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The Gamut

The Gamut

The Gamut

Natalie Akins

Natalie Akins, Staff Writer

Reasons why sophomore staff writer Natalie Akins is looking forward to her second year on staff: First, she enjoys writing about anything from Valentine’s book recommendations to the 45 musicals she’s watched (yes, she’s keeping track). Second… I don’t know, Hamilton wrote the other 51! “Physically incapable of being nonchalant,” Natalie is a walking sparkler with a ukulele, a commonplace book of poetry where she keeps track of her favorite quotes, and an opinion on every Dear Evan Hansen song. With her love for theater; reading and authoring fanfiction on Archive of Our Own (commonly known as AO3); and practically every music artist, from Nirvana to Laufey, one may say Natalie lives in her own artistic world! Deeply passionate about political issues, her life theme song is “Finish the Fight” from the musical “Suffs”— specifically the lyric “Our generation won’t play polite,” as it reminds her of what the Gamut’s advisor and AP Seminar instructor Dr. Hind told her in class: that Gen Z is politically minded, and that the future of the world is in their hands.

 

All content by Natalie Akins

2026 MLB season starts out swinging

Natalie Akins, Staff Writer May 13, 2026

Every spring, a new season of Major League Baseball brings America’s pastime to millions of fans across the country. This is perhaps more true than ever for the 2026 season, which began on March 25; coming off of an exciting postseason and spring training, the league has already delivered on fans’...

THE WORLD'S PASTIME: The 2026 tournament brought players of all nationalities together to celebrate their shared passion for the sport. (Collage by Natalie Akins)

2026 World Baseball Classic showcases international talent and pride

Natalie Akins, Staff Writer April 17, 2026

Every four years, baseball players from around the world come together for the World Baseball Classic (WBC). The 2026 WBC was held from March 5-17, marking the tournament’s 20th anniversary. After a series of breezy victories and stunning upsets in stadiums in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Japan,...

SPROUTING ON THE SHELVES: Whether indoors or outdoors, classic books provide a gateway into the vividness and rebirth that spring embodies.

Burst into spring with cozy classic books

Natalie Akins, Staff Writer March 18, 2026

Spring’s flowers and showers make the atmosphere perfect for reading, whether you’re outside enjoying nature or taking shelter with a warm cup of tea. Classic novels may specifically enhance this season’s comforting atmosphere; with flawed yet lovable and realistic characters, they combine hopeful...

Junior Kate Park facilitates the second summit of the 2025-2026 school year, recording student concerns so RSVP can digest and address issues on campus. (Photo by Mrs. Vosskuhler)

RSVP summits streamline progress and participation

Natalie Akins, Staff Writer February 4, 2026

Oxford’s Raising Student Voice and Participation (RSVP) club sends representatives to every homeroom to host a schoolwide summit three times a year. These summits aim to address student opinions and concerns in order to drive change at Oxford, but the complex process of realizing these goals demands...

SPREADING THE WORD: Seniors Eric Vo and Roi Franco Barros show their protest signs to passing cars on the way to Cypress High School.

SPREADING THE WORD: Seniors Eric Vo and Roi Franco Barros show their protest signs to passing cars on the way to Cypress High School.

PROTESTING: Seniors Diya Luthra and Blen Zekarias-Dammena share their views on ICE in front of the Cypress Community Center.

PROTESTING: Seniors Diya Luthra and Blen Zekarias-Dammena share their views on ICE in front of the Cypress Community Center.

PUBLICIZING OPINIONS: Sophomore Amethyst Fredette displays her sign to passersby on Orange Avenue.

PUBLICIZING OPINIONS: Sophomore Amethyst Fredette displays her sign to passersby on Orange Avenue.

ROADSIDE PROTEST: Senior Colin Nguyen pickets on the corner of Valley View and Ball.

ROADSIDE PROTEST: Senior Colin Nguyen pickets on the corner of Valley View and Ball.

HANDMADE SIGN: Many students made signs from whatever materials they could find. Seventh grader Nayeli Arroyo made hers from a torn-up box.

HANDMADE SIGN: Many students made signs from whatever materials they could find. Seventh grader Nayeli Arroyo made hers from a torn-up box.

THREE SIGNS: Senior Nathan Nguyen carries three signs that share his message with the community's drivers.

THREE SIGNS: Senior Nathan Nguyen carries three signs that share his message with the community's drivers.

AFTERNOON PROTEST: Oxford students demonstrate at the corner of Valley View and Ball, having walked almost two miles from Oxford.

AFTERNOON PROTEST: Oxford students demonstrate at the corner of Valley View and Ball, having walked almost two miles from Oxford.

EXERCISING FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS: Seniors Cecilia Baltazar and Amy Bao protest with signs made from boxes.

EXERCISING FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS: Seniors Cecilia Baltazar and Amy Bao protest with signs made from boxes.

TAKING THE MESSAGE TO THE STREET: Sophomore Amethyst Fredette protests at the corner of Valley View and Ball.

TAKING THE MESSAGE TO THE STREET: Sophomore Amethyst Fredette protests at the corner of Valley View and Ball.

IN SOLIDARITY: Oxford students hold their signs high as they protest at the busy intersection of Valley View and Ball.

IN SOLIDARITY: Oxford students hold their signs high as they protest at the busy intersection of Valley View and Ball.

CHANGED FOR THE BETTER: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande work stage-to-screen magic with this vivid and inspiring story of enduring love.

“Wicked: For Good” soars over the rainbow in a compelling sequel

Natalie Akins, Staff Writer December 12, 2025

On Nov. 21, Wicked: For Good released across the U.S., completing the Broadway-adapted story of revolution and enduring love. Audiences expected a spectacle after the widely adored Part One and the sequel delivered, as stunning performances and visuals earned it over $390 million by December. A worthy...

THE PAPER PINTEREST: A commonplace book allows you to manage everyday chaos, keep track of your interests, and learn more about what makes you the person you are.

Channel your interests into a commonplace book

Natalie Akins, Staff Writer November 21, 2025

In a digital age, enjoyable or useful content easily ends up lost in the plethora of information that crosses crowded desks every day. Students’ busy mindsets and many commitments can make it impossible to keep track of everything they want to remember. However, with a bit of effort and some writing...

THE FLAMES OF WITHERING INJUSTICE: Glossing over Charlie Kirk's many hateful comments encourages biased censorship and endorses his contributions to nationwide oppression.

Lionizing Charlie Kirk shows America isn’t “for the people”

Natalie Akins, Staff Writer October 29, 2025

Conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. Online reactions either mourned Kirk, condemned his legacy, or decried gun violence. The U.S. Senate passed a National Day of Remembrance for Kirk on Sept. 19 and awarded...

GOOD OLD-FASHIONED FUN: Sabrina Carpenter continues taking the world by storm with equal parts bitterness, cheeky pessimism, and brazen self-assurance in the searing "Man's Best Friend." (Collage by Natalie Akins)

“Man’s Best Friend” sizzles in technicolor tears

Natalie Akins, Staff Writer September 24, 2025

On Aug. 29, Sabrina Carpenter released her seventh studio album, Man’s Best Friend. From its lewd images to perceived misogyny, controversy has dogged it from the beginning.  Nevertheless, Carpenter has made light of the criticism much like the album pokes fun at her own lifestyle and the people who...

Steadfast Savants: These four musicians have earned valuable recognition for their dedication to mastering their instruments and giving polished performances.

OC Artist of the Year nominees celebrate their craft

Natalie Akins, Staff Writer May 13, 2025

On March 16, the Orange County (OC) Register announced Oxford seniors Cameron Oates, Xabrina Kroll, and Aditri Harish and junior Nathan Nguyen as four of the 923 nominees for the 12th annual Artist of the Year competition. Funded this year by the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the program presents categories...

Summer Savings: These hobbies let you develop new and interesting skills without overwhelming your bank account!

Cheap hobbies to fill the summer

Natalie Akins, Staff Writer May 3, 2025

With warm weather comes time for students to relax, enjoy themselves, and investigate new and interesting ventures beyond the academic world. However, students rarely have a surplus of money to spend on these hobbies, so they end up needing to put their plans aside. Here are some interesting activities...

The American Nightmare: Trump's interference in the arts endangers creativity, compassion, and freedom at large.

Censorship under Trump threatens expression

Natalie Akins, Staff Writer March 5, 2025

In his return to the Oval Office, U.S. President Donald Trump has implemented major changes to the government, including restrictions on progressive literature and performances. Enforcing his own philosophies through non-political endeavors, Trump’s stifling of artistic expression hinders intellectual...

Bewitchment for Bookworms: Enjoy a Valentine's date with a splendid love story!

Sugar-sweet books for the season of love

Natalie Akins, Staff Writer February 6, 2025

As Valentine’s Day approaches, people often connect with their loved ones through the typical cards and chocolates. However, a captivating book can be an even more magical experience for yourself or a literary friend! Try one of these reads to celebrate love in all its forms.   Perfect on...

FLYING FREE: The musical is a skillful addition to Oz’s century of history.

“Wicked” earns its chance to fly beyond the stage

Natalie Akins, Staff Writer December 12, 2024

After eight years of development, Wicked: Part One, an adaptation of the Broadway hit’s first act, released across the United States on Nov. 22. The first installment of the two-part movie musical stars theatre veterans, pop icons, and television stars alike, paying homage to the powerful call-to-action...

Establishing Justice: The mock trial team rides home after winning the verdict of their second round.

Welcoming OA’s mock trial team

Natalie Akins, Staff Writer November 21, 2024

Oxford Academy’s newly minted mock trial team participated in their first competitions against Tesoro High School on Nov. 7th and Rosary Academy on 14th at the Superior Court of Orange County in Santa Ana. Formed as a branch of the existing OA Law and Politics club, the team was founded by junior...

Creepy and Compelling: These films are more than a cookie-cutter Halloween movie!

Underrated movies for the spooky season

Natalie Akins, Staff Writer October 30, 2024

Every Halloween, dabblers on a Netflix binge and devotees with carefully chosen watchlists alike enjoy classics like Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. While these icons are loved for many reasons, other excellent films go unnoticed behind Jack Skellington and the Sanderson...

SWINGING INTO ACTION: The Yankees and Dodgers face off in the 2024 World Series.

Baseball playoffs hit it out of the park

Mikaela Woo and Natalie Akins October 24, 2024

MLB playoffs kick off in October – arguably the most exciting and interactive part of the 162-game regular season. Just twelve of the thirty teams set the stage for a four-round elimination bracket where fans devotedly follow their favorite teams – picking new favorites as theirs are eliminated. While...

OA Singers let good times roll at Preview Concert

OA Singers let good times roll at Preview Concert

Natalie Akins, Staff Writer September 26, 2024

Oxford Academy’s choir program performed their Fall Preview Concert, “Let the Good Times Roll,” on Sept. 20th and 21st at Kennedy Performing Arts Center, showcasing themes of positivity, determination, and faith.  The show features both unique songs and others that will appear later in the...

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Natalie Akins