On November 6th, a wide range of reactions to the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election were on display at Needham High School. No matter the political affiliation of the students, the air in the classroom was undeniably awkward as teachers attempted to address the results of the election, leaving space for students to express their feelings or ask questions. Given the weight of the election, it seemed difficult for teachers to remain neutral in their acknowledgement of the election results.

As the holiday season progresses, so does the demand to purchase holiday gifts. Many people resort to the easiest method to getting gifts quickly: Amazon. However, with the holidays inching closer, Amazon is overloaded with orders. The result tends to be one of two options: either gifting a rushed note with a bit of cash in the envelope or a generic gift card. 

What is the first thing you do after waking up in the morning? Do you reach for your phone? Is it right by your head, on your nightstand? Or do you have to walk somewhere in your house first? Personally, I sleep with my phone in another room, but after I eat breakfast in the morning, the first thing I do is grab my phone, typically about fifteen minutes after I wake up. Is your morning similar? Different? Well, according to research conducted in the past year, it is recommended that you wait at least an hour after waking up before checking your phone. Why?

One of the best additions NHS has made to its daily schedule over the past few years is the 30 minute X-Block periods every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. According to a poll conducted on The Hilltopper Instagram, 91 percent of people use X-Block at least once or twice a month. However, this becomes really difficult in a month like this past November, where two weeks in a row had a day off on an X-Block day.

For my 20th edition of Fashionista of the Month, I wanted to explore the thought processes behind Dress to Impress’ frequent players. We at The Hilltopper enjoy a good couple of rounds of Dress to Impress during our homeroom time (if we’re done with our Hilltopper work, of course). Therefore, our winter Fashionistas are some of The Hilltopper’s best (anonymous players)!

One of my favorite parts of my high school experience has been my time hanging out in the special education classrooms. Taking the “Internship in Special Education” course last spring was rewarding, educational, and downright fun (who knew that going to Pressed Cafe with newfound friends was considered a lesson in “life skills”?). However, on Thursday, December 7th, I headed into the special education classroom with a new touch of frustration and anxiety; the country had just elected Donald Trump as president, a man who has stated that he plans to close the Department of Education. 

As I look up from my lead-covered, whiteboard marker-populated, and eraser-shreds-littered black lab table in my AP Physics classroom, I see a poster of some of the most notable female figures in  STEM fields hanging on the wall: Marie Curie, Patricia Bath, and Ada Lovelace. When I try to feel inspired by their accomplishments, however, I look around my classroom and see that I am only accompanied by two other female students. But why are female students less present in STEM classrooms such as this physics classroom?

Across all grades at Needham High School, entrepreneurs have started nail businesses in their own homes. As it is often expensive and time consuming to get your nails done  at local Needham Nail Salons, a more affordable alternative is exactly what students look for. In addition to being affordable, these nail businesses offer teenagers the added benefit of a wide variety of choices for nail designs, colors, and shapes.

A couple of weeks ago I made a difficult decision: I deleted Tik Tok. After much emotional turmoil and deliberation, I finally pressed the delete button.

The first term of the 2024-25 school year just wrapped up, and fall is coming to an end. Most of the leaves have lost their colors, warmer wardrobes are starting to be implemented, darkness is falling much earlier, and the temperature is getting colder. Or is it? 

Many friend groups either buy gifts for everyone, or they do “Secret Santas” (or variations for other religions) instead. This creates the question: Is it better to get one small gift for everyone, or to use all your money for one person’s gift? No matter what you decide on for the distribution of gifts, the fear of disappointing your friends and family and the stress of  trying to find a time to buy gifts can lead to heightened anxiety for many.

“NHS theater is a passionate, supportive, talented environment,” says Lily Katz, president of Students Acting to Make a Difference (SAMD). “It is a place where students are both accepted for who they are and able to grow as performers and people.”

Whether it’s your Mom, dad, sister, or a random friend that you drew in Secret Santa, here are some generic gift ideas that never get old!

It’s no secret that most students and staff at Needham High School celebrate either Christmas or Hanukkah during the month of December. However, there are several other winter holidays celebrated globally that many people may not be familiar with. Wherever you are in the world, the winter season offers an opportunity to explore diverse customs and traditions. 

Now that the cold has comfortably set up shop in our everyday lives, a noticeable style of attire begins to grace the halls of Needham High more and more often. This would be the infamous winter footwear that is the Ugg. 

Even though most high school students cannot vote yet, that hasn’t stopped them from engaging with the political process. Whether in excitement, concern, or curiosity, discussions sparked by the election are about what kind of nation–and world—we want to build. Let’s take a closer look at what NHS students have to say about the election: