Online Managing Editor Sophie Stephens ‘19 addresses the issue of owing people an explanation during the college process. Article originally published on wsspaper.com on February 5, 2019. Read the original article here. Everything you do in high school has the chance of being noticed, questioned and even judged. No, West High isn’t an institution that breeds “mean … Continue reading I owe you nothing
As states across the nation legalize recreational marijuana, the drug has become more socially acceptable. For Iowan students, acceptance of marijuana has grown, but laws haven't changed. However, concerns for increased teen drug usage and safety still prevail. High stakes was originally printed in the print issue of the West Side Story on April 12, … Continue reading High stakes
Athletes attend weekly practices, out of town games and team bonding, but this is only a fraction of what it takes to be an athlete. Behind every athlete is a dedicated support network of parents that are always working to help their kids better their skills. Article originally printed in the February issue of the … Continue reading Parent perspectives
The smell of chlorine hits him as he walks into the recreation center’s pool area. The lights are dim and the pool deck is empty besides him and his brother. The only sound in the building is the water lapping at the sides of the pool. He jumps in and begins another individual practice. The … Continue reading A second chance
Head coach Garrett Hartwig instilled mandatory quiet time two years ago to provide time for the varsity football team to focus on game day.
This year, the number of exchange students at West has increased from years past, with three foreign students currently enrolled. Coming from two different continents and three different countries, these students reflect on their experiences thus far in the United States.
By Sophie Stephens A recent rise in minority authors has kickstarted a literary movement that tackles issues like racism and police brutality through young adult fiction. Books like “Dear Martin” provide a way to bring students together through understanding each other’s backgrounds. The 2017-18 climate survey revealed that minority students at West felt unsafe, unwelcome or targeted … Continue reading Novel conversations
The fashion industry is reversing model inclusion by cutting corners and creating “digital models,” models completely computerized, in an attempt to lower the necessity and cost of real women.
By Sophie Stephens Page 4 . . . A seemingly inconspicuous Friday night with the family, in my mind. There wasn’t much to do in my small town of Stronghurst, but with the holiday season coming around within the month and the newfound chill in the air--smelling of the anticipation of the first snow we … Continue reading Excerpt: Just Before the Dawn (Sicut Ante Lucem)
Excerpt from NaNoWriMo 2017 Page 11 By Sophie Stephens Looking back now, I realize how much I enjoyed those days. Rosie and Elliot by my side, floating through the halls, unnoticed enough to be in our own little world, planning out our futures together. I even miss the jocks, always a constant source of entertainment … Continue reading Excerpt: Just Before the Dawn (Sicut Ante Lucem)
