Grand Canyon closes
Associated Press
April 2, 2020
The Grand Canyon closed indefinitely to visitors Wednesday, joining other national parks seeking to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said he finally approved the park's request at the recommendation of a local health official who said keeping the park open puts...
CS Press wins CSPA Silver Crown award
March 20, 2020
The Columbia Scholastic Press Association announced on March 20 via live stream that the 2018-2019 CS Press newspaper won a Silver Crown award. The live stream announcement comes after the cancellation of the annual convention scheduled to be at Columbia University in New York City.
FDA raises legal age for buying tobaco products
Philip Tate, staff writer
March 11, 2020
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changed the legal age to purchase tobacco to 21 on December 20, in an attempt to prevent underage smoking and vaping. “I think them changing the law will curb the vaping for a little bit, and it shows that people are actually trying to work on ways to stop underage...
Jokers stealing the stage
Gianna Lazzaro, staff writer
March 11, 2020
The Jokers Improv troupe, directed by drama teacher Andrew Cupo, performed to an enthusiastic audience at the Valentines’ Day improv show. Improvisation is a form of live theatre in which the actors make the characters and plot up on the spot. The spontaneity of the performance makes it one of a...
Sonoran Trails Robotics team wiping out the competition
Max Hancock, staff writer
March 11, 2020
The Sonoran Trails Middle School Robotics team has continued to make a name for themselves this year across the state as they go on to compete in various competitions and grow as a team. First created by Ashley Fauss, a Sonoran Trails science teacher, the club has been unlike any other in the district....
Swetter resigning as principal
Claire Geare, travel editor
March 11, 2020
On February 24, Principal Swetter announced his resignation. Effective June 30, the sudden departure arose due to an irrefusable career opportunity presented to his wife, which will take the couple to Hawaii. “Two weeks ago, I would have said I’d probably retire here, but an opportunity like this...
Turning points of view
Max Sotelo, trending now editor
March 11, 2020
Turning Point USA is a club on campus dedicated to discussing conservative viewpoints. The international organization, founded by Charlie Kirk, has had its fair share of controversies in the past, however, the club on campus only wishes to educate students on current political issues and present their...
SAT and ACT remain important placement tests
Kolton O’Connor, staff writer
March 11, 2020
The SAT and ACT are very important tests for any student trying to get into a four-year university because most of them require a certain score for either test. “I took the SAT twice because I did not like the score I got the first time,” said Hoveeg Boyadjian, a math teacher. One of the most common...
IB program prepares students for college
Mikki Warriner, staff writer
March 11, 2020
The International Baccalaureate program, also known as IB, is a program students can join that helps them get prepared for college by focusing on students’ intellectual, emotional, personal, and social skills. “I wanted to take IB because it seemed like something that would benefit me for my future...
VHP giving students a look into the Vietnam War
Emma Weaver, staff writer
March 11, 2020
The UH-1, or better known as “Huey” helicopter, was the first turbine-powered helicopter produced for the United States military. More than 16,000 were built during the Vietnam War. On February 11, Veteran Heritage Project (VHP) was able to bring a decommissioned 1966 UHU-1H Huey onto campus. “We...
Project tells war stories
Michael Kaegi, staff writer
November 25, 2019
The Veterans Heritage Project, since its foundation in 2004, has helped to tell the stories and bring a new perspective for students about the lives of veterans who served the country. The program was founded by Barbara Hatch, a former teacher who looked to bring information to students about veterans...
Visiting French students learn about American culture
Paul Wernes, staff writer
November 25, 2019
Students from France arrived on campus at the beginning of November, just in time for French week. They spent a week in the United States to learn about American schools and culture, and share information about the French culture. “It is a great partnership between our sister school. Students practice...