The Mountain Lion Messenger

The Student News Site of Sierra Vista High School
Syria’s Continued Conflict
March 20, 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
The Three-Stage Gaza Ceasefire: Stage Two
March 20, 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
In January of 2025, the Palisades fires roared and began to spread more aggressively. On January 7th, fires were seen along the mountaintop surrounding downtown Los Angeles. Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons
California Wildfires
March 3, 2025
THE 2025 INAUGURATION- Donald Trump takes the role of America's 47th president during his inauguration in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. After winning the 2024 election, he stood on a podium as he gave his presidential speech. (By rawpixel.com under public domain with a Creative Commons License)
President Trump’s First 10 Days in Office
March 3, 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
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
Nothing but smiles for Ariella Maika (12) as she holds up her “1K” balloons celebrating her 1,000th high school career kill.
Ariella Maika: Setting New Records
October 15, 2024
"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
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
Vista Royale: The Ultimate Fortnite Duos Tournament
Vista Royale: The Ultimate Fortnite Duos Tournament
December 18, 2024
Assistant Principal, Jaimee Galloway dressed in her colorful attire for the tie-dye spirit day.
SpringChella 
March 20, 2025
Sierra Vista Students Plans for Their Time Off
March 20, 2025
Makayla Pacheco (12), playing Sophie in Mama Mia! faints while performing "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!"
Mamma Mia!
March 20, 2025
Thirty Seven Sierra Vista DECA members took part in the DECA State Career Development Conference (SCDC) at Alexis Park Resort and 17 of our students made it on stage
Vista’s DECA State Career Development Conference
March 20, 2025
Student council seniors gear up for graduation at Senior Sunrise. Delete comment: Student council seniors gear up for graduation at Senior Sunrise.
The Senior Scoop
March 3, 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
Fallout
Fallout
May 14, 2024

The Mountain Lion Messenger

The Mountain Lion Messenger
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.
Sports
Wrestling: One Legacy
Lyric LaFasto, Features editor • March 20, 2025
Makayla Pacheco (12), playing Sophie in Mama Mia! faints while performing "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!"
Student Life
Mamma Mia!
Gabriella Frey, News Editor • March 20, 2025
Thirty Seven Sierra Vista DECA members took part in the DECA State Career Development Conference (SCDC) at Alexis Park Resort and 17 of our students made it on stage
Student Life
Vista’s DECA State Career Development Conference
Maegan Lumsdaine, staff reporter • March 20, 2025
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
Preparing for their performance, Sierra Vista High School's Polynesian Club proudly wears their cultural pa'u and kīkepas, representing their pride for both their club and their culture.
Polynesian Club Bringing Island Culture to the Vegas Deserts
Arissa Garcia, Assistant Editor • March 3, 2025
News
Syria’s Continued Conflict
Amanial M Ftwi,, Editor in Cheif • March 20, 2025
The Three-Stage Gaza Ceasefire: Stage Two
Matteo Boado, staff reporter • March 20, 2025
Immigration Policies
Penelope Marquez, Entertainment Editor • March 3, 2025
California Wildfires
Gabriella Frey, News Editor • March 3, 2025
President Trump’s First 10 Days in Office
Maegan Lumsdaine, Staff Reporter • March 3, 2025
Sports
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
Ariella Maika: Setting New Records
Danica Macaalay, Social Media Editor • October 15, 2024
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...

From the sidelines to the center court, Sierra Vistas cheer team joins our 4A Basketball champions.
Features
Vista Cheerleaders
Kaylah Latu, staff reporter • March 20, 2025

Sierra Vista’s 2024-2025 Cheer team closed out an incredible season clinching first place in both regionals and state competitions in the Crown...

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
Vista Royale: The Ultimate Fortnite Duos Tournament
Vista Royale: The Ultimate Fortnite Duos Tournament
Danica Macaalay, Social Media Editor • December 18, 2024
Student Life
Assistant Principal, Jaimee Galloway dressed in her colorful attire for the tie-dye spirit day.
SpringChella 
Alaina Smalling, Student Life Editor • March 20, 2025

Sierra Vista High School jumps into Spring Week from March 3rd to the 7th. This year, Vista amps up the spirit with five Coachella-inspired...

Sierra Vista Students Plans for Their Time Off
Penelope Marquez, Entertainment editor • March 20, 2025

Spring Break offers both students and teachers a much needed week of relaxation away from their busy school schedules. The nine consecutive off...

Makayla Pacheco (12), playing Sophie in Mama Mia! faints while performing "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!"
Mamma Mia!
Gabriella Frey, News Editor • March 20, 2025

From February 21-22nd, Sierra Vista High Schools theatre program dazzled crowds with their 2024-2025 spring musical, Mamma Mia! The musical focuses...

Meet the Staff
Averi Costa
Averi Costa
Sports Editor

Averi Costa is a senior at Sierra Vista High School. This would have been Averi's final year in journalism after a successful term as Editor in Chief 2023-2024. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Averi could not enroll into the class during its scheduled...

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,...

Matteo Boado
Matteo Boado
Staff Reporter

Matteo Boado is a freshman at Sierra Vista and his first year as a journalist. Coming from a family that has a talent in journalism, Matteo enjoys writing, especially in the field of global news. To clarify, Matteo is not the one on the left that is Ollie,