![Musical theatre class runs through “Footloose” during their dress rehearsal. Senior student director Mia Morneault says how much she’s enjoyed working with the cast and crew. “I am very proud of all the cast and crew who worked as hard on it as I have. A lot of people care about [this show],” Morneault said. “I have a lot of friends on the cast and on the crew, but I’ve also grown and gained friendships through the show, even as director where I may be a little more stricter than normal. And I am very grateful for everyone I’ve gotten to work with.”](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0657-1200x800.jpg)
![Sitting in a line of artwork, senior art student Kaemon Kato’s painting titled “Right Side of History” is displayed for attendees of the district’s art showcase. Kato’s painting is a political piece inspired by a photo of elementary schoolers in the street protesting against ICE. “I think it's also symbolic because they're surrounded by snow, which can represent ICE, and they are still marching,” Kato said. “[The kids] are not stopping until equality or justice is served, which I think is really important to represent and show.” Photo by John Pinion](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-03-26-114740.png)
![Broadcast, yearbook and newspaper combined for 66 Interscholastic League Press Conference awards this year. Yearbook won 43, newspaper won 14 and broadcast took home nine. “I think [the ILPC awards] are a great way to give the kids some acknowledgement for all of their hard work,” newspaper and yearbook adviser Paige Hert said. “They typically spend the year covering everyone else’s big moments, so it’s really cool for them to be celebrated so many times and in so many different ways.”](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/edited-ILPC.jpg)
![Holding up the bi-district champions trophy, junior shortstop Hudson Cuevas cheers alongside his team. The varsity baseball team played in the bi-district round of playoffs against the Boerne Greyhounds April 30-May 2, where they won Game 1 6-4, lost Game 2 2-1 and won the last game 5-2, allowing them to advance to area. “Honestly, [my favorite] big moment that wasn't even part of my moment was Dom's grand slam,” Cuevas said. “That was a big game changer in Game 1 of round one that ultimately helped us win that game and even move on. It set the tone for the games after and has really impacted and sparked this whole playoff run.” Photo by Allie Tseng](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/allie-boerne00159-1200x800.jpg)
![After he takes the handoff, senior running back Trae Hill runs down the field in search of a first down. Hill rushed for three touchdowns in the 43-36 loss against Frisco Wakeland last Friday, but the Timberwolves were eliminated from playoff contention. “[I’m] just happy I got to experience the game with my brothers,” Hill said. “I’m going to remember how close and how enjoyable everything was with these guys. They are my brothers for life. Just waking up and grinding together, and proving the naysayers wrong [was my favorite part].”
Photo by Kyra Cox](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/trae-hill-wakeland.jpg)
Name: Les Miserables (PG-13)
Director: Tom Hooper
Rating: 8.5/10
Now playing at: Regal Lakeline Mall 9, Cinemark Cedar Park, Alamo Drafthouse Lake Creek, and Galaxy Moviehouse and Eatery.
On Dec. 252012, “Les Miserables”, the highly acclaimed musical, made the transition from Broadway to the big screen. The movie, adapted from the novel written by Victor Hugo, takes place in 19th century France during the rise of the French Revolution. Overall, this movie was exceptional. All the actors did a spectacular job of portraying their characters and conveying their emotions.
The movie follows the life of Jean Valjean, a former slave who starts a new life and adopts the young daughter of a struggling woman. Valjean and his daughter, Cosette, are constantly moving to protect his identity from Javert who, if Valjean is recognized, will place him back in slavery. Trouble arises when Cosette falls in love with a revolutionary named Marius. Though Cosette begs her father to stay, Valjean senses that townspeople know who he is and is convinced they must leave. The end of the movie follows the love of Cosette and Marius, the history between Valjean and Javert, and the revolutionary hopes of Marius and the young rebels.
The all star cast includes Hugh Jackman (Valjean), Russell Crowe (Javert), Anne Hathaway (Fantine), Amanda Seyfried (Cosette), Sacha Baron Cohen (Thenardier), Helena Bonham Carter (Madame Thenardier), Samantha Barks (Eponine), along with other seasoned actors. However, the actress that stood out was Samantha Barks as Eponine. Barks plays the role of a lovesick and heartbroken girl who pines for Marius only to find that he loves Cosette, her childhood friend. Barks, who played Eponine on stage in the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert, had the most beautiful voice out of all the actors. Barks was also the most relatable while portraying her character.
The movie was surprisingly captivating, contrary to my preconceived notions. What I thought was going to be a boring historical film turned out to be an interesting and tear-jerking musical. The collection of astonishing actors adds a sense of reality to the harsh plot of life in an unfortunate situation. The fact that all the singing was recorded live, as opposed to the traditional pre-recording and lip synching, made a huge contribution to the realness of the film. Though some have commented that the singing quality was not meeting the expected standards, I strongly disagree. The whole point of singing live was for the actors to sing as the characters would. This gave the characters such a lifelike quality which drew the audience into the film.
After viewing this movie I vowed to myself that I should return and see it again, and I suggest it to anyone who has an appreciation for theatre or history.
