The student newspaper and broadcast of Cedar Park High School

The Wolfpack

The student newspaper and broadcast of Cedar Park High School

The Wolfpack

The student newspaper and broadcast of Cedar Park High School

The Wolfpack

Ruchi Sankolli

Ruchi Sankolli, Assistant Editor

Ruchi Sankolli is a senior, this is her third year on staff, and her first year as the Assistant Editor of the Wolfpack.  She mainly enjoys writing opinion pieces about current events. In addition to the Wolfpack, she is also involved in the 4-H Youth Toastmasters Gavel Club, HOSA and NHS. She enjoys listening to music, watching anime, reading horror novels, writng stories, and playing with her dog. She plans on attending either UT Austin or Texas A&M to major in the healthcare field.

 

All content by Ruchi Sankolli
More than 50 students, all donned in red T shirts, pose for a group picture at the front grounds of the school, holding various signs and symbols. These students all engaged in a silent, peaceful protest regarding the Roe v. Wade and abortion situation as of now. “It felt kind of empowering,” senior Aleksae Watson said. “Because they were all there for the same thing. We all are aware that what’s going on isn’t right. I’d say it’s not appropriate. We all deserve our rights and our freedoms and it’s just being stripped from us.”

A Loud Silence

Ruchi Sankolli, Assistant Editor
May 23, 2022
Biology and AP Biology teacher Adam Babich sits at his desk, concentrating on his paperwork. Babich is one of the teachers who have been affected by teacher burnout, and feels teachers are not heard enough when it comes to their struggles. “The most stressful part about teaching is not having your voice heard,” Babich said. “At a campus level, I would march off to war for my administration team; Mr Sloan, everybody, they’re great and they’re supportive. The problem comes from the higher ups; a lot of what we deal with, whether it is pay raise, or budget issues, or standards or state testing, we can give our voice, but really, nothing ever comes of it. These are legislative bodies that do a lot of the decision making and we know that, at a government level, things move at a snail’s pace. If an issue shows up, it often takes a very long time to see any results from it. For example, they’re putting together a task force to figure out why teachers are leaving. When we looked at the first task force, there was maybe two teachers on it; everyone else were superintendents, or people who had not been in the classroom for 10 years. So, as teachers, we felt like this was a slap in the face. I’m not saying that all teachers feel this way, I’m saying some of us do, and this is what we’re feeling. It’s like we’re in the trenches, we’re asking for help and we get decisions made for us by people who aren’t in the classrooms.”

The Burnout

Ruchi Sankolli, Assistant Editor
May 16, 2022
With a look of concentration, senior Max Villarreal tests out his tattoo needle with a stencil. Villarreal has had a passion for art for a while, and has decided to pursue tattoo art as a future activity. “I like art in general, [but] I don’t think I would just do [art] as a career,” Villarreal said. “It’s not enough fun for me, and I feel like I need to constantly come up with new ideas and hoping people are paying attention to me. From a young age, I had been exposed to the art of tattooing, and it’s just something that has stuck with me. That’s something my mom wanted too, she wanted me to be a tattoo artist.”

Inked Dreams

Ruchi Sankolli, Assistant Editor
May 5, 2022
The winner of the Library March Madness is Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Due to its popularity, the book was able to stay strong throughout the multiple rounds of the competition, according to Assistant Librarian Jennifer Baskin, who applauded the book for its years of success and relevance. “I pretty much knew that was going to be the winner from the get,” Baskin said. “I was kind of hoping that I would be surprised that [‘Hunger Games’] wasn’t the winner, but I understand why. It’s pretty popular, and a lot of people read that book, and it was their introduction to reading. That’s something that got them excited about reading, so it makes sense that they would still be excited about it. I think that book has held up, just sort of like ‘Harry Potter’, or ‘The Lightening Thief’. It holds up even when I read it as an adult, but I was still surprised that it was still going so strong.”

Let the Madness Begin

Ruchi Sankolli, Assistant Editor
April 4, 2022
Choosing the path of vegetarianism is not easy: it can be a path full of sacrifices and adjustments that need to be made on a daily basis. From dealing with society’s opinions, to frequently asked questions, to limited food options, being a vegetarian is not easy sometimes, and it is something we need to talk about more.

The Dietary Outcast

Ruchi Sankolli, Assistant Editor
March 24, 2022
Senior Evy Grenger focuses as she manages to get the “Word of the Day.”  Grenger has been playing “Wordle” since January, and said it has improved her critical thinking skills and loves to challenge herself with the new “Word of the Day.” “I feel like it has increased my critical thinking skills because to figure out the word, you really have to think about where the letters go and which are correct, Grenger said. It makes me think about the words I know and how they could possibly fit into the puzzle.”

It’s Just a Word

Ruchi Sankolli, Assistant Editor
March 4, 2022
Senior Madelyn Roberts smiles in the snow as she holds her Colorado State memorabilia. Roberts chose to go out of state because of her interest in fashion and her admiration for the university. “I really wanted somewhere that was picturesque, [some place] that fits with my vintage style,” Roberts said. “I wanted somewhere where I could walk down to mainstreet and have a bunch at a cafe. Or go shopping. I’ll be a fashion major, and I have my own fashion Instagram [account] and I could just see myself pursuing these interests in Fort Collins.”

A Common Future

Ruchi Sankolli, Assistant Editor
February 18, 2022
There There by Tommy Orange is a mesmerizing story in which multiple people are able to reconnect with each other through one crucial cultural event. Since culture is an important part of a persons life, more people should know about their own stories and other peoples stories. This novel does a wonderful job of explaining the importance of culture and why being attentive to different cultures is important for our own knowledge and growth as human beings.

Culturally Connected

Ruchi Sankolli, Assistant Editor
February 11, 2022
Driving is something that all students have come to rely on, especially during their senior year. The question of how interested modern teenagers are in driving is now being brought up in multiple studies, however, high school students still recognize and value the importance of driving as a whole, such as senior Jasmin Gonzales. “I think driving is a super important skill because it allows the person to run personal errands or help out others if they need a ride somewhere,” Gonzales said. “I think that is one of the best parts of high school is being able to start driving yourself to school. There’s something so maturing about it.”

To Take the Wheel or Not

Ruchi Sankolli, Assistant Editor
January 26, 2022
The choir students smile for a group photo at Region in November. The choir recently participated in the pre-area auditions, and the top 15 candidates (10 for voice parts and six alternates) advanced to the Area auditions. “I am immensely proud,” Assistant Choir Director Victor Torres said. “I am so proud of them. We’ve been having Sectionals in here just about every day. The kids have been showing up, really working on their music.

In For The Long Run

Ruchi Sankolli, Assistant Editor
January 7, 2022
Netflix and Chill suddenly got disappointing with how the new heist movie played out. Red Notice had a lot of potential, which kind of went to waste. While the whole movie was not up to my expectations for it, there were some exciting parts to it, such as the cinematography and the action scenes.

Below Egg-Spectations

Ruchi Sankolli, Assistant Editor
December 16, 2021
Showing off his gold medal, senior Riley Pritzlaff poses for a picture alongside fellow UIL competitors and seniors Vyacheslav Adrianov and Aiden Seibel. Pritzlaff placed second in the UIL Congress Meet and will be advancing to the next round at the Texas State Capitol in January. “The first kind of debate that I got into when I first joined the Speech and Debate team was Congress,” Pritzlaff said. “So, making it to state my senior year is kind of a full circle for me, and owning my speech skills, learning this kind of thing, and having the opportunity and experience to debate all of these different ideas [with] these different people has been really cool.”

The ‘States’ Are High

Ruchi Sankolli, Assistant Editor
December 9, 2021
As allergy season hits hard, taking care of yourself is of the utmost importance. There are many homemade and natural recipes, such as pepper soup, are just the remedies we need to keep warm and happy this season. In addition to over-the-counter medication, these natural remedies work just as effectively and are recommended for a fast recovery.

Nature’s Got You

Ruchi Sankolli, Assistant Editor
November 24, 2021
While the Devious Lick Challenge is now seen as a threat that encourages theft and vandalism among students, not all of the stunts involved encourage theft and vandalism. A list shown above shows a positive side to the challenge, encouraging giving instead of taking; promoting these kinds of acts are much more professional and have an overall positive impact on students and teachers alike.

Helpful Vs. Harmful

Ruchi Sankolli, Assistant Editor
October 7, 2021
Marvel really impressed audiences with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The movie is a perfect blend of every element, from humour to sadness, and also included amazing scenery. This, combined with a compelling storyline, is what truly makes it one of Marvels finest works.

Ten “Rings” Why You Should Watch This

Ruchi Sankolli, Assistant Editor
September 14, 2021
Actively engaging in a conversation with her students, AP English IV teacher Michelle Iskra teaches her students about the importance of reading multiple stories to get proper context. Iskra is one of the teachers who implemented an approach designed to prevent academic dishonesty, and said she believes everyone should work together to ensure an honest academic policy for students. “I think everyone [plays] a role in minimizing academic dishonesty,” Iskra said. “I’m very straightforward about it. But, I also give students many opportunities to show me what they can do, to be successful in their own way, and to work with other students collaboratively in terms of thinking and ideas, and then to prepare their own work.”

Are You Cheating on Me?

Ruchi Sankolli, Assistant Editor
September 5, 2021
Participants of the HOSA Trivia Night, including HOSA members, smile at the camera over Zoom. HOSA hosted this Trivia Night as part of a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and collected close to $170. President Aashna Ravi is grateful for the support and to those to participated. “I would definitely say that the Trivia Night was a success, seeing that this was not only the first time we were doing it, but given that it was held virtually,” Ravi said. “As a team, we feel that this is a great event that we can continue to build upon in years to come, as we transition back into person, and one that will be successful in raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We appreciate all of the students who supported and donated their time to the event and also wanted to thank the organizations that offered hours to make this event a success.”

Giving Back Together

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
April 1, 2021
As classes get harder and the learning environment shifts online, students are increasingly losing motivation to work. Whether it is a lack of structure or engagement, students are struggling to find ways to get motivated again. Having said that, there are many ways to renew motivation, and that starts with pushing through.

There’s Still Hope

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
March 23, 2021
Two years ago, the state-bound DECA members stand together, smiling as they show their medals. President Suparna Swaroop , one of the advancing members, has expressed happiness and pride at these members for their work and advancing to state. “I am so proud of all the DECA members’ work and successes this year,” Swaroop said. “Especially with COVID-19 and the new virtual competition, our DECA members have really done an excellent job of working hard and staying motivated. I know that we are all going to do really well at state because our chapter is filled with passionate business students that are determined to compete.”

Fruits of Hard Work

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
February 18, 2021
Varsity cheerleaders pose in Cowboy Stadium as they cheer for the football team at the state football championships on Jan. 15, just one day after the they competed in the Spirit Championships in Fort Worth, placing fifth. Senior Captain Emma Vorndran expressed pride at the teams work and said she is grateful for her time with them. 
I would not want to be on any other team,” Vorndran said. “I feel as if this is the best team I have ever been a part of in regards to both talent and friendships. The relationships that have been made on this team are meaningful to each and every individual, and I am so proud of how far this team has come. The best part about being a senior captain is watching the younger classmen grow in skill and their love for cheer.”

With High Spirits

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
February 16, 2021
COVID-19 cases arent the only things that are increasing. The stigma surrounding the disease is also expanding, leading to discriminatory actions and even violence. This stigma causes division among society, something which is unnecessary at this moment. Therefore, it is important to address this stigma and learn to overcome it.

The Shame of a Disease

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
February 2, 2021
Junior MJ Kelly and Freshman Aidan Cox launched the On Your Left podcast on Jan. 15. This podcast covers political topics and aims to educate the public on political and social theories, topics, and issues through a leftist perspective and hopes to help people gain a better understanding and use it to their benefit. 
“I think the most important aspect to me is the social rights aspect,” Kelly said. “Yes, reading foundational literature by [people] like Marx and Engels is important, but I’d rather have people take other things away from this. I hope somebody listens and starts to make a difference in their life when it comes to being a better ally for others.”

An Auditory Education

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
January 20, 2021
Racism is a serious issue in our society, and can have seething effects on the victim. Helping and speaking out against racism is what we, both as students and human beings, should do. Having that said, there are many ways for students to help fight racism in their environment.

Students Against Racism

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
November 26, 2020
Madison Cherry has taken her first step towards the world of business. The junior student has become an influencer for American Eagle and has started her own jewelry business, and has gained a lot of advice from her experience. “Being an influencer teaches me how to run Instagram, and see what my audience likes the most, when they are most active, etc,” Cherry said. “When I do get more serious with my jewelry business, I can see what my audience likes and what they don’t like, so that I can promote my product more and sell what [is] more popular. Definitely, being an influencer has given me a lot of advice, whether that be from business partners or my own experience.” 

An American Influence

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
November 20, 2020
Key Club Sponsor Amy Durden shows off some avocado pits that have been donated to her as a part of Harvest for Healing. Durden and the clubs goal for Harvest for Healing is to spread positivity throughout the senior community. “[Our goal] is to try and bring joy and hope in watching the seeds grow into seedlings and then plants,” Durden said. “With so much depression, despair, isolation and sickness, [we figured that] its a way to have a small [amount of positivity].”

Botanical Joy

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
November 13, 2020
Giving A Ray of Hope is a newly founded organization that strives to help children in hospitals, and are responsible for, not only participating in service projects, but also educating the community on diseases that infect children. The organization provides many opportunities for members to explore the medical field and contribute to their community. “I would say that this organization really helps you have that role in your community and trying to help others,” junior member Jillian Lach said. “Not only does it help build responsibility, but it [has also] helped me meet new people and research and educate myself on a lot of things that I didn’t know about before.

Seeds of Hope

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
October 21, 2020
Wrestling Booster Club President Jason Malmquist directs cars to the paper shredder and supervises the event. Malmquist considers the paper shredding fundraiser to be beneficial to both the wrestlers and the team, as personal connections are strengthened. “Other sports tend to do things a lot as a team,” Malmquist said. “In wrestling, we do have a team, such as team scoring. But this gives them a chance to bond, spend some time together, and it’s always fun to do something like this together. We think it’s important that the wrestlers are the ones raising the money. When they are here themselves, they actually have to come out and do something, and we think that [it’s] great that they put in [effort]for their own team.”

Shred for a Buck

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
October 19, 2020
Social media has become an essential tool for students to express their opinions and spread awareness about certain issues. As of today, it is the main source of current information for a majority of the students. While this is a benefit to the student population, it is also important to be kind on social media and respect the opinions of others, especially at this time.

Spare My Feelings

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
October 16, 2020
During the course of quarantine and online schooling, there have been reports of increased levels of stress and anxiety for students. This anxiety can develop into depression and other health issues. Addressing these feelings is highly recommended

Self-Health Check

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
September 22, 2020
Senior Alison Dye smiles for the camera. Dye has been a member of many organizations in school, from playing the role of Mary Poppins in Princess Tea, to being a member of PALS and the Spanish Club, and reflects on her experience in these activities. “All of these activities have helped me come out of the shell,” Dye said. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been blessed with, [and the chance] to meet so many awesome people.”

Best of Both Worlds

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
May 26, 2020
With changes due to COVID-19, students are now expected to complete a series of virtual assignments and attend meetings as needed. Given the status quo, academic learning has been modified to better fit the variety of situations students are in. “For the most part, and for the majority of the students I would say [that they are meeting expectations],” AP Human Geography and AP Seminar teacher Cassandra Gray said. “I teach both AP Human Geography and AP Seminar and AP Exams are still happening, so there is a lot of review and prep work going into the next few weeks. For the most part, [the] majority of the students are completing the assignments as they are intended and are trying their best on them in order to get accurate feedback.

Teaching Blues

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
May 22, 2020
Sophomore Barbara Sylvester smiles at the camera as she designs the drive train of the robot. The robotics team is working on a new robot for this build season. Our goal for this build season is to create a working robot, Sylvester said. As we go through the building process, we create small goals to keep the process moving steady, but the overall goal is to have a working and moving robot that the whole team contributed on by our first competition.

The Robolobos Are Back

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
February 12, 2020
A few birds nests that Debby Barnes Crochet group had made. Barnes had started a crochet group in order to help the displaced wildlife in Australia. It just breaks my heart to see these poor, little animals [suffering] Barnes said. Some of them are being burned.  I saw a video last month on Facebook of this poor, little koala that was just crying because he was being burned.

Crafts For Lives

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
January 20, 2020
CPHS Librarian, Debby Barnes poses with a copy of Radical Element. Barnes got selected to be a member of the TAYSHAS Reading Program. “I think its great and I think it is an honor to get selected,” Barnes said. “I’m kind of feeling overwhelmed that I have too read over a hundred books in a year, but I am proud of being selected.”

Booked for a Lifetime

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
December 9, 2019
As high schoolers, our lives are constantly busy and we find little, to no, free time. Our busy schedules often result in the increase of our stress levels. This can result in a lot of health issues, from thyroid diseases to asthma to gastrointestinal disorders. Stress isn’t a good thing for either our body or mind, but how do we prevent it?

How to De-Stress

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
November 19, 2019
An excerpt of Lighthouse by sophomore Ireland Weaver. Weaver often writes things that tell stories that highlight the pain and emotional experiences in people’s lives. 

“For me, talking about great tragedies, like losing people, losing yourself and then getting that back, struggling, finding out who you are, that’s what its about,” Weaver said. “For a lot of people that have read my stuff, this seems kind of sad to them, but for me, its like surviving. Telling the stories of people persevering.” 

Words of Wisdom

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
November 6, 2019
“Challenger Deep” will take you through a portal and switch you back from normal school life and adventures among the unforgiving sea.

Book Review: Challenger Deep

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
September 26, 2019
The front office overlooks the streets, displaying its newly added extensions. The construction of these extensions began in May of the previous school year, and was completed in the beginning of this school year. Principal John Sloan explains the intentions behind this change, as well as the way the front office now functions. When people come in, there is a secure vestibule, and they have to check in with the receptionist and make sure they have a good purpose for being here, Sloan said. We have to make sure we are letting people in who are here for a good reason.

A Fresh Start

Ruchi Sankolli, Reporter
September 13, 2019
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The student newspaper and broadcast of Cedar Park High School
Ruchi Sankolli