Ralph Nader on the steps of the US Capitol building, middle center. Behind him are the initial group of “Nader’s Raiders,” his public interest law group. Photo Credits: LIFE Magazine. Andrew Larsen, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn Most people in Gen Z haven’t even heard of Ralph Nader. If they have, it’s from his candidacy in the 2000 presidential election and the controversy surrounding it. However, Nader was one of the most important figures during the rights movements of t

Jesse Carswell, the ALP Twilight Director at Watauga High School. The Twilight program offers just about every course that a high school student can take. “Every course necessary to graduate, we offer. We offer a limited number of electives. We're not currently doing PE, and you have to have that and CPR, which we don't offer here,” said Carswell. “Other than that, we offer English one through four, biology, physical science, earth science, math one through four and fundament

For many, pets are core members of their family: essential loved ones who keep them company through times both good and difficult. These experiences are naturally shared among people struggling to find consistent shelter and housing. It can often be difficult to find shelter and aid that is open to their animal companions as well. This becomes a deeply distressing problem, and often a tragic decision must be made between sheltering themselves and keeping their pet.

The Watauga High School orchestra performs at the Holiday Kaleidoscope Concert on December 18, 2025. Some of the orchestra classes that were previously separate have been combined this year and contain students from a variety of grades and skill levels. Photo Credits: Amelia Bennet, Watauga Yearbook Edie Berke, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn Last May, the band and orchestra programs at Watauga experienced a major downsizing. Mr. Will Selle, the previous orchestra director, l

A Watauga High School Student’s closet prior to donating unworn clothes. “Whenever I clean out my closet or find clothing I don't wear anymore, I always donate it rather than throwing it away,” said Athena Elliott, senior. “In my eyes, donating and thrifting clothes gives the pieces a new life and reduces the amount of wasteful clothing production.” Photo Credits: Anna Norris Anna Norris, Editor-In-Chief of The Powderhorn When doing an annual spring clean, how often do your d

Watauga County is unique in a variety of ways, including beautiful hiking trails and ski mountains. But Watauga is unique in another, less pleasing way. In a recent study by the UNC Chapel Hill’s School of Business, Watauga ranked dead last in affordability state-wide.

Cada dos años, la legislatura estatal de Carolina del Norte aprueba un nuevo presupuesto para los próximos dos años. Al menos, eso es lo que debería suceder. Pero la legislatura no ha aprobado un presupuesto completo desde 2023, y no se vislumbra ningún acuerdo en el capitolio estatal en Raleigh. En la práctica, esto significa que las escuelas públicas están sufriendo las consecuencias.

A finales de 2019, comenzaron a circular noticias sobre un nuevo virus llamado coronavirus que se estaba propagando en China. Pronto, este brote se convirtió en una epidemia. Unos meses después, la pandemia del coronavirus azotó al mundo entero. El virus era altamente letal y contagioso, por lo que la cuarentena fue necesaria para garantizar la seguridad de la sociedad. El mundo comenzó a experimentar esta situación hace más de seis años, pero sus repercusiones aún se sienten

In late 2019, news began to spread about a new virus called Coronavirus that was breaking out in China. Soon this outbreak became an epidemic. After a few more months, the Coronavirus pandemic took the world by storm. The virus was highly deadly and contagious, so a quarantine was necessary to ensure society’s safety. The world first began to experience this over 6 years ago, but its ripple effects are still felt today. COVID-19 was life changing for everybody.

Lauren Okubo Peviani, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn, introduces the Watauga High School's Graduating Class of 2026 through a 5-minute video featuring eight seniors.

Every other year, North Carolina’s state legislature passes a new budget for the coming 2 years. At least, that’s what’s supposed to happen. But the legislature hasn’t passed a full budget since 2023, and there’s no compromise in sight at the state capitol in Raleigh. On the ground, that means that public schools are feeling the burn.

Picture of Laura England’s various efforts to promote environmental and sustainability education throughout the High Country. Photo Credits: Sustainability Department at Appalachian State University Ebe Santes, Staff Member for Watauga 10 Climate change is not a distant issue. It is a present and growing challenge that affects ecosystems, communities, and everyday life. From shifting weather patterns to more frequent extreme events, its impacts are becoming harder and harder

The paths a senior can take following graduation are many, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed or lost in the options. College, trade school, and the military are just a few popular paths, but not every senior finds the fit they’re looking for through these opportunities. Because of this, many seniors choose to take a gap year, a break between high school and college or between high school and a career. This time can be spent traveling, volunteering, and working on personal g

Students at Watauga High School have no limit on the extracurriculars they can join to challenge their knowledge in a variety of academic pursuits. From HOSA to DECA, students can pursue most interests beyond the classroom further, and the competitions they offer allow students to take home medals and trophies as recognition for their hard work. One of Watauga’s lesser-known but incredibly wide-ranging competition teams is SkillsUSA, which provides an environment where CTE kn

A Jones House Jam Session. These sessions have people from around the community come together and share traditional folk music and stories. Photo Cred: Mark Freed Sofia Carmichael, Community Desk Lead A banjo, a dulcimer, a haunting melody, and rich storytelling. These are all the elements you might hear in music from the Appalachian region, but what you might not know is how Appalachian folklore has shaped this music tradition. The Appalachian region is cemented by its st

A school year at Watauga High is accompanied by events, games, productions, and countless traditions. Nearly all upperclassmen students anticipate one exciting event most out of the year, and that is prom. Between all of the pretty flowers, fancy outfits, good food, and a night full of dancing, prom never fails to be one of the most enjoyable events of the year. While it may be full of fun and dancing, a lot of planning and preparation go into the perfect night.

Carrie Bradbury, Review Desk Lead This series of multimedia infographics cover the impact of climate change and environmental sustainability on Fraser Firs Trees. It can be accessed through the following link: https://sites.google.com/wataugaschools.org/fraserfirsthecadillacofchristm/home

Cosmetology students work together to learn skills, often practicing on each other or manikins. Spending time with peers while learning new skills is one aspect of cosmetology that makes it so unique. Photo creds: Carrie Bradbury Abbi Clark, Sports Desk Lead and Carrie Bradbury, Review Desk lead for The Powderhorn This multimedia website explores the importance of the Cosmetology program at Watauga High School. It can be accessed through the following link: https://sites.goog

With primary election season in full swing, Watauga teachers are also casting a different ballot. Every year, teachers vote on a Teacher of the Year. This year, that teacher is Mrs. Kourtney Rabinowitz.