FallintoWinter!
PhotobyC.Reyes
Coronado’s Cheer-leading team and Cisco celebrate their growing school pride at the homecoming assembly on October 10
“Cheering at the homecoming assembly was such an exciting experience,” Ashlyn Allgood, 9, said “I felt really proud to represent our school and bring energy to the crowd Promoting school spirit through cheer is important to me because it helps everyone feel more connected and proud to be part of our school Seeing so many of my classmates cheering and smiling made it all feel worth it It was amazing knowing that our team helped make that happen.” th
World Kindness & All Ways You Can Celebrate
by Jenai Atherall
Published 11/12/2025
Since 1998, every year on November 13th, World Kindness Day has been recognized all over the globe. For some background, the World Kindness Movement is an organization that was created on this day in 1998 in order to encourage people to bond with one another through actions and words based on kindness. Ultimately, it helps increase people’s awareness of the importance of being kind. This year, World Kindness Day falls on Thursday, November 13th, 2025, giving people a way to seal off their week with kindness towards one another. Here are eight ways you can participate in the global movement to spread kindness on this special day, and every day.
1. Give someone a compliment
It may sound basic, but giving somebody a compliment is a beautiful way to spread kindness. We never know what someone is going through, and because words hold so much weight and influence, spreading kindness by spending a few seconds just to say some kind words to someone you know or don’t know could completely change their day and how they see themselves.
2. Help Someone out
The great thing about this act of kindness is that there are so many different ways you can help someone out. This act could be helping a teacher clean up a messy classroom, helping your parents out by cleaning the dishes, cooking dinner for your family, or even making a sweet treat for
Scatter Kindness like Confetti//Spreading love is an important part of being human; it is a way we can connect with others On November 13th, World Kindness Day is being celebrated for the 27th year in a row, and with it comes reminders and new ways we can show people we care. (Photo by Jenai Atherall)
your friends. You can go and volunteer at hospitals, libraries, and more to show people you care. It doesn’t have to be anything dramatic, but doing those little things can brighten someone’s day.
3. Leave notes of inspiration around
This is definitely one of the most fun acts of kindness you can do for Global Kindness Day. Although it doesn’t have to be anything super elaborate, writing down little notes of encouragement on things like sticky notes can be a great way to spread positivity everywhere you go.
Whether you decide to “accidentally” leave these on desks, put them around bus stops, or even stick them around or even stick them around parking lots, these are sure to make someone’s day.
4. Donate/make a care package
All across our community and beyond, there are people who need support and there are others who work really hard to keep the community going. People like our first responders, including paramedics, firefighters, police officers, people part of the military personnel, and beyond generally have difficult jobs that require them to be away from their families. Making a little care package to show you appreciate them is a beautiful way to show you care. In addition, there are a lot of people in need, and by reaching out to different organizations or churches, you can use what you have been blessed with to bless other people, whether you have a lot or a little.
5. Talk to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while
Let’s be honest, you may have 40 different contacts or more, but how many of those people do you actually know and talk to on a normal basis? Chances are that if you have someone’s number, it is a relationship you have the opportunity to grow. Even if it's someone you already know, like your grandma, it is never a bad idea to catch up with and check in to see how they are doing. You never know what kind of day someone is having or how much support they have. By talking to someone and seeing how they are doing, you might be the one person in their life showing that you care, and that act of kindness could be the very thing that helps them and inspires them to be there for themselves and other people.
6. Forgive somebody
Though this is a more indirect form of kindness, it is another important and valuable lesson to learn that allows you to not just be kind to others but also be kind to yourself.
In reality, life is not perfect, and we probably have all gone through at least one situation where we have felt wronged by someone. However, that does not necessarily excuse nonforgiveness. Unforgiveness leads to things like unresolved anger and resentment, which end up hurting us even more. Instead of harboring those feelings, it is more important to face them rather than hiding from them through the guise of bitterness. It can be really hard and feel like not forgiving someone is a way to get “revenge,” but the truth is that loving people requires forgiveness, as hard as it is. Forgiving somebody doesn’t require you to justify what they did to you as something right or ethical; rather, it frees them from being on bad terms with you, and honestly, you too from being on bad terms with them in your own heart.
7. Don’t let a bad feeling turn into a bad action
Every day has its own set of challenges, and even though it is World Kindness Day, there are bound to be things you face that bring up bad feelings, whether it's feelings of anger, worry, sadness, etc. It can be really easy to take the things we face and project them on the people and things we are feeling those things towards, but it is when we let those bad feelings turn into something that is a bad action that things become a problem. For example, if someone starts talking behind your back, it is okay to feel angry about that, but if you let yourself get so angry that you decide to
get revenge on someone yourself by fighting that fire with fire, now you are also in the wrong. So, when challenges are faced, it is really important we take care of ourselves by taking a moment and by doing things to assuage the stress rather than amplify it, in order to take care of others as well.
8. Give someone a hug
Last but not least, giving somebody a hug is a great way to seal off this special day of kindness. Beyond just feeling good, it is actually scientifically proven that hugs increase one’s mental health.
“‘What’s happening on the inside when we receive a hug is there is a release of oxytocin,’” explained Susan Albers, PsyD, psychologist for the Cleveland Clinic. “‘That is that feel good chemical that when it’s released, we feel bonded to those around us. “There’s also a decrease in cortisol, the stress hormone that pumps through our body when we feel stressed or overwhelmed.”
Although National Hugging Day isn’t until January 21st, you don’t have to wait until then to boost someone’s mood; in fact, you can do it on World Kindness Day and beyond. While not everyone loves hugs, patting someone’s back, rubbing their hand, etc, is another way to release that same hormone that comforts people, especially with those we are close to.
World Kindness Day is a great day to provide kindness and serve others in ways we wouldn’t normally be doing it. While we shouldn’t wait until World Kindness Day to do these things, this day serves as a great
reminder of the importance of kindness. Moreover, it shows us ways that we can serve those around us to use the ways we have been blessed to be a blessing to others. Hopefully, these little seeds of kindness can be seeds you scatter, blooming positivity and love wherever you go for this year’s kindness day and beyond.
Why a Trip is Better than Gifts this Christmas
by Natalia Arieli
The best time of the year is approaching: Christmas! Now that Halloween is over, it’s time to get in the holiday spirit, with people putting up their Christmas trees and listening to Christmas music as early as November 1st. The holiday season is special for many families, as it is the time to spend time with family and friends, curl up with some hot chocolate, and watch your favorite holiday movies (or Stranger Things if you’re like me), and of course write your list of 100 things you want and expect to see them wrapped up all pretty at the bottom of the Christmas tree on the morning of December 25th.
One can begin to feel the excitement of waking up at 5 a m and rushing downstairs to open presents with my family. Just tearing the tissue paper is fun in itself. Feeling the joy and excitement an hour later, playing with a new iPad or trying on all the fun clothes I got. Then also remembering the two hours that go by with the gifts just sitting there while you’re bored on the couch, playing Roblox or watching Christmas movies for the rest of the day. And just like that, the Christmas morning magic just… disappears.
Presents are something super fun to look forward to for Christmas, and it's what many people anticipate excitedly on Christmas Eve. However, are the hundreds of dollars spent on the presents you got really worth looking forward to your entire holiday season? There’s no doubt you’ll enjoy and use those presents, but one day, those presents will be used up, or sitting in your closet with dust on them, and you won’t feel the Christmas spirit anymore, looking at those materialistic gifts that you asked for and received. What if I told you that the best Christmas should be spent, not purchasing expensive gifts and opening them on Christmas day, but going on a trip you’ll remember forever?
First, I know what you’re thinking: “Presents are one of the best parts about Christmas! Remember the Grinch movie when all those poor kids got sad because they didn’t get any presents?” Well… I see what you mean with the Grinch reference, but I think you. need to
‘Tis the Season//Standing proud in the middle of the Grove in Los Angeles, this Christmas tree dons an assortment of shiny, colorful ornaments for the Christmas season. Tourists come from all over the United States to different places during the holiday season, and LA is a prime spot to see all of the amazing decorations and get into the Christmas spirit (Photo by Natalia Arieli)
rewatch the movie if you think that’s what that was about… Anyways, presents are one of those things that just “come along” with Christmas. Plus, when else can you ask your parents to get you all of these items that you’ve been wanting but don’t want to spend your own money on?
However, think about the last time you went on a trip, even if it was just a quick road trip to Disneyland or the beach. See, you can remember the specifics of it. The laughter with your family as you got ice cream by the beach, or the joyful screaming of going on the Incredicoaster with your sibling by your side. Now, think about what you got for Christmas last year I bet you can think of maybe one or two things. For example, I forgot almost everything except for the tickets I got to go see a show I really wanted to see. That brings me to the memory of the show, and getting all dressed up, laughing and singing along when my family and I went to go see it.
Furthermore, this brings me to my point: the things you will remember in your lifetime are experiences, not materialistic things You won’t remember the pair of mini Ugg boots you got two years ago, but I bet you will remember the trip to Disney World you took with your friends three years ago. Getting to go on a trip or experience this year for Christmas will be remembered forever, or at least a long time, which is my first point of why you should go on a trip rather than spend your money on gifts.
Additionally, you may be currently reading this and thinking: well, there’s no way I can afford to go on a trip. Well, I'm here to tell you that there are tons of ways to spend the least amount of money when going on a trip.
The article “10 Affordable Places to Travel During Christmas” by Sierra in the City explains, “ celebrating Christmas away from home doesn’t have to drain your bank account There are actually some amazing, budget-friendly winter destinations that are perfect for soaking up the holiday spirit.” There are several budget-friendly places, whether you’re looking for something snowy and cold to ski and have hot cocoa for the holiday season, or something warm and tropical to escape the harsh weather. Other articles and sites also list several different places that are affordable that you can visit during Christmas like, “30 Places to Travel on a Budget,” and “12 Best Cheap Destinations to Escape the Harsh Weather.” You can even do the easiest and least time-consuming research using ChatGPT to help you find a vacation for you based on your budget, how far away it is from where you are now, and the best things to do and see there So, a trip really isn’t that bad to consider now that you know that there are affordable places to go. Even if it isn’t somewhere fancy like a cruise in the Caribbean or a trip to Puerto Rico, simply going and seeing things you haven’t is such a fun and memorable experience.
Lastly, going on a trip for Christmas is something that you’ll look forward to for the entire holiday season, and will be talking about and remembering it for a while after Christmas. While the school semester comes to a close and you’re already celebrating with your friends and family before Christmas, you’ll be thinking about your trip and how much fun you’ll have, which, in my opinion, is exhilarating and an eagerness that isn’t like opening presents. I bet, of course, you look forward to presents on Christmas, and there is something about that excitement that isn’t the same for much else. However, looking forward to a trip involves planning and buying outfits that you’ll wear during it, looking forward to all the exciting things you’ll do there and planning an itinerary, and (one of the best things in my opinion) looking all over Pinterest for ideas for pictures and places to go during the trip. The anticipation and excitement before going on vacation start at least a month in advance, while you’re only excited about getting presents once you’ve told your parents your list of things you want, and once you see them under the tree.
In conclusion, going on a trip is a much better investment than buying gifts for the holiday season. A trip will be something you remember forever, and will be a much more enjoyable and longer experience than opening presents and using them on Christmas day. There are also affordable options when it comes to looking to invest in a trip. Additionally, the excitement of planning and organizing a trip is such a fun experience that doesn’t compare to looking forward to opening gifts. For all these reasons, I highly recommend and encourage investing in a family or friends trip rather than purchasing presents for Christmas this year. Whether you want to go to Universal Studios or New York City, there’s a place for everyone, and the experience will be worth it.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Anniversary
Published 11/12/25
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is a global call to action set in 2015. These 17 interconnected goals were created to address humanity’s most pressing challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and access to education and justice Together, they form the foundation of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a vision of a world where progress benefits everyone
The year 2025 marks the critical halfway point of their “Decade of Action,” which was launched in 2020.The UN called for faster, bolder efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030. However, the journey since then has been far from smooth. The COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical tensions, inflation, and accelerating climate impacts have slowed progress across nearly every region. According to the UN’s 2025 Sustainable Development Report, only about 15% of the goals are currently on track, while nearly half show minimal or even reversed progress.
Despite the challenges, there are still reasons for hope Renewable energy use has expanded rapidly, with solar and wind power reaching record levels in several countries. Youth-led movements around the world have continued to advocate for climate action, human rights, and gender equality, demonstrating how individual voices can drive global change. Access to education, clean water projects, and innovation in sustainable farming have also improved lives in communities that once faced systemic barriers.
At the local level, the SDGs serve as a reminder that global action starts small. Schools, nonprofits, and youth organizations play a vital role in advancing sustainability through awareness, education, and community projects. Whether it’s a student-led cleanup event or a mental health awareness campaign, each effort contributes to the broader mission of making the world more fair and resilient
A Decade of Action! // Reflecting on its progress, the UN’s Sustainable Development goals have officially been active for ten years now. With five years left until 2030, the push for global change is stronger than ever, and every action counts. (Photo by Caleigh Burns)
fAs the clock ticks toward 2030, the UN continues to call for collective responsibility, not just from governments and organizations, but from all people. The next five years will be decisive, as there will be an opportunity to turn commitment into action. It will be a turning point by which we can either make progress or turn away from it. In order to make the most of the next five years, governments must strengthen policy, corporations must prioritize sustainability over short-term profit, and communities must continue to innovate at the grassroots level.
The message of the Decade of Action is clear: achieving the SDGs isn’t just a global effort, it’s a personal one. As we reach the Ten-Year Anniversary of the global call to action, it is essential to reflect on how the little things we do contribute to a major impact By making mindful choices, advocating for equity, and engaging in community initiatives, every individual can help shape a future that’s sustainable, inclusive, and built to last for generations to come.
From the Streets of New York to Vegas: Which Pizzeria is the Best?
by Mila Ekstrom
Published 11/10/2025
Pizza is one of the most beloved foods with many chains and a variety of toppings across the nation. New York-Style Pizza, from the boroughs of Brooklyn to the city itself, has its own way of doing things. From thin and crisp crusts, sold by the slice to the Sicilian-style, which is square-shaped pizza slices, there are many pizzerias in Vegas that feature the style of New York Pizza in their shops. Grimaldi’s and Prince St. Pizza are two chains that originated in New York and now have locations in Vegas, L.A., and many other cities.
Prince St. Pizza
SNAP. SLICE. REPEAT// Mouthwatering Pizza comes straight to Vegas as Prince St Pizza opened a new location on Serene Ave that is a must-try. They have everything from by-the-slice to whole pies that will surely satisfy your cravings (Photo by Mila Ekstrom)
Take A Slice out of the City//Enjoying a slice of pizza on either the streets of New York or Las Vegas is the perfect meal. If you can’t be in New York, then New York is brought to you with their approved New York City Pizza on Prince St. and the renowned pizzeria, Grimaldi’s. (Photo by Mila Ekstrom)
Prince St. Pizza originally comes from Prince St. in New York, NY, and now it is available in Las Vegas and even L.A. This pizzeria has a multitude of flavors that can be bought by the square, slice, or whole. They also have gluten-free crust and dairy-free cheese, which makes their pizzeria an easily accessible place for many people to enjoy.
My favorites had to be their Oakey Smokey and their Green Machine Their Oakey Smokey featured a smoked mozzarella that was almost meaty in flavor, with a delicious smoky flavor that is easily enjoyable The pizza was crunchy and soft (if you are gluten- free, just know that it is a bit harder to cut into). It was a perfect slice of pizza that had a hint of bougieness.
They also offer traditional pizza, best tasted from the Sunset Square, to more intricate pies like Spicy Vodka and Houston Jalapeño. All these great options scratch the surface of why this is an amazing pizzeria. They have a whole vibe with LED signs, sports memorabilia, claw machines, and even a photo booth where you can take a photo with your friends or just you with your pizza slice.
My choice was the Green Machine, which is one of the healthier-looking options, with olives and a pesto swirl. It is very decorative, and it tastes delicious I found it to be more of a flatbread as it didn’t have the classic red marinara sauce, but the flavor was fresh from that pesto sauce. The only thing is for dairy-free pizzas, their cheese is a bit gluey, as dairy-free cheese doesn't melt like regular cheese. Other than that, it was a perfect slice.
Go to Prince St. Pizza for the amazing environment, great pizzas that are customizable and allergy-friendly, and enjoy with your friends and family.
Grimaldi’s
Spicy, Cheesy, and All Around Deliciousness // Devouring is one way to eat Grimaldi’s Pizza. From Brooklyn, NY to Sin City, Grimaldi’s has the best atmosphere and pizza to enjoy with anyone. (Photo by Mila Ekstrom)
Accredited for the “Pizza that made the Brooklyn Bridge Famous,” as displayed on their pizza boxes, Grimaldi’s is a great place to enjoy a good slice of pizza. Whether you are on a date or hanging out with your friends and family, Grimaldi’s is the place for you. They have a radiant vibe with wine bottle lights, cute plaid tablecloths, and great photos that showcase the importance of Grimaldi’s in New York. They pride themselves on their roots, from hanging pictures of historical figures like Dean Martin, to having a replica of the Subway Station signs labeled in Brooklyn.
Besides the atmosphere, their food is out of this world They have desserts like cannolis and cheesecake, which look the most indulgent. This restaurant serves appetizers like Caprese salad and bruschetta (toasted bread topped with cheese, tomatoes, and sometimes balsamic glaze), which is an Italian staple. They even have a lunch special where you can get a slice of pizza, a house or Caesar Salad, and a drink
The best part about Grimaldi’s is their pizza pies. I tried the Don, which is meatballs, pepperoni, and Italian sausage, and it is a delicious pie for meat lovers. The crust was crispy as well as their pepperoni slices, and their pizza was cheesy and just greased with flavor. It was a perfect ratio of cheese and meat, and just the right amount of grease. Then, I ordered the Brooklyn Bridge Pizza, which features ricotta, roasted red bell peppers, and Italian sausage. It was the freshest slice of pizza I’ve ever had. It was creamy from the ricotta, the peppers were sweet and smoky, and the crust was phenomenal for being thin crust. The only thing about the slice was that the bell peppers eclipsed the Italian sausage, but other than that it is a great pizzeria to try.
From New York and Brooklyn style pizza, which had the best pizza? Not to be too biased, as I’m from Brooklyn, but Grimaldi’s was my favorite out of the two. They were both delicious, but with Grimaldi’s, their slices were unmatched with their mouth watering flavor. Prince St. Pizza is perfect for hanging out with your friends and has a very chill vibe, while Grimaldi’s is a sit-down restaurant that fits whatever mood you are going for. The best part for both is that they both have GF options and a variety of different topping combinations. Be sure to check out both pizzerias, and figure out which one is your favorite.
Caffeine: What Is It Actually Doing to Our Growing Minds and Bodies?
by Audrey Hamatake
Published 11/11/25
Nowadays, caffeine is everywhere you look 180 milligrams in this drink, 250 milligrams in that one It’s in our coffees, our teas, our sodas, our energy drinks. While a small amount can sharpen attention, growing evidence from pediatricians and medical studies shows that caffeine can harm adolescents’ sleep, mood, heart health, and even behavior Schools, parents, and students themselves should be more aware of the risks and become more educated on safer limits when it comes to caffeine so that teenagers can make smarter choices
“Consuming high amounts of caffeine can be risky for adolescents. Caffeine acts as a stimulant to increase alertness, and combined with the sugar found in energy drinks, works to create a “jolt” of energy ” a UCLA Health article elucidated
Why exactly does this matter? Well, caffeine changes brain chemistry, raises heart rate and blood pressure, and interferes with the sleep that teens so crucially need for learning and mood regulation in this sensitive time of our lives. Since adolescents are still developing physically and neurologically, this, evidently, can seriously hinder that development, thus impacting them later on in life Multiple studies have linked teen caffeine consumption (particularly from energy drinks, which are one of the most popular sources of caffeine for teenagers today) to insomnia, worse quality of sleep, higher levels of anxiety, and more Adolescents battling mental health issues can have the effects heightened by caffeine
“An energy drink typically contains large amounts of caffeine, added sugars, other additives, and legal stimulants (guarana, taurine, and L-carnitine) The legal stimulants can increase alertness, attention, energy They can also increase blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing,” the CDC said. “In 2011, 1,499 adolescents aged 12–17 years went to the emergency room for an energydrink–related emergency ”
This is too large a number of people in need of medical help simply from caffeine overconsumption. High caffeine intake has also been associated with cardiovascular stress Studies indicate that teenagers who frequently drink highly caffeinated beverages may experience elevated blood pressure and faster resting heart rates. In extreme cases, especially when combined with dehydration or physical activity, excessive caffeine has been linked to emergency room visits for palpitations, chest pain, and fainting episodes.
Buzz Kill?//Educating yourself and your peers about the effects of caffeine is vital. It is always important to do your research on what types of food and drinks you are allowing to enter your body, especially in one of the arguably most important stages of development: your adolescent years. (Photo by Audrey Hamatake)
“Research has shown that energy drinks can disrupt normal heart function People who consume energy drinks experience elevated blood pressure and abnormal electrical activity in the heart for hours afterward changes that may raise the risk of serious, potentially lifethreatening arrhythmias,” a Harvard Medical School study claimed
The effects ripple far beyond the physical ones. Caffeine affects behavior and emotional regulation. Adolescents who rely on caffeine to stay awake often end up in a cycle of fatigue and dependence. They consume caffeine to wake up, lose sleep because of it, and then need even more the following day. Correlations between frequent caffeine use and impulsive or risk-taking behaviors in high schoolers have been discovered. While caffeine itself doesn’t cause poor decision-making, sleep deprivation and overstimulation can greatly influence mood, attention span, and emotional control.
“In the morning, I wake up and almost feel symptoms of withdrawal until I drink my Red Bull I know it’s a terrible habit, but I would honestly say I’m addicted It would be too difficult to stop,” Olivia Larson, 11, said
Caffeine addiction is a real thing, and it is more common in teenagers than the average person might think All of this to say, it is vital that you do your research on what you’re consuming Know, understand, and moderate what you’re putting in your growing body, because taking care of your body now is taking care of your body later.
Regretting You Overview
by Megan Meusy
Published 11/6/25
Regretting You is an amazing book and now, an amazing movie. It came out on October 24th, and many people around the country have been excited to see it. The film stars leading lady Clara (McKenna Grace), Miller (Mason Thames), Morgan (Allison Williams), and Jonah (Dave Franco) These stars have brought a lot of publicity for this movie and have been keeping the hype up for it This movie was inspired by the book and author, Colleen Hoover While I believe she has written so many outstanding books, just like Regretting You, I do not believe the directors fulfilled the story as much as I was hoping for.
The movie first started out with giving backstory about the mother, Morgan her sister, Jenny Morgan’s boyfriend, Chris and Jenny’s boyfriend, Jonah. It panned to them all hanging out at the beach when they were teenagers, and there was a weird tension between Morgan and Jonah. Then the movie fast-forwards to the present, when Clara is a teenager with her parents Morgan and Chris, while Jonah and Jenny have a little baby boy. This was a little confusing at first because you really had to pay attention to who was who, and it was a little hard to understand that Chris was the father of Clara when they had first shot the tension between Morgan and Jonah. However, as we get a little more into the movie, we end up seeing Clara start to fall for Miller, and when she tells her parents about him, they reject him very fast The next morning, Clara leaves for school while her dad, Chris, leaves for work, and Jonah comes over to drop off the baby with Morgan While Morgan is watching the baby, she gets a call from an ambulance saying Chris has been in a terrible car accident Once she gets to the hospital, she sees Jonah Jonah then tells her that Jenny has also been in a terrible car accident. They soon piece together that Jenny and Chris had been having an affair, but decide to keep it a secret from Clara. While grieving the passing of her aunt and father, Clara skips the funeral to hang out with Miller. The movie then shifts between Clara's viewpoint and her mother, Morgan’s viewpoint. Morgan goes through ups and downs, feeling betrayed by her sister and husband, and how they have been having an affair right beneath her and Jonah's noses, and finding out that supposedly Jonah and Jenny's kid is actually the son of Chris.
Not Top Rom-Com//Seeing this movie is something you will regret spending your money on. Regretting You is a cute romantic comedy that plays with your emotions and makes the audience hope that everything will work out in the end.
(Photo by Megan Meusy)
fThis was one of the main plot twists that really set the set the setting for the movie It became the central focus of the story, repeating the affair’s emotional impact again and again At first, I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next, but only once in a while I found myself looking at the screen next to us in the drive in movie However there would be a plot twist that would just back up that Jenny and Chris were having an affair. As I did feel bad for Morgan and Jonah, I could not keep interested when it was just back and forth. However, it was cute how they bonded over their trauma together, and it brought them closer together when they were first shown at the beginning of the movie. I did like how Clara was getting to know Miller, but in some parts, it felt like she was using Miller to get over her trauma, which I did not appreciate. I would have liked it to be cute and slow. Although they did have some sweet moments together, I wish it didn’t feel like she was using him.
Throughout the movie, I enjoyed watching Jonah and Morgan taking their own ways and rediscovering themselves with each other’s support and opening up, and realizing they still had feelings for one another but never acted on them. At the end of the movie, it was nice to see how Miller was plotting against Clara since the first time he saw her. Even though it was a cheesy, silly movie, it was cute and fun, but not as good as I was expecting it to be, like the other movies they have based on Colleen Hoover's book
Artificial Intelligence’s Effect on the Future Environment
by Stella Lin
Published 11/5/25
It is estimated that ChatGPT gets an astounding 2.5 billion prompts every day. There is a lot of conversation about how artificial intelligence impacts the environment, but not a large understanding of the actual effects on our planet, and how it will influence people in our daily lives. That being said, how does AI actually impact the environment?
AI data centers are facilities placed all around the world to fuel the rising demand for artificial intelligence using high-tech supercomputers. The number of these data centers has also increased tremendously from only 500,000 in 2012 to over 8 million as of 2024, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). These centers are created to power the daily use of AI platforms like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and MetaAI. What makes the data centers so detrimental to the environment is the rare earth metals required to make them, the living conditions for the miners of these materials, the cost of energy to run the data centers, and the large amounts of water used for cooling mechanisms.
In order to make a 2kg computer, it requires 800kg of raw materials like graphite, lithium, and cobalt Not only is it difficult to extract these raw materials, but it also has harmful consequences for the disposal. When we dispose of raw materials, it pollutes the soil and water with chemicals, emitting toxic chemicals into the environment, as well as destroying the habitats of endangered species like bats, bees, and certain types of birds.
Not only are the computers used to develop AI harmful to make, but also impacts the miners who collect these materials. Specifically in African countries, which are rich in materials like copper, cobalt, lithium, and graphite, living conditions are poor, and there are many cases of the exploitation of workers For example, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, people are being forcibly removed
Artificial Affects // Living in the world we do today, there is a growing stigma around artificial intelligence harming the environment. What does it actually mean for a digital software to affect the planet in the real world? (Photo by Stella Lin)
from their homes in order to get access to these materials. It is estimated that about 11,000 men and women work in Kamilombe, a remote mining town in the DRC. Every day these people have to risk their lives to extract copper and cobalt down shafts as deep as 100 meters, working in harsh, hot conditions with wages equivalent to $3.50 per day. With AI companies having so much power, it should be prioritized to collect materials sustainably and ethically, with fair pay to all workers
The International Energy Association states that one ChatGPT search consumes 10 times the energy than that of a Google search. This is important because the more energy consumed, the more greenhouse gas emissions being created, which fuels climate change. The energy used for ChatGPT inquiries is
already a big problem, but it also costs energy to train these AI platforms According to the MIT technology review, to train ChatGPT-4, it took over $100 million and consumed 50 gigawatts-hours of energy, which is enough energy to power San Francisco for 3 days. This is causing a lot of unnecessary environmental damage when we have tools like Google that don’t require extensive training and energy consumption.
Due to the vast amounts of energy required to power these data centers, they heat up quickly, making it necessary that there are cooling systems to keep the data centers running. One data center consumes the amount of water equivalent to 4200 people per day, although larger data centers can use up to five million gallons of water per day According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 4 people do not have access to clean water, so when we use up so much water for these data centers, it only deepens this statistic. More importantly, although this water can be reused, it is very difficult because the heat of the data centers evaporates the water, making it harder to collect. This is especially prevalent in hot, drought-prone areas where access to water is already difficult, for example, Las Vegas. If you don’t think you have seen a data center before, think again. The large building near the Strip called Switch is a data center. This is only one of the many facilities that are consuming so much energy and water that could be used for other purposes, like the grass-replacement program in Las Vegas.
Although Artificial intelligence isn’t going anywhere, there are still ways that we can mitigate the usage of it in our daily lives For example, using AI more mindfully, staying educated on the impacts of AI, and opting out when possible. It is unrealistic to completely eliminate the use of AI in this day and age, but if everyone used AI more mindfully and used other softwares when possible, then it can make a difference in the climate crisis. Staying up to date on the news of AI and how it affects the environment can help spread awareness and help bring people together to fix this issue. Abstaining from AI platforms when possible can make a difference when we use AI unintentionally, like meta AI, and Gemini. When googling something Gemini automatically provides an answer without getting the choice to use it
This will reduce unnecessary energy consumption and water waste, contributing to a cleaner, healthier planet.
AI is a system of the future and will likely never go away As a result, rather than trying to get rid of it, it is essential to adjust to it This way, we can acknowledge how it affects the environment and take steps to improve it for long-term usage, while also spreading awareness to the uninformed. When everybody makes a small decision in their daily life, it can make a great impact on future generations.
Is an Influencer a Sustainable Job?
by McKenzie Smoot
Published 11/5/25
3 2 1 Post! You just published your first video and sit anxiously waiting to gain views, likes, and followers Scrolling through Instagram, it seemed easy enough to recreate videos and gain millions of followers like your favorite influencers did; however, this is not how their jobs work Many people think it takes no skill to earn a living off of social media, and that many influencers should just go to college and get a real job Contrary to popular belief, numerous influencers actually do have a college degree and choose to do the research and start a channel, but that does not mean influencers won’t ever have to put that degree to use, as social media may not be as reliable as they think
Promoting for the Paycheck//Instructing the viewers, popular influencer, Kaeli Mae Ragains, receives a brand deal from Ninja Kitchen to promote their new espresso machine With over one million followers, this is one way that this influencer makes money However, will this strategy of influencers creating promo videos for brands last long? (Photo by McKenzie Smoot)
“There are plenty of lazy people who spend all their days on the web,” UNH Scholar, Mya Sanders said. “However, those who stereotype Social Media Influencer’s (SMI’s) know nothing of what the job really entails. Becoming a successful SMI is not an easy task; it takes hard work, skill, and being in the right place at the right time. Additionally, SMI’s are not useless in society; they help shape the minds of listeners by emotionally connecting with them and being a regular part of their lives.”
“It is hard for viewers of social media to look at the content they are watching and realize that the people on the screen are actual people trying to make money. Some influencers’ only jobs are to make content and monetize it. Although viral videos do need some luck for their success, it is mainly research and using specific techniques that really take a video from average to viral. These techniques are “the code” to make social media a job, but is this “code” maintainable and long-lasting?
The influencer marketing scene is ever evolving with nano and microinfluencers now taking a piece of the pie of brand deals and collaborations,” Marketing Interactive said. “In fact, 67% of marketers said that they are upping their investment in influencer marketing this year, according to influencer marketing platform Partipost. Of which, nano-influencers have emerged as a powerful force in influencer marketing.”
With how adaptable social media is, there is no guarantee that being an influencer will remain a job that can be used as a main income source. With new versions of social media springing up, new kinds of influencers that fulfill different purposes than the current ones could emerge. Many brands have been veering away from popular influencers whose videos could be thought of as scripted by the public. Instead, nano-influencers are naturally becoming consistent content creators for brands when working on commission. Since they're actively trying to make sales, they regularly create fresh photos, videos, and reviews featuring various products. This gives brands a steady stream of authentic user-generated content (UGC) without additional production costs.
“But as we enter into the next technological revolution, social media may no longer be a viable career alternative,” Amanda Claypool from Tomorrow Today claims. “Artificial intelligence is poised to not only displace the support staff and strategists behind some of the internet’s most popular accounts, but it’s also poised to displace influencers themselves.”
We all know that artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at a rapid, nearly concerning pace. This can not only affect labor-type jobs, but also the job of an influencer. It is much easier to generate videos targeted to a specific audience with AI than it is to set up a camera, film a video, edit the video, and post it in an attempt to engage the viewers. With AI advancing, it could have full dominance over social media quite quickly. Thus, although other jobs may not be sustainable long-term as well, becoming an influencer definitely will not last based on the current trends.
With nano-influencers, UGC creators, and AI, it is nearly impossible in today’s age to become an influencer and use it as your only career. Not only are the odds against influencers from new technologies to other up-to-date brand promotions through social media, but it is also just difficult to become viral enough to be monetized. Some people wait years to become an influencer, yet it just doesn’t happen. For all these reasons, an influencer cannot be a reliable career that someone is dependent on to survive.
TakingBackThanksgiving Break:TheNeedforaFull WeekOff
byMilanaGarza
Published11/`0/2025
Students, exhausted from the endless stream of assignments, tests, and practices, count down the days till Thanksgiving break like it is their last bit of hope But is it really a break if it only lasts a mere three days? It begins to feel like a tease rather than a true rest for their tired minds and bodies In reality, the Monday and Tuesday of that week are a blur for students and teachers just trying to cram instruction into a two-day week. Minds are already on holiday travel and delicious Thanksgiving feasts with family, resulting in students being too distracted to learn, assuming they even show up for the two days. So why not give everyone the full week off?
“I don’t even remember what we do in class that week,” said junior Calysta Romero. “So many people are absent or just not focused at all. It feels so pointless.”
Longing for Leisure//Calling for a longer break, students are arguing that the current break doesn't allow for enough time to recharge and rest. As the pressure of academics increases, extending this break could be a simple step in helping mental health.
(Photo by Milana Garza)
The truth is, those two extra days could be just what students need to come back to school refreshed and ready to learn. While it may not seem significant, a full week could be extremely beneficial in offering students and teachers alike a chance to get some much-needed rest before finals season begins The end of November is commonly linked to feelings of extreme burnout and academic exhaustion, so by rewarding students and faculty with a week-long break, we are able to combat some of those feelings.
“My whole family comes to town for Thanksgiving every year, and it is disappointing to not be able to spend as much time with them,” said junior Ryan Sayal. “I feel like I focus on school so much; it'd be nice to just get one week to think about something else.”
Family bonding and quality time with loved ones are other prominent factors to consider when looking at the need for an extended break. Many students have expressed feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are only heightened when there is less time available to spend with friends and family. Mental health matters, and a longer break would give families more time to travel and reconnect without the worry of missing school or work
Schools put an emphasis on wellness, and this is a simple way to show they mean it. Again, Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and what better way to show it than by giving students and staff the time they need to truly rest?
An Experience of Many Words: RTC
by Jenai Atherall
Published 11/4/2025
“Energizing, loud, and enthusiastic,” junior Kirstyn Oden, spirit leader, described the event.
That event took place Saturday, October 18th, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, where 45 of our Key Club members attended and participated in an annual event that members look forward to every year in an event known as the Region Training Conference. Region Training Conference, also known as RTC, is an event that takes place in many regions to represent the international club it celebrates. This includes a variety of activities, events, competitions, and workshops that introduce Key Club officers and members to new people, allow them to represent school spirit, and develop their own qualities as individuals to take back and apply to each of their own clubs.
“RTC is about coming together as a club and battling with other schools to be the most spirited,” Oden explained.
An Unforgettable Occasion // Participating in the 2025 RTC, (Region Training Conference), Key Club made some undeniably incredible memories. There, they attended workshops, developed their own leadership skills, and bonded with people in a way that will stick with them forever. (Photo Courtesy of Julie Bolken)
““There are also workshops to learn more about Key Club and service projects to help the community.”
Nearly 1,200 people were in attendance, with over 30 clubs from a variety of different schools across Southern Nevada, and our Coronado Cougars made their mark. Throughout this 12-hour event, like-minded students come together with a passion to learn more about how to better serve their community and even their own school in leadership roles through a variety of projects, from park cleaning to helping out during festivals at elementary schools
In addition to the learning aspect of RTC, the conference also consists of competitions, such as smaller talent shows and video contests, where various clubs participate to be recognized. During this event, a Member of the Year from each division is also announced, and together, as schools, they compete in events essentially known as “spirit battles” that represent their school and passion for it based on the theme of the year.
“Every year, there’s an overall theme, and we get to choose subthemes based on it,” junior Emily Denman, Key Club’s Director of Service explained.
This past year, the theme was ‘Serving Across the RT-Sea,” and we were the “Cougars of the Caribbean ’ Our spirit sticks always match our theme this year, we had a crossbones flag, a treasure chest, a mast, a plank, and a few others ”
As the Key Club’s Director of Service, Denman plans service projects and does a lot of networking with local businesses, charities, and elementary schools to partner for events and share opportunities with the members. Her role contributes a lot to the service side of the event by giving her an opportunity to network with other clubs within our region, which helps her fellow members. Moreover, secret judges who attend, generally ones who are part of the District Board, often judge the chants based on enthusiasm, respect for other teams, and the teamwork of each school that competes Throughout the event, they start by competing by division, chanting things that represent their school, put together by people like Oden, who are spirit leaders for the club
“As spirit leader, my biggest project is to organize and teach the chants for RTC,” Oden said. “After RTC is finished, my main focus is to keep the club engaged and spirited for the whole year.”
This event kicks off the year in an energetic fashion, and every year, RTC is an opportunity to win at these competitions. They consist of Division and Regional competitions. This year, the theme of our school was “Cougars at the Caribbean,” and they won the Division 28 East Spirit Competition, taking home the Division Spirit stick and just barely losing the Regional Spirit Stick Regardless, this was a huge accomplishment for our Coronado Cougars
“Energetic, inspiring, and unforgettable,” Denman described it.
However, more than just learning about service skills, and participating in fun competitions, it’s an opportunity to give those skills of service a chance to be put into action by networking with other schools and gaining more widespread recognition as a school through these competitions that put schools on the map, and open up doors for larger service projects that can create a larger impact.
“Key Club isn't just a service club. We prioritize community and unity through school spirit,” Oden added “Service is more fun and efficient when you know the community you're serving ”
For those who are unaware, Key Club is more widely known and recognized as a service club. It is an international organization that is student-led for high schools that focus mainly on providing services to their own schools and communities as a whole. The Key Club at our school participates in a variety of outside school community events, such as volunteering for festivals to doing park cleanups. In school, they serve at events and participate in maintaining our school garden to keep it healthy. The youth program has made many impacts, unseen and seen within Coronado and the Henderson community. Every year, they gain more and more members as people become more involved and aware of the beauty of the bond and heart of service that come with being a part of this club
“RTC reminds me that service isn’t just about volunteering,” Denman added. “It’s about teamwork, leadership, and making an impact together. It shows how small acts, when combined with others’ efforts, can create something so much bigger.”
More than just another event, another lesson, another competition, RTC is a conference about connection. Key Club is more than just another club that serves, but also is about truly adding to a community, giving it a heart. Through connecting annually like this, Key Clubs all across our county and beyond are able to strengthen that heart. Through Key Club, there is an opportunity to serve the community that is around you and truly connect with other people who care about the same thing RTC is an opportunity to grow the community because we are stronger together than we are alone It truly does take a community of people to make a difference, and that is exactly what Key Club did at RTC, energetically, enthusiastically, and memorably, in an experience of many words.
“Key Club goes beyond service by building a community of leaders who actually care about helping others,” Denman explained. “It’s a place where I’ve formed my best friendships, have grown in confidence, and have learned how to lead with kindness. RTC is a celebration of that spirit and the connections we’ve built through serving together.”
Halloween Costume Ideas
2025
by Natalia Arieli
Halloween is a fun holiday, hanging out with friends, eating an unlimited supply of candy, and watching scary movies at 11:00pm, but there is one other huge part of Halloween: the costumes. Picture this: you’re eating some pretzels and watching some funny Tiktoks when suddenly you get a text from your friend, asking, “soo… What are we being for Halloween?” You check the date. It’s October 30th. Oh boy. You only have one day of the year to dress up as whatever you want and not be made fun of, so choosing a Halloween costume can be a hard decision to make. Whether you’re looking for a funny solo costume, a cheesy couples duet, or a huge group costume, Halloween costume planning is important as the spooky holiday approaches, and sometimes you need a little inspiration to choose something both cute and fun
1.Solo Costumes
For those of you who are somewhat introverted or want to be the center of attention and do a solo costume, here are some ideas. First, a classic, the blow-up costumes. This is a pretty popular costume idea, so it is pretty easy to find, anywhere from Spirit Halloween to Amazon. For those of you looking for some comedy and want to be your silly self on Halloween, this costume is for you. There is so much variety too, you could be an alien, a hamster, a piggyback costume, even a dinosaur. You can even find different variations of each of these costumes For instance, with the blow-up dinosaur costumes, there is a plethora of colors
“We Never Go Out of Style”//Posing together, sophomore Natalia Arieli and junior Rose Anderson dress as different styles of the famous music artist Taylor Swift, inspired by her music videos. As Halloween quickly approaches, this is just one of many different costumes you can coordinate with a friend and do it DIY style with low price and little stress. (Photo by Natalia Arieli)
like green, brown, or purple. Some of these costumes make you look a lot taller than you are (helpful to my shorter friends), and you’ll definitely be the center of attention walking around holding a bucket of candy. One warning, however, is that this costume definitely scares some kids, so please be nice as you’re walking by.
Another great solo costume idea is your favorite book, movie, or TV show character. This could help show off your obsession with Harry Potter or Stranger Things to anyone who didn’t want to, but needed to know. These costumes tend to be more of a cosplay, and oftentimes are more expensive, yet there is some flexibility in which choice of costume you want to wear. For example, if you were looking to be Katniss Everdeen, from The Hunger Games, you could choose the iconic black body suit with a golden pin from the games, or you could choose to wear her flaming red dress (but please don’t put actual fire on it). For some costumes, you can even DIY some things or find different components from your Eleven costume at the dollar store or Amazon to aim for a cheaper experience. For example, fake blood that won’t come off your skin for a couple of days or a patient costume from the doctor’s office.
The last solo costume idea is a music artist. All different music artists have different iconic outfits and styles, which is why people would definitely know who you are in those costumes. These could also be pretty easy to find or make, as there are tons of concert outfit ideas you can find online on platforms like Pinterest. Whether you’re aspiring to be Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, or Drake, there are tons of different costume ideas you can find inspired by their iconic outfits. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even amaze everyone with that amazing voice of yours, so much
so that you get posted on social media and get hired by your favorite artist!
2. Couples’ Costumes
Next, we move on to cheesy couples’ costumes. Now, this part won’t include just costume ideas for couples, but also for a set of best friends looking for ideas. The first duo costume category is movie partners. For example, one really cute option is Woody and Little Bo Peep from Toy Story, which could be found pretty much in any Halloween costume shop, and is the cutest idea for a cheesy couple. Another great one is Rapunzel and Flynn Rider from Tangled. With a cute purple dress, a frying pan, and a chameleon, you can easily pull this off. Some other ideas are Mike and Cecilia or Sharkboy and Lava Girl. For best friends, you could do a classic Elphaba and Glinda from Wicked, which could easily be found with a pink or black dress from Windsor, a tiara, and a witch’s hat. Another cute idea for a more funny and spooky approach is the Shining twins. If your best friend looks especially like you, this could be a win.
The next duo/couples’ costume category is for all the comedians out there. These are all the funny and unique costumes that you can do with your partner or bestie. For example, you could be construction cones, which could be pulled off with a ginormous and bright orange construction vest and an actual construction cone, which you can probably find in the middle of the street somewhere. (Just kidding, please don’t pick up a construction cone in the street; I’m pretty sure that’s illegal.) Another funny one is you could be different types of cereals. All you need for this one is your favorite cereal box taped to your shirt, and you can dress up as the characters on the box. For example, the leprechaun from Lucky Charms or Toucan Sam from Froot Loops.
3. Group Costumes
Now that we’ve covered quite a lot of duos and couples costumes, we go on to the final category: group costumes. From big to little groups, there is something for everyone in this category! One really cute idea is a classic from all of our childhoods: My
Little Pony. This is especially great for a group of 6, and you can find different ribbons for the different color combinations with your character to put in your hair, and stickers or face paint of their cutie marks. Another great one that is also super funny is Shrek characters. There are plenty of characters in Shrek that could also show off each friend group member's personality. For example, you can give the short one Lord Farquad and the class clown Donkey. Some other group ideas include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Lorax, and Disney Princesses.
Now, onto smaller group costumes. For example, if you have a group of three, a great costume idea could be Alvin and the Chipmunks. These are a great DIY option. All you need are some ears, face paint, and a green, blue, and red hoodie. Minions are another great option, which you could then finally use your banana sitting in the fruit bowl. Some other smaller group ideas are the Three Blind Mice, Clueless characters, and Winnie the Pooh characters.
Now, after reading this, hopefully you won't go and text your friend that you have no idea what to wear for Halloween. Whether you're a solo, duo, trio, or large group, you should find some costume ideas that you think would be worth it to invest in for the one day you get to wear them. Even if you’re not going trick-or-treating, dressing up is the best part of Halloween, so why not partake in it this year? Whatever you decide to be, a princess, blow-up dinosaur costume, or Lord Farquad, be sure to plan it out, but most importantly, make sure to have an amazing Halloween this year.