June 13, 2024 by Maya Cassia (‘25) As the final chapter of high school unfolds, seniors at Saratoga Springs High School are gearing up for a memorable end to their academic journey. “I remember when Covid hit and everything shut down, experiencing freshman year like that made everything go by so much quicker and I […]
Senior Year Conclusion: From Some of the 2024 Seniors Read More »
June 13, 2024 by Elias Prodger(‘26) The summertime is truly some of the best time to listen to music. The crystal blue skies and sunny energy can make a kick drum punchier and the energy of any song more potent. We assume over here at the lightning rod you love music just like us, and
The 2024 Lightning Rod Summer Playlist Read More »
April 30, 2024 by Merrick Shea(‘27) Everyone has had a favorite class. Some choose English class with books and writing fueling their minds, and others argue that their favorite class is math, with problem solving and crunching numbers being their passion. For Mr. Andrew Janack, music was his love. Janack grew up in Galway, New
The Leader of the Band Read More »
April 30, 2024 by Francisca Schmalz (‘24) Released on April 12th, 2024, Alex Garland’s Civil War has seemingly taken the world by storm. For the first two weeks of its release, it managed to stay number one at the box office, despite three new movies coming out last week. Garland is someone who does it
Civil War: A Movie Review Read More »
April 30, 2024 by Charlie Gleeksman (‘24) I interviewed Olivia Allen on January 31, 2024, with the intention of getting a good grade in my journalism class. Hearing her full story as well as her family’s side struck me, and I was drawn in by her perseverance and strength. I want to dedicate this profile
Liv’s Light: Shining Through Leukemia Read More »
March 13, 2024 by Carlie Friedman (’24) If you walk into room G243 at any time between 7:49am – 2:20pm, you are certain to find at least one student who is not supposed to be there. This is not because the student is ditching class or in some sort of trouble. They are choosing to
Significant Figures: Profile on Mrs. Bell Read More »
March 13, 2024 by Francisca Schmalz (‘24) From Thursday, March 14th through Saturday, March 16th, Saratoga Springs High School’s drama club invites you to the kingdom of Arcadia for their production of Head Over Heels. The show’s plot takes after The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia from Sir Philip Sidney of the 16th century. Originally created
SSHS’ Head Over Heels: Straight from the Cast Read More »
February 14, 2024 by Carlie Friedman (‘24) An isolated school community is making changes after the Covid-19 pandemic which stranded students and hampered development. One of those changes is the implementation of restorative practices to create meaningful connections between students and prevent truancy, fights, and other issues that have plagued Saratoga Springs High School. “Restorative
Restorative Practices: Increasing Empathy at SSHS Read More »
February 14, 2024 by Eliza Krackeler (‘24) February, also known as Black History Month, finds MLK Saratoga in a state of constant motion. A group dedicated to the pursuit of a unified community, this organization constantly works to find new ways to spread its mission throughout Saratoga Springs through interactive and creative events. Holly Hammond,
Local Organization Spreads Dr. King’s Mission Read More »
February 14, 2024 by Olivia Tuck (‘24) Tiffany J. Sutton – @tiffanyjoy1955 Artist Biography from her portfolio: “Her work is characterized by the Black gaze, dual perceptions, and unique landscape; by placing Black femininity at the forefront; through complex, layered images, and introspective portraits. She has attended community colleges and Washington University in St. Louis.
Black History Month: Uplifting Black Female Photographers Read More »
January 18, 2024 by Sam Pecota (‘24) Earlier this year, a select group of Saratoga senior athletes announced their commitments to various universities across the country. One of these impressive athletes is our very own Anya Belisle, who recently committed to the University of New Mexico. In an exclusive interview with Belisle, I learned about
Athlete Highlight: Anya Belisle Read More »
For the final post of the 2021-2022 school year, The Lightning Rod remembers Billy Wardell and Daniel Weiss. The following stories were submitted by Billy and Daniel’s classmates.
Remembering Billy Wardell and Daniel Weiss Read More »
By Lizzie Sheehan The following is an argumentative essay written by Lizzie Sheehan, a current AP English Language and Composition student. What if I told you that the distribution that defines your future is skewed? The score that you work so hard for is determined using a scale composed of bias. Teachers throughout America
Argument: Equitable Grading Read More »
By Ciara Meyer The SSHS Student Guide to BOE Elections On May 17, many Saratoga Springs High School (SSHS) seniors will be casting their first ever ballots in the Board of Education (BOE) election. Local elections are not blessed with the same level of coverage as national ones, but they are still crucial in determining
The SSHS Student Guide to BOE Elections Read More »
By Tori Igoe As the graduation season approaches, students of Saratoga Springs High School (SSHS) have learned they cannot decorate their graduation caps. Many students believe this rule is unfair. At SSHS we are taught everyone can be themselves, that we should not conform to the majority. Isn’t dressing completely alike going against what the
Graduates Barred From Expressing Accomplishments Read More »
After a week of voting, the polls for the Saratoga Springs High School Student Council race closed. Here are the results from the elections: Student Council President – Evan Griffiths Vice President – Poppy Shishik Secretary – Zoravar Jassal Treasurer – Grady Frazier Public Relations – Ava Mackenzie Board of Education Representatives – Ryan McPhee
Results From 2022 SSHS Student Council Elections Read More »
