The Student News Site of Community School of Davidson

CSD Spartan Media

CSD Spartan Media

CSD Spartan Media
Evan Mulligan

Evan Mulligan, News Editor, Staff Writer

Evan Mulligan is an eleventh-grade student who started at the Community School of Davidson (CSD) in ninth grade. Evan has been participating in Journalism class for three years and sees this as a stepping stone to continue the study in college. He has a passion for politics and foreign policy and writes about these topics on both the Spartan Sentinel and his own blog.

Evan is passionate about Model United Nations and has participated in several conferences in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Washington D.C., as a member of CSD’s Model UN club.

Outside of school, Evan enjoys going on walks in the woods and listening to ABBA in his free time.

Quote?

“The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.”

-Benjamin Disraeli

Walk-up Song?

”Summer Night City”

-ABBA

All content by Evan Mulligan
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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A severely damaged boardwalk in Clearwater, Florida, following a November 2024 hurricane serves as a reminder that the scars of climate change are lasting. Gen-Z can do something about it.

Against climate doomerism

Why young people should not give up on fighting climate change
Evan Mulligan, News Editor, Staff Writer
January 26, 2025
Overall, while climate change is set to drastically impact the futures of all members of Gen-Z in ways that are getting worse by the day, there is hope. To escape this, we must build a viable future beyond climate collapse, all while rejecting the notion that we are doomed.
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Like a teacher’s desk contains drawers of information and materials, a president’s Cabinet contains their closest advisors. As the next president takes office, confirming nominations (however controversial) is a top priority.

The Cabinet and the drawers

A look inside President Trump’s new controversial Cabinet nominees and understanding the significance of it all
Evan Mulligan, News Editor, Staff Writer
January 13, 2025

On November 5, 2024, former President Donald Trump did something that had only been done one other time in history. After winning every swing state and all Republican states in a landslide, Trump won the...

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Before doors opened, student artists and staff apply, last-minute organization to the “Under the Sea” gallery. As one of four different areas, The gallery, housed, visual, ceramics, wood and other art during Arts Night ‘24. (CSD Journalism class photo).

Photo story – CSD artists light up Arts Night

From visual, wood and ceramic arts to music, dance, tech, production, photography and more, the annual Arts Night brought to life the incredible talents of Spartan students.
Elena Cunningham, Conner Shelton, Mia Kirsch, Ben Gallagher, Liam Bradley, Evan Mulligan, Kate Saussele, and Brandon Amaya
December 16, 2024

On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, hundreds of Spartan students, families and friends entered via red carpet to a school transformed into a living, magical center of galleries, performances, interactive displays...

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The Parham Park trail, which runs along Lake Norman for approximately half a mile starting at Lake Park Drive, is a beautiful trail with many places to stop and see some of the natural beauty of Davidson.

Opinion – Heading into the Davidson woods can lead to self-discovery

This journalist finds meaning on a photo journey along two Davidson trails
Evan Mulligan, News Editor, Staff Writer
December 1, 2024

Davidson, North Carolina, never particularly struck me as a place with many opportunities for hiking and being out in nature. When most people think about Davidson, they think about a college, a quaint...

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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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A sign indicating a polling station for early voting greets voters outside the Cornelius, N.C. town hall. In-person early voting began on October 7 and continues until November 2. Election Day is November 5.

It’s voting season in North Carolina and here is what you need to know

Important news and information for voters, especially first time high school voters, as the 2024 election arrives
Evan Mulligan, News Editor, Staff Writer
October 21, 2024

In early November, Americans from coast to coast will go to the polls to decide whether they wish for the President to be a Democrat or a Republican. North Carolinians will also elect many local, state...

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In both a busy national and state election season, teen voters making time to understand poll numbers and the issues may help decide elections.

Polls, issues and teen voters

Exploring how polls, issues and young voters interact in a busy election season
Evan Mulligan, News Editor, Staff Writer
September 22, 2024

On July 21, 2024, when President Biden dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, to take the Democratic ticket, the presidential race entirely and irrevocably...

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Oh dear duck, where have you gone? The Instagram trend that dominated the beginning of the year house, well, sunk.

The demise of the duck

Evan Mulligan, News Editor and Staff Writer
May 14, 2024

Remember the beginning of this school year, when the Instagram account known as '@csd_duck' was all the rage? Whatever happened to that? I, for one, was wondering so I did a little research. While...

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On college campuses across the country, students and others are speaking up about the conflict in the Gaza Strip. At Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, student voices even appear in paint on the bridge to East Campus.

Protests over war in Gaza rock American college campuses and raise questions of antisemitism

Evan Mulligan, News Editor and Staff Writer
May 5, 2024

Across the nation, protests on university campuses have been springing up and escalating at an alarming pace with many of these anti-Israel protests turning into clashes between police and protesters. As...

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[Photo] Spartan visual, wood, ceramics and fiber arts artists shine

September 20, 2022

The addictive nature of TikTok, paired with both its affects on mental health and potential information gathering capabilities, make it a hot topic in Congress as users decide to keep or delete it.

TikTok might get banned, is that a bad thing?

Evan Mulligan, News Editor and Staff Writer
March 22, 2024

The debate over the app known as TikTok, both in terms of teen mental health and internet security, has made its way to Congress because of security concerns over the app potentially spreading misinformation...

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North Carolina joined more than a dozen other states, and holding its primary elections on Super Tuesday. The results of many races have set the tone for November’s general election.

North Carolina just held its primaries: what happened?

Evan Mulligan, News Editor and Staff Writer
March 17, 2024

North Carolina just had its pair of presidential primaries on March sixth, Super Tuesday, and the current results have helped show the general direction the primary season is going. While most paid attention...

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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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With the U.S. currently leading targeted retaliatory strikes, the Middle East is an again a center of global tension.

Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran?

With tensions escalating in the Middle East, is America really going to go to war with Iran?
Evan Mulligan, News Editor and Staff Writer
February 7, 2024

After a drone attack on U.S. troops in northeastern Jordan that has been to Iran, tensions across the Middle East have started rising. As of February second, American forces have begun to carry out strikes...

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College and university presidents have been under pressure to choose between cracking down on antisemitism and promoting freedom of speech on campus.

Chaos in higher education leadership

Accusations of antisemitism and plagiarism have rocked leadership at America’s most prestigious universities
Evan Mulligan, News Editor and Staff Writer
February 2, 2024

With the resignations of Harvard president Claudia Gay and the University of Pennsylvania president Liz Magill, the future of higher education leadership is in an age of political strife. What makes the...

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As the first in the nation primary, New Hampshire’s voters set the tone for a busy election season.

New Hampshire’s primary sets the 2024 tone

Evan Mulligan, News Editor and Staff Writer
January 25, 2024

New Hampshire just held the first presidential primary of 2024. As the first in the nation primary, this event tends to be a testing ground for candidates. Its results are significant.   Republican primary According...

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Many people fail to achieve their New Year's resolutions but that doesn’t mean they are unreachable. If you follow just some of the simple steps, you can ensure you achieve your resolution in 2024.

New Year! New You? How to achieve your New Year’s resolution.

Evan Mulligan, News Editor and Staff Writer
January 22, 2024

It is no secret that many fail to achieve New Year's resolutions.  This is true for most populations, especially high school students. Many high school students may dedicate themselves to losing 20 pounds,...

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Spartan Specific – Episode 7 – Israel, Hamas and the Gaza Strip

Conner Shelton, Isabel Sands, and Evan Mulligan
December 2, 2023

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The US Capitol building, during fall, is again the site for House Speaker chaos. (Photo by Henry A used with permission via Unsplash.)

Chaos in the House

As the US House fails to elect a Speaker, what will the long-term effects be?
Evan Mulligan, News Editor and Staff Writer
November 5, 2023

It's the end of October and the US House of Representatives has not had a speaker for more than 20 days as the House Republican caucus finds themselves unable to come together to finish the job.  While...

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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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Male and female solders of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) stand watch over a town. (Photo by Timon Studler used with permission via Unsplash.))

Israel and Gaza – What is happening?

“This massive attack has been the worst and most deadly since the Israeli War of Independence 75 years ago.” - Evan Mulligan
Evan Mulligan, News Editor and Staff Writer
October 23, 2023

In the early hours of October 7, members of the terrorist group, Hamas, streamed across the border from Gaza into Israel.   In the following hours, Hamas killed hundreds of civilians and kidnapped dozens....

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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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With nearly 200 followers already on Instagram, CSD DUCK HUNT has already become an integral part of this year’s school culture.

What the………

Evan Mulligan, News Editor
September 19, 2023

The popularity of Instagram’s CSD DUCK HUNT keeps followers on their toes. (Screenshot)

In a “Student Life” article published early in the year, twin brothers Marc and Paul Smith talked about what it was like to walk through the CSD doors for the first time as transfer students. Now, Paul (pictured at left) shares his reflections as the year comes to a close.

[Photo] (Part two) Seeing double – Welcome to CSD (through the eyes of identical twin students)

May 23, 2023

In a “Student Life” article published early in the year, twin brothers Marc and Paul Smith talked about what it was like to walk through the CSD doors for the first time as transfer students. Now,...

On Decision Day, many of CSD’S class of 2023 seniors chose to wear their new college sweatshirts to school. Advice from seniors helps underclassmen grow and learn as they move up in high school.

Advice from 2023’s seniors

Evan Mulligan, Staff Writer
May 12, 2023

The 2022-2023 school year is almost over and with that there are a new batch of seniors willing to share advice with those in lower grades. One of the popular themes relates to clubs and getting involved....

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The back entrance to CSD high school is quiet now but this walkway otherwise buzzes with upperclassmen coming from the student lot.

[Photo] Spartan 24 – A day at CSD high school (Photo Essay)

Ben Gallagher, Editor in Chief
April 30, 2023

Murals cover the walls throughout a lot of the school. Outside the practice gym, the Spartan logo is connected to signs and symbols of all the activities and offerings throughout the high school. Many...

Ms. Janet Connor Initially learned sign language so she could interact and be friends with a childhood neighbor. She has been teaching ASL I-IV At CSD for the last decade.

Living and teaching a language all her own

Evan Mulligan, Staff Writer
January 16, 2023

Ms. Janet Connor Initially learned sign language so she could interact and be friends with a childhood neighbor. She has been teaching ASL I-IV At CSD for the last decade.

The rose, one of the most common symbols of social democracy.

What is social democracy and why am I a social democrat?

Evan Mulligan, Staff Writer
March 18, 2023

Social democrat is a relatively unknown term within American politics compared to terms such as liberal, conservative, libertarian or even democratic socialist. I would describe it as a political philosophy...

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Known and loved for his live action, one man reenactment of the Lincoln Assassination (performed annually to his US History and APUSH classes), Mr. Yodice made time to sit down for the inaugural “Spartan Questionnaire.”

[Photo] Spartan Questionnaire* (#1) Featuring Mr. Anthony Yodice (*where we take a break from AP Style and get right to the good stuff with CSD people)

Emma Davis, Social Media Editor
March 6, 2023

Known and loved for his live action, one man reenactment of the Lincoln Assassination (performed annually to his US History and APUSH classes), Mr. Yodice made time to sit down for the inaugural “Spartan...

Evidence for this leftward shift in economics can now be clearly seen in the policies passed and promoted by the Democrats.

The leftward economic shift of the Democratic Party

Evan Mulligan, Staff Writer
February 12, 2023

With the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in August 2022, and the normalization of progressive and social democratic politics within the Democratic Party, it is hard to deny that economic progressivism...

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Ms. Janet Connor Initially learned sign language so she could interact and be friends with a childhood neighbor. She has been teaching ASL I-IV At CSD for the last decade.

Ms. Janet Connor Initially learned sign language so she could interact and be friends with a childhood neighbor. She has been teaching ASL I-IV At CSD for the last decade.

Ms. Janet Connor Initially learned sign language so she could interact and be friends with a childhood neighbor. She has been teaching ASL I-IV At CSD for the last decade.

Ms. Janet Connor Initially learned sign language so she could interact and be friends with a childhood neighbor. She has been teaching ASL I-IV At CSD for the last decade.

Framing is one of the techniques used in photo journalism where the focal point of the image is set off or surrounded by a real or perceived boundary.

[Photo] Photo story – CSD student journalists get behind the lens

Ben Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
November 21, 2022

Framing is one of the techniques used in photo journalism where the focal point of the image is set off or surrounded by a real or perceived boundary.

Prime Minister Liz Truss is out of 10 Downing Street and Rishi Sunak is in as the new Prime Minister. Ms. Truss had the shortest tenure as Prime Minister in British history. It lasted only 46 days. 

The world should not have trusted Liz Truss

Evan Mulligan, Staff Writer
November 4, 2022

As you have probably seen, Prime Minister Liz Truss is out of 10 Downing Street and Rishi Sunak is in as the new Prime Minister. Ms. Truss had the shortest tenure as Prime Minister in British history....

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Student debate can take on many forms, including a conversation about advisory lunch.

Advisory lunch – Good or bad? A debate

Evan Mulligan and Emma Sands
October 12, 2022

The advisory lunch was reintroduced during the 2021-2022 school year after one year of absence, and we think it’s a safe bet that if you go to CSD, you are somewhat familiar with advisory. In case you...

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Queen Elizabeth, the second has passed away and the world will never be the same.

“The Queen is dead”

Brandon Amaya and Evan Mulligan
September 17, 2022

That is the headline that is going around the world right now and it really is a shame that she is gone. Queen Elizabeth’s oldest son, Prince Charles, who is now known as King Charles made a statement...

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A glimpse into the new ASC.

[Photo] Academic Support Center: A new place for Spartan learning

Ben Gallagher and Holt Grier
September 14, 2022

A glimpse into the new ASC.

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