By: Abigail Medved

Last week, Pueblo County High School Girls Swim and Dive prepared to compete in their annual league meet. The SCL Swim and Dive Championships were held Jan. 30-31 at the Hornets’ home pool. 

“I am very excited for this meet, I have heard of all the past memories and how much fun everyone has during SCL, so I am so excited to see what will happen this year,” Freshman swimmer Kaydence Raymond shares, “I am hoping to see great sportsmanship throughout the two days and having fun while also being competitive.” 

The meet featured three teams: PCHS, Pueblo South, and Sargent High School, as Pueblo West’s swim team was recently moved to another league. The Hornets have been undefeated in their league championship meet for the past 12 years, and hope to continue the tradition. 

Senior swimmer Tate Lanham said, “I expect County to win by a lot, and I think there is some pressure, but I am confident in our team.” 

In the end, the Hornets won with a score of 506 points, completing the 13th straight undefeated season!

This season has been great for me, and I love our team,” Lanham shares. “I think we have all progressed and succeeded. I am not ready for the end of the season because this is my last high school swim season, and I hate to say bye to everyone.”


The SCL meet marked the end of the Hornets’ season for the majority of the team. However, a few swimmers will be competing at the State Championship Meet.


“I am very ready for state. I have been preparing myself for the hard competition, and I can't wait for it. I am very excited for next season as I hope I will be able to make state in more than an individual event,” Raymond said. 


The state meet will be held on Feb. 12-13, 2026, at the Veteran’s Memorial Aquatic Center. 


Congratulations and good luck, Hornets!

By: Abigail Medved
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On Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, the Pueblo County High School Girls Swim and Dive Team held their senior night meet at South High School. The Hornets won with a final score of 117-70.

“I think senior night was an overall good experience. I truly enjoyed having this special moment with my team, and I will cherish it for the rest of my life,” Senior Breckin Weatherford said.

Head Swim Coach Dan Radiff shared that he was “extremely happy” with the senior night meet.

“I had to go outside to cry. It was so special how well everyone performed!” Radiff remarked. 

The girls also made history by continuing the tradition of yet another undefeated season in their league.

“...that was our 13th straight year of undefeated dual league meets!” Radiff shared. 

The senior girls were also emotional at the meet as they turned the page to a new chapter.

Senior Destiny Aguilar said, “My favorite part of senior night was being able to swim with my team for one last ‘home’ dual meet! I’m sad this is my last year swimming. I’m going to miss all of the girls so much.”

After the meet, some of the girls went out to dinner to top off the already great night.

“My favorite part of senior night was probably Culver’s after the meet because I had some great laughs,” Senior Emilee Hall shared. “Senior night was awesome, and I am so blessed to be on such an incredible team.”

Congratulations to all the senior swimmers and go Hornets!

Photos by Colt Antle, Jerzey Rhodes, Nancy Yocupicio, and Emma Moiser.

By Emma Moiser

Martin Luther King Junior gave the “What is Your Life’s Blueprint” speech to students at Barratt Junior High School on October 26, 1967. This school is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. King's key point in his speech is encouraging young students to build a strong blueprint for their lives. He explained that in your blueprint, there are three main rules. These are a deep belief in one's own dignity, worth, and "somebodiness"; the determination to achieve excellence in any endeavor; and a commitment to the eternal principles of beauty, love, and justice. He made a big impact on those students' lives that day.

Full speech here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmtOGXreTOU 

By: Imajin Woodson

In a world where many of us spend long hours indoors, the simple act of stepping outside and soaking up some sunlight can make a surprising difference in how we feel. Between school, homework, jobs, and time spent on phones or computers, it is easy to go an entire day without really being outdoors. However, scientists have long studied the link between sunlight exposure and emotional well-being, and the evidence is clear: spending time in the sun is good for your mood. What feels like a small habit can have a powerful effect on both the mind and body.

Sunlight helps the body in several important ways, starting with the brain. When sunlight reaches our eyes, it signals the brain to produce serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood. Serotonin is often called a “feel-good” chemical because it helps people feel calmer, happier, and more focused. Higher levels of serotonin are linked to better emotional balance and reduced stress. This is one reason people often feel more motivated and positive on bright, sunny days than on dark or cloudy ones.

Sunlight also plays a major role in the production of vitamin D. When sunlight hits the skin, the body begins making this essential nutrient. Vitamin D is well known for helping keep bones strong and supporting the immune system, but it is also important for mental health. Low levels of vitamin D have been connected to feelings of sadness, tiredness, and even anxiety. People who do not get enough sunlight, especially those who spend most of their time indoors, may be more likely to experience these negative feelings without realizing the cause.

Sophomore Naomi Salazar said, “I go outside and try to be in the sun at least once a day, it's nice to feel natural light on me, instead of constant fake light.”

Research supports what many people already notice in their everyday lives. A short walk outside on a sunny day can lift spirits and clear the mind. Studies from organizations like the National Institutes of Health show that people who get more exposure to natural light often report feeling happier and more energetic. Natural light also helps regulate the body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. This internal clock affects sleep, energy levels, and mood. When the circadian rhythm is balanced, people tend to sleep better at night and feel more alert during the day.

Junior Carley Genova said, “I think a lot of people during the wintertime and when finals week is going on, become very droopy, and sad.”

The importance of sunlight becomes even clearer during the winter months. In many places, winter days are shorter and sunlight is limited. This lack of light can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, a type of depression connected to reduced sunlight exposure. People with SAD may feel unusually tired, unmotivated, or sad during the colder months. For these individuals, spending time outdoors during daylight hours or sitting near windows can help improve their mood.

Of course, balance is key when it comes to sunlight. Too much direct sun exposure without protection can increase the risk of sunburn, skin damage, or skin cancer. That is why health experts recommend wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, or hats when spending longer periods outside, especially during the strongest hours of sunlight. Still, it does not take much sun to see benefits. Even spending 10 to 20 minutes outside a few times a week can positively affect mood and overall well-being.

By: Emma Mosier

High school students are using ChatGPT more than ever, but instead of helping them learn, it’s slowly hurting their thinking. And the scary part? Most students don’t even realize how much they’re hurting their education.

By the time students reach their junior year in high school, chances are, they’ve used Artificial Intelligence to write an essay or two, complete their math homework, or help get some ideas for an upcoming school project. These days, when students get assigned a project or a paper, their first instinct is to run to AI tools. There are two sides to using technology. For one, tools like Chat GPT and other AI apps can be helpful.It can make difficult topics more clear,  brainstorm ideas, and lastly it can help by getting feedback on their work. On the other hand, using AI tools can be very harmful to students. It can be used for cheating and it slows down their learning. 

High school is supposed to be the place where students start to form their own opinions, think on their own, and share their ideas with each other. These skills do not get used when tools like ChatGPT are used as a shortcut. Students' assignments may look completed but most of the time they can not explain their work or what they did to complete the assignment. This saves time, but it also harms students in the long run.

Research can help people understand these concerns for students. For example, in the article “Is It Harmful or Helpful? Examining the Causes and Consequences of Generative AI Usage Among University Students” by Muhammad Abbas, Farooq Ahmed, and Tarik Iqbal Khan. These authors found that students use AI to make things faster and take some stress off their back. This can be bad because students can end up relying on it and getting dependent on it for all of their assignments.

 “Scholars have speculated that the use of ChatGPT may bring many harmful consequences for students.” said  Muhammad Abbas, Farooq Ahmed Jam, and Tariq Iqbal Khan.

“As ChatGPT assists in knowledge acquisition, students can simultaneously apply their newly garnered knowledge, potentially bolstering their academic performance,” said Hyeon Jo

The article, “From Concerns to Benefits: A Comprehensive Study of ChatGPT Usage in Education” by Hyeon Jo also shows the benefits and risks of AI used in education. It highlights the importance of not using AI too much because it can end up having negative effects on students' learning. This article's main focus is that AI works best as a tool to support students and not a tool to use to fully replace the things that high school students should be learning. When students rely on ChatGPT too much, they’re not comprehending any of the information that they should be learning. 

“With the emergence of tools like ChatGPT, maintaining academic integrity has become even more challenging, as AI-generated content is difficult to detect,” said Silvia Ortiz-Bonnin and Joanna Blahopoulou

The article “Chat or Cheat? Academic Dishonesty, Risk Perceptions, and ChatGPT Usage in Higher Education Students” by Silvia Ortiz-Bonnin and Joanna Blahopoulou talks about the academic consequences of using ChatGPT. This article states that cheating with AI tools is a form of “academic dishonesty.” Even though students aren't intentionally cheating, it is still taking a toll on their learning. AI is putting a stop to what needs to be learned and it is doing all of the thinking for the students.  

With all of these articles combined, it shows the real risk that AI tools and ChatGPT have on high school kids today. This does not mean that these tools are bad, because they’re not if they got used in the right ways. Tools like ChatGPT have good potential to strengthen learning but students take that for granted and abuse the use of it. 

Overall, the short term problem solver that AI tools have does not compare to the long term effects that it has on high school students. If it is used in the right ways, then it can be very helpful. If not used in correct ways, then it is very harmful in the long run.

Sources: 

(PDF) Is it harmful or helpful? Examining the causes and consequences of generative AI usage among university students

From concerns to benefits: a comprehensive study of ChatGPT usage in education


 Chat or cheat? Academic dishonesty, risk perceptions, and ChatGPT usage in higher education students | Social Psychology of Education

By Camila Nito Burgos

 The topic of fast fashion is back trending again, with the recent circulation of TikTok videos claiming it was “never that serious,” sparking debate over whether staying trendy is really worth it. Fast fashion is inexpensive fashion, cheap low-quality, trendy clothes. Fast fashion has been around since the 1900s due to the demand for cheaper, trendy clothing. Although it started back in the day, the problem has grown with popular stores like Forever 21, Zara, Shein, and the TikTok shop. Many teenage girls think of fast fashion as a small issue, and something not that serious to worry about, but stock numbers say otherwise.

According to the Uniformmarket statistic by Nancy Cardona (2024), fast fashion is now a, “$150.82 billion industry, it has grown by 10.74% from 2024 and is further estimated to reach $291.1 billion by 2032.” Meaning that fast fashion has increasingly grown and will continue to grow in the next seven years. At this rate, most people won't know the experience of good-quality clothing. 

Fast fashion is not only categorized in clothing but also in toys and plush. In April of 2025, popular blind box plushies called “Labubus” became trending on social media platforms. Labubus originally cost $28-40 (depending on variety), but of course, many people would want them at a cheaper price, looking on online websites. This led to creating the phrase “Lafufu,” meaning fake or counterfeit labubu. Behind the trendy, low-quality outfits and toys, immigrant women are working endlessly to provide clothing. With fast fashion, the cheaper prices mean the less these workers get paid.

 Fast Fashion is also a huge harm to our environment. Most clothing, according to Vogue's article by Alyssa Hardy  (2023), “Fast fashion is not affordable simply because the materials are cheap. Historically, workers around the globe (80% of whom are women) are paid through a piece rate system, resulting in wages that are extremely low. Within this system, workers make a very small amount per item, totaling wages as little as $200 a week for full-time work. In Bangladesh, the second largest exporter of garments in the world, workers are paid a monthly minimum wage of just $113 per month.” Female workers all over get paid the bare minimum to support their families; $113 is way below the poverty line; it's barely enough to buy groceries and pay rent.

Fast fashion is a global issue. Everyone wants inexpensive, trendy clothing, but is it really worth it when women earn barely enough to survive, and hazardous chemicals contaminate the environment? Consumers lose sight of what true quality even feels like? The reality is harsh: fast fashion is only “affordable” because someone else is paying the price. It's time for us to reconsider the way we purchase used goods, support ethical companies, and prioritize quality over quantity. We, the customers, are the ones who initiate change, not businesses.

Sources
UniformMarket. (2025, May 28). Environmental impact of fast fashion statistics (2025). huniformmarket.com/statistics/fast-fashion-statisticsttps://www.
Hardy, Alyssa (2024, April 24). Everything you need to know about fast fashion. Vogue. https://www.vogue.com/article/what-is-fast-fashion

By Laura Segura

Every day, someone new is canceled online, and sometimes the punishment hits harder than the mistake ever did.

In today’s world, people are called out online every day for things they say or do. Sometimes those reactions are fair and help people learn from their mistakes. Other times, the public response goes too far, destroying a person’s reputation without giving them a chance to grow. Understanding the difference between cancel culture and accountability is important because it affects how we deal with conflict, growth, and justice in our society.

Evie Feinour of Platform Magazine said, “Whether or not the ‘cancelled’ person has a chance to apologise and be forgiven.”

According to Feinour’s article, “ Cancel culture vs. accountability: Where do we draw the line?” in Platform Magazine, accountability is supposed to give people room to apologize, improve, and rebuild trust. She explains that the line between accountability and cancel culture is often blurred, especially on social media, where people rush to judge others. Feinour also asks us to think about what kind of society we want: one that rejects people forever or one that supports growth and forgiveness. 

Feinour said, “Ultimately, canceling culture challenges us to reflect on what kind of society we want to be, one that shuns mistakes, or one that values growth, dialogue, and genuine accountability.”

Jeff Kirchick makes a similar claim in the article, “The Difference Between Cancel Culture and Accountability Culture.” He argues that cancel culture often quiets people and makes it harder to have honest conversations. He says accountability should have consequences that match the seriousness of the mistake and still allow people to explain themselves and not lose all of their respect. Kirchick’s article helped understand how cancel culture can harm free expression and shut down important conversations. 
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Kirchick said, "Cancel culture is indeed quite real, and it is problematic because it promotes the silencing of people with whom we disagree.”

Gabriel Nadales adds another point by explaining that cancel culture can also punish people for behavior that is simply unpopular, not really harmful. He warns that sometimes the punishment spreads to people who were not even involved, which makes the situation even more unfair. Nadales says that real accountability gives someone a chance to apologize and show they can change. His perspective shows how important it is to look at the intention and seriousness of an action before deciding how to respond.

Nadales said, “Cancel culture often targets conduct that is unpopular rather than truly egregious.”
Together, these writers make it clear that while people should face consequences for their actions, those consequences need to be fair. If people want a society that encourages learning and growth, then they have to choose accountability over quick judgment. Listening, understanding, and giving people the chance to change will always be more effective than canceling them without a second thought.


Sources
Feinour, E. (2025, April 15). Cancel culture vs. accountability: Where do we draw the line? Platform Magazine. https://platformmagazine.org/2025/04/15/cancel-culture-vs-accountability-where-do-we-draw-the-line/
Kirchick, J. (2021, May 31). The difference between ‘cancel culture’ and ‘accountability culture’. Jeff Kirchick. https://jeffkirchick.com/2021/05/31/the-difference-between-cancel-culture-and-accountability-culture/
Nadales, G. (2023, March 17). Four reasons why accountability differs from cancel culture. Our America. https://joinouramerica.org/four-reasons-why-accountability-differs-from-cancel-culture/