The Spyglass

The student news site of Galena High School.

The Spyglass

The Spyglass
All content by Vanesa Vazquez
Game on! Tessa Gempler ‘27 faced Orion-Sherrard in a tense match. It was the first home game of the season for the GED girls' soccer team. “I felt the pressure but did my best,” said Gempler, ‘27.

GED Girls Soccer Faces Tough Home Opener

Vanesa Vazquez, Staff Writer
April 15, 2025
Saving lives! GHS Senior, Logan Schultz, donating blood in the GHS stage. This was his first time donating. “My grandparents did it and I thought it would be cool if I did it too,” Schultz ‘25 said.

For a Good Cause: GHS Participates in Annual Blood Drive

Vanesa Vazquez, Staff Writer
March 31, 2025

Is Bubbl’r helping or hurting classrooms?

Caitlin Kennedy and Vanesa Vazquez
March 19, 2025
A Winter Wonderland! A heavy snowfall hit the Tri-state area and surrounding parts. Many local schools cancelled, including the Galena School District. “I am so glad I got to stay home in my pj’s,” said Eva Bastion ‘28.

Snowed In: Galena School District Cancels School Due to Extreme Weather 

Vanesa Vazquez, Staff Writer
February 24, 2025

Galena Girls Basketball Team Sinks to Rockford Lutheran

Vanesa Vazquez, Staff Writer
February 13, 2025
New Beginnings! Isabella Haugh ‘28 smiles brightly in the library. Haugh ‘28 is one of GHS’s new students this semester. She comes from Chicago and made it to Galena! “Everyone has been very welcoming and the people are very friendly,” said Haugh ‘28.

Excitement in the Air: GHS Welcomes New Students This Semester

Caitlin Kennedy and Vanesa Vazquez
January 31, 2025
Pirate Pride! Coach Ed Freed stands proudly in front of the GHS stone. Freed has officially retired as head football coach and will focus on being Athletic Director. Freed adds, “the proud tradition we have is like no other community and it has been a great ride!”

Signing Off: Coach Ed Freed Retires as Head Football Coach After 21 Years

Vanesa Vazquez, Staff Writer
January 24, 2025
Galena Boys Basketball team faces a defeat against Marquette

Galena Boys Basketball team faces a defeat against Marquette

Vanesa Vazquez, Staff Writer
January 16, 2025
Violet Doyle '26 enjoys a Bubbl'r during class. Bubbl'r has become a popular drink among GHS students, but its high caffeine content has raised concerns among teachers.

Is Bubbl’r helping or hurting classrooms?

Caitlin Kennedy and Vanesa Vazquez
December 20, 2024
Stay calm! This Thanksgiving can bring many problems to the dinner table. GHS Teacher Katie McIntyre dressed up as a turkey and was with her driver's ed class, who said they were all thankful for her. Maddie Ehler ‘28 said, “This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for McIntyre.”

The Ultimate Guide to Survive Thanksgiving Dinner

Vanesa Vazquez and Caitlin Kennedy
November 25, 2024
Run faster! GHS choir students and sports director Mr. Freed in the upper parking lot, taking attendance. Students and staff practiced the active intruder drill on Friday, October 25, 2024. Daisha Balayti 26’ said, “I feel like this drill was very helpful for me and others to know what to do in case of an emergency”

Preparing for the Unexpected: GHS Practices the Annual Intruder Drill 

Vanesa Vazquez, Staff Writer
November 7, 2024
From high school hallways to military boot camps! Marisol Trujillo’25 and her niece smiling proudly after Trujillo graduated from basic training. She spent 10 weeks in training over the 2024 summer. “I am very grateful that I was able to experience it all,” said Trujillo. 

A Brave Path: Marisol Trujillo’s Commitment to the National Guard

Vanesa Vazquez, Staff Writer
October 31, 2024
A glimpse into the heart of Galena High School's cafeteria. Meet the dedicated lunch ladies who ensure our students are well-nourished. From early morning prep to serving thousands of meals, their hard work often goes unnoticed. “I wish the kids would be more polite," said Rose Casper.

Fork in the Road: The Importance of Respecting Our Lunch Ladies

Vanesa Vazquez, Staff Writer
October 11, 2024
Shimmering in Glitter! Sarah Bello ‘25, Daniela Bello ‘26, and Vanesa Vazquez ‘27 beam with joy after struggling to get to their first class, P.E. They planned to wear their quinceañera dresses two weeks before dress-to-impress day, “All of them agreed, so I wasn’t alone,” said S. Bello.

Quinceañera Dresses Impress GHS

Vanesa Vazquez, Staff Writer
September 27, 2024
Martha Schubert, GHS ‘26, and Cata Mauro, GHS ‘25, smiling for Homecoming Neon Day

GHS Welcomes New Exchange Students

Vanesa Vazquez, Staff Writer
September 23, 2024
Hot Temperatures Cause Early Dismissals

Hot Temperatures Cause Early Dismissals

Vanesa Vazquez, Staff Writer
August 28, 2024
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