The student news site of Millbrook High School

Cat Talk
The student news site of Millbrook High School

Cat Talk
The student news site of Millbrook High School

Cat Talk
Justine Hooker

Justine Hooker, Section Editor

Hey, y’all! I’m Justine, and I am a senior this year at Millbrook. It is so great to be writing for the Cat Talk for my third year! At school, I am a part of the dance program, Senior Class Council, Key Club, Spanish Honor Society, Spanish Club, NHSDA, NAS, and NHS. I spend most of my time reading, practicing yoga, cooking, baking, dancing, listening to music or podcasts, and spending time with family and friends. A few fun facts about me are that I am obsessed with acai bowls, I really want to live in Hawaii, and I hope to travel to every state and continent. Thanks for reading about me, and have a great year!

All content by Justine Hooker
These fresh strawberries, picked during the summer at a nearby farm in the Triangle, are vibrant and delicious. Berry picking season is here and is the perfect time to stock up on fresh, locally grown produce!

The Brook Cook: Picking your way through the berry season

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
May 20, 2021
Displayed are a variety of popular streaming services: Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Disney Plus, and Prime Video. Each streaming service is unique and offers customers different options, making it more tempting to want them all.

Are streaming services pulling the plug on cable?

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
May 13, 2021
Posing for a picture with friends, senior Cecelia Nobles (on the left) visits UNC Chapel Hill where she will attend college. While the pandemic has made it challenging for the college application and decision process, there is hope for a more normal experience for the Class of 2025.

Millbrook seniors approach college decisions in a pandemic

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
April 26, 2021
Preparing to inject the needle, this healthcare provider administers care to a patient. Some healthcare facilities and providers in North Carolina have temporarily stopped giving out the Johnson and Johnson vaccine as multiple individuals experienced adverse symptoms.

Temporary pause of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in parts of NC

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
April 9, 2021
Getting some fresh air, this jogger gets a nice workout outside. Taking walks, jogging, and running are simple and effective ways to workout during the pandemic.

Living Fit: How Millbrook students are working out amidst the pandemic

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
March 10, 2021
Slathered in peanut butter and jelly, this classic sandwich is toasted to perfection. Toasting the bread for sandwiches is one way to elevate traditional sandwiches.

The Brook Cook: Elevated lunch sandwiches

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
February 27, 2021
Pictured on the front cover of A Walk to Remember are the movie actors that play Jamie and Landon from the novel. Nicholas Sparks is a great author for current and new readers who love a beautifully written romance novel.

Unravel the Pages: Let sparks fly with a Nicholas Sparks novel this Valentine’s Day

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
February 11, 2021
Displayed is the newer version of the Disney Channel logo. Just like Disney Channel’s varying logos, their television shows and audiences have also experienced change over time.

Why the early era of Disney Channel is irreplaceable

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
December 9, 2020
Unwrapping a gift, the recipient holds a sentimental framed photo. While most photos are digital, printing photos or making a scrapbook for family and friends can make a thoughtful and useful gift.

Approaching gifts in a sustainable and thoughtful way

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
November 23, 2020
Preparing a meal, this person generously fills their taco with desired toppings. Many restaurants, like Bartaco, are providing a take-home meal kit option so their food can still be enjoyed in the comfort of customers’ homes during the pandemic.

The Brook Cook: Enjoying restaurants meal kits at home

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
November 9, 2020
Deliciously stacked, these chunks of chocolate embody the rich, sweet, and indulgent flavors that chocolate-lovers are so attached to. National Chocolate Day is the perfect occasion to treat yourself by adding a little sweetness to some of your meals.

The Brook Cook: Celebrating National Chocolate Day

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
October 28, 2020
While at a UNC-Chapel Hill medical summer camp, Senior Annie McCarthy practices the intubation method on a mannequin. Professions in the healthcare field, such as nurse practitioners, are predicted to grow significantly in the upcoming years.

Occupations experiencing the highest rise in growth

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
October 10, 2020
Displayed in this fall arrangement are apples and pumpkins that signify the cozy and delicious feelings of the season. With so many options to choose from this time of year, take the opportunity to try out some new produce items and recipes.

The Brook Cook: Highlighting seasonal fall produce

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
September 21, 2020
Nestled in wooden crates are vintage glass Coke bottles. Glass soda bottles like these, made from renewable material, are one way that we can learn from the past about being more eco-friendly and to assess changes we can make today.

Why sustainability needs a blast from the past

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
September 7, 2020
Focusing on the screen, a student engages with school activities from the comfort of her home. Learning virtually from home can be challenging when it feels like you are constantly connected, so taking breaks is important for eye and overall health.

Balancing screen time and virtual learning

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
August 27, 2020
Fresh and warm from the oven, this chickpea chocolate chip cookie is fluffy, delicious, and will satisfy any cookie lover. There are so many healthy and innovative ways to use canned beans like the ones appeared above, and all it takes is some inspiration and creativity!

The Brook Cook: Delicious ways to revamp canned beans

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
May 8, 2020
Displayed is a colorful arrangement of fruits that are full of vitamins that can give an extra health boost. Smoothies are a perfect way to pack in different nutrients that might be more difficult to receive individually.

The Brook Cook: Immunity smoothies that leave you feeling good

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
April 18, 2020
Cacao beans straight from the pods are white, but when they are dried in the sun they form a tannish, brown color. The demand for chocolate is increasing, and there is pressure on farmers by commercial brands to produce more and more.

Uncovering the truths of chocolate

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
April 7, 2020
Oozing from the surface, these juicy blueberries add a burst of flavor and sweetness to this baked oatmeal. When it is hard to frequently go to the store, opt for hearty oats and frozen fruits that can last you a long time so you can still create delicious meals at home.

The Brook Cook: Pantry oats for a cozy family breakfast

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
April 3, 2020
Smiling proudly, librarian Ms. Genesky poses with one of her new favorite romance novels. Finding a genre that you like will encourage you to read more and be able to reap the benefits that books offer.

Reading for the long haul

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
March 5, 2020
Swarming over a colony, bees flap their wings over the cells to set the nectar and store them for future use. The honey that bees produce supply consumers with a sweet, sticky treat, but the alarming decrease in bee populations could threaten other various sources of food that the world depends on.

Decreasing bee populations and the honey industry at risk

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
February 10, 2020
Layered on a bed of fresh salad greens are beetroot hummus, black beans, and roasted sweet potato with warm flavors that make the perfect salad for this season. Incorporating raw and cooked vegetables to salads can make them more interesting and filling to eat.

The Brook Cook: Say goodbye to boring salads

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
December 18, 2019
Holding up her hand, this headache sufferer signals to others to give her space as her headaches grow more agonizing. The symptoms caused by headaches make those individuals less likely to focus, concentrate, and respond in class because of the debilitating pain.

Headaches and their ability to hinder school performance

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
December 18, 2019
Due to the negative effects of climate change, the food system could see potential threats that could leave many populations without some of the necessary foods needed to survive. Becoming more aware of sustainability could work to improve the issues affecting agriculture and food production.

The unknown future of our foods

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
December 17, 2019
Perched on a rock, a poison dart frog uses its iridescent blue color to signal a warning to predators. Many animals containing toxins will use physical features to exemplify their dangerous qualities.

Animals that store a toxic surprise

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
November 22, 2019
Smiling proudly after their performance at Disney World, main characters Zendaya and Bella Thorne from the show Shake It Up show off their moves to the public for fans to see. The show ran for three seasons and was among many of the acclaimed Disney Channel shows we grew to love.

Reminiscing nostalgic childhood shows

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
November 4, 2019
Layered in a neat stack and topped with syrup, these pumpkin pancakes are a delicious treat to have for breakfast. Pumpkin puree is a perfect addition to add to a pancake recipe for added flavor, nutrition, and a lovely orange hue.

The Brook’s Cook: Jumping into pumpkin season

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
November 4, 2019
Located in downtown Raleigh, Fiction Kitchen stands out with its bright exterior, filling its quaint restaurant with people every day that are excited to try their all vegetarian and vegan menu. Whether you are on a new health journey, a vegetarian, or want a way to celebrate National Vegan Day, this place could be an exciting new experience to try.

Critic’s Corner: Fiction Kitchen

Justine Hooker, Section Editor
October 28, 2019
Soaking in the beauty of the sunflowers, sophomore Ashley Jean visits Dorothea Dix Park where they have sunflower fields open for many locals come and flock to. Being out in nature by hanging out at a park is just one of the many ways to get rid of summer boredom.

Local places to go to make the most of summer

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
May 22, 2019
Topped with various fruits, acai bowls can be seen as a delicious and beautiful work of art. Mix and match your favorite ingredients to make the perfect bowl tailored for you.

The Brook Cook: Summer recipes to beat the heat

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
May 22, 2019
Displayed above are the colors of the different ethnic groups and regions from where my DNA has my been traced. Knowing more about where you come from can connect you closer to your family, ancestors and the world you live in.

Digging deeper into who you are

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
May 20, 2019
Awakened from her slumber, a women frightened from her nightmare struggles to go back to sleep. Nightmares happen in the REM phase of the sleep cycle and usually occur early in the morning, hours before your normal wake up time.

Decoding nightmares

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
April 22, 2019
Posing with their acai bowls at Buoy Bowls, sophomores Rachel Secan, Lauren Harris, Lauren McShea and Mary Carson Buffalo enjoy the art, beauty and deliciousness of these heart healthy bowls. Acai bowls are one of the health food trends because the acai berries are so good for you, and they are fun to create when you customize the toppings.

Join the health food trend bandwagon

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
March 25, 2019
Looking delicious, this burrito bowl is filled with healthy ingredients like black beans, spinach, bell peppers, red onion, and corn. When you get to make this Chipotle inspired bowl yourself, you get to pick and choose what you want, and can inspire new, innovative ways to eat.

The Brook Cook: Fast food alternatives to make at home

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
March 20, 2019
Planted in the middle of the desert, surrounded by palm trees and a beautiful sunset, the Coachella ferris wheel is an exciting attraction that visitors look forward too. The ferris wheel is just one part of all the activities offered at this lively music festival.

Coachella, one of America’s most trendiest music festivals

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
March 20, 2019
Swinging with full force, Alec DeMartino gives his all out on the field during this fierce game. Having proper technique and maintaining focus are some of his keys to success.

Millbrook sophomore makes Varsity baseball

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
March 8, 2019

Black History Month FYI: Little Rock Nine

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
February 21, 2019
Chopping your ingredients into smaller pieces, like in the image above, makes your pasta salad easier to eat. A pasta salad is a fantastic lunch option that will definitely keep you full throughout the long school day.

The Brook Cook: Reinvent your school lunches

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
February 18, 2019

Black History Month FYI: Brown vs. Board of Education

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
February 13, 2019
Looking plain and brown, this egg was the photo posted on Instagram that went viral overnight. Something as simple as an egg has now become the most liked photo as it beat the previous holder, Kylie Jenner, with the post of her daughter, Stormi.

The egg that has outranked Kylie Jenner as the top liked photo on Instagram

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
January 14, 2019
Being one with nature, this participant is shown resting her hands in Jnana Mudra. Jnana Mudra is a hand position among many others used during meditation. Being outside is a way to connect deeper with the world around you during a meditation practice.

Understanding the art of mediation

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
January 3, 2019
Surrounding the Earth is the well known recycle symbol. People know about recycling and its great benefits to sustainability. Unfortunately, the large amount that we should be recycling is lacking, especially with plastic being used everyday.

Becoming more environmentally friendly in 2019

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
December 30, 2018
Staring at a tablet, a young boy amuses himself by playing with a mobile device. Children at such a young age can potentially be harmed physically, mentally, socially, and cognitively by too much screen time.

Why we should be setting screen time limitations for children

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
December 19, 2018
Cooling from coming out of the oven, these egg muffins show an array of colors from the different ingredients cooked inside. “Eating the rainbow” puts you in a mindset to eat a variety of foods so you can get a wide range of nutrients which is important when starting your day.

The Brook Cook: Making breakfast a priority

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
December 19, 2018
Laid out and ready to go, these yoga mats line a studio similar to the Hot yoga studio in Tallahassee, Florida. The victims at Hot Yoga studio did not get a chance to enjoy their class as a shooter entered the facility and left two of them fatally wounded.

Yoga studio shooting leaves two victims dead in Tallahassee, Florida

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
November 4, 2018
Smiling widely, these “Gum and Teeth” snacks will draw anyone in for a delectable bite! Make these head turners and bring them to school for all your friends to see.

The Brook Cook: Innovative and effortless ways to make Halloween healthier

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
October 29, 2018
During the activity fair, the Fright Club booth gives visitors a spooky sneak peak at what is to come. The Fright Club has off campus field trips, horror prosthetic and makeup tutorials, and movie nights planned for the upcoming year.

Campus Clubs: Fright Club

Justine Hooker, Staff Reporter
October 25, 2018
Load More Stories