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Photograph by Kinley Watada
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By Brynnley Prijatel
Veterans Day is approaching soon, landing on November 11. The national holiday is celebrated in honor of military veterans. The nation unites to honor this celebration. A local Marine veteran, Bryson Reinhardt explains, “My experience in the Marines transformed me from a boy into a man. I learned a lot of valuable lessons while being in the Marines because we were constantly active and traveling around the world, learning and training in different ways. I received a medal for the war on terrorism, a national defense medal, a good conduct medal, a Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and many more achievements and merits while in the service. After I got out of the Marines my transition into regular day-to-day living was a struggle because I was so used to the training and the constant of being a Marine. While being an active Marine I was paid to have a service dog that helps me through the bad times. The Marines have opened many doors I would not have opened before my experience.” We can help support veterans by volunteering at veteran organizations, donating to veteran-focused charities, and listening to veteran's stories. On Saturday, November 11, Pueblo hosted a Veterans Day Parade downtown. Karl Streyle, a PCHS softball coach, also shared his experience. Streyle's story was very impactful and motivational. His experience within the military has influenced his performance as a high school softball coach and giving back to the community. “Life for me after the military was a major adjustment. For five years I was told where to be, what to eat, what to wear, and who I was. Learning the outside world was difficult and I had to realize that the military wasn’t my only identity. Finding work that felt impactful and meaningful was the hardest adjustment. After doing two combat tours, I was proud of what I did and was doing. It was hard to find anything equivalent that made me proud like the military. I served in the United States Army and I was an infantry mortarman. I served a total of 21 months in Afghanistan in the Kunar Province. I was based at the Korengal outpost from 2009-2010. We closed down that outpost before we left in 2010. In 2012, I was at COP (combat outpost) Honaker-Miracle. This outpost was only a few miles away from the Korengal Outpost location. Our outposts were desolate and had the bare minimum. In Korengal, we didn’t even have running water and relied on water drops every few weeks to have water to drink. The drops would happen from planes and would be pallets of water with parachutes on them. We would have to rush to the water and many times would get into firefights with the locals and Taliban over the drinking water…” “...Being in the military affected my life positively and negatively. I currently live with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I struggle with nightmares, sleep deprivation, and just overall enjoyment of life. Although the military and my deployments affected my mental health, I believe it made me appreciate everything I have in my life. I am thankful for my family, another opportunity at life, and just for the little things we have that people take for granted. I struggled with survivor guilt for a long time, but realizing that my friends would want me to live my life to the fullest has helped me. I lost a total of 13 friends over my two deployments and witnessed some crazy things. I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world and believe it has made me stronger.” Veterans Day will always be a day to remember the sacrifices of our nation's heroes. Today and every day, we honor their service. By supporting Veterans Day, we can show our appreciation to those who served. By Colt Antle
On Oct. 30, 2024, Pueblo County High School held their annual trunk or treat event. It lasted from 4:30 to 6:30 with trunk themes ranging from a clown filled carnival, to a monkey infested banana car. Food trunks and vendors were lined up to serve people some more savory options, as well as hot chocolate and coffee to fight off the freezing wind and cold. With the temperature there being between 40-45 degrees fahrenheit many of those in attendance had to find alternate ways of keeping warm. Those participating in trunk or treat didn’t seem to mind the cold however, their focus was on the candy. Photos by Willow Stephenson, Kaylina Frates, Aurora Ortiz By Colt Antle
On Oct. 11, 2024, Pueblo County High School had their Homecoming game against Coronado High School in honor of their upcoming Homecoming dance. The game went favorably for the hornets with them winning with a staggering score of 41-12. It was at this game that Caprease Lisac was crowned as PCHS’ Homecoming Queen. “When I found out that I was voted as Homecoming Queen, I was actually a little shocked! I thought maybe I'd have a chance at winning but was almost sure it would be one of the other candidates.” said Lisac. This just adds to her already long list of accomplishments and accolades. She’s part of the girls golf team, a member of student council, and ever since elementary school has ensured that her grades have stayed exceptional. “Walking down the football field on Friday, I just thought about the elementary school Capreese. She would have been so excited if she knew this would happen!” It wasn’t just the football team that destroyed on the field, the PCHS marching band, cheer team and dance team also put on an exciting halftime performance. Showing off impressive displays of ballet, footwork, school spirit, and musical prowess. By Madi Wilcox
Pueblo County High was proud to host the band Showcase on Oct. 8, 2024 at PCHS football stadium. Band teacher Mr. Muller uses this event to prepare his students for the band championship. The band showcase is an event where the different highschool bands come and perform together, displaying both their color guard and musical skills. Senior Emma McDonald, sound technician, “Before I didn't really know how we did in comparison to the other bands, but after I was really happy that we did so well,”. She expands on this topic “My future plans are to keep improving and taking the judges feedback so we can keep improving and hopefully win state”. Freshman Laura Segura, spectator, commented, “I think the band is a good way to make friends and sounds very nice, and I like the band because our band is very well played”. The showcase went well, the color guard went smoothly and the sections performed well. Overall County High feels fortunate about the outcome of the showcase. Freshman Bentley Chappell, band member, commented, “Sitting in the stands and talking with my friends as well as performing was really fun”. Band is a way for many students to find their inner musician and it is how many students discover their love for music. There are many different types of instruments that students can learn to play and love. The band showcase brings much joy to the band students as they become very excited to see how they will do. By: Imajin Woodson
Homecoming is approaching, and Pueblo County High is starting to prepare themes and decor for the school halls. Each hall has its own exclusive theme. For the freshman Hall the theme is, “Snow”, the sophomore all’s theme is “Ice”, the junior hall is “Fire,” and the senior hall theme is, “Fire & Ice.” On Oct. 6, 2024 at 1-4 p.m. Student Council will start decorating. Senior Andre Murrah said, “One of the biggest factors of being able to decorate the halls for homecoming is being able to prepare as a school but bring the excitement towards the dance it self.” Homecoming will be held on Oct. 12, 2024, from 8-9 p.m. Tickets are $15 for singles and $20 for couples. Freshman, Jordan Vigil says, “I’m looking forward to HOCO because I get to hang out with my girlfriend and see the crowd.” Interested in helping? Show up. Help is appreciated. Pictures by Kaylina Frates By Madi Wilcox
Pueblo County High talent show is sponsored by The Arts Academy. Drama teacher Mrs. Taylor Morgan, formerly known as Ms Gillman, finds talented participants from our community. The Talent Show is scheduled for Tuesday Oct 2, 2024 at County High School, It is during homeroom. “Drama class is so exciting because I get to see everyone come out of their shells or continue to grow,” said Morgan. She also loves watching the kids grow out of their shells. Sophomore Kinley Watada said, “My favorite part of the talent show was the sixth hour rock band The Rat Babies, they played a rock version of careless whisper. It gave me chills when I heard one of the lead singers begin to sing. It was definitely really fun and enjoyable to watch and listen too” Drama is many students' favorite class as well as favorite thing to do. There are many showcases and performances too. This week is a talent show run by Morgan. Students participating in this performance showed off their wonderful talents. The talent show is exciting for many students because it gives them a chance to show off their impressive talents. “I absolutely adore every activity in advanced drama, but the thing I look forward to the most each year is the annual Thespian Conference in Denver,” said Senior Percy Coughlin. By Kinley Watada Every year during football season The Pueblo County Hornets participate in The Pigskin Classic. The Pigskin game is the rivalry game between PCHS and Pueblo West High School. The Thunderbowl Stadium at Colorado State University-Pueblo hosted the game at 7 p.m. on August 30, 2024. The incoming Parkview helicopter landed in the stadium to deliver the game ball, Two helicopter pilots that work for Parkview emerged from the helicopter with the football for the game. and things went wild from there and throughout the night. . The County Rowdy student crowd went with the western theme. The fans roared while they were all decked out in cowboy boots, hats and flannels. This year at the 24th annual pigskin, PCHS won the Friday Night Blitz Spirit award at the Pigskin game.
“I've been a part of every Pigskin as a player, coach or ball boy, except for the one in 2018. I love the atmosphere of the game. Playing in front of 10,000 plus fans is something not many people get to do so it's fun for everyone involved.” said Coach Ramon Enriquez. The game ended with a score of 41-0, the winner being Pueblo West. “You are only in high school once, you should be doing high school things, you have the rest of your lives to work. Take advantage of the opportunity to play in front of 10k+ fans.” stated Coach Enriquez. The Pigskin Classic is a traditional expectation, and an enjoyable experience to look back upon. The spirit week and other activities that lead up to the Pigskin are always something to look forward to. By Imajin Woodson
When you watch a play what is the first thing that comes to mind when you see flashing lights, props, the background, and even the actor's clothes? The audience often overlooks these things. Do you ever wonder who constructed the outfits, or moved the lights? The technical theater crew at Pueblo County High School works hard to enhance your experience during plays, or band concerts. Senior Willow Stephenson said, “Technical theater members rarely interact with the audience, we serve behind the scenes. Our job is to immerse the audience in the show without them ever knowing.” “People who love theater will love this club. I was drawn to costuming because of my interest in historical fashion. Honestly, anyone with creative interests would fit in well,” adds Stephenson. Now that you know about the mysteries of plays, will you start to think more about the technical theater crew? Maybe you even got a spark of interest in joining the club! |