The student news site of Lake Stevens High School

Valhalla

The student news site of Lake Stevens High School

Valhalla

The student news site of Lake Stevens High School

Valhalla

Hailey Cordell

Hailey Cordell, Editor-in-Chief

Hailey Cordell is a junior at Lake Stevens High School and believes that everyone at the school has the right to know what is going on in their community, and she hopes to write stories that reflect her peers. Hailey is joining journalism for the second year to continue working in her position as editor-in-chief for the Valhalla. In the future, Hailey hopes to become an elementary school teacher. Hailey enjoys reading and hopes to try creative writing. Hailey has been mainly focused on her academics and schoolwork. Her proudest journalistic accomplishment is writing about important legislation such as Referendum 90 and Gender-inclusive schools policy. Aside from journalism, Hailey enjoys her history and English classes.

All content by Hailey Cordell
Nostalgia: Early 2000s Barbie movies capture childhood memories and magic. Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper is a computer-animated musical film released on DVD in 2004. “My dad worked a lot and so did my mom, I was too little to be on my own so anywhere I would go they would bring Barbie DVDs with them,” junior Gabi Prieto said.

The first generation of Barbie films encapsulate exemplary storytelling

Despite modern Barbie animation being of higher quality, classic Barbie films far surpass their predecessors in storytelling, characterization, and soundtracks.
Hailey Cordell, Editor-in-Chief
May 20, 2022
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Spring play: Promotion for Lake Stevens high school’s production of Clue is in full swing as show dates are rapidly approaching. The game Clue was first released in 1949 and was patented by British musician Anthony Pratt based on the parlor game called Murder. “Clue is a mystery of whodunnit. six guests arrive at a mansion, all holding secrets from one another. Will secrets bring out the best in them, or will it take a turn for the worst? Come find out in a night of fun, intrigue, and sleuthing, where you too can find out who should be put behind bars,” senior Haley Tabor said.

Lake Stevens High School Drama Club presents Clue

The LSHS Drama Club brings mystery and comedy to the stage on April 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, and 30 with their production of Clue.
Hailey Cordell, Editor-in-Chief
April 14, 2022
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Angela Morley

Hailey Cordell, Editor-in-Chief
March 17, 2022
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Recent controversy: Lake Stevens Library is temporarily operating out of the old Lake Stevens’ police station while construction of a new library is underway. After the City of Lake Stevens announced potentially breaking ties with the Sno-Isle Library system, community outrage dissuaded the idea. “The City, Sno-Isle Libraries, and Lake Stevens Sewer District are exploring the potential to build a joint civic campus,” The City of Lake Stevens stated.

Lake Stevens Library and Sno-isle partners with Lake Stevens School District

The City of Lake Stevens rescinds its proposal to cut ties with Sno-Isle libraries after community outrage
Hailey Cordell, Editor-in-Chief
February 28, 2022
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Fresh start: Second semester is here! Before barreling ahead, it’s a good idea to pause and do some reflection about this last semester and how the next one could be improved. The return to full-time in-person learning increased the workload and stress level for many students. “It got ten times harder being back in person,” junior Kelly Nguyen said.

Five tips for starting a new semester

After a hectic and difficult semester back in person, now is the perfect opportunity to reset
Hailey Cordell, Editor-in-Chief
January 20, 2022
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Exorbitant structures: Located on Lenora Street in Seattle, The Amazon Spheres house plant life and are used for Amazon employees to work and lounge in. The cost of the Seattle campus, including the spheres, was $4 billion in total. “Obviously the whole system of capitalism where were stuck in a rich get richer poor get poorer cycle is so messed up,” junior Adeline Janeway said.

A new technological gilded age

Increasing poverty, homelessness, and economic struggles, paired with unmatched technological development represents a greater interest in product rather than people
Hailey Cordell, Editor-in-Chief
December 13, 2021
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Gender dysphoria: A study conducted by Cedars-Sinai in which adult transgender individuals were surveyed found that most transgender individuals experienced gender dysphoria in their developmental years. Lake Stevens School District Policy 5590 aims to make transgender youth comfortable and safe at school. “Its probably going to ruffle some feathers and cause some waves in our community, and I would say that based on the response to our last policy five years ago, I think our district is ready for this,” counselor Angelia Riebli said.

Lake Stevens School Board passes Gender-Inclusive Schools policy

Policy NO. 5590, adopted by the school district Aug. 25 2021 will expand the protection and rights of transgender individuals in the District.
Hailey Cordell, Editor-in-Chief
November 4, 2021
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Letter from the editor

Letter from the editor

Hailey Cordell, Editor-in-Chief
June 14, 2021
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The high price of living with a mental illness

When affording necessities comes first for low-income students, treatment for mental illnesses dangerously takes a back seat.
Hailey Cordell, Editor-in-Chief
June 3, 2021
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GSA Club: Lynn Atchley is the Gender-Sexuality Alliance club advisor. Atchley has had past experience with the LGBTQ community and spoke out on her experiences. I have family members who are gay, so I am fiercely protective of them. I have loved being involved with this group of kids as I am very protective of trans people as well, Atchley said.

2021 presents a record-high number of anti-transgender legislation

States like Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee are targeting transgender youth
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Sarah Everard and violence against women

Students weigh in on violence against women and their reaction to the death of Sarah Everard
Mikayla Finnerty and Hailey Cordell
April 12, 2021
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Letter from the editor

Letter from the editor

Hailey Cordell, Editor-in-Chief
March 23, 2021
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Ref. 90: Bill passes on Nov. 3, 2020. Bill was voted on by 2,283,630 Washington state voters. “If students don’t learn about sex from trustworthy adults like teachers and parents - where are they going to find the answers to their questions?” sophomore Alison Powers said.

Referendum 90 will change Sexual Health Education in Washington state

New legislation requires that sexual health education is offered to all students and will expand upon previous requirements
Hailey Cordell and Evan Aldag
March 9, 2021
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Joe Biden speaks at a campaign event in Iowa, March 2019 (Pre-COVID-19). During the Primary Presidential election, in reference to the Crime Bill Biden said, “I havent always been right, I know we havent always done things the right way. But Ive always tried. Photo courtesy of CreativeCommons.

The danger of political complacency in a Biden-era Presidency

Joe Biden is officially the president of the United States; activism still cant take a back seat
Hailey Cordell, Editor-in-Chief
January 27, 2021
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April Berg campaign FaceBook page.  “[COVID] was a dark cloud that hung over the campaign,” Johnson said. Photo courtesy of the Berg campaign.

Students of Lake Stevens High School helped elect April Berg to the Washington legislature  – 

Johnson and Rai describe their experiences on the Berg campaign 
Hailey Cordell, Editor-in-Chief
January 26, 2021
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The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington DC.

White comfort and the whitewashing of Martin Luther King Jr.

Anti-racism requires accountability and action.
Hailey Cordell, Editor-in-Chief
January 18, 2021
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Search results of Capitol Hill on Jan 6th, 2021

Mob overruns US Capitol as US Congress attempts to certify 2020 election

Students and staff react to the violence.
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