Talisman

The Student News Site of Ballard High School
Safety signs that are outside of the main doors of the school building.
Washington State’s Legislative Session began Jan. 13: here are key bills that could affect students
Students getting their hearts checked from the local firemen.
School hosts record-breaking heart screening event
Blueprint layout of the Pacific Science Center where the Winter Ball was held.
Associated Student Body plans Winter Ball at Pacific Science Center
Health Occupations Students of America: “The DECA of Healthcare”
Health Occupations Students of America: “The DECA of Healthcare”
Howsmon shared that there is still a role that every student can play in slowing down the detrimental effects of climate change. The Earth Service Corps Club meets weekly to learn about the Seattle environment and participate in eco-friendly activities.
Managing climate change: learning the effects, applying solutions
One of the greatest accomplishments of “Mufasa” is that it brings back interest towards the magnificent universe of the pridelands
‘Long live the king’ in this live-action prequel
Smoked 'cado on everything bagel from Toasted
The hunt for a perfect bagel
As a woman previously cast aside as nothing more than a sex symbol, Anderson’s nuanced history gives needed context to Shelly and the audience’s interest in Shelly
‘The Last Showgirl’ dazzles spectacularly
"A Proposed Haunting" Performed at the "One Acts"
One-Acts bring six short stories school theater
A show that will go down as one of Netflix’s best
‘Arcane’ season two was flawed – and I loved it
While dopamine release isn’t the only factor to instigate an addiction, it plays a large role in the habits formed around activities that quickly reward the brain: scrolling on one's phone or partaking in substances like drugs and alcohol.
Reels, rewards and resolutions
Milana Vasilieva (left) and Nika Zinchenko (right), founders of the Slavic Club, pose in front of the Ukrainian flag displayed in Ms. Russell’s classroom which is where they hold their Slavic Club meetings every Wednesday during lunch.
From the war in Ukraine to finding refuge
AI in College Admissions
AI in College Admissions
Robyn Maddess taught at BHS for 14 years, impacting countless individuals in the BHS community and beyond. In honor of her contributions to the school, the Life Skills Lab has been renamed to Ms. Robyn’s Life Skills Lab, and a celebration of her life was held at the Elks Club for friends and family (pictured above).
An unforgettable impact: more than just a teacher
Photo of the image that appears on school-issued devices that reads “this page is blocked.” (Seattle Public Schools)
District restricts online curricula
“I have never done a sport that was so demanding and yet so fun and exhilarating,” Price said. “I look [forward] to it every day and am so happy that I became so good at it." (Courtesy of Lucy Richins)
The mat is unforgiving: the highs and lows of wrestling
“We’ve been undefeated for four years in our Metro League [Championships] so we’ve won every meet and we’ve had strong teammates who’ve made it to state finals and big competitions like that.” (Kelly Pecoraro)
Undefeated gymnastics team deserves recognition
Being captain means a lot to Larson, having played basketball for his entire life. When asked about who their biggest competitor was going to be this season, Larson was very confident. “[We have] No competitors,” Larson said.
New basketball captains lead the way
Senior Miles Price has also been doing wrestling since he was a freshman. He first started wrestling because he wanted to go to the NFL during his freshman year. (Courtesy of Lucy Richins)
Dominators of the mat
Brick Hammond-O’Darrah is a junior who does roller derby. Roller derby is where players skate laps around an oval shaped track while trying to escort a “jammer” player past all the opposing blockers. (Courtesy of Brick Hammond-O'Darrah)
We’ll all roll on, alright
Even though running has its cons, it has way more pros. I enjoy the good and the bad, even if that means getting soaked in the rain. I get to enjoy scenery, hang out with friends, and a sense of achievement.
The ups and downs of running: why I keep lacing up
Lively made a civil rights complaint and eventually filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, Wayfarer and its CEO Jamey Heath for sexual harassment and the intentional and strategic destruction of her reputation.
Blake Lively versus Justin Baldoni: the fight over public sympathy
It is morally reprehensible for people to use fire and ash to fuel their own religious agendas: a tragedy does not justify propaganda, and propaganda does not justify tragedy.
Religion has clouded a smoke-filled sky, yet again
Streaming, social media and AI are killing albums
It’s impossible to unify these groups of people under one cultural banner so why is it so easy to do the same for Africans?
Shifting perspectives

Talisman

Talisman
All content by Marley Helfer
Students getting their hearts checked from the local firemen.

School hosts record-breaking heart screening event

Marley Helfer, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 14, 2025
Being captain means a lot to Larson, having played basketball for his entire life. When asked about who their biggest competitor was going to be this season, Larson was very confident. “[We have] No competitors,” Larson said.

[Photo] New basketball captains lead the way

Sophia Gerl, Staff Reporter
December 20, 2024

The tipping point

Marley Helfer, Co-Editor-in-Chief
December 18, 2024
Robyn Maddess taught at BHS for 14 years, impacting countless individuals in the BHS community and beyond. In honor of her contributions to the school, the Life Skills Lab has been renamed to Ms. Robyn’s Life Skills Lab, and a celebration of her life was held at the Elks Club for friends and family (pictured above).

An unforgettable impact: more than just a teacher

Marley Helfer, Co-Editor in Chief
November 20, 2024
Photo of the image that appears on school-issued devices that reads “this page is blocked.” (Seattle Public Schools)

[Photo] District restricts online curricula

Abigail Bekele, Features Editor
November 20, 2024
My adventure began just two months ago, on Aug. 24, 2024, when I took my first step onto American soil.

[Photo] Living the American dream as an exchange student

Noah Tormos, Staff Reporter
November 7, 2024
New security doorbell that sutdents have to ring to be let into the building.

[Photo] New district-wide security program meets mixed reaction

Alfie Koll-Williams, Staff Reporter
November 7, 2024
The biggest change is that lunch, once a leisurely hour, has been reduced to just 30 minutes. (Marley Helfer)

[Photo] Half: the lunch story

Lucia Kelley, Staff Reporter
November 7, 2024
John Foster demonstrates a lesson for his metals class. A police investigation is ongoing concerning the stolen items which included two tool boxes and other cordless tools--some over 30 years old--from the woodshop and metals teacher John Foster's classroom, as well as a 3D printer and a computer from CTE teacher Brian Connolly's classroom.

Recent classroom break-in results in thousands of dollars of lost equipment

Marley Helfer and Hazel Engstrom
May 15, 2024
We’re relying on a language that’s founded on imprecise roots, with no sign of change coming anytime soon; many in the country are still stuck on the idea that gender is binary, and many won’t admit that humans are prone to making language mistakes.

They is not working the way it should

Marley Helfer, Editor-in-Chief
May 6, 2024
If state officials, administration, teachers and parents are uncomfortable teaching students about topics that are much more relevant than precalculus homework and science projects, they are failing to recognize what students actually need.

An investigation into sex education

Marley Helfer, Editor-in-Chief
December 13, 2023
The changing college landscape

The changing college landscape

Marley Helfer and Abigail Bekele
November 10, 2023
John Foster's maritime class goes on a field trip on South Lake Union to learn about the Virginia V ship.

Maritime Academy makes a splash

Marley Helfer, Copy Editor
June 22, 2023
Junior Naomi Kildal joined gymnastics in second grade and has worked hard since then to get to level 10 in club gymnastics.

A balancing act: a gymnast’s story

Marley Helfer, Copy Editor
May 23, 2023
Filmmaker and actor Matthew Law gave students a visit for the first panel discussion in the Black Celebration Series, hosted by the Black Student Union.

Black Celebration Series presentation highlights black excellence

Marley Helfer, Copy Editor
May 23, 2023
So, why was my experience at this Kraken game so overwhelming? It comes back to a few unfortunately predictable things: money, attention and technology.

Advertising and overwhelm: the chaos of attending professional sports games

Marley Helfer, Copy Editor
April 24, 2023
Choir went to the Museum of Natural History, shopped on Fifth Avenue and saw the show ‘Hadestown’ on Broadway.

Choir performs in New York City

Marley Helfer, Copy Editor
April 21, 2023
Katrel followed a path of persistence and ambition to explore her interests and find the right community. After high school, she attended six different universities both in and out of the United States.

Living with curiosity: a teacher’s story

Marley Helfer, Copy Editor
March 17, 2023
What would happen if you got caught in an avalanche, got injured or got separated from your group? If you’re going into the wilderness without alertness and with a false sense of safety, you’re taking a big risk.

Risk vs. reward: you can’t fake your safety in the backcountry

Marley Helfer, Copy Editor
March 16, 2023
Oana Rus moved to the United States from Romania, sharing her passion for math with students.

Leaving behind a legacy: a teacher’s untold story

Marley Helfer, Staff Reporter
February 9, 2023
Student explores Tutor.com, a free tutoring service for all SPS students.

Tutor.com: an accessible tutoring service for students

Marley Helfer, Staff Reporter
December 16, 2022
After students gathered at City Hall, organizers led the group in a march through the surrounding streets. Thousands gathered around the focal point of the march: the large banner that read, “Ingraham Strong.”

Seattle students walk out for gun control and mental health resources

Hazel Engstrom, Xander Howarth, and Marley Helfer
December 15, 2022
Tommy Ager earned his Master's degree during the pandemic before teaching Japanese.

Conversations without contact: COVID-19’s disruption of language classes

Marley Helfer, Staff Reporter
November 7, 2022
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