HHS is Shooting for the Stars: Astronomy Club Spotlight

The Astronomy Club is one of the newest organizations on campus

Preston Torbett, Staff Writer • March 11, 2025

Heritage High School has officially started an Astronomy Club. With the help of math teacher Dr. Kendal Shipley and physics teacher Mr. Scott Siegal, Heritage has created a club for any student who is interested in our galaxy. This club was established in August, after many students requested. The club meets every other Wednesday during the second half of lunch.

This club is responsible for hosting the Heritage High School Star Parties. These parties are a great opportunity for students to take a look at our extraordinary solar system and connect with others with the same interest. There has only been one star party in Heritage history, but Dr. Shipley stated, “We plan to have another star party around April.” The party lasted from 7-9pm; these later hours allow students to take a look at the full night sky.

Members of the Barnard Astronomical Society of Chattanooga have provided telescopes, allowing every student to participate in observing the stars. Many of the attendees are excited for the next star party. Cayden Arnold, a senior and a member of the astronomy club, said, “I am very excited for the second star party at Heritage. I had fun at the last one, and I’m excited to see what Dr. Shipley plans to change with this one!”

Astronomy is fascinating for people of all ages, allowing for everyone to come together, and share a both exciting, and interesting experience. Heritage is full of curiosity, and this club is one of many that allows students to explore something they are passionate about. Heritage is always shooting for the stars!

About the Contributors

Preston Torbett, Staff Writer

Preston Torbett is 17 years old and a Junior in Heritage High School. He has had Mr. Peace’s Dramatic Writing class in the past, so he decided to try out Journalism. He is a wrestler at Heritage. He has been wrestling for two years. Preston has some hobbies including video games, working, and playing guitar. Preston is extremely musically inclined, and enjoys all types of music. His favorite band currently is Wilco, but it changes every month. He currently works at Choo Choo BBQ in Chickamauga, and he has been working there since March 2024. His favorite aspect of work are his coworkers. College is his ultimate goal for the future. He would like to attend Georgia Southern because that’s where his sister went. Preston enjoys movies and shows. One of his favorite movies is “Star Wars III,” and his favorite show is “SpongeBob Square Pants.” Preston is optimistic about his future in Mr. Peace’s Journalism class, and he is excited to see what it’s all about!

Alyx Quist, Copy Editor

At 16-years-old, Alyx is a co-editor of the Heritage High School newspaper. They have been in Journalism since their freshman year. Now, as a junior, it is their third year in Journalism. They joined Journalism late in their freshman year, and have loved it ever since. Alyx strives to do their best in school, and they hope to learn as much as they can throughout their high school experience. Their favorite things to do include reading, writing, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. Alyx only has a few close friends and cherishes each of them dearly. When they read, they prefer to read YA novels, their favorite being “Legend” by Marie Lu. Alyx loves to read a good rom-com to pass time. A few of their favorite music artists are Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodgrigo, and System of a Down, even though they usually only listen to Chappell. At home, they have three cats and five dogs. They hope to graduate from Heritage and plan to go to a college here in Georgia, though they still don’t yet know what to major in. Alyx is excited to make new friends in Journalism, and can’t wait to start working on the “General Journal!”

HHS is Shooting for the Stars: Astronomy Club Spotlight

The General Journal