The student news site of Portage Northern High School

The Northern Light
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The student news site of Portage Northern High School

The Northern Light
The student news site of Portage Northern High School

The Northern Light
News
With peers surrounding them, junior Riya Bhatt and sophomore Madeleine Duhn led the walkout on Friday, carrying protest signs instead of backpacks. One sign reads “Call your lawmakers” while the other states “Back to school ≠ back to shooting,” echoing students' demand for legislative action against gun violence. Reflecting on the event, Duhn says, "I hope they are moved and realize that there is no age limit on forcing change, anyone of all ages can do it,”. Photograph by Layla Carpenter
Portage Northern Students walkout out in protest against gun violence
Sophie Amberg, Layla Carpenter, Drew Collins, Sukanya Dunbar, Reese Graham, La’bria Hawkins, Trinity Herrera, Morgan Heyn, Kenna Hulick, Madison Ream, Anna Svetkoff, and Ana Van Dyke • September 16, 2025

On September 5th, an estimated 250 schools participated in a national walkout supporting gun violence prevention. Portage Northern answered the call, with nearly 100 students walking out of class at 10am to participate in the walkout. Led by junior Riya...

This sign is displayed in the art room to clearly communicate the new cell phone policies.
No cell bell to bell: Northern joins the rest of the district in establishing a phone-free learning environment
September 5, 2025
Librarian Megan Hall checks out a book for senior Abby Sherrill.
A New Chapter: Megan Hall brings fresh changes to the library
September 5, 2025
Over 50 staff and students dressed up in the annual Huskie Halloween Costume Contest.
Students and staff leave an indelible impact in the annual Huskie Halloween costume contest
November 12, 2024
Students got ready for Homecoming with not one but two student-led assemblies. Photos and graphic by the NL staff.
Distance between homecoming game and dance baffles many, but is necessary
September 27, 2024
The junior class watches on during the department "Through the Hoops" contest.
Opening day academic assembly tests staff, celebrates students
August 29, 2024
Feature
Shelby Pierce is the new principal's secretary and one of the new staff members featured in this special project.
Fresh faces: meet PN’s new staff members
Sophie Amberg, Riya Bhatt, Layla Carpenter, Drew Collins, Madeleine Duhn, Sukanya Dunbar, Reese Graham, La’bria Hawkins, Trinity Herrera, Morgan Heyn, Kenna Hulick, Madison Ream, Anna Svetkoff, and Ana Van Dyke • September 26, 2025

Created by the NL staff using Microsoft Copilot AI.
Surveillance: your phone and you
Abby Hosler, Brayden Schimp, Kenna Hulick, Sophie Amberg, Abby Dudley, and Madeleine Duhn • February 15, 2025

Your phone is with you 24 hours a day every day. It goes to the bathroom with you, it sleeps in your room at night, and it's always listening…...

Sports
Graphic by the NL staff.
The road to the Super Bowl
Mitchell Barnard, Asher Carpenter, and Chase Vanderwalle • February 9, 2025

On January 26th, in the NFC Conference Championship finals, the Eagles beat the Commanders 55-23. Commanders Quarterback Jayden Daniels had 255...

Track talk with Ryan Mauwa
Track talk with Ryan Mauwa
October 22, 2024
In a relay race, a single set of handoffs can make or break a team's chance to qualify for the state meet under the current model. This shouldn't be the case. Photo courtesy of Sandy Kocinski.
Track talk with Ryan Mauwa
September 27, 2024
Distracted Driving Presentations
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors: learn how to drive safely!
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Entertainment
The Legendary Light with Riya and Maddy: Episode 2
The Legendary Light with Riya and Maddy: Episode 2
Riya Bhatt and Madeleine Duhn • October 2, 2025

 In the second episode of the award-winning Legendary Light podcast, Riya and Maddy sit down with new Spanish teacher Heather Canenguez to discuss...

The Legendary Light is hosted on Spotify.
Podcast: The Legendary Light with Riya and Maddy
September 17, 2025
Tortured Poets Department has sold 2.47 million copies in the United States. It was the best-selling album of 2024 in the first half of the year.
Taylor Swift’s TTPD is exactly what the fans needed
November 26, 2024
Our Readers are in...
Each dot represents a place that a NL reader accessed this website from!
Opinion
Our country feels like we are at a historic intersection where the choices that we make today - individually and governmentally - have the potential to change the trajectory of the country permanently. NL illustrator Maddy Duhn captures this reality in her illustration, "I wanted to show the two different directions our country could take," she shares, "one direction filled with love and hope for one another, and the other stormy with hate and prejudice against one another."
Staff Editorial: we are at a crossroads
Staff • October 1, 2025

Violence of all kinds has become increasingly prevalent in the US, brutally demonstrated by recent events like the killing of Ukrainian refugee...

Illustration created by the NL staff using Microsoft Copilot.
TikTok Ban: weighing the pros and cons of a controversial decision
February 13, 2025
Unfiltered is an opinion column authored by NL editor in chief Abby Hosler that runs both in print and online.
Unfiltered with Abby Hosler
November 26, 2024
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