HP Bagpipe

HP Bagpipe

HP Bagpipe
All content by Photo by Matteo Winandy
This year's keynote speaker, author Peter Heller, kicked off LitFest by giving a presentation to the entire student body. Heller discussed the highlights of his career as well as lessons he's learned along the way about life and writing.

[Photo] Review: Renowned Writers Speak To Students At 27th Annual Literary Festival

Lucy Gomez and Kimmie Johansen, Editors-in-Chief
March 31, 2023
Senior Tori Acquista holds a sign in favor of stricter gun laws. About 70% of young Americans are in favor of stricter gun laws according to the Harvard Institute of Politics. "I believe our country can reduce gun violence by creating stricter gun laws on the sale of fire arms like requiring background checks," Acquista said.

[Photo] Opinion: Domestic Violence Can’t Be Silenced

Camden Coale, Reporter
March 9, 2023
ChatGPT responds to a prompt questioning its own role that is plays as threat to creativity. The usage of the AI program has already been banned from several school districts throughout the country.

[Photo] Originality Is Dead

Libby Howell, Reporter
March 9, 2023
The front entrance of the school is pictured where students and staff can often be seen entering and exiting. Gov. Greg Abbott new proposal has the potential to take money away from public school's like Highland Park.

[Photo] Money Moves

OS Keijsers Koning, Reporter
March 9, 2023
In the cafeteria sophomore Graham Longhofer eats a cheese burger. Cheese burgers take about 660 gallons of water to produce according to the University of London. "I Like that beef can be eaten in many different ways and that it comes from cows," he said.

[Photo] Seeing Red

CK Knutson, Reporter
March 9, 2023
Senior Tommy Rossley holds up a sign in favor of protecting gun rights. The second amendment is something Rossley values and believes should be protected. "I love to hunt and believe that our right to bear arms should be protected," he said.

[Photo] Firearms Stir Controversy

Libby Howell, Reporter
March 9, 2023
Senior Ben Salter scrolls on his phone in between classes. Salter says even though he knows being on his phone for long periods of time is unhealthy, it's hard to let go of the habit of grabbing his phone the moment he feels bored. "I'm not productive because of my phone usage and I feel like I've missed out on a lot of experiences happening around me," Salter said.

[Photo] Cell Phone Fixation

Ellie Levy, Reporter
March 9, 2023
During passing period, junior Peggy Ferguson lies down in the nurses office. She often experiences period cramps that she says can feel debilitating and has noticed that people, men in particular, are not always understanding. "Men act like women are acting dramatic when it comes to pain, but they haven't even experienced it," Ferguson said.

[Photo] This Won’t Hurt

Juliana Stimac, Reporter
March 9, 2023
In a game against Lake Highlands, senior Vivian Jin defends the ball. The girls basketball team has had one of their most successful seasons. "We were really able to step up to 6A without a problem and we were able to play with a lot of chemistry this year as everyone really knew what their individual roles were," Jin said.

[Photo] Girls Basketball Season Nears End

Morgan Howarth, Reporter
March 2, 2023
Junior Allie Rose Olmstead reads a book for her English class. She moved to the district from Tulsa, Oklahoma where she attended a small private school. "I was intimidated to come a big public school," Olmstead said.

[Photo] Opinion: Moving To District Is Not Always Easy

Augusta McKenzie, Reporter
February 24, 2023
At the start of class, senior Robert Sweeney throws his trash away. Trash cans are currently they only method of waste disposable available and the school has not had recycling bins for some time now. "The school should address the recycling issues and the lack of recycling bins. They should add more bins in the school," Sweeney said.

[Photo] Students, Teachers Advocate For School Recycling Program

Hannah Madsen, Reporter
February 22, 2023
The lacrosse team, including senior Nathan Harper, works on strategies for their upcoming game. They will next play against Cypress Hill on February 18. "I look forward to practice every day. We practice hard and the coaches work to help us achieve our goals of being a successful team," Harper said.

[Photo] Boys Lacrosse Prepares Ahead Of First Game

Rohan Portteus, Reporter
February 15, 2023
The New York Bakery owner Sang-min Lee restocks products before opening the store for the day. Lee moved to Los Angeles from South Korea and hopes to expand his business as well as bring attention to other flourishing Korean businesses in the area. "I want to expand the [bakery]. Many Korean bakeries appear every and it's good [for the community]," Lee said.

[Photo] Korean Neighborhood Works Towards Official Koreatown Recognition

OS Keijsers Koning, Reporter
February 15, 2023
During his study hall, sophomore Corbin Monk explores the ChatGPT website. Monk says he's against any forms of plagiarism, especially artificial intelligence. "It just defeats the purpose of writing an essay if you're just going to get an AI to write it for you," Monk said.

[Photo] Essay-Writing Programs Could Pose Problems For English Classes In The Future

Will Gaffey, News Editor
February 6, 2023
During practice, senior Taylor Stanford and junior Audrey Schedler work on pitching and catching. This the first year the team will play for 6A. "I think there's potential for a solid year as long as we keep working to build team chemistry," Schedler said.

[Photo] Preparations For Upcoming Softball Season Begin

OS Keijsers Koning, Reporter
February 6, 2023
During APUSH, junior Aidan Fisher works with his teacher, Mr. Sanders, on an assignment post football injury. He was injured when he tried to make a tackle on a quarterback and landed on his arm wrong. "I will be out for three months, but I'll be returning next year," Fisher said.

[Photo] Students Athletes, Coaches Emphasize Taking Safety Precautions With Sports

Augusta McKenzie, Reporter
January 30, 2023
In the Highlander Stadium senior AB Peacock and junior Emerson Andrews practice. Andrews is currently committed to play soccer for the University of Kentucky. "My favorite part about soccer is being able to do the thing I love everyday in such a competitive environment with my favorite people," Andrews said.

[Photo] Scots Sweep Highlander Classic

January 27, 2023
In the library sophomore Rhodes Dunston works on his computer. He took the Youth Check Survey last school year as a freshman. "The school is doing enough for the mental health of students because we have good counselors," he said.

[Photo] Freshman And Juniors Take Mental Health Survey

OS Keijsers Koning, Reporter
December 6, 2022
In the counseling office, sophomore Tatum Connor meets with counselor Stacey McNeely. Both students and educators have emphasized that attending therapy or counseling sessions is not something to be ashamed of. "If I can help a student have an easier time in high school and help them prepare for their future, then it would bring me a lot of joy," McNeely said.

[Photo] Students Agree Therapy Is Important

August Lazzaro, Reporter
December 6, 2022
Sophomores Cameron Cason, Marshall Haggar, Will Signor and Braxton Giffin play chess in the library. The library has several chess boards where students can often be found playing the game. "I love chess because of all the interesting intricacies of it, it's such a fun game," Carson said.

[Photo] Students Create Chess Tournament

Will Gaffey, News Editor
December 6, 2022
At Northpark Mall, several pieces made by The Stewpot artists are displayed. The art was part of an exhibit called "Art as Refuge" which ran from October 5 through October 26.

[Photo] Organization Supports Homeless With Shelter, Art Program

Chloe Nugent, Reporter
December 6, 2022
Freshmen Suri Sakhai, Olivia Bond and Lila Biffle collaborate on a project in biology class. After online learning ended, collaborative learning returned to normal. "Group projects are fun, and I am happy to be together with friends in person instead of in breakout rooms," Sakhai said.

[Photo] Learning Curves

Cecilia Knutson, Reporter
December 5, 2022
On the fourth floor of the parking garage, senior Sarah Small drives safely down the ramp, following all protocols. Driving above 10mph is prohibited and can result in being pulled over and lose parking privileges.

[Photo] Collision Course Correction

Ellie Levy, Reporter
December 5, 2022
Senior Flynn Hatch takes a nap in front of his computer in the library. Sleep is one of the most important factors in adolescent development, but can be compromised by technology use. "I'd say school impacts my ability to sleep because I spend so much time in activities outside of school and that leaves no time for homework or family time, and compromises my sleep schedule," Hatch said.

[Photo] Eyes Open: Technology and Sleep’s Complicated Relationship

Elise Laharia, Features Editor
December 5, 2022
Senior Charlotte Omundson finishes her schoolwork in the MAPS center. These tables are open to all MAPS students throughout school days as a way for them to work with colleagues. "I love working in the MAPS program because it's focused [on] the career path I want to go down, and the working spaces really enhance my productivity," said Omundson.

[Photo] Contributions For Change

Juliana Stimac, Reporter
December 5, 2022
Certified teacher of the deaf, David Fahnle, introduces himself by signing. Fahnle comes to the high school once a week to provide instruction for students. “[It is important to raise awareness about the deaf community] because we live in a world where we can let our differences divide us or we can celebrate our differences to unite us.

[Photo] Communication Barriers

Rohan Portteus, Reporter
December 5, 2022
As tampons fall around her, sophomore Kiya Hall looks down, overcome by emotion. Tampons have been the subject of controversy because of the risk they pose of getting Toxic Shock Syndrome. "I think that it's very scary and we need to spread awareness," Hall said.

[Photo] Toxic Affair

Morgan Howarth, Reporter
December 5, 2022
Political signs line the entrance of University Park United Methodist Church. The church serves as one of the polling sites for this year's midterm election.

[Photo] Opinion: Our Democracy Needs Saving

Camden Coale, Reporter
November 3, 2022
At the homecoming pep rally, sophomore Karianne Grove-Collins performs her baton twirling routine for the entire student body. Although Grove-Collins normally performs solo, she and Tafel are planning a duet for the upcoming blacklight pep rally. "I think having another twirler in general is great for representation and gives opportunities to showcase more twirling. Mimi and I have been twirling together for five years and are really close, so it's great to have her out there with me," Grove-Collins said.

[Photo] Freshman, Sophomore Twirlers Overcome Obstacles To Pursue Passion

Camden Coale, Reporter
October 17, 2022
The Nancy Best Fountain right before its water show at sunset. The fountain is lit up in different colors and "dances" to music every night.

[Photo] Nancy Best Fountain Opens At Klyde Warren Park

Chloe Nugent, Reporter
October 13, 2022
Senior Lawler Carpenter logs service hours in the atrium. She feels the program X2Vol is too complicated and difficult to work with. "It just makes submitting service hours so much harder than it should be,” she said.

[Photo] X2Vol Changes for the Better

Will Gaffey, News Editor
October 7, 2022
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[Photo] Ruby’s Runway Raises Money For Williams Syndrome

Juliana Stimac, Staffer
October 7, 2022
At the Breakfast with Belle event, senior Carter Moreland and junior Kate Denton greet kids who were there to meet the cast and have breakfast with them. The event was held as a way to promote the musical. "Getting to be apart of this stage production working with friends I have been performing with since fifth grade is surreal knowing that it will be my last time. It's very rewarding to get to inspire the kids who came to see the show," Moreland said.

[Photo] Hard Work Pays Off For “Beauty and the Beast” Cast

Rohan Portteus, Reporter
October 6, 2022
After lunch senior Kate Hatch shows security guard Carolyn James her school ID. This is Hatch's first year where she is allowed to go off-campus for lunch. "I love having more freedom this year, and appreciate being kept safe by the security guards," she said.

[Photo] Students Disagree With New Security Policies

August Lazzaro, Staffer
September 15, 2022
During water polo practice freshman Slova Walker, freshman Cainan Cohen, junior Max Nguyen, freshman Suleman Aziz, freshman Jacob Duong, freshman Zach Slaughter, junior GB Stalnaker, senior Luka Zivaljevic, sophomore Jake Melley and senior Roman Duong scrimage. Stalmaker only started playing water polo two months ago, but has been competitively swimming since he was seven-years-old. "I love the team - the guys are always helpful, motivated and very dedicated," Stalnaker said. "I know the second I get in the water for the game those guys have my back."

[Photo] Water Polo Splashes Into First Year

Elle Polychronis, Copy Editor
September 15, 2022
At the first home football game, senior Julia Yates cheers with the Spirited Scots cheer squad. The team went up against Marcus High School, which was their first time playing and winning as a 6A team. "I felt excited to be able to cheer with my squad and it's always so fun when we win," Yates said.

[Photo] Varsity Football Dominates Marcus In 38-24 Win

Isabella Navarro, Sports Editor
September 7, 2022
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[Photo] Third Annual Issues Issue

Lucy Gomez and Jeneta Nwosu
May 5, 2022
Days after meeting his students for the first time, Spanish teacher Brayden Borges constructs lesson plans in his new desk. He arrived in March to replace a teacher who also arrived as a replacement for a former teacher but eventually chose to leave. “It’s something I’m used to,” Borges said. “I have never started at a school at the beginning of the year.”

[Photo] Education Exodus

Elle Polychronis, News Editor
May 5, 2022
To review for an upcoming pre-calculus test, junior Charlotte Shays listens to junior Katherine Ho's explanation of how to work out a math problem. Ho often works with students at Mathnasium where she is a part-time tutor. “I get to see the side of math where people are asking the questions that I never thought of and it builds a more solid understanding of math,” Ho said.

[Photo] Torn Between Two: Tutor, Teacher Relationship

Katherine Harrell, Reporter
May 5, 2022
For an assembly on the dangers of substance abuse, Chris Herren talks to the student body. Herren wanted to teach students that they didn’t need drugs to get through everyday life and to learn from his struggle with substance abuse. “In hindsight, it was a coping mechanism for multiple things going on in my life that I never really wanted to look at and never really knew how to look at,” Herren said.

[Photo] Chris Herren Addresses Drug Culture At Schoolwide Assembly

Alex Justine, Reporter
May 5, 2022
Junior C.C. Huthnance reads Ruta Sepetys’ book "I Must Betray You" in the library. I Must Betray You is Sepetys’ most recent release and was announced back in October. "I Must Betray You" captivates its audience by through worldbuilding and strong relationships between characters.

[Photo] Review: New Ruta Sepetys Book Yet Another Classic

Elle Polychronis, News Editor
May 5, 2022
During the game against Cleuburne, midfielder Regan Williams dribbles the ball down the field as opponent Emma Rohr chases after her. The team had a large lead by this point and were close to winning. “This team is built of the hardest working people I know, and their dedication and commitment to soccer is so inspiring,” Williams said.

[Photo] Girls Varsity Soccer Ends Season At Regional Finals

Will Gaffey, Reporter
April 26, 2022
During a session titled "Cyber Attack Simulation," Chief Revenue Officer for cybersecurity company Cymulate Brian Stone explains a chart to students. Stone's presentation covered the history and potential future of cyber attacks as well as what his company does to prevent them. “I felt like his presentation was extremely intriguing, and I now look at cyber crime in a different way,” freshman Keira Airey-Bufford said.

[Photo] Review: “Crying in H Mart” Tells Beautiful Story Of Loss

Juliana Stimac, Reporter
May 5, 2022
During practice, sophomores Sona Folley and Preslee Hawkins scrimmage against each other. Practices are extremely important to the team and they pride themselves on pre-game warmups. "[Before the game], we're serious, we're ready to play and then we start and it's game on," sophomore Millie Brown said.

[Photo] Girls Varsity Lacrosse Starts Season With Loss

Ellie Cooper, Reporter
March 10, 2022
To reward superb teaching, junior HP centennial committee member, Ben Salter, gives AP U.S. History teacher Temple Truax a check for $5,000. Throughout the school 48 teachers were chosen to receive the prize money. "I think it shows teachers that we care about them," Salter said. "It promotes teachers growing and making connections with students."

[Photo] HP Centennial Gives $5,000 To 48 Student-Nominated Teachers

Will Gaffey, Reporter
March 10, 2022
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[Photo] State House Democratic Candidates Prepare For Primary Election

Chloe Nugent, Reporter
February 28, 2022
To signal their support for board of trustees candidates Tyler Beeson and Jae Ellis, residents install signs in their lawns. The two candidates are running against each other for Place Four on the board.

[Photo] Q&A: School Board Candidates Share Visions For District

Katherine Harrell, Reporter
February 11, 2022
While Forney’s coaches watch, freshman Jacob Ariyo attempts a layup. Ariyo had nine years of experience playing basketball before the game. “I felt like I was really helping the team out,” he said.

[Photo] Boys JV Gold Basketball Team Defeats Forney 37-64

Olivia Howse, Reporter
February 9, 2022
At the student entrance, a Holocaust Remembrance Week exhibit is displayed to encourage students to reflect on its history. The exhibit focused on a magazine created by a group of schoolboys during the Holocaust. "It is a good exhibit to have, especially because there is a lot of opportunity for it to be seen,” junior Dalton Buford said.

[Photo] Holocaust Exhibit Sheds Light On Untold History

August Lazzaro, Reporter
February 11, 2022
At this year's Science and Technology Festival, President and Chief Operating Officer of Activision Blizzard Daniel Alegre talks about his life and career to an audience of students. Alegre was one of the keynote speakers and he spoke about using technology to be successful. "I was nowhere near as invested in STEM as they are when I was their age." Alegre said.

[Photo] Activision Blizzard COO Speaks At Science, Technology Festival

Will Gaffey, Reporter
February 15, 2022
After a 38-year career, nine of which he served in HPISD, athletic director Johnny Ringo is set to retire in June. During his tenure, athletes brought home a combination of 59 team and individual state titles. Ringo said he is hopeful the district will find someone in his place who recognizes how great the district is and is ready to hit the ground running.

[Photo] Athletic Director Announces Retirement

Isabella Navarro, Sports Editor
January 28, 2022
School Nurses Casey Hurlbutt and Mollie Brennan work at their desks and manage the front desk in the clinic. Hurlbutt and Brennan have kept track of coronavirus cases all year, and they prioritize safety precautions for their students. "It’s important to not take your exposures lightly because if you’ve been exposed to somebody who has the coronavirus and you’re not careful, then you could potentially have it and spread it to more and more people," Hurlbutt said.

[Photo] Start Of Spring Semester Brings COVID-19 Spike

Elle Polychronis, News Editor
January 24, 2022
The tagliatelle once it has been plated and topped with the hazelnut pesto. The pasta roots trace back to Liguria, Italy.

[Photo] Winandy Family Tagliatelle With Hazelnut Pesto

Matteo Winandy, Photographer
December 10, 2021
Class pets Alfred, Louis and Theodore pile on top of each other. The three rats were welcomed additions to biology teacher Meredith Townsend's class. The rats were named after scientists.

[Photo] Biology Teacher Welcomes Unconventional Class Pet

Mila Segal, Reporter
November 16, 2021
While the pep rally transitions between segments, band drumline members sophomore Dash Whitaker, senior Ford Manley, sophomore Rowan Ryan, senior Gavin Monk and freshman Cam Cason keep the beat. Manley's favorite part of each band performance is when the last note hits. "It gives a raw rush of excitement," Manley said.

[Photo] Outside Homecoming Pep Rally Allows All Students To Attend

Matteo Winandy, Photographer
November 18, 2021
To recognize sophomore Jordan Stribling and juniors Katherine Ann Cochran and Andrew Maroulis as Unity Builders, student council members sophomore Davis Kozman, junior Raina Pietrzak and senior Ava Tiffany address the student body at the homecoming pep rally. While the student council honors two students from each grade level at every pep rally for their Project Respect initiative, this segment also commemorated National Unity Day. "Project Respect is about inclusivity, being kind towards everyone and being the best version of yourself while uplifting your peers," Tiffany said.

[Photo] Project Respect Teaches Kindness In Elementary Schools

August Lazzaro, Reporter
November 4, 2021
During the homecoming pep rally, the band's drummers play while the football players run onto the field. Later that night, the band traveled to West Mesquite for the UIL area competition.

[Photo] Marching Band Places In State Competition

Will Gaffey, Reporter
November 3, 2021
The varsity football team prepares for team time during a pep rally.

[Photo] Scots Varsity Football Conquers Rockwall Yellowjackets

Chloe Nugent, Alex Justine, Will Gaffey, Parker Mitchell, Elise Laharia, and Elle Polychronis
October 21, 2021
While they announce the theme for the Hilites dance, seniors Grace Newhouse, Katelyn Turco, Piper Soetenga, Sterling Williams and Meg Lochausen hold up a banner. The announced theme for the dance was "This Place About To Glow," which calls for neon colors in students' outfits.

[Photo] Hilites Dance, Pep Rallies See Changes Due To COVID-19

October 1, 2021
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