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The official student news site of Highlands High School

The Hilltopper

The official student news site of Highlands High School

The Hilltopper

The official student news site of Highlands High School

The Hilltopper

Claire Lanicca, teacher of theatrical arts.

Theater teacher Claire LaNicca is honored for teacher appreciation week

Caleb McIntosh May 12, 2025

The teacher behind the art of theater is very responsible for helping to create the musicals and plays at our very school. Claire Lanicca plays a vital role in organizing and guiding the incredible productions...

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Mr. Turner poses for a photo.

Physics teacher Scott Turner is honored for teacher appreciation week

Edith Deleon May 8, 2025

Coming up on the last couple weeks of school, students and teachers are ready to say goodbye to the 2024-2025 school year. But leaving with that is one of the most beloved teachers in this building.  Scott...

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Abigail McCoy poses for a picture in front of her room.

Mrs. McCoy impacts new students differently

Harper Teismann May 7, 2025

At Highlands high school, teachers try their hardest to create a safe and effective learning environment for their students. An amazing example of this would be Algebra teacher Abigail McCoy. As a freshman,...

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 Ryan Mahoney and his mom pose for a picture with a lobster enjoying a sunny day.  Photo provided by Ryan Mahoney.

Students and teachers reflect on the mothers who shaped them

Mia Shrout and Merary Valdez May 7, 2025

The smell of fresh flowers and the air from the open windows seeps into the room, the dining room is filled with food that honors those being celebrated on this special day. Families are gathered around...

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This is a picture of Hudson Smedley taken by Tori Smedley, just a few weeks after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 5, with his Omnipod and Dexcom gadgets that help monitor and give insulin when his body requires it.

The unspoken reality of living diabetic

Adrianna Smedley May 1, 2025

Life is complex enough, especially while in school, with taking on activities, sports, keeping up with grades, managing time, and more. However for people with Type 1 diabetics doing all of these things...

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Devin Pierre (9)  holds a whiteboard that says ‘where I see myself in 5 years.

Students share where they see themselves in five years

Isabella Roderick and Abigail Jennings April 29, 2025

At Highlands High School, many students are already thinking about their futures. Setting long-term goals, whether it’s for a career in healthcare, engineering, or the arts, helps them stay focused and...

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Anti-bullying poster located in the 
student bathrooms.

Staff takes precautions against student bullying

Maylee Shen April 14, 2025

“A real or perceived power imbalance that is repeated or has the potential to be repeated.” This is the definition of bullying according to the Kentucky state school district. Bullying can come in...

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Highlander staff posing for a photo.

The Hilltopper legacy continues at Highlands

Edith Deleon March 26, 2025

In the late 1930s, a classroom in Highlands High School was filled with ambition and creativity. In the back of that classroom, a group of students joined together to start the school's first newspaper,...

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Alyona Greene snapping photo with her ELA students.

Mrs. Greene connects with all students

Edith Deleon March 12, 2025

Alyona Greene, an English Language Learner (ELL) teacher at Highlands High School and Middle School, is a one of a kind teacher known for her amazing energy, warmth and deep care for her students. From...

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Teachers, Scott Turner and Kym Grillot standing together.

Teachers reflect on their favorite Highlands memories

Haidyn Kelsay March 11, 2025

As Highlands High School prepares to say goodbye to some of its educators, reflections on the significance left on both students and the community are emerging. After 28 years of service, physics teacher...

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