 2024. Students and parents from across the district, including junior high schools, had the opportunity to talk with representatives from two-year and four-year colleges,...

Merging entrepreneurship and kindness: Staff members of Kindset, an AUHSD student-run company, assemble for a group portrait

Kindset fuses entrepreneurship, kindness for AUHSD students.

Aarya Halankar, Lifestyle Editor September 26, 2024

Kindset, an Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) student-run company that aims to “spread the message of kindness each and every day through entrepreneurship,” has recently concluded its summer term after hiring fresh faces and developing new products.  Over the summer, Kindset employed...

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”: A Rushed Return

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”: A Rushed Return

Aarya Halankar and Kenzie Laing September 26, 2024

Returning 36 years after its iconic predecessor “Beetlejuice,” the highly anticipated Tim Burton-directed sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” hit theaters on Sept. 6 in a $110 million opening weekend. The horror-comedy stars returning actors Winona Ryder, who reprises her role as Lydia Deetz, Michael...

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Aarya Halankar