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The student news site of Mountlake Terrace High School in Mountlake Terrace, Washington.

The Hawkeye

The student news site of Mountlake Terrace High School in Mountlake Terrace, Washington.

The Hawkeye

The student news site of Mountlake Terrace High School in Mountlake Terrace, Washington.

The Hawkeye

Nick Fiorillo

Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief

Nick Fiorillo is the Editor-in-Chief of the Hawkeye and thehawkeye.org. This is Nick's second year of serving as editor. Last year, he led the Hawkeye in one of the organization's most dramatic transformations in decades, replacing the broadsheet newspaper with a feature based newsmagazine and an emphasis on online content.

Prior to serving as editor-in-chief, Nick was the local news editor during his sophomore year and was a staff reporter during his freshman year.

Nick was named as the 2014 Free Spirit Scholar from Washington state, and traveled to Washington, D.C. as the Washington state delegate to the 2014 Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference. He has received several state and national awards for journalism, including several JEA National Write-off Competition Awards. He was recently awarded the rating of "Superior" for Editorial Writing at the Spring 2014 JEA/NSPA High School Journalism Conference in San Diego, Calif.

His interests include journalism, politics, public policy, law and education. He plans on attending a four-year university and majoring in political science and social policy.

You can view his pressfolio here.

Twitter: @nick_fiorillo

LinkedIn: Nick Fiorillo

All content by Nick Fiorillo

Rally planned in opposition to ESD’s plan to install turf fields at former Woodway HS

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
May 12, 2015

A rally in opposition to a turf field development plan is scheduled to take place before the Edmonds School Board meeting at the district office later today, according to ESD...

VIDEO: Meet the new executive ASB officers

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
April 15, 2015

Editor-in-Chief Nick Fiorillo talks with the newly elect 2015-2016 Executive ASB officers: President Liya Ewing, Vice President Gene An, Secretary Andrea Portugal, Treasurer Kaitlyn Anderson,...

New security measures

Trespasser prompts heightened security measures on campus

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
March 25, 2015

New security measures have been implemented after a man trespassed on campus on March 18, according to Principal Greg Schwab. The man who trespassed was in his mid-30s and entered...

Dynamically Derr

Dynamically Derr

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
March 17, 2015

As much as we’d like to think we’re in total control of our lives, often it’s only through reflection and retrospect that we can more fully appreciate the influence that...

Roundtable 3

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor in Chief
March 12, 2015

Treasurer Hawkeye Editor-in-Chief Nick Fiorillo interviews treasurer candidates Kaitlyn Anderson and Rosie Lee.

Roundtable 2

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor in Chief
March 12, 2015

Secretary Hawkeye Editor-in-Chief Nick Fiorillo interviews secretarial candidates Andrea Portugal and Tinh Nguyen.

Meet the candidates

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor in Chief
March 12, 2015

Roundtable 1 President, Vice President and Historian Hawkeye Editor-in-Chief Nick Fiorillo interviews presidential candidate Liya Ewing, vice presidential candidate Gene An and...

Roundtable 4

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor in Chief
March 12, 2015

Public Relations Hawkeye Editor-in-Chief Nick Fiorillo interviews public relations candidates Chase Alberts and Irvin Zhang.

ASB changes spirit week theme in response to students’ concerns

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
February 6, 2015

Executive ASB announced earlier today that it has changed the theme of next week's spirit week after multiple students voiced their concerns. Originally labeled "Battle of the...

A total of six police officers responded after two bomb threats were called in to MTHS on Dec. 4.

Police arrest student in connection to December bomb threats

By Nick Fiorillo and Stephi Smith
January 15, 2015

Updated 1/15/15, 8:20 p.m. An MTHS student was arrested earlier today in connection to bomb threats phoned in to the attendance office on Dec. 4, according to Principal Greg...

A memorial service for 2012 graduate Ethan Colombana is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10 at Edmonds Lutheran Church.

Memorial service planned for 2012 graduate

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
January 9, 2015

A memorial service is planned for 2012 graduate Ethan Colombana for 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10 at Edmonds Lutheran Church. Colombana died unexpectedly on Jan. 4 from a seizure...

ESD releases statement following reports of armed man at Shoreline school

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
January 7, 2015

Edmonds School District (ESD) Spokesperson DJ Jakala released a statement to families earlier today after Shoreline Public Schools (SPS) went into lockdown amidst reports of...

Legislators talk education, taxes and more at the ESD’s “Evening with Our Legislators”

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
December 12, 2014

Several state legislators spoke to Edmonds School District students, parents, staff and community members on Dec. 11, addressing issues in education, such as the McCleary decision...

That's me at the podium that usually belongs to the U.S. House of Representatives. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) spoke there just hours later.

My unforgettable summer: experiencing D.C. through the eyes of the press

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
December 7, 2014

In my backpack lays a small, peach-colored booklet. Bound just by its two staples, the booklet I carry with me daily contains 50 epithets written by one of the most innovative...

Parents wait to pick-up their students after two bomb threats were made to MTHS, according to Assistant Principal Peter Schurke.

Police find no explosive devices following two bomb threats

By Nick Fiorillo, Stephi Smith, and Paxtyn Merten
December 4, 2014

Police found no explosive devices after two bomb threats caused an evacuation of MTHS earlier this afternoon. Scheduled events for tonight will go on as planned, and school...

ESD releases statement on Marysville Pilchuck HS shooting

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
October 24, 2014

Two students died, including the suspected shooter, and four others were injured when a student opened fire inside the cafeteria at Marysville Pilchuck High School earlier this...

Freshmen get in-depth introduction to Terrace with “NOW SHOW”

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
October 15, 2014

While sophomores and juniors were taking the PSAT, the entire freshman class gathered in the theater for the NOW SHOW, a talk show style presentation aimed at exposing the freshmen...

[Video] VIDEO: Sen. McAuliffe on education and funding in Washington

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
September 23, 2014

State Senator Rosemary McAuliffe (1st LD) sat down with the Hawkeye to talk about the current education funding crisis in Washington state. McAuliffe is a ranking member on the...

New School year means several changes to Terrace

New School year means several changes to Terrace

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
September 4, 2014

An end to the culminating project could be replaced by more post-high school planning The class of 2014 was the last to take part in Terrace’s nearly 20 year history of the...

The devastating impact of prescription drug abuse hits home

The devastating impact of prescription drug abuse hits home

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
June 13, 2014

Young people among top Rx drug abusers Prescription drug abuse-related deaths have made national headlines in recent years – particularly in deaths involving celebrities, such...

Graduates sit waiting for the commencement to begin.

In focus: the Class of 2014

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
June 13, 2014

As the graduates of the Class of 2014 move on to the next chapter in their lives, we look back on their triumphs and origins. See the MTHS graduating class like you've never...

Kayla Wheeler: Nothing she can’t do

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
June 13, 2014

Whether she’s assembling a rocket for rocketry club, delivering a monologue on stage, tinkering with parts for robotics, speaking Spanish to build her fluency, studying for her...

Monika Young delivers her speech in the downpour.

PHOTOS: Graduation 2014, a soggy salute to the seniors

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
June 13, 2014

It was a battle between rain and sun at MTHS Graduation 2014 on June 12. Graduates were soaked by the end of the ceremony, but still they stuck around to celebrate with friends...

In-Depth Data: The Class of 2014

In-Depth Data: The Class of 2014

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
June 9, 2014

See the MTHS graduating class like you've never seen it before. Using the different tabs and controls below, you can explore the post high school plans of the Class of 2014. <span...

SPU shooting suspect had ties to MLT, ESD

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
June 6, 2014

Updated: June 6, 3:12 p.m. Local officials confirmed today that the suspect in yesterday's shooting at SPU had ties to Mountlake Terrace and the Edmonds School District. Aaron...

MTHS graduate witnesses SPU shooting: ‘he aimed the gun at us’

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
June 6, 2014

Updated June 6, 8:50 a.m. A 19-year-old male student was killed and two others were injured on Thursday when a gunman opened fire at Seattle Pacific University. The suspect...

ESD committee to recommend senior project be eliminated

ESD committee to recommend senior project be eliminated

By Nick Fiorillo
June 3, 2014

The Edmonds School District Senior Project Committee decided to recommend the senior project be eliminated as a graduation requirement beginning with the class of 2015. In...

Dan Falk was named the permanent assistant principal.

Falk selected as permanent assistant principal

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
June 2, 2014

Principal Greg Schwab announced to staff via email Monday night that current interim assistant principal Dan Falk will be filling the position permanently. In an email sent...

May 2014 students of the month

May 2014 students of the month

By Nick Fiorillo
June 2, 2014

The Edmonds School District selects two students each month to each of the high schools to recognize their accomplishments and achievements. Go to the ESD website for the complete...

Traffic alert: crews to repair 214th/44th tomorrow

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
May 28, 2014

MTHS commuters could experience longer drive times tomorrow, especially leaving school in the afternoon. Puget Sound energy crews will be doing "pavement restoration" at 214th...

Final exam schedule released

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
May 27, 2014

Here is the finalized schedule for the upcoming final exams and the last day of school. The new schedule features a normal start time, but the addition of a new review time preceding...

[Video] Rep. Larsen gets firsthand look at STEM program

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
May 16, 2014

From robots to wind tunnels to 3D printers, Congressman Rick Larsen saw the many facets of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education at MTHS when he visited...

Congressman Rick Larsen, from Washington's second legislative district.

Rep. Rick Larsen to visit MTHS, observe STEM program tomorrow

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
May 14, 2014

Congressman Rick Larsen will visit MTHS tomorrow to observe the STEM magnet program and talk with students. Representing Washington's second district, Larsen will visit MTHS from...

ASB budget features more cuts due to new nutritional guidelines

By Nick Fiorillo
May 13, 2014

ASB's budget for the 2014-2015 school year, which features more cuts to sports teams and clubs, was approved earlier Tuesday morning. Members of ASB and representatives of student...

Firefighters finish packing their gear following a devastating fire at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church early this  morning just north of Mountlake Terrace High School on 44th Ave. W. One firefighter was slightly injured in the blaze.

One firefighter injured after two-alarm fire burns church near MTHS

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
May 7, 2014

One firefighter was injured after crews responded to a two-alarm fire at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church near MTHS earlier this morning. Fire District One Public Information Officer...

Tinker Tour USA makes its last stop at MTHS

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
May 2, 2014

  Mary Beth Tinker's life changed forever in 1965, when she was just 13 years-old. She received national attention as a plaintiff in the historic Supreme Court case Tinker...

Health and wellness fair and spring bazaar to be held Saturday

By Nick Fiorillo, Editor-in-Chief
May 2, 2014

Multiple MTHS organizations have teamed up to host a spring extravaganza. The bazaar and fair will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at MTHS. Supported by the PTSA,...

School board honors MTHS for national student press rights award

School board honors MTHS for national student press rights award

By Nick Fiorillo
April 29, 2014

The Edmonds School Board honored MTHS administration, educators and student media organizations at the school board meeting on Tuesday as one of six schools in the nation to receive...

MTHS receives state's 'highest honor'

MTHS receives state’s ‘highest honor’

By Nick Fiorillo
April 21, 2014

MTHS was one of 413 schools to be named winners of the 2013 Washington Achievement Award, considered one of the highest honors for public schools in the state. The Office...

Friends, family gather to celebrate the life of Forest Jackson

Friends, family gather to celebrate the life of Forest Jackson

By Nick Fiorillo
April 7, 2014

Family, friends and members of the MTHS community gathered at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church in north Seattle this morning to celebrate the life of 2011 graduate Forest...

Band plays sendoff to Disneyland, tribute to Jackson

Band plays sendoff to Disneyland, tribute to Jackson

By Nick Fiorillo
April 1, 2014

It was no ordinary concert. That's for sure. It has been an exciting, intense and saddening couple of weeks for the bands at MTHS. Jazz 1 members were excited from their third...

Students to let their hair "go" to raise funds for Oso

Students to let their hair “go” to raise funds for Oso

By Nick Fiorillo
April 1, 2014

ASB and Honor Society have planned a less than traditional way to raise funds for victims of the Oso landslide. As part of the "Blitz for Oso," donations will be collected...

Drugs a key factor in former student's homicide

Drugs a key factor in former student’s homicide

By Nick Fiorillo
March 31, 2014

Police have confirmed that drugs played a role in the homicide of 2011 MTHS graduate Forest Jackson early Saturday morning. Mountlake Terrace Police Department (MTPD) Commander...

Memorial service to be held for Jackson

Memorial service to be held for Jackson

By Nick Fiorillo
March 30, 2014

Updated March 31, 10:33 a.m. A public memorial service will be held on April 7 for 2011 MTHS graduate Forest Jackson, who was killed at his residence in Mountlake Terrace on...

Forest Jackson, a 2011 MTHS graudate, was killed on March 29. Photo Courtesy of the Jackson family.

New details in homicide of former student

By Nick Fiorillo
March 30, 2014

Updated March 30, 9:38 p.m. Family members confirmed that the victim of Saturday's homicide in Mountlake Terrace was 20-year-old Forest Jackson, a 2011 MTHS graduate. He died...

Police respond to “nonspecific bomb threat,” find no credibile threat

By Nick Fiorillo
March 12, 2014

Police responded to a bomb threat earlier this morning after a student reported a threatening message scratched into a boys' bathroom stall. "This morning we had a student...

Principal Greg Schwab talks to Hawkeye staff about ESD Propositions 1 and 2.

Election results show ESD Propositions 1, 2 passing

By Nick Fiorillo
February 12, 2014

Updated: Feb. 12, 6:45 p.m. As the early vote count has been updated by the Snohomish County Auditor's office, Edmonds School District Propositions 1 and 2 are currently at...

Heart screening to be held in memory of deceased Meadowdale student

Heart screening to be held in memory of deceased Meadowdale student

By Nick Fiorillo
February 11, 2014

The Nick of Time Foundation is hosting youth heart screening services tomorrow at Meadowdale High School (MHS) in honor of deceased MHS student Matthew Truax. The screening...

Crowds gather for Seahawks parade in Seattle

Crowds gather for Seahawks parade in Seattle

By Nick Fiorillo
February 5, 2014

The crowds have gathered and are ready for the Seahawks parade in Seattle today. The Hawkeye has multiple reporters in various locations throughout the parade route. Stay with...

Members of the 2011 robotics team work to assemble their robot at the kickoff event.

MTHS to host regional robotics kickoff tomorrow

By Nick Fiorillo
January 3, 2014

MTHS will host the regional FIRST Robotics Competition Season Kickoff at tomorrow’s all day event in the Terraceum. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)...

Do you have an accent?

Do you have an accent?

By Nick Fiorillo
December 26, 2013

The New York Times thinks it can guess your area of origination based solely on the way you speak. In a quiz published on the New York Times website on Dec. 21, readers were...

Student robbed near campus, administration says

By Nick Fiorillo
November 26, 2013

Administration notified students and families about an alleged robbery near campus earlier this morning. In a letter sent home by principal Greg Schwab to MTHS students and families,...

Tinker, Hiestand tour for students' rights

Tinker, Hiestand tour for students’ rights

By Nick Fiorillo
November 15, 2013

There’s a bus unlike any other in the country. It’s neither a school bus, nor public transit. It will travel over 15,000 miles along its cross-country “adventure.”...

Check the latest election results

Check the latest election results

By Nick Fiorillo
November 5, 2013

Updated Nov. 5, 6:36 p.m.  As vote counts are being finalized for the Nov. 2013 General Election, it's clear that this election was a huge victory for local incumbents. This...

Staff Feature: Tom Boland

Staff Feature: Tom Boland

By Nick Fiorillo
October 22, 2013

An interview with the Magic Man The words “substitute teacher,” immediately evoke negative connotations. Substitutes are often disregarded as clueless, confused and lost. Classes...

MTHS ASB created this poster representing the homecoming schedule. The poster is the first thing students will see as they walk in the doors on Monday.

Homecoming schedule announced

By Nick Fiorillo
October 4, 2013

The schedule for this year's homecoming week has officially been announced. ASB has finished their large homecoming poster that represents the different theme days for the...

NFL Sunday Night Football bus makes a pit stop at MTHS

NFL Sunday Night Football bus makes a pit stop at MTHS

By Nick Fiorillo
September 14, 2013

There was lots of excitement at MTHS this Saturday when the Sunday Night Football (SNF) bus rolled in. The bus carried the SNF Fans of the Week, who took pictures with the bus...

Meadowdale High School junior dies after collapsing in PE class

Meadowdale High School junior dies after collapsing in PE class

By Nick Fiorillo
September 13, 2013

A Meadowdale High School junior died earlier this morning after collapsing in a PE class. Matthew Truax was in his third period class when he collapsed and was unable to be...

Issue No. 2 of the 2011-2012 Hawkeye featured numerous stories and reactions to 9/11.

Remembering 9/11 through the eyes of the Hawkeye

By Nick Fiorillo
September 11, 2013

The images and memories of September 11, 2001 have been made permanent in all of our minds. We remember the thousands of American lives lost in the vicious terrorist attacks....

Ex-student accused of cyberstalking teacher

By Nick Fiorillo
September 7, 2013

According to an article in the Everett Herald, an ex-student allegedly sent dirty messages and cyberstalked a teacher at MTHS. The student now faces a possible misdemeanor charge...

Cuplin's journey in Japan continues

Cuplin’s journey in Japan continues

By Nick Fiorillo
June 18, 2013

Living in Sapporo, Japan, Hawkeye staff writer Stephen Cuplin is in month four of his year long exchange student program. Cuplin is currently in the process of changing host...

Annual ASB budget features more cuts

By Nick Fiorillo
May 9, 2013

ASB officers held their annual budget meeting on May 8 to vote on the proposed budget for the 2013-2014 school year. The relatively short half hour meeting consisted of Big...

Nick Fiorillo | Hawkeye 
Senior Kyra Dahlman is one of the many students using social media during the National Journalism Convention.

Social media: innovative interactions

By Nick Fiorillo
April 26, 2013

As senior Kyra Dahlman strolls down the wide hallway, her eyes are glued to her phone. She’s tweeting. She’s relaying information to her followers about her experience...

Force feeding turns to teenage wasteland

Force feeding turns to teenage wasteland

By Nick Fiorillo
April 19, 2013

School lunch has always come with a bad reputation. Cafeteria food has been portrayed by the media as including everything from ‘mystery meat’ to lumpy milk. At MTHS, many...

Courtesy of City of MLT

The Mountlake Terrace pot problem

By Nick Fiorillo
April 16, 2013

With the passing of Initiative 502, Mountlake Terrace and cities all across Washington could expect a brand new kind of store to open up: a store that sells marijuana. Tasked...

Terrace’s top issue goes to vote

By Nick Fiorillo
April 15, 2013

Citizens of Mountlake Terrace will again decide the fate of Proposition 1, to build a new civic campus, on April 23. This is the third time Proposition 1 has been brought to the...

Cuplin gets some help from young new friends while working on his Japanese characters.

Cuplin’s Journey: week 2

By Nick Fiorillo
April 8, 2013

Sophomore and Hawkeye staff writer Stephen Cuplin is a now a foreign exchange student, living in Sapporo, Japan. He reflects on his first day of school and life so far away from...

We Day makes history at Key Arena

We Day makes history at Key Arena

By Nick Fiorillo
March 27, 2013

Nearly 30 MTHS students were among 15,000 young people who gathered at Key Arena for We Day Seattle. We Day, presented by Free the Children, is a movement, started in Canada,...

MLT Civic Center: making sense of it all

MLT Civic Center: making sense of it all

By Nick Fiorillo
March 14, 2013

Absence of funds, out-of-date facilities and the fact that the city of Mountlake Terrace doesn’t own its city hall are all reasons why Propositon 1 is back on the ballot. The...

Video: Brier Terrace Middle School Electives Fair

Video: Brier Terrace Middle School Electives Fair

By Nick Fiorillo
February 17, 2013

On Feb. 15, MTHS students and teachers represented the many different electives that MTHS has to offer. The annual event is enjoyed by MTHS students and teachers, and also by BTMS...

Nick Fiorillo | Hawkeye
Lake Ballinger Golf Course will eventually be open for public recreation, but for now the only ones using the course are the geese.

Lake Ballinger Golf Course closes

By Nick Fiorillo
February 11, 2013

The closing of Lake Ballinger Golf Course left the city with a 42 acre ‘passive park’ and the MTHS golf team without a home course. MTHS Golf Coach Tom Gorney said he expects...

Second Red Onion opens

By Nick Fiorillo
February 9, 2013

After fire struck Red Onion Burgers on Oct. 1, it is finally making its comeback. The local burger joint opened up its new restaurant, in a new location. Just a few minutes...

Healthy school food is destined to fail

Healthy school food is destined to fail

By Nick Fiorillo
November 7, 2012

Even though more opportunities to eat healthier have been introduced into the ways Terrace students get their food, these healthy options have been set up to fail. The incredible...

Alyssa Vallester | Hawkeye
Ratanachat stays busy after school taking customer orders at their family-owned restaurant.

Ratanachat Saelee making a brighter future

By Nick Fiorillo
November 7, 2012

Saelee and her family own and operate one of Mountlake Terrace’s hidden gems, Amorn Thai Cuisine. Named for her father, Amorn, the store is run by Ratanachat Saelee, her mother,...

Eve Largent | Hawkeye
Local burger joint Red Onion caught on fire on Oct. a, causing the restaurant to close down and is not expected to open for around three to four months.

Fire closes Red Onion

By Nick Fiorillo
October 11, 2012

Local restaurant, The Red Onion, remains closed after it suffered significant fire damage on Oct. 1. No one was hurt during the fire. According to Fire District 1, the fire was...

222nd St. SW detour underway

By Nick Fiorillo
October 9, 2012

The detour of 222nd St. SW continues, while work crews make several improvements to 222nd St. between 44th Avenue W to 39th Avenue W. The detour is scheduled to continue until...

October is Domestic Violence Awareness in Mountlake Terrace

By Nick Fiorillo
October 9, 2012

To combat the issue of domestic violence, the City of Mountlake Terrace (MLT) has proclaimed October to be “Domestic Violence Awareness Month.” The proclamation was decided...

Mountlake Terrace's newest city councilman Bryan Wahl was sworn in on Sept. 4 Wahl has served on the Mountlake Terrace Planning Commission for 14 years.

Bryan Wahl, new city councilman Q&A

By Nick Fiorillo
September 18, 2012

Q. How long have you lived in Mountlake Terrace? A. 15 years. I moved here in ’97, but I grew up in Shoreline, so I’m very familiar with the area. Q. What did...

Kyra Dahlman | Hawkeye

150 backpacks donated to elementary students by local businesses

By Nick Fiorillo
September 18, 2012

When Mountlake Terrace Elementary school students return to school this fall, local businesses want them to have everything they need for a successful year. The fourth...

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