Student News for Horizon Honors Secondary School

The Horizon Sun
Student News for Horizon Honors Secondary School

The Horizon Sun
Student News for Horizon Honors Secondary School

The Horizon Sun
Pradyoth Velagapudi

Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor

Pradyoth Velagapudi is a junior at Horizon Honors and managing editor for The Horizon Sun. When he’s not hard at work as an editor, he’s either nose deep in a good book or hanging out with his friends. In his spare time, he likes writing, reading, playing video games, and practicing the saxophone. He has been a Horizon Honors student since kindergarten. 

Outside of school, Velagapudi participates in Scouts BSA. He enjoys boy scouting for its many outdoor adventures, and during his 7 years as a scout, he has been hiking, horseback riding, indoor skydiving, backpacking, kayaking, and even scuba diving. Velagapudi earned his Eagle Scout rank in January 2020. 

Velagapudi is also an active member of Model United Nations. He is the president of Horizon Honors’ Model UN club and has won several distinguished delegate awards (at the U of A and MCC conferences). His favorite events are “crisis committees,” fast-paced and loosely moderated debate sessions concerning specific geopolitical issues. 

An avid reader, Velagapudi enjoys devouring any books he can find, from science fiction and fantasy to history and political theory. He particularly enjoys comics, and his current obsession is the DC supernatural horror series John Constantine: Hellblazer. 

All content by Pradyoth Velagapudi

Great Job! 10 Weird Careers That Actually Sound Pretty Awesome

Some of the most exciting jobs aren’t necessarily conventional careers.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
June 2, 2017

Slurs in Sports: Native American Sports Team Names and Mascots

The culture that many of us have been brought up in makes us attached to an over-caricatured, outdated vision of Native Americans, and many sports teams mascots support that.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
May 31, 2017

Holy Cow! Six Myths About Hinduism Debunked

Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
May 28, 2017

“Band-amonium” Breaks Out at Secondary Band Concert

Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band end their last concert of the year with no “treble”.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
May 28, 2017

English: The Language of a Thousand Faces

Flashlight or torch? Truck or lorry? British and American English have many differences and unique idiosyncrasies that can take some getting used to.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
May 18, 2017

Vegetarianism: The Environmental Effects of a Meat-free Diet

No more barbecue? Inconceivable! However, the environmental effects of vegetarianism can’t be ignored.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
May 18, 2017

If It Ain’t Book, Don’t Fix It!

Books vs. movies: the never-ending debate. The clear answer to this is that if the movie stays true to the original story, the winner is the audience.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
May 18, 2017

Trump Triumphant

What has Trump accomplished so far in his presidency? Here are five of his most major achievements.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
April 21, 2017
This Origami creation, perfect for the upcoming holiday of Easter, was recommended to me by John Minium of Origami Club. (The link to the full instructions is at the bottom)

Fun and Creativity Unfold At Horizon Honors Origami Club

Get a look into Horizon Honors’ Origami Club through an interview with its founder seventh grader John Minium.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
April 6, 2017

Arizonan Legends

Move over, Nessie, because Arizona has its own creepy legends!
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
April 1, 2017

Trump’s Wiretapping Claims: What You Need To Know

President Donald Trump recently tweeted an accusation that Barack Obama wiretapped Trump Tower during the 2016 election. Here’s what you need to know.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
March 13, 2017

Wind Ensemble and Concert Bands “Strike a Chord” At Concert

The Wind Ensemble and Concert Band play a number of diverse songs at their second concert of the year.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
March 4, 2017

Convince Your Parents To Get You That Puppy: How To Use Rhetoric To Your Advantage

Rhet·o·ric /ˈredərik/ (noun) is the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, and successful use of it can allow you to persuade whoever you like.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
February 24, 2017

Project Group 2.0: Individual Learning, Growth, and Creation

Project Group 2.0 is Project Group for students who want to take the next step independently.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
February 23, 2017

The History of Valentine’s Day

Read on to learn the deep meaning behind one of the most capitalized modern holidays of all.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
February 10, 2017
A knot shaped like the popular Valentine's day image of a heart.

Trump Dumps Immigrants and Refugees

Donald Trump’s immigration ban has affected many people across the country, and many feel that it is unconstitutional.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
February 2, 2017
Dutch Oven Dessert: Double Chocolate Cake

Dutch Oven Dessert: Double Chocolate Cake

Dutch ovens aren’t just for camping! They’re also perfect for this delicious chocolate cake dessert.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
January 27, 2017

By Word of Mouth: The Art of Language Construction

Learn some background on your favorite fictional languages!
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
January 23, 2017
That's Elvish for, "This article is about constructed languages."

Things Turning Older This Year (This Might Make You Feel Old, Too)

Here is a recap of famous faces and familiar fun things that have birthdays in 2017.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
January 12, 2017
Dive Into the Holidays: DIY Pool Noodle Christmas Wreath

Dive Into the Holidays: DIY Pool Noodle Christmas Wreath

Make a splash this holiday season with this easy DIY pool noodle wreath.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
December 15, 2016

Deck the Halls With History

Throughout the ages, Christmas has been celebrated in some very different ways and with very different traditions.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
December 9, 2016
Wind Ensemble prepares to play before their individual part of the concert.

Horizon Honors’ Secondary Bands Toot Their Own Horns

Wind Ensemble, Concert, and Symphonic bands play the night away at their first concert of the year.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
December 4, 2016

A Truly Magical Experience

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” kicks off a new era of magic.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
November 23, 2016

Just What the Doctor Ordered

The Sorcerer Supreme debuted in theaters on Nov. 4, and it was a mind-blowing experience.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
November 19, 2016

What’s Next For Marvel: MCU Analysis and Predictions

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is, believe it or not, all one giant storyline, with one giant goal.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
November 11, 2016
The soccer team poses with their first place plaque.

Middle School Soccer Comes Out On Top

The Eagles crushed the opposition in the championship game on Oct. 31.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
November 4, 2016

Costumes, Candy, and Carousing: A History of Halloween

Today, Halloween is a night of partying and costumes, but the true meaning behind the holiday has changed since its humble beginnings.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
October 28, 2016
People decorate their houses in earnest, preparing for the festivities to come.

A Truly Haunting DIY: Pepper's Ghost Illusion

A Truly Haunting DIY: Pepper’s Ghost Illusion

Pepper’s Ghost is an old theater illusion that’s perfect for a spooky Halloween setup.
Pradyoth Velagapudi, Managing Editor
October 22, 2016
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