The student newspaper and broadcast of Cedar Park High School

The Wolfpack
Students reach for energy drinks as concerns about their health effects continue to grow. “I think social media has turned energy drinks into a trendy habit,” junior Lydia Ou said. The increasing use of highly caffeinated drinks among teens raised serious concerns among doctors, parents and educators.
The High Cost of Energy
May 13, 2026
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.”
Step In A New Direction
May 1, 2026
At the 5A state champion Gold Medal Ceremony, band directors Christopher Yee, Jordan Openshaw, Kendall Santos, Roland Chavez and Jeremiah Armstrong celebrate their excellence. They said they hope to continue this success into the next school year with Santos as the new head director. “The challenge will be trying to see the various outcomes of any decision and carefully, and slowly, bringing those decisions to life,” Santos said. “The most impactful part of the new role is helping guide the vision and culture of the program.” Photo Courtesy of CPHS Band
A New Era
April 25, 2026
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
Empowered By Exhibiting
April 13, 2026
Looking at the camera, Senior Vincent Cao and junior Maddox Jameson pose for a photo after advancing as quarterfinalists at the UIL State competition for Cross-Examination debate at the University of Texas. The duo has been competing together for the past two years, but their time together is now coming to an end. “It kind of sucks because I've gotten really close to him over the years,” Jameson said. “ It's the same thing as the loss of a close friend in the same way. Anyone with close friends older than them who graduate would experience that loss. It makes it weird just thinking that he won't be there.” Photo Courtesy of Vincent Cao
Flow State
April 13, 2026
Smiling for a photo, senior Jaya Philipose reflects on the faith and compassion that have guided her throughout high school. Through leadership in Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS) and choir, Philipose said she discovered a passion for helping others and plans to pursue psychology and counseling after graduation. “I’ve always loved talking to people and helping people however I can,” Philipose said. “I want to be someone people feel comfortable confiding in, especially when they're going through difficult times.” Photo courtesy of Jaya Philipose
Where Faith Leads
May 26, 2026
Standing with her “Gone to Texas” sign, senior Penelope Wilkinson poses for her senior photos after getting into the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in neuroscience. She is president of three clubs, a player on the district lacrosse team and is involved in several other extracurricular activities. “Whenever I do something good for my clubs or friends, just seeing their positive reaction really makes me feel good and like it’s worth it,” Wilkinson said. “It’s important to take time for yourself and focus on having good support systems and not just doing everything on your own.” Photo courtesy of Penelope Wilkinson
Brainpower In Motion
May 26, 2026
Michael was released on April 24, 2026 to a $217 million opening weekend. I give it 3 out of 5 stars. Photo courtesy of GK Films
Workin’ Day And Night
May 21, 2026
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is now showing in theaters. I give it 3 out of 5 stars. Photo by Palak Tiwari and courtesy of 20th Century Studios
Gird Your Loins Again
May 21, 2026
Celebrities dance team Captain Paulina Bodek smiles for a photo during her last season of Friday Night Lights. “I wanted everyone to have a good time on the team," Bodek said. “Even if they were there for different reasons, the community Celebs bring is like no other and something I will never forget.”
Leading With Heart
May 20, 2026
Smiling at the camera, senior Emilya Garza poses for a picture. Garza served as student body president this school year, a position she said allowed her to create a safe place for others to speak up. “I try to make sure every single person in our student body is heard,” Garza said. “I realized I really enjoy building a story and understanding different perspectives. I’ve always been someone who wants to step in and make sure things are made right.” Photo courtesy of Emilya Garza
Taking a Stand
May 12, 2026
Smiling for the camera, girls' soccer players sophomore Ryan Haskins, juniors Anna Geertsema and Bella Ballenger, and senior Aerin Tryals-Meyer await visitors to their trunk. The team used a truck bed and filled it with candy, and covered the whole truck in spider webs to appeal more to the kids. “We have a scoring goal so you can shoot, or the kids can shoot,” Tryals-Meyer said. “Whenever they make it, they get candy.”
Tricks, Treats and Trunks
November 5, 2025
Standing at a desk, senior FCS president Jaya Phillipose takes attendance at a weekly meeting. Phillipose was named one of two co-presidents alongside senior Bennett Patton for the upcoming school year. “I feel like me and my leadership team are very close,” Phillipose said. “We are able to make sure everybody else feels included in that.”
Fresh Faces, New Direction
October 23, 2025
Students gather for a Fellowship of Christian Students meeting, sharing faith and community during their weekly session. Senior club president Jaya Philipose discusses what idols are and how they affect students' view of God. “God wanted us to understand even from the beginning that nothing should take his place in our hearts," Philipose said.
Join the Club—If You Can
October 15, 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
Smiling for a photo, senior Jaya Philipose reflects on the faith and compassion that have guided her throughout high school. Through leadership in Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS) and choir, Philipose said she discovered a passion for helping others and plans to pursue psychology and counseling after graduation. “I’ve always loved talking to people and helping people however I can,” Philipose said. “I want to be someone people feel comfortable confiding in, especially when they're going through difficult times.” Photo courtesy of Jaya Philipose
Where Faith Leads
May 26, 2026
With his hands in his pockets, senior valedictorian Arjun Ram poses for a picture in his suit. Ram set out to be a well-rounded and high achieving individual, which is clear to see. He took numerous AP classes, participated in different clubs and honor societies, and even founded his own club. “In high school, curiosity drove me,” Ram said. “I always wanted to understand more and think deeper.” Photo courtesy of Arjun Ram
Pursuit of Distinction
May 15, 2026
Sitting on a fallen tree, senior Ben Akers will attend Southern Methodist University this coming fall to major in acting through the school’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program. Akers has devoted his high school years to the theater program and other theater organizations outside of school. “A lot of people wound up listening to me as one of the main people in the department, even though I was really young,” Akers said. “Learning how to balance friendships with professionalism has been a huge learning experience.” Photo courtesy of Danielle Walker
Cue the Cheers
May 14, 2026
Smiling at the camera, senior Emilya Garza poses for a picture. Garza served as student body president this school year, a position she said allowed her to create a safe place for others to speak up. “I try to make sure every single person in our student body is heard,” Garza said. “I realized I really enjoy building a story and understanding different perspectives. I’ve always been someone who wants to step in and make sure things are made right.” Photo courtesy of Emilya Garza
Taking a Stand
May 12, 2026
As the closing notes ring through the Alamodome, senior Eddy Kim faces the audience’s applause. Four years of dedication to a band program and a school culminated in this moment. “The thing I'm most proud of are the people that I've been able to invest my time with,” Kim said. “Transfering from a middle school that has nothing to do with Cedar Park High School, I think my biggest goal was to make sure that I met the right people and I invested as much as I could in my friends.” Photo courtesy of Cedar Park Band Boosters
The Final Chord
May 11, 2026
Smiling for a photo, senior Jaya Philipose reflects on the faith and compassion that have guided her throughout high school. Through leadership in Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS) and choir, Philipose said she discovered a passion for helping others and plans to pursue psychology and counseling after graduation. “I’ve always loved talking to people and helping people however I can,” Philipose said. “I want to be someone people feel comfortable confiding in, especially when they're going through difficult times.” Photo courtesy of Jaya Philipose
Where Faith Leads
May 26, 2026
Standing with her “Gone to Texas” sign, senior Penelope Wilkinson poses for her senior photos after getting into the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in neuroscience. She is president of three clubs, a player on the district lacrosse team and is involved in several other extracurricular activities. “Whenever I do something good for my clubs or friends, just seeing their positive reaction really makes me feel good and like it’s worth it,” Wilkinson said. “It’s important to take time for yourself and focus on having good support systems and not just doing everything on your own.” Photo courtesy of Penelope Wilkinson
Brainpower In Motion
May 26, 2026
Celebrities dance team Captain Paulina Bodek smiles for a photo during her last season of Friday Night Lights. “I wanted everyone to have a good time on the team," Bodek said. “Even if they were there for different reasons, the community Celebs bring is like no other and something I will never forget.”
Leading With Heart
May 20, 2026
Senior Ben Gilsbach smiles for the camera to end his Senior year. Competing with culinary and fencing, Gilsbach wanted to share his knowledge with others for beginners as ProStart president and a fencing coach. “It’s a good way to refine my skills and enjoy culinary and fencing,” Gilsbach said. “It’s rewarding to be able to help share my experience with younger students.” Photo courtesy of Ben Gilsbach
A Full Platter Of Experience
May 19, 2026
With his hands in his pockets, senior valedictorian Arjun Ram poses for a picture in his suit. Ram set out to be a well-rounded and high achieving individual, which is clear to see. He took numerous AP classes, participated in different clubs and honor societies, and even founded his own club. “In high school, curiosity drove me,” Ram said. “I always wanted to understand more and think deeper.” Photo courtesy of Arjun Ram
Pursuit of Distinction
May 15, 2026
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
Swinging into Regionals
May 15, 2026
Posing for a picture, senior varsity volleyball player Joy Udoye takes her collegiate commitment photos for Stanford University. Udoye is a starter and outside hitter and also plays for the Austin Skyline Volleyball club. “I just love getting to compete at a high level,” Udoye said. “I think that pressure situation is where I thrive. I really enjoy tight matches, where it’s down to the wire, and you have to really give your all. That’s what I love about volleyball.” Photo Courtesy of Joy Udoye
Set, Strive, Stanford
May 13, 2026
Handling the basketball and dribbling the soccer ball, senior varsity dual sport athlete Grace Slaughter puts in her full effort from the first goal to the final basket. Slaughter played both soccer and basketball at the varsity level throughout high school. “Both basketball and soccer have meant the most to me,” Slaughter said. “Playing both sports have taught me so many things about myself and skills needed for the future. I have become a more well-rounded person. Both sports and academics have required me to figure out stressful situations, interact with different groups and manage my time between my activities.” Photos by Skyler King (left) and courtesy of Blake Korndorffer, used with permission (right)
Conquering the Paint and the Pitch
May 1, 2026
Preparing for the next pitch, senior varsity first baseman Evan Daly watches the batter. The varsity baseball team competed in the Central Texas First Pitch Classic Tournament, where they played against L.D. Bell on Feb. 21, ending the game with a score of 7-6. “Seeing the new turf field finally finished after watching the old dirt field get torn down and leveled was a really exciting feeling because it was something we’d known was going to happen for over a year,” Daly said. “Having a field that we were able to practice on during the offseason and preseason gives us a much better opportunity to build a solid base that will help carry us through the season and that feels good to know.”
A Field Reborn
February 26, 2026
No matter the score, girls' Varsity soccer showed up with confidence, teamwork, and pride on Jan 30. The girls pose for a photo after a tough defeat against Leander. “We understand that the small details matter,” Coach Winston Pool said. “If we focus on those every day in practice, we will become better because of it.”
More Than A Season
February 18, 2026
Prom & Pet Peeves
April 1, 2026
Stranger Things & New Year Resolutions
February 6, 2026
Meet The Hosts
November 21, 2025
Halloween is coming up, teenagers are going home, dressed up and are getting ready to go to bed. At the age of 14-17, teenagers in high school believe they’re too old to trick-or-treat, and choose to either go out and party or skip Halloween entirely. I’m going to go trick-or-treating with my friends as Puss in Boots from the movie “Shrek”, and I will be discussing why I believe we are not too old to trick-or-treat, and why if you want to, you shouldn’t be ashamed of doing so.
A Bag Full of 100 Grand
October 31, 2025
Hollow Knight: Silksong gets 4.5 out of 5 stars. Photo by Mia Cotter.
New Song, Same Soul: The World Through Hornet’s Eyes
October 21, 2025
Cyborg Wolfpack Reporter, Reid Cummings, spreads false information that the sky is red. This is untrue, the sky is in fact not red, it is blue. This is a very real issue because false information is dangerous and “people” like Reid Cummings are contributing to this danger. 70% of students now believe the sky is red.
Pile of Lies
April 21, 2026
On March 1, I drove to Swig around 4 p.m. with a couple of friends. Swigs' location is on Anderson Mill Road, near Highway 183, which is only 14 minutes away from where I live. I decided to get the “Raspberry dream” Drink which consists of a base of Dr. Pepper, mixed with raspberry puree and coconut cream, and is known for its creamy, sweet, and tropical flavor.
Dirty Soda Delight
March 2, 2026
What were once easily enjoyable sports have now been heavily intertwined with gambling. The normalization of sports betting puts young people at greater risk of addiction and financial harm.
Game Over
February 25, 2026
Our campus should become an open campus so students are allowed to leave during lunch, allowing them to choose from a wider variety of food options, take a mental break from the school environment and develop a greater sense of responsibility and independence. Graphic by Kasandra Reynoso.
Open The Gates
February 17, 2026
The UT auto-admission policy has more negative attributes below the surface that are often overlooked.
The Reality of UT Auto-Admission
February 5, 2026
Michael was released on April 24, 2026 to a $217 million opening weekend. I give it 3 out of 5 stars. Photo courtesy of GK Films
Workin’ Day And Night
May 21, 2026
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is now showing in theaters. I give it 3 out of 5 stars. Photo by Palak Tiwari and courtesy of 20th Century Studios
Gird Your Loins Again
May 21, 2026
The Great Divide acts as a "prodigal son fable," grappling with the disorienting feeling of achieving everything you dreamed of and still feeling empty. It is an honest but challenging look at a life that has rapidly changed, reaffirming Kahan’s role as a strong voice in modern songwriting.
The Great Divide
May 15, 2026
After years of waiting, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream was released April 16, following up the mega-popular original. I give Tomodachi Life four out of five stars. Photo courtesy of Nintendo
New Island, Same Chaos
May 1, 2026
'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' trailer has officially released and is causing buzz among Spider-Man fans. Photos courtesy of Marvel Studios
With Great Power Comes A Great Trailer
April 17, 2026
Have you ever gone to class and couldn't get through because of the big wall of people walking to class? Well, this comic is the personification of that happening to me.
Weekly Comic #1 – Hallway Troubles
February 26, 2026
Prom & Pet Peeves
April 1, 2026
Stranger Things & New Year Resolutions
February 6, 2026
Nearly 200 students at Cedar Park High School walked out of class on Thursday morning, joining a national movement against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Student Walkout Joins Statewide Protests Against ICE
February 4, 2026
Sitting at her desk, College and Career Transition Coordinator Chris Hexter works on preparing ACC applications. She is the go-to for students who have any questions about ACC or college. “The primary benefit of kiddos taking those dual credit classes in high school is, of course, to meet their high school graduation requirement,” Hexter said. “The secondary benefit is that they are also earning those college requirements, getting credits toward their university and saving a lot of money.”
Students Get Head Start For College
December 3, 2025
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
End of the Road
November 22, 2025
Prom & Pet Peeves
April 1, 2026
Stranger Things & New Year Resolutions
February 6, 2026
Meet The Hosts
November 21, 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
The student newspaper and broadcast of Cedar Park High School

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

The Wolfpack
Justin Ballou

Justin Ballou, Reporter

Justin is a senior and third-year sports reporter on the Wolfpack Staff. Next year, he will be a converged broadcast media major at the University of North Texas. He hopes to start his career with the Cowboys or another sports team in the DFW area. Justin is from Cleveland and is a Browns fan for life.

All content by Justin Ballou
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The student newspaper and broadcast of Cedar Park High School
Justin Ballou