The Wizard News

By CAITLYN COFFEY. Senior year is often expressed as one of the most exciting chapters of high school. It is a time filled with milestones, traditions, and celebrations. However, behind the excitement lies a reality that isn’t discussed as much. Senior year is one of the most expensive points in a high school student’s experience. Senior year brings in a series of costs that are unique to the senior class. Banquet tickets, cap and gown orders, yearbooks and ads, and any end o

By VALENTINA CORTEZ. Visit the nearest Target or Walmart. Perhaps take a far drive to one as well. Typically, a NEEDOH won’t be found. Unless you are lucky enough to make it for a restock date. Otherwise, what remains is empty NEEDOH packaging, and their shelf prices. NEEDOH, a sensory and fidget toy produced by Schylling, is more popular than ever!  Is it overconsumption or a gateway to relieve stress? Mialani Moore, a senior at Washingtonville Senior High School, shares her

By YOSSELINE DE LEON. Seventy-five percent of the population has a fear of public speaking; that's over two hundred million people. Morriah shares that she works best in a group setting, where a little bit of pressure is taken off of her. When there are more people up there with her, she finds that it's not so hard to get up in front of the class. A lot of students feel the same pressures when presenting, and many teachers require it as part of their curriculum.  “I always fi

By ELIAS CUNNINGHAM. Longtime Public Servant Jean Day announces Run for Wallkill Town Council, Ward 1. Residents in the Town of Wallkill will soon see a familiar face on the ballot. Community member and healthcare professional Jean Day has officially announced her candidacy for Town Council in Ward 1, bringing decades of public service experience and a message centered on community connection and leadership. In her announcement, Day introduced herself as someone deeply rooted

By JOEL ACQUAH. Hey Wizards! Do you know that Valentine's Day is next week? What are you doing to prepare? Do you have a significant other you're doing something for? You don't have to worry here in our high school because the library is participating in an event where you “go on a date with a book.”  This event is called Blind Date With a Book and it is an event part o f many other events by one of our wonderfully kind librarians who’s recently been added to our staff: Debra

By YOSSELINE DE LEON. “I make a lot of lists; packing lists, to-do lists, wishlists, whatever. Making lists allows me to get my priorities in order,” Alexa Carlantone, a senior at Washingtonville High School, shares. As a commander for the WHS JROTC drill team she has a busy schedule.  How does she manage school, friends, and family?  “I definitely feel like I'm losing sleep due to my schedule. I work hard to balance my social life and scholarly responsibilities, which someti

By JOEL ACQUAH. Have you ever met a kid who gets inspired by their parents in doing a specific field of work? If not, there are many students in our school who have decided to follow their parents footsteps and also participate in the same job field as their parents. But one talented outstanding student who stands out  among her peers is our very own Myles Harris, a young lady who chose to follow her dads footsteps to get to her chosen field for college and future field of wo

By CAITLYN COFFEY. The sounds of the bagpipes and drums echoed throughout the venue as everyone listened in awe. The lively traditions of Irish culture have officially begun. The St. Patrick’s Day festivities have already started in Orange County with the Mid-Hudson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Kickoff fundraiser. This event was held at Tequila Grille in Monroe on February 1st and brought together parade organizers, past and present honorees, live performances, and community memb

By VALENTINA CORTEZ. “I am with your principal. He’s the best, and stay in school!” exclaims Livvy Dunne, American influencer and former LSU gymnast, on the Washingtonville Social Media page. Immediately, questions are asked, and allegations rise. “But I would get in trouble if I used AI” writes a user in the comment section. Livvy Dunne meeting a principal in our district? A scenario that seems fake, but not impossible when you’re Dr. Barrie. Dr. Barrie, the proud principal

By ELIAS CUNNINGHAM. A significant winter storm swept across the Hudson Valley this week, blanketing towns, villages, and rural roads in several inches of snow and marking one of the region’s more impactful snowfalls of the season. The storm brought travel challenges, school schedule adjustments, and icy conditions, it also underscored the importance of preparation, coordination, and community connection during severe winter weather. Across Orange County and neighboring areas

By JOEL ACQUAH . Have you ever met a coach so serious about sports that he teaches sports aswell? Here at Washingtonville, there's one special man who juggles teaching, and being a coach.   Coach Clough is an accomplished teacher and coach, who inspires students through his dedication to sports and education. His involvement in athletics began early, participating in baseball, basketball, and football during his youth, with a particular emphasis on baseball. Although a back i

By CAITLYN COFFEY. Washingtonville High School is officially halfway through the school year, with the start of the spring semester starting up February 2nd. This also means that Washingtonville’s seniors are halfway done with their final year of high school. Reaching the halfway point of senior year is a milestone that goes unnoticed. However, it is something that marks a major shift in the mindset of a senior student. The excitement and confidence that comes with stepping i

By VALENTINA CORTEZ. Prepare for a new flu vaccine. One that is more effective, offering more immunity because there’s a flu strain emerging. The newly influenza A strain, H3N2 subclade K.  The new strain, subclade K, was first detected in Australia in July 2025, and then later found in Japan and the United Kingdom, giving a start to an unusually early flu season. After scientists spotted this new variant, they noticed it expanding rapidly during the southern hemisphere’s flu

By YOSSELINE DE LEON. “I always love to just lie in my bed and take the day off,” Kiera Farina, a senior at Washingtonville High School, shared. “There’s nothing better than a good snow day.” Kiera explains that her favorite thing to do during a snow day is to relax and just allow the day to go in any direction. One activity she mentioned was taking her dog out in the snow to run around and play.  What is a better excuse than a snow day? “When I found out we had a snow day I