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Where every person has a story.

HHS Media

Where every person has a story.

HHS Media

Oziel Valdez

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief

Oziel Valdez is a senior and the Online Editor in Chief for Newsstreak. Oziel has been in Newsstreak since his freshman year and is very grateful for the experience. Oziel is currently in the HHS Governor's STEM Academy and has been in involved in STEM since his middle school years. Oziel is also heavily involved in theater, dance and choir. Cranberry juice is Oziel's favorite kind of juice and drinks it whenever he can. 

All content by Oziel Valdez
Updates on 2021-2022 school year released

Updates on 2021-2022 school year released

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief May 20, 2021

May 20, 2021, Harrisonburg City Public Schools (HCPS) released an email to faculty, students and parents regarding the upcoming school year. HCPS has been working closely with the Virginia Department...

SCA candidates announced with elections starting May 18

SCA candidates announced with elections starting May 18

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief May 17, 2021

While the current school year starts to come to an end, the next one is already being prepared, one aspect of which is the Student Community Association (SCA) Executive Board. SCA is a group of students...

The HHS debate team stands holding their medals alongside coach Aaron Cosner after their regionals competition. The competition was held at Turner Ashby High School. This photo was taken before lockdown from the pandemic was set.

HHS Debate Team place at regional tournament, prepare for the next level

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief March 28, 2021

This past Saturday, the HHS Debate team participated in their VHSL Regional Tournament. The tournament consists of different formats for different teams. Teams consist of either one or two members who...

HHS Academic Team posing for a photo on the day of their virtual competition. The HHS Academic Team, led by teachers Lawson Yoder and Ryan Henschel consists of: senior Henry Hermes and juniors Mary El Vaughan, Josiah Leach and Corinne Mayfield.

HHS Academic Team place second in state competition

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief March 27, 2021

On Saturday, March 20, the HHS Academic Team participated at the Class 5 Scholastic Bowl State Tournament. The tournament, which was held virtually, featured four schools from different classes competing...

A screenshot from the livestream held that announced the finalists. The livestream was hosted by Gary Lundgren, the associate director for NSPA.

HHS Media announced as Online Pacemaker Finalist

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief March 15, 2021

Every year, the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) honors publications from around the nation for their work and media output. This honor is known as the Pacemaker Award. The Pacemaker Award...

HOSA wins multiple recognitions at VA State Leadership Conference

HOSA wins multiple recognitions at VA State Leadership Conference

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief March 14, 2021

This past weekend, eight HOSA members competed in the Virginia HOSA State Leadership Conference (SLC). The eight members competed under the guidance of HHS HOSA Coordinator, Jennifer Glazer. The competition...

Silhouette of a body surrounded by constant pressures that social media makes.

[Photo] Social media’s effects on body image and mental health

Kasey Thompson, Yearbook Editor in Chief February 24, 2021

Silhouette of a body surrounded by constant pressures that social media makes.

The student dashboard for Virtual Virginia courses. The dashboard shows the students grades and their assignments.

[Photo] Students have varying experiences taking online courses through Virtual Virginia

Kasey Thompson, Yearbook Editor in Chief February 12, 2021

The student dashboard for Virtual Virginia courses. The dashboard shows the students' grades and their assignments.

Flier with directions on how to purchase your pictures. (English Version)

Underclassmen picture make-up day to take place in February

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief January 24, 2021

Underclassmen yearbook photos will be taken again on Feb. 10, 2021. These photos are for students who were not able to get their photo taken on the previous dates. Time slots for the make-up day are available...

Miller runs indoor track to stay in shape. He spends a lot of time in wilderness and enjoys hiking.

Jonas Miller

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief January 19, 2021

Last year, senior Jonas Miller had the unique role of being the team manager for the indoor track team. As team manager, Miller helped people with their events while doing the chores that other teammates...

Jalal (middle, second from left) after a home meet during the 2020 season.

Lare Jalal

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief January 19, 2021

For senior Lare Jalal, gymnastics was always with her. While growing up in New Jersey and Kurdistan, she was very intrigued by the sport. When she moved to Virginia, she stopped doing gymnastics because...

Choir teacher Bethany Houff conducts her students during a concert. This photo was taken pre-pandemic.

VMEA Honors Choir results released, honors two HHS choir students

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief January 7, 2021

Every year, the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) holds a state-wide Senior Honors Choir. To participate, 12th grade choir students audition for a panel of judges. The audition includes a prepared...

HHS Band presents ‘Holiday Songs of Fun’

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief December 26, 2020

Every year, the HHS Band participates in the holiday parade held in downtown Harrisonburg. The parade features beloved holiday characters, such as Santa Claus, which the HHS Band introduces every year...

A screenshot of the edited video of all the choir students singing together.

HHS Choir teams up with middle school choirs for musical performance

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief December 23, 2020

The choral departments of HHS, SKMS and THMS joined together to prepare a song to be done virtually.  The song, "Give us Hope," was learned in all three choral programs virtually. Students then recorded...

The poster for Elf: The Musical.

Tickets for ‘Elf: The Musical’ go on sale

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief December 21, 2020

Opening night for the musical is coming up and tickets have gone on sale. "Elf: The Musical," a holiday-themed musical, is premiering via livestream on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020. It is being livestreamed...

Senior Oziel Valdez found himself through the struggles of high school and looks towards his future and what it holds.

[Photo] The Storyteller

Lucia Gabel, Editor-in-Chief December 14, 2020

Senior Oziel Valdez found himself through the struggles of high school and looks towards his future and what it holds.

From the 2019-2020 staff, junior Helen Rivera Rivas, sophomore Marelyn Rivera Rivas and seniors Nayelis Pluma-Ferrer and Estefani Rivas-Sierra unpack food items to put in care packages for area first responders. This project was HOSA’s first of the year in honor of 9/11.

HOSA attends virtual state conference

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief December 12, 2020

On Dec. 9, 2020, 20 HOSA members attended the virtual fall leadership conference. The students engaged with speakers and other members from across the state. This included two keynote speakers and participating...

HHS Band gives thanks

HHS Band gives thanks

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief November 26, 2020

On  Thanksgiving Day, the HHS Blue Streak Band released the following: "In honor of Thanksgiving, the Harrisonburg High School Blue Streak Band members give thanks for their band program in a video. Our...

The three HHS Senior Regional Orchestra Members for the 2020-2021 year are seniors Ethan Malcolm and Ryan Secrist and freshman Cindy Liu.

Three HHS students accepted into the South Central Senior Regional Orchestra

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief November 24, 2020

Each year, band students in the South Central Region of Virginia, the largest region in the entire state, audition for the South Central Regional Orchestra. This prestigious honor awards band students'...

Flier with directions on how to purchase your pictures. (English Version)

Underclassmen picture day to be held Dec. 7-8

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief November 15, 2020

Picture day for underclassmen will be held on the days of Dec. 7 and 8. The picture-taking will be inside HHS' multipurpose room. Students are required to arrive earlier than their appointment. Students...

The poster for the 2020-2021 HHS musical, Elf the Musical.

‘Elf the Musical’ holds workshops in preparation for auditions

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief September 30, 2020

Despite COVID taking over in-person learning, the annual HHS musical has not been canceled. It is continuing with new plans and direction. The chosen musical is "Elf the Musical," which was based on the...

The flier for the event being held at HHS.

UPDATED SEPT. 24, 2020: Counseling Center to hold backdrop decoration event

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief September 24, 2020

Update from Sept. 24, 2020 at 7:05 p.m. This event has been delayed due to a recent COVID-19 outbreak at HHS. It will be held next Friday, Oct. 2 at the same time as planned.  As a way to...

Yearbook advisor Emilee Hussack helps with senior photos. Photo was taken before pandemic.

UPDATED SEPT. 24, 2020: Prestige by Lifetouch to take senior pictures

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief September 24, 2020

Update from Sept. 24, 2020 at 5:15 p.m. For senior photos, students will enter through the North 4 doors. Once they are finished, they will exit from the multipurpose room door. Students are to arrive...

Landscape of a lake.

[Photo]

Landscape of a lake.

The introduction of the letter sent to all HHS students. The letter contained information the students need to know before the school year starts.

HHS prepares for upcoming school year with information for students

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief August 21, 2020

While the school year is close to beginning at HHS, there is still work needed to be done before the year can start. This deals with materials for virtual learning.  For Harrisonburg High School,...

The 2019-2020 yearbook editorial board standing with the yearbook.

Yearbook distribution date set

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief June 18, 2020

The 2019-2020 yearbooks have come arrived and are getting ready for distribution. The yearbooks will be distributed Friday, June 26, in between the times of noon and 7 p.m. Distribution will be set up...

Varsity football coaches Joe Carico, Marc Healy and Josh Carico painted the inside of the weight room doors white with the Harrisonburg High School logo and painted the trim red.

HHS announces new head football coach

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief June 17, 2020

Wednesday, June 17, 2020, HHS announced in a press release that Josh Carico will be the new head coach for the varsity football team and football program at HHS. Carico was approved by the HCPS School...

Dates set for HHS underclassmen to return school materials

Dates set for HHS underclassmen to return school materials

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief June 8, 2020

After following graduation week, HHS is prepared to take in materials from all students who are not seniors. Dates and times were released for students and families to be able to drive to HHS and drop...

Junior Amelia Mitchell speaks about her sculpted tree she made for the showcase Bare.

Fine Arts Academy holds virtual showcase, allows open discussion for senior capstone

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief June 2, 2020

The closing of HHS has not held back students on their journey of creativity. While rooted at home, the HHS Fine Arts Academy (FAACL) set up a showcase so that students can express their creativity. Students...

HHS honors awards for seniors through virtual ceremony

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief June 2, 2020

While HHS has been closed since March 2020, the work that students put forth has not stopped. To honor this work, HHS has held multiple virtual award ceremonies to recognize students' accomplishments....

The announcement that SCA posted on social media to announce the SCA Executive Board for 2020-2021.

SCA announces executive board for upcoming school year

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief June 2, 2020

The Student Community Association's Executive Board is a select group of students that work to help create community at Harrisonburg High School. This includes organizing activities such as pep rallies...

Screenshot from the VJAS Awards Ceremony. The ceremony was livestreamed through YouTube.

Three students honored at VA Junior Academy of Science

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief June 2, 2020

 Each year, the Virginia Junior Academy of Science (VJAS) holds a research competition for high school students for their work in areas like engineering and environmental science. Students submit...

HHS holds virtual Excellence Awards Ceremony

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief May 27, 2020

An annual end-of-the-year tradition for HHS is to hold the Excellence Awards Ceremony. This year, the ceremony had to be held virtually. Students were awarded for their work in each department. Awards...

HHS Mathematics Department holds virtual award ceremony

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief May 27, 2020

The HHS Mathematics Department has released their version of their yearly ceremony. This awards ceremony has been released virtually for students and families. This ceremony is to praise students for their...

Warming up

Virtual summer school registration opens

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief May 27, 2020

Despite schools being closed for the rest of the academic year, summer school at HHS will be held. However, the classes offered will be held virtually. Summer school will be a six week program for students...

The flier for the Virtual Spring Band Concert.

Band holds virtual spring concert

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief May 27, 2020

Tonight, Wednesday, June 27, the HHS Blue Streak Band will hold their Virtual Spring Band Concert. It will be held at 7 p.m. This virtual concert is response to the closure of all schools due to COVID-19....

The logo of the National Federation of High School Associations.

NFHS releases information regarding national sports and activities restarting

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief May 25, 2020

The National Federation of High School Associations (NHSF) has taken new approaches for the next step in high school sports and activities. Through a 15-member committee consisting of health experts and...

The graduating class of 2019 sitting at their ceremony.

News released regarding ROCO and MTC graduations

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief May 25, 2020

Graduations have been modified to fit CDC guidelines and Massanutten Technical Center (MTC) and Rockingham County Schools are not a stranger to this. In a recently sent email, the changes regarding these...

HHS admin releases information regarding graduation through weekly podcast

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief May 25, 2020

On the fourth episode of the HHS admin radio show, they provide updates regarding HHS. This episode primarily focuses on graduation and answering all questions regarding it. 

A screenshot featuring the HHS admin in their weekly radio show.

The HHS administration releases third episode of weekly updates

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief May 5, 2020

This week's podcast done by the HHS administration includes the topic of grades for the rest of the school year.  Not only that, but it includes mentions from the HHS staff.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlSc0zgj-Ic&list=PLDLN9bGmJ03QKSUtzPhYk6aTG494De1xf

Freshmen Levi Zook and Palmer Hall wear pink to support breast cancer awareness on pink out day.

SCA holds virtual spirit week

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief May 3, 2020

Despite not being in school physically, SCA still wants to bring HHS together. To do this, they are going to have a spirit week through social media. On their Instagram page, @hhs_sca, they will post pictures...

The Senior Wall at HHS. It is featured in front of the library and shows what paths seniors are going.

Senior Wall

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief April 29, 2020

The Senior Wall at HHS is an annual tradition for seniors. It features the different options seniors are taking after high school, whether that's college or another option like the military. This wall...

The graduating class of 2019 sitting at their ceremony.

New information regarding graduation has been released

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief April 27, 2020

COVID-19 has not held back the graduation for the Senior Class. Graduation, which has been in discussion on how to proceed was originally planned to be held during June of this year. In an email sent by...

A screenshot of the intro to the HHS Admins second podcast video.

HHS administration release second weekly podcast

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief April 22, 2020

The HHS administration team has been releasing weekly podcasts to update students on certain topics and information. This week's podcast included the topics of what meetings admin has been having and information...

Counselor Brino schedules junior Yonker Vasquez Lopez for next years classes.

Counseling center opens office hours for students

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief April 21, 2020

In admist the closing of HHS, teachers have been finding ways to stay in contact with students. This was one of the major goals of the HHS counseling team. The team now has opened their doors to allow...

McClay paints nails to accent outfits, style

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief April 20, 2020

Ever since his curiosity at Camp Mardela in Maryland, McClay has found a new daily habit. At this camp, one of McClay’s friends lost a bet and had to paint his nails. McClay, intrigued, asked to have...

Junior Emily Nguyen enjoys different colored nails like this set. She likes to be creative and enjoys the way acrylics make her feel more confident about herself.

Students at HHS and their nails

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief April 20, 2020

Various students at HHS customize their nails in different ways and for different reasons. Read about how students keep up with their nails. 

Senior Jane Doe has been sexually harassed throughout her high school career. 
*Name changed to protect identity

[Photo] Doe faces harassment throughout high school

April 20, 2020

Senior Jane Doe has been sexually harassed throughout her high school career. *Name changed to protect identity

Senior Raghav Kharel started his own ramen business. He has been planning on this for years.

[Photo] Kharel starts own ramen business

Grace Miller, Page Editor April 18, 2020

Senior Raghav Kharel started his own ramen business. He has been planning on this for years.

The sign for Walmart on 171 Burgess Road in Harrisonburg, Va.

[Photo] Ayalla-Gallo protects himself while working at Walmart

Toluwani Ola, Page Editor April 8, 2020

Upon entering Walmart, signs with new hours has been posted with cleaning supplies for the employees. In addition to this, there are hand sanitizer dispensers at the entrance as well.

Due to all HCPS schools being closed for the rest of the year due to COVID-19, many HHS community members have found new ways to stay in shape.

HHS stays in shape at home, athletes reflect on seasons

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief April 7, 2020

With gyms and other fitness centers being closed due to COVID-19, students and staff have found ways to keep themselves in shape during these times. Read about how the HHS community is getting the work...

A screenshot of the video that HHS admin released. They held a call through Google Meets to be able to have this call.

HHS community releases first episode of weekly videos

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief April 3, 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94hTgfrDe-w&fbclid=IwAR3deNYZFbgzw5YVjxonJOElBqI8pfBD9-LG9gyDDVWuMejBR_5XanAYkKg April 3, 2020, the HHS admin released a video to all of HHS. The weekly video discusses...

Seniors reflect on their senior year being cut short

Seniors reflect on their senior year being cut short

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief April 2, 2020

With the announcement by Ralph Northam that all schools in Virginia being closed, this has meant that the seniors at HHS have had their senior year already end. Events like graduation and prom are still...

The Virginia High School League (VHSL) logo.

VHSL releases new information in response to school closings

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief March 24, 2020

The Virginia High School League (VHSL) held a conference the morning of March 24 to discuss the available options regarding spring sports and academic teams, including ones that go into summer. In this...

Va. Governor Ralph Northam gives his inaugaral speech on January 20, 2018.

(UPDATED 3/23/20 4:08 p.m.) Northam announces school closure for remaining school year

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief March 23, 2020

UPDATED AS OF MARCH 23, 2020, AT 4:08 P.M. Through a press conference held March 23, 2020, VA Governor Ralph Northam announced updates on COVID-19 regarding education and businesses. In the press...

HCPS releases meal plans for students in response to schools closing

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief March 13, 2020

Due to the recent closing of HCPS schools due to the coronavirus, HCPS will now partner with the USDA Summer Food Service Program to provide bagged meals to students. Breakfast and lunch will be served...

The Comcast sign at the entrance of one of their company buildings.

Comcast gives two months of free WiFi to eligible students

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief March 13, 2020

Starting March 16, 2020, Comcast from the Blue Ridge Area will be providing students with free WiFi. This will be included in their Internet Essentials Program. For eligible students, the program would...

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. A novel coronavirus, named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The illness caused by this virus has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

(UPDATED 3/24/2020 4:40 p.m.) HCPS releases information regarding school closings

Dany T Medhin and Oziel Valdez March 13, 2020

UPDATED AS OF MARCH 24, 2020, AT 4:40 P.M. As of March 13, Governor Ralph Northam has issued a closing of on site schooling for all K-12 schools in Virginia. School will not be accessible starting...

The HHS TSA chapter stands together with one of their leaders, Seth Shantz,  and THMS TSA members. The chapter holds up awards they won through the competition.

TSA pulls multiple wins at regional competition

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief March 9, 2020

March 7, 2020, the Harrisonburg Technology Student Association (TSA) chapter traveled to Stuarts Draft High School to compete in the Valley Region Fair. The chapter traveled with Thomas Harrison Middle School...

Spectators watch as junior David Beck strides to the finish line at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds. Out of 15 teams, Harrisonburg placed second behind Spotswood Sept. 11.

Beck wins states, prepares for nationals

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief March 8, 2020

With his dreams from last year in hand’s reach, junior David Beck took the leap to make those previous dreams a reality. While attending the VHSL State Indoor Track Championship Feb. 28 and 29, Beck...

Team Error 404 starts their hands-on portion of one of their matches. This follows the 30 second autonomous period where team members cannot touch the controller.

[Photo]

Team Error 404 starts their hands-on portion of one of their matches. This follows the 30 second autonomous period where team members cannot touch the controller.

The 4x800 boys indoor track team celebrates after breaking a school record Jan. 4 at the Bulldog Invitational at Liberty University with a time of 8:12.25

4×800 boys indoor track team qualifies for nationals

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief January 12, 2020

Saturday, Jan. 12, the indoor track team journeyed to Lexington, Va., for the VTCA Winter Classic at Virginia Military Institute (VMI). There, the 4x800 boys team broke their own school record and qualified...

TEST TEST TEST

[Photo]

TEST TEST TEST

Juniors Ryan Secrist (left) and Ethan Malcolm play percussion in the bands performance of Pale Blue Dot at the Shenandoah Valley Marching Invitational.

Secrist, 18 other band students make it to All-City Honor Band

Oziel Valdez, Online Editor in Chief November 14, 2019

With marching band season coming to a close comes a new season: concert season. Members from the HHS band auditioned on for the annual Harrisonburg/Rockingham All-City/County Honor Band. In total, 19 band...

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