By Justin Cooke

This past weekend, seven students from El Cap High School in participated in the FBLA Region 5 Conference. The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) event brought together students to compete in various business-related challenges against 25 other schools, with around 300 or more students in total. Riley Barlow achieved first place in Accounting, demonstrating a strong understanding of financial principles. Cynthia Hansen also secured first place in Introduction to Business Math, showing her mathematical skills. The Circus Event, a competition involving a circuit of 25 tasks, saw the team of Riley Barlow, Justin Cooke, Armond Rohbock, and Ray Fischer finish in third place with a time of 10 minutes and 21 seconds. Their performance highlighted their teamwork and problem-solving abilities. Overall this performance showed that the students at El Capitan High School can be strong competitors in State and, if they work hard, they can secure a chance to compete in Nationals.

El Capitan is currently selling yearbook pages for advertisements from local businesses as well as individual personal pages. This is a great opportunity for businesses to get their name into multiple hands, or simply have more involvement within the community. Parents and family members can also take a page out of the yearbook. To celebrate their student’s journey which can be cherished forever.

Pricing starts at $70 for an eighth page, $125 for a quarter page, $200 for a half page, and $350 for a full page. These ads will be sold and created until the February 21 deadline or until space is filled, so be sure to come and buy your yearbook page today.

By Loretta Hammon

On December 3rd, Cottonwood Elementary hosted an Art Show in their new Auditorium. The Art Show was a display of creativity, showing the incredible talent of young students. The various forms of art included paintings, drawings, sculptures, and mixed-media projects. Each piece of art demonstrated the unique perspective and imagination of each student, from colorful designs down to detailed scenes from nature.

In the school’s new library, each class performed their own poetry. These performances were the centerpiece of the event. Each student worked really hard for several weeks studying and creating poetry and memorizing their parts. Students brought their vision of whimsical landscape to reality, demonstrating creativity and teamwork. It brought parents and community members together for a joyous celebration of students' hard work and artistic growth.

This was a show that honored not only the achievements of these young artists but also how fostering creativity within education is important. The Elementary Art Show served as a nice reminder that art has the power to inspire and unite people of all ages.

By: Jennetta Barlow

On Wednesday, November 20, 2024 the Lady Eagles basketball team opened up their season at Bryce Valley. The Eagles started the game playing tough defense, and had an 8-7 lead early in the second quarter, but eventually fell 18-45. Despite the loss, the Lady Eagles are excited to start a new season with a lot of new faces. El Capitan is losing a talented senior class from last year's season, a team that tallied a school best 16-10 record. Last year’s departing seniors are Violet Barlow, Leta Hammon, Cynthia Hammon, Rachel Musser, Kamryn Crider, and Debbie Timpson. Taking the helm at point guard this season will be Junior Ruth Timpson. She will have big shoes to fill as she replaces last year’s Region Offensive Player of the Year, Violet Barlow, who has been a three-year starting point guard. The Eagles also have a new head coach with Derek Lange beginning his first season. “I have always loved basketball,” says Coach Lange. “I love coaching and teaching. I love to see new generations learn and grow in the game I love.” What is Coach Lange looking forward to the most this season? “I’m looking to see the girls learn and improve their game,” says Coach Lange,” I’m looking forward to seeing them have fun playing basketball, playing at a high pace, and experiencing some of the things I experienced as a player.”

The Eagles will be very young and inexperienced this year, and will be looking towards Pauline Timpson, the lone senior on the team, to be a leader and a mentor for the underclassmen. The Eagles should have help from returning juniors Ruth Timpson and Samantha Hammon who will provide quickness and leadership to El Capitan’s backcourt. Aiyana Hammon, Priscilla Black, and Ondriea Johnson round out a strong junior class. The Eagles have two talented sophomores on the team in Tammy Timpson and Quincie Hammon, and four freshmen in Loretta Hammon, Vanessa Timpson, Katie Keate, and Trinity Hammon.

What are the team’s biggest strengths? “Our team's biggest strength is our ability to work together and bounce back after mistakes,” says captain Samantha Hammon. “Every single girl on our team puts in 100% effort and never gives up.” What are the areas the team can improve? “I hope our team can grow on offense. We have a lot of girls that are new to basketball, so it would be awesome to see growth there,” says Hammon.

    How important is having fans cheer the team on? “It is very important to have fans come and cheer at any game because it creates an electric atmosphere that boosts our players’ morale and performance,” says senior Pauline Timpson. “The energy and support from the crowd inspires us athletes to push harder, stay focused, and perform at their best.”

The Eagles will next compete at Water Canyon the Friday, December 13th to defend “The Rock.”  Come and support your Lady Eagles!