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Photo by Wyatt Antle
 Photo by Brynnley Prijatel By: Brynnley Prijatel There is a large debate on which gas station is the best. Who sells the cheapest gas? Who sells the best snacks? And what is the overall favorite gas station among high school students? Sophomore, Jaylee Holland says, “I prefer Circle K because they do extra cents off gas on select Thursdays, followed by an extra 5 cents off a gallon for being a member. They also have a great drink selection.” Most people seem to prefer Circle K due to their deals on gas. These deals make it easier for high school students to afford gas. Sophomore Carlee Langston says, “I prefer Maverick because it’s less crowded and their facilities are better taken care of.” People who prefer Maverick prefer their clean facilities and yummy food.   Photo by Braylee Chaney  By Braylee Chaney
For many high school students, a coffee run before school has become part of the daily routine. But with prices rising, is buying coffee from a local shop really worth it compared to making it at home? Students share their opinions as we break down the real cost behind that daily cup. Junior Christopher Hildebrand prefers stopping at a local café before school. Hildebrand said, “The coffee at a shop is made for you with better ingredients, so it’s obviously a better choice”. Hildebrand visits a coffee shop about once a week and usually orders a white chocolate mocha. He believes the price is worth it because of the quality and experience. “I could make coffee at home,” he admitted, “but it doesn’t taste the same.” For others, the cost makes all the difference. Junior Molly Clouston chooses to make her coffee at home. “I started realizing I was spending almost $20 a week on coffee,” she said. Clouston says making coffee at home only takes a few minutes and saves her money in the long run. According to students interviewed, the average coffee shop drink costs between $4 and $6. Over a month, that could total more than $80. In comparison, a container of ground coffee can cost around $10 to $15 and last several weeks. Still, supporters of local coffee shops say they are paying for more than just a drink. Coffee shops also offer a place to study, meet friends, or relax after school. In the end, the choice comes down to priorities. Students who value convenience, savings, and routine may prefer brewing at home. Those who enjoy atmosphere, specialty drinks, and social time may stick with their favorite local café.   \
By: Abigail Medved In modern society, fast food has become a staple. For many, fast food restaurants are the place to buy a treat, a meal, or even a part of their everyday routine. But what makes one restaurant superior to another? A common example of fast-food competition is between Wendy’s and McDonald’s. Both these restaurants are well-known and easy to compare because of their similar menus. Both restaurants serve various types of burgers, fries, chicken, drinks, and even sweet treats like ice cream. Yet, when a poll was taken, 73% said they preferred McDonald’s over Wendy’s. So, what’s the difference? “If I had to choose, I would say McDonald’s because I like almost everything on the menu besides the Mcrib and the Mcfillet, but it’s very affordable,” shares Senior Destiny Agular, “...and I love me a six-dollar meal...” Senior Bellina Cipriani also shared, saying she liked, “McDonald’s because they have beeter fries and I like the chicken nuggets.” Most others who responded felt the same. However, there was one aspect of Wendy’s that stood out from the competition: the Frostys. Senior Hannah Davidson shared, “I like Wendy’s because they have Frosty’s and I love the burgers from Wendy’s…” So, when asked which restaurant people prefer, the answer was overwhelmingly McDonald’s because of everything from price to taste. However, Wendy’s Frostys stood out among the crowd.  Photo by Emma Mosier  By: Emma Mosier
Walmart and Target are both stores that many people go to daily. They are both good places to shop at for many different reasons. It all depends on what customers' personal preferences are. Walmart is more of a grocery store, but it still has everything you need. Target is more of a store that sells clothing and beauty products, but still offers groceries. Sophomore Yuridia Garcia says, “ I like Walmart better than Target because they have fresh and hot food, and Target is limited and does not have a deli.Walmart is also cheaper.” This is a good example that shows Walmart does offer a wider variety of food and groceries. Walmart focuses on low prices. Their main strategy is helping customers save money on groceries, food, and household items. Shoppers mainly choose Walmart when they need a fast deal. “I like Target better because they have a better style of clothes.” Said Sophomore Marissa Guida. Target offers a wider variety of styles and beauty products. Target is usually where people go to buy trendy clothes and fun household decor. Lots of the products at Target are for younger people and are more trendy. A poll was taken with the question: “Walmart or Target?” The results were 27 votes for Walmart and 93 votes for Target. In the end, both companies are very successful because they meet customers' needs. Some shoppers choose Walmart for their low prices, while others choose Target for the experience and trendy items. They both have items that the other store does not and that’s why they compete.  By Colt Antle
Pueblo County High School junior Kinley Watada is a hard working and dedicated student, always putting one hundred and ten percent into whatever she does. “Kinley is a joy to have in class. She is always the student who brings positive energy to the room. She is my "go-to" person when I need extra help making deadlines in yearbook and journalism. She gets along with everyone, is reliable, and is respectful. Kinley is a great photographer and is loved by her peers. She loves hockey, and we love her.” said Yearbook and Journalism teacher Judy Fodor. Being a good student isn’t Watada’s only expertise, she also has a knack for shredding on the ice as a hockey player. She mostly plays offense and is one of the only PCHS kids playing on the team. This knack for hockey has landed Watada in the public’s eyes with the Pueblo’s local newspaper the Pueblo Chieftain publishing a story about her and her experience with hockey. “When I found out I was walking in with my bag over my shoulder and my stick in hand. When I arrived I wasn't expecting it at all. When my coach introduced me to the man who was writing my story I was very surprised. I didn't think I would ever have any kind of story like that about me being put out there. I then started to get excited about sharing my story and being able to give other little girls advice.” said Watada. Watada now joins a list of County students who have had the honor of getting their names recognized by the newspaper organization. “To be honest I never thought I would have someone that big write something about me. After the story was published A few people came up to me about it and It was really cool knowing that now people knew who I was from the story.” said Watada. A link to Kinley’s story is included below: https://www.chieftain.com/story/sports/high-school/ice-hockey/2026/02/24/how-pueblo-girls-are-getting-more-involved-with-ice-hockey/88566048007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z11xx40p115750c115750v11xx40b0097xxd119765&gca-ft=212&gca-ds=sophi  By Camila Nito
Sprite or Coca-Cola? Which is the better drink? Despite the fact that The Coca-Cola Company owns both brands, consumers’ tastes differ greatly. Which drink is actually superior? This is an intriguing question. These drinks are very distinct from each other. This contrast is even evident in their branding. Sprite is known for its vivid green packaging, while Coca-Cola is famously symbolized by its striking, classic red color. They have equally different flavors. Sprite has a citrusy, reviving lemon-lime flavor, while Coca-Cola is sweet, slightly vanilla and mildly spicy. I polled 30 people to compare their preferences for Sprite and Coca-Cola to gain a better understanding of which drink people prefer. According to my results, 62% chose Coca-Cola, while 38% chose Sprite. An anonymous person said, “Coca-Cola is sweeter, and Sprite is a fizzy, weird-tasting drink.” In contrast, someone else said, “Sprite is like lemon juice. The fizz makes it refreshing and healthier as a drink.” According to the poll results, 62% of the 30 respondents clearly preferred Coca-Cola over Sprite. Its sweeter flavor profile seems to be the driving force behind this preference. The 38% who favored Sprite, on the other hand, praised its crisp, citrusy flavor and thought it was a “healthier” choice because of its carbonation and lemon juice-like taste. Even though Coca-Cola is the more popular choice, consumers’ preferences for either traditional sweetness or crisp, fizzy refreshment ultimately determine which of the two they choose.  Photo by Laura Segura By: Laura Segura
Starbucks, started in 1971 in Seattle, Wash.,and is famous worldwide for its cafe-style shops and drinks you can customize. Dutch Bros, started in 1992 in Grants Pass, Ore., and is known for quick drive-thru service, friendly employees, and energy drink-based drinks you can also customize. Both coffee chains are growing fast and have loyal fans, but they offer very different experiences. Areli Lerma, sophomore, said, “I think Dutch Bros is better than Starbucks, because they have better prices and more options for customizing drinks.” This rivalry matters because both companies are expanding rapidly and targeting similar customers, especially teens and young adults. Starbucks has over 35,000 stores worldwide, making it one of the biggest coffee chains ever. Dutch Bros is smaller, with more than 800 locations, but it is still growing fast. The competition is strongest in places where both chains have stores, like the West Coast and southern U.S. Customers compare price, speed, drink flavors and the overall vibe when picking where to go. Over the past month, Dutch Bros has nosedived more than 27%, and so far this year both Dutch Bros and Starbucks have fallen around 9% and 10.9%, highlighting how the coffee chains have lagged behind the overall market. Kaylee Ornelas, sophomore said, “I think Starbucks is a better place to get your beverage from because they have a better variety and I prefer it more than Dutch.” Which is “better” depends on what people like. Starbucks gives a classic coffeehouse feel where you can sit, study, or work. Dutch Bros focuses on fast service and high-energy employees who often chat with customers. In a poll of 56 people, 35% said Dutch Bros is better, while 21% said Starbucks is better. Proving people prefer Dutch Bros' delicious coffee, and cheaper prices. As both companies keep opening new locations in 2026, the rivalry isn’t slowing down. In the end, the choice comes down to whether you care more about atmosphere and tradition or speed and fun in your coffee run. Sources: https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-coffee-menu-open-drivethru-dunkin-7f47a4e35e411a0e61c2bf2e551d1de7?utm_source https://thetigercu.com/27877/news/dutch-bros-coffee-clemson-location-construction/?utm_sourc E https://www.fool.com/investing/2025/10/12/better-buy-dutch-bros-vs-starbucks/ Photos by Brooklynn Higgins By Staff
According to Activities Director Clint Chamblin,” It was a huge success!” On the evening of February 11, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. incoming freshman and their families came to preview Pueblo County High School in preparation for the Fall of 2026. Principal Brian Dillka was the speaker of the house. The band played, the cheerleaders cheered, the dance team danced and cast and members from the Arts Academy’s Spring play performed a sneak preview, a musical, for the crowd. After introductions, instructions and performance, incoming students and their families had the opportunity to speak with staff on hand and tour the building at their leisure.  By Wyatt Antle
President's Day is a holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February, which marks George Washington's birthday. This holiday is meant to honor all the presidents who have served in the White House. The thing is that not many people know why we truly celebrate Presidents' Day. Like Saint Patrick's Day, there is more to the story. This problem is just about to be changed. Originally celebrated on February 22, 1879, and later changed to the third Monday of February in 1968, Presidents’ Day is an extremely old and important holiday. First, it was made to celebrate Washington's birthday, but then changed to celebrate all of the presidents. Helping people learn and understand more about all of our presidents and what they have done for our nation. Along with not knowing the history, there are many facts that people aren't aware of for the holiday.
Whether you are red or blue, elephant or donkey, the impact that presidents have had on America, both past and present, cannot be denied. As they continue to shape America’s future, Presidents’ Day will remain an important flip-note in American history.  by : Emma Mosier
Sources of Strength is a school and community-based program that helps prevent suicide by training peers and mentors to encourage people to get help when they need it. Sources of Strength at Pueblo County High School strives to help students and bring a positive change to the school. Speaking about positive changes, Sources of Strength has put up “I dare” posters throughout the school. These posters say fun things to encourage students to do nice gestures. For example, one of them says, “I dare you to ask somebody how their day is going.” Mrs. Gray, the instructor of Sources of Strength, was asked the question: “In what ways are these posters benefiting our school?” “These posters help students to think about different positive ways to pick each other up and how they can help one another,” says Gray. Sources of Strength runs many campaigns that are fun ways to highlight PCHS. Around Christmas time, they made a tradition tree. This allowed students to share their Christmas traditions. This shows that the little things really do matter, and this can bring students together. “ I see students participating in these posters, and I think that it will catch on to even more people.” Gray said. These “dare you” activities show that even if one person engages in the posters, that can influence someone else to do it. Spreading things like encouragement, optimism, and kindness needs to be more of a normal or day-to-day thing, and that’s why things like this are so important in schools. These posters may be little, but they can make a huge positive impact on someone's day. |