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The Student News Site of McLean High School

The Highlander

The Student News Site of McLean High School

The Highlander

The Student News Site of McLean High School

The Highlander

Before changing its admissions policies in 2020, TJ consistently ranked as the best public high school in America. The school was known to foster some of the brightest STEM-oriented individuals.
Thomas Jefferson High School faces federal scrutiny
Alan Tang, Paghunda Ali and Caroline Su May 29, 2025

The U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Justice began investigating discrimination in...

The geese family enjoys a drink in their new home. The geese arrived in the courtyard during early spring.
Egg-straordinary Arrivals
Saoirse Sigler and Kaelyn MacKay June 1, 2025

McLean’s cafeteria courtyard has become a home to not only the Highlanders, but a family of geese...

An increase in food prices across Fairfax County. Depicts a rise in costs for necessities.
Fairfax County approves 4% increase in food and beverage taxes
Amelia Cho, Online Opinions Editor • May 29, 2025

For many, food is more than a source of nourishment. It’s a source of culture, connection and well-being....

Plane flying over summer sun. This is meant to signify students trips this summer.
Leisure VS. academic summer activities
Kaelyn Mackay and Elaina Heinitz June 9, 2025

As the 2025 school year comes to a close, McLean students are thinking ahead towards summer break. However, their sights are not just set on pool days or road trips, but also academic preparation for eventual...

Cartoon of a McLean bus. Cartoon depicts an empty bus stop.
Bus schedule harms students
Elaina Heinitz, Reporter • June 9, 2025

McLean’s school bus-induced tardiness is a longstanding problem, causing many students to miss rides to and from school. However, as of recently, the issue has worsened and it can no longer be ignored....

Senior Designated Hitter Sophie Kaintoch readies herself to hit a pitch. The Highlanders struggled with getting on base, only scoring two runs.
McLean Softball falls to Madison 3-2 in the regional finals
Saavan Vohra, Reporter • June 8, 2025
Junior pitcher Saoirse Sigler glances at her pitching sheet. Sigler was dominant on the mound, only allowing one hit and zero runs.
McLean sacks Saxons
June 4, 2025
A&E
Joe Jonas features a floral album cover to match the upbeat vibe of his new songs listed in Music For People Who Believe in Love.
Jonas Jazzes music industry
Saoirse Sigler, Sports Editor • June 12, 2025
Read our latest issue!
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WMHS News – Special Edition – January 2025

Minute with Min Episode 4: The Risk of Rescinded Acceptances
Minsong Ha and Aaron Stark May 11, 2025

In this episode, host Minsong Ha talks with co-editor-in-chief Aaron Stark and McLean’s college and career specialist Mary Barnes about college...

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