Photo by Mason Hunter: Photo by Mason Hunter: Photo by Jun Park: Photo by Jun Park:

It’s safe to say me and my best friend Rick were never the most popular kids in high school. So it was no surprise that on Halloween night of our senior year, we hadn’t been invited to any parties. Just before midnight, the trick or treaters long gone and the streets deserted, we headed out to make our own mischief. Rick was complaining about stepping in some discarded gum with his brand new red Air Jordans when we stumbled across a house party. There were cars parked haphaz

My day started just like any other day of the week: Go to school, attend club meetings, and go to cheerleading practice. But today was different… I was running late to cheerleading practice when I noticed a paper sticking out of the filling cabinet in the drama room. I’m the president of the Drama club so I am always the last one in the meeting. I was planning on just putting the paper back in its cabinet until I noticed tomorrow's date. I thought to myself: I'm already

Usually as summer comes to a close, we start hearing the same conversation: “what was this year's song of the summer?” And for once in a while, we still don’t officially have one for this year. So, let us face the music and settle the ultimate seasonal debate: what was truly the song of the summer for 2026? To determine the true winner, we looked at three of the summer’s biggest tracks that dominated our feeds, playlists, and airwaves. Here is how these contenders stacke

Starbucks, the popular coffeehouse chain, has officially launched its 2026 fall menu, introducing brand new flavors alongside returning fan favorite coffees like the Pumpkin spice latte. Starbucks is bringing back several signature fall coffees: the Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Cold Brew, Pecan Crunch Latte, and the Pecan Cortado. However in case you’re not a fan of coffee-based drinks, the menu also offers tea-based drinks like the new Chaider drink that consists of chai, st

Your first job interview is no doubt a stressful situation. There are so many unexpected things that could be asked during an interview. So, whether you are about to interview for the first time or just need some help to enhance your professionalism, this article is the perfect guide to ace a job interview. Here are a few questions you may be asked: What are your biggest strengths? When asked this, find a way to tie in a real life situation to whatever you are claiming is a s

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s no doubt that we’ll be seeing plenty of Nikki and Clark costumes inspired by 2026’s biggest horror films—Obsession and Backrooms, both released to glowing reviews this past May. Despite both being produced for under $10 million, Obsession and Backrooms made over $400 million each at the box office worldwide, higher than even Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu. Even more surprisingly, both films were masterminded by young YouTube c

Coughing. A runny nose. Watery eyes. Mold can cause all of these things and more. According to the American Lung Association, mold exposure can lead to an increase in asthma attacks, sore throats, and sinus congestion. Some unlucky people even have allergies to mold, which the Center for Disease Control says can cause itchy eyes, sneezing, and/or rashes. Ever since low levels of mold were found in parts of Hoggard’s campus, some students, faculty, and staff have wanted to kno

Hoggard’s 2026 homecoming week was nothing short of amazing. Between bustling spirit days and silly pep rally performances, this year’s festivities were surely one for the books. Let’s dive into everything that made this traditional high school event extra memorable! Spirit Days: Spirit week is always a fun way to get involved and show some school spirit. This year, the halls of Hoggard high were busy with many festive and energetic students who were not afraid to represent s

As winter begins to fade and warmer weather approaches, a favored local destination is now reopened and back for another season. Lewis Strawberry Nursery and Farms in Wilmington, North Carolina has finally reopened for its 2026 spring season, bringing fresh fruits, vegetables, and outdoor fun back into the community. The farm, located off of Gordon Road, usually opens in late March–whenever the weather starts warming up–and remains open throughout early summer. This year

When the heat hits hard, there’s one thing almost everyone can agree on: ice cream is a must! Wilmington has many sweet treat options, but which one truly stands out as the best? After looking at local favorites and variety, a few shops stand out as superior: 1) Boombalatti's Homemade Ice Cream Known for its creative flavors and locally made ingredients, Boombalatti’s has built a strong reputation in Wilmington. From classic options like chocolate and vanilla to more uni

Moments of happiness can be found anytime, anywhere: a butterfly landing on you during your daily walk, a long distance friend spontaneously reaching out to you, or maybe even the realization that your unfinished assignment isn’t due for another week. Moments like these can easily be forgotten when shadowed by stressful or bad instances you may have had that day. So, in this short article, a few Hoggard High School students & staff members have come together to share a glimps

Want to be a teacher? This article shares Joseph Joyner’s perspective as a first year Teacher Intern at John T. Hoggard High School, where he balances teaching, studying, and working. Joyner knew at a young age that he had a passion for educating. In his childhood, he began building instructional relationships at church, youth groups, and more. Now at the end of grad school, Joyner will head to his first official position teaching high school students. He hopes to work

Whenever I tell somebody that I am fasting for Lent, I primarily get one of two responses. The first is people think of the weird fuzzy ball you find on your clothing. The second is they think Lent is practiced in Catholicism. To the former I can say that pretty much the only thing Lent has in common with lint is that they are both old. To the latter I can say that while Lent is practiced primarily in Catholicism, different denominations of Christianity still partake in it. F

Our Viking softball team is composed of many people of different talents. With a practice schedule of 4-6pm, five days a week, our Vikings are pushing to be the best they can be. I interviewed some of our student athletes about balancing their lives, school work, and softball every week, and here is what they said. Kasey Fussel, a Freshman on our JV team explained, “It is easier once you learn how to balance, whether that is by catching up on work during lunch, or doing

A step closer to graduation each day, many of us are starting to think about what we should be bringing to college this fall. It's easy to just focus on decorations or stuff that looks cool, but most upperclassmen in college will tell you that the small, practical items end up mattering more than anything. So seniors, let’s dive into what you don’t want to forget on move-in day. For starters, a mattress topper is basically a must. Dorm beds aren’t exactly the most comfor

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