The Iliad

The Student News Site of Poway High School
The Student News Site of Poway High School

The Iliad
The Student News Site of Poway High School

The Iliad
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PDP’s Winter Concert raises holiday cheer

Poway Dance Project has been wowing the stands for decades, with new numbers weekly and old traditions. Their annual winter concert took place on Dec 4., filled with holiday cheer and school spirit. They choreographed dances to fun holiday songs, and taught a group of Poway Dance Dudes (PDD) dancers for a great time and jolly memories.
Ava Byrne, Staff Writer
December 18, 2025
Ava Byrne
Seniors Clara LaForge, Kezi Thibodeau, and Jackie Edwards, along with juniors Mia Witsell and Malia Richards, have been performing together since the juniors joined the team three years ago.
Casey solo cropped
Ava Byrne
unior Casey Allphin performs a solo emotional performance to a ballad-like cover song of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” touched many in the crowd.
More to Discover
More in News
“I’d tell myself to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible.” — Henry Kraft
Advice to our freshman year selves
Arno Chrispeels, who taught AP Biology, biology, sheltered biology, and physical science for 31 years at Poway High School. He wants to buy a sailboat and sail around the world. “I’ll be sailing across the country to Florida and explore the east coast, and then next winter head down to the Caribbean,” Chrispeels said. His favorite part about teaching at Poway is the different types of kids there are.
Teachers give final advice to graduating seniors
Seniors Natalie Vejtasta, Chanel Xaudaro, and Scarlett Simon pose together for a group photo.
Students hit the prom jackpot
History teacher Curtis Lewis is retiring after 26 at Poway High, where he taught AP US History, civics, AP Human Geography, and AP Government. He plans to move to a more affordable area where he can experience all four seasons and a different pace of life. “There’ve been a lot of great teachers and friends and students, and I still keep in contact with students that I had over 20 years ago,” Lewis said.
Graduating with us: Retiring Teachers tell their story
Victoria Johnson and Johnny Hofmann
Creativity saves money
Senior Jacqueline Edwards performs her duet with senior Kezi Thibodeau.
Seniors stun one last time at spring concert
More in Showcase
Senior Kezi Thibodau starts her last home varsity floor routine as her teammates hold up signs cheering her on.
Varsity Gymnastics gives it their all on senior night
Brian Mark
After 12 years, Gonzo steps down to return to the classroom
Class creativity without art credit
Class creativity without art credit
Staff editorial: Proposed cell phone policy reasonable
Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) and Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) in The Devil Wears Prada 2
Chic return or nostalgic redo?
Education beyond the borders
Education beyond the borders
About the Contributor
Ava Byrne, News Feature and Feature Editor
I enjoy being the News Feature and Feature Editor because I get to help other students get to a good story that they’ve worked so hard for, about others on campus or news around school.  My favorite section to write for is News because I get to keep up with all things Poway and get others informed. Outside of the Iliad, I play Field Hockey and Lacrosse, and love reading, doing yoga, staying active, and hanging out with friends and family. My future plans are to attend the University of San Diego, majoring in Psychology in hopes to earn my bachelor’s and become a Developmental Psychologist. (Class of 2026)