What’s up? I’m Cali. I’m a sophomore, and this is my second year on staff. Not only am I on the newspaper staff, but I’m also on the yearbook staff. I love taking photos and writing stories, but I also love math and science. Outside of school, I like to shop, hangout with my friends, and binge-watch Netflix shows.

Hello there! My name is Maggie Volpi, and I am this year’s Editor-in-Chief for Blueprint! I am a senior, so this is my third and final year on staff; there’s no time to be sad about that though, because I need to make the most of my time here to produce the best Blueprint ever! After high school, I want to go to college to get my B.S. in Wildlife Biology, and then hopefully go on to become a National Parks Ranger! I love spending time in nature, which includes camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, etc. Other than being on the newspaper staff, a lot of my time is dedicated to being in band, where I play the flute, as well as studying for my 4 AP classes (pray for me). When I do have free time, I enjoy drawing, cooking, and playing Minecraft with my friends. Some things that I have accomplished in my time on the Blueprint staff include receiving three Best of School Newspapers Online badges for my stories, placing third in the Lonestar Journalism Writing Contest, and advancing to State in the UIL Journalism contest twice. I’m looking forward to writing and sharing your awesome stories this year!

I'm sure you’ve heard my last name before, due to my DNA having relation to the famous Jaxson Hill. Yes I know, cue jaw drop. However, he and I are nowhere near alike. Except for that, I’m smart too (I’d like to say). I am a 300% extrovert, and I am always down to party or laugh until I come close to peeing my pants. I have a small Tik Tok obsession and can be found gulping down some ice cream, despite the fact that I’m slightly lactose intolerant. I run track, have a runny nose during allergy season, and enjoy running to the kitchen for some killer Kraft Mac and Cheese. Just text me for the recipe, or you can look on the back of the box if you’re lazy. This is my first year on the newspaper and yearbook staff, and I’m excited to carry on the legacy of the Hills!’

Heads and tales

I teach my students all the workings of running news publications. This website allows us to showcase all the different journalistic styles of writing that take place in room 826, from writing headlines to telling the tale. I am a member of  the "Alpha Staff," teachers and faculty who have been at Wylie East High School since the first year we opened. This group, which started around 50, is now down to 12. Though it's already been 13 years since this second high school in Wylie opened, it feels like it was just yesterday.  I teach yearbook, newspaper, journalism and photojournalism. I also coach six different academic UIL events, sponsor Quill and Scroll and am the campus tech for all campus communications.

We like to be a little Extra! Extra!

I have been the journalism teacher, yearbook and newspaper adviser since the school opened. We started publishing a newsprint issue, The Raider Reader, once every six weeks. Then came along our online site, Blue Print, in 2010. Once Blue Print was up and running full steam, we dropped our print issues to just once a semester. My third newspaper editor in chief, Brooke Vincent, wanted to publish a magazine: The Raid. It debuted in 2015, featuring Tanner Smith as The Cat in the Hat in our first musical, Seussical.

We're always write!

Just as in the 'real news' world, we saw a decline in sales of our news print issue. The Raider Reader's last issue was in 2018. We currently produce online content daily and publish our magazine once a year. I hope you will find this site as a source of news, entertainment and reference. I know I often advise others to use Blue Print when needing to find out about something that has happened or will happen at Raider Nation. In fact, I used it on four different occasions just to write this biography!

Let bylines be bylines

I haven't written my bio in years. Just for fun, here's my very first one written by my first webmaster, Tiffany Ing.

Oh hey! Didn’t see ya there. While you’re here, let me introduce myself: My name’s Shelby. I would say you might have seen me running around the halls, but I stopped growing in the 5th grade and will now be five foot tall for the rest of my life, so unless you’re looking low- you probably haven’t. But if you’re interested enough to search me out- you might find me running around with a camera at events, losing my voice in the student section on Friday nights, or spending Power Hour on my laptop to finish up assignments that I procrastinated.  I’m beyond grateful to Blue Print for providing  me with an incredible creative outlet and countless opportunities; Including winning second place in the 2021 Lonestar writing contest, two Best of SNO awards, and getting several of my articles published in the local Wylie News. This is my second year on staff and my first year as our digital media editor. So if you see the @wehsblueprint Twitter and Instagram liking or sharing your posts, that’s me! (Quick reminder to go give us a follow if you haven’t already.)  What else? I’m a soprano in our school’s Acapella choir, a part-time photographer with my own business and website (check out www.shootswithshelby.com if you don’t believe me- or take my word for it.) I’m also a full-time big sister of five, all of them being the sweetest kids ever, except for when they’re not. Bonus fact: I’m a big Marvel fanatic, but only bring it up if you have a couple hours to spare. Sorry, am I talking about myself too much? I guess I’ll let you get back to your scrolling.  See you around,  Shelby.

Hey Reader! I know what you’re thinking: “I had no idea we had a newspaper.” Impressed? Well, you see, that’s because I’m something of a magician, an inventor, a story-publisher who can answer all of your questions about Blueprint. So quiet up and listen down… Nope, scratch that, reverse it (if you know, you know). This message is brought to you by yours truly, Gloria Olajimi. I’m entering my third year on staff, my final year of high school, and the most stressful era of my life so far– college application season. My applications may tell you that I’m an aspiring psychologist in Band, NHS Sunshine committee, ASO and College Club who likes Tiktok dances, crochet hats, jollof rice and practicing ASL. But what Texas universities have yet found out is that my many interests are a byproduct of your stories. Your clubs, your organizations, passions and aspirations inspire me and reveal that I am surrounded by more than peers–I am surrounded by legends in the making whose stories I, as magician, inventor and editor-in-chief, am determined to share. 

Hi!!! I’m Jaylee Paredes and this is my third year on the newspaper staff. I’m also involved in other organizations such as Colorguard, College Club, TAFE, and Diversity Club. I really enjoy listening to music, taking pictures, and being around my friends. I’m looking forward to being able to expand my writing and photography skills this year through the website!