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

Ally JohnPress

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief

Ally JohnPress is a third-year reporter, marking her senior year as Editor-in-Chief. She is also President of the National English Honor Society and the Quill & Scroll Honor Society. She trains Krav Maga, self-defense, out of school, as well as works as an assistant instructor. Some of her favorite things include: Mint chocolate chip ice cream, walking her dog, Haylie, watermelon Sour Patch Kids, playing Minecraft, jetskiing, learning about psychology and bracelet-making. She enjoys writing about conspiracy theories as well as fiction stories in her free time, but also features about ongoing school events. She wants to go out of state to California to study psychology or adventure somewhere far across the world.

All content by Ally JohnPress
Showing off his State medal, senior Tristan Hernandez poses with his ILPC Editor of the year award. Hernandez was a part of the yearbook staff for three years and served as editor-in-chief his senior year, as well as lead the UIL Journalism team as captain to win the State Championship on May 6. It was really nice to end my senior year by placing the highest and doing the best I have ever done, Hernandez said. I was also extremely excited to win the journalism team championship. Every member of the UIL Journalism team did so well, whether that be at an invitational or a UIL contest, and I’m so happy we did a full sweep of the District, Region and State Championships.

T-Dawg Takeover

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
May 25, 2022
Playing his saxophone, senior Jacob Cohen performs at one of the outdoor pep rallies. Cohen, who has been playing the saxophone since middle school, was named co-grand champion for Cedar Park’s soloist competition this year. Although he will not be majoring in music at University of Texas at Austin, he said he still wants to pursue it. “I want to continue playing the saxophone because it’s always been a passion of mine,” Cohen said. “I’m excited to meet new people in the band world, [make] new relationships and [get] involved in the college band experience.”

Tuned In to Win

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
May 17, 2022
Sprinting down the court, senior Shelby Hayes looks to score against the Frisco Memorial Warriors. The Lady Timberwolves faced double overtime against the Warriors for the 5A State Championship on March 5 and won 45-40. “Playing in the Alamodome was an amazing experience,” Hayes said. “All the lights, how big it was and everything about the environment was so cool.”

She’s Always in the Hoop

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
May 2, 2022
From left to right sit freshmen Gabrielle Merrill, Cara Allen, Erica Mihealsick and Mina Danesh, or the Madams of Mayhem. On March 25, the team competed at the State competition at University of Texas at Arlington and placed seventh in their Improvisational Challenge. “Destination Imagination is a creative group meant for people who like to do creative things,” Danesh said. “I fully intend on doing this throughout my entire high school career. I really like the aspect that there aren’t necessarily logical boundaries to [improv], and I think that’s pretty cool. I think we all really truly enjoy doing this with people we are super close to and doing activities we love to do and things that genuinely interest us.”

Rolling Like Cheese

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
April 5, 2022
The UIL Academic team poses for a team picture after winning the 25-5A District Championship Saturday. In addition to the district title, five teams earned the championship for their events: Journalism, Current Events, Lit Crit, Comp Sci and Spelling. It was amazing getting first as a school at District, senior Ally JohnPress said. I was especially proud of our Journalism team because I know how hard we have been practicing our writing and editing. As a senior, I am absolutely determined to advance at Regionals, and I have high hopes for State.

Cedar Fever

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
March 28, 2022
Playing the euphonium, sophomore Adalia Stiglich marches in the 5A UIL Area marching competition on Oct. 23. Stiglich, who has been playing the euphonium since middle school, also plays the harp and piano. “I think I’m putting harp aside for the next two years to do something with euphonium,” Stiglich said. “I would like to try to make State with euphonium, but thats a lot harder than harp, so we’ll see what happens.”

Don’t Pluck My Strings

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
March 2, 2022
I have been a huge fan of Jellycats ever since I was a tween. Currently, I have 96 total, including (but not limited to) a plant, numerous sea animals, forest creatures, vegetables and dinosaurs. I will say, this is not the cheapest hobby, but it is so worth it, and I definitely recommend checking out the Jellycat website to find a buddy for yourself.

Lifelong Besties

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
February 24, 2022
Competing at the UIL Burnet meet on Jan. 15, junior Alex Thummalapalli talks with his partner during the computer science competition. In addition to his involvement in computer science, Thummalapalli is a member of the cybersecurity club, where they compete in Capture the Flag, or CTF, events. Ive always been interested in computer science, but the cybersecurity club was a new and interesting opportunity for me this year, Thummalapalli said. Its a lot more about problem solving and thinking your way through difficult prompts. Im on a team with some friends and we compete in CTF competitions where you have to try to break into networks, interpret data and perform other cool computer tasks. Its a lot of fun, and I know theres many more competitions coming up.

Breaking and Entering

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
January 19, 2022
With pompoms in hand, sophomore Phoebe Solberg dances to Underneath the Tree in the Luminaries performance during the Holiday Show. The show was held on Dec. 2 in the PAC after a years hiatus due to COVID-19. My favorite part of the holiday show was getting to spend time with my friends and getting to see everyone else perform as well, Solberg said. I love being on Luminaries because I get to spend a lot of quality time with my friends and grow as a dancer.

2021 Fall Fine Arts Recap Slideshow

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
January 10, 2022
Coming off a tough non-district schedule and loss to Round Rock, varsity football won its first district game of the season against Georgetown 49-45. The game came down to the final minute, with the T-Wolves’ play cementing their lead.
“Winning our first district game definitely helped us because we had just beat one of our toughest district opponents in a big way,” junior linebacker Isaac Barksdale said. “The mood was almost frustrated because it was that close of a game. But, it was also like ‘Okay, we know what we have to do, so let’s go do it.’

2021 Fall Sports Recap Slideshow

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
January 9, 2022
This year, for Class of 2025, only core classes are utilized to calculate weighted GPA. According to LISD, the official weighted GPA includes up to eight semesters in English/language arts,  mathematics, science, social studies and four semesters in languages other than English (LOTE).

The First Hurdle

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
December 13, 2021
Striking a pose, Celebrities lieutenant and senior Ava Caldwell performs her squad routine at the holiday show on Dec. 2. Caldwells team performed a high energy jazz routine to an All I Want For Christmas remix.  “Leading up to the show, I was pretty nervous because I have a lot more dances and responsibilities as an officer during the show,” Caldwell said. “The holiday show is my favorite with the music, the groups featured and the styles of dance we typically get to do. This year was even more exciting because I had the chance of choreographing something for my squad as an officer.

Let it Glow

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
December 3, 2021
Holding up their T-Wolf signs, volleyball girls and Wolves for Wishes ambassador, senior Ana-Kate Partridge, pose for a picture at the volleyball bake sale on Oct. 19. This was the clubs first fundraiser, and they raised a total of $1,750 for the Make A Wish Foundation. I was shocked at how much money [we] raised from the bake sale, Partridge said. Just knowing that we raised that much money and that [the team] was willing to do this made me really excited, and I was so grateful that all these people [donated].

Wolves For Wishes

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
December 1, 2021
Running at the State Championships, Isa Conde De Frankenberg places third with a time of 17:26.3 minutes. Conde De Frankenberg advanced to State as an individual, and the varsity boys team competed as well, placing seventh. “I was really excited to come here for a second year in a row, and it was a little disappointing that the girls team didn’t make it, but I just had to keep training hard and be prepared for State, Conde De Frankenberg said. I was really excited, but also really nervous because there’s such amazing runners out here and it’s a really big competition. I definitely wanted a faster time or a better place, but overall, I’m just happy that I even got here and was able to place in the top three.”

A Date With State

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
November 5, 2021
Defending the goal from her opponents, varsity team captain and senior Shelby Hayes moves her way down the court  during varsitys open practice. Hoopfest, a fundraiser held for girls basketball on Oct. 23, consisted of open practices, a free throw competition and barbecue plates. It is honestly incredible how much money we raised from Hoopfest, and I would like to thank all the people in the community who donated and helped support our program,” Hayes said. This would not have been possible without you.

Hoops, They Did It Again

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
October 25, 2021
Striking a pose at halftime, Celebrities captain and senior Katie Kim performs in front of the crowd at the Homecoming game. Kim, who started on the Emeralds JV Dance Team as a freshman and has been a Celebrities member since her sophomore year, is in her final year of dancing on the high school team. “It was definitely an unforgettable experience,” Kim said. “Im so grateful to have been a part of it all for the past three years.”

2021 Homecoming Slideshow

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
October 20, 2021
The 20-year rule influences each decades’ runway looks and popular outfits. This rule delegates the time it takes for a trend to die and then be reborn decades later. “For our generation, we have such a cool opportunity with social media, streaming platforms and stores to explore new music, movies and clothes to curate our own unique likes and styles, senior Ava Caldwell said.

Fashion Forward

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
October 4, 2021
Discussing strategies with senior varsity football player Dylan Hufford, varsity football coach Brendan McCarthy coaches the team against Georgetown game on Sept. 24. McCarthy, who used to coach at Cedar Park Middle School, started coaching football at the high school level as of this year, and he said there is a difference between the two school football teams. “I am becoming a better coach because I can concentrate on one position: safeties,” McCarthy said. “Here, football is a lot more fast paced and having to win is a lot more important. There is a lot more pressure because of the level of play.”

[Photo] A Whole New Level

Penny Moreno, Reporter
September 27, 2021
Running with a ball clutched in his arm, Kason Fuller, a member of the nonprofit organization Cheyanna’s Champions 4 Children (CC4C), participates in the varsity football teams after school practice. Fuller, who was diagnosed with PANDAS when he was five, is an outdoor enthusiast with a newfound interest for football. Me and my dad usually practice football outside,” Fuller said. “We usually catch the ball, but sometimes we act out players.

Never Give Up

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
September 17, 2021
Riding the pink animal crackers was definitely one of my favorite parts of the Museum of Ice Cream. I loved the incorporation of cotton candy, the funky mirror and the “Scoop-A-Scoop” game where you whack mini ice cream cones. I also really enjoyed the flavor options and definitely recommend Birthday Cake.

Sundae Funday

Ally JohnPress, Editor-in-Chief
August 25, 2021
Showing off her commitment to the University of California at Los Angeles, senior Claire OKeefe smiles proudly. OKeefe plans to major in neuroscience on a pre-med track and become a psychiatrist or neurologist. For my future vocation, I aspire to be a doctor of some sort that can help save and impact lives, OKeefe said. Any specialty of doctor where I can save lives or the quality of life for people is rewarding.”

Healing Hands

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
May 17, 2021
Hiking with his family and dog on Spicewood Valley Trail, senior Kuba Bard poses by the creek. Him and his family went to this trail in January and enjoy hiking frequently. “Hiking helps me regain peace and harmony with nature away from the artificial, digital world,” Bard said.

Write Your Heart Out

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
May 13, 2021
Posing for a picture, senior Luke Johnson models for his photoshoot in Mexico City. Johnson has been modeling for four years, but plans to put all of his focus into college at Texas Tech in mass communications. Modeling taught me that making connections with all kinds of different people will get you far in life, Johnson said. If you are confident and promote yourself, people will see that and want to see more of you, resulting in greater opportunities.

Fashion Forward

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
May 4, 2021
When the new assistant principal position became available after the departure of former AP Mitizi Powell, AP Allen Stewart jumped at the opportunity. For Stewart, getting the position meant he accomplished his dream of becoming an AP in LISD. “I sought out this school district on purpose because I did my research, and in my opinion and my research basically led me to view LISD as the number one school district to be in for an educator for someone in this profession like myself,” Stewart said. “What I’m looking forward to most is just continuing the positive spirit at the school, the positive culture at the school and building on that.

[Photo] A New AP on the Block

Estefani Rios, Editor-in-Chief
March 8, 2021
Preparing to hit the incoming ball, sophomore Mary Lawler looks forward on Feb. 6. As Lawler prepares for another season, she said she hopes the team is able to play their whole season with minimal interruptions. Im looking most forward to the games this season since last years were canceled by [COVID-19], Lawler said. I like the individuality of the sport and how I can put my focus into one position.

[Photo] In the Swing of Things

Estefani Rios, Editor-in-Chief
February 11, 2021
Virtually Together

Virtually Together

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
February 8, 2021
Focusing on his computer, junior Aiden Seibel arranges his notes and prepares his argument for the District Cross Examination competition on Jan. 23. Him and his partner, junior Kellen Cao, placed fifth in the event. Both students are novice debaters, and this is their first year on the varsity team. “Competitions are very hard now because they’re all virtual,” Seibel said. “We don’t go to events, we just go onto our Zoom calls. I remember one experience where I was five minutes before the competition started and I was on a Zoom call with my teacher freaking out about where to go for the Zoom call because I couldn’t find the link to get to the meeting.”

Arguably, the Best

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
January 26, 2021
From left to right, the drinks are: Pixie Stick, Caramel Latte, Dark Chocolate Mocha, Timberwolf, Almond Joy.

Need to Find Your Mojo?

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
January 15, 2021
Gathered together in the show barn, FFA members  get ready to compete in the WCLA County show. Cedar Park participated in the goat, lamb and pig shows. I enjoy showing because its a great environment to learn how to be competitive but also respectful, FFA Club President and senior Skye Lindholm said. You learn so much and put so much hard work into the projects, its really nice to see all of your hard work pay off at the end of the year.

Judge Livestock, Not People

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
December 11, 2020
Depicting a field of sunflowers, the painting above is one of many of Spradlings creations from seventh grade. My best friend and I were on a road trip with her family and we stopped on the side of the road to take a break and look at the sunflowers, Spradling said. My friend and I went into the field and thats when I saw how pretty the sky looked and I just had to capture it.

Designated Drawer

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
November 12, 2020
The word dopplegänger literally means “double goer” in German, referring to the thought that one’s unbiological twin is merely a ghost or whisper of themself. 

The Devil’s Triangle

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
November 11, 2020
The Locker is located beside the AP office and has a variety of supplies available to students. Community members who want to donate to The Locker can drop off items such as backpacks, binders, pencils, face masks, water bottles and other necessities every student might not have. The motto for the Locker is ‘kids helping kids,’ and I would love to see more of our students taking part, Assistant Principal Julie Raby said. It is a great way to serve the Cedar Park High School students, all students.”

Kids Helping Kids

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
October 22, 2020
The word dopplegänger literally means “double goer” in German, referring to the thought that one’s unbiological twin is merely a ghost or whisper of themself. 

A Sixth Sense

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
October 15, 2020
The six juices each day (from left to right) consisted of Detox Greens, Pineapple Apple Mint, Sweet Greens, Spicy Lemonade, UpBeet! and Coconut Fusion. My favorite by far was the Spicy Lemonade because it tasted just like regular lemonade but with a little spiced kick.

The Liquid Diet

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
September 25, 2020
Teaching in her classroom, Pre-AP Algebra II and AP Statistics teacher Wendy Martinez adjusts back to in-person learning. The freshmen, children of faculty and students without internet access are the only students allowed back on campus, which means that there are only a few students present in each class, if none. This experience will always be part of my teaching story, Martinez said. I will appreciate the ways it has pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to try new things. Some of those things I will keep with me no matter the situation. I have grown in patience with myself over this process. I have also recognized that building relationships with my students is what I value the most and that I really do miss all of those everyday opportunities to interact and laugh with my students.

A Learning Curve

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
September 18, 2020
Posing for a picture, senior varsity wrestler, Cassie King, stands with coaches Andrew Peterson and Beau Barksdale. King was awarded the regional champion medal on February 15, and according to her, her coaches and their attitudes are what helped her succeed. “Their strive for being better than great is remarkable,” King said. “They never eased up on me and always pushed me to be the absolute best. It was another standard that they expected me to achieve because they never wanted me to settle.

Lil’ Bullet

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
May 4, 2020

Ally

February 12, 2020
Taking a deep breath, senior swim captain Ashley Poulsen participates in the 100 meter butterfly event at the district meet on Jan. 17. Both the swim and dive teams ranked first in the district, and are moving onto regionals. “It is exciting knowing we won districts because we are one step closer to state,” Poulsen said. “We are anxious about how regionals will go because we have been very close in years past. Last year the boys team lost first place and got second by half a point, so it will be an exciting meet coming up.”

Swimming for Success

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
January 23, 2020

Dance to Your Own Beat

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
January 8, 2020
Smiling ear to ear, the celebrities finish out their holiday show with the grand finale. The show was sponsored by the celebrities, but the Spanish Honor Society, PALS, theatre, choir, both the CPMS and CPHS dance classes and the CPMS Crimson Cadets participated. I love to dance, sophomore celebrity Sydney Fuller said. It provides both an artistic and an athletic outlet for me, which supports both my physical and mental health. When Im dancing, I feel more empowered and more confident. Performing a dance number brings me a great amount of joy and excitement.

Dancing Through the Halls

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
December 12, 2019
Jumping for joy, junior Kaitlin Davis and the volleyball team celebrate scoring a point at the game against Rouse on Sept. 27. Wins like these are what propelled the team to Regional Semifinals. The feeling was unreal, senior Olivia Meyers said. After all the work we put in during off season and in season finally [paid] off. Everyone was just all coming together and playing for each other and it was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.

Order on the Court

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
November 21, 2019
Resting her head on her hand, Aleksae Watson experiments with different poses during her photo shoot. Watson has been interested in modeling since the age of 11, and works for the Neal Hamil Agency. I went for [modeling] and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made,” Watson said. “I forget about everything and enjoy the moment, have the most fun, and am able to express myself.

Posing for a Picture

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
November 13, 2019
Celebrating the conclusion of the first Stage Parents performance, junior Victor Martinez gifts theater director Alisa Mirabella roses. One of the things that the cast members really appreciated was the audiences reactions. According to Martinez, the audience helps him really understand what his character, Ms. Robin, is supposed to be doing and how she’s supposed to be doing it. “Having an audience there that reacts to what you’re doing is an incredible feeling and it really helps shape your performance,” Martinez said. “I’ve always loved performing because as soon as I step out on stage my nerves go away and it’s just a place where I’m really free to make choices and express the character and story in new ways.”

From Script to Stage

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
October 25, 2019
Who knew a Facebook statement could have sparked the curiosity of over two million people? What began as an innocent joke gradually developed into something a tad more serious, that is, what you would assume when over two million people RSVP to go storm into a top secret government base. 

Where Did All The Aliens Go?

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
September 21, 2019
Playing on their phones, sophomores Vy Dao and Jillian Lach demonstrate how phones can often be a distraction from face to face interactions. Broadcast teacher Anthony Garcia said that he believes social media has had a major impact on personal relationships. “I think our society is being affected by this digital age in the way that we don’t see each other as people anymore,” Garcia said. We have become very divided. We have gotten ourselves into echo chambers online where we only hear the same topics and perspectives over and over again. Our society has really suffered in terms of being able to interact with one another in a way.”

Tech Takeover

Ally JohnPress, Reporter
September 12, 2019
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The student newspaper and broadcast of Cedar Park High School
Ally JohnPress