Stillwater Pony Express

The Pony Express staff attending the fall MHSPA Convention today with 600+ journalists from around the state. Our students earned awards in the following categories:

Minnesota Scholastic Press Association Individual Awards
Broadcast news: 2nd place, Paige Van Duyne, Adelaide Bielke, Gigi Zawislak
Broadcast news: 4th place, Ian Lunneborg, Paige Van Duyne, Gigi Zawislak
Newspaper editorial cartoon: Gabbi Chau
Newspaper spread design: Belle Lapos

Journalism Education Association Awards:
JEA All State Gold: Print Publication
JEA All State Gold: Website Publication
JEA All State Gold: Broadcast Publication

Minnesota High School Scholastic Press Association Awards:
Best of Show Third Place in the state: Print
Best of Show Third Place in the state: Website

Finally, the Pony Express was awarded the International First Place award from Quill and Scroll. This is the 19th time our publication has earned this honor.

Today is Constitution Day! Guest speaker Anthony Sanders visited Matt Bergquist's AP Government and Politics class today. Anthony is a graduate from U of M law school, a Constitutional scholar, and a SAHS parent. He spoke about about his educational journey, his interest in Constitutional law and federalism, and stories about cases he has worked on through various interest groups.

What did we do the first week of school? We made clothes out of newspapers and defined journalism with play-dough!

Happy last day from the Pony Express! #30

On Friday, May 17th, 7 students from Accounting class attended the "Accounting Career Summit: Is Accounting For You?" hosted by the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA) & Deloitte at the University of Minnesota. Students were able to dive deep into finding out what the day in the life of an accountant is really like, as well as participate in interactive activities with accounting professionals, college students and professors.

Minnesota is now a New Voices state!

Minnesota governor signs student press freedom into law - Student Press Law Center The Student Press Law Center, the nation’s leading advocate for student press freedom, hailed the adoption of new protections for Minnesota student journalists. Gov. Tim Walz signed SF 3567 into law on Friday, officially making Minnesota the 18th state to adopt what are known nationally as “New ...

Teenagers must understand the influence social media consumption has on their daily lives and how to use it in moderation. Their heavy reliance on social media impacts their offline lives from communication to mental health.

Teenagers must limit social media use Teenagers must understand the influence social media consumption has on their daily lives and how to use it in moderation. Their heavy reliance on social media impacts their offline lives from communication to mental health. Today’s U.S. teens spend too much time on social media platforms. Accordi...

Business Professionals of America club members, senior Evan Cadenhead, senior Jair Diaz, junior Coolsjes Singhvi and senior Mason Warlick claimed the top spot at the Minnesota Personal Finance Decathlon. They earned a spot at the state-level case study competition on April 25 where they competed to develop a budget and financial plans for a family where they placed 4th. This outcome allows them to proceed to nationals on May 10.

Business Professionals of America claims 4th place at Personal Finance Decathlon Business Professionals of America club members, senior Evan Cadenhead, senior Jair Diaz, junior Coolsjes Singhvi and senior Mason Warlick claimed the top spot at the Minnesota Personal Finance Decathlon. They earned a spot at the state-level case study competition on April 25 where they competed to....

In April, Minnesota state lawmakers proposed a bill imposing structured smartphone regulation with students in public institutions. While this bill is not an outright ban, it ensures all schools have a cell phone policy to keep students focused on learning. Many teachers and admin have also noticed a rise in cell phone distraction since COVID.

Minnesota bill introduced to limit smartphone use in schools In April, Minnesota state lawmakers proposed a bill imposing structured smartphone regulation with students in public institutions. While this bill is not an outright ban, it ensures all schools have a cell phone policy to keep students focused on learning. Many teachers and admin have also noticed....

People are clumsy, accidents happen. Yet, spilling coffee on new clothes no matter how sorry somebody else is, leaves people grumpy for the day. Walking around with a stain is embarrassing, and it feels as though with every interaction, people point out the coffee stain.

Community Closet overflows, counselors take action People are clumsy, accidents happen. Yet, spilling coffee on new clothes no matter how sorry somebody else is, leaves people grumpy for the day. Walking around with a stain is embarrassing, and it feels as though with every interaction, people point out the coffee stain. The Community Closet not onl...

Beloved teacher Darby Whitehill has had a long and amazing career teaching math. He has decided to retire at the end of the school year after 31 years of teaching.

Beloved math teacher Darby Whitehill retires Beloved teacher Darby Whitehill has had a long and amazing career teaching math. He has decided to retire at the end of the school year after 31 years of teaching. Whitehill has been able to help countless students throughout the years. Whitehill focuses on not just teaching math, but teaching stude...

Pony Express students spent the day learning career and life skills at BizTown! It was a memorable day.

This week Scott Kneeskern from Northwestern Health Sciences University visited our newspaper class to teach students about information graphic storytelling. Students were able to work with Scott one-on-one to learn different design strategies. We can't wait to see what the final stories look like!

Erin Walsh's artwork was chosen for the My District, My Minnesota program. Students were invited to submit photos or drawings of life in their district. Each Senator then chose the one they felt was the best representation of their district. Erin Walsh's submission was selected to represent District 33.

Pony Express editors-in-chief seniors Belle Lapos and Stella McHugh testified before the MN Senate and House of Representatives yesterday to speak on behalf of New Voices legislation. New Voices provides more First Amendment protections for student journalists and advisors across the state. Currently, 16 states have adopted New Voices and these students spoke to advocate for Minnesota being the 17th state to adopt this legislation.

The bill is sponsored by House Rep. Cheryl Youakim and co-written with student media advisors across the state. The House passed the bill last evening and the Senate will vote later this week. It will go in front of the full chamber as part of an omnibus bill later this spring.

On Feb. 5, Chris Otto started her time as acting principal being the temporary replacement for Principal Rob Bach, who underwent knee surgery. Bach is out for eight weeks recovering from a knee replacement and Chris Otto is here to be his temporary replacement.

Chris Otto serves as acting principal in Bach’s absence On Feb. 5, Chris Otto started her time as acting principal being the temporary replacement for Principal Rob Bach, who underwent knee surgery. Bach is out for eight weeks recovering from a knee replacement and Chris Otto is here to be his temporary replacement. Otto was chosen for her 28 years of ex...

In a pivotal 4-3 vote, school board approved the new 2025-2026 calendar academic school year calendar. On Jan. 23, the board passed a change to the school calendar. The new calendar will start school as early as Aug. 19 and ending school May. 22. Furthermore, the calendar vote was divided along gender lines with the four women, Alison Sherman, Katie Hockert, Beverly Petrie and Annie Porbeni voting yes, and the three men, Pete Kelzenberg, Chris Lauer and Andrew Thelander, voting no.

New 25-26 calendar approved by the school board in controversial 4 to 3 vote In a pivotal 4-3 vote, school board approved the new 2025-2026 calendar academic school year calendar. On Jan. 23, the board passed a change to the school calendar. The new calendar will start school as early as Aug. 19 and ending school May. 22. Furthermore, the calendar vote was divided along gend...

Prepare to map out academic journeys with the approaching College Fair on Feb. 26, 8:00-9:30 a.m. in the gymnasiums.

College Fair offers new beginnings Prepare to map out academic journeys with the approaching College Fair on Feb. 26, 8:00-9:30 a.m. in the gymnasiums. With over 80 local and national colleges, students are welcome to explore an array of educational opportunities that will shape their future paths. This event is a gateway for both in...

On Feb. 12 and 13, juniors sat in the main forum during their English period to learn about the new ACT prep course that is available for juniors to use this year. This course will help students feel more prepared to take the ACT test on March 12.

OnToCollege, new way for juniors to prep for upcoming ACT On Feb. 12 and 13, juniors sat in the main forum during their English period to learn about the new ACT prep course that is available for juniors to use this year. This course will help students feel more prepared to take the ACT test on March 12. This new prep course is called OnToCollege....

Junior Gabriel Strand has never missed a day of school since the beginning of his freshman year of high school. Despite illnesses and late wake-up calls, Strand is persistent in having perfect attendance for all four years of high school.

Gabriel Strand strives to maintain perfect attendance Junior Gabriel Strand has never missed a day of school since the beginning of his freshman year of high school. Despite illnesses and late wake-up calls, Strand is persistent in having perfect attendance for all four years of high school. “It was just a freshman-year goal,” Strand said. “Once ...

Pony Express students pitch story ideas for our upcoming issue! Check out our current issue online: sahsponyexpress.com

Senior Anya Williams opens the door to her plane and climbs in. Today she plans to go to Burnett county. Excited, she puts on her headset and her aviator sunglasses and starts up her plane. She flies over lakes and rivers and sees beautiful cites. Even with the upcoming dance competition on her mind, Dark Doo W*p and Work playing in her brain making her nervous, she keeps herself distracted and in a good mood by taking some time on her favorite activity: flying.

Anya Williams flies to new heights Senior Anya Williams opens the door to her plane and climbs in. Today she plans to go to Burnett county. Excited, she puts on her headset and her aviator sunglasses and starts up her plane. She flies over lakes and rivers and sees beautiful cites. Even with the upcoming dance competition on her mind...

Junior Cole Nuss recently introduced a new sailing club at the high school in order to compete with neighboring schools. So far this fall, they have been building the team’s culture, practicing and adding members. The club has continued to grow, and Nuss is hopeful that it is able to reach a larger audience of people.

Cole Nuss forms first sailing club at high school Junior Cole Nuss recently introduced a new sailing club at the high school in order to compete with neighboring schools. So far this fall, they have been building the team’s culture, practicing and adding members. The club has continued to grow, and Nuss is hopeful that it is able to reach a large...

“When hiring a new teacher after someone who has been teaching for 30 years it can be challenging but Peter Stenross brings good energy and good knowledge like what made Andy Weaver special,” Astronomy teacher Ben Straka said.

Peter Stenross, new AP environmental teacher, replaces Andy Weaver “When hiring a new teacher after someone who has been teaching for 30 years it can be challenging but Peter Stenross brings good energy and good knowledge like what made Andy Weaver special,” Astronomy teacher Ben Straka said. “I have really big shoes to fill with Weaver leaving; I would love ...

Senior Jenna Phelps manages school and stress while being a part of multiple clubs and the girls soccer team. Phelps is the president of student council, a member of the TRUST club, and is a Stillwater superfan. She also holds three jobs outside of school. While participating in all of these activities, she is able to balance her performance in the classroom and on the field.

Jenna Phelps balances school and activities Senior Jenna Phelps manages school and stress while being a part of multiple clubs and the girls soccer team. Phelps is the president of student council, a member of the TRUST club, and is a Stillwater superfan. She also holds three jobs outside of school. While participating in all of these activit...