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The Voice of Wakefield High School

The Howler
The Voice of Wakefield High School

The Howler
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The Voice of Wakefield High School

The Howler
Elana Ruff

Elana Ruff, Co-Opinions Editor

Hi! My name is Elana Ruff and I am a senior at Wakefield High School. This is my second year on The Howler Staff! Outside of school and newspaper, I enjoy playing soccer, art and reading. I’m very excited for my last year on The Howler, and can’t wait to graduate and apply everything I’ve learned here in what I pursue in the future!

“Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.” – Edgar Allen Poe

All content by Elana Ruff
The erasure of Black and African American history is something that can't be ignored. The impact of this censorship is a problem that will only escalate.

History ignored is history repeated

Elana Ruff, Co-Opinions Editor
November 3, 2025
Wakefield Women's Tennis Team poses before match. Their closeness demonstrates their chemistry and encouragement for each other on the court.

Wakefield women’s tennis cultivates team chemistry through mentorship, communication

Elana Ruff and Addyson Hall
October 16, 2025
Wakefield High School Wackos, Student Council and advisors work together to plan Homecoming pep rally. From left to right, top to bottom: Payton Smith, Jeren Hernandez, Weston Shrimanker, Ellen Mathis.

Wakefield Wackos, Student Council work together to plan Homecoming Pep Rally

Elana Ruff and Raelynn Rogers
September 26, 2025
Seniors Landsey Okpo, Brooks Vice, Sasha Efimova and William Murray (left to right, top to bottom). Join as they discuss their fears going into adulthood and aspirations for college!

Q&A: Wakefield seniors discuss fears, planning futures

Elana Ruff and Cali Clark
June 2, 2025
“A Minecraft Movie” came to theaters on April 4. This film stars Jack Black, Jason Momoa, etc. (Graphic courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.)

“A Minecraft Movie” sparks chaotic trends across social media

Elana Ruff, A&E Editor
May 15, 2025
An overview of the gallery portion of the Art Show set up in the media center. Art from high, middle, and elementary schoolers are displayed here.

Wakefield’s Art Show exhibits student artists’ masterpieces

Elana Ruff, A&E Editor
May 12, 2025

Animated Insights EP 3 – Madagascar & Rio

Elana Ruff and Gabriel Linnan
May 1, 2025
Okome House on a Wednesday evening. Location at 11200 Capital Blvd, Wake Forest, NC.

Okome House: How an all-you-can-eat restaurant limits food waste

Elana Ruff, A&E Editor
April 11, 2025
The Wakefield boys golf team pose for a picture. The team shows camaraderie and commitment. (Courtesy of Men's Golf Team)

Wakefield men’s golf drives for success with strong relationships, practice

Elana Ruff and Cali Clark
March 17, 2025

Animated Insights EP 2 – Monsters, Inc. & Ice Age

Elana Ruff and Gabriel Linnan
March 10, 2025
Hannah Grace's "Icebreaker" is featured in Targets "#BookTok" section in their book aisle. Alongside are some of her other works, as well as books by author Elle Kennedy.

Judging a book by its cover: When expectations clash with reality

Elana Ruff, A&E Editor
February 26, 2025
Best TV Shows of 2024

Best TV Shows of 2024

Elana Ruff and Monroe Huckaby
February 7, 2025
Best Trends of 2024

Best Trends of 2024

February 6, 2025
Best Movies of 2024

Best Movies of 2024

February 5, 2025
Best People of 2024

Best People of 2024

February 4, 2025
Best Albums of 2024

Best Albums of 2024

February 3, 2025
Elf on the Shelf is as popular as ever. These holiday-themed dolls continue to be a shared Christmas tradition among families ever. (Adapted photo by Flicker; courtesy of Creative Commons)

Elf on the Shelf maintains its holiday magic 19 years after creation

Elana Ruff, A&E Editor
December 20, 2024

Animated Insights Episode 1: Cars, The Emperor’s New Groove

Elana Ruff and Gabriel Linnan
December 11, 2024
Moss instructs her AP African American History class. She guides them through every step of their project and is ready to answer any questions they may have.

Deja Moss receives Wakefield’s Teacher of the Year award

Elana Ruff, A&E Editor
November 20, 2024
The Ghostbusters movie franchise is one of many that has been subject to change over the years. (Adapted graphics courtesy of Columbia Productions and Sony Pictures).

Entertainment, filmmaking evolve from old classics to modern day movies

Elana Ruff, A&E Editor
November 14, 2024
Pesto the penguin and Moo Deng the hippo posing for the camera in their enclosures. (Adapted photos courtesy of HoseIsFaucet via Wikimedia Commons and Creative Commons, Free Malaysia Today).

The rise of fame for chubby baby animals: Pesto and Moo Deng

Elana Ruff, A&E Editor
November 8, 2024
Kloe Kennedy, Haylie Judd and Kelsey Faircloth of the Wakefield gymnastics team's 2023/2024 roster show their school spirit at one of their competitions. (Photo Courtesy of Wakefield's yearbook)

Wakefield’s women’s gymnastics team is building bonds and making impacts

Elana Ruff, Arts and Entertainment Editor
October 17, 2024
Top row, from left to right: Stella Tekotte, Bella O'Janpa, Allison Lazzari Bottom row, from left to right: Camryn Ledwith, Jessica OBerto

New Wakefield clubs focus on helping the community

Caroline Rhoad and Elana Ruff
October 1, 2024
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