Hope Darnell

Hope Darnell, Copy Editor

Hope Darnell is a sophomore at Highlands High School. She is going into her second year in publications and is a copy editor for the program. Outside of journalism, she enjoys playing soccer, running track, and hanging out with her friends and family. She is also on the high school varsity soccer and track team. Her goals before and after graduation are to get both academic and athletic scholarships to college.

Content by Hope Darnell

Fans predict outcomes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2”

Sophie Taylor and Hope Darnell
April 27, 2026

Nearly two decades after its release, “The Devil Wears Prada” is still remembered for its sharp dialogue, well-liked characters and behind-the-scenes view of the world of fashion publishing. With its...

Student families celebrate Easter traditions

Hope Darnell, Copy Editor
March 27, 2026

Easter is a widely celebrated holiday. Families come together and celebrate with their very own special traditions. Easter traditions bring families closer while boosting both the fun and the knowledge...

Women continue to impact history

Hope Darnell, Copy Editor
March 19, 2026

Women’s History Month is crucial for showcasing and representing the women who have made a significant impact in the world. Nevertheless, March isn’t specific to the honorable and famous women, but...

Boys wrestlers claim titles at state

Sophie Taylor and Hope Darnell
March 6, 2026

State titles are not won in one match nor tournament, but rather are built through months of training, discipline and determination. For Kayson White (10) and Parker Wilkens (10), this season’s state...

Probability and Statistics classes host carnival

Hope Darnell, Gabby Houze, and Zac Crawford
February 18, 2026

On Feb. 12, seniors who were taking Probability and Statistics class designed probability games to share with many students. These students made these games to obtain statistics and data for their...

Sports teach students lessons that classrooms cannot

Hope Darnell, Copy Editor
February 17, 2026

The final bell may ring at the end of the day, but for many students, the learning does not end there. Whether on the field, court, or track, there are always problems to solve, universal truths to learn...

Students, parents and faculty evaluate school calendar

Hope Darnell and Sophie Taylor
January 30, 2026

As the district prepares to finalize the 2026-2027 school calendar, students, parents and faculty were given the chance to share their opinions through a survey. With more than 1,100 responses, the results...

Student athletes balance sports and academics

Hope Darnell and Sophie Taylor
January 20, 2026

For many high school students, the school day doesn’t end with the final bell. Practices, workouts and games often last late into the evening, leaving student-athletes to juggle academics alongside their...

Fort Thomas welcomes interim mayor Andrew Ellison

Hope Darnell, Copy Editor
December 19, 2025

After former Mayor Eric Haas suffered a stroke in early Sept., 2025, the city went through a leadership change in the mayor’s office. Andrew Ellison was elected to step up and take place in that role...

Streaming fee implemented at HHS to boost student programs

Hope Darnell, Copy Editor
November 17, 2025

HHS has introduced a new streaming fee for viewers who watch football games online. The decision comes as more schools adopt digital platforms to broadcast athletic events, allowing fans to follow their...

Eliana Niese shapes hearts for the better

Edy Hobson and Hope Darnell
October 23, 2025

Highlands High School student Eliana Niese (11) earned a provisional patent through her lawyers that allows her to work towards a medical device that assists in preventing heart failure. The idea originated...

Bengals fans question Browning’s ability

Hope Darnell and Xander Bailey
September 23, 2025

On Sunday, Sept.14, the Bengals faced off against the Jacksonville Jaguars when disaster struck. Beloved quarterback Joe Burrow went down with a severe toe injury. Burrow suffered from turf toe, caused...

Girls soccer team overcomes a tough start to the season

Meg Gallagher and Hope Darnell
September 4, 2025

The Highlands Varsity Girls Soccer team walked into Northern Kentucky University’s field, their temporary home, craving a win after some tough losses. The team’s struggle for success has been frustrating...

Varsity boys’ soccer beats Bishop Brossart at their latest game

Hope Darnell and Zac Crawford
August 29, 2025

The boys varsity soccer team beat Bishop Brossart 2-0. Sophomore Ethan Lang (10) scores the first goal of the night for the birds in the first half. Brossart was a fairly competitive team and gave...

Tower Park enters this season with a new track and field

Hope Darnell and Ava Muzumdar
August 27, 2025

Five years ago this field was not a desired place to be, but in a couple of months, it will become the most active area of Fort Thomas. The new field will provide endless opportunities for the community....

[Photo] Highlands Bluebirds start the season fresh and new in Blue and White Scrimmage

Xander Bailey, Staff
August 20, 2025

The Highlands High school students show up and cheer for both the blue and white players. "I love coming to games and supporting my peers, and hanging out with my friends." said Mirabelle Go (10)

[Photo] Track birds take flight at Boone County Invitational

Keira Kobida and Luke Deegan
April 23, 2025

Sam Cleves (9) adjusts his block before starting the 200m dash.

Freshman baseball defeats Dixie Heights

Bailee Class and Hope Darnell
March 26, 2025

Students select stylish shoes for school

Bailee Class and Hope Darnell
March 6, 2025

At Highlands High School, having cool shoes is more than just looking good—it affects students' daily lives and connections. Many students feel proud when they wear the newest sneakers, like Jordans...

MLK’s enduring influence on civil rights continues today

Hope Darnell, Copy Editor
January 24, 2025

"I have a dream." These powerful words, spoken by Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1963 March on Washington, continue to echo through the corridors of history, shaping the modern civil rights movement. King's...

Boys Basketball suffers loss to Dixie Heights

Hope Darnell, Copy Editor
January 17, 2025

Softball achieves record-breaking run

Hope Darnell and Bailee Class
January 17, 2025

As the game reaches the seventh inning in the regional finals, the Bluebirds take the field. The stands are packed with cheering fans, and the air is buzzing with energy. On the field, the Highlands Bluebirds...

Varsity girls suffer loss to Scott Eagles 66–57 in rematch

Andrea Suarez Espinosa, Zac Crawford, and Hope Darnell
January 13, 2025

Highlands students reflect on homecoming 2024

Hope Darnell and Bailee Class
November 12, 2024

Under the glow of the homecoming dance floor, Highlands High School’s annual homecoming brought together students, alumni, and the community for a weekend celebration. From spirited pep rallies to an...

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The Hilltopper

The Hilltopper

The Hilltopper

Hope Darnell, Copy Editor

Fans predict outcomes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2”

Student families celebrate Easter traditions

Women continue to impact history

Boys wrestlers claim titles at state

Probability and Statistics classes host carnival

Sports teach students lessons that classrooms cannot

Students, parents and faculty evaluate school calendar

Student athletes balance sports and academics

Fort Thomas welcomes interim mayor Andrew Ellison

Streaming fee implemented at HHS to boost student programs

Eliana Niese shapes hearts for the better

Bengals fans question Browning’s ability

Girls soccer team overcomes a tough start to the season

Varsity boys’ soccer beats Bishop Brossart at their latest game

Tower Park enters this season with a new track and field

[Photo] Highlands Bluebirds start the season fresh and new in Blue and White Scrimmage

[Photo] Track birds take flight at Boone County Invitational

Freshman baseball defeats Dixie Heights

Students select stylish shoes for school

MLK’s enduring influence on civil rights continues today

Boys Basketball suffers loss to Dixie Heights

Softball achieves record-breaking run

Varsity girls suffer loss to Scott Eagles 66–57 in rematch

Highlands students reflect on homecoming 2024

The Hilltopper