It’s OK to fail
Throughout life, there will be several challenges, some easier than others. Although the ones that knock you down can be tough, it was probably for the better. Failure isn’t necessarily something to be ashamed of; it’s more of something to learn from. The word failure in the dictionary is a… Continue reading It’s OK to fail
Best Ways to Study (from a High School Senior)
With finals season here, many college and high school students are studying for class finals and end-of-year exams. One of the most significant problems among the younger generation is learning and staying on task for an extended time. There are multiple ways to get work done, whether it’s a unique… Continue reading Best Ways to Study (from a High School Senior)
Final Stretch of Senior Year
In these last 40 days of high school, there is stress, relief, happiness, and sadness. Looking at the calendar, I realize how little I have left of high school. It’s starting to make sense of why past seniors have said this year goes by so fast. As the saying goes,… Continue reading Final Stretch of Senior Year
What Key West High School Offers
Many clubs have been started in the past few years, and the 2025 incoming freshman orientation is coming up in a few days. Here’s what Key West High School (KWHS) offers. From academics to athletics and even extracurricular activities, there’s always something for someone. In academics, numerous advanced placement (AP)… Continue reading What Key West High School Offers
Senior Year Update: Second Semester
My activities increased exponentially once school was back in session after winter break. As this is my last semester of high school and I know where I’m going to college, I now have scholarships to apply for, mock trial district and state competitions, although I do have track and field… Continue reading Senior Year Update: Second Semester
Key West from a Teen’s Perspective
When people think of Key West, they usually think of the nightlife, beaches, and tourist destinations. However, there’s more to Key West and the rest of the keys than just the common tourist attractions. There are three major high schools in the Florida Keys: Key West, Coral Shores, and Marathon,… Continue reading Key West from a Teen’s Perspective
Why You Should Start Reading Again
As smartphones and other technology advances, and social media gets more popular, people stray further and further from reading, especially paperback or hardback books. Although it’s challenging to find a good book, getting back into reading can have great benefits mentally and physically. The first, and probably the most important,… Continue reading Why You Should Start Reading Again
The Necessary Traits of Being a Survivor
By: Thomas Horvath “Today our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant, and to face the challenge of change.” This quote is from The World House written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King was not only a brilliant… Continue reading The Necessary Traits of Being a Survivor
Why Daylight Savings is Pointless
By: Thomas Horvath We have now entered into daylight saving time of the year, and I, along with many others, are not thrilled. I’m not a farmer, so I can’t speak on how much it helps them (Spoiler alert: it doesn’t help them at all), but it’s doing all other… Continue reading Why Daylight Savings is Pointless
The Digital Media Controversy
By: Thomas Horvath In recent news, there has been a controversy in the digital media industry. The controversy has been elevated in discussion due to two recent events from major companies. The director of subscriptions at Ubisoft made a very controversial claim that consumers need to stop thinking they fully… Continue reading The Digital Media Controversy
The Ethics of AI
By: Thomas Horvath The Artificial Intelligence (AI) takeover has been heavily controversial, especially when it comes to the entertainment industry. One of the big reasons for the writer and actor strike last year was the usage of AI to utilize an actor or actress’ image and likeness after they passed.… Continue reading The Ethics of AI
Why Marvel is at Universal Studios and Why It’s Good for You
By: Thomas Horvath It is common knowledge to many Americans that Disney has the rights to Marvel and its characters in movies (except Spider-Man and The Hulk) and merchandise. You will see Marvel in or at most if not all of Disney’s stores, movies, services, and, if you live in… Continue reading Why Marvel is at Universal Studios and Why It’s Good for You
The Violent Video Game Controversy
By: Thomas Horvath The recent announcement of GTA VI, the next installment in the acclaimed Grand Theft Auto franchise, was given a release year of 2025. The internet erupted at the news, and many fans young and old could hardly hold in their excitement. While the GTA series is popular,… Continue reading The Violent Video Game Controversy
The Actor Brand
By: Thomas Horvath Hollywood movies have always been filled with advertisements. All the characters wear branded clothing, eat branded food, and use branded products. This is how movies get made, since without funding, there could be no profit. With this funding, companies can have high budgets and attach actors to… Continue reading The Actor Brand
Why Water Parks Are Underrated
By: Thomas Horvath Most people in America have probably been to an amusement park before. If you have, it’s also very likely that you had a blast during your visit. I love amusement parks, but they can sometimes be a real struggle. It’s either super expensive, or super hot out,… Continue reading Why Water Parks Are Underrated
Video Game Prices
By: Thomas Horvath The video game industry is thriving and developing at an exponential rate, seemingly advancing more and more with every new console. Games are becoming bigger in size, which is great for technology and consumers, but comes at a price. Modern video games are becoming quite pricey, with… Continue reading Video Game Prices
Writer’s Burnout
By: Thomas Horvath Many writers suffer from burnout. Burnout is when you feel exhausted from doing your job for too long without letting your mind or body get the rest that it needs. Writing often without a break can make you feel like you have no energy to come up… Continue reading Writer’s Burnout
Conchs Back in Session
After 76 days of summer vacation, Key West High School (KWHS) has started the 2023-2024 school year. As in previous years, there are many events to look forward to such as pep rallies, competitions, football games, and much more. Year after year, getting back into the school routine of waking… Continue reading Conchs Back in Session
Tips For Starting A New School
Going to a new school is scary, whether you’re moving to college or from middle school to high school. No matter the reason for starting a new school, it can be intimidating,but being prepared can help relieve some of the stress it brings. There are many things one can do… Continue reading Tips For Starting A New School
Testing Fatigue
With the school year ending, testing season, for most teenagers, begins. The Florida Mandated End of Course (EOC) and Advanced Placement exams (AP) start this week, and Key West High School (KWHS) finals week is steadily approaching. During this final stretch, teens can get extremely worn out and stressed from… Continue reading Testing Fatigue
Uses of Journaling
Many important and well-known historical figures used journaling to record their life and scientific findings. However, journals kept by ordinary people could eventually turn out to be a true story of an awful time. Anne Frank is one such example, initially writing in her diary about mundane life, but as… Continue reading Uses of Journaling
Pros & Cons of Video Games
Debates about video games have been common and have only grown as more game innovations have been introduced. Many people, especially older generations, worry about the detrimental effects video games have on today’s youth. Despite the cons of video games, there are benefits of playing them that many people overlook.… Continue reading Pros & Cons of Video Games
Spring Break Springing Up Soon
With just three weeks until Key West High School’s (KWHS) spring break, balancing work, school, life, and extracurricular activities has left many teachers and students overwhelmed and ready for the week-long break. However, there still are a few more critical things to be completed before then. Between March 1st to… Continue reading Spring Break Springing Up Soon
Driving in Key West
One of the biggest accomplishments in almost anyone’s life is getting their driver’s license. Despite feeling great, there are also some feelings of maturity and nervousness. When I first started driving, all of those feelings bubbled up to the surface, along with excitement. The nervousness aspect, however, tends to vary… Continue reading Driving in Key West
Top 10 Cities with the best Public Transport
Public transportation is one of the most important things concerning living quality in cities. Not everyone can afford a car, and walking is sometimes just too tiring. Moreover, public transportation also helps lessen pollution of the environment, as more people use the same vehicle to get around. It’s also safer,… Continue reading Top 10 Cities with the best Public Transport
My Tips & Tricks for Flying
Although the Key West Airport isn’t a large airport by any means, many trips require a connecting flight, and those can be tricky to navigate. Although young, I have had plenty of experience on planes traveling alone and with my family. Here’s a list of my tips and tricks for… Continue reading My Tips & Tricks for Flying
Being 16 in Key West
Sunday October 30, 2022, marked the 10th birthday I have celebrated in Key West, Florida as a 16 year old girl. Although I currently live in Key West, I lived in Heathsville, Virginia for the first five years of my life. Over the years, I have had many opportunities and… Continue reading Being 16 in Key West
Using exercise to ease educational stress
As a senior in high school, I can tell you that high school is a lot to handle. You have your normal school work, tests, final exams, etc. for all four years, but once you hit your senior year you also have to worry about college applications (if you’re going… Continue reading Using exercise to ease educational stress
Unpacking an Angry Suitcase
“Where words fail, music speaks.” (Hans Christian Anderson). Music is not only an art, but a tool, allowing the artists a way to express themselves. Everyone knows at least one musician, but small artists get left out more often than not. In this article, a highlight will be put on… Continue reading Unpacking an Angry Suitcase
College Tips
Going to college is scary, regardless of where you’re going or where you’re from. After scouring the internet, and a multitude of interviews, the biggest tip is to go to class. Skipping class could lead to falling behind, and falling behind has many consequences. Another common tip is to… Continue reading College Tips
Local Entertainment
Entertainment is everywhere. Even the smallest of towns offer something fun. Key West is no exception. Many outdoor entertainment areas are offered to the public or the paying customer. The Key West Golf Club is an eighteen-hole golf course providing fun for golf lovers, no surprise there. Fort Zachary Taylor… Continue reading Local Entertainment
Small Town to Big City
Moving for the first time is scary, to say the least. Ask anyone who’s moved, and you’ll find the same answer. It’s even scarier though, when moving from a small town, to a big city. Although most wouldn’t classify Key West High School (KWHS) as ‘big,’ I certainly do. The… Continue reading Small Town to Big City
The Largest Global Shoe Brands
Today, many people struggle to think of a company which they get most of their shoes from. Shoes are an important part of someone’s outfit and are becoming more of a necessity for people as they age, especially if they start working, for instance, in construction or a desk job… Continue reading The Largest Global Shoe Brands
Top 4 Foods for a Healthy Diet
(Featured Photo provided by Marilyn Barbone, https://www.schriever.af.mil) We all want to live a long and healthy life, however, with the sorts of food we eat every day, it might be hard to achieve that goal now. Often, meals from fast-food restaurants and on grocery store shelves are high in calories… Continue reading Top 4 Foods for a Healthy Diet
How You Can Become a Great Student
By: Sophia Powell Being a good student doesn’t just consist of getting good grades and showing up to school. To be a good student you have to have self-discipline, be diligent, and be confident. Most people think that school is very hard/challenging but in reality, it isn’t as hard as… Continue reading How You Can Become a Great Student
Top Five Best Athletic Wear
By: Vivienne Wellet Exercising has been a big impact on everyone’s lifestyle in 2022 ;, but what do we wear while practicing the act of exercise?Athletic clothes are super comfy to wear and can allow you to see the progress of muscle form. Here are the top five of the… Continue reading Top Five Best Athletic Wear
Finding friendships with food
By Ella Hall and Emma Scepkova Although food provides nutrients to the body, an individual can view food with a positive outlook or, in some cases, with fear. The positive outlook isn’t an issue in this case; however, the fearful view is, especially in teenagers. An anonymous source at Key… Continue reading Finding friendships with food
Does Social Media Help or Hurt Mental Health?
By: Sophia Powell Did you know, as of 2020 over 90% of children ages 13-17 use some form of social media on a daily basis? More than half of kids 10-12 don’t have any kind of social media. Social media includes sites and apps like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, etc..… Continue reading Does Social Media Help or Hurt Mental Health?
Benefits of Eating Sushi
By: Sophia Powell There are many different kinds of foods that people eat to benefit their health, one of them being sushi. Sushi is a popular Japanese dish that contains small rolls of cooked rice with raw fish, vegetables, or eggs. Sushi is loved around the world by about 62%… Continue reading Benefits of Eating Sushi
Top 5 Most Useful Skills to Learn in Life
By: Sophia Powell There are billions of people that live on Earth. Children are born every hour, as more and more people come into this world the more our opportunities start to run out since there are others that could take your place. So you should consider broadening your skillset.… Continue reading Top 5 Most Useful Skills to Learn in Life
The NBA Influence on Tattoos
From getting tattoo arm sleeves to face tattoos, people are looking at what the National Basketball Association (NBA) players posts to copy them! Herchell Carrasco, a tattoo artist of Pachuco Tattoo in California, has been giving tattoos to NBA athletes since 2012. He has been an artist, though for the… Continue reading The NBA Influence on Tattoos
Best restaurants in Key West 
By: Sophia Powell Many tourists visit Key West every year and most tourists visit our restaurants wanting to try some of our local seafood like Conch Fritters, Lobster, Pink Shrimp, Hogfish, and Stone Crab. These are some of the best restaurants in Key West according to floridatrippers.com. Blue Heaven -… Continue reading Best restaurants in Key West 
How Covid-19 Has Impacted School
By: Tricia Desroches Covid-19 has made a big impact on the world, especially on schools. Covid-19 made it hard for students to learn and for teachers to teach, and it also made it difficult for parents, even though they weren’t physically a part of the school. Students have to get… Continue reading How Covid-19 Has Impacted School
5 ways to save money daily
(Featured photo provided by vacu.org) Whether you’re just trying to save up a few extra bucks, or if you’re saving up some big event, it’s not going to be easy. You may feel like no matter how much you try to save, there are always new expenses that arise and… Continue reading 5 ways to save money daily
Long Space Travel Hurts Immunity
For 21 years we have been launching humans into space to go to the International Space Station (ISS). Usually as a seven person team, they orbit the Earth 16 times in a 24 hour period. However, when they’re up there, they do have to do some extra work to stay… Continue reading Long Space Travel Hurts Immunity
Holiday spirit is seen everywhere!
As the tail end of 2021 speedily approaches, the familiar scent of baked goods and Evergreen trees linger in the air. Cool, brisk breezes and peppermint lattes sound the alarms that the holiday season has officially arrived. Many love this time of the year for various reasons, and the students… Continue reading Holiday spirit is seen everywhere!
Top 5 Best Places to Live in the U.S.
By: Sophia Powell Portland, Maine: Beautiful Portland, a.k.a the food truck capital of the world, has been voted the best place to live in the U.S. because of its “diverse variety of art and foods” as some residents would mention. Portland is also one of the safest places to live… Continue reading Top 5 Best Places to Live in the U.S.
Mental Health affecting KWHS Students
In a perfect world, a student’s well-being would come first, but in Key West, the Key West High School (KWHS) students feel differently about how our Monroe County school system prioritizes mental health. In a recent anonymous survey across KWHS students, 82.1% of the students said that teachers should consider… Continue reading Mental Health affecting KWHS Students
Overcoming the Obstacle of Testing
Looming over them like an ominous sky, signaling an incoming, inescapable storm, testing on state and nation levels harm students’ mental health. With the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT), Advanced Placement (AP) exams, the Florida Standards Assessments (FSA), and End of Course (EOC) exams, the… Continue reading Overcoming the Obstacle of Testing
Social Media affecting Self-Validation
In today’s world, all age groups in society find self-validation through the number of likes and comments on a tiny black screen. TikTok, a social media platform with the concept of swiping to watch the next video, has brought this concept to a whole other level. Going “TikTok viral” is… Continue reading Social Media affecting Self-Validation
The 2021 “Spooky Season”
Starting October 1st, the renowned “Spooky Season” will be held. From fall fashion to Halloween decor, people around the globe are getting ecstatic for a beloved and fearful month. When thinking of autumn, I imagine the cool breezes, maple leaves falling off the big oak trees, and the warm feeling… Continue reading The 2021 “Spooky Season”
Florida withdraws salaries from two school boards over mask mandates
Florida Governor Ron Desantis (Photo provided by Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Lately, Florida has become an epicenter for COVID, as cases have skyrocketed and over 90% of the state’s ICU room is occupied. Because of this, many school… Continue reading Florida withdraws salaries from two school boards over mask mandates
Full Time Schedule Affecting KWHS Students
After Spring Break, the Monroe County School Board decided to allow students to come back full time, fearing that Florida’s governor would cut off their school budget. As well as the teachers, students have been heavily affected by the joining of A and B days in both positive and negative… Continue reading Full Time Schedule Affecting KWHS Students
KWHS Students’ Perspectives: Body Image Stories
Body image: insecurity relating to how you portray your body that is widespread among individuals of all genders. It is challenging to love your body image when you continuously compare what the “ideal” body looks like, whether it is through social media, such as following Instagram models or comparing yourself… Continue reading KWHS Students’ Perspectives: Body Image Stories
Feeding the Key West chickens may lead to heavy fines
(Featured image provided by floridapolitics.com) Key West is famous for many things including its beaches, Duval Street, and the fact that it’s the southernmost point of the continental United States. Another thing that makes the island well-known are the hundreds of feral chickens roaming around every corner of the city. … Continue reading Feeding the Key West chickens may lead to heavy fines
The “Great” Pink Tax
Pink taxes: the extra money women spend for similar products or services that are applied to men as well. We already know that there is a gap between how much women make and how much men make ($0.77 per $1 a man makes), but what we are blindly missing is… Continue reading The “Great” Pink Tax
Breaking the Chains
By Sabian Keller Key West has received many food chains over the years such as McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and now Popeyes has come to fill in the empty space. Some, of course don’t do as well as others, survival of the not-so fittest. Unfortunately, they… Continue reading Breaking the Chains
Social Media Stars
Social Media, a place that can make or break us. Social media has been a very big thing in our teenage lives. It the ability to help us or harm us. Either way, it’s still there. Well I went ahead and interviewed one of my peers, Jenkavia Harper, who has… Continue reading Social Media Stars
The Snapper 