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

“Chicken Jockey!” The whole theater erupted in screams. A shower of overpriced popcorn and fountain drinks spewed over every moviegoer. As crazy as it may sound, this was the norm if you wanted to see The Minecraft Movie in April of 2025.  Every fan of the famous blocky game flocked to theaters to view what would be yet another addition to Hollywood’s long catalog of video game-based movies. Although it may seem like a good thing, that the movie industry is expanding to othe

Around finals week, many students experience higher levels of stress and burnout due to upcoming exams and end-of-semester expectations. To have a better understanding of this, a student from each grade level was asked about their stress and motivation (or lack thereof) during final exam week. Although their experiences vary, the responses reveal an overall trend. When asked whether stress levels increase during the week of finals, most students reported feeling more stresse

Double chocolate chip cookies. Brownie doughnuts. Mini Oreo cheesecake bites. Lemon meringue scones. In the world of baking, the sky’s the limit. Along with classic desserts like banana bread and cake pops, there are endless opportunities for unique yet delectable baked goods to make their appearance. If you’re on the hunt for a new hobby to pick up, searching for the perfect dessert to give to your loved ones, or just want to kick off the new year learning how to make your o

Avatar: Fire and Ash , the third movie in the Avatar  franchise by James Cameron, was released on December 19, 2025. James Cameron’s previous two movies in the franchise— Avatar , released in 2009, and Avatar: The Way of Water , released in 2022—were both highly successful. Avatar  grossed $2.9 billion worldwide, while Avatar: The Way of Water  grossed over $2.32 billion worldwide. Due to the popularity and success of the previous films, Avatar: Fire and Ash  was held to very

As of early January, over half of our NFL teams have officially been taken out of the running for the coveted Super Bowl trophy. With only 8 teams left, who will tackle the title of “Super Bowl Champs,” and who will fumble their chances in their first matchup? After the weekend of January 11th and 12th, the four divisional playoff games will start on the 17th. The four matchups consist of the Buffalo Bills vs the Denver Broncos, the Houston Texans vs the New England Patriots

For decades, tensions between the United States and Venezuela had been building over issues including the legitimacy of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s regime, corruption, and drug trafficking, and U.S. concerns about regional security. Maduro had remained a polarizing figure since a disputed third term began in 2025, with critics inside and outside Venezuela calling for the end of his dictatorial leadership.  On January 3, 2026, the situation reached a dramatic turnin

Did you know that your brain is still developing until the age of 25? During your teenage years, one of the last areas of your brain to fully mature is the prefrontal cortex, which controls decision-making, impulse control, and emotions. Drinking alcohol before this development is complete can interfere with how your brain grows, making it harder to think clearly, manage risks, and control behavior. Because your brain is still developing, alcohol can cause long-lasting change