Students exiting Watauga High School after the school day on November 18. Students at Watauga have 4 classes a day, each lasting almost an hour and a half, where they learn a variety of subjects and skills. Photo Credit: Aspen Hickman Aspen Hickman, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn We’ve all said it. In math, science, history, english. Why do I need to learn this? When will I ever use this in real life? When you’re doing endless worksheets with imaginary numbers or sitting thr

As winter sets in and December draws near, many Boone residents have the same holiday hallmark on their minds: Christmas trees. North Carolina is the country’s second-largest producer of Fraser fir trees, right behind Oregon.

Watauga County has a culture deeply rooted in music, with many young people focusing their energy on playing instruments. And events like Boonerang and Music in the Valle solidify this musical atmosphere.

Tradition is defined as “the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.” Each Halloween, that definition plays out in a very special way in Downtown Boone, where the usual routines shift into a celebration locals have grown up with.

The front of the New Valle Crucis School, soon before its opening. Photo credits: April Vance Ian Biles, Staff Writer for the Powderhorn Valle Crucis School students are finally reunited in one building. The new Valle Crucis school, opened October 22, 2025, ends a year-long period of separated education caused by flooding from Hurricane Helene.  The damage forced middle, elementary, and kindergarten students to relocate to temporary school sites.  The middle school students t

At Watauga High School, students are given the opportunity from sophomore year on to dual enroll as a Caldwell student. This gives students access to vast online and in-person college courses that expand fundamental classroom knowledge and allow students to explore subjects they are passionate about.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) official logo. Photo Creds: USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Grant Painter, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn  This week, the United States finds itself in what is now the longest government shutdown in this country’s history. As the shutdown continues, it disrupts several processes within the US government, including food assistance for families in need. “Longer shutdowns are certainly impactful on state and local governments,”

Un atardecer en el campus de NCSSM, localizado en Durham. Después de un día largo, los estudiantes se juntan para admirar la vista en camino a sus dormitorios. Créditos de la foto: Sophie Parker.   Lauren Peviani, escritoria de The Powderhorn Translated by Alex Gonzalez Silva La Escuela de Ciencia y Matemáticas de Norte Carolina, a veces abreviada como NCSSM, es una escuela secundaria pública altamente prestigiosa para estudiantes entre el estado que sienten pasión por seguir

The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, often abbreviated as NCSSM, is a highly prestigious public high school for students all over the state passionate about pursuing a career in STEM.

Finding a sense of community is an important part of the high school experience. At Watauga High School, programs like Mountain Alliance, sports teams, and a variety of clubs help students to find “their people.”

Senior Ireland Laxton in her scrubs, getting ready for her internship at the Animal Hospital of Boone.  Photo Cred: Ireland Laxton Sofia Carmichael, Community Desk Lead High school is a time of discovery and opportunity. Students join new clubs and sports, make new friends, explore academics, and learn new crucial life skills. However, they are always haunted by the question: “What do you want to do when you graduate?” Luckily, Watauga High School has plenty of great opportun

The Future Teachers of America Club is an organization that provides students with in-field experiences and volunteer opportunities that prepare them for a teaching career.

Una pequeña porción de comida que queda en la fila del almuerzo cuando llega el cuarto turno. Créditos de la foto: Jillian Studebaker, The Powderhorn  Jillian Studebaker, escritora de The Powderhorn. Translation by Bethany Atwood Después del huracán Helene, los administradores vieron la oportunidad de realizar cambios en Watauga. Los administradores enviaron una encuesta a los padres sobre cómo debían cambiar el horario para el próximo año escolar. Había muchas opciones sobre

With news apps, Instagram stories, and TikTok influencers dominating how young adults consume information, traditional journalism is being replaced by fast, often biased content. The constant stream of information can feel overwhelming, blurring the line between truth and opinion and leaving many anxious and fatigued.

Selah Greer, Editor-in-Chief of The Spark This photo essay highlights a community-made quilt created in remembrance of Hurricane Helene. It can be accessed here .

This photo essay highlights two new clubs at the high school.

Soap-powered boats, roller coasters, and paper helicopters. Those are just a few of the many exciting things kids in Watauga have had the opportunity to create through STEMKids.

You probably already know about Mountain Alliance, or their afterschool program, School’s Out.

You stroll onto the green grass of Sanford Mall at App State. You stretch your arms out wide as you take in the beautiful scenery on a sunny afternoon. You take a deep breath of fresh air and smell… matcha?

On September 14, 2025, students from all across the High Country came together for a night of fellowship and worship.