The InvestiGator

the

Green Valley High School

460 Arroyo Grande, Henderson, NV 89014

The final countdown

Week celebrates senior students

By Laycie Taylor

As graduation approaches for the class of 2023, students and staff prepare for senior week as a celebration for their last moments at Green Valley.

The class spends their last week of high school participating in activities to celebrate them. Senior week wraps up the few regular days of school for the class with games, activities, finals and the senior trip to end it off.

“We have had to do a lot of

planning since the beginning of the year,” senior class president Gracyn Brown said. “I just wanted everything to be set in stone for the end.”

Brown and other student council members plan for the week ahead with activities for seniors to participate in. The week begins with an invite only senior awards night followed by a brunch and senior sunset to conclude the senior sunrise from the beginning of the year. Each day includes a new theme to dress up for decided by student council.

“At the beginning of the year, I was excited to do all these activities,” Brown said. “I want to do the best things for the senior class and have a good time. I want them to end on a good note before everyone leaves.”

Exams for seniors start at the end of the week, alongside the class trip to Disneyland to kick off the weekend. The group leaves early in the morning for California to spend the day in the park as a last chance to get together before graduation.

“As all of this is approach-

ing I’m really excited,” Brown said. “We’re going to get on a bus at 4 in the morning, spend the day at Disney, and have a great time.”

Senior week concludes the last few moments for the class as they celebrate what’s to come. With graduation on May 23rd, the class prepares to walk the stage into the next steps of their lives as high school comes to a close.

“I’m excited. I’m very excited,” Brown said. “I’m looking forward to the next three months of relaxing before college.”

By Kinsley Priebe

Roses are red, Violets are endearing, thoughtful and passionate. These are just a few of many words that describe senior Co-Editor in Chief, Violet LaMela.

Having started in Journalism Foundations freshman year provided LaMela with a stepping stone to join a program that she would soon be extremely invested and proud of. LaMela quickly realized she wanted more out of her Journalism class. As a freshman she took the initiative to move up and join the InvestiGator staff. Throughout her high school years, beginning as a staffer then Arts and Entertainment editor her sophomore year, LaMela has gradually climbed the ladder, becoming an Editor in Chief a.k.a an EIC her junior year and continuing into her senior year.

“It feels very rewarding to have moved up. It shows the hard work you put in and you

Ultraviolet

Senior Co-Editor in Chief shares her experience in journalism over four years

get to show everybody,” LaMela said. “It is nice working with people that I care about and also look up to even if they are

As an EIC, time seems to fly by as deadlines approach and pass. It can sometimes be difficult to stick to a strict schedule as new information and expectations are being built upon an editor’s shoulders.

“When you become an Editor in Chief, there are so many things you don’t really know how to do, but you’re expected to know how to do them,” LaMela said. “Then you’re trying to juggle learning how to do [new things], along with doing the things that you already know.”

Outside of journalism, LaMela has other interests including varsity cross country and pole vaulting on the track and field team. Her personal record for vaulting stood at 7 feet 6 inches.

“I like both of those things because, just like journalism, they provide me with something that makes me feel a part of something greater than me,” LaMela said.

With her senior year coming to a close and her future opening up, LaMela now has the chance to look back on the past memories and experiences she has garnered through her involvement in this program.

“My favorite memory would probably have to be my freshman year when we had a Staffsgiving party at one of the EIC’s houses,” LaMela said. “I didn’t really have that many friends, but I remembered that night was one of the best

nights that we had because all of us were like best friends.”

Moving on from high school is a daunting task for most, especially those like LaMela who leave a sport or group

in Nevada.”

Having been a part of countless efforts to publish the newspaper for the past four years, it has finally come time for LaMela to leave her

they have been invested in for the last four years of their life.

“After I graduate, I hope to become a special education teacher and teach students who are deaf,” LaMela said. “I think it is important that they have access to a proper education. Sometimes they don’t really have that, especially here

legacy as an InvestiGator.

“Work hard and treat other people how you want to be treated, especially when it comes to being an editor,” LaMela said. “Don’t be scared to pull people out of class or ask questions. It’s not as big of a deal as it feels like it is at that point in time.”

SNUGGLES - Senior Violet LaMela hugs her baby blanket. Her grandmother took the photo as she posed.

Courtesy of Violet LaMela

A helping hand

Senior Liliana Burke leaves mark on program

By Elyse Gamiao

Behind her quiet demeanor, senior Liliana Burke is determined, compassionate and well-rounded. Fitting characteristics for an excellent Co-Editor in Chief.

“I think I am hardworking, and I have learned that because of my experiences. I have been described by someone as dedicated and empathetic,” Burke said.

One of the major experiences in Burke’s life has been her time in Journalism class. Starting the program in middle school, Burke has seen more experience in publication than most of the current members.

“I chose Journalism in seventh grade because I was at a point where I wanted to be really involved in a lot of things at school. I started with the newspaper club and yearbook elective at Greenspun, and I enjoyed it so I wanted to continue with it in high school,” Burke said.

Although Burke has seen more Journalism exposure, she has worked her way up to becoming Editor in Chief (EIC); observing her superiors, testing out sections to edit and exploring ways to grow in Green Valley’s newspaper.

“I have been in the program for a while now, and as time went on I started learning more and gaining more experience. In freshman year I was in Journalism I and wasn’t able to join Journalism II until the second semester.

During this time I got to work with Kristel [Alfaro Borbon] a lot and watch her design pages and I knew I wanted to be an editor and to grow more,” Burke said. “After being news editor in sophomore year and A&E in junior year, I decided that I wanted more involve -

still remember how choppy my first stories were, and the stress of being assigned a 9001000 word piece for the first time; however, I feel like not only my writing, but my design skills as well, have come a long way. ”

Burke’s enthusiasm ex-

any way.”

Burke’s passion for helping people has led her to pursue a medical career. To obtain her medical license, Burke plans to attend UNLV for a bachelor’s degree in biological science, then continue to a doctorate in UNLV’s medical program.

“My wish to help others is what is actually pushing me towards the medical field to be an ER travel doctor because I want to be able to provide that help, especially in disaster areas where people may need it the most,“ Burke said.

After 4 years in the program, Burke’s time as an InvestiGator has finally concluded. Leaving behind her fellow reporters, and welcoming the new generation, she gives a word of advice.

ment and experience with the magazine as a whole, so the next step to achieve that was EIC.”

Not only has Burke shown her reporter roots through her stories in the InvestiGator paper, she has also won multiple awards at the annual SNSJ (Southern Nevada Society of Journalists) awards ceremony. SNSJ is a scholastic journalism group based in Nevada to help recognize upcoming youth journalists.

“The thing I am most proud of in this class is just how far I have come,” Burke said. “I can

tends from her Journalism education to other aspects of her life as well. Progressing not only in her school education but pursuing her personal goals keeps Burke’s busy schedule balanced.

“I have been passionate about a lot of things throughout my life. I love music, my family, and just living life in general. I love seeing new places and just being out in nature,” Burke said. “But I would have to say one of my biggest passions is helping people. I have always enjoyed being able to help people in

“Experience in this class is the best way to learn. I have learned from the past that you will only get better with practice in many different things I have done,” Burke said. “One of the biggest things I have learned is that meeting deadlines is truly your best friend. Not only will it keep you on track and more prepared, ergo less stressed, but it will also keep you organized with your thoughts to produce great work. Lastly, just have as much fun as possible. This is your team, and if you plan on taking on higher positions, you need to have good chemistry going between the group to work smoothly. So when you can, don’t sit in a corner and never say a word, have fun, make friends.”

SPLASH - Senior Liliana Burke plays on a rock in Snoqualmie Falls, Washington. Burke enjoyed going to national parks and trails as a child.

Courtesy of Liliana Burke

Class Of 2023

Old Town Road by Lil Nas X As It Was by Harry Styles

Best Music Video: Most Overplayed Song: Best Netflix Show: Biggest Celebrity Scandal:

Megan Fox Ryan Renolds

New beginnings

Senior Night is the night to be celebrated

By Brysan Wilson-Harrell

The beginning of the end! Senior night is a tradition to celebrate young athletes ending their sports career in high school. With senior night typically being the last home game of the season, a lot of emotions are in the air; giving seniors the opportunity to be celebrated and recognized for their accomplishments by teammates and family members. Walking down the field or court with their parents is an enjoyable time to recognize everything the seniors have done with academics and sports for the last four years.

“I can’t believe that it was my last game. I feel like I’m

still that freshman who had no idea what she wanted to do with her life. The feeling of my last game was just so emotional. My parents bought me flowers and just knowing that was the last time I would be on the soccer fieldwas a emotion rollercoaster ,” senior Sage Reed said.

As a high school athlete, students may be a soccer player, track star, tennis player, basketball player, team captain or a starter. For these senior athletes, playing games are coming to end. It is about that time in May thar they have to start looking for what they are going to do outside of high school which can be the scariest part of it all.

For many high school athletes, their senior year is the

most important. It is their last chance to play with their friends, and hopefully get win a championship of some kind. Student athletes usually have a lot of pressure on them, but the love for their sports keeps them persevering through it all.

It gives senior athletes the spotlight for their last home game of their high school careers in any given sport. We celebrate their hard work and their dedication to their sport, school, coaches and teammates. It serves as a sense of closure for many who are winding down their athletic careers. Only a handful are able to continue their athletic careers beyond high school. Many fell in love with the game that they chose to ded-

icate so much of their time to at a young age.

“As I knew that it would be my last game as a high school student, I was also happy as well because it wouldn’t be my last time playing because I got accepted into Eastern Washington College and I’m playing [Division 1], so I know that all my hard work in school payed off because i got a scholarship, Reed said.” So my last game was just the begining of how far I am going to go. I now know that life somes at you fast so its best to take things slow and not take anything that I have accomplished for granted and live in the moment as much as I can from now on ans espeacially in college. I am so excited for another season.”

Eric Johnston

POSE - Seniors of the varisty soccer team pose for a photo on senior night. The event was held on Oct. 26.

“I’m going is to hone in my aviation skills want to become a great flier, you know, good navigator, all that good stuff, eventually I want to fly fighters,” Albouelghar said.

The Air Force Academy is not an easy school to get into. It only has a 12% acceptance rate. It requires lots of hard work and dedication in order to be considered.

“Hard classes, work on my communication skills to make sure because there was a lot of interviews that I had to do. I had to command a lot of clubs leadership, get involved in my community, but I was doing that anyways,” Alboueghar said.

Alboueghar has a very packed schedule as he is the president of two different clubs. As well as serving for many other charities, to not only better the lives of others but to build himself as a better person.

“I was a part of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society student missionary of the year campaign, because I have a great aunt who died from cancer, and I wanted to make a difference in other cancer patient communities, so I raise money for them. I’m the president National Honor Society here because I love volunteering. As well as captain of the swim team,” Alboueghar said.

As the class of 2023s high school carrer comes to an end Albouelghar expresses his gratitude towards his experience. He

is ready to take off into his adulthood looking forward to both his ups and downs.

“It’s definitely a bittersweet feeling. I have to leave all my friends and my family especially my family because of military prtoicals, I am kind of nervous about it,” Alboueghar said. “But I’m also really happy because it’s worked so hard throughout these past four years, especially the past two, to get to where I am today. So it’s gonna be really liberating to walk across the stage entirely free of high school.”

courtesy of Kaleb Abouelghar

Lazy to lively

How quarantine encouraged graduates

academic lives the following

ment and learn how to better operate schoolwork online.

Oyears, education has had an immense shift, going from in-person to online as schools responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now in 2023, school is back in person, with students adapting to the changes. Quarantine was a different experience for many students, but an underlying trend was how students were able to focus less on their classes, as being online gave them many op portunities to not pay atten tion.

Many students spent their time sleeping, playing on their phone or watching TV while class was in session. While this new schedule sounded amazing at the time for most students, eventually it got old and quarantine soon became boring. It limited social in teraction and increased rates of anxiety and depression, which contributed to students having a lack of motivation to do their work.

Quarantine also gave stu dents a lot of responsibility by being able to set up their schedules for home and mak ing sure to stay motivated and manage time effectively. This was an abrupt change that many students were not ready for.

Although quarantine itself created a negative effect on work ethic, many students after quarantine realized the importance of staying busy, and chose to improve their

The graduating class of 2023 is especially crucial in this because their freshman to sophomore year was cut-off due to quarantine. This defi nitely contributed to a flawed expectation of high school, and students realizing high school is actually all about having to work hard to pass their classes.

“Quarantine gave me a dif ferent view of high school in

“I was sleeping a lot during quarantine, so I had to learn to balance my schedule. I eventually just learned to keep pushing myself and not procrastinate because I procrastinate a lot, especially during quarantine. Quarantine definitely taught me how to not get indulged into distractions.”

For students like Cozo, being in quarantine has motivated them to be more involved in the community and to focus on their academics.

This graduating class was able to move past the challenges of having a quarantine inflicted start to their high school career and learn to adapt to changes and be more motivated to stay productive. Quarantine has demonstrated the negative effects of being unproductive, and in response the graduating class has taken charge of their academic lives.

Olivia Patai

Still recovering

Disadvantages of COVID-19 on the class of 2023

By Delia Waring

Imagine spending your first day of senior year looking at your class through a screen. For the class of 2020 that was their reality. COVID-19 was a terrible virus that started in January of 2020. Many quarantined in fear of getting the virus and harming elders, young children and vulnerable people with already underlying conditions. All the news channels were covering this new pandemic that swept the world by storm. News channels that covered COVID-19 on a daily basis reached an unmatched number of viewers, reach ing an average of 93 minutes per person. Every update we had was important. Dr. Fauci played a big role when it came to giving the citizens useful in formation they could use on how they can protect them selves from the virus.

The COVID-19 virus was extremly contagious. Schools had to undergo a virtual learn ing environment in hopes the spread would lessen and ev eryone could go back to their normal habits. In the United States most schools shut down late March, or early Feburay depending on the state. Vir tual learning was tough for a lot of students. Seniors grad uating in 2020 could not have a graduation where they walk and get their diplomas like they were expecting to. Fall and Spring season sports were also at a halt until the spread of COVID-19 decreased.

Some challenges for students across the country was students not having access to the internet. Fortunately, Green Valley graciously provided chrome books to insure students could get a great education outside of the classroom. Social distancing also impacted students’ mental health. Stress and anxiety during COVID-19 was at a all time high. Plenty of poeple were dealing with different circumstances weather it was finacial, mental or physicyal health. The overall added stress does not help students succeed as much as their potential warrants.

A lot of students here at

dergo a regimen of frequent COVID-19 testing to insure they were not the reason for increasing COVID-19 cases.

“I remember it being hard to find a time were we could all practice as a team. We could not practice at Green Valley so we all had to meet up somewhere else,” said senior Tyler Okui said. Coach es and students took it upon themselves to keep practing there sports so that they were prepared for when the mandate was lifted.

“ I definitely prefer going to school in person. Online school was easier in the way

and friends,” Okui said. Oline schooling gives little to no interects with your fellow classmates.

Socializing is a critical aspect to the development of teenagers. In general more students prefer in person schooling. COVID-19 affected everyone in different ways. Students at Green Valley were

Delia Waring

When we were young

Seniors reflect on the joys of childhood

By Joshua Berson

Each era has different styles and trends. As old school comes back for the younger generation, it gives nostalgia to the people who grew up with those specific interests. Even at that growing up taste changes, and it can still give nostalgia to people when they see something that they remember from when they were a child. Their mind has developed, so their memories can be different from how they feel now.

Popular television channels when seniors were growing up consisted of “Nickelodeon” “Disney Channel” and “PBS Kids”. Each of the companies had their own shows that launched young actor and actress careers. Some of those shows are “iCarly” “Zoey 101” “Phineas and Ferb” and “Victorious”. Waking up early in the morning, turning on the television and flipping through channels to one of these shows was a delight. Reruns of these shows still show and watching them now can give back memories to seniors of those early morning cartoons.

As a kid, watching those shows is different from watch-

ing them now. Opinions about the show can have a drastic change. There can be jokes or words that a child does not understand, but as they grow up they start learning what it actually means. All the little details that were scripted into what is showing can start to get noticed. Kids shows are also different from sitcoms or shows directed to an older audience. The jokes and dia-

watched for laughs but watching it back it really did cover some serious topics that didn’t always click when I was younger,” Senior Mikayla Waring said.

Anything on a television can be entertaining as a child. It’s not just shows that the seniors remember. There are also different video games that can unlock memories. Now, video games have

I definitely catch onto more of the adult jokes, but I think I have a better understanding some of the themes. Full House was a show I just watched for laughs but watching it back it really did cover some serious topics that didn’t always click when I was younger

logue can be more simple and cringy.

“I definitely catch onto more of the adult jokes, but I think I have a better understanding some of the themes. Full House was a show I just

changed a lot over these past few years. When seniors were growing up, popular video games included “Just Dance” “Lego Marvel Super Heroes” and “Mario Kart”. All from different gaming consoles that

any senior can recognize like “The Wii”“Xbox 360” and “Nintendo Ds”.

Pulling out a “Nintendo Ds” from the front pocket of a pair of jeans and being able to play any game that was available was a relief of boredom. It was a big show off to all the other children, and a lot of those children would want to play the same game with that Ds. Recently, a lot of consoles are not handheld. They are more expensive, and they have more downloadable content.

“Video games while I was growing up were significantly different than the ones I play now. Back then, they were very simple. I didn’t even know the goal of most games I played. Now, playing those same games, I get bored in about five minutes, because they’re very slow. The games I play now are much faster paced, and have several different layers of complexity,” aid senior Benjamin Gardner.

As society sees even more changes in what will be popular and the thing to do, old fads will bring people a rush of nostalgia. Our minds will keep growing, but people will still look back and wish that the things they had were still around.

Mikayla Waring, 12

Taking a leap of faith

The ultimate way to avoid academic burnout

By Stormy Byrne

Stressed and depressed is how most students start to describe themselves by senior year. After 13 or more straight years of hard work, students deserve a break. Coming into adulthood is hard enough as it is, doing it while overworked and more stressed than ever before only makes the transition harder. From AP classes to working after school jobs,by the time

could be writ ten off as teenag ers being lazy, academic burnout is a real thing. According to BioMedCentral, a scien tific jour nal based in the United King 55.4% of the university stu dents they surveyed showed of a gap year is that it allows for these new adults to disselves and what going forward.

teen years are part of their life important decias what to college or live and should be made during these mative years. It could be said that many adults now are unhappy with the jobs they hold because their teenage self made the decision on what to study or do for the rest of their

While many students are finding the value in taking a gap year, a lot of critics continue to write off the need for a break between high school and college as lazy. Taking a gap year does not imply that they are lazing around their parents, in fact most of the

time it means the opposite. A gap year offers students the opportunity to explore hobbies and interests when they are overwhelmed with the idea of deciding what they want to do with the rest of their lives.

The idea of taking a gap year before college is gaining popularity among high school seniors, and for good reason. The teenage years are crucial in shaping a person’s identity and interests, but this self-discovery does not end after graduation. By taking a gap year, students can explore their passions, gain new experiences, and develop valuable life skills before committing to a four-year college program. However, a gap year can be a time of personal growth, self-reflection, and increased cultural awareness, which can enhance their college experience and overall well-being. By allowing seniors the choice to take a break before college, we are empowering them to take charge of their own personal and academic journey.

What song describes your high school experience?

“Headlines” by Drake because it talks about falling off. High school is really hard the first three years, but it gets better senior year.”

Mackenzie Shelton-Lott, Grade 12

“Probably “Should I Change” by the artist Jeffery. Over the past four years a lot has changed and I think I have discovered a lot about myself like the song describes.”

Bradley Geiger, Grade 12

“If I had to chose a song to describe my high school career it would be “Landl side” by Fleetwood Mac because time does in fact make you bolder.”

Violet LaMela, Grade 12

“Hey Jude” by The Beatles. There are many interpretations of the song but the one that makes the most sense is the idea of taking a bad thing and not dwelling on it.”

Liliana Burke, Grade 12

News:

Bradley Geiger

A&E:

Ameya Naduvalath

Sports:

Brysan Wilson Harrell

Opinion:

Mackenzie Shelton-Lott

Feature:

Kinsley Priebe

Elyse Gamiao

Co-Editors In Chief:

Liliana Burke

Violet LaMela

Advisor:

Eric Johnston

Reporters:

Joshua Berson

Stormy Byrne

Olivia Patai

Laycie Taylor

Delia Warring

The InvestiGator is a student run and opperated news magazine. All opinions and views expressed within are those of the author and not the student body or staff of Green Valley High Schoool.

Letters to the editors or staff may be delivered to room 825 to Mr. Johnston or emailed to him at johnsem1@nv.ccsd.net.

Green Valley Highschool 460 Arroyo Grande Henderson, NV 89014