Good Longhorn News

House Bill 2420 is a bill that is currently trying to get approved by the Governor of Kansas. This bill will make it required to obtain written parental consent before providing school-based mental health services. This includes interventions affecting a student’s social, emotional, or behavioral functioning. 

Schools violating this law would face a $5,000 civil penalty per violation. However, this bill doesn’t cover tier 1 supports and allows exceptions for immediate suicide risk assessments. The bill is currently in the committee stage, having been referred to the House Education Committee on February 12, 2026. Though, there is one question everyone has, is this bill morally right? 

Junior English teacher, Ms.Kleeman, thought this bill would be horrible. “Sometimes kids need a safe space to talk and process what they are going through. Unfortunately this can include problems at home. Counselors are already mandated reporters, so anything less than that should be between the student and who THEY choose to tell.” 

She makes a good point. Privacy is non-negotiable for most people, especially those who don’t have a perfect relationship with their parents. Carlie Obregon, sophomore, backs this opinion up saying, “I don’t think it should happen because if you ask your parents to sign off, it could lead to an awkward conversation, and your parents knowing things you might not want them to know.” 

Senior Mattea Kennis makes another good point, she says “I went to the grief counseling they held in August and it was really beneficial for me. Having to have written consent from parents would take opportunities like that away, so I don’t think that this is a bill that should be passed.” 

Many other people agree with this. Mass counseling shouldn’t be something taken away from students. Another point, counselor Mrs.Gifford made was “I just worry that if HB2420 were to be approved and passed that a lot of students would lose their only way of getting help that they need. School counselors are a free resource and often they’re easily accessible, which is what students who are struggling need.”

After much consideration, Holcomb High School has come to a conclusion that this bill is in fact morally wrong. With gaps in the bill, student confidentiality, mass counseling, and overbearing parents, this bill is bound to make things worse within school districts, and students personal mental health. With all of this out, what do you think?

HHS staff and students have many mixed opinions about vaccines. While vaccinations teach the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens, some people question the safety, efficacy, mandatory requirements, and personal freedom that come with them.

Beliefs may vary, however, most agree they should be required for young children.

Mr. Schreibvogel, science teacher, thinks that it should be a requirement. “At least, for public schools to protect the little ones.” Sara Beth, senior, agreed, “Some should be a requirement, like the ones for newborn babies.”

While some agree that it should be mandatory, especially in regards to the little ones, others believe that vaccines should always be a choice.

Mrs. Dingus, librarian, stated, “It should be a choice. Over the years, I feel that vaccines have changed in the medical world. If I had the opportunity to do it all over again, there are many that I would choose to opt away from.” Bailey Seirer, senior, didn’t have as much to say on the subject, but stated, “I think that everyone should be able to choose.”

Are all vaccines safe to be injected into the body? Due to the unique and diverse minds we have here at HHS, opinions varied.

For instance, Sara Beth is in the middle. “I wouldn’t say all are, some of them yes, but not all.”

Others had a much stronger stance on their beliefs, such as Nurse Stefani, who replied, “As much as I hated seeing my kids get shots when they were babies and much smaller, I personally believe in the science and evidence that vaccines have eradicated many diseases, so yes I do think they are safe.”

Brooklyn Schiffelbien, junior, had more of an opposing view, stating, “No, sometimes you don’t know what’s all in them and what you are putting into your body.”

All had well-thought through opinions and made valid points on what they believed in. Vaccines play a prevalent role in society and are something that everyone should be knowledgeable about.

So next time you pay a visit to the doctor’s office, what will YOU decide?

Question: I don’t like my current job, but I like having money to spend. Is the money worth it, since I’m just in high school and don’t really have bills? If I quit, should I get another job?

Answer: Having a job in high school is something some high schoolers could never imagine and others couldn’t imagine living without. But regardless of which one you are, there are always pros and cons. The most important thing about a job is making your own money, but most of us ask ourselves “is the money worth it?” every time we walk into work. I would say you have to ask yourself a few important questions. For example, do you not like your job because of a genuine issue or do you just want to go home and binge Netflix after school?

If you are thinking to yourself I just can’t handle the drama from my coworkers or I hate what my tasks are during my job, then it is probably worth it to look elsewhere. Let’s be real, there is no shortage of jobs in this area. Now, if you don’t need the money and want to have more time for friends and schoolwork then I wouldn’t have a job either. But a lot of highschoolers don’t have that option. For many teenagers, financial freedom is vital for their social life. Regardless of what you decide, I think there will always be at least one thing at a job that is not your favorite.

Question: My friends can’t find prom dates and it’s so irritating because I have a date but they’re all lowkey lonely and aren’t good at talking to people. How should I help my friends find prom dates and should I feel bad going with my date even though they’re alone?

Answer: Prom, the dance that most people either fear or love. You’re probably asking yourself, “Why would people fear a school dance?” Well, we all know that prom isn’t just simply finding a nice tux or dress and going to a dance that ends the year. Prom is the pressure from your peers to find a date just to fit in or it is the dance that your parents are forcing you to go to. But why is there so much pressure for an activity that is just supposed to be fun? Well, the simple answer is just trying to feel “normal”. If you have already found a date, congratulations because most of us are still searching. I would advise you to tell your friends to just ask someone, because the worst that can happen is someone says no. This in the moment might feel like the end of the world, but in reality it is just one moment in your life that won’t define you forever.

Honestly, no-one cares if you have a date or don’t, go with a group of friends or fly solo. We should all take the pressure off of ourselves to find a date. I bet if we asked our parents, they would say it was a fun experience, but they wouldn’t say, “I’ve been reminiscing all my life on how that night went.” So, just relax and do you!

Question: People don’t listen when I try to talk about my problems. This hurts my feelings, especially when these people are supposed to be my best friends. Do I tell them how I feel or do I need to find better friends?

Answer: As a generation we talk about the bare minimum for relationships a lot. Some people see it as just a TikTok trend, but most girls would say it is “unacceptable” or “drop that man”.  Why should our friendships be any different? If you wouldn’t accept that from a girl or guy you are in love with then you should not accept it from friendships. I think that you should express to your friends your concerns about not feeling heard.

In a society where we have a “blocked” culture sometimes talking things out is the best option even if it is an awkward conversation. If they don’t listen to you or just don’t acknowledge their behavior then find new friends. It is always better to be valued and respected in friendships than just having friends because that is what’s socially acceptable. You should find a level of self-respect as an individual, that should ultimately tell you whether your friend is someone you want to keep or whether that’s someone you could live without in your life. Who knows, you might find a new BFF!

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Imagine you’re an old white man and your name is Larry. Stick with me here… 

You have a wonderful partner, Joan, who you’ve experienced a long sixty-five years of marriage with, having gone through all the troubles of life and come out the end with kids and memories that have stood forever. Now, imagine you die at a gender reveal party because you choke on a small pretzel, and a week later, when your wife passes, you reunite with her in purgatory/limbo to soon go to whatever you think Heaven looks like. Sounds like the beginning of a happy ending, right?  

But then her (admittedly more attractive) first husband, Luke, a soldier that died sixty-seven years ago in a war, comes up to your wife and says that he has waited all those years for her to arrive so he could live in an eternity with her and have the life together that a war took away from them. Suddenly, you’re in a competition with someone that was once a passionate memory, and you have to prove you’re the right choice, when you don’t even know why your wife fell in love with you. 

Eternity, directed by David Freyne, is about one big impossible decision, and the pressure that Joan, played by Elizabeth Olsen, faces when having to choose between two loves that are directly described as “sparky” and “ordinary”. In a situation where you only have one chance to get it right, what would you do? Who would you pick? 

This movie has a broad audience, teens and adults, which is why it’s a great watch for anyone. It’s a romantic-comedy that isn’t afraid to be serious in moments where it needs to be. It contradicts typical ideas of the afterlife, and it questions what love and a relationship should be like outwardly. Should it be fiery where every word leaves you starstruck, or should be it comfortable and built from millions of memories and trials together? 

Any great movie pays good attention to detail. In Eternity, it does this by making all visuals and audio be done with intention and purpose. The music works well to express how the characters are feeling where there is no dialogue, every tone being intentional in the best way. The clothing colors imply internal feelings, the background has things you’ll find come back later, and you’ll find yourself intrigued by the concept of it all and convinced by the actors that it’s really the ultimate impossible dilemma this movie plays itself out to be. 

The entire watch is guaranteed to have you as conflicted as Joan, and you’ll find yourself rooting for each character, despite (undoubtedly) developing biases towards one from the start. 

This movie is available on AppleTV+, Amazon Prime, and is assumed to come to HBO Max in the coming months. 

AI is becoming a huge part of our everyday lives. From using ChatGpt for homework to seeing it all over social media and the internet, Holcomb High School students are no stranger to AI. Soon it is predicted to take over jobs like factory workers and bankers, but do you think it could take our teachers’ jobs?

A teacher’s job is not only to teach, but also to build relationships and inspire young minds. AI can do neither of these things. AI can only give information, and sometimes it’s not even right. When AI doesn’t know the information you’re asking for, it tends to make up random facts that are not factually correct. If a teacher were to give students false information when they don’t know something, they would get fired.

Ms. Kleeman, junior English teacher, said, “People are going to try to make AI replace teachers, but its going to fail. Teachers interpret, guide, and challenge students. AI can’t do that.”

Teachers also need to be able to control their classrooms and keep students on task. A robot couldn’t control a room full of third graders or get a class of seniors to actually do their work. Mr Miller, senior English teacher, said, “AI can’t walk around and redirect. It is also very generic and writes in one style. It has a tendency to make all students sound the same.” He also said that he would never marry a robot.

Teachers aren’t the only people who think that AI replacing teachers is ridiculous. Many students feel the same. It is very important to students to have a friendship with their teachers. When students have a bond with their teachers they are enticed to work harder and have academic integrity. Katie Santos, junior, said, “I don’t think AI could replace teachers because it isn’t that advanced yet. Teachers are too important to be replaced by a robot.”

Freshmen Jacob Romo and Carlos Martinez thought AI could never replace their reading teacher, Mrs. Davis. “A robot wouldn’t have the same personality,” Romo said. “And class wouldn’t be as fun,” Prieto added.

Valentine’s Day is a special time when love and friendship fill the air, and the decorations of pink and red create a warm, joyful atmosphere.

“My favorite thing about Valentine’s is seeing love in the air and friends showing love for each other like some girls do Galentine’s!” Diana Vallin-Vazquez, senior, said.

This year, students are most excited about singing Valentine’s and candy grams. Singing valentines brings out genuine emotions from the recipients, making the experience memorable. Candy grams also bring back sweet memories and are a cute way to express appreciation.

“I don’t think the guys need gifts, but it’s nice when girls do give gifts”, Isaac Davis, sophomore, said.

“I 100% think that girls would like getting this stuff because it shows a boy actually cares and wants them”, Adelena Asebedo, freshman, said.

Diana and Adelena both stated that they would feel very “berrylicious” if they got one of these Valentine’s.

“I don’t really know what either of them are but yeah I would like to get one,” Isaac Davis said.

FFA is also getting into the fun by selling candy bouquets. “We use the money for classroom supplies and FFA needs!!!” sponsor Marcy Venjohn wrote in a recent email.

Valentine’s Day is more than just gifts it’s about sharing love, kindness, and appreciation in fun and meaningful ways. Whether through singing Valentine’s, candy grams, candy bouquets, or simply celebrating friendship, love truly is in the air!

Students often struggle to balance school, activities, and sleep. This time of the year, things are getting very hectic, especially for seniors. 

For our winter sports, a lot of students have to balance their busy lifestyles. Blake Mader, senior, said “I really take the time to get work done during school time so I can focus on my sports after school”. While Lexi Cervantes, sophomore, said “I usually lock in at the last minute but I will always have my work done on time”. Lastly, Emma Hill sophomore said, “I prioritize school first and finish my work before we have basketball games”! 

While students are involved in sports it is important they keep a healthy social life outside of school. Some students had ideas on how to balance their school and social lives. Lexi Cervantes said,”I balance all three; schools, sports, and friends because I’m the goat, and it comes easy. Very wise words. Meanwhile, Ella Parker said, “I prioritize all three and don’t spend too much time on just one”. Lastly, Emma Hill said “Most of my friends play basketball so I get to see them at practice so once I get home I don’t hang out with anyone after.”

With students having such a hectic schedule, getting the right amount of sleep is key to performing well the following day. Blake Mader, had some tips on balancing a good sleep schedule “I try to go to bed at a good time and limit distractions”. However, Lexi Cervantes, said “I go to sleep super late when I have homework, but then the next day I try to go to bed earlier”. Following that Emma Hill, said “I actually go to bed at 1:00 a.m.”. She might want to fix that.

Overall, balancing school, sports, social life and sleep can be challenging for many students, especially as schedules become more difficult to manage. students manage their times in different ways, but they all share the goal of staying focused on their responsibilities while still making time for the rest and their friends. Their experiences show that although it is not always easy, finding a routine and setting priorities can help students stay healthy, productive and successful throughout the school year. 

The National Honor Society (NHS) volunteered at the Food Bank in Garden City this November. This event not only allows students to give back, but also supports the hardworking staff.
Sponsor, Mandy Fritz, took several students to Garden to pack boxes for families, working assembly-line style.

“It felt really good, especially because it was for local food-insecure children,” Mattea Kennis, senior, said.

Other NHS members who attended were seniors Dylan Burch, Bailey Seirer, Kaitlyn Foreman, Lindsey Eisenbise, Jaylee Wickwar, Malia Ruda, Ella Parker, and “this random girl from Garden.”

“[This has] made me realize how much more I could help in the community and the impact it can have on others just by doing small acts,” Dylan Burch said.

Looking ahead, NHS is planning a campus clean-up and the spring induction ceremony, events that further promote community spirit and recognize new members’ achievements.

“I’m excited to help clean up and make our community a better place,” Hailey Medina, senior, said.

NHS also comes with benefits to members, such as scholarships and feeling better about themselves.

“I think people should try to join NHS because it looks good on college resumes and it benefits the people around you,” Sarah Beth Davis, senior, said.

Through these meaningful activities, the National Honor Society continues to foster a spirit of service and leadership among its members, inspiring them to make a positive difference both locally and beyond.