When radios and telephone lines failed, the couriers of the sky swooped in to transport vital messages across air, land, and sea. These feathered messengers are known as “carrier pigeons.” A handful of these birds were bestowed hero status as a reward for their valiant efforts. They could alter the course of war, all while stealing the hearts of many. And yet, today, many folk view pigeons as diseased pests. And while that may be true at times, their heroic past should not be veiled by the animal’s nature.
From Feathered Heroes to Flying Rats – OPINION
A pigeon carries a message around its neck while another pecks at the ground, mocked by a passerby.
September 26, 2025
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About the Contributor
Integra Christensen, JP Student
Sophomore Integra Christensen is a first-year journalist this school year. She decided to join this class first semester because her older sister recommended it to her and she believed it would fit her interests. Christensen’s favorite part of journalism so far is taking photos and writing captions for the AHS Game Club. “I enjoyed learning how to work the camera and learning more about Game Club,” she said.
Christensen enjoys reading, writing, and drawing in her free time. She has been interested in art for around eight years of her life now and has taken art classes at AHS for three years.
In Christensen’s future with journalism, she wants to find more reliable news sources. She also wishes to learn to take better photos. “Photography would be a good skill to have in the future,” Christensen said.
Bio by Jaylynn Rosenbaum