The Student Voice of Prosper High School

Eagle Nation Online
The Student Voice of Prosper High School

Eagle Nation Online
The Student Voice of Prosper High School

Eagle Nation Online
What is Best of SNO?
“Best of SNO” awards are given to recognize the best student journalism published to SNO sites. SNO hosts more than 3,000 student news sites and receives nearly 14,000 submissions for Best of SNO each year. Only about 10% of these submissions receive a Best of SNO recognition, though. Each year, our Eagle Nation Online team receives multiple Best of SNO awards as they continue to excel in journalism, broadcast, photography and podcasting. See our latest award winning articles below or go to the 'About ENO' page to see all awards.
As she sits outside of the auditorium, sophomore Victoria Byers prepares for pictures following her win. Byers placed second in the contest sponsored by the Mockingbird Poetry Society. She continues to participate in contests and in sharing her stories with her community. Courtesy of Victoria Byers

Sofia Ayala, Assistant Editor

May 17, 2024

At the Children's Health Stadium Community Center, Kurt Smith from Colonial Williamsburg, an American history museum, speaks about freedom in America to the audience attending the Prosper Exchange. After his speech, Smith received questions from audience members. "There are always two men in my head at any one moment," Smith said. "Jefferson has taught me a great deal. I think he has provided for me a greater understanding of American policy of constitutional understanding what it means to be a citizen. I am a stronger citizen because of Thomas Jefferson."

Jake Radcliffe, Assistant Editor

May 2, 2024

Members of the NeuroNext Foundation, including founder junior Anisha Mandem, display some of the donations they collected for the Cook Children’s Hospital. The team donated more than 50 new books and toys to the hospital. Those participating in this Tuesday, Jan. 2, event at the hospital include hospital volunteer coordinator Erin Cockrill, junior Vivaan Moharir, junior Litesh Danesh, junior Katya Kondragunta, Mandem, junior Kavya Kondragunta and senior Riley Wanasek. Only a few days remain in the organization’s current donation drive, which wraps up Thursday, April 18. “Helping with fundraisers and seeing that the work we do has helped children has strengthened my interest in medicine, and it makes me want to continue helping people," Vijayakumar said. "I feel like I have made a positive impact on people’s lives by being a part of NNF."
In a circle, GT American Studies students look at the half-eclipsed sun as they lie on the practice turf. Teachers passed out protective eclipse glasses to students at the start of third period. "It was definitely a cool experience," junior Jacob Piehl said. "It was crazy seeing how quickly the moon came over the sun and how dark everything was." Seen in the photo, starting at the yellow shirt and working clockwise, are juniors Annabelle Nugent, Erica Smith, Savannah Westwick, Sarah Goddard, Lauren Owen, Jacob Piehl and Avery Parker.
In the first episode of Beyond the Acceptance Letter, junior Anisha Mandem interviews senior Riley Wanasek as she talks about her experiences with graduating her and advice on how to balance school and social life.
Smoke clouds the air outside the town of Canadian, Texas, on US Highway 83. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, this fire alone has burned more than a million acres of the Panhandle. It's one of four fires still burning as of March 6. Photo courtesy Jacob Clifton, Fire Chief of Skellytown Volunteer Fire Department and Gray County EMS Director.
For the play 2023 play "Queens," junior Mary Freitas stands with Prosper alumni Tate Lauby. Lauby played King Henry VIII, and Freitas played Queen Katherine Howard. This is Freitas's third year in theatre and fifth year learning makeup techniques. "She is dynamic, and I would love to see her strive for theatre, but I can also see her leading a company," Kirkley said. "Either way, Mary has a very bright future."
Eyes glued to the paper, freshman Avani Hindupur and her partner, Brandon Libby, work on an activity during lunch. This is her first year in the Partners PE program. "Partners PE is for students with disabilities to get their energy out," Hindupur said. "It's a way for kids to workout and participate in activities outside of the educational environment."
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Hands raised in front of their faces, juniors Juliana Cruz and Samiya King check the contrast of their skin tones against their suits for a project for their American Sign Language class. The class requires distinct clothing, in order for people to comprehend hand signs. Students at Prosper are able to take the ASL course up to four levels.

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Microphone in hand, senior James Kim interviews someone on the streets of Seattle. 'On Our Minds,' like many other podcasts, allows Kim the opportunity to interview outside voices. Kim met with the podcast 'On Our Minds' team in Seattle, and began production. "I never realized that it could be such a creative outlet for me," Kim said. "I remember growing up I was really into theater or  choir and going into high school I started letting go of that. And so it's cool to revive that part of me, and just have that creative side of me always functioning throughout the week."
Facing his teammates and coaches, senior Ellis Davis announces his position in the All-American team. Now, he has committed to Texas Tech for college football. "I still can’t believe that I’ll be playing in the All-American game. I would like to say thank you to my coaches, team, and family for helping me earn that spot," Davis said. "Just saying, Prosper Football is different — I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today if I went somewhere else. Our coaches put countless hours into us, during and after the season."
During a triathlon race, senior Eli McWard completes the cycling distance. The order of the races starts with swimming, then biking, then running. "A good support team has been the backbone for whenever anything is both going great, but also not going great," McWard said. "I think especially through the lows when you're doubting yourself, they're the ones reminding you – you love this sport, not because of your performances and how well you're doing at races, but because you enjoy waking up every day, and training and pushing yourself to find new limits."
Sitting at his desk, biology teacher Matthew Nicholls prepares the lesson plan for his next class. Nicholls was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes a few years ago. “It’s not something people need to feel ashamed about,” Nicholls said, “it’s just a part of who you are. It can definitely be frustrating at times, but it can teach you so many things as well.”
Elementary school teacher Abigail Peterson strolls on Oct. 15 through the park she use to play in as a kid. As she walked, she came upon a surprise orchestrated by math teacher Gabe Owens. "Who would have thought a school hashtag would allow us to meet," Peterson posted on her X (formerly Twitter) account on Oct. 16. "Now he’s my fiancé."
In a graphic made on Canva, senior Juliana Cruz speaks upon a friend's life being taken away because of an irresponsible use of a firearm. "Students should be able to understand there’s another side of guns when it’s used incorrectly or in the wrong hands," Cruz said. "I understand why organizations fight for the ban of it, as it injures and kills those around us, even loved ones."
At the annual Out of Darkness Walk on Nov. 4, Jerry Craven, Nate Craven, and Rebecca Craven hold a poster, created by the Rushing cheer team to honor their son, Isaac Craven. Hundreds of people, as well as local businesses and teams came to support suicide prevention. The walk started at 9:30 a.m. in Prosper's Windsong Ranch.
Head bent, head coach Tyler Moore laughs after the team dumped the water on his head, in celebration. This is Moore's first year as head coach. The team has earned multiple iconic wins and accomplishments under his guidance.

Riley McConnell, Chief Operating Officer

November 2, 2023

Leaning over the engine, senior Tyler Valencia checks under the hood of a 2002 Toyota Camry. Students in the Automotive Technologies classes work on different vehicles in PHS's garage. "Being able to work on cars throughout the school day is an amazing way to learn," Valencia said. "Anybody can read a book or watch a video on how to do the things we do, but getting to actually do it hands-on helps us see how a car functions when under different situations. And, since there are millions of different cars on the road, there's always something new to learn."
As her name is announced, senior Ayden Ames walks across the field at Meet the Eagles. She is committed to play volleyball at the University of Nebraska. "I'm excited to play with this year's team," Ames said. "Hopefully we go far in the playoffs because we have a really good group of girls this year."
Standing at a lab table, chemistry teacher Beverly Hassell helps sophomores Bosch Qiu, Yousuf Ali and Kushal Kathuria conduct an experiment. “I want to treat the kids in my classroom just like I would want a teacher to treat my own kids," Hassell said. "They are like my family."
Senior Elisa Arbaiza's says she received inspiration for this state-qualifying piece, "Golden Frames," by walking through an art museum. Looking through the lens of someone else walking the exhibit, Arbaiza wants to show her life from a different point of view. "With this piece, I wanted to show how I’ve held onto past good memories and successes, comparing my present self to my past, Arbaiza said. "The images are memories from my past, and I also emphasize the empty frames, representing the future. I have always referenced past good experiences and how they made me more scared of getting older and facing adulthood. With this painting, I wanted to show a personal struggle I have dealt with while allowing others to find relatability in my artwork." Photo by art teacher Jannette Church.
Made in Canva, this graphic shows the silhouette of an oil pump. Oil pumps are a common sight atop oil deposits, which may soon happen at the Alaskan Slope. This drilling in Alaska is what companies call the "Willow Project," which could damage one of the last remaining natural wildlife habitats.
Eight candles hold the attention in this digitally constructed image made in Procreate by Nora Vedder." Holocaust Remembrance Day, held today, Jan. 27, is an international day remembering the 6 million Jewish people that died during the Holocaust because of their religion. On Jan. 27, 1945, the largest death camp, Auschwitz, was liberated, Holocaust Remembrance Day takes place on the anniversary of the camp's liberation. The attached article discusses both the Holocaust and the ongoing acts of antisemitism worldwide – and here.
Writing on the board, Kao shows her students Chinese characters. "I enjoy the classroom environment," freshman Michelle Kumanova said. "I feel like it's very inviting, and nice and cozy."
Looking into the distance, junior Jacob Wimberly recovers after a set. Wimberly has swam as long as he could remember. "I moved to North Carolina from Florida and began competitively swimming," he said. "It started with summer leagues, and then I went to a club, and it really took off from there."
In a digitally constructed image created by senior Gianna Galante, "Who's Got Aux?," the title of podcast created by Mithra Cama and Galante is displayed. In this episode, Cama and Galante share songs they think each other would like.
This picture of a Hope Tree ornament, taken by counselor Stephanie Clayton, displays the detail and affection put into every decoration. According to Clayton, this specific symbol of the season reflects the memory of a lost loved one, and joins one of the many made to hang on the Hope Tree. "I have tons of different colors of ribbon," Clayton said. "Students can select ribbons that represent different emotions that you feel when you think about that person. Some common emotions that people select include love, loneliness, anger, sadness, frustration, hope, encouragement, inspiration and peace."
Leaning over the desk, art teacher Andrew Scott advises junior Noa Maddock on what to do next with her piece in her AP 2D Design portfolio. Students in AP art classes create a sustained investigation, building every piece of art off of their previous' meaning. "He gives helpful criticism," Maddock said. "In showing how to progress my work further."
Motivational speaker Nick Vujicic walks across the Rock Hill High School stage as he delivers a speech Wednesday, Oct. 19. Vujicic shared his story in honor of Unity Day. “My whole mission is to let teenagers know that they’re beautiful,” s Vujicic said. “They don’t need to become someone they’re not.”
Holding the trombone, junior Jack Ballard walks into one of the practice rooms. Ballard has been in the Prosper Mighty Eagle Band since his freshman year. Ballard will perform in an upcoming competition in the beginning of November.
Pointing a camera at the student section, senior Gianna Galante captures the crowd for a shot. Going into her second year on the crew, Galante has learned new skills and prepared for a future in the industry. "I want to work in film when I'm older," Galante said. "So this program has really helped me learn what it's really like."
Walking on the field, principal Nick Jones prepares to speak about the "Meet the Eagles" event. Jones spoke before all of the fall athletes were announced at the event August 12. Jones became the new principal for the 2022-23 school year.

Neena Sidhu, Chief Operating Officer

September 15, 2022

On the phone, Eagle Nation News adviser Michael Hatch speaks with Stephen Chbosky, the director of "Dear Evan Hansen." Hatch co-hosts a podcast called "Faith Spotting," where he discusses movies and interviews people in the film industry. “We felt a great responsibility (while filming,)" Chbosky said. "Not only to this movie, of course, but also to this industry that we love."
Gold bangles and vivid red paint decorate the hand of half-Indian, half-white junior Kalyani Rao. The words "What about us?" are written on her palm. The red paint is inspired by Rao's memory of practicing a style of Indian classical dance, Bharatanatyam, as a child, where the hands and feet of the dancers would be painted red before a performance. "Indian culture is so incredibly beautiful," Rao said. "I'm proud of my relatives from coming all the way to the United States from the vibrant country that is India."
As he prepares for the Friday, Sept. 17, game in Arlington, head cheer coach Cameron Jones watches as Prosper cheerleaders and football players run onto the field. This is Jones' first year in Prosper. Jones has been involved in cheerleading for more than 20 years.

Christi Norris, Executive Editor and Chief Operating Officer and Editor of Multimedia

September 23, 2021

Editing a graphic design for her podcast, junior Kalyani Rao learns how to draw on the computer. As the featured image for "LGBT Women In History," Rao decided she wanted to have a hand drawn image to inspire artistic feelings in her listeners. "I just think it's fun and down to earth to create an image that I feel like fits my podcast without photos," Rao said. "I enjoyed learning how to do digital artwork and create the image myself."

Kalyani Rao, Assistant Opinion Editor

September 1, 2021

Picking out her outfit, executive opinion editor and senior Alyssa Clark looks at a skirt she bought from Forever 21. Forever 21 is along the many online and real stores that mass-produce clothing, like ROMWE or H&M. "Customers are not purposefully harmful for buying from websites like SHEIN — they've been blindsided," Clark said. "Society needs clothes, and the pressure of social media and classmates' outfits causes students to feel pressured to wear a certain, trendy style.
As she speaks with testing coordinator Irish Mahan, Assistant Principal Dr. Kari Roan waits at the auditorium door to greet students as they walk in. Roan stands in the hallways every morning, welcoming students and staff as they enter the building. "I think we’re trying to do a really intentional job at students, and as teachers and support staff like us, in the things that we do to make sure that we do help us connect and grow with our kids," Roan said. "I hope that (this year) we learn the value of connection."
In the newsroom, seniors Christi Norris, Amanda Hare and Caleb Audia record the "History's Forgotten" podcast. They recorded Episode 1 of Season 2 of the podcast to start off the new year. This show features Charles Wittlesy who fought in World War I.
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