As the new year approaches, many students at Eagle High will be reflecting on the events that have impacted the world throughout the year. From notable political and economic events to the most viral pop culture moments of this year, 2025 has most certainly left its mark throughout the world.
To open up the year, in January, president Donald J. Trump had his second inauguration. With this being his second term as the President of the United States, this event surprised many.
According to www.history.com, “Four years after leaving the White House, former President Donald Trump is elected to a second term in office, becoming the first president to serve nonconsecutive terms since 1892.” Trump will remain in office until 2029.
While the government was adjusting, a disaster was wreaking havoc. The Palisades Fires and Eaton Fires caused many people to lose their homes in California, with some even losing their lives. Los Angeles had a crisis to solve.
According to www.onthisday.com, “Jan. 12, Governor Gavin Newsom says the California wildfires will be one of the worst natural disasters in US history; having blazed through 40,000 acres, damaged about 12,000 structures and killing at least 24 people.” This fire was finally contained and extinguished on Jan. 31.
On a happier note, college football season was coming to a close, bringing college football fans to their feet during the Super Bowl.
According to www.topendsporrs.com, “The Philadelphia Eagles won the most recent Super Bowl LIX in 2025, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22. The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers lead all franchises with 6 Super Bowl championships each.” Though this may have been disappointing to Kansas City Chiefs fans, the Super Bowl halftime show was one to remember, with Kendrick Lamar’s performing his hit song of “Not Like Us.”
As fans prepared to watch their favorite football stars make another appearance, followers of a different cause mourned their leader.
According to www.vaticannews.va, the pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, died on Easter Monday, April 21, at 88 years old. His cause of death was pneumonia and other medical reasons, and it devastated many members of the Catholic community because his influence converted many people to the faith. His dedication to serving his church was admirable. Following Pope Francis’ death, Pope Leo XIV was announced to be the new pope.
After the new Pope was announced, the Grammys took place.
The 97th Academy Awards placed high rankings on famous actors, movies and singers. One of the major hits this year was the movie, “Anora” who, according to www.cbsnews.com, “Won big… taking home five awards, including best picture and best director.” Some of the other popular awards announced were for the performance of “Wicked,” Timothee Chalamet received a grammy for the Bob Dylan film and Conan O’Brien received the Mark Twain award for humor.
As these people created a great legacy and built hope for their future, a fellow celebrity was celebrating exciting news. The song artist with over 200 million records sold globally, Taylor Swift, is engaged as of August 2025.
According to Bryan West from www.usatoday.com, “The music superstar and three-time Super Bowl winner Travis Kelce announced that they’re [Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce] engaged to be married, delighting fans around the world.” Both football and pop music fans have come together to celebrate this news.
Some years may feel like rollercoasters, filled with ups and downs, but looking to the upcoming year, students may feel rejuvenated with new hopes and goals for the future.
In the words of American author Melody Beattle, “The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.”
