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CSD Spartan Media

CSD Spartan Media

CSD Spartan Media
Callie Hobbs

Callie Hobbs, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Visual Media Manager

Callie Hobbs is a Community School of Davidson (CSD) senior. This is her second year in Journalism and throughout her first year she discovered a variety of related skills including multimedia and podcasting. She is excited not only to grow her skills and explore more opportunities/areas of journalism but also to grow as a leader in the program and continue to push herself out of her comfort zone. Callie hopes to continue chasing this passion by majoring in media/journalism, marketing or communications in college.

Callie cares about leadership and kindness. She is also an avid runner who is the team captain of CSD’s Varsity Cross Country team, a 2x half marathon finisher (with plans to run a third this year), and a Girls on the Run Junior Coach for a local team. She is also an aspiring triathlete.

Outside of school, Callie likes running/training, spending time with family, watching movies in theaters, thinking of ideas for her leadership roles/passion projects and writing.

Quote?

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  -Plato

Walk-up Song?

“Ready For It?”

-Taylor Swift

All content by Callie Hobbs
That’s a wrap. Subversive TV finales through the years run the gamut of being well-received and praised to widely panned.

[Photo] Subversive TV finales that divide audiences

Liam Bradley, Features Editor, News Editor
April 21, 2025

That’s a wrap. Subversive TV finales through the years run the gamut of being well-received and praised to widely panned.

VIDEO: Davidson Community Gardens – A living (and growing) resource

Callie Hobbs, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Visual Media Manager
March 19, 2025

The Davidson Community Garden is a living (and growing) resource that provides more than vegetables, flowers and produce to local service organizations and those in need. Senior CSD Spartan Sentinel journalist,...

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Kendrick Lamar's groundbreaking halftime performance had a lot of commentary and symbolism on the current state of culture in the United States and how football sometimes sits above nationalism.

[Photo] CSD students reflect on the hidden symbolism in Kendrick Lamar‘s historic Super Bowl LIX halftime show

Brandon Amaya, Deputy Sports Editor, Staff Writer
March 18, 2025

Kendrick Lamar's groundbreaking halftime performance had a lot of commentary and symbolism on the current state of culture in the United States and how football sometimes sits above nationalism.

What is it like being a senior and how does it feel to be halfway through your final year of school. In this all senior episode of Spartan Specific” follow along as three of our journalists share their thoughts.

Episode 15 – Seniors Speak “Live in the Moment”

Mia Kirsch, Callie Hobbs, Kate Saussele, and Conner Shelton
February 23, 2025

What is it like being a senior and how does it feel to be halfway through your final year of school. In this all senior episode of Spartan Specific” follow along as three of our journalists share their...

Using a flashlight can be a bit extreme but when the power (and classroom lights) go out, learning is definitely impacted. There can still be opportunities for learning.

[Photo] Power outages, unplanned dismissals and learning

Liam Bradley, Features Editor, News Editor
March 11, 2025

Using a flashlight can be a bit extreme but when the power (and classroom lights) go out, learning is definitely impacted. There can still be opportunities for learning.

In a self portrait, the author runs through the town of Davidson, North Carolina. Whether it’s training for goals, health and fitness, peace of mind, or even escaping from danger, running and the #LikeAGirl is always powerful.

Run like a girl

The once cliche stereotype now signifies a female empowerment movement on social media
Callie Hobbs, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, visual Media Manager
February 26, 2025

When female recreational athletes, competitive athletes, or just girls in general are on social media, the “run like a girl” trend commonly appears on their screens. Images of strong, fast girls celebrate...

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When asked to write about a person you love and share what makes this person special, Ben Gallagher (‘25) said, “The CSD Spartan mascot framed in a heart summarizes our school spirit. I love the Spartan mascot because it represents the community of CSD and school pride. Love isn’t just person to person but can also be used to describe the things we care for deeply and I do love my school.”

Photo story – The look of love ‘25

In an annual class exercise, journalism students share ideas and get answers to Valentine’s Day questions within CSD high school
Ben Gallagher, Callie Hobbs, Kate Saussele, Liam Bradley, Jaelyn Nguyen, Avery Nardone, Dylan Sherman, Mia Kirsch, Evan Mulligan, Elena Cunningham, Conner Shelton, and Brandon Amaya
February 14, 2025

Paired with images from Valentine’s Day at school, journalism students chose to answer one of the following questions in the captions. Why do you think Valentine’s Day is associated with the heart? ...

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Weights on a workout mat represent the 79% of people whose New Year’s resolutions are related to health matters. While the motivation and fresh start of January 1 might work for some, it is always telling to see how many stick with their resolutions once January ends and other dates come and go, too.

One month into the new year, do students still keep up with their resolutions and are they even worth it?

Callie Hobbs, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Visual Media Manager
February 5, 2025

Weights on a workout mat represent the 79% of people whose New Year’s resolutions are related to health matters. While the motivation and fresh start of January 1 might work for some, it is always telling...

Caption

[Photo] Change, it’s the one constant in high school

Kate Saussele, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Features Editor
January 29, 2025

Caption

Information overload can come from a variety of places. And that can be good and bad. So bad, in fact, that Oxford University Press has named “brain rot” their 2024 Word of the Year.

[Photo] Oxford Dictionary declares “brain rot” the Word of the Year

Liam Bradley, Features Editor, News Editor
December 20, 2024

Information overload can come from a variety of places. And that can be good and bad. So bad, in fact, that Oxford University Press has named “brain rot” their 2024 Word of the Year.

Shortly after returning from Thanksgiving break, each member of the Class of ‘25 received a gift bag marking the halfway point of their final year of high school. Parents and volunteers prepared each bag with love and care. What happens after that just added to the sweet memories.

The Class of ‘25 officially snacks for the first time

Continuing a pre-existing tradition, CSD seniors enjoy a surprise gift bag from parents and volunteers
Callie Hobbs, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Visual Media Manager
December 5, 2024

The Community School of Davidson (CSD) has a tradition of having a senior snack at some point near the halfway mark of the academic calendar. Although this tradition has been happening for the past several...

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Boxing gloves hanging on the wall seem symbolic of the Paul - Tyson fight. With Jake Paul and Mike Tyson rarely connecting on their punches, and the hyped fight falling short of expectations, many think the outcome would’ve been the same if they never put their gloves on at all.

[Photo] Big hype, no punch

Dylan Sherman, Copy Editor, Deputy Sports Editor
November 22, 2024

Does it hurt when a mini-boxing glove punches a nose? Not really and many thought the Paul-Tyson fight was as staged as this photo.

Just a month into his new job, Craig Smith agreed to sit down with the Journalism, Media Productions and Photography classes for a first ever, student-driven press conference. Filling the band room, Smith shared his history and motivated students to be their best selves.

A new voice, a direction, a challenge

CSD’s new Executive Director, Craig Smith, takes questions at a student-led press conference and challenges Spartans to be their best selves
Macy Balmat, Ben Gallagher, Kate Saussele, Evan Mulligan, Callie Hobbs, and Elena Cunningham
November 10, 2024

During the summer of 2024, Craig Smith was hired as Community School of Davidson (CSD) new Executive Director, replacing founder, Joy Warner, and subsequently a team of three administrative leaders. He...

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Printed screenshots from the webtoons platform, along with the opened cellphone app, show popular stories. Webtoons are scrollable digital comics, made for smartphones, that stem from South Korea. Most webtoons are episodic, formatted in a long vertical strip, drawn in color, and may feature music or animations during certain episodes. They are published digitally on websites or apps.

[Photo] Webtoons reading increases in popularity for high school students

Jaelyn Nguyen, A & E Editor, Staff Writer
November 10, 2024

Printed screenshots from the webtoons platform, along with the opened cellphone app, show popular stories. Webtoons are scrollable digital comics, made for smartphones, that stem from South Korea. Most...

Although North Carolina’s favorite Halloween candy is candy corn, and trick-or-treat bowls typically overflow with a variety of treats, CSD journalists have specific favorites.

Opinion – Journalism’s candy spooktacular 2024

CSD’s Journalism class reveals their Halloween candy picks for this year
Callie Hobbs and Mia Kirsch
October 29, 2024
North Carolina’s favorite Halloween candy is candy corn but CSD journalists have different opinions.
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Episode 13 – High school students and part time jobs

Join Host, Mia Kirsch (‘25), and guests Conner Shelton (‘25), Chance Orsi (‘25) and Callie Hobbs (‘25) as they discuss everything related to school students having (or not having) part time jobs.
Mia Kirsch, Conner Shelton, and Callie Hobbs
October 27, 2024

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Three of the 150 ceramic pumpkins await delivery to their new neighborhood homes. Through making the pumpkins and learning to give them away with a positive attitude, CSD’s Visual Arts and Ceramics students learn the value of how giving, communicating and connecting can build a community.

[Photo] A (ceramic) pumpkin’s purpose

Kate Saussele, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Features Editor
October 16, 2024

Awaiting their turn in the kiln, these student creations will soon be the conduit for connection, a way for CSD to connect with neighbors. CSD’s Visual Arts students have been working hard on making...

CSD students are learning to balance cell phone use with the school’s new policy. Students can only use their phones during jumpstart (a 10 minute activity break following two daily early morning classes), class transitions, lunch and before and after the arrival and dismissal bells ring. Another way of putting it is that cell phones are firmly outlawed during instructional periods.

[Photo] “No Cells Bell To Bell” policy goes live

Liam Bradley, Features Editor, News Editor
October 15, 2024

CSD students are learning to balance cell phone use with the school’s new policy. Students can only use their phones during jumpstart (a 10 minute activity break following two daily early morning classes),...

Junior, Sam Mack’s (‘26) jersey and pads sitting outside the gym mean one thing, fall sports are back. With more than 150 athletes competing across nearly a half dozen sports, fall Spartans head into battle.

[Photo] Fall sports back in action

Brandon Amaya, Dylan Sherman, and Conner Shelton
September 23, 2024

Junior, Sam Mack’s (‘26) jersey and pads sitting outside the gym mean one thing, fall sports are back. With more than 150 athletes competing across nearly a half dozen sports, fall Spartans head into...

From left, seniors Julia Vecchiarello (‘25), Emma Mills (‘25) and Logan Cain (‘25) pose together in the early weeks of their final year at CSD.

[Photo] Excited, bittersweet and hopeful: CSD’s class of ‘25 seniors open doors for the new year

Kate Saussele, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Features Editor
September 13, 2024

From left, seniors Julia Vecchiarello (‘25), Emma Mills (‘25) and Logan Cain (‘25) pose together in the early weeks of their final year at CSD.

CSD’s varsity cross-country runners double as bakers for a day at practice while decorating the cakes they donated to the 2024 Davidson College Freshman Cake Race.

“Sweet” varsity tradition creates team bonds

CSD’s varsity cross-country team grows closer while supporting new college students in Davidson College’s Freshman Cake Race
Callie Hobbs, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Visual Media Manager
September 9, 2024

On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, CSD’s varsity cross-country team lined up along cafeteria tables instead of starting lines to decorate cakes for donation to Davidson College’s Freshman Cake Race. High...

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This year was a busy one for student journalist, Callie Hobbs. As both a Sports Editor and Opinions Editor, she learned to use the power of her voice in stories, podcasts and photo stories on the Spartan Sentinel.

Sharing my voice

I just finished my first year in journalism and here is my year in review
Callie Hobbs, Sports Editor and Opinions Editor
May 20, 2024

For the 2023-2024 school year, my high school arts concentration was journalism. Long story short, it was a long road to get to this point.  Trying new things became really important to me when I entered...

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Baseball’s Senior Night marked an ending as well as a beginning. While the seniors move on from high school baseball, the new field will host many games in future seasons.

Spartans compete through the spring

A new field opens as seniors bid farewell - spring sports roundup
Callie Hobbs, Sports Editor and Opinions Editor
May 15, 2024

During the 2024 spring sports season, athletes in baseball, men’s tennis, men’s/women’s lacrosse, track and field, men’s golf and women’s soccer all showed dedication, put in hours of training...

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Computers in formation begs the question “is AI marching like soldiers into a battle to take over the world?”

Trust gets blocked when AI joins the chat

Humanity’s breakdown in the presence of AI is illustrated in season 6 of Netflix’s The Circle
Callie Hobbs, Sports Editor and Opinions Editor
May 4, 2024

All the players are enjoying a (seemingly) chill evening in the Circle when all of the sudden an alert notification blares onto their screens. Players jump to attention to see what the alert has to say....

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Episode 11 – A season to remember – CSD’S Lady Basketball Spartans look back

Journalist Callie Hobbs sits down with seniors Molly Feighery and Allison DeLay plus coach Matt Forrest to look back on a remarkable and extraordinary Community School of Davidson basketball season.
Callie Hobbs, Conner Shelton, and Isabel Sands
April 10, 2024

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A flower shop on Skid Row? Before Mr. Mushkin’s shop became famous thanks to a certain plant, the one telephone on the counter barely rang as business was slow.

The final curtain closes on CSD’s amazing “Little Shop of Horrors”

Callie Hobbs, Sports Editor and Opinions Editor
March 25, 2024

The setting for CSD’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors” had a flower shop stage, Skid Row alley, costumes, characters and amazing cinematic elements.

It’s a sure sign of spring when baseball bats, cleats, gloves, lacrosse sticks, tennis rackets and track & field bags line the walls by the gym doors each day.

2024 CSD spring sports overview

Callie Hobbs, Sports Editor and Opinions Editor
March 11, 2024

It’s a sure sign of spring when baseball bats, cleats, gloves, lacrosse sticks, tennis rackets and track & field bags line the walls by the gym doors each day.

Elements of all four winter sports represent the hard work, achievements and memories of the past season.

Winter Spartan athletes represent

Winter sports recap
Callie Hobbs, Sports Editor and Opinions Editor
February 26, 2024

The 2023 - 2024 CSD winter sports season has come and gone and it’s time to look back and recap. Four winter sports teams (swim/dive, indoor track, cheer and men’s/women’s basketball) took to the...

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What’s your take on Valentine’s Day? From head to toe, journalists give answers (and pictures) of the holiday.

Photo story – The look of love

A (photo story) answers Valentine’s Day questions within CSD high school
Ava Jordan, Callie Hobbs, Evan Mulligan, Conner Shelton, Ben Gallagher, and Noah Roberson
February 20, 2024

Paired with images from Valentine’s Day at school, students chose to answer one of the following questions in the captions. Why do you think Valentine’s Day is associated with the heart? Love...

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Candy is often associated with Valentine’s Day but for CSD student journalists the holiday has different meanings entirely.

It’s not about the candy

Student journalists reflect on a holiday with mixed personal significance
Ben Gallagher, Ava Jordan, Noah Roberson, Isabel Sands, Callie Hobbs, Evan Mulligan, and Conner Shelton
February 20, 2024

Valentine's Day is a polarizing day. For those in relationships, it is an excuse to have fun with your significant other and to show your appreciation for them. For those who are not in relationships,...

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Red, a color universally associated with love, spells out a heartfelt message

Random acts of kindness inspire CSD students

Callie Hobbs, Sports Editor and Opinions Editor
February 14, 2024

Drive up windows are a great place for  random acts of kindness to happen. Just ask Ava Jordan. “One time I was in line to get Chick-Fil-A and there was a police officer behind me,” said Ava Jordan...

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The newly elected NHS officers (Left) Vice President of Service Marshall Ricks (‘25), (Center) President Keenan Addis (‘25) and (Right) Secretary Aidan Lewis (‘25) share thoughts about scholarship, leadership, character and service (plus a few of their favorites) in the Spartan Questionnaire. Photo used courtesy of Ms. Emily McMullin, National Honor Society.

Spartan Questionnaire* (#5) featuring NHS officers Keenan Addis, Marshall Ricks and Aidan Lewis (*where we take a break from AP Style writing and get right to the good Q&A stuff with CSD people)

Callie Hobbs, Sports Editor and Opinions Editor
January 29, 2024

President Keenan Addis (‘25), Vice President of Service Marshall Ricks (‘25) and Secretary Aidan Lewis (‘25) are CSD students who have all been recently elected to National Honor Society leadership...

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With a storyline that has so much more to offer than just the rowing, the movie which is based on author Daniel James Brown’s New York Times bestselling book with the same title, tells the inspiring true story of the University of Washington’s junior varsity crew (rowing team) finding success at the 1936 Olympic Games - against all odds.

Bigger than the boat

“The Boys in the Boat” movie delivers a powerful, emotional story of teamwork and success
Callie Hobbs, Sports Editor and Opinions Editor
January 21, 2024

Note: Spoiler Alert - This piece explains both the plot and the outcome of the movie. ‘The Boys in the Boat’ movie has become a blockbuster since its release on December 25th, 2023. With a storyline...

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Episode 8 – Spartans Review – The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

Join student journalists Isabel Sands, Callie Hobbs and Ava Jordan (with original episode music by Allison Gottlieb) for a review of the latest Hunger Games release.
Isabel Sands, Conner Shelton, Callie Hobbs, and Ava Jordan
December 17, 2023

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In total, 124 student athletes across all four classes will represent and promote Spartan spirit through winter sports during the 2023-24 season.

Spartan athletes take it indoors (and into the pool)

Winter sports overview
Callie Hobbs, Sports Editor and Opinions Editor
December 8, 2023

With the fall season in the rearview as a couple of teams made runs towards state championships, Spartan athletes are taking it indoors as the winter season gets underway. CSD Spartans will compete these...

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Christmas in Davidson 2023 included everything from candy canes, hot chocolate and holiday spirit to entertainment, food, crafts, trees and a certain visitor from the North Pole.

Photo story – A look back at Christmas in Davidson 2023

For three days and nights, the small town of Davidson, North Carolina, transformed into a holiday spectacle and winter wonderland, drawing tens of thousands to a pedestrian friendly gathering of holiday magic, mystery and wonder.
Callie Hobbs, Opinions Editor and Sports Editor
December 5, 2023

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Tour guide, Megan Knorpp, stands in front of the Copeland House on Davidson’s historic (and spooky) North Main Street and shares Halloween and historic tales perfect for the season.

Ghosts in Davidson

I took a ghost tour in Davidson (and here is my review)
Callie Hobbs, Sports Editor and Opinions Editor
October 30, 2023

If you happen to be in downtown Davidson on a spooky October night and see a ghost tour group pass by you, what would you do?  On Tuesday, Oct 24 at around 9pm, I made that exact decision. It was cold...

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They always popular “Spartan Specific”Halloween episode kicks off our second year. Listen and learn all things about the spookiest, scariest holiday on the calendar.

“Spartan Specific” Podcast – THE Halloween episode is LIVE!

Conner Shelton, Isabel Sands, Ben Gallagher, Evan Mulligan, Ava Jordan, Callie Hobbs, Cade Lacy, and Noah Roberson
October 26, 2023

The second year of the “Spartan Specific” podcast kicks off with our always popular Halloween episode. Learn about costumes (who is wearing what), candy, movies,, the best places to trick-or-treat...

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No student section, no packed stands, no problem. Cross-country running has a feel and following all its own.

On the (cross-country) run

A week in the life of a student-athlete in an underrated high school sport
Callie Hobbs, Sports Editor and Opinions Editor
October 12, 2023

For a sport that doesn’t have a student section, and one that makes spectators run further from viewing spot to viewing spot (sometimes more than the athletes run themselves), it is understandable that...

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Many say the first week of fall is one of the most enjoyable at CSD. In the week leading up to Homecoming, CSD has a Spirit Week full of theme days, a packed football game and the first school dance of the year.

Spirit Week and CSD Homecoming 2023 – A week that was Spartantastic

Ben Gallagher, Ava Jordan, Evan Mulligan, Callie Hobbs, Isabel Sands, Conner Shelton, Noah Roberson, and Cade Lacy
October 3, 2023

Many say the first week of fall is one of the most enjoyable times at CSD. In the week leading up to Homecoming, CSD has a Spirit Week full of theme days, a packed football game and the first school dance...

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Athletes, coaches, and cheerleaders come together at Spartan Park during Booster Bash to kick off the fall season.

Spartans return for fall sports

The fall 2023 high school sports season brings excitement to the coaches, athletes and fans of CSD’s athletic community.
Callie Hobbs, Sports Editor and Opinions Editor
October 3, 2023

The fall season features many sports - volleyball, men’s soccer, cross country, golf, tennis, cheerleading and football - and this new year brings back veterans plus exciting changes to the program.  Coach...

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The cake decorated by Callie Hobbs (‘25) and Juliana Clark (‘27), featuring the new Davidson College logo (not easily drawn with frosting), found an owner in the Davidson College Freshman Cake Race.

A sweet twist to running

CSD’s Varsity Cross Country Team bakes cakes to donate to the Davidson College Freshman cake race
Callie Hobbs, Sports and Opinions Editor
September 13, 2023

As a cross-country runner, hearing that you get to decorate cakes as opposed to doing repeats is, well, icing on the cake. CSD’s varsity cross country team recently spent an early season practice doing...

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