2025 Quarter 2

! r e t n i W o t n i l l a F

Cheer, Charge, Conquer!

Photo by C. Reyes

Coronado’s Cheer-leading team and Cisco celebrate their growing school pride at the homecoming assembly on October 10th. “Cheering at the homecoming assembly was such an exciting experience,” Ashlyn Allgood, 9, said. “I felt really proud to represent our school and bring energy to the crowd. Promoting school spirit through cheer is important to me because it helps everyone feel more connected and proud to be part of our school. Seeing so many of my classmates cheering and smiling made it all feel worth it. It was amazing knowing that our team helped make that happen.”

When SNAP Stopped, Las Vegas Stepped Up

by Caleigh Burns Published 12/16/2025

Neighbors throughout our community scrambled and lined up at food pantries across Las Vegas. Earlier this fall, a government shutdown led to the pause of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits across the country. The SNAP program is vital as it provides essential assistance for families facing food insecurity. Sincethis pause was so close to the holiday season, its impact was felt even more deeply, as demand for food is already higher this time of year. Families were forced to make impossible choices between food and other necessities like housing and healthcare. Nonprofit organizations such as Three Square, The Just One Project, and more stepped in to provide meals and relief for residents in need. Still, even with these efforts, fear and uncertainty lingered. As the lines grew longer and more families sought help each day, it became clear that demand was beginning to outpace supply.

As the effects of the SNAP pause rippled through Las Vegas, the community stepped in for one another. Three Square moved quickly, expanding distributions, supplying additional food to community pantries, and coordinating with local, state, and federal partners. The pause came without warning, leaving little time to prepare as more families began turning to food assistance. Behind the scenes, Three Square worked relentlessly. Each day brought new needs, longer lines, and the pressure of knowing that for many families, this wasn’t just excess food, it was essential. Volunteers showed up anyway, packing boxes, loading cars, and offering small moments of kindness to neighbors who were overwhelmed with stress during times of uncertainty.

Donate, donate, donate!//Supporting the community, many food drives across Las Vegas work tirelessly to bring meals to families’ tables this holiday season. However, these efforts have become increasingly strained as the SNAP pause in the fall added new pressure to already overwhelmed organizations. (Photo by Caleigh Burns)

“At the center of it all were the volunteers who packed produce, loaded groceries, and showed compassion to families overwhelmed by uncertainty,” the Three Square team said. “Our community came together in an extraordinary way to ensure no one faced hunger alone.”

While final numbers are still being compiled, the need was immediate. In November alone, Three Square and its partners hosted more than 100 emergency food distributions, serving 97,189 households, and coordinated nearly 5,300 emergency deliveries through a partnership with DoorDash.

These numbers stem from Three Square alone, not to mention the many other food pantries from other organizations like the Just One Project.

uncertainty. SNAP dollars are spent at local grocery stores and markets, supporting small businesses and thus strengthening the local economy.

“The pause showed how financially vulnerable many families are,” the Three Square team added.

“Even before the shutdown, we saw a 16% increase in people turning to food pantries, and the need accelerated afterward. Many of these neighbors seeking help during this time were doing so for the first time.”

What the pause also revealed is how widely SNAP is used and how often it is misunderstood. The program serves working families, children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, offering stability during periods of financial uncertainty. SNAP dollars are spent at local grocery stores and markets, supporting small businesses and thus strengthening the local economy.

As the holiday season rounds the corner, it amplifies that strain. With such pressures as the SNAP pause, the cost of the holiday season, and even now, federal changes will further reduce or eliminate benefits for some households that are already struggling to get by. This seemingly short pause has created long-term financial tensions for families. Now, many face overdue bills, drained savings, and mounting debt, and many will rely on food drives for weeks or months as they recover.

None of us can do everything, but all of us can do something.”‌ The Three Square Team

“The charitable food network can respond quickly, but it cannot replace the stability that SNAP provides,” the Three Square team explained.

What the pause also revealed is how widely SNAP is used and how often it is misunderstood. The program serves working families, children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, offering stability during periods of financial

“When EBT cards run empty, the ripple effects extend well beyond families to store owners, farmers, and entire communities,” the Three Square team said.

SNAP benefits and food drives form crucial foundations for communities by fighting poverty, boosting local economies, improving health, and fostering neighbor-to-neighbor support. The program works as an economic engine, generating around $1.54 in economic activity for every dollar invested. In turn, it’s not just a benefit for one family, it’s a benefit for the whole community.

SNAP benefits and food drives form crucial foundations for communities by fighting poverty, boosting local economies, improving health, and fostering neighbor-to-neighbor support. The program works as an economic engine, generating around $1.54 in economic activity for every dollar invested. In turn, it’s not just a benefit for one family, it’s a benefit for the whole community.

“Throughout the shutdown, we saw how essential it is for the public, private, and charitable sectors to work together,” the Three Square Team said.

“Food drives and the charitable network are powerful, but they’re strongest when paired with federal nutrition programs like SNAP.” The pause highlighted that addressing hunger isn’t the work of one group or organization alone; it requires the collective effort of neighbors, volunteers, nonprofits, and government programs working together.

By directly combating hunger and food insecurity, it ensures everyone gets food and allows students to focus on learning, rather than wondering where their next meal is going to come from. Furthermore, it gives parents the stability to focus on other ways they can support their kids without the worry of necessities like food being in the way.

“Hunger is solvable, and Southern Nevada has proven what’s possible when a community comes together,” the food bank team said. “Three Square will continue showing up for our neighbors, but we need everyone: leaders at every level, businesses using their expertise, and the donors who stepped up during the shutdown.”

SNAP benefits and food drives form crucial foundations for communities by fighting poverty, boosting local economies, improving health, and fostering neighbor-toneighbor support. The program works as an economic engine, generating around $1.54 in economic activity for every dollar invested.

In turn, it’s not just a benefit for one family, it’s a benefit for the whole community.

“Throughout the shutdown, we saw how essential it is for the public, private, and charitable sectors to work together,” the Three Square Team said. “Food drives and the charitable network are powerful, but they’re strongest when paired with federal nutrition programs like SNAP.”

The SNAP pause may have been brief, but its impact was far-reaching; however the community quickly mobilized to meet the growing need. It highlighted both the vulnerability of households and the power of collaboration, from volunteers to nonprofits to deferral programs. With federal changes still under consideration that could reduce or eliminate benefits for some households, the need for consistent support remains critical.

Southern Nevada’s response shows that even in the face of disruption, a community willing to step up and work together can make a real difference.

Our shared commitment is what makes real change possible.”‌ The Three Square Team

College and Your Future: Why It’s OK to Not Know What You’re Doing

by Audrey Hamatake Published 12/16/2025

If you’ve ever been at a family event and started a conversation with your extended family whose names you low-key forgot, you’ve probably been asked The Question: “So… what are you doing after high school?” And if you don’t have a perfectly packaged answer involving a specific major, a specific college, and a 10-year plan as the pretty bow to tie it all together, it’s easy to fall behind and feel stressed out. But, here’s the truth: not having everything figured out right now is totally normal, and honestly more common than you might be thinking.

“I didn’t even pick my major until the end of my freshman year,” said Ella Rodriguez, a current UNLV student and former Coronado graduate.

“Everyone around me acted like they had it all figured out. But when I actually got to college, I realized that was kind of a facade, and many people actually did not.”

High school creates this weird, pressuring environment where adults and teachers make students feel as though they are supposed to know exactly what they want to do career-wise, and have their entire futures mapped out by the time they are 18. However, experts say adolescence is literally the stage where people are supposed to be exploring. Interests change, and goals shift. Sometimes even what you thought was your lifelong dream job morphs into your worst nightmare by senior year—and it’s important to understand that that’s A-OK. “Teenagers become more exploratory in their behaviors with age,” an NYU study from 2022 states.

Anxious and Confused//Stressing out, many high school students are bombarded with daily activities, work, relationships, and the heaviness of trying to sort out college and their futures. Teachers and counselors apply pressure on the so-called importance of having this figured out—but is that really necessary? (Photo by Audrey Hamatake)

It is totally normal for you to keep your options open and not know what to do. Don’t worry about having everything all figured out right away; there is plenty of time ahead.

So, if you don’t know what you’d like to major in, where you want to go to college (if you even want to go!), or where you’re supposed to be in 10 years, take a breath. Try not to view high school as a deadline, but instead a starting point. It doesn’t matter if you change your major four times or discover a new passion or spend lots of time on what you thought you wanted to do, because it’s never too late to start. Your future is yours and yours only to build, and it is absolutely alright if you are still designing the blueprint.

FIFA WC 2025

BY AVA SARMIENTO

Teamwork makes the dreamwork // Cheering loudly fans prepare, for the FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup 2025.

Teams from all over the globe put in effort and made an appearance in this memorable tournament. (Photo by Ava Sarmiento) The FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup 2025 just wrapped up at the beginning of December and it was seriously amazing. The advent of the Fifa World Cup Philippines 2025 shows a very big moment in the evolution of women's football. Some of the world's best futsal players battled it out from November 21st to December 7th. This tournament welcomed futsal talent from across the globe. From the first whistle of the group stages, to the final nerve racking final moments, the competition was very fierce and unpredictable. Teams showcased their mastery with quick passes, dazzling dribbles, and very fast transitions.

The early stages of the tournament set a high standard for the competition. Strong competitors like Italy demonstrated their special tactical discipline securing them victories like the 17-0 win against Panama on Sunday, November 23 .

Likewise, Japan amazed fans with their characteristic agility and speed, ending up with a 4-0 victory. However, the group stage was far from predictable. Viewers saw teams battling hard for every point; matches ended in 2-2 draws which showcased the level playing field and the determination of each team that competed.

As the tournament moved into knockout stages, the pressure continued to increase and bets were beginning to be placed. The quarter finals were crucial to find out who the world's best was. It meant advancing to the semi finals where the dream of a championship or a podium became true reality. Teams who advanced to the semi finals were Argentina playing Portugal, and Spain playing Brazil. These game scores did not end up as close as people expected with Portugal taking the win of 7-1 and Brazil taking the win of 4-1. This left Brazil and Portugal to take each other on in the final. This game had fans on the edge of their seats trying to figure out who was going to win. The finals took place on December 7, 2025. It was not a shock at all that Brazil ended up taking the win of 3-0 against Portugal.

This win shows people a lot about Brazil and there dedication . All their players are very dedicated and know how to work together. They were also the top ranked team in the world and are heavy favorites for a lot of people. The next FIFA futsal WC should take place by 2030 if you are interested in watching it. Overall this WC was definitely a good one to watch with a lot of unexpected wins. This WC helped women’s soccer get a lot of recognition making viewers excited for the next one.

Dancing with the Stars Overview

by Esther Burton Published

Dancing with the Stars is a show where celebrities are picked to dance with professional dancers as partners.

There are three judges, allowing for them to get scores, and whoever is the best wins the Mirrorball Trophy.

Although scores matter, so do votes, which allow for the audience to be able to participate and vote for their favorite dancers to stay in.

Week 1 Dancing with the Stars season 34 premiered on Tuesday, September 16, 2025; 14 celebrities participated, all coming from different backgrounds of talent. This was their debut to show the millions of fans a glimpse of what the rest of the season was going to look like. Starting off strong was Robert Irwin, an Australian conservationist and zookeeper. He was partnered with Witney Carson, a talented, famous choreographer. They danced a jive to the song, “Born to Be Wild” and scored a total of 15 out of 20 points. But they weren’t the only ones on the top of the leaderboard. Tied with 15 points was Whitney Leavitt, from the show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” dancing the tango with Mark Ballas, a talented musician, actor, and dancer, to the song “Golden.” It was an eventful first week, and there was no elimination.

Week 2 Going into week 2, there was a “One-Hit Wonders” theme, allowing for high-energy dances. So many talented dancers proved that they were there to win.

Alix Earle, a famous TikTok star, had an amazing dance, although they were not on the top of the leaderboard.

Alix mentioned, after her dance, she was feeling beat up from working hard, but was excited that she was continuing to improve. Tied at the top at the end were Jen Affleck, Jordan Chiles, Whitney Leavitt, and Robert Irwin with a score of 22/30. The judges, especially Derek Hough, were shocked with the performances this early in the season. Sadly, there was a double-elimination, and Baron Davis, an NBA star, and Cory Feldman, a talented actor and musician, were sent home.

Shockingly, Andy Richter and his partner, Emma Slater, scored the lowest but were saved.

Dancing with the Stars//Awaiting their scores, Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt hope that the judges will give them high points to get on top of the leaderboard. Judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli are in charge of judging each dance, and they are about to share their feedback with the dancers in order for them to get better each week. (Photo courtesy of Creative Commons)

Week 3 Next up was “TikTok Night,” where the dances were filled with emotion and excitement. 2x Olympian, Jordan Chiles, danced to Doechii’s “Anxiety,” expressing how she feels through a powerful tango, proving that her anxiety is not in charge of her. On the other side, Jen Affleck danced a fun cha-cha to the popular “She’s a Bad Mama Jama,” referring to her viral video of her dancing in the hospital after giving birth to her child. Dylan Efron is continually improving, and the judges, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, made sure to let him know he was showing “leading man qualities.” Getting eliminated from the show was Lauren Jauregui, from the girl group “Fifth Harmony,” and her partner, Brandon Armstrong, who was tied at the bottom with Andy Richter. She expressed at the end that she was “pissed” that she had to leave, although she later indicated she was grateful for her partner.

Week 4 The next week was magical as the theme was “Disney Night,” and each competitor chose a song from their favorite Disney movies. The overall favorite was Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas dancing a foxtrot to “The Room Where it Happens,” from the award-winning movie, Hamilton. They scored a whopping 25 out of 30 points, and it was very well deserved. Andy Richter and Emma Slater are scoring significantly lower than the rest of the teams, but Andy Richter was getting voted, by many.

They danced a Viennese waltz to a song from Ratoutoullie, getting the crowd on their feet. Host Alfonso Ribeiro announced during the episode that the voting record had been broken and was currently at 40 million votes. Many of these votes were for Andy, saving him from getting eliminated this round. Hilaria Baldwin was eliminated after dancing to Star Wars: “Cantina Band.”

Week 5 During this emotional “Dedication Night,” each celebrity danced as a dedication to someone important in their lives. Robert Irwin danced a beautiful contemporary as a tribute to his father, who passed away when Robert was a child. He scored a 35 out of 40 to “You’ll Be in My Heart,” by Phil Collins. Dylan Efron earned the highest score of the night with a perfect 40 out of 40, which is a major feat. Surprisingly, there was no elimination for this week, which came as a great surprise to all the competitors.

Week 6 This week was themed, “Wicked Night,” and Scott Hoying from Pentatonix expressed how excited he was since this was his favorite movie. Sadly, he scored 28 out of 40 points, though it was still a very fun and exciting dance.

Whitney Leavitt and Jordan Chiles were tied at the top with 39 out of 40. Elaine Hendrix was a wicked witch and did a cool stunt with her high in the air. Andy Richter and Emma Slater were still at the bottom, but again were saved. Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold were eliminated, but Hoying said it was “a great way to go.”

Week 7 When October 30th came Dancing With the Stars introduced “Halloween Night.” Alix Earle had an outstanding performance, placing her at the top with a score of 43/45. There was a “monster-thon” which allowed for teams to earn extra points and avoid getting eliminated. Whitney and Mark placed first, and Andy and

Emma were last. Elaine Hendrix suffered from a rib injury, so the judges based their scores on her most recent rehearsal. Luckily, they did not get eliminated although their score was not super high. Jen Affleck and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour dancer, Jan Ravnik, were eliminated after she danced to “Look What You Made Me Do.” Week 8 “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night” was this week’s theme, and there was a special guest judge, Flavor Flav. Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas finished the night at the top with a total of 79 points. Guest judge Flavor Flav tweeted after the show that he meant to give a 10 instead of a 9 for Alix Earle’s dance, which enraged some viewers. There were two teams that participated in a second group dance, and Alfonso Ribeiro’s “Team Kool” won with their fun dance to “Celebration.” “Boy Meets World” star Danielle Fishel was eliminated this week, and Andy Richter survived yet another week.

Week 9 This week was a celebration of Dancing With the Stars’ 20th anniversary. Alix Earle, Dylan Efron, Whitney Leavitt, and Robert Irwin scored perfect 40’s out of 40. Andy Richter and Emma Slater scored 29 out of 40, placing them at the bottom of the leaderboard yet again. Ultimately, Richter was voted out, and he expressed his gratitude to all of the fans who kept him on the show and to his partner.

Week 10 This week was themed “Prince Night,” and it served as the semifinals commemorating the amazing singer.

Robert Irwin and Whitney Carson scored the highest score of 59 out of 60 with a jive to “Baby I’m a Star.”

Alix Earle had an amazing performance in her second dance to “Purple Rain,” which was a Viennese Waltz. At the bottom were Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, who scored 27 points for both routines. Shockingly, Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas got eliminated after their amazing performances this entire season. This was crazy considering how often she came out on top.

Mark Ballas, who won two seasons ago, said he had a “gut feeling” that they were going to get eliminated after Derek Hough called their first dance “literal perfection.” After their departure, there were only 5 competitors and their partners advancing to the finale.

Week 11 In week 11, everybody was allowed to choose their own style of dance. There was another dance in this finale where they had to randomly choose a song as well as the type of dance. It was called an “instant dance challenge,” which Robert Irwin won. Jordan Chiles and her partner Ezra Sosa danced a powerful paso doble to Rihanna’s “Breakin’ Dishes.” About to win the Len Goodman Mirrorball trophy, Robert Irwin was against Alix Earle. It all came down to the viewers' votes as both competitors had impeccable scores. The outcome was announced after a long, dramatic pause, revealing that Robert Irwin and Witney Carson had won and Alix Earle and her partner had placed second.

Overall, it was an exciting season, with many twists and so many joyful moments between the fans, the celebrities, and their partners and families.

Overconsumption: The Environmental Cost of Social Media

by Caleigh Burns Published 12/16

Today, we live in a world where social media is everywhere, and influencers puppeteer their audience to maximize their popularity and profit. They idealize the products they are paid to promote and normalize spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars shopping. All of these things are not normal, and having the same water bottle or item of clothing in 3 different colors shouldn’t be deemed okay. They can only be used so much before they are often shipped out to third-world countries, stacking up–pile after pile–on a large landfill.

So, where does it start? Well, when influencers start gaining viewers, brands tend to send their products to influencers so they can promote their items. However, there are millions of brands around the world that want their products to be seen.

Additionally, according to Stack Influence, around 86% of U.S. marketers plan to partner with influencers in 2025, highlighting how mainstream this strategy has become. We see that especially big influencers tend to get promotion after promotion, leading their followers to “join the club” and grab their newest product advertised.

Additionally, these brand ambassadors go shopping frequently, as it creates more content for them. With this, they do clothing hauls, and the video always seems to start with 10 different bags sprawled across their arms, overflowing with different items. As these videos are made so frequently, it gives the impression to their audience that it’s okay to buy that many things, even in one go. It influences their audience to buy mass amounts of clothes, shoes, accessories and more as well, in turn, leading to overconsumption.

“When I see these videos, it makes me want to go shopping and get the item too,” junior Sophie Bendlin explains. “I get FOMO (fear of missing out) when I see influencers have cool things that I don’t have.”

Part of the reason this cycle works so well is because influencers feel relatable. When viewers watch someone around their age or someone they look up to doing hauls, “unboxings,” or wearing the same trending items, it creates a sense of belonging and pressure to keep up. Algorithms also amplify these videos, meaning people see them over and over again until buying feels normal, even expected.

“When I see influencers buy things like clothing items that I think are cute, it makes me want to buy them too,” sophomore Anni Mollinedo said. “Also, when I see things like skincare on my feed and see a variety of influencers say that it’s good and it works, it makes me want to buy it because, according to them, it works.”

Hauls after hauls//Normalizing the action of buying mass amounts of items affects audiences, prompting them to do the same. As time goes on, it only adds more to the landfills, harming our environment further. (Photo by Caleigh Burns) What many people don’t see is what happens behind the scenes. Fast fashion factories often rely on underpaid labor, and producing endless clothing requires massive amounts of water, chemicals, and energy. When trends change every two weeks, those barely-worn items contribute to the millions of tons of textile waste the U.S. sends overseas each year.

“I used to shop fast fashion more often, but ever since I found out what goes into it, I’ve stopped,” junior Ava Carter shared.

What many people don’t see is what happens behind the scenes. Fast fashion factories often rely on underpaid labor, and producing endless clothing requires massive amounts of water, chemicals, and energy. When trends change every two weeks, those barely-worn items contribute to the millions of tons of textile waste the U.S. sends overseas each year.

At the end of the day, influencer culture has made overconsumption feel effortless, even glamorous.

But every trending water bottle, haul, or “must-have” item has a cost far beyond the price tag. Eventually, these things end up in landfills, not in our everyday lives. So the question becomes: do we keep buying into the cycle, or do we start choosing what truly matters?

Serving Others During the Holidays: Eight Ways You Can Help

by Jenai Atherall

Published: 12/15/2025 As we enter the holiday season, a season full of the culture of gift-giving and receiving, why not give the gift of service this year? The holiday season can be filled with excitement for some, but for others, it can be something they dread every single year. Whether it is due to the grief of a loved one or financial challenges, the holiday season can also be the least merry season of the year for some people. However, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to help those struggling this year, whether that is what you can give to the time you spend, every act of kindness matters, and now is one of the best times to reach out.

Not everyone will serve in the same way. In fact, everyone has different gifts and strengths. One of the greatest things you can do with those gifts and strengths is to love and care for others. The truth is, whatever your strength might be, whether that be cooking, being encouraging, etc., people need what you have, and you need what others have. This is a wonderful time to learn what those gifts are and take the first steps to use them to help others, no matter where they stand during this time of the year.

1. Donate something Donating during the holidays is one of the best ways you can give. If you are too busy or unable to spend time face-to-face with the people you want to help, you can always find ways to donate to causes that will. Your donations to fundraisers and organizations

Tis’ the season to give // Receiving gifts during the holiday season might be something many look forward to, but it is far more important and rewarding to give to others. That being said, there is great news: there are a variety of ways you can help someone—or better yet, multiple people, to have a merrier holiday this year. (Photo by Jenai Atherall)

in general help them have enough money to do big service projects that reach out to people in need.

Additionally, donating any gently used books, toys, clothes, etc., to organizations like the Salvation Army can be a blessing to someone who needs them more.

2. Volunteer at Soup Kitchens, Homeless Shelters, etc.

On the flip side, if financially donating is not the most viable option, you can also use your time as a way to serve other people. If during this month, or even during winter break, you find yourself having a lot of free time, it would be a great idea to put that time to good use by volunteering at places like soup kitchens or homeless

shelters, where you can help feed people who can’t afford food for themselves. You might even find other ways to help people by learning their story and giving them a friendly smile to interact with. People just like you are currently having to figure out where to sleep and where they are going to get their next meal. It is incredibly important to not just recognize that there are people out there struggling, but to put that recognition into action and do something about it.

3. Make Care Packages for the Military Beyond our borders, or even within them, there are so many people in the military who have to spend time away from their families and friends.

So many have little to no interaction with the people they love while they are fighting to serve our country. One of the greatest things that you can do to brighten what otherwise might be a very lonely holiday is by making care packages and connecting with organizations such as USO and Soldiers’ Angels. With these organizations, you can find ways to serve military personnel and their families this holiday season.

4. Write Holiday Cards for the Elderly If you are great at encouraging others, this next way to serve might just be for you. There are nursing homes all over the world with elderly people who need words of encouragement.

Though you’ve never met these people, it doesn’t take away the ability to write some kind words that speak life and joy over them. Your words could be the very thing that helps them get through to the next day, or just be a form of comfort in their lives, no matter what it is that they are going through. Organizations like Love for Our Elders offer this form of service yearround, but make things even more exciting during Christmas time by doing events like 12Days of Love Letters. This program is full of prompts you can do to get the elderly in and outside of our local community into the holiday mood.

5. Support local businesses

Whether it is a bakery, family-owned shop, or even a stand you see at your local farmers market, there are countless businesses out there that are trying to make a living in a way that is wholesome and usually with a mission in mind, while having to compete with major corporations.

This season, show your support to these small businesses by tipping a little extra or choosing to buy gifts for your family and friends from them if you are able to. Oftentimes, the owners pour everything they have into these businesses to give back to their community. It wouldn’t hurt this holiday season to give to them as a token of your appreciation.

6. Deliver Gift Baskets to First Responders There is nothing quite like putting a smile on someone’s face with a gift. Due to the importance of their job, first responders tend to have to work or be on-call on the holidays rather than being home with their family. Like military personnel, this can leave many feeling lonely and even unappreciated. To show that you see them and appreciate the contributions of police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and their dedication to society, make a gift basket for them this holiday season. All you have to do is go to the store and get a basket or two, then fill it with either storebought or homemade holiday treats with some tissue paper and maybe even a bow to top it off.

These little things make a huge difference.

7. “Adopt a Family” to help someone in need Another great way to give this holiday season is to help a family in need. There are so many families who are genuinely struggling to find work, put food on the table, and have basic necessities in their household, let alone gifts and luxuries. To help someone out this season, you can participate in organizations such as Project 150 and Doing Good Together to help either a child or a family in need. Some of these organizations focus on teens, while others focus on infants and young children.

Whoever you feel the desire to give to this season, you can help someone’s holiday become a little brighter by building stockings and buying gifts for

them. These items can help them live comfortably during the holiday season and even into the new year, depending on what you decide to buy for them. Whether you decide to donate gently used items, make Christmas wish lists happen, or even decide to just reach out to these people personally by helping them find work or offering emotional support, your efforts can make a difference in a season that otherwise would be very empty.

8. Participate in a fun event to make a kid smile There are a variety of events that are happening all over the city as the holidays quickly approach.

Everything from tree-lighting ceremonies to church events and festivals where kids can meet the old man we all know and love—Santa Claus.

With everything going on all around the city, it is impossible not to find somewhere where an extra hand isn’t needed. By choosing to volunteer at one of these events, whether you are working the hot chocolate booth, dressing up as an elf, or running the game booth, you can make the kids, and really anybody who is going, have an unforgettable experience. Your attitude and enthusiasm are the things that could help these people have a joyful memory that they will attach to the holiday season and carry into the new year and holiday seasons to come. Not only that, but your help can be what alleviates the stress that people who are organizing the event might be going through. By putting in your help, everyone’s load gets lighter, thus making the experience as a whole a lot less heavy, and a lot more merry for everyone who is a part of it.

Ultimately, there are a variety of ways you can serve people as this holiday season rolls around.

Whether you are baking cookies for a neighbor or reaching out to a homeless shelter, your love can be spread in many different, beautiful ways.

By taking that first step and figuring out how you can serve and how your strengths can help to strengthen others, you will find joy in the process of spreading the holiday cheer. When it comes to giving and serving others, the more people who do it, truly does mean the merrier.

However you decide to help, recognize that a humble heart and a merry attitude are all you really need to add a little holiday cheer to everyone around you.

It is estimated that the average American spends up to 3. Budget your money $1000 during the holiday season. From presents to food, During this season, there are numerous opportunities to and even decorations, these prices can skyrocket due to spend money on things like gifts, vacations, and meals. a variety of expenses that come from the holiday However, paying for these things can be difficult while season. While these things make the season more already balancing bills and daily expenses. This is why enjoyable, it isn’t realistic for many families. Although staying organized by keeping track of all the things you this time can be costly, it doesn’t have to be. There are are spending on and budgeting your money during this still a plethora of ways to time can ensure you don’t save and get the most out overspend while still ensuring that of these months. By taking you get everything you need action regarding finances, for a merry holiday season.

12/12/25 your wallet shouldn’t take Calculating budgets as small as too hard of a hit this holiday your weekly groceries may seem season. like an insignificant task, but if

Six Tips to Save Money During the Holidays

by Stella Lin

1. Wrap presents with paper bags Reusing old paper bags to wrap presents is a great way to save money on expensive wrapping paper.

Not only can you save a few trees, but you can also personalize the wrapping paper to whomever you give it to. For example, you could draw things that remind you of them, decorate with stickers, and write personalized notes to make the gift extra special. By making these gifts personal, you will undoubtedly save some money while also having a holiday that is that much sweeter.

not done properly over time, you could be spending hundreds of extra dollars that could be put towards other things. So whether you budget on a spreadsheet, an envelope system, or with one of the many resources online, it can make the holidays a little easier.

4. Buy during sales There are many sales during the fall and winter months in order for companies to get rid of their old stock and prepare for the new year. If saving money is a priority for you then taking advantage of big sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be a great way to do so. Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving and many stores have sales of around 25 Spend to Save // Spending money fast is easy with the to 50 percent off. If shopping 2. Homemade gifts holidays right around the corner. Gifts, decorations, in person isn’t your thing, meals, and celebrations all cost a lot of money, so here It doesn’t have to be the then Cyber Monday may be for are six ways you can save during these festivities. (Photo newest or trendiest

by Stella Lin) you because stores will present to still be continue sales after Black Friday meaningful to online exclusively, so you can holiday shop from the the person you're gifting it to. Making a DIY gift can save comfort of your home. money if you spend it wisely and use things you already have at home. Plus, it may give you peace of mind knowing nobody else will have that gift. Some simple DIY gifts can be ornaments, friendship bracelets, bathbombs, and scrapbooks. With a little bit of thought and time, you can create many homemade worthwhile gifts while also saving money.

5. Look for free activities It may seem like many winter activities cost money, and while that may be true, there are many things you can do that are free as well. Some activities include, looking at neighborhood lights, family game nights, holiday parades, or even local Christmas markets.

Some neighborhoods, malls, and even local shopping centers host holiday ceremonies and tree-lightings with free food that can get you in the holiday spirit without paying a dime. These activities are great ways to spend quality time with loved ones and get together during the holidays without extra expenses.

6. Host a potluck If going to an expensive restaurant is out of your budget this year but you still want to gather around a table with your friends and family to celebrate, then hosting a potluck is a very budget-friendly option. All you need to do is prepare the table, one dish, and have all of the guests bring a dish as well. Once everyone has arrived, there is plenty of food to go around, it is not only cheaper for you, but also for everyone else. Many people like to have dinners during certain sports events, so you can all gather around and watch together.

Additionally, you could include some fun board games to bond with the people you love, even if it gets a little competitive.

While the holiday seems like a season to spend, it is more so a season meant to savor the little things and the special moments with the people you love. There are so many things and ways to have a good time that cost little to no money and can make every day feel even more meaningful with your loved ones. When the focus becomes less of a competition on who loves people the most based on how much they can spend, and more so how much they can truly spend time with one another and serve one another—the holiday becomes that more beautiful. Although this time is stressful for many people to save money, rest assured, you and your wallet can be more comfortable using these six tips.

Quebec: A Winter Wonderland that’s Worth the Trip

by Milana Garza Published 12/11/25 Quaint and Quintessential// Quebec is the perfect mix of winter and fun with activity, perfect for every member of the family. Any time spent here is time well spent! (Photo by Milana Garza) With the long-awaited break coming up, families all over the world are trying to pick which place to spend their time. Among countless options, one destination spot has captured attention like no other: Quebec, Canada. Its combination of European charm and North American touches makes it the perfect place to spend your winter vacation! Quebec had recently become a major topic of conversation within travel blogs, social media feeds, and holiday planning conversations.

The city’s cobblestone streets, festive outdoor Christmas markets, cozy cafes, and snow-covered rooftops make it feel straight out of a Hallmark movie. Many fans of this snowy destination say that the city offers experiences that warm destinations just can't. From the widely known Christmas markets, to the breathtaking views of Château Frontenac. Quebec provides tourists with cultural richness and festive spirit that will make your holiday trip unforgettable.

Many may feel as though the cold weather limits the activities that can be done, and makes travel more difficult. However, it is in fact the opposite, as so many activities centered around snow are available like ice skating, sledding, and snowball fights. After all, it is the winter season that makes the city so special. The snow transforms old Quebec into a picturesque wonderland with twinkling lights, horse-drawn carriages, and cozy cafes that offer endless amounts of hot chocolate.

“Quebec is magical in the winter. The atmosphere is unlike anywhere else,” junior Ella Moreau said. “Walking through Old Quebec during the holidays feels like stepping into a storybook.”

Whether it is skating on the frozen lake, exploring the hidden waterfalls, or simply enjoying the simplicity of Quebec's hospitality, the city continues to leave a lasting impression on its visitors.

While opinions may differ, one thing remains true: Quebec offers an experience filled with joy, holiday magic, and beauty. If you haven’t already, consider making Quebec the place you spend your time this season!

The Battle Between Platforms: Tiktok vs.

Instagram Reels

by Milana Garza Published 12/11/2025

TikTokers, avid creators and scrollers, from all over the world have become invested in the latest social media controversy, eager to see which platform would win this heated argument: TikTok vs. Instagram. This debate has been happening for months with influencers, brands, and everyday users wanting to put in their voice on what app truly is the best. When Instagram announced new updates and features to rival Tiktok’s short form video content, the internet erupted in opinion.

Millions of users began comparing the two, analyzing every update, and forming their thoughts. However, controversial takes flooded every platform, some praising TikTok’s creativity, while others argue Instagram should still remain at the top.

“I think TikTok is way better. It feels more real, and people don’t try so hard to be perfect,” junior Aditi Davengre said. “Instagram is just fake. Everyone edits their photos, and it feels like a competition instead of fun.”

One take from the “anti-Instagram” side of the internet is that the app has lost its original charm.

Once loved for its simplistic ability to share photos with friends, Instagram now feels filled with ads, things being sold, and more algorithm-driven content. Users claim that TikTok’s “For You Page” offers a more personal experience, where even the most ordinary persona can go viral overnight.

The randomness and humor of TikTok’s content seems to connect more with younger audiences who feel Instagram has become too curated and predictable.

On the other hand, Instagram fans argue that TikTok lacks the sophistication and community that Instagram has been able to build over the years.

Growing Controversy // Garnering attention, the relatively recent release of “Instagram Reels” has sparked some debate on if TikTok or Instagram takes the top spot. Opposing views have begun to take over the internet as people try to decide which one is better. (Photo by Milana Garza)

“TikTok is fun, but it’s chaotic. Instagram is where I connect with friends and share real memories,” junior Ashlyn Berger said. “I don’t want every app to just be about random videos. Instagram still feels more personal.”

Some people feel as though TikTok represents a newer, more authentic version of social media, while Instagram reflects a curated and unrealistic standard for people's lives. TikTok thrives on trends, challenges, and relatability, and Instagram perpetuates an aesthetic lifestyle centered around brand-building. The divide does seem to mirror a generational split as younger generations tend to enjoy TikTok’s realness, while older generations appreciate Instagram’s polished feeds. Instagram may seem like it’s on top but TikTok’s growing popularity may take the charts.

All You Need Is Love & Beatles Anthology: Part Four

by Ashley Nassiri Published 12/11/2025

The most popular bugs from the 1960s are the Beatles, who have sold over 500 million albums throughout the world. Known for their hit albums, Abbey Road, Yellow Submarine and a discography so influential that it impacts modern music today, the Beatles have cemented their place in rock 'n' roll history.

Despite the band breaking up in 1970, which happened due to a variety of factors, their name and music lives on.

A unique remembrance of the Beatles is their Anthology series, which takes place over the course of four parts, a multimedia project that let the band tell their story, their way, through albums and a documentary.

The original Anthology album featured never-seen-before outtakes, demo recordings of previously released songs and live recordings from the period of the Beatles career from their humble origins. Namely, from when they were the Quarrymen in Liverpool to when they reached stardom in America in the early 60s as the Beatles. The first out of four total parts was released in 1995 and covered the years from 1958 to 1964.

“We All Live in A Yellow Submarine” // Bringing in a large variety of media, the Beatles were one of the most influential bands of their time, paving the way for one of the most dedicated fanbases on Earth.

Today, their music plays on through their fourth Anthology. (Photos courtesy of Creative Commons).

Since then, all four parts have been released, featuring similar content from different years.

The most recent one, the fourth anthology, or formally called, Anthology 4, recently released on November 21st, 2025 as the final part. However, the album received much criticism due to fans’ disappointment at the lack of new content. The album was a remastering of the original anthology for its 30th anniversary, and it's a mix of the three other parts.

However, there are a few new things. For instance, the Beatles song, “Now And Then.” This song is incredibly special to fans because it took 45 years to complete, from John Lennon creating the initial demo in 1975 and the ensuing challenge of making sure his voice quality in the demos would be enough for a song in modern standards, posthumously.

To do this, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and the rest of the music team utilized artificial intelligence to clear his voice to ensure the recording would have clear vocals.

Later, McCartney overlaid his voice over the tracks, so it would sound like him and Lennon singing together. The recording features George Harrison’s guitar, which was recorded shortly before his death, as well as Ringo Starr assisting with the rest of the song alongside Paul. This song was released and dubbed as the “last Beatles’ song.”

Their legacy is so prominent that they won a grammy, in Best Rock Performance in 2023 when Paul McCartney and Ringo performed it together live. It was the first Grammy win for the Beatles in 23 years.

The original Anthology featured an 8 episode documentary focusing on the Beatles life from when they became hits overnight in America after millions watched them live on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964, all the way up to their breakup. The fourth Anthology added an additional episode to the original series and is now streaming on Disney+. The new 9th episode features even more unseen footage of the band on studio recordings and the band reuniting after John’s death to make the project even possible. The episode was released on November 26th, 2025.

Though the Beatles no longer remain as a band, their legacy and music remains adored by fans all over the world. On Spotify alone, the band despite their split in April 1970, still has over 30 million listeners monthly. Additionally, Paul McCartney in the North American leg of his Got Back tour, and Ringo with his All Star Band, still continue to perform for fans. The fourth part of the Beatles Anthology is just one way for Abbey Road to be crossed all the way to strawberry fields forever.

Beatlemania, Bugs & Band // During their peak, the Beatles made some of the most famous songs in all of history, and also made the ladies faint.

Their Anthology series is their way to explain how they navigated fame, relationships and the band, the way the Fab Four want.

Importance of Good Hygiene: Is Adequate Education Provided in Schools?

by Audrey Hamatake Published 12/11/2025

Good hygiene is one of those topics everyone knows is important, but not everyone is properly educated on how to maintain it. For teenagers who juggle school, activities, relationships, sports, and more, having solid hygiene habits can make all the difference. It truly has the power to affect your confidence and relationships, your health and your comfort. It can even affect how teenagers in specific perform socially and academically. But even though hygiene is such a huge deal that everyone should be informed about, many high school students feel as though they never fully learned the essentials from school alone, many agreeing they learned more from social media.

“I honestly wish Coronado offered an actual class focused on educating students about hygiene and taking care of themselves,” junior Ava Carter explained. “People act like we’re just supposed to come with a predisposed knowledge about it, but no one really teaches you how to take care of your body when you’re actually changing and growing.”

While most schools do touch on hygienic habits at some point in health classes, it’s usually glossed over, not getting the attention it deserves and requires. To make matters worse, it’s typically squeezed between bigger topics like nutrition and mental health. Hygiene winds up as a slide or two in a slideshow, or five minutes of a video, but never anything more. This often doesn’t allow for students to have the chance to actually learn, ask questions, or understand why it really matters.

Another important thing to mention is not every student has the same access to hygiene resources; many are left to their own devices to get information. Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, swirling with disinformation, often become resources.

Scrub-a-dub-dub!//Understanding the importance of practicing good hygiene is vital, especially for teenagers.

But is information about the topic taught thoroughly enough in schools? (Photo by Audrey Hamatake)

“Good hygiene isn’t just about deodorant, but it’s also about hand washing to prevent the spread of sicknesses, properly washing your body, and being confident that you’re taking good care of your body,” junior Kendall Festa said. “If schools want us to grow up healthy and confident, they need to actually teach us how to do it. We shouldn’t have to learn hygiene from TikTok or figure it out alone. Give us real information, and we’ll use it.”

While hygiene education is indeed present in high school classrooms, it is not always presented with the meaningfulness it calls for. Teenagers deserve clear, straightforward information about taking care of themselves without any awkwardness, judgement, or assumptions. When schools take hygiene seriously and teach it in a manner that actually supports students, it helps foster healthier, more confident adolescents who understand their bodies and how to care for them.

Are Food Delivery Services Really a Good Idea?

by McKenzie Smoot Published 12/11/25

The perfect night in has just begun. You pull up a cozy movie, gather your snacks, and open Uber Eats to deliver dinner to your home. After purchasing your food, you wait 45 minutes and hear a ring at your doorbell.

You bring the food inside only to realize half of your cheeseburger is missing and the delivery driver didn’t even drop off the milkshake you purchased.

These errors ignite the question as to whether delivery services are a good idea, or if they really do have too many negative effects. Food delivery services can be perceived poorly due to high costs for customers and restaurants as well as poor food quality resulting from mishandling.

“Sometimes, when I go to purchase an order off of Uber Eats or Doordash I would rather just go to the store in person because purchasing for delivery is so expensive,” sophomore Neyli Abeyakoon said.

This further illustrates the negatives of delivery services, with the major one being that they are straight up more expensive than they should be. Delivery services can be significantly more overpriced than purchasing in person, with markups of up to 30% or even higher on food and groceries to offset high commission fees for restaurants and other costs for services. Even if you’re simply purchasing a chicken sandwich from Chick-Fil-A, the cost of extra fees can easily put the order over $15. Seriously, $15 for one little chicken sandwich is not worth it.

“One time when I ordered fries and a McFlurry from McDonald’s; the delivery driver just dropped off the fries and kept the McFlurry,” sophomore Grace Sexton said.

The disappointment is very high when you wait for your food to arrive, just to see you didn’t even get the full meal, and this isn’t a rare occurrence. It is common for delivery services to get orders wrong, with one survey finding that nine out of 10 customers have had a food or grocery order go wrong. Not only is it disheartening to realize that your full order wasn’t delivered, but it is even worse when your delivery driver has clearly messed with the food. Just imagine, you paid for an overpriced meal and it was delivered with a bite taken out of it.

Convenient or Careless? // Driving to deliver, delivery drivers sometimes don’t quite care about the quality of their services. This poses the question: are food delivery services really worth the drawbacks? (Photo by McKenzie Smoot) Although it is not as common as simply not getting an item of your order delivered, it still occurs daily with delivery services.

“I would prefer to just go in the store and order myself food, rather than ordering off delivery services because the experience of being in a restaurant or shop is better than just eating at home,” sophomore Raelene Hendron said.

Hendron further proves how food delivery services are not worth it to most people and aren’t a great idea.

With high prices and without good service guaranteed, there aren’t many perks that allow delivery services to be seen as great. Although some people debate that food delivery services are worth it because they are convenient and help in avoiding the effort of cooking, there are too many cons that outweigh the very minimal pros.

Moreover, delivery services significantly impact restaurants negatively through high commission fees that crush profit margins, loss of customer control as drivers become the face of the brand, difficulty maintaining food quality and consistency, and increased operational strain. Thus, before you ponder ordering from a delivery service for a little convenience, think about these negatives and if they are really worth the risks.

Rising from the Ashes: Avatar 3: Fire & Ash

by Mila Ekstrom 12/11/25 Avatar is back again igniting passion for whimsy, sci-fi, fantasy, and action as they release their newest movie, Avatar: Fire And Ash. This is the third movie in the saga, with the original one coming out in 2009, and the second movie, Avatar: The Way of Water, coming out in 2022. Avatar: Fire And Ash will be available to watch in movie theaters on December 19, 2025, just in time for the holidays.

Avatar has gotten so much publicity as the first movie was a smashing success with $2.9 billion revenue, making it the highestgrossing film of all time. Viewers patiently waited thirteen years for the second movie due to technological advancements in the film industry to make this movie as realistic as the director, James Cameron, wanted it to be. Luckily, for Avatards (Avatar’s fan base nickname), it’s only been three years since the last movie. So the third movie has a lot of speculation because of the ending of the second movie.

With the second movie sad ending with the loss of the son, it leaves fans wondering: what direction is the third movie heading into? So far, the Avatars have been on land (Earth), in the sky (Wind), the ocean (Water), and now they are using Fire. With the third movie, it will bring the scorching heat as they go elbow deep in ash, smoke, and fire.

Through Lava and Fire // Soaring, the Sullivan family is on a new adventure. First was the land and sky, then the sea, and now they are going to have the hottest time deep in the ash. (Photo by Mila Ekstrom)

The third “Avatar” movie has come out with a trailer, and everyone is trying to decipher what they might think will happen in the movie. In the trailer, the Sullivans (the main Avatars) are dealing with another Avatar tribe that is all the way deep in the hot rocks and ash. The trailer also showed fighting, which is on par with the rest of the films, and hones in on the rage and anger from the loss in the previous movie, and maybe that’s why the theme for this movie is fire. Perhaps James Cameron just loves the color red or perhaps it has a deeper meaning?

People are antsy for the new movie, and while most sagas go down in quality after the first film, the Avatar franchise has kept the momentum, and makes people more entertained each time.

Be sure to go to select movie theaters on December 19, 2025, with your popcorn and soda, and enjoy the ride that is Avatar.

Benoit Blanc is Back Again in Knives Out 3: Wake Up, Dead Man

by Mila Ekstrom 12/11/25

Death is knocking on Benoit Blanc’s door as he faces a mystery quite daunting. Knives Out is a franchise which first came out in 2019, with its sequel Glass Onion: a Knives Out Mystery, coming out in 2022. Now, back again, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery was released to select movie theaters on November 26, 2025.

The Knives Out series is about a detective, Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, who goes around the world to solve people’s "mysterious" deaths. First, he figured out who inherited the dying man’s fortune in the first movie, and he went to a Murder Mystery Party with an actual killer in the second film.

Now, in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, he is in Upstate New York, specifically in the imaginary borough: Chimney Rock. He solves the mystery with big questions: What happened in the Holy Church? What happened to the Church Leader? Was it an accident or a master plan to make it look like an accident?

That is the key to this franchise- the characters staging a death as if it were an accident. Benoit Blanc’s adventures are one big murder mystery party. These movies entice you and have every plot point that a mystery movie has: the obvious suspect, the climax, the shocking revelation, the weapon (firearm or poison), and the big dramatic reveal answering, ‘Who dunnit?’

Out for Blood // Solving a new murder is Benoit Blanc as he goes head-to-head with a killer. There will be death, and a new mystery to solve, but will he solve it in time? (Photo by Mila Ekstrom)

While this movie is similar to the others in the saga, this particular film takes a different approach. This movie focuses more on religion, faith, and people’s belief in humanity, which makes it the main theme behind this tragedy, while the other movies focused on superficial billionaires.

Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man is in select theaters now, and for all the Netflix streaming lovers, the movie will be coming to your homescreen on December 12, 2025. Get ready with some popcorn and soda for the big question mark as Benoit Blanc goes on his quest to figure out who did it? And will he wake up the dead man?

Pickleball Popularity

by Megan Meusy 12/11/25 Pickleball has started to grow in recent years, but how did all these people join the court? There have been so many different ways for people to get involved in this sport.

Everyone who joins it wants to learn for different reasons, but nevertheless it brings people together. They have all had different reasons to get into this sport, whether it be the social aspect, that it’s easier to learn, or that they just want to get out of the house. This has led to people question how it became popular so fast.

Pickleball Party//Growing into the public, pickleball

The first time it became popular was during COVID. This is has stolen the hearts of many people wanting to because we were all stuck in our homes and barely got any physical activity. During this period Tik Tok was a major hit. become more active and social. Pickleball has been One day, an influencer (Shea Underwood) came on and one of the most played sports and has been taking posted a video of himself playing pickleball, and slowly over the courts. (Photo by Megan Meusy) everyone started gaining interest in it. It started blowing up on every social media platform, and everyone of different ages While the word started getting out, many people were started to play.

“During COVID, me and my family were together so much and stuck in the house together,” junior Payton Colbrook said.

“One day, my mom saw this couple playing pickleball on Instagram, and they even explained how to play pickleball.

She thought it was super easy, and it was something to do outside of the house that we could all enjoy.”

While this was the beginning of the popularity of pickleball, it continued to increase even as COVID was declining and everyone wasn’t stuck in their houses anymore. So, hearing about the sport made everyone want to try and play with their friends. This was also how many started to hang out with each other as the lockdown came to an end.

“My mom was a Middle school P.E teacher, and when we got back to school, she wanted to introduce a fun sport for the kids to play and hopefully be able to play at home,” junior Makenze Oliver stated. “I was in her class when we first started school again and everyone loved it. We all started playing outside of the class, and it was easy enough for everyone to learn.”

This helped the popularity grow as people were hearing about it in their everyday lives. This also allowed for people who weren’t on social media as well as parents to learn about the sport.

reluctant to start playing pickleball because they may have been older. A number of people decided to give it a shot even though they were very hesitant about it.

Soon, they found out it wasn’t too hard on the body, and it was a fun way to get in some steps while having fun with their family and even friends. On the popular show the Golden Bachelor they played it as a date idea!

“When I was down hanging out with my grandchildren, they wanted to go play pickleball,” Coronado grandma Christie Klein said. “I didn’t want to do it because many things hurt my body. But when I started to play, I found it wasn’t too hard, and as long as I didn’t go all out it was a fun time to hang out with my grandchildren as they were having a fun time.”

As pickleball has been a popular sport, there have been many reasons why it has become so popular.

There have been so many sports that have slowly faded, but as we get to learn more and more about pickleball, there has been no signs of it fading out anytime soon. As many people will continue to talk about how fun it is, it may only start to get bigger and become even more popular.

Stranger Things Season 5: Volume 1 Summary

by Natalia Arieli (Published: 12/11/25) (Pub

*Warning: This article will be a complete summary of Volume 1, so make sure you watch it first before committing to reading this.

Episode 1: The Crawl The first episode of Stranger Things 5 begins with a flashback to Will in the Upside Down, before he was rescued by Hopper and Joyce, where we can finally see how he was taken from his hiding place (Castle Byers) to the library, where he was found. From this scene, we can finally see that Vecna has had a plan since the very beginning, where he is the one who put a vine that contained a connection to the Upside Down into Will, so that Will was connected to Vecna and the Upside Down for the rest of the seasons.

After the flashback, we can see Hawkins approximately a year after season 4 ended, and it is under military lockdown after what happened the day all four portals were opened by Vecna in the ending of Season 4.

Dustin, Lucas, Will and Mike continue to go to school, where Dustin is bullied for representing the Hellfire Club after Eddie died, and seems to be going through a tough time with the loss of his friend. Joyce and Hopper are seen with El, who is training intensely for fighting Vecna and evading the military, who have been on the search for her, suspecting she is the one who caused everything that Vecna did in season 4. In this episode, the group commences a plan called “the Crawl,” where they sneak into the Upside Down to look for Vecna during military supply transfers, which they have done several times before with no success. However, during this crawl, Hopper gets stuck in the Upside Down when the military trucks are ambushed by a demogorgon. Will experiences a vision where it seems that he is in the Demogorgon’s mind as it ambushes the military vehicles. He then tells the group that the Demogorgon is heading for the Wheelers’ house. The episode ends with Holly seeing a door to the Upside Down being opened on the ceiling of her bedroom.

Episode 2: The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler As El and Nancy hurry to get to the house, Holly is surprised by a demogorgon, whose motive seems to be to take her to the Upside Down. Karen Wheeler, the mom, fights the demogorgon, but, in the end, gets

Clock Strikes 5:00 // Cozying up, sophomore Natalia Arieli excitedly watches the 5th season of Stranger Things with her family. At exactly 5:00 pm PT on November 26th, thousands of people clicked on Netflix to watch the highly anticipated new season of Stranger Things; little did everyone know that this mass excitement and flood of people would crash Netflix servers. (Photo by Natalia Arieli)

critically injured along with Ted Wheeler, the dad, and Holly is taken by the Demogorgon into the Upside Down. Nancy and El reach the scene, and El takes off into the Upside Down by the portal in the house to find Holly, while Nancy finds help for her parents. As the Wheeler parents gain help in the hospital, the group tries to figure out why Holly was taken by a Demogorgon. Does it have something to do with Holly’s “imaginary” friend, Mr. Whatsit?

While searching for Holly, El meets with Hopper, and they go together to try to find her. However, they end up reaching a gigantic wall in the Upside Down, where they think Vecna and Holly could be. As Nancy, Mike, and Lucas try to find out more about Mr. Whatsit, Will and Robin try to analyze why Holly could’ve been taken from a different perspective. Will shares a moment where he thinks he could’ve been seeing through Holly’s eyes at some point during a school day. The longer they think about it, Will believes that Holly could be one of Vecna’s targets because he’s able to see through the mind of Vecna through his visions, which means he can see which mind Vecna goes into. Both halves of the group’s answers seem to line up, as, at the end of the episode, we can see that Holly’s imaginary friend Mr. Whatsit is actually not imaginary, and he is actually Henry/01/Vecna, and he has taken Holly to a bright past version of the Creel House, which is the house that Henry lived in and killed his family.

Episode 3: The Turnbow Trap At the start of the episode, Will gets another vision of Vecna going into another child’s mind, Derek Turnbow.

Will, Mike, Nancy, Robin, Lucas, Erica, Steve, Dustin and Jonathan try to conduct a plan to kidnap this kid so that they can potentially save him from a demogorgon coming and taking him next. As all of this is happening, El and Hopper encounter the military in the Upside Down, who seem to have a sort of kryptonite for El’s powers. They try to attack El and Hopper, but Hopper stops the kryptonite, and El stops the rest of the military crew. They find out from one of the soldiers that the military is hiding something really powerful at their Upside Down base, which they think could be Vecna, and so they go to try to find the base and find Vecna.

Back in Hawkins, the group devised a plan to save Derek, and Erica knocks out the whole Turnbow family with a drugged pie, and they take them to an abandoned farm.

They booby-trap the Turnbow’s house so that, when the Demogorgon comes, they trap it and put a tracker in it, to see where it’s going and if it is going to the same place Holly is. Derek then wakes up, and the demogorgon realizes where Derek actually is and goes to the farm. As they try to stop the demogorgon, Will has another vision into Vecna’s mind and sees a plan of Vecna’s to get 12 kids and do the same thing he did with Will in the Upside Down in season 1. The demogorgon runs back to the Upside Down, and Steve, Dustin, Nancy and Jonathan drive through the newly-created door and into the Upside Down. Meanwhile, Holly enjoys her time, unaware that Mr. Whasit is a bad man, in the old Creel house, when she gets a message to go through the woods to meet him. However, when she ventures out there, she doesn’t find Henry, but instead finds Max, who is awake in Vecna’s mind, but in a coma in Hawkins.

to finally escape.

El and Hopper find the military base in the Upside Down and break into it, looking for Vecna. However, sirens suddenly go off, and the kryptonite sound goes off as well. El struggles in pain as they try to hide from the soldiers. The leader, Dr. Kay, finds El and Hopper, and Hopper fights with a soldier and Dr. Kay, and finally knocks them both out. Hopper then finds who is the powerful source that El thought was in the base, and El is reunited with Eight from season 2. Steve, Nancy, Jonathan and Dustin encounter the big wall that El and Hopper did in the Upside Down, and figure out that the wall is a circle, with the middle being Hawkins Lab, the same place where everything started.

In Hawkins, kids around the same age as Derek and Holly are taken to the military base, or “Mac-Z,” to be protected by the military. However, the group knows that the kids are not safe with the military, and devises a plan to get all of the kids who knew about “Mr. Whatsit” out. Derek gathers all of those children, and the group finds a tunnel under Hawkins that leads to the bathroom of the room that all the kids were staying in, slowly getting each kid out into the tunnels.

However, they’re caught and are taken for questioning when chaos strikes, and doors to the Upside Down are ripped open, with demogorgons attacking. The group tries to get the kids to a safe spot, but Will is taken into the visions of the demogorgons and cannot move.

Suddenly, Vecna comes into the base and defeats the remaining soldiers. The demogorgons take the children to the Upside Down, and Vecna brings Will to him. He explains to Will that he was the first of all these children and then leaves. Meanwhile, three demogorgons prepare for a fatal attack on Mike, Robin and Lucas. Will suddenly realizes he can channel Vecna’s powers, and stops all three demogorgons Episode 4: Sorcerer from different places, killing them and leaving his In Holly and Max’s world, Max explains how, when she friends safe and speechless. almost died in season 4, she actually was sent into a world of Henry’s memories. She tried to escape through The season ends with that crazy and dramatic scene, them by hearing Kate Bush’s voice again, just like in probably one of the most intense scenes throughout season 4. Max was able to see a door back into Hawkins the entire series. Through all this, we can tell that with Lucas and started running towards it, but then the Season 5 of Stranger Things is going to be the peak of music stopped, and the door was suddenly gone, with all of the seasons, which now makes sense because Henry starting to chase her. Max ran through the the season took so long to make, but so worth it in the end. Fans everywhere are now impatiently rewatching memories again and encountered a huge cliff cave, these last four episodes and are just counting down where she realized Henry was afraid of. Max explained to the days until Volume 2, me included. There is no Holly how she stayed there, where she was safe, and doubt the conclusion of Season 5 will be absolutely waited for something to happen. She tells Holly that, with incredible, and hopefully, we all won’t be crying too Holly in there with her too now, she thinks she has a plan much on New Year's Eve.

Mosquitoes in Las Vegas; Bug Off!

by Caleigh Burns Published 12/5/2025 For so long, one of the perks of living in Las Vegas was the scarcity of mosquitoes; however, there have recently been rapidly growing numbers of these biting machines.

Despite Las Vegas being a dry desert, due to a mix of urban development, climate change, insecticide resistance, and genetic adaptations it has created a more hospitable environment for these insects. What was once an environment too hot and too dry for mosquitoes to comfortably thrive has slowly shifted into one where they can survive, and for some, flourish.

One major driver is the valley’s rapid urban expansion.

Construction sites, new housing developments, backyard irrigation, and ornamental landscaping all create pockets of standing water that mosquitoes depend on for breeding. Something as small as a clogged gutter, a forgotten plant tray, or a puddle beneath an air-conditioning unit can produce hundreds of larvae in a matter of days. As Las Vegas suburbanizes outward, the sheer number of these micro-habitats has increased dramatically, giving mosquitoes an abundance of new breeding sites that didn’t exist decades ago.

According to NBC News, climate change adds another layer to the problem. Warmer average temperatures cause longer breeding seasons and shorter development cycles, allowing mosquitoes to reproduce more quickly and survive in areas where they were once unable to. Higher nighttime temperatures, in particular, help species that rely on warm, humid conditions thrive, even in the desert. More intense summer monsoons, when they occur, also create temporary pools of water that serve as ideal breeding grounds.

Compounding these environmental factors is the arrival of invasive species like Aedes aegypti, commonly known as the yellow fever mosquito. Unlike native species, Aedes can lay eggs in extremely small amounts of water and tend to live close to human activity, biting aggressively throughout the day rather than just at dusk. This species has proven uniquely adaptable to dry climates by finding shelter in homes, hiding in shaded areas, and laying drought-resistant eggs that can survive for months without water.

Get them out! // Itching a mosquito bite bugs many, with their population now growing in Las Vegas, getting it now seems inevitable. There have never been so many mosquitoes in Las Vegas, so why now?

Their resilience also extends to insecticides, similar to pesticides, to get rid of these unwanted bugs.

However, many populations have developed resistance over time, making traditional mosquito control methods less effective.

The rise of mosquito populations is not just an inconvenience; it is a growing public health issue. The Southern Nevada Health Districts warns residents and visitors that mosquitoes in Southern Nevada have already tested positive for West Nile virus in recent years, and the spread of the Aedes specimen increases the risk of diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. While large outbreaks are still unlikely, the presence of a disease-carrying species means residents and health officials must take the threat seriously.

As Las Vegas continues to expand and the climate continues to warm, experts stress that mosquito management will require a multi-pronged approach.

This means improving public awareness about eliminating standing water, updating pest-control strategies to counter insecticide-resistant species, and coordinating citywide monitoring of mosquito populations. If the valley hopes to keep mosquito threats under control, it will take a community-wide effort and long-term planning to get there.

The Making and Mechanics: Wicked: For Good

by Ashlin Chase Published 12/2/2025

Wickedly Magical // Revealing the hidden magic behind every set piece and costume, Wicked: For Good showcases the stunning mechanics that bring Oz to life. Both artistry and engineering were captured throughout the film. (Photo by Ashlin Chase)

You’ve just gathered your snacks and taken your seat in the movie theater to see Wicked: For Good. What are you expecting to see? Soaring vocals, gravity-defying moments, and the same touching magic that have made Wicked a global phenomenon. What you don’t see—not without looking closer at least—is the extraordinary machinery behind every costume, set, and cinematic decision. Here’s a closer look at the behind the scenes innovations that brought Wicked: For Good to the big screens.

Even in a period of CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) dominance, the production team for the film went above and beyond, building hundreds of practical set pieces, many being fully functional. For example, the Emerald City wasn’t created just by computer; much of it was constructed on soundstages using a network of tools. From steel scaffolding wrapped in acrylic emerald panels to catch and reflect light to programmable LED facades embedded in the buildings providing the city with its iconic shifting green glow, the team certainly left nothing untouched. Their reasoning for this hard work? Such real-world elements allowed the actors, like Arianna Grande and Cynthia Erivo, to interact naturally with their surroundings and environment.

Along with this, the production team certainly did not shy away from perfecting the Shiz University interior, building the massive atrium as a full-scale structure. To make this possible, they utilized devices such as functional mechanical staircases that could reconfigure their positions. Furthermore, ceiling rigging systems were used to operate floating lanterns and movable magical props. As a result, the entire film had an environment that felt alive even before any VFX (Visual Effects) enhancements.

When it comes to costuming, Wicked: For Good stole the show. The costumes throughout the entire film were not only clothing, but technological achievements by the talented production team. A direct example is the transformation dress Elphaba can be seen in during the film.

Through textured fabric clusters creating a shifting, spell-like pattern under light and shapememory mixtures woven into the hem, allowing the skirt to flare on command, the dress was brought to life. Even something as simple as a piece of clothing was engineered to appear supernatural without having to rely on digital manipulation.

(Photo by Ashlin Chase)

Another key example of the deep technology behind the characters' costuming is Glinda’s floating gown. The iconic garment included micro LED fiber weaves that illuminated subtly during spells and a light cage structure, designed with 3D printing to keep the volume without the extra weight. The bodice was also made to be compatible with a harness, engineered so seamlessly that the mechanics weren’t even visible in aerial scenes. These were made meticulously in order to hold up under the pressure of movement, close-up cinematography, and intense choreography.

As for lighting and cinematography, it proved to be one of the film's biggest challenges. In order to blend the practical and digital elements seamlessly, the lighting team had to get creative. As for the emerald light technology, a palette of emerald-centered LED rigs was developed to adapt in real time to skin tones. Reflective panels that diffused the light throughout the set were also embedded to echo the city’s magical glow. Accompanying that, motion-triggered spotlights synced to choreograph the legendary musical numbers.

For all its sparkle, Wicked: For Good was built on the work of hundreds of skilled craftspeople, such as engineers, designers, riggers, seamstresses, VFX artists, and technicians. Like any movie, at least any good quality movie—everything you see is more than just from the wave of the wand. Each magical moment was a direct result of careful planning and complex mechanics that hid beneath the surface, allowing the audience to simply believe in and be entertained by the enchanting world.

The Evolution of Speed by Esther Burton There are countless reasons why distance runners are continuously improving, but one stands out above all the others. Super shoes.

Super shoes are the biggest contributing factor to many of these runners' success. But first, we need to understand what past runners have worn.

In the 1960 Olympics in Rome, Abebe Bikila ran a marathon in shoes called Puma Osakas. These shoes are made up of leather, polyester, and rubber. There was no foam or cushioning anywhere in the shoe. Bikila ended up taking his shoes off during the marathon, but his time was 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 16 seconds. This is the fastest marathon run by someone not wearing super shoes. Abebe Bikila was Ethiopian and was born in Shewa. He was the first man to win a gold medal in two consecutive Olympics.

Fastest in the U.S.//Running, Conner Mantz leads in the 2025 Boston Marathon, allowing him to become the second fastest marathon runner of all time in the country. Behind him, Kotut, Edris, and Simbu stick with Mantz. (Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons)

Currently, the fastest official marathon was run

by Kelvin Kiptum, who ran a whopping time of 2 hours and 35 seconds. Kiptum was wearing Nike Alphafly 3’s. This shoe is extremely light, has a wide carbon fiber plate, and has been regarded as one of the best marathon running shoes.

They are bouncy and responsive, have amazing comfort, and provide great stability. The Alphafly’s are preferred by many famous marathon runners, such as Kiptum and Sifan Hassan, who won the London Marathon.

Although super shoes have a large impact, there are other reasons that lead us to believe runners are getting faster and faster as time goes on.

Improved training methods and sports science have improved the way runners prepare for races.

The difference between Bikila’s time and Kiptum’s was 14 minutes and 41 seconds. So what is the biggest change? Do super shoes genuinely impact the speed of the runner by that much? The answer is yes. These shoes provide grip and protection, while still being lightweight and stiff. Super shoes are only going to improve from here, leaving us wondering what incredible times are in our future.

In modern times, we have a greater understanding of the importance of how to stay healthy. In order to perform their best, runners today take their nutrition very seriously. Conner Mantz's diet consists of carbohydrates for energy, lean protein for muscle repair, healthy fats, along with fruits and vegetables for important minerals and vitamins.

Mantz doesn’t smoke or drink, allowing him to maximize his performance and enhance his

recovery, limiting his injuries. Nutrition helps runners to support their muscle growth as well, allowing them to be at their best every day. Many runners get protein directly after a workout. Protein is a big part of athletes' health, and it can be shocking to people how much they need. Usually, it is recommended to have as many grams of protein as your body weight. It is important to know what your specific needs are. Sleep also plays a large role in athletes' nutrition. It is recommended that you get 8 hours of sleep, but many fast marathon runners get up to 13 hours of sleep a night. This improves recovery and decreases the risk of getting sick or weakening your immune system.

The third factor contributing to the fastest runners in the world today is cross-training as well as proper training schedules. Crosstraining is so important, especially for runners, because it prevents injury. For many years, runners did not utilize weights nearly as much as they should have. This is one of the biggest causes of injury. Simple exercises like squats, push-ups, and sit-ups can help improve athletic performance overall as a runner.

Knowing this new information, marathon runners have used this to their advantage, making them stronger than ever. Many assumed that training and lifting weights that benefit arm strength would not benefit runners, as the main muscle being used is their legs, but it has proved to work wonders for many.

So, although shoes have a great impact on marathon runner’s speed, many other factors take part in the times of these amazing athletes. Behind every big-time runner is a resilient athlete who has dedicated their whole life to be able to reach their full potential.

While super shoes have undoubtedly pushed

the boundaries of the human race, mental strength, well put together training, and sacrifice all go into making these runners who they are today. This has been proven by the many athletes who have shown their amazing times through that finish line. Although the record-breaking times are an amazing accomplishment, it is amazing to see what they do in the background to prepare for their astonishing performance.

Model UN: Shining in Second Place at BruinMUN Against thousands of competitors, students by Ashlin Chase from Coronado’s Model United Nations team Published 12/2/2025 competed at UCLA’s Model United Nations Conference called BruinMUN on November 8th, 2025. Coronado certainly made its mark, taking home Outstanding Small Delegation (second place overall) with a team of only six delegates.

BruinMUN is a well-distinguished conference which hosts between 2,000 to 3,000 students annually, challenging them to debate global issues as representatives of countries, UN bodies, and even historical figures. For Coronado, the competition heavily showcased both the team’s undeniable skill and its rapid ride in Nevada’s growing MUN community.

This year, senior Mason Papazian and sophomore Aliyah Benjamin represented South Africa in the novice ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), while junior Summer Lota and freshman Makenzie LaFavor also represented South Africa in novice IMO (International Maritime Organization). For the school’s U.S. Senate delegation, two senators from North Dakota, Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven, were represented by junior Cheryl Chandra and MUN president, junior Amberlee Ramos.

Their hard work certainly paid off. The South Africa delegations each earned awards in their committees, helping to boost Coronado to a podium finish among small delegations— defined as teams with 14 or fewer members.

With only six competitors, the win was especially meaningful to Ramos.

Model UN Strikes // Celebrating a thrilling weekend at UCLA, Coronado’s six-member MUN team brought home Second Best Small Delegation at BruinMUN. Inspiring future delegates across Nevada, the club continues to prove that even a brand-new team can make a powerful impact. (Photo Courtesy of Kimberly Flickinger) “I was the one who came to Mandell [Josh Mandell, Advisor] back in January with hopes of starting Model UN here,” Ramos said. “Back then, UCLA was a long shot, but now we’re more confident in what we can do as a competing team, and it just came full circle.”

After months of dedication and hard work, there is no doubt that it has paid off for Model UN and all of its devoted members. This has only amplified the excitement that arose when Coronado was announced a winner. According to Ramos, the moment of victory was as unexpected as it was exhilarating.

“Before the awards, we were talking and saying, ‘We can stand by the exit and just leave quickly so we beat traffic,’ she recalled. “Then we hear ‘Coronado’, and everyone starts screaming, and we all run down, and they hand the award to me.”

Not only was Coronado’s success impressive for its size, but it also set the school apart in the state. Coronado High School was the only Nevada school there that consistently received awards as well as won a team award. With ambition and a tight-knit team, Ramos explains that Coronado’s MUN club intends to become a pillar of the Nevada MUN community.

“There’s so much strong potential that I already see in this team, and I definitely see Coronado being more cemented in Model UN in future years,” she states. “I want people to think of Model UN, and think of Coronado with it.”

For a club that began with hopeful ideas less than a year ago, BruinMUN was more than a competition. Motivated by their passion to make a difference in their community, these Coronado Cougars proved that small starts do not mean small achievements. It is the humble beginnings of this club and their hard work that ultimately sheds a light of hope to other schools wanting to also establish a Model UN themselves, thus proving that the impact of BruinMUN went beyond the walls of this event. Ultimately, the conference was a defining moment for Model UN at Coronado and beyond, being a sign of the greater things to come.

(Photo Courtesy of Kimberly Flickinger)

Black Friday’ New Identity

by Ashlin Chase Published 12/2/2025

It’s now the one of the merriest, and some would even argue the most expensive seasons of the year.

What better way to kick it off than with doing a little shopping for yourself and gift shopping for others than with Black Friday? However, Black Friday has changed—it’s no longer the chaotic frenzy it once was. While some shoppers still adore the thrill of lining up before sunrise, the real action and deals have shifted to the digital world. Online shopping hasn’t just changed Black Friday; it has completely redefined it.

What was most noticeable this season is how certain stores are dominating because they’ve mastered the online experience. Retail giants, like Target and Walmart, are trending for their app-exclusive flash deals and seamless pickup options, making it easier than ever to score big offers without stepping foot inside a store. Best Buy continues to pull in shoppers with massive online tech discounts, while fashion brands fuel shopping sprees through influencer promotions, timed drops, and social-media-driven hype. These trends are proof that the stores winning Black Friday are the ones treating the event as a digital marathon rather than a single chaotic morning.

Honestly, it’s not surprising. The convenience of online shopping has become impossible to compete with—we’re now talking about instant price comparisons, curated recommendations, and checkout processes that take mere seconds and a few clicks from a mouse. Instead of pushing through crowds, shoppers are clicking through deals from their couch, often with better variety and deeper discounts than they’d find in-store all of course without the rat race that comes with going in-person.

For many people, Black Friday has transformed from a physical event into a personalized, algorithmpowered experience.

On the other hand, some argue that shift comes with a touch of nostalgia. There’s something so undeniably fun about the in-person buzz, the excitement, the shared adrenaline, and the sense of tradition on Black Friday despite how sore your feet get after.

Deals, Discounts, and Convenience // Scrolling through endless deals, shoppers are turning to online stores as the new hotspot for Black Friday savings. Trending retailers have proven that the best bargains now are just a click away. (Photo by Ashlin Chase) Still, those moments now feel more like a bonus than the main event. With online shopping having become so personalized, these experiences become somehow more special as there are fewer of them going on. Due to the shift, online shopping has taken the lead because it simply fits modernized life better.

The truth is clear: Black Friday isn’t dying—it’s evolving.

One way or another, everything changes over time and despite this tradition once taking place in a different setting, it does not mean that the tradition is going away. The stores that embrace digital innovation are rising to the top, and shoppers are embracing a version of Black Friday that’s faster, smarter, and far less stressful. Whether we miss the chaos or celebrate the convenience, the future of Black Friday is already online, and it’s only going to get stronger.

Global Thanksgiving Traditions

by Ashley Nassiri Published 12/2/25

Thanksgiving is one of the most revered holidays in the United States. Its deep roots go back to hundreds of years, from when pilgrims met local Native Americans, to when the first turkey was pardoned by President Truman in 1947. However, many do not know about the Thanksgiving that occurs beyond the United States, in fact, there are some countries throughout the world that celebrate it. While the roots of Thanksgiving remain from the United States, its cultural phenomenon has also influenced other countries.

The United States is credited with the original Thanksgiving, starting in 1621 when Puritan members of the Plymouth colony made a peace treaty with the local Wampanoag tribe. In 1623, the Puritans declared it a religious observation when after a two-month drought, rain came, to honor God, who they believed brought the rain, celebrated with a harvest festival, to give thanks.

These two events, two years apart are both considered roots to the early start of Thanksgiving.

However, the holiday wasn’t a national holiday until 240 years later, in 1863, when President Lincoln declared two Thanksgiving days, one in August to remember the Civil War, and one in late November, which has stayed since an American treasured day. Today, traditions include eating turkey, enjoying pumpkin pie and remembering what the word,”grateful” means. But beyond the United States, where else is a version of Thanksgiving celebrated?

Canada has their own form of Thanksgiving that occurs on October 12th. It’s different from American Thanksgiving in terms of history and celebration. Its origins include when the English explorer, Martin Frobisher, gave his gratitude for his safe arrival in modern Nunavut back in 1578. The holiday was considered official in 1879, and since then, traditions are similar to their American counterparts, like eating turkey and cranberry sauce; however, they land on different dates, and there’s no Black Friday immediately thereafter.

Turkey Traditions // Celebrating Thanksgiving is different in many cultures, and many variations exist for expressing thankfulness and graciousness. The diversity results in many unique celebrations and holidays that comprise the idea of Thanksgiving. (Photo by Ashley Nassiri) Down in South America, Brazil takes its own unique spin on Thanksgiving. Referred as “Dia de Ação de Graças,” it is not considered a major national holiday. Its celebrations vary widely by region, as it's considered more of an unofficial holiday, though a majority of it is similar to American & Canadian Thanksgiving. Turkey, also known as a Peru in Portuguese, is eaten alongside traditional Brazilian dishes such as feijoada, the country’s national dish.

Across the world, Germany celebrates their own take by celebrating Erntedankfest or Harvest Festival in German. Its roots go back thousands of years, when farmers would plant seeds and grow them by hand. Of course, machinery changed that, but the people still give thanks in Germany with Lanternumzug, a lantern parade, or fireworks depending on the region. Plenty of local folklore, potatoes and of course, turkey also make an appearance during Germany’s own Thanksgiving.

Liberia, an African country, celebrates Thanksgiving in their own unique way as well. Alternatively, they replace the turkey and cranberry sauce with dishes such as mashed cassava, which is a plant root widely eaten and chicken Jollof rice. Liberia is a country full of unique roots, and so is their Thanksgiving. Families often attend special concerts and dance as well.

Chuseok is the largest holiday celebrated in South Korea aside from New Year’s. Similar to Germany’s Erntedankfest, Chuseok or Autumn Evening is celebrated in late September every year by Koreans and other cultures in Asia as well and is a three day celebration. Foods such as the rice cake, namely, Songpyeon, is made with love on the evening of Chuseok. Aside from cooking, it is customary to give gifts to loved ones and even colleagues.

Despite being mainly a traditionally American holiday, these American traditions have spread worldwide and been developed into their own unique holiday. Ultimately, though there may be different foods, traditions, and even history worldwide, gratitude remains the center for this holiday. Around the world many people outside of America find unique ways to celebrate and give their thanks upon blessings. So, whether you are eating turkey or making desserts, there’s certainly plenty of options to celebrate.

Overtourism in Hawaii

by McKenzie Smoot Published 11/25/25

Finally, the vacation of your dreams has arrived: Hawaii. You check the weather at your destination, get out your suitcase, plan the cute outfits you are going to wear, and head to the airport. Then, you proceed to check your ticket to see when your flight will begin to board.

Looking down, you see: Hawaiian Airlines Flight 213, boarding begins at 4:10 pm. Just imagine the beautiful beaches, the island’s blue waves, the sand beneath your feet, and the gorgeous sunsets that look like a work of art. You become more excited than you ever were. Yet, have you ever wondered what the locals think when all this tourism comes right next to their homes and takes over their magnificent landscapes?

Hawaii is one of the most popular vacation destinations when it comes to its beautiful beaches and many fun activities, such as snorkeling and scuba diving. However, locals have mixed feelings about tourism in their home, primarily due to the negative impacts, such as overcrowding, environmental strain, high costs, and cultural degradation. The number of visitors in Hawaii has become too many for the state to handle. Over the past few years, overtourism has had a direct, negative impact on Hawaiian residents through increased pollution throughout the islands, and has made the cost of living increase for local residents.

“Native Hawaiians, already displaced from their lands during colonization, are experiencing a housing crisis,” Pooja Shah from Business Insider claims. “When houses become available, they are bought by tourists instead of locals.

People are buying our land as investment properties, so our Kanaka 'Ōiwi — locals — are forced to move further out, and they can't maintain their local traditions or routines.

Basically, they need to start over and make a new place their home.”

Sun, Sand, Aloha//Driving in Hawaii, beautiful nature can be seen all throughout the state, but will these sights remain for long? Overtourism, which is when a destination experiences an excessive number of visitors, has taken over Hawaii and can lead to negative effects like overcrowding and environmental degradation. (Photo courtesy of Stella Lin)

This directly illustrates one of the many issues locals in Hawaii are facing. Slowly but surely, the overtourism is going too far; locals are even getting directly kicked out of their own homes. This is unfair to the groups that are native to Hawaii and are losing their origins to people who don’t live there, but are rather just profiting off of it. The once beautiful place that locals have decided to settle down in has become virtually impossible to live in.

Fewer homes mean increased homelessness and, for that reason, increased crime. Hawaii has started to become a place where outsiders can take advantage of the island in order to accumulate money. With skyrocketing prices caused by the splurging tourists, less and less becomes available for the people who actually live there.

Clearly, this is an issue, as a state that was once filled with many native people, cultures, and traditions is becoming a site that foreigners exploit.

“On my trip to Hawaii, I did not see much trash, and the workers were doing their best to keep it clean; however, I know that in many other resorts and places, results of overtourism in the form of pollution can be seen,” sophomore Raelene Hendron said.

Spending money at local businesses typically means more of that money stays within the As Hendron noted, even visitors to Hawaii can community, rather than going to the big see the effects of overtourism right before corporations that don’t typically donate or try to their eyes. The influx of visitors has led to support the Hawaiian residents themselves. greater air pollution from vehicles, increased garbage, and water pollution from runoff, Beyond these smaller solutions, there is a far sewage, and other waste. This contributes to a larger problem at stake that cannot be solved by larger problem of plastic pollution and strains small choices tourists are making that add up to natural habitats and water resources. the larger issue.

Environments are interconnected, and things More needs to be done on the government’s part like increased pollution destroy food webs in to regulate the growing problem by limiting the one place, and can unleash chaos in another number of tourists or enforcing more sustainable area. What happens in Hawaii can lead to policies to limit the pollution. Despite this, by worldwide impact if the domino effect of doing our part, residents of Hawaii or not, we can issues isn’t stopped where it is at. Nonetheless, raise awareness of the problem and take small there are various solutions that you can do on steps to make a larger impact. your next trip to Hawaii to mitigate the issue.

“On my trip to Hawaii, I went to many locally owned shops,” sophomore Adelaide Connors explained. “One specific shop was a grocery store that had Ube pancakes, which used Ube straight from the island, and they were super good.”

Buying from locally owned shops is a simple way that foreigners can help locals. By supporting locally owned shops in Hawaii, you can strengthen the local economy, creating jobs for residents and providing financial support for local business owners and community organizations.

For these reasons, before you start to pack your bags, do your research and plan if it is worth it to you to visit Hawaii, not just for you, but for the people who live there. Sometimes, saving money by staying home or going to another place that is not facing as many difficulties can help you and the people you are impacting. Overtourism in Hawaii has only been growing by the year and does not seem to be slowing down. Although there are some smaller solutions, like supporting local businesses on your visit, it is essential to act on a bigger solution that can really mitigate the problem of overtourism in our country’s Aloha State.

Everything you need to know about the Government Shutdown

by Stella Lin 11/20/2025

Recently, the news has been booming with its talk about the government shutdown, and there are different opinions and information every day. The last government shutdown was back in 201 and was 12 days shorter than the most recent one. When the government doesn’t get new funding, it causes many federal workers and services to temporarily pause.

The shutdown of these services directly impacts those who are recipients of them and those reliant on the paychecks they might receive from doing this type of work. Recently, we have seen the importance of the government and its role in taking care of its country’s citizens in the last couple of months.

What is a government shutdown?

A government shutdown happens when Congress or the President fails to sign a bill that funds the federal government. The most recent one occurred from October 1st to November 12th, the longest one recorded in U.S. history. The specific bill that the Senate could not agree on was an appropriation bill on government funding levels and the extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Affordable Care Act was a bill set in place in 2010 that expands insurance coverage and gives financial assistance to those who need it. Without it, healthcare would be a lot more expensive. This is because in order for the bill to be passed, the Senate must have at least 60 votes for one side, but this is difficult because each state has different needs and implications, so what might benefit one state could be at the detriment to another. For example, a more rural state senator might be against it because it means more expensive healthcare for their state, or a border state might be more focused on immigration and want to change that.

Since bills are not being paid by the government, many federal employees are put on furlough. This means that they are sent home without pay until the bill is passed, and this includes national park workers, social security administration, and NASA. However, certain jobs that are deemed essential will

SNAP ASAP// Donating to local charities and food banks can make a difference in the community after the shutdown in supporting families that were impacted. Although the shutdown was only 43 days, 26% of Americans were impacted directly, and 48% of Americans saw the impact in their communities. (Photo by Stella Lin) still be required to go to work without pay, including law enforcement, national security, the military, and air traffic controllers.

Who does it affect?

The shutdown will impact more than just government officials; it will affect the 670,000 workers put on furlough, the 730,000 essential personnel required to continue working without pay, and the thousands of families that rely on that income to make ends meet. Many people were forced to quit their jobs so they could find new ones and support their families, while others will keep

How can we help?

Although we can’t stop the government from shutting down, there are things we can do in our communities to help out the ones who are struggling. Donating food and goods to local shelters or food banks, giving what we can to fundraisers in support of the government workers, and getting educated on what is actually happening is how we can help.

working in hopes they can stretch their last paycheck until the shutdown is over.

People who rely on government-funded organizations will also be impacted, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which on November 1st ran out of funding that 42 million people, nearly 15% of the country, rely on for food stamps. Although SNAP is currently being reintroduced and people who were temporarily out of work are getting their paychecks again, the process is still delayed, and some might not get their next paycheck until as late as December.

Additionally, when government personnel stop working, it can impact government-sanctioned systems like TSA. For example, during the shutdown, many flights were delayed or canceled due to limited air traffic control, and security was a lot slower due to TSA agents needing to find new jobs. Overall, it is evident that even though we may not realize it, most days, almost everyone is directly or indirectly impacted by the government one way or another.

Whether that be from the flights they take to whether or not they have food on their table, their lives are impacted by people who play a big part in controlling them. Despite the chaos this past month may have caused for families, the government is working hard to get the country back on track, and slowly but surely, things will be returning back to normal, just in time for the holiday season.

Some local food banks that you can make donations to support the community are Three Square, the Just One Project, and Hope for the City. This will help the families affected by the stop of SNAP funds in our city and continue to support them as it is slowly integrated back into the country. Beyond that, many schools are also participating in food drives to help families at an even more specific scale for those they know in their own schools who are going through a hard time. Whether you choose to help people on a more personal or distant level, that help is needed and valued, especially in times of need. The truth is, we shouldn’t wait until dramatic events like a government shutdown to help, as there is always an opportunity to give when we can. However, when things like this do happen, we have a choice to connect and help others in a time when they might need it the most.

Learning more about the government shutdown is important because you can keep track of who is being affected and which places are closed. It can also be helpful for the future to be better prepared for shutdowns and what steps you can take in advance to stay secure, like having savings and extra food in your pantry.

Government shutdowns affect the whole population, starting at the Senate, all the way down to the common population. It slows down organizations and funds hundreds of thousands of people rely on.

Although we can’t control the shutdown of these services, we can donate to local charities, stay informed about the government shutdown, and support the federal workers during this time, and even now, as we transition back to normal.

Best Thanksgiving Foods

by Megan Meusy 11/18

Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays when we get to sit with our family and enjoy a multiple- course meal together. We try to make it special and follow our traditional Thanksgiving meal, but it can also be fun to try to spice it up. There are many different foods to choose from, and there are so many courses on Thanksgiving that we have trouble figuring out what will be eaten and what will be given to the dog under the table. So as we get closer to Thanksgiving, I have a few recommendations that have been gone in the first five minutes they have been set on the table.

Food and Family//Finding foods for Thanksgiving is always a hard scavenger hunt for the right recipes, but it is never bad to have too much food for your family to eat. Getting these foods is always Sides: challenging, but it is the best when you're around Starting off with the sides, you need to have ones the table stuffing your face with the people you're that are not too filling but have a variety of different thankful for. (Photo by Megan Meusy) foods that everyone will find delicious. This is because it is a once-a-year holiday when people don’t worry about calories and eat as much as they want. One of the most traditional but delicious sides is corn. This has been one of the favorites for my family. It is a corn that has been mixed with some milk and cornstarch and then some flavorful spices.

To add to this, you need a creamy mac and cheese.

This is also one of my absolute favorites because it is a simple but amazing dish that my aunt makes that we rarely get to eat. One more requirement for the sides is bread buns. These are delicious and simple to make, and it is always a fight to get to them before the dads get them.

Main Course Then comes the main course, which is the ham and the turkey. Usually, people prefer one over the other, but I like to have a little of both. To make the turkey a fan favorite, you have to smoke it in order to get the best flavor. This helps keep the taste savory, sweet, and moist inside. It also needs to marinate before you smoke it. Usually, to marinate it, we add things like an apple, an onion, butter, orange juice, and many more things to enhance the flavor. For the ham, what I like is making it a sandwich on a croissant. For this, you have to add mayo, mustard, and lettuce. Many people like to add tomatoes, but I think that should be skipped. This is delicious and isn’t as plain as just having ham.

Deserts For deserts, there could be many ways to go about this.

One very traditional dish you need is pumpkin pie. This is a classic, and everyone loves it. I, on the other hand, don't think it is the best thing to have. I think the texture is disgusting, and the taste is just horrid. I like to be the first in line for the cheesecake that my grandma makes. This is always the best dessert anyone could ever make, but no one can make it as good as Grandma.

They always have the magic touch that makes everything a little better.

Although there are many great dishes for Thanksgiving, those are just a few that I think are the best and could make your Thanksgiving a little bit better. Even if you do not have a big family, you could have each one of these, and that would be the perfect dinner for you and your family to gather around and eat. These are simple and don’t take too long to make, but they are delicious and will definitely not be given to the dog.

World Series: Dodgers vs.

Blue Jays

by Esther Burton Published

The LA Dodgers secured back-to-back World Series victories, a milestone they haven't reached in 25 years. Many players from both the Dodgers and the Blue Jays made records during this intense series.

Starting off with game 1, the final score was 11-4, Blue Jays. Addison Barger hit a grand slam in the sixth inning, and there were a total of nine runs in that inning. The Dodgers’ starting pitcher, Blake Snell, was pulled out and replaced twice with two bullpen pitchers, because the Blue Jays were on fire.

Heading into the second game of the series, starting for the Dodgers was Yoshinobu Yamamoto. He ended up pitching a complete game and, impressively, only allowed one run for the Blue Jays.

Yamamoto struck out a shocking number of 8 of the Blue Jays players. Will Smith for the L.A. Dodgers hit a three-run homer, leading the Dodgers and Blue Jays to tie the series 1-1.

One of the wildest and unusual games of this series was the third. The Dodgers and Blue Jays continued to go back and forth. The game was a total of 6 hours and 39 minutes. It went into 18 innings, which is double the number of innings a normal game would have. Shohei Ohtani had a great performance, reaching base nine times, including two home runs and two doubles. In the bottom of the eighteenth inning, Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off home run to win the game. This was a huge win for the Dodgers and was encouraging.

After that long game, the Dodgers lost their lead to the Blue Jays 6-2, tying the two teams. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for the Blue Jays hit a two-run homer that was important for their lead coming into this game. The Dodgers were struggling on offense, and the Blue Jays were going strong after the emotional and physical night they had before. The best word to describe the Blue Jays in this game was resilient. This game took place at Dodger Stadium, although this win ensured that the teams would be flying back to Toronto to play at Rogers Centre.

Dodgers for the Win!//Looking down at the field, Rogers Centre prepares for the amazing games that lie ahead. In game 7 of one of the most intense World Series championships of all time, the Los Angeles Dodgers bring home the trophy. (Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons)

In the fifth game of the World Series, the Blue Jays won again, defeating Los Angeles 6-1. This made them only one game away from winning the entire series. Rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage had an amazing performance, pitching seven innings only allowing a single run. Starting off the game strong, Davis Schneider and Vladimir Guerrero hit back-to-back home runs. The Dodgers struggled yet again, making a comeback seem nearly impossible. Their offense was largely shut down by 12 total strikeouts.

Looking bad for the Dodgers, the two playoff teams head into the sixth game, and possibly the last, of the World Series. From the beginning, everybody knew this game would be very emotional and dramatic.

With all of the players becoming more desperate, this game would determine it all. Kevin Gausman was starting for the Blue Jays, hoping to take the Blue Jays home to victory. Will Smith started it off in the third inning and hit an RBI (run batted in), sending his teammate, Tommy Edman, home.

George Springer tied it up 1-1, making the Dodgers lose their lead. Mookie Betts saved the day with his two-run single. This benefited the Dodgers extremely as they ended up winning, 3-1. Now, either team could win this series, making the pressure more and more intense.

Whenever a World Series goes to the seventh game, you can count on it to be memorable. There have been 41 World Series game sevens out of 121, in which the Dodgers have participated in 8 and the Blue Jays in only 2. This eleven-inning thriller of a game had all of us on the edge of our seats. Shohei Ohtani was the starter, and in the bottom of the third inning, Bo Bichette from the Blue Jays scored his first postseason three-run homer, making things not look so great for the Dodgers. The Dodgers were able to pull together two more runs, still down 2-3.

The Blue Jays led 4-2 and got a double play in the sixth inning. Max Muncy, in the top of the eighth, hit a critical single homer. In the top of the ninth, the Dodgers were still down a run, and Miguel Rojas was up to bat. He was not supposed to play in this series, as the Dodgers manager decided to take him out of the lineup. There is one out, and the Dodgers are now relying on Ohtani, who will hit after Rojas.

Shockingly, Miguel Rojas hit a deep home run into left field, shocking the crowd and allowing the Dodgers to go into extra innings.

In the tenth inning, Yamamoto is pitching after already throwing 96 pitches the night before. The Dodgers are at a disadvantage as they are playing in Toronto, Canada, and nearly no Dodgers fans are in the stands. The bases are loaded, and the Blue Jays get a hit, and Rojas was just barely able to throw it to home to catcher Will Smith just in time to get the runner out, ending the top of the ninth. Yamamoto was able to shut them down again in the ninth. Will Smith hit a home run to allow the Dodgers to lead for the first time, making the score 5-4. Alejandro Kirk, an amazing home run batter, hits a ball, getting the Toronto fans on their feet.

Finally, a dramatic double play ends the World Series, shocking everyone turning the tide for the Dodgers. The Dodgers were so close to losing multiple times in this series, but especially this game, making this series all the more special.

The 2025 World Series will be remembered by many.

Records were broken, and players reached new heights, proving this is where they were meant to be.

This series was the ultimate test to see which team wanted it more. The Dodgers took home the trophy with honor. Not only did they win back-to-back championships, but they also showed everyone what unity they had as a team to be able to work together to make this happen. The MLB 2025 World Series Championship will forever be etched into history.

Speakout

13 nov 2025

Vol. 1

If you could join the military, what branch would you choose?

“I would be in the navy because my grandpa was in the navy, and it seems like an interesting career.” Katie Argier, 9.

“I would choose space force because I don’t want to be bound by just this world, and I want to go beyond the sky.” -Jack Skywalker Garate, 10.

www.reallygreatsite.com

“If I had to join the military I would like to be part of the medical services corp because I have a passion to help people and I have always wanted to be a doctor and to serve my country.” -Alyssa Jeong, 11.

“If I could join a branch of the military, I would join the space force. I like exploring and I think it’s cool. I like the aesthetic of space.” -Henderson Yang, 12.

World Kindness & All Ways You Can Celebrate

by Jenai Atherall

Published 11/12/2025 Since 1998, every year on November 13th, World Kindness Day has been recognized all over the globe. For some background, the World Kindness Movement is an organization that was created on this day in 1998 in order to encourage people to bond with one another through actions and words based on kindness. Ultimately, it helps increase people’s awareness of the importance of being kind. This year, World Kindness Day falls on Thursday, November 13th, 2025, giving people a way to seal off their week with kindness towards one another. Here are eight ways you can participate in the global movement to spread kindness on this special day, and every day.

1. Give someone a compliment It may sound basic, but giving somebody a compliment is a beautiful way to spread kindness. We never know what someone is going through, and because words hold so much weight and influence, spreading kindness by spending a few seconds just to say some kind words to someone you know or don’t know could completely change their day and how they see themselves.

2. Help Someone out The great thing about this act of kindness is that there are so many different ways you can help someone out. This act could be helping a teacher clean up a messy classroom, helping your parents out by cleaning the dishes, cooking dinner for your family, or even making a sweet treat for

Scatter Kindness like Confetti//Spreading love is an important part of being human; it is a way we can connect with others. On November 13th, World Kindness Day is being celebrated for the 27th year in a row, and with it comes reminders and new ways we can show people we care. (Photo by Jenai Atherall)

your friends. You can go and volunteer at hospitals, libraries, and more to show people you care. It doesn’t have to be anything dramatic, but doing those little things can brighten someone’s day.

3. Leave notes of inspiration around This is definitely one of the most fun acts of kindness you can do for Global Kindness Day. Although it doesn’t have to be anything super elaborate, writing down little notes of encouragement on things like sticky notes can be a great way to spread positivity everywhere you go.

Whether you decide to “accidentally” leave these on desks, put them around bus stops, or even stick them around or even stick them around parking lots, these are sure to make someone’s day.

4. Donate/make a care package All across our community and beyond, there are people who need support and there are others who work really hard to keep the community going. People like our first responders, including paramedics, firefighters, police officers, people part of the military personnel, and beyond generally have difficult jobs that require them to be away from their families. Making a little care package to show you appreciate them is a beautiful way to show you care. In addition, there are a lot of people in need, and by reaching out to different organizations or churches, you can use what you have been blessed with to bless other people, whether you have a lot or a little.

5. Talk to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while Let’s be honest, you may have 40 different contacts or more, but how many of those people do you actually know and talk to on a normal basis? Chances are that if you have someone’s number, it is a relationship you have the opportunity to grow. Even if it's someone you already know, like your grandma, it is never a bad idea to catch up with and check in to see how they are doing.

You never know what kind of day someone is having or how much support they have.

By talking to someone and seeing how they are doing, you might be the one person in their life showing that you care, and that act of kindness could be the very thing that helps them and inspires them to be there for themselves and other people.

6. Forgive somebody Though this is a more indirect form of kindness, it is another important and valuable lesson to learn that allows you to not just be kind to others but also be kind to yourself.

In reality, life is not perfect, and we probably have all gone through at least one situation where we have felt wronged by someone.

However, that does not necessarily excuse nonforgiveness. Unforgiveness leads to things like unresolved anger and resentment, which end up hurting us even more. Instead of harboring those feelings, it is more important to face them rather than hiding from them through the guise of bitterness. It can be really hard and feel like not forgiving someone is a way to get “revenge,” but the truth is that loving people requires forgiveness, as hard as it is.

Forgiving somebody doesn’t require you to justify what they did to you as something right or ethical; rather, it frees them from being on bad terms with you, and honestly, you too from being on bad terms with them in your own heart.

7. Don’t let a bad feeling turn into a bad action Every day has its own set of challenges, and even though it is World Kindness Day, there are bound to be things you face that bring up bad feelings, whether it's feelings of anger, worry, sadness, etc. It can be really easy to take the things we face and project them on the people and things we are feeling those things towards, but it is when we let those bad feelings turn into something that is a bad action that things become a problem. For example, if someone starts talking behind your back, it is okay to feel angry about that, but if you let yourself get so angry that you decide to

get revenge on someone yourself by fighting that fire with fire, now you are also in the wrong. So, when challenges are faced, it is really important we take care of ourselves by taking a moment and by doing things to assuage the stress rather than amplify it, in order to take care of others as well.

8. Give someone a hug Last but not least, giving somebody a hug is a great way to seal off this special day of kindness. Beyond just feeling good, it is actually scientifically proven that hugs increase one’s mental health. “‘What’s happening on the inside when we receive a hug is there is a release of oxytocin,’” explained Susan Albers, PsyD, psychologist for the Cleveland Clinic. “‘That is that feel good chemical that when it’s released, we feel bonded to those around us. “There’s also a decrease in cortisol, the stress hormone that pumps through our body when we feel stressed or overwhelmed.”

Although National Hugging Day isn’t until January 21st, you don’t have to wait until then to boost someone’s mood; in fact, you can do it on World Kindness Day and beyond. While not everyone loves hugs, patting someone’s back, rubbing their hand, etc, is another way to release that same hormone that comforts people, especially with those we are close to.

World Kindness Day is a great day to provide kindness and serve others in ways we wouldn’t normally be doing it. While we shouldn’t wait until World Kindness Day to do these things, this day serves as a great

reminder of the importance of kindness.

Moreover, it shows us ways that we can serve those around us to use the ways we have been blessed to be a blessing to others. Hopefully, these little seeds of kindness can be seeds you scatter, blooming positivity and love wherever you go for this year’s kindness day and beyond.

Why a Trip is Better than Gifts this Christmas

by Natalia Arieli

The best time of the year is approaching: Christmas!

Now that Halloween is over, it’s time to get in the holiday spirit, with people putting up their Christmas trees and listening to Christmas music as early as November 1st. The holiday season is special for many families, as it is the time to spend time with family and friends, curl up with some hot chocolate, and watch your favorite holiday movies (or Stranger Things if you’re like me), and of course write your list of 100 things you want and expect to see them wrapped up all pretty at the bottom of the Christmas tree on the morning of December 25th.

One can begin to feel the excitement of waking up at 5 a.m. and rushing downstairs to open presents with my family. Just tearing the tissue paper is fun in itself. Feeling the joy and excitement an hour later, playing with a new iPad or trying on all the fun clothes I got. Then also remembering the two hours that go by with the gifts just sitting there while you’re bored on the couch, playing Roblox or watching Christmas movies for the rest of the day. And just like that, the Christmas morning magic just… disappears.

Presents are something super fun to look forward to for Christmas, and it's what many people anticipate excitedly on Christmas Eve. However, are the hundreds of dollars spent on the presents you got really worth looking forward to your entire holiday season? There’s no doubt you’ll enjoy and use those presents, but one day, those presents will be used up, or sitting in your closet with dust on them, and you won’t feel the Christmas spirit anymore, looking at those materialistic gifts that you asked for and received. What if I told you that the best Christmas should be spent, not purchasing expensive gifts and opening them on Christmas day, but going on a trip you’ll remember forever?

First, I know what you’re thinking: “Presents are one of the best parts about Christmas! Remember the Grinch movie when all those poor kids got sad because they didn’t get any presents?” Well… I see what you mean with the Grinch reference, but I think you. need to

‘Tis the Season//Standing proud in the middle of the Grove in Los Angeles, this Christmas tree dons an assortment of shiny, colorful ornaments for the Christmas season. Tourists come from all over the United States to different places during the holiday season, and LA is a prime spot to see all of the amazing decorations and get into the Christmas spirit. (Photo by Natalia Arieli)

rewatch the movie if you think that’s what that was about… Anyways, presents are one of those things that just “come along” with Christmas. Plus, when else can you ask your parents to get you all of these items that you’ve been wanting but don’t want to spend your own money on?

However, think about the last time you went on a trip, even if it was just a quick road trip to Disneyland or the beach. See, you can remember the specifics of it. The laughter with your family as you got ice cream by the beach, or the joyful screaming of going on the Incredicoaster with your sibling by your side. Now, think about what you got for Christmas last year. I bet you can think of maybe one or two things. For example, I forgot almost everything except for the tickets I got to go see a show I really wanted to see. That brings me to the memory of the show, and getting all dressed up, laughing and singing along when my family and I went to go see it.

Furthermore, this brings me to my point: the things you will remember in your lifetime are experiences, not materialistic things. You won’t remember the pair of mini Ugg boots you got two years ago, but I bet you will remember the trip to Disney World you took with your friends three years ago. Getting to go on a trip or experience this year for Christmas will be remembered forever, or at least a long time, which is my first point of why you should go on a trip rather than spend your money on gifts.

Additionally, you may be currently reading this and thinking: well, there’s no way I can afford to go on a trip. Well, I'm here to tell you that there are tons of ways to spend the least amount of money when going on a trip.

The article “10 Affordable Places to Travel During Christmas” by Sierra in the City explains, “...celebrating Christmas away from home doesn’t have to drain your bank account. There are actually some amazing, budget-friendly winter destinations that are perfect for soaking up the holiday spirit.”

There are several budget-friendly places, whether you’re looking for something snowy and cold to ski and have hot cocoa for the holiday season, or something warm and tropical to escape the harsh weather. Other articles and sites also list several different places that are affordable that you can visit during Christmas like, “30 Places to Travel on a Budget,” and “12 Best Cheap Destinations to Escape the Harsh Weather.” You can even do the easiest and least time-consuming research using ChatGPT to help you find a vacation for you based on your budget, how far away it is from where you are now, and the best things to do and see there. So, a trip really isn’t that bad to consider now that you know that there are affordable places to go. Even if it isn’t somewhere fancy like a cruise in the Caribbean or a trip to Puerto Rico, simply going and seeing things you haven’t is such a fun and memorable experience.

Lastly, going on a trip for Christmas is something that you’ll look forward to for the entire holiday season, and will be talking about and remembering it for a while after Christmas. While the school semester comes to a close and you’re already celebrating with your friends and family before Christmas, you’ll be thinking about your trip and how much fun you’ll have, which, in my opinion, is exhilarating and an eagerness that isn’t like opening presents. I bet, of course, you look forward to presents on Christmas, and there is something about that excitement that isn’t the same for much else. However, looking forward to a trip involves planning and buying outfits that you’ll wear during it, looking forward to all the exciting things you’ll do there and planning an itinerary, and (one of the best things in my opinion) looking all over Pinterest for ideas for pictures and places to go during the trip. The anticipation and excitement before going on vacation start at least a month in advance, while you’re only excited about getting presents once you’ve told your parents your list of things you want, and once you see them under the tree.

In conclusion, going on a trip is a much better investment than buying gifts for the holiday season. A trip will be something you remember forever, and will be a much more enjoyable and longer experience than opening presents and using them on Christmas day. There are also affordable options when it comes to looking to invest in a trip. Additionally, the excitement of planning and organizing a trip is such a fun experience that doesn’t compare to looking forward to opening gifts. For all these reasons, I highly recommend and encourage investing in a family or friends trip rather than purchasing presents for Christmas this year. Whether you want to go to Universal Studios or New York City, there’s a place for everyone, and the experience will be worth it.

Anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals

by Caleigh Burns Published 11/12/25

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is a global call to action set in 2015. These 17 interconnected goals were created to address humanity’s most pressing challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and access to education and justice.

Together, they form the foundation of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a vision of a world where progress benefits everyone.

The year 2025 marks the critical halfway point of their “Decade of Action,” which was launched in 2020.The UN called for faster, bolder efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030. However, the journey since then has been far from smooth. The COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical tensions, inflation, and accelerating climate impacts have slowed progress across nearly every region. According to the UN’s 2025 Sustainable Development Report, only about 15% of the goals are currently on track, while nearly half show minimal or even reversed progress.

Despite the challenges, there are still reasons for hope. Renewable energy use has expanded rapidly, with solar and wind power reaching record levels in several countries. Youth-led movements around the world have continued to advocate for climate action, human rights, and gender equality, demonstrating how individual voices can drive global change. Access to education, clean water projects, and innovation in sustainable farming have also improved lives in communities that once faced systemic barriers.

At the local level, the SDGs serve as a reminder that global action starts small. Schools, nonprofits, and youth organizations play a vital role in advancing sustainability through awareness, education, and community projects. Whether it’s a student-led cleanup event or a mental health awareness campaign, each effort contributes to the broader mission of making the world more fair and resilient.

A Decade of Action! // Reflecting on its progress, the UN’s Sustainable Development goals have officially been active for ten years now. With five years left until 2030, the push for global change is stronger than ever, and every action counts. (Photo by Caleigh Burns)

fAs the clock ticks toward 2030, the UN continues to call for collective responsibility, not just from governments and organizations, but from all people. The next five years will be decisive, as there will be an opportunity to turn commitment into action. It will be a turning point by which we can either make progress or turn away from it. In order to make the most of the next five years, governments must strengthen policy, corporations must prioritize sustainability over short-term profit, and communities must continue to innovate at the grassroots level.

The message of the Decade of Action is clear: achieving the SDGs isn’t just a global effort, it’s a personal one. As we reach the Ten-Year Anniversary of the global call to action, it is essential to reflect on how the little things we do contribute to a major impact. By making mindful choices, advocating for equity, and engaging in community initiatives, every individual can help shape a future that’s sustainable, inclusive, and built to last for generations to come.

Take A Slice out of the City//Enjoying a slice of pizza on either the streets of New York or Las Vegas is the perfect meal.

If you can’t be in New York, then New York is brought to you with their approved New York City Pizza on Prince St. and the renowned pizzeria, Grimaldi’s.

(Photo by Mila Ekstrom)

From the Streets of New York to Vegas: Which Pizzeria is the Best?

by Mila Ekstrom Published 11/10/2025

Pizza is one of the most beloved foods with many chains and a variety of toppings across the nation.

New York-Style Pizza, from the boroughs of Brooklyn to the city itself, has its own way of doing things. From thin and crisp crusts, sold by the slice to the Sicilian-style, which is square-shaped pizza slices, there are many pizzerias in Vegas that feature the style of New York Pizza in their shops.

Grimaldi’s and Prince St. Pizza are two chains that originated in New York and now have locations in Vegas, L.A., and many other cities.

Prince St. Pizza

Prince St. Pizza originally comes from Prince St. in New York, NY, and now it is available in Las Vegas and even L.A. This pizzeria has a multitude of flavors that can be bought by the square, slice, or whole. They also have gluten-free crust and dairy-free cheese, which makes their pizzeria an easily accessible place for many people to enjoy.

My favorites had to be their Oakey Smokey and their Green Machine. Their Oakey Smokey featured a smoked mozzarella that was almost meaty in flavor, with a delicious smoky flavor that is easily enjoyable. The pizza was crunchy and soft (if you are gluten- free, just know that it is a bit harder to cut into). It was a perfect slice of pizza that had a hint of bougieness.

They also offer traditional pizza, best tasted from the Sunset Square, to more intricate pies like Spicy Vodka and Houston Jalapeño. All these great options scratch the surface of why this is an amazing pizzeria. They have a whole vibe with LED signs, sports memorabilia, claw machines, and even a photo booth where you can take a photo with your friends or just you with your pizza slice.

SNAP. SLICE. REPEAT// Mouthwatering Pizza My choice was the Green Machine, which is one of the comes straight to healthier-looking options, with olives and a pesto swirl. It Vegas as Prince St. Pizza opened a new is very decorative, and it tastes delicious. I found it to be location on Serene Ave more of a flatbread as it didn’t have the classic red that is a must-try. They marinara sauce, but the flavor was fresh from that pesto have everything from sauce. The only thing is for dairy-free pizzas, their cheese by-the-slice to whole pies that will surely is a bit gluey, as dairy-free cheese doesn't melt like satisfy your cravings. regular cheese. Other than that, it was a perfect slice.

(Photo by Mila Ekstrom)

Go to Prince St. Pizza for the amazing environment, great pizzas that are customizable and allergy-friendly, and enjoy with your friends and family.

Grimaldi’s Spicy, Cheesy, and All Around Deliciousness // Devouring is one way to eat Grimaldi’s Pizza.

From Brooklyn, NY to Sin City, Grimaldi’s has the best atmosphere and pizza to enjoy with anyone. (Photo by Mila Ekstrom)

Accredited for the “Pizza that made the Brooklyn Bridge Famous,” as displayed on their pizza boxes, Grimaldi’s is a great place to enjoy a good slice of pizza. Whether you are on a date or hanging out with your friends and family, Grimaldi’s is the place for you. They have a radiant vibe with wine bottle lights, cute plaid tablecloths, and great photos that showcase the importance of Grimaldi’s in New York. They pride themselves on their roots, from hanging pictures of historical figures like Dean Martin, to having a replica of the Subway Station signs labeled in Brooklyn.

Besides the atmosphere, their food is out of this world. They have desserts like cannolis and cheesecake, which look the most indulgent. This restaurant serves appetizers like Caprese salad and bruschetta (toasted bread topped with cheese, tomatoes, and sometimes balsamic glaze), which is an Italian staple. They even have a lunch special where you can get a slice of pizza, a house or Caesar Salad, and a drink.

The best part about Grimaldi’s is their pizza pies. I tried the Don, which is meatballs, pepperoni, and Italian sausage, and it is a delicious pie for meat lovers. The crust was crispy as well as their pepperoni slices, and their pizza was cheesy and just greased with flavor. It was a perfect ratio of cheese and meat, and just the right amount of grease. Then, I ordered the Brooklyn Bridge Pizza, which features ricotta, roasted red bell peppers, and Italian sausage. It was the freshest slice of pizza I’ve ever had. It was creamy from the ricotta, the peppers were sweet and smoky, and the crust was phenomenal for being thin crust. The only thing about the slice was that the bell peppers eclipsed the Italian sausage, but other than that it is a great pizzeria to try.

From New York and Brooklyn style pizza, which had the best pizza? Not to be too biased, as I’m from Brooklyn, but Grimaldi’s was my favorite out of the two. They were both delicious, but with Grimaldi’s, their slices were unmatched with their mouth watering flavor. Prince St. Pizza is perfect for hanging out with your friends and has a very chill vibe, while Grimaldi’s is a sit-down restaurant that fits whatever mood you are going for. The best part for both is that they both have GF options and a variety of different topping combinations. Be sure to check out both pizzerias, and figure out which one is your favorite.

Speakout

13 nov 2025

Vol. 1

How do you feel about the time change from daylight savings time?

“I hate it because it throws off the schedule, and why do we even need it?” -Collin Cooking, 9.

“I’m both for and against the time change because we get to save energy and everything, but at the same time the time change is hard to get used to.” -Amelia Ramirez-Solis, 10.

www.reallygreatsite.com

“I think it’s dumb because like, why?

Mr. Anderson says it messes up your circadian rhythms too.” -Tanios Dagher, 11.

“I do actually really enjoy daylight savings time around this time of the year. Since it gets darker faster it feels like I get to spend more of my time in the evening part of the day and as a night person that is a better vibe for me,” -Daniella January, 12.

Caffeine: What Is It Actually Doing to Our Growing Minds and Bodies?

by Audrey Hamatake Published 11/11/25

Nowadays, caffeine is everywhere you look—180 milligrams in this drink, 250 milligrams in that one. It’s in our coffees, our teas, our sodas, our energy drinks. While a small amount can sharpen attention, growing evidence from pediatricians and medical studies shows that caffeine can harm adolescents’ sleep, mood, heart health, and even behavior. Schools, parents, and students themselves should be more aware of the risks and become more educated on safer limits when it comes to caffeine so that teenagers can make smarter choices.

Buzz Kill?//Educating yourself and your peers about the effects of “Consuming high amounts of caffeine can be risky for adolescents. Caffeine acts as a stimulant to increase caffeine is vital. It is always important to do your research on what types alertness, and combined with the sugar found in energy of food and drinks you are allowing to enter your body, especially in one drinks, works to create a “jolt” of energy…” a UCLA Health of the arguably most important stages of development: your adolescent years. (Photo by Audrey Hamatake) article elucidated.

Why exactly does this matter? Well, caffeine changes brain chemistry, raises heart rate and blood pressure, and interferes with the sleep that teens so crucially need for learning and mood regulation in this sensitive time of our lives. Since adolescents are still developing physically and neurologically, this, evidently, can seriously hinder that development, thus impacting them later on in life.

Multiple studies have linked teen caffeine consumption (particularly from energy drinks, which are one of the most popular sources of caffeine for teenagers today) to insomnia, worse quality of sleep, higher levels of anxiety, and more. Adolescents battling mental health issues can have the effects heightened by caffeine.

“An energy drink typically contains large amounts of caffeine, added sugars, other additives, and legal stimulants (guarana, taurine, and L-carnitine). The legal stimulants can increase alertness, attention, energy. They can also increase blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing,” the CDC said. “In 2011, 1,499 adolescents aged 12–17 years went to the emergency room for an energydrink–related emergency.”

This is too large a number of people in need of medical help simply from caffeine overconsumption. High caffeine intake has also been associated with cardiovascular stress. Studies indicate that teenagers who frequently drink highly caffeinated beverages may experience elevated blood pressure and faster resting heart rates. In extreme cases, especially when combined with dehydration or physical activity, excessive caffeine has been linked to emergency room visits for palpitations, chest pain, and fainting episodes.

“Research has shown that energy drinks can disrupt normal heart function. People who consume energy drinks experience elevated blood pressure and abnormal electrical activity in the heart for hours afterward — changes that may raise the risk of serious, potentially lifethreatening arrhythmias,” a Harvard Medical School study claimed.

The effects ripple far beyond the physical ones. Caffeine affects behavior and emotional regulation. Adolescents who rely on caffeine to stay awake often end up in a cycle of fatigue and dependence. They consume caffeine to wake up, lose sleep because of it, and then need even more the following day. Correlations between frequent caffeine use and impulsive or risk-taking behaviors in high schoolers have been discovered. While caffeine itself doesn’t cause poor decision-making, sleep deprivation and overstimulation can greatly influence mood, attention span, and emotional control.

“In the morning, I wake up and almost feel symptoms of withdrawal until I drink my Red Bull. I know it’s a terrible habit, but I would honestly say I’m addicted. It would be too difficult to stop,” Olivia Larson, 11, said.

Caffeine addiction is a real thing, and it is more common in teenagers than the average person might think. All of this to say, it is vital that you do your research on what you’re consuming. Know, understand, and moderate what you’re putting in your growing body, because taking care of your body now is taking care of your body later.

Regretting You Overview

by Megan Meusy Published 11/6/25

Regretting You is an amazing book and now, an amazing movie. It came out on October 24th, and many people around the country have been excited to see it. The film stars leading lady Clara (McKenna Grace), Miller (Mason Thames), Morgan (Allison Williams), and Jonah (Dave Franco). These stars have brought a lot of publicity for this movie and have been keeping the hype up for it. This movie was inspired by the book and author, Colleen Hoover. While I believe she has written so many outstanding books, just like Regretting You, I do not believe the directors fulfilled the story as much as I was hoping Not Top Rom-Com//Seeing this movie is something you will for.

The movie first started out with giving backstory about the regret spending your money on. Regretting You is a cute mother, Morgan her sister, Jenny Morgan’s boyfriend, romantic comedy that plays with your emotions and makes Chris and Jenny’s boyfriend, Jonah. It panned to them all the audience hope that everything will work out in the end. hanging out at the beach when they were teenagers, and (Photo by Megan Meusy) there was a weird tension between Morgan and Jonah.

Then the movie fast-forwards to the present, when Clara is a teenager with her parents Morgan and Chris, while fThis was one of the main plot twists that really set the set Jonah and Jenny have a little baby boy. This was a little the setting for the movie. It became the central focus of confusing at first because you really had to pay attention the story, repeating the affair’s emotional impact again to who was who, and it was a little hard to understand and again. At first, I was on the edge of my seat, that Chris was the father of Clara when they had first shot wondering what would happen next, but only once in a the tension between Morgan and Jonah. while I found myself looking at the screen next to us in the However, as we get a little more into the movie, we end drive in movie. However there would be a plot twist that up seeing Clara start to fall for Miller, and when she tells would just back up that Jenny and Chris were having an her parents about him, they reject him very fast. The next affair. As I did feel bad for Morgan and Jonah, I could not morning, Clara leaves for school while her dad, Chris, keep interested when it was just back and forth. However, leaves for work, and Jonah comes over to drop off the it was cute how they bonded over their trauma together, baby with Morgan. While Morgan is watching the baby, and it brought them closer together when they were first she gets a call from an ambulance saying Chris has been shown at the beginning of the movie. I did like how Clara in a terrible car accident. Once she gets to the hospital, was getting to know Miller, but in some parts, it felt like she sees Jonah. Jonah then tells her that Jenny has also she was using Miller to get over her trauma, which I did been in a terrible car accident. They soon piece together not appreciate. I would have liked it to be cute and slow. that Jenny and Chris had been having an affair, but decide Although they did have some sweet moments together, I to keep it a secret from Clara. wish it didn’t feel like she was using him.

While grieving the passing of her aunt and father, Clara Throughout the movie, I enjoyed watching Jonah and skips the funeral to hang out with Miller. The movie then Morgan taking their own ways and rediscovering shifts between Clara's viewpoint and her mother, themselves with each other’s support and opening Morgan’s viewpoint. Morgan goes through ups and up, and realizing they still had feelings for one downs, feeling betrayed by her sister and husband, and another but never acted on them. At the end of the how they have been having an affair right beneath her movie, it was nice to see how Miller was plotting and Jonah's noses, and finding out that supposedly Jonah against Clara since the first time he saw her. Even and Jenny's kid is actually the son of Chris.

though it was a cheesy, silly movie, it was cute and fun, but not as good as I was expecting it to be, like the other movies they have based on Colleen Hoover's book.

Artificial Intelligence’s Effect on the Future Environment

by Stella Lin Published 11/5/25

It is estimated that ChatGPT gets an astounding 2.5 billion prompts every day. There is a lot of conversation about how artificial intelligence impacts the environment, but not a large understanding of the actual effects on our planet, and how it will influence people in our daily lives. That being said, how does AI actually impact the environment?

AI data centers are facilities placed all around the world to fuel the rising demand for artificial intelligence using high-tech supercomputers. The number of these data centers has also increased tremendously from only 500,000 in 2012 to over 8 million as of 2024, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). These centers are created to power the daily use of AI platforms like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and MetaAI. What makes the data centers so detrimental to the environment is the rare earth metals required to make them, the living conditions for the miners of these materials, the cost of energy to run the data centers, and the large amounts of water used for cooling mechanisms.

In order to make a 2kg computer, it requires 800kg of raw materials like graphite, lithium, and cobalt.

Not only is it difficult to extract these raw materials, but it also has harmful consequences for the disposal. When we dispose of raw materials, it pollutes the soil and water with chemicals, emitting toxic chemicals into the environment, as well as destroying the habitats of endangered species like bats, bees, and certain types of birds.

Not only are the computers used to develop AI harmful to make, but also impacts the miners who collect these materials. Specifically in African countries, which are rich in materials like copper, cobalt, lithium, and graphite, living conditions are poor, and there are many cases of the exploitation of workers. For example, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, people are being forcibly removed

Artificial Affects // Living in the world we do today, there is a growing stigma around artificial intelligence harming the environment. What does it actually mean for a digital software to affect the planet in the real world? (Photo by Stella Lin) from their homes in order to get access to these materials. It is estimated that about 11,000 men and women work in Kamilombe, a remote mining town in the DRC. Every day these people have to risk their lives to extract copper and cobalt down shafts as deep as 100 meters, working in harsh, hot conditions with wages equivalent to $3.50 per day. With AI companies having so much power, it should be prioritized to collect materials sustainably and ethically, with fair pay to all workers.

The International Energy Association states that one ChatGPT search consumes 10 times the energy than that of a Google search. This is important because the more energy consumed, the more greenhouse gas emissions being created, which fuels climate change. The energy used for ChatGPT inquiries is

already a big problem, but it also costs energy to train these AI platforms. According to the MIT technology review, to train ChatGPT-4, it took over $100 million and consumed 50 gigawatts-hours of energy, which is enough energy to power San Francisco for 3 days. This is causing a lot of unnecessary environmental damage when we have tools like Google that don’t require extensive training and energy consumption.

Due to the vast amounts of energy required to power these data centers, they heat up quickly, making it necessary that there are cooling systems to keep the data centers running. One data center consumes the amount of water equivalent to 4200 people per day, although larger data centers can use up to five million gallons of water per day. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 4 people do not have access to clean water, so when we use up so much water for these data centers, it only deepens this statistic. More importantly, although this water can be reused, it is very difficult because the heat of the data centers evaporates the water, making it harder to collect. This is especially prevalent in hot, drought-prone areas where access to water is already difficult, for example, Las Vegas. If you don’t think you have seen a data center before, think again. The large building near the Strip called Switch is a data center. This is only one of the many facilities that are consuming so much energy and water that could be used for other purposes, like the grass-replacement program in Las Vegas.

Although Artificial intelligence isn’t going anywhere, there are still ways that we can mitigate the usage of it in our daily lives. For example, using AI more mindfully, staying educated on the impacts of AI, and opting out when possible. It is unrealistic to completely eliminate the use of AI in this day and age, but if everyone used AI more mindfully and used other softwares when possible, then it can make a difference in the climate crisis. Staying up to date on the news of AI and how it affects the environment can help spread awareness and help bring people together to fix this issue. Abstaining from AI platforms when possible can make a difference when we use AI unintentionally, like meta AI, and Gemini. When googling something Gemini automatically provides an answer without getting the choice to use it.

This will reduce unnecessary energy consumption and water waste, contributing to a cleaner, healthier planet.

AI is a system of the future and will likely never go away. As a result, rather than trying to get rid of it, it is essential to adjust to it. This way, we can acknowledge how it affects the environment and take steps to improve it for long-term usage, while also spreading awareness to the uninformed. When everybody makes a small decision in their daily life, it can make a great impact on future generations.

Promoting for the Paycheck//Instructing the viewers, popular influencer, Kaeli Mae Ragains, receives a brand deal from Ninja Kitchen to promote their new espresso machine. With over one million followers, this is one way that this influencer makes money. However, will this strategy of influencers creating promo videos for brands last long? (Photo by McKenzie Smoot)

“There are plenty of lazy people who spend all their days on the web,” UNH Scholar, Mya Sanders said. “However, those who stereotype Social Media Influencer’s (SMI’s) know nothing of what the job really entails. … Becoming a successful SMI is not an easy task; it takes hard work, skill, and being in the right place at the right time. Additionally, SMI’s are not useless in society; they help shape the minds of listeners by emotionally connecting with them and being a regular part of their lives.”

“It is hard for viewers of social media to look at the content they are watching and realize that the people on the screen are actual people trying to make money. Some influencers’ only jobs are to make content and monetize it.

Although viral videos do need some luck for their success, it is mainly research and using specific techniques that really take a video from average to viral. These techniques are “the code” to make social media a job, but is this “code” maintainable and long-lasting?

The influencer marketing scene is ever evolving with nano and microinfluencers now taking a piece of the pie of brand deals and collaborations,” Marketing Interactive said. “In fact, 67% of marketers said that they are upping their investment in influencer marketing this year, according to influencer marketing platform Partipost. Of which, nano-influencers have emerged as a powerful force in influencer marketing.”

Is an Influencer a Sustainable Job?

by McKenzie Smoot Published 11/5/25 3.. 2.. 1.. Post! You just published your first video and sit anxiously waiting to gain views, likes, and followers. Scrolling through Instagram, it seemed easy enough to recreate videos and gain millions of followers like your favorite influencers did; however, this is not how their jobs work. Many people think it takes no skill to earn a living off of social media, and that many influencers should just go to college and get a real job. Contrary to popular belief, numerous influencers actually do have a college degree and choose to do the research and start a channel, but that does not mean influencers won’t ever have to put that degree to use, as social media may not be as reliable as they think.

With how adaptable social media is, there is no guarantee that being an influencer will remain a job that can be used as a main income source. With new versions of social media springing up, new kinds of influencers that fulfill different purposes than the current ones could emerge. Many brands have been veering away from popular influencers whose videos could be thought of as scripted by the public. Instead, nano-influencers are naturally becoming consistent content creators for brands when working on commission. Since they're actively trying to make sales, they regularly create fresh photos, videos, and reviews featuring various products. This gives brands a steady stream of authentic user-generated content (UGC) without additional production costs.

“But as we enter into the next technological revolution, social media may no longer be a viable career alternative,” Amanda Claypool from Tomorrow Today claims. “Artificial intelligence is poised to not only displace the support staff and strategists behind some of the internet’s most popular accounts, but it’s also poised to displace influencers themselves.”

We all know that artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at a rapid, nearly concerning pace. This can not only affect labor-type jobs, but also the job of an influencer. It is much easier to generate videos targeted to a specific audience with AI than it is to set up a camera, film a video, edit the video, and post it in an attempt to engage the viewers. With AI advancing, it could have full dominance over social media quite quickly. Thus, although other jobs may not be sustainable long-term as well, becoming an influencer definitely will not last based on the current trends.

With nano-influencers, UGC creators, and AI, it is nearly impossible in today’s age to become an influencer and use it as your only career. Not only are the odds against influencers from new technologies to other up-to-date brand promotions through social media, but it is also just difficult to become viral enough to be monetized. Some people wait years to become an influencer, yet it just doesn’t happen. For all these reasons, an influencer cannot be a reliable career that someone is dependent on to survive.

Longing for Leisure//Calling for a longer break, students are arguing that the current break doesn't allow for enough time to recharge and rest. As the pressure of academics increases, extending this break could be a simple step in helping mental health.

(Photo by Milana Garza)

Taking Back Thanksgiving The truth is, those two extra days could be just what students need to come back to school refreshed and ready Break: The Need for a Full to learn. While it may not seem significant, a full week could be extremely beneficial in offering students and teachers Week Off alike a chance to get some much-needed rest before finals

by Milana Garza season begins. The end of November is commonly linked to Published 11/10/2025

Students, exhausted from the endless stream of assignments, tests, and practices, count down the days till Thanksgiving break like it is their last bit of hope. But is it really a break if it only lasts a mere three days? It begins to feel like a tease rather than a true rest for their tired minds and bodies. In reality, the Monday and Tuesday of that week are a blur for students and teachers just trying to cram instruction into a two-day week. Minds are already on holiday travel and delicious Thanksgiving feasts with family, resulting in students being too distracted to learn, assuming they even show up for the two days. So why not give everyone the full week off?

“I don’t even remember what we do in class that week,” said junior Calysta Romero. “So many people are absent or just not focused at all. It feels so pointless.”

feelings of extreme burnout and academic exhaustion, so by rewarding students and faculty with a week-long break, we are able to combat some of those feelings.

“My whole family comes to town for Thanksgiving every year, and it is disappointing to not be able to spend as much time with them,” said junior Ryan Sayal. “I feel like I focus on school so much; it'd be nice to just get one week to think about something else.”

Family bonding and quality time with loved ones are other prominent factors to consider when looking at the need for an extended break. Many students have expressed feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are only heightened when there is less time available to spend with friends and family.

Mental health matters, and a longer break would give families more time to travel and reconnect without the worry of missing school or work.

Schools put an emphasis on wellness, and this is a simple way to show they mean it. Again, Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and what better way to show it than by giving students and staff the time they need to truly rest?

Inflation Means No Vacation // Making way for some of the most unprecedented levels of tourism yet, Vegas is rising up again despite various hurdles. Photo courtesy of Creative Commons.

Vacation Probation

by Ashley Nassiri Published 11/19/2025

The city of Las Vegas has been under consistent change in tourism over the years. In 2020, the number of tourists had gone down by over 20 million people due to factors such as COVID-19, and the rising costs of maintaining the town, and nationwide inflation. Recently, however, Las Vegas has made a remarkable comeback. As of 2024, over 41 million people have visited the city, making it the highest it's been since 2019.

Vegas is known for its glittering nightlife, glamorous hotels, and being the ultimate destination for vacationers.This reputation is what has led to its establishment as a city that is ultimately dependent on tourism. However, things such as limited water supply and finances have also contributed to a decline in tourism in the last couple of years.

The year 2020 went down in history textbooks forever as a COVID-19 became a global phenomenon, affecting Vegas as well. The typical booming Strip was dead empty—with hotels, casinos, and shopping centers closed with concerns of the Coronavirus spreading. That same year marked the lowest number of tourists to date, only 19 million people visiting, reducing numbers by half.

Fortunately, as things gradually began opening up again and the virus has gone down in numbers, Vegas paved the way for recovery. However, though there may not be a worldwide pandemic anymore, a new threat has emerged, resulting in lower tourism than usual.

Economic strain within the United States has made people less inclined to spend money.

Covid, among other factors, has changed the way society handles money. Shortly after the Strip opened again, the lack of visitors took a huge financial toll from small businesses all the way up to major casinos. To make up for the lack of cash? They began to increase the prices for tourists to an unprecedented amount.

Hotels and casinos, especially in Las Vegas, are designed to lure tourists into spending money. Post pandemic, now that is at an inflated amount. Say a family of four arrives at the main entrance— there’s a valet fee, and parking fee for the duration of their stay, and a tip for the bellman. They haven’t even walked through the main doors yet, and that’s many fees that add up. Perhaps more if it's a particularly luxurious stay. That’s also excluding factors such as travel, hotel room, booking fees, and so much more.

Even for an affordable outing, locals struggle just as much as fellow tourists with the rising costs and upkeep of the city. Say a local has plans with friends at a hotel restaurant, there's either parking fee, a tip for the valet, and $30 for one expensive beverage, and their food isn’t even paid for yet. It makes sense as to why tourists or locals don’t want to spend that much money coming to the Strip when they can have a good time elsewhere.

Las Vegas, being based in a desert, struggles a lot with water conservation and accommodating the sheer amount of people with the balance of water conservation. Thus, it’s expensive for the hotels to keep up with plumbing and other bills. Combined with the drop in tourists and financial toll, that is why hotels pay and charge so much.

Despite the hurdles, Las Vegas is a special city. There's not a single other city where someone can walk a mile to the Eiffel Tower, down to New York, New York. The expenses that tourists deal with, despite the high price, support Las Vegas as a city and a home. Due to a variety of reasons, from water shortage all the way to the lasting effects of COVID-19, Las Vegas has made quite the comeback even with all these issues, the city will continue to shape and evolve, adapting to the new challenges and changes.

An Unforgettable Occasion // Participating in the 2025 RTC, (Region Training Conference), Key Club made some undeniably incredible memories.

There, they attended workshops, developed their own leadership skills, and bonded with people in a way that will stick with them forever.

(Photo Courtesy of Julie Bolken)

An Experience of Many Words: RTC

by Jenai Atherall Published 11/4/2025

“Energizing, loud, and enthusiastic,” junior Kirstyn Oden, spirit leader, described the event.

That event took place Saturday, October 18th, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, where 45 of our Key Club members attended and participated in an annual event that members look forward to every year in an event known as the Region Training Conference.

Region Training Conference, also known as RTC, is an event that takes place in many regions to represent the international club it celebrates. This includes a variety of activities, events, competitions, and workshops that introduce Key Club officers and members to new people, allow them to represent school spirit, and develop their own qualities as individuals to take back and apply to each of their own clubs.

“RTC is about coming together as a club and battling with other schools to be the most spirited,” Oden explained.

““There are also workshops to learn more about Key Club and service projects to help the community.”

Nearly 1,200 people were in attendance, with over 30 clubs from a variety of different schools across Southern Nevada, and our Coronado Cougars made their mark. Throughout this 12-hour event, like-minded students come together with a passion to learn more about how to better serve their community and even their own school in leadership roles through a variety of projects, from park cleaning to helping out during festivals at elementary schools.

In addition to the learning aspect of RTC, the conference also consists of competitions, such as smaller talent shows and video contests, where various clubs participate to be recognized. During this event, a Member of the Year from each division is also announced, and together, as schools, they compete in events essentially known as “spirit battles” that represent their school and passion for it based on the theme of the year.

“Every year, there’s an overall theme, and we get to choose subthemes based on it,” junior Emily Denman, Key Club’s Director of Service explained.

This past year, the theme was ‘Serving Across the RT-Sea,” and we were the “Cougars of the Caribbean.’ Our spirit sticks always match our theme—this year, we had a crossbones flag, a treasure chest, a mast, a plank, and a few others.”

As the Key Club’s Director of Service, Denman plans service projects and does a lot of networking with local businesses, charities, and elementary schools to partner for events and share opportunities with the members. Her role contributes a lot to the service side of the event by giving her an opportunity to network with other clubs within our region, which helps her fellow members. Moreover, secret judges who attend, generally ones who are part of the District Board, often judge the chants based on enthusiasm, respect for other teams, and the teamwork of each school that competes. Throughout the event, they start by competing by division, chanting things that represent their school, put together by people like Oden, who are spirit leaders for the club.

“As spirit leader, my biggest project is to organize and teach the chants for RTC,” Oden said. “After RTC is finished, my main focus is to keep the club engaged and spirited for the whole year.”

This event kicks off the year in an energetic fashion, and every year, RTC is an opportunity to win at these competitions. They consist of Division and Regional competitions. This year, the theme of our school was “Cougars at the Caribbean,” and they won the Division 28 East Spirit Competition, taking home the Division Spirit stick and just barely losing the Regional Spirit Stick. Regardless, this was a huge accomplishment for our Coronado Cougars.

“Energetic, inspiring, and unforgettable,” Denman described it.

However, more than just learning about service skills, and participating in fun competitions, it’s an opportunity to give those skills of service a chance to be put into action by networking with other schools and gaining more widespread recognition as a school through these competitions that put schools on the map, and open up doors for larger service projects that can create a larger impact.

“Key Club isn't just a service club. We prioritize community and unity through school spirit,” Oden added. “Service is more fun and efficient when you know the community you're serving.”

For those who are unaware, Key Club is more widely known and recognized as a service club. It is an international organization that is student-led for high schools that focus mainly on providing services to their own schools and communities as a whole. The Key Club at our school participates in a variety of outside school community events, such as volunteering for festivals to doing park cleanups. In school, they serve at events and participate in maintaining our school garden to keep it healthy. The youth program has made many impacts, unseen and seen within Coronado and the Henderson community. Every year, they gain more and more members as people become more involved and aware of the beauty of the bond and heart of service that come with being a part of this club.

“RTC reminds me that service isn’t just about volunteering,” Denman added. “It’s about teamwork, leadership, and making an impact together. It shows how small acts, when combined with others’ efforts, can create something so much bigger.”

More than just another event, another lesson, another competition, RTC is a conference about connection. Key Club is more than just another club that serves, but also is about truly adding to a community, giving it a heart.

Through connecting annually like this, Key Clubs all across our county and beyond are able to strengthen that heart. Through Key Club, there is an opportunity to serve the community that is around you and truly connect with other people who care about the same thing. RTC is an opportunity to grow the community because we are stronger together than we are alone. It truly does take a community of people to make a difference, and that is exactly what Key Club did at RTC, energetically, enthusiastically, and memorably, in an experience of many words.

“Key Club goes beyond service by building a community of leaders who actually care about helping others,” Denman explained. “It’s a place where I’ve formed my best friendships, have grown in confidence, and have learned how to lead with kindness. RTC is a celebration of that spirit and the connections we’ve built through serving together.”

“We Never Go Out of Style”//Posing together, sophomore Natalia Arieli and junior Rose Anderson dress as different styles of the famous music artist Taylor Swift, inspired by her music videos. As Halloween quickly approaches, this is just one of many different costumes you can coordinate with a friend and do it DIY style with low price and little stress.

(Photo by Natalia Arieli)

Halloween Costume Ideas 2025

by Natalia Arieli

Halloween is a fun holiday, hanging out with friends, eating an unlimited supply of candy, and watching scary movies at 11:00pm, but there is one other huge part of Halloween: the costumes.

Picture this: you’re eating some pretzels and watching some funny Tiktoks when suddenly you get a text from your friend, asking, “soo… What are we being for Halloween?” You check the date. It’s October 30th. Oh boy. You only have one day of the year to dress up as whatever you want and not be made fun of, so choosing a Halloween costume can be a hard decision to make. Whether you’re looking for a funny solo costume, a cheesy couples duet, or a huge group costume, Halloween costume planning is important as the spooky holiday approaches, and sometimes you need a little inspiration to choose something both cute and fun.

1.Solo Costumes For those of you who are somewhat introverted or want to be the center of attention and do a solo costume, here are some ideas. First, a classic, the blow-up costumes. This is a pretty popular costume idea, so it is pretty easy to find, anywhere from Spirit Halloween to Amazon. For those of you looking for some comedy and want to be your silly self on Halloween, this costume is for you. There is so much variety too, you could be an alien, a hamster, a piggyback costume, even a dinosaur.

You can even find different variations of each of these costumes. For instance, with the blow-up dinosaur costumes, there is a plethora of colors

like green, brown, or purple. Some of these costumes make you look a lot taller than you are (helpful to my shorter friends), and you’ll definitely be the center of attention walking around holding a bucket of candy.

One warning, however, is that this costume definitely scares some kids, so please be nice as you’re walking by.

Another great solo costume idea is your favorite book, movie, or TV show character. This could help show off your obsession with Harry Potter or Stranger Things to anyone who didn’t want to, but needed to know.

These costumes tend to be more of a cosplay, and oftentimes are more expensive, yet there is some flexibility in which choice of costume you want to wear. For example, if you were looking to be Katniss Everdeen, from The Hunger Games, you could choose the iconic black body suit with a golden pin from the games, or you could choose to wear her flaming red dress (but please don’t put actual fire on it). For some costumes, you can even DIY some things or find different components from your Eleven costume at the dollar store or Amazon to aim for a cheaper experience. For example, fake blood that won’t come off your skin for a couple of days or a patient costume from the doctor’s office.

The last solo costume idea is a music artist. All different music artists have different iconic outfits and styles, which is why people would definitely know who you are in those costumes. These could also be pretty easy to find or make, as there are tons of concert outfit ideas you can find online on platforms like Pinterest. Whether you’re aspiring to be Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, or Drake, there are tons of different costume ideas you can find inspired by their iconic outfits. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even amaze everyone with that amazing voice of yours, so much

so that you get posted on social media and get hired by your favorite artist!

2. Couples’ Costumes Next, we move on to cheesy couples’ costumes.

Now, this part won’t include just costume ideas for couples, but also for a set of best friends looking for ideas. The first duo costume category is movie partners. For example, one really cute option is Woody and Little Bo Peep from Toy Story, which could be found pretty much in any Halloween costume shop, and is the cutest idea for a cheesy couple. Another great one is Rapunzel and Flynn Rider from Tangled. With a cute purple dress, a frying pan, and a chameleon, you can easily pull this off. Some other ideas are Mike and Cecilia or Sharkboy and Lava Girl. For best friends, you could do a classic Elphaba and Glinda from Wicked, which could easily be found with a pink or black dress from Windsor, a tiara, and a witch’s hat. Another cute idea for a more funny and spooky approach is the Shining twins. If your best friend looks especially like you, this could be a win.

The next duo/couples’ costume category is for all the comedians out there. These are all the funny and unique costumes that you can do with your partner or bestie. For example, you could be construction cones, which could be pulled off with a ginormous and bright orange construction vest and an actual construction cone, which you can probably find in the middle of the street somewhere. (Just kidding, please don’t pick up a construction cone in the street; I’m pretty sure that’s illegal.) Another funny one is you could be different types of cereals. All you need for this one is your favorite cereal box taped to your shirt, and you can dress up as the characters on the box. For example, the leprechaun from Lucky Charms or Toucan Sam from Froot Loops.

3. Group Costumes Now that we’ve covered quite a lot of duos and couples costumes, we go on to the final category: group costumes. From big to little groups, there is something for everyone in this category! One really cute idea is a classic from all of our childhoods: My

Little Pony. This is especially great for a group of 6, and you can find different ribbons for the different color combinations with your character to put in your hair, and stickers or face paint of their cutie marks. Another great one that is also super funny is Shrek characters. There are plenty of characters in Shrek that could also show off each friend group member's personality. For example, you can give the short one Lord Farquad and the class clown Donkey.

Some other group ideas include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Lorax, and Disney Princesses.

Now, onto smaller group costumes. For example, if you have a group of three, a great costume idea could be Alvin and the Chipmunks. These are a great DIY option. All you need are some ears, face paint, and a green, blue, and red hoodie. Minions are another great option, which you could then finally use your banana sitting in the fruit bowl. Some other smaller group ideas are the Three Blind Mice, Clueless characters, and Winnie the Pooh characters.

Now, after reading this, hopefully you won't go and text your friend that you have no idea what to wear for Halloween. Whether you're a solo, duo, trio, or large group, you should find some costume ideas that you think would be worth it to invest in for the one day you get to wear them. Even if you’re not going trick-or-treating, dressing up is the best part of Halloween, so why not partake in it this year?

Whatever you decide to be, a princess, blow-up dinosaur costume, or Lord Farquad, be sure to plan it out, but most importantly, make sure to have an amazing Halloween this year.