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

The Spellbinder
Our teachers Mr. Moa and Mrs. Holte are an inspiration to many students in MCHS as well as great educators. But why did these people decide to take the path of teaching?
Why teachers are teachers
October 3, 2025
Paleteros sell treats at Willard Intermediate.
Pushing more than a cart: the lives and struggles of local paleteros
October 3, 2025
Santa Ana College's cafe in the Johnson Center has a new drink on the menu known as the "tres leches matcha latte."
What is the performative matcha male stereotype?
October 3, 2025
How volunteering is shaping Orange County
How volunteering is shaping Orange County
October 3, 2025
Freshmen Angel De Leon and Hailey Alfonzo share that there have been big differences at MCHS compared to middle school.
How do the freshmen feel so far?
October 3, 2025
SAUSD high school students fostering a strong school community: An important part of substance abuse prevention.
The undeniable truth about substance abuse in Santa Ana schools
October 3, 2025
This year's first assembly theme was Rio!
Hype in the halls: the spirit shift
October 3, 2025
Growing up too soon, many eldest daughters manage the weight of chores, homework, and sibling care.
Growing up too soon: The oldest daughter experience
October 3, 2025
Israeli and Palestinian children are losing their schools, safety, and futures as the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel turns classrooms into rubble and dreams into survival, showing how war dehumanizes the youngest and the most vulnerable.
The cost of innocence: How the Israeli-Palestinian conflict steals childhood and…
September 22, 2025
While there are many ways of expressing, many people around the world do struggle with finding the right one for themselves.
Self-expression : Embracing yourself in your own way
September 17, 2025
Screenshot of FAFSA website where students can apply for federal student aid.
Be intentional: Dual enrollment financial aid
October 3, 2025
Mr. Werner is the new principal at MCHS.
A new chapter for MCHS: Introducing Principal Werner
October 3, 2025
The disturbing construction causes major traffic down Bristol St.
Bristol St. beautification: How recent construction effects walkability and traffic
October 3, 2025
As seniors begin to shape their college plans, they stand threatened with the proposed budget cuts that can affect the future of their higher education.
Student aid cuts: What federal budget changes mean for college hopefuls
October 3, 2025
Mr. Voight has made a huge impact on MCHS which of course includes the trajectories of our students. Alumna Paola Sanchez is attending Princeton this fall. We couldn't have done it without you, Mr. Voight!
Always a Wizard: Farewell Mr. Voight
September 4, 2025
Artwork created by Pyi Hein, Segerstrom Sophomore.
Why is fanart important in fandom culture?
October 3, 2025
The Middle College High School 2025-2026 Dance Team gets ready to perform for the first assembly to welcome students back to school.
The future of the dance team
October 3, 2025
These childhood favorite cartoons, ranging from 1941 to 2011, can be found online through PBS. Discover why these classics continue to resonate with new and old audiences.
Animation: Beneficial or not?
September 22, 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
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
How are are deportations affecting our community?
Podcast: The effects of deportations in our community
October 3, 2025
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
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
Emmanuel Rodriguez-Mejia

Emmanuel Rodriguez-Mejia, Co-Editor-in-Chief and Magazine Editor

My favorite animals are penguins and cats. I love maps. I have traveled to 10 different states in America.

All content by Emmanuel Rodriguez Mejia
Screenshot of FAFSA website where students can apply for federal student aid.

Be intentional: Dual enrollment financial aid

Emmanuel Rodriguez Mejia, Co-Editor-in-chief
October 3, 2025
Logo of PBS, which is at risk of losing its funding due to the government.

Losing PBS: Students reflect on what is at stake

Emmanuel Rodriguez Mejia, Co-editor-in-chief
May 23, 2025
Teachers at Middle College High School support colleagues through signs that signify the backlash against the teacher layoffs.

Beyond the budget: Fighting for the future of our schools

Emmanuel Rodriguez Mejia, Co-editor-in-chief
April 23, 2025
Santa Ana Unified School District staff gather at the board meeting on January 28 to speak publicly on the layoffs.

SAUSD budget crisis: What caused it?

Emmanuel Rodriguez Mejia, Co-editor-in-chief
February 26, 2025
The unit limit that SAC enforces has impacted the lives and future of countless MCHS students.

Why is the max unit count at Middle College 11.5 units?

Emmanuel Rodriguez-Mejia, Copy Editor
May 28, 2024
The Quick Stop inside the Johnson Student Center where students purchase snacks or food.

The snare of food; why do students willingly spend money at the cafe and the Quick Stop?

Emmanuel Rodriguez Mejia, Copy Editor
April 30, 2024
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