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The student news site of McNeil High School

The Trailblazer

The student news site of McNeil High School

The Trailblazer

The student news site of McNeil High School

The Trailblazer

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Vol. 34, Issue 1
October 10, 2025
Vol. 33, Issue 5
May 9, 2025
Vol. 33, Issue 3
March 7, 2025
Vol. 33, Issue 2
December 13, 2024
Senior Megan Nguyen taking notes for the forensic science crime scene project.
Forensic Crime Scene Project: A Recap So Far
Amanda Beeler, News Editor • 1 day ago

The crime scene in Forensic Science Teacher Carol Seng’s classroom is not real, but allows students to feel close to one. With yellow tape, scattered evidence, and a lifelike...

Homework Free Weekend Nov. 6 - 10
Homework Free Weekend Nov. 6 – 10
Aariz Anas, Reporter • 6 days ago

A Homework-Free Weekend is scheduled from Thursday, Nov. 6 through Monday, Nov. 10. Students won’t be assigned homework during this stretch, allowing extra time to rest,...

Orchestra Holds Halloween Concert Fundraiser
Amelie Brito, Reporter • 6 days ago

The Orchestra club had a special Halloween performance on Thursday, Oct. 23, featuring the movie Nosferato. The orchestra played along as the movie rolled on projectors around...

Finding the Joke
Finding the Joke
Janice Mills, Life & Arts Editor • October 17, 2025

Looking at the crowd shaking from nervousness, social studies and IB U.S. history teacher Robert Holmes builds up the courage to perform at open mic night. After rushing through...

Bridging the Gap
Bridging the Gap
Sophie Garrett, Print Editor-in-Chief • October 16, 2025

In classrooms, teachers remind students to “work harder” while their students push back, saying balance and mental health matter too. A student scrolls on their phone...

Genetic variation can be caused by differences in DNA sequences, leading to unique traits. At McNeil, students embrace these differences and what makes them unique. Photo Courtesy of Britannica
Genetic Differences Shape Identity, Confidence
Janice Mills, Life & Arts Editor • October 16, 2025

Mahlia Chapman - Marcus Gunn Jaw Winking Syndrome and blue birth mark “I have Marcus Gunn [Jaw= Winking] syndrome, so when I chew my eye twitches,” junior Mahlia...

Hi! My name is Vivienne. This is my first year working on the Trailblazer and I am currently a reporter. My favorite thing to do is watch movies.

SPORTS SCORES
The world is using AI to grow, so should RRISD
The world is using AI to grow, so should RRISD
Harper Poore, Managing Editor • October 14, 2025
Misinformation Leading to Political Violence
Misinformation Leading to Political Violence
Karl Reddick, Online Editor-in-Chief • October 10, 2025
Although the Sep. 26 protest drew attention to the efforts of the student body in protesting teacher mistreatment, the execution was lacking.
Friday the 26th’s Student Protest was not Effective
Bentley Krizin, Opinions Editor • October 10, 2025
The story based on the 1979 adaptation of 'Warriors' is captivating and with the soundtrack ranging from hip hop to metal, there are sure to be songs that resonate with the audience. Photo Courtesy of Amazon
“Warriors” Has Been Out for Almost a Year, It Deserves More Attention
Gordon Bilz, Reporter • October 10, 2025
With the second largest state population in the country, Texas ranks #1 in growth prospects rank and #3 in business costs rank. Photo Courtesy of KVUE
Why Major Corporations are Shifting Operations to Texas
Amelie Brito, Reporter • October 9, 2025
Students Display Halloween Spirit Through Creative Costumes
Students Display Halloween Spirit Through Creative Costumes
Vivienne McKillop, Reporter • 1 day ago
Teachers showed their Halloween spirit with creative costumes on Oct. 31. Pictured (top left) is Carol Seng as a “Crime Scene” from the 1950s, (bottom left, from left to right) Todd Carpenter as Julius Caesar, Kylie Pickett as a witch from Macbeth, and Ash Crane as a pirate. (Top right) George McGilligan dressed as a penguin, and (bottom right) Erin Balfour brightened the halls as a Minion.
Teachers Show Spirit with Creative Halloween Costumes
Aarya Manchikanti, Reporter • 5 days ago
5 looks from ‘Vogue World: Hollywood’ on Oct. 26th, 2025. Photo Courtesy of Vogue
Vogue World: Hollywood; a Combination of Fashion History and Film
Kiyona Marshall, Reporter • October 30, 2025
Bridging the Gap
Bridging the Gap
Sophie Garrett, Print Editor-in-Chief • October 16, 2025
With so many different career opportunities in a variety of different disciplines, it can be difficult to know what you want to pursue in the future. Some careers require you to commit to extra schooling while others you are able to do after high school. Photo Courtesy of Cedar Ridge Behavioral Health Solutions
Beyond High School: Teachers Give Advice for Future Careers
Amelie Brito, Reporter • October 10, 2025
Ortega shares a completed nail set to upload to her Instagram
Nails by Jazzy: Sophomore Builds Successful Nail Business
Vivienne McKillop, Reporter • October 10, 2025
Glaive's album, 'Y'all' is his third studio album and features a wide variety of dance music songs. "The name of the album is y'all, it's about being at home, it's about being in North Carolina." said Glaive. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia
Glaive’s Yall Album Review
Adrian Onyeonwu, Reporter • October 10, 2025
Swift's 12th studio album, 'The Life of a Showgirl' was released Oct. 3 and acquired 2.7 million sales on its release date.
Why ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ Falls Short
Salem Powell, Reporter • October 7, 2025
Image via Spotify
Laufey Curates Unique Sound With “A Matter Of Time”
Kiyona Marshall, Reporter • September 13, 2025
Image via IMDb
Why Epic: The Musical is One of the Best Modern Musicals
Gordon Bilz, Reporter • September 5, 2025
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