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HHS Media

Where every person has a story.

HHS Media

Where every person has a story.

HHS Media

Clare Kirwan

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief

Clare Kirwan is a senior this year and it is her fourth year on staff. She is the Head Editor-in-Chief this year and is in charge of the Yearbook due to her interest in graphic design. She hopes to produce a great yearbook, special editions of the newspaper and create more video and breaking news content for the website. At HHS, she is also the president of the Governor’s STEM Academy and in charge of a community mural outreach program through the academy. She is also captain of the Model UN, Debate and tennis teams, and a member of the WiSTEM, Interact and National Honor Society clubs. Outside of school, you will find her hanging with friends and family, playing with her dog, weightlifting or creating for her calligraphy business. She hopes to study Journalism in college and become a professional journalist on the foreign relations beat.

All content by Clare Kirwan
Junior Joshua Saldana trains with the AD Alcorcon Academy in Spain. The experience has been like no other, Saldana said.

Saldana scouted by Spanish Academy, trains with Alcorcon in Spain

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief February 3, 2024

He sat watching the ruby red jerseys run back and forth on the pitch. At age four, watching Barcelona (Barca) play on his TV, Saldana didn’t know how much of an impact the sport of soccer would have...

After a botched school lockdown in the spring, new protocols were created for staff--such as these badges--to ensure the safety of everyone in the school.

Spring lockdown leads to protocol reform, communication improvement

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief January 16, 2024

“There is no way to guarantee anyone that it won’t be this school. There’s just no way and you live with it everyday. Everytime a school shooting happens, it literally makes the hairs stand up on...

Tamara Mines was hired over the summer of 2023 as the new principal of Rocktown High School.

MEET MINES: New principal brings vision to Rocktown as construction continues

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief January 16, 2024

The creation of ‘HHS2’ has been a major talking point for the Harrisonburg community over the past five plus years. Now, in just under a month the keys will be turned over to HHS2, Rocktown High School...

6th District Virginia Congressman Ben Cline visited the outside cafeteria to speak to all levels of government students, Sept. 1, 2023.

VA 6th District Congressman Cline speaks to high school government classes

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief January 16, 2024

In a red polo and dad khakis the 6th district congressman, Ben Cline, walked into the outside cafeteria to speak to students taking government classes, Sept. 1, 2023. When Cline offered to come to HHS...

Rocktown High School construction is almost completed. The school will open in the fall as the administrative team and HHS staffers have been recently split between the two high schools.

Administrative teams split between two high schools, preparations continue for upcoming year

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief January 10, 2024

The keys to Rocktown High School (RHS), the new Harrisonburg City Public Schools (HCPS) high school, are scheduled to be handed over on Jan. 1, 2024. Just 68 days before, Oct. 27, members of central office...

Junior Theo Thompson and senior Kristi Duong created the Asian Student Association this fall. The club has already had a number of meetings and has an upcoming potluck for all HHS students.

Duong, Thompson bring Asian Student Association vision to life

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief January 10, 2024

According to the Virginia Department of Education, only 2.6% of the student population of Harrisonburg High School identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander. Out of the just over 2000 students at...

Harrisonburg City Public Schools staff splits between high schools amidst Rocktown opening

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief January 8, 2024

Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, the high school staff received their staffing assignments at approximately 3:30 in the afternoon. A letter was sent to each staffer alerting them of which school they would work at...

The 81st Golden Globes awards ceremony took place Jan. 7. The Globes have been honoring artists and professionals in film and television for the past 79 years. This year the broadcast flopped, but the awards held sweeps from Oppenheimer, The Bear and Succession.

Golden Globes winners announced 1/7, awards season commences

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief January 8, 2024

The 81st Golden Globes Awards Ceremony aired all across the globe at 8p.m. EST, Sunday, Jan. 7 . The Golden Globes have recognized American and International artists and professionals in film and television...

Heat Advisory Warning

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief September 5, 2023

The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory Warning for Harrisonburg, VA around noon today, Sept. 5, 2023. It is under effect until 8 p.m. this evening, though temperatures are set to stay in the...

Garbers Church Road new traffic pattern

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief September 2, 2023

The HHS daily announcements have provided new information regarding the traffic pattern change on Garbers Church Road, the road which holds the high school. New green lines have been added to make it easier...

Fox holds first GOP primary presidential debate

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief August 25, 2023

The first primary Republican presidential debate was set in Milwaukee, Aug. 23, 2023, as eight GOP candidates took the stage. According to abc news, former president Donald Trump, currently leads the...

Senior Kasey Thompson won the VA Journalist of the Year competition and placed in the top five Journalists of the Year at the JEA spring convention in San Francisco.

[Photo] Newsstreak senior, Thompson, places in national journalism competition

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief July 18, 2023

Senior Kasey Thompson won the VA Journalist of the Year competition and placed in the top five Journalists of the Year at the JEA spring convention in San Francisco.

Graphic designer and co-founder of Earth Surprise Murals, Matt Leech paints a mural on the side of the Explore More Discovery Museum. Photo courtesy of Matt Leech

The Man: Leech creates mural, graphics for downtown Harrisonburg

Jumana Alsaadoon and Clare Kirwan August 21, 2023

The art scene has taken Harrisonburg by storm in the past 15 years, according to Jenny Burden, the director of the Arts Council of the Valley. As part of its 2040 strategic plan, they asked Harrisonburg...

In this special feature package, students, staff and allies of the Black Student Union (BSU) reflected on Black History Month, their black experiences in the community and representation in the school system.

Black student, staff voices at HHS: Reflection of Black History Month, Black Student Union

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief March 19, 2023

The students and staff of the Black Student Union (BSU) were asked “What does the celebration of Black History Month mean to you?”, these were their responses. BY CLARE KIRWAN “I think it's...

The students of the first semester Nurse Aide program smile for a BeReal with teacher Tricia Cummings.

Nurse Aide program provides 10 students with different learning opportunity every semester

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief March 19, 2023

10 students each semester are selected for the Nurse Aide program. The program is particularly unique as it is one of the only programs available at the high school level where the entire course takes...

Whats all the beef about?

What’s all the beef about?

Dr. Hensley speaks to impact of physical violence between students on administration, student body, learning environment Dr. Melissa Hensley has been a school administrator for 18 years and a principal...

Sophomores Clare Kirwan, Soraya Kaussler, Lucy Ludwig, freshman Shirin Kaussler and senior Emma Swartz work the lunch table to inform students of the events happening in Iran.

WiSTEM leaders Kaussler, Kirwan, Ludwig organize week of Women, Life, Freedom

Clare Kirwan and Riley Thompson January 12, 2023

“Because this is a women's rights movement, it only feels fitting for women to stand up and support each other.” The WiSTEM chapter held a week of ‘Women. Life. Freedom.’ Dec. 5-9 to spread...

Parentheses Books kickstarter is open until Wednesday, Nov. 23. I started considering the idea during the pandemic and just kept taking steps forward to make it happen,” Friss said.

Local Friss works to create independent indie bookstore in heart of downtown Harrisonburg

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief November 21, 2022

“Often it's the best stuff that's in parentheses. The honest stuff, the funny stuff. The little bits that make the text more interesting and engaging. Parentheses are the literary equivalent of a hug....

Women have been at the forefront of the biggest womens rights movement Iran has ever seen. After the death of Masha Amini, who is said to be killed by mortality police for the incorrect wearing of her hijab, Iranians have taken to the streets. Women have cut their hair and removed hijabs in solidarity with Amini, violent protests continue in the Iranian fight to end the regime.

Protests rage on in Iran, Kaussler sisters experience emotional turmoil

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief November 8, 2022

‘Women. Life. Freedom.’ This chant is heard from corner to corner of the Islamic Republic of Iran after 22 year-old Masha Amini was beaten to death for not wearing her hijab correctly. Iranian officials...

Teacher assistant Evelyn Cruz (top left), her brother Ricardo Cruz (top right), her father Angel Cruz (bottom left) and her mom Millie Cruz (bottom right) take a picture together while in Puerto Rico.

Hurricane Fiona hits Puerto Rico hard, impacts felt in Harrisonburg

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief November 8, 2022

A hard worker who never gives up. Someone who loves to smile, party and help people. A rich culture filled with African, Indian and Spanish ancestors. Stunning beaches, mountains and a national rainforest....

Junior Lena Blagg and freshman Micah Blagg pose for a picture with children in the Guatemalan village they stayed in.

Blagg takes mission trip to Guatemala, learns culture

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief October 6, 2022

What do you know about Guatemala? That it’s located in Central America? That’s it’s colorful, full of green mountains with maize grown on the side? Maybe you know about the Mayan culture and have...

The varsity football team represents 21 countries this year.

Varsity football team represents 21 countries

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief October 6, 2022

The National Football League (NFL) allowed its first Black player, Fritz Pollard, to sign a contract to play for the Indians in 1920. After his five years of play, the NFL made a rule prohibiting the signing...

Senior Yeilianiz Gonzalez and her now husband share an intimate moment on their wedding day this July.

Wilder walks Gonzalez down aisle, Cedeno recounts day

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief October 5, 2022

“I’m getting married in July.” “That’s wonderful.” “Will you give me away?” “Yes. Where? When? What? Do you need me to do the rehearsal, what do I need to do?” This...

The end of September marks the end of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

September marks suicide awareness month, time for reflection and education

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief September 30, 2022

Suicide. A word that has many connotations surrounding it, and a word that takes on a new meaning in September as we pay closer attention to this troubling problem during Suicide Awareness Month. “We...

Junior Logaan Whiting smiles for a picture by Hoover Dam this summer.

Whiting balances sports, extracurriculars, classes to start year

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief September 30, 2022

It’s often said that the junior year of high school is the hardest for students, balancing difficult classes, extracurriculars and your social life. This statement couldn’t be more on point for junior...

Cardona is all smiles while listening to central office officials speak on HCPS programs.

U.S. Secretary of Education, Cardona, stops by Bluestone Elementary

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief September 17, 2022

The room buzzed with anticipation and excitement, a light chatter filled the space. At approximately 4:12 p.m. Tuesday, September 13, the United States Secretary of Education walked into the library...

Vargas Correa dresses up and poses with friends for a celebration.

Vargas Correa heads home, stays in Mexico for summer

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief September 14, 2022

2,148 miles. Sophomore Kaarla Vargas Correa lives 2,148 miles away from her family and friends during the school year, but this summer she went home. “This summer I traveled to a small town in...

Senior Azalea Twining smiles for a photo while goofing off in the recording studio.

“After All This”: the story behind the album

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief September 6, 2022

“She was sitting by the front of the school one afternoon, so I quickly introduced myself, and suggested I help her make her album. That’s where it all started.” Producer meets musician. Producer...

Junior Rylee Stroop and sophomores Chloe Dameron and Veronica Gutierrez cheer teammates on while benched due to various injuries. All three are normally starters.

[Photo] Patriots defeat Streaks in home opener

September 2, 2022

Junior Rylee Stroop and sophomores Chloe Dameron and Veronica Gutierrez cheer teammates on while benched due to various injuries. All three are normally starters.

Senior Kai Blosser serves during the second set. The Blue streaks lost all three sets.

[Photo]

Senior Kai Blosser serves during the second set. The Blue streaks lost all three sets.

The shooting at Robb Elementary School took the lives of 19 children, two teachers and left six in critical care.

U.S. reels from deadly Texas shooting, need for gun restriction more dire than ever

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief May 27, 2022

“It takes a monster to kill children. But to watch monsters kill children again and again and do nothing isn’t just insanity—it’s inhumanity,” -American poet and activist Amanda Gorman According...

Sexual assault allegations between two students at Broadway High have circulated through the social media pages of students. No means no has acted as the poster saying for the issue of consent.

Amidst allegations at Broadway High, Fulton-Wright outraged, Friend turns trauma to activism

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief May 26, 2022

Sexual assault allegations involving two students at Broadway High School (BHS), a Rockingham County school, circulated through students’ social media pages Monday, May 16, 2022. According to WHSV, administrators...

Junior Fatimah Salman poses for a photo outside of her home.

Salman deepens connection with Islamic religion, observes Ramadan

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief May 24, 2022

From sunrise to sunset they fast.  From April 1, 2022 to May 1, 2022 junior Fatimah Salman observed Ramadan. Ramadan is a month in the Islam religion in which Muslims fast, pray and focus on serving...

Junior Enduin Zelaya inspects plants and pollinators with a microscope.

ELL biology class present genetic plant study

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief May 17, 2022

From March 25 to 26, the Model United Nations (MUN) team competed at the 24th Governor’s School Model UN Conference (GSMUN XXIV).

Captains reflect on success at GSMUN XXIV conference

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief April 15, 2022

“This resolution passes!”  These words rang through the ears of the Model United Nations (MUN) club members after a successful week of debate. From March 25 - 26, the MUN team competed at the Governor’s...

Eight seniors receive their Certified Nursing Assistant certificates.

Eight students get CNA certified amidst nurse shortage

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief March 9, 2022

The morning of Dec. 16, 2021 eight seniors received their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. One of whom is senior Maria Torres Moreno. “I decided to be part of the CNA program because...

Senior Shawn Auguste competes in the triple jump at the state meet.

Indoor track competes at state meet

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief March 3, 2022

Sophomore CJ Hulleman takes the baton from junior Braeden McGrath in the 4 x 800 meter relay.

Indoor Track competes in 5A region meet

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief February 15, 2022

Thursday, Feb. 3, the indoor track team competed in the 5A sub regional. The meet took place in Lexington, Virginia at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) indoor track facility. The girls and boys...

Sophomore Haneef Ogundipe warms up for the 500 meter run.

Indoor track and field competes in EMU mini meet

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief January 13, 2022

Greys Anatomy is the longest running TV drama with 18 seasons and more to come.

Grey’s Anatomy proves to be the greatest TV drama in history

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief December 15, 2021

With eighteen seasons and 383 episodes, Grey’s Anatomy has dominated the television stage for almost 17 years. The show first aired March 27, 2005 and is the longest-running primetime scripted show on...

The Model United Nations club poses for a picture before the closing ceremony.

MUN club competes at the VAMUN tournament in Charlottesville

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief November 15, 2021

The Model United Nations (MUN) club competed in the University of Virginia Model United Nations (VAMUN) conference from Nov. 5 to Nov. 7. The club spent two nights in a hotel in the center of Charlottesville...

At a meet at Panorama Farms, sophomore Annie Poirot runs the final stretch of her race.

Poirot places sixth at regionals, advances to states for second consecutive year

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief November 15, 2021

Finishing in a time of 19:53, sophomore Annie Poirot placed sixth at the girls varsity regional cross country race on Nov. 4. The girls team placed third in the 5A class region to advance to the state...

Join the Educators Rising Club to learn more about a future career in education.

Middleton creates Educators Rising Club in midst of nationwide teacher shortage

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief October 15, 2021

Around 270,000 teachers in the U.S. public school system have been estimated to leave their teaching position between 2016 and 2026; with one in three saying they are more likely to resign due to the COVID-19...

Junior Abby Kauffman runs in the girls cross country home meet at Thomas Harrison Middle School.

Kauffman reflects on running and the current cross country season

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief September 29, 2021

Running, commonly defined as the action of moving fast on foot, can take a severe mental and physical toll on athletes. For junior Abby Kauffman, the sport is a source of exercise and social interaction. Kauffman...

The Marching Blue Streaks Band warms up for their halftime performance.

Blue streaks marching band prepares their show “The Main Event”

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief September 29, 2021

The Main Event. A spectacle containing circus tricks, acts, and three parts of music, performed by the Marching Blue Streaks Band.  Senior Kimberly Portillo, a tenor saxophone player and section leader...

A green version of the frosted sugar cookie mentioned in the story.

Frosted sugar cookies are the best American cookie

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief January 21, 2021

As Americans, it almost feels like a new cookie is developed every day. There are sugar, oatmeal, chocolate chip, macadamia, pumpkin, snickerdoodle, peanut butter and so many more cookie options to choose...

Senior Korry Sochacki left) standing with her track friends.

Korry Sochacki

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief January 19, 2021

Senior Korry Sochacki has done indoor track for the past one and a half years. Unfortunately, the pandemic has canceled all winter sports, but that hasn’t stopped Sochacki from reflecting on her experience...

Healy Poses in her cheerleading uniform on the steps of her childhood home.

The Juggler

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief December 16, 2020

Bike to school, attend school, participate in a club meeting or play practice, go to sports practice, make dinner, attend dance practice, do homework, eat, sleep, repeat. During a normal year, this would...

Brino-Dean poses with her sister, sophomore Tylor Brino-Dean, in front of one of the six colleges she toured.

Brino-Dean finds ways to visit colleges despite the global pandemic

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief December 7, 2020

With the COVID-19 pandemic looming and school completely online, it is hard for seniors to finish out their high school experience like they expected to. Senior Michaela Brino-Dean has found it disappointing...

King paints dinosaurs outside socially distanced with a friend.

King finds unique ways to stay connected to friends during pandemic

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief November 11, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has stopped families and friends from getting together, but junior Olivia King has found creative ways to stay connected to her friends. Through goodies, letters and participating...

Junior Kate Kirwan works on an environmental map for an AP environmental science class assignment.

Massanutten Regional Governor’s School students reflect on the different learning style provided

Clare Kirwan, Head Editor-in-Chief November 9, 2020

The Massanutten Regional Governor’s School for Integrated Environmental Science and Technology (MRGS) is a seperate school that some students at Harrisonburg High School attend. In order to attend, students...

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