Albert Lea High School Newspaper

THE AHLAHASA
“This [photo] is basically the same area,” said science teacher Todd Mikkelsen. “So that [the cover photo] was my photo at dusk. Here it is at night time and there’s something jetting up out of the ground. So it’s the same location, different dates, two different cameras picked up an anomaly in the same region.”
Supernatural Stories from Across ALHS
Swift Response Ensures Safety during Social Media Threat
Swift Response Ensures Safety during Social Media Threat
Sean Gaston has had a long career as a history teacher, dean of students and assistant principal. This year he is taking on a new leadership role as the principal at Albert Lea High School. Gaston is excited to continue to lead while following his five core values and create a more positive culture at Albert Lea High School. These values were molded by his mentors, family and experiences. He hopes that they will have a positive impact on the school just as much as they have had an impact on them. He has already started to make a change in the way our school approaches discipline and suspensions and hopes to be more present in classrooms.
NEW PRINCIPAL PROMOTING POSITIVITY
Senior Nevaeh Wacholz is the President of Student Council and National Honor Society. She is also the captain of three sports teams: basketball, volleyball and softball. She has been named captain for multiple years. She was also named the Volleyball All-Conference Player (Junior and Senior Year), Basketball All-Conference Honorable Mention (Junior Year) and All Conference (Senior Year), Triple A Award Recipient, Excel Award Recipient, and DAR Award Recipient. During her Freshman year, Wacholz was inducted onto the Wall of Inspiration.
Nevaeh Wacholz: 2025 Impact Student
On March 28 and 29, Albert Lea High School held the 2025 Tiger’s Roar talent show. A variety of talents were showcased with solo performances, as well as performances from a clarinet choir, saxophone quartet and show choir. There were a total of 15 performances throughout the two nights, including a pre-show performance by the Albert Lea High School jazz band. Over 50 students participated in Tiger’s Roar and showcased their skills with an exciting and entertaining night full of talent and music. “Tigers Roar is such a great way to display students’ talent, which is another reason why I wanted to take part. I wanted to be able to give back to the community and also show off my talent.” said senior New New.
A Night Full of Talent: Tiger’s Roar
The choir students outside the Parthenon replica in Nashville, which had a museum inside that they toured.
Musical Memories
One thing Senior Nina Moreira Lin’s was excited about was the opportunity to be a cheerleader. She gets to experience the wonders of Friday Night Lights and the excitement of the student section. “I don't have cheerleading in Brazil,” said Moreira Lin. “I always thought about being a cheerleader - so American movie. I was excited to go to a football game. Photo Submitted
ALHS Host Foreign Exchange Student
Choose Wisely - Senior Reflection
Choose Wisely – Senior Reflection
Eh Thaw
Stone In The Water – Senior Reflection
Josephine Petersen
Value The Time – Senior Reflection
One Last Time - Senior Reflection
One Last Time – Senior Reflection
Homeschool Student Makes Her Mark
Homeschool Student Makes Her Mark
Honoring the Legacy of Labor Unions
Honoring the Legacy of Labor Unions
We Love Trilogies For The Story Arc
Cancel Culture: Cure or Curse?
Cancel Culture: Cure or Curse?
Opinion|Men Are Choking On ‘The Red Pill’
Opinion|Men Are Choking On ‘The Red Pill’
Media Marketing Romance Books
Chapell Roan's album cover for 'the Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess'.
Pop Princesses Ruling the Industry
Seniors Jorja Bolinger, Kae Bee and Emma Weckwerth doing yoga.
Hasa Trys Yoga
The Conjuring: Last Rites
The Conjuring: Last Rites
Even the Walmart carries whole shelf filled with blind boxes. This photo was taken towards the back of the toy section at the Walmart in Albert Lea.
The Blind Box Obsession
Carley Ladlie (12) and Evelyn Koepke (11) enjoying the original s'mores.
Hasa Trys Summer Camp
A Minecraft Movie
A Minecraft Movie
Senior Rosa Corey-Gruenes getting ready for her big win in pickleball.
Hasa Trys Pickleball
Domino (3 yrs) from the Albert Lea Humane Society
Humane Society Pet of The Month
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
Honoring the Legacy of Labor Unions
Honoring the Legacy of Labor Unions
Sean Gaston has had a long career as a history teacher, dean of students and assistant principal. This year he is taking on a new leadership role as the principal at Albert Lea High School. Gaston is excited to continue to lead while following his five core values and create a more positive culture at Albert Lea High School. These values were molded by his mentors, family and experiences. He hopes that they will have a positive impact on the school just as much as they have had an impact on them. He has already started to make a change in the way our school approaches discipline and suspensions and hopes to be more present in classrooms.
NEW PRINCIPAL PROMOTING POSITIVITY
The Pain of Beauty Throughout the Years
The Pain of Beauty Throughout the Years
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Albert Lea High School Newspaper

THE AHLAHASA
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Albert Lea High School Newspaper

THE AHLAHASA
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Photo of the Week

  • Isabelle Tufte (9) serving at the tennis match on September 16 versus Austin.

    Jordan Johnson

  • Taylor Johnson (10) at the varsity volleyball game versus Mankato East on September 30.

    Htoo Nay Moo

  • Peyton Seeger (10)

    Annika Frandle

  • Izaiah Palomo (10) at the home varsity boys soccer game versus Rochester JM on September 11, 2025.

    Htoo Nay Moo
Recent Stories
News
“This [photo] is basically the same area,” said science teacher Todd Mikkelsen. “So that [the cover photo] was my photo at dusk. Here it is at night time and there’s something jetting up out of the ground. So it’s the same location, different dates, two different cameras picked up an anomaly in the same region.”
Supernatural Stories from Across ALHS
Kae Bee and Izzy Mednansky • October 2, 2025

Are ghosts real? Or is it the brain playing tricks on us? Not everything unexplained...

Swift Response Ensures Safety during Social Media Threat
Swift Response Ensures Safety during Social Media Threat
Kae Bee, Editor-in-Chief • October 2, 2025

On Sept 22, Albert Lea Area School district went on a secure hold after the Freeborn...

Sean Gaston has had a long career as a history teacher, dean of students and assistant principal. This year he is taking on a new leadership role as the principal at Albert Lea High School. Gaston is excited to continue to lead while following his five core values and create a more positive culture at Albert Lea High School. These values were molded by his mentors, family and experiences. He hopes that they will have a positive impact on the school just as much as they have had an impact on them. He has already started to make a change in the way our school approaches discipline and suspensions and hopes to be more present in classrooms.
NEW PRINCIPAL PROMOTING POSITIVITY
Carley Ladlie, Editor-in-Chief • August 21, 2025

Patrick (“Pat”) Monroe said he was a cook while serving in World War II. He wrote...

Senior Nevaeh Wacholz is the President of Student Council and National Honor Society. She is also the captain of three sports teams: basketball, volleyball and softball. She has been named captain for multiple years. She was also named the Volleyball All-Conference Player (Junior and Senior Year), Basketball All-Conference Honorable Mention (Junior Year) and All Conference (Senior Year), Triple A Award Recipient, Excel Award Recipient, and DAR Award Recipient. During her Freshman year, Wacholz was inducted onto the Wall of Inspiration.
Nevaeh Wacholz: 2025 Impact Student
Eh Thaw, staff writer • May 15, 2025

Senior Nevaeh Wacholz is an impactful leader. She wakes up every day, knowing she...

On March 28 and 29, Albert Lea High School held the 2025 Tiger’s Roar talent show. A variety of talents were showcased with solo performances, as well as performances from a clarinet choir, saxophone quartet and show choir. There were a total of 15 performances throughout the two nights, including a pre-show performance by the Albert Lea High School jazz band. Over 50 students participated in Tiger’s Roar and showcased their skills with an exciting and entertaining night full of talent and music. “Tigers Roar is such a great way to display students’ talent, which is another reason why I wanted to take part. I wanted to be able to give back to the community and also show off my talent.” said senior New New.
A Night Full of Talent: Tiger’s Roar
Emma Weckwerth, Staff Writer • April 16, 2025

Tiger’s Roar has been helping students showcase their talents for more than 80...

Thanksgiving Break
Have Fun!
Features
One thing Senior Nina Moreira Lin’s was excited about was the opportunity to be a cheerleader. She gets to experience the wonders of Friday Night Lights and the excitement of the student section. “I don't have cheerleading in Brazil,” said Moreira Lin. “I always thought about being a cheerleader - so American movie. I was excited to go to a football game. Photo Submitted
ALHS Host Foreign Exchange Student
Allondra De Rosas Lazaro, Staff Writer • October 2, 2025

Jocks, cheerlenders, nerds, band kids, skaters and theater kids all rallying together and performing a musical number in the lunchroom shouting about sticking to the status quo. According to this year’s foreign exchange students, Albert Lea High School is living in the movie “High School...

Homeschool Student Makes Her Mark
Homeschool Student Makes Her Mark
April 16, 2025
Choose Wisely - Senior Reflection
Choose Wisely – Senior Reflection
May 15, 2025
Eh Thaw
Stone In The Water – Senior Reflection
May 15, 2025
Josephine Petersen
Value The Time – Senior Reflection
May 15, 2025
One Last Time - Senior Reflection
One Last Time – Senior Reflection
May 10, 2025
Junior Jonathan Streckert broadcasting for Albert Lea Live
Capturing Stories In Real-Time
March 13, 2025
HASA Throwbacks
Issue 91
Hasa Throwback: Racing the Clock
Ali Hafstad, Editor
Volume 91, 2004 Ahlahasa
Hasa Throwbacks: Do Things on Your Own
February 23, 2024
May 25, 1976 Ahlahasa comic
Hasa Throwbacks: Chaos of School Newspaper
February 16, 2024
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The Ahlahasa (@ahlahasa_) • Instagram photos and videos

Entertainment
Seniors Jorja Bolinger, Kae Bee and Emma Weckwerth doing yoga.
Hasa Trys Yoga
Jorja Bolinger, Staff Writer • October 2, 2025

New school year, new stress.  People often use yoga as a stress reliever, so the Hasa Team decided to give it a shot. It is good to explore and experience new things especially...

The Conjuring: Last Rites
The Conjuring: Last Rites
October 2, 2025
Even the Walmart carries whole shelf filled with blind boxes. This photo was taken towards the back of the toy section at the Walmart in Albert Lea.
The Blind Box Obsession
October 2, 2025
Carley Ladlie (12) and Evelyn Koepke (11) enjoying the original s'mores.
Hasa Trys Summer Camp
August 21, 2025
A Minecraft Movie
A Minecraft Movie
May 15, 2025
Senior Rosa Corey-Gruenes getting ready for her big win in pickleball.
Hasa Trys Pickleball
May 15, 2025
Comics
Click here for the comic!!!
Birdie and Lee Issue 2
October 2, 2025

Opinion
Honoring the Legacy of Labor Unions
Honoring the Legacy of Labor Unions
Janece Jeffrey, Guest Columnist • August 22, 2025

Labor Day Weekend, the last weekend of summer, is an opportunity to take a trip, spend time on the lake, or have a cookout. Those are all great ways to celebrate and honor...

We Love Trilogies For The Story Arc
August 21, 2025
Cancel Culture: Cure or Curse?
Cancel Culture: Cure or Curse?
August 21, 2025
Opinion|Men Are Choking On ‘The Red Pill’
Opinion|Men Are Choking On ‘The Red Pill’
May 15, 2025
Media Marketing Romance Books
March 13, 2025
Photo Gallery
Izaiah Palomo (10) at the varsity boys' soccer game versus Rochester JM on September 11.
September Sports Photos
Tiger Beat • September 30, 2025

Editorial
Tourism Terror
Tourism Terror
Carley Ladlie, Editor • October 2, 2025

In the past few years, we’ve seen a rise in the number of anti-tourism movements and protests. The most recent notable protests were in Barcelona,...

The Pain of Beauty Throughout the Years
The Pain of Beauty Throughout the Years
August 21, 2025
Art By Josephine Petersen
The Broken Window Theory
April 16, 2025
The Cost of Exclusion
The Cost of Exclusion
March 13, 2025
Protect Health, Reduce Diesel Emissions
Protect Health, Reduce Diesel Emissions
February 13, 2025
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
Morgan Goskeson, Guest Writer • October 6, 2025

Do you feel overwhelmed and stressed out trying to balance being a student and an athlete? That's because we never get an adequate break for...

Letter to the Editor
Nora Jacobson, Guest Writer • October 6, 2025

Homework overload can be a lot for students, whether they have an after school sport, a job or even just  going home.  Most school days tend...

History Center of Freeborn County
Football players entering the field for Homecoming, 1966. From the 1967 Tiger Yearbook.
A Rich History of Homecoming in Albert Lea
Rice Boettcher, Staff Writer • October 2, 2025

We recently celebrated Homecoming in Albert Lea by decorating our Flex doors and dressing up all week, but we used to have bonfires and boat...

Pet Of The Month
Sydney from the Albert Lea Humane Society
Humane Society Pet of the Month
Humane Society, Guest Columnist • October 3, 2025

Sydney is an American Foxhound born mid-May 2016 and has a lot of energy and plenty to say. She is a sweet lady who would love a home with a...

Meet the Staff
Jorja Bolinger
Jorja Bolinger
Staff Writer

Hi, my name is Jorja, and I am a senior this year! Some of my favorite things are reading, taking pictures, and the lake.

Ryoko Imperial
Ryoko Imperial
Artist

I'm Ryoko, and I am in 10th grade. I am the artist of the Ahlahasa. I love animals, drawing, and reading. I have two pets: a cat named Kuiper and a leopard gecko named Gummigoo.

Allondra De Rosas Lazaro
Allondra De Rosas Lazaro
Staff writer

Hi, my name is Allondra. I'm a staff writer on the AHLAHASA. I am vice president of StudCo, captain of the swim team, mock trial, and a spring manager. I am also involved in both band and orchestra. In...

Carley Ladlie
Carley Ladlie
Editor

Hey, my name is Carley. I will be a Senior this year, and alongside Kae Bee, I will also be the co-editor of the Ahlahasa.

Izzy Mednansky
Izzy Mednansky
Staff Writer

Hi, my name is Izzy, and I'm a sophomore at Albert Lea High School.

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