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. 

The Milano Cortina 2026 logo. The logo was nicknamed “Logo Futura” to represent the themes of sportsmanship, sustainability, and solidarity among the teams. Photo Cred: Olympics.com   Sofia Carmichael, Community Desk Lead The 2026 Winter Olympics, held in Milan Cortina, Italy, took place from February 6, 2026 to February 22, 2026. The opening ceremony on February 6 started the games in spectacular fashion, featuring performances by Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli. Over 93 cou

2025 Graduate Will Bradbury during Air Force Academy basic training. Basic training for the USAFA lasts for more than 7 weeks, as cadets undergo intense physical conditioning and gain the valuable discipline necessary for success.  Photo Credits: United States Air Force Academy  Isaac James, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn As the school year comes to a close, seniors are making their decisions on where to go next. While many will enter a 4-year university or go into the workf

A poster for Watauga’s Empty Bowls event hangs on a bulletin board at Watauga High School. Empty Bowls has existed for more than 30 years. Photo Credit: Aspen Hickman Aspen Hickman, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn In 1990, a ceramics teacher in Michigan wanted to participate in a local food drive with his students. This began Empty Bowls, an event that has spread across the country and the world. Watauga’s own Empty Bowls will be held on March 21st from 4:00 to 6:00. “Empty B

Watauga High School was recently awarded by the College Board for high AP test scores and increased enrollment in AP classes. Last year 89% of the students at WHS who took an AP class scored a 3 or higher on their exam, a 7% increase from the previous year. There were also a total of 339 AP students.

Research has become one of the most powerful ways for students to stand out in college admissions, yet it remains an overlooked extracurricular. Beyond demonstrating curiosity, it shows admission officers that students had the initiative to learn beyond the classroom. It builds the skills needed by leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs, demonstrating that college students can contribute to knowledge rather than simply consume it.

AudioVox, Watauga High School’s competitive a cappella group, took a trip down to Biloxi, Mississippi, to compete in the International Championship of High School A Cappella (ICHSA). This was the first time that anyone from the Watauga choral program ventured to an a capella competition such as this one.

Snow, wind, and ice often come to mind when thinking about mountains and ski slopes. But fire? Fire is often the last thing that comes to mind. Unfortunately, the community of Beech Mountain, NC, had no choice but to think about the inferno that engulfed their homes. One member of the Beech Mountain community is freshman Watauga student, Leila McTier.

Watauga High School uses a unique scheduling system where certain classes are available as “blocks” that are every day for one semester, and other classes are “A/B”, every other day for the full year. While this scheme allows students to take classes in a structure better suited for individual courses, it also creates repeated issues and headaches for students and administrators alike. This year the A/B pairings have moved from second and third block to first and second.

Senior Emma McGinnis’s freshman year Art 1 self-portrait as a baby. McGinnis now serves as the president of the National Art Honors Society.“I appreciate her willingness to put forth a lot of effort in class & into club life. I believe Emma obtained many art & life skills from all her effort and dedication throughout her time at WHS,” said Dacia Trethewey. Photo Credit: Dacia Trethewey Lauren Peviani, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn Four years ago, many of this year’s seniors

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