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The Pack Press

The Student News Site of Clarkston Junior High School

The Pack Press

The Pack Press

The CHS Freshman Cheer team stand in a huddle.
Freshman cheers on undefeated team
Ani Melendez, Staff Writer • October 2, 2025

Since June of this year, the 2025-2026 season's freshman cheerleaders have been practicing and pushing themselves to success. As a whole, the Clarkston Cheer community is an uplifting...

In the photo above is Ella on the left and Isabella is on the right.
Make a splash in the girls swim and dive team
Kinley Cummins and Payton Erkfritz September 29, 2025

The Clarkston Swim and Dive team has been around for decades. Ella Johnson, a senior at CHS, has been swimming throughout her whole life and her years of high school.  " I...

Lia Gilbert, left. Lexi Hotchkin, right.
Running towards success
McKenna Gloger and Paisley Coleman September 29, 2025

Clarkston Junior High School Track and Cross Country students, 9th grader Lexi Hotchkin and 8th grader Lia Gilbert, run through their sports experience and how CJHS supports their...

Elle North, power forward on the Blue team.
Basketball players Elle North and Brooklynn Radlick share their experiences on the team 
Aubrey Caruso and Sophia May September 26, 2025

Elle North, Power forward, speaks on how the most recent 8th grade basketball game went, how teamwork impacts the outcome of each game, and gives advice to incoming players starting...

Clarkston freshman football team on a winning streak
Clarkston freshman football team on a winning streak
Jordan Carswell and Cash Donnelly September 26, 2025

The Freshman Football team has been on a roll this season, utilizing their teamwork and leadership to demonstrate that they have what it takes to be a complete team.  Under...

Freshman Volleyball Team
Teamwork and dedication define Clarkston volleyball
Demi Webster, Staff Writer • September 26, 2025

Clarkston Freshman Volleyball players Olivia Kilpela and Leanne Scanlon share their keys to success and their favorite parts of the Clarkston Volleyball program. It is important...

The 8th grade cheer team starts off a successful year
The 8th grade cheer team starts off a successful year
Elle Siwek and Emily Spurlock September 26, 2025

This past week, the Clarkston 8th grade Cheer team had their first game. The team is a very positive environment and the girls represent Clarkston Community Schools well by always...

Samuel Ashley left, Levi Sexron right
8th grade football players discuss their beginnings
Sophia Tringali, Staff Writer • September 26, 2025

On the field and at school, football players Samuel Ashley, an offensive lineman and a defensive tackle for the blue team, and Levi Sexton, a corner for the gold team, show a phenomenal...

Lila ready to cheer at the Freshman Football game. Photo Credit: Isabella Guy
Student Lila Reay Dwire shares an inside look at her daily life as a student-athlete
Brooklynn DeLosSantos, Staff Writer • September 24, 2025

The Clarkston Cheer team has many dedicated cheerleaders, and an outstanding example is Lila Reay Dwire. Dwire balances her honors Math and English classes with her 2-3 hour cheer...

Ball in his hand, wins on his mind
Ball in his hand, wins on his mind
Stella Smith, Staff Writer • September 24, 2025

Freshman football wide receiver Cole Gerling shares what he loves most about the Clarkston program, Gerling says “My favorite thing about being part of the Clarkston program...

Photo credit: Smooth Wave Photography
Freshman on Varsity shares her keys to success
Demi Webster, Staff Writer • September 23, 2025

Freshman Stella Smith has played in all 31 of the Clarkston Volleyball team’s sets. With a 2.23 serve receive average and already totaling 103 digs, Smith shared her mentality...

Varsity coach leaves a lasting legacy on players
Varsity coach leaves a lasting legacy on players
Ani Melendez, Staff Writer • September 17, 2025

Most athletes will know how hard it is to balance a student-athlete lifestyle, but what about a teacher-coach? Mr. Laidlaw, a freshman social studies teacher at Clarkston Jr. High...

Clarkston's freshman volleyball team is starting the season off with a bump!
Clarkston’s freshman volleyball team is starting the season off with a bump!
Brooklynn DeLosSantos, Staff Writer • September 15, 2025

The Clarkston freshman volleyball team is setting off strong this season, using their unstoppable spirit, impressive teamwork, and commitment as they face off against local opponents.  The...

Greg Carswell, #71.
Varsity football player Greg Carswell talks about the football life
Jordan Carswell, Staff Writer • September 15, 2025

Greg Carswell, a player on the varsity football team, has a lot to be proud of. Football is tough, and not many can put up with the challenge. "It takes a lot of dedication...

Violet Rawlings & Madelyn Swanson
Dedication of a freshman cheerleader
Demi Webster, Staff Writer • September 12, 2025

Cheer is a big commitment; it’s difficult for CJHS Freshman cheerleaders to keep up with their school work, but they manage to do it. Cheer is a lot of work. The cheerleaders...

Marlie Smith commits to North Carolina Volleyball Program
Marlie Smith commits to North Carolina Volleyball Program
Stella Smith, Staff Writer • September 12, 2025

As some may think leadership skills are beyond difficult, Marlie Smith leads the Clarkston Varsity Volleyball team with ease and tranquility.  Being...

The Clarkston JV Dance Team, taken by photographer Scott.
Clarkston student dancers’ experience on JV Dance Team
Alaina Platero, Staff Writer • September 12, 2025

The Clarkston JV Dance team has been working hard to put on a great show and dance their best. Tenly Dasuqi, 14, a freshman at Clarkston Junior...

Charlotte Figlak on the chairlift.
The love of skiing carries through Clarkston teens
Sophia Tringali, Staff Writer • September 12, 2025

 8th grade student Charlotte Figlak races the slopes of Pine Knob almost every day in the cold months of the year, training to be a better,...

The team celebrates their win against Grand Blanc. Photographer: Logan Brown
Clarkston varsity field hockey team, new players improving
Concetta "Rose" DeBlasi, Staff Writer • September 11, 2025

About 60,000 people play field hockey in high school. At Clarkston High School, 25 people play, and the majority of those players just joined...

The Clarkston boys have a pre-game huddle.       
Photographer: First Gear Media - Eli Hackstock.
Clarkston boys varsity soccer dominating the season
Katelyn Perlin, Editor-in-Chief • September 11, 2025

The Clarkston boys varsity soccer team has been on fire this season, demonstrating impressive talent, teamwork, and determination that have led...

Mrs. Martin (left) and Mrs. Rottach (right)
Thankfulness in the air
McKenna Gloger and Paisley Coleman November 13, 2025

As the holiday season slowly approaches, it may be hard to not get caught up...

Life in Clarkston
Life in Clarkston
Jordan Carswell, Staff Writer • November 13, 2025

Clarkston resident Marilu Fitzgerald, who is a generous and loving mother of...

Emma Davis-Donnay at Essence on Main.
The essence of Clarkston
Emily Spurlock, Staff Writer • November 5, 2025

Emma Davis-Donnay is 37 years old and she is the owner of Essence on Main.  “I...

A true giver
A true giver
Stella Smith and Demi Webster November 4, 2025

Clarkston citizen Jennifer Davis tells us she wants to “be remembered as a...

Glass half full
Glass half full
Stella Smith and Demi Webster November 4, 2025

“I want to be remembered as a servant of God,” Clarkston resident Marion...

Katie Hess
A look into the inspirational life of a Clarkston resident
Alaina Platero, Staff Writer • November 3, 2025

Clarkston-born, hardworking mom, and local Clarkston advocate, Katie Hess, is...

Lindsey Baker
Small town impact
Ani Melendez, Staff Writer • November 3, 2025

As the seasons change, so does the story of a woman who has called this town...

Finding a career that fits you
Finding a career that fits you
Cash Donnelly, Staff Writer • November 3, 2025

Clarkston resident Ryan Eisert is a digital marketer. Now you may be asking...

City Clerk, Angie Guillen, and Deputy Clerk, Eveyln Bihl
Women in male dominated fields
Paisley Coleman and McKenna Gloger November 3, 2025

The City of the Village of Clarkston clerk’s office is an important building...

Siana Poldin behind the desk at HealthQuest.
Recent grad gives tips to current and future students
Payton Erkfritz and Kinley Cummins November 3, 2025

We walked into HealthQuest Physical Therapy in downtown Clarkston and interviewed...

Nicky Wyckoff
Nicky Wyckoff: not just a resident but a role model
Sophia May, Staff Writer • November 3, 2025

Nicky Wyckoff lives in Clarkson, has 3 children, and is 63 years old.  Wyckoff...

Shelby Kiser and Morgan Galvan
The importance of friendship and community
Elle Siwek, Staff Writer • November 3, 2025

Two friends, Morgan Galvan and Shelby Kiser, spend some mornings together getting...

Marion Salwin
Life advice from Marion Salwin
Kinley Cummins and Payton Erkfritz October 30, 2025

Depending on what your day looks like, you might get the chance to see hundreds...

Amy Darnell on left, Heather Hanson on right
Small town life with big impacts
Sophia Tringali, Staff Writer • October 30, 2025

On October 16th, I got the opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with...

"People really need to have more patience." -Kathleen Russell
The importance of staying true to your unique self
Brooklynn DeLosSantos, Staff Writer • October 29, 2025

“If we were all exactly the same, the world would be so boring, so you can’t...

Grace Gomez, Honcho Barista
The story behind the barista from Honcho
Concetta "Rose" DeBlasi, Staff Writer • October 29, 2025

The difference between people is part of the beauty of the world, like the difference between the ocean and the sky--both beautiful but in different...

Kevin Bushroe
Home is on the slopes
Aubrey Caruso, Staff Writer • October 29, 2025

Kevin Bushroe is a dad, a husband, and a passionate skier.  “I love skiing; I’m very passionate about it," Clarkston resident Kevin Bushroe...

Barb Rush in Honcho
How one family can form future change
Katelyn Perlin, Editor-in-Chief • October 29, 2025

Clarkston, Michigan, is a small town filled with meaningful stories from its residents. Given the chance to speak with Barb Rush and her niece...

Marilu Fitzgerald
A life rooted in family and community
Paisley Coleman, Staff Writer • October 28, 2025

Marilu Fitzgerald, a loving and caring wife, and mother of two children, dives into her roots and family life. Fitzgerald is a patient and caring...

Alex Page on the soccer field.
The Clarkston Unified Soccer Team spotlight
Katelyn Perlin, Editor-in-Chief • October 15, 2025

This year, Clarkston High School took a big step toward inclusion and teamwork with the launch of its first-ever Unified Soccer Team. Made up...

Mrs. Castiglione reflects on her life as a teacher
Mrs. Castiglione reflects on her life as a teacher
Ani Melendez, Staff Writer • October 2, 2025

In the hallways or in the classroom, you'll see a helpful smiling face. Jennifer Castiglione, a teacher at Clarkston Junior High School, will...

Ms. Bates
One teacher can make a difference
Stella Smith, Staff Writer • September 30, 2025

Some teachers just do their job with little excitement and enthusiasm, but 8th grade English and ninth grade History teacher Ms. Brandi Bates,...

Josie Chirco poses at Cedar Point.
Josie Chirco discusses her childhood
Concetta "Rose" DeBlasi, Staff Writer • September 29, 2025

A person's childhood has a significant impact on who they become later in life. Some people are quiet kids who don't talk much, and some, like...

Gabe Serrano
What a typical kid does outside of school
Cash Donnelly, Staff Writer • September 29, 2025

9th grade CJHS student Gabe Serrano explained his life after school, including how he earns money, takes care of his family, and still maintains...

Student Lee Ensley
A painting into inspiration
Paisley Coleman, Staff Writer • September 26, 2025

Everyone has something that pushes them everyday that makes them, them. For current 8th grader Lee Ensley who attends CJHS, music and art are...

Bella King at CJHS.
Bella King tells us about her perspective on life
Sophia May, Staff Writer • September 26, 2025

A student, a daughter, and a friend, Bella King shared her perspective on life, how she loves Clarkston, and how she grew up in the school district.  King...

Lillian and Hanna
Photo property of Lillian Moore
Lillian Moore shares her journey with cheerleading
Emily Spurlock, Staff Writer • September 25, 2025

Lillian Moore, a freshman at CJHS, cheers for Champion Force Athletics. We got to hear from her about what it's like being on the team and some...

Mr. Hilarides in his history classroom
Mr. Hilarides shares his experience as an Honors History teacher
Alaina Platero, Staff Writer • September 24, 2025

Clarkston Junior High is home to countless great teachers; Albert Hilarides is one of many, and he works hard to teach freshmen students the...

Frau Turske
German teacher Frau Turske shares her journey on becoming a teacher
Aubrey Caruso, Staff Writer • September 24, 2025

Frau Turske, a German teacher at the Junior High and Middle School, shares her story about how and why she began teaching German, and what it...

Eighth grade science teacher, Mr. Foltz.
Ty Foltz reflects on his teaching journey
Katelyn Perlin and Concetta "Rose" DeBlasi September 24, 2025

Ty Foltz, an eighth grade science teacher at Clarkston Junior High School, is kicking off his seventh year as an educator. In that duration,...

Benefits of unlimited snow days each year
Benefits of unlimited snow days each year
Elle Siwek, Staff Writer • November 14, 2025

Michigan is known to have cold and snowy winters. Students are always checking...

Picture with heart representing self care isn't selfish.
The importance of self-care
Aubrey Caruso, Staff Writer • November 14, 2025

When was the first time you did something simply for yourself without feeling...

A sign that reads "Closed due to federal government shutdown," infront of the White House.
Photo credit: The Washington Post
How the government shutdown is affecting millions of Americans
Katelyn Perlin, Editor-in-Chief • November 14, 2025

It’s downright unfair that the current government shutdown is hurting millions...

Decorating for Halloween pros and cons
Sophia May, Staff Writer • November 13, 2025

Decorating for Halloween is a very controversial thing. I love decorating for...

Elf by Jon Favreau
The best Christmas movie
Cash Donnelly and Jordan Carswell November 10, 2025

With the cold winter season coming, it's the perfect time to sit down with a...

Hooked on the hype
Hooked on the hype
Stella Smith, Staff Writer • November 10, 2025

As smoking can be dated back to around 5000 BC in the Americas, it has never...

Negative effects of homework
Negative effects of homework
Ani Melendez, Staff Writer • November 7, 2025

As the weight of homework piles up, it is sacrificing children's mental health...

Social media app image
Influencers fail to realize the power they hold over teens worldwide
Aubrey Caruso, Staff Writer • November 7, 2025

Although social media might seem cool and trendy, it can have a really negative...

This infographic information was obtained through a poll conducted on 231 DPMHS students. The poll was collected by DPMHS Student Media Staff.
The silent struggle
Demi Webster, Staff Writer • November 7, 2025

Many students silently struggle with mental health issues because schools often...

CJHS Movie Night
The benefits of a school movie night
Sophia May, Staff Writer • October 30, 2025

We recently had an outdoor movie night at CJHS. I think it sounds like a fun...

Marin Lugger
Do sports really affect your body?
Payton Erkfritz, Staff Writer • October 30, 2025

Morning practice can take a lot out of you, but it can strengthen your durability...

SmartPass logo
SmartPass in schools
Jordan Carswell, Staff Writer • October 30, 2025

Did you know that SmartPass was invented by 2 senior high schools seeking a...

Photo Credit: Health Services Los Angeles County
Schools’ impact on mental health
Alaina Platero, Staff Writer • October 27, 2025

Mental health greatly impacts students during the school year, affecting schoolwork,...

Don't be a dope and say nope
Don’t be a dope and say nope
Paisley Coleman, Staff Writer • October 27, 2025

Peer influence is a powerful force that can affect how young people may think,...

Stats of deaths caused by firearms.
The real cost of the Second Amendment
Demi Webster, Staff Writer • October 27, 2025

Why are Guns so common in the United States? They shouldn't be used as harmful...

Bella Wright and her boyfriend Tegan Frye
Clarkston Homecoming
Payton Erkfritz, Staff Writer • October 21, 2025

On October 4th, CHS students and the 9th graders at CJHS went to Homecoming...

Student Novae Leon-Fountain on left student Ava Warila on right
Homecoming in an 8th grader’s eyes
Sophia Tringali, Staff Writer • October 21, 2025

When people think of Homecoming, they often think of what happened at the dance....

Friends and classmates attend the game to cheer on their players.
Juniors and Seniors go head to head in powderpuff game
Concetta "Rose" DeBlasi, Staff Writer • October 15, 2025

The 60th annual powderpuff game started off with a kick on Wednesday, 10/1/2025....

Crowd at Homecoming 2025.
Hoco reflection
Jordan Carswell and Cash Donnelly October 15, 2025

No matter if you went with a friend or with a partner, everyone had fun at Clarkston...

Clarkston Community Schools spirit week themes
Spirit Week
Kinley Cummins, Staff Writer • October 15, 2025

At CJHS, homecoming is a big deal; this year, it landed on October 4th. To bring...

Photo taken LT6 Pine Knob Music Theater.
Music’s bond
Paisley Coleman, Staff Writer • October 14, 2025

Concerts are a GREAT way to connect with people who have similar interests!...

Game day advertisement for the Clarkston Wolves
Photo credit: Clarkston Football Facebook
CHS homecoming football game
Emily Spurlock, Staff Writer • October 14, 2025

This Friday, October 3rd, was the Homecoming football game at Clarkston High...

Clarkston High School homecoming football game 2025
Clarkston High School homecoming football game 2025
Alaina Platero and Brooklynn DeLosSantos October 14, 2025

On Friday, October 3rd, the Clarkston Varsity Football team played a great game...

Lime green is more than just a color at Clarkston High School
Lime green is more than just a color at Clarkston High School
Stella Smith, Staff Writer • October 14, 2025

Recently, vibes have changed at Clarkston High School, and the focus is on raising...

Left Nathan Drouin taken by Jackie Drouin, right Novae Leon-Fountain taken by Payton Erkfitz
Life on the stage
Sophia Tringali, Staff Writer • October 14, 2025

The lights on the stage, costumes, and your favorite people in the crowd: this...

Students in the new CJHS gym.
Students share excitement about new CJHS gym
Demi Webster, Staff Writer • October 10, 2025

The new CJHS gym has finally been opened for public use. After waiting months...

School mascot promoting cancer awareness and showing support towards the cause.
Clarkston High School shows support for a student battling cancer by wearing pink and green during the month of September and October
Aubrey Caruso, Staff Writer • October 10, 2025

At Clarkston High, students and teachers are currently showing support for a...

View of the 2025 Taste of Clarkston.
27th annual Taste Of Clarkston
Elle Siwek and Sophia May October 8, 2025

On September 28th, downtown Clarkston was packed with people for the 27th annual...

Freshman students Stella Shires (left) and Piper Hesse (right) on Jersey Day.
Photographer: Isabella Guy
CJHS celebrates homecoming spirit week
Katelyn Perlin, Editor-in-Chief • October 6, 2025

This past week, Clarkston Junior High School showed its school spirit through...

Homecoming sign made by the CJHS Leadership class.
High school homecoming tradition
Alaina Platero and Brooklynn DeLosSantos September 29, 2025

Homecoming is a long-standing tradition of American high schools. This year,...

20 of the best Christmas songs
20 of the best Christmas songs
Sophia Tringali and Payton Erkfritz November 10, 2025

In the colder months of the year, you want to sit around the fireplace with...

Hocus Pocus movie review
Hocus Pocus movie review
Kinley Cummins, Staff Writer • November 10, 2025

When the spooky season is approaching, it's always the perfect time to sit down...

Feel of Christmas
Top 10 Christmas movies
Ani Melendez, Staff Writer • November 10, 2025

Twinkling lights, crackling fireplaces, and a blanket of snow outside, but the...

Everybody Scream album cover
Florence and the Machine’s new album review
Concetta "Rose" DeBlasi, Staff Writer • November 7, 2025

"The Dog Days Are Over," "Never Let Me Over," and "Cosmic Love" are some of...

Photo Credit: Goodreads
Regretting You movie review
Alaina Platero and Brooklynn DeLosSantos November 7, 2025

The viral chick flick Regretting You was released in theatres on October 24,...

5 fun fall traditions to do with your friends and family
5 fun fall traditions to do with your friends and family
Emily Spurlock and Elle Siwek November 7, 2025

Fall is a popular season for traditions with family and friends. Fall is a season...

Photo credit: Serious Eats
The ultimate Thanksgiving food lineup you’ll actually want seconds of
Katelyn Perlin, Editor-in-Chief • November 4, 2025

Thanksgiving isn't just about family, football, and that awkward small talk...

Photo Credit: Freepik
Top fall movies and shows
Ani Melendez, Staff Writer • October 14, 2025

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, there's nothing quite like curling...

Photo Credit: Stock Cake
Top 5 spooky fall movies
Cash Donnelly and Jordan Carswell October 14, 2025

Fall is the season of feelings: scared, happy, love, and excitement. There's...

Baking through fall
Baking through fall
Payton Erkfritz, Staff Writer • October 10, 2025

A lot of people bake for fall. Personally, I love baking for other people. Many...

Top 5 scary movies to watch this fall
Top 5 scary movies to watch this fall
Demi Webster, Staff Writer • October 10, 2025

Fall is here! What are some of the top 5 scary movies to watch with your friends...

Photo Credit: Starbucks
The Starbucks fall menu ranked best to worse
Alaina Platero and Brooklynn DeLosSantos October 9, 2025

Every fall, Starbucks releases a limited-time fall menu featuring appetizing...

Top 15 songs for your fall playlist
Top 15 songs for your fall playlist
Sophia Tringali, Staff Writer • October 9, 2025

When I think of fall, lots of people think of scary movies and Halloween costumes,...

This photo is created by Sabrina Sultana on Dreamstime.com
Top 10 songs for fall
Kinley Cummins, Staff Writer • October 8, 2025

Every season has its own genre of music. Some songs are meant for fall and others...

Autumn songs that are a MUST add to your playlist this season
Autumn songs that are a MUST add to your playlist this season
McKenna Gloger and Paisley Coleman October 7, 2025

The leaves are slowly changing colors and the air is getting crisp. The contemplation...

Photo Credit-The Tower
Fall foods
October 7, 2025
People wearing different fall outfits.
Good fall outfits
October 7, 2025
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