The Student Newspaper of Notre Dame High School

The Catalyst
The Student Newspaper of Notre Dame High School

The Catalyst
The Student Newspaper of Notre Dame High School

The Catalyst
Riley Blum

Riley Blum, Opinion Editor

Riley Blum attends NDB and is currently a junior. This is her second year taking Journalism and her second year as Editor of the Opinion section of The Catalyst. Outside of writing, Riley plays and coaches soccer, is part of Mock Trial where she serves on leadership as Witness Lead, and is also the Vice President of the Ambassador Board.

All content by Riley Blum
“Stranger Things” leans into its synth-heavy intro to pull the audience in.

Soundtracks play a pivotal role in film and television

Allison Wright and Riley Blum
May 20, 2025
Behind every grade is a desk like this—messy, focused and full of effort. Perfection isn’t about the result, but the work that leads up to it.

The pursuit of perfection matters more than perfection itself

Riley Blum, Opinion Co-Editor
May 20, 2025
Ethnic Studies should center on inclusion, accuracy and open discussion — guided by empathy and nuance.

Ethnic Studies: The promising concept that needs careful execution

Riley Blum, Opinion Co-Editor
May 20, 2025
Sweet Maple, located in downtown Palo Alto, is next to Verve, a coffee shop, and Onigilly, a Japanese kitchen.

Sweet Maple: A brunch spot you won’t want to miss

Riley Blum, Opinion Co-Editor
March 25, 2025
With test-optional policies on the rise, students shift their focus to essays.

UC’s test-optional shift rewards achievement, not intelligence

Riley Blum, Opinion Co-Editor
March 25, 2025
The official case packet for People v. Darby allows students to tackle a fictional trial.

NDB commences the second year of the Middle School Mock Trial Program

Riley Blum, Opinion-Co Editor
March 25, 2025
The double-edged sword of AI in education

The double-edged sword of AI in education

Riley Blum, Opinion Co-Editor
February 12, 2025
Sophomore Sammy Kakala poses with her team before NDB's annual Dig Pink game. Kakala credits her teammates as her biggest support system that she can turn to for guidance before high-stakes matches.

The mental game: Tackling sports psychology at NDB

Riley Blum and Allison Wright
February 12, 2025
Many girls like to decorate on theme, with pink, red and white colors, often including hearts and balloons for their Galentine’s celebrations.

From hearts to hugs: Honoring friends with Galentines

Riley Blum, Opinion Co-Editor
February 12, 2025
The NDB soccer team huddled together to discuss the game plan.

2024-2025 Soccer season kicks off

Riley Blum, Opinion Co-Editor
December 10, 2024
Sophomore Allison Wright dresses in all white for "Snowy Day" on Dec. 9.

NDB holds annual Winter Spirit Week

Riley Blum, Opinion Co-Editor
December 10, 2024
On each night of Hanukkah, a new candle is lit on the menorah in order to remember the eight nights that the Israelites had oil for their lamps.

The NDB Jewish community honors Hanukkah tradition

Riley Blum, Opinion Co-Editor
December 10, 2024
Students’ absences increase when they feel the stress of upcoming assignments.

[Photo] Western culture is to blame for the immaturity of younger generations

Allison Wright, Arts & Life Co-Editor
December 10, 2024
Tiktok app opened next to various movie posters.

The art of movie-making is often lost on today’s youth

Riley Blum, Opinion Co-Editor
November 21, 2024
The Nassau Hall at Princeton University

Overemphasizing college rankings can have dangerous effects

Riley Blum, Opinion Co-Editor
October 24, 2024
Rebecca Girard, Mallika Srinivasan, Ian Aseltine, Elizabeth Hegarty, and Isabelle Haithcox posing for a picture.

Teachers call NDB home

Riley Blum, Opinion Co-Editor
October 24, 2024
California Governor Gavin Newsom speaking at event.

College legacy admissions are banned in CA for equity

Riley Blum and Allison Wright
October 24, 2024
To remain anonymous, several students refrained from signing their Tigers Vote Project ballet.

[Photo] Self-censorship of political opinions stifles democracy

Allison Wright, Arts and Life Co-Editor
October 24, 2024
Freshmen Jaguars Aurielle Deetz-Rodriguez, Mariella Cusing, Natalie Doan, Cherise Li and Lucine Kozanian show off their fall fashion.

The fall season is here: How the change in weather affects us

Riley Blum, Opinion Co-Editor
September 25, 2024
Freshmen Persia Fotoohi and Magnolia Singh enjoy listening to music as way to connect with friends.

The therapeutic outcomes of music on mental wellness

Riley Blum, Opinion Co-Editor
September 25, 2024
Bella Svanberg is leading the discussion plan for mock trial practice.

Inside NDB’s Mock Trial: Preparing for the Courtroom

Allison Wright and Riley Blum
September 25, 2024
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