By: Faith Baca

At Pueblo County High School, students cannot go outside during school hours unless they sit outside during lunch or at the end of the school day. Students of all ages should be able to go outside for at least 7 minutes, especially now that it's fall and not as hot outside.   
          
“Seven minutes a day is barely enough time to begin to imagine the premise of a game,” according to the article,  “Seven Minutes Outside: the Collapse of Childhood Play”
     
 Kids should be able to go outside for their health. Being in nature can reduce stress and make you feel calmer by increasing oxygen. Being in the sun improves your mood, concentration, and vitamin D exposure. 
  
If you go outside in the fall, you can see the leaves on the trees change color and start falling. They do that because they stop producing chlorophyll.

Being outside strengthens your immune system by bringing in fresh air, and it reduces stress and anxiety by lowering stress hormones and calming your nervous system. 
 
“Being outside makes me calm down when I am stressed,”  said Freshman Sofia Gonzales

In the fall, people get more sleep because the shorter days and less sunlight make your bodies produce more melatonin, which makes them more tired in the evening.

https://thedailyeconomy.org/article/seven-minutes-outside-the-collapse-of-childhood-play/  

Photo provided by Amazon
Most popular costume according to Amazon

​By: Emma Mosier 

Once October rolls around, the hallways at Pueblo County High School are filled with chatter of scary movies and haunted houses, but for some reason, when students reach high school, things change when it comes to dressing up and trick or treating. For some students, Halloween night is about getting into costumes and going house to house to get candy, while for others it’s about parties or simply staying in. The question is, are high school students growing out of Halloween traditions, or just finding new ways to celebrate? Sophomore Yuridia Garcia was asked this question, and here was her input: 

“ I still dress up because it is fun to hang out with my friends. I think that you are only too old if you think you are.” Said Garcia.

Many high school students share this same mindset. They see Halloween as a night to laugh, enjoy the night, and have fun with friends. Dressing up doesn’t always mean candy and costumes; it’s about making memories that can last a lifetime and keeping a little bit of childhood alive. As they get older and enter high school, teens find a new way to celebrate Halloween. For example, fun parties with themes, taking pictures for Instagram, and simply having fun. This proves that Halloween can be fun no matter your age.


“ I still dress up because it’s an excuse to be with my friends and to celebrate. I think you are never too old to dress up for Halloween. Said Sophomore Espernaza Gonzales.

Ultimately, Halloween can mean so many different things to high school students. It can be a night to have fun with friends, or a night to dress up and enjoy the experience. They do this by throwing or attending parties, trick-or-treating, and taking cute photos to cherish forever. After all, you are never too old to enjoy the night and celebrate a little magic once a year. 

By Braylee Chaney 

As the air turns crisper and the leaves start changing, many people feel their moods shift along with the weather. The excitement of fall can quickly fade into the winter blues, and for some, that can mean a real struggle to stay positive and motivated.

Seasonal changes can affect more than just your clothes; they can also impact your mental health. Experts say that less sunlight, colder temperatures, and spending more time indoors can lead to lower energy levels and feelings of sadness or isolation. 

“Cold and short days can also goad us into a sense of isolation and loneliness. Cold temperatures, bad weather, and poor driving conditions can make going out less appealing,” reports Dave Price, MS, Associate Humanities Professor at Kettering College. 

But there are ways to keep your mental health “warm” even when it’s freezing outside. One of the best ways is to stay connected to others. Spending time with friends, joining clubs, or simply talking to someone can make a big difference.

“One huge way I stay connected during the winter or the cold days, I Facetime my close ones and just talk to them about anything,” said Junior Lyla Harriman. 

Staying active is another key. Even a short walk outside, bundled up in your favorite hoodie or jacket, can improve your mood by releasing endorphins. Exercise also helps regulate sleep and reduce stress, which often becomes harder to manage in colder months.

“Staying inside is depressing, so I like to go to the gym or anything outside, with the snow is enjoyable for me,” explained Senior Marcos Alanis. 
Self-care becomes especially important during this time of year. That might mean setting aside time to relax, journaling, or finding creative hobbies indoors. Listening to music, reading or baking can help replace outdoor fun when the weather isn’t cooperating.
“My favorite fall hobby would be either reading or drawing next to the window,” expressed Junior Molly Clouston.

So, when the days feel dark and the temperatures drop, light a candle, call a friend, or take a moment to relax. Small acts of care can make a big difference. 

Warmth doesn’t just come from a blanket or a cup of cocoa; it also comes from connection, kindness and the routines that help people stay grounded all year long.


https://kc.edu/the-psychology-of-surviving-a-cold-dark-ohio-winter/

By Camila Nito Burgos

Homecoming season has returned, bringing excitement and school spirit back into the Pueblo County High School halls. Students prepare for a week filled with a Spirit Week, an assembly, and, of course, the anticipated traditional football game.  There are several fundraisers underway to keep funding for our sports teams and clubs.
This year’s Homecoming Dance also opens a door for freshman students to experience this school spirit and tradition for the first time.

“I expect my first Homecoming to be super fun since I'm going with my friends,” said Freshman Patience Castro.

The Homecoming Dance will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 8-11 p.m. in the PCHS Auxiliary Gym. Students have been preparing for Homecoming by shopping for nice outfits, purchasing tickets, and taking pictures to share memories.

“To prepare for Homecoming, I recommend spending Friday night preparing by having your hair rollers ready and trying on face masks.  Just spending the day in self-care,” said Freshman Alexis Vigil.

As Homecoming draws near, students and staff are eager to celebrate another week of school spirit. With all the planning and excitement leading up to Homecoming, this year promises to be a highlight of the fall semester.

Throughout the week, students will enjoy exciting activities, including the annual Powderpuff football game between junior and senior girls at 2:52 p.m. on Wednesday and the highly anticipated Homecoming football game on Friday night at 7:00 pm. In addition, students will participate in an enchanted-themed spirit week to show off their fairytale outfits and creative spirit, and end this fall semester. Monday is Pajama Day, Tuesday is Twin Day, Wednesday is Animal Day, and Thursday is Camo Day. Each day will give students chances to shine bright with school spirit before Homecoming Day. With a week full of spirit, tradition and excitement, PCHS students will be ready to make heartwarming memories.

By  Laura Segura

Every fall, Starbucks brings back its famous Pumpkin Spice Latte, a seasonal favorite that signals the start of sweater weather. But this year, another drink is stealing some attention, the Pumpkin Chai Latte.
The Pumpkin Spice Latte is made with espresso, steamed milk, pumpkin syrup, and topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices. It’s sweet, creamy, and strong, a comfort drink for coffee lovers.

Sophomore Areli Lerma said, “Pumpkin spice lattes are my personal fall favorite because I am a person who likes coffee more”. 
The Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte blends chai tea, pumpkin syrup, and warm spices like cinnamon. It’s a bit lighter and less bold but has a cozy, spiced flavor that people love. 

Sophomore Brynlee Prijatel said,” I love pumpkin chai latte so much, it always puts me in a fall mood.” 
Starbucks barista Madi Smith said, "Both drinks are popular, but I noticed people who want caffeine and sweetness go for the latte, and those who want something sweet and spicier pick the chai.”

The fall season has finally arrived, bringing with it cozy vibes and everyone’s favorite pumpkin flavors.

“Pumpkin drinks are one of the things that make people excited for this time of year,” Smith said. 

For many students, grabbing the pumpkin-flavored drink after school or before class has become a small seasonal tradition. Whether it’s studying with a pumpkin spice latte or sipping a pumpkin chai while hanging out with friends, both drinks offer a taste of fall in a cup.

As the leaves start to change and temperatures drop, Starbucks shops fill with the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and espresso. The debate between Pumpkin Spice and Pumpkin Chai may continue all season, but one thing is sure: fall wouldn’t feel the same without a bit of pumpkin spice.

By Noah White

Hockey is typically a winter sport in most school sports, but Pueblo County High School’s hockey team has a different timeline: in the fall season, they are early starters in a preseason league that has already shown their talent and courage. The Hornets made a great start to their fall season, taking two wins and showing both their attacking force and defensive stamina.

The opener was an 8-4 high-scoring win, the team's best, and surprised everyone with their offensive depth and ability to dominate the ice. Along with this strong kicking, the momentum, which was further built up by the team in their second game with a 4-2 win, and the tough defense, which did not allow their opponents to launch a serious attack, were also highlighted.

Coach Jeff King says, “This team is a lot of fun for me to coach because I coached many of the players when they were in the Pueblo Youth Hockey program. It is rewarding to see how the players have grown and developed over the years.”

For Kinley Watada, a junior at PCHS, this fall league has been an excellent opportunity to build chemistry with teammates before the full winter season. Watada, playing right wing, is among the few players at PCHS and is joined by the team's seniors, who are among the leading contributors and attend Pueblo West High School. Though these players come from different schools, Watada points out that the team's unity is one of the best features.

Watada says, "The people on the team are so enjoyable to be around and play with. On the ice, no one is left out; everyone is included." 

The PCHS hockey team, composed of students from different schools, continues to show its impressive ability through its players and specific skills. Playing right wing, Watada's position often puts her in front of the net, but she also defends the goal when needed, providing both offense and defense for the Hornets.

Watada says, “I play right wing, so I mostly go in and try to score goals and clear the puck out of our defensive zone.”

As the year progresses, this fall league will be over, and the winter season will start, with a young core of forwards set to return. The future of the PCHS hockey program appears brighter than ever, ready to build on the foundation laid during their fall season. This fall league, with cold hearts and determination, is here to skate forward into the winter season to sting the ice. 

By Abigail Medved
​
Although the crisp fall and winter weather is inviting, venturing outside may lead to an unplanned hospital visit. 

With flu season, school in session and snow on the way, it is prime time for sickness to rear its ugly head. Although only one factor in disease transmission, temperature has a significant impact on how humans catch and handle illness.

A study by The Lancet shows, “Globally, 5,083,173 deaths were associated with non-optimal temperatures per year, consisting of 4,594,098 cold-related deaths and 489,075 heat-related deaths.”

Although extreme heat impacts human health, cold weather is significantly more impactful, leading to more detrimental risks. But not all winter illnesses are deadly. Seasonal illnesses like the flu are not usually fatal in children and young adults. Furthermore, the CDC reports that there are only about 1.2 deaths per 100,000 caused by influenza. However, the cold weather is the perfect environment for even harmless illnesses to spread. 

PubMed reports, “Prior literature suggests that cold temperature strongly influences the immune function of animals and human behaviors, which may allow for the transmission of respiratory viral infections…the highest risk of infection is attributable to a steep fall in temperature in a relatively warm environment.”

But humans’ decreased immunity during cold weather not only impacts households, it also affects hospitals and the healthcare workers who so carefully tend to the ill. 

In another study comparing temperature and insurance payouts, PubMed reports, “We find that extreme temperatures have particularly stronger positive effect on hospital admission and inpatient care utilization among older and poor patients.”

This “positive association,” represented in the charts provided, means that as the temperature drops, the number of hospitalized patients increases. A significant amount of this increase is represented by the elderly and lower-income individuals insured by Medicare and Medicaid, hence the fiscal impact of the cold and the crucial need for insurance payouts.

The availability of local hospitals and urgent care facilities is extremely important in areas that are prone to cold weather. Although most cold-related illnesses are harmless, there are cases in which the sickness becomes life-threatening and urgent medical care is required. The availability of insurance is also extremely important because low income may prevent some individuals from seeking the care they need. These issues should be addressed in local communities for the protection of the residents and the prevention of as many cold-related deaths as possible. 

The crisp weather of the seasons coming up is all fun and games until someone gets sick. The cold temperatures are the perfect environment for illness to spread and cause an unplanned hospital visit. Be sure to stay healthy during this chilly time of year! 

By Wyatt Antle

Pumpkin carving, one of the best known ways to enjoy Halloween. When you're a child, you carve every year, but when you get older, you carve a lot less. For high schoolers, Halloween activities like carving pumpkins aren't their main criteria. They don’t have time to participate in the Halloween season. So, who still has the time to?

“Yes, I carve pumpkins with my family,” said Freshman Gunner McGrath.

“Yes my brother still does, so I still do,” said Freshman Mason Wodiuk.

“Yes, I usually go to the farm and get some pumpkins to carve,” said Freshman Jacobo Escobado.

Half of the people asked said that they still carve pumpkins. These students can enjoy the time of All Hallows’ Eve,they can still participate in pumpkin carving. Being a part of the Halloween season that everybody knows and loves to do. But there are some students who can’t join in with pumpkin carving. 

“I don’t carve pumpkins anymore, I have grown up past that,’’ said Sophomore Antonio Cortese.

“I still get pumpkins, but instead I like to slice them up, not carve them,” said Sophomore Tyson Trujillo.

“I don’t have the time to carve because I'm on the football team,” said Freshman Michael Espinoza Jr.

The other half of the people asked said they don’t carve pumpkins anymore. These students can't take part in carving pumpkins. They have after school activities or schoolwork that they have to do. They just don’t have the time to be part of the season.

Some high schoolers have the time to carve pumpkins, and some don’t. High schoolers are busy with their everyday lives, but there are still some who still like to be part of the Halloween tradition. Some high schoolers spill their guts out for pumpkin carving, while others just squash away the holiday season.

By Colt Antle

What is Fall? Is it when the trees and plants all start to change a different color? Is Fall really a season that has one definition? Through all the holidays and excitement for other seasons fall gets treated as a transitional season and is often looked over. Fall has more to bring to the table than just Halloween and Thanksgiving and deserves better than just being known as that season between summer and winter.

“I’d define fall as the perfect balance between summer and winter; not too hot, not too cold. A time of year known for its cloudy weather, beautiful aesthetic, and to me, ability to induce a good mood,” said senior Finnegan Minarik. Minarik is a part of the School of Environmental and Biological Science and Pueblo County High School and is actively involved in PCHS activities, participating in clubs like Technology School Association. 

Food, whether it’s wrapped in plastic or made from scratch, helps create a warm and often nostalgic feeling that many associate with the autumn season. Companies like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts capitalizes on the season by releasing treats that not only help make them extra money, but helps to get people in the spirit for the season. If commercialism is something nothing beats something homemade, like a batch of cookies a relative bakes around the time of year or a dish that someone can only have at Thanksgiving. 

“My favorite autumn food is the smoked turkey that my dad makes for Thanksgiving. I love eating it with homemade cranberry sauce from my uncle,” said Sol Montoya. Montoya is also an active community member at PCHS and always participates in the school spirit days. Montoya makes a conscious effort to show the whole school his hornet pride.

It’s not just companies that like to celebrate the season in a unique way. Different farms like Mauros and Di Santi have pumpkin patches and corn mazes to help improve business. PCHS holds different events around the season or themed to a specific holiday like Trunk or Treat or The Arts Academy’s annual fall play. There’s also the larger events like the Homecoming Dance and Veterans Day assembly.

“Fall is my favorite season, only rivaled by winter. To me, it feels like a very welcoming time of year, with the most pleasant weather. It elicits nice childhood memories of Thanksgiving at my grandparent’s house, Halloween, etc,” said senior Finnegan Minarik.

Here’s to fall, a season overlooked for its holidays and not recognized for everything else it has to offer. Though it might get walked over like a pile of red and yellow leaves it’s a season that deserves more than just candy.