I decided to write a teacher spotlight article, and when I think of a teacher who deserves that time to shine, there is one person who comes to mind: Madame Field. She is one of the most amazing people I have come to know, and I'm so grateful to have her as a teacher. She is effervescent and always puts a smile on people's faces, and she takes the time and energy to truly get to know her students and be there for them. Through her love of TikTok dances and energy drinks, she

After years of hard work, setbacks, and close calls, the wait to make it was over. For the first time in years, the Hoggard wrestling team earned their spot in the State Duals. Determination, discipline, effort and a lot of sweat went into the boys making it this far. As for the coaches, they had a lot of late nights getting the boys ready, taking time out of their busy schedule to teach them what they needed to know. But now it's all up to those on the mat… Going into

For many students in English class, poetry is a required unit. While a lot of the population underappreciates the thought-provoking literary language incorporated into the rhythmic writing, I for one believe poetry is one of the most powerful ways to express opinions and thoughts. And after reading this piece, I am certain you will understand why poetry is an underrated way to express yourself. For starters, why do people not enjoy poetry? Is it because poems are harde

In her third year at John T. Hoggard High School, art teacher Shannon Gehen is already making a strong impact on student artists. Insistent that her students’ work be displayed and appreciated, she is an inspiring teacher who encourages all students to express their creativity. When asked what she hopes students gain from her class, Gehen said, “I like students to feel positive about themselves, especially students who are apprehensive and don't think of themselves as artists

Though the Winter Olympics are always set in a cold February climate, our USA team was on fire! With a record-breaking 12 gold medals and 33 overall medals, Team USA beat out their competitors against all odds. The best part of it all? Each gold-winning competitor had an amazing and heart-touching story. Figure skater Alysa Liu brought home the gold for the first time since 2006, and her journey to the top is not like any other. After competing in the 2022 Beijing Olym

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics ended the 24-year drought in USA’s women’s singles Figure Skating since Sarah Hughes’s victory in 2002. On February 19, 2026 Alysa Liu won 1st place with 226.79 points, bringing home a long awaited gold medal. Since the age of 5, Alysa Liu has been a Figure Skating prodigy. Growing up in Oakland, California, Liu rose to the highest levels of the sport at a very young age with the support of her father and coaches. At just 13 years

Every Wednesday, fellow Hoggard students gather in Mr. Vedder’s orchestra classroom to work on their next big project—this month, it’s a motorized bike. Led by juniors Anderson Dick and Giovanni Anderson, Hoggard’s Mechanical Club started up in spring of last year. “Me and Anderson started the club so we can learn and teach others about mechanics and how things work,” said Giovanni Anderson. Through shared experiences, and failures and successes, the members of the “Mech” clu

By the time February rolls around, Galentine’s Day is everywhere. Instagram feeds full of brunch pics, group selfies, pink everything, and at least one friend insisting that this day matters just as much as the 14th. It feels long established, like something we have always done. However, Galentine’s Day is actually way newer than most people realize. The idea came from a 2010 episode of the tv show, Parks and Recreation . In it, Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, expl

With college application and tour season upon us, I met with Mr. Carnelley, one of our guidance counselors, to ask about his best tips and tricks for this upcoming application season. To start our interview, I asked his thoughts on the most important part of the college application process. “All of it. Everything matters. You have to fill your application out in time. You have to make sure your I’s are dotted and your T’s are crossed. Your essay is also very important,” Eve

Clank! Bang! Whew! Heavy weights fly around as Hoggard students do their daily exercising in their Weightlifting class. With sports being a big part of students’ routines, exercise is priority, even during off seasons. At Hoggard, Weightlifting is a popular elective many students take to better their health and grow to become a stronger individual. Attached below are responses from two Hoggard students taking Weightlifting to help us catch a glimpse of what it’s like in such

I have never planned to be an early “graduate.” I’m one of the people who genuinely does not want to rush growing up and will cherish these senior year moments as long as possible. The week before second semester, I received an email saying I was eligible for “early release." That is essentially the ability to graduate without technically walking on the stage yet. As long as you have three CFCC classes and no more high school requirements, you do not actually have to go to hi

Every February, as soon as the heart decorations and chocolate hit the shelves, the complaints start rolling in. Valentine’s Day is often called “overrated,” “cringey,” “a waste of money,” and for some, even “depressing.” But, is the hate really justified? Or, has disliking Valentine's Day just become a trend? “I don’t think it makes sense to dislike it. It’s just a day,” said Emory Oblinger, a senior at Hoggard. “It’s special to some people, but it doesn’t have to be super

When you think of St. Patrick’s Day, chances are that shamrocks, leprechauns, and all things green will pop into your head. Although those qualities are all a part of this festive holiday, the long and meaningful history behind it goes far beyond gold coins and parades. Who Was St. Patrick & When Did The Holiday Begin? Dating back more than 1,000 years, St. Patrick’s Day honors Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick. The mythology surrounding his life became rooted in Irish cu

Recently, 19 Buddhist Monks made their way through Raleigh, North Carolina on what they call a “Walk for Peace.” If you somehow haven’t seen this phenomenon on your FYP, let me explain how this seemingly tedious and unnecessary journey actually stands for so much more. You may be wondering, why in the world would a bunch of monks want to walk 2.300 miles through rain and snow when they seem to be such solitary humans? Actually, their explanation fits perfectly with why they

In today’s world, phones contain anything and everything, but society is seeing an increase in the desire for physical media. Whether it be books, vinyl, or even cassettes, there has been a resurgence of physical media in the 2020s. After the pandemic, people were left attached to their devices and have lost a tangible connection to physical media, in favor of catering to shortened attention spans for small, immediate spikes of dopamine from digital content. Our society is no

What does it sound like when one of hip-hop’s biggest superstars prepares to walk away? Since his introduction onto the scene over a decade ago, J. Cole has been one of hip-hop’s greats, cementing a rich legacy throughout his studio career. From his featureless storytelling of 2014 Forest Hills Drive, to the psychedelic mania of K.O.D., Cole has built a career renowned for his rich instrumentation, thought-provoking lyrics, and flawless ability to write about social issues

Caffeinated energy drinks for students are a controversial topic; they cause medical issues, contain addictive ingredients, and implement dehydration. Many ignore these side effects, but are these fun little drinks really worth it, and how can they be used responsibly and in moderation? The primary concerns regarding energy drinks are cardiovascular-related issues. The Journal of Pediatrics maintains that ingestion and overconsumption of caffeine for developing teens is link

Energy drinks have become extremely popular, especially among teenagers and young adults trying to keep up with busy schedules filled with schoolwork, sports, and social events. If you have seen me at school, you’ve probably noticed me double-fisting a Monster and an Alani in between classes or while studying. With flashy cans and promises of instant energy, brands like Alani, Red Bull, Celsius, and Bloom claim to help people stay focused and energized. However, not everyone

It’s finally 2026! Maybe you’ve seen people writing their new year resolutions or talking about “new year, new me” on social media, and you may have simply rolled your eyes and scrolled. However, various studies have shown that writing New Year's resolutions correctly can actually help you fast-track your way to your goals. It’s important to understand that how you set your resolutions and goals influences whether they are manageable or not. Below are some steps that you can