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
Valentina Gonzalez

Valentina Gonzalez, Page Editor

Valentina Gonzalez joined The Chant her freshman year of high school after taking Journalism 101 to enhance her writing skills. Now a senior, Gonzalez wishes to major in English to pursue a career in writing and film production using the skills she acquired during her time as a member of The Chant. Outside of the pub office, Gonzalez enjoys reading classic literature and watching old movies, and appreciates the standards of old novels and films. Gonzalez will end her final year on staff as a reporter and a Page Editor, and can not wait to continue putting out her artistic perspective into the world. 

Find her on Instagram: @valentina.s.gonzalez.

All content by Valentina Gonzalez
The NC Warriors scored a win against the North Paulding Wolves 42-18 Friday, September 13. The golden student section, beaming with pride for the support of NC’s Rally Club, created an exciting atmosphere that motivated the players. The Warriors added another point to their winning streak by beating the Wolves at the first regional game of the season.

Rally up: NC takes the gold against the Wolves

Valentina Gonzalez and Callie Kinsinger
September 16, 2024
As colder seasons approach, those who did not achieve their ideal tan in the summer resort to different methods to bronze their skin. People who tan can find several ways to achieve the perfect fake tan without exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, various tanning methods come with numerous pros and cons that tanners should know before they consider non-natural tanning.

Becoming bronze: a guide to fake tanning

Valentina Gonzalez, Page Editor
September 9, 2024
For centuries, men have expressed negative emotions and feelings toward women, children and non-masculine boys. Society continues to misconstrue the idea of toxic masculinity, decreasing belief in the term. Now, in a modern world, men should acknowledge that toxic masculinity exists and should act upon improving future generations.

Tedious testosterone: toxic masculinity in today’s world

Valentina Gonzalez, Page Editor
September 5, 2024
Monkeypox, also known as Mpox, spiked in several African nations in the past month. With the sudden rise in cases over two years, Mpox recently developed into a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). While several members of society do not know the history of Mpox or how to overcome it, WHO suggests several ways to remediate possible infection of the virus.

Monkeypox: what should the world expect?

Valentina Gonzalez, Page Editor
August 26, 2024
Due to the transition from middle school to high school seeming scary and intimidating, every incoming student deserves a chance to understand their new school's regulations, procedures and expectations. NC represents a strong community of faculty and staff who wish the best for their students, both new and old. Once freshmen gain an understanding how their new school works, new Warriors can feel confident walking as high schoolers.

Welcome Warriors: A guide to NC

Valentina Gonzalez, Page Editor
August 7, 2024
Opportunities come from starting small businesses. From gaining experience for job applications to expanding into a larger company, small businesses can lead numerous business leaders to success. High school students wishing to start a business should gain knowledge on how to manage that business so their craft can skyrocket to success.

Get a bang for your buck: how high school students can start their own business 

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
April 19, 2024
Ecuador currently faces several gang-related attacks that concern government officials. Along with reports of violence throughout the country, drastic weather conditions have worried its citizenry and ultimately led other countries to cut ties with Ecuador in terms of energy sharing. Once entranced by their beautiful country, Ecuador’s citizens now feel concerned that their homeland will become corrupt.

Echoes of despair: The ongoing events in Ecuador

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
April 8, 2024
For several years, women have struggled to find new hairstyles for the next year, or their own, personal next era. Decades ago, society mutually agreed on matching haircuts and hairstyles to wear. The infamous bob hairstyle remains one of the best hairstyles for women to choose, and society should bring back the beauty of the bob.

Bringing back bobs

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
April 1, 2024
In recent years, Ticketmaster has established dominance in the ticket-selling industry, proving its popularity with a total of 18 tickets sold per second. The familiar name sparks numerous emotions within consumers and users of the site. However, several buyers remain unsure of the morality of the monopoly's website, as previous experiences still leave customers in shock.

The trials and tribulations of Ticketmaster

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
March 31, 2024
After a disappointing loss to the Woodstock Wolverines (5-5) March 12, the NC varsity lacrosse Warriors put up their best fight against the Sequoyah Chiefs (9-1). Although the Warriors faced another defeat, the game remained neck-and-neck for the majority of the time. As students, family and coaches cheer on the team, the Warriors continue their work to make this season a win.

Sequoyah Chiefs take a lead on the NC varsity lacrosse Warriors 

Callie Kinsinger and Valentina Gonzalez
March 19, 2024
Especially for seniors, prom night proves a celebration of years of hard work. As prom on March 23, 2024 approaches, upperclassmen rush to figure out their entire prom day schedule. To feel prepared, students can plan the prom elements ahead of time to secure important necessities and avoid any problems that day.

Prom 101: how to plan for prom 2024

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
March 13, 2024
As celebrities become increasingly involved in scandals, and continuously receive criticism over how they handle their money, the world forgets about celebrities who positively contribute to society. Audiences may forget these acts of generosity due to Hollywood’s constant hiring of controversial workers. Fortunately, there remains a handful of celebrities who use their fame and wealth for beneficial purposes.

Fame to fame: appropriate celebrity involvement

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
February 29, 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
Opposing Viewpoints

Opposing Viewpoints

Valentina Gonzalez and Mia Kirkwood
February 2, 2024
As people age, romance continues to bring an extra step toward excitement for each person. While romance can help solidify relationships, relationships do not require romance to accomplish the necessities within that relationship. Although numerous forms of relationships come across as standard and easy to imagine, every relationship finds form in its individuality.

The sweet stereotypes of love

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
December 14, 2023
With consistently newer technology, numerous news outlets can swiftly release information, advertise products and spread awareness. Publicity within these outlets provides the world with new knowledge and facts that may help people in certain situations. Truly healthy publicity will bring out and encourage engagement and interest from any spectators.

The privilege of publicity

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
December 14, 2023
The Christmas season comes with numerous aspects to celebrate holiday festivities. From exchanging gifts, decorating homes and hosting Christmas parties, there remains plenty of debate on which day the season officially starts. In this podcast, two members of The Chant discuss their different views on the topic and analyze various aspects of the Christmas season.

Agree to Disagree

Addie Hill and Valentina Gonzalez
December 12, 2023
Whether known by fans or not, multiple of their favorite celebrities carry dark secrets from their past. These celebrities’ status and privileges allow their secrets to disappear, leading fans to support the wrong people. Hollywood continues to silence certain celebrities for standing up for their beliefs, yet they allow their most famous and favorable stars to do as they please without consequences.

The striking imbalance of privilege between celebrities and ordinary people

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
December 12, 2023
As the king of rock and roll’s wife, Priscilla Presley remains a widely known name in American history. Fortunately, numerous people now recognize Priscilla as her own woman, especially since Elvis Presley’s death. Released in 1985, “Elvis and Me,” Priscilla’s memoir, caught the attention of countless fans of the couple and informed them of the toxicity within their once-enviable relationship.

The untold story of Priscilla

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
December 11, 2023
Numerous Oscar-winning dystopian movies from earlier decades became known for their intricate storylines and captivating scores. Unfortunately, this genre of film dwindled significantly in past years due to the rise in popularity of other genres such as romance, horror and young adult fantasy. Older dystopian book-to-film adaptations continue to receive affection from fans. In particular, three different series: “The Maze Runner,” “The Hunger Games” and “Divergent” hooked younger audiences in the 2010s and influenced movie tastes for Generation Z today.

Agree to Disagree

Addie HIll and Valentina Gonzalez
November 27, 2023
Positive childhood memories can make up someone’s character, and potentially impact the rest of their life. An old tradition, memory or recurring event can easily return to children once they grow up, and transport them back to their childhood once again. Consistently, the reason for childhood nostalgia remains important for a child's emotional stability for them to learn behavioral expectations and prepare for their future daily lives.

The cherishments of childhood

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
October 20, 2023
“Dancing with the Stars”(DWTS) continues to waltz into viewers’ hearts each season. This year’s 32nd season includes popular superstars such as Grammy winner Jason Mraz, reality TV star Ariana Madix and Oscar winner Mira Sorvino. With this diverse cast, DWTS draws in viewers of all ages and ensures each couple a fair chance of winning the famous Mirrorball Trophy at the end of the competition.

Dancing with the Stars dances on

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
October 20, 2023
Upperclassmen struggle to find scholarships for themselves, especially when attempting to find a scholarship around the application deadlines. While high schools provide college representative meetings to ensure their students know of their options, several students still find extra opportunities within scholarships. Several websites and resources exist for these students to find the perfect scholarship for them based on their cost and other circumstantial preferences and may help their college lives.

The Chant’s one-stop shop for scholarships

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
October 2, 2023
Fleetwood Mac began as a way for Peter Green to express himself in the hobby he loved: music. The band grew and changed throughout 36 running years and produced 18 studio albums, several of which reached the Billboard Hot 100. Fleetwood Mac now continues to guide fans to their dreams after providing inspiration as one of the best bands in the world.

Fleetwood Mac’s rise to fame

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
September 12, 2023
Surrogacy remains a viable and reliable option for couples to deal with infertility, as it provides extra time for preparation, no risk of postpartum depression and an alternate way for same-sex couples to acquire children. This method can ensure that both parents maintain a genetic relationship with their child, which helps couples feel strongly about surrogacy.

The cycle of surrogacy

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
September 11, 2023
The Writers Guild of America(WGA) started a strike May 2, 2023, against the studios and companies within the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers(AMPTP). Major film dates continue to stop production because of the strike. This strike shows how multiple people, not just writers, agree that the people who write high-budget movies and TV shows deserve the correct rewards for them.

Writers on strike

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
August 30, 2023
After President Biden approved the Willow project in March, numerous citizens continue to feel at a loss for the planet and continue to recognize the serious effects the project attracts. Bringing attention to the Willow Project caused a chain reaction in people finding ways to prevent other harmful trials that will destroy the planet.

The Willow Project: when will it end

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
May 18, 2023
Haters of social media should not portray it as negative platforms that constantly cause problems. Numerous positives to social media remain, which help people all around the world to connect and communicate. Social media brings joy and ideas of creativity to multiple people and overall continues to inspire the bulk of its users.

The bright side of social media

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
April 17, 2023
Along with compelling characters and empowering storylines, “Daisy Jones and The Six” comes with amazing extras. Since the release of the first three episodes March 3, Amazon created a “Daisy Jones and The Six” page where buyers can shop for outfits, jewelry, merchandise and new editions of the book. Each episode also provides a playlist of songs featured in that episode’s scenes and original music, sung by the cast, released in an album, AURORA.

From the page to the stage: “Daisy Jones and The Six”

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
April 4, 2023
NC welcomes coffee stands for the first time, specifically for teachers and seniors struggling with senioritis. With complaints of teachers and seniors feeling tired constantly, Principal Moody finally pulled strings and found a cheap, healthy coffee service from local business Luke’s Diner.

Luke’s Diner coming to North Cobb

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
April 1, 2023
Famous popstar Taylor Swift debuted her Eras Tour starting March 17, 2023. This tour compiles Swift's entire discography into a three-hour concert. Including several costume changes, setting changes and backup dancers, this production does not fail to entertain attendees. Swift played around 40 songs ranging from her earlier albums to her latest released album, “Midnights”.

Meet Taylor Swift at midnight for the Eras Tour

Callie Kinsinger and Valentina Gonzalez
March 30, 2023
The final episode of “The Last of Us” premieres Sunday, March 12. Since fans exceeded the creators' expectations by passing their predicted view count, they announced season two January 27. Fans hope that the second season will add to the original story of the video game franchise, along with further exploring the relationships between the characters on the show.

Apocalyptic fondness for “The Last of Us”

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
March 20, 2023
Disney movies continue to hold a special place in the hearts of multiple age-varying communities, even after the company's debut from all the way back in 1923. Disney movies notoriously contain important lessons that come across as meaningful to numerous viewers. Consequently, society continues to expect Disney to surpass their expectations in the near future within their films, as it did in the past.

Top three Disney movies

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
February 9, 2023
The argument of when the creation of music arose remains unknown and most likely will never settle, as it relates to vast amounts of historical events, religions and the overall creation of mankind. While a couple of scholars continue to choose to argue over the philosophy and origin of music, others prefer to admire it while it continues to grow and evolve. Music remains an art in itself and constantly exceeds listeners' expectations.

The magic of music

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
January 30, 2023
The price that comes with multiple beauty products remains highly expensive. Numerous people do not recognize that the prices of beauty products exponentially changed since their establishment. Companies distributing beauty items may rip off and take advantage of customers if they do not know the value of their cosmetics.

The budget behind beauty

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
December 13, 2022
With Thanksgiving around the corner, several people struggle to find ways to show thanks. Fortunately, simple methods exist to show appreciation for those who constantly support one another. Thanksgiving conveniently functions as the perfect holiday to demonstrate gratitude to those who deserve it, particularly in creative, fun and thoughtful ways.

Ways to show gratitude 

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
November 24, 2022
Household pets require strict attention and care in order to live a happy life. Unfortunately, multiple pet owners do not grant their pets their proper needs, refusing to care for them as a whole. Pets deserve the proper care the same way humans do. Pet stores and owners can and should adequately ensure the happiness of their innocent pets just wanting love.

The truth behind adopting pets

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
November 4, 2022
Halloween remains an intensely celebrated holiday all over the world. While people continue to celebrate it, multiple do not know the true history of Halloween, its origins and how it spread and became celebrated throughout the world. As exciting as the holiday feels, its history remains equally interesting.

The history behind Halloween

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
October 31, 2022
Multiple factors contribute to the decision of the superior season between winter and summer. Winter attracts people who adore celebrating the holiday season, free time and cold weather. Summer compels people who enjoy performing activities in the heat and free time filled with adventure and friends.

Winter vs summer

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
November 1, 2022
While teachers attempt to engage students in their lessons, certain rules established for learners remain unnecessary and in several cases, dramatic. Students may not find it critical to follow ridiculous rules school boards and teachers enforce. Arbitrary rules over chewing gum, hoods or the choice to stand for the pledge of allegiance can lead to problems nationwide.

Irrelevancy in school rules

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
October 31, 2022
When searching for methods for self-expression, people overlook multiple underrated ways and outlets. Even though verbally expressing feelings, thoughts and emotions to a peer or a professional may appear popular and efficient, it does not help those who do not want to particularly share their thoughts with another person.

Do it the write way: expression through art

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
October 21, 2022
While most teens do not feel they lack an attention span to watch a school movie, interesting movie recommendations for them to watch outside of school may change their lives and thought processes. A specific film may influence a teenager to try or do something new. For example, a film may change a viewer’s dream job to something related to the plot of the movie. Movies possess multiple outlets to the real world and may better a viewer's life.

Magnetic movies to watch as a teenager

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
October 5, 2022
School supposedly prepares students for the real world. However, the “real world” that schools put in students’ brains, means so much more than what schools think or teach. Schools should contain more interesting aspects in their curriculum in order to brighten students’ visions of the future, as well as add multiple engaging activities to an otherwise boring school day.

Student motivation turning south

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
September 16, 2022
These books contain captivating storylines that will not bore readers or cause them to want to stop reading halfway through. Mandatory books students read in school feel constant and outdated. Schools and teachers should allow students to pick their own books for independent projects to help them engage and learn about the types of genres they enjoy. If one attempts to look, they could find a book that sparks their interest.

Three books that inspire students to read

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
September 7, 2022
How dreams and aspirations lead to success

How dreams and aspirations lead to success

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
May 18, 2022
The Greenhouse Gang’s plant sale ends tomorrow, May 7th at 2:00 p.m. Students, staff and family members may buy fresh plants with their families for preparation for Mothers day, as the plants make for a great Mother’s day gift.

Greenhouse Gang plant sale nears its end

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
May 6, 2022
Jennifer Leslie, Jonny Owens and Sydney Hilliard led the success of the winter guard team this past season. Several of the members of the team will march this fall in order to continue their high school careers with the color guard team. Seniors who exemplified the qualities that directors expected of their members left the team because their high school careers came to an end. The guard’s past section leader, Payton Norris and other alumni such as Miche Hines kept the team strong and displayed an example for the underclassmen to look up to.

NC color guard: starting the season strong

Valentina Gonzalez and Nicolas Gomez
May 4, 2022
With less than a month left for the NC seniors, the school gifted seniors crowns to take home and decorate for next week's college spirit and crown day. Next Friday, seniors should wear their college attire and their decorated crown to show their dedication for their next chapter. “We’re all excited to decorate our crowns and wear our college attire. Hopefully everyone's crowns look different to show the different colleges we’re all going to,” senior Daniel Gomez said.

Senior Crowns

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
April 22, 2022
While the cost of recycling may seem more expensive in the long run, it truly benefits the planet in multiple ways and also helps citizens. “Recycling is the easiest thing to do. Sometimes you don't even have to pay to recycle. You can keep a bin for recycling and once a week, you can go to your local recycling center and recycle all of the materials there,” freshman David Achamaja said.

Use, do not abuse

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
April 20, 2022
Celebrities remain the topic of conversation for a multitude of people since they act as a leader, or someone to look up to. Fans of celebrities typically recognize the struggles they deal with and try their best to be respectful whether online or on the occasion of meeting the celebrity. “The first time I ever met a celebrity, I got really nervous. I didn’t want to disturb them or get in their way, so I never approached them. I regret it to this day but I'm glad that I didn't disrupt their private time,” freshman Katie Divis said.

Celebrity Corruption

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
April 15, 2022
Along with students who become the subject of bullying at school, there remains a multitude of bullied students who may not realize bullying is occurring. Potentially, students may become the subject of bullying by a teacher, but choose not to report anything because they feel as though no one would side with them, which may remain. “There was a girl I had a class with. She said the teacher constantly got on her. His job is to correct students, so that's why I think no one said anything about it, but he directed most of his comments only to her. She later told me that she felt he was targeting her but she didn't say anything to other teachers because she felt like they wouldn't believe her and also it would cause more problems,” freshman Coleman Powers said.

Troubling teachers

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
April 14, 2022
School graduates all over the world currently benefit from the education they received in core classes in school. Multiple students who prioritize their core classes rather than art stem from their parents' successful track during their time in school. “My dad is an engineer at a really high-tech company in Atlanta. My mom is a health scientist at the US Department of Health and Human Services also in Atlanta. They raised me very well and explained the way of the world to me when I was very young. Now, I am a magnet student at North Cobb taking some AP classes as well. I would definitely say my parents are the reason why I am currently successful in school today,” Freshman Marissa Grier said.

Smarts before arts

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
March 31, 2022
Today in homeroom, students received the paper format of their official courses and requests for next year. If students choose to change a course, they can submit requests to change them until tonight at 11:59 p.m. “This year I was able to have a wider selection of classes since I will be returning as a sophomore. Last year, for freshman year, there were such a limited number of courses that we could choose from. I was really excited this year but I had to make a change request because one of my most wanted classes was listed as an alternative,” said freshman Katie Divis

Requested course transcripts delivered

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
March 18, 2022
Substance abuse remains one of the most controversial topics today. Non Substance abusers tend to verbalize different opinions on people who are substance abusers. Shows like “Skins”, “Euphoria”, “Degrassi”, etc. claim substance abuse as one of their main ideas, which sometimes leads viewers basing what they think on the show itself or even the characters in the show and whether or not they like them. “If someone did hard drugs that lead them to be addicted, then it would be noticeable cause on most shows, everyone can tell how hard substances ruin your life,” said Freshman Josie Barszcz.

No sustenance in substances

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
March 11, 2022
People frequently only consider child abuse as abuse if violent. Most do not know that child abuse comes in different forms from different types of people. Child abuse varies in types like verbal, sexual, physical, emotional and more. “Honestly when I was younger I thought that the only ‘abuse’ was physical. That's what they always taught me in school. I never really realized that there were so many types of it until I watched some shows and movies. I wish I knew more about abuse when I was little because I feel like I would have been able to recognize some signs in my friends,” freshman Jack McKain said.

Recognizing signs of child abuse

Valentina Gonzalez, Reporter
March 11, 2022
The NC varsity soccer teams played their tenth game of the season against the Marietta Blue Devils Friday, March 4 with the girls winning (6-1) and the boys losing (1-7). The girls displayed impressive cooperation amongst themselves and demonstrated their talent on the field. Playing her last season on the team, Columbus State University commit Kenna Armitage (#11) savored her time on the field. “We’ll be missing her, for sure. She’s a really nice person, and we wish her the best going on in soccer and life in general. I can say that Kenna maintained a level of positivity that the team needed,” freshman Mackenzie Johnson (#21) said.

North Cobb soccer senior night

Nicolas Gomez and Valentina Gonzalez
March 11, 2022
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