By Camila Nito Burgos

On November 13, 2025 the Pueblo County High School Arts Academy presented the classical play, Pride and Prejudice by Charlotte Bronte. There were 5 performances between Thursday, Nov. 13, and Sunday, Nov.16 under the direction of Ms. Kristin Hoffmann. It was a huge success with each performance filling the auditorium. 

By Emma Moiser
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Pueblo County High School held a Veterans Day Assembly on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 in the main gym. The PCHS JROTC honored all veterans in attendance during the assembly. JROTC Instructor, (Retired) Army Sgt. Maj. Arnold Lewis presented the colors, the cadets, veterans past and present. Lewis named all in attendance individually as well as remembering those who lost their lives.

By Braylee Chaney and Abigail Medved

Pueblo County High Marching Band won the 3A State Championship in Stocker Stadium in Grand Junction CO against returning champions, D’Evlyn Junior/Senior High School. The competition took place in late October 27, 2025 and had a school assembly to perform on November 6, 2025. The marching band was under the direction of Band Instructor Josh Muller and senior leaders.

 By Noah White

The Pueblo County High School JROTC, marched on Union Avenue in the Pueblo Veteran’s Parade in the Historic Downtown area on Saturday, Nov. 8. 2025, The parade is an annual event held to honor current and ex-military veterans for their service, bravery and patriotism. 

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.