Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 May 28, 2014

Solar Roadways? Yes, it can happen

Solar Roadways, what is that, how is it possible, and could it sustainably replace concrete and tar paved roads across the country? The answers, courtesy of co-creators Julie and Scott

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 May 16, 2014

Conchita Wurst wins Eurovision, inspires acceptance

Conchita Wurst was certainly not the worst contestant at Eurovision and won the song competition representing Austria with 290 points. The talented vocalist Thomas Neuwirth adopted the persona of Conchita,

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 May 6, 2014

Pro-prom tips

As a three-time prom veteran, with three very distinct prom experiences, I feel as though it is important to share tips for prospective prom-goers next year. The number one tip

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 April 25, 2014

I forgot my motivation

This is an article about procrastination: I currently cannot think of anything to contribute, so I shall wait until the creative juices churn into something brilliant and thought provoking. Shortly

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 April 17, 2014

Effects of silence

Friday, April 11, the Gay-Straight-Alliance club as well as LGBTQ Leesville students and allies participated in a day of silence. Their silence serving as a symbol for the struggles LGBTQ

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 March 28, 2014

Ending bully-victim relationships

What exactly causes bullies to prey on their victims and victims to allow the abuse to occur? According to “Big Bad Bully”, an article by Psychologytoday.com, the answer lies between

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 March 20, 2014

Veronica Mars stays the same

One year ago since St. Patrick’s Day, I discovered Veronica Mars and became an instant fan of the tough as nails, soft as a marshmallow teen detective. After learning about

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 March 10, 2014

What will Ghost Stories reveal about Coldplay?

As an unapologetically critical fan of Mylo Xyloto, Coldplay’s pop inspired fifth studio album, the impending release of Ghost Stories, their sixth album, inspired hope that Coldplay would return to

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 March 10, 2014

Why Weir and Lipinski win

Unknown, incredibly talented skaters from around the world train and compete vigorously for Olympic gold, silver or bronze medal of honor. How does one judge the fierce and competitive mood

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 March 3, 2014

Why Weir and Lipinski win

Unknown, incredibly talented skaters from around the world train and compete vigorously for Olympic gold, silver or bronze medal of honor. How does one judge the fierce and competitive mood

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 February 25, 2014

Why Ellen Page rocks

How many out and influential celebrity lesbian role models do young LGBTQ people have? Anyone come to mind other than Ellen DeGeneres, Queen Latifah or Jodie Foster? By coming out

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 February 19, 2014

Does TV brainwash kids?

Puppets, a notepad, blood cake and organs; otherwise known as key components of the viral video “Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared”. The number two Google result when looking up “Don’t

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 January 24, 2014

Williamson wins the world

“I am the most talented American in America; it’s a verifiable fact, people,” Williamson said at the opening of his 6:00 p.m. New Years Eve comedy show at Goodnight’s Comedy

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 January 9, 2014

Saving Mary Poppins

Upon walking into the movie theater for Saving Mr. Banks, I groaned, assuming it was another cheesy Disney movie. As reluctant as I was, Saving Mr. Banks shattered every notion

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 January 6, 2014

The Tenacity of Ronan Tynan

The Irish Tenors Finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns and Ronan Tynan were the headline act at the Carolina Theater Wednesday, Dec. 18. Dancing and joking with the audience, one would not

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 December 17, 2013

Red for Ed. Festivus

Wednesday, Nov. 13 marked another week to admire the color red for students and staff in celebration of Red for Ed. A founder of the North Carolina Red for Ed.

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 December 12, 2013

Harker’s Shakespearean journey

“I love being a student. In fact, if I could be a student for the rest of my life, I would,” said Karen Harker, Leesville English teacher, of her decision

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 December 12, 2013

Diving into teenage depression

How many high school teens today have had a bad day and just wanted to sleep for the whole day? I’m assuming most would answer yes. Now, imagine how it

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 October 31, 2013

Millennial teen depression

How many high school teens today have had a bad day and just wanted to sleep for the whole day? I’m assuming most would answer yes. Now, imagine how it

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 October 23, 2013

Why my sister is my hero

Caroline Byrne, otherwise known as Bou, Leesville junior, my little sister, my best friend and my inspiration. Bou suffered a traumatic brain injury from medical complications after corrective scoliosis surgery.

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 October 22, 2013

Leesville club carnival

Leesville hosted its annual community night Wednesday, Oct. 9. Festivities included a club carnival, a student-teacher basketball game and food trucks. Students and teachers participated in various activities and games

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 October 3, 2013

#NotBuyingit: commercial sexism

There is a growing, disturbing trend of sexist commercials marketed towards women. Using Twitter, Missrepresentation.org is spreading the hashtag #NotBuyingIt “to challenge the misrepresentation of women and girls”. Brands can

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 September 4, 2013

Orange is the New Black is outstanding

Orange is the New Black is a dramatic comedy series on Netflix following the prison life of Piper Chapman, a woman arrested for a ten-year-old drug charge. Piper’s story is

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 May 29, 2013

Leesville leads school rank

The annual U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Leesville sixteenth compared to all other North Carolina high schools. Among other school rankings, Leesville placed 1,313th nationally, third in the

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 May 28, 2013

Covington retires from Leesville chorus

Diane Covington, Leesville choral director since 1994, has announced her retirement for the upcoming year. In addition to humbly leading the choral department, Covington plays an integral part in the

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 May 28, 2013

Leesville chorus collects trophies

As Intermediate Leesville students left the school at 6:45 a.m., the group of 80 plus were unaware that they would return with two trophies and nearly perfect scores. Elementary, middle

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 May 8, 2013

Religion regresses society

The Crusades, the Spanish inquisition, the British and American era of imperialism; all historical time periods illustrating the prolific spread of religion through means of violence or greed. Have generations

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 April 26, 2013

Experiences of Leesville student teachers

Imagine life four years after graduating Leesville: as a college student, one is older and wiser, ready to take on the world and ready to re-enter the classroom as a

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 April 9, 2013

Veronica Mars is out of this world

Veronica Mars is a show about the intelligent and defiant 17-year-old investigator, Veronica Mars. Beginning the show as a fiercely independent social reject; Veronica seeks justice for the murder of

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 April 9, 2013

Sugar ban is seriously stupid

The School Health Advisory Council, a Wake school system group, aims to ban the sale of sweets in fundraising and athletic concession stands. More than one third of American children

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 March 25, 2013

Justice for Justice

The conversion of teen clothing store Limited Too into Justice happened about four years ago. Tween Brands, the company owning Limited Too and Justice, most likely initiated the change in

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 March 7, 2013

PA cafe: an evening under the stars

The Performing Arts cafe was an exciting night of food and musical performances by 24 of Leesville’s choral students. Hosted by Kordell Draper and Monet Miller, the cafe is an

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 March 1, 2013

Successmaker creates personalized learning

Leesville is adopting a revolutionary new online educational software– Successmaker. Successmaker focuses improving math and literacy skills for elementary, middle and high schools students. The program strives to create personalized

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 March 1, 2013

Safe Haven disappoints

The twisted, dark romantic novel Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks is a stark contrast against the cheesy movie adaptation. As an avid Nicholas Sparks reader, I was sorely disappointed with

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 February 11, 2013

Students feel loss of band director

Mr. Serina, Leesville’s band director, is no longer be teaching at Leesville. A permanent replacement will fill Serina’s position as soon as possible. For the time being, Dave Albert, former

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 February 11, 2013

Gangster Squad is a must-see

Those buying a ticket to Gangster Squad get exactly what they pay for — a goosebump inducing account of one of the biggest police mob stings in history. Gangster Squad

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 February 1, 2013

Workshops set Hairspray expectations

Musical workshops for LRHS students interested in the school musical, Hairspray took place Monday Jan. 7 and Wednesday Jan. 9. The song, monologue and dance workshops provide students valuable perspective

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 January 24, 2013

The demise of NC Wise effects schedules

Losing the school database NCWise is buzzing around North Carolina about its replacement and effect on student schedules. The new database, PowerSchool, intends to simplify the way student information and

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 January 11, 2013

End the woRd

Dictionary.com defines the word retarded as “a person who is stupid, obtuse, or ineffective in some way.” It is an archaic term created in the late 1400’s to classify

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 January 3, 2013

Examining student leadership

According to Answers.com, a leader is a person who leads or commands a group or organization. High school students show leadership in clubs, academia and social groups. LRHS clubs and

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 December 7, 2012

Chorus winter concert preview

Leesville’s winter chorus concert will take place in the auditorium on Dec. 7. The concert rehearsal was held in the auditorium Dec. 5. Rehearsal is an intense and organized two

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 December 6, 2012

Chorus, a community

As a junior at Leesville, I have finally gained the knowledge and confidence to feel comfortable in high school. Everyone wants to thrive and feel like they belong to a

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 November 7, 2012

Pitch Perfect is the perfect comedy

Pitch Perfect is a genuinely funny movie that breaks the mold of melodramatic teen singing competitions. Directed by Jason Moore, the hilarious a capella movie premiered Oct. 5. Pitch Perfect

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 October 26, 2012

Should LRHS ban nuts?

A school nut ban creates controversy after a student’s peanut butter and jelly sandwich was confiscated in a Viola County, Arkansas elementary school. Issues stem from parents’ reactions to Viola’s

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 October 22, 2012

Tata out as superintendent

Tony Tata’s 20-month long leadership over the Wake County schools systems ended due to his controversial firing, on Sept. 25. As superintendent, Tata’s job was to preside over the school

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 October 9, 2012

Shop of Horrors: A must see

North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre presents Little Shop of Horrors, a story of Seymour, a man tempted by an evil plant in exchange for human blood. NRACT’s diverse

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 October 4, 2012

Homecoming float prep underway

Leesville honor clubs and student council are gearing up for the Homecoming float parade on Friday, Oct. 12. This year, participating LRHS clubs must create floats with an Olympic Games

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 September 27, 2012

FTA needs members

Future Teachers of America is a long established club at Leesville created for students who have a passion for education or wish to become a teacher. FTA offers a variety

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 September 17, 2012

What matters to young voters when choosing a presidential candidate?

What matters to young voters when choosing a presidential candidate? No one’s political beliefs fit into a neat little bill or policy. To advocate support for someone running for office,

by Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14 September 17, 2012

Make A Wish Spotlight

While most teenagers complain to their parents about a new phone or the latest fashions, Daria takes each day at a time, as a blind, hearing impaired, cancer survivor. Daria

Author: Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14

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