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HHS Media

Where every person has a story.

HHS Media

Where every person has a story.

HHS Media

Maya Waid

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief

Maya Waid is a senior at Harrisonburg High School and is one of three Editor in Chiefs for the Newsstreak. This is her fourth and final year on staff and her second as an Editor in Chief. Maya plays varsity volleyball and varsity basketball at HHS in addition to being a member of HOSA, Governor’s STEM Academy and the Quill and Scroll Honors Society. Recently, Maya took a bigger role in HOSA when she was elected Virginia State President for the 2021-2022 term. Outside of school, Maya enjoys spending her time with her sister Macy, her friends and her family. Maya loves to travel outside of the country and explore new places and experience different cultures. On Maya’s most recent trip out of the country, she traveled solo to the Dominican Republic to shadow healthcare professionals and learn more about medicine for two weeks. When Maya can’t be found with her friends or traveling, you can find her in her cozy room binge watching Netflix. Maya is strongly opposed to coffee and soda but loves apple juice at any time of the day. In the future, Maya plans to pursue a career in the medical field and has high hopes as she goes throughout the college application process.

All content by Maya Waid
Flyers have been put up in various locations around the school indicating the details of the trip.

[Photo] Healy, Rice plan trip to Europe for summer 2023

Sienna Koneski, Staff Reporter May 27, 2022

Flyers have been put up in various locations around the school indicating the details of the trip.

Senior Mallory Knupp warms up by taking practice shots before playing Millbrook High School.

[Photo] Knupp reflects on soccer careeer

May 9, 2022

Senior Mallory Knupp warms up by taking practice shots before playing Millbrook High School.

James Madison University sophomore catcher Lauren Bernett died Tuesday, April 26. The investigation is still ongoing and an official cause of death has yet to be released.

Students, faculty grieve loss of JMU catcher Lauren Bernett, push for reform on mental health in athletics

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief April 29, 2022

‘You really never know what someone is going through.’  James Madison University (JMU) alumni and former softball pitcher Oddici Alexander tweeted these words after hearing news of the passing...

After starting construction again this past summer, the footers and walls of the building are beginning to go up for the school.

Richards, naming committees finalize details of new high school, set to open Aug. 2024

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief March 30, 2022

The construction of the new high school began in January of 2020, after the plan was approved in 2018. Today, four years into the project, Harrisonburg City Public Schools superintendent Dr. Michael Richards...

Sophomore Esmeralda Cardoso Rodriguez dribbles the ball between defenders.

Varsity girls soccer drops first home game to Millbrook

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief March 26, 2022

The varsity girls soccer team took the Claude E. Warren field for the first time this season Friday, Mar. 25. The team took on the Millbrook High School Pioneers for the second game in a row to open...

Junior Wyatt Tinkham poses with his new bee hive after completing a hive check.

Tinkham hones passion for beekeeping

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief March 23, 2022

One hundred and fifty thousand. One hundred and fifty thousand bees call junior Wyatt Tinkham’s backyard their home. Tinkham began to keep bees after his dad took it up as a hobby a few years ago.  “My...

Members of Harrisonburgs HOSA chapter pose together after the closing ceremony of the State Leadership Conference.

Members of HOSA Future-Health Professionals place at State Leadership Conference

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief March 14, 2022

March 11-13, 12  members of HOSA - Future Health Professional spent the weekend in Williamsburg, VA at the Virginia HOSA State Leadership Conference. For nine of the students, it was their first time...

Junior Nina Alabanza throws the diablo while demonstrating a trick they learned for the musical.

Alabanza learns to use diablo, develops passion

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief March 4, 2022

Junior Nina Alabanza never dreamed of joining the circus. But learning a circus trick is exactly what she did for this year’s musical performance. “The diablo, also known as the stringless yo-yo...

Helal and her husband got married December 22, 2021. Despite the fact that she is still in high school, Helal knew she was prepared for married life.

Helal navigates newlywed life

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief January 29, 2022

Their wedding took place December 22, 2021. As a newlywed, senior Shahed Helal’s life has changed drastically in the last few years. Originally from Syria, Helal and her family have lived in the...

(Left to right) Sophomore Kristi Duong, junior Ellie Velker, junior Owen Tompkins, and senior
Chris White pose during class.

Top singers headed to state choir event

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief January 26, 2022

Over the weekend, students auditioned for All State Chorus. Two students were selected to represent HHS at the All State Chorus event this April in Richmond, VA. Similarly, two students were selected as...

Above are the Harrisonburg 2021-2022 All District Honor Band results.

26 students named to All District Honor Band

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief January 25, 2022

In December, select band students auditioned for the District V All-District Honor Band. Of those students, 26 placed into the ensembles and will perform at Staunton High School Friday, February 4 and...

In February of 2021, the first block Newsstreak class wrote out the first amendment to celebrate scholastic journalism week,

The First Amendment is more important now than ever before

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief January 3, 2022

Even in the wake of what should be an era that relies so heavily on social media, I feel silenced. Often, I don’t even have the energy to open my mouth anymore. I am learning, though, always striving...

Becca Graham gets ready to hit the ball during a Spikeball competition.

Local competitive Spikeball couple operate bed and breakfast

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief January 3, 2022

When Becca and Joel Graham were looking for a new home in October of 2018, the Graham’s were primarily focused on finding a place that Becca Graham could work as a registered dietitian. After accepting...

Chacon announced his commitment to Mount St. Marys  over holiday break.

Chacon commits to run division one track

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief December 31, 2021

Over winter break, senior Javante (Tay) Chacon announced his commitment to run outdoor track at Mount St. Mary’s University located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Chacon first began his recruitment process...

In the last few weeks, a total of 24 accounts have been made related to HHS. Accounts are controlled by students and run anonymously.

[Photo] Multiple Instagram accounts created, anonymously run by students

Aisha Gil Sanchez, Staff Reporter December 16, 2021

In the last few weeks, a total of 24 accounts have been made related to HHS. Accounts are controlled by students and run anonymously.

Waid believes her dog, Charlie, has improved her overall mental health.

[Photo] Pets help mental health

Macy Waid, Page Editor November 18, 2021

Waid believes her dog, Charlie, has improved her overall mental health.

As part of the construction project, Mackail and Nielsen builders have worked together to form computer simulations to showcase what the school will look like when it opens.

Construction resumes on new high school, set to open Jan. 2024

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief November 5, 2021

After a year and a half of holding off construction due to the pandemic, the new high school is set to be finished in January of 2024. Since starting the original construction in the winter of 2019, Harrisonburg...

Beginning Nov.15 the drama department will hold auditions for the musical, Chicago.

Audition workshops begin Nov.3 for musical

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief November 2, 2021

Workshops for Auditions start Wednesday Nov. 3 and continue Nov. 8 and Nov. 11 after school. The Workshops are designed to prepare students for the auditions Nov. 15 and Nov. 16. Please see the attached...

After receiving straight superiors at the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA), the marching blue streak band will finish its season the weekend of Nov. 5-6.

Marching band receives straight superiors at VBODA state marching band assessment

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief October 31, 2021

The Marching Blue Streak Band performed Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association State Marching Band Assessment at Monticello High School in Charlottesville, Virginia. Bands...

As countries begin to reevaluate their policies following the pandmeic, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) should be carefully considered for countries who have not already implemented it.

Universal health coverage should be implemented in all countries 

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief October 27, 2021

It seems like a no-brainer that healthcare should be provided to anyone who needs it. Now more than ever, we understand the effects of differing socioeconomic status and how that relates to access to healthcare....

Marching band takes home grand championship

Marching band takes home grand championship

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief October 24, 2021

Saturday, Oct. 23, the Marching Blue Streak Band competed in the Cavalier Classic marching band competition hosted by Lord Botetourt High School in Daleville, VA. Results: 1st Place...

Following his commitment in October, Bert will continue to play travel baseball and also participate in his final high school season this spring.

Bert commits to play division one baseball for VCU Rams

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

After weighing his options , senior pitcher Evan Bert has committed to play baseball at the Division I college level. Although Bert was recently officially offered by schools, his recruiting process began...

(Left to right) Seniors Jory James, Haile Madden, Jafar Mansoor, Adam Osinkosky and Aroob Ahmed hold up their envelopes prior to finding out their admissions decision after the conclusion of fall visitation weekend at Virginia Tech.

Students accepted to Virginia Tech after attending fall visitation 

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

The weekend of Oct. 2-3, five HHS students attended fall visitation at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg, VA. The program allowed students to stay on campus, learn about the...

Over the course of the last few months, Chacon has been focusing on rehabbing his knee after his surgery in July.

Chacon rehabs from MCL tear, works towards participating in senior season

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief October 13, 2021

Since sixth grade, senior Javante (Tay) Chacon has pursued his love for sports by playing football. Throughout his various teams, Chacon battled adversity on and off the field due to various injuries....

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

Harrisonburg gets win over Orange County in thrilling homecoming game

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

Friday Sep. 17, the Harrisonburg Blue Streaks varsity football team took home a thrilling victory over the Orange County Hornets for their annual homecoming game. Entering their fourth game of the season,...

Knight (12) serves the ball before the start of the match.

JV Volleyball faces off at Patrick Henry

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief September 14, 2021

To prepare for their standarized tests, most students utilize resources such as study book, practice tests and online materials.

Colleges should move away from standardized testing altogether 

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief September 12, 2021

After the wave of COVID-19 the last year, it is becoming more common to see colleges and universities moving away from requiring standardized test scores. In the past, schools have required applicants...

In 2016, Kizner stands before HHS faculty to address them regarding the upcoming school year. After moving to the Stafford County school district in 2018, Kizner has retired after 23 years of working as a superintendent across four different school districts. Kizner will go on to teach leadership at George Mason University in the next few years.

Former HCPS Superintendent Scott Kizner awarded JEA Administrator of the Year

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief August 31, 2021

After working in education for the past 40 years, former Harrisonburg City Public Schools (HCPS) Superintendent Scott Kizner is wrapping up his time as a leader in the Stafford County School District....

During a practice, sophomore Corey Beshoar gets ready to serve.

Boys tennis finishes regular season undefeated

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief May 26, 2021

For junior Keenan Glago and sophomore Corey Beshoar, their 2021 tennis season has been like no other. Both Glago and Beshoar have been playing tennis for a few years but became interested in the sport...

After graduating from HHS in 2018, King has now also graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) after three years of college.

Alum accepts fellowship at National Institute of Health

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief May 21, 2021

After graduating from Harrisonburg High School in 2018, alum Isaiah King is now closing yet another chapter of his life following his graduation from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond,...

Amelia Mitchell (left) and Emma Lankford (right) pose during a backpacking trip at Grayson Highlands.

Lankford, Mitchell reflect on Girl Scouts experiences

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief May 14, 2021

When she first joined troop #515 a little over 10 years ago, senior Emma Lankford was excited to collect badges and sell cookies. However, over time she has risen from a first-year Brownie to the role...

On Friday, May 7, all six seniors officially committed to continue their college athletic careers with a signing ceremony held in the gym at Harrisonburg High School.

Six seniors commit to continue athletic careers in college

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief May 12, 2021

  David Beck- Virginia Tech  “I definitely felt like pursuing running at the next level was something I was interested in. I loved every moment of high school XC, indoor track, and outdoor...

Harrisonburg High School is currently home to 1859 students. Overcrowding has been an issue for the school over the past few years and the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service projects that the city schools will continue to see an increase of students in the coming years.

HHS2 advocates speak up for new high school to be built 

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief April 30, 2021

At the April 13 City-School Liaison Committee meeting, Harrisonburg public officials met to discuss the proposed budget for the 2021-2022 year. At the meeting, one of the biggest questions was whether...

Fornadel has spent the last few months creating one of her main products, face masks. Fornadel has created different mask options using varying fabrics.

Fornadel starts small business, donates a portion of profits to charities of choosing 

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief April 21, 2021

  Like many other students, junior Abigail Fornadel has picked up an old hobby with the extra time spent at home due to online school for the 2020-2021 academic year. Fornadel took her old...

Freshman Annie Poirot  sprints towards the finish line at a home meet at THMS.

Poirot advances to state meet as freshman 

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

During freshman Anne-Marie Poirot’s first season on the high school cross country team has not been at all what she expected. Between the COVID-19 pandemic and a delayed season, Poirot has been forced...

Cain first received an offer from Radford University in September of 2020. After consulting with her family and coaches, Cain felt the time was right to commit to Radford. The Radford program is a very good program athletically and academically, they also formed a strong bond with me and made me feel like family, Cain said.

Cain commits to play at Radford University 

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief April 12, 2021

Seven months after receiving a division one offer to continue her career at Radford University, Harrisonburg High School junior Mariah Cain verbally committed to play basketball at the university, beginning...

Current senior Maddie McCay finishes her butterfly race in the 2019 swim season.

McCay plans to graduate a year early, attend college in fall

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief April 9, 2021

After Harrisonburg High School announced in August that they would be continuing education online for at least the first semester of the 2020-2021 academic year, junior Maddie McCay made the decision to...

During a practice before the cancellation of their season last spring, current senior Amelia Mitchell scoops up a ball while playing goalkeeper in a scrimmage.

Watson steps into new role as head varsity girls soccer coach 

Maya Waid, Editor-in-Chief March 30, 2021

Despite all of the uncertainties that COVID-19 had presented to the HHS community and its students, one thing that Athletic Director Brandon Burley is excited about is the new girls varsity soccer coach,...

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Maya Waid