When Hurricane Helene swept through the southern Appalachian mountains in late September of 2024, she left many things in her wake: destruction and death, blocked roads and valley-wide rivers. But among those things Helene left behind were poets, who gathered together to tell their personal stories of the flood in the poetry anthology “Had I a Dove.”

Painting of a girl walking through space with books standing tall on both her sides. The mural is located outside the Media Center and is one of the first Watauga High School students see upon arrival. Sita Cooper, Staff Writer for The Spark Through multiple generations of WHS students, the hallways have become filled with color and creativity. To see this photo essay cpaturing the high schools many unique murals and hear more about the artists that created them, follow this

Students participate in fiddle lessons at the summer fiddle intensive founded by John Cockman. Four levels of fiddle are taught every Tuesday night during the season. “We have instructors that volunteer their time and people bring food, so it’s a really great time,” said John Cockman. Photo credits: John Cockman. Zoe Critcher, Staff Writer for The Spark Hidden at the top of John V. Cook road from May to August lies a community of High Country tradition. There, students of all

Selah Greer, Editor of The Spark Submissions are now open for our annual scary story contest! Send us spooky short stories, poems, songs, or art of an kind for a chance to win a Hatchet gift card by following this link: https://forms.gle/1jSKc8WX9sUkeEYE9 or email you submissions to thesparkwatauga@gmail.com

Zoe Critcher, Staff Writer for The Spark Listen to our student submitted fall playlist by clicking on the following link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Gt77dUFMM569dinaS91V4?si=VvSCetWwTeySFolJyf6enQ&utm_source=sms&pi=TxMSYPVmSZ6if

This mini documentary dives into AudioVox, Watauga's competitive a cappella ensemble.

A block print of a rainbow trout that appears in the stop motion. Photo credit: Willa Sibley Fly fishing, an intergral outdoor sport of the high country, is captured by student artists Willa Sibley in a collection of prints she designed and complied into a stop motion. To watch the video, click on the link below: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nyF3PCh-1o6QJB7wKyUTJbwUmhsYrCg7/view?usp=sharing

Performers and kids dance in a circle at Fairy Day. Fairy Day takes place every year during summer. Performers, vendors, and volunteers come together to create this magical day. “I´m definitely used to dancing in all kinds of costumes,” said Grace Young, a performer at Fairy Day. “But I will say it's a lot harder to clog when you're wearing a corset at Fairy Day and have wings on.” Photo credit: Sita Cooper. Sita Cooper, Staff Writer for The Spark. On an August day, children

Lanham and his band “The Blue Ridge Stringbenders” perform at Floyd Fest. Photo credit: Bradley Pearce Selah Greer, Editor in Chief of The Spark Most who call these mountains home have heard of Doc Watson or have been graced by his bronze smile on King Street, his hands forever frozen over the same chord. Doc is now a legend, but there is still room in the field of bluegrass for innovation. Here at Watauga High School, a new generation of old time is in the making. Clawhammer

Carolyn Clement works on a floral arrangement at a wedding venue. Reflecting back on her long career as a florist, Clement said, "At first, I felt like I didn't know what I was doing. Nothing looked like it came from a florist, which I wanted. I wanted to be more creative." Selah Greer, Editor in Chief of The Spark There are infinite possibilities to turn creativity into a career in our world where art often eludes the canvas, and for some, the only canvas required is a vase.

Rachel Ingram, who plans to attend the North Carolina School of the Arts for Stage Management, speaks at the Watauga Board meeting about the impact the Watauga Theater Department has had on her time at the high school. Photo credit: Charlie Stumb, Watauga Yearbook Carrie Bradbury, Review Desk Lead and Selah Greer, Editor of The Spark 175 students enrolled this year. Over 100 rehearsal hours for the spring musical. 65 Ross Auditorium events staffed by technical theater student

Terrariums are a low maintenance way to bring plants indoors. Our tutorial provides step by step instructions on how to make one at home. Photo Credits: Maud Boquillard, Unsplash Mitch Jasper, The Spark This how-to video can be accessed here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xf5SkLtqUKh8haqCgXVj72lDyIMzAFUc/view?usp=sharing

Photo credit: Selah Greer It engulfs the south. It eats away at old farms, power lines, and buildings. It comforts those who have grown accustomed to seeing it in their backyard. A sense of familiarity, and way to know that they're home. Falling asleep in its arms, you'd wake up entangled. It holds you close, not wanting you to leave it stranded once again. "Don't leave, I'm here to help" It offers itself to you. You'd rip away, with no promise to return. It will remain withi

As the Mothman exists alone Understanding and understood only by himself The mountain grooves lead him Up and down, left and right To where he can be set free from his thoughts For he will find his light again.

The flower blooms in the warning light The warning just before the Sun rises to ignite the sky And set aflame all my ghosts The petals unfurl in the dim blue The blue that drowns the world That I swim in peacefully I cannot bear to see it rebuild its walls To witness the end of a beauty Which is why I hide from mirrors But, in this moment, I am free from all burdens The flower is my soul My gentle glowing soul Easy breathing must end eventually Light creeps over the horizon

By Mitch Jasper, Co-Editor of The Spark This site features an interview with student Delilah Wurth about her poem, "Respect" highlighting the struggles of those who experience substance abuse and homelessness. To view the poem and interview, follow this link: https://sites.google.com/wataugaschools.org/respect?usp=sharing