4TM rehearsing at bassist Oliver Blain’s house. Photo Credits: Oliver Blain. Pictured left to right: Brayden Mack, Oliver Blain, Jedidiah Verling. The band often holds rehearsals and records demo tracks at Blain’s house.   Ian Biles, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn  Boone’s music scene is a vibrant community. The town's unique mix of bluegrass history and newer indie and metal scenes combine to create a music environment that is entirely unique.  Boone’s music scene has produ

Picture of Dr. Wayne Eberle for the Watauga County School District. “My current role and current title are Director of Testing Accountability and Federal Programs,” said Eberle. “I moved to the Central Office in 2011, and I’ve always had testing, I’ve always had the school calendar, which is the snow day calls and things of that nature, and I am responsible for bringing all of our policy and legal updates that come from the North Carolina School Board Association before our B

Snow-covered trees in Boone continue to produce berries despite the ongoing winter storms that have hit the town in the past couple weeks. Though weighed down by persistent snowfall, the branches remain strong. Photo by: Carrie Bradbury Carrie Bradbury, Review Desk Lead For hundreds of students in Watauga County, one phone call is the make or break of their good day. The unmistakable voice of Dr. Wayne Eberle comes through their parents’ phone and announces to all students an

Two schools. Two different environments. Two different experiences for one teacher. Ms. Ogle, the Entrepreneurship and Sports Marketing teacher at Watauga High School, previously taught for nine years at South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, North Carolina.

A new semester means new classes, new lunches, and new routines. For students, the spring semester promises spring break and AP exams, as well as new teachers and challenges. For Olivia Pound, the spring semester is her first as a science teacher at Watauga High School. 

This podcast highlights Xitlali Luna, a sophomore, and her various contributions across Watauga High School.

Lily Stough competes in outdoor track at Randy Marion Track and Field Facility. Photo Credits: Lily Stough Jillian Studebaker, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn Throughout Watauga High School, there are many talented athletes who have brought recognition to both themselves and the school. Whether it’s running, a ball sport or even a less-recognized one, there are many people who excel at what they do. Senior Lily Stough is a talented runner who has been getting a lot of recogni

Running on a scenic trail with trees, flowers, and grass for 3.1 miles. Lungs and legs are dying, but hundreds of athletes keep running. Those athletes continue to preserve because this is cross country.

Kathryn Gray at Lake James in her uniform. “ This job combines both of the things that I love doing. I love getting kids outside. It's really nice to teach in that environmental sense, getting kids to think about nature, even simple things like having them draw what's in front of them, not what they think it should look like,” said Gray. Photo Credit: Kathryn Gray Aspen Hickman, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn For years, Kathryn Gray was a beloved teacher at Watauga High Scho

To Move Mountains, headquartered in Boone, North Carolina, carries out impactful work that extends all the way to the Nuba Mountains of Sudan. Their mission is to “equip, instill, and restore” education programs, rebuild communities, and support children through conflict. Photo Cred: To Move Mountains Website Sofia Carmichael, Community Desk Lead for The Powderhorn As high schoolers, most WHS students are preparing for the traditional journey of attending college, joining the

Ellary Smith and her fellow band members, Emma Bishop and Booth Basset, perform at The Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, North Carolina, on September 19, 2025. Photo cred: Ellary Smith.  Anna Norris, Editor in Chief of The Powderhorn Growing up in Watauga County offers a unique opportunity to experience kindergarten through 12th grade with the same classmates, explore the various outdoor activities, and excel academically. While the community in Boone is built on unwavering support a

Chloe Weigl shoots a 38 earlier this fall that led the Lady Pioneers to win a conference match on September 10th, 2025. Photo Credits: Chloe Weigl Ella Hudzik, Staff Writer for the Powderhorn Chloe Weigl, a standout on Watauga High School’s women’s golf team, led her team to the 6A State Championship this season. Golf, a sport that demands precision, patience, and repetition, is often overlooked compared to more traditional high school sports but Weigl’s performance put the s

Anna and Rebekah Riley pose for their Senior pictures on October 6, 2025. Anna and Rebekah attended Watauga briefly during their freshman year and returned during their junior year. They will graduate from Watauga in 2026. Photo credits: Rebekah Riley Bethany Atwood, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn Early morning FCA meetings, a choir concert, or the soccer field are just a few of the places you might have spotted sisters Anna and Rebekah Riley. From sun up to sun down, Anna a

The transition from middle to high school isn’t easy. When transitioning from middle school athletics to high school athletics, the difference in competition can be overwhelming. For middle school standouts, the pressure to succeed at the next level can be difficult, but freshmen Jonah Pearson and Sean Rea took their momentum from middle school and ran with it, fast.

Netflix TV show Squid Games has been wildly successful over the last few years. Its interesting games, in-depth plot, and meta commentary on TV and entertainment have left many fans with a simple question: what if it were real?

Christopher Tarnowski, a former Watauga High School English teacher and head coach of the Women’s Soccer team, didn’t return to WHS this year.

Can you turn your passion, whether it’s bead jewelry, sewing, or even thrifting, into a full time side hustle?

When people think of sports, it's usually basketballs swishing through nets or baseballs cracking off bats.

Senior Kole Denny has had a passion for medicine for as long as she can remember.

Anasofia Salinas is frequently at the front of classrooms, whether she’s leading an Interact Club meeting, choreographing a new dance for the Pacers, or fulfilling her role as Senior Class President. While her to-do list would make anyone shudder, she handles her tasks with diligence and kindness, serving as a role model for everyone around her.