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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 Lanie Sepehri
Senior Asa Rosenberg (third from right) poses with the coach and members of the California State University at Bakersfield diving team. One of the main reasons Rosenberg was attracted to the CSUB diving program was the culture of the team, which differed from his experience diving at UT. When I got there I was like, Oh wow, these people are really connected and almost like a family, Rosenberg said. Thats something I really liked. Photo courtesy of Rosenberg.

Vaulting over the hurdles

By Lanie Sepehri, McCallum High School
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

597 days later, Austin Ukrainians keep fighting

By Lanie Sepehri, McCallum High School
October 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.

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
Bette Reichman blows a bubble for the camera. An accomplished photojournalist before becoming a permanent sub at McCallum, Reichman said that she loved the power her camera afforded her on the legislative floor. “It was a power job,” Reichman said. “I got to boss people around. But in that capacity, I was bossing them around to get good pictures.”

Through Reichman’s lens

By Lanie Sepehri, McCallum High School
April 12, 2023
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
Midnights was, fittingly, released at 12 a.m. EST. The album is Swifts first new all-original album since the release of Evermore in Dec. 2020.

‘Midnights’ proves Taylor Swift is a true ‘Mastermind’

By Lanie Sepehri and Naomi Di-Capua
October 31, 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
Sophomore Andrew Lavine playing at the varsity tennis teams challenge match on Sept. 1. Lavines powerful tennis skills and laid-back attitude have endeared Lavine to his teammates. “He’s humble, even though his skills are crazy good,” senior co-captain Liliana Rodriguez said. “He always is down-to-earth and would never want to make anyone feel like he’s better than us.”

Families that play together stay together

By Lanie Sepehri, McCallum High School
October 14, 2022
Andy Brown (class of 1990) pictured in his senior portrait, side by side with a photo taken after being elected county judge. File photo from the 1990 Knight; Photo courtesy of Andy Browns office.

Never judge a Knight by his armor

By Lanie Sepehri, McCallum High School
March 3, 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.

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
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The best stories being published on the SNO Sites network

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