2025-26 Publication of the Clatskanie High School Journalism Class

 2025-26 Staff Journalists: Marah Collins, Ariana Combs, Haydin Eplin, Isabel Gonzalez, Avalon Gonzalez Moreno, Grace Hadley, Leah Hadley, Ily Luke, Jordan McQuaid, Alayna O'Connor, Sophie Rodas Morales, Kylee Smith, Janae Vonner-Tensley, Lilli Walton, and Willow White

Get to know Principal Laurie Maughan!

By Sophie Rodas

Published Jan, 21, 2026

Reviewed Feb, 3, 2026

Principal Laurie has been part of the Clatskanie community as the principal of Clatskanie Middle High School for three years. We interviewed Laurie to get to know her and learn about her activities during her administration. Before we get into more details, we wanted to know who Laurie Maughan was, what her education was and who she is and still is. 

Laurie went to Helena High School in Montana. She went to the University of Montana to get her bachelor's degree while raising children. After she got her degree, she taught and took her first principalship  at the Lincoln Public Schools in Montana, and then she was a  principal and Curriculum Director in Southern Idaho. 

We asked her why she chose this path. And she said that she always wanted to be in the educational field, and wanted to get the bigger picture of things. For that reason, she returned to school to earn her master's degree in leadership, while continuing to teach and commute. 

We wanted to ask Laurie what made her come to Clatskanie. And to say it simply, she came to Clatskanie because of her family, and she has always liked working in a small school. Which is great to hear that she cares about her community. 

Laurie  Maughan was asked about her experience coming to the Clatskanie Middle/High School. She responded by saying that there were lots of administrative changes and the majority of people were watchful. Principal Maughan’s goal at that time (and still is) was to build trust, which meant listening to other people consistently. Nevertheless, she had/has lots of support and resources. She mentioned the resource for the phone policy and how it was backed up by Oregon and many other states. 

Another thing that we asked her through that interview was her experience when she started the job. If she had goals, and if so, what goals did she set to accomplish? She answered that at the beginning, she wanted to get a feel for what the needs were. “What were the strengths, and what could the school improve? That was the goal for the first year.” There were also lots of building repairs, strengthening the instruction, and managing student engagement. She said that as of currently, "CMHS staff is really an amazing staff who work hard to support students' learning.  Our current focus is to reflect on the instructional practices we are using and how students are learning.  We want to look at those practices and see if there are things we can easily switch up and do a little differently to help students gain a deeper understanding of the content." Which all sound like divine goals to set in practice!

As we were concluding our interview, we wanted to ask Laurie one last question. Which was about challenges and her struggles with them. The principal said that she had to gain the trust, and that trust comes first. It was about showing students, parents, and teachers who she was. And because of that, she had to be consistent, and that is her primary goal. Principal Maughan has listened and responded to many people. And the staff/teachers have been flexible and have worked together. 

On one final note, she was asked if she had accomplished the goals she wanted. Referring to that question, it was said that it was a continual process. Quoting Principal Laurie Maughan, "Right now, the Building Leadership team is leading our whole staff in developing access to information on careers to present to students.  We are getting ready to do our second day, focused on students thinking about different career options by talking to community members about their careers. This focus came about by talking to students and finding out that many students don't have a vision for themselves after high school. It has been really fun to work together to develop this idea. The feedback from students and parents has been positive!" Which is wonderful to hear, and we wish Mrs Maughan the best throughout her administration!

Bread and circuses - how did the Germans let Nazis take control?

Sophie Rodas

Editorial. Jan. 25. 2026

Updated. Feb. 5.2026

How did the Germans let the Nazis take control? It is a question that people have asked themselves for decades after what the Nazi party did. It was just like any other political party, one that came with an inspiring speaker. The Holocaust Encyclopedia points out that in the early 1920s, this party was a small movement. Which was unsuccessful, until the mid 1920s in which the Nazi party changed their ways and "began competing in elections to try to undermine German democracy from within". As such tactics improved, they started to become well-known and received favorable votes. 

Propaganda, lies, political violence, and campaigning, the Nazi party soon had supporters and power, as the Holocaust Encyclopedia states in its article. I mention this because we shouldn't forget history. We shouldn't forget that it was normalized to see the SS police harming others. 

Through censorship and propaganda, the Nazi Party controlled communication. Many reports from that time have said that a lot of people did not know about the concentration camps. With censorship, freedom of speech was soon abolished. Speaking out meant getting shot. Telling jokes, mockery "about Hitler was considered treachery," says the article by Holocaust Encyclopedia. 

It is interesting to note that the United States did like the ideology of the Nazi party, that is, before the Pearl Harbor incident. There were even youth camps where they fostered Nazi ideas in the United States. We have to reflect on whether we have changed. 

Propaganda is used daily, not only on radios, television, or in the newspaper. But now in our modern world, we have propaganda on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and TikTok. There are videos and clips that are censored, and do we notice it? Or do we turn a blind eye to situations that are happening in real time? 

People were hanged in public places in Germany. What did the common people do? They went about their day, worrying about the economy and wars. We have to ask ourselves how the common, normal German people let the Nazis take control. Well, we just have to look outside at our modern world, and you will understand how the Nazis took control. 

My call to action to you, whoever you are, is to learn. And just like Oskar Schindler, it matters because it is not only about the holocaust and how evil it was. It’s about what people can do in this situation, and standing up and helping others is important. 

Helping others is what humans do. No matter who we are, where you stand, if you think that "If I follow these rules, I'll be safe," then you'll be sorely mistaken. Rules change, and soon enough, no one is safe. So, can you answer how the Germans let the Nazis take over? 

CITES

“Nazi Propaganda and Censorship”, Holocaust Encyclopedia. Sep, 23, 2025

“Adolf Hitler and The Rise to Power, 1918-1933”, Holocaust Encyclopedia. Jun, 23, 2025. 

High School Sports Should Count Towards PE Credits

by Kylee Smith

High school sports offer more than just competition, they keep students active and teach important life skills. Yet, students who dedicate hours to school teams often aren’t recognized with PE credit for their commitment. Given the physical demands and lessons sports provide, it’s time to consider counting high school sports toward PE requirements.

Participating in sports teaches students about fitness, teamwork, and healthy living in ways that go beyond normal PE classes. Through practices and games, student athletes learn the importance of regular exercise, nutrition, and discipline. Coaches emphasize balanced diets and hydration, helping students develop habits that support health. These lessons are not only practical but also deeply relevant, as they are experienced firsthand rather than learned in a classroom.

Counting sports for PE credit could also motivate more students to join teams and stay active. When academic credits are tied to sports participation, students have a clear reason to commit to regular exercise and teamwork. This involvement shows belonging which can lead to increased engagement in both athletics and academics.

Allowing sports to count toward PE credits would also give student athletes more options in their schedules. By freeing up time that would otherwise be spent in PE class, students could pursue electives, academic labs, or advanced courses. This flexibility supports better time management and encourages students to challenge themselves academically.

While some argue that sports are extracurricular and not a substitute for PE, they overlook the unique educational value of athletics. Sports teach discipline, practical health knowledge, and teamwork skills that are just as important as those taught in a traditional PE setting. Studies show that student-athletes often achieve higher physical fitness and better grades, thanks to the motivation sports provide.

Recognizing high school sports as a valid part of PE acknowledges their role in student development. It promotes a balanced, healthy lifestyle and supports academic and personal growth. By counting sports toward PE credit, schools can better support the overall educational experience of their students.

EUGENICS! Why You Should Care.

Sophie Rodas. 

Editorial. Jan. 5. 2026

Updated. Jan. 15.2026

The Better Baby Movement. A sentence that some people are familiar with, and some are not. So we will explain what it means. The Better Baby Movement was a contest held in the USA where the ages of 6 and 48-month-old babies were judged for their health. 

The United States, before World War I, established the “Eugenics movement,” and that was the primary cause for the Better Baby movement. It was in those years in the United States where Eugenics was promoted because they wanted to create “a better populace composed of individuals with traits that they desired, like high intelligence, and without deformities,” says Arizona State University. 

This may sound good to some, since we all want healthy people. However, Eugenics is the belief that certain genes are better than others. According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, eugenics is “the scientific and immoral theory of racial improvement and planned breeding.” Eugenicists believed they could perfect humanity and eliminate social “problems” through genetics. 

This wasn’t just a theory. Eugenics was practiced in the U.S, like the Better Baby Movement, before it spread to Germany during World War II. In both places, people believed that some humans were more valuable than others based on their genes. 

In the U.S, it was about the healthiest, strongest baby, depending on their genes. Children with autism or disabilities were shunned just because they weren’t considered “normal”. This isn’t something that only occurred in the past. 

We see commercials with Sydney Sweeney, who advertises eugenics. Eugenics was the act of selecting a race and genes. The Aryan race, which refers to individuals with blonde hair, blue eyes, and pale skin, was seen as the superior race. It is still seen as that, and because it is seen as that, there is discrimination, racial hate, and violence that occurs. 

We should remember that race or genes don’t define someone as “superior”. The Better Baby movement was wrong due to the actions taken. Eugenics is wrong because it segregated and harmed people who did not fit a racial profile. We shouldn’t allow these theories to become popular because, in the end, people will always come out harmed. 

CITE

Reem Gerais. Arizona State University “Better Babies Contests in the United States (1908-1916)”. July 19, 2017. Online. Dec. 22, 2025

Clatakanie Mid-High School History

by Kylee Smith

Clatakanie Mid-High School, located in the heart of Clatakanie, Oregon, has a rich history of serving its community and creating academic excellence. Established in the early 20th century, the school has evolved alongside the town, adapting to changing educational needs while preserving its important values of integrity, respect, and community engagement.

The original school building, constructed in 1924, stood as a modest structure designed to accommodate the area’s growing student population. Over the decades, Clatakanie Mid-High School expanded its facilities to include modern classrooms, a gymnasium, science labs, and a library, reflecting the school’s commitment to giving the kids the right kind of education.

Throughout its history, Clatakanie Mid-High School has been known for its academic programs and vibrant extracurricular activities. Its teachers and staff have played important roles in forming generations of students, many of which have gone on to being teachers at the school itself.

The school’s sense of tradition is evident in annual events such as homecoming, spirit weeks, and sporting events. Those who have graduated and are now in different fields of work, such as police force or those who work at the fire department, also come by to teach about the importance of school and the benefits that come with it.

Today, Clatakanie Mid-High School continues to uphold its legacy by teaching in different methods, bringing technology into the classroom, and having a supportive environment for all learners. The school remains dedicated to preparing students for success in a changing world, while honoring the heritage that defines Clatakanie Mid-High School.

Book Recommendations, 

 by Simone and Josa

That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally

This novel is a YA psychological thriller about a girl with no memory at all about herself who is found by her alleged dad. Her name is Mary, he says with family pictures and her ID. However, once she’s home, home doesn’t feel like it. Her dad keeps telling her lies and Mary tries to fit into who she was before, but that person feels like a stranger to her. Her father keeps becoming more and more questionable and things start to escalate when Mary starts to uncover his secrets. On the other side of town, there’s Diego, his girlfriend is missing and everyone thinks he did it. He was the last person to see her and is so close to being arrested just because everyone says so. However, he feels like the only person who actually cares about finding her, so he sets off with his friends to find the truth and hopefully find her. 

I literally finished this book in a day. I could not put it down, it was shocking, kept me on edge, and extremely gut-wrenching. I felt the heartbreak build right on top of the disgust I felt the chapter before. It’s emotional, thrilling, and an entertaining read for me. 4.5 stars out of 5 for me. 

By Josaphine

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Many people might be turned away from this novel as it is written through poetry but it is such a wonderful read and to judge it in such a fashion seems unfair. This novel is a masterpiece. It covers all kinds of heavy hard to talk about topics and makes them feel lighter while also making you really think about them. You will feel sad, angry, confused and happy all throughout the book. You will root  for the main character and boo all her enemies. I give this book five out of five stars and I hope you will too.

The Poet X is a YA verse novel. It is a story written and told through poetry. The story follows a young girl named Xiomara. Xiomara is full of emotion and opinions. Her body has turned curvy in her teenage years. She feels as though she is always being watched, always being followed by desirous stares. She is fed up with it. Unfortunately her mother is a devout woman of god who often shames Xiomara for her thoughts, ideas and opinions and shuts down her emotions. This neglect makes Xiomara feel unappreciated and unheard. Her English, however, acknowledges her talent and teacher pulls her aside to ask her to join the new slam poetry club. Xiomara is afraid to join because she knows her mother will not approve but she loves poetry and dreams of sharing and performing it. She dreams of finally being heard so she rebels.

WE NEED REAL THINGS

Sophie Rodas

Editorial. 12.9.2025

AI isn't real. We may have songs that top the charts made by AI. We may have essays written by AI. We are starting to get photos that don't look like they are made from AI. We have chatbots, either for romantic reasons, to make friends, for therapy, or to cheat.

AI is quite literally taking over the world. Every time you search on Google, you get an AI response. Schools are incorporating AI for various reasons. We are seeing movies, artists, and painters that are made by AI. It isn't that AI will rule the world, but that we will become AI. 

Anyone who has seen Walle, the movie by Disney, would recall the scene where everyone is in the spaceship and is consumed by the technology. That is the final thing we will become. 

Our brain has always wanted the easy way out of things. But if we do it the easy way, then our brain, which is a muscle, gets weaker and weaker. It stops growing. Essentially, we stop growing, expanding, and learning. 

A key note that we have to consider is that thinking is more than critical. Thinking is essential. Just like how water is essential to our living bodies. Philosophy may not be seen as practical nowadays. Just like how science wasn't viewed as that important except for agriculture in the past. 

However, then we have the industrial revolution, and science becomes a huge component in our lives. That is what philosophy is becoming. It may not seem important, nor does it seem essential. 

However, now that AI is consuming and absorbing us, we need philosophy. We need a moment to think, breathe, and act. In the last article we wrote, we talked about how technology is not real. It occupies space, but it leaves us isolated. 

We need real things. Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, those are not real. But going out to walk is real. Deciding to start a book club or a chess club is real. We can always dream, but nothing ever becomes real without action. And AI cannot make that. We shouldn’t make AI do what we can do. 

We know better, we should do better. 

CITE

Casey Simpson. (2025, December 2). AI won. It’s over [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/r2aqblQqY-M?si=7x2vFnSKk8CM2pWq 

The Decline of News

By Simone Ellen

News has been around for centuries. It was originally a very biased source because it was closely monitored by the monarchy, the church and parliament.  Very few people could afford the full news, unbiased and loosely monitored handwritten newsletters. In 1947 a doctrine called the fairness doctrine was put in place. This doctrine lasted until 1987 and required that radio and television news had to put out unbiased coverage of controversial and political topics.  People said this was an infringement on their freedom of speech and had it repealed, however some of its conditions remained in place until 2011. Since this abolishment of regulations on biased news has largely split left and right. 

News being split into political bias makes it very hard to discern what is true and what isn’t no matter what side you are on. If you only read news that leans into one political party then you will only be fed news that makes your beliefs stronger.  In an extensive survey done by the Pew Research Center the truth of media coverage and Americans' response was revealed and it is striking.

Researchers found that 44% of republicans say they trust news as of 2025 (it was 35% in 2016). They also found that only 69% of democrats trust the news they consume which is the record low over the past nine years. Researches, however, did find that people across all political parties had higher trust levels in local news and media. 

Political parties and news is a very important factor of growing distrust and dislike of news organizations but there are other factors too. One of the biggest is people's neglect of verifying sources and the overwhelming amount of different cites of news and news related content. More often than not when people see a news story they read it without reading where it came from which can lead to people falling for all kinds of fake news and conspiracy theories. 

News has been around for centuries. It started off as a way for people to gossip and get general information then became a place of unbiased fact based information. Now it is falling into an opinion based media outlet where people talk, not about what happened but about how they feel about it and how they think others should feel about it. There is less room for people to have their own thoughts and opinions. People are not given the pros and the cons of many issues which can make trusting news hard. If a news source doesn’t give you both sides of a story you will immediately assume it is biased and begin to distrust it. Going back to a separation of news based on one's political views ultimately will create distrust for everybody, allow for an easier spread of false, opinionated news and cause people to become extremely biased themselves. 

Distrust of news in America is a quickly rising problem that could have detrimental impact. Knowing what is actually happening not only in the world around you but in your own country is extremely important. Being informed should not be something that people have to work for, it should be a right.  As a consumer it is important that you pay attention to the sources and fact check when you are unsure or when no source is listed. Media bias and misinformation are two very big problems in the world of american news so the more awareness you can get the better!

Former Marine and CMHS Alumni Shares Experiences With Students
By Marah Collins

Former Marine Justin McQuiddy, also an alumni of CMHS class of 2018, visited the school on November 12, giving students the opportunity to learn firsthand about his service during a Veteran’s Day Meet & Greet hosted by our National Honor Society members.  McQuiddy, who served in the Marine Corps, spoke about the various roles he held, including machine gunner, drone operator, and surveillance worker. Despite the range of positions he experienced, he said his true goal had always been to serve in the infantry.

“All the war movies I watched romanticized the desire to be in the military,” McQuiddy said. That motivation ultimately led him into active duty, and he told students he enjoyed nearly every aspect of his time in service—except the food.

One of his most memorable food experiences occurred after he was deployed, when he visited a restaurant where he was served moldy food and dishes that had been cut open while still raw. He joked that cold-weather MREs were often the safest choice.

During his service, McQuiddy spent time in Okinawa, Japan, traveled to Guam, and then spent six months at sea. He repeated throughout his visit that he “loved it all,” but said cold-weather training stood out as his favorite experience. As part of that training, Marines would travel five miles offshore, row back, and then send a scout swimmer ahead once they reached the one-mile mark.

“Others couldn’t mentally take the cold-weather training,” he said, adding that he never once felt like giving up. “All the bad times were the best. Everyone suffered the same amount as you, so you bonded through the bad times.”

McQuiddy said he still thinks about his experiences every day and would return to the Marines if given the chance. He also shared advice for any student considering military service: attend college first and pursue a police-related degree to gain greater respect and better opportunities.

Today, McQuiddy is following a new path. He is studying engineering at Oregon State University, hoping to one day design and build drones, which he described as “evolutionary.”

Make the school halls merry and bright please!

by Simone Ellen

The halls of Clatskanie Middle High School are often left empty and barren. They are an empty minimalistic grey with a few random posters hung here and there. There is nothing fun or motivating about walking through nearly empty light grey halls with bright industrial grade lights buzzing softly overhead. Nothing about any of that increases your mood. It is all a mind dulling bleak sameness that can only be escaped by entering into a few well decorated classrooms. Posters on upcoming sports events, supporting your peers and offering people advice can only do so much for these spaces. What we really need is some lively student made art to add some fun and excitement. 

Art and murals in schools have been proven to increase things like mood, warm feelings, diversity and inclusion, learning and many more things. Having a fun mural near the entrance to your school can make people feel welcome and display the school's spirit, values and mission. In the school's interior halls murals can provide knowledge, color and interest. Wouldn’t you rather pass a multicolored history based mural then just walk through an empty grey classroom. I know I would.

Approximately 65% of people in the world are visual learners. This means that they absorb more information when they see it. Because of this, having colorful and informational paintings in the hallways and in classrooms can help people learn. Murals can also be inspirational to the people who see them. Maybe something you see in a mural will inspire you to learn or make some change. Sometimes murals are thought provoking which can lead to class discussions and engaging debates.Clatskanie Middle High School is a relatively small school so it is easier to navigate but in bigger schools with lots of twisting hallways and doors that all look the same having something like a colorful mural can mark your way and prevent you from getting lost.

School murals are often colorful, engaging and educational pieces of work that add joy and give way to more productive learning. The benefits of murals and art in school are great and should be sought out by all schools. If cost is a worry you can simply see if you have anyone in the student body who would be willing to take on such a project. A little fun and color go a long way in school environments so be fun and let the creative juices flow!

Students Protest against Deportation - Oregon

Sophie Rodas

Editorial. 12.15.2025

1.5.2026

As of December 9th, 2025, there was a protest walkout in the school of Southridge High School. A student at that school told Oregon Live that he felt that it was unfair for families and people who came to the United States for a better life to be taken back for various reasons, such as for the color of their skin or for their language. 

In an article by NPR, there was an interview with Jasmine Garsd, who is a journalist for NPR, was said that the Supreme Court had a temporary ruling. Where there could be racial profiling. Not only does that include the language spoken, but also the employment location, someone with an accent, or their race. 

It’s interesting to point this out, because this same use of discrimination has been used in the past 19th century, to justify actions and discrimination against the Hispanic community.  An article from History.com mentioned that “Anglo Americans treated them as a foreign underclass and perpetuated stereotypes that those who spoke Spanish were lazy, stupid, and undeserving”, which that perception causes major injustices to the community. 

When we started this article, we talked about how Southridge High School was protesting for the Hispanic community. Regarding that situation, those students felt that their school was safe; however, outside of their school, many did not feel safe due to the presence of ICE agents in the vicinity. 

Another student from the school said, “The high school has started letting students stay extra late at school if they don’t feel safe going home, another small but welcoming change.” Like the student said, it is a small change, but it has a lot of impact on those affected. For students not to feel safe going home is disheartening to hear. 

Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

However, that is the reality that we live in today. The question that we have to ask ourselves is whether deportation and ICE agents are something far away or if they are closer to our home. 

The impact of deportation on young students and older students is an impact that has made many students, not only in Oregon, but in many states, drop out so they could help their families. Either out of fear or out of need, these students, who should be learning, are afraid and stay home due to the circumstances imposed upon them. 

CITE

“Student-led ICE protests erupt across Washington County amid enforcement crackdowns”, Dec. 09, 2025. Oregon Live. Online. Dec 12, 2025. 

Erin Blakemore, “The Long History of Anti-Latino Discrimination in America”. History.com. Sep. 27, 2017. Online. Dec 12, 2025. 

Erika Ryan, Scott Detrow, Jasmine Garsd, Avery Keatly. “The Supreme Court clears the way for ICE agents to treat race as grounds for immigration stops”, NPR.com. Sep. 13, 2025. Online. Dec, 12, 2025

Diversity in Education

by Simone Ellen

School has long been advertised as a safe space for all but at what point is that safety too much? At what point does that safety become an unnecessary shield that teachers and administrators place around students?

 There are many restrictions on the things teachers can say and express their opinions about (such as political views).  Some states, such as Texas, Idaho, South Carolina, and Virginia, have extra restrictions on topics relating to sexism and/or racism. Others, like Florida and Iowa, have restrictions on sexist, racist, and LGBTQ+ related topics. These laws and restrictions have all kinds of effects on students. When we restrict the things that students can learn about and ignore them, we cause them all kinds of problems. Not exposing people to these topics causes these people to be less empathetic and less kind towards those who are different from them due to an overall lack of knowledge.  Being aware of what is happening to the people around you and having a safe, inclusive, and largely non-judgmental environment to talk and have discussions about it is something that everyone should participate in.

A diverse education or education that provides many different viewpoints from all kinds of people, provides students with an understanding of what is happening around them and how it affects their peers or even affects them. This understanding makes students more empathetic towards those who are different from them, and increases their self awarself-awarenesseness due to the influx of different viewpoints. Learning from many different people also allows you to see how different backgrounds or cultures affect people which is a good insight to have. These reasons are only a few of the many positive benefits that diversity has on students both in the curriculum and in the physical classroom.

A survey done by ACLU’s Youth Activism Research Collaborative found that 96%  of students believe a diverse education is important.  Of this 96% only 33% actually receive such an education. Today more than ever restriction after restriction are being put on education and educators. Even places with little to no laws are still shifting in their curriculum. There is a rising pressure for teachers to be more pleasing and amusing to their students. They seem to focus more on doing things they think are funny or participating in trends. They think students would rather discuss if cats are better than dogs rather than actually meaningful topics like whether or not abortion should be legal. This new approach to teaching doesn’t provide students the insight and openness they need to be a kinder adult. When teachers and schools ignore heavy topics no matter the reason they are taking away some of that safety they claim to have. If you ignore critical race theory or feminism or LGBTQ+ history you leave those people behind. You force them to fend for themselves by not exposing everyone to those topics by not letting them share their point of view.  We cannot let our education be impacted by fear, comfort, trends or laws. We cannot be stifled and protected in the name of others' comforts. It is time we stand up and fight for our right to a more inclusive, diverse and impactful education. An education that will push us to broaden our minds and stand willingly among everyone no matter their background or identity.

"We should all know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color."
- Maya Angelou

Book Recommendations  

by Josa Byrne and Cora Evenson

Teens now vs. the 90s

by Simone Ellen

Around 30 years ago (35 years since 1990 and 25 years since 1999), teens' lives were busy and extravagant. They spent their days without cell phones and social media. Their actions were influenced by their friends, their own beliefs, and the things they saw/heard around them. They spent their time in malls, arcades, and at drive-in movies. 

The 1990s also saw a shift in culture with the rising popularity of hip hop, which led to a more prevalent street fashion. Hip hop also gave teens of the 90s something new and separate from their parents that they could relate to. It gave them a sense (even if it was a small one) of belonging. Music still does this for teens today, but it does not have the same impact on the teen-adult relationship. Teens have always wanted to be separate from their parents to be unique, to have their own space and opinions, which this new and different music gave them.

In the 1990s, teens preferred to stay away from home and get away from their parents, and their parents were open to that. Now, teens spend the majority of their time sitting in their houses doing whatever they need or want. 

Studies have shown that parents of the current generation of teens are much more restrictive in terms of what their kids are allowed to do compared to past generations. Many parents don’t want their children doing something as simple as biking down the street by themselves because they worry something bad will happen. This rising anxious parenting thing is impacting teens in many ways people might not even think about. When parents have all these anxiety-driven rules and opinions, their kids' ability to go outside and do things is limited. This can demotivate kids, which leads to them sitting in their rooms and doomscrolling for hours. Teens of today also seem to prefer texting over talking in person, or at least they feel texting is easier, so they revert to it. This also affects teens' motivation to leave the house and socialize with friends. 

Teens and their motivation to go outside and get off their butts and their phones are also impacted by social media. Many teens spend a less-than-ideal amount of time on social media, which has given way to increased social anxiety. Some teens don’t want to go out because they fear the judgment of others. 

The 90s were a good time for teens. They were motivated to go out and hang with friends and explore new things. They were more open to self-expression and less worried (than the current teen generation) about judgment and social interactions than the teens of today. They were able to make the most of their lives. On the other hand, teens of today spend a lot of time inside, feel a lot more anxious, and are much less motivated to put themselves out there. It is time we sit down and reflect on the choices we make, both as teens and as adults, and help one another live the fullest and best lives we can.

Fast Fashion 

by Simone Ellen

Nearly half of modern teens spend a few hours every week shopping online. In the remote town of clatskanie where nearby shopping centers and stores and few and far between oline shopping is even more common.  The problem? The majority of these stores are fast fashion stores. 

Fast fashion is mass produced low cost clothing that companies make in response to trends. The term fast fashion was coined in the 1990s when the company Zara came to New York with the goal of going from designing clothes to selling them in just fifteen days. This would make clothing more accessible to all. This sounds good but in reality fast fashion companies are harmful to the environment and to people. 

One in five people work in the fashion industry and many companies are notorious for their horrible working conditions and unlivable wages.  Making clothing takes a lot of energy and resources. To make one pair of jeans it can take anywhere from 2-7 thousand gallons of water. This dries up many natural water resources causing environmental issues and a lack of water for human consumption. The fashion factories are responsible for 10% of total carbon emissions and 85% of the textiles (100 billion pieces of clothing are produced each year) end up in landfills. Polyester, a common textile in the fashion industry, has released 35% of the microplastics in the world due to people washing their polyester clothings. Another very common fabric in the fast fashion world is cotton. It takes 1-5 cotton plants to make a shirt. Alone this might not be bad but if one is producing hundreds of shirts everyday the amount of cotton you need is huge. This amount of cotton takes so much land and water and attracts all kinds of harmful pesticides which harm nearby farmers' crops.

Fast fashion is a newer thing that has been long in the making. It was made possible by the invention of the sewing machine in the 1830s. The sewing machine made clothing production quicker and, as time went on, the sewing machine became better and quicker leading to more and more possibilities. Around the time that the sewing machine was invented a new form of industry called sweatshops also emerged, Sweatshops were mainly fashion and textile factories that had horrible working conditions and unfair wages. Companies like Shein, Forever 21 and Dior are all notorious sweatshops and there are many more, some openly known about and some still hidden. One in five people work in the fashion industry and have to endure the horrible working conditions and unlivable wages. 

All in all the fast fashion industry has way more disadvantages then advantages and all of these things should be kept in mind while you are shopping both online and in person. Before you shop anywhere make sure you know the true cost of the clothing you are buying. Do your research and strive to support smaller healthier businesses.

Some healthier business to support

Girlfriend Collective- a store to get new and used active wear and clothing. Their new products are expensive but they have a used program that gets you 30% percent off your next order if you donate and the clothing is considerably cheaper.

Levis- If you’ve lived in Oregon you’re probably familiar with Levis jeans and apparel. They might be deemed a little more expensive but their jeans last forever and most people can find their perfect pair.

Sources:

https://oceangeneration.org/the-history-of-fast-fashion/

loneliness: Everyone Has Felt It

Sophie Rodas

Editorial. 11.13.2025

Loneliness, have you ever felt it? 

The CDC government organization says that Loneliness is being disconnected from others. You could feel that you do not have any meaningful relationships or belonging. You can feel lonely, despite being surrounded by people or friends. 

We all want to connect with others. But we may feel lonely; at least everyone at one point in their life has felt lonely. It is a type of discomfort that happens when you perceive a gap between wanting a social interaction and actually experiencing it. 

Some may feel left out, and they may lack companionship. It is an unpleasant feeling that may persist for some time. It can feel like we are not important to anyone. Or that nobody needs you. It can be difficult to find a connection or a friendship because, as Psychology Today wrote, “Lonely people pick up on signs of potential rejection more quickly than others”. 

A great solution, which takes guts, is volunteering. Helping other people and your own community helps you focus on the greater good. Not only that, but it also helps in finding friends and acquaintances. 

This author has tried out volunteering to combat loneliness, and it is efficient. In my personal experience, I have met many people of my age and other ages with whom I interact. It gives you something to work on and focus your attention. 

You should also look for hobbies. People come and go, and yes, you should make a connection. The relationships that you already have should be a priority.  

However, you should get to know yourself and try out new things. Such as gardening, reading, and tending to yourself. You can learn that you enjoy playing chess. Or perhaps you really like jogging. 

One of the advantages of our modern society is that it offers numerous communities. You are not alone in feeling this way. 

It can be a struggle to feel lonely. But keeping busy with hobbies and friends/family can improve your circumstances. 

Rejection is not the limit. The whole point is that you got yourself to do something, and even if you didn’t get the results you wanted, you tried. That's what matters, and it should be enough.

CITE

Psychology Today: Loneliness

CDC Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness

The Mystery Beneath Beaver Falls: Is There Really a Car in the Water?

By Jada Pember      November 20, 2025

Have you ever heard about the vehicle hidden beneath the water?

Just outside the small town of Clatskanie sits Beaver Falls, a rugged creek known for its dramatic drops, moss-covered cliffs, and—according to local rumor—a car resting at the bottom of the main falls. Some say you can spot it when the water runs low. Others insist it’s nothing more than a long-running hometown myth. But for those curious enough to keep reading, the truth is far more interesting.

A Creek With a Reputation

Reaching the main waterfall isn’t difficult—a 0.6-mile hike from the road will get you there. Online descriptions, however, often paint Beaver Falls as dangerous, dirty, or poorly maintained. And while the trails can indeed get muddy during Oregon’s signature wet and gloomy months, that picture is far from accurate.

What most people don’t know is that a certain group of lifelong locals quietly takes care of this place year-round. They pick up trash, clear debris from paths, and even carve out easier access points when they’re needed. For them, Beaver Falls isn’t just another trail—it’s part of home.

Come summer, the trails dry out, the water calms down, and the entire area transforms into a favorite swimming and exploring spot.

So… What’s the Story With the Car?

Here’s the part everyone wants to know: yes, there’s said to be a vehicle down there—and no, there’s no one inside it.

According to old-timers, about 50 years ago it was common for young people to drive their cars into the water just for fun, then swim out and scramble back up. Among them was my grandfather, Robert Thomas Lokan. (You can even find his obituary online.) He and his friends were part of a generation that treated Beaver Falls like a natural playground.

Rumor has it there are actually two vehicles hidden below the surface. Today, the only visible proof is a single truck tire that sometimes appears when the summer water level drops low enough.

If you follow the 0.6-mile trail to the main falls during late summer, you can often walk across the top of the waterfall to a side path that leads to the pool below. Stand near the edge, look down at just the right angle, and—when the sunlight hits perfectly—you might catch a glimpse of the tire and the rusted frame beside it.

Winter: A Whole Different World

Winter at Beaver Falls is a completely different experience. The calm green pools turn into roaring white water. The sound is almost deafening at the bottom of the falls, and crossing the top is absolutely out of the question.

During these months, the water buries everything below it. No tire. No vehicle. Nothing but churning, icy force. This is also when the skeptics speak up, insisting the car doesn’t exist. But locals know better: the river hides what it wants when it wants.

Want to See It Yourself?

If you’re up for an adventure, head down Highway 30 toward Longview, Washington. At the cluster of scrap metal and RVs, take a left. Take another left when the road opens up, then continue until you see the long stretch of white fencing. From there, you’ll find several turnoffs on your left leading to Beaver Falls and its neighbor, Twin Falls.

Explore the trails, enjoy the water—and if you happen to spot the old tire underwater, well, now you know the story behind it.

Just don’t ask too many questions about the rumored “cult” deep in the woods. That tale’s for another time.

A Day in the Life of a New Student
By Alayna O’Connor, Freshman at Clatskanie High School

Hello! My name is Alayna O’Connor, and I’m a new freshman at Clatskanie Middle/High School. I’m fifteen years old, and I recently moved here from Saint Helens, Oregon. Before living in Oregon, I was in Dresden, Tennessee—so I’ve experienced a few different schools!

So far, my time at Clatskanie High has been great. It’s been so much fun meeting new people and learning new things every day. What I love most about this school is the people. Everyone has been so kind and friendly, which made my first day amazing. The teachers and staff were welcoming, and that really helped me feel comfortable right away. I always try to be nice to others—if people are kind to me, I’m kind back, and even if they’re not, I still try to stay friendly.

My daily schedule is pretty full. My first class is Band, which I really enjoy because I’m a musical person. I play the flute, and it’s such a beautiful and interesting instrument. Once you learn to read notes, it becomes a lot easier to play!

Next is Art, which has quickly become one of my favorite classes. We just finished working with acrylic paints and now we’re experimenting with charcoal and pastels. It’s definitely messy, but it’s also a lot of fun—and very colorful!

After that, I head to Earth Science, where we’re learning about the galaxy and space. I just finished a project on Mars’s moon Phobos, which is actually larger than its other moon, Deimos. I love learning about space—it’s so fascinating!

In English, we’re doing a unit about crime stories, which has been interesting to read and discuss. My next class focuses on U.S. States and Canadian Provinces, and then I go to Math, where we’re working on absolute value problem-solving. It’s challenging, but I like figuring things out step by step.

My last class of the day is Journalism, which is where I’m writing this article about myself! I’ve really enjoyed the chance to reflect on my first few months here and share what my days are like.

When I get home after school, I spend time with my family, my dogs, and my cats. It’s a nice way to unwind after a busy day.

Overall, being a new student at Clatskanie High School has been a great experience. I’m so glad to be here, making new friends and learning new things. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings!

AI TAKING OVER SCHOOLS

Sophie Rodas

Editorial 9.8.2025

"AI can be used to inspire and foster creativity, lend multiple perspectives, summarize existing materials, generate and reinforce lesson plans, and stimulate image creation."

Personalized learning: Tailor some students' education to let them understand what they can't. Hence, it can help students be more engaged and motivated

There is creation for content: You can create prompts, images, and ideas, and feel inspired. 

It can lead to board access to resources: It can improve learning, brainstorming, getting ideas, and outlining. 

I interviewed a local teacher who said that there can be benefits to AI. Of course, she said, if AI were to be implemented in schools, we would just have to be careful about how AI would be used. If it is to be relied on, rather than the tool it is, then it is not particularly beneficial. On that note, I also asked if there were any benefits to AI. To the teacher, she did say that there are benefits to using AI; it can

However, there may be some disadvantages to using AI. One of the most prominent is using AI to cheat. Some let AI write essays, do their homework, and such. 

Another major issue with using AI, especially in classrooms, is that there may be misinformation. Either the information they have can be outdated, biased, or have errors. Which, in effect, may lead to an issue such as not critically thinking about the information you are reading. 

Every single person should be able to deduce and deduce what they are reading, get sources, fact-check them, and decide what to do with such information. 

If we let AI do some of our critical thinking, we may not be able to detect false information, or if we do detect it, how can we evaluate it if we don't know how to? Do we need to depend on AI for everything, even to use our creativity, the very thing that makes us human?

That is a question that we are facing today, in every aspect of our modern life. Next time, we will talk about examples of AI in education.

CITES

“7 Essential Questions About AI for Teachers to Consider”. Edutopia, September 27th, 2023. edutopia.org. October 22nd, 2025. Online

2025 Volleyball Seniors and Senior Night - October 16, 2025

Photos by Kylee Smith and Marah Collins

“Banning and burning of books is the symbol of tyranny’s fear of the power of the free mind,” says Franz Boaz, a German Anthropologist born in 1852. The banning and restricting of knowledge is not a new phenomenon. This tactic has been used for hundreds of years to maintain power and limit free thinking and expression. Banning books infringes on freedom of speech which is our first amendment right, limits access to information and restricts empathy by preventing diverse perspectives.

Did you know that 47% of books targeted for censorship in 2023 were representing LGBTQ and BIPOC individuals? A study published in Basic and Applied Social Psychology found that people who read a story about a Muslim woman were less likely to make judgments based on race. This is why we should not be restricting books that include diversity. It restricts the empathy and understanding of younger students who should be learning about inclusivity.

Not seeing yourself represented in books can also have a harmful impact on mental health and make you question your place in the world. Book banning also limits access to information. The less materials a student has access to the less critical thinking and researching skills they will have. Florida was the top bookbanning state in late 2024 and early  2025 and it also happens to be 41st in education. This correlation shows that states that ban books tend to rank lower in education. In the school year 2023-2024 10,046 books were banned and 60% of those books were targeted towards young adults and included topics about confronting abuse, suicide, sexual assault, grief, death and substance abuse. Some teens that are going through a hard time may have no one to talk to, so they go to books to help them understand what is going on in their life. If these books are banned, then they might resort to more harmful coping mechanisms.

Our first amendment right as citizens of the United States of America is freedom of speech. If we are banning and restricting books, we are not upholding our constitutional values. Books like 1984 by George Orwell and Animal Farm by George Orwell have been banned and they reference important historical and political events that should not be repeated. If we don’t want history to repeat itself, we need to educate ourselves and pass on that knowledge to future generations.

Some people might argue that books should be banned because some material is not appropriate for young children. I agree that kids should not be reading certain books, but I think that it should be individual parents that get to choose what their child gets to read. This issue can also be addressed by age sections in a library such as a kids section and young adult section, since most libraries already do this, there is no reason to be banning books that other people want to read.

In conclusion, books should not be banned because diversity is important, we should not be limiting access to information, and it infringes on our freedom of speech. Thankfully, Senate Bill 1098 was recently passed in Oregon, and it prevents banning books in schools because of reasons like race, gender identity, and national origin. Sadly, attempts to ban books have increased a lot in recent years, which is why this is such an important topic. It is up to us to protect our right to read.

Fall Time - Soup's On!

by Lilli Walton         October 24, 2025

Cheddar potato broccoli soup 

 Cook time- About 30 minutes, Serves about 8 

• One tablespoon  of butter  

• One medium yellow onion chopped 

• 3 cut and peeled potatoes 

• 4 cups of chicken broth 

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt 

• 6 cups broccoli florets 

• 3 cups whole milks 

• 3 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese 

• 2 tablespoons of flour 

• One teaspoon of ground black pepper 

Directions 

1. Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened, stirring occasionally.

2. Add the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, and kosher salt and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a rolling simmer and cook the potatoes for about 8 minutes or until soft and easily pierced with a fork. Whiz the potatoes and broth with an immersion blender to the consistency you desire (I like to leave some chunks of potato), or mash with a potato masher.

3. Add the broccoli florets and the milk and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cooking for 5-7 minutes or until the broccoli is al denté.

4. Toss the cheese with the flour and add to the soup 1 cup at a time, stirring until melted before adding the next batch of cheese. Season with black pepper and more salt to taste.

RCK Girls Soccer Team Unites Three Schools for a Strong Season

By Cora Evenson   October 3, 2025

The Clatskanie/Rainier girls soccer team has a long history of playing together, but this season brought a new addition — Knappa High School. To represent all three schools, the team is now called RCK.

RCK practices at Clatskanie City Park, chosen as a central location between the three schools. Home games are split between Clatskanie and Rainier.

Currently, RCK holds a 3-2-1 record and is ranked 20th in the 4A league. Although Clatskanie and Knappa are 2A schools and Rainier is 3A, the combined team competes in the higher 4A division.

On October 2, RCK faced St. Helens in a highly competitive match that ended in a 1-1 tie, with Rainey Palm scoring the team’s goal.

The team has 16 players, including seven seniors, which has raised concerns about next season’s roster numbers.

“I’m very concerned about soccer next year because I’m worried we won’t have enough players, and all our seniors are super important to our team,” said Josaphine Byrne, a sophomore at Clatskanie High School.

Getting to Know Our Foreign Exchange Student: Samuel Rodriges

by Leah Hadley

On September 10, 2025, we sat down with senior Samuel Rodriges, a foreign exchange student, to learn more about his background, interests, and experience in America.

Q: What is your name and grade?
A: My name is Samuel Rodriges, and I’m a senior (12th grade).

Q: What do you like most about this school?
A: I really enjoy how many activities are offered here. The school days are longer compared to my school back home, and one thing that feels different is the schedule. In Germany, we have 20-minute breaks after every second class—so after 2nd, 4th, and 6th period.

Q: Where did you go to school before this?
A: I went to Gymnasium Petershagen.

Q: Are you involved in any extracurricular activities here?
A: Yes, I play soccer.

Q: What’s your favorite hobby?
A: Back home in Germany, I really enjoy bodybuilding. Since being in America, though, I’ve gotten into watching shows. My favorite show is Ted Lasso.

Q: Where are you from originally?
A: I’m from Petershagen, Germany, but my family is originally from Goa. Goa used to be a Portuguese province, but it’s now part of India.

Q: Which languages do you speak?
A: I speak English, German, and French, plus just a tiny bit of Portuguese.

Q: What are your top three fun activities?
A: Building model planes, learning French, and playing chess.

Q: What’s your favorite hometown food?
A: Schnitzel with white asparagus—it’s delicious!

Q: How are you enjoying America? Is this your first time here?
A: Yes, this is my first time in America, and I’m enjoying it a lot.