Digital Dreams Ahead: Mariah Walker, prepares for her certification exam in digital design as they use programs like Photoshop and GMetrix. The class built skills on how to use technology, how to make posters, and all other kinds of real world design. Students earned a certificate when they completed and successfully passed this exam. “This class helps me see how my mind can create different things and helps me with technology,” Mariah Walker said. Photo by Ne’Asia Taylor
EPIC WAYS TO STUDY LITERATURE: Students at Melbourne High are diving into *Epic: The Musical* as a creative way to study *The Odyssey.* Using notebooks and colorful highlighters, they’re making connections between the ancient text and its modern retelling. “I think that because *The Odyssey* was written so long ago, it’s easier for kids to learn what is going on and remember and understand the events and characters better,” said Anastasia Mijotovic. She added that exploring modern interpretations makes learning more fun and engaging than just reading ancient Greek literature.
Caption: Take a stand! SWAT club is working against tobacco use amongst students. The club’s sponsor, Mr. Michael Soliven, promotes awareness through Red Ribbon Week and other school activities. Members meet every other Friday in Mr. Soliven’s room at 8:05 in the morning. Members discuss ways to promote a tobacco-free lifestyle. “ This club encourages students to make healthier choices,” Donald said. Photo by NeAsia Taylor
Caption: Feel The Music: Singing a hymn, the choral ensemble of Melbourne High School gives an excellent performance and showcase of their singing talents and abilities while being conducted by the Director of the Chorus program here at Melbourne High School, Natalie Harris. Junior chorus student Drew Smith stated that he really enjoyed the concert, “It was a grand old time”.   Photo By: Aiden Kehayias
Caption: Working Together: In a busy classroom, two students, Aubrianna Presley and Samiyah Evans, work together at a table as they focus on all the recent assignments. Focused on completing the assignments they collaborated on class work to strengthen their understanding of the lesson. Pressely said, “The Odyssey has shown me a lot of things and it was fun to learn about.” Photo Credit: Anabella Mulligan
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.
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.
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.
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