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HHS Media

Where every person has a story.

HHS Media

Where every person has a story.

HHS Media

Rachel Phengsitthy

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief

Rachel Phengsitthy is a senior at Harrisonburg High School and is the Social Media Editor-in-Chief. This is her fourth year being a page editor and second year coordinating social media. She is also apart of the Blue Ridge Scholars program. She spends her free time napping and hanging with friends and family. Rachel enjoys shopping at Target and going on late night drives around the city. Her favorite things are water, Qdoba, being a Facebook mom, and disappointing her family. Rachel plans on attending a university next year where she will major in biology and hopefully graduate in the next two and a half years. After completing her undergraduate, she plans on going to dental school to become an orthodontist.

All content by Rachel Phengsitthy
The upcoming senior events in June.

Senior events in June

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief May 27, 2022

As the year for the of 2022 comes to an end, there are upcoming events for seniors that are mandatory. June 3, 2022 is the last day for seniors and there will be an honors and awards assembly at 9 a.m. June...

Class of 2022 senior decisions

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief May 19, 2022

Blue Ridge Community College Wijdan Abdurasul Maryam Al Mousa Solaf Almassri Stephanie Alvarado Astridd Amaya Orellana Tiffany Bargas Micah Bjorkgren Coty Carpenter Luis Casillas-Martinez ...

Senior Caleb Garcia warms up by kicking into the goal.

Senior Caleb Garcia warms up by kicking into the goal.

Sophomore Dani Romero attempts to shoot the ball.

Sophomore Dani Romero attempts to shoot the ball.

Junior Aiden Saunders slides for the ball.

Junior Aiden Saunders slides for the ball.

Sophomore Isai Rodriguez dribbles the ball towards the goal.

Sophomore Isai Rodriguez dribbles the ball towards the goal.

Senior Elvis Canas celebrates with freshman Miguel Osorto after scoring.

Senior Elvis Canas celebrates with freshman Miguel Osorto after scoring.

Freshman Tyler Miller receives the ball from his teammates.

Freshman Tyler Miller receives the ball from his teammates.

Science teacher Megan Cullip gets awarded  for outstanding science teaching and contributions to science education in Virginia.

Cullip receives Virginia RISE award

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief November 30, 2021

Thursday, Nov. 18, the Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) awarded science teacher Megan Cullip a biology award for outstanding science teaching and contributions to science education in Virginia....

Senior Juju Butler passes the ball up to the setter.

Senior Juju Butler passes the ball up to the setter.

Senior Maya Waid and freshman Macy Waid hug after Maya hits 1,000 assists.

Senior Maya Waid and freshman Macy Waid hug after Maya hits 1,000 assists.

Senior Maya Waid sets the ball up to the outside hitter.

Senior Maya Waid sets the ball up to the outside hitter.

Senior Juju Butler sets the ball over the net.

Senior Juju Butler sets the ball over the net.

Players celebrate after winning the second set.

Players celebrate after winning the second set.

Senior Ellie Muncy spikes the ball over the net.

Senior Ellie Muncy spikes the ball over the net.

Junior Kai Blosser dives for the ball.

Junior Kai Blosser dives for the ball.

Senior Maya Waid poses with her 1,000 assists volleyball during the second set.

[Photo] Waid reaches goal of 1,000 assists

October 25, 2021

Senior Maya Waid poses with her 1,000 assists volleyball during the second set.

Senior Maya Waid hugs her sister freshman Macy Waid after hitting 1,000 assists.

Senior Maya Waid hugs her sister freshman Macy Waid after hitting 1,000 assists.

Senior Maya Waid sets the ball up for. senior Ellie Muncy.

Senior Maya Waid sets the ball up for. senior Ellie Muncy.

Senior Keenan Glago stresses over his workload from in-person classes.

The pandemic drained students’ motivation

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief October 15, 2021

From learning online to going back in-person, it has been a challenge. When we were virtual, it was easy for students to lose their focus. People easily turned off their cameras and went back to bed. With...

Principal Melissa Hensley  presents homecoming crowns to elected royalty during halftime of the varsity football game.

HCPS faces teacher shortage

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief October 1, 2021

Two months into the 2021-22 in-person school year, shortages within the school have created an angst for staff and students. It has become increasingly tougher to find credentialed teachers and substitutes....

Senior Kim Portillo (right) wins senior homecoming royalty.

Homecoming court adopts gender neutral titles

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief September 27, 2021

This year's homecoming is the crowning of HHS’ first gender-neutral homecoming royalty. Instead of kings, queens, princes and princesses, this year winners are identified as royals. According to student...

After the win, senior Guillermo Lopez (right) and junior Joel Alvarado (left) celebrate on the field.

[Photo] Harrisonburg gets win over Orange County in thrilling homecoming game

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief September 20, 2021

After the win, senior Guillermo Lopez (right) and junior Joel Alvarado (left) celebrate on the field.

Gillenwater speaks to the players during a timeout against the Handley Judges.

Gillenwater takes over varsity helm

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief September 19, 2021

As fall sports return to a normal season, Kyle Gillenwater was hired as the interim head football coach just in time for the Blue Streaks 2021 fall season. In replacement of Josh Carico, Gillenwater brings...

Junior Javante Chacon runs the ball down the field.

Chacon transfers to continue football career

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief April 15, 2021

After moving from Jacksonville, North Carolina to Harrisonburg, Virginia, junior Javante Chacon had high hopes of playing for the HHS varsity football team. Chacon played football in Jacksonville all of...

Sophomore Quetzalli Arteaga-Vazquez and senior Maddie Shanholtz decorate a chair dedicated to Moreira.

[Photo] JV and varsity volleyball teams play against Culpeper, hold alumni night and memorial

Dany T Medhin and Oziel Valdez March 23, 2021

Sophomore Quetzalli Arteaga-Vazquez and senior Maddie Shanholtz decorate a chair dedicated to Moreira.

counselors

Sweetman and Weaver prepare scheduling for next years classes

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief March 8, 2021

As students are virtually preparing for next year's classes, HHS counselors Sarah Sweetman and Anda Weaver are helping to organize a student- driven scheduling process. Usually, counselors meet with students...

Both underclassmen and returning athletes stunt during the last day of competition cheer tryouts.

Competition cheer adjusts season around recent executive order

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief February 22, 2021

Governor Northam signed Executive Order 72 which stated that those who are not participating directly in a fall sport will not be allowed to spectate. This includes sideline cheer and marching band. Although...

Senior Conor Wells competes in the 55 meter dash at Liberty University in 2018.

Conor Wells

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief January 19, 2021

Q: Describe your favorite memory/moment in the sport. A: "I think my favorite memory so far was seeing David run his way to nationals, but also, watching him and the 4x8 [relay] team last year was electric." Q:...

Acosta-Iscoa begins a relay during the 2020 season.

Ashley Acosta-Iscoa

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief January 19, 2021

In spite of winter sports getting cancelled, Senior Ashley Iscoa is still dreaming of her senior night, walking down with a parent and her poster. Although she grew up playing soccer and volleyball, Iscoa...

Due to the explosion, all buildings apart of the strip mall on Miller Circle were burned down. One of the businesses that was burned down was Naza Salon & Barber Shop. "It was awful [when I heard the news]. I went there right away. People were texting and calling me saying that [the explosion] happened at your shop. I saw the building was [burned down to the floor]. It was on fire and damaged, and I cried," Salwa Madhi, manager of Naza Salon & Barber Shop, said.

Harrisonburg businesses start recovery from gas leak explosion

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief October 30, 2020

October 17, 2020 at approximately 8:30 a.m., an explosion caused by a natural gas leak occurred on Miller Circle in Harrisonburg VA, leaving five people injured in addition to damage to a strip mall. The...

One of Rath's favorite vegan recipe, chickpea curry stew with kale.

Rath experiences vegan lifestyle during quarantine

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief May 9, 2020

During this quarantine, Keister Elementary School kindergarten teacher Nicole Rath plans on making her family’s favorite recipes with her family after recently changing her lifestyle to vegan.  “Personally,...

Social distancing, is the act of taking the effort to keep yourself away from other people with the hopes of slowing down the spread of a disease. The recommended distance is 6 feet apart.

The importance of social distancing

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief March 27, 2020

Who would have ever guessed that the world would be dealing with a pandemic only three months into 2020? The novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is spreading quickly throughout the world. Countries...

Basketball coach Don Burgess gives his players a pep talk during the Jan. 9 game against Rockbridge.

Burgess brings basketball experience to coaching philosophy

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief January 26, 2020

 Economics and personal finance teacher as well as current varsity boys basketball coach Don Burgess played basketball during his time at Harrisonburg High School and received a scholarship to play...

2019 alumna Mikaela O'Fallon dribbles down the field during a game against York College of Pennsylvania Oct. 12.  O'Fallon now plays soccer for the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va.

O’Fallon settles into collegiate soccer

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief January 18, 2020

Playing Division lll soccer at the University of Mary Washington, 2019 alumna Mikaela O’Fallon reflects on her first year playing at the college level. Being Division lll gives O’Fallon more freedom...

Eighth grader Kayden Hottle-Madden passes the ball to freshman Joel Alvarado.

Eighth grader Kayden Hottle-Madden passes the ball to freshman Joel Alvarado.

Eighth grader Kayden Hottle-Madden shoots a free throw.

Eighth grader Kayden Hottle-Madden shoots a free throw.

Freshman Jadon Burgess shoot a free throw.

Freshman Jadon Burgess shoot a free throw.

Sophomore Evan Bert drives the ball into the lane for a layup.

Sophomore Evan Bert drives the ball into the lane for a layup.

Sophomore Dylan Burnette takes the ball down the court.

Sophomore Dylan Burnette takes the ball down the court.

Freshman Donte Harvey shoots a free throw.

Freshman Donte Harvey shoots a free throw.

Students in the Unified marching band play during halftime.

Students in the Unified marching band play during halftime.

After a loss against the Gobblers, the JV boys shake hands.

After a loss against the Gobblers, the JV boys shake hands.

Sophomore Julia Mehegan makes a Peppa Pig sticker with her Xyron Create A Sticker machine.

Mehegan creates and sells stickers to showcase art

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief September 25, 2019

TikTok has inspired lots of teens to try new things, such as dances and food, but for sophomore Julia Mehegan, it inspired her to make stickers with a Xyron Create A Sticker Machine. Mehegan started making...

Sophomore Juju Butler and senior Atilia Thomas go up to block during the Streaks' loss against Stuarts Draft on Tuesday.

[Photo] Varsity volleyball team falls to Stuarts Draft

Jolie Sallah, Social Media Editor in Chief August 28, 2019

Sophomore Juju Butler and senior Atilia Thomas go up to block during the Streaks' loss against Stuarts Draft on Tuesday.

Sophomore Omid Akbari visits the Caspian sea in Azerbaijan. Akbari learned Farsi back in Azerbaijan and later became fluent in two other languages.

Akbari fluently speaks Farsi, Russian, along with English

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief March 24, 2019

Coming to the United States when he was six years old with the knowledge of only knowing Russian and Farsi, sophomore Omid Akbari found that to be a challenge. Back in Akbari’s country, Azerbaijan, Akbari...

STEM Chemistry teacher Erich Sneller (left) runs through lines for Legally Blonde with Assistant Principal Mike Eye. This year's musical features several teachers.

Sneller enjoys role in Legally Blonde

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief February 17, 2019

With elementary and middle school theater experience, science teacher Erich Sneller will be making his first debut in the upcoming musical, “Legally Blonde”. Sneller has always been a theatrical person...

Junior Tre Butler and sophomore Karolain Paz interactions are often light-hearted. “I like the fact that he’s goofy sometimes and not serious all the time. Sometimes you need someone like that in your life. Whenever I’m down, he helps me out… like his goofiness helps me out,” Paz said.

Valentines Day special: Butler and Paz enjoy dynamic relationship

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief February 14, 2019

Sophomore Karolain Paz never thought she’d be dating junior Tre Butler. They’ve seen each other a bunch of times in the halls, until Butler started texting her. Butler and Paz have been dating for...

Coach Don Burgess helps seniors Taz Lockhart and Jakari Deaza up as they enter the game.

Burgess reflects on end of season

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief February 11, 2019

The boys basketball team’s season has come to an end, leaving their record 13-7. It always come to a bittersweet moment when the season ends until playoffs come. This year’s boys basketball team included...

 Zimmerman explains FCCLA to Sophomore Jalyn Sneary.

[Photo] Annual electives fair draws crowd

Betsy Quimby, Social Media Editor in Chief February 1, 2019

Sophomore Angelina Malashiy gives out stickers to students who came to the JROTC booth.

Students from the cooking class showcase their product.

Students from the cooking class showcase their product.

Senior Jenny Nutter works on an assignment during her first block class. With her senior year schedule, Nutter is signed up for a fewer number of classes.

Nutter manages easy schedule during senior year

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief December 30, 2018

With a schedule of two classes on B days, late arrival every other day and early release everyday, Jenny Nutter is breezing through her senior year. “I didn’t have any other classes to take. I...

Dr. Georgia Newlin leads the Bluestone Elementary choir, known as the BlueTones.

Newlin leads Bluestone Elementary Bluetones before impending retirement

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief December 19, 2018

Dr. Georgia Newlin, a nine-week music teaching intern, leads the Bluetones every Tuesday and Thursday morning as Jessica Strawderman is on maternity leave. The Bluetones are the choir of Bluestone Elementary...

Freshman Kimberly Portillo practices debating during a practice round.

Portillo, Kirwan learn debate skills as freshman

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief December 4, 2018

Freshmen Kimberly Portillo and Kate Kirwan participated in the debate tournament held at Broadway High School on Nov. 29, to qualify for the Tournament Of Champions. Portillo and Kirwan are enjoying their...

Delgado gives senior Jungle Rodriguez a haircut at Corte Latino, where Delgado currently works.

Delgado pursues cutting hair as hobby and career

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief November 20, 2018

It was the simple act of watching Youtube videos that taught senior Chayanne Delgado how to cut hair. Delgado started from the bottom with his hair cutting skills, but is now a well-known barber around...

The aisles of Target create a time-sucking trap for many, including Phengsithy.

Target creates money-sucking trap

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief November 5, 2018

Target, also known as the place where I spend all my money, is the best store in Harrisonburg. Target provides an assortment of all the things needed for daily life. It’s where I spend my time when I’m...

Dance teacher Amber Corriston (pictured earlier this month) leads students at a dance workshop during ELT in preparation for the musical.

[Photo] Dancers prepare for first Fine Arts showcase

Sophie Sallah, Copy Editor in Chief October 19, 2018

Dance teacher Amber Corriston (pictured earlier this month) leads students at a dance workshop during ELT in preparation for the musical.

Freshman Micah Wickline sways his body during stretching.

Dance workshop held during ELT

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief October 17, 2018

Senior Mikaela O'Fallon dribbles the ball away from a defender. O'Fallon tore her ACL in October 2015 and has recovered since.

O’Fallon has high hopes as soccer preseason starts

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief October 11, 2018

Senior Mikaela O’Fallon is close to starting her final year of high school soccer. She plans on attending preseason soccer practices to prepare her for the upcoming season. “So this year [for preseason]...

Bridgewater College senior and athletic training intern Cole Talton helps volleyball players. “I worked with all college students, and now I’m able to work with high school students. In college, a lot of those athletes have already made it to where they want to go, where as in high school, a lot of these kids are working hard to achieve the next level. So it’s good to help these kids to seek out their dreams,” Talton said.

Cole Talton serves as athletic training intern

Rachel Phengsitthy, Editor-in-Chief September 26, 2018

John Handley High School alumni and Bridgewater College senior Cole Talton is currently working as an intern with the HHS athletic training department. Before arriving to the high school setting, Talton...

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