The Husky Howler

Welcome to our Husky Howler newsletter.

This is our second collection of articles written and podcasts hosted by Howard High School's journalism team. These newsletters will be published once a semester.

Be sure to keep an eye out in your Outlook inbox for our updates!

• National News
• Book/Movie Reviews
• Legacy News Reports

Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs are transforming the learning experience at Howard High School, providing students with real-world skills and opportunities to thrive in their future careers.

Bibb County CTAE’s History

CTAE has been an influential force in the Bibb County School District, but not many know its origins or reason for its beginning.

When asked how and why the district facilitated CTAE programs, CTAE Supervisor, Ms. Niya Hicks explains:

“Dr. Cassandra Miller-Washington, Executive Director and CEO of Hutching College and Career Academy, is responsible for CTAE in Bibb County. She believes that the workforce will become smaller due to individuals retiring. At some point, there will be a need for more workers. As a result, you should always have a pipeline ready and trained to fill vacancies.”

Why is CTAE important?

According to Ms. Hicks, the program equips students with critical thinking skills, leadership abilities, and hands-on experiences that align with workforce demands.

“It allows students to see that there are multiple options available after graduation for anyone in high-demand careers, such as technical routes, post-secondary programs, military options, and entrepreneurship.” She says.

CTAE encompasses multiple different clubs and programs in Bibb County including Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Distributive Educational Clubs of America (DECA), and the Foundational Leadership & Entrepreneur X-Perience (FLEX), all of which are tailored to CTAE’s core values of ensuring students are equipped with “workforce-ready skills”.

Mr. Dan Hall, the Co-Lead for Bibb County’s FBLA chapters and Howard FBLA’s current advisor emphasizes the program’s practical impact: "It’s not just about academics. We’re teaching students to collaborate, lead, and navigate professional environments.” He adds, “They’re learning how to succeed in the workplace before they even graduate."

Student Testimonies

For many students, CTAE is more than just a program—it’s a stepping stone toward achieving their dreams. Rick Canosa, a senior at Howard High School, credits CTAE with helping him grow both professionally and personally.

“It’s shaped me to be a better entrepreneur and businessman,” he said. Through programs like FBLA and FLEX, an entrepreneurship initiative for high schoolers, Rick gained leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.

“Those are things I’ll carry into my career and use every day,” Canosa said.

Rick has made extraordinary achievements through CTAE programs, gaining attention at both local and state levels. Through the FLEX Competition, Rick and his teammates Jaden Adler and Finn Wakefield placed first in the Bibb County district and second overall at the state level in the 2023-2024 round. With the accomplishments of their business and the skills they’ve learned through various CTAE courses and mentors, these students have continued to achieve multiple awards including first place in FBLA’s Region 5 Competition in Sales Presentation and a runner-up title for Howard’s CTAE Student of the Year going to Mr. Canosa.

Alternatively, Koren Davis, a senior with experience in leadership of multiple CTAE clubs, shared how the program pushed her out of her comfort zone.

“CTAE helped me become a successful leader and put me in situations where I wasn’t necessarily comfortable, but I needed that practice to grow as an individual for the real world.”

These programs don’t just focus on technical skills—they foster personal growth and confidence for students who plan on going into fields outside of CTAE’s provided pathways.

“I want to be a corporate lawyer in my future.” Koren says “Even though there isn’t a CTAE pathway for that field at Howard, I know I can still implement the skills I learned from my Business Communication pathway, FBLA, and DECA into my law journey.” She adds.

With over 80 hours of volunteer work and several years of experience being an officer for various clubs including DECA, BETA, and FBLA, Koren is proof of Mr. Hall’s statement:

"Students that are involved in any CTAE program will, in the end, become a better overall student by being more engaged and becoming more involved in different activities that they deem necessary.”

Through her experiences, she also highlighted how she mastered public speaking and organizational skills using Microsoft tools, which she plans to apply in college and beyond.

“CTAE helped me become more comfortable with public speaking,” Koren explained. “It taught me how to organize effectively and prepared me for professional environments.”

Koren was able to showcase these skills through competitions in both FBLA and DECA, scoring herself a place at DECA’s International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida in 2023, as well as multiple state advancements in FBLA competitions such as Client Services and Business Plan since. She was also nominated for Howard’s CTAE Student of the Year.

Beyond individual growth, the collaborative nature of CTAE activities, such as FBLA competitions, provides students with opportunities to work as part of a team.

Rick summed it up perfectly: “Leadership, communication, and teamwork—those are the foundations CTAE gives us to succeed in any career.”

The success of CTAE at Howard High School reflects a commitment to preparing students for life beyond the classroom, and for students like Rick and Koren, the fundamental skills CTAE has provided seem to be kickstarting a great foundation for success.

The H5 bird flu wave ruffles feathers all throughout the country, with multiple cases spreading from wild birds, dairy, and poultry farms to multiple unsuspecting neighborhoods in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that the H5 bird flu remains low-risk to the public while officials are closely monitoring the situation and working with state health departments to prevent further infections and to track cases.

H5 bird flu has infected wild birds across 51 jurisdictions, affected over 147 million poultry, and affected nearly 950 dairy since late January of 2025. Since early 2024, 67 human cases were confirmed across multiple states, mainly within individuals with direct exposure to the infected animals. The highest number of reported human infections as to date are reported in California (38 cases), Washington (11 cases), and Colorado (10 cases). However, Louisiana reported the first H5 human fatality in the U.S, with an additional potential five human cases reported in Washington, Arizona, California, and Delaware. Further updates with the CDC are still being tracked to confirm the infections.

In collaboration with federal, state, and local agencies, the CDC’s response towards controlling the H5 bird flu outbreak includes five key actions as of January 2025. First, the CDC has monitored and tested over 10,600 people who are potentially infected, with more than 540 tested for the H5 bird flu. Second, the CDC supported state and local health departments with over $200 million dollars towards the outbreak response efforts. Third, the CDC expanded the flu surveillance to track H5 bird flu activity in humans and animals, including wastewater monitoring and hospital reporting. Fourth, the CDC researched the virus’ characteristics, its potential to spread, and effective protective measures. Finally, the CDC prepared for a possible H5 vaccination in case the situation escalates.

While the H5 bird flu is not a major concern to the general public in terms of getting infected, the infection spreading to poultry and dairy has a major impact on dairy products like milk or eggs.

When inquired about the potential of egg prices rising, a concerned senior at Howard High School gave his thoughts on the H5 bird flu in relation to the price rise:

“Yeah-- I mean, I heard a bit about the bird flu. I know birds are getting infected, and yeah, it makes sense that supply is down, and eggs are getting more expensive. But with how expensive eggs are, I’m not paying an extra dollar to make scrambled eggs anymore.” Andre McCane said.

As the outbreak continues, researchers and health officials continue to monitor the situation. While the risk to the public is low, it is recommended by the CDC to immediately get medical attention if shown flu-like symptoms after recent exposure to an animal.

As we celebrate Black History Month, few figures shine as brightly in the legacy of Black entrepreneurship and empowerment as Madam C.J. Walker. A pioneer in the beauty industry and the first self-made Black woman millionaire in the United States, Walker’s influence extends far beyond hair care—she revolutionized economic opportunities for Black women and set the stage for generations of entrepreneurs to come.

A Legacy That Transformed Black Business and Beauty

Madam C.J. Walker is a name synonymous with Black excellence, entrepreneurship, and empowerment. As the first self-made Black woman millionaire in the United States, Walker built an empire that not only revolutionized Black hair care but also created economic opportunities for countless Black women. Her legacy continues to inspire students and educators alike, who recognize the profound impact of her contributions.

According to the National Women’s History Museum, Walker was actually born Sarah Breedlove in 1867 to formerly enslaved parents. Walker’s early life was characterized by hardship, where she was orphaned at seven and widowed by 20. She also worked as a washerwoman before reaching success in developing her groundbreaking line of hair care products for Black women. Her company, the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, grew into a national brand, making her one of the most influential entrepreneurs of her time.

The Rise of an Entrepreneur

Walker’s journey began with personal hardships. After experiencing hair loss, she developed a line of specialized hair products tailored to Black women’s needs. But her impact extended beyond beauty, she built a business that uplifted an entire community.

Reflecting on her contributions, Makenzie Hugley, a sophomore student at Howard High, shared her admiration:

"Ms. Walker is such a phenomenal person. She paved the way to where we are now, concerning hair products. My hair wouldn’t look the way it does now without Miss Walker. She was such an entrepreneur, and she was just about uplifting the community.

Walker’s vision was clear—she wanted to empower Black women financially and professionally, proving that they could succeed in business during a time when opportunities were scarce.

Hugley adds, “She put women in jobs, giving them opportunities when it was really hard for Black women to find work and provide for their families.”

A Symbol of Strength and Leadership

Beyond business, Walker was a representation of strength, independence, and leadership. Mr. Jonathan Merrill, an AP African American Studies teacher, emphasized her resilience:

"She became the queen of the beauty care for Black women and showed the world that a strong, beautiful woman could command respect and lead people to become better."

This discussion is particularly significant at Howard High School, which has made history as the first school in the Macon-Bibb County School District to offer AP African American Studies. The course is pioneering a deeper understanding of Black history, culture, and influential figures like Madam C.J. Walker, allowing students to engage in critical conversations about the impact of Black leaders on American society.

Walker’s Influence on Future Generations

To many, Madam C.J. Walker’s business was more than a company, it was a movement. She created opportunities for Black women by training them as sales agents, business owners, and leaders in their communities. This aspect of her legacy remains relevant today.

"She was the first one who really gave the big stage to women," Jayden Sallete, a senior student in the AP African American Studies class explained.

"Having women run her business instead of men really shows the empowerment she gave. She showed women that they could do the same thing that she did, not just in her time, but for generations to come."

Alongside describing Walker as assertive, dominant, and powerful, Sallette says that he sees Walker’s spirit reflected in the strong women in his life.

"I actually see a little bit of my mom in Madam C.J. Walker. She was a strong, independent woman, willing to get the business done because she had to do it.”

A Legacy That Lives On

Walker’s impact is undeniable. She built a multimillion-dollar business, created economic opportunities for Black women, and redefined what was possible for future generations of entrepreneurs. More than a century later, her story continues to inspire young people who see her as a symbol of resilience, power, and success.

Howard High School’s introduction of AP African American Studies signifies a major step forward in ensuring that stories like Walker’s are studied, honored, and used as a foundation for future generations. By diving deeper into Black history and culture, students are equipped with knowledge that empowers them to become leaders, just as Madam C.J. Walker once did.

From beauty mogul to community leader, Madam C.J. Walker’s influence reaches far beyond the products she sold. She shaped an era of Black business and empowerment that continues to thrive today.

As an Asian American, Everything Everywhere All at Once wasn’t just a movie, it was an emotional experience. I laughed, I cried, and at times, I sat in stunned silence, overwhelmed by how deeply it resonated with me. Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, this 2022 film is a wild mix of action, comedy, and sci-fi, but at its heart, it’s a story about family, expectations, and the struggle to find meaning in a chaotic world.

It’s rare to see a contemporary movie that captures the complexity of the immigrant experience so well, especially the unspoken tensions between parents and children, the weight of expectations, and the small, quiet ways love is shown in Asian families. This film took those everyday struggles and placed them into a multiversal world that speaks to the audience in a personal way. While its creative risks and bizarre symbolism may not be for everyone, the emotional core of the story is one that many students, particularly those from immigrant families, will find painfully and beautifully relatable.

Strengths: A Story That Speaks to the Asian American Experience

The movie follows Evelyn Wang, a middle-aged Chinese American immigrant who runs a struggling laundromat with her husband, Waymond. She is constantly overwhelmed by taxes, her father’s expectations, her daughter Joy’s unhappiness, and the feeling that she has somehow failed at life. But in a odd twist, she discovers that she is connected to infinite versions of herself across different universes, each representing the life she could have lived.

For Asian American students, especially those with immigrant parents, Evelyn’s journey feels absurdly familiar. The feeling of never being “enough” for your parents and wanting to make them proud while also wanting to choose your own path is something many of us understand too well. The film explores the idea of generational trauma, showing how unspoken pain and disappointment pass from parent to child, even when love is at the center of it all.

One of the most powerful moments for me comes when Waymond, in an alternate universe where he and Evelyn never married, tells her: “In another life, I would have really liked just doing laundry and taxes with you.” It’s a simple line, but it touched me deeply. So often, we are taught to believe that success means chasing something bigger, whether that be wealth, status, or achievement. Waymond’s words contrarily remind us that love and kindness, even in the most ordinary life, are what truly matter.

Michelle Yeoh delivers a beautiful performance as Evelyn, bringing depth and vulnerability to a character who is both deeply flawed and simply human. Ke Huy Quan’s portrayal of Waymond is just as impactful with his kindness and quiet strength as a lesson in how love doesn’t always have to be loud to be powerful. Through Quan’s character, I see the image of what a lot of immigrant fathers wished they could be but couldn’t be due to the circumstances of their struggles and culture. Stephanie Hsu’s performance as Joy is especially important as it captures the silent ache of a child who feels unseen and misunderstood by their parents.

Weaknesses: A Story That Can Be Hard to Follow

As much as I love this movie, I recognize that its storytelling might not be for everyone. The rapid switching between universes, the overwhelming action, and the absurd humor such as the hot dog finger universe or the giant everything bagel can be confusing, especially for viewers who prefer a more straightforward narrative.

For some, the film’s symbolic elements might make the message harder to understand. The hot dog fingers, for example, represent a world where evolution took a different turn, but they also symbolize the idea that even the most bizarre circumstances can lead to love and connection. The “everything bagel,” a black hole created by Joy’s alternate self, represents the idea that nothing in life matters. While these elements are meaningful, they require the audience to think very deeply about what they represent, which could make the film feel overwhelming, meaningless, and even frustrating.

The movie’s pacing is also intense, making it hard to absorb everything on a first watch. For students looking for a casual, easy-to-follow film, this might not be the best choice. But for those willing to embrace its chaos, this film presents an odd emotional experience that lingers long after the credits roll. I never fully got over the theme of the movie until two months later.

Final Take-aways: A Must-Watch for Those Who Have Ever Felt Lost

At its core, Everything Everywhere All at Once is about what it means to love, to struggle, and to exist in an overwhelming world that often feels too big and too messy. It’s a story about immigrant parents who don’t always know how to say “I love you” in words but show it through their sacrifices. It’s about children who long for understanding but don’t always know how to bridge the gap between themselves and their parents.

Most importantly, it’s about choosing kindness, even when life feels meaningless. It reminds us that, in the midst of all the noise, all the expectations, and all the “what ifs,” the most important thing is simply being here together.

For students, especially those from immigrant families, this movie is more than worth watching. It’s a reminder that we are more than the pressures placed upon us, that love can be imperfect yet powerful, and that even in a multiverse of possibilities, the life we have, flawed as it may be, is still worth fighting for.

Introduction

Lois Lowry's The Giver stands out as one of the major dystopian novels read in American schools. It takes readers to a world where pain, suffering and conflict have all been eliminated under the high cost of joyless experience, memory and individuality. Twelve-year-old Jonas, is given the position called Receiver of Memory, will soon know all of these as he uncovers the very dark truths underneath his community's example of perfection.

Plot Summary

Jonas lives in a world that has been controlled and planned so meticulously that it even controls what each person will be doing for his or her career and what family will be like. In fact, this community does not experience hunger, war, or pain. But it also knows nothing of color, love, or even real emotions. Jonas is selected as the new Receiver of Memory and begins to train under the Giver, the aged man who has stored all memories of the world before it was made "Same". As he learns about pain, joy, and love, he realizes that many sacrifices are too much for stability. One decision will change Jonas' life forever. He will either follow the rules or be a rebel, a decision that will affect him forever in life.

Themes and Relevance to Students

The Cost of a "Perfect" Society Is one of the first themes. The Giver urges the reader to consider what a society sacrifices in the elimination of suffering: a place that may be calm but devoid of any real human experience and a discussion on freedom or security.

The second theme is the power of memory and emotion. The novel brings to light that memories define identity and shapes human relationships. The students are able to relate to Jonas, who trudges through understanding his own emotions, just as they would through puberty.

The last theme is individualism vs. Conformity. Jonas's journey represents one of the strongest stories of the power of society to force conformity at the very moment that students are beginning to explore their own identities.

Comments

Despite being an powerful and captivating story, its beginnings may prove challenging for some readers due to the prolonged tempo. The unclarity of the ending, leaving many questions open for consideration, may evoke frustration but also leads to debates and interpretations.

Final Judgment

I give the movie a 5/5, students should read The Giver because it explores deep themes such as society, memory, and free will. Its compelling story and moral dilemmas make it very suitable for discussion in classrooms as well as for personal contemplation.

The Great Gatsby is a novel by the American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. Released in 1925, it quickly took off in popularity due to its depictions of human desires and flaws, as well as the way Fitzgerald touches on universal issues such as racism and poverty. High school students are commonly required to read through this book at some point in their time, as educators believe that it teaches students about many harsh societal standards that are still present even a century later.

While it is quite beloved due to its creative and well-told interpretation of the American life, the story has a rather foul ending, stunning almost all who read through it. Of course, this is intentional, as the book is an exaggerated critique of the highly renowned American dream, trying to leave the readers to wonder if it is attainable at all. The story follows along with the protagonist Nick, as it’s told from his perspective while he recalls his time living in New York, neighboring the mysterious Jay Gatsby. Jay is a wealthy and charismatic man, who easily connects with everyone he meets. He hosts grand parties, and hides deep secrets, yet isn’t your stereotypical rich and evil character. Now, this review isn’t here talk down on the book, merely to bring to light the saddening ending many seem to frown upon.

You see, throughout the story Nick tells about Jay and Daisy’s interesting background, as he tags along with many of their meetups because Jay is too nervous to be alone. The two were past lovers, until Jay was pulled away to fight in a war, during which Daisy married a wealthy man named Tom. Tom senses the intimacy between Gatsby and Daisy as they reunite, then chaos ensues. Tom’s controlling behavior turns him erratic as he loses both his mistress and nearly his wife, and upon his mistress being hit in an accident, her husband quickly joins the enraged frenzy and heads after Gatsby who he believed to be the killer of his wife. It’s a lot, but it does well to cover the chaos of life. People and feelings change, accidents happen, and nothing will ever be perfect. There will almost always be bumps in the road you have to learn to cross, and some do better than others at doing such. Overall, as disappointing as the ending may be to many (including myself!) it’s a great read and does well to open eyes to the ups and downs of life.

Q: Should I take AP classes or dual enrollment?

A: It’s personal preference, but I would say take at least one AP Class and one dual enrollment to see what you like more and stick with it your whole high school career. AP classes are rigorous, and you must pass the exam to earn college credit. Dual enrollment lets you take actual college courses, which look great on transcripts and can help save money on tuition. If you prefer the traditional high school classroom style of learning with unrestricted support from the teacher, then AP might be better. If you’re an independent learner and think you’re ready for college-level work, then dual enrollment is a solid choice.

Q: How many AP classes should I take in a year?

A: If you hate your social life then do what I did and take 5 AP’s in one year. No, but seriously taking 5 AP’s will hit your life hard. One thing to keep in mind is that “Balance is key”. If you’re new to AP, start with one or two. If you’re experienced, you might handle three or more. However, try not to overload yourself, taking 7 AP’s in your high school career and passing all the exams is far more valuable to colleges than taking 10 AP’s and passing less than half of the exams. Consider your daily schedule before taking any drastic decision and committing.

Q: Is it hard to manage sports and academics?

A: It can be challenging but doable with time management. A mistake I made for the first month was not getting enough sleep. So when it’s time to go to sleep, go to sleep. Doing sports and AP classes is not a good mix when not getting enough sleep. Now comes the next step. Use study halls, plan ahead, and don’t procrastinate. Communicate with teachers about sports schedules and ask for any help if needed.

Q: Are AP exams worth taking if I don’t pass the class with an A?

A: Yes! Even if your class grade isn’t perfect, doing well on the AP exam can still earn you college credit. So taking the chance of passing the exam and earning college credit is worth it. But don’t worry if you don’t do well on the exam there is a way you can void the score and not send it to your desired college.

As a project for the Journalism class, students were tasked with researching a specific legacy news source, then creating a presentation summarizing what they found out!

Knowing who and where you get your news from is pretty important; so here are three of the most notable from our team!

With its first episode airing on September 24th, 1968, 60 Minutes debuted a concept that had never been seen on television before. Being classified as a “televised newspaper”, creator Don Hewitt was determined to create a show that gave attention to topics that were often given insufficient coverage or ideas frequently pushed to the side on normal evening news. Hewitt developed a flexible program that could discuss any topic, lasting from 5 to 20 minutes, spanning from breaking news, commentary, satire, feature stories, and “inside scoops” with politicians and celebrities.

However, the start wasn’t always easy. CBS’s Vice President for News Programming, Bill Leonard, felt that the idea was good, whereas Richard Salant, CBS’s President of News Division, was hesitant due to the idea of “longer form” journalistic content. In the end, Bill Leonard reigned supreme and ended in the first episode airing in 1968, discussing the presidential candidates Richard Nixon and Hubert Humphrey during the summer nomination conventions. These early episodes were led by original hosts Mike Wallace and Harry Reasoner.

60 Minutes currently stands as one of the highest-awarded journalistic series ever. It has won over 24 Peabody awards for multiple episodes and segments. 60 Minutes has also won 138 Emmys, standing as the record for the most awarded series. They have also won many Golden Globe Awards as well as Writers Guild Awards. Some of their highest-rated episodes stand as:

- “Hard Times Generation/The Flavorist/Angelina”, which critiques Florida’s rising homeless rate, a behind the scenes look at the people behind artificial flavors, and a profile on the famous actress.

- “The Counter-Terrorism Bureau/The Murder of an American Nazi/Park and Stone”, which showcased a deep dive into NYC’s counter terrorism unit, the murder of a rising neo-Nazi and the popularity of his movement, and an interview with the creators of South Park.

- “Remembering Mike Wallace,” which was a tribute honoring late (original) host Mike Wallace with a highlight of his most iconic stories.

As of 2025, 60 Minutes stands to skew left, with a media bias score of -9.55. However, 60 Minutes is still considered reliable. That said, it’s important to note how 60 Minutes was originally promoted, as a “televised magazine”. Whilst they are attempting to remain as objective as possible, they are also attempting to sell a good story. This can lead to certain things being edited in a misleading way, or for things to be dramatized.

In terms of how 60 Minutes has been able to adjust based on media, objectively speaking, it has been well. When it first aired, 60 Minutes was one of a kind and even went on to inspire shows like Dateline and 20/20. The declining viewership of cable television, however, has not seemed to harm 60 Minutes very obviously. They remain as one of the most viewed broadcasting shows today and were ranked in the top 20 for best journalistic series. To accommodate the declining cable viewership, also, they are available on multiple streaming platforms, including Paramount Plus and Hulu.

Today, as mentioned, 60 Minutes remains relatively popular. However, they have recently found themselves in a lawsuit against the Trump administration on accusations of defamation and misinformation. This stems from an interview with Kamala Harris back in October. While this leads to an uncertain future, there is no doubt that 60 Minutes was a pioneer for the genre and stands as one of the most influential broadcast journalistic series of its time.

We post regularly to our YouTube channel, "Howard High School Content."

Be sure to check it out to see our podcasts and other projects, as well as our weekly broadcasts over school news and events to stay up to date!