Category: opinion
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Should you take the SAT or the ACT?
Test scores have historically been an important part of college applications. Even though they were made optional during Covid-19 years, some colleges are making it mandatory again. The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the…
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Why should high schoolers read
Reading is a popular pastime enjoyed by a range of age groups around the world. It has numerous benefits, even for high school students, but it’s rare to see high school students reading books…
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How to get through rejection season
The months of February, March, and April can be hard on some high schoolers; they can get cut from spring sports teams, rejected from college, or even turned down by a potential prom date.…
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Which is better: staycations or vacations?
Spring break this year takes place from March 29 to April 6. During spring break, students get to take a break off from school in between the 3rd and 4th quarter. Over this break,…
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What makes a good high school teacher?
Great teachers do more than just explain lessons — they inspire, support, and challenge their students to reach their full potential. Whether in a math classroom or history lesson, the best educators create an…
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Best beverages to keep you cool in the summer
Frozen drinks are both delicious and refreshing. Follow along to discover the best ways to beat the summer heat. (Photo by Kaylee O’Brien)
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Is AP art worth taking, is it good or Bad?
An AP art piece from my portfolio. A heart in melting ice being stabbed by a knife. (photo courtesy of Abby Crawford)
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Solo Travel as a Teen: Is It Really Possible?
When I first decided to fly solo as a 14-year-old, from booking the flight to navigating the airport I never imagined how accessible and empowering solo travel could truly be. It wasn’t just about…
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Pros and cons of the LRHS school schedule
Leesville Road High School operates on a structured daily schedule. Each school day is divided into four class periods, with each period lasting 83 minutes. This block scheduling allows for longer time in classes…
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The Best stores to Shop for Spring Break clothes
As spring lines start to come to trending shopping brands, people rush to begin their spring/summer shopping. Common shopping centers in the Raleigh area include Crabtree Valley Mall and Brier Creek Shopping Center (Photo…
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Is The Body Keeps the Score a good book?
The front cover of The Body Keeps the Score, and is next to a flipped version of the cover. (Photo created by Abby Crawford)
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Does slang affect teachers’ communication with students?
Every generation has their own slang, from the groovy boomers, to the rad gen x-ers, and the basic millennials. Each generation creates their own language, which the previous generation struggles to keep up with.…
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Binge-Worthy or Bust: What Students Are Watching Right Now!
For a long time now, television has been a main source of entertainment for the general population. With hundreds of shows released yearly, people have many choices of shows to indulge in. Teenagers in…
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Is Playboi Carti’s “Music” a masterpiece or business strategy?
On March 14, 2025, the rapper Playboi Carti released his third studio album, MUSIC, which his fans had anticipated for almost half a decade. Featuring 30 songs and appearances from other well-established artists like…
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Should sophomores be allowed to go off campus for lunch?
At Leesville Road high school, juniors and seniors are able to leave the school during their lunch period, if they have a pass. The rule at our school is that sophomores and freshmen are…
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Traditional vs year-round school schedule: which is better?
All schools want what’s best for their students. This means figuring out a well balanced and manageable schedule for the students, as well as teachers. There are two different types of schedules to pick…
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Defining popularity as a high school student
Being popular is something many people, especially high school students, strive to be. High school students often define popularity by social influence, recognition, and fitting in with their peers. Popular students are typically known,…
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Are energy drinks that bad for you?
Alani Nu is a very popular energy drink brand. Alani uses celebrities like Paris Hilton, pictured above holding their recently added pink slush flavor. (Photo Courtesy Alani nutrition.)
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Do students need to take standardized tests?
The senior class of 2024 preference regarding SAT vs. ACT. Based on the map, students slightly preferred the ACT. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia)
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The Best Tips for a Flawless Tan
Tanning is the secret to your ultimate summer glow up. Follow a few simple steps, and you’ll be bronzed in no time! (Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons).
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How good is Hillsborough St tattoo and piercing shop?
Hillsborough St Tattoo and piercing shop logo, and as seen, established in 2014. (photo courtesy of Hillsborough St Tattoo website.)
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The love for Wordle
Every weekend, I know my morning will start the same way: my parents and I lounging on the couch and completing the NYT daily Wordle. We tease one another, providing clever clues and competing…
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Sabrina Carpenter’s “short n’ sweet” is Playful and Bold
Sabrina Carpenter From her debut in the public sector as a popular teenage actress in Girl Meets World, Sabrina Carpenter has always been a household name. Transitioning from her career as an actress to…
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Another Taco Bell option for Leesville High students
Leesville Road High School has many lunch dining options however one of those options, Arby’s, has now been replaced by a Taco Bell. Taco Bell is a fast food Mexican cuisine staple, providing many…
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Are educational school tours worth it?
LRHS has hosted several trips to various countries abroad through EF Educational Tours, a program that creates educator-led tours. These effectively serve as the high school version of field trips–for those who want to…
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Mastering AP Biology: Ultimate Class Review
AP Biology is one of the most unique classes offered at Leesville Road High School. The course is a yearlong commitment; only a single class is offered each semester, and it is exclusively taught…
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Why are swimsuits so expensive now?
Swimsuits are an essential part of everyone’s summer wardrobe. The fabric is small, yet the cost is high—so why is that? (Photo from Kulani Kinis Instagram)
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The best places to eat off-campus at Leesville
The Raleigh area has many places to go out to eat. As a rising junior, I need to get ideas of good places to eat around Leesville’s campus. Ryan Huffman, senior, cannot decide on…
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Is a separate app for Instagram Reels Really necessary?
Meta is the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. The workers at Meta have been considering separating Instagram Reels, a section of Instagram made for short-form videos, from the app itself. “I love…
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What is the most popular music genre in each US state?
With the United States being a very diverse country, musical diversity is not an exclusion. Ranging from metal to rap music, each state has its own most prominent genre. Today we are going to…
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A review of the new Bad Cat Coffee Shop
Signs from the road, their loyalty punch card, and one of their coffees. (Photo courtesy of Abby Crawford.)
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Dull mirrors in the bathroom should be updated to better mirrors
Pictured, a poor-quality mirror located in a bathroom at LRHS. Although high-quality mirrors are not a necessity, having them could make an impact among students. (Photo courtesy of Kaylee O’brien.)
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Viewing Bojack Horseman through the eyes of The Great Gatsby
Just like every other high school junior, I had the opportunity to read The Great Gatsby in my English class. During this time, I happened to be watching the Netflix show Bojack Horseman. Processing…
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A Lunch vs B Lunch at Leesville Road High school
At Leesville Road high school, there are two lunch periods: A lunch and B lunch. A lunch takes place between 10:31 am and 11:06 pm. Meanwhile, B lunch takes place between 12:07 pm and…
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The Evolution of Makeup: 2025 vs 2016
Pictured above, beauty influencer and reality TV star, Kylie Jenner. Jenner displays the extreme difference between the makeup in 2016 vs the makeup in 2025. (Photo from Kylie Jenner’s Instagram and Modified in Canva)
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Are students aware of political conflicts?
Snapback from when Congress was infiltrated by angry supporters.(Photo Courtesy: ADL.com)
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Should ChatGPT continue to use up valuable naturl resources?
ChatGPT is a source that can be used for many different everyday tasks.(Photo Courtesy: 9gag via Instagram)
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Title: Dark patterns in social media platforms
Have you ever opened your favorite social media app just to find yourself aimlessly scrolling an hour later? If so, you’re definitely not alone. Social media platforms are intended to foster connections and bring…
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Taco Bell Near Leesville High is hit or miss
Leesville Road High School has many lunch dining options however one of those options, Arby’s, has now been replaced by a Taco Bell. Taco Bell is a fast food Mexican cuisine staple, providing many…
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NoRa Cafe renovations improve the customer experience
NoRa cafe is located just seven minutes away from Leesville Road High School and is a popular location for Leesville students to study and spend time with friends. As a landmark in the Raleigh…
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Valentine’s Day is the worst holiday of the year.
Valentine’s Day is on February 14, 2025, and people are preparing to make dinner, hangout plans, or buy gifts. However, I think that Valentine’s Day is easily the worst holiday on the calendar. For…
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Styles for prom 2025 and where to shop
As prom season approaches, staying in tune with current trends and finding the perfect dress is essential. This year, a range of styles are trending, offering a style to everyone whether it be bold…
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High schoolers criticize Trump renaming the Gulf of Mexico
Just days into his presidency, Donald Trump officially changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. He declared that he would rename the gulf before his inauguration and now…
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Hurry Up Tomorrow
The Weeknd just dropped his new album Hurry Up Tomorrow, and it already is making waves. This album is the final part to his trilogy following After Hours and Dawn FM — it marks…
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How do Brain Breaks Benefit Students?
The school day can be a big source of stress for high schoolers, with 61% of teens reporting feeling significant pressure when trying to meet academic goals. The stress continues beyond high school as…
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How High Schoolers Can Benefit from Napping
Nobody enjoys the sound of an alarm clock ringing after a sleepless night. Taking a midday nap can offer several benefits when you’re running low on sleep. (Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons.)
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Roller Rabbit Pajamas: Are They Worth The Price?
Roller Rabbit pajamas are super cute and preppy, but they are expensive. Are these pajamas worth the price? (Photo Courtesy of rollerrabbitofficial’s Instagram)
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Can Kansas City Cement the Greatest Dynasty in NFL History?
As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, the media isn’t just about the game itself. Many are debating whether a Chiefs victory…
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Kafkaesque and The Metamorphosis — about solitude and loneliness
(Photo courtesy of Public Domain) Born and raised in Prague, Czech Republic, readers celebrate Franz Kafka for his literary works published after his death. Known for creating the “Kafkaesque” writing style that features surreal…
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Why is Crumbl the Best?
Crumbl Cookies is a fast growing bakery chain that has captured the hearts of dessert lovers across the United States with its unique approach to cookies. Founded in 2017 in Logan, Utah, Crumbl is…