The Mountain Lion Messenger

The Student News Site of Sierra Vista High School
Ovechkin (2)- From challenger to record-breaker, Ovechkin made hockey history with every shot leading up to his 897th goal.
NHL Breaking Barriers: How Hockey’s Biggest Names Created History 
May 22, 2025
Pope Leo XIV makes his first public appearance standing at the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica after his declaration as the 267th Head of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025. Image sourced from Flickr, Creative Commons by NC-ND. Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/catholicism/54506387286/
The Passing of Pope Francis
May 22, 2025
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
 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
Ovechkin (2)- From challenger to record-breaker, Ovechkin made hockey history with every shot leading up to his 897th goal.
NHL Breaking Barriers: How Hockey’s Biggest Names Created History 
May 22, 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
"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
After reminiscing on the times past, Tori Pineda (12) sits down in The Post, looking forward to new experiences.
To Freshman, From Seniors: Advice for a Strong Start
May 22, 2025
The sun sets over the beach in Honolulu, Hawaii a favorite destination for Vegas residents.
Summer Plans
May 22, 2025
Makayla Best (10), Julianna Reed(11), Christina Fakoya(11), Anna Yu(10), Hannah Reed(11), Alijah Santiago(11), McKenzie Gidge(11), Mya Quezada(9), and Nora Baltera(10), Sierra Vista's future executive board, enjoy their first official bonding event.
Leading a New School Year: Sierra Vista High School’s New Executive Board 
May 22, 2025
Jason Ford and Farrah Ford (11) soaking in the electric atmosphere of their very first WrestleMania at Allegiant Stadium, April 19th, 2025.
WrestleMania 41 Weekend
May 22, 2025
Seniors Shine at Sunset: A Festival Farewell to Remember
Seniors Shine at Sunset: A Festival Farewell to Remember
May 20, 2025
Class of 2026 Welcomes the Sun with a new year of Possibilites
Welcome to the Den
August 2, 2025
After reminiscing on the times past, Tori Pineda (12) sits down in The Post, looking forward to new experiences.
To Freshman, From Seniors: Advice for a Strong Start
May 22, 2025
The sun sets over the beach in Honolulu, Hawaii a favorite destination for Vegas residents.
Summer Plans
May 22, 2025
Makayla Best (10), Julianna Reed(11), Christina Fakoya(11), Anna Yu(10), Hannah Reed(11), Alijah Santiago(11), McKenzie Gidge(11), Mya Quezada(9), and Nora Baltera(10), Sierra Vista's future executive board, enjoy their first official bonding event.
Leading a New School Year: Sierra Vista High School’s New Executive Board 
May 22, 2025
The dynamic host and hostess, Makayla Pacheco (12) and Tyler Sipes (12), announce the long-awaited winner results as the eager contestants gather on stage. Tori Pineda (12), Jaedon Burg (12), Lee Pobre (11), Tyler Sipes (12), Makayla Pacheco (12)
Vista Has Talent
May 22, 2025
Eager audiences around the world anticipate the upcoming movies this summer, including classics such as the live action "Lilo and Stitch", and long awaited sequels like Mission impossible- Final Reckoning. AI created image by author
Summer Blockbuster Preview
May 22, 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

The Mountain Lion Messenger

The Mountain Lion Messenger
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, and more. Over the years, Arissa has grown to love writing feature articles and passionately involves herself with school activities.

All content by Arissa Garcia

Vista Has Talent

Arissa Garcia, Assistant Editor
May 22, 2025
EDC at the Meet

EDC at the Meet

Arissa Garcia, Assistant Editor
May 22, 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

Arissa Garcia, Assistant Editor
May 6, 2025

Vista Idol

Arissa Garcia, Assistant Editor
April 3, 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
All smiles before the rematch this Sunday.

Super Bowl Rematch

Arissa Garcia, Assistant Editor
February 7, 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

Arissa Garcia, Assistant Editor
February 4, 2025
'Tis the season to rock ugly sweaters all day, every day. Thespians Jaylyn-Ena Symonds (11) and Piper Watson (09) deck the halls with their festive ugly sweaters.

[Photo]  Vista’s Festive Holiday Spirit Week

Farrah Ford, Staff Reporter
December 18, 2024
IMG_0136

[Photo] Vista Royale: The Ultimate Fortnite Duos Tournament

Danica Macaalay, Social Media Editor
December 18, 2024
Crafting memories together, Sierra Vista High School's Old Souls Club gathers to recreate the classic trend of scrap booking.

Old Souls Never Go Out of Style

Arissa Garcia, Assistant Editor
December 18, 2024
Building leaders, fostering teamwork, and embracing discipline-- Sierra Vista High School's JROTC shapes the future one cadet at a time. Cadets Kaia Santos (12), Jacqueline Grote (12), Carson Rose (12), Niko Monto (12), Issac Henry (12), And Aryn Crooks (12) proudly demonstrates JROTC excellence.

JROTC Shaping Cadets Today For America’s Tomorrow

Arissa Garcia, Assistant Editor
November 20, 2024
Vista faculty and staff prepare for a night of tricks and treats

Vista Celebrates Halloween

Arissa Garcia, Assistant Editor
November 20, 2024
Twice as nice, Sadie Reynolds (10) and Jaden Suniga (11) proves that great minds think alike with their matching outfits.

Spot the difference! Garrick Tabernilla (11) and Lana Nguyen (11) brought their A-game to twin day with perfectly coordinated outfits.

Throwing it back to the 90s, Asia Ortiz (12) and Anthony Mahayosnand (12) serves up major nostalgia with their iconic outfits for the day.

Dancing into the spotlight, Synergy members, Christian Rebolledo (12) and Francine Andrion (12), are crowned Homecoming Kind and Queen, making Homecoming a truly unforgettable night for the both of them.

Lovers and Friends at Homecoming

Arissa Garcia, Assistant Editor
October 15, 2024
Rollin’ Back To School! : Leo’s Roller Rink Assembly

Rollin’ Back To School! : Leo’s Roller Rink Assembly

Arissa Garcia, Assistant Editor
September 19, 2024
In the middle of an intense match, the Mountain Lions huddle up to coordinate their next move.

SVHS Mountain Lion and DOHS Diamond Backs Battle for the Bell

Arissa Garcia, Features Co-Editor
April 22, 2024
Mabuhay! ( Live / Good Wishes ) : Sierra Vista High School Filipino Club, where unity and culture meet.

Filipino Club : Celebrating Culture and Community

Arissa Garcia, Features Co-Editor
March 28, 2024
On March 27, 2023, The Covenant School based in Nashville, Tennessee, suffered a tragic shooting, taking the lives of three 9-year-old students and three staff members.

The Nashville School Shooting Tragedy

Arissa Garcia, Student Life Co Editor
February 15, 2024
Where learning meets friendship, and studying turns into bonding, Sierra Vista High School's library opens its doors for all students, like Kristine Nguyen (09), Sandrae Gacayan (09), Jezmarai Ovalles (09), Steven Vergara (10), Brian Espinueva (09), and Hayden Clark (09), to hangout or study.

Book A Visit To The School Library

Arissa Garcia, Features Co Editor
December 28, 2023
Sierra Vista Key Club accessorizing with spirit at RTC 2022.

 Key Club : Lead With Integrity

Arissa Garcia, Feature Co-Editor
October 29, 2023
The Sierra Vista High School Cheer Squad's energy and passion are contagious, igniting a sense of pride and unity in their school.

[Photo] Homecoming Week

Mackyla Arce, Assistant Editor
October 29, 2023
Keeping Sierra Vista High School corridors in check, our diligent hall monitors, Mr. David Purcell, Mr. Brett Terry (Coach Terry), and Ms. Joseta Fatuesi (Jo-Jo), guarantees order and safety for all students.

Backpacks, Books, and Beyond: A Back-To-School Guide

Arissa Garcia, Student Life Co Editor
September 22, 2023
Men's Volleyball

Men’s Volleyball

Arissa Garcia, Staff Reporter
May 22, 2023
The Environmental Club preparing a poster for Student Council's Fright Night

The Environmental Club

Arissa Garcia, staff reporter
May 22, 2023
The "Diamonds in the Rough," Makayla Pacheco, Shaun Worth, and Kinsey Hinchliffe, reveal their shocking plot twist during their scene at Sierra Vista's Comedy Night on January 12, 2023.

Comedy Night

Arissa Garcia, staff reporter
March 3, 2023

Seoul’s Halloween Tragedy

Arissa Garcia, staff reporter
February 7, 2023

The Inside Scoop on Publications

Arissa Garcia, staff reporter
December 14, 2022
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