The cover of The Student Lens which features a group of  drama students singing in Hadestown, two volleyball players blocking a shot, and chemistry students measuring volumes of a beaker.
Yerd: Yearbook staff members edited and organized pages during class as they worked on content for the upcoming yearbook. The students focused on completing assignments and collaborating on layouts to meet deadlines. Junior sports editor Lucie Frank said, “Working together helps us make sure everyone’s hard work is represented.” Sophomore first-year staff member Juliette Contreras added, “I liked being part of the process and learning how the yearbook came together.” Photo By Chloe Strong
Night Of Celebration. The AFJROTC Court being crowned during the 60th Annual Military Ball at Viera on January 17th, 2026. After enjoying dinner, cadets and guests watched as the court received their crowns. Following the crowning, new staff was officially announced. Guest Anna Agarie said, “It was so amazing to see everyone excited for the crowning.” Photo by Aadhya Patel.
Talent on Display: Two high school lacrosse players, Noah Schuster and Justin Hartley, compete for spots on the Melbourne High School lacrosse team during tryouts on January 19th at Tom McIntyre Stadium. Schuster, a 9th-grade attacker, and Hartley, an 11th-grade defensive middie, demonstrate their skills in conditioning drills, stick work, and scrimmages as coaches assess their athleticism and effort. Both players, aimed to make the team for the upcoming season, they pushed their limits, while supporting each other in an intense yet encouraging atmosphere. "The goal is to make the team, but more importantly, to be part of a group that motivates each other to be better every day," says Schuster. Photos by Hunter Paige
Visualizing the Planets: Students work on a scaled solar system poster during physics class to visualize planetary distances and sizes. The project was assigned to help students better understand how far apart the planets are and how difficult it is to accurately represent both size and distance on one model. Students converted real distances from miles into centimeters and illustrated each planet while adding creative details to reflect their personalities. “Perfectly measuring how far the planets were apart and their diameter was tedious,” said sophomore Joli Bartczack, noting that Pluto’s distance had to be adjusted to fit on the page. Physics teacher Laura Zamora said the assignment was designed to deepen understanding through hands-on learning, explaining that “creativity is a great teacher,” especially when students can visualize concepts for themselves. Photo by Lily Majors
RECYCLING. Charlie Morrissette(9) comes to the swap shop chooses a shirt out of the donations stacks and sees if she likes it. Last Friday, on January 16th Ms.Melanie Anderson helped the Interact club host a Swap Shop. The Swap Shop helped students donate clothes they didn’t like as well as pick something they would prefer using a ticket system. This helped clothes not get thrown out end up in landfills. Darla Sheckler(9), who went to the swap shop with Morrissette said, “I wish clothes were more organized, but I really enjoyed it”. Photo by Aadhya Patel.
Focused Faith: First Priority is giving students opportunities to exercise their faith in front of other students. As well as time for fellowship. Students here at Melbourne High School are surrounded by secular belief systems and people. But First Priority has opened the way for Christians to partake in a kind of youth group. Mrs. Carrie Friday, the librarian and sponsor of First Priority has said “... the students are amazing…” and “...First Priority is an important part of the week for these students…”. Students come to pray, listen, and learn, as well as to simply spend time with one another in the name of the Lord.  Photo By: Aiden Kehayias
Making Every Minute Count: Oceane Hernandez is studying for her classes in the media center before school starts using her notes and Ipad. Hernandez worked on forensic science homework to stay ahead and maintain good grades in her class. For her other dual enrollment class of humanities, Hernandez said, “We just went over the syllabus and rules today but the class sounds good.” Photo by: Ayaana Gupta
Hands-On Thinking: During Mrs. Courtney Boos’ 6th period IB Lit class, senior Joy Weng plays with PlayDoh as she plans what to write in her IOP proposal. A white basket lay on a table close to the door in the classroom, full of different tubes of playdoh. Weng often grabbed one while doing her work, easing into the classroom’s calm environment. “PlayDoh helps me relax and de-stress during class,” said Weng.  Photo by Kyra Chang
Caption: Press to Walk: Before and after school, some students cross Babcock Street using the crosswalk in front of Starbucks. “I use the crosswalk for safety reasons, and because I take the bus”. said Milan Hadley. “I cross to get from the Starbucks. I usually order an Acai Refresher,” Maddie Toenjes said. Kateryna Paryhina used the crosswalk to get from her apartment to the school. “I like living next to the school. I leave five minutes before the first bell,” said Paryhina. The Babcock Street crosswalk was one of three crosswalks near the school where students crossed at to get to places such as Starbucks, the Melbourne Shopping Center, or the SCAT bus stops.    Photo by Kyle McLaren
Royce Walden, a freshman, utilizes his lunch period to study for an upcoming history exam, attempting to manage the little time lunch gives you. Royce juggles soccer and school and it can get stressful when he doesn't have enough time after practice to finish homework. “It can get stressful but I always manage to get my work done,” he said. Photo by: Matthew Trazzeraw
WHY WE ARE HERE: Senior Ava Hulbert steps up to speak at her “Dance For A Cure” event in the West Shore gym, a place where she had spent six years growing as a dancer within her 16‑year journey and had chosen to turn that passion into a senior project supporting local breast cancer charities. She had overcome unexpected venue setbacks — including being quoted nearly $4,000 elsewhere. She had relied on volunteers, teammates, family, and friends whose encouragement had carried her through every challenge. “I couldn’t have done any of this without the people who believed in me and stood by me every step of the way.”. Photo by Issy Perez
Microscopes in Marine Science: In Mr. Stauffers Marine Science class, junior Joli Bartczack looks at plankton under the microscope. This activity was an opportunity for students to see close up what they were learning about in class. It made learning more interesting, interactive, and fun. “It shows a different perspective on things than we’re used to by zooming in,” Bartczack said when asked why she enjoyed using the microscopes. Photo by Lily Hock.
Under the spotlight of a memorable evening, the school chorus took center stage, bringing the theater to life with their powerful voices. Among them was Camila Iglesias, whose heartfelt performance not only captivated the audience but also earned her a well-deserved solo that stole the show. The concert, set against the backdrop of rich red curtains, was a testament to the dedication and talent of the students involved. "I have been doing chorus for 5 years," Iglesias shared, reflecting on her journey in music. (Photo by Ereny Elrayis)
Caption: Melbourne High Student Works On Art and Poetry: Aubrianna Pressley reflected on her art and poetry assignment during English class at Melbourne High. Earlier this week, students explored how visual art connects with poetry through color, tone, and emotion. Pressley said, “The project helped me express creativity and understand imagery and rhythm work all together to tell a story.” The activity allowed students to understand how art pieces can connect to poetry. Photo Credit to Samiyah Evans
Stauffers Science: During Marine Science class, Gregory Stauffer teaches students about the oceans depths and seafloor. It’s important for students to learn about the oceans and how they affect our lives. “Marine Science is important because the oceans keep us alive and it’s next to us,” Stauffer said. Photo by Lily Hock.
Articulating Amazingly For Art: Symphony Williams practices during her Lunch Period on one of her notebooks. Williams strived for an Arts Education, or just an Education major, as she continued to work through her beginning two years of college during her sophomore and now junior year. “I want to be a High school art teacher… I want to be someone the kids can rely on, and I want them to be comfortable in my room. I’ll be a fun but fair teacher,” said Williams. Photo by Tyler Ferreira Alves Hill.
Educating Tomorrow's Future Heroes Nurse, Mrs. Robbins demonstrates how to check blood pressure for her health science students during a hands-on lab. After years in the hospital’s birthing unit, she now shares her experience to teach future healthcare professionals. “I want my students to understand that healthcare is more than procedures it’s about people,” Mrs. Robbins said. Photo taken by: Madison Davis
Caption: Focused on Geometry: 9th grader Claire Miodek studies in class as she reviews her notes for an upcoming test. She practices problems to prepare for questions on justifying proofs. “I felt pretty confident because I studied,” Miodek says.
PASSIONATE EDUCATOR: Ms. Tracye Stephens in building one, room 233 co-teaches with Mr. Christopher Haislip. For the two weeks Ms. Stephens had been here she had been observing and learning new techniques from her co-teacher and writing notes down.  “We always collaborate and have meetings so I feel this is a perfect environment to share ideas”, Ms.Stephens said. Photo by Melissa Amaro.