The Pepperbox

The Student News Site of Arcata High School

The Pepperbox

The Pepperbox

Navigating life and school after an attempt
Navigating life and school after an attempt
Ell Franklin and Anthony Vasek November 3, 2023
“I’ve been focusing more on myself and what I need because I used to be a really bad people pleaser. I’ve always put everyone else first before me.”
[tnp_form id="1"]
The CCLL Leadership team 

(top row, left to right: Erika Homan, Carolyn van Mantgem, Melanie Zapper, Taylor Nada, Tim Clewell.
bottom row, left to right: Johanna Mauro, Fionn Conroy, Kayla Gaskill)
Hello CCLL!
Taylor Nada, Online Editor • December 7, 2023
This year, the Arcata Arts Institute joined a new program known as the Creative Careers Leadership Lab (CCLL), an organization aimed at helping art students gain skills to succeed in future careers in the arts.  
Pepperbox Broadcast
Pepperbox Broadcast
Rey Barber, Art Director • November 17, 2023
“It’s the first time we’ve ever had a broadcast,” Kloe Bryant said, “so it’s really just testing everything out,”
Difference Between America and Other Countries
Shu Yamashita November 14, 2023
“In Italy, we have just one class and the same classmates, we don’t change classes. We have been in the same class for four years. We have twelve subjects,”
Is study hall really for studying?
Kyndle Eisner, Production Manager • November 14, 2023
“I feel like it’s less strict than last year, but the pass system is stupid and doesn’t work.”

Arcata FFA heads into a sea of blue corduroy

“Traditionally, the Humboldt-Del Norte FFA section has traveled together. This year, all of the chapters are on their own. I opted to step out of the norm and plan a trip to Washington D.C. for the second half of our trip,”

Fifteen students from Arcata FFA are going to travel to Indiana and Washington D.C. from October 31st to November 8th for the FFA National Convention. 

They will be flying to Indianapolis on Halloween where the convention will be held. While there, in addition to the convention, they plan to go to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and “kiss the bricks” of the race track, attend the Cinch Rodeo (AKA the world’s toughest rodeo), watch an Indiana Pacers NBA game in a suite, and work together to escape from Escape Room U.S.A. These are just a few of the Indiana activities they have planned. 

Then, on November 4th, they will hop on an airplane, repping Arcata FFA in their official dress, and fly to Washington D.C. In D.C., they get to explore the Smithsonian, check out all of the historic buildings mentioned in AHS history classes, tour the Capitol Building, and tour the White House. 

It will be the first time attending a National Convention for all fifteen students going on the trip. Arcata FFA hasn’t gone to the National Convention since 2018. 

“I’m excited to see what has changed at the National Convention. I’m really excited for this group of students who persevered and stayed involved in FFA to be rewarded with this opportunity,” FFA adviser Kelly Miller said.

In addition to their first time going to the National Convention, it will be everyone’s first time in D.C., other than senior Oliver Gomes. 

“This summer, I went to all the Smithsonians, the capitol building, and went to the House floor,” Gomes said. “My favorite part of D.C. was definitely going on the Washington Monument. I liked being able to see the other monuments below, I thought that was really cool. I am very excited to go back. I love D.C. and I hope I get to see more.”

Miller wanted to keep the full itinerary of this trip as much of a surprise as possible. By reading this article, you will have learned just as much about this trip as the attending FFA members know.

“Traditionally, the Humboldt-Del Norte FFA section has traveled together. This year, all of the chapters are on their own. I opted to step out of the norm and plan a trip to Washington D.C. for the second half of our trip,” Miller said.

Arcata FFA members are beyond excited to be provided with this opportunity, especially ones who have never been to either place before. 

“I think it will be a lot of fun going to D.C. and Indianapolis. I’m excited to meet a ton of people and explore the booths in the FFA mall and downtown Indianapolis. I’m looking forward to interacting with other chapters from other states,” junior Jace Wallace said. 

Overall, the students are very excited about this opportunity and what they can bring back to the Arcata FFA chapter and Arcata High.

Leave a Comment
Donate to The Pepperbox

Your donation will support the student journalists of Arcata High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

More to Discover
About the Contributor
Caterina Morones, Production Manager
Caterina Morones is a beginning journalist at the Pepperbox. She is involved in some activities at school, such as FFA, where she serves as the chapter Vice President. She is an experienced researcher and speechwriter for FFA speaking contests. Caterina plans to cover many topics, from popular lunch spots to school events. However, she is not limited to these topics, as she is always down to try new things. When she’s not writing, you can find her at the beach, kayaking, or hanging out with her friends.
Donate to The Pepperbox

Comments (0)

All The Pepperbox Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *