Reporting and Writing
Reporting and Writing
Chandler students feel impact of Maui fires
Published online on September 5, 2023
Maui will never be the same again.
The blaze burned through over 735 square miles of land on the island of Maui but did the most damage to the town of Lahaina located on the western peninsula of Maui. According to CBS, over 800 people are still missing. This will become known as one of the world’s deadliest fires. After the fire in Lahaina, the flames unfortunately made their way over to other parts of the Hawaiian islands.
Students at Chandler High School in the Pacific Islanders Club talked about what the fires meant for them and their families. Molot Luis, a junior at Chandler, said, “It hurt to see the amount of people that were affected by the fires and seeing how much the island was changed.” These fires are not only affecting the people on the islands but people all around the world. Homes that now have to be rebuilt, travel plans between families, families that now have no place to go, and so much more. Natalie Ahoia, another member of the Pacific Islanders Club, described what her family is having to do because of the fires. This includes housing numerous people because her relatives’ house is still standing. So, they had to greet strangers with open arms and support them through this tragic time.
When asked if there is anything people all over the world can do to help the people in Hawaii, Natalie said, “it’s to spread awareness about the fires. The more information we get out, the more people can get the help they need.”
Published online on November 13, 2023
The Wolves were hungry for a win tonight when they pulled out the biggest win of the season against Hamilton when they battled for Arizona Avenue.
The Battle of Arizona Avenue is the most highly anticipated game of the season for players, teachers, and students. This game has the most attraction with stands being packed on both sides of the field.
This rivalry game has been played for the last 24 years and Chandler has lost the last two years in a row. On November 3, they finally broke that streak and obliterated Hamilton 49-13. Chandler has rightfully taken back its title and has reclaimed the beloved trophy.
Chandler Students were excited before the big game. Kaela Forti, a sophomore at Chandler said, “This is the game that is the most relevant and everyone is psyched to cheer and be at.” Tori Cave, another sophomore at Chandler, said, “This game is the most popular and we’re seeded to win so that makes everyone want to show up to come support.”
This week is always marked on everyone’s calendars for both schools. Each school hosts a ‘Rivalry Week’ spirit week in preparation for the big game. This year Hamilton’s theme of the week was Mean Girls Spirit while Chandler’s was Chandler VS Everybody. At both schools, the spirit week was participated in schoolwide, with everyone showing off their best outfits.
An important part of this rivalry week is the philanthropy that goes along with it. During halftime of the game, while the score was 28-3, Lexi Moreno and Brooklyn Tallman, STUCO presidents of their respective schools, presented the Make-A-Wish foundation with $3,378. Both Chandler and Hamilton raised money for this cause. At Chandler, our portion of the money was raised by selling event merchandise for the big game, visiting classrooms asking for donations, and holding Spirit Week lunchtime activities. Raising Cane’s Chicken also generously donated roughly $2,000 to our cause which helped greatly. All money made from these fundraisers went straight to Make-A-Wish foundation. The donation from both schools symbolized that even though we’re rivals, we can still work harmoniously and give back to the community.
This game was a huge success with the Wolves gaining confidence going into the playoffs. Students had an amazing time with one another celebrating the win, and both schools came together to have some competitive fun.
Published online on March 26, 2024
The Super Bowl, one of the most highly anticipated games of the year took place on February 11 and it had fans in shock with the outcome.
The Super Bowl is a thrilling occasion when friends and family all come together and root for their favorite teams. Football season officially begins in September and has fans rooting for their respective teams throughout the season. This year, the big game was played by the Chiefs and the 49ers with the Chiefs hosting. It was a tough game with this game being the second Super Bowl game in history to go into overtime. The overtime match was a nail biting experience for the coaches and fans alike but in the end, the Chiefs won 25-22. The chiefs have now won three Super Bowls and they are back-to-back champions.
The Chiefs have gained quite a bit more fandom this season with pop star Taylor Swift dating the tight end of the Chiefs, Travis Kelce. Travis Kelce has made quite the name for himself previous to Taylor Swift but now that they’re dating he’s become even more popular. According to billboard.com, Kelce’s jersey sales have gone up by 400%. This proves how many more fans Kelce has gained all from dating Taylor Swift. Due to this, the Chiefs have gained many new viewers and a larger fan base.
Around Chandler High, students were rooting for Brock Purdy, a graduate from Perry High School and a quarterback for the 49ers. Due to Purdy playing in the Super Bowl, many students wanted to see the 49ers pull through and take home the victory. Brock Purdy was the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, modernly known as Mr. Irrelevant, Brock has worked hard to revitalize what it means to be an NFL player as well as staying true to where he came from.
Students were asked what their favorite part of the super bowl was and while the obvious answer is the game itself, many students also said the halftime show. The halftime show is a favorite for many fans as the artist performing pulls out all the stops. Aimee Seidel, a sophomore at Chandler said, “I am a large music enthusiast and I find it very visually appealing to see how the artists display their talents.” This year, Usher performed at the halftime show and it was quite the spectacle. With guest performances from Alicia Keys, Lil Jon, Ludacris, H.E.R., will.i.am, and more. With roller skating, dancing, and more, this halftime show was one for the record books and one that will surely be memorable to all.
The Super Bowl is always a momentous occasion for friends and family alike, it brings people together for some friendly competition. All in all, this year’s Super Bowl was another large success and next year will surely be even better.
How does Homecoming season compare in high school versus college?
Published online on November 25, 2024
Homecoming in high school is commonly associated with dancing, rivalry games, and spirit weeks. Is that the case in college?
In high school, homecoming is a highly anticipated event that brings the entire student body together. At many schools, it’s a week filled with spirit days, where students dress up according to different themes, and the excitement builds up to the big football game. The game is a central part of the celebration, with the homecoming court being announced and the crowning of the senior king and queen at halftime. After the game, there’s often the homecoming dance, where students get dressed up and enjoy a night of music, dancing, and making memories with friends. It’s a cherished tradition, often reflecting the tight community of a high school.
In colleges and universities, homecoming often takes on a completely different vibe. Homecoming is a time for alumni (graduates and former students) to return to their alma mater, reconnect with old friends, and relive their college days. The festivities often span an entire weekend. “The events are way more event-based and last longer than just a night,” said Makena Colihan, a freshman at Northern Arizona University and CHS Class of 2024 graduate. In Makena’s experience at NAU, there are tailgating parties, parades, and various reunions. The football game remains a highlight, but the scale is often much more significant, with a more giant stadium and intense rivalry. College homecoming weekends often include various activities beyond the game, such as concerts, comedy shows, and other entertainment options, catering to a diverse student body and alumni network. Claire Jones, also a CHS Class of 2024 graduate and freshman at NAU, stated, “The carnival and entertainment was something people were excited for because there were actual rides and activities, and it was free to enter if you are an undergraduate student.” Some universities still hold a homecoming dance, but it is often less formal and more about enjoying the college experience with both current students and graduates.
Overall, while high school homecoming is about school spirit and creating lasting memories with classmates, college homecoming is a blend of nostalgia and celebration, offering a chance for everyone in a university community, both current students and past graduates, to come together and celebrate their shared connections.
“Enjoy the [high] school’s efforts around special events like homecoming and prom. Time goes by faster than you may think, and before you know it, it’ll be over,” advised Claire Jones.
Published online on March 7, 2025
What started as a simple idea among two high school seniors has developed into a movement that is set to continue inspiring students for years to come. Shae Laskowski-Trant and Trenton Huynh, both seniors at Chandler High School, founded the Kindness Club this year with the intention of spreading kindness throughout their school and community. Their initiative has been a success, with over 170 active members, and now as they prepare to graduate, they are passing the torch to a new group of dedicated students.
Jaden Fontana, Micah Zahir, and Alexis Francis are a few of the juniors who will be stepping up to lead the Kindness Club into its next chapter. Jaden Fontana, who will serve as the new president, has ambitious plans to extend the club’s reach and impact: “We want to open more interactive projects to increase engagement and make a real difference.” Her goal for the club is to create a culture of kindness that extends beyond our school and into the community.
The Kindness Club has already made a significant impact under Shae and Trenton’s leadership. They organized events such as hosting a booth at the Semicolon Society and having their members pass out homemade bracelets to further unify the community. The club also launched a social media campaign to promote positive messages and encourage students to share their own stories of kindness.
As Alexis, Jaden, and Micah take over, they plan to build on these successes and introduce new initiatives. One idea is to create a “Kindness Wall” where students can post notes of appreciation and encouragement from one another. Another is to partner with local volunteer organizations to sponsor community events that promote kindness and unity.
With the new leadership team in place, the future of the Kindness Club looks bright. As they work to spread their message of kindness, they are not only making a difference in their school but also setting an example for others to follow. “Kindness is a simple but powerful message, and we’re excited to see how it continues to grow,” remarks Shae.