The student newspaper and broadcast of Cedar Park High School

The Wolfpack
The fire department came to the school after students were evacuated when smoke started coming from the ceiling of a classroom. All students and staff are safe. “All of my friends left their stuff too, so we couldn’t contact our parents, and it was stressful,” senior Brynn Fowler said. “It was scary because I didn’t know [what was going on], and I couldn’t find anyone because it was a big crowd.” Photo by Anthony Garcia
Smoked Out
September 26, 2025
Opening their backpack, a student puts away their phone. The Texas state legislature passed House Bill 1481 this fall, which banned phones in public schools. "Hopefully we'll see more engagement and instruction in the classroom and more consistent engagement throughout the lesson,” Dean of Instruction Jennifer Colman said. “People defaulted to using their phones, so hopefully it'll be more consistent in engagement, less distraction. And I think it's good for all of us to take breaks from our phones.”
Silenced Screens
September 19, 2025
As he sprints with the ball, senior running back Trae Hill breaks a tackle during Friday’s 35-14 loss against the Vandegrift Vipers. Hill ran for 135 yards and two touchdowns during the game. “[Scoring] was electric,” Hill said. “It always feels good to score, but the O-line did everything.”
Battle of the Bite
September 8, 2025
After making a catch, junior receiver Brayden Jahns runs towards the end zone, dodging defenders at the football game against Harker Heights on Friday. Jahns scored a touchdown in the game, which the Timberwolves lost 52-35. “It was during crunch time,” Jahns said. “We needed a score, so I made sure I got to the end zone.”
A Knight to Remember
September 2, 2025
Posing with their UIL State Trophy, the Robolobos Van Halen Team beams with excitement after their win. “It was a team effort,” junior Noah Vo said. “I was happy because something happened in the first match and the match was also really close. So [when] they finally revealed it, I was pretty happy.” Photo courtesy of Amy Lovelace
Drive to Success
May 22, 2025
Looking down at his racket, junior Hasun Nguyen hits the green tennis ball. Hasun has played tennis since he was 9 years old, and he is on the varsity team. "I feel like it’s not really appreciated in America as much, but [tennis] is a really competitive and mentally challenging sport,” Nguyen said. “I’m really level-headed and can keep my cool during a match, and that helps me play a bit better under pressure.” Photo by Kyra Cox
Making a Racket
September 26, 2025
The fire department came to the school after students were evacuated when smoke started coming from the ceiling of a classroom. All students and staff are safe. “All of my friends left their stuff too, so we couldn’t contact our parents, and it was stressful,” senior Brynn Fowler said. “It was scary because I didn’t know [what was going on], and I couldn’t find anyone because it was a big crowd.” Photo by Anthony Garcia
Smoked Out
September 26, 2025
Opening their backpack, a student puts away their phone. The Texas state legislature passed House Bill 1481 this fall, which banned phones in public schools. "Hopefully we'll see more engagement and instruction in the classroom and more consistent engagement throughout the lesson,” Dean of Instruction Jennifer Colman said. “People defaulted to using their phones, so hopefully it'll be more consistent in engagement, less distraction. And I think it's good for all of us to take breaks from our phones.”
Silenced Screens
September 19, 2025
As he sprints with the ball, senior running back Trae Hill breaks a tackle during Friday’s 35-14 loss against the Vandegrift Vipers. Hill ran for 135 yards and two touchdowns during the game. “[Scoring] was electric,” Hill said. “It always feels good to score, but the O-line did everything.”
Battle of the Bite
September 8, 2025
Clutching the ball to his chest, senior running back Trae Hill takes a handoff from junior quarterback David Cooper in last year’s 49-46 victory against Vandegrift. This year, Cedar Park plays Vandegrift Friday at Monroe Stadium, with both teams entering the game at 0-1. “[There were] a lot of good things but also some bad things that we could work on,” Cooper said after last week’s loss. “Our offense is going to keep on working and so is our defense. We’re going to be a different team next week.”
Preparing for the Pit
September 3, 2025
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.”
In The Headlines
May 15, 2025
Crowded around the newsdesk of KENS5, the broadcast class poses for a group photo. During the class's winter retreat in San Antonio, they visited the local news station for a tour. “When we're brought together, we have more ideas,” sophomore Drew Johnson said. “We have time to talk to each other about stories, and most of all, the winter retreat can be a story. I think bringing us together on the winter retreat really made us think about working together as a team.” Photo courtesy of Anthony Garcia
Behind The Camera
April 8, 2025
Typing away on her computer, junior Stephanie Manoel works on an assignment for her cybersecurity class. Being involved in DECA, which requires students to take CTE course, and having taken Computer Science I in her freshman year, this was the first course Manoel considered as she already felt familiar with the environment. “I’d definitely recommend this class to anyone interested in pursuing computer science or cybersecurity,” Manoel said. “The workload is manageable, but still gives you the knowledge you need. Overall, it’s the environment that keeps me motivated to come to class every time.”
Digital Defense
March 24, 2025
The Brainy Bunch
The Brainy Bunch
March 24, 2025
Senior Rushil Mehta, Junior Katie Liu, Senior Ashley Blair, Senior Anabelle Staples, Senior Jen Nguyen, teacher Amy Buffington, and Senior Kim Dao smile at the camera as they anticipate the upcoming HOSA competition. These students are working together in their Mental Health Campaign, and they have made various preparations for the competition. “We did lots of outreach activities, such as a gratitude jar for students on CPHS and Christmas stockings for children who have to stay at a hospital during the holiday season,” Liu said. “We hoped that it would alleviate anxiety in youth and help brighten their day.” Photo courtesy of Payton DeAngelis
HOSA: Hands-On Healthcare
February 7, 2025
Looking down at his racket, junior Hasun Nguyen hits the green tennis ball. Hasun has played tennis since he was 9 years old, and he is on the varsity team. "I feel like it’s not really appreciated in America as much, but [tennis] is a really competitive and mentally challenging sport,” Nguyen said. “I’m really level-headed and can keep my cool during a match, and that helps me play a bit better under pressure.” Photo by Kyra Cox
Making a Racket
September 26, 2025
Opening their backpack, a student puts away their phone. The Texas state legislature passed House Bill 1481 this fall, which banned phones in public schools. "Hopefully we'll see more engagement and instruction in the classroom and more consistent engagement throughout the lesson,” Dean of Instruction Jennifer Colman said. “People defaulted to using their phones, so hopefully it'll be more consistent in engagement, less distraction. And I think it's good for all of us to take breaks from our phones.”
Silenced Screens
September 19, 2025
Captain Signing Out
Captain Signing Out
May 22, 2025
Holding his opponent to the mat, senior Max Brandt wrestles through the semifinals at Doc Hess, placing first. Brandt has been wrestling for 14 years and after qualifying for state sophomore and junior year he placed third in the 2025 UIL Boys State Championship . “Stepping onto the mat at state, I tried to remember to stick to my good stuff and don’t try new things,” Brandt said. “I had to remember to use the tools and moves I’ve practiced since I was four and I know I can do perfectly. Winning my last match at state, it didn't hit me that I just wrestled my final high school match, but I was happy I ended my high school career with a victory.” Photo courtesy of Max Brandt
Path to the Podium
May 22, 2025
With her varsity jacket wrapped around her shoulders, senior Charlotte Adair smiles for her senior photos. She will attend the University of Texas at Austin with a major in theater and dance, specifying in stage management. “There's only so many regional and big productions out there, but the opportunities that I hopefully will be able to receive are going to be really awesome, fingers crossed,” Adair said. “We are very lucky at Cedar Park High School to be able to do so many shows and have a pretty good budget for most of them, but then you go and see Broadway shows and they have crazy projections and moving set pieces. The possibility of being able to help with that is something that I'm very much looking forward to.” Photo by Melissa McKinney
The Final Cue
May 22, 2025
Looking down at his racket, junior Hasun Nguyen hits the green tennis ball. Hasun has played tennis since he was 9 years old, and he is on the varsity team. "I feel like it’s not really appreciated in America as much, but [tennis] is a really competitive and mentally challenging sport,” Nguyen said. “I’m really level-headed and can keep my cool during a match, and that helps me play a bit better under pressure.” Photo by Kyra Cox
Making a Racket
September 26, 2025
Sitting in his home dugout, senior Kyle McClure stares out onto the turf he has spent all four years of high school on. McClure has been working toward receiving his private pilot certificate throughout high school, and said baseball has helped him learn the leadership skills needed to be a pilot. “I’m really big on how baseball’s helped me grow not only as a player, but as a person,” McClure said. “When it comes to flying, as a pilot, you have to have leadership skills. You don’t want to just let someone else do it because 150 people, 200 people are relying on you to fly that plane. I think being a part of baseball and being a part of the team is really going to help me in my future.” Photo Courtesy of Kyle McClure
From Pop Flies to Solo Flights
May 13, 2025
Bringing her arm over her head and taking a quick breath, junior Lauren Lucas swims the final laps of the 500 freestyle at the regionals swimming competition on date. Lucas broke the school’s 18-year-old record for the 500 freestyle at regionals and again at state with a time of 4:58.63. “I’d had my eye on that 500 record since my freshman year, so I was really excited to see if I could get it at regionals or districts,” Lucas said. “ State is always a really fun experience and medaling for the first time was really great. It was a very very tight race, [so] I was a bit surprised [that I medaled]. [There were] a lot of fast girls at the meet in general, [and] it was like a dogfight back and forth, back and forth.” Photo by Kaydence Wilkinson
Breaking the Surface
March 18, 2025
As the support team sits and poses for a photo in the cafeteria with the counseling team they eagerly wait to start their day. "We [all] seem to be a team, I get up every day and there's days where I don't want to go to work today, but I'm thankful that I have a job and I'm blessed to have what I have," Christopherson said. Photo Courtesy of Julie Weltens.
Heart of the Campus: The Fantastic Five
February 6, 2025
Officer Stephanie Cash is in her second year as an SRO at CPHS. “Seeing [students] grow over the years has been kind of cool,” Officer Cash said. “Freshmen that [are] all over the place and then in the next couple of years get a little more squared away and go to class and do work and start thinking about the future. Being a part of a student's growth is the best way to measure my success as an SRO.” Photo Courtesy of Cedar Park Police Department's PIO, Alicia Gallagher.
Securing the Future
February 4, 2025
Looking down at his racket, junior Hasun Nguyen hits the green tennis ball. Hasun has played tennis since he was 9 years old, and he is on the varsity team. "I feel like it’s not really appreciated in America as much, but [tennis] is a really competitive and mentally challenging sport,” Nguyen said. “I’m really level-headed and can keep my cool during a match, and that helps me play a bit better under pressure.” Photo by Kyra Cox
Making a Racket
September 26, 2025
As he sprints with the ball, senior running back Trae Hill breaks a tackle during Friday’s 35-14 loss against the Vandegrift Vipers. Hill ran for 135 yards and two touchdowns during the game. “[Scoring] was electric,” Hill said. “It always feels good to score, but the O-line did everything.”
Battle of the Bite
September 8, 2025
Clutching the ball to his chest, senior running back Trae Hill takes a handoff from junior quarterback David Cooper in last year’s 49-46 victory against Vandegrift. This year, Cedar Park plays Vandegrift Friday at Monroe Stadium, with both teams entering the game at 0-1. “[There were] a lot of good things but also some bad things that we could work on,” Cooper said after last week’s loss. “Our offense is going to keep on working and so is our defense. We’re going to be a different team next week.”
Preparing for the Pit
September 3, 2025
After making a catch, junior receiver Brayden Jahns runs towards the end zone, dodging defenders at the football game against Harker Heights on Friday. Jahns scored a touchdown in the game, which the Timberwolves lost 52-35. “It was during crunch time,” Jahns said. “We needed a score, so I made sure I got to the end zone.”
A Knight to Remember
September 2, 2025
Driving towards the net, senior captain and striker Meredith Koltz scores the game winning goal to send the T-Wolves to State Semis. The team will face Barbers Hill Friday to attempt to make it back to the State Championship for the first time since 2001. “There’s nothing we can’t do together,” Koltz said. “If I make a mistake it’s not like ‘oh do this better’ it’s more like ‘hey, we got this, we can stick together’ and we’re working for each other. Not a single person wanted this goal by themselves, we’re all with each other and we’re just a big perfect family.” Photo by Alyssa Fox
Final Four Frenzy
April 2, 2025
As summer rolls around every year, I always struggle to find the perfect book to read. So, to help others like me, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite books from all my summers spent reading. Here are my top five favorite books: “Edenbrooke,” “Skyward,” “The False Prince”, “Ender’s Game” and “On the Fence.”
Hot Reads for Hot Days
May 22, 2025
“The Amatuer” is a spy action thriller movie that has you screaming at the main character to run. Graphic by Ingrid Bonner.
No Badge, No Backup
May 22, 2025
High school is full of tests, friends, and a lot of change. Each year in high school is different from the last, leaving the question of what grade is better than the others?
Grading the Grades
May 22, 2025
As the 2025 F1 season tires in, the sport is gaining more popularity than ever. Essential information is compiled into this guide, with information on teams, drivers, tracks and more, helping new fans understand what they need to know. Graphic made by Rania Adil
Lights Out And Away We Go
April 28, 2025
This reboot of the beloved and iconic 1937 “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” came under fire after public relation scandals from the new Snow White’s actress, Rachel Zegler, CGI dwarfs and questionable acting. Although I was hesitant to watch the film at first, I will say, I was almost pleasantly surprised.
Snow White and the Mixed Reviews
April 10, 2025
As summer rolls around every year, I always struggle to find the perfect book to read. So, to help others like me, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite books from all my summers spent reading. Here are my top five favorite books: “Edenbrooke,” “Skyward,” “The False Prince”, “Ender’s Game” and “On the Fence.”
Hot Reads for Hot Days
May 22, 2025
Posing at the Texas border, my brother, Riley, and my sister-in-law, Sarah, hold up a “T” and a “X” for “Texas.” We helped them move to Houston, Texas over the summer, and it’s safe to say that after copious amounts of Torchy’s queso and free access to H-E-B, they’ve been completely converted. Photo by Rachelle Wilkinson
God Blessed Texas
May 22, 2025
“The Amatuer” is a spy action thriller movie that has you screaming at the main character to run. Graphic by Ingrid Bonner.
No Badge, No Backup
May 22, 2025
High school is full of tests, friends, and a lot of change. Each year in high school is different from the last, leaving the question of what grade is better than the others?
Grading the Grades
May 22, 2025
Netflix’s recent releases of sports documentaries following teams and athletes that are in-season, the most recent being The Clubhouse: A Year with the Red Sox, which premiered on April 8 has brought attention to struggles athletes face such as mental health and fan interactions. These types of projects are created with an intent to give fans an inside look at the athletes and coaches.
A Look Beyond the Game
April 28, 2025
“The Amatuer” is a spy action thriller movie that has you screaming at the main character to run. Graphic by Ingrid Bonner.
No Badge, No Backup
May 22, 2025
As part of a field training operation, my brother, Hunter Williams, sits on top of a joint light tactical vehicle, JLTV, after going through vigorous activities. Like it is portrayed in the movie ‘Warfare,’ soldiers go through moments that seem unreal to the normal human. After watching this movie, I hope the recognition of my two brothers, Hunter, who's in the Army, and Hayden, who's in the Space Force, will become more prominent as well as recognition of other soldiers in the military. Photo Courtesy of Hunter Williams
The Guts and the Glory
May 12, 2025
Netflix’s recent releases of sports documentaries following teams and athletes that are in-season, the most recent being The Clubhouse: A Year with the Red Sox, which premiered on April 8 has brought attention to struggles athletes face such as mental health and fan interactions. These types of projects are created with an intent to give fans an inside look at the athletes and coaches.
A Look Beyond the Game
April 28, 2025
This reboot of the beloved and iconic 1937 “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” came under fire after public relation scandals from the new Snow White’s actress, Rachel Zegler, CGI dwarfs and questionable acting. Although I was hesitant to watch the film at first, I will say, I was almost pleasantly surprised.
Snow White and the Mixed Reviews
April 10, 2025
On Feb. 27, Hulu released a documentary called “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke.” The three episode documentary goes through interviews with the two oldest Franke kids (who are both adults) and Ruby’s husband, Kevin Franke, in addition to showing unseen footage from their YouTube videos. I give this documentary a 10/10.
8 Prisoners
March 31, 2025
Spirit Slideshow
March 13, 2025
PackCast hosts, senior Rania Adil and sophomore Kasanadra Reynoso review the 2025 Golden Globes Award Show.
2025 Golden Globes Review Podcast
February 21, 2025
PackCast hosts, senior Rania Adil and sophomore Kasanadra Reynoso review the 2025 Golden Globes Award Show.
Deal With It
February 21, 2025
PackCast hosts, senior Rania Adil and sophomore Kasanadra Reynoso review the 2025 Golden Globes Award Show.
Right or Wrong?
February 6, 2025
2024-2025 Fall Recap
December 19, 2024
PackCast hosts, senior Rania Adil and sophomore Kasanadra Reynoso review the 2025 Golden Globes Award Show.
2025 Golden Globes Review Podcast
February 21, 2025
PackCast hosts, senior Rania Adil and sophomore Kasanadra Reynoso review the 2025 Golden Globes Award Show.
Deal With It
February 21, 2025
PackCast hosts, senior Rania Adil and sophomore Kasanadra Reynoso review the 2025 Golden Globes Award Show.
Right or Wrong?
February 6, 2025
Jonathan’s Corner
March 20, 2024
Graphic by Stef Rios, Wolfpack Editor '20-'21
The Packchat 2-14-2024
February 15, 2024
The student newspaper and broadcast of Cedar Park High School

The Wolfpack
The student newspaper and broadcast of Cedar Park High School

The Wolfpack

A Knight to Remember

Football Loses to Harker Heights 52-35 in Season Opener
Skyler King, Assistant Editor
September 2, 2025
Skyler King
After making a catch, junior receiver Brayden Jahns runs towards the end zone, dodging defenders at the football game against Harker Heights on Friday. Jahns scored a touchdown in the game, which the Timberwolves lost 52-35. “It was during crunch time,” Jahns said. “We needed a score, so I made sure I got to the end zone.”

The football team opened the season with a loss to Harker Heights, 52-35 at home Friday night.

The Timberwolves started off strong with a touchdown less than two minutes into the first quarter. By the end of the second quarter, Cedar Park led 14-3.

The Knights quickly responded with a kick return touchdown at the beginning of the second quarter, shifting the momentum in their favor. They followed that up with three more unanswered touchdowns, before junior receiver Brayden Jahns scored to end the second quarter with the Knights leading 31-21. The T-Wolves were outscored 28-7 in the second quarter but scored more points than the Knights throughout the rest of the game.

“It was during crunch time,” Jahns said. “We needed a score, so I made sure I got to the end zone.”

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Harker Heights scored again in the third quarter and opened the fourth quarter with a touchdown after picking off junior quarterback David Cooper and returning the ball 25 yards to set up the scoring opportunity. The Timberwolves immediately returned the ball to the 49-yard line off of the kickoff, then Cooper threw a 34-yard pass to Jahns, setting up senior receiver Brendan Baker’s eventual touchdown reception two plays later in an attempt to narrow the scoring deficit.

Cedar Park scored one more touchdown in garbage time before the game ended.

Notable performances included Baker, who ended the night with 81 receiving yards and one touchdown, Jahns who had 70 receiving yards and senior receiver Jamal Porter who had 48 yards and a touchdown. Cooper threw for 234 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 64 yards and one touchdown with three interceptions.

“[There were] a lot of good things but also some bad things that we could work on,” Cooper said. “Our offense is going to keep on working and so is our defense. We’re going to be a different team next week.”

The loss brought the Timberwolves’ record to 0-1 to start the season. Coach Michael Quintero, or Coach Q, said that he was impressed with the defensive and offensive lines but feels that the team can work on consistency.

“We just have to keep moving forward,” Coach Q said. “We’re not hanging our hat on this one loss. We’ve got to attack each day.”

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About the Contributor
Skyler King
Skyler King, Reporter
Skyler is a senior and second-year reporter, and she is also the copy editor for the CPHS Tracks yearbook staff. She moved to Cedar Park before her junior year after spending her freshman and sophomore years in San Antonio, at a school of under 200 students. In her free time, Skyler enjoys watching sports (especially the Longhorns and 49ers), reading romance and fantasy books and binge watching bad teen TV. Skyler is involved in Young Life and competes in UIL journalism. After high school, Skyler hopes to go to college and major in journalism or sports journalism, with the eventual goal of becoming a sports journalist.