Student Publication
It is with great pleasure that I present the final Spartan Newsletter of the 25-26 year. This article features a variety of topics, from June's historic moments to Prehistoric finds, and includes special articles for our graduates.
On that note, it is bittersweet to see the seniors checking out and moving on to the next steps in their lives. Their resilience has gotten them through some of the most challenging years as they learn who they are and meet the academic accomplishments that bring them to this rite of passage. It is with great pride that myself and the rest of PRLHS staff congratulate this year's seniors and wish them all the best in their next adventures.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE SENIORS OF CLASS OF 2026!
And Now We Leave…
By: Abi Lovette
It's June and finally the end of the school year. In a couple months we'll all be back and do it again, well almost all of us. We say our final goodbyes to our seniors and after seeing them grow and make mistakes during the year, now they get to go out on their own. Some students can't wait to leave, while others end up wishing the week could last a little longer.
Graduation is a rite of passage. It can mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Our seniors finally finished everything they needed to and now they're free. It gives proof of the hard-work, personal growth, and dedication they have given to be where they are now.
Not only is graduating a rite of passage but even the cap and gown are tradition. They were originally worn in medieval times to symbolize unity among the class. The tassel turn signifies taking that step from being a candidate to officially becoming a graduate. Graduation is not just the completion of an education but a stepping stone toward a lifetime of continued learning.
Graduation ceremonies have been dated back to the 12th century medieval universities in Europe. The rituals and traditional attire evolved from the daily clothing worn by medieval scholars and clergy to signify their status and scholarly achievements. The term “graduate” originates from the latin word gradus which means “step”. Originally graduating meant a student was transitioning from an apprentice to a new career in teaching.
Graduation is a tradition in not just life but also in our history. Students come, you teach them something and hope that they can do their best, and then they leave to go be on their own. Leaving friends who have become more like family, your favorite teacher, or the stinky halls and loud kids, our seniors leave the school, both the good and the bad. When you think back you might remember the bad days where no one could leave and see later on that those were the best days of your life or the worst.
Class of 2026
By: Jocelyn Barker
Graduating high school is one of the most important milestones in a young person’s life. After all the years of studying, taking tests, and participating in school activities, students finally reach the moment when they can celebrate all of their hard work. Graduation is not only the end of one chapter, but also the beginning of a new journey filled with opportunities and challenges.
For many students, high school is a place where they grow both academically and personally. During these four years, students learn subjects like math, science, history, and English, but they also learn valuable life skills. They discover how to manage their time, work with others, and overcome obstacles. Friendships formed in high school often become lasting memories that students carry with them for the rest of their lives. Graduation day is emotional for students, parents, and teachers. Students may feel excited about the future while also feeling nervous about leaving behind familiar routines and friends. Parents often feel proud as they watch their children achieve an important goal. Teachers also experience pride because they have helped guide students toward success. The graduation ceremony itself is a symbol of accomplishment and growth.
After high school, graduates have many different paths they can choose. Some students attend college or universities to continue their education. Others may attend trade schools, join the military, or begin working right away. No matter which path they choose, graduating high school provides students with the foundation they need to move forward in life. It teaches determination and so many other valuable skills.
One of the most meaningful parts of graduation is reflecting on the journey that led to that moment. Students remember late nights studying for exams, participating in sports or clubs, attending school dances, and spending time with friends making memories that last for the rest of your life. These experiences help shape who they become as individuals. Even difficult moments, such as failures or setbacks, teaches so much resilience.
In conclusion, graduating high school is much more than receiving a diploma. It represents years of effort, learning, and personal development. Graduation marks the transition from adolescence into adulthood and opens the door to future opportunities and so much life fun. While students may feel uncertain about what lies ahead, they can take pride in everything they have achieved. High school graduation is a celebration of the past and a hopeful step toward the future.
The Story of WWII and After
By Christian Williams
On the date June 6th, 1944 was the invasion of D-Day, the reason D-Day started was because on September 1st, 1939 , when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. In response to this aggression, Great Britain and France declared war on Germany two days later, on September 3rd, 1939. And later America joined the war because Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. As a preemptive military strike to prevent the United States Pacific Fleet from interfering with planned Japanese conquests in Southeast Asia. In 1942-1943 the need for a "Second Front" As the Soviet Union fought a brutal war against Germany on the Eastern Front.
Soviet leaders pleaded with the Western Allies to open a second major front in Western Europe to divert millions of German troops away from the east. On June 6th, 1944 was the D-Day invasion. That was the day the allies landed on the east coast of Normandy, France, so they could recapture the beaches from Nazi Germany to give them a better advantage to winning the war. Allied forces suffered approximately 10,300 casualties which included soldiers that were killed, wounded, and/or missing. Of this total, at least 4,414 Allied troops were confirmed dead, including 2,501 Americans. German casualties for the same day are estimated between 4,000 and 9,000 men.
After the Invasion of D-Day on August 6th, 1945 was the bombing of Hiroshima when America dropped two Atomic Bombs one was called "Little Boy" on the capital of Japan killing estimated 70,000 to 80,000 people instantly. By the end of 1945, that toll rose to an estimated 140,000, and thousands more died from radiation sickness and cancers in the subsequent years. Three days later on August 9th, 1945 America dropped another atomic bomb on Nagasaki called “The Fat Man” killing Approximately 40,000 to 80,000 people were killed instantly when it dropped. Effectively ending WW2 after the war leaving a devastated world that was rapidly reshaped by the onset of the Cold War.
The Cold War was an ideological, economic, and political struggle 1945–1991 between the capitalist United States and the communist Soviet Union (USSR).
Because of mutually assured nuclear destruction, they never fought directly. Instead, they competed through an arms race, espionage, a space race, and brutal proxy wars. And that concludes the story of WWII and The Cold War.
History of Nintendo
By Elijah Blaine
Nintendo started on September 23, 1889. It was started by Japanese businessman Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, Japan. He made a business to produce handmade playing cards called hanafuda. Nintendo had nothing to do with video games when it began. Their business was successful since people could play games with the cards and also use them for gambling. The company continued to grow over the decades, but also tried their hand at many other kinds of businesses, such as a taxi service, selling food, and selling toys. In the 1960s, the founder’s grandson Hiroshi Yamauchi became president of the company, and he declared that Nintendo was an “entertainment company” and began to manufacture toys and amusement machines. Over the next decades, they began producing arcade machines. One of their best early achievements was the game Donkey Kong. This was made by the very famous game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. Donkey Kong was the first proper appearance of Mario, who is the most iconic Nintendo character today.
Nintendo was one of the most important companies in gaming history in the 1980s. In 1983, Nintendo released the Family Computer (commonly called the “Famicom”) in Japan, and the Nintendo Entertainment System, or NES, in the United States in 1985. The NES helped to turn around an industry-wide slump in sales after the video game crash in 1983, when a number of people thought video games would stop being popular. Nintendo did this by concentrating on making quality games and controlling what could be published on their system. Some of their most popular games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid were important to their success and still popular today. Mario would come to be known as the brand mascot of Nintendo and one of the most iconic characters of all time. Finally, Nintendo was a pioneer in handheld console gaming by introducing the Game Boy in 1989. The Game Boy’s success was guaranteed by the popularity of games like Tetris and Pokémon.
From the 1990s to the early 21st century, Nintendo faced heavy competition from up-and-coming companies like Sega, Sony, and Microsoft, but persevered through innovation of its own. The next device, the SNES console, was superior in terms of graphics and sound, as well as having some classic games like Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. The Nintendo 64 was Nintendo’s entry into 3D games, such as Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. In 2001, Nintendo would release its new console, entitled the GameCube, but did not have too much success against Sony’s PS2. But their handheld systems have been extremely successful, dominating the industry with the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS.
In more modern times, Nintendo continues to press on through competition with unique designs and creative ideas. In 2006, Nintendo released the Nintendo Wii. This console used motion control to allow the players to play the game with a wave, point, or some other moment from the gamer. The Wii was an immediate massive hit with the public since it was easy to use and great fun for groups to play. The game that most contributed to the system’s success was Wii Sports. Nintendo came out with the Wii U after. Consumers were very confused about the system as it was the same name and not great marketing as well as having a confusing design so it was unsuccessful. In 2017, Nintendo released their new Nintendo Switch system. Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console. It is both a handheld gaming console and a home console at the same time. They have found a lot of success with this system with the likes of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Animal Crossing: New Horizons being massive hits.
Summer Fun
By Izzi Grotjohn
Summer is filled with absolute fun. Swimming, popsicles, hanging with friends, and many more activities. Side quests are another thing we can do more often in summer. But summer is also hot and sometimes miserable. Summer is more than just a season to most.
Summer is a break or time to hangout and relax. Kids that have school get a break from it, and they have time to do more fun activities. Kids also are able to find a good job and work. My favorite part of summer is the side quests. Also during summer it's like teachers are hiding, you don't see them often or at all.
Summer is the time to do activities such as hiking, biking, camping, boating and etc. you can camp at Riley creek or even at the mudhole, but you have to pay at both, if you have a camping spot in the woods that works too. You can also swim at both locations, or there's the docks or anywhere that is safe. Silverwood is another big deal when it comes to summer break. Silverwood is the largest theme park in the pacific northwest, it's known for their awesome rides and their Boulder beach water park.
Summer is also time for the more inverted people to have more free time to read and draw or do inside activities that may take a while. I know when it's summer I usually have my nose buried in a book. If they aren't at home usually they are at the library or even a local cafe.
This time is also known for the fourth of July, many places around her have fireworks. They have a firework show at the docks and I know that Stateline speedway has a wonderful firework show. 4th of July is known for the obvious fireworks but also bbqs.
These events and fun things are right around the corner! So I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe summer!!
Pride Month History
By Jailynne Long
Why is June associated with LGBTQ+ Pride? Well because it commemorates the Stonewall Riots, a major turning point in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. In the early morning of June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City’s Greenwich Village. Raids on LGBTQ+ spaces were common at the time, but this raid sparked several days of protests and clashes after patrons and community members resisted. The events became a symbol of organized resistance against discrimination and police harassment.
The following year, activists organized marches to mark the anniversary of the uprising. Those annual commemorations evolved into Pride marches and celebrations held around the world. June became “Pride Month” more formally in the United States after official government recognition: In 1999, Bill Clinton declared June “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month.” Later proclamations expanded the recognition to include the broader LGBTQ+ community by Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Today, Pride Month includes celebrations, memorials, protests, cultural events, and advocacy efforts. Different cities sometimes hold Pride events in other months too, often because of local weather, scheduling, or historical reasons, but June remains the symbolic center because of Stonewall.
What is the significance of pride month? Pride is important to many people for several overlapping reasons:
Visibility and recognition — Pride events make LGBTQ+ people and communities visible in societies where they were often ignored, stigmatized, or criminalized. Visibility can help reduce isolation and prejudice.
Commemoration of activism and history — Pride remembers struggles for rights and safety, including events like the Stonewall Riots and the work of activists such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera.
Community and belonging — For many LGBTQ+ people, Pride provides a sense of acceptance, support, and connection that may be hard to find elsewhere.
Advocacy and civil rights — Pride is also political for many participants. It highlights ongoing issues such as discrimination, violence, healthcare access, housing, employment protections, and rights for transgender people.
Celebration of identity — Pride can be joyful and affirming. Many people see it as a chance to openly celebrate identities that historically had to be hidden.
Support for younger generations — Seeing openly LGBTQ+ adults, families, and allies can help younger people feel less alone and more hopeful about their future. Different people experience Pride differently. Some see it mainly as celebration, others as protest and activism, and many see it as both.
June isn't always about pride though, there is graduation and appreciation for people. But that's not a topic for me. Have a lovely day!
History of Spartans
By KC Vargas
Some of the brave and celebrated warriors in Ancient Greece include the Spartans. Spartans were people from Sparta, which was a city-state located in the southern part of Greece in a region known as the Peloponnese. Everyone knows that Sparta was a city-state made up of very brave warriors.The word Spartan is even used today to refer to someone who is very brave.It is thought that the beginning of the city-state of Sparta began in the 10th century BCE with the arrival of the Dorians. Contrary to other Greek civilizations where the arts and philosophical beliefs were key aspects, Sparta focused on military dominance. Because of this focus, Sparta's male children became soldiers at a young age.After reaching seven years of age, the boys were put under a vigorous educational training program referred to as agoge. In the process of the training program, the children were taught how to be tough and live under difficult conditions using limited resources such as food and water. The agoge training program intended to instill fearlessness into the young warriors so that they would be ready to fight for their state without fear. Physical fitness and cooperation were critical aspects in Sparta, and thus the soldiers of Sparta were some of the best warriors in the ancient world.
There was another aspect of Sparta where there was a significant difference between Spartan culture and the other cultures in Greece. This is regarding the freedom and privileges accorded to the women of Sparta unlike the women of other communities within the Greek civilization. The Battle of Thermopylae is one of the wars that did happen in the past. The Battle of Thermopylae took place in 480 BC. In this war, the Greek soldiers who were under the leadership of Leonidas I battled the massive Persian forces under the leadership of King Xerxes I. It should be noted that the 300 Spartan soldiers who fought against thousands of Persians were brave.
Afterwards, Sparta ruled over all of Greece. In addition, Sparta succeeded in winning the Peloponnesian War against its rival – Athens. But then, this period of dominance was short-lived, since gradually the Spartans' numbers decreased as well as other powers emerged on the Greek horizon. Thus, it may be noted that in the Battle of Leuctra in 371 B.C., Sparta was defeated.
Though no longer dominant, the fact remains that Sparta retains its supremacy even today.
People are still fascinated by how they lived and their methods and tactics. It has been immortalized in several things such as literature, movies, and video games. The Spartans will never be forgotten because of their spirit of courage and resilience.
The History of the Spinosaurus
By Levi Holbrook
The Spinosaurus was discovered in Egypt during the year 1912, by a Hungarian fossil hunter named Richard Markgaf. Markgaf found the fossils of the Spinosaurus but it was not a complete skeleton. He was funded by a German paleontologist named Ernest Stromer. While Stromer had the fossils, he came to the conclusion that the Spinosaurus, based on the shape and size, was around fifty feet long, rivaling the Tyrannasaus in size. He also discovered the spine, at first he thought it could have been support for a fatty hump but later came to the idea that it had a sail like shape. The jaws of the creature were narrow and he correctly noted that the Spinosaurus likely ate fish as a primary food source. Unfortunately, these fossils would not last long since they were destroyed in an Allied air bombing during World War II in Munich, Germany.
This would be the only known information about the Spinosaurus for seventy years besides a jaw bone discovered by Dale Russell in 1996.
In 2014, German-Morroco paleontologist named Nizar Ibrahim, discovered a more complete skeleton of a Spinosaurus in Morocco. The Spino had bones from the skull, backbone, pelvis, forelimb, and hind limb. Before the 2014 specimen, the Spinosaurus was thought of as a sail-backed Tyrannosaurus rex. After the 2014 discovery they discovered that Spinosaurus was a semi-aquatic creature given from the dense and compact bones that are similar to a modern day penguin or manatee, and the location of the nostrils were much further back on the skull compared to other predatory animals. This would allow it to breathe while most of its snout was submerged. It also had disproportionately short back legs and a long torso. This shifted the center of gravity leading forward, leading researchers to initially propose the idea that the Spinosaurus might be an “obligate quadruped” which means it walks on all fours. Then the proportions of the feet suggested that they were broad and possibly weebbed, which is ideal for padding through water or walking on mud.
In 2020, further excavations of the same site revealed a nearly complete tail. The structure was tall and flat, looking similar to a giant paddle or a fin than a typical lizard tail. This proved that the Spinosaurus was a semi-aquatic dinosaur with the lifestyle of a river monster. It showed that the stereotypical look of a Spinosaurus (mainly from Jurassic Park III) was now deemed false.
Water
By Mary Trusty
Water is very important, especially as the weather gets warmer. In the warmer weather, your body produces sweat in order to stay cool. This means your body is using more water than if the weather were cool, so you need to drink more water in order to stay hydrated. Most people don’t drink as much water as they should, but why do we need to drink water?
One of the main reasons we need water is for temperature regulation. When our body temperature is too high, we sweat, which uses water. That's why you need to drink more water during summer than the other seasons. Water is also very important for digestion. It’s the main component of saliva, which is the first stage of digestion, and drinking water when you eat hel;s your body break down food. Staying hydrated also improves circulation, mood, cognitive function, and nutrient absorption.
When you don't drink enough water, you become dehydrated. Dehydration can be very dangerous, because water is necessary for so many bodily functions. Dehydration can cause all sorts of complications, like swelling in your brain, seizures, kidney failure, and many other terrible things. In extreme cases, dehydration can even be fatal. Luckily, drinking water and staying hydrated is pretty easy.
Most people should drink at least 100 ounces of water a day. You can stay hydrated by making sure you drink enough water. You can make this easier for yourself by carrying a water bottle with you, and taking sips of it throughout the day. You should pace yourself to have drank half of your water by midday.
Of course, water isn't just used for drinking. You can use water for many other things. One example of something else you can use water for is putting out bonfires before you leave them. In the summer, trees and foliage are at their driest, and therefore more flammable. Leaving bonfires unattended is extremely risky when flammable things are more flammable than usual. Forest fires are already widespread at this time, and you can do your part by putting out your bonfires and never leaving them unattended.
Another thing you can use water for is watering plants. You can water your lawn or your garden to keep it hydrated and moisturized. If you have any houseplants, make sure to water them as well. It's very easy to underwater your plants, which can kill them. However, some plants, like succulents, are very easy to overwater. This can also kill plants. Make sure you are giving your plants just the right amount of water.
The Summer Solstice
By Tinley Carson
The Summer Solstice, otherwise known as the Estival Solstice, occurs when one of Earth’s poles experiences its maximum tilt towards the Sun, causing the day of the year with the longest period of daylight and the shortest night. This event occurs twice every year, once in each hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, it occurs on the 20th or 21st of June, marking the first day of Summer, while over in the Southern Hemisphere, it takes place on December 21st or 22nd, marking the beginning of Winter.
During the Summer Solstice, the length of the day varies depending on location. The longest recorded has been 24 hours throughout several cities such as Murmansk and Inuvic, and lower records such as 8 hours and 39 minutes in Dunedin. This is due to the fact that the length of the day increases in the Northern Hemisphere but decreases in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Summer Solstice has been a major time of year for many cultures, and has been marked as a time of festivals, holidays, and rituals. While significance varies throughout the cultures, common themes revolve around fertility. There is evidence that this has been the case way back in the Neolithic Era. Ancient monuments that align with the sunrise and sunset of the Summer Solstice can be found in various parts of the world, such as Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas.
There are several fun and engaging ways to celebrate the Summer Solstice. The Swedes celebrate by picking strawberries, while many people in the Northern Hemisphere gather around and make a bonfire. Certain traditions include lighting candles for each of the four directions; East, West, South, and North. For others, they prefer to use the elongated daylight to maximize productivity or spend time with family and friends. This Summer Solstice, take the time to reflect on how you’d like to spend your time. Go for a swim, spend some time meditating, or sit down and talk with your loved ones. Regardless of how you spend the day, there is no wrong way to do it.
Thank you for reading and I hope you all a safe and wonderful summer!