Yakima Herald-Republic Unleashed

12/30/2025

Unleashed just kind of ... stopped ... vanished ... went missing ... or something like that ... a full six days after this great program reached its 26th birthday last September. A bit of disclosure: A couple of those student articles you saw on the Unleashed page of Sept. 13, 2025, were assignments I had designed that could work for the purposes of a "season finale", or as a "series finale", or as a "farewell for bit as we take a short hiatus."

But as 2025 winds down, some acknowledgements really need to be publicly made about this great program. Unleashed deserves that, since it left a memorable impact on (literally) hundreds of local high school kids who got to be part of our teen journalism team since the Yakima Herald-Republic debuted the program back in the fall of 1999.

First: My IMMENSE appreciation to ALL of the GREAT students we had in the 2024-25 Unleashed program! And -- at absolutely the same level -- I'm also sending up my similarly jumbo-sized appreciation to every student who was part of the PREVIOUS 10 Unleashed teams I got to interact with as coordinator of this ever-important program! Many of them said to me over the years that their writing, communication, photography, and illustration skills unquestionably improved because they got to be part of Unleashed. (I'm guessing the rest of the other kids probably believed the same thing, but just never said it to me.)

In prepping some potential story assignments on Unleashed alumni for the program's "Sweet 16" birthday a decade ago, I researched and wrote out a list of every student from each year's Unleashed team, and kept adding to that each year. That multi-page list is packed away goodness knows where right now. But I know that there have been around 435 young people who have had the experience of being a professional local journalist by being a member of the newspaper's Unleashed team between 1999 to 2025. By my rough estimate, I got to directly interact with somewhere around 150 of those great kids as their coordinator.

I have dearly missed getting to edit and provide guidance to those students' writings ever since I wrapped up my duties with Unleashed last September. (That was around 3 months after I informed YHR editor Greg Halling this past summer that I felt it made sense for me to conclude my involvement with Unleashed when the 2024-25 group would be completing its year.)

Second: My BIG appreciation to The Great Jane Gutting (I have to capitalize those first two words when referring to her), who spearheaded the idea of Unleashed's revival through the financial support of the local high schools after the newspaper briefly cancelled Unleashed in early 2009 (solely due to budgetary reasons, but not at all due to the section's strong fan base, of course). Unleashed was able to return in October of that year, with YHR reporter Adriana Janovich reassuming her previous role as coordinator ... and me joining her as the "program liaison" between the schools and the newspaper to assist with the student meetings and to offer my comments on student story drafts. About half of Unleashed's current alumni would never have had the experience of being in Unleashed had it not been for what Jane Gutting and those superintendents did in 2009.

Also: Megadittos on that same appreciation to (also) The Great Steve Myers for his continued support for Unleashed and my work when he pushed for me to become the program's new coordinator in August of 2014.

Additionally: Thanks to all the readers out there who have been fans of the Unleashed page and of the great, creative stuff that these kids produced year after year after year! (And, a lot of you didn't even personally KNOW these kids!) Take a bow, folks! You deserve it!

Finally: Ongoing thanks to Bob Crider, the memorably supportive YHR editor/publisher who chose me to become Unleashed's coordinator in August of 2014. And to current YHR editor Greg Halling, especially for his always worthwhile insights that he gave to the students when appearing at our team meetings each year.

Absolutely and without question, my favorite part of my old job was being able to coordinate the Unleashed program. In fact, when I decided I really wanted to part ways with that old job in 2021, I made one specific request: To be able to continue coordinating the newspaper's teen journalism program.

The reason for that? Because (Didn't I just say this?) Unleashed was my favorite part of my old job. Really, my other job duties involved transitory promotions of workshops that would be held and then would be over, or relaying news information that would soon cycle out from its level of public relevancy, or designing campaigns that would run their course until whatever later campaign would come next.

But the Unleashed teen journalism program? Each year, Unleashed developed PERMANENCE. It built professional-level skills for young people. And -- I can name several names here -- Unleashed built CONFIDENCE in some of those young people in developing their PERSONALITY and who they are as PEOPLE. Each year, and with each kid in the program, I saw that Unleashed was doing the best part about student development, which is the best part of what schools do.

Interacting with the students during our twice-a-month meetings ... sharing college- and professional-level communication ideas with them ... making suggestions on how they could improve their ideas and organization ... and just editing their material (no matter how -tough- that could be with -some- writers...!), -that's- why Unleashed was THE most IMPORTANT part of my multiple and wide-ranging job duties.

Each Unleashed article, photo, or illustration provided a local public forum for the otherwise unheard voice and perspective of the area's young people. And each Unleashed contribution provided an avenue for the public to become better informed about what's happening with students at your local schools -- particularly the POSITIVE aspects and activities that usually aren't otherwise covered by the "full-time" reporters.

There are lots of reasons to have a program like Unleashed. And there are lots of reasons why student journalism opportunities are important.

(And, hey, for those of you out there who may want to step up and make an effort in 2026 similar to what Jane Gutting and those school superintendents did back in 2009, I encourage you with the words: "GO FOR IT!" You can probably figure out who to reach out to, and what might be needed to be done to revive the student voice, yet again. Plus, I can tell you that there are kids from the 2024-25 Unleashed team -- as well as those who were wanting to join the currently-unrealized Team #27 -- who would want to sign up for that!)

Thanks again to all the supporters. And -- because they're the most important: Thanks again to ALLLLLL of those Unleashed student members! (Just take a look at https://www.yakimaherald.com/unleashed . You all did GREAT stuff, people!)

And so, as I always did at the conclusion of our fabled year-end Unleashed Awards meetings, I leave you with the words of Mr. Feeny (portrayed by the currently 98-year-old actor William Daniels) from the final scene of the TV series "Boy Meets World":

"I love you all. Class is dismissed."

--David Goehner
Proud to have been the 2014-2025 coordinator of Unleashed ... because the Unleashed program is a pretty unique and cool idea!

09/24/2025

Annaka Yockey of Eisenhower High School offers up some words about the importance of the Yakima Herald-Republic's Unleashed teen journalism program in this final article from our 2024-25 group:

https://www.yakimaherald.com/unleashed/columnists/unleashed-is-a-community-connector-for-areas-youths/article_43fa1608-cd00-4c77-954c-093cc5d46e16.html

"Unleashed is a community connector for area's youths"

Unleashed is a cherished program primarily because it amplifies student voices that might otherwise remain unheard.

The fact that we have a dedicated space in our public newspaper is a testament to the importance of youth representation in the community. With new contributors added each year, a fresh wave of diverse voices gets a chance to be heard on a wide range of topics.

The unique benefit of youth writers is our ability to offer perspectives on the world that adults might not consider. Losing this program would mean losing a significant platform for our voices and representation.

As has been the case for so many previous students, the Unleashed program has been a platform that has allowed for personal growth, creativity, and the sharing of unique perspectives. We can freely express designated interests and, most important, are allowed to express how we feel in today’s world, without shame.

This program has unlocked a harbored confidence and taught us to be unapologetically ourselves. Because of journalism, I am no longer worried about the approval of differing opinions or beliefs. Journalism has taught me that there are other perspectives besides my own and that neither mine nor others' are seen as bad or untrue.

Unleashed has not only grown within and outside the community, but it has also fostered a sense of belonging and connection. Our writing doesn’t go unnoticed, with outlets like our schools, our friends, and our families commenting on our writings. My family so frequently shares their joy when I am mentioned in this weekend section, and I often have other community members I’m close with come up to me and say, “I read your article in the paper today.”

This sense of community and shared joy always warms my heart to hear. It's something that makes us realize the impact and importance our voices have had in this program.

• Annaka Yockey is a senior at Eisenhower High School.

09/22/2025

Theron Clements of A.C. Davis High School shares about the benefits he's had from Unleashed since joining the program as the last member of our 2024-25 group this past spring:

https://www.yakimaherald.com/unleashed/columnists/unleashed-is-a-program-thats-let-me-do-more-than-just-talk/article_fc875e77-edee-4077-92e4-c2c1648d0bd9.html

"Unleashed is a program that's let me do more than just talk"

When I first joined Unleashed at the start of this past spring, I didn’t expect it to become one of the most relevant, student-centered programs I’ve ever been part of.

I figured it would be another thing to add to my resume. But, instead, it became the one place I could actually share what matters to me.

From personal stories to student-led discoveries, Unleashed isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about amplifying student voices in a way that feels real, honest, and, dare I say, kind of powerful.

What sets Unleashed apart is how it encourages students to speak from experience, not just about it. I’ve been able to write about the opportunities I’ve chased, the programs I’ve joined, and the obstacles I’ve overcome, all in a way that might actually help someone else.

I’m not just telling stories for fun. I’m telling stories that might get another student to think, “Wait, I can do that too?”

And that? That’s worth every late-night editing of draft No. 42.

One of the coolest parts of being in Unleashed is getting to spotlight programs that a lot of students don’t even know exist, like the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center's Coding for Cancer program or Pacific Northwest University's M.A.S.H. medical camp. These aren’t just life-changing opportunities; they’re the kind of experiences that open doors that most students never knew were there.

Being able to write about them, share them, and watch others apply because they read my article? That’s surreal in the best way.

And here’s the bonus twist: Because of my involvement with Unleashed, I was recently offered the role of being a student reporter for the Yakima School District this year. That means I’ll be writing and publishing stories that highlight student voices and experiences across the district, not just through Unleashed. Part of that role with the school district also includes covering big community events like the Yakima Town Hall speaker series, where I’ll get the chance to report on nationally recognized speakers and bring that experience back to students.

It’s a way to keep doing what I love -- writing, connecting, and amplifying student perspectives -- but now with a broader platform and opportunities that extend beyond school walls. (Look at me, doing real journalism things.)

In the end, Unleashed is more than a writing program. It’s a space where students are trusted with real stories, real impact, and real leadership.

I came in wanting to make a difference, and now I know that I have.

Unleashed didn’t just unleash my potential. It's given me the tools to help unlock others’, too.

• Theron Clements is a junior at Davis High School.

09/18/2025

Unleashed's Theron Clements of A.C. Davis High School explains the breakthroughs in what's happening in the development of fusion reactors -- which could potentially offer clean and unlimited energy resources for the world. Read on...!

https://www.yakimaherald.com/unleashed/columnists/fusion-scientists-are-getting-closer-to-lighting-the-power-of-a-star-on-earth/article_333afeb0-31b9-4ad3-8dc7-2e13905d2d0c.html

"Fusion scientists are getting closer to lighting the power of a star on Earth"

Researchers around the globe have been working toward a single world-changing goal for over 70 years: harnessing nuclear fusion, the same reaction that powers the sun, to create a clean, safe, and limitless energy source on Earth.

As opposed to nuclear fission, which splits atoms and produces long-lived radioactive wastes, fusion merges hydrogen atoms under high heat and pressure to form helium. It releases enormous amounts of energy with no carbon emissions or poisonous byproducts. Even more appealing, the primary fuel for fusion, hydrogen, can be extracted from seawater, making it effectively inexhaustible.

The United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has emphasized that transitioning to clean energy sources like fusion is critical to mitigating global warming and meeting climate targets.

While renewable sources like solar and wind are already helping reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, they’re weather dependent. Fusion, if perfected, could provide steady, around-the-clock electricity on a massive scale, with minimal environmental impact.

This dream took a step closer to reality in early 2024, when scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Greifswald, Germany, announced a breakthrough on a novel fusion reactor called the Wendelstein 7-X.

The Wendelstein 7-X is a very complex fusion device known as a stellarator. It uses twisted magnetic fields to trap superheated gas, or plasma, in a donut-shaped container without it touching the walls. This is significant because the plasma in a fusion reactor reaches over 100 million degrees Celsius, which is hotter than the core of the sun. Containing it safely is one of fusion's biggest engineering challenges.

Early stellarator concepts, first envisioned in the 1950s, were beset by unstable plasma activity and design limitations. Another reactor concept called the tokamak involved a simpler and more symmetrical magnetic field design, and was the global fusion research choice for decades. Researchers in recent years, however, have redeveloped stellarators because of their potential for confining plasma more stably for longer periods of time.

Built using supercomputers and some of the most precise engineering in the world, the Wendelstein 7-X was completed in 2015 and is now the world's largest, most advanced stellarator. Unlike the tokamak's more straightforward design, stellarators require a hugely complex arrangement of magnetic coils, each differently shaped and precisely positioned to create a stable magnetic cage for the plasma. Even a small error in coil design or alignment will destabilize the plasma or render the reactor unusable. This delicate complexity made early stellarators virtually impossible to get right, but 3D modeling and advanced manufacturing have finally made it feasible to construct them.

The Wendelstein 7-X set a record in 2018 by sustaining a plasma for 26 seconds at some 60 million degrees Celsius, an important milestone at the time. But in February 2024, the team surpassed that record with a plasma duration that lasted for 43 seconds.

That may not seem like much, but in fusion research it's a significant step forward. In simple terms, the more time that plasma can be stably contained at high temperature, the closer we are to building a power plant that would actually produce more energy than it uses.

In a press release from March 2024, the Max Planck Institute reported that the Wendelstein 7-X's plasma experiment demonstrated improved control over fusion-quality plasma and set a new record for the field.

In addition, the so-called "triple product" -- a key formula that combines plasma density, temperature, and confinement time -- was significantly increased. This is important in ascertaining whether a fusion reactor is approaching the energy break-even point or net gain. What this means is that the Wendelstein 7-X is progressing toward becoming capable of producing electricity at a cost that could one day be competitive with coal, natural gas, or some other energy source in the marketplace.

As explained in a Nature Physics article from April 2024, achieving something with cost-effective commercial aspects means that fusion not only works but that it works efficiently and reliably enough to feed into the power grid. Fusion devices to this point have consumed more energy than they've produced. But experimental outcomes like what has been happening recently are bringing the field ever closer to reversing that ratio.

Fusion power is extremely attractive because if offers zero carbon emissions, zero long-lived radioactive waste, and fuel from seawater. Unlike solar and wind, which are intermittent, fusion has the potential to deliver steady, base-load power with minimal environmental effect. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Fusion Energy page, one gram of fusion fuel would have the energy equivalent of nearly eight tons of oil, pollution-free.

While practical fusion power stations are a decade or more away, recent progress is showing just how much the technology has advanced to bring the dream of new energy solutions to life.

With sustained investment and international collaboration, the world's fusion research community is more hopeful than ever before. After 70 years of research and experiment, humanity may now be on the verge of achieving the power of a star on the ground.

• Theron Clements is a junior at Davis High School.

09/12/2025

2025 Selah High School graduate Cameron Pelson has a lot of reasons by "KPop Demon Hunters" has become a big summer hit on Netflix in this Unleashed review ... which (in case you somehow don't pick up on this point) is also Cameron's final contribution for Unleashed:

https://www.yakimaherald.com/unleashed/reviews/kpop-demon-hunters-is-an-animated-feast-for-the-eyes-and-your-ears/article_e101d3fe-996c-422d-b6e8-676ea1f243d3.html

"'KPop Demon Hunters' is an animated feast for the eyes ... and your ears"

Yes, my last Unleashed contribution is a review of "KPop Demon Hunters." I was supposed to do a farewell column, but I am kind of lazy, and I have a lot to say about "KPop Demon Hunters."

Which, by the way, is a beautiful animated film that was released this past June on Netflix. And if you have not had the fortunate chance to watch it yet, you’re welcome. You can thank me later.

First, the music. The soundtrack is the first in history to have four songs simultaneously hold a spot on the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 10. While writing this, I was listening to the soundtrack. But, ultimately, I had to turn it off because I found myself singing along rather than writing (something that is already difficult for me as I am currently avoiding writing my farewell column).

I am going to mention some of my favorite songs now. “How It’s Done” is the opening song in the film and is also my favorite. It introduces our protagonists, a K-pop group known as Huntr/x, by showcasing their effortless strength and demon-slaying abilities. But it also manages to be one of the catchiest songs on the soundtrack, featuring some of the best rapping. Additionally, it slips in a high note toward the end as a power move, as if it was not already apparent that Huntr/x is awesome.

The song “Takedown” is another one of my favorites, not only for the alternate version featured in the credits performed by real-life KPop group, Twice. The movie version is good, but the vocals by Twice members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung are just impossible to beat.

“Free” takes place late into the second act, which is where you might think quality might dip a little. But, no, "Free" is just as amazing as any of the other songs. Of course, a duet between the two love interests in the movie was always going to hit.

“Your Idol” is the villain song sung by the film's demon K-pop group, the Saja Boys. The song is dark and unnerving, acting as a warning shot for those who might idolize K-pop idols to the point of worship. It critiques the K-pop industry and the way fans interact with K-pop idols, even employing biblical themes to drive its point home.

There are many more songs that I do not have the time to get into, like the two main pop hits, “Golden” and “Soda Pop,” as well as the finale song, “What It Sounds Like” (which, if I were to get into, might lead to spoilers). But the music is only the beginning of what makes this movie great.

Second, the animation. Taking inspiration from another Sony project, "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," the animation here is very stylized and painstakingly beautiful, while also maintaining its own unique approach.

The animation pays homage to both anime and K-drama tropes. There are exaggerated facial expressions and certain chibi-stylized character moments alluding to anime. There are characters, such as the lead antagonist Jinu, that are designed with the look of certain K-drama actors. There's even a full scene that looks like it was ripped out of a K-drama that involves the song “Love, Maybe,” which was popularized by the K-drama “Business Proposal,” as well as the familiar slow-motion replay.

"KPop Demon Hunters" also astonishes with its outstanding choreography, involving extravagant dance fight sequences and music video-inspired choreography and direction. There is one scene that genuinely blew my mind where our protagonists are practicing their performance for the song “Takedown." The animators were able to communicate that the characters were tired from practice purely through the way that body language and movements were created.

The animators also use an animation trick to make the demons in the movie feel otherworldly. They typically animate our protagonists in twos, meaning one pose for every two frames. However, the demons are animated on ones, meaning one pose for every frame, giving them an unnatural look.

We shouldn't overlook the costume designs in this movie, either. Both of the story's rival KPop groups, Huntr/x and the Saja Boys, have unique costumes for each performance. They are all so well designed, and just serve as a further testament to how much love and care went into the art direction.

There is so much more I could mention involving the care that went into accurately representing Korean culture by directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, as well as this film’s ability to land pretty much any joke it throws at you. But, alas, our time together is coming to an end, and so too is my time with Unleashed.

Thank you to Unleashed for giving me a place to write these silly reviews. This is the end. Go watch "KPop Demon Hunters" on Netflix and pretend I wrote that farewell column.

• Cameron Pelson is a 2025 graduate of Selah High School who has served as a member of the Yakima Herald-Republic's Unleashed program for teen journalists for the past two years.

09/10/2025

After three years -- and a combined total of well over 100 article and photography contributions -- here is the farewell Unleashed column from 2025 East Valley School District #90 graduate Carson VanEaton:

https://www.yakimaherald.com/unleashed/columnists/thank-you-unleashed-for-many-personal-discoveries-and-positive-impacts/article_b5f2c176-c6c8-4e19-bf58-2baa3cb7bbfa.html

Throughout my three years of Unleashed, I’ve covered a variety of topics. At the start, I thought I would mostly be writing video game reviews, but that idea only scratched the surface of what I was getting into.

The first article I wrote after my introduction article was about a local restaurant. I then went on to write about my school’s homecoming and also interviewed my ASB president and my art teacher. These articles gave me more insights into people in my community I would have otherwise never talked to.

At the start of 2023, I wrote about what my life was like living with Crohn’s disease, which brought my dad to tears when he read it. I would also go on to write about interesting people in Yakima, such as a book writer, a store owner, and a local band.

Through Unleashed, I’ve not only discovered new things about my community, but I’ve also discovered and polished my writing talent. Through this program, my writing skills have improved, and I’ve developed a love of writing. I’ve even started to make my text messages more precise.

Unleashed will be a benchmark in my high school memories and has had a positive impact on my life.

Finally, I’d like to give a special thank you to our Unleashed coordinator, David Goehner, for his leadership, charisma, dedication, and commitment to helping me develop my writing skills.

• Carson VanEaton is a 2025 graduate of East Valley High School who has been a member of the Yakima Herald-Republic's Unleashed program for teen journalists for the past three years. He is currently enrolled at Perry Technical Institute.

09/09/2025

Join Unleashed's Theron Clements of A.C. Davis High School as he takes you with him to the Aug. 22 Pantera concert that roared away at the White River Ampitheatre in Auburn!

https://www.yakimaherald.com/unleashed/reviews/pantera-concert-roared-with-the-nostalgia-and-legacy-of-90s-metal-music/article_2eae8953-461d-454b-b927-0d11ed6e4071.html

On Aug. 22, I traded textbooks for thrash riffs and embarked on a pilgrimage to the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn to see one of metal’s most iconic bands: Pantera.

My friend Jude Selam picked me up at 3 p.m. Rather than take the highway, we took the scenic route through Crystal Mountain, a peaceful contrast to the chaos we were driving toward. After two hours of winding roads and blasting classics from the car speakers, we rolled into the venue around 5:30.

There, we grabbed merch (shockingly affordable), then got food (shockingly not), and made our way to our seats, ready to see a band that helped define an entire genre.

Our seats were dead center in the nosebleeds, the kind of spot that technically qualifies as “distant” but still felt like front row thanks to the steep incline and perfect angle. As the venue filled in, we realized we’d scored an unusually unobstructed view; nobody sat directly in front of or beside us, which made it feel like we had our own private box ... if that box were made of concrete and packed with metalheads.

The concert kicked off with two opening bands: King Parrot, an Australian screamo group that opened the night with pure chaotic energy, and Amon Amarth, a Viking-themed heavy metal band complete with battle cries, synchronized hair-whipping, and riffs that sounded like they were forged in Valhalla.

Then came Pantera. The lights dimmed, the crowd roared like an engine revving to redline, and suddenly the air was filled with the unmistakable crunch of Dimebag Darrell’s legendary riffs, resurrected live by guitarist Zakk Wylde.

Phil Anselmo’s vocals punched through the sound system with raw, gritty force, and as the group opened with classics like “A New Level” and “Mouth for War,” the entire amphitheater shifted into a frenzy. Despite being seated, we were on our feet the whole time, fists in the air, shouting lyrics along with a crowd of thousands that somehow felt like one loud, chaotic family.

What hit me hardest wasn’t just the music. It was the legacy.

Pantera isn’t the same band it was in the ’90s, and the group's members know it. With founding members Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul both gone, and the July 22 death of Ozzy Osbourne looming over the metal world like a slowly dimming stage light, this tour felt less like a comeback and more like a tribute.

Throughout the night, the energy wasn’t just about performance; it was about remembrance. The crowd roared Dime’s name during solos, the drums hit harder in Vinnie’s honor, and every note played by Zakk Wylde (himself a longtime guitarist for Ozzy) felt like a nod to the legends who shaped metal as we know it.

It was a roaring celebration of loss, memory, and the power of music to keep spirits alive, even when the people behind them are gone.

As a student constantly buried in deadlines, leadership roles, and the pressure to “stay on track,” this night was a breath of fresh, slightly beer-scented air. It reminded me that balance matters. You can love neuroscience and still lose your mind to a breakdown in “Walk.” You can be a driven, ambitious student, and still scream your lungs out in the nosebleeds with your best friend beside you.

Pantera didn’t just melt faces that night. The group gave me something even better: a reminder that passion, no matter the form, is always worth chasing.

• Theron Clements is a junior at Davis High School.

09/02/2025

Here's a look back at summer, as 2025 Selah High School graduate Cameron Pelson brings you some of the sights of his recent multi-state August road trip he enjoyed with some friends. (And -- my, how COOL is that FIRST photo!)

https://www.yakimaherald.com/unleashed/columnists/the-seasonal-experience-of-the-summer-road-trip/article_f5b76e67-57c6-4285-b378-83f3c26d0c6f.html

Yakima Herald-Republic

It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a road trip fresh out of high school with your best friends.