Caption: Writing Like It’s 1984: Senior Arielle Wright tries writing on a 1984 Olympia International typewriter. “ I know essentially how they work. It’s stiff and you had to press really hard for it to work. I prefer keyboards, they’re faster to type with. I guess that’s why people typed so slowly back then!” said Wright.  Part of the Media Center Dedication Anniversary celebration featured a Then and Now table, where vintage items like a 1962 Kodak film projector and the typewriter were displayed next to their modern replacements. Students had the opportunity to touch and interact with the items and learned how far our technology has come. “Students back then would probably think today’s high-tech media center would be odd,” Wright said.  Photo by Kyle McLaren
Caption: Discussing The Art Of Horror Writing. Miss Melanie Anderson speaks to her creative writing students about their current unit on horror, perfectly timed for the Halloween season. The class explored how suspense, emotion and vivid imagery brought scary stories to life. This unit was something entirely different to what they have done so far into the school year, so Miss Anderson kept reminding her students that it was completely normal not to know how to write horror. “I keep reminding my students it’s okay to be bad at something, because it’s the first step to be good at something.” Photo by Aadhya Patel.
STUDIO RECORDING: Mel-High’s students sing while Ms. Natalie Taylor guides them through their songs for the recordings. The recordings were prepared for the Christmas station run by iHeartRadio. The event took place on Friday, November 7 at the station in Melbourne. Ms. Taylor worked with the station’s members to provide the students with the opportunity again. She said, “The students who were offered this opportunity are in my chamber choir which is one of our two auditioned choirs. It is a group of 16 students.”  Photo by iHeartRadio Studio Member.
Caption: CULTURE APPRECIATION: Senior Janessa Palmer and her buddies gather in the Melbourne High School library to brainstorm decoration ideas for their upcoming Culture Fest booth. As an IB student, Palmer explored creative concepts that reflected her heritage and showcased her team’s vision. Their collaboration highlighted the spirit of innovation and cultural pride that defined the event. “I felt like it was a great way to show creativity and innovation,” Palmer said. Photo by Issy Perez.
Relaxing Rest after Rigorous Testing: Dominic Ciano and Dusk Bugayong at their designated lunch, finally getting an opportunity to look back and catch up after they completed their Servsafe exam. Ciano enjoyed his lunch, while Bugayong took the opportunity to reflect on anything he missed on the exam during Lunch B. “Saying that the test is hard or difficult is more subjective to the person ‘cause depending on how you study or how you retain information, it can be easy for someone and hard for others. It also depends on the question” said Ciano and, “Make sure you’re studying up for these exams—It helps out alot.” said Bugayong on their major thoughts for the exam. Photo by Tyler Ferreira Alves Hill.
Caption: The world outside of school: Brooklyn Keossy an 9th grader participates in her french class while Madame Cortois teaches, language and culture, and fun activities. “Always learning new things, and talking to new people” Keossy said.  Photo credits: Paige Allen
Evyn Vandegrift who plays Rapunzel in Enchanted Tea Party at Melbourne High School performing on showday. “Being able to play my favorite character has been so much fun.”  Photo by Braelyn Arenella-White.
Caption: A look into school focus, and energy: Madison Davis, senior at Mel High School, discusses how early start times affect her and her focus. This interview took place in class, and Davis says “Classes are easy and go by faster with me at Mel-High,” she said.  Davis agrees that school times and getting up later help affect her energy and motivation throughout the school day.    Photo credits Paige Allen 
By The Board: At the IB Induction, senior Raphael Yucon presents his TOK exhibition board to incoming IB juniors. Before the official ceremony, the juniors walked through the 8 building to observe projects that they would have to do later in the year. Yucon was glad that he got to present his exhibition. “The best part [of induction] was definitely presenting my exhibition. I had forgotten how fun it was presenting to the current juniors so it was more of a refreshing moment,” said Yucon.  Photo by Ansleigh Friday
Leadership In Action. Cadets stock the ROTC fridge together during B Lunch. These small acts demonstrated how the program encouraged students to care for others and step up in meaningful ways. Everyday, cadets sat in the ROTC room and did homework, or simply had lunch with their friends. Every day, they reminded everyone that leadership wasn’t just about rank—it was about action and heart, as Chief Master Sergeant Jay Blackwell said, “Their commitment to something they absolutely didn't have to do, but they did. Every day, seeing you all come in with that attitude inspired me to be a better person.” Photo by Aadhya Patel.
On a cool Friday night under the bright stadium light, number 23 from the visiting team charges forward con defense. The crowd watches intensely from the stands.The quarterback prepares to throw while the offensive line blocks fiercely. Every player is locked in, determined to make the next big play. The tension builds, will the defense stop the drive or give up first down. He said, “Never give up on something you love.” Photo creds: Anabella Mulligan
Camden Pearson a Junior at Melbourne High and a Starting Varsity Goalie on the lacrosse team, Standing tall in the goal, this focused lacrosse goalie guards the net with intensity. Locked in and reading the offense, they manage pressure with calm precision. With adrenaline high and the game on the line, they push through every second. "Keeping a positive mindset helps me stay focused even when we're down on points, to try and help my team play better," they say, showing that mental toughness is just as key as skill. Photo By Hunter Paige
A NEW CHAPTER. Members of the book club gather together to discuss about what book they will read next. Anielle Wight (12), the club president discussed with members in Ms. Braun’s room about what they should read first, before coming to a conclusion. When Wight was asked what what genre she wanted the book to be, she said, “I hope to read more fantasy novels this year in book club, I like the genre and other members seem to like it too”. Photo taken by Melissa Amaro
NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Tammy Johnson smiles at her new desk in the front office. As the new secretary at Melbourne High School, she’s ready to take on her new responsibilities. Tammy Johnson is eager to make a positive impact in her new position. Johnson shared, “I am very excited to be in my new role as Secretary. I am going to work very hard to make the transition as smooth as possible for all.” Her enthusiasm reflects the welcoming spirit of the MHS staff. Photo by: Brooke Johnson
SCI-FI: An informative Environmental Science class taught by Mrs. Collins, here at Melbourne High. With a strong will to correct misinformation, Mrs. Collins spreads the accurate information instilled within students. In class, students learn the value of the environment, as well as the strength of their impact. Through group assignments, students build teamwork, and communication skills that can be useful in real time.  This class helps students prepare for the future, even helping them to think of future educational opportunities. Mrs. Collins said “The environment is all around us, some students have a limited understanding.” This class helps further that understanding, of environmental topics. ENV SCI is helpful because, “they are a step above for job opportunities, and educational gains.” Some advice Mrs. Collins has for her students is to “appreciate the environment around us, get off your phones, and enjoy nature.”                                    Photo by Princess Islam
Meme is the theme: On the second day of spirit week, Meme day, Gabriella Stevens and Pia Mohrman dressed up as the meme “67”. Spirit week was a fun way for students to get excited for homecoming and show off their school spirit and pride. Stevens said, “I think it makes everyday more fun and boosts everyone's mood leading up to homecoming” and “It brings everyone together to participate in something.” Photo by Lily Hock.
Caption:     A Passion for Physics: Physics teacher Mr. Eduardo Gil reviews students assignments at his desk during his planning period. Originally from Columbia, Mr. Gil studied civil engineering for six years before moving to the US to teach. Mr. Gil said, “[My favorite part is] how physics describes the motions of everything in the universe”. Photo by Ayaana Gupta
Elderly Eager for Education: Senior Dominic Ciano popping open a financial algebra book within his first period dressed in his senior age. Ciano decided to go with dyed hair, that was done by his Aunt, and carried around a cane found at a good price by his Mother. “We had outfit ideas—But not really—I wanted to wear slippers, that was one thing, but I forgot to put them on.” Ciano said. Photo by Tyler Ferreira Alves Hill.
 -
Strike A Pose: Seniors Makalin Elton and Emily King show off their meme-day outfits. The student government voted on spirit week days, then shared them with the rest of the school. Elton enjoyed all of the choices, dressing up as Steve Harvey for meme-day and quoting the man several times. Despite this, there were some other days that she would’ve liked as well. “I wish we could’ve had a teacher student swap day but i still really like the ones we chose,” said Elton.  Photo by Kyra Chang