The Student News Site of Ventura High School

The Cougar Press
The Student News Site of Ventura High School

The Cougar Press
The Student News Site of Ventura High School

The Cougar Press
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Sophia Denzler

Sophia Denzler, Managing Editor

Sophia Denzler is a senior at VHS in her fourth year at The Cougar Press. She enjoys going to the beach, watching movies, eating sushi and reading. 
All content by Sophia Denzler
At the VUSD office, between 300-400 individuals were in attendance, filling the main room, an overflow room, as well as crowds outside the building and hundreds online on the live stream. Photo by: Sophia Denzler

VUSD Board cuts back on budget cuts

Brody Daw and Sophia Denzler
March 12, 2025
Trump’s government-cutting team singled out the “nearly $300 million to progressive groups like Planned Parenthood” as one of the targets at which DOGE was 'taking aim.' said the Washington State Journal. Photo by: Brody Daw

Opinion: How will Donald Trump’s second term continue to threaten women?

Sophia Denzler and Brody Daw
February 14, 2025
Social Media has dissected the sentence "No one mourns the Wicked" into "No, one mourns the wicked." and "No, one mourns, the wicked." Meaning that Elphaba and Glinda both mourn each other. Graphic by: Brody Daw

Opinion: Did Wicked the Movie Defy Gravity

Sophia Denzler and Brody Daw
December 17, 2024
Carla Nava ‘25, Abby Gonzalez ‘25, Athena Thasiah ‘25 and Emily Gonzalez ‘25 (left to right) want to go to Syracuse, UCLA for art, DePaul for film and UCLA for music. Photo by: Brody Daw

What are senior’s dream colleges?

Brody Daw and Sophia Denzler
November 18, 2024
"Monsters" replicates many pictures and scenes from the Menendez family's real life, which is counterintuitive considering they chose a very dramatized version of the story. Graphic by: Sophia Denzler

Opinion: Monsters or Misinformation?

Brody Daw and Sophia Denzler
November 4, 2024
Crafted American-flag hearts made by students can be posted up in the 80s-90s classrooms windows. Photo by: Sophia Denzler

To Vote or Not to Vote

Sophia Denzler
September 13, 2024
According to Wui the culinary pathway is a productive and enjoyable way to learn relevant skills for possible future careers or adult life. Graphic by: Sophia Denzler.

What’s cooking in Ventura High School’s kitchens?

Sophia Denzler
April 12, 2024
Avry Girtsman '25 said, "I loved the descriptions in the book. Her journey was really powerful and I couldn't stop reading." Graphic by: Brody Daw

Opinion: Every high schooler should read “Educated”

Sophia Denzler and Brody Daw
March 20, 2024
Pictured top left to right is Makayla Estrada ‘24, Laci Dayla ‘24, Rayanna Owens ‘24, Julie Muñoz ‘24, Sierra Golden ‘24, Alyssa Garo ‘24 and Chloe Simpson ‘24. Bottom left to right is Haley Thompson ‘24, Aubrey Trigo ‘24, Ella Kirkpatrick ‘24 and Kaya Fraser ‘24. Photo by: Brody Daw

Senior Ball 2024 Recap

Brody Daw and Sophia Denzler
January 22, 2024
In the opening scene of Snow Scene, Ava Mohror ‘24 (center) dances as the Snow Queen, welcoming Clara to her kingdom. Photo by: Sophia Denzler

A look into “The Nutcracker”

Brody Daw and Sophia Denzler
January 18, 2024
Christmas connections

Christmas connections

Sophia Denzler
December 22, 2023
The movie Priscilla had a box office gross of $19,602,138 dollars. Graphic by: Brody Daw

Cougar Critique: “Priscilla”

Brody Daw and Sophia Denzler
December 3, 2023
(Left to right) ASB members Bailey Burman ‘25 and Olivia Mobley ‘25 participated in the Monday Oct. 9 “West Coast Best Coast” beach gear theme. Photo by: Sophia Denzler

Cougars dress up for Rivalry Spirit Week

Sophia Denzler
November 7, 2023
Students gather around dogs on the senior lawn during lunch. The dogs provided comfort to students who participated in the wellness faire. Photo by: Brody Daw

Ventura High School hosts a wellness fair for students

Alexis Segovia, Sophia Denzler, and Brody Daw
June 6, 2023
The view from the beach promenade is another bonus to running there. Photo by: Brody Daw

Opinion: Where are the best places to run in Ventura County?

Brody Daw and Sophia Denzler
May 26, 2023
C U at College

C U at College

Sophia Denzler
May 26, 2023
ASB has many events and activities planned for the spring season. Graphic by: Jane Armstrong

ASB’s exciting plans for spring include dances, spirit days and games

Jane Armstrong, Sophia Denzler, and Isabel Andrade
March 24, 2023
VHS students and Mock Trial participants gather during their break before returning to the court room. Photo by: Miriam Arichea

Ventura High School Mock Trial Team takes it to court

Brody Daw and Sophia Denzler
February 17, 2023
SZA's "SOS" cover was inspired by Princess Diana's famous paparazzi photo of her on a yacht diving board in 1992 while in India. Graphic by: Sophia Denzler

Music review: SZA has returned with breakthrough album “SOS”

Sophia Denzler
February 1, 2023
As the show ends the dancers take their final bows. Several in the audience gave the performance a standing ovation. Photo by: Brody Daw

Ballet Academy Ventura’s “Nutcracker:” Behind the curtain

Ava Mohror, Brody Daw, and Sophia Denzler
January 25, 2023
“The Nutcracker” begins with a party scene amidst a Christmas Eve celebration held at the Staulbaums’ home. The children dance in many different pieces throughout this scene. Photo by: Emi Pool

A peek into Ballet Academy Ventura’s annual “The Nutcracker”

Ava Mohror, Sophia Denzler, and Brody Daw
January 22, 2023
The annual Ventura High School cardboard boat race took place during lunch Nov. 15. 29 teams participated, in four races including the final round. Each team was given cardboard and tape, and had to use their ingenuity to design a unique raft that would carry their captain across the VHS pool. Photo by: Brody Daw

Who sunk in the cardboard boat race?

Brody Daw and Sophia Denzler
December 2, 2022
As of Nov. 8, the only fences on campus surround the baseball fields and the pool, which protect the main campus. Photo By: Kinda Mehael

VUSD introduces the possibility of installing fences around schools for added protection

Kinda Mehael and Sophia Denzler
November 10, 2022
Class of 2026 poster welcomes new freshman onto campus during their first days of school. Photo by: Sophia Denzler

Class of ‘26 students share their thoughts on high school

Kendall Garcia, Sophia Denzler, and Isabel Andrade
October 2, 2022
The IDEA Center is one of many initatives by the non-profit organization STEMbassadors. According to the STEMbassadors website, ¨The STEMbassadors IDEA Center is a permanent location that offers marginalized youth and the community opportunities to bridge their education with innovation. By offering career pathways, students get the chance to partner with local businesses and community members.¨ Photo by: Sophia Denzler

IDEA Center allows students to create projects

Alejandro Hernandez and Sophia Denzler
July 9, 2022
The Atoms for Peace statue was subsequently restored. Photo by: Gisselle Garcia

VHS campus vandalizations come as a result of Powderpuff game

Sophia Denzler, Julian Martinez, and Gisselle Garcia
June 16, 2022
The annual VHS chalk festival emerged once again after a two year break due to COVID-19. The festival was an opportunity to advanced art students to stretch their creative limits and create something special. Photo by: Brody Daw

Take a look at this year’s annual Chalk Festival at VHS

Brody Daw and Sophia Denzler
May 24, 2022
Junior Ella Bartlett said, "I chose this piece because it was super cute, and it seems simple enough. We have been working on this since 8:00 a.m this morning, we are working on it as a trio. I wouldn't say chalk is the best medium but it is fun to work with, so it is one of my favorites." Photo by: Brody Daw

A walk to look at chalk

Sophia Denzler and Brody Daw
May 23, 2022
The past six months graph for positive cases in Ventura County, showing the winter omicron surge from January to mid-February. Photo by: New York Times

A recap of COVID-19 at VHS

Sophia Denzler
May 17, 2022
What are VHS' favorite books?

What are VHS’ favorite books?

Sophia Denzler
May 6, 2022
The original Sadie Hawkins comic by Al Capp. Graphic by: Sophia Denzler

Opinion: Sadies: Why are we STILL enforcing old gender roles?

Sophia Denzler
March 28, 2022
VHS boys volleyball during their game against cross town rival Buena. Photo by: Ava Mohror

Opinion: VHS boys volleyball kicks butt…except nobody knows

Sophia Denzler, Brody Daw, and Livia Vertucci
March 25, 2022
Cougar Catnip: Fix the senior lawn!

Cougar Catnip: Fix the senior lawn!

Sophia Denzler
March 25, 2022
Spring word search

Spring word search

Sophia Denzler
March 22, 2022
VHS Principal Marissa Cervantes said, "Ventura High School will follow the District’s communications and guidelines on this matter. Masks will be strongly recommended but not required indoors on our campus beginning March 14. As always masks will be available to anyone who would like one. Mask are provided in classrooms, office and health office." Photo by: Alejandro Hernandez

School mask mandates come to an end

Alejandro Hernandez, Sophia Denzler, and Brody Daw
March 4, 2022
There is also a memorial stone on campus for Austin. By the entrance at Larrabee Stadium, track and cross country athletes are encouraged to touch the stone on the way in and out. Photo by: Sophia Denzler

Oak tree planned to be planted in honor of Austin Gambill

Sophia Denzler
March 3, 2022
Which ASB Students are Running for President?

Which ASB Students are Running for President?

Sophia Denzler
February 10, 2022
Opinion: Settling the debate: Who is best fit for Rory Gilmore?

Opinion: Settling the debate: Who is best fit for Rory Gilmore?

Sophia Denzler
January 26, 2022
Opinion: What determines how much coverage a missing person receives?

Opinion: What determines how much coverage a missing person receives?

Sophia Denzler
January 26, 2022
Sophomore Lia Postis shared a view from the stadium at VHS. "The view from the stadium is always nuts" she said. Photo by: Lia Postis

Ventura Views

Brody Daw and Sophia Denzler
January 21, 2022
Opinion: Do students feel comfortable being approached by military recruiters on campus?

Opinion: Do students feel comfortable being approached by military recruiters on campus?

Brody Daw and Sophia Denzler
January 20, 2022
In the Russian variation of the Nutcracker, part of the group that performed at the Sugar Plum fairy's palace were this duo with younger aspiring dancers in the background. Photo from: Ventura County Ballet Academy

Nutcracker 2021

Brody Daw and Sophia Denzler
January 19, 2022
Craig Carey, VHS teacher, was wearing an "Ugly sweater" and ornaments in his beard on Friday, the last day before break. Photo by: Brody Daw

Photostory: Winter spirit week

Sophia Denzler
January 5, 2022
As the Grand Finale begins to take place, characters from all parts of the story join together on the stage. Photo by: Sophia Denzler

Performers of Ventura County Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” are on pointe

Sophia Denzler and Brody Daw
January 3, 2022
(Left to right) Seniors Wyatt Mojo, Inman Costa, Tess Luoma, Caroline Marsden, Alina Reitz, Quinn Ferguson and Greta Pankratz were selling "Gwat-amole" with chips for the GWAT club. Photo by: Sophia Denzler

Food Faire 2021: VHS goes all out for club funding

Brody Daw and Sophia Denzler
November 20, 2021
(Top to bottom) Grace Ellberg, Olivier Cougard and Claudio Lonardo. Cougard is the VHS French teacher. Italian is taught by Lonardo. Ellberg is one of the Spanish teachers. Photos by: Sophia Denzler

Battle of the Languages

Sophia Denzler
November 19, 2021
Juniors Reece Pickett and Joseph Wronkiewicz (left to right) are reading "Death by Black Hole" by Neil deGrasse Tyson and "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir. Photo by: Sophia Denzler

What is VHS reading?

Sophia Denzler
October 22, 2021
Melina Bentiez, senior president of entertainment committee said, " I picked the days based off of how much participation we would receive. For Monday we decided on PJ day because it’s iconic and a must when it comes to spirit week. For Tuesday we decided on rep your sport day so people could wear their favorite sports team hats, shirts, jerseys and connect with one another. For Wednesday we knew it was a must in honor of breast cancer awareness month and felt most people would enjoy it. For Thursday I heard a lot of feedback from other classmates saying it’d be fun to do a 2000s day and I thought why not and gave it a try. For Friday we wanted to make it fun with class colors and tie it into the Greek theme for homecoming."

HOCO dress up days are back

Rachel Gonzalez, Brody Daw, and Sophia Denzler
October 22, 2021
What is Ventura High's favorite Taylor Swift album?

What is Ventura High’s favorite Taylor Swift album?

Sophia Denzler
October 22, 2021
Rob Lewis' biology and chemistry classroom displays posters of some Ventura islands and sanctuaries. Photo by: Sophia Denzler

The VHS community reminds us how important environmental consciousness is

Sophia Denzler
October 21, 2021
Freshman Olivia Mobley wore a Ventura Cross Country windbreaker jacket over a jersey.

Junior Montana Wiggins was decked out in Oklahoma Sooners gear with colors red and white from head to toe.

Ryan Rackley is a tired student from Preston Biller's 2nd period math class. How many hours of sleep do you think she got? Photo by: Sophia Denzler

Opinion: Law pushes school starting times back

Sophia Denzler
October 8, 2021
An entry from a Banner Bold magazine. Poetry is one of the most popular categories to enter into. Photo by Sophia Denzler

Banner Bold returns after years

Sophia Denzler
September 30, 2021
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