The award-winning student news site of Olympic Heights High School

The Torch

  • OH Boys Weightlifting team won Regional Championship on 4/5! Good luck at the state championship!
  • Congratulations to our amazing theatre teacher Kimberly Coyle for being named a Dwyer Finalist for Senior High Education!
  • For the second consecutive year, the Olympic Heights girls soccer team is the 7A district 2023-2024 Academic Team Champion
  • Congratulations Florida DECA State Champions 2024: Katelynne Deale, Tai Graham, and Elsie Throckmorton!
  • Girls Soccer Coach Jim Cappello is coach of the year, leading the lions to 21 victories, and their eighth straight regional appearance.
  • Soccer: Senior Ava Cardaci was selected 7A District 12 Player of the Year with 15 goals and 27 assists.
The award-winning student news site of Olympic Heights High School

The Torch

The award-winning student news site of Olympic Heights High School

The Torch

A manatee left stranded after a hurricane sucked all of the water out of the bay in which it was living.

Florida’s hurricanes have profound impact on wildlife

Jack Nomberg, Staff Writer November 18, 2022

Hurricane Ian was a devastating Hurricane that hit Florida in late September. Ian was on the stronger side of a category 4 hurricane, as it was extremely close to the 157 mph winds that would have made...

Olympic Heights social studies teacher and Student Government Association adviser Ms. Chelsea Fink (left) and OH Best Buddies Club president senior Maya Goldstein are making an impact beyond the  OH campus.

OH faculty, students making a difference in the community

Mason Silverstein, Managing Editor November 8, 2022

At Olympic Heights, there are many stellar students and teachers that make a difference beyond the classroom. These individuals impact others every single day through their good attitude and effort.  OH...

Halloween costumes that  play on cultural stereotypes are viewed by many as offensive.

Cultural appropriation in Halloween costumes problematic

Sophia Dorris, Social Media Editor October 26, 2022

It’s important to know the significant difference between appreciation and appropriation. This includes Halloween, a holiday where some revelers dress up in costumes that are offensive to some cultures...

The Olympic Heights administration is made up of principal Ms. Kelly Burke (third from left) and assistant principals (from left)  Mr. Hal Videtto, Ms. Sara Borah, Ms. Sara Riley, Ms. FeLicia Durden, and Mr. Frank DAnnunzio. Not pictured: Ms. Stacey Belton.

Getting to know the Olympic Heights administration team

The seven administrators of Olympic Heights are the heart of the school, and they ensure student safety, create policies, and oversee school activities. Yet, unless they are frequent flyers to student...

Indigenous people have and continue to fight for the rights so many other Americans take for granted.

Indigenous People’s Day highlights the long struggle ahead for respect and equal rights these “true Americans” face

Sophia Dorris, Social Media Editor October 20, 2022

Many people across the country celebrated Indigenous People’s Day on Monday Oct. 10. This national holiday has received more recognition in recent years as the rights of indigenous people are being challenged,...

The appeal of Ivy League schools comes with a high price

The appeal of Ivy League schools comes with a high price

Amanda DiTomasso, Staff Writer October 19, 2022

Deciding which university or college to attend is one of the most important decisions for a college-bound high school senior to make. Price, location and available programs and majors are just some of...

Olympic Heights Students Speak up for Kids Club seeks to advocate for and assist voiceless foster care kids in distress

Olympic Heights Students Speak up for Kids Club seeks to advocate for and assist voiceless foster care kids in distress

Madison Lemaster, Staff Writer October 10, 2022

Each year, nearly one million children are abused or neglected in the foster care system – this being only a fraction of which is reported. In order to make a change, Students Speak Up for Kids, a student-led,...

Former child star Jeanette McCurdy (right) alleges abuse at the hands of her her mother Debbie McCurdy (left) in her recently released memoir  I’m Glad My Mom Died.

Former child star Jeanette McCurdy of iCarly fame details abuse she suffered at hands of her mother and “the creator”

Brooke Smurlick, Entertainment Editor September 20, 2022

Former child actor Jennette McCurdy released her first book detailing her experience growing up in show business. The shocking content of this tell-all memoir, controversially titled I’m Glad My Mom...

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in British history, passed away at age 96, on Sept. 8.

The world mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II

Eva Woods, Features Editor September 17, 2022

The world has been shaken by the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Crowned the ruler of England in 1952 at the mere age of 25, the queen passed away peacefully on Sept. 8, at the age of 96 in Balmoral Castle....

Social media influencer Andrew Tate has been deplatformed from several social media sites for his controversial comments.

Andrew Tate seen as a negative influence on young males

Sachin Moosai, Staff Writer September 14, 2022

Former kickboxer and social media influencer Andrew Tate has recently been banned from all major social media platforms for his controversial views, primarily on women. Some believe this was an attack...

The Olympic Heights Marine Corps JROTC are lead by (from left):  instructor Master Sergeant Carlos Jarquin, Executive Officer Naika Pierre, Battalion Commander Christopher Sandlin, Sergeant Major Lillian Philips, and instructor Master Sergeant Wayne Byron.

Olympic Heights Marine Corps JROTC program offers students a pathway to success through the lens of leadership

Obrian Ortiz, Staff Writer September 12, 2022

Students at Olympic Heights are not unfamiliar with the sight of those of their peers who walk the halls in camouflage uniforms. These camo-clad students are members of OH’s chapter of the Marine Corps...

Tops that expose the midriff may be fashionable and comfortable, but they are a no-no at Olympic Heights.

Dress codes often clash with fashion trends and high temps

Amelia Welch, Staff Writer September 12, 2022

Across the county, public high school dress codes vary school-by-school. Students at one particular school may be content with their school’s dress code, while others may feel that the dress code today...

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