![Caps in the air, senior Kaya Miller celebrates the conclusion of the graduation. PHS graduates, all 823, had their own favorite memories to share. “My last football game season was definitely memorable. I always went with my three friends and we would make a whole tradition out of it,” Miller said. “We would get ready, go to the game and then go to either dinner at Texas Roadhouse or In-n-Out.”](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_0664-1200x800.jpeg)
Seniors celebrate 2024 graduation
By Sofia Ayala, Jake Radcliffe, and Erica Deutsch
• May 30, 2024
![BACKGROUND IN THE BUSINESS: Dressed by junior designer Kaitlyn Gerrie, senior Chamila Muñoz took to the “Dreamland” runway this past weekend. While it was her first time participating in the McCallum fashion show, Muñoz isn’t new to the modeling world.
I modeled here and there when I was a lot younger, maybe five or six [years old] for some jewelry brands and small businesses, but not much in recent years,” Muñoz said.
Muñoz had hoped to participate in last year’s show but couldn’t due to scheduling conflicts. For her senior year, though, she couldn’t let the opportunity pass her by.
“It’s [modeling] something I haven’t done in a while so I was excited to step out of my comfort zone in a way,” Muñoz said. “I always love trying new things and being able to show off designs of my schoolmates is such an honor.”
The preparation process for the show was hectic, leaving the final reveal of Gerrie’s design until days before the show, but the moment Muñoz tried on the outfit, all the stress for both designer and model melted away.
“I didn’t get to try on my outfit until the day before, but the look on Kaitlyn’s face when she saw what she had worked so hard to make actually on a model was just so special,” Muñoz said. “I know it meant so much to her. But then she handed me a blindfold and told me I’d be walking with it on, so that was pretty wild.”
Caption by Francie Wilhelm.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/53535098892_130167352f_o-1200x800.jpg)
Mac fashion show brings ‘Dreamland’ to reality
By JoJo Barnard, Chloe Lewcock, Callen Romell, Ingrid Smith, Maya Tackett, Priya Thoppil, and Francie Wilhelm
• May 21, 2024
![Positive Post-Its Project](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-08-at-8.45.48 PM-1200x670.png)
Girl Up Club Produces Positive Post-its for Women’s History Month
By Onari Kahandawa, Piscataway High School
• May 21, 2024
![The paper drop is an annual tradition at West Chicago Community High School, always held on the seniors last day of classes.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Paper-Drop-14-May-2024-JaNyah-Villa-1200x800.jpg)
Seniors celebrate final day of high school
By Sami Moesch, West Chicago Community High School
• May 17, 2024
![TO THE BEAT OF THEIR OWN DRUM: Senior King Perez plays the drums with his band, Red River Trucking Co. at Thursday’s Battle of the Bands.
The band had plans to play “Red River Line” as well as a new song they had been working on, “Road Dog Fever,” but later decided to add “12 Gauge Shotgun” and “Lawbreakin’ Man.”
“We chose the first two because they’re newer and we feel like they’ve come together and are a good representation of us now,” Perez said.
Perez shared that the band performed well overall and that the audience’s reaction was the best pay off.
“My most memorable moment from that night was seeing everyone jumping off the stage and moshing,” he said. “It is always awesome seeing people enjoy our music in that way.”
Caption by Gaby Esquivel.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/53473087213_6f9e072769_o-1200x675.jpg)
Battle of the Bands offers mosh to be proud of
By JoJo Barnard, Julia Copas, Gaby Esquivel, Shila Gill, Evelyn Jenkins, Chloe Lewcock, Helen Martin, Maggie Mass, Caroline Owen, Alice Scott, and Lanie Sepehri
• April 12, 2024
![IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Junior Zalie Mann performs “I Love to Cry at Weddings,” an ensemble piece from the fall musical Sweet Charity, to prospective students during the Fine Arts Showcase on Wednesday, Nov. 8. The showcase is a compilation of performances and demonstrations from each fine arts strand offered at McCallum. This show is put on so that prospective students can see if they are interested in joining an academy or major.
Sweet Charity originally ran the weekends of Sept. 28 and Oct. 8, but made a comeback for the Fine Arts Showcase.
“[Being at the front in the spotlight] is my favorite part of the whole dance, so I was super happy to be on stage performing and smiling at the audience,” Mann said.
Mann performed in both the musical theatre performance and dance excerpt “Ethereal,” a contemporary piece choreographed by the new dance director Terrance Carson, in the showcase. With also being a dance ambassador, Mann got to talk about what MAC dance is, her experience and answer any questions the aspiring arts majors and their parents may have.
Caption by Maya Tackett.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/53321803427_47cd17fe70_o-1-1200x800.jpg)
McCallum shows off award-winning Fine Arts Academy programs to prospective Knights
By JoJo Barnard, Gaby Esquivel, Sophie Leung-Lieu, Chloe Lewcock, Aubrey Macedo, Caroline Owen, Lanie Sepehri, Maya Tackett, Priya Thoppil, and Francie Wilhelm
• February 23, 2024
![SPREADING THE JOY: Sophomore Chim Becker poses with sophomores Cozbi Sims and Lou Davidson while manning a table at the Hispanic Heritage treat day during lunch of Sept 28. Becker is a part of the students of color alliance, who put together the activity to raise money for their club.
“It [the stand] was really fun because McCallum has a lot of latino kids,” Becker said. “And I think it was nice that I could share the stuff that I usually just have at home with people who have never tried it before.”
Becker recognizes the importance of celebrating Hispanic heritage at Mac.
“I think its important to celebrate,” Becker said. “Because our culture is awesome and super cool, and everybody should be able to learn about other cultures of the world.”
Caption by JoJo Barnard.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/53221601352_4127a81c41_o-1200x675.jpg)
Mac celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
By JoJo Barnard, Shila Gill, Evelyn Jenkins, Chloe Lewcock, Beatrix Lozach, Josie Mullan, and Alice Scott
• January 12, 2024
![Ziad Ben-Gacem (’25) speaks to Clarisa Gomez Rodriguez (’24) in the show’s opening scene during dress rehearsal Nov. 13. Rodriguez sang the first song of the musical, “I Get a Kick Out of You.”](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/l1u82q0fbbcQWNkWh3i4XFEGHxUNmeqLjgsh3ccB-1200x800.jpg)
GALLERY Students perform High School musical ‘Anything Goes’
By Laila Taraporevala, The American School in London
• November 30, 2023
![The Urban Stream Research Center is part of the Blackwell Forest Preserve system. Students in AP Environmental Studies are able to visit this site as part of a field trip in the fall.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Water-Testing-8-Nov-2023-Eshan-Amir-1200x802.jpg)
[PHOTO ESSAY] WEGO water testing
By Eshan Amir, West Chicago Community High School
• November 28, 2023
![Head bent, head coach Tyler Moore laughs after the team dumped the water on his head, in celebration. This is Moores first year as head coach. The team has earned multiple iconic wins and accomplishments under his guidance.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/7A5A2756-1200x800.jpg)
Column: Football season through my lens
By Riley McConnell and Isabel Multer
• November 10, 2023
![WATER BALLOONS AND SMILES: Senior Peer Assistance and Leadership program member Jude Masoni holds up his fellow PAL, senior David Herring, as a human shield to protect himself from the path of an incoming water balloon. Students paid to throw a balloon at the PALS on Tuesday as part of the shooting PAL-ery, one of the Pink Week fundraisers intended to raise money for the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Central Texas, an Austin-based non-profit that provides personalized support to those affected by breast cancer. Year after year the PALS put on Pink Week in order to raise funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. The PALS put on a variety of different events the whole week at lunch in hopes of both bringing in profits and bringing an exciting week of fun to the McCallum community.
Herring was made a target of the water balloon by his cross country teammates.
“I enjoyed seeing my teammates coming out to donate as I was telling them about it the week prior,” Herring said. “I was also just having fun on that nice day with my fellow PALS. Some of them that did the pallery that day, like Jude, I’ve known since elementary school.”
Caption by Chloe Lewcock with reporting by JoJo Barnard.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/53246395862-a81f66190d-o-1200x1052.jpg)
Pink Week soars to new fund-raising heights
By Sutton Banning, JoJo Barnard, Olivia Dungan, Carlo Hinsdale, Chloe Lewcock, Beatrix Lozach, Helen Martin, and Olin Michalovic
• October 31, 2023
![The mall has been abandoned since 2017 and is often nicknamed The Quad.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/charlestowe-cover-sept-dhanveer-gill-1200x800.jpg)
Photo Essay: Charlestowne mall: once booming, now abandoned
By Dhanveer Gill, West Chicago Community High School
• October 20, 2023
![That 70th Show (and Tell)](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Spaces1963-2-1200x752.jpeg)
That 70th Show (and Tell)
By Julia Copas, McCallum High School
• October 19, 2023
![The Head and the Heart opened with an acoustic set, consisting of only three band members.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/photo-1-1200x800.jpg)
Goin’ “Down in the Valley” for the Head and the Hearts’ music festival
By Ella Furuichi, Archie Williams High School
• October 16, 2023
![ONE FINAL HURRAH BEFORE THE TORCH IS PASSED DOWN: With the upcoming football season nearing a fast approach, the marching band is preparing its halftime segment for the games. While the first game isn’t until Thursday, the band took the opportunity to put on its annual Bandapalooza for family and friends. The events goal is simply to show off what the band has been working on and to give the community an early peek at whats to come.
For senior Frank Montesinos, Bandapalooza is not only a fun experience but also a beneficial one.
“The showcase gives a perspective of how our rehearsals are run,” Montesinos said.
While the show itself is a whole marching band production, Montesinos is part of a saxophone quartet with a feature in the second movement of the show along with William Viner, Elliot Taylor and Aubrey Mitchell.
“It’s nice being able to show off our individual talent in such an exposed section,” Montesinos said.
One of Montesinos fellow quartet members, senior William Viner said it was worth all the hours of work he and his bandmates put in.
“Bandapalooza is always the first performance we do for people,” Viner said. “It’s satisfying to finally get to put together a months work of heat and hard work.”
But given that he’s a senior, it also means that this was Viners last Bandapalooza.
“I thought I would be very sad in my last year,” Viner said, “but it’s honestly more sweet than bitter. I feel much stronger and more confident as a senior and a leader. It’s fun to pass the band torch down to new underclassmen.”
Viner said he is excited to pass the tradition on to younger high schoolers just as early band members passed it on to him.
Caption by Chloe Lewcock.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/53125591702-aac1a7ed88-o-1200x675.jpg)
MacBand reaches for the stars
By JoJo Barnard, Julia Copas, Naomi Di-Capua, Chloe Lewcock, Maggie Mass, Alice Scott, Lanie Sepehri, Ingrid Smith, Lucas Walker, and Francie Wilhelm
• October 12, 2023
![Dressed as Professor McGonagall, AP Precalculus teacher Monica Russell goes over answers to problems that students assigned to the different Harry Potter houses solved. Each correct answer gave that house a point. “I hope that I can make (math) a little bit more interesting,” Mrs. Russell said.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/New_Teachers_COVER-1200x801.jpg)
Bring in the Teachers, Bring in the Magic
By Genesis Arrieta, Dreyfoos School of the Arts
• October 12, 2023
![The Homecoming Bonfire burns in the night Sept. 21. According to Fire Science, the fire was approximately 25 ft. high and 500 degrees Celsius. “The Homecoming Bonfire is always a cool tradition to be a part of and it’s cool to see the fire itself and how high it can get,” Mason Conrad ‘24 said.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_3965-e1696020519746-1200x1194.jpg)
The Heat of The Moment: A Homecoming Bonfire Recap
By Avalon Nielsen and Baylie Van Horn Turnidge
• October 5, 2023
![The Wildcats defend the endzone against the Bartlett Hawks as the game approaches halftime on Sept. 1.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DSC_0421-1200x800.jpg)
Photo Essay: WEGO wins against Bartlett
By Emily Ziajor, West Chicago Community High School
• September 18, 2023
![Though I have visited many amusement parks, I owe my passion to Kennywood Park above anywhere else.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1.5-900x600.jpg)
Memories of an Amusing Hobby
By Andrew McLaughlin, North Allegheny Senior High School
• June 1, 2023
![‘ONE TWO’ THREE GO: Seniors Nia Wayman, Sophia Kramer and Olivia Falcon lead the team’s formation in hip hop number ‘One Two Step,’ choreographed by Caroline Cullers. Wayman enjoyed conveying the intensity of the number to the audience.
“My favorite part would have to be the headspring whackpack kip-up,” Wayman said.
Overall, though, Wayman found this year’s spring show to be bittersweet as she said goodbye to the people and program that had been a part of her life for so many years.
“I was excited throughout but I was also sad that it was the last time I would dancing as part of Blue Brigade,” she said.
Caption by Francie Wilhelm.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/52822816207_256cf9bc33_o-900x600.jpg)
A Knight of glitz and ‘glamour’
By Kate Boyle, Naomi Di-Capua, Chloe Lewcock, Caroline Owen, Charlie Partheymuller, Ingrid Smith, Priya Thoppil, Francie Wilhelm, and Dave Winter
• May 18, 2023
![Dance senior Lindsey Ryerson, theatre senior Mary Keith, and dance senior Alexis Carter do jazzercise moves to the song “Push It” by Salt-N-Pepa in the senior generation dance.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SHC_4212-1-900x600.jpg)
Dancing through History
By Aidan Smith, Dreyfoos School of the Arts
• May 4, 2023
![LOVE AND JOY: As she dances in her beautiful dress, sophomore Amy Love reflects on the joy it brings to see her father so happy during the McCallum Quinceañera. I think that this event was really beautiful and fun to experience especially for my dad, seeing him so happy and having my family experience this, Love said. My family isn’t big on doing huge celebrations so me and my sister weren’t able to have a quinceañera, but we loved being able to share this day with all the other quinceañeras and their families. Despite the stress of daily meetings and practices leading up to the event, Love found it all worth it for the fun and memories made on the quinceañera day. It was really stressful doing the whole entire meetings and practice because it was every single day, but whenever it was the actual day of it, it was actually really fun, Love said. Overall, Love found the quinceañera event to be a very meaningful experience, which could not have happened without the hard work of Spanish teacher Juana Gun. I want to give a huge thank you to Ms. Gun for making it all possible and being such a sweet person to all of us, Love said. Caption by Gergő Major.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/52807943417_4d03441c96_6k-900x600.jpg)
McCallum Quinceañera celebrates comeback
By Kate Boyle, Tristen Diaz, Chloe Lewcock, Gergő Major, Lanie Sepehri, Ingrid Smith, Priya Thoppil, Camilla Vandegrift, Grace Vitale, Francie Wilhelm, and Dave Winter
• April 18, 2023
![Theatre senior Mason Materdomini stands in the wings, waiting to go onstage during the theatre department’s in-school performance of the first act of “Pippin” on March 2.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/0C5A9803-2-900x600.jpg)
In the Wings
By Aiden Velez, Dreyfoos School of the Arts
• March 31, 2023
![Lisa Licari holds up five cow eyeballs that have yet to be dissected. They are stored in a container with liquid in order to keep the eyeballs fluid intact.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC_0439-900x600.jpg)
Photo Essay: Scenes of dissection at WEGO
By Sasha Baumgartner, West Chicago Community High School
• March 16, 2023
![FIREFIGHTERS FEEL THE HEAT: Kessler performs another car extraction while the sun beats down and reflects off exposed metal car pieces. As the skill day, which started at 7:30 a.m., progressed into the afternoon, the temperatures rose.
“Once we were like six hours in, holding tools got really hard because the ‘Jaws of Life’ are super heavy,” Kessler said. “I got calluses on my hands even though I was wearing gloves. By the end of it, I could feel my arms and I thought they were going to fall off.”
As tough as the work was, Kessler felt accomplished at the end of the long skill day.
“Getting physical confirmation that you did it right from the actual firefighters, and they congratulate you and say you did a good job, it feels good because its a hard skill,” Kessler said.
Caption by Maggie Mass.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/G_M_9091-900x600.jpg)
Fire Academy gets heated with ‘Jaws of Life’ exercise
By Gergő Major, Maggie Mass, and Ingrid Smith
• March 10, 2023
![SETTING THE STAGE: Senior Lauren Ryan-Holt (Leading Player) welcomes the audience in the show’s opening number, Magic to Do. As a play within a play, Pippin has many layers to it, including the opening number which is performed as if the cast members were arriving at rehearsal and setting up for the top of the show
“It’s the casts musical bait to the audience,” Ryan-Holt said. “We’re luring them into the production we’re about to put on. We describe the journey and all the magical, fantastic things that will take place along the way. We literally set the stage for both the show and the audience’s expectations.”
Ryan-Holt opens the number and leads the other ensemble members until the song turns into a fully choreographed number. However, for Ryan-Holt, the opening seductive chords are her favorite part.
“There’s just something so mystical and enticing about how it sounds,” Ryan-Holt said. “It’s the one part where you can feel the full focus of the audience.”
Reporting by Alice Scott. Photo by Gergo Major.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/copy-of-g_m_8101_52652820068_o-900x600.jpg)
Like its title character, ‘Pippin’ evolving with each act
By JoJo Barnard, Chloe Lewcock, Gergő Major, Alice Scott, Ingrid Smith, and Francie Wilhelm
• February 17, 2023
![LAST TIME FOR THE TRIO: Seniors and chamber choir members Cate Thomason, Georgiana Murray and Stella Pitts perform “Landslide” in the style of The Chicks during a performance of the annual choir cabaret. This year’s cabaret production, themed “This is the Moment… Be a Light,” featured songs about the choice humans face to build someone up or break them down. Thomason said after four years of performing together, the trio’s personalities blend as well as their voices. For the trio, this Cabaret was bittersweet.
“We weren’t that nervous this year because we’ve been singing together for so long,” Thomason said. “We were mainly just excited and sad that it was our last year singing together.”
Former choir directors Malcolm Nelson and Cheryl Lindquist returned to Mac to put on Cabaret this year. Thomason said Nelson and Lindquist’s fun taste in music made the experience even better.
“Cabaret is a lot of work but it’s a lot of fun music and an exciting experience,” Thomason said. “We are really fortunate to have Mr. Nelson and Dr. Lindquist coach and help us with everything. I think they’re really good at picking fun songs and putting so much together in such a short amount of time.”
Photo by Francesca Dietz. Reporting by Ingrid Smith.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/52545834876_a0095e496f_o-900x600.jpg)
Cabaret 2022 succeeds in bringing the ‘Light’
By JoJo Barnard, Francesca Dietz, Chloe Lewcock, Alice Scott, Ingrid Smith, Camilla Vandegrift, and Francie Wilhelm
• December 13, 2022
![The opening scene of the play. Lead Matthew Menendez, who plays Christopher, lays on Wellington.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSC05983-900x600.jpg)
Photo Essay: Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
By Madalen Erez, Coral Springs Charter School
• November 18, 2022
![FUN WITH FRIENDS: Sophomores Hazel Trominski, Julia Rasp and Zalie Mann pose for the camera during Pink Week’s lunch festivities. Students in the science courtyard throughout the week enjoyed the activities while spending time with friends and sporting their best pink wear. Rasp went all-out during Pink Week, pink being her favorite color. “I think it’s awesome that they’re raising money for breast cancer awareness and doing fun stuff and that a lot of it is student-organized,” Rasp said.
Caption by Camilla Vandegrift.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/52390325662_be10888aaa_o-900x507.jpg)
Pink Week 2022 sets standard for fun, fundraising
By Evie Barnard, JoJo Bernard, Isley Cameron, Jolie Gabriel, Chloe Lewcock, Gergo Major, Helen Martin, Emerson Merritt, Lanie Sepehri, Ingrid Smith, Rio Sotelo, Sofia Thatcher, Elena Ulack, Camilla Vandegrift, Francie Wilhelm, and Dave Winter
• November 7, 2022
![Senior Maya Cidale (Mal) alongside senior Kathryn Dooley (Evie), junior Henry Mayes (Carlos) and senior Anderson Zoll (Jay) perform Ways to be Wicked, a number in which the four evils reunite to take over Auradon. For Cidale, developing her character was a significant aspect of her rehearsal process. “It was actually a very interesting process finding my version of Mal,” Cidale said. “I started off by pretending to be Regina George if she had magic on her side, but then I took a closer look at how all of the iconic mean girls achieved that status. I realized it was all about making people second guess themselves. From that realization, I stemmed every tactic from wanting people to question what they know is right.” Reporting by Alice Scott.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/descendantsdressrehearsal_mg_52341307462_o-900x600.jpg)
‘Descendants’ brings Disney magic to life
By Jojo Barnard, Chloe Lewcock, Helen Martin, Alice Scott, Lanie Sepehri, Ingrid Smith, and Francie Wilhelm
• October 26, 2022
![SENIOR SEASON: Decked out in their jerseys, senior Parker Mitchell takes a photo of senior Sophia Kramer and friends before the first day of school in the senior parking lot. The night before, the class of ‘23 decorated their cars to show their senior pride going into their last year of high school. “It’s tradition for seniors to come and take [pictures] the morning before the first day of school,” Kramer said. “Being able to share that memory together is definitely bittersweet. I’m super excited for this year but I am anticipating all the lasts.” Reporting by Alice Scott.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/52288662181_5a1d0b7ef8_o-900x438.jpg)
Welcome back to Mac
By Naomi Di-Capua, Morgan Eye, Astrea Hagood, Alice Scott, Lanie Sepehri, Ingrid Smith, Francie Wilhelm, and Dave Winter
• October 4, 2022
![FIVE-STAR CAPTAIN: In One Night Only, the opening number of the spring show on Saturday night, Blue Brigade captain Charli Cevallos is front and center setting the mood and tempo for the number and entire show. Cevallos said the opening number of the spring show is always upbeat and fun and this year’s edition was no exception. Cevallos said she remembers the moment as one of pure adrenaline. “Since opener is the first dance, the excitement is running high and it’s such a great feeling to be performing our hard work for an audience.” As the photo suggests, the team was able to perform the number in sync even though it was a new dance choreographed exclusively for the spring show by first lieutenant Annabel Winter (left) and senior lieutenant Emily Garza. “Opener was our first spring show dance we learned,” Cevallos said, “and it came together super well. … [It was] definitely a team favorite.” Cevallos said her favorite part of the number was the very beginning when Winter (left) woke her up stage left from a deep sleep to start the show. “It’s so fun,” she said, “and the audience loved it.” For the first time in three years, that audience was in the MAC and at full capacity without pandemic restrictions.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dsc04748_52025488192_o-900x600.jpg)
‘Starry Knights’ return to their proper alignment
By Zahraa Alogaili, Naomi Di-Capua, Sophie Leung-Lieu, Helen Martin, Madelynn Niles, Charlie Partheymuller, Alice Scott, Elena Ulack, Kennedy Weatherby, Francie Wilhelm, and Dave Winter
• May 16, 2022
![Dancers in the Pre-Professional dance class perform the piece SHEEN, choreographed by Mac and Texas Christian University dance alumnus Terrance L. Carson, Jr., during the winter dance concert on Friday at the AISD Performing Arts Center. The McCallum dance directors brought in professional dancers to teach the choreography to the majors and the result was a beautifully crafted performance. “The show went amazingly well, especially because of the challenges of the current COVID situation,” said McCallum’s dance director Natalie Uehara. “The dancers overcame many obstacles and together with the technical staff of the AISD PAC, put on a beautiful performance.” Caption by Grace Vitale.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/08-900x600.jpg)
This time the ‘Breaking’ news is good news
By Alysa Bijl-Spiro, Naomi Di-Capua, Julia Husted, Cassidy Levin, Sophie Leung-Lieu, Lucy Marco, Madelynn Niles, Grace Nugent, Samantha Powers, Alice Scott, and Grace Vitale
• January 18, 2022
![At 2 p.m. on Monday Nov. 15, hundreds of students walked out of their third-period classes in a show of support for students who have been victims of sexual abuse or sexual assault. The group met in the band parking lot and then marched around the perimeter of the school stopping often to hear personal stories of assault and survival. Each story elicited embraces and statements of support from members of the crowd. The walkout was about building community and improving systemic support on campus. “We shared ideas for a better support system at Mac while talking about the realities of the situation, said Aubrey Mitchell, one of the organizers of today’s walkout, “People cried, laughed, yelled, hugged and left feeling supported and empowered.” Caption by Dave Winter.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/51683348455_5e98eaf948_o-900x675.jpg)
Standing up and walking out
By Evie Barnard, Amaya Collier, Naomi Di-Capua, Emma Hagood, Julia Husted, Eliza Jensen, Cassidy Levin, Lucy Marco, Helen Martin, Kaela Martin, Lexi Ramos, Elisha Scott, Lanie Sepehri, Alysa Spiro, Francie Wilhelm, Nate Williams, and Bo Witzel
• December 14, 2021
![Senior Sarah Penton’s Ofrendas project focused on the tragic deaths of indigenous women.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Sarah-Penton-900x600.jpg)
Artists make an emotional return at Ofrendas show
By Kyra Aburto and Addam Sapien
• November 30, 2021
![Senior members of the LBJ Fire Academy line up to put out the propane fire at their first live fire skill day of the school year. Each person in the line has a specialized job, first in line holds the nozzle of the hose, the second and third are backup and the fourth person is the hose wrangler, making sure they have enough hose left to turn. “We just had to learn every single job, and that was stressful,” senior and LBJ Fire Academy member Michael Valentino said. “Every person has their job and they have to do it, and if you don’t do it it’s gonna go bad.” Caption by Kennedy Weatherby.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/51517397221_0d74f077af_o-900x600.jpg)
Class of ’22 is on fire (figuratively)
By Josie Bradsby, Lydia Reedy, and Kennedy Weatherby
• October 21, 2021
![A group of abortion rights activists raise their signs as they gather and listen to the speakers at the women’s rally on Saturday at the Texas Capitol. Some cheer to agree with the proclamations made. “I wanted to show my support for organizations [at the rally] who are working to overturn Senate Bill 8,” junior Edith Holmsten said. “It is important for me to go to rallies because it is a way for me, as someone who can not vote yet, to show my support for issues that I care about. I learned about many different organizations that worked on women’s rights who had tables set up at the march.”](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/51543636845_bda5b28fff_o-900x600.jpg)
Women’s rally delivers an unmistakable message: repeal Senate Bill 8, vote its creators out of office
By Katherine Boyle, Amaya Collier, Meredith Grotevant, Bo Witzel, and Josie Bradsby
• October 7, 2021
![The Dallastown Unified Track team has a team huddle after their victory over Susquehannock at Senior Night on April 28. Dallastown currently has two unified teams: bocce in the winter and track in the spring.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2631AC2D-3688-4E70-990E-78D810F0F95B-900x588.jpeg)
Unified Track: Photo Story
By Camryn Eveler, DALLASTOWN AREA HIGH SCHOOL
• May 12, 2021
![After over a year of distance-learning, Maywood Center for Enriched Studies offers students the opportunity to participate in hybrid-learning. For the first week back on campus, students and staff adapted to a new schedule, routine, and safety protocols. Photo by Melissa Ponce](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/linetoschool-900x600.jpg)
Photojournalism: A look inside school’s first week of reopening
By Melissa Ponce, MACES Magnet
• May 10, 2021
![STICKING WITH TRADITION: The McCallum Blue Brigade sticks the final pose during Last Dance to conclude their first Spring Show of 2021 on Friday April 16. “My favorite dance is ‘Last Dance’ because its such a classic!” junior member Natalie Dean said. I think it’s so fun, happy and a great way to end spring show every year,” The routine is full of memories for members past and present as it has been performed at the end of every spring show since 1991. Speaking of traditions, Dean helped to keep another spring show tradition alive when she made a slide show that included photos from the season as well as a tribute to seniors that included current and baby pictures of each graduating dancer. Reporting by Grace Nugent.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/natalie-d-900x600.jpeg)
Blue Brigade ends tough year with triumphant show
By Marley Angle, Carly Johnson, Lucy Marco, Anna McClellan, Caleb Melville, Madelynn Niles, Grace Nugent, Samantha Powers, Lindsey Plotkin, Lydia Reedy, Anna Schlett, Alice Scott, Alysa Spiro, Javier Vela, and Kennedy Weatherby
• May 3, 2021
![A seller stands with his cart on Crisanto street. He has lived on the street for 25 years.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screen-Shot-2021-04-21-at-1.05.14-PM.png)
Crisanto Street: A NML Photo Essay
By Ernest Leong, Los Altos High School
• April 28, 2021
![A small, life-size figure of Roberto Clemente outside of the Clemente Museum](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DSC_0202-900x589.jpg)
A Pittsburgh Wall Crawl
By Jess Daninhirsch, North Allegheny Senior High School
• April 13, 2021
![WEE THE PEOPLE: Junior Amethyst Mellberg-Smith holds up a sign during a Urinetown scene involving a protest for the right to “pee for free.” Mellberg-Smith thinks that the show is a commentary on the current political climate. “It’s totally political satire,” Mellberg-Smith said. “It’s making fun of serious situations that are somewhat similar to things happening now, but in such a comedic and absurd way it really shows how messy politics and fighting for what’s right can be.” Mellberg-Smith said that while being on stage for the first time in a year was a rewarding experience, her favorite part of the production was spending time with her friends. “Finally seeing people every day made all of the hard work feel effortless,” Mellberg-Smith said, “and I can’t wait to do it again!” Reporting by Samantha Powers.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/51013537117_57529b30d3_o-1-900x600.jpg)
One last visit to ‘Urinetown’
By Marley Angle, Ellen Fox, Sophie Leung-Lieu, Lucy Marco, Madelynn Niles, Samantha Powers, Lucy Marco, Lydia Reedy, Bella Russo, Lanie Sepehri, Alice Scott, Alysa Spiro, and Tallulah Wilson
• March 31, 2021
![Ella Finger (9), Anna Phillips (9), Imran Kareem (10) and others walk toward the main entrance along with other in-person students. Masks are mandatory to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Students and staff can temporarily put their mask off in an open area where they are alone to drink, switch masks or take a breather.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DSC_1946-2-900x600.jpg)
Photojournalism: Within these walls
By Aliyah Pratomo, East Lansing High School
• March 25, 2021
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There are multiple factors that come into play when deciding if a story is Best of SNO-worthy. From engaging writing and unique angles to well thought out multimedia elements, more considerations are made than it might look.
If you're having a hard time achieving that Best of SNO distinction, check out our past newsletters to get a better idea of the type of content we're looking for.