The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
Mackenzie Blanco

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter

Mackenzie Blanco, a magnet sophomore at NC, joined The Chant because of her love for writing and hopes it will better her writing skills. Ever since a little girl, she has admired writing stories to release her creative thoughts and steadfast opinions. Blanco enjoys being part of the Color Guard at NC, baking delicious treats, going on hikes and attending her youth group gatherings. She also enjoys spending time with her friends, reading books and venturing out with her dog, Chico. During school, Blanco is involved in clubs, including Beta Club, FCA and Collective Hope. Blanco hopes that The Chant brings her the inspiration to make an impact on the world with her writing.

All content by Mackenzie Blanco
Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs advance to take possession of the journalism field, docking human writers.

From print to digital: the incoming threat of AI in journalism

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
April 26, 2024
With the end of the NC Winter Guard 2024 season, the SAPA championships take place as the final run for all three NC guards. The concluding run for the shows, titled “Men of Snow,” “Half Acre” and “Dear Vincent…,” mark the last season for a couple of NC seniors heading into college. While championships lead the way for fond memories and great times spent, the NC guards end the season strong and patiently await the upcoming color guard season.

The NC Winter Guard programs spin their way to championships

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
April 19, 2024
While NC students traveled to warm beaches during spring break, the magnet freshman class of 2027, took a trip up to the beautiful lands of Spain. Students experienced exhilarating moments which included learning a well-known style of dance in Spain named Flamenco while journeying through the city. Students and chaperones will cherish the memories made throughout the Spanish country alongside their closest friends and peers.

From Kennesaw to Spain: NC magnet freshman take on another international excursion

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
April 12, 2024
With the end of the NC Winter Guard 2024 season, the SAPA championships take place as the final run for all three NC guards. The concluding run for the shows, titled “Men of Snow,” “Half Acre” and “Dear Vincent…,” mark the last season for a couple of NC seniors heading into college. While championships lead the way for fond memories and great times spent, the NC guards end the season strong and patiently await the upcoming color guard season.

The NC Winter Guard programs spin their way to championships

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
April 8, 2024
April 1, the Jonas Brothers announced their second break up, ultimately because of Joe Jonas’ wish to live closer and spend more time with his two young daughters. Due to his daughters needing to travel between the US and London because of their custody schedule, Joe felt as if the situation seemed unfair to his kids. Joe wanted to remain close to his daughters which in turn led to him moving to London and breaking up the band.

Joe breaks up the JoBros

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
April 1, 2024
The NC HoPe club represented the Hispanic community with several members volunteering at McCall Primary’s Read Across America literacy night to read to young learners. The night consisted of fun reads and exciting activities with K-2 graders to kick off National Reading Month. HoPe members engaged in literacy games and read thrilling books to keep vivid imaginations alive in young readers.

NC instills HoPe at McCall Primary during Read Across America week

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
March 13, 2024
February 28, the Georgia Department of Education announced the 2024 AP Honors school lists, including 16 traditional high schools throughout Cobb County. NC received the honor award because of the rigorous AP courses students currently take and succeed in. Additionally, NC received honors for multiple categories including the AP STEM Achievement honor and the AP Humanities Achievement honor.

NC receives acknowledgment for exceptional AP programs

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
March 13, 2024
Though the NC varsity boy’s baseball team (6-3) won against Marietta High School earlier in the week, the North Cobb Christian Eagles (5-0) took the win on Thursday’s game. After gaining the lead in the second inning, the Eagles continued to add to their score with multiple home runs. The Warriors, albeit discouraged, stood strong and finished the match with motivation for their next game.

Eagles soar over the Warriors during Leap Day game

Addie Hill and Mackenzie Blanco
March 5, 2024
The joy of reading classic literature such as “Pride and Prejudice” or “Little Women” brings audiences into what life looked like for their ancestors with the use of the authors powerful imagery. On the other hand, pivotal literary books such as “Women of the Harlem Renaissance easily become overlooked. These books carry heavy, relatable topics in society. Now, communities of color read these classics with open minds and reflect on the challenging times their ancestors faced to achieve the successes of the 21st century.

The enduring impact of classic novels

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
February 20, 2024
As February 1 marks the start of Black History Month, people worldwide recognize Black history and their remarkable achievements, mainly in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. During February, people support Black businesses, visit historical African American sites, learn about prominent Black figures and read Black literature. While people continue to spread awareness about Black history, the efforts of strong Black individuals still linger today, most of which contribute to our everyday lives. In honor of Black History Month, The Chant has composed an article on several inventions made or improved by creative Black innovators.

Beyond boundaries: The legacy of Black inventions

Lauren Lee, Callie Kinsinger, Valentina Gonzalez, Nathaniel Jordan, Callie Kinsinger, Ciara Whimbush, Ivan Mendoza, Jasmyn Mitchell, Mia Kirkwood, Mackenzie Blanco, Addie Hill, Jacey Cuffie, Rosalyn Schwanke, Jameson Johnson, Rose Ordonio, and Jasmina Buranich
February 14, 2024
Dating back to ancient Rome, Valentine’s Day presents traditional festivities including romantic dinners for two and heart-shaped chocolate boxes, but it leaves feelings of loneliness for the single. Thanks to the hit NBC sitcom actor Leslie Knope, women now spend a day celebrating each other and enjoying heart-shaped candy boxes together. February 13th allows ladies to forget about their husbands or boyfriends for the day and spend time with the ones who empower them the most.

Kicking it breakfast style: Galentine’s Day edition

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
February 13, 2024
Throughout history, art has evolved and new styles have emerged to form famous masterpieces known by countless people—the “Mona Lisa,” “Starry Night” and “The Guernica.” Artists who adored the hobby influenced how humanity perceives art and the artwork displayed in countless homes around the globe. With art as an outlet for numerous people, it serves as a way for artists to capture their reality and display their thoughts and feelings on a platform.

Behind the canvas: the history of the art world

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
January 26, 2024
Visiting a national park or enjoying a stroll around a neighborhood not only brings rise to a peaceful state of mind but also leads to health benefits such as lower anxiety levels for the weary. Spending time in nature allows individuals to interact with their communities and stand in awe of the beauty in the greenery all around. Nature creates a sense of connection between an individual and the Earth while contributing to emotional feelings and physical movement.

The vitality of human-to-nature connection

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
January 22, 2024
During the midst of Kendall Vincent’s senior year, doctors diagnosed him with B-cell Lymphoma. To show support, his childhood best friends shaved their heads and organized a Strikeout Cancer polar plunge on New Years Day alongside the NC community to raise money for Vincent’s treatments. While the fundraiser continues, people around the globe raised nearly $5,000 for Vincent’s cause.

The plunge that strikes out cancer

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
January 10, 2024
Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, captures classic holiday traditions through its multitude of festive celebrations. All four Disney parks host these events, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a yearly tradition in Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Disney magic continues to spread all around the world to multiple other Disney park locations such as in Hong Kong, Paris and Shanghai.

The magic of Walt Disney’s Christmas extravaganzas

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
December 12, 2023
As the world evolves, humans grow susceptible to catching diseases, prompting scientists to explore preventative measures. Researchers began experimenting on animals because animal testing became easier than testing on humans. Scientists acquired the ability to discover the negative consequences of newly developed cures and preventatives on an individuals health. Luckily, 21st-century technology allows scientists to discover alternatives to animal testing to save countless dogs, cats and rabbits.

From family pets to lab rats: the harsh reality of consumer goods

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
December 12, 2023
Since the rise in popularity of the American movie industry, women have played important roles behind the scenes and truly helped shape Hollywood. Now, females continue the fight to receive recognition throughout their careers in the film industry despite the setbacks they face. Powerful females who impacted the industry throughout their careers include Ruth Handler, Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie, Reese Witherspoon and countless others who desired to change the levels of representation for women one film at a time.

The astonishing works of womanhood in film

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
December 11, 2023
Approximately 56 million years ago, the first primate emerged on Earth, initiating an evolutionary chain of events that led to the development of the human brain. Over time, the complexities of the human brain created neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, necessitating the establishment of rehabilitation and treatment centers. Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection, with concepts like “survival of the fittest,” further illuminated these evolutionary processes in the 19th century.

The evolutionary intellect of the homo sapien

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
December 11, 2023
Approximately 56 million years ago, the first primate emerged on Earth, initiating an evolutionary chain of events that led to the development of the human brain. Over time, the complexities of the human brain created neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, necessitating the establishment of rehabilitation and treatment centers. Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection, with concepts like “survival of the fittest,” further illuminated these evolutionary processes in the 19th century.

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NC partners with the Rally Foundation each year to raise awareness for children battling cancer. NC’s Rally Club inspires students to volunteer at Friday night football games and inspires local restaurants to collect donations for childhood cancer research which funds the Rally Foundation. Through the generosity of local communities and NC students, Rally Club fundraised over $1600 during the 2023-2024 school year; the club donated 93 cents of each dollar they raised to the Rally Foundation.

Rally students impact the future of childhood cancer research

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
November 13, 2023
Fall has evolved into the perfect season to explore the outdoors, due to the breezy cool air and crisp weather to enjoy family activities. The origins of the nostalgic memories formed during September, October and November serve as the foundation of the well-known fall activities such as the heap of pumpkin patches. Patches now include hayrides and corn mazes which have become popular familial attractions.

Embracing fall history through ongoing family activities

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
November 3, 2023
Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas embarked on their North America Tour which began in the spring of 2023. The tour details all of their accomplishments since the beginning of the Jonas Brothers’s pop rock band in 2005. Each concert highlights songs from their five albums including newer songs from “The Album” which became produced specifically for their tour, coincidentally named “The Tour.”

Jonas Brothers spread their wings on their North American tour

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
October 27, 2023
The National Art Honors Society continues to intrigue new students who hold a strong connection to art. Students who participate in NAHS deepen their desires to chase after the field of art in college through the events they partake in. This club inspires students to work together with their peers to create alluring works of art that showcase their talents. Each student holds their own strengths which leads the club to countless achievements.

National Art Honor Society students leave mark on NC

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
October 13, 2023
After the tragic explosions of the Fukushima nuclear power plant in 2011, Japan began the process of releasing the toxic water into the Pacific Ocean August 24 and will continue to discharge the water in increments over the next 30 years. Countries such as China and South Korea near the Pacific Ocean have enforced a ban on seafood imports for fear of contamination. Japan received backlash from neighboring countries who believed the release would do greater harm than benefit the environment and human health.

Fukushima’s water worries: waves of controversy

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
October 6, 2023
The role of pets in an owners life creates joyous and unforgettable moments. The needs and wants of dogs create a lifetime of exciting memories as they grow and mature into the adored furry friends in family households. Especially through tough times, dogs provide comfort and relief at the end of the day. “Pets are always there to make you happy. When youve had a bad day, someone happily greets you at the door,” magnet sophomore Justina Stewart said.

The power of pets

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
October 6, 2023
Recycling creates a brighter future if it becomes a habit for everyone. It exhibits how humans can work together to provide cleaner spaces for the future. Promoting eco-friendly products including reusable bags or bottles changes how people see todays generation and impacts the use of Earths natural resources.

Position vs. perspective: recycling

Mackenzie Blanco, reporter
September 8, 2023
“Blue Beetle” impacts the film industry with its third iteration of the superhero. The film showcases Jamie Reyes and his family through the twists and turns of becoming a new superhero. Moments of laughter added the perfect touch to the movie that became unforgettable. “Blue Beetle” will continue to inspire the generations to come through the representation that provides justice to the Latino community.

The new iteration of “Blue Beetle” shines light on Latino heritage

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
August 29, 2023
NC Warriors jump into the ‘23 cross-country season with great dedication and excitement after weeks of practice. August 19, the team competed against each other in group-based costumes to see who would become the fastest runner on the team. The team ended the day with popsicles and a mini award ceremony to celebrate the top four runners and the best group costume.

An exciting start to the ‘23 cross-country season

Mackenzie Blanco, Reporter
August 25, 2023
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The Chant

The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.
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