Commentary: High School Voices

Highland High Voices showcases a collaborative journalism project between The Salt Lake Tribune and Highland’s student newspaper, The Rambler. Through Amplify Utah's ongoing partnership with the Tribune, this initiative elevates diverse perspectives in local media by showcasing student journalism from and about the Class of 2025. Highland students explore their experiences navigating academics, social pressures, and an increasingly complex world, offering authentic insights into Gen Z's challenges and aspirations. Their work provides a platform for young voices while demonstrating the depth and awareness of today's emerging generation.

(Red Gunn | Special to The Tribune) Ali Jadallah, a senior at Highland High School in Salt Lake City, poses with his iPhone. He says instant connection to events around the world motivates him to get involved.

By Luca DiGregorio
Published In: Salt Lake Tribune

(Illustration by Christopher Cherrington | The Salt Lake Tribune)

By Lucy Smith
Published In: Salt Lake Tribune

“I can’t speak for everyone, but I personally have experienced being ghosted and left out from group activities with my LDS friends,” writes Anna Moreno in an op-ed. (Illustration by Billie Martinez | The Highland Rambler)

By Anna Moreno
Published In: Salt Lake Tribune

(Lauren Baese | Special to The Tribune) George Smith, a senior at Highland High School in Salt Lake City, volunteers in his community because he knows more than any previous generation about its problems.

By Camille Fisher
Published In: Salt Lake Tribune

“With my high school experience coming to a close, and limited time to explore what interests I have, I feel pressured into making the decision of whether or not I will choose a career that I love or one that simply pays well,” writes Jane Jardine in an op-ed. (Illustration by Abigail Gygi | The Highland Rambler)

By Jane Jardine
Published In: Salt Lake Tribune

(Ava Bateman |Special to The Tribune) Highland High School senior Penelope Masotti is going to study cosmetology after graduation. She wants to first have a stable career and make money before considering college.

By Olive Grabe
Published In: Salt Lake Tribune

“While knowing what’s going on nationally is important, it’s also impossible to ignore the uncertain, helpless feeling that comes with staying informed,” writes Naomi Parnell in an op-ed. “Sometimes it feels like a pebble settling into the bottom of your stomach, other times it feels like a tornado in your mind.” (Illustration by Red Gunn | The Highland Rambler)

By Naomi Parnell
Published In: Salt Lake Tribune

(Ava Bateman | Special to The Tribune) Rosa Sanchez, a senior at Highland High School in Salt Lake City, leads her school's Hispanics of Highland Club. She wants her Latino peers to consider going to college.

By Lucy Smith
Published In: Salt Lake Tribune

(Illustration by Christopher Cherrington | The Salt Lake Tribune)

By Luca DiGregorio
Published In: Salt Lake Tribune

(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Brandon Winn at Highland High School in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. He advises the school's journalism staff at The Rambler and has taught at the school for 20 years.

By Brandon Winn
Published In: Salt Lake Tribune

(Illustration by Red Gunn | The Highland Rambler) “Utahns are known for bleached blonde hair, year-round dark tanned skin, hair and lash extensions, perfectly polished nails and trending fashion wardrobes,” writes Lien Hoa Torres in an op-ed. “This is a costly image to maintain — but the cost of beauty is not only financial, it’s physical and emotional as well.”

By Lien Hoa Torres
Published In: Salt Lake Tribune

(Billie Martinez | Special to The Tribune) Dancer Gemma Leonard poses with a school book at Highland High School in Salt Lake City. The senior feels pressure to succeed and fills her time with homework, leadership and sports in order to get into college.

By Charlotte Harman
Published In: Salt Lake Tribune

(Illustration by Christopher Cherrington | The Salt Lake Tribune) “Beyond the eyes buried in screens are teenagers itching to make a change to our bad habits, but we just can’t seem to get away from the daily usage of screens,” writes Hillary Kimball in an op-ed.

By Hillary Kimball
Published In: Salt Lake Tribune

(Lauren Baese | Special to The Tribune) Anud Hashi, a senior at Highland High School in Salt Lake City, poses with the Somalia flag. She is concerned about gun violence in her Somali community and joined a prevention organization.

By Lien Hoa Torres
Published In: Salt Lake Tribune

Thanks to Our Partners

The project is in partnership with Salt Lake Tribune

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