Generative AI has a strong argument for the most impactful technological advance of the last 50 years. It also has the potential to impact nearly every aspect of American society, from schooling to government to, surprisingly, the environment.  These far-reaching impacts are already demonstrating short-term negative effects. While it's impossible to predict what the future long-term effects could look like, AI is certainly changing the way the world works. 

Sophomore Julia Benson, senior Luke Benson, and sophomore Riley Benson taking a picture outside their house for WHS Homecoming 2025. Photo Credits: Julia Benson Jillian Studebaker, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn In Watauga County, there are many options for schooling to fit each student and family’s needs. One popular choice in the county is homeschooling. Watauga has a large number of students who are homeschooled or are in the process of switching to homeschool. This is du

Junior Zoe Nelsen climbing at a gym.  Photo Credits: Zoe Nelsen. Andrew Larsen, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn Throughout Watauga High School, many students engage in sports by joining school teams or local clubs. A large number of students participate in solo sports, one of the largest being climbing. Students flock to local indoor climbing centers such as Center 45 and the Appalachian State SRC, and climb outdoors at various locations on the Parkway and the Greenway. While

Snowy mountains from the top of Appalachian Ski Mountain in February of 2024. Boone, NC estimates an average of 37 inches of snow per year. That’s a lot of snow to endure, especially for those who don’t have somewhere warm to stay. Photo by: Chloe Greer Chloe Greer, Photo Essay Desk Lead In the United States, those who are homeless or unhoused are constantly struggling. While there are many different perspectives on these people and their situations, many around the country h

Lent is a Christian tradition that occurs 40-days prior to Easter. It includes fasting, prayer, and reflection with the purpose of growing spiritually. Photo Creds Unsplash  Abbi Clark, Sports Desk Lead of The Powderhorn Masks, costumes, beads, and celebration are all major components of one of the biggest parties in the world, Mardi Gras. Shortly after this celebration comes one of the biggest fasting periods for Catholics and other Christian denominations. This time is know

The Sustainability Club has brought together Watauga High School students of all ages to work together in order to make both the high school and local community more sustainable. Club officers Athena Elliott, Lilla Heath, Elliot Holcomb, Iyla Freed, and Neave Tuberty take the lead, spreading sustainable habits and creating environmentally focused events for students to participate in. All five officers work together to ensure that the club runs seamlessly and successfully. 

After only a couple of months following the STEMKids’ first anniversary, a new and exciting program appeared behind the scenes. Designed to broaden and encourage the minds of Watauga’s kids, the STEMKids Research Mentorship Program is hosting research project opportunities for elementary and middle school kids throughout Watauga County. An extension of the existing STEMKids weekly experiences, this mentorship program has a special focus on discovery and development, with the

Senior Gracie Lesesne poses with her date, fellow senior Crue Stoddard, on October 10, 2025, before attending Watauga’s annual Homecoming dance. “It’s really enjoyable going with someone you appreciate and is fun to be around,” said Lesesne. Photo Credits: Gracie Lesesne Lauren Peviani, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn Valentine's Day, celebrated every year on February 14, is a national holiday in the United States dedicated to meaningful relationships. While gift-giving often

For most members of society, the most alive you can feel is when you hear your favorite song on the radio or see your favorite artist live. The feeling of the music blaring through the speakers now feels as if it is jutting through your blood, bringing you new meaning and memories to your favorite tunes.

Political Pioneers (left to right): Nathan Bing (11), Leah Harmon (12), Kole Denny (12), Lee White (11), Alaina Roberts (11) at a fundraiser for Hurricane Helene Relief through the Hunger and Health Coalition, 2025 Photo Creds: Andrew Larson Abbi Clark, Sports Desk for The Powderhorn Ignorance can lead to disaster, so many would agree that it is vital for citizens to stay informed about what is going on around them. A major part of that is knowing the events that are taking p

Senior, Jackson Garret takes a photo with his friends, Everett Gryder, Jackson Love, Evan Burroughs, Eli Bishop, Cade Keller, Wit Williamson, Nyle Peays, Kyle Williams, Thomas Dieters, Merrix Oakes, after a football win on October 12, 2025. “The bonds we’ve made with each other individually these last 4 years have been so special,” said Garret. Photo credits: Jackson Garret Lauren Peviani, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn If you could ask your future self how to succeed in you

CFNC, a popular resource for North Carolina students looking for scholarships.“The College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) has a really great database where you can answer questions, and it will show you what scholarships you qualify for, so you’re not looking at everything,” said Watauga Scholarship Coordinator Rachel Wood. Photo creds: cfnc.org Bethany Atwood, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn Thinking about college can be daunting. Many seniors quickly get overwhelmed co

Childhood nostalgia from neighborhood walks always included a stop at a special spot: a Little Library. These libraries have been present in neighborhoods since we were younger, and allowed children, adults, and anyone in between to take a book from this library as long as they brought one of their own books back.

La promoción de 2025 de Watauga celebra su última reunión oficial en la graduación. «Puede ser tentador para los estudiantes de último año pensar: "Me han aceptado en la universidad, así que ya lo tengo todo listo"», dijo Courtney Gragg, asesora de Next Step de Watauga, «pero mantener un buen rendimiento académico en el semestre de primavera sigue siendo muy importante». Crédito de la foto: Watauga Yearbook. Anna Norris, jefa de redacción de The Powderhorn Translated by Betha

Watauga High School class of 2025 celebrate their last official gathering at Graduation. “It can be tempting for seniors to think, ‘I’ve been accepted to college, so I’m all set,’’ said Watauga’s Next Step Advisor Courtney Gragg, “but maintaining strong academic performance in the spring semester is still very important.” Photo Credit: Watauga Yearbook Anna Norris, Editor-In-Chief of The Powderhorn For many Watauga High School Seniors, the third quarter brings a multitude of

Una casa antigua con revestimiento descascarado, pasado de generación a generación, rodeada de campos pastorales abiertos y campo para millas, una vista común en los Apalaches y el Sur. Aunque muchos residentes muestran con orgullo una bandera estadounidense en su jardín, menos personas eligen levantar la bandera de los ya desaparecidos Estados Confederados de América.

Watauga’s football team has seen much success in its season this year, but following right along with them were unsung members of our community: the marching band. Playing a symphony of instruments, the marching band provides an exciting backdrop to the football games. Additionally, some band members play at their own dedicated concerts after the football season ends, highlighting their skills even further through concert or jazz band. Marching band is offered at Watauga at f

On January 1, seeing an increase in people at the gym is a common occurrence. This is because of New Year’s Resolutions. Every year, people make a list of goals for themselves and usually cross them off as the year progresses.

Bluegrass is a genre close to the heart of many people in Watauga County. You can look no further than downtown Boone to see that love reflected through the Doc Watson statue. Artists like Doc Watson are icons in bluegrass, and the cultural impact of bluegrass music still persists throughout the community.

«¡Nos mudamos a Boone!» Dejar atrás un hogar familiar y empezar de nuevo en un lugar desconocido nunca es fácil, especialmente para los estudiantes. Con toda su vida metida en maletas y coches, comienza su viaje hacia las montañas Blue Ridge. Esta transición hacia una nueva vida puede ser emocionante y estresante a la vez.