Unseen Heroes of CHS

Behind the scenes at Cascade High School are students whose efforts keep the school running smoothly and make it a thriving community. Many of these students contribute in ways that often go unnoticed, but their work is essential.

Students who make a significant difference include student store workers, publications editors, backstage and lighting crew, sports managers, the CHS band and cheerleading team, ASB and leadership students, club leaders, and office TAs. Each of these groups plays a vital role in supporting school events and activities.

Student Store Workers

The student store raises funds for the FBLA club and operates during lunch periods. Lauren Goldy (9) joined FBLA this year as a freshman during Club Rush and has worked numerous shifts to support the club, led by Mrs. Murphy.

“My favorite part about working in the student store is getting to talk to all of the customers because it is really entertaining,” said Goldy.

Publications editors and advanced staffers show up at 8a on a late start to perfect writing, graphic art, and photography in the 2026 yearbook and meet the first deadline of the year. Photo credit: Roselyn Robison

Publications Editors

The Publications Editors are responsible for bringing the CHS yearbook to life each year and producing a monthly newspaper for the Kodiak community. This year’s editors are Avery Houghton (12), Arlo Gibbs (12), Vanessa Ibarra Onate (12), and Mylee Hobbs (12).

“My favorite thing about Publications is the creativity, memories, and energy in the classroom. I love sports photography and journalism, so that is also a big favorite part,” said Hobbs.

They assist incoming staffers, collaborate with one another, and ensure all aspects of publications run smoothly.

Backstage and Lighting Crew

Students in the lighting and sound booth play a crucial role in school performances, whether for band and choir concerts or school plays. Kate Smith (11), a member of the Cascade Band, is highly involved in the tech crew.

“Depending on the school event, I will either work lights or sound in the tech booth, or for plays, I am either on stage acting or helping out backstage,” said Smith.

Sports Managers

Sports managers assist with team logistics and operations during games. For the fall girls’ soccer team, Arlo Gibbs (12) and Adan Vargas (11) served as managers. For the winter basketball season, managers included Crystal Alvarado (11), Xareny Guzman Perez (11), Panthra Gardineer (12), and Adan Vargas (11).

“Our job is to help during games with the book and the clock. My favorite part about being a basketball manager is being able to help the coaches and players,” said Alvarado.

CHS cheerleaders, followed by the CHS Marching Band, performed as the opening acts of the Autumn Leaf Parade, showcasing Kodiak spirit to the entire community. Photo credit: Roselyn Robison

CHS Band and Cheerleading Team

The band and cheer team contribute energy and entertainment at school events. The band provides live music, while the cheer team keeps spirits high with practiced routines.

“I really like being able to spend time with my friends who are upperclassmen because I don’t see them in other classes,” said Lauren Peterson (9), a band member.

“My favorite part of cheer are the friendships you make,” said Emma Radach (12), a senior who has been on the Cascade Cheer team since her sophomore year and also participates in FBLA and the student store.

Amaya Blue (11), Zoie Burpee (11), and Addison Weaver (11) create and run visuals for assemblies as part of their work for Leadership class. Photo credit: Xiodali Solis

ASB and Leadership Students

ASB and Leadership students organize school events, including dances, spirit weeks, and themed sports games. Panthra Gardineer (12) has been especially active, contributing to planning events like Homecoming. She was the person behind the Gratitude Jar and daily gratitude shoutouts on announcements.

“I like being able to make posters and being challenged on my Evolve assignments,” said Gardineer.

Office TAs and Helpers

Office TAs assist the office staff with a variety of tasks, including delivering notes, answering calls, and supporting teachers and administrators. Ingrid Stockman (11) enjoys interacting with staff while helping in the office.

“My favorite part of helping in the office is talking with the staff,” said Stockman.

Ryder Wintermeier (10), an office TA this year, explained, “We run notes, wipe up tables, and help the principal, Mrs. Grace, and other office staff.”

Sports Medicine members Owen Schoenwald (10) and Caddigan Adams (10) help to check people in to the fall Blood Drive. Photo credit: Stella Peterson

Club Leaders

Student leaders help ensure that clubs run smoothly alongside their supervising teachers. For the Interact Club, the presidents are Tristan Sharpe (11), Ada Missal (11), Thayer Robison (11), and Ingrid Stockman (11). They plan and organize club meetings and events.

All of these students are integral to the CHS community. Their contributions to assemblies, sports games, dances, spirit weeks, and other events help make the school a vibrant and supportive environment. Their dedication is appreciated, and students are encouraged to acknowledge these “unseen heroes” when they see them in the hallways.