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Several large buildings located east of Taiwan in Hualien City were struck down by the April 3 earthquake.
Deadliest earthquake in a quarter-century rattles Taiwanese citizens
May 31, 2024
Many of the protesters have been spreading their message through social media as well. 
Students protest Gaza violence
May 30, 2024
The Washington Monument appears in the horizon as students march towards the White House in solidarity with Gaza.
DMV students strike against U.S. support for Israel
May 29, 2024
With political tensions at an all-time high, flags have become a hot-button topic --- especially in classroom settings. A recent demonstration regarding a teachers Pride and Palestinian flags has made several community members wonder: Are certain flags truly an affront to American values?
Substitute Teacher Removes Pride and Palestinian Flags
May 29, 2024
With the AISD rank and GPA discrepancies, some students had significant changes to their stats. College and career counselor Camille Nix worked with students to appeal their college decisions if they got rejected from schools depending on their previous stats before getting updated. Students worked with Nix to update schools on their new stats in order to fully get their appropriate decisions. “Those who already were accepted [won’t be affected], but it could factor in if a student appeals their initial decision,” Principal Andy Baxa said.
AISD works to fix GPA and rank discrepancies
May 24, 2024
Facing a rematch of the 2020 presidential election, many members of the Class of 2024 are feeling fatigued about their current options.
With Gen Z Set To Play Influential Role in 2024 Election, La Salle Seniors Weigh In As First-Time Voters
May 31, 2024
Through yearbook and internet research, Principal Ellen Reilly and McLean alum Rusty Payne returned a mailed McLean Class of 1976 ring to the family of its old owner. Charles Bick, who dropped the ring in a park decades ago, died in a plane accident in 1984. (Photo courtesy of the McLean Yearbook)
Mystery ring links McLean’s past and present
May 31, 2024
A graphic illustration depicts a hand holding a phone with different popular slang terms surrounding it. Many so-called Generation Z stem from African American Vernacular English and are popularized through social media platforms.
From ‘ate’ to ‘rizz’: Diving into Generation Z’s usage of slang 
May 31, 2024
Lockdown nostalgia consists of a longing for memories, habits and emotions experienced during the pandemic, usually in its early stages.
A walk down lockdown lane: quarantine memories
May 31, 2024
Sophomore Maxim Gutnik wears a traditional Russian Military hat handed down from his great grandfather.
Family history of Maxim Gutnik
May 31, 2024
Many of head baseball coach Bryan Resnicks videos have received millions of views, being a platform to connect with people from different states. “I put out a video about how to hit a home run, and I just started seeing it getting shared and shared and shared and just snowballed,” Resnick said. “I’m really most proud of just being able to build something that people enjoy.”
Home Plate Humor: Baseball Coach Resnick Mixes Comedy and Content Creation
June 3, 2024
Junior Mia Milicevic practices her forehand at tennis practice with the WJ girls tennis team. “Sometimes I don’t like [tennis] because you’re alone but most of the time, I do like it for that reason because it really is just you out there. I do experience being part of a team at WJ but in tournaments and when I’m playing outside of school, I like that rush when I win a point because I did it all by myself, Milicevic said. (Courtesy Mia Milicevic)
Milicevic aces her way to the top
June 3, 2024
(Courtesy Madeleine Simmons)
Simmons cements legacy with four state titles
May 31, 2024
Mardakhaev performs skateboarding tricks at the Millbrae Skate Park.
Breaking the stereotype: Skateboarding builds community and shapes identities
May 29, 2024
More than an amputee
May 29, 2024
The discrepancy between fictional and real relationships is a key factor in these trends. The rise of social media has made in-person grand gestures far less prominent. The days of the “Say Anything” boom box or the “10 Things I Hate About You” bleacher performance seem even more distant than when the movies were originally released.
Love’s new chapter: The empowering resurgence of romance novels
June 3, 2024
Class of 2010 graduate and conservation photographer Kyle Obermann takes a self portrait photo while on a shoot.
Conservation photographer captures world to change it
May 31, 2024
Jaime Lannister, Maleficent and Bowser are three examples of villains in media.
Embracing evil
May 31, 2024
Class of 2023 graduate Molly Morneweck onscreen at Somerville Theater in Growing Pains. In this follow up to last years spotlight on Morneweck, Growing Pains premieres.
“Growing Pains”: WHS graduate’s feature film premieres
May 31, 2024
In the “Espresso” music video, Sabrina Carpenter relaxes at a beach.
Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Espresso’ is an addicting pop brew
May 31, 2024
Students in one of the World Language classrooms stand up with their arm across their chest, facing the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance.
“I pledge allegiance to…”
May 29, 2024
The Jaguar student section sits down while the girls basketball team plays in the Great Eight game at the Denver Coliseum against Valor Christian High School Feb. 29. Many students who participated in the boys basketball student section prior to the girls basketball game left before half-time. I think it [the student section] plays a huge role because we actually had a decent crowd at a ranch game. I think that was the only time we had like a student section. And the energy was just awesome, varsity pointing and shooting guard Brooke Harding ‘25 said. I dont expect much from them [the Golden Boys] at all. But the fact that they left at the Elite Eight game when they were already there is honestly mind blowing to me.
The Silent Crowd
May 24, 2024
As social media has become more and more popular, the rates of FOMO have skyrocketed. Most companies use FOMO to trick their customers into purchasing products to fit in.
Endless Scrolling and Endless Worries: The Impact Social Media Has on FOMO
May 24, 2024
Valuable information is now less visible for young people, thanks to new online restrictions.
Tick, tock for an informed internet
May 22, 2024
Many women often feel afraid, embarrassed, or ashamed of their period, even around other women. This needs to change.
Let’s Talk, Period.
May 17, 2024
Eckert and Negrin delve into the fundamentals of mathematics and are posed with a difficult question: what is math?
Where Does It Stem?: episode four
June 3, 2024
Feature on a Local Clay Studio
May 31, 2024
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.”
Seniors celebrate 2024 graduation
May 30, 2024
Behind the Backline is back with a rebranded look and sound.
“Behind the Backline:” episode 15
May 29, 2024
VIDEO Writers Seminar reading showcases student creativity
VIDEO Writers Seminar reading showcases student creativity
May 29, 2024
Eckert and Negrin delve into the fundamentals of mathematics and are posed with a difficult question: what is math?
Where Does It Stem?: episode four
June 3, 2024
Behind the Backline is back with a rebranded look and sound.
“Behind the Backline:” episode 15
May 29, 2024
Retirement and Reflection—Mrs. Dobbert
May 23, 2024
Reporters Seya Sawiris and Amelia Bassi join Computer Science Teacher Kent Collins to discuss his time serving in the Navy and his transition to teaching.
PODCAST Kent Collins reflects on time served in Navy, transition to teaching
May 21, 2024
Abby Eckert and Taylor Negrin discuss and explore the debate of psychology, as well as the science and social studies aspects within it, with teacher Rod Jensen.
Where does it STEM: episode three
May 21, 2024
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.”
Seniors celebrate 2024 graduation
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.
Mac fashion show brings ‘Dreamland’ to reality
May 21, 2024
Positive Post-Its Project
Girl Up Club Produces Positive Post-its for Women’s History Month
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.
Seniors celebrate final day of 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.
Battle of the Bands offers mosh to be proud of
April 12, 2024
Feature on a Local Clay Studio
May 31, 2024
VIDEO Writers Seminar reading showcases student creativity
VIDEO Writers Seminar reading showcases student creativity
May 29, 2024
Students in the Authentic Science Research class create their own research projects and use district materials and labs to complete projects.
Authentic Science Research 3 Removed from 2024-2025 Course Offerings
May 29, 2024
Equine Assisted Therapy involves the use of horses to develop cognitive skills, empathy, and teamwork to name a few. Equine therapy is suitable for all demographics.
Equine Therapy Offers Alternative to Traditional Therapy
May 23, 2024
Graduating seniors who previously attended Rockwood Valley Middle School pose for a group picture in front of the school.
Seniors celebrate graduation by walking through previous schools
May 22, 2024
The best stories being published on the SNO Sites network

Best of SNO
The best stories being published on the SNO Sites network

Best of SNO
All content by Chloe Lewcock
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.

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
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.

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

Going the extra mile

By Chloe Lewcock, McCallum High School
March 25, 2024
LENDING A HELPING HAND: Carson aids his Dance I students in their cultural dance unit of salsa, flamenco and other unique styles. For Carson getting involved with all his students dance careers makes his job worthwhile. Getting people to trust each other, getting kids to realize what their potential is, Carson said. Its helped me a lot, just as an instructor and an educator all around.

Once a Knight always a Knight

By Chloe Lewcock, McCallum High School
February 6, 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.

Mac celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

By JoJo Barnard, Shila Gill, Evelyn Jenkins, Chloe Lewcock, Beatrix Lozach, Josie Mullan, and Alice Scott
January 12, 2024

Writing songs back into McCallum’s history

By Chloe Lewcock, McCallum High School
January 9, 2024
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.

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
‘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.

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
PINK FOR PROM: Seniors Vaughn Vandegrift, Peter Wiseman, Max Yehaskel and Alex Gold sing and dance their hearts out at Saturday’s “Under the Knight Sky” prom. Yehaskel and Wiseman stood out in the sea of black and navy suits as the pair opted for bright pink with contrasting, yet coordinating, shirts and ties. While the style decision seemed big to onlookers, for Yehaskel it was a simple choice. “I like pink, it’s a solid color,” he said. “It almost melted when I ironed it actually. It’s 100% polyester, and I got it from Kohl’s.” Yehaskel enjoyed prom overall, except when it came to the royalty announcement. “Someone stole prom queen from me,” he joked. “It was very tragic. But other than that, it was fun.” As prom marks another milestone at the end of senior year, Yehaskel is ready to sit back, relax and enjoy his last few weeks as a Knight. “My grades don’t matter anymore [and] after AP tests I’m done,” Yehaskel said. “I’m going to go nuts, and I’m going to start cooking more.” Caption by Francie Wilhelm.

Students shine like stars ‘Under the Knight Sky’

By Kate Boyle, Morgan Eye, Meredith Grotevant, Chloe Lewcock, Sophie Kessler, Gergő Major, Helen Martin, Caroline Owen, Alice Scott, Ingrid Smith, Grace Vitale, J. Frank Webster, Francie Wilhelm, and Dave Winter
May 17, 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.

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
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.  

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.

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
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.

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.

‘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
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The best stories being published on the SNO Sites network

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