The Mountain Lion Messenger

The Student News Site of Sierra Vista High School
Refugee Reintegration. Syrian refugees at a clinic in Ramtha, Northern Jordan (Taken by Russell Watkins/Department for International Development for Creative Commons License).
Syrian Refugees: Reintegration
May 6, 2025
Palestine supportive protesters march down streets and demand for a ceasefire. Sourced from the Organization of World Peace (OWP).
The Three-Stage Gaza Ceasefire: Shattered
May 6, 2025
Superintendent Jhone Ebert kicked off her first day by connecting with students and staff during a welcoming visit to Howard Wasden Elementary School.
CCSD Welcomes New Superintendent
May 6, 2025
CLOSING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION- On March 20, United States President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for the dismantling of the Department of Education. Trump vocalized in this order that he thinks the Department of Education has improperly taught the youth and has failed many parents, teachers, and students. According to the president, with the department gone, people will be given new chances to flourish in their environment. (By rawpixel.com under public domain with a Creative Commons License.)
The Demolition of the Department of Education
May 6, 2025
Syria’s Continued Conflict
March 20, 2025
 The 2022 World Cup  
February 7, 2023
Turns to the West  
February 7, 2023
Seoul’s Halloween Tragedy
February 7, 2023
Venezuelan Anti-Immigration Protests 
February 7, 2023
Mass Shooting in Buffalo, New York
February 7, 2023
Statewide Mourning. Coffins of President Raisi alongside his comrades during their funeral ceremony in Mashhad, Iran. (Photo Credit: Iranian Presidency Office, uploaded by Free Malaysia Today for Creative Commons License)
Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi Killed in Helicopter Crash
February 4, 2025
Syria's fall has left a nation in ruins and millions exiled with an unpredictable future ahead. Found in Creative Common License
The Fall of Syria
February 4, 2025
The map depicts the electoral college results from the 2024 presidential election. Photo credits to Wikimedia
February 4, 2025
Iran urges Muslim nations to cut ties with Israel post 2024 conflict, as highlighted by the Organization for World Peace. source: the organization for world
Israel and Iran Conflict
February 4, 2025
From fame to controversy, Sean Combs, better known as P. Diddy, dominates headlines after recent scandalous allegations surface. In March 2024, the music mogul fell from fame and found FBI raiding his house due to his growing allegations and convictions. Source: Wikimedia Commons-- Cannes Moments: Sean Combs Reveals the Secrets of CÎROC's Success Author-- Cannes Lions Learnings
P. Diddy: Arrest
February 4, 2025
Team captain Regi Beshiri prepares to serve during a match at the Aggies Classic Tournament (Photo taken by Brayden Pahk 12).
Sierra Vista’s Unforgettable Weekend
May 6, 2025
Sierra Vista High's basketball players, coaches, and cheerleaders come together for their post-championship victory.
Men’s Basketball Win Back-To-Back State Titles
March 20, 2025
On Saturday, February 15, 2025, Sierra Vista High School’s wrestling team secured a 4A State Championship win.
Wrestling: One Legacy
March 20, 2025
Reagan Foglia (12) and Makenzie Best (12) in the dugout at Faiss Middle School after their first practice.
A New Challenge 
March 4, 2025
All smiles before the rematch this Sunday.
Super Bowl Rematch
February 7, 2025
"I do not agree with any of the policies that he has placed for our nation. I believe that there is so much inequality and corruption. Yes, many people migrated here from different countries. Those people mean no harm. They came to the United States to look for better opportunities. They came here to do better not only for themselves but for their families. It is saddening that a man is ruling our nation for the next 4 years. It's only been three months and he is breaking up families, and discriminating against people of color, religion, sexuality, etc. I am personally afraid of what other things he is yet to consider taking action on. They most certainly affect my family. I have so many family members who have migrated here. But, not for the reasons Trump has said they have. They came here to find better job opportunities. Some to get a decent education. And now he wants us to drop everything and leave. My family is very peaceful, they don't have any sort of record, they don't have debt, and they have never committed any crimes. Why do we have to leave while his people are murderers, kidnappers, addicts, living out on streets. Most of the population that is now currently homeless are Americans who were born here, raised here and they don't even try to get better. People are not harmless, the circumstances are. Immigrants including my family should not be put through such harsh punishments like these just because the president is a racist. It is disgustingly obvious he has never shown any compassion to migrants and how things are appearing he indeed won't ever change his mind."- Wendy Bonilla (12)
Immigration Policies
March 3, 2025
47th President. President Trump's official 2025 portrait. (Taken by Daniel Torok for Creative Commons License on January 17, 2025)
Trump v. Constitution (Birthright Citizenship Op-Ed)
March 3, 2025
Puissant President. Incoming President Donald Trump set to be inaugurated on January 20, 2025. (Uploaded by Regfollower for Creative Commons License on November 6, 2024).
Donald Trump’s Re-Election: The Positives
December 18, 2024
A pro-Palestinian demonstration on November 4, 2023, at the Freedom Plaza in Washington D.C.
Israel-Palestine Student Protests
May 14, 2024
"Teenagers need a lot of sleep, and I feel like the average student does some sort of extracurricular, 6-7 hours of school, another few hours of homework ... school should ideally start at 9." - Javen (Junior)
School start time legislation at stalemate 
April 22, 2024
Be sure to vote for our favorite Mountain Lion during live rounds April 13th at https://idolvote.abc.com/ Text 10 to 21523
Vista Idol
April 3, 2025
From the sidelines to the center court, Sierra Vistas cheer team joins our 4A Basketball champions.
Vista Cheerleaders
March 20, 2025
The potential ban of TikTok raises concerns not just between the U.S. and Chinese government but also among millions of users who have made the platform a part of their daily life.
TikTok Ban 
March 3, 2025
Dr Marino shares, "The warning signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be changes in emotion (or affect) such as feeling down, or sad most every day, low energy, craving carbohydrates and overeating,sleeping too much, difficulty concentrating, feeling hopeless or worthless, and even suicide ideation. SAD is also an issue with spring and summer seasons, and is often called summer-onset seasonal affective disorder. Warning mood changes in the coming Spring Forward in time change to look for may include trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, weight changes, anxiety, feeling more irritable than usual"
Chasing the Sun: Shedding Light on Seasonal Affective Disorder
March 3, 2025
Coming together for the NHS blood drive—one donation at a time.
National Honor Society 
December 18, 2024
Sierra Vista High School's FCCLA chapter celebrates after receiving awards for each student's competition. Photo Credit: Ms. Galloway
Sierra Vista’s FCCLA Chapter Dares to Dream at the State Conference
May 6, 2025
Nothing brings people together like fresh snow and blue skies. Sisters on the slopes, Jacy Johnson (11) and Lola Shanahan (10) double the fun on the snowy mountains.
Sierra Vista High School’s Ski Club Hits the Slopes
May 6, 2025
In his rookie year at Sierra Vista, Dood suits up for his first football season
Making a Paw-sitive Difference
May 6, 2025
Just a glimpse into the blossoming and creative Gardening Club's farmers market hosted on April 22nd.
Spring into Growth
May 6, 2025
Assistant Principal, Jaimee Galloway dressed in her colorful attire for the tie-dye spirit day.
SpringChella 
March 20, 2025
Masen Mitchell (9) on his third trip to the Minecraft movie describes it as "something he could watch over and over again"
Review: A Minecraft Movie
May 6, 2025
Makayla Pacheco (12), playing Sophie in Mama Mia! faints while performing "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!"
Mamma Mia!
March 20, 2025
Jaylene Limon (9) Describes The "Dog Man" movie as the silliest thing she's ever seen.
Dog-Man Review 
March 3, 2025
Standing (Left to Right): Evangline Hovid (11), Griffin Szmety (9), Keyawn Mitchell (12), Jaedon Burg (12), Gabriel Longoria (11), Destiny McKenzie (12), Arturo (12), Tyler Siper (12), Kemora Douglas (12), AJ (12) Sitting: Kira Yeomans (12), Madalyn Reiter (11), Hannah Reed (11), Lea Fortier-Drolet (12), Makayla Pacheco (12), Summer Pobre (11), Kinsey Hinchcliffe (12), Meila Diaz (11)
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark
February 7, 2025
Kayleigh Fick describes watching "Wicked" as a transformative experience.
Review: Wicked
December 18, 2024

The Mountain Lion Messenger

The Mountain Lion Messenger
Sierra Vista High School's FCCLA chapter celebrates after receiving awards for each student's competition. Photo Credit: Ms. Galloway
Showcase
Sierra Vista’s FCCLA Chapter Dares to Dream at the State Conference
May 6, 2025
In his rookie year at Sierra Vista, Dood suits up for his first football season
Showcase
Making a Paw-sitive Difference
Danica Macaalay, Social Media Editor • May 6, 2025
Superintendent Jhone Ebert kicked off her first day by connecting with students and staff during a welcoming visit to Howard Wasden Elementary School.
Showcase
CCSD Welcomes New Superintendent
Kaylah Latu, Staff Reporter • May 6, 2025
Assistant Principal, Jaimee Galloway dressed in her colorful attire for the tie-dye spirit day.
Student Life
SpringChella 
Alaina Smalling, Student Life Editor • March 20, 2025
Sierra Vista High's basketball players, coaches, and cheerleaders come together for their post-championship victory.
Sports
Men’s Basketball Win Back-To-Back State Titles
Danica Macaalay, Social Media Editor • March 20, 2025
On Saturday, February 15, 2025, Sierra Vista High School’s wrestling team secured a 4A State Championship win.
Wrestling: One Legacy
Lyric LaFasto, Features editor • March 20, 2025
Makayla Pacheco (12), playing Sophie in Mama Mia! faints while performing "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!"
Mamma Mia!
Gabriella Frey, News Editor • March 20, 2025
News
Syrian Refugees: Reintegration
Amanial Ftwi, Editor in Chief • May 6, 2025
The Three-Stage Gaza Ceasefire: Shattered
Matteo Boado, Staff Reporter • May 6, 2025
CCSD Welcomes New Superintendent
Kaylah Latu, Staff Reporter • May 6, 2025
The Demolition of the Department of Education
Maegan Lumsdaine, Staff Reporter • May 6, 2025
Syria’s Continued Conflict
Amanial M Ftwi,, Editor in Cheif • March 20, 2025
Sports
Sierra Vista’s Unforgettable Weekend
Lyric LaFasto, Features Editor • May 6, 2025
Men’s Basketball Win Back-To-Back State Titles
Danica Macaalay, Social Media Editor • March 20, 2025
Wrestling: One Legacy
Lyric LaFasto, Features editor • March 20, 2025
A New Challenge 
Averi Costa, Sports Editor • March 4, 2025
Super Bowl Rematch
Arissa Garcia, Assistant Editor • February 7, 2025
Opinion
"I do not agree with any of the policies that he has placed for our nation. I believe that there is so much inequality and corruption. Yes, many people migrated here from different countries. Those people mean no harm. They came to the United States to look for better opportunities. They came here to do better not only for themselves but for their families. It is saddening that a man is ruling our nation for the next 4 years. It's only been three months and he is breaking up families, and discriminating against people of color, religion, sexuality, etc. I am personally afraid of what other things he is yet to consider taking action on. They most certainly affect my family. I have so many family members who have migrated here. But, not for the reasons Trump has said they have. They came here to find better job opportunities. Some to get a decent education. And now he wants us to drop everything and leave. My family is very peaceful, they don't have any sort of record, they don't have debt, and they have never committed any crimes. Why do we have to leave while his people are murderers, kidnappers, addicts, living out on streets. Most of the population that is now currently homeless are Americans who were born here, raised here and they don't even try to get better. People are not harmless, the circumstances are. Immigrants including my family should not be put through such harsh punishments like these just because the president is a racist. It is disgustingly obvious he has never shown any compassion to migrants and how things are appearing he indeed won't ever change his mind."- Wendy Bonilla (12)
Immigration Policies
Penelope Marquez, Entertainment Editor • March 3, 2025

Since January 20th, 2025, President Donald Trump passed a set of immigration policies that will affect millions of immigrants across the country....

47th President. President Trump's official 2025 portrait. (Taken by Daniel Torok for Creative Commons License on January 17, 2025)
Trump v. Constitution (Birthright Citizenship Op-Ed)
Amanial Ftwi, Editor in Chief • March 3, 2025

Since President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, he authorized 68 executive orders as of February 19, generating widespread controversy,...

Puissant President. Incoming President Donald Trump set to be inaugurated on January 20, 2025. (Uploaded by Regfollower for Creative Commons License on November 6, 2024).
Donald Trump’s Re-Election: The Positives
Amanial Ftwi, Editor in Chief • December 18, 2024

Although a highly controversial and often outright problematic figure, President Trump won the 2024 election and will serve as the 47th president...

Be sure to vote for our favorite Mountain Lion during live rounds April 13th at https://idolvote.abc.com/ Text 10 to 21523
Features
Vista Idol
Arissa Garcia, Assistant Editor • April 3, 2025

Over Spring Break, senior Isaiah Misailegalu became an overnight sensation when he successfully auditioned for American Idol, earning a “golden...

From the sidelines to the center court, Sierra Vistas cheer team joins our 4A Basketball champions.
Vista Cheerleaders
Kaylah Latu, staff reporter • March 20, 2025
The potential ban of TikTok raises concerns not just between the U.S. and Chinese government but also among millions of users who have made the platform a part of their daily life.
TikTok Ban 
Kaylah Latu, Staff Reporter • March 3, 2025
Dr Marino shares, "The warning signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be changes in emotion (or affect) such as feeling down, or sad most every day, low energy, craving carbohydrates and overeating,sleeping too much, difficulty concentrating, feeling hopeless or worthless, and even suicide ideation. SAD is also an issue with spring and summer seasons, and is often called summer-onset seasonal affective disorder. Warning mood changes in the coming Spring Forward in time change to look for may include trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, weight changes, anxiety, feeling more irritable than usual"
Chasing the Sun: Shedding Light on Seasonal Affective Disorder
Farrah Ford, Staff Reporter • March 3, 2025
Coming together for the NHS blood drive—one donation at a time.
National Honor Society 
Kaylah Latu, Staff Reporter • December 18, 2024
Student Life
Sierra Vista High School's FCCLA chapter celebrates after receiving awards for each student's competition. Photo Credit: Ms. Galloway
Sierra Vista’s FCCLA Chapter Dares to Dream at the State Conference
May 6, 2025

From March 11 through the 14th, Sierra Vista High School's Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter attended the Nevada...

Nothing brings people together like fresh snow and blue skies. Sisters on the slopes, Jacy Johnson (11) and Lola Shanahan (10) double the fun on the snowy mountains.
Sierra Vista High School’s Ski Club Hits the Slopes
Arissa Garcia, Assistant Editor • May 6, 2025

In the cool and snowy mountains, Sierra Vista High School’s Ski Club provides students the perfect escape from the grueling Vegas heat,...

In his rookie year at Sierra Vista, Dood suits up for his first football season
Making a Paw-sitive Difference
Danica Macaalay, Social Media Editor • May 6, 2025

Since the 2021-2022 school year, Sierra Vista’s four-legged furry-friend, Dood, roams around Sierra Vista’s campus greeting students, lending...

Meet the Staff
Arissa Garcia
Arissa Garcia
Assistant Editor

Arissa Garcia is an ambitious junior attending Sierra Vista High School. This is her third consecutive year in journalism and she actively participates in other various extracurricular activities, such as volleyball, Key Club, Filipino Club, Theatre,...

Maegan Lumsdaine
Maegan Lumsdaine
Staff Reporter

Maegan Lumsdaine is a freshman at Sierra Vista High School. She is currently in her first year of journalism. Maegan enjoys writing stories with dialogue and description. Maegan was born in California but moved here a few years back. She enjoys drawing...

Farrah Ford
Farrah Ford
Staff Reporter

Farrah Ford is a Junior at Sierra Vista High School and her first year in Journalism. Farrah has always enjoyed reading and writing and has preferred to write about catastrophes and impacts on lives. Farrah was born in Alaska, but raised in Las Vegas...