Nearly an entire wall of Roar magazines is complete in the student publications classroom. A big part of the production of these magazines is the cover design, so let’s see how the covers stack up against each other.
A staple of room 239—the student publications classroom—is the Roar magazine wall. 24 magazine holders line the side of the room to showcase PFHS student publications. At last, all but one holder boasts a magazine issue, and by the end of this school year, all slots will be full. The variety of creative, outward facing covers of the various magazines fill the wall with color and photography. However, while every Roar cover is a testament to the hard work of generations of Roar staff writers, some simply exceed the rest.
1. Vol 6, Issue 2: “Young Creatives”
Starting off strong, the cover for this issue of the Roar took direct inspiration from the movie “Saltburn,” which was all the rave at the time of this issue’s publication. The title alludes to several articles within the magazine showcasing the talents of five student artists: Carter Hendershot, Ryan Nisay, Gabi Maldonado, Destiny Zeng, and Melody Guo. These “young creatives” are depicted on the cover standing casually against a neutral background. However, their legs begin to disappear into dripping color toward the bottom of the cover in the style of the classic “Saltburn” movie poster.
2. Vol 6, Issue 3: “Outlaw”
The first of two spring issues in this volume, “Outlaw’s” cover references the magazine’s main article about PFHS senior assassin. The cover puts an interesting spin on the classic vibe of senior assassin, with former senior Tyler Jackson donning a cowboy jacket and holding a water pistol as if ready to duel. This cover transports readers to the Wild West, and current Roar staff will frequently refer to it for inspiration.
3. Vol 7, Issue 1: “01.01.25”
Another cover mimicking popular movie branding, this issue of The Roar is a nod to “Clueless.” The cover is impressive because it uses photos from a highly detailed photoshoot of former senior Romina Verstegui and current junior Isla Haas. In the chosen cover picture, the two girls are dressed in blazers straight out of Cher’s closet as they hold landline telephones. The phones and “Clueless” branding convey the student body’s opinion on the previously proposed no-phone policy: “Ugh, as if!”
4. Vol 5, Issue 3: “The Senior Issue”
The all-American cover of this issue looks like country music might start playing when the page is flipped. Former seniors Anderson Strange and Steven Riveros are depicted standing fiercely in front of an American flag wearing rugged country attire as they prepare to leave high school and join the military.
5. Vol 6, Issue 3 (pt. 2): “One Big Blur”
This issue takes a creative and novel approach to a Roar senior magazine. While all other senior issues prior to this one had simply been called something akin to “the senior issue,” “One Big Blur” specifically highlights the speed at which high school flies by. This issue’s cover is simple in theory, with former seniors Logan Winthers and Josh Prince smiling against a blue background. However, excellent camera work contributes to a blurred portrait effect, effectively driving the title home.
6. Vol 4, Issue 3: “The Senior Issue”
This cover is simple yet lovely. In it, former seniors Dylan Feguson and Maya Natour stand against a beautiful royal purple backdrop with crowns atop their heads. Ferguson stands seriously while Natour leans toward the camera as if doubled over laughing, and it is this dynamic contrast combined with striking colors that makes this one of the top Roar covers.
7. Vol 5, Issue 2: “What is Nepotism Anyway?”
The cover of this issue utilizes humor, with senior Ishani Krovvidy posed as a scientist in a busy lab setting. This is an ode to the rather widely known fact that Krovvidy’s mom, Dr. Krovvidy, is the DE Physics teacher at PFHS. This cover stands out not only because its bubbling beakers are interesting to look at, but also because the issue jokingly calls Krovvidy a nepo-baby.
8. Vol 8, Issue 2: “The Chase”
The latest released Roar issue, “The Chase” features the PFHS swim team. The yellows and blues of the cover reflect the pool water and lane lines of a high school swim meet, and the best part of the cover is the water droplets covering the title and surrounding seniors Joey Coleman and Lina Minkara as they pose by the pool. Another notable feature of this issue is the fact that the back cover is also stylized, featuring seniors Thomas Kalka and Sydney Kish.
9. Vol 6, Issue 1: “Nico Frank Takes Flight”
This issue was the first Roar magazine to directly shout out a PFHS student by name on the cover, and for good reason. The cover of the issue captures senior Nico Frank midair on a skateboard, freezing a quick yet impressive feat in time forever. The photo, taken at night, renders the majority of the cover near pitch black. However, the hot pink Roar branding provides a necessary pop of color.
10. Vol 7, Issue 3: “Class of 2025: Senior Issue”
Upholding the streak of lovely Roar senior issue covers, the 2025 senior feature magazine is sleek and simple while tying into a magazine-wide theme. Former seniors Owen Cook and Tiba Sabah stand holding signs on which the title of the magazine is written, their stance suggesting a mugshot. This cleverly matches with the prison-themed senior superlatives section later in the magazine.