In 2023, the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) found that only 14 percent of 13-year-olds reported reading for fun “almost every day,” compared to 27 percent in 2012. Reading for fun, which I’ll refer to as “personal reading,” is defined as “any kind of reading done for enjoyment or purposes other than work or school” and has innumerable personal benefits. These range from increases in general reading comprehension and vocabulary to promoting sleep quality or

Hydroflask (left) and Owala (right) bottles next to each other. Picture by Jeremiah Kowalski on waterbottleadvisor.com . For many students, drinking enough water every day is easier said than done. Though water is vital for our health, many factors can make drinking water unmotivating. Carrying a full water bottle can feel like an unnecessary added weight, making students hesitant to refill their bottles and add to their heavy load. Additionally, the actual act of drinking ou

Photo from Creative Commons Volunteering among teens is on the uptick after the pandemic. Students are participating in local projects and community organizations in record numbers, and schools are experiencing an increase in teen interest in service-based participation. Students felt isolated while learning online and staying at home for extended periods of time. Volunteering allows students to regain relationships and feel that they are connected to their community. Recen

Photo from waymo.com It hasn’t been long since rideshare apps have taken over the world of transportation. Now a new fast and convenient method is making waves. Waymo, a subsidiary company of Alphabet Inc., is like Uber but without a driver, or more specifically without a human driver. Their cars use autonomous driving technology to transport customers to their desired destination. The company first launched in 2020, in Phoenix, Arizona. Since then, they have expanded their

Bellevue High School has officially kicked off its annual Fall Food Drive, which will run from November 12th through November 25 th . This year’s focus is simple but meaningful: to collect peanut butter and jelly to support local families in need this Thanksgiving. In partnership with Families Helping Families Give, BHS Leadership is working to encourage students to participate and make a real impact in the Bellevue community. Peanut butter and jelly might sound like a small