2007-2008: “Hazing” by Peter Johnson and Noah Sneider
This investigative article exposes widespread hazing throughout the Paly athletic program. The article detailed harsh initiation rituals and emotional harm. The story explains that the hazing hasn’t stopped due to it being off the field and due to a lack of administrative action. Despite rules condemning hazing, it persists due to secrecy, peer pressure, and a culture of normalization throughout the Paly athletic program.
2008-2009: “There and Back” by Hanna Brody and Lauren Hammerson
“There and Back” recounts Palo Alto High School junior John Anderton’s battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma and his inspiring return to the soccer field. The story emphasizes his resilience, the support of his community, and the strength it took to overcome a life-threatening illness.
2009-2010: “How Athletic is Paly?” by Alex Kershner
Have you ever wondered how athletic we are as a school? The Viking measured Palo Alto High School’s athletic program using a custom scoring system based on athlete participation, championships, number of teams, and Division I alumni.
2010-11: “The Silent Impact” by John Dickerson, Nathan Norimoto, and Mariah Philips
“The Silent Impact” explores the serious consequences of concussions in high school sports, highlighting personal stories like that of Michael Lyzwa and Riley Smith. The article underscores the importance of awareness, proper medical response, and new rules like California’s Bylaw 313, which empowers referees to sideline players suspected of head trauma.
2011-12: “Beneath the Surface” by Kevin Dukovic, Jacob Lauing, and Nora Rosati
At Palo Alto High School, student-athletes continue to face racial stereotypes and discrimination despite the school’s diversity. “Beneath the Surface” highlights how these challenges affect athletes’ experiences while also showing how sports can foster unity across cultural lines.
2012-13: “Ripped and Legal” by Paul Bienaime and Rohit Rakumar
A strong culture of integrity and hard work discourages the use of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) at PALY. This cover issue delves into the reasons why some high school athletes feel pressured to use PEDs, and highlights the resolve shown by PALY coaches and athletes to remain “clean.” The story also discusses the challenges of a lack of funding for drug testing in high school athletics.
2013-14: “Last Call” by Alex Murray and Josh Stern
Last Call is a tribute to Ronald McNulty, a Paly teacher who created the Literature of Sport elective and helped grow the journalism program, serving as an advisor for both The Campanile and The Viking. The article chronicles the inspiring legacy McNulty leaves his student with, and his long lasting effect on the culture of Palo Alto High School.
2014-15: “Influenced Athletes” by Clara Harrington and Meredith Kinnamen
High school athletes often face a tough choice between socializing and staying committed to their sport. Influenced Athletes examines how peer pressure, team dynamics, and personal goals influence their decisions about substance use during the season.
2015-16: “Tumbling Into Tolerance” by Maddy Atwater and Laure Koyama
Tumbling into Tolerance documents the experience of Paly’s male cheerleaders, who faced repeated harassment and bullying for joining the cheer team. The story emphasizes the continuous stigma surrounding male cheerleaders, while also highlighting values, such as a strength and athleticism, that these cheerleaders bring to the sport.
2016-17: “Social Athletes” by Sabrina Hall and Tess Preising
Professional athletes increasingly rely on social media not just to engage with fans, but to build their personal brands and attract lucrative sponsorships. While this digital presence brings exposure and opportunity, it also opens the door to public controversy and pressure to maintain a flawless image. This story covers how Paly athletes use social media and how it influences their everyday lives.
2017-18: “The Gray Area” by Maria Fletcher, Yue Shi, Nathan Seto, and Ryan Strathearn
“Gray Area” tells the story of Henry Ford, a former NFL player who faced racism and career setbacks but became an influential high school coach. He used his experience to mentor students and promote inclusivity at Paly.
2018-19: “Stepping into the Limelight” by Sanaz Ebrahimi, Zach Philips, David Hickey, and Ya’el Sarig
Stepping into the Limelight discusses the overlooked contributions of behind-the-scenes personnel in sports, such as photographers, team managers, custodial staff, and athletic trainers. The story discusses the warrior’s equipment manager Eric Housen who was honored with a championship ring by Steph Curry for his longtime dedication.
2019-20: “Training for Two” by Ya’el Sarig, Natalie Schilling, Victoria Soulodre, Libby Spier, Emma Stefanutti, and Gwyneth Wong
This cover story discusses the challenges faced by pregnant athletes, explaining how societal expectations and discrimination from sponsors and employers pressure them to rush their return to competition. This story covers the need for greater support and understanding for pregnant athletes.
2020-21: “The Evolution of the Athlete Activist” by Anika Chang, David Gormley, Callum Olsen, and Madhu Ramkumar
Athletes today are using social media as a powerful tool to speak out against social injustices. While figures like Muhammad Ali and John Carlos once faced heavy backlash, modern athletes like Colin Kaepernick can now bypass censorship and amplify their message globally.
2021-22: “50 Years of Progress” by Trey Collins, Yasmin Friedrichowitz, Grace Gormley, and Grace Li
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX; a law enacted in 1972, that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded educational programs and activities. “50 Years of Progress is here to broadcast the major impact Title IX has had on women’s sports, mainly under accessibility purposes. Also the article talks about Title IX’s role in mandating institutions to address and prevent sexual harassment and misconduct.
2022-23: “The Menstruation Situation” by Grace Gormley, Eliza Gaither, and Hillary Studdert
This article explores the challenges menstruating students face in balancing academics and extracurricular activities, and the physical and emotional demands of their menstrual cycles. It also calls out the lack of discussions regarding menstruation in school and misinformation about the topic.
2023-24: “Dunking on Stereotypes” by Tyler Martin, Max Merkel, Dylan Robinson and Grace Gormley art by Josie Vogel
“Dunking on Stereotypes” explores the rising popularity, and growing positive perception of women’s basketball. Specifically highlighting how star athletes like Caitlyn Clark and Sabrina Ionescu have reshaped the narrative around women in basketball.
2024-25: “Transforming The Game” by Scarlett Frick, Amanda Goody, Jake Liu, and Mabel McCarter
Amid recent executive orders, the debate over transgender athletes has intensified, with the article highlighting diverse perspectives and raising awareness.
