Skip to Main Content
  • Mon. May 4 - AP Testing Begins
  • Thu. May 7 - McNeil Spring Orchestra Concert, 7:00 – 8:30pm, Raymond E. Hartfield
  • Mon. May 11 - Friday, May 15 - Graduation Ticket Pick-up Week: Guardians and Parents may come to the front office vestibule between 8:30–10:00 AM or 5:00–6:00 PM to pick up your tickets!
  • Mon. May 11 - McNeil CTE Department proudly present: The Second Annual McNeil High School Film and Animation End of Year Showcase, McNeil Cafeteria
  • Tue. May 12 - McNeil Band: Spring Concert, 6:00 – 8:00pm; Raymond E. Hartfield
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

Vol 34, Issue 3
March 6, 2026
Vol 34, Issue 2
December 12, 2025
Vol. 34, Issue 1
October 10, 2025
Vol. 33, Issue 5
May 9, 2025
'The Future' Marks Last Lunch and Learn of the School Year
‘The Future’ Marks Last Lunch and Learn of the School Year
Janice Mills, LIfe & Arts Editor • May 14, 2026

To prepare seniors for their futures, librarian Laura Falli hosted a senior only Lunch and Learn on Wednesday, May 13. “I listened to a really good podcast and the Stanford...

The potential interior  of the new $400 million ballroom. Photo Courtesy of BBC
How the President is Attempting to Rewrite History
Karl Reddick, Online Editor-in-Chief • May 12, 2026

After its passage in the U.S. Senate, a bill is in the works to approve the $400 million needed for President Donald Trump to build a new 90,000 square foot ballroom. This...

Illustration of what Hantavirus looks like. Photo Courtesy of National Geographic
What to Know About the Recent Hantavirus Outbreak
Karl Reddick, Online Editor-in-Chief • May 12, 2026

With the recent developments in the spread of a viral rodent-transmitted disease called Hantavirus on a cruise ship, which left three passengers dead and others sick, parallels...

Image via McNeil High School
RRISD Updates Final Exam Rules for 2025–26
Aariz Anas, Reporter • May 11, 2026

Starting in this school year, Round Rock ISD high schools will no longer have final exam exemptions and no longer require cumulative finals or traditional finals week schedules....

El pasillo principal alberga banderas colgantes de los países representados por los estudiantes de McNeil.
Hablar en Dos Idiomas, Vivir Entre Dos Mundos
Amanda Beeler, News Editor • May 10, 2026

El pasillo se llena de conversaciones superpuestas que cambian entre inglés y español a mitad de frase, un ritmo que no se detiene sólo aunque otras personas no puedan...

El pasillo principal alberga banderas colgantes de los países representados por los estudiantes de McNeil.
Speaking in Two Languages, Living in Between
Amanda Beeler, News Editor • May 10, 2026

The hallway fills with overlapping conversations slipping between English and Spanish mid-sentence, like a rhythm that doesn't stop just because someone else can't follow...

During an IGT (Internal Gymnastics Team) meet, Faris’ team won first place against all the capital locations – Pflugerville, Cedar Park, and Round Rock. “I was really excited,” Faris said. “I feel not only proud of myself, but I’m more proud of them because they do put in the hard work. I push them really hard because I know they can be really good and I want them to be happy when they win.” Photo from Alex Faris
Layout to the Future
Janice Mills, LIfe & Arts Editor • May 8, 2026

2012 Olympics, gymnast Gabby Douglas competes in the vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise and is the first Black woman to win the all-around gymnastics gold...

Harper Poore
Harper Poore
Managing Editor

Hi! I am Harper Poore, this is my third year on staff! I am the managing editor for a newspaper and yearbook. In my free time I enjoy watching movies, hanging out with my friends and going to the gym....

In addition to being fun to listen to, music also has positive effects on one's brain, helping improve focus, recall memories and make new neural connections. Photo Courtesy of Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials
Music vs Sound
Evan Hunter, Reporter • May 15, 2026
Image via McNeil High School
Small Change, Big Impact
Emily Brulloths, Reporter • May 15, 2026
Photo Courtesy of Digital Memories
The Return of Physical Media
Salem Powell, Reporter • May 12, 2026
House Bill 4 effectively passed the Senate resulting in a swap for the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test for another shorter test aimed at better supporting the growth of students. Photo Courtesy of KVII
Excessive Testing Provides Minimal Benefits
Emily Brulloths, Reporter • May 11, 2026
Senate Bill 37 poses a detriment to higher education as it makes it easier to revoke university funding, and allows state oversight in curriculum decisions. Photo Courtesy of The Daily Texan
SB 37’s Restrictions on Universities is Preventing Good Education
Bentley Krizin, Opinions Editor • May 9, 2026
Manipulative Marketing in the Digital Age
Manipulative Marketing in the Digital Age
Kiyona Marshall, Reporter • May 8, 2026
The Parmer McNeil Shopping Center is home to a variety of popular off campus lunch spots including Whataburger, Chipotle and Egg roll Express. Photo Courtesy of Square One Consultants
How Students Manage Off Campus Lunch
Claire Deville, Reporter • April 29, 2026
Photo Courtesy of Spectrum News
Top Five Summer Activities
Salem Powell, Reporter • April 22, 2026
The full set, which lasted around 90 minutes, was split between performances and Bieber playing memes from YouTube. Photo Courtesy of Vogue
Coachella Marked by Justin Bieber’s Headlining Set
Luke Bogue, Reporter • April 17, 2026
Movie poster for the upcoming "The Devil Wears Prada 2". Photo Courtesy of IMDB
The Anticipated Release of Devil Wears Prada 2
Salem Powell, Reporter • April 13, 2026
SUPPORT THE TRAILBLAZER
$1000
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of McNeil High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

Donate to The Trailblazer
$1000
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal