2025 Quarter 1

! k c a B e m o c l e W

Red, White, and Coug!

Photo by K. Diaz

Coronado’s Boom Squad and Cisco pack the stands to cheer the Varsity Football team to victory at their first home game on August 22nd. “I love the energy of Boom Squad,” Garrett Woodward, 12, said. During junior year, I saw Will Strickland leading it, I went down and joined him, and it was so much fun. This year, I’ve been working with fellow students to make it bigger and beter than ever. It made me proud when I talked to some of the football players after the game, and they said they could hear us the whole time.”

The 5 Best Ice Cream Spots in Las Vegas That Are Worth Melting For

by Caleigh Burns Published: 10/08/2025

Sweet Scoops//Rewarding yourself with ice cream never fails to brighten the mood.

Whether you just got to Las Vegas recently or you are an experienced local, it is essential to know all the best ice cream shops to enhance your experience! (Photo

by Caleigh Burns) Even though summer is coming to an end, it doesn’t mean ice cream has to. Ice cream is one of the best ways to cool down in the Las Vegas heat and one of the best forms of a sweet treat. With Las Vegas being a bustling city, there are many ice cream options available, from over-the-top sundaes piled high with toppings, to handcrafted small-batch flavors made with fresh ingredients, to classic cones that never go out of style.

Whether you are in the mood for something nostalgic or looking to try a bold, innovative flavor, Las Vegas has a shop to satisfy every kind of sweet tooth.

1. Sorry Not Sorry Creamery - Locations This local ice cream shop features fun flavors like cookie butter swirl and seasonal options such as pumpkin spice cheesecake crumble. Sorry Not Sorry Creamery truly takes the cake as one of the best ice cream spots in Vegas.

Made in small batches and with a high butterfat content, the texture is elite, leaving your taste buds stunned.

My personal favorite flavor has to be honey lavender. The flavor is sweet but not overly floral, and the honey dust they sift atop the scoop acts as the cherry on top. Their classic flavors, like s’mores, stand out because they include liquid smoke, adding a foggy fireside feel. The dairy is sourced from the 100-year-old family-owned Scott Brothers Dairy, further enhancing the richness of the ice cream. Although lines can form on busy days, it is worth the wait, especially to support a local ice cream shop in Vegas that is hoping to expand.

(Photo by Caleigh Burns) 2. Salt & Straw - Locations This bustling ice cream shop, which originated in Portland, Oregon, has finally made its way to Las Vegas! Salt & Straw is known for their unique flavors like pear and blue cheese, while still keeping it classic with a twist on traditional flavors, such as freckled mint chocolate chip or sea salt with caramel ribbons.

Similar to Sorry not Sorry, they rotate flavors, but theirs change monthly. This month’s selections include flavors like vanilla apple custard tart and caramel apple sherbet.

My personal favorite is honey lavender, again. I am definitely a fan of fruity and floral flavors, and Salt & Straw never fails to disappoint. They also include vegan options like hazelnut cookies and cream or strawberry and coconut water sherbet, offering something for every palate. I believe Salt & Straw is a great stop and a true staple in the ice cream world.

(Photo by Caleigh Burns)

The 5 Best Ice Cream Spots in Las Vegas That Are Worth Melting For

by Caleigh Burns Published: 10/08/2025

3. Handel’s Ice Cream - Locations Handel’s is a classic ice cream shop that originally opened in Alice Handel’s husband’s gas station in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1945. Since then, it has expanded to more than 150 locations across 15 states. Freshness is guaranteed, as all ice cream is made in-house and offered in a wide variety of flavors.

My personal favorites are their peach, black raspberry, and the flavor pictured, Raspberry Dream Cream. One of my favorite things about Handel’s is the incredible variety—they have sorbets, sherbets, and ice cream in flavors ranging from taro to pineapple upside down cake. No matter what your palate is, you can’t go wrong.

(Photo by Caleigh Burns)

Handel’s holds a special place for me because it’s more than just ice cream. The Cactus Avenue location has a cozy outdoor seating area, and every visit feels comforting and nostalgic. It’s a spot where I can enjoy my favorite flavors with friends while making treasured memories.

4. SomiSomi - Locations This Korean shop originated in Koreatown, Los Angeles, California, and is known for its creamy soft serve and its fish-shaped taiyaki. Taiyaki is a crispy, chewy pastry packed with sweet fillings. Although I am allergic to their taiyaki, I have only heard good things about it.

My personal favorites are their seasonal peach and strawberry flavors, but the most popular is cookies ‘n cream, a true all-time classic and fan favorite. While they have a location on Eastern, the Chinatown spot really enhances the experience. The setup inside is aesthetically pleasing, and the lively vibes of Chinatown are the cherry on top.

It is safe to say that SomiSomi is a swirl that never misses.

(Photo by Caleigh Burns)

5. Pineapple Park - Location Pineapple Park is a local favorite for anyone craving a sweet, tropical treat. Known for their Dole Whip soft serve, they offer an incredible variety of flavors and fun creations. From classic Thrifty’s ice cream to specialty sundaes, acai bowls, and crepes, there’s something for every taste.

One of their standout treats is the “Bonsai,” a whole pineapple filled with a Dole smoothie and topped with a soft serve flavor of your choice, complete with a cute little umbrella for that perfect tropical vibe. Although I haven’t tried it yet and have stuck to the classic Dole Whip, it’s definitely on my list for a future indulgence. They also serve Dole floats, smoothies, milkshakes, soda floats, and even affogatos, making every visit feel like a mini adventure.

Whether you’re craving fruity, creamy, or over-the-top indulgence, Pineapple Park is a must-visit spot that brings the taste of paradise to Las Vegas.

(Photo by Caleigh Burns) If you’re looking to explore Las Vegas one scoop at a time, there’s a spot for every craving and every mood. From the nostalgic comfort of Handel’s to the playful vibes at Pineapple Park, the inventive twists at Salt & Straw, the local pride at Sorry Not Sorry, and the unique Korean treats at SomiSomi, I’ve discovered a little adventure at every stop. For me, it’s not just about the flavors—it’s about the memories, the laughs, and those moments when a perfect scoop makes everything feel a little brighter. So grab a friend (or go solo), pick your favorite, and dive into your own sweet journey across the city–I can assure you that you won’t regret it.

Why is there a resurgence of 2000s fashion?

by Stella Lin

Published: 10/07/2025

Fast or foolproof?//Coming back is the Y2K trend, and this time it’s here to stay. Over the past few years, with the rise of fast-fashion, styles have changed by the week, but 2000s fashion is expanding and might outlast modern overconsumption.

(Photo by Stella Lin) Throughout the years, clothing trends have changed drastically and have shaped society by differentiating each generation. The most recent fashion trend is the recreation of the Y2K, 2000s fashion style. Although we have seen gradual changes in past trends, clothing seems to be shifting every week now because of social media and influential people in our society. So why exactly is 2000s fashion coming back, and is it here to stay?

One of the major reasons for the resurfacing of the Y2K and 2000s aesthetic is celebrity influence.

Singers like Olivia Rodrigo and Dua Lipa have been rocking flashy patterns, pleated skirts, and classic butterfly clips, which were staples of the Y2K era.

This style is not only seen on the stage, but also on the red carpet. 2000s fashion icon, Paris Hilton, wore a reimagined version of her 21st birthday dress to the 2024 Video Music Awards (VMAs).

When we see some of the most influential people wear 2000s style to big events like these, it shapes fashion for future generations.

Popular companies are noticing the rising popularity of the Y2K aesthetic and are making it mainstream. Hollister, a popular clothing brand for teens and young adults, released a clothing collection this past July called the “2000s vault.”

This collection featured nostalgic clothing from Hollister's old collections, but with a fresh and modern twist. We are seeing fewer blinged-out and bright patterns and clothes with a more relaxed, baggy fit. The new low-rise jeans, babydoll tops, and tracksuits are selling quickly among Gen Z. This is making it known that Y2K isn’t just another micro-trend, but is here to stay.

Throughout the past century, we have seen fashion trends come and go, and have seen a pattern of recurring styles. Every 20 years, it seems we repeat the same trends, whether it's skinny jeans to baggy jeans or long skirts to mini skirts.

Gen Z is rediscovering what Millennials wore as teenagers, and over the past couple of years, we have seen this drastic shift in fashion. With improved manufacturing, faster shipping, and teenagers with access to ever-changing social media, it seems as if there is a new trend every week Thrifting used to be a way to find affordable clothes, but now it's a treasure chest for people to find the most unique and fashionable items from earlier generations. There has been a rise of thrifting culture in the fashion world,with people using platforms like Depop and Mercari to buy and sell 2000s clothing items. Today, many people have access to authentic Y2K pieces because of Gen Z’s desire for original clothing items over fast fashion recreations.

Love it or hate it, 2000s fashion has become one of the biggest trends of this generation, and it also goes to show just how quickly society changes.

The Life of a Showgirl: Hit or Miss by the Queen of Pop?

by Milana Garza Published 10/7/25 Swifties–avid fans of Taylor Swift–from every part of the world tuned into the New Heights Podcast, eager to hear the news they had been awaiting for months: The release of Swift’s latest album, The Life of a Showgirl. The reveal of Swift’s new album generated excitement like no other, with 1.3 million viewers listening live. It was set to debut on October 3rd, allowing for 2 months of pure anticipation to build.

Just as predicted, when the clock struck midnight on that momentous night, Swifties from everywhere flooded Spotify and Apple Music, already analyzing every word and forming their opinions. However, controversial takes have dominated every social media platform, with some listeners applauding the lyrical genius, while others deemed the album a disappointment.

Streams and Speculations//Releasing her new album on October 3rd, 2025, Taylor Swift has already garnered a lot “I thought it was horrible. It sounds completely like a of public opinions. Some believe this new album is Disney Channel movie soundtrack,” said junior Kate nothing short of a happily ever after, while others wish it Wood. “The lyrics make no sense. I wish she stuck was never released. (Photo by Milana Garza)

with her old type of music.”

One take from the “anti-album” side of the internet is Some people feel as though Taylor’s new album is that the album lacks the usual Taylor-like vocabulary solely a reflection of a newer, happier version of herself. A life with Travis Kelce, her star athlete lover beloved by so many fans. One of the biggest and newly named fiancé, seems to be the cause of distinctions from Swift’s music and other famed this sudden change in her music. Swift is widely artists is her use of literary devices, complex known for her tragic heartbreaks and her deep analogies, and lyricism, all of which seem to be missing from The Life of a Showgirl. Fans seemingly understanding of love lost. However, after beginning her relationship with Kelce, fans began to notice a miss having to think harder about the underlying shift in her persona. Many Swifties believe this is long meaning of her lyrics and feel as though, in this overdue, and that Swift finally deserves her happy album, the whole picture is just “handed to them” ending, even if it means the end of the relatable through Swift’s more simplistic choice of words. heartbreak anthems.

However, other fans seem to think that this new album encapsulates a new “era” for Taylor, one that all Swifites should support.

Whether it was through love or love lost, Taylor Swift's new album was nothing short of record-breaking, “She’s just happier now, and I think it's so unfair that accumulating 249.9 million streams in just one day.

People’s opinions have taken the internet by storm, people think her being happy means she's making but one thing remains the same: Taylor continues to bad music,” said junior Lillian Horowitz. “Her music leave a lasting impact on the music industry. If you has always showcased her talent, and this album haven't already, give the album a listen, and share hasn't changed that. I guess I just think she doesn't your thoughts with the rest of the Swiftie Fandom! have to be miserable to make good music.”

Food Festivals in Vega s - S ep tember

by Ashley Nassiri

P u b l i s h e d 1 0/ 2 / 2 5

E a t i n g E xc e l l e n c e / / Fe a s t i n g o n foo d i s a g re a t way t o re l a x , u nw i n d , a n d h ave l o ad s o f f un in a fam i l y f r i e n d l y e nv i ro n m e n t . I t a l s o pave s th e p a th t o l e ar n a b o u t a n ew c u l tu re o r way o f l ife , l ike a t L a s Ve ga s Sa n G e n n a ro Fe a s t , a n I t a l i a n foo d fe s t iva l . (P hot o c o u r t e s y o f Sa n t i n i Ro b e r t o , vi a O p e nve r s e )

Th e city of L as Vegas, th ough kn own for its caterin g to tourists, also provides many thin gs for locals in town all year roun d. In September, many food festivals cam e to th e bustlin g city with thin gs ran gin g f rom carnival rides to greek food.

Th e Great Am erican Foodie Fest cam e to Vegas on September 19 th through th e 21st at Deser t Breeze Park . Carnival gam es, rides an d ven dors ma de it perfec t for families.

Local ven dors in various spots aroun d town, such as Let’s Get Ph o an d Vito’s Ta cos, which ha d th eir signature h ot pot ph o an d great Mexican food, respec tively. Gen eral a dmission onlin e star ted at $7 an d in creased to $10 in person. Th e festival will be ba ck n ext year through September 19 th-21st .

Th e M Resor t is th e proud h ost of th e wellkn own Italian food festival, San Gennaro Feast . It was in Vegas f rom th e 17th to th e 21st of September. This year, th ere were up to 40 different perform ers, 60 amusem ent rides an d gam es, like rin g toss, a rollercoaster, an d over 70 various food ven dors, m ost of th em specializin g in Italian. Highlights in clude delicious pasta an d lasa gna present at th e festival. With th e variety of enter tainm ent an d fun present at San Gennaro, this is th e perfec t festival for f rien ds an d family.

Gen eral a dmission star ted at $10 a person.

N o t a fa n o f I t a l i a n? T h a t ’s n ot a p ro b l e m . G e t rea d y to e m b ra ce G re e k c u l t u re b e c a u s e f ro m S e p te m b er 26 t h t h ro u g h t h e 2 8 t h , t h e L a s Ve g a s G re e k Fe s t c a m e to tow n . Fo u n d e d in 1 973, t h i s fe s t l e t s yo u p u rch a s e a G re e k ves t kn ow n a s a Pe s e l i , o r ju m p a t t h e o p p o r t u n i ty to ea t a u t h e n t ic G re e k fo o d m a d e w i t h l ove s u ch a s g y ros a n d ba k l ava .

L a s Ve g a s i s ri fe w i t h o p p o r t u n i t ie s , e n te r t a i n m e n t , a n d fo o d fe s t i va l s .

Yo u ’ l l n eve r b e s h o r t o f exc ite m en t by e m b ra c i n g a t l ea s t o n e fa ce t of t h e f un h a p p e n i n g a l l o f t h e t i m e . I n Oc tob er, t h e Ag e o f C h i va l r y R e n a i s s a n ce fai r, s t a r t i n g O c to b e r 9 t h , i s t h e p er fe c t g a t h e ri n g to d re s s u p a n d ea t a t S u n s e t Pa rk . T h e G i l c rea s e Orch a rd i s a l s o h o s t i n g t h e i r Fa l l H a r ve s t , p er fe c t fo r t h e a u t u m n s ea s o n , w i t h pu m pkin p i cki n g , co rn m a ze s a n d wa g o n ride s .

Adida s Spons or s the Coronado Men ’s S occer team

by Megan Meusy Published 10/2/25 K i c k u p th e s e a s o n / / G et t i n g int o th e s e a s on , o ur C o ro n a d o M e n ’s S o c c e r t e a m ho p ing t o ke e p u p th e ir s t re a k o f b e i n g d e c l a re d c h a mpio n s. Ad i da s de c ide d t o s p o n s o r o u r M e n 's S o c c e r t e am t o k i ck it w ith the i r l ogo a n d s h ow o f f h ow g o o d th ey c an a nd w il l be . ( Ph ot o by M e ga n M e u s y )

“We received jerseys, cleats, and pregame jackets, but I do Our men’s soccer team has been extraordinary for not know if that is all of it as we haven’t gotten it yet,” the past two seasons and are continuing their legacy Elisaldez said. “I always thought about designing my own this season. They have proven themselves to be the cleats, and this sponsorship made me think of it more, best soccer team in Nevada. Recognizing their success, Adidas has reached out to support the team because when professional athletes combine with a brand and their tremendous work on the soccer field. This they make their own, and so I thought about it too. If I were news was a huge milestone for the men’s soccer allowed to customize cleats, I would keep the predator team, and they cannot wait to wear the brand and design and try to get a color to match our kits.” show it off.

This is the first time the Coronado Men’s Soccer team has received an opportunity like that. They have already kicked off the season with a winning streak, and Adidas has been very impressed with Coronado’s performance since they have won for the past two years. The company has offered the team cleats, jackets, and jerseys and many more for all the hard work they put in and the consistency with their outcomes. Adidas believes these achievements deserve rewards that will continue to motivate the men’s soccer team.

“I think the partnership could serve as motivation for us to perform well during the season, as there is an expectation to succeed when sponsored,” senior Grayson Elisaldez said. “I felt very grateful and excited that we got the opportunity to be sponsored by such a big sports brand.”

Having a big opportunity like this for our men's soccer team is amazing for their futures. It has been proven that they are not just a team that can win, but also a team with skill that plays as one. They have worked very hard for multiple State titles and now get to celebrate the honor of being sponsored by a major brand.

Everyone on the team has been excited about the news and has continued to work hard to ensure that they still deserve the sponsorship.

Securing this new sponsorship has been one of the best achievements we have experienced at Coronado.

They have set a good example for all our sports programs, showing what can happen when athletes play well consistently and win states back-to-back.

They have push themselves even harder than ever as they face more pressure and teams trying to beat them.

“It has looked very well on college applications,” Elisaldez said. “So it has been very helpful to my future, even as it is a very good right now. So many people have asked me how it feels, and it just is amazing to be recognized by our hard work.”

Therefore, Adidas has helped the players achieve a great accomplishment, and something to look forward to as a prize.They hope Adidas continues to sponsor them and help the upcoming team to stay motivated and keep up the title of state champions.

As they are known for being on one of the best teams in the state, Adidas decided to reward them for being one of the best teams in Nevada.

The Toll of a 7 A .M. Start Time: How Does This Impact High School Students and Teachers?

by Audrey Hamatake Published 10/3/25 Rise ‘n Shine!//Blaring at 7:00 a .m., the bell rings for first period at Coronado High School . Students groggily trudge along to school , most of them barely arriving on time. (Photo by Audrey Hamatake) Here at Coronado High School, the commencing bell rings at 7:00 a.m., forcing students to begin their Ms. Sawaya’s thoughts are incredibly valuable to this school day before sunrise for most of the year. While point in particular, considering she is a teacher some claim to not mind it, research– and student advocating for a later start time. Many students can and teacher experiences–suggest that such an early tell you how much they’d love to start school at 8:00 start time may do more harm than good. a.m.; however, it is rarer for a teacher to express similar “I think it [pushing back the school start time] would feelings. Her statement about her kids’ extracurriculars allow students to get more sleep, which would improve is relatable to many students who go through the same our ability to focus and think in class,” said Olivia thing on a daily basis with activities like sports or Larson, 11. “It would also allow students to spend more performing arts. A later start time would likely benefit time in the mornings for themselves and on prep work.” all people who work for and attend Coronado High School, as factors like getting an adequate amount of According to studies from the reputable sources sleep are so important to performance. When asked American Psychological Association and National about how she thinks this change in CCSD policy would Institute of Health, later school start times correlate personally impact her, Larson expressed positive with improved mood, better attendance and grades, and even fewer car crashes. To go along with this, many emotions. students on average do not get a sufficient amount of “This would allow me to maintain a good sleep sleep every night due to factors like extracurricular schedule and get more sleep, especially because I am activities, sports, their jobs, and homework. always up late doing homework and studying,” she “If students are too tired, they tend to be less efficient said. “It would help me be able to be more productive with their time. I also notice greater delays in in the morning before school. It would also help responses,” Ms. Sawaya, the Coronado French teacher, improve my focus throughout the day.” said.

Not only would it be beneficial to students to push back Overall, many teachers and students alike who are start times, but also it would help out teachers as well. advocating for a later start time all agree that it When asked about how the potential time change would would only be beneficial for all parties. Even if we affect her personally, Sawaya had lots to say. started at 8 a.m., that extra hour could change the “I notice a huge difference in my performance having to way people at Coronado would perform. It could aid be up so early,” she states. “Getting up when it's dark in the prevention of car accidents. It could improve affects everything from my mood to my own grades. It could change the way our students (who productivity throughout the day. Also, when my kids are in the prime period for physical and cerebral) have activities after school, it is actually very literally develop, physically and mentally. Come on, challenging to get home in time to go to bed early Clark County School District–you have to admit that enough to get an adequate night of sleep. I really hope it’s worth giving it thought. Fill out this survey to we switch back to the later start. That would definitely make a difference! be a game changer in the best way.”

The Toll of Academic Pressure

by Flynn Wichrowski Published 10/1/2025

A universal experience everyone goes through is homework. Homework is a technique that helps people learn topics further outside of school. Though it was meant as an aid, it has now twisted into a way to harm students more than help them.

Students, on average, can spend 1-4 hours working on homework alone. Between the time spent at school, extracurriculars, or just even just basic functions like eating or showering, there’s barely any time for a person to have to themselves and relax. Students can have little to no time to themselves. Not having time for something relaxing and enjoyable will inevitably cause the students’ mental health to deteriorate.

The mental health drop can definitely take its effect on schoolwork because no time is set for yourself; you can become drained way faster, and this can result in overall exhaustion and burnout. This exhaustion can, in turn, cause someone to be lacking in their school work.

The school work being worse can force a person to work harder to get their grades up, leaving the little time they might have had to themself to perish. This vicious cycle feels like it was almost designed in a way to over work someone, making it almost impossible to properly concentrate anymore.

Another problem we also face is those recommended 89 hours of sleep barely happen. People in society already don’t expect to get the recommended sleep time, but when you are just a teenager waking up at 5-6 am, the process quickly becomes taxing. There have been scientific studies on how people work worse the earlier they get up, and, high school is no exception to this. As a direct result, people may almost fall asleep in class or just not have enough sleep to be listening and present for the lesson. This can also just add fuel to the fire for the vicious cycl. Since everything is connected and very fragile, it doesn't take much now to just obliterate your mental health and grades.

Along with this, it is all on top of school being an already stressful experience. The work is meant to have a little pressure, and the overall essence of school can always feel a little stressful, but the levels of stress people are reaching are unnecessary. It can ,in turn, create unhealthy habits that can and will sometimes bleed into their adult life. These can range from working on assignments all night to finding the work too overwhelming and procrastinating on it. While homework is helpful in the short term with tests, the effects on a person’s psyche can be long-lasting.

All of these combined can create a domino effect for a person to go through. Having to go through having so much work leaves no time for your mental health. That decrease in mental health causes you to do worse work, and that worse work causes you to have to study even more and just continue to spiral. The entire thing can feel like a balancing act where either way, your adult life can suffer.

The only break you get regularly is a two-day pause, which in theory seems good, and it is, but it’s too little to allow a person to process and digest information better. The short break is too short because the person returns with about as much brain power as they had two days prior. It doesn't give enough break time for a person to decompress and barely gives enough time to rest.

Therefore, we can see that there are a lot of problems with how schoolwork gets accomplished, but is there even a better way to absorb the information? Well, there are plenty of ways a person can learn information better than sitting and doing a multitude of assignments that teach the same thing such as watching lectures, writing down all the data you need to remember, reading up on a topic, etc. Some of these techniques are already used in the classrooms and these processes can be better than just sitting and doing the same assignment for hours straight.

All of this goes to say that the work in school is overbearing.

It causes people to gain unhealthy habits in preparation for adulthood and creates a precarious balance between personal problems and school problems. It’s very easy for a person to have personal issues and lose time to do schoolwork, or have a school issue and create even more difficulties at home. The early wake-ups are in every way, shape, or form unnecessary. Though the homework is wellintentioned in helping our education, the amount of pressure put on a person is definitely not worth it with all the effects that it has.

Too much work // Working straight away in the first week of school, students have already been bombarded with loads of school work. An average day is spent with at least an hour working on homework. (Photo by Flynn Wichrowski)

Monster s,Mar ts, and Money

by Flynn Wichrowski Published 10/1/2025

Toy Story Live Action // Questioning why these From the newest fashion statements to the new expensive monsters normality of things, trends are a large part of human have taken over the culture and have been around for decades. However, internet and have blown as we’ve entered the 2000’s we saw the trends begin up in popularity, people to shift. Fundamentals have been kept, such as fashion, have found it hard to go accessories, etc but the purpose of them has shifted. on the internet or go in Nowadays, trends are more about flexing your money public without seeing a with what are inevitably useless things rather than Labubu. (Photo by Flynn making a statement or being part of a community. A Wichrowski) notable icon of this is Labubus.

Labubus were created in 2015 for “The Monsters” series and were licensed by the company PopMart in 2019, but really started picking up popularity in late 2024, reaching its peak in mid- 2025. One thing Popmart is known for is its blind boxes, so it’s not that surprising to hear that Labubu is another one of these blind boxes.

The series doesn't originate from anything, but is rather just a series of little trinkets/keychains for your purses and bags. A single box contains one Labubu, and there are 9 different types you have a chance of receiving, most having a 1/8 chance, and the last one having a 1/144 chance due to it being the “secret” one.

Each box costs about $30-$40, so to get the whole collection, it would cost $270 at a minimum, if luck is on your side.

These little monsters have robbed people blind of their money.

Some go up for resale for thousands of dollars, and their site has sometimes become unusable with the amount of people and bots raiding it. Another noticeable problem is the bots.

Many, many people have waited for a drop just to not even snag any after refreshing their site for hours. This is also a big factor on why resales could reach thousands of dollars.

Why is this even important? The trend has become an overbearing fad, so what does it mean?

Well, Labubus shows a prime example of the power a trend can have over people. With the entire internet advertising for the toy itself, it was able to reach almost all corners of the world at a rapid pace. It showed truly how the world can become overly inconsiderate of its money and practically This brings me to my next point: the overconsumption throw it at the wall. The hate that developed from it felt almost expected when looking at Labubus as well, just showing the of these monsters. They create many types of boxes, such as a sitting box, a pastel colored box, etc. This has normalization of making fun of people. But most of all, it shows greed, from both the people buying and selling the led to the absolute definition of gambling. A cultlike following was developed, and people spent thousands product. This was displayed by people being greedy when of dollars on them. It took the world by storm, just truly developing collections or charging thousands of dollars on showing a gambling mindset at its finest with children resale value. as young as 6 collecting them, and people widening This fad will be over soon, as the decline in content has slowly their Labubu collection and Popmarts having lines but surely been happening. It’s the same with any other trend. with up to an hour-long wait just to step into the tiny People take part in burning thousands of dollars for a brief shop. Companies even created Temu rip-offs to profit feeling of normality within a community. Then, the spotlight off this craze, most popularly being Lafufus. will shift yet again to another obnoxiously expensive product Then again, anything with popularity comes with hate. people bafflingly still throw themselves at.

Many people have said they look scary or joked about If a person truly enjoys collecting, that is their right, but the majority of the time it's more about taking part in the trend how they’re going to come alive. However, any than actually just buying stuff for fun. It’s become a trend to attention is good attention because it caused the participate in overconsumption. Labubus, Dubai chocolate, craze to grow even more. It even started interacting with other trends or had mini-trends of its own. What etc. People are expected now, when a product gets popular, to buy a lifetime supply of it, then eventually just throw that stuff do I mean by this? Well, the Dubai chocolate trend was going around at the time too, and basically joined out. Those thousands upon thousands of things that were forces to reach as many people as possible, by creating meant to make people happy later get tossed aside and left to waste. It shows how we as a society have grown from making chocolate Labubus along with various other things. statements with fashion, and foods. to simply making it a Memes sprouted from Labubus, such as the jokes competition of who can spend/make the most money. about them looking strange.

F un and Productive L ear ning: 5 T ips for Successful Studying this S chool year

by Jenai Atherall Published 9/30/2025 Lively Learning//Studying is something we all have to do, whether you are already prepping for semester exams or you are trying to cram for a quiz tomorrow. Let’s face it— studying can be draining; however, it doesn’t have to be if it is done right.

(Photo by Jenai Atherall) School’s officially back in session, and that means so is Expanding our attention span is a topic for another article, studying. Whether you are the kind of person who but for now, we can talk about how to react to our shorter crams the night before or studies for weeks in attention spans. advance, it is something we all have to deal with, but, what if we didn’t have to just “deal” with it? What if If you’ve ever heard of the Pomodoro timer, you can try we could look forward to studying? It can be difficult using a similar method to that. Attempt seeing how long it to stay motivated to study on top of all the other takes you to go without your phone and work at a things we already have on our plates, but in many productive pace. For instance, if that is 5 minutes, then set ways, it truly is the quality of your studying that your timer for 5 minutes of work time, and then half your matters more than the quantity of your studying. If work time for your break time, which in this case, would be you can make the most of your study time rather 2.5 minutes. By doing this, you will maximize your work than just making the most study time, you will find it time so you’re not rereading the same page over and over can be very efficient. again—like I do. Instead, you will efficiently get your work done, leaving more free time in the evening.

1. Study in Intervals A lot of times, when people study, they try to do it for 2. “Teach” the Concepts to Others multiple hours straight, not realizing that this method This next method is a great way to connect with friends if could be counterintuitive to their goals. Whether you you thrive more by working together with other people. are using a method such as flashcards, reading, While some people need a quiet setting to concentrate by practice problems, etc., if you are studying for too working alone, others need a more social setting to long, you will lose focus, and that will inevitably just concentrate. lead to you being unproductive.

If you know you tend to be most productive in a classroom “One source explains that children and teens can setting around others, you might want to consider this next actively focus for three to five minutes for every year tip. When it comes to this fun method of studying, you can of their age,” YourTeen Magazine said. “So, a 13-yearcreate group chats or even plan study sessions with some of old can pay attention for 39-65 minutes. So, if you’re your close friends to focus on a particular class, whether wondering ‘what is the attention span of a 16-yearthat is to prepare for a big test or just to get work done. old,’ the answer would be between 48 and 80 Either way, by gathering together, you can ensure your minutes.” knowledge of a certain concept by explaining it to each other in a way that is easy to understand.

Teens in general have a harder time staying focused simply because of their age, but with technology on Sometimes people don’t retain the most from lectures, but top of that, it has added a whole other barrier when it if, for instance, you have a big test that has 4-5 subunits, you comes to staying focused. can give one subunit to each person to study really well.

F un and Productive L ear ning: 5 T ips for Successful Studying this S chool year Then, when you guys hang out together, you can listen to each other and learn from each other while teaching others. It limits the amount of work for any one person, and allows for everyone to learn the concept in a less overwhelming, digestible way.

by Jenai Atherall Published 9/30/2025

If you teach yourself to be productive in certain spots of your house, it doesn’t really matter where those spots 3. Build a Good Playlist Another way to make your study session a productive are, but rather what you are doing. So, by setting up different study spots to go to, it makes studying a lot session is by listening to music. In fact, listening to more engaging and exciting. For instance, if you want music can become a pick-me-up session, too. With to, you can set up a schedule of going to the library, the right playlist, you might feel more energized by the end of your study time rather than drained. So it is coffee shop, and park, and rotate those locations by really about the environment you create. In fact, it is going to one once every week. scientifically proven that listening to music can help productivity while studying and doing homework.

5. Try a Reward System There is even an article from the University of Last but not least, it would not hurt to add a reward Maryland Global Campus that covered it. system to your study plan. However, a reward system doesn’t have to be something expensive you get every day. Instead, it can be little mini things you let yourself “Music-based activities in early childhood have every day, or one “big” thing you get for yourself education have proven to support self-regulation, for having good study time at the end of each week. cognitive and intellectual development, literacy, and language,” Theresa Schempp, writer/editor of the For example, you could get a big bag of candy from a UMGC blog explained. “No matter their age, students store like Target, and then at the end of every night can continue to benefit from music to help their during the week, you can let yourself have a candy or academic performance.” two to reward yourself after a day of hard work.

Now, this tip isn’t for everyone. For some people, studying with music can be a big distraction, because it is often used for singing and dancing. However, that is why creating a special playlist for your study music, such as more mellow options like instrumental music with no lyrics, can be very helpful in allowing you to concentrate while still enjoying your time while studying.

4. Change Up Your Setting This tip is one that applies to anyone but could simultaneously go hand in hand with the group studying tip. It is important to set aside some space in your house that you go to study every day, just so that you can get your brain into the habit of knowing it is a study spot, though that doesn’t mean you can’t have multiple special study spots.

Another option is saving up that money for one bigger thing every week. For instance, on Fridays you could go and get a special sweet treat from an ice cream shop, or even spend some time watching a movie to unwind after the week. Regardless of your preference, a reward system, big or small, can be motivating, and make us want to get our tasks done, knowing that there is that light at the end of the tunnel.

Studying truly doesn’t have to be something stressful.

In fact, if anything, it should be seen as something calming and even enjoyable, something that you can look forward to rather than dread. Life is all about how we react to what we are given. School doesn’t have to be thought of as something that you have to do, but rather something that you want to do. You can make the most out of the year by taking advice, whether from When it comes to teaching your brain what is “play this article or somewhere else, to help turn even the time” and “work time,” it really comes down to what you are doing with your time in whatever area you are most seemingly insignificant parts of your school year into some of the best parts of your day. in.

Ame r ica n Eag le ’s Ad Backlash: Ads we re mea nt to be creative

by Sani Serrano Published 9/30/2025

Genes or Jeans// Sydney Sweeney becomes the face of an ad that suggests only certain genes belong in their jeans. Many are questioning if this was intentional?(Photo courtesy of Creative Commons) American Eagle recently launched an ad campaign featuring the actress Sydney Sweeney, which quickly received a lot of backlash. The Sydney Sweeney ad was lazy and poorly made.

Instead of being creative or diverse, it depended on tired beauty standards and played directly into exclusionary ideals. These are beliefs or philosophies that advocate for the exclusion of certain individuals or groups from a community, society, or system based on characteristics like race, ethnicity, gender, or ideology. They used wordplay such as “genes” referencing DNA and “jeans” referencing pants. In the ad, Sydney Sweeney says, “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color. My jeans are blue.” This is immediately followed by a voiceover that says, “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.” From this point on, it becomes clear that the ad isn't about her style or her jeans. It was about her blonde hair and blue eyes. Traits that all fit into a very narrow and outdated beauty standard.

Despite the American Eagle ad being dull advertising, people can't help but notice its similarity and refer to it as history repeating itself.

The American eugenics movement, which was most active between 1900 and 1940, often promoted the idea of “good genes” to justify white supremacy and exclusion.

That’s what makes the wordplay here so complex.

American Eagle even reinforced it in their marketing.

On their Instagram, they posted “Posters up. Secrets out: Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.” The word genes was originally written and then crossed out and replaced with the word jeans, further displaying just how intentional the interpretation of genes as in DNA was. Thus, when they received all the backlash, it wasn't a shock. People noticed the way the ad played into exclusionary ideals instead of promoting creativity and inclusivity.

Despite the backlash, American Eagle has profited due to the controversy. Their stock has gone up over 20% since the campaign launched, and “The Sydney Jean” she modeled has already sold out. The point is that not all attention is good attention, and just because the brand benefited financially doesn’t mean the ad was morally right. Depending on the controversy, a brand can damage its reputation and push away customers.

As well as this, the Sydney Sweeney ad that American Eagle chose to create mattered because it reinforced the idea that beauty and worth only come in one shape.

Instead, Gap’s viral “better in denim” campaign demonstrates a jean ad done correctly. Not only did this ad get lots of praise and positive feedback, but it also received over 142.3 million views on TikTok alone and broke engagement records on Instagram. Unlike American Eagle's ad spreading exclusionary ideals, Gap used inclusivity by featuring Katseye, which is a diverse global girl group known for their authentic selfexpression. Gap’s advert also provided a sense of nostalgia by bringing back the 90s aesthetic through synchronized dancing to Kelis's hit song “Milkshake”.

Overall, Gap’s ad is more successful because it created an ad that felt joyful, creative, and inclusive, unlike the American Eagle ad.

The PRO to Grey’s Anatomy Continuing Bleeding with Drama // Going on for two decades is the popular drama-filled surgeon show: Grey’s Anatomy, which shows the inner workings of a hospital, both dramatized and factual to a point. This show has become a staple of television, and now you can read deeper to see why it is imperative that the series continues. (Photo Courtesy of Mila Ekstrom)

by Ashlin Chase Published 9/30/25

Few television shows have had the cultural impact and longevity of Grey’s Anatomy. For two decades, the ABC series has served as a foundation for medical dramas. From love and loss to growth and resilience, viewers have truly seen it all on the television screen. With each new season, fans return not just for the medical aspect of it all but also for the deep and relatable storylines intertwined into every episode. As a new season is coming to air this October, it’s important to acknowledge why the show should continue producing new seasons.

From day one, Grey’s Anatomy’s focus has been to evolve with the times. Even as beloved characters leave the screen and are replaced with new ones, the show has consistently managed to reinvent itself. The legacy of its main character, Meredith Grey, and her colleagues isn’t just limited to the original cast. It lives on with each new generation of doctors who are navigating the trials and tribulations of life both in and out of the workplace. By continuing to produce fresh content, the series honors the characters who built the show from the ground up.

Along with this, Grey’s Anatomy continues to provide representation and diversity that resonates with audiences time and time again.

Whether it’s the crucial social constructs it has tackled, like LGBTQIA+ representation and the issue that comes with racism in the workplace, or the real-world medical issues, the series has always been about more than just entertainment. Grey’s Anatomy is a long-time reflection of society’s struggles. Ending the show would remove the ability it has to spread awareness on various fronts and inspire viewers to do so as well.

Finally, the duration of Grey’s Anatomy is a true testament to the mark it has left on society. Few television shows can maintain such a loyal fanbase for such a long time. It’s even harder for a show to hold such cultural relevance within society. Each new season adds another layer to its history, giving future viewers a broader story to discover and love. In plenty of ways, keeping the series alive ensures that the legacy of the original characters continues to evolve and allows the stories to leave their mark on the world as opposed to fading away.

The world has already decided Grey’s Anatomy to be a pivotal part of television history, and its story simply isn’t finished yet. As long as there are new patients to treat, new doctors to train, and new lives to explore, there are hundreds of stories left to tell. To stop the show now would cut a legacy short that still has so much to give to the world. Grey’s Anatomy isn’t just a show; it’s a deeply loved community of characters, actors, and fans that remind society of the important things in life.

Grey’s Anatomy: What’s the CON?

by Mila Ekstrom Published 10/01/25

Masks On, Tools On, & Gloves On//Going on what seems like forever is Season 22 of Grey’s Anatomy, and it’s time to focus on something new. Feel free to watch the newest season or spend your time elsewhere. (Photo by Mila Ekstrom) *Warning: This article contains spoilers for the show Grey’s Anatomy It’s 2025, and skinny jeans have gone in and out of style, but you know what is still here? The TV show, Grey’s Anatomy. After 20 years, it is still producing seasons, marking one of the longest-running shows ever aired. Grey’s Anatomy is an important show, but it has served its time and should let other shows take the spotlight.

In October of this year, Season 22 of Grey’s Anatomy is airing, and people are wondering when the show will finally come to rest. They have a reused idea of killing people off, so why not just let the show die, along with those once beloved characters? The same idea over and over again, along with constant tragedies in each season just gets tiring. There is no spark left, nothing so different anymore, that there either needs to be a total show reboot, new resurgence of ideas, or the show needs to be on its way out after this last season.

Grey’s Anatomy began with 5 main characters that were the new residents of the hospital, Meredith Grey, Cristina Yang, Alex Karev, George O’Malley, and Izzie Stevens, and out of the original cast, Meredith Grey was the only one to remain throughout most of the show, while the rest of them either moved on with their lives or died in the show. It’s time for us, as the audience, to move on from a show that is no longer truly resembling Grey’s Anatomy.

Arguments have been made that even though Ellen Pompeo has stepped back from her role as Meredith Grey on screen, the show will continue her legacy, making it feel like she’s still there. However, it’s called Grey’s Anatomy for a reason, not Bailey or Shepherd’s Anatomy. Amelia Shepherd and Miranda Bailey are amazing characters in the TV show, but they are in the show more than Meredith Grey, which makes me believe that if the series is going to continue, then the name should change. If the hospital in the show could change its name to Grey-Sloan, then why shouldn’t the show's name be changed as well?

While she stepped back, Pompeo will still be a narrator for Season 22 of Grey’s Anatomy, because her character moved to a different hospital. If Grey isn’t one of the central characters when the show is literally her name, why can’t fans or critics of the TV show move on to other medical dramas?

On October 9, 2025, Season 22 of Grey’s Anatomy will premiere on Hulu. Grey’s Anatomy already has a legacy and a prominent role in the television industry, but they have lost the spark to make it interesting and inventive.

Tune into Hulu, or say goodbye to the once-beloved series.

What Makes a Video Go Viral?

by McKenzie Smoot Published 9/30/25 As social media increases in size, the number of people who want to become influencers increases. Most new influencers post a great deal of content in hopes that one video or post will become viral. Some try for weeks, months, and even years to grow their platform, yet no progress happens. However, little do most people know, a video becoming viral isn’t always a coincidence.

Making a video go viral is a difficult task, but it is not impossible if you follow the right steps.

“The common denominator of videos that flop is an unclear focus,” Peakbound Studio, a video production company, said. “Or they might just not resonate with people or lose opportunities to ride the wave of what’s trending.”

This demonstrates that one common mistake people make is not targeting a specific audience. If viewers don't see, like, comment, or share the video, the algorithm is preventing the video from being sent to more people. Focusing on fleeting trends instead of mastering proven content formats that consistently attract audiences is a big flaw. Staying relevant to current events or offering new ideas can provide some uniqueness to your account. This overall can greatly enhance a video's shareability, and that “shareability” might vary depending on the type of platform you’re on.

Winning viral success comes down to matching your content to the strengths of each platform while focusing on the emotions that drive people to share.

“Virality also hinges on relatability. Content that resonates with a broad audience, or that speaks directly to a specific community, is far more likely to be shared,” Dadadab said. “Relatability makes people think, ‘That’s so me,’ or ‘That’s exactly what I’ve experienced.’ This creates a bond between the content and the audience, making them more likely to pass it along.”

One example of this is when brands make videos that seem relatable or useful to the audience in order to engage the audience and get them to purchase their product. I’m sure we can all remember the popularity of Stanleys, and the power of one specific video has led to great success for the company. The video captured a woman's car that had caught fire, but her Stanley mug was barely damaged and still contained frozen ice.

Stanley quickly responded to the video within 24 hours and initiated the viral wave, turning one customer’s misfortune into something positive..

Baking for Brilliance // Engaging the audience for likes, Jesha Stevens goes viral for each video she posts about making bagels. She uses a similar hook to grab the audience’s attention and increase her social media success.

“Although creativity and originality are essential to standing out in the crowded digital landscape, they also serve as significant drivers for virality,” Marketing Legion said. “By leveraging unique angles or unexpected twists, you can capture attention and enhance your content's shareability.”

One girl who took over everyone’s for you pages, a personalized social media feed displaying content, was a lady who baked bagels: Jesha Stevens. Yes, all she did was bake bagels and go viral, yet it wasn’t a coincidence.

At the start of every video she posted, she included a short clip of a huge mound of dough that caught the attention of viewers. She also bakes unique and colorful flavors, such as ube and strawberry, that stand out visually. These factors are what are making Jesha Stevens and other influencers gain popularity and virality. Ultimately, that boldness was what grabbed the audience’s attention, rather than scrolling to the next video.

To summarize, viral videos are not just an accident. It takes many factors to make a video gain enough popularity to be considered viral. This includes a clear focus, being with the trends, relatibility, creativity, and originality. It takes time and practice to grow a large social media platform that makes you different from the rest, but starting with this structure can help increase the chances of you generating a viral hit.

Beyond the Runway: New York Fashion Week’s Deeper Meanings

by Ashlin Chase Published 9/26/2025

Lights, Camera, New York Fashion Week//During September of 2025, New York Fashion Week showcased their spring and summer collections for 2026. The show was captivating, with intricate details tied into each article of clothing in order to convey profound, important messages. (Photo by Ashlin Chase)

In the city that’s seen it all, New York Fashion Week has struck once again. Bold glamour and groundbreaking design collided on the runways of Manhattan, New York, from September 11th-16th, 2025. The week, hosted by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and dedicated to new-age fashion, occurs twice a year: once to display upcoming fall/winter collections and once more to display upcoming spring/summer collections.

This September, the CFDA hosted over 101 brands to share their vogue visions for spring and summer of 2026.

Each year, New York Fashion Week comes with new messages to spread throughout the world. The big recurrent theme displayed this year was that fashion is not just about what you wear, but who you are and where you’re headed. However, various other important ideas were implied throughout the seven days. From art and culture to bigger global issues, like politics, and more. In every case, each important point earned a place to shine on the runway.

For example, Collina Strada, who is generally known for playful yet politically outstanding displays, conveyed a deep message down the aisle. The brand presented models in pairs with one in a colorful version of an outfit, and the other trailing behind in an all black version of the same outfit, acting as a shadow. The brand's creative director, Hillary Taymour, intended the blacked out “shadows” to represent “humanity’s darkest impulses”. Their ultimate message with this abstract exhibit is that society mustn't ignore their dark sides, but rather confront and befriend them.

Similarly, the L.A.-based brand, Libertine, used its time on the stage to deliver a sense of finding beauty and love in our chaotic world. Their show opened with a passionate fife and drum march, featuring garments deeply inspired by history.

These included a sparkly take on the Zouave jacket, which was worn by colonial French soldiers. It created a message intertwined with the mess that war can be, into a deeper message about love and beauty in the midst of darkness.

Though the message is meant to channel a “love revolution”, the military-inspired elements were seen as a complex, even tense, choice in today’s political climate.

On the other hand, upcycled denim, repurposed workwear, and recycled leather moto jackets combined both polish and grit within Coach’s arrangement. Creative director, Stuart Vevers, took inspiration from the energy of New York City and the idea of “a new day”. The intention behind this technical array of clothing is to suggest that fashion doesn’t necessarily have to be the cookie-cutter, perfect and clean look. This show was proof that clothes don’t have to be brand new to be seen as something desirable or beautiful.

Yet another globally recognized brand, Tory Burch, took the initiative to spread a deeper message with their New York Fashion Week display. The collection presented relaxed, American sportswear in flashy color pairings, including browns, blues, and bold reds. Beyond the clothing, the exposition took place in an extravagant venue, a former bank in Brooklyn, which evoked a sense of strength and sophistication.

Sandy Liang’s special collection was one of many others that also exposed deeper meanings, using clothing to explore nostalgia, self-expression, and personal history. A focal point in the show consisted of oversized care tags inscribed with handwritten mantras. These tags were designed to speak to the gap between external perception and inner self. As well as this, the collection included a butter-yellow skirt with a builtin pouch to display childhood mementos.

From lesser-known, emerging brands to world-renowned brands, New York Fashion Week 2026’s hosted list brought both intense and subtle displays to the runways. Through clothing and venues, the week consisted of a spectacular portrayal of various deep messages and inspirational themes.

Ultimately, this season’s showcase reaffirmed Fashion Week’s role not only as a stage for style but also a cultural, artistic canvas, where creativity, innovation, and identity coincide to shape the future of fashion.

ACT V. SAT

by Natalia Arieli Published: 9/26/25

Are you a junior, anxiously studying and worrying about upcoming ACT and SAT testing? Or maybe you’re a sophomore, wondering what those tests even are? Well, as a new sophomore, I was wondering the same thing.

When should I start studying for the ACT or SAT? What makes them different? Should I take them? Which one’s better? Many students don’t know what these tests are; only that they’re important and a good score can improve chances of getting into a prestigious college. So what are the ACT and SAT? To start, the ACT and SAT are both standardized tests that test your knowledge on multiple subjects, such as reading, writing, math, and science. Usually, you can take them as a junior in high school and can retake them Locked In // Studying at home, many multiple times for a higher score. The ACT is usually taken from October through July, while the SAT can be students at Coronado High School taken from August through June. They are both taken at test centers that may be located at high schools or stay up super late and stress to get colleges. According to College Board, the SAT and ACT can help you look more appealing to colleges once homework and studying done for the next day. As much work as it already college applications are out, which is why it may be beneficial that you take them. The ACT is a requirement for graduation at Coronado, and the SAT is optional, but taking them can improve your chances of getting into is, many Juniors also add on the additional stress and studying for the college if that is your goal. This raises the question: what's the difference, and which one is better?

ACT/SAT. (Photo by Natalia Arieli)

First, let's take a look at the ACT. According to ACT.org, the ACT consists of four mandatory subjects to test in: English, Math, Reading, and Science. The four subjects also have different time limits for each section: English – 35 mins for 50 questions, Math – 50 mins for 45 questions, Reading – 40 mins for 36 questions, and Science – 40 mins for 40 questions. There is also a writing section, which gives you 40 mins to respond to one essay prompt. ACT scores range from 1-36, and according to ACT.org, the most prestigious universities and colleges “tend to have higher expectations, often looking for ACT scores in the 27-32 range or higher.”

Some of the benefits of the ACT are that it offers a “TIR,” which is essentially a service that allows students to get a copy of their test questions after they take the test, which is great to review if you want to retake it. The ACT also generally offers more practice materials than the SAT, which include many official ACT practice tests and papers for students. However, the ACT is very fast-paced, and requires students to answer several questions in a very short amount of time, which can be tiring. The ACT is also known for a harsh scoring curve, where a couple of wrong answers can bring down your score dramatically.

Next, we will examine the SAT. Princeton Review gives more information about the SAT, including the different sections. Unlike the ACT, the SAT has only 2 main sections of the test, yet they are each broken up into 2 modules. The first part of the SAT is Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: Module 1 – 32 minutes for 27 questions and Module 2 – 32 minutes for 27 questions. The second part of the SAT is Math: Module 1 – 35 minutes for 22 questions and Module 2 – 35 minutes for 22 questions. For people who struggle with science or essay writing, the SAT could be better to take because those sections are not included in the test. The SAT scoring is on a scale of 200 to 800 points per part, and 1600 points all together. According to Crimson Education, an SAT score you should aim for if you want to get into a prestigious university or college, “typically falls within the range of 1470 to 1580.”

The highest score you can earn is a perfect score of 1600, but it is very difficult to get.

The SAT also has some benefits. It has a very consistent and standardized score, which is great for colleges to see. A strong SAT score does increase your chances of getting a scholarship, as colleges love to see high SAT scores. It can also help to lower the “GPA gap” (the gap between grades over the years and performance on state tests) because it gives another measure of a student’s intelligence and academic potential. There are also several good resources to use to study and practice for the SAT with the Bluebook app. Both the SAT and ACT can also have an effect on mental health, since they can cause a heap of test anxiety, as they are both very difficult tests.

Now that I’ve researched the differences between the SAT and ACT and the pros and cons with them, I can tell you that many people will have different opinions and preferences on whether the SAT or ACT is better. In my opinion, I believe that the SAT is better to take and spend more time on. First, many prestigious colleges and universities prefer seeing a strong SAT score. If you focus more on the SAT and get a great score, colleges will likely view that favorably, which can improve your chances of getting into a renowned school like Stanford or Harvard. In addition, the fact that the SAT has the same time for the same number of questions in each module of a section makes it more organized and systematic.

Some people might say that the ACT is a more accurate and detailed overview of your knowledge, as it has four different sections to test you on.

However, I believe the SAT is preferable because having only two sections benefits students who are stronger in one area than another. A bad score on one of the four sections in the ACT can bring the overall score down a lot. On the contrary, both reading and writing questions on the SAT will give you an advantage of having a mixture of questions instead of two separate sections if you’re good at reading but not writing and vice versa.

Both the ACT and the SAT are good tests to take to better your chances of getting into college, and now that you know more about them, you can make your choice of which one’s better and which one you should spend your time on. In my opinion, you should focus on the SAT more, but the ACT may also have benefits depending on you as a student. If you plan on not taking both tests, then you should focus on the ACT more because it is required for graduation at our school. So, sophomores and juniors, if you are planning on going to college in the future and plan on taking these tests, start preparing, and I wish you all the best of luck.

Baked is Better: Why Healthier Vending Machine Snacks Are a Step Forward

by Audrey Hamatake

Publish Date: 9/26/25

Have you ever expected one thing, but instead got something else so similar yet so different? This year, Coronado students were appalled when they walked into the cafeteria on the first day of school. What did they discover? The beloved vending machines filled to the brim with baked chips–a smart replacement for their fried counterparts.

Disappointment hung heavy in the air until someone ripped open that first bag, tried one, and rendered it delicious. How, you may wonder, could such a switch be so impactful in the long run? Or even have an impact at all? Swapping fried for baked chips was a clever decision made by our school that encourages students to make more intentional snacking habits and displays how the school is making an effort to prioritize the well-being of its students.

Skeptical Curiosity//Peering at her upgraded chip options, junior Megan Meusy decides what to pick.

Her favorite regular chips are no longer offered in the vending machine; however, she is excited to try the baked version.

(Photo by Audrey Hamatake)

“I was happy with the choice,” junior Addison Lewis said. “I think baked chips are a better snack alternative compared to regular chips. It makes me feel better when I know I’m fueling my body with better options.”

The most obvious advantage to this switch is the better nutritional value of baked chips as opposed to traditional fried chips. Because of the cooking process that takes place in an oven rather than in unhealthy fats, the lower fat and calorie content make baked chips a healthier alternative. Vending machines are quick, easy to use, and conveniently placed around campus. With so many of us grabbing a quick snack, like chips, during lunch, after practice, or between classes, those small differences add up. Maintaining healthier habits is much easier when the options available aren’t loaded with unnecessary fat.

Despite the slight texture and taste difference of baked chips, they remain a tasty, satisfying alternative nonetheless.

Another benefit of this change is that it provides a healthier option without taking away the enjoyment of snacking. Often, when schools introduce “healthier” food choices, they end up offering snacks that students simply don’t find appealing. This often leads to vending machines going untouched. Baked chips, however, are still relatively familiar and popular, so the transition doesn’t feel like a punishment. This balance matters, as it allows students to make better choices for themselves without feeling forced into eating something they dislike. Thus, the school is nudging us toward smarter habits without completely eliminating the admired foods we–teenagers especially– know and love.

“Personally, I like the baked chips better than normal chips, so I like the change,” junior Micah Weiss says. “For other students, I think most prefer the normal ones, but they are better for us students to eat, so yes, there is a difference.”

This decision, I believe, was made not to upset students, but rather to communicate something important regarding our school’s values. By removing fried chips, Coronado’s administration is showing that they are aware of the growing concerns around teen health, such as obesity and malnutrition, and they are willing to make small, but meaningful, changes. It may not seem like much, but making healthier foods more easily accessible can have great long-term benefits. When students are surrounded by options that encourage better habits, they are more likely to carry those habits outside of school as well.

Freedom in Food: What About a Student's Right to Choose What They Consume?

by Milana Garza

Publish Date: 10/1/25

The bell rings for lunch, and students dash to the vending machine, eager to satisfy a craving for something salty or sweet with a snack of their choice.

However, disappointment fills the lunchroom as students realize a sudden change in all their favorite lunchtime treats. This year, Coronado has decided to switch the snacks in every vending machine to their so-called “healthy” alternatives, without consulting the student body. Not only does this decision force food choices on students, but whether these new options are actually healthier is questionable. Junior Calysta Romero shares her thoughts on this unexpected change.

My Health, My Choice//Picking a snack in the middle of a school day should be an enjoyable stress-f ree experience. However, with the new change to healthy options, students have had opposing opinions.

(Photo by Milana Garza)

“I don’t mind the healthy food, I just wish we got the chance to pick what we wanted to eat instead of having only healthy choices,” Romero said.

The fact that Coronado did not take the students into consideration prior to making these changes makes the decision feel forced upon the student body. No one is objecting to healthy choices, but it would be nice to have a variety to appease everyone’s taste. It also begs the question: are these new selections in the vending machine even healthier? While baked chips may have reduced fat, they are still heavily processed. Containing high amounts of sodium and artificial flavors, these “healthier” options aren’t much healthier than their regular, fried counterparts. Furthermore, due to their lack of flavor, many manufacturers of baked chips add sugar or excessive sodium to improve the taste. Students have begun to question just how healthy these new options really are.

“I wish there was, like, a poll or something before they made this decision,” junior Lillian Horowitz states.

“And if the sodium levels are about the same, why can’t I just go with the regular chips I know I’ll enjoy?”

Healthy food or junk food, the key is moderation, and it’s important we instill the idea of balance in Coronado students. Eliminating the “bad” choice from vending machines won’t help students learn how to make decisions that are right for them. High school is the time when students are able to experience greater freedom, and one of these freedoms should be picking what they eat during lunch, whether that be “low-fat” baked chips or a chocolate bar.

Shohei Ohtani and His Road to Victory

by Esther Burton

Published 9/26/25

Shohei Ohtani on the Field//Getting ready for his at bat with the Dodgers, Ohtani practices his swings. Ohtani is hitting very well, showing his excellent talent, benefiting his team as well as the whole Major League Baseball (MLB) organization.

(Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons).

With baseball season coming to an end, there have been countless highlights to choose from. One of these highlights wasn’t just a play, but a player: Shohei Ohtani.

Ohtani is originally from Oshu, Japan. He was born on July 5, 1994, making him 31 years old as of this summer. His parents, Kayako Ohtani and Toru Ohtani, were impressive athletes themselves. His mom played badminton professionally, and his dad played baseball in the professional Japanese baseball league before coaching kids. In doing so, he raised his son to love it as well. This caused him to play a wide variety of sports as a young child. His dad was his baseball coach, who encouraged him to become what some might call the greatest baseball player of all time.

Surrounded by sports during his childhood, there was no doubt Ohtani found his interest in baseball as he grew older. During an interview after a game, Ohtani shared a message about his childhood. "[It's always been my childhood dream to be able to be in an important situation, to play in important games,]" he elaborated later in Japanese. "[So I think the excitement of that is greater than anything else that I could possibly feel.]"

In high school, Ohtani played baseball and was on the swim team. He lived on campus, only coming home for 6 days a year. He had a great baseball coach named Hiroshi Sasaki, who taught him humility by making him do lots of chores, such as cleaning toilets and kitchens. As an 18-year-old, Ohtani was already pitching 99 miles per hour, which set the high school record at the time. Sports Illustrated made an article about Ohtani on why he is so great and used this quote from a post-game interview.

“It’s actually an honor to feel the pressure because that means there’s a lot of expectations, and I just change that to more of a positive," Ohtani said.

Ohtani has an extraordinarily smart way of thinking and is great at achieving his goals. When he was in his early years of high school, he wrote down the things he wanted to accomplish in his future along with each age. He has accomplished a lot of those goals so far. Amongst those goals included: “Age 25: Throw fastest pitch in the world 175 kph (108 mph), Age 26: Win the World Series and get married, Age 28: 1st son is born.”

He has been nothing short of a success so far; however, some goals remain on his list to this day. Overall, he wants to win three World Series, and being on the Los Angeles Dodgers is a great start toward achieving that goal. He started playing baseball in the MLB with the Angels, where he was both pitching and hitting. The Angels haven’t had the best record in baseball for a while and have not won a World Series since 2002. That was one of the reasons why he switched to the Dodgers. However, during his first year, Ohtani was still recovering from an injury that affected his pitching, so he was mainly focused on his hitting. This ended up turning out really well for him, as many saw him as one of the greatest batters in baseball, and his statistics were looking amazing. In an ESPN article, they explain what his former teammate from the Angels, Mike Trout, said about Ohtani.

"He's got the best stuff in the league, I think,” Trout explained. “I don't think I've talked to anybody in the league that wants to face that dude. And at the plate, he's got very little weaknesses.”

Shohei Ohtani has achieved much in baseball and life overall, yet he still has so many goals yet to be accomplished. There are so many different statistics and aspects that go into being called the best baseball player of all time. If anyone can prove to be an outstanding player all around, it is Ohtani, and because of where he’s been, where he is, and where he is going, undoubtedly, he will go down in history as one of the greatest baseball players of all time.

Is the iPhone 17 All it Claims to be?

by Esther Burton

Published

iPhone 17 in Store//Being displayed at Apple’s store, the iPhone 17 has just been released and has been reviewed by many. Many question whether the features were for the better or worse. (Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons) The iPhone 17 was released to buyers on September 19, 2025. Apple has claimed it has a new “cutting-edge” camera and a great battery life. There was a recent update, iOS 26, that was available on the iPhone 11 and later. This update introduces Apple Intelligence and a new look to Apple iPhones. There are numerous changes, including the look, functionality (varies from source to source), the camera, and the accuracy of Apple Intelligence.

The new iPhone’s camera spans across the whole top, as seen in the photo. It has a very clean look, but many disagree with the design choices. This is because they think it looks too much like Samsung or Android devices, and they want their Apple iPhones to stand out. One of our fellow Coronado students, Isla Ulmer, 11, states her opinion on the iPhone.

“I think the new phone has a really ugly design and does not look like something I would want to buy. It reminds me of an android because of the camera. I bet it works okay but I'd rather stick to my iPhone 16 because it looks cooler,” Ulmer said.

Although the design has been viewed negatively by many, it is said to have an amazing battery life and overall smoothness. It has a 1-120 Hz variable refresh rate, meaning it will make scrolling smoother as well as provide support for apps or tabs that stay open. However, many people think it is too similar to the previous iPhone 16 in its functions, just with a new look. From an article by CNET it states what the author, Patrick Holland and Lisa Eadicco, think about the similarities.

“Unlike previous iPhone generations, the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models share almost all the same hardware features, apart from the telephoto lens and bigger battery on the latter,” the article explains. “While Apple tends to introduce features like the Dynamic Island and Action button on Pro models first, the two ends of the iPhone spectrum now pack all those same hardware functions.”

The camera offers the most zoom any phone has ever offered. The iPhone 17 has mostly the same camera as the previous model, but the Pro has a significantly better camera and is unlike anything they have ever created before. It contains a 24-megapixel square sensor, which allows you to take vertical and horizontal pictures without rotating your device. Most photographers were very happy with the camera shown in an article by PetaPixel.

“Of the major phone brands available in North America, Apple has been well in the lead when it comes to video capability for years,” Niccolls states.

“We frequently use iPhone footage in our PetaPixel videos, and it often cuts in seamlessly with footage from more advanced video cameras. This year, the biggest advancement for most users will be the aforementioned 4x camera. Image quality in video is significantly better than with the old 5x camera, and I was also very impressed with the image stabilization, which allows you to keep the frame steady while recording, but also pan smoothly with a moving subject.”

Apple Intelligence is now accessible with the new iPhone, meaning you can correct your writing to make it flow easier, generate images, remove unwanted objects from photos, and be able to translate languages in real time. By using your AirPods, it can listen to what somebody is saying if they are speaking a different language and translate it directly into your ear as it is being spoken. This is a really cool feature that allows for even greater communication across the world. From the website PCMag an article by Ben Moore offers an opinion and summary of Apple Intelligence.

“Some Apple Intelligence features, such as Live Translation or Writing Tools, can be useful depending on what you use your Apple device for,” he explains. “However, even its best features won’t be relevant to every user, and others, such as AI notification summaries and Workout Buddy, just aren’t particularly worthwhile right now.”

Moore thinks that Apple Intelligence will improve over time, but as of right now, it may not be the best Artificial Intelligence we have accessible to us. Along with AI, Apple added a liquid glass feature that has been a significant change to their look. Things like the time, notifications, and apps now have a translucent appearance, which can be adjusted in Settings. An article from the website Pixel Envy, written by Nick Heer, talks more about it.

Is the iPhone 17 All it Claims to be?

by Esther Burton

Published

“Here is the thing, though: Liquid Glass mostly — mostly — feels at home on the iPhone,” Heer states. “Yes, Apple could have avoided legibility problems entirely by not being so enamoured of translucency, but it does have alluring characteristics. It is a very cool feeling of true dimensionality.”

Overall, Apple has changed various things with the new iPhone 17, and many people have different opinions. I believe that it has more positives than negatives. Although many aspects of the appearance changed, and it may take time to get used to, it looks sleek and visually appealing nonetheless. I can not wait to see what Apple has coming up next.

Will Vegas Thrill Remain a Pro Team?: Professional Volleyball

by McKenzie Smoot Published 9/22/25 Just three miles from our school, from January to May, fans could watch the Vegas Thrill play at Lee’s Family Forum, previously known as the Dollar Loan Center Arena. The team is called the Vegas Thrill, and they even have their own mascot, Cadence the Catamount. Last season, the team started off strong with various wins before falling into a slump.

Subsequently, the Vegas Thrill lost its initial ownership group due to the major merger between the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) and Major League Volleyball (MLV) in August 2025. The Pro Volleyball Federation was the league the team was originally in.

This led fans to question whether the team will remain together or break apart.

“The MLV confirmed that the Vegas Thrill, who played in the PVF’s first two seasons, are not scheduled to play next season due to an ongoing search for local ownership to buy the franchise,” SportsPro states. ”Meanwhile, Dallas, which was set to join the PVF next year, will be part of the newly formed league.”

The previous owner of the Vegas Thrill also owned another team in the Federation, the Omaha Supernovas. When the two volleyball leagues combined, they decided to keep their stake in the Supernovas and sold the Thrill back to the league.

The Thrill has not come to an end yet and is still operating while searching for a new owner. However, I think the Thrill is not going to remain a team. One main reason for this is that the team lost various of its star players to other teams. For example, starting outside hitter Charitie Luper (5’9”) and fellow standout Hannah Maddox (6'2’) have both moved to the Orlando Valkyries. As the Thrill loses these outstanding players, other teams are only getting better and better, making it increasingly unlikely that the Thrill will survive.

“I hope the Vegas Thrill remains a team because I loved going to their games, but considering they don’t have a coach or many players, including Charitie Luper, I'm not sure if it is worth going and worth it for the team to stick together,” sophomore Jasmin Kapur said.

Just the beginning // Prepping for their second season, the Vegas Thrill had a scrimmage where fans could watch them play for the first time. This excited the fans for the rest of the season that was to come. (Photo courtesy of Jasmin Kapur)

Another reason why the team might not remain is due to financial issues for the Thrill, as ticket sales would drop. Additionally, they might have problems remaining a team if fans are less inclined to go to the games, due to the loss of many of their skillful players.

The team and the venue could lose money from concessions, merchandise sales, and parking.

Furthermore, the team could lose sponsors if they have minimal fan attendance. Sponsorship value is determined by the exposure and engagement the team can offer, so sponsors will not want to partner with a team no one watches.

To summarize, the Vegas Thrill is in a dilemma due to the loss of many of its star players and the absence of an owner. This situation has discouraged many fans from attending the games, causing ticket sales to drop and financial strains with the team. For these reasons, I do not think the Vegas Thrill will stay as a team. The odds are stacked against them, and in my opinion, it is not worth it for them to stay together.

Use of ChatGPT in Schools Raises Concerns for Students

by Stella Lin Published 9/18/25

With the introduction of new AI tools like ChatGPT, cheating in school has become easier than ever. In recent times, students have become reliant on these platforms, whether it's to answer an algebra question or write an entire essay.

While cheating has been an issue for decades, only recently has cheating with the use of AI been a topic of concern. There is growing apprehension for the futures of students who use AI to cheat, as it reduces problem-solving skills, promotes dishonesty, and doesn’t allow for academic growth. This raises the question: how will the use of AI tools for cheating affect students in their futures?

When faced with a problem that needs more than just surface-level knowledge to solve, many students today go straight to ChatGPT for an answer. This may be suitable for jobs that don’t require critical thinking, but it is detrimental to most professions. Our next generation of doctors, lawyers, teachers, and engineers is a part of the 72% of high school students who have used AI to cheat. Critical thinking is a skill that is more important than ever because we live in a society with access to so much information.

Students must be able to analyze important discussions and topics so they can formulate their own opinions. It is also important in the workplace, specifically because employees who possess this skill can problem solve better, provide better feedback, and be more productive, helping a company succeed.

Every year, academic expectations for students seem to get higher and higher. This is what causes students to cheat in the first place because they feel pressured to do rigorous courses and do them well. Artificial intelligence tools don’t cause people to cheat, but they create a quick, easy path that enables students to cheat. Many students don’t realize that they are even cheating when using ChatGPT because it is so normalized

P r e s s u r e t o p e r f o r m / / C h e a t i n g b y u s i n g C h a t G P T is a n e w a n d i m p o r t a n t i s s u e . S t u d e n t s a r e l o s in g o u t on important critical thinking skills with the pressure to stay up to par with their peers. (Photo by Stella Lin)

in today's society. As a result, students who use AI to complete their homework risk falling into the habit of using it all the time. This will cause students to face consequences for plagiarism like a zero on the assignment, parent talks, or suspension.

Although platforms like ChatGPT are harming the education of newer generations, there are also ways that they can help students learn. When used correctly, AI platforms can offer a more efficient way to study, understand deep concepts, and learn about topics you're curious about. For example, instead of spending hours making flashcards, ChatGPT can create them in a matter of seconds. If you're learning about a complex concept like cells in biology, AI can explain it in simple, easy-to-understand terms. It is important that with all the resources available to us, we use them in helpful rather than harmful ways.

Cheating may never be eliminated completely, but there are measures we can take to improve the education of students today. It is important that we try to eliminate the use of AI for cheating and use it in ways to help students. We are the future doctors, lawyers, and engineers, so we must work together and take pride in our education.

WEDNESDAY Isn’t Just Any Day of the Week!

by Mila Ekstrom

Published: 9/16/ 2025

Wednesday’s Death Premonitions//Spying her way into Nevermore is Wednesday Addams.

She’s caught the murderous Hyde, caught a serial killer, and now she’s got a new foe with a friendly face…or hand. (Photo by Mila Ekstrom) * Warning : This ar ticle contains s p oilers f or We dne s day, Se as on 2 , s o re a d if y ou dare!

Where there’s murder, there’s an Addams, and on September 3, 2025, the TV series Wednesday, came out with part 2 of their second season, which was spooky and action-packed throughout all four episodes. Wednesday originated from the twisted creation of Tim Burton, and this season is definitely alive (or dead) with that Tim Burton spirit. Wednesday’s Season 2 was written to be scarier and more jarring than the first season, which mainly focused on teen romance drama.

This season came straight out of the nightmarish mind that is Wednesday Addams.

In Season 2, the first four episodes were based on Wednesday’s (Jenna Ortega) premonition that her best friend, Enid (Emma Meyers), was to die. Wednesday may be coldhearted, but Enid is the only exception as she wormed her way into Wednesday’s heart. With time ticking and a scary vision, Wednesday promised to protect her friend at any cost. While she changed the future for her friend, she didn’t leave the past to rest.

Searching for answers to save her best friend, she visited Tyler, who is a Hyde, (Hunter Doohan), at the asylum he was brought into. Then, by Wednesday's twisted fate, and relentless wanting to solve the truth, she released the Hyde out into the world along with other patients of the asylum. This ends part 1 with her being thrown out of the window and into a coma. Part 2 was released a month after part 1, so viewers were waiting in anticipation for what happened in the show. Did Tyler throw her out the window to protect her or to harm her, as they have a romantic bond depicted from the first season? And if he was protecting her, then from what?

Part 2 began with Wednesday in a coma, being greeted by her new spiritual guide, who turned out to be their deceased principal from Season 1. Turns out, they’re 12th cousins, twice removed. Principal Weems became her guardian angel, but more of a mental and moral torturer as Wednesday navigated against the people or creatures waiting for Nevermore’s impending doom. With the Hyde out in the wind, blood thirsty for revenge, Nevermore was also faced with Slurp, a braineating zombie, Principal Dort’s dark past, and the scariest family reunion ever.

The main twist from part 2 of Wednesday was the Galpin family.

Not only is Tyler on the loose, but we also found out about the rest of his family. In part 1, Wednesday helps a woman escape from the LOIS program, which was unethical experimentation on Outcasts, where a scientist stole their powers, and to Wednesday's misfortune, that was Tyler’s mother, another Hyde.

Then, to complete the nightmare and horror of the reunion, Tyler’s uncle came back from the dead, literally. Why, and how?

Well, that is caused by another Addams, and surprisingly, it’s not Wednesday. Wednesday’s little brother, Pugsley, with his electrical shock, went to Skull Tree to revive the kid with a clocklike heart from the campfire story, and he didn’t know who it was. In his mind, it was his zombie friend, Slurp, but the more Slurp ate people and sucked out their brains, the more his face regenerated, displaying Isaac Knight, who is Tyler’s uncle.

Not only is Isaac a complete shock to the show because he’s been dead for twenty years, but later in the season, we find out that Thing, the Addams family’s dismembered pet hand, was actually his. Wednesday was unpredictable to say the least, but these answers about who these people were just raised more questions for the third season.

The third season of Wednesday is officially happening, but all of these cliffhangers leave questions about Wednesday’s fate.

What happens to Tyler because both his uncle and mother are gone? Why did Wednesday release Tyler? Was it out of love?

Lastly, the last scene of Season 2 of Wednesday was a lady with white hair, writing “Wednesday must die” with blood on the wall.

Was that her mysterious Aunt Ophelia?

There are so many questions still unsolved, but with Wednesday, we know that nothing will be left to rest. Get popcorn and a Wednesday’s Misfortune Meal at Wendy’s, and get ready for the third season.

Bright Lights in Vegas: The Environmental Cost of the City That Never Sleeps

by Caleigh Burns Published: 9/16/2025

Las Vegas is famous for its dazzling lights, from the neon billboards and illuminated buildings to the notorious Luxor pyramid’s beam, which shines so brightly it can be seen from space. While these bright displays draw tourists and add to the city’s energy, they come with significant environmental costs. This excess of artificial light creates light pollution—the brightening of the night sky caused by streetlights and other man-made sources.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, light pollution disrupts natural cycles and makes it harder to see stars and planets. Beyond obscuring the night sky, light pollution harms nocturnal wildlife, interferes with plant and animal rhythms, poses risks to human health, and wastes vast amounts of energy. For Las Vegas locals, understanding the impact of these bright lights is crucial; it not only raises awareness about our environment but also empowers the community to advocate for more sustainable lighting practices.

Understanding the different types of light pollution is crucial to recognizing how deeply it affects people and the environment. The four main categories include: glare, skyglow, clutter, and light trespass.

Glare refers to excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort, often making it difficult to see clearly, especially while driving at night. It can reduce contrast and visibility, increasing the risk of accidents. Skyglow is the brightening of the night sky caused by artificial lights being scattered by molecules and particles in the atmosphere. In cities like Las Vegas, skyglow blocks our view of stars and planets, making it nearly impossible to experience a natural night sky. Clutter involves the overwhelming grouping of bright, misdirected lights—like flashy signs or overlapping streetlamps—which can disorient both pedestrians and drivers by distracting them from important visual cues. Finally, light trespass happens when unwanted artificial light spills over into areas it doesn’t belong. An example of this may be a streetlight shining directly through someone's bedroom window, disrupting sleep patterns and lowering the quality of life for nearby residents or animals. Each type of light pollution not only contributes to environmental degradation but also negatively impacts human health and safety.

Bright Billboards//Blinding buildings in Las Vegas have gotten problematic. Las Vegas is a very modern and flashy tourist destination, creating many illuminated signs and other things, like the Luxor and the Sphere. All are creating detrimental effects on the environment. (Photo by Caleigh Burns)

Beyond interfering with human comfort and security, light pollution also poses serious threats to the natural environment. Artificial light disrupts the behavior and biological rhythms of many nocturnal species that rely on darkness to survive. In the desert surrounding Las Vegas, animals like bats, owls, and certain insects struggle to hunt, mate, and migrate due to excessive nighttime illumination. For example, artificial light can disorient moths and other pollinators, leading to reduced pollination and, in turn, long-term impacts on plant reproduction. Sea turtles—though not native to the region—are often cited as an example of how light pollution misguides hatchlings. Instead of going to the ocean, they often follow the artificial sources of light, which can be compared to similar disruptions experienced by land animals. Migratory birds are also affected; bright lights confuse them during their nighttime navigation, increasing the risk of fatal collisions with buildings. These disruptions create a ripple effect across ecosystems, affecting predatorprey relationships and altering natural cycles. Over time, entire habitats can become unbalanced, all because of the artificial glow that spills far beyond its intended purpose.

Shining Lights//Adding light to the ongoing Las Vegas light pollution problem only makes it worse. What seems like another tourist attraction only worsens our environment. (Photo by Caleigh Burns)

Light pollution also has a direct impact on human health and culture. Exposure to artificial light at night disrupts our circadian rhythms, the natural 24-hour cycle our bodies rely on to regulate sleep, hormone levels, and overall well-being. This disruption can lead to sleep disorders, fatigue, increased stress, metabolic disruption, and even long-term health concerns, such as obesity and cardiovascular issues. Not to mention, light pollution robs us of a clear night sky due to the artificial light that blocks out any experience of stargazing.

Additionally, the overuse of lighting is economically wasteful. Billions of dollars are lost globally each year due to inefficient or excessive lighting, according to Nevada Wilderness. In a city powered by tourism and nightlife, smarter lighting practices could save money and reduce unnecessary energy consumption without dimming the city’s appeal.

Efforts to reduce light pollution are slowly gaining momentum, even in light-heavy cities like Las Vegas.

Nevada is home to several designated Dark Sky places, such as Great Basin National Park, which serve as models for responsible lighting. Although the Las Vegas Strip itself lacks strict lighting ordinances, some local initiatives have aimed to improve lighting efficiency and reduce unnecessary brightness in residential areas.

Even small changes at the individual level can make a big difference. Residents can reduce light pollution at home by using shielded outdoor fixtures, motion sensors, timers, and warmer-hued bulbs that minimize blue light, which is most disruptive to humans and wildlife. For tourists, being mindful of how lighting choices in hotels or Airbnb rentals affect neighboring areas also contributes to long-term solutions. Ultimately, raising awareness is one of the most powerful tools.

Talking about light pollution and advocating for better lighting policies can foster a greater appreciation for the night and inspire action toward its protection.

Las Vegas may be the city that never sleeps, but it doesn't have to be the city that never sees stars. While lighting is a core part of the city’s identity, it shouldn't come at the cost of environmental health, public well-being, and a connection to the cosmos. By understanding the different forms and consequences of light pollution, supporting sustainable solutions, and making small changes in daily life, both locals and visitors can help protect our skies. The glow of Las Vegas doesn’t have to fade, but with smarter choices, we can ensure it shines responsibly for generations to come.

ACT Bootcamp Pros: Is It Worth the Steep Price?

by Audrey Hamatake Publish date: 9/17 $400 — the controversial starting price of the Tutors Across America-founded ACT Bootcamp.

The program is a short yet rigorous course designed to prepare students for the ACT. For many high school students, the ACT is one of the most important tests they’ll ever take. Many colleges in the U.S. evaluate scores during their admission process; therefore, the proper preparation for it is vital. The camp realistically prepares students with pro tips and tricks, boosting their chances of success. Many of the tutors who work with the program advertise a 3-7 point increase, which is relatively appealing in the eyes of students. While the bootcamp itself isn’t many students’ ideal way to spend their free time, the benefits are strong and make a weekend of misery all worthwhile.

“It’s helpful because it gives you information that you would not get otherwise,” Dylan Richardson, 12, said. “I’ve taken advantage of the boot camp three times already.”

The benefits of this ACT bootcamp go beyond just content review and strategy planning. This specific program focuses on test-taking strategies and pacing through practice exams.

Many Coronado students who attended this bootcamp reported dramatic point increases; some scores skyrocketed from the tens all the way up to the twenties. I myself participated in the rigorous 20-hour bootcamp – and my score also increased drastically from a 19 to a 25 by the end of the weekend. The instructors of the camps are directed to inform you of the tips and tricks the ACT will present. It is an important test that requires a lot of preparation and effort, but with this program, a little help from a caffeinated drink, and some good company, anyone can succeed. Some factors of the ACT test-taking experience that the instructors specifically target and stress the importance of are timing, logic, and organization. By combining structure and skill improvement, students often walk away feeling more confident for their big day.

Skill Sharpening//Coronado students take advantage of this opportunity to increase their ACT scores. Tutors Across America’s ACT Bootcamp prepares students in just one weekend, building essential skills for the important test. (Photo by Audrey Hamatake)

When provoked, many kids overwhelmingly suggested positive thoughts on the program.

A Coronado student who participated in the ACT bootcamp this August shared her firsthand opinion.

“It’s not all about the content,” Olivia Larson, 11, explains. “It’s about loopholes and shortcuts. The ACT is daunting and intimidating, but it is really not a trick if you’re aware of what to expect. The majority of the test itself is based on apparent thinking.”

Examine the ACT Cons

Publish date: 9/17/25

by Megan Meusy

Going into the Bootcamp//Stepping into the classroom, the juniors need to start studying to get ready for the big day. Taking the ACT Bootcamp test will prepare students, but it will take 20 hours over three days. (Photo by Megan Meusy)

The ACT is a very boring test, but it is required to graduate, so every student has to take it.

Many people even use it as a way to get into college. Therefore, they go to an ACT bootcamp to get better at the test. Since it is a hard standardized test for many people. The Bootcamp is a long process and having it after school can make it very hard for students to comprehend all of the learning techniques.

The ACT is one of the most important tests for juniors. The ACT is set for February 24th, 2026, but luckily, there are boot camps across high schools to prepare Juniors for the brutal test. However, preparing for the test comes with determination and long hours. Out of the three days of bootcamp, two days are 9 hours and 30 minutes, and one day is 5 hours. There is a lot of information in a short period of time, and getting down all the techniques and skills to use for this test is important

“The ACT bootcamp was very long and time-consuming,” Beckam Rafie, 11, explained. “Especially when we had to be there for 9 hours on our weekends and even give up our whole weekend there. I was already brain dead because I had just done a week at school, and now I had to do 20 hours trying to study for a test to get me into college. It was hard, I was very tired, and it was a lot of information in one weekend.”

Going into it, most people had an open mind about how beneficial this would be. However the long hours and being on the weekend took a toll on teenagers’ minds. It was not as helpful to some students as they already knew some of the techniques. Walking into the classroom the students were handed a test and had to take it right away. It was a very difficult test that required a lot of thought that not a lot of people were ready for on the first day.

“I understood all of what was taught up until the final couple hours of camp, where I mentally tapped out due to strenuous work and training. This why I say the days should have been much shorter,” Ruby Stowers, 11, said. “ I would honestly never do that camp again based on the fact that I already knew most of what was taught, and the days were painfully long.

My least favorite things were probably the lack of breaks, uncomfortable seating, freezing temperatures, and the length of the camp per day.”

It did not prove to be a fun and warming experience for many people. In order to process all of that information, you have to be comfortable in that environment. Since it did not feel that way, it made it harder to learn. You should also have many breaks since too much information at once can be very overwhelming and even scary to comprehend. As you are trying to comprehend one example, they have already moved on to the next. It may even need to be more hours, but in an extended amount of days instead of just three days.

“If I was one of the mentors, I would’ve allowed more student discussion and brain breaks,” Stowers said. “It was very overwhelming with all of the information she was trying to get us to know in such a fast amount of tim. How much we had to know, we only had a little amount to get taught it all. I would have rather had it broken up into smaller hours over more days, so we could fully comprehend the units. I would recommend it only to people who genuinely enjoy long lectures and test-taking.”

Considering the ACT is an important test for us as students, we need better practice to help us prepare.

Because as we get closer to college, we need the scores to be perfect. This camp may not have helped us enough to get us to those scores. All in all, the long hours with so much information shoved into three days, the environment it was in, and lastly, the mental toll it took on us, definitely did not help us get ready for the test. It was very long weekend I would not recommend.

7 Tips on Getting Better Sleep this School Year

by Jenai Atherall Published: 9/16/2025

Don’t skip rest // Catching sleep during the school year can be challenging, but it is essential to functioning well during the school day, this year, and beyond. By reading this article, you will learn not only why to prioritize sleep but also how to do so.

With school back in session, getting that “8-10 hours of sleep” recommended for children 13-18 years of age, according to the CDC, is not always the easiest task.

Between sports, homework, clubs, studying, and more, it seems like there is always an endless amount of things to get done for one reason or another. Nonetheless, sleep is still important, and just because your daily schedule might be full to the brim right now, your sleep schedule doesn’t have to suffer. Here are 7 tips to get more sleep during this school year.

1. Make sure your bed is a sleep-only setup Whether you sleep on a futon, bed, couch, you want to be sure that wherever and whatever it is, you only use it for sleeping. It can be easy to use those areas for homework, snacking, watching TV, and whatnot, but that is actually doing more harm than good. When you do this, you are training your brain to think that those areas are a place to do things besides sleep. As a result, when you finally lie down for bed, your brain doesn’t know whether it is supposed to sleep or be productive.

2. Stay away from exercise/caffeine 3-4 hours before bed While exercise and even caffeine can be good for you, you have to be strategic about when you are doing it and how much you are doing it as well. By exercising right before you go to sleep, your body is going to be extra tired, and while that might be what you need, your body will have less time to rejuvenate and hydrate prior to bed. The same goes with caffeine. Since you sweat through the night while sleeping, both caffeine and exercise can dehydrate you.

You want to make sure that you are not doing either of those things too close to bed so that you have enough time to hydrate, rest, and make sure nothing interferes with your sleep.

3. Don’t drink too much water right before bed This tip might seem counterintuitive, as hydration is an essential for good sleep, so you are not getting up constantly throughout the night for water. As mentioned above, you lose water throughout the night by sweating, and because of that, you want to make sure you are hydrated before bed. However, if you drink too much on the counter, especially right before bed, you will be getting up constantly to use the restroom throughout the night, and that causes a lack of sleep as well. It is generally best to hydrate throughout the day to avoid having to hydrate a whole bunch in the afternoon, where you’ll find yourself constantly getting up all night.

4. Try to lower your screen time While this can be difficult, limiting the time you spend on screens can significantly benefit your sleep schedule. When you really think about it, we spend a good chunk of our day on screens. At school, we spend a lot of the day on the computer, come home to do more homework on the computer, and then we spend a lot of our free time on screens as well. Nevertheless, by finding other activities to do we can limit that. It is especially important before bed so that our brains don’t get overstimulated.

7 Tips on Getting Better Sleep this School Year

by Jenai Atherall Published: 9/16/2025 However, this doesn’t have to be all at once. If it is harder to limit the screen time, maybe change what that screen time is on with things that are more relaxing, like word games, versus scrolling through social media.

5. Get in the sun during the day This tip might sound weird—how does the daytime impact your sleep time? Well, similarly to the first tip about training your bed to recognize that it is for sleep, you want to train your brain to recognize that dark means bed time.

Getting in the sun and in the warmth during the day teaches our brains to recognize that those are the times to be up. Over time, if we build a habit of making sure our brain understands daytime is light, we can start making other habits that solidify that. For example, by doing things like turning out the lights and turning the fan on at night, those cooler temperatures and darker environments will eventually train our bodies to sleep more comfortably in those places.

6. Build a bedtime routine We may not need to hold someone’s hands before crossing the street anymore, but not much has really changed since we were toddlers. Things like routine are still incredibly important; we use them in school, clubs, and so on. With this, the same thing goes for bedtime. By building a routine you can stick to, even if it is only a few steps, it will get you into a routine that eases you into bedtime instead of just trying to fall asleep after hours of homework and scrolling.

Let the other two things be stuff that you do already to help you fall asleep or things that relax you. That way, you won’t be tossing and turning for hours before actually falling asleep.

7. Don’t procrastinate your must-do tasks This is sometimes easier said than done, but keep away from putting off your day-to-day tasks. Every minute is an opportunity to be productive, and if you are putting off things on the front end, it takes away from the time you could truly be taking to rest each school night. To prevent procrastinating, make a daily list of your non-negotiable tasks, like homework, practice, exercise, etc. Then, create a checklist to help you get it done.

Throughout the day, cross them off, and each day, give yourself a treat or reward of some sort for getting it done; that way, you always have something to look forward to and something to motivate you.

At the end of the day, everyone has different schedules and different things they have to deal with, but amongst other things, one of the most important things we need to be doing is getting our sleep. Some people have sports, jobs, difficult classes, and more. If we are not allowing ourselves or making time for ourselves to get basic necessities, hydrating, eating food, getting rest, etc, then we are not doing ourselves or others any service. You can’t give what you don’t have, and if you don’t have the energy, you won’t be able to give it in whatever it is that you are doing. So, this school year, be sure to follow at least one of the tips, or maybe all if you can, to have one of your most wellrested years yet.

Stranger Things 5: Teaser Trailer

by Natalia Arieli Published 9/ 9/16/25

Upside Down//Posing at the Stranger Things shop on the Las Vegas Strip, sophomore Natalia Arieli sits on a replicated version of the couch from the Byers’ home in season 1 of Stranger Things. The Stranger Things shop was created on the Strip for excited fans to experience fantastic replicas of rooms and scenes from the show, as well as buy merch and other souvenirs. (Photo by Natalia Arieli)

After years and years of anticipation and waiting impatiently for any news about the fifth season of the greatly loved TV show Stranger Things, Netflix and the Duffer Brothers have finally given us something.

On May 31, 2025, Netflix released all three dates of the fifth season’s volumes and finale: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. About a month and a half later on July 16, 2025, we got our first sneak peek of season 5: the teaser trailer. Many anxious and enthusiastic fans have started to analyze the new trailer for any hints of plot details from season 5 and any clues as to what will happen, including me.

From the first 10 seconds of the trailer, we can see Steve Harrington (played by Joe Keery) fixing or building some machine in a dark room. A couple of seconds later, it cuts to a clip showing a building with a huge sign titled “50,000 WSQK Watts.” Next to it is a huge van with some sort of radio signal device on top of the car. As the next few seconds play out, we can see a little monitor with digits in “watts” increasing.

Throughout the trailer, we can see these digits go up to around 100 watts. Because “watt” is a unit of power that represents the rate at which energy is being produced, my first theory about what is happening in these clips is that the group is trying to conduct a great deal of energy. Going back several seasons to season 3 of Stranger Things, you can recall that, to open up a gate to the Upside Down, there had to be a great deal of energy produced (as was shown with the Russians using the Starcourt Mall to open up a gate). From what we’ve been shown in the new trailer, I theorize that the group is trying to defeat Vecna by using the intense energy, or to somehow close the giant gates that Vecna created.

Next, Dustin Henderson (played by Gaten Matarazzo) started to say, “Burn commencing in 5…” and continued to count down to “1.” Throughout Stranger Things, we learned that the demogorgons and creatures living in the Upside Down hate fire, as we could see in season 2 when it harmed all of the vines and demogorgons when one was affected by fire. Also, in season 4, when Nancy Wheeler (played by Natalia Dyer) and the group burned Vecna, (played by Jamie Campbell Bower), we could see all of the demogorgons were affected, and so was Vecna. Dustin says “burn,” we can possibly infer that the group is planning on burning a huge group of the demogorgons, vines, or any other creatures in the Upside Down to affect Vecna or get rid of the other world completely.

In another one of the short clips shown in the trailer, Will Byers (played by Noah Schnapp) is seen fainting and falling to the ground. This could suggest that Will could maybe see Vecna through his mind because he still has some connection to him, or Vecna could be showing him things as well, so that he can find the group and kill them. This definitely could mean that Will has a major role in season 5, which is fitting because the whole show started with him.

Another clip also shows Nancy, Steve, Dustin, and Jonathan going to the Hawkins lab, which could hint at another theory suggesting that the show will end where it all started.

Another clip shows a scene where Nancy Wheeler is washing blood off her hands in the sink. It then cuts to her face, which we can then see that she is crying and looks devastated.

Although we may not want to believe it, this could signal the death of someone close to Nancy, like Steve or Jonathan. This scene has specifically caused debates over the internet about whether Steve or Jonathan had died, and it would be heartbreaking if this theory proved to be true.

My final theory is based on a thrilling and dramatic scene that was shown towards the end of the Stranger Things 5 trailer.

The scene first depicts a huge gate opening with Vecna walking through it. Then it cuts to black for a moment while we can hear Vecna saying, “Found you.” These words gave me chills and also made me think about how he said he’d finally “found” them all. Before the trailer was released, the Duffer Brothers had informed us that season 5 would take place around a year or so after the spectacular ending to season 4.

Vecna finally finding them could mean that part of the plot could be that the group is hiding from Vecna and is trying to hurt him from where he can’t get to them. Obviously, that failed because we could hear Vecna speaking, but now we can at least infer part of what is happening in the Stranger Things 5 plot.

Of course, these theories may or may not be true (we won’t know for a little bit), but whatever happens, the Duffer Brothers and Netflix will most likely surprise us all in the end with an incredible conclusion. Although there will most likely be tears, heartbreak, and devastation by the end of it, the final season will guarantee a fantastic ending, and for now, we can at least infer or start to guess what will be happening in Stranger Things 5 from the trailer. Stranger Things has been an amazing show, and I can’t wait to watch the first episode on Thanksgiving Day.

Are AP Classes Worth it?

by McKenzie Smoot

Published: 9/11/2025

Studying for success! // Scattered in the picture, math assignments are arranged across a table in preparation for an AP Precalculus unit test. This class is not just an easy and free college credit; It requires hard work and discipline to be in an AP class. (Photo by McKenzie Smoot) As classes begin, you start realizing people around you are taking many advanced placement classes, and you start to wonder, “Am I falling behind?” You turn to the person next to you and they tell you that their whole schedule is AP courses, which are classes that are built to simulate a college course, and at the end of the year, you take an exam to decide if you will earn college credit or not. In order to earn college credit, you must receive a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP exam for the class you take. You start to worry if you're falling behind and begin to email your counselor to see if you can take these more advanced classes, but first, you should consider the pros and cons of taking these classes.

“I do not think AP classes are worth the stress, because whatever you choose for your occupation you can always achieve no matter the APs you take, and some colleges might not even use the credit from the class. Plus the APs may take a chunk of time away from free time with family and friends, what truly matters,” sophomore Raelene said.

This sparks the idea that AP classes may not be worth the work and stress. Imagine taking a tough AP class and the AP exam, yet your dream college doesn’t even accept the credit. Even if the credit counts, are you truly getting anything useful out of the class, or just memorizing random facts? Still, certain classes may be beneficial to develop necessary life skills.

“Advanced placement courses are designed to be more rigorous than typical high school classes, giving students a taste of college-level coursework,” The National Society of High School Scholars states. “This can help students prepare for the demands of college and improve their chances of success,” This emphasizes the beneficial effects that AP classes offer.

They can enhance life skills like time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving by applying structured systems of thinking to analyze problems, sparking debates, and creating group work to explore diverse perspectives. Why wouldn’t you want to start improving your skills before you even reach college? AP classes are an effective way of doing so.

Nonetheless, many people are not ready for AP classes, which can lead to burnout if you try to stack classes and only focus on boosting your transcript.

“The current study also found that participants who had taken AP classes in high school reported higher levels of burnout during college,” The Journal of Integrated Social Sciences said.

Therefore, AP classes can intensify burnout from a younger age, so by the time a student reaches college or beyond, they could be drained. This leads to many issues in the long run, which leads to the idea that AP classes really aren’t worth the work and stress. On the contrary, students will take AP classes so they can make college easier and receive college credit for a fraction of the price of actually going to college.

“When you successfully complete an AP course while still in high school, you earn college credits to put toward your degree. That means you could have a lighter workload to manage in college. This is important since college courses are more demanding than a typical high school course,” according to Holston Academy.

Despite AP courses being lots of work compared to regular high school courses, they can be easier than college classes, which is a significant benefit. Rather than being stressed in college, students should take advantage of AP classes to make their college experience more enjoyable.

So are AP classes worth it to you? AP courses can give students a challenge while building necessary life skills, all while earning college credit and making their college experience a little more pleasant. Conversely, AP classes can lead to burnout amongst students due to the harsh and demanding class format. Additionally, you can do all the work and earn the college credit, but some colleges might not even accept the credit. Before you start to adjust your schedule, take a second to weigh the pros and cons, do your research to see if the college you are aiming for will take the credits, and pick the classes that are worth it to you.

by Stella Lin

Morning Habits for Future Success

Published: 9/02/2025

Everyone gets the same 24 hours in a day, but we all spend them differently. What can you do to start your day and become the next billionaire? Surprisingly, the most successful company owners, book authors, and TV personalities have a lot of things in common with how they start their days. These are four steps you can take in your morning routine that all of the most successful people have in common.

Step 1: One thing that celebrities practice is waking up early, often before the sun is even up. The founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, wakes up at 6:30 a.m. every day without an alarm clock and does not use his phone for one hour. This is meant to improve his decision-making, help him wake up more alert, and stay efficient throughout the day.

Having a consistent, healthy sleep schedule can increase productivity and balance the natural circadian rhythm making it easier to fall asleep.

Step 2: Moving your body and being active early in the morning is beneficial for mental and physical health. Exercising increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which helps with mental clarity and gives you more energy throughout the day. During activity, your body also releases chemicals like endorphins and dopamine which reduce stress and promote focus and motivation. American talk show host, Oprah Winfrey, makes exercise a daily task in her morning routine through fitness classes like SoulCycle.

Rise and shine//Waking up early, as the sun rises, can help balance your circadian rhythm. There are numerous benef its, like falling asleep with ease, waking up feeling wellrested, and staying more productive throughout the day. (Photo by Stella Lin)

Step 3: Instead of starting the day with social media scrolling and advertisements flashing everywhere, opt for reading. Whether it's from the daily newspaper, a futuristic sci-fi novel, or the newest fashion magazine, studies show numerous benefits from starting the day with reading. Bill Gates, businessman and philanthropist, has dedicated time for reading each day, and reads one book per week. Advantages of reading daily include improved memory, focus, sleep, and writing skills.

Step 4: For a healthy and happy lifestyle, it is important to always have a strong support system that can push you to reach your goals or fall back on when life gets tough. After looking at the morning routines of many famous people, all of them spend some time with their loved ones. Taylor Swift spends time with her cats, and Jeff Bezos always eats breakfast with his wife and kids. Additionally, Oprah Winfrey takes time to exercise with her friends and instructors at SoulCycle. Spending quality time with the people you care about can improve your mental health, reduce stress, and contribute to personal development. Starting the day with a happy, stressfree conversation with someone can set you up for a great day.

With the perfect morning routine to live a successful life, achieving a new big goal might not be so hard, whether it's being a singer, doctor, lawyer, or writer. Creating a routine can be difficult, but applying these four steps to fit any lifestyle can start off the day with healthy, beneficial habits.

Sweets in the Sunshine: Four Ideas for the Perfect After-School Treat

by Jenai Atherall Published: 9/3/2025

Peanut Butter Chocolate Copycat Drumsticks

No Bake Mini Mango Cheesecakes Serving Size: 10-14 mini cheesecakes

Serving size: 4-8 ice cream cones What you’ll need: Peanut Butter Ice Cream 1 cup of dark chocolate candy melts ½ cup of melted semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) Box of ice cream cones Crushed oreos (optional) Crushed nuts (optional) 1. Using the recipe, make your peanut butter ice cream and let chill before using.

2. Fill up a small pot with water and put a glass bowl above the surface of the water, bring this (also known as a double broiler) over a medium-low heat and melt your chocolate candy melts on the stove.

3. While melting, prep the ice cream cones by melting chocolate and pouring a little into the inside of the cone.

Scoop about 1-2 ice cream scoops of the peanut butter ice cream over each, depending on the size. If it is runny, pop back into the freezer for 10 minutes while they are in the cones and remove for the next step.

4. Dip the cones, covering the ice cream with chocolate.

Then sprinkle crushed Oreos and nuts over the top. Let chill in the fridge for another hour before eating.

What you’ll need: ¼ cup of Mango Puree Mango Cheesecake Batter Graham Cracker Crust ½ cup heavy whipping cream (optional) ¼ cup powdered sugar (optional) 2 tsp vanilla extract (optional) Pinch of salt (optional) 1. In a large saucepan, begin making your mango puree. Add in all the ingredients and stir until it is reduced to a jam-like consistency. You can find the recipe here!

2. While the mango puree is cooking, you can make your graham cracker crust. Be sure to begin prepping by lining a cupcake pan with cupcake liners. Then make your crust and press into each liner. The crust should be crumbly but almost like sand. It should hold its shape if you press it together in your fingers. Find recipe here!

3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and then bake the crust for 10 minutes and let cool while you start on your batter.

4. Meanwhile, make your cheesecake batter by starting with a large bowl and beating cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.

Continue with the rest of the recipe here!

5. After you’ve assembled your cheesecakes and let them chill for at least eight hours, you can remove from liners and begin serving.

Since they are no-bake, they might be a little less stable than normal cheesecakes. If that is the case, just pop them in the freezer for 1020 minutes, and you should be good to go.

6. Using the ingredients above, you can make a quick whipped cream topping. Serve that with the mango puree, and they are ready to eat.

Summer Sweets//Making desserts is perfect for any time of year, but with summer slowly turning into fall, there is little time before ice cream and cool fruity treats are going to be replaced with warm and spiced treats.

While it’s exciting to prepare for fall, nothing beats a cold treat to end the summer. (Photos by Jenai Atherall) School’s back, and with summer nearly coming to a close, there is no better way to end it than with some yummy treats. These recipes are a perfect way to end a long day, and can be shared with your family and friends. In addition to that, these recipes take minimal time and effort, with little to no dishes. They are super versatile and make it perfect for mixing and matching different flavors for each season. These four fun and flavorful treats are sure to put a smile on your face while making them, and if you choose to, while sharing them.

Sweets in the Sunshine: Four Ideas for the Perfect After-School Treat

by Jenai Atherall

Lemon Rice Krispie Treats Serving Size: 9 bars What you’ll need: Zest of one lemon Juice of one lemon 1 box of rice krispie cereal 1 bag of mini marshmallows 1 tsp of lemon extract 2 tsp of vanilla extract 6 tbsp of unsalted butter White chocolate candy melts (optional) 1.In a large saucepan, begin by melting your butter along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon extract, and vanilla extract.

2.Once the butter has melted and the other ingredients have been incorporated, add your marshmallows and melt completely on a medium-low heat.

3.Once you have done that, turn the stove’s heat off, and add in your Rice Krispie cereal. Mix until the cereal is completely coated and sticky.

4.At this point, pour that cereal mixture into any pan of your choice and smooth it out. Once you’ve done that, cover with Saran Wrap and let it set for at least a couple of hours at room temperature. Once done, you can decorate it any way you like with melted candy melts, sprinkles, etc. Slice and you are ready to serve.

S’mores Cookies Serving Size: 20-28 cookies What you’ll need: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Recipe ¾-1 cup of mini marshmallows ¾ cup crushed graham crackers Dark chocolate candy melts (optional) 1.Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2-3 pans with parchment paper.

2.In a large mixing bowl, mix all your wet ingredients of the cookies. In a separate bowl, mix all your dry ingredients of the cookies together until well combined. Once ready, combine until the dough is fully incorporated. Follow the recipe all the way through until it comes time to fold in the toppings for your cookies.

3.Fold your chocolate, graham crackers, marshmallows, and nuts, if wanted, into the dough once ready. Bake the cookies for 12-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Drizzle some dark chocolate melts over the top and sprinkle some extra crushed graham crackers for decoration for an extra sweet touch. Enjoy!

Treats and the summer time are the perfect pair. By using these recipes, you will be sure to end your summer off on a sweet note. Enjoy making and sharing these with your family and friends. These are perfect for your after-school pickme-up snack, a pool party, or just a weekend in. In just a pinch, you can make some yummy treats and save these recipes to keep making them again and again. Enjoy every bite, and have fun.

Senior Sunrise

by Mila Ekstrom Published 9/3/2025 A picturesque view//Enjoying the sunrise, the Class of 2026 watched the sun come up and hung out with their friends at the football field. There was food, a gorgeous view, and amazing opportunities for Seniors to take pictures with their Senior Crown and Jeans. (Photo by Mila Ekstrom)

What better way is there to start the school year than by waking up early to watch the sunrise? On August 22, 2025, at 5:45 a.m., most of the seniors were on the football field taking photos and hanging out with their friends.

“It was very sunny, and very risey,” senior Alexis Murphy joked. I saw a lot of people I knew. It was nice to see people I haven’t seen in a long time and I also liked seeing everybody’s creativity in their crown.”

The event was such a fun experience, capturing the magic of being a senior. There were so many seniors which initially felt overwhelming, but in the end, it was great seeing people you've had in classes throughout high school but don't see all the time. Everybody showed school spirit by wearing comfy attire to senior jeans and their senior crowns they made prior to the event.

Some people even brought their own picture frame to take a festive photo under the hues of yellow and orange that make the sun shine.

Besides the sun being a backdrop for pictures, there was an actual backdrop student council made to capture the essence of school spirit.

They created a big sun to take pictures under the real sun. They also set up tables filled with pastries and delicious breakfast burritos, accompanied by coffee from the food truck.

“It was very SUNNY & very RISEY. ”

Senior Sunrise was a perfect tradition to start the brightness that is senior year. It’s exciting for seniors because they watched the sunrise for a new beginning of this year, but later this year, before they graduate, they say farewell to high school by going to Senior Sunset. If you didn’t make a crown for the sunrise, make sure you can have it for the sunset so it basks in the night.

Spider-Man Homecoming: Cool or Cliche

by Milana Garza

A Webtastic Time!//Sparking some debate, this year's Coronado’s theme has gotten mixed reviews. Homecoming is coming up, and students are eager to have a picturesque time!

With the excitement of homecoming spreading around Coronado, Cougars are gearing up for a thrilling event this year.

The dance is set to take place on October 10th, 2025, and one of the biggest challenges each year is to find a fun theme that is relatable and relevant to our time. As a result, this year's nostalgic theme is “Spiderman Homecoming”, a nod to the popular 2017 blockbuster titled “Spider-Man: Homecoming”.

However, while everyone loves Spider-Man, some students have differing opinions on this theme.

“I really like the play on words this theme holds, and I do think it was well thought out, but what would I even wear?” Kate Wood, 11, said.

Luckily, Coronado has a tradition of having a homecoming bash which allows students to wear attire ranging from casual to formal without stressing about matching the theme. Another cause for concern is the decor, which has the possibility of looking childish.

“The theme seems fun; I’m just a little worried that the decorations are going to give a little boy’s birthday party.” Ashna Shirodkar, 11, said.

Since many students are eager to take pictures galore, they hope the decorations will set a background of Marvel magic for their social media feeds. On the other hand, plenty of students are showing great enthusiasm for the spectacular spidey theme.

“I was, like, 10 years old when this movie came out, and I was obsessed with it, so it brings back lots of good memories,” Lillian Horowitz, 11, said.

While some students at Coronado have expressed some apprehension toward the theme, others have said it has brought about great feelings of nostalgia. Picking this theme was a great opportunity for our high school students to revisit their childhoods in a fun and nostalgic way! There’s no doubt that this movie evokes a touch of sentimentality within many students at Coronado.

Without question, StuCo has put a lot of thought and effort into Spider-Man Homecoming, as evidenced by the Instagram video post depicting an action sequence of Spider-Man himself running to campus to reveal this year's theme. Like Spider-Man, StuCo knows that “with great power comes great responsibility”… to make sure Cougars have a super time! See you there, Cougars!

Water Conservation in Vegas: The Truth About Our Water

by Caleigh Burns

Las Vegas only sees four inches of rain a year. Yet, it powers fountains, golf courses, and a metro area of over 2 million people. So how does a desert city survive on so little? As water levels plummet and drought becomes the new normal, the city faces a critical question: how do you keep the lights on and the taps running in a place built on borrowed water?

As a desert, Las Vegas is one of the driest cities in the U.S. Most of the water comes from Lake Mead via the Colorado River. With this as one of Vegas’ only sources of fresh water, levels have begun to plummet; in the past 20 years, Lake Mead has dropped more than 150 feet.

This creates concerns for the residents, leading to the creation of our water conservation system.

An important part of water conservation starts with the residents. There are signs posted across the Clark County desert that tell many what their watering schedule must be for their plants. According to the Las Vegas Valley Water District, the current watering schedule for May through August is four days a week, and you are not allowed to water between 11am-7pm, or on a Sunday.

Watering outside these times or more than someone should is considered water waste and may result in a water waste fine. These fines range from approximately $40 to over $5,000, with fees escalating for repeat violations and depending on your specific meter size and water provider.

Las Vegas must also have restrictions and regulations on water to keep it from being wasted. In addition to the watering schedule restrictions, pool sizes are limited to 600 square feet according to the City of Las Vegas. There are also bans on certain water features like fountains, and incentives for grass removal. Alongside those, education programs and resources are provided to help residents and businesses understand water conservation practices.

Las Vegas must also have restrictions and regulations on water to keep it from being wasted. In addition to the watering schedule restrictions, pool sizes are limited to 600 square feet according to the City of Las Vegas. There are also bans on certain water features like fountains, and incentives for grass removal. Alongside those, education programs and resources are provided to help residents and businesses understand water conservation practices.

Drowning in Droughts // Preserving water is extremely important when there is such a limited amount. Vegas goes to great lengths to make sure the residents have enough water, but it’s up to us to use it wisely. (Photo by Caleigh Burns)

The most important part of Las Vegas’ methods to conserve water is recycling. Las Vegas recycles nearly all indoor water, treating it and reusing it for irrigation of parks, golf courses, and other uses. This recycled water is also used for return-flow credits, meaning it doesn't count against the city's Colorado River allocation, according to the Southern Nevada Water Authority. This comprehensive recycling program allows the city to significantly reduce its reliance on the Colorado River.

Despite the plethora of things you may hear about water in Las Vegas, we are not running out. In fact, Las Vegas is the most water secure city in the Desert Southwest and a global leader in water conservation, recycling, and reusing according to Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance. Las Vegas’ commitment towards water conservation heavily aids their rank of the #6 Most Sustainable City in America according to Battleface. Many people think Vegas’ water supply is diminishing because of the acts they put in place, but they aren’t. In fact, Vegas is putting these acts into place to make sure the residents never run out of water. Still, it’s up to everyone to do their part and conserve whenever possible to keep our supply sustainable.

From Studio to Strip: Kelly Clarkson’s Vegas Residency

by Ashlin Chase Published Las Vegas has once 9/2/2025 again become the

backdrop for Kelly Clarkson’s return to the stage as she launches her Studio Sessions residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

Beginning in July of 2025, the singer committed to a comfortable merge between her hit songs and a more intimate, behind-the-scenes atmosphere. Transforming the stage into her own yet again, Clarkson gives audiences a fun mix of her heartfelt “Kellyoke” covers, careerspanning setlists, and emotional performances.

During the 18-night run, she brought her authentic star power to the Vegas Strip.

However, according to Caesars Entertainment, that plan was brought to a pause. Clarkson ultimately kicked off her residency on July 11, 2025, after a 7-day delay due to an illness obtained from overworking herself during rehearsals. She will presume performances November 7,2025 through November 15th, 2025.

The show is following her sold-out exclusive Las Vegas engagement at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino back in 2023 and 2024.

Based on the prior success at Planet Hollywood, tickets selling fast was the expectation for the 2025 residency. However, that wasn’t the case this year. Slow ticket sales became a worry in May 2025 after they realized the show did not seem to have the viewership they intended for it. Later and for unrelated reasons, the residencies August dates were rescheduled to July of 2026.

Via Clarkson’s social media feeds (Instagram, Facebook, etc.), the reason for the cancellation and postponement stems from the health issues her ex-husband, the father of her children, has been facing for the past year.

Clarkson stated on both Instagram and Facebook that at this moment, she must be fully present for her children.

“Since U Been Gone” // Since she’s been gone from Vegas, Kelly Clarkson has certainly been missed. As of this November and next July, we’ll see the icon back on the stage. (Photo by Ashlin Chase)

Despite all of the predicaments and concerns with slow ticket sales, the 12 shows she has performed so far were a roaring success.

Clarkson truly brought her goals with the residency to life through her July dates.

Per Billboard, she told music and stories, proving exactly why it was necessary for the singer and songwriter to postpone her opening dates until she had recovered. The setlist accounted for approximately 80 minutes of music and 40 more worth of storytelling and banter. The staging and musical arrangement stuck the audience inside the recording studio with Clarkson, who rotated in more than two dozen studio musicians.

All in all, the success from the first dozen shows has left ticketholders and others who are interested, excited in anticipation. If you’re interested in seeing what Kelly Clarkson has to offer with her Studio Sessions residency, take a look at Ticketmaster for the opportunity to grab yourself some tickets for these incredible performances. Get ready to feel all of the emotions as she guides you through the whirlwind of her 23-year career.

Is Ai going to take over the job market?

by Ava Sarmiento In recent years, AI has advanced in numerous different ways.. It has sparked both excitement and anxiety across a variety of occupations. As AI continues to advance, it becomes more capable of doing tasks that were once dedicated to human workers. This change raises a critical question: Is AI going to take over the job market?

The fear of AI replacing human workers is not brand new.

Within the new development technologies, "AI" definitely made a big impact on how we work. While some jobs may fall off or even disappear as a whole, new ones tend to also evolve. AI impacts jobs by making them so advanced that humans are not able to keep up. One important thing is how we adapt to these changes. AI is taking over many jobs, including customer service, data entry, administrative support, accounting, and some The rise of ai//Evolving in the job market, increasing productivity and making new aspects of software development and writing. This job opportunities.People across America makes the work environment more advanced, requiring show concern and are scared for what workers to adapt to the new tools and take a moment to might happen in the future.(photo by Ava process. The future of work will likely involve a Sarmiento) combination of AI and human capabilities. By focusing on some skills that AI might not be able to replicate, such as thinking, and emotional intelligence, O ncritical e a d va n ta g e o f A I i creativity, s th a t it is go o d at d o in g re p eti ti ve ta sks . I n j ob s li ke ma n ufa c tu rin g , s h i p p in g , a n d c u sto m e r s e r v i ce , A I te n d s to m a ke th in g s fas ter a n d ch ea p e r. S o m e au to ma te d ch an ge s th a t are g o o d a re ch at b ot s a n d workers can still stay valuable in the evolving job market.

a u to m a te d m e s s a g e s . T h e s e a re go o d b ec a u s e th ey g e t wo rk d on e a lo t fa s ter th an h u m an s an d m ake su re t h at i t i s p e r fe c te d . T h i s o cc u rs a l o t i n th e m a n ufa c tu rin g b u si n es s, w h e re A I; p owe red ro b o ts c a n as s e m b le p ro du c ts way q u i cke r th a n h u m a n s w i th little to n o erro rs . I n s h i p p in g , A I sys te m s fo c u s o n de l iver y ro u te s , s av i n g ti m e an d g a s.

Cu s to m e r s e r v i ce a l s o h a s b e n ef i ts f ro m ch a tb o ts , w h ich c an an swe r co m m o n q ues ti o n s q ui ck l y an d h ave l e ss of a wa i t ti m e , m a ki n g m o re c us to m e rs h a p py. S in ce A I a uto m ates ro uti n e ta s ks , i t red uces la b o r co s ts an d in c rea se s p ro d u c ti v i ty. B u s i n e s s e s a re ab l e to g e t m o re p ro d uc ts q ui cke r an d ch eap e r.

A n o th e r b i g a d va n ta g e o f A I is th a t i t i s a b le to p ro ces s l arg e a m o un ts o f in fo rma ti o n m ore eas i l y th an a h u m a n co u l d . Fo r exa m p l e , i n h ea l th c are , A I c a n h e l p a n a l yze m ed ic a l im a g e s, pa ti en t reco rds , an d h e lp do c to rs di a g n o se d i s ea s e s way q u i cke r a n d m o re a cc u ra te ly. In f in a n ce , A I de te c ts f ra udu l en t tra n sa c tio n s an d ma ke s q ui ck de c i si o n s.

T h e a b i l i ty to p ro ce s s th i s da ta s o q u i ck ly h e lp s im p rove d ec i s io n ; ma ki n g a n d a l o t o f res earch o utco m e s.

W h i l e A I p rov i d e s e f f i c i e n cy, i t c an a l s o l ea d to th e l o s s o f jo b s th a t i n cl ude re p eti ti ve ta sks , i n cl udi n g c u stom e r s e r v i ce a n d m a n u fa c tu ri n g . Eve n th o u g h A I m i gh t ca us e jo b s l os s, i t s ti ll o p e n s up n ew ca re er path s . A I s tru g g le s w i t h jo b s th a t re q u i re c rea ti v i ty a n d em o tio n , crea tin g a la rg er o p p o r tu n i ty fo r p e o p l e to fo l l ow t h e i r d rea m o f be i n g a n a r ti s t , m u s i c i a n , th e ra p i s t , tea ch er, craf ts m a n , e tc . T h is mi gh t o p en n ew j o b o p p o r tun i ti es l i ke c reati ve des i gn , di g i ta l th e ra py, a n d m a ny m o re i d eas . A I is n o t o n ly i m p rovi n g wo rk e nv i ro n m e n ts , b u t i t i s al s o h e l p in g us b u i l d n ew o n e s th a t m ay fo s te r h u m a n ta l en ts .

A I i s b e n e f i c i a l fo r th e jo b e nvi ro n m en t b e c au s e it in c rea s es e ff i c ie n cy, auto m ates rep e tit ive t as ks , an d al l ows e m p l oye e s to fo c u s o n m o re s tra te gi c , c rea tive a c ti vi ti es . Th i s m i gh t in c rea s e h um an p ro du c t iv i ty a n d th e c rea ti o n o f n ew jo b o p p o r tu n i ti e s . O veral l , A I e n h a n ce s wo rkp l a ces by m a kin g h u ma n s ki l l s l oo k m o re va l uab l e an d h e lp i n g

The Summer I Turned Pretty Theories

by Esther Burton Splash into another messy summer//Changing from the books, this new and final season is going to be even crazier than the last two seasons. Theories are being formed, and everyone is on the edge of their seat to see how this popular show will end. (Photo courtesy of Creative Commons) The Summer I Turned Pretty, earning three awards and three nominations, has finally started to release new episodes for the third season every Wednesday. The show consists of a love triangle between Belly, the main character, and two brothers, Jeremiah and Conrad. They all meet at the summer house in Cousins every summer, and this season they are in college, increasing the drama. This incremental release of the show has caused many people to form theories regarding the trailer, released episodes, the titles of episodes, and guesses on how it will be different from the book.

From the first trailer released about season three, fans were already guessing what every little detail could possibly entail for the episodes. Jenny Han, the author of The Summer I Turned Pretty, had said that there would be twists and differences from the book, so nobody can be positive about what is going to happen next. One of the most popular theories about the trailer had to do with the Taylor Swift songs within it. From an article on the Marie Clare Australia site, Maddison Hockey shares an interesting quote.

“In the first half of the video, ‘Daylight’ plays as we see glimpses of Belly and Jeremiah’s relationship before the music switches to ‘Red’ and we see Conrad still pining over his first and only love,” Hockey said.

The lyrics in “Red” say, “Losing him was blue, like I’d never known… But loving him was red.”

Fans looked into these lyrics and found symbolism with the colors red and blue in the trailer and the first couple of episodes.

Jeremiah is seen as the color blue while Conrad is seen as the color red. The website, Parade, published an article that gives us more insight on color theory written by Michelle Stein.

“During the scene when Belly talks to Conrad on Jeremiah’s phone, she wears red sunglasses; she also wears red at the summer house with Conrad. Similarly, she wears a lot of blue outfits in scenes with Jeremiah, a callback to ‘Losing him was blue,’ in Swift’s song ‘Red’,” Stein said.

The fact that Jeremiah’s color is blue shows that she will be losing him, while Conrad’s color is red, showing that loving Conrad would be red. “Red” is Taylor’s way of saying that the love was deeper and powerful, with stronger feelings.

After the first two episodes, there appeared to be a pattern with the names of the episodes. They all started with the word “Last.” This symbolizes the last season, and many fans are thinking the episode “Last Dance,” has to do with Jeremiah Fisher dancing with her in the closing scene, for the last time. From an article written by Nicole Gallucci, we can understand the meaning behind the titles of The Summer I Turned Pretty episodes.

“The words ‘Last Dance,’ as Jenny Han shared on her Instagram story, have several meanings, including a nostalgic last run and a final romantic time together. Judging by Conrad vowing to not slip up and cross a line with Belly again, ‘Last Dance’ could easily apply to their 305 storyline," Gallucci said.

This implies that Jeremiah and Belly will not do that dance at their wedding, or even have a wedding in the end.

Throughout this episode, Belly is with Conrad at the summer house, while Jeremiah is working. She gets a lot of help from Conrad with preparing for the wedding, and throughout all of the scenes, their current friendly relationship starts to change.

Many theories and opinions about The Summer I Turned Pretty are being formed, making the show more hyped up each week when another episode comes out.

There are so many different stories within the show happening at once, and it is our decision to choose what sides we want to believe.

The Journey in Lake Tahoe

by Megan Meusy Tahoe Trip // Trapping the ball, sophomore Taylor Takahashi takes on the opposing team, South Tahoe, at Lake Tahoe Community College Field. Takahashi is one of the few sophomores to continue to play on Coronado’s Varsity Soccer team.

(Photo Courtesy of Jagger Holt) Coronado Soccer is one of the most competitive sports at this high school. The women’s soccer team kicked the school year off by taking a trip to Lake Tahoe to and play some of the best teams in Northern Nevada. This opportunity lets them play together for the first time as a team. Securing a winning record of 4-0 they come back to start the real season.

Coronado Women’s Soccer has been going up to Tahoe for a long time now, dating all the way back to 2017. It is a tradition that helps the soccer team get some games in before the real season starts. This year, nine new players joined the team and went to Tahoe. Soon to see if there will be good competition, they have to prepare and hope that they will be able to work together as a team to beat these teams they played.

“The games were super fun!” Takahashi said. “Our first 3 games weren’t as hard, and the competition wasn’t as good.

Our last game against Gorman was a tough fight, and I’m glad we came out with the win. With our team, we have no trouble getting along with people. we were all really excited to meet the new girls, and we all got along well and bonded as a team together.”

This new season is just the beginning for our women’s soccer team. They have been practicing ever since intramurals started late this summer, which helped them get to know each other and play with each other a little bit before they had to play a game. However, playing a game is very different from practicing with your teammates. By seeing how they play getting a sense of how they should adjust your game to whoever is on the field. It is very important to get their touches in with their teammates, and it is also important to get to know each other in a way that does not involve soccer.

“We had many bonding activities up in Lake Tahoe,” Takahashi said. “The bonding activities we did were going to the beach together, playing volleyball on the beach, going mini golfing, having team dinners, and just hanging out in our rooms. I feel that it helped us get a lot closer as a team off the field because we were spending a lot of time together.

It did help transfer on the field because we were communicative with each other, and everything was connecting.

We also got to see what we needed to work on when we got back, so we can get stronger for the upcoming season.”

The Coronado Women’s Soccer team has just begun their bright season ahead. They have shown they are willing to work hard, continue to unite as a team, and grow together as the season progresses. They hope that their hard work will pay off and will continue to take it one step at a time. However, in Lake Tahoe, three out of the four games were not as tough of a challenge for our Coronado girls. As they come back to Las Vegas, they will have a tough road ahead of them that they will have to work through to get into the playoffs as they have done previous years in a row.

Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires

by Natalia Arieli Published: From the Screen to the Stage//Hugging during 8/29/25

the Zombies 4/Descendants World Collide Tour, Malachi Barton and Freya Skye embrace each other after the successful tour. This started right after Zombies 4 came out, with teens and kids excited to go see the actors after loving the new movie. (Photo by Emelia Young)

Zombies are back. So are werewolves, aliens, and—a new addition—vampires. This July, Disney has successfully created the latest addition to the Zombies Franchise: Zombies 4 Dawn of the Vampires. In one month, this movie captured the hearts of kids and teens everywhere, taking over Spotify playlists, TikTok home pages, and lock screens of loving Zombies fans and youth everywhere. What is it about this movie that has people obsessing with and memorizing every dance move and song lyric?

Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires was released July 10, 2025, and is the fourth movie in the successful Disney Zombies movie series. It was given a rating of 73% by rotten tomatoes and an overall 4.1 out of 5 by the audience. In the previous Zombies movies, each movie incorporated a different “monster” arriving in the town, starting with zombies, then werewolves, aliens, and now vampires. The movies were mostly centered around the two main characters, Zed and Allison, but the new movie included two new young main characters from the vampire world, Nova and Victor, and incorporated their point of view and stories.

The Zombies series has always been a great series with catchy songs and dances, and it has set the bar high for the rest of the Zombies movies in the musical/theatrical way. Zombies 4 definitely has held up to those standards. The two most popular songs coming out of the Zombies 4 movie are “Dream Come True,” and “Kerosene,” with “Dream Come True” coming at around 13.9 million listens on Spotify within the past month, and several fans and teens loving the new songs/playlist.

In the movie, the previous two main characters, Zed and Allison, go on a summer camping road trip with some friends and stumble upon a new world with two opposing sides of vampires and daywalkers. The vampires and daywalkers have a history together, and have a barrier to block

each other from the other’s territories. In the movie, the vampires and daywalkers were on their way to an orchard to harvest their food for the year, and the two enemy groups started to fight over the orchard. When both groups reached the orchard's gate, the doors were locked and needed three keys to open them. As the groups stay in a camp nearby together to figure this out, a daywalker, Nova, and vampire, Victor, meet each other. The two form a bond and team up to try to bring the two groups together so that they can join forces and open the orchard’s gate.

The ending of Zombies 4 was great in incorporating several uplifting themes and messages to the audience. One is that you have to forgive each other, put aside your differences, and learn how to cooperate. It had a good conclusion which pictured everyone joining forces and solving the problem in the end. This created a satisfactory ending and brought the whole story together nicely.

Another thing that Zombies 4 did well was introducing the characters of Victor and Nova as a new love couple. This added a new twist and perspective to the film, which made the new movie more interesting by adding a younger and newer perspective. Many were fans of the new duo and the actors who played them (Malachi Barton and Freya Skye), which made the movie more popular with teens and kids.

“My favorite part of the movie was the duet between Malachi and Freya (Victor and Nova) where they sang ‘Dream Come True,’ it’s the new ‘Someday!’” junior, Emelia Young said.

Disney did a great job with Zombies 4, and appealed to their audience through the themes about working together and forgiving each other. They also did fantastic with creating fun and upbeat dances like in “Don’t Mess With Us” and “The Place to Be” when everyone starts dancing all together in a dance battle. Fans are already anticipating the fifth zombies movie, even predicting the new monster additions (rumors have said it to be mermaids), which is currently in the making. If Zombies 5 is worth it, we won’t know for a while, but Zombies 4 was a great movie and is definitely worth the hype. If you’re looking for a new Disney movie to obsess over, hear music from everywhere, and find a new celebrity crush, you should definitely watch Zombies 4 - Dawn of the Vampires.

From the Screen to the Stage//Hugging during the Zombies 4/Descendants World Collide Tour, Malachi Barton and Freya Skye embrace each other after the successful tour. This started right after Zombies 4 came out, with teens and kids excited to go see the actors after loving the new movie.

(Photo by Emelia Young)

The Transformation of the Mirage to Hard Rock

by Ashley Nassiri Arellano

Published: 9/1/25

Love Is All You Need // Closing in July 2024, the Mirage has had a long and extensive history in the three decades it remained open. The legacy brought from the Vegas Icon is now in Hard Rock International’s hands. (Photo courtesy of Readts, via Openverse).

It's nothing short of a miracle that the Mirage hotel in Las Vegas wasn’t just an illusion in the hot Mojave desert. However, trade the Mirage’s gardens and Beatles Cirque De Soleil Love show for guitar strings and amps because the Mirage is about to become a rocker’s paradise amidst a desert oasis.

As the most expensive resort ever, when it originally opened in 1989, the Mirage never had a humble beginning, with an estimated building expense of 680 million dollars. As the hotel’s reputation grew, so did the numerous attractions spotted along its golden window panes. For instance, its world-famous 54-feet volcano, which had exotic fire shows nightly. The Mirage was also known for its lush, man-made topography in its gardens, also featuring large, uniquely irrigated waterfalls that accompanied the volcano nearby. Visitors were also drawn to the highly acclaimed animal show that featured captivating animals such as dolphins and tigers. The Mirage – permanently closed its doors on July 17th, 2024, closing all the attractions with it, including the volcano and other shows. Since then, the animals have been rehabilitated to various animal sanctuaries, such as the WildCat Ridge Sanctuary in Oregon.

Photo courtesy of Conchita Arellano With the Mirage closed, many new things are coming along, while the old slowly fades away. The Beatles Love Show, at the resort, started in 2006 and the talented cast members took their final bow on July 7th, 2024. As the Beatles originally stated in their 1965 hit, “In My Life”, “There are places I remember, some have changed and some are new.” This applies far beyond their tribute show and what it means for the Mirage to be closed.

The hotel’s new official name is the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel, Las Vegas.

There will be a new add-on is a planned, almost 700-feet tall guitar that will have extra hotel rooms in the dead center of the Strip.

Currently, renovations and construction are happening at the Hard Rock Hotel. Not only is the brand new guitar hotel tower being built, but with the new renovations, it’s expected to have expanded double the room capacity and twice the amount of original gaming space for older adult gaming enthusiasts. The construction is expected to go on until 2027, with builders hoping for an ideal opening date sometime in the summer of 2027.

Although the iconic Mirage has been closed, the 34 years it was operational was a long chapter in Vegas history. It’s time to embrace the new chapter as it continues to rebrand into Hard Rock’s latest statement, as the Strip continues to change and the decades pass by. Until then, on goers, can appreciate the wondrous miracle of Vegas that is a mirage, a beautiful oasis, in the midst of the hot Mojave desert.

An Art Gamechanger: The Grid Method

by Ashley Nassiri Arellano

Published: 9/17/25

Artisans around the world, for millennia have expressed themselves through pottery, poetry, and painting. Each is made up of different styles, compositions, and methods. One such method has been used for centuries in paintings, ranging from ancient Greece to modern times, known formally as the proportional grid system.

Commonly referred to as the grid method, it is a diverse way to create many different artworks aside from paintings. By referencing an image, artists then break the photo down into lined squares, hence why it’s referred to as the “grid method.” Once the reference has been lined with squares, a separate piece of paper, or many other mediums, the paper is lined with an equal number of squares. Analyzing the squares, artists then draw in each square until it’s complete, ending with a drawing with perfect proportions.

Though this method is incredibly useful, there is controversy within the art community, depending on who is asked. Since the method is literally breaking down an image for artists to copy down, not everyone agrees with the legitimacy of the method. It’s often debated whether or not the grid method is allowing artists alike to have original, creative pieces drawn from their own hands or minds. It’s also frequently argued whether or not it stifles creativity because the technique is similar to tracing.

However, despite such concerns, the grid method is an excellent tool for artists. Famous painters, such as Leonardo da Vinci, who painted the world famous Mona Lisa, was known to use this method to make sure his portraits wouldn’t give his subjects an unproportional nose. In ancient times, painters would make a wooden frame and tie strings, almost like framing a photograph before the camera existed, to make their scenic, naturebased paintings easier.

Grid Gratification // Letting artists create new works and work on art foundations, the grid method is a way that allows people to express themselves and is an excellent way for aspiring artists to learn the foundations of art.

The grid method is similar to building a car. Before the paint job, the mechanic must have the framework done and the tires set in place. The grid method works the same way, allowing for the framework and integrity of the artwork to be set in place before the artist can start painting. Once the base is done, the artist can paint, etch, and bend the work to their will. It doesn’t suppress creativity; rather, it allows for the control of it.

Aside from paintings, the grid method is used in many ways. Architects have been known to use grids to accurately scale and sketch blueprints for buildings. Muralists use it to make sure their art on buildings looks good from every angle. Even from a mathematical standpoint, grids like the coordinate grid can be used to make art on complex software such as Desmos.

The grid method has remained popular with artists all over the world. On social media, many videos featuring the grid method on Instagram, have gained millions of views. YouTube is filled with tutorials on realistic portraits and art pieces using the technique. Even conventionally, contemporary artists continue to use the grid method. It is a method for everyone.

Ultimately, the grid method is one of the most versatile and useful conventional tools for artists, allowing the creation of a multitude of creative works to survive and thrive from medieval times to now. By giving the perfect proportional framework from breaking down an image, the method allows for the world of art to endure, forever.