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The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

Despite Trump’s executive order, graduation shows that both Mexican and American cultures can blend in harmony.

Trump signs executive order to make English the official language, inciting insecurity amongst non-English speaking residents

Mau Sanchez Carmona, Sports Editor May 23, 2025

The United States is often referred to as the “melting pot” of all people and cultures - a byproduct of decades of immigration. Yet the history of the United States, though riddled with immigrants,...

Jobs in public health departments are extremely vital for the longevity of protective and safety measures in the United States. But as workers are laid off at the HHS, the integrity of the health system is questioned.

Health Department layoffs dismantle public health policy, leaving the country vulnerable to health crises

Swetha Narmeta, Feature Editor May 20, 2025

On April 1, the Trump administration carried out thousands of layoffs in the United States Health and Human Services (HHS) with no warning, ultimately attempting to restrict the size of health agencies....

While the late Pope Francis aspired to turn the pope mobile into a Gazan clinic, the Israeli government had other plans for Gaza and its people.

Francis’ final wish becomes increasingly unlikely due to rising Israeli aggression

Clark Lechtenberg, Multimedia Manager May 20, 2025

On April 20, Pope Francis passed away at the age of eighty-eight years. One of his final wishes was for the aptly named “popemobile” to transform into a mobile health clinic for the suffering children...

Warren Buffett is stepping down from his position as the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. This article reflects on Buffett's legacy and its impact on the future.

Warren Buffett announces retirement for the end of 2025, sparking discussion over how to be rich and charitable

Reid Yoder, Photo Manager May 19, 2025

Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett announced his retirement plans on the third of this month, claiming that he’d transition out of his position by the end of the year. The 94-year-old multibillionaire...

Social media often creates dissonance between friends due to its addictive nature enticing users to spend countless hours scrolling on the apps.

Falsely connected: Social media sparks negligence of social relationships

Ishika Desai, Opinion Editor May 19, 2025

With a click of a button, people are connected to the internet, opening the possibility to  communicate with anyone around the world. Yet, this symbol of togetherness masks a growing problem: friendship...

House Bill 970 proposes to only provide SNAP benefits for nutritious food that isn’t accessible to all Iowans. If this bill becomes a law, there may be detrimental impacts for many SNAP recipients.

Restrictions on SNAP benefits that promote healthier eating habits, may have detrimental effects on low-income families

Swetha Narmeta, Opinion Editor May 19, 2025

On March 12, Governor Kim Reynolds passed House file 970, a waiver requesting restrictions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Iowa. The bill aims to enforce healthier eating habits...

Various looks graced the red carpet at the 2025 Met Gala, celebrating the collection's theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style". Photos gathered from coverage by Vanity Fair, and arranged in an original graphic.

2025 Met Gala collection calls attention to the importance of multicultural celebration and success

Estelle Treiber, News Editor May 19, 2025

On May 5,  the Met Gala red carpet in New York City roared with extravagant statements displaying revolutionary tones of Black Dandyism, yet communities around the country were left confused, unaware...

Charlie Kirk uses his political influence on social media for personal gain, resulting in overly biased content that divides the US further. His debate tactics are unethical and often portray a false narrative regarding current political issues.

Charlie Kirk’s toxic debate tables misconstrue political narratives and contribute to divisiveness on social media

Grace Boleyn, P.V. Only Editor May 15, 2025

Holding a large following across a multitude of social media platforms such as X and Instagram, Charlie Kirk is a right-wing political influencer who undermines the meaning of civil discourse by sensationalizing...

Amid declining ACT scores, GPA transcripts tell a different story.

High schools fall short in college readiness and preparedness

Mau Sanchez Carmona, Sports Editor May 15, 2025

The United States has always prided itself in being the ‘best country in the world’; yet it continuously falls short when it comes to education and college preparedness. The US ranks 21st in average...

The USC SpeakYourMind Challenge reached PVHS students, advocating for suicide prevention awareness, while bringing a ‘splash’ of fun.

USC #SpeakYourMind ice bucket challenge supports online activism

Estelle Treiber, News Editor May 15, 2025

In 2014, a trend known as the “Ice Bucket Challenge” circled the internet, encouraging the awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease. In 2025 this trend resurfaced, started by Active...

Pictured is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in Woodlawn, MD. Trump's megabill would see drastic decreases in medicare funding, putting millions of impoverished Americans at risk.

President Trump’s megabill proposal raises concerns about Medicaid’s future

Reid Yoder, Photo Manager May 12, 2025

Established in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Medicaid serves to aid the low-income households of America, offering personal care services and covering most medical fees for those it applies to....

The ACT prepares for incoming changes that may tarnish the reputation of the well-known standardized test.

Changes to the ACT jeopardize reputation of easily accessible test for eastern Iowa students

Mackenzie Fah, Copy Editor May 12, 2025

Starting in April of this year, the ACT started to roll out new changes to the testing method as well as the test itself. The changes to the test may put students who lack access to the SAT at a disadvantage,...

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