Meet the Staff of The Comet

Maia is a sweet, funny, and sarcastic girl. She is a 7th grader and this is her 8th year at CCA. Maia loves to binge TV shows, cook, and watch her favorite Broadway shows such as Hamilton and 42nd Street. She’s a natural born leader with goals to take on the world. She loves to design bracelets, earrings, scarfs, etc.

The Comet: Why did you join the Newspaper Club?

Maia G: I love writing and being in a newspaper seemed fun.

The Comet: How long have you been at CCA, and why did you join?

Maia G: I have been with CCA for 8 years. I joined because I was looking for a great cyber school environment where I could be flexible with my schoolwork.

The Comet: What is your favorite color?

Maia G: I can’t choose one, so my favorite colors are blue, grey, and black.

The Comet: What is your favorite sport?

Maia G: My favorite sports are football and dance. Yes, dance is a sport. Prove me wrong.

The Comet: Your favorite video game/board game?

Maia G: My favorite video game is either Minecraft or Among Us. My favorite board game is Sorry.

The Comet: What is your favorite movie/book/TV show?

Maia G: My favorite movie is probably A Quiet Place. My favorite books are probably A Series of Unfortunate Events. And my favorite TV shows are Psych, The Office, and Santa Clarita Diet (warning, it’s a bit gory!).

The Comet: Do you have any pets?

Maia G: Yes, I have a pet. I have a golden retriever named Buddy. He’s 13 years old in dog years and 74 in human years!

The Comet: What is your favorite thing to do when you are bored?

Maia G: I like dancing, drawing, and baking. I also love to crochet and make jewelry.

The Comet: What would you say your personality is?

Maia G: Depending on how I’m feeling that day, I can be kind, confident, serious, and brutally honest. I admit I have a short temper but usually I’m sweet.

The Comet: Your Favorite song?

Maia G: If the whole soundtrack of Hamilton doesn’t count, then my favorite song is Bang by AJR.

The Comet: What is your favorite class at CCA?

Maia G: My favorite classes are Math and World History, but I do love all subjects.

The Comet: Your favorite occupation?

Maia G: I’d love to become a financial or criminal lawyer! I’m also fond of business management.

Gigi (Giavanna) is a very bubbly person, and this is her 1st year at CCA. She is in 8th grade and is a cheerleader. Gigi loves to write in their free time and/or play Roblox with her cousins (Who are like brother and sister).

The Comet: Why did you join the Newspaper Club?

Giavanna U: I love writing, (but not if it is for school) and wanted to make new friends.

The Comet: How long have you been at CCA, and why did you join?

Giavanna U: This is my first year at CCA, and I joined because my family did not think it is safe enough to go back to a regular school.

The Comet: What is your favorite color?

Giavanna U: My favorite color is turquoise.

The Comet: What is your favorite sport?

Giavanna U: My favorite sport is cheer.

The Comet: Your favorite video game/board game?

Giavanna U: My favorite video game is Roblox.

The Comet: What is your favorite movie/book/TV show?

Giavanna U: My favorite book series (I can’t pick one book) is the Baby Sitters Club Graphic Novel.

The Comet: Do you have any pets?

Giavanna U: I have 1 dog named Princess.

The Comet: What is your favorite thing to do when you’re bored?

Giavanna U: When I am bored, I play Roblox with Katie.

The Comet: What would you say your personality is like?

Giavanna U: Funny, outgoing, and bubbly.

The Comet: Your favorite song?

Giavanna U: Right now, it is Schuyler Sisters from Hamilton.

The Comet: What is your favorite class at CCA?

Giavanna U: My favorite class at CCA is art.

The Comet: Your favorite occupation?

Giavanna U: My favorite occupation is a Research Scientist or an Actress.

Paige is a funny, sweet, and kind girl. It is her 1st year at CCA and, she is in 6th grade. Paige has a twin sister whose name is Sarah. She loves sports and loves to read. In her free time, Paige likes to Zoom with friends and talk with them. She can also be very confident when talking about things that make her passionate.

The Comet: Why did you join the Newspaper Club?

Paige W: I joined the Newspaper Club because I love to read and write. I also really wanted to be a part of something important.

The Comet: How long have you been at CCA, and why did you join?

Paige W: This is my first year at CCA. My mom signed me up because she was worried about Covid-19.

The Comet: What is your favorite color?

Paige W: I love all shades of blue, black, and white.

The Comet: What is your favorite sport?

Paige W: Oh, soccer, that’s obvious. But I do like to play basketball sometimes.

The Comet: Your favorite video game/board game?

Paige W: I do not really like video games, but my favorite board game is Monopoly.

The Comet: What is your favorite movie/book/TV show?

Paige W: My favorite movies are all the Harry Potterones. I would say Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief as my favorite book. My favorite TV show would have to be Julie and The Phantoms.

The Comet: Do you have any pets?

Paige W: Yes, I have two ferrets, and my grandmother has cats.

The Comet: What is your favorite thing to do when you are bored?

Paige W: Read or write.

The Comet: What would you say your personality is like?

Paige W: I am very sarcastic and funny. I do have a bit of a temper, I must admit. But I can also be very compassionate.

The Comet: Your favorite song?

Paige W: My favorite song? Burn the House Down by AJR.

The Comet: What is your favorite class at CCA?

Paige W: I love Math because I am really good at it.

The Comet: Your favorite occupation?

Paige W: Well, I want to be an architect because I am good at math, and I love designing buildings.

Natalie Cohen is a creative and ambitious high-school senior. When she isn’t painting or writing, you can find her reading through her growing pile of library books, watching and pretending to know how to critique films or collecting all kinds of bits and bobs to stick in her sketchbooks and on her walls!

The Comet: Why did you join the newspaper?

Natalie C: I joined the Newspaper Club in 2017 (when I was a freshman) and I’ve loved it ever since! At that point, I was just getting into writing and I wanted to join a club that would encourage me to write more; little did I know that I would fall in love with this club and strive to be a part of it every year since then!

The Comet: Explain your position/job in the newspaper.

Natalie C: This is my second consecutive year acting as a HS Editor-In-Chief. My job consists of helping to format the Newspaper homepage, aiding the other editors in their individual tasks, supervising the overall layout of each issue, as well as communicating with all the editors and the club adviser, Mr. Lawrence, in order to ensure that we can meet our publication deadline.

The Comet: What’s it like being an editor for the newspaper?

Natalie C: Being an editor for the newspaper is an absolute blast as I get to give kudos to staff writers on their submissions and work behind-the-scenes to help craft an amazing issue every season! I’m beyond grateful that I get to spend my last year at CCA doing what I love for this awesome club!

The Comet: What are your post-HS plans or career goals for the future?

Natalie C: After graduating, I plan on attending the Community College of Allegheny County for two years before (hopefully!) transferring to my dream school, the University of Pittsburgh. I strive to get my B.A. in English Literature or Creative Writing (still deciding!) and work in the publishing industry as I sell my art online and write my YA fantasy novel’s manuscript that, eventually, I hope to publish.

The Comet: Favorite movie/TV show/book?

Natalie C: My favorite movies include The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Her. Some of my favorite books include Radio Silence by Alice Oseman, The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X. R Pan and Sadness is a White Bird by Moriel Rothman-Zecher.

The Comet: Do you have any pets? If yes, what kind?

Natalie C: We haven’t had a pet since our cat, Max, passed away in 2015.

The Comet: Favorite subject in school?

Natalie C: My favorite classes this year would have to be AP English Literature and Gothic Lit. I’m getting to know so many new authors from both these courses and I love that Gothic Lit is encouraging me to stretch my creative-writing muscles!

The Comet: Finally, any hobbies?

Natalie C: My passions include art and writing. I try to keep up with sketching, drawing, or painting not only for my social media audience, but myself as well! Writing allows me to tell stories that I can’t through art, and because of this, I’ve been trying to execute more and more of my creative-writing ideas during quarantine. I also enjoy cooking, baking, journaling, and reading.

Azariah Akins is currently a senior at CCA. She’s a lover of all things related to politics, books, and The Bachelorette. She plans to become a public policy lawyer after graduating from HS and Law School. You can find her writing love stories and daydreaming in her free time.

The Comet: Why did you join the newspaper?

Azariah A: I joined the newspaper during my junior year of HS, just wanting an outlet to showcase my creativity. I had been interested in majoring in Journalism at the time, but I had never been a part of an actual newspaper. I thought my school’s paper would be the perfect place to start. The year I joined the newspaper, I became copy editor and was able to learn many vital skills that have greatly benefited me.

The Comet: Explain your position/job in the newspaper.

Azariah A: This year, I am co-editor in chief. It’s a big deal to be trusted with so much responsibility, and the opportunity to be a leader. As editors-in-chief, Natalie and I are focused on overviewing the paper, working on the layout, finalizing the paper, and helping guide our editorial staff in the right direction. We work to make things a lot easier and answer any questions our staff has about the paper.

The Comet: What’s it like being an editor for the newspaper?

Azariah A: It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun. As a senior this year, I like being able to see that once I leave the newspaper is in really good hands with our editorial staff. All the reading and writing, and editing can be a lot, but getting to see the final product is so, so worth it!

The Comet: What are your post-HS plans or career goals for the future?

Azariah A: After high school I’ll be majoring in Political Science at a four-year university. I want to become a public policy lawyer and run for United States Senate one day.

The Comet: Favorite movie/TV show/book?

Azariah A: My favorite movie is Roman Holiday, my favorite TV show is Friends, and my favorite book as of late is You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson.

The Comet: Do you have any pets? If yes, what kind?

Azariah A: Unfortunately, no. My mom won’t let me get any pets because she hates them, but I’d like to have a cat or a bunny called Peanut Butter.

The Comet: Favorite subject in school?

Azariah A: I love US History, and learning about the people and events that helped shape America’s history.

The Comet: Finally, any hobbies?

Azariah A: I’m a very big reader, and I manage a book club and social media platform dedicated to books! I also love following politics, and watching The Bachelor franchise.

Jillian Lewis is a sophomore at CCA who is obsessed with cats and Hyundai Tucsons. She enjoys having fun with her friends and family and is very crafty. You would probably find her watching videos about the Tucson or doing something artsy in her bullet journal (and spending time with her cats, of course).

The Comet: Why did you join the newspaper?

Jillian L: I joined the newspaper because I wanted to be in a club that would allow me to create fun and unique pieces of art and writing. I also joined because I wanted to work with people that enjoy doing the same thing.

The Comet: Explain your position/job in the newspaper.

Jillian L: I am a staff writer and an editor. I am the Photography editor, to be specific, and so my job is to put people’s art and photography submissions into the corresponding section of the newspaper, as well as choose a photo to accompany each article.

The Comet: What’s it like being an editor for the newspaper?

Jillian L: Being an editor for the newspaper is an amazing experience. Finding a photo that corresponds with every article is honestly such a fun task. I was also Photography editor last year, so getting to do it again is an amazing thing. I love working with the other editors to create a fantastic edition of the newspaper every few months, and it’s awesome to be one of the first people to see the published edition.

The Comet: What are your post-HS plans or career goals for the future?

Jillian L: After high school, my hope and what I really want to do is to start a driving school that teaches teens how to drive. I would also like to start a cat café later on down the road. I have changed my mind so many times before but I know this is exactly what I want to do hehe. Also, I want to have an Etsy shop on the side since I do so many different types of crafts.

The Comet: Favorite Movie/TV Show/Book?

Jillian L: My favorite movie is probably Disney’s Bad Hair Day, it’s absolutely hilarious. I also love Secret Life of Pets 1 and 2. I don’t watch TV very often, but my favorite show is Dancing with the Stars. My favorite book is Dewey by Vicki Myron, but I like a lot of books lol.

The Comet: Do you have any pets? If yes, what kind?

Jillian L: I have 2 cats, Styx who is a mackerel tabby, and Max who is a tuxedo cat. I also have a dog Sadie who is a pit bull/chocolate lab mix.

The Comet: Favorite subject in school?

Jillian L: My favorite subjects in school are Driver’s Ed and German- I think they’re so fun!

The Comet: Finally, any hobbies?

Jillian L: Some of my hobbies include crafts/DIYs, makeup, bullet journaling, photography, art, and reading.

Patricia (or Patty for short) is a sophomore you would expect to be the everyday “nerd” and be that one person that actually likes school and studying. And you’d be right, because she does. She’s also a writer and musician to boot. Quite the busy person, she is. Yet, she always finds the time to do what she does best, whether that be writing for essays or newspapers, practicing, or her new favorite: managing a music organization. In the form of a website.

The Comet: Why did you join the newspaper?

Patricia H: I joined it to satisfy the writer’s side of me. I’m really big on writing, and probably might minor it in college.

The Comet: Explain your position/job in the newspaper.

Patricia H: My position is Article Editor for all sections in the HS newspaper. I look over how many articles there are and notify whenever more needs to be added or submitted.

The Comet: What’s it like being an editor for the newspaper?

Patricia H: For my second year, it’s been great, if not better. I feel like I have more things to do and more people to have fun and be around online.

The Comet: What are your post High School plans or career goals for the future?

Patricia H: Majoring in music performance and minoring in creative writing in college.

The Comet: Favorite Movie/TV Show/Book?

Patricia H: Movie: (Still) Evil Dead 2; Show: Any westerns or foreign language mysteries; Book: Night by Elie Wiesel

The Comet: Do you have any pets? If yes, what kind?

Patricia H: No, but I used to. A male betta fish named Brody, who sadly died at 1 year old. Still miss him sometimes.

The Comet: Favorite subject in school?

Patricia H: English. Especially honors.

The Comet: Finally, any hobbies?

Patricia H: Writing, practicing violin, spending time with friends, and trying to find the time to rest my head for everything I do.

Rachael Emans is a Copy Editor for CCA’s high school newspaper. She is a Junior, and this is her third year at CCA. For fun, she enjoys reading, biking, and talking with friends.

The Comet: Why did you join the newspaper?

Rachael E: I wanted to be a part of the “behind the scenes” of CCA’s newspaper! I knew it would be fun, and that has definitely held true. I have always enjoyed writing and reading about current events, so this club seemed perfect!

The Comet: Explain your position/job in the newspaper.

Rachael E: I am a Copy Editor for this newspaper! Basically, I lend a hand in correcting grammar and spelling for the newspaper’s submissions. I also check that sources are properly cited and used. I, along with other editors, manage the newspaper’s layout and organization.

The Comet: What’s it like being an editor for the newspaper?

Rachael E:  Fun! I’m able to collaborate with some cool kids my age. Experiencing the process and creation of the newspaper has been super interesting and enlightening, and I’m glad I’m able to lend a hand in it.

The Comet: What are your post-HS plans or career goals for the future?

Rachael E: I’m not too sure. I’d love to do something with criminal justice and psychology in mind.

The Comet: Favorite Movie/TV Show/Book?

Rachael E: The Eye of Minds by James Dashner

The Comet: Do you have any pets? If yes, what kind?

Rachael E: I have four great pets! I have one Corgi dog and three Munchkin cats. My dog’s name is Ollie, and my cats’ names are Izzy, Lewis, and Herbie.

The Comet: Favorite subject in school?

Rachael E: Science!

The Comet: Finally, any hobbies?

Rachael E: Hmm. Watercoloring, biking, watching movies, and talking with friends and family are all things I like to do often.

Leah Rueger is in 10th grade and has been a CCA student for almost eleven years. She loves to read and draw, and sometimes writes. She loves all different animals and enjoys being around them and teaching others what she knows about them.

The Comet: Why did you join the newspaper?

Leah R: I wanted to join the Newspaper Club after seeing the issues last year. I didn’t know that the school had a newspaper until then, and helping with a school newspaper always seemed like a fun idea to me.

The Comet: Explain your position/job in the newspaper.

Leah R: I am the assistant copy editor for the high school newspaper. My job is to help the copy editor look for mistakes in grammar and spelling.

The Comet: What’s it like being an editor for the newspaper?

Leah R: It’s a lot of fun being able to see the newspaper being added on to and watch the development of it. I love seeing all the articles as they are added.

The Comet: What are your post-HS plans or career goals for the future?

Leah R: I hope to go to college for some sort of environmental education or zoology. I enjoy working with and teaching others about animals, and I hope to be able to do that as a career someday.

The Comet: Favorite Movie/TV Show/Book?

Leah R: My favorite TV show would have to be The Dragon Prince. I also enjoy the How to Train Your Dragon movie series. I have too many favorite books to name here, but one of my favorite series right now is Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard.

The Comet: Do you have any pets? If yes, what kind?

Leah R: I have one cat named Sage and many fish.

The Comet: Favorite subject in school?

Leah R: I loved the Biology course I took last year. It has to be one of my favorite classes.

The Comet: Finally, any hobbies?

Leah R: I read a wide variety of genres and I enjoy drawing with a couple different mediums. I have been a Girl Scout for almost five years now and love it.

Alyssa Fittry is a Sophomore who loves anything to do with crime, astronomy, and astrology. This is her second year at CCA, and she couldn’t be enjoying it more. When she’s not doing school, you can find her binge-watching her two favorite shows, Supernatural and Criminal Minds on Netflix, or video calling with her friends.

The Comet: Why did you join the newspaper?

Alyssa F: I joined the newspaper because I enjoy writing poetry and felt that this would be a way to help express myself. I joined CCA last year and was thinking of joining this club, but I was too nervous and backed out. After that I met my amazing friends who helped me feel more comfortable at this school, so I decided to join this year, I’m really glad I did too!

The Comet: Explain your position/job in the newspaper.

Alyssa F: I’m a Submissions Editor for the high-school newspaper. My job is to organize submissions into the folder that corresponds with the category it belongs to. For example, if there was a photo, then I would put it in the Photography folder. This helps the other editors with putting the submissions onto the newspaper.

The Comet: What’s it like being an editor for the newspaper?

Alyssa F: Having the role of an editor for the newspaper is really fun. All the editors work so well together, and we are able to make an amazing newspaper for everyone at CCA to enjoy. Just knowing that you helped in creating something such as our school newspaper is really such an honor.

The Comet: What are your post-HS plans or career goals for the future?

Alyssa F: After high school, I plan on going to college and getting my B.A. in Criminal Justice. My final goal is to join the BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit). The BAU uses behavior studies to help catch serial killers, kidnappers, and so on, rather than focusing on the crime itself. It’s a goal that will take a lot of work, but I’m ready for the challenge.

The Comet: Favorite Movie/TV Show/Book?

Alyssa F: My favorite movie would be The Longest Ride or American Sniper. My favorite TV show is between Supernatural and Criminal Minds. My favorite book is The Longest Ride, the movie originates from it.

The Comet: Do you have any pets? If yes, what kind?

Alyssa F: I have 2 cats, 3 dogs, and over 20 ducks. My cats are named Bandit and Louise, and my dogs are named Kodiak, Oscar, and Little-Ann.

The Comet: Favorite subject in school?

Alyssa F: My favorite subject is History. There is a decent amount of people who despise history class but I have always been a fan of it. I like knowing what the past was like and seeing what people had to go through. My favorite topics to learn about in history are the Civil War and the Holocaust.

The Comet: Finally, any hobbies?

Alyssa F: I’m a space and astrology nerd. I like anything to do with space and studying birth charts. I also enjoy gaming, gardening, and photography.