The Student News Site of Middle College High School @ Santa Ana College

The Spellbinder
Examining how MCHS Freshmen manage their stress.
End-of-year crunch: How MCHS freshmen manage stress
May 29, 2025
Students taking US History this semester completed a variety of assignments on paper, including a rough draft and outline of their two most recent projects.
Switching back to pencil and paper?
May 28, 2025
Students feeling the weight of academic pressure, reflecting on expectations and their impact, questioning.
The effect of expectations on students
May 28, 2025
Memorial Day is more than a holiday, it is a day honoring the brave men and women who died serving in the United States military, remembering.
Memorial Day
May 28, 2025
With the rising influence of social media on showcasing schools, high school seniors find themselves browsing over multiple posts reflecting college life that influence their college decisions.
More than swipes: How does social media affect college decisions
May 27, 2025
A deep dive into the aftermath of recent student reports reveals the impact on campus life, student trust, and administrative response. This article unpacks the key findings.
What really happens when a student reports an issue?
May 28, 2025
Armando is remembered as someone who always complimented others and made them happy.
More than a friend: Honoring the life and legacy of Armando Morales
May 23, 2025
Many view high school as essential for future success, but students across campuses are asking the big question if it is truly preparing us for the real world, wondering.
Is high school really preparing us for the real world?
May 23, 2025
Editors and staff writers from the class of 2025.
Letter from an editor: Use your voice and prioritize your well-being
May 23, 2025
Students are benefiting from Ethnic Studies, so we need to prioritize fixing the errors within the curriculum.
Ethnic Studies in SAUSD
May 14, 2025
Rallies held in downtown Santa Ana on April 5 and 19 were sparked by community concerns over the changing political climate.
Not yours to take: The “Hands Off!” rallies
May 28, 2025
Thinking it through is one thing; saying it aloud means finally engaging.
USC speak your MIND: What is it?
April 30, 2025
What is KinderCaminata all about?
KinderCaminata – What took place?
April 22, 2025
ASB elections are here. Make sure to vote Friday, April 17!
Profiles for ASB vice president candidates
April 17, 2025
Because yellow flowers were brought to the memorial, they now represent the Sewol Ferry incident.
Remembering the Sewol Ferry Tragedy
April 16, 2025
Have you ever wondered how your family has shaped who you are? In her book, Emotional Inheritance: A Therapist, Her Patients, and the Legacy of Trauma, Galit Atlas explores how her patients experience the emotional trauma of the generations before them.
Book Review: Emotional Inheritance: A Therapist, Her Patients, and the Legacy of Trauma
May 28, 2025
Wizards for Water is a club run by Micah You, a teacher at Middle College High School, where students can participate in the Orange County full or half marathon while raising money to provide clean water for children in Africa.
Experience at Wizards for Water
May 19, 2025
Selena Quintanilla was a Mexican-American artist. She made many hit songs throughout her career(shown in the image). Even after her death, her legacy and songs continue to thrive.
Celebrating Selena Quintanilla: Her lasting impact and Yolanda Saldivar parole news
May 16, 2025
Experiencing art blocks could lead to various negative impacts if they are constant and overly stressed on. These impacts range from lacking motivation or ideas, to lacking confidence in future art pieces, resulting in additional struggles in the near future.
The negative effects of artistic blocks and how to avoid them
May 15, 2025
Freshman Students share their thoughts and opinions on the book they read together in class.
The book “The Distance Between us” and its impact on freshman MCHS students
May 8, 2025
Middle College High School and Circulos High School mascots meet up at the soccer tournament.
Wizards vs wolves: is there a rivalry?
May 22, 2024
Some of the sports at Middle College include basketball, soccer, and flag football. Each of those sports has its own small school tournament.
Bringing CIF to Middle College
December 8, 2023
Male players dominate sports; soccer is one of many.
Gender issues in sports
November 27, 2023
MCHS and Chavez players ready up at the line of scrimmage at the Nov. 6 game at Valley High School's football field.
What’s up with the football rivalry between MCHS and Chavez?
December 15, 2021
The MCHS football team finished practice at the Santa Ana College soccer field (Bryan Bacilio)
Messi & Ronaldo: Why did the soccer stars leave their clubs?
October 29, 2021
Made with Canva
Podcast: Hello Summer
May 21, 2025
Made with Canva
Podcast: Overconsumption
May 19, 2025
Made with Canva
Podcast: Sweet Treats
May 19, 2025
In this special MCHS Trio episode, we learn about life after graduation. From moving to Hawai'i, commuting to college, choosing majors, and chasing career dreams
Podcast: Plans after senior year
May 14, 2025
Join us as we dive into the delicious world of sushi at Sake2Me Sushi in Tustin! Over spring break, we sampled a wide variety of rolls and shared our tasty reviews. Tune in for a fun and flavorful food adventure!
Sake2Me Sushi Review
April 23, 2025
The Student News Site of Middle College High School @ Santa Ana College

The Spellbinder
The Student News Site of Middle College High School @ Santa Ana College

The Spellbinder
All content by Creative Commons
Games in the classroom are actually more beneficial than most people believe.

[Photo] Exploring the power of play: Can classroom games enhance learning?

Daniel Torres, A&E/Sports Editor
October 29, 2024
You search for your passion but it lies within you.

[Photo] Finding your passion: Who am I?

Darlyn Romero, Staff Writer
December 15, 2021
Protesters at a women's rally hold signs to protect women's reproductive rights.

[Photo] Restricting abortion will not reduce unplanned pregnancies—education and agency will 

Jazmin Chavira, Co-Editor in Chief
December 15, 2021
Last year, you might have had a lonely Christmas tree with no one around to appreciate it due to the pandemic.

[Photo] What has changed with the holidays in 2021?

Alan Gazano, Multimedia Editor
December 15, 2021
Looking at life from a different and happier perspective rather than a negative one will improve your mental health.

[Photo] Creating and maintaining a healthy mindset

Elizabeth Correa, Staff Writer
May 27, 2021
Joining journalism can lead a path to a bright future

[Photo] Why you should join journalism by William Gallegos, Staff Writer

William Gallegos, Staff Writer
April 21, 2021
Journalism is a class that cultivates many skills.

[Photo] Why you should join journalism by Evelyn Gudino, Opinion Editor

Evelyn Gudino, Opinion Editor
April 21, 2021
Demonstrators hold placards during a Planned Parenthood rally outside the state capitol in Austin, Texas in 2017.

[Photo] Planned Parenthood: More than just an abortion clinic

Jazmin Chavira, Multimedia Editor
April 21, 2021
Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is for the people and actively works towards working class Americans while in office.

[Photo] Millionaire’s Club: Congress does not represent the working class

Stephanie Cervantes, News Editor
April 21, 2021
The oversexualization of teenagers in the media is concerning at the least and downright predatory at the worst.

[Photo] Stop sexualizing teenagers

Carolyn Tran, Features Editor
April 21, 2021
There is an ever rising increase of high school students today who are not only feeling the burden of needing to help provide for their families but also to continue schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Photo] The impact of COVID-19 on student essential workers

Lizzette Rodriguez, Staff Writer
April 21, 2021
Democrat and Republican are the two largest political parties in the Unites States.

[Photo] Why people with political disagreements between friends and family can’t get past it

Brandon Rubalcava, Staff Writer
April 21, 2021
In July of 2014, Emma Watson introduced the "HeForShe" campaign.

[Photo] Including men in the conversation of feminism does not disempower women

Sandy Villalobos, Staff Writer
February 26, 2021
Due to the pandemic and the controversies surrounding it, the SAT may soon come to an end.

[Photo] What’s going to happen to the SAT?

Carolyn Tran, Features Editor
February 26, 2021
The coronavirus has proven fatal to both physical and economic health.

[Photo] Covid-19 is changing the economic landscape

Carolyn Tran, Features Editor
December 14, 2020
Christmas 2020 is an unusual one thanks to Covid-19.

[Photo] A Covid Christmas

William Gallegos, Staff Writer
December 14, 2020
(Stephanie) People advocating against the separation of families at the border. @Creative Commons

[Photo] Families belong together

Stephanie Cervantes, News Editor
December 14, 2020
People take over the streets protesting to maintain DACA.

[Photo] Signs of a bright future emerge for DACA after election results

Maria Alegria, Editor-in-Chief
December 14, 2020
Partying during this time leads to surges of COVID-19 cases across the U.S.

[Photo] Parties and pandemic: When the two don’t mix.

Valerie Chavez, Staff Writer
December 14, 2020
Holiday celebrations will mostly involve food at home.

[Photo] The correct way to holiday

Elizabeth Correa, Staff Writer
December 14, 2020
25,000 baseball cards like these were donated to kids through the Cal Fire baseball card drive.

[Photo] Stepping up to the plate

Rebecca Guerrero, Co-Editor-in-Chief
December 14, 2020
The image shows the Compton Metro where the two deputies were shot several times in their vehicle while watching the station.

[Photo] Compton shooting sends officers to hospital

Rebecca Guerrero, Editor-in-Chief
October 16, 2020
Black Lives Matter protests, throughout the country, turn students to activists.

[Photo] The youth gets involved

Stephanie Cervantes, News Editor
October 16, 2020
A mural in Washington, D.C. features Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

[Photo] How RBG changed the lives of many

Noe De Santiago, Staff Writer
October 16, 2020
Smart phones and social media are one of the only ways students can socialize in a pandemic.

[Photo] How student interactions have changed in an online environment

Brendon Teth, Staff Writer
October 16, 2020
How have distance learning and quarantine been affecting students?

[Photo] How COVID-19 is affecting the mental health of students

Carolyn Tran, Features Editor
October 16, 2020
People all over planet Earth are being impacted by COVID-19.

[Photo] You’re not alone: Impact of COVID around the globe

Christine Hinckley, Design Assistant / Staff Writer
October 16, 2020
Human traffickers are recruiting women and taking control over their bodies by putting a price on people's lives.

[Photo] How the increase of human trafficking can be changed through awareness

Aliris Gonzalez, Staff Writer
October 16, 2020
Smoke from the wildfires covers up most of the sky in the Mojave Desert.

[Photo] 2020 is being burned as wildfires invade the West Coast

Maria Alegria, Editor-in-Chief
October 16, 2020
A student gets her temperature checked before being allowed back at school.

[Photo] How do students and staff at MCHS feel about the possibility of coming back to school?

Jason Andrei Espiritu, Sports Editor
October 16, 2020
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez gives a speech at the 2019 Women's March in New York about civil rights, justice and why being polite is not the same as being quiet.

[Photo] WAP = Women Are Powerful

Jazmin Chavira, Multimedia Editor
October 16, 2020
Phones can be taken anywhere ready for people to connect with each other.

[Photo] Smartphones continue to make their path into our lives

William Gallegos, Staff Writer
October 16, 2020
Students and teachers are frustrated with online learning.

[Photo] Online learning is not working

Evelyn Gudino, Opinion Editor
October 16, 2020
These pins represent pronouns of people so others can know what pronouns they may prefer.

[Photo] Which is better? Online or physical school?

Lizzette Rodriguez, Staff Writer
October 16, 2020
The 2020 election will be held on November 3.

[Photo] This election year is crucial for the lives of many

Brandon Rubalcava, Staff Writer
October 16, 2020
Los Angeles Rams fans will have to wait to visit the new SoFi Stadium.

[Photo] Los Angeles Rams fan mourns his loss of the stadium experience

Jaquelyn Robledo, Staff Writer
October 16, 2020
Students who have jobs as fast food workers have to manage the stress of many extra safety precautions during this pandemic.

[Photo] Life as an essential worker during a pandemic

Genesis Lopez, News Editor
May 29, 2020
Eight of MCHS's class of 2020 plan to attend UCLA in the fall.

[Photo] Who inspired our future: The Class of 2020

Maria Alegria, Arts and Entertainment Editor
May 29, 2020
The homeless population is disconnected from society now more than ever due to this global pandemic.

[Photo] How COVID-19 is affecting the homeless community

Jazmin Chavira, Multimedia Editor
April 27, 2020
When will people be able to enjoy themselves at a concert again?

[Photo] Concerts in crisis

Christopher Garcia, Staff Writer
April 27, 2020
A social advocate for immigrant rights protests in favor of everyone's right to achieve the American dream.

[Photo] Undocumented during a pandemic

Stephanie Cervantes, Columnist
April 27, 2020
For some, staying at home is relaxing, but for others, it's dreadful.

[Photo] School is an escape for students living in an abusive home: How the pandemic is affecting them

Priscila Castro, Multimedia Editor
April 27, 2020
Given the unique situation, social distancing was put in effect to flatten the curve.

[Photo] How is social distancing slowing the spread of COVID-19?

Gloria Parra-Diaz and Jennifer Lopez
April 27, 2020
MCHS Seniors didn't have a proper way of saying goodbye to a school they dedicated years to.

[Photo] Voices through walls: Class of 2020’s remembrance

Emanuel Negrete, Co-Editor-In-Chief
April 27, 2020
President Donald J. Trump was acquitted of charges of impeachment.

[Photo] Court Session: Trump’s impeachment case unravels

Daniel Salazar, Staff Writer
February 12, 2020
Hair, makeup. confidence. This fierce queen is ready to give it her all.

[Photo] It’s a bird…It’s a plane… No it’s fierce queens!

Priscila Castro, Staff Writer
February 12, 2020
Santa Ana homeless crisis escalates to a county wide lawsuit.

[Photo] Santa Ana homeless crisis causes county-wide lawsuit

Genesis Lopez, News Editor
February 12, 2020
Screenshot 2019-10-24 at 1.32.18 PM

[Photo] Tales of the Paranormal

, Alex Cervantes, Jordan Avila, Stephanie Cervantes, Viviana Rivera, Sahira Carino, Jazmin Chavira, Lucia Martinez, and Jamie Sanchez
October 10, 2019
Standing pools of water are homes to potential disease carriers.

[Photo] Dangerous virus flying around Santa Ana

Daniel Salazar, Staff Writer
September 20, 2019
Trinity Love Jones, pictured above, was last seen with her mother hours before her murder.

[Photo] Police seeking to book mother for the murder of 9-year-old Trinity Love Jones

Grace Elson, Opinion Editor
April 5, 2019
A photograph of the Preamble to the United States Constitution.

[Photo] What gives me the right?

Alexandra Quinones, Staff Writer
March 1, 2019
Democratic Presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren announces her campaign amid her Native American genealogy scandal.

[Photo] Warren’s announcement of a future presidential campaign kicks the 2020 race into overdrive

Grace Elson, Opinion Editor
March 1, 2019
Senator Elizabeth Warren pictured at trial.

[Photo] Everything wrong with Senator Elizabeth Warren’s DNA Test

Grace Elson, Opinion Editor
November 30, 2018
Time doesn't wait up, and adulting doesn't either.

[Photo] Adulting 101

Leo Morales, Social Media Editor
May 23, 2018
Jokes for you blokes.

[Photo] Jokes for you blokes!

Jesus Axel Hernandez, Jeremy Ocampo, and Marvin Avelar
May 23, 2018
Recall in progress

[Photo] Trump administration recalls anti-pollution laws

April 30, 2018
A protester marches through central London on December 17, 2017.

[Photo] The Syrian Civil War: An international conflict

Kasandra Tapia, News Editor
April 30, 2018
Earbuds in, music up, sit back and vibe

[Photo] Culture of music

Jordan Avila, Features Editor
March 28, 2018
Fallout

[Photo] Rated M for mature

Crystal Delgadillo, Staff Writer
March 28, 2018
People rejoicing in Capital Pride Parade in Washington, D.C.

[Photo] F a g g o t

Leo Morales, Social Media Editor
February 28, 2018
60th Annual Grammys Poster

[Photo] The Grammys: A giant popularity contest?

Jordan Avila, Features Editor
February 28, 2018
Mid-western Plain

[Photo] A taste of rural America

Alberto Cruz, Staff Writer
February 28, 2018
Picture provided by Creative Commons.

[Photo] What’s wrong with the W’s?

February 28, 2018
U.S. Capital Building

[Photo] The 2018 shutdowns

February 28, 2018
An in-depth photograph of a plant sprouting out of concrete.

[Photo] They exist too…

Anonymous, Staff writer
February 28, 2018
The "Amanda Todd" case was among the first to have introduced a video that detailed the individual's experience. The YouTube video went viral.

[Photo] Never the answer, despite the question

Grace Elson, Opinion Editor
January 29, 2018
Celebrity

[Photo] Letter from the editor: celebrities in politics

Alexis Rodriguez-Mejia, Co-Editor-in-Chief
January 29, 2018
Net neutrality picture

[Photo] What’s the deal with net neutrality?

January 29, 2018
Fake Ad for no net neutrality

[Photo] What’s the deal with net neutrality?

Emanuel Negrete, Columinst
January 29, 2018
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[Photo] Thanksgiving is much more than food

Jordan Avila and Carlos Alba
November 30, 2017
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[Photo] The good and bad with the World Series

Alejandro Cervantes, Sports Editor
November 30, 2017
Graffiti protesting sexual assault

[Photo] Dear boys:

Kasandra Tapia, News Editor
November 30, 2017
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[Photo] Ahead or falling behind; america’s unwillingness to conform to the unique

Grace Elson, Opinon Editor
November 30, 2017
NFL players kneel during the National Anthem

[Photo] NFL football field surrounded by political turmoil

Alejandro Cervantes, Sports Editor
October 24, 2017
Two firefighters work hard to stop California wildfires.

[Photo] Wildfire season rages

October 24, 2017
Rapper Logic smiling after an amazing performance.

[Photo] The number that is saving lives

October 24, 2017
Homeless man found resting in the streets.

[Photo] Ongoing homeless crisis in Santa Ana

Alexis Rodriguez-Mejia, Co-Editor-in-chief
October 24, 2017
Presidential communication throughout the history of the United States.

[Photo] From speeches, to fireside chats, to Twitter, U.S. presidents have done it all

October 24, 2017
Some of the Multimedia elements now available in the Spellbinder.

Halloween costumes and supplies

[Photo] The origins of Halloween aren’t as hollow as they seem

Carlos Alba, Staff Writer
October 24, 2017
Scene from the movie "Mother".

[Photo] A film that teaches audiences about the ‘mother of us all’

Leo Morales, Social Media Editor
October 24, 2017
Puerto Rico's flag painted on a rock.

[Photo] Hurricane Maria leaves 3.4 million people in terrible conditions

October 24, 2017
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