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Student Publications

I present your February newsletter, written by the HS journalism students. You will find articles that dive into the upcoming Valentine's holiday as well as articles that may surprise you. Enjoy! 

Cupid

By: Abi Lovette

Eros, otherwise known as Cupid, is the Roman god of desire. When most people think of Valentine's day they think of love and gifts, flowers and chocolate, cupid and his arrows making people fall in love, but where did cupid come from? Cupid has 2 stories as to how he came to be what he is today. Once the Romans adapted the myth then Eros was renamed Cupid. It was said that Cupid was a god who had aged backwards and had a bow and arrow. 

One story of how Cupid came to be is that Eros was the third to emerge at the dawn of time following Chaos and Gaia (Earth). In this version of the story Eros has no parents and that he emerged to act as the “glue” to the new universe. It was said that he had the “uniting power” and that this allowed the other god to procreate. He brought order and harmony to conflict with Chaos. 

In the other story Eros, known as Phanes or Protogonos (first-born), hatched from a silver “world egg” created by Chronos. It was said that once he hatched his light filled the void and his immense power was used to craft the moon, the sun, and the first generations of gods. It was said that he was golden winged and being of pure light. This was later changed in the small chubby baby.

Throughout the versions of how Cupid came to be he was said to be the universal binder and he ensured the world's harmony. Over the years Eros name was changed to Cupid and he went from a god to being a baby with a bow that is said to make people fall in love. As cupid was more associated with his mother, Aphrodite, and by making him her son he was portrayed as more of a disobedient child rather than a god. However, in Roman stories he was portrayed as a mama's boy who followed the commands of Venus to cause romance trouble. 

During the renaissance, painters such as Caravaggio and Raphael rediscovered the old Roman statues and popularized the use of winged infants to represent innocent, pure love. By the 18th and 19th centuries this cuter version of Cupid became popular on cards and advertisements. This became a symbol of a romantic love, the kind stripped of all Chaotic or sexual power held in the ancient times.

Tattoos: A Form of Self-Expression

By Caleb Delorenze

Tattoos have been around for thousands of years, but the way people view them has changed a lot over time. In the past, tattoos were often seen as a bad thing and were linked to criminals or rebellious people. Today, tattoos are much more accepted and common. Many people get tattoos to express who they are, remember something important, or show their beliefs. As tattoos become more popular, they also create discussions about identity and professionalism.

Long ago, tattoos had cultural and spiritual meanings. Ancient groups like Native American tribes and Polynesian cultures used tattoos to tell stories or show status in their community. However, in Western society, tattoos were later viewed negatively. For many years, people believed tattoos made someone look unprofessional or untrustworthy. This idea affected how tattooed people were treated at work and in the media.

In recent years, tattoos have become more accepted, especially among younger generations. Social media has helped change public opinion by showing tattoo art and the stories behind it. Many athletes, actors, and musicians proudly show their tattoos, which makes them feel more normal to the public. Because of this, tattoos are now often seen as art rather than a symbol of rebellion.

Although tattoos are more common, they can still be controversial in professional fields such as journalism. Some people believe journalists should look traditional so audiences take them seriously. Others argue that tattoos do not affect someone’s ability to report the news honestly and accurately. A journalist’s job is to share facts and tell stories, not to fit a certain appearance. As society becomes more open-minded, these opinions are slowly changing.

Tattoos also bring up the idea of permanence. Since tattoos usually last forever, people need to think carefully before getting one. Some critics believe young people may regret their tattoos later in life. Supporters, however, believe everyone should have the freedom to make choices about their own body. This debate shows how tattoos connect to larger issues of responsibility and personal choice.

In conclusion, tattoos are a popular way for people to express themselves. While they were once judged negatively, they are now widely accepted in many parts of society. In journalism and other careers, tattoos are slowly becoming less of a concern. What matters most is a person’s character, honesty, and skills—not what they look like. Tattoos show how society is changing and becoming more accepting of individuality.

Why D&D is Better Than MTG

By Elijah Blaine

Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering are both well-known tabletop games, but they offer very different experiences. Magic: The Gathering is a competitive card game that focuses on strategy, deck-building, and winning matches. Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game that focuses on imagination, teamwork, and storytelling. While both games can be enjoyable, Dungeons & Dragons is better because it allows more creativity, encourages cooperation, costs less money, and creates meaningful memories.

One major reason Dungeons & Dragons is better is creativity. In Magic: The Gathering, players are limited by the cards in their deck. Every move depends on what cards they draw, and players must follow strict rules printed on those cards. In Dungeons & Dragons, players have much more freedom. They can choose how their characters act, speak, and solve problems. Players might talk their way out of a fight, sneak past enemies, or come up with clever plans that the game never expected. This makes Dungeons & Dragons feel more open and exciting because imagination plays a huge role in every decision.

Another reason Dungeons & Dragons is better is that it is a cooperative game. Magic: The Gathering is competitive, which means one player wins and another loses. This can sometimes cause frustration, especially if one player has a stronger or more expensive deck. Dungeons & Dragons is played as a team. Players work together to complete quests, defeat enemies, and solve challenges. Everyone shares both success and failure, which makes the game more enjoyable and less stressful. Teamwork also helps players build communication skills and stronger friendships.

Cost is another important difference between the two games. Magic: The Gathering can be very expensive. Players often need to buy new cards, booster packs, or entire decks to stay competitive. Some decks can cost hundreds of dollars. Dungeons & Dragons is much more affordable. Players usually only need dice, paper, and access to the rules. Many tools and resources are free online. Because of this, Dungeons & Dragons is easier for new players to start without spending a lot of money.

Dungeons & Dragons also stands out because of its storytelling. Magic: The Gathering has a story and lore, but during gameplay, the main focus is on winning the match. In Dungeons & Dragons, the story is the game. Players create characters with personalities, goals, and backgrounds. Over time, these characters grow and change through their adventures. Players often become emotionally connected to their characters and remember important moments from the story long after the game ends.

In conclusion, while Magic: The Gathering is a fun and challenging card game, Dungeons & Dragons offers a richer experience. It encourages creativity, teamwork, storytelling, and lasting memories. For these reasons, Dungeons & Dragons is better than Magic: The Gathering.

Presidents Day

By Emily Cramer

President's Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the third Monday of February each year. The day honors George Washington, born on February 22, 1732. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved the celebration to the third monday of february to guarantee a three-day weekend for workers.

Some traditions that are celebrated include schools and families that teach about U.S. presidents, specifically Washington and Lincoln. Activities include creating crafts, reading presidential biographies, or writing to the current president. Many visit historical parks, museums, national parks, or monuments like mount rushmore to reflect on american history. Retailers hold major sales, and it is a popular weekend for winter trips, shopping, or relaxing with family and friends. Some cities hold parades and, occasionally, reenactments of famous speeches or battles. People eat cherry based-based foods to honor the legendary story of George Washington and the cherry tree.

Presidents day gives most people a three-day weekend. Federal employees, most public schools, universities, banks and, the stock market get president's day off because it is a federal holiday, but private sector workers’ status varies by company, though many in finance or large corporations also get the day off, while essential workers in retail, hospitality, or delivery usually work but might get premium pay. Some popular foods for president's day are Macaroni and cheese, texas chili, buttermilk fried chicken fingers, new england clam chowder, classic smashed cheeseburger, apple pie, John F. Kennedy's white house fettuccine, and Laura Bush's cowboy cookies.

It is very important to celebrate our presidents because they hold the highest executive authority in the United States, serving simultaneously as head of state, head of government, and commander in chief of the armed forces. Their decisions directly impact national security, the economy and the enforcement of federal laws, shaping daily life and the country long term decisions. So it is very important we celebrate the special presidents because they keep us safe and do so much for us and our safety. 

You could show your appreciation to our president by hand written letters. Avoid generic praise, instead thank them for a specific action, such a successful project, mentorship, navigating a crisis, or securing a raise. Respect your president and respect their name. Not only do we celebrate George Washington's birthday but Abraham Lincols is also celebrated because his birthday was the 12th of February in 1809.

Is Valentines Really Based on Romance?

By Izzibrayah Grotjohn

Was valentines always about the love and passion felt towards other people? Well lets just say the beginning of Valentines day was an absolute blood bath. I guess you could say the Romans were very violent and not in the exact ways you think. 

Back in ancient Rome from February 13-15 the Romans would celebrate a feast known as the feast of Lupercalia the men that participated in these feast would normally sacrifice a goat and a dog, then they would whip women with the hides of the animals they had just sacrificed. All because the men believed it would make them fertile. Who knew that just one thought of fertile women could make men feral. 

Also the Romans are definitely responsible for the name of Valentines day. Emperor Claudius the second executed two men named valentine hence the name valentines day. These men named Valentine were literally killed on February 14 of different years in the third century. But later things would change.

Later in the future Pope Gelasius the first combined St. Valentine's day with Lupercalia to expel the pagan rituals. The festival was way more of a theatrical interpretation of what it had once been. Around this time the Normans celebrated Galatins day. Galatins means “lover of women”. But as years went on the holiday grew sweeter and wasn't completely based on fertility and just the love towards women. Shakespeare started romanticizing it in his works, along with Chaucer. 

Eventually paper cards became popular in the middle ages. Soon the tradition made its way to the new world which made cards more popular and eventually cards started being factory made. Well February was never the same after that. 

Now we celebrate the day every year. A day to spoil your partners and loved ones with chocolates, roses and more. This day is so popular that 20,000+ people get married on this day. I guess this day back then was definitely not all hearts and diamonds.

Our Chocolate Favs

By Jailynne Long

The most favorite chocolate out of all of them (white chocolate, Milk chocolate, Dark chocolate) turns out to be milk chocolate. Not a surprise, it's creamy and smooth to eat. It has an easy wave of “oh yeah” and is used in many different chocolate combinations. A lot of people like it in “reeses” form or like to eat the hershey type. It's used in giving for Valentine's Day, Christmas, or even birthdays. It gets millions of sales and ratings. Ranging from some saying it's “the best they’d have” to “I hate this type of chocolate,” which is understandable, we all don’t exactly like all chocolate I’m sure, be careful not to eat too many, it can get you sick. Anyway getting off track lets get into the facts on why they might be favored.

Milk chocolate is considered delicious primarily due to its high fat and sugar content, which creates a creamy, indulgent, and easily melting texture that triggers pleasure sensors in the brain. Combining sugar, cocoa butter, and milk, it offers a sweet, mellow, and less bitter flavor profile compared to dark chocolate, making it a universally popular comfort food. A prized possession even some might say, hershey chocolate makes many different types of chocolate as well. Used in roasting marshmallows by the fire or even just having a bit of a craving.

Have you ever heard of the “5 chocolate bar method”? Well let me explain, the "5 chocolate bar method" is a mindfulness strategy for overcoming binge eating or out-of-control cravings by creating an abundance of a forbidden food (like 5 chocolate bars), removing its novelty and scarcity, and normalizing it so you can eat it mindfully without feeling the need to binge. The core idea is to break the restriction-binge cycle by always having the food available, signaling to your brain it's not special or limited, and reducing its power over you through repeated, controlled exposure, often paired with balanced meals. Be aware of the dangers to eating too much. It can be a craving but don’t try and make it a habit.

In conclusion, yes we all do absolutely love chocolate and maybe some less than others, some might not even like it at all. But be careful not to eat a lot at once, it can make you sick for sure. Enjoy your valentines but don't forget, ask what they prefer. Some would rather have sour than sweet and some no chocolate at all. Don't be scared to ask, enjoy your Valentine’s day.

Why Do We Eat Candy On Valentine's Day?

By: Jocelyn Barker

Every February 14, store shelves overflow with heart shaped boxes, chocolate assortments, and candies stamped with tiny love notes. Candy and Valentine’s Day feel inseparable but how did sugar become the unofficial language of love? The answer is a mix of history, symbolism and a dash of human psychology.

Valentine’s Day traces its roots back to ancient Rome and later Christian traditions honoring St. Valentine, a somewhat mysterious figure associated with love and devotion. For centuries, the holiday focused more on handwritten notes and poetic expressions than edible gifts. Candy didn’t enter the picture until much later, when sugar became more affordable and widely available in Europe and the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries.

As sugar shifted from luxury to household staple, it also became a popular way to show affection. Giving sweets was a gesture that said, you’re worth something special. Chocolate in particular, rose to Valentine’s Day during the Victorian era. In 1861, Richard Cadbury introduced the first heart-shaped box of chocolates, designed to be saved as a keepsake after the treats were gone. This clever idea tied romance, aesthetics, and candy together in one neat package and it stuck.

There’s a reason candy feels like love in edible form. Sugar triggers the release of dopamine, the brain’s “feel good” chemical, which creates feelings of happiness and reward. When candy is given by someone we care about, that positive association becomes even stronger. Candy is also universally accessible. Unlike jewelry or extravagant dinners, sweets are affordable, customizable, and easy to share. A single piece of candy can carry a message of affection without pressure, perfect for everything from secret crushes to lifelong partners. Those iconic candy hearts with phrases like “Be Mine” and “Call Me” first appeared in the late 1800s as lozenges printed with romantic sayings. Over time, they became playful, sometimes cheesy, and deeply nostalgic. While the phrases have evolved to reflect modern language, the idea remains the same.

We eat candy on Valentine’s Day not just because it tastes good, but because it represents affection, celebration, and shared joy. It’s a small indulgence with a big emotional payoff. In a world that often moves too fast, candy offers a simple way to pause, connect, and savor the moment one sweet bite at a time.

Spicy Peppers and Their Scoville Levels

By KC Vargas

Spicy peppers are popular in many foods around the world. They add heat and flavor to dishes like tacos, pizza, curry, and hot wings. Some peppers are mild while others are extremely hot. The level of heat depends on a chemical inside the pepper called capsaicin.

Capsaicin is what makes peppers feel spicy. It does not actually burn your mouth but it sends a signal to your brain that feels like heat and the more capsaicin a pepper has the hotter it tastes.

The heat of a pepper is measured using the scoville heat unit (SHU) scale. This scale was created in 1912 by a scientist named Wilbur Scovill the higher the number on the scale the hotter the pepper for example a bell pepper has 0 SHU which means it has no heat at all some of the hottest peppers in the world have over 1,000,000 SHU.

Here are some common peppers and their spice levels

  • Bell pepper (0 SHU): sweet and not spicy at all

  • Banana pepper (100-500 SHU): very mild with just a little heat

  • Jalapeno (2,500-8,000 SHU): medium heat and very popular 

  • Serrano (30,000-23,000 SHU): hotter than a jalapeno 

  • Cayenne (30,000-50,000 SHU): often dried and used as red pepper powder

  • Habanero (100,000-350,000 SHU): very hot but slightly  fruity in flavor

  • Ghost pepper (over 1,000,000 SHU): extremely hot and not usually eaten by itself

One of the hottest peppers ever grown is the carolina reaper which can reach over 2,000,000 SHU that is hundreds of times hotter than jalapeno peppers that are used in small amounts in hot sauces. Spicy peppers are grown in warm places like mexico india and thailand many cultures use them in traditional foods besides adding heat peppers also contain vitamins like vitamin c and vitamin a which are good for your body.

If you eat something too spicy , drinking water will not help much because capsaicin does not mix with water. Drinking milk works better because it helps wash away the spicy chemical. In conclusion, spicy peppers come in many different heat levels measured on the scoville scale which ranges from 0 to over 2 million units. Whether you like mild or very hot food there is a pepper for everyone  

Thank you all who have taken time to read my article from their busy days and I hope it was to your liking, even enjoyed or found it interesting and I bid you all a good day.

A Taco Bell in Priest River

By Levi Rustle Holbrook

In our small town of Priest River, residing in Bonner County, Idaho, there are not many fast food options available within twenty minutes. There is only Burger King, McDonalds  in the range of Oldtown, and a Burger Express,  Priest River and Newport. However, those are only burger restaurants. There are two Mi Pueblos, one in Priest River and one in Newport. They are also the only Mexican restaurants in the range of twenty minutes; none are fast food restaurants. Conclusion and lead in… 

The best Mexican fast food restaurant, judging by statistics, is Taco Bell. There are places a Taco Bell could go in Priest River such as lots for sale in the outskirts of town or remodel Burger Express to a Taco Bell. A lot on the outskirts of Priest River could cost $130,000, then the building would have a range of 1.2 to 2.6 million dollars to build. Then a fee of 45,000 dollars for a franchise fee to legally have a Taco Bell. The slight problem when it comes to owning a Taco Bell franchise, is that you must have at least 5 million dollars in net worth and 2 million dollars in liquid assets. So it would have to be a business owner that owns the building/franchise. 

A Taco Bell in Priest River would benefit the community in many ways. It would provide a fast, affordable food option that many residents already enjoy, without requiring a long drive. Teenagers, families, and working adults would all benefit from a quick fast food option that is different from burgers. This would also reduce travel time and gas usage for residents who currently have to drive out of town, not just for fast food, but for fast Mexican food.

In addition, a Taco Bell would create new job opportunities for local residents. Positions such as cooks, cashiers, and managers would allow students and adults to earn income close to home. This would help keep money circulating within the local economy. A Taco Bell could also attract travelers passing through Priest River, increasing traffic to nearby businesses. Overall, adding a Taco Bell would improve food variety, convenience and economic growth in the small town of Priest River, Idaho, making it a practical and beneficial choice overall for residents, workers, travelers, and the growing local economy.

The Anatomical Heart

By Mary Trusty

Hearts are known as an icon of february, because of valentines day, which is considered the “holiday of love”. All over the country, grocery stores are selling various products in an abstract shape of a heart. Of course, this shape is based on the organ that we all have in our body. Just as the brain is the main organ of the nervous system, the lungs of the respiratory system, the stomach of the digestive system, and the sun of the solar system, the heart is the main organ of the circulatory system. This organ is commonly used as a symbol of love, but it is also extremely necessary for survival. 

The heart is in the center of your chest, just between your lungs. For most people, the heart sits slightly to the left. The left lung is a bit smaller to make room for the heart, and has a groove which it sits in. The heart is usually about the size of a fist. The heart has four chambers: the left atrium, the right atrium, the left ventricle, and the right ventricle. The heart is divided in half by the septum. There are also many veins and arteries going in and out of the heart, such as the pulmonary artery, the superior and inferior vena cava, and the aorta. The walls of the heart are made of three layers of muscle. The inner layer is called the endocardium, the middle layer is called the myocardium, and the outer layer, which is called the epicardium. The epicardium is also part of the pericardium, a protective sac that covers the heart and prevents it from rubbing against other organs.

The main function of the heart is to pump blood through the body, delivering oxygen to every single cell. Deoxygenated blood from the body enters the heart through the superior and inferior vena cava and goes into the right atrium. It then goes through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle, through the pulmonary valve, and follows the pulmonary arteries to the lungs. When the blood reaches the lungs it becomes oxygenated, and is ready to return to the heart to be pumped throughout the body. Oxygenated blood enters through the pulmonary veins into the left atrium, goes through the mitral valve into the left ventricle, through the aortic valve, and exits the heart from the aorta to deliver oxygen to the rest of the body. After it has delivered this oxygen, it becomes deoxygenated, and returns to the heart again. The heart also maintains blood pressure and controls your heart rate.

It's hard to say why this organ became such a widely recognized symbol of love, as its functions don't have very much to do with love. What isn't hard to say is how important the heart is to human survival. The heart does so much for the body, making sure the whole body has oxygen, pumping blood throughout the body, maintaining blood pressure, and controlling heart rate. The heart is as vital to the human body as the sun is to our solar system.

That’s One Sweet Potato!

By Tinley Carson

Did you know that there are over 12 ways to cook a sweet potato? February 22nd, National Cook a Sweet Potato Day will make its debut. In order to be prepared to make a delicious potato dinner for your family, take a look at these 3 handy ways to make your plate diverse and delicious!

Mashed potatoes are great paired with steak and other kinds of meats, and they’re also incredibly easy to make. Start by peeling your potatoes and then boil them for about 10 to 15 minutes. Once that’s done, drain off the water and start mashing the potatoes. If you want to add more flavor, add in things like butter, milk, salt, pepper, or even maple syrup during the mashing process. Do this until the potatoes are smooth and everything is well-combined. After that, you can season them to your personal preference and enjoy!

Another amazing dinner option is baked potatoes. They’re incredibly good options for many dishes, and can be altered to fit most tastes. Some people like to stuff their baked potatoes with meat and vegetables. In order to make them, make sure your potatoes are cleaned off before drying them. Pierce each potato with a  fork 6 to 8 times, and then lay your potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet and brush the skin with olive oil. If preferred, you can sprinkle them with salt, as well. Bake them in the oven for about an hour at 400 fahrenheit, or until they are soft and fork tender. Once they’re done, simply cut them open, personalize them as you like, and dig in.

These air-fried sweet potato bites are sure to be a hit with the family, and will be a delicious side-dish. Start by washing your potatoes, and peel them if you prefer, though there’s no harm in leaving the peel on. Depending on the length of the potato, cut it into half or into three pieces. From there, cut the slices into ½ inches and lay them vertically. Keeping them the same size, start making the final cuts in order to make cube shapes. Once you have your cubes, season them as preferred. Make sure to preheat your air fryer to about 400 fahrenheit if possible, though you can go without preheating if needed. Put your potato bites in an even layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Air fry them for 10-12 minutes while occasionally shaking the basket to make sure they are evenly textured. If you don’t have the option of an air fryer, you can make these using your oven, as well. Preheat the oven to 425 fahrenheit and cook for approximately 30 minutes, tossing the sweet potatoes every 10-15 minutes.

Overall, while not the most exciting or well-known national day, National Cook a Sweet Potato Day is a great opportunity to bring the family together with a well-made meal. There’s many ways to personalize your potato-based meals, so get creative and share with the household!

Thank you for reading!