A fierce flu season
By Eleanor Swaim Staff Writer In years past, the flu was not something often worried about. Beginning in 2020, COVID-19 took center stage, shifting our attention away from the flu. This year, however, it has made a huge comeback. Since October, the United States has had at least 37 million infections, resulting in over 480,000 […]
Inside R.J. Reynolds High School’s student government
By Mackenzie Acker Features Editor Most students have heard of our student government, but far fewer can explain what SGA actually does. At R.J. Reynolds High School, our Student Government Association (SGA) exists as both a visible presence and a largely misunderstood one, shaping events, responding to concerns, and influencing student life in ways that […]
From ancient history to logarithms: The academic team had a great year
By Kara Parker Staff Writer The academic team had a great year full of competition, fun, and even a first-place finish. Jakob Diskin leads the team as the supervisor, with Vivian Funderburk and Elizabeth Kim (EK) as Co-Presidents. Through the academic team, participants study one or more of the categories: Math, English, Science, Social Studies, […]
Why Francesca’s couldn’t keep up
By Miriam McPhail Staff Writer In January 2026, the boutique chain Francesca’s announced that it would be permanently closing after 25 years of operation. Shortly following this announcement, the liquidation process began with store-closing sales. But while the news may seem sudden, the company’s downfall has been a long time coming. Financial struggles date back […]
Grounds for change: Dutch Bros replaces Clutch Coffee
By Alice Pulliam Staff Writer In early 2026, Clutch Coffee announced its abrupt closure and conversion to Dutch Bros after eight years of serving the Carolinas. Although Clutch originally started in Mooresville, it first opened its doors in Winston-Salem during the fall of 2020 with a location on University Parkway. Since then, Clutch had expanded […]
The ultimate guide to injury prevention
By Ellie Spinosa A&E Editor Whether it’s a nagging shin splint or a season-ending broken bone, injuries are a painful reality most athletes want to avoid at all costs. In sports ranging from lacrosse and track to football and soccer, prevention is the ultimate key to staying on the field. The physical impact of an […]
A signing day splash: Big commitments coming from R.J. Reynolds High School
By Colin Ehrman Staff Writer As seniors at R.J. Reynolds High School begin their final year of spring sports and take their first steps into a bigger world, the time has come for Reynolds to recognize the careers of their very best athletes. Four years of hard work, determination, and dedication have produced one of […]
The return of the NeeDoh
By Mattie Hurt Staff Writer NeeDohs have taken social media by storm, making their way into homes, schools, and daily routines everywhere. These squishy, stress-relieving toys have had a major influence around the world and have even made a home in R.J. Reynolds classrooms, helping students learn in a more peaceful environment. While the concept […]
The lost and never found
By Sam Torrey: Private Investigator Staff Writer When you lose something at R.J. Reynolds, you’ll likely never see it again. At least that’s the common consensus with students at Reynolds. After one too many kids came to yours truly, the amazing Staff Writer/P.I./Cadet Lieutenant Colonel/Super Cool Guy/Bussboy/Procrastinator/Investigative Journalist Samuel Torrey, about losing stuff and not […]
The six state wrestlers of R.J. Reynolds High School
By Helen Wilson and Jackson Colo Editors-in-Chief Sally Alcantara Senior Sally Alcantara entered the wrestling room four years ago with zero athletic experience; she left it as the first female state champion in RJR history. Her victory ended a 23-year wrestling championship drought for the school, something that required her to choose between the comfort […]