The student news site of Baldwin High School

The Purbalite
The student news site of Baldwin High School

The Purbalite
The student news site of Baldwin High School

The Purbalite
Izzy Swanson

Izzy Swanson, News Editor

News Editor Izzy Swanson is in her third-year on staff. She can be found playing soccer, listening to Brockhampton, or in the nearest coffee shop.

Purbalite seniors evaluate their four years of high school at Baldwin.

Senior Farewell: Challenging years boost resilience

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
May 26, 2022
Jacque Lanzerotti will be attending Boston College for biochemistry on the pre-med track.

Scholarship opens door to dream school

Izzy Swanson and Kenzie Hirt
May 26, 2022
Kritika will be attending Northwestern University and majoring in chemistry.

[Photo] Timsina prepares for big move to Northwestern

Kenzie Hirt, Staff Writer
May 24, 2022
Michael Pantelis received the Chick Evans Scholarship for his work as a caddie.

Pantelis continues family tradition

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
May 24, 2022

Fashion `Four-ward’ podcast debates Met Gala looks

Kenzie Hirt, Olivia Rechtorik, Eliza Swanson, Izzy Swanson, and Mandy Wu
May 6, 2022
Lacrosse plays another game.

Boys lax falls to Lebo

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
April 26, 2022

Video story: Senior handprints start countdown to graduation

Izzy Swanson, Tumi Ojo, and Leila Usanovic
April 19, 2022
Thomas Rhett's new album, "Where We Started," follows the story of Rhett's relationship with his wife.

Rhett’s new album is nothing new for country fans

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
April 7, 2022
Handprints could be seen on the stalls of the third-floor boys bathroom this afternoon.

Bathroom vandalism leads to shutdown of senior handprints

Izzy Swanson, Leila Usanovic, and Tumi Ojo
April 6, 2022
The girls tennis team plays in the fall sports season.

Boys tennis defeats Canon Mac

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
April 4, 2022

Video story: Track team prepares for season

Izzy Swanson and Leila Usanovic
March 29, 2022
Peach Pit's new album provides sound for a variety of listeners.

Peach Pit new album appeals to many listeners

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
March 11, 2022
Baldwin Mini-THON raises money throughout the school year to fight childhood cancer.

Environmental science, Mini-THON planning to be focus of 2 new classes

Izzy Swanson and Sam Tobiczyk
March 3, 2022
'Euphoria' has proven to be neither a danger to teens, as parents fear or an accurate depiction of life for teenagers.

Opinion: `Euphoria’ isn’t as dangerous – or great – as people say it is

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
February 25, 2022
Alyvia Cox signs to play Division III basketball at Bethany College.

Alyvia Cox

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
February 8, 2022
The boys will play again on Saturday against Canon Mac.

Boys hoops defeats Lebo on senior night

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
February 2, 2022
Baldwin High School gymnastics has a history of competing well at states. Photo via Internet.

Gymnastics named section champs

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
January 31, 2022
Swim team loses their final meet of the season.

Swimmers set 27 personal bests, defeat Seton

Sara Scheeser and Izzy Swanson
January 19, 2022
The Baldwin Fighting Highlander girls basketball team plays in the 5A division.

Boys basketball falls to Lebo

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
January 10, 2022
The Baldwin Fighting Highlander girls basketball team plays in the 5A division.

Girls basketball splits 2 games over break

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
January 3, 2022
Netflix's "Father Christmas is Back" follows the story of a troubled family, during the holidays.

The 17 School Days of Christmas: `Father Christmas’ emphasizes importance of family

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
December 23, 2021

Podcast discusses one of the year’s biggest records, Kanye’s `Donda’

Brooke Scanlon, Izzy Swanson, and Leila Usanovic
December 23, 2021
The Fighting Highlanders boys basketball teams compete at the 5A level

Girls hoops defeats Peters

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
December 17, 2021
Baldwin alum Alyssa Thorne first became interested in screenwriting while she was in high school.

Baldwin alum goes from ‘Buffy’ fan to Hollywood career as writer for HBO series

Izzy Swanson and Leila Usanovic
December 15, 2021

Video story: Dress for Your Culture day celebrates Baldwin, family heritage

Izzy Swanson and Brooke Scanlon
December 11, 2021
Taylor Swift's new album carries more emotion, now that original listeners have gotten older.

For teens, Swift’s updated “Red” draws stronger emotions

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
November 15, 2021
Students at BHS are petitioning for the termination of the hat rule.

Student’s petition seeks change in hat rule

Izzy Swanson, Sara Scheeser, and Leila Usanovic
November 10, 2021
Megan the Stallion, Something for the Hotties, she revisits her common message of female empowerment and the strength derived from independence. 

Megan Thee Stallion focuses on female empowerment

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
November 4, 2021

Video story: Vietnamese singer, activist speaks about freedom

Izzy Swanson and Leila Usanovic
November 3, 2021
Izzy stands with the poster her teammates made her on her senior recognition night.

Four straight years of losing comes with a bright side

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
November 1, 2021
Mai Khoi will speak with both students from Baldwin and Shaler in the Light Initiative Program.

Vietnamese pop singer, activist to speak at Baldwin

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
October 26, 2021

Football

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
October 20, 2021

Video: Crowds come out for homecoming carnival, bonfire

Leila Usanovic and Izzy Swanson
October 15, 2021
Whitfield knew he wanted to be a teacher starting from a young age.

Inspiration came early for new vice principal

Izzy Swanson and Brooke Scanlon
September 28, 2021
Initially, Lutz and the other staff assumed that a small plane had been off course when it crashed into the first tower. Then they turned the television on, saw the footage, and realized what was happening.

Supt. Dr. Randal Lutz

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
September 10, 2021
States and school districts have been debating mask mandates for much of the pandemic.

Mask changes bring uncertainty, but a return to normal seems on the horizon

Izzy Swanson, Multimedia Editor
June 3, 2021
Rodrigo's new album, "Sour" discusses the emotions one experiences, after a breakup.

Rodrigo’s popular debut deals with heartbreak

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
May 24, 2021

Video story: Therapy horses provide support for staff

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
May 17, 2021

Video story: Baldwin Invitational adjusts for COVID

Izzy Swanson, Taslima Chapagai, Grace Hampton, and Brooke Scanlon
May 13, 2021
Unvaccinated people in Germany will be able to go to grocery stores and pharmacies, but not non-essential businesses.

District to hold free vaccine clinic for students at high school

Leila Usanovic, Eli Traud, Izzy Swanson, and Grace Hampton
May 6, 2021
The Lumineers', III, tells the story of a woman's battle with addiction.

Essential Listening: Lumineers offer a look at a woman’s struggle

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
April 15, 2021
The Shins, "Oh, Inverted World" appeals to many audiences, due to its relatable songs.

Essential Listening: The Shins offered the future sound of indie rock

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
April 12, 2021

Video story: Vigil recognized victims of violence

Brooke Scanlon, Ethan Franco, and Izzy Swanson
April 9, 2021
Instagram stories become a homefront for political and social debates.

Users divided on political Instagram stories

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
March 25, 2021
The Baldwin varsity ice hockey team plays in the 3A division.

Ice hockey beats West Allegheny to stay undefeated

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
March 9, 2021
A holocaust survivor spoke to eighth grade students about her experiences as a child.

Holocaust survivor shares her experiences with students

Izzy Swanson and Brooke Scanlon
February 26, 2021
The Fighting Highlanders boys basketball teams compete at the 5A level

District to re-evaluate hoops mask policy for playoffs

Izzy Swanson, Colton Brain, and Mason Hurley
February 11, 2021
State Rep. Dan Miller discussed local and national issues with members of the debate club and newspaper staff on Friday.

Rep. Miller discusses local, national issues with BHS students

Lindsay Bonetti, Grace Hampton, Alli Schroeder, and Izzy Swanson
January 25, 2021
Popular tik tokers have resorted to new platforms, with the hope to maintain relevance.

Opinion: TikTok stars turn to music to maintain fame

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
January 21, 2021
Tori Kelly's Christmas album features classic songs, but performed in a pop style.

The 15 School Days of Christmas: Kelly offers an upbeat Christmas album

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
December 16, 2020
Although the shutdown poses issues for the team’s routines the team has a plan in place so they can stay in shape.

Jordan Gremba, cheerleading

Izzy Swanson, Multimedia Editor
December 15, 2020
Eric Jankoski has been a leader in the Inclusion movement at Baldwin Highschool.

Jankoski’s work makes inclusion a priority

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
December 11, 2020
The Baldwin competitive cheer team competed in two competitions this past weekend and qualified for nationals.

Competitive cheer team qualifies for nationals

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
December 8, 2020
Junior Morgan Altavilla has become a leader on the girls basketball team.

Altavilla’s drive makes her a leader on the court

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
November 24, 2020
On Thursday, President Joe Biden signed a $1.9 trillion dollar COVID-19 relief package.

History teachers say Biden faces a difficult path with divided nation

Alli Schroeder and Izzy Swanson
November 8, 2020
The Baldwin girls volleyball team has won numerous section titles over the years.

Volleyball team wins big on senior rec night

Alli Schroeder and Izzy Swanson
October 16, 2020
So-called "Karen" incidents have been increasingly caught on cell phone video and shared on social media.

Opinion: Racist `Karen’ moments need to stop

Izzy Swanson, News Editor
October 13, 2020
Baldwin's boys tennis team plays in the spring sports season.

Girls tennis defeats TJ, qualifies for sectionals

Izzy Swanson, Multimedia Editor
September 29, 2020

Video story: In pandemic, marching band doesn’t miss a beat

Alli Schroeder and Izzy Swanson
September 21, 2020
All seven seasons of "Parks and Recreation" are available on Netflix.

Summer’s here, so head on over to `Parks’

Izzy Swanson, Staff Writer
June 2, 2020
Director Quentin Tarantino's films are known for their quality sountracks.

Column: Great soundtracks push films to a new level

Izzy Swanson, Staff Writer
May 26, 2020
Lennon Stella, formerly of the TV show "Nashville," has released a debut album with an indie pop feel.

Review: Stella continues move away from `Nashville’ sound

Izzy Swanson, Staff Writer
May 11, 2020
The Netflix series "Outer Banks" tries to appeal to both teens and adults.

Review: `Outer Banks’ hunts for mix of drama, mystery

Izzy Swanson, Staff Writer
May 1, 2020
Dua Lipa has a new album that is called Future Nostalgia.

Dua Lipa’s `Future’ not as bright as it once seemed

Izzy Swanson, Staff Writer
April 3, 2020

VIDEO: Out of the Box concert spotlights creativity

Izzy Swanson and Abbey Stark
March 28, 2020
Riley Nolan commits to Chatham University where she will play soccer.

Riley Nolan

Izzy Swanson, Staff Writer
February 26, 2020
Senior Riley Nolan works on her portrait for the Memory Project.

Portrait project draws on student compassion

Izzy Swanson, Staff Writer
February 25, 2020
The gymnastics team captured first place in the silver division at states this past weekend.

Gymnastics team captures state championship

Izzy Swanson and Victoria Di Cesare
February 24, 2020
Swim team loses their final meet of the season.

Boys, girls swim teams win, qualify for 2 more WPIAL events

Izzy Swanson and Abbey Stark
February 12, 2020

Podcast: New Best Buddies program builds personal connections

Abby Stark and Izzy Swanson
January 7, 2020
Belak said he was surprised to learn he had received the honor since many of his teammates have played well this season. 

Belak named hockey player of the month

Abby Stark and Izzy Swanson
December 19, 2019
Load More Stories
Donate to The Purbalite
$545
$750
Contributed
Our Goal