Skip to Main Content
  • 12/16: Pajama + stuffed animal day
  • 12/17: Jersey day
  • 12/17: Girls basketball vs. Wahlert Catholic
  • 12/17: Boys basketball @ Wahlert Catholic
  • 12/17: Boys swimming @ Linn-Mar
  • 12/17: Band concert in Arganbright Auditorium
  • 12/18: Pink out day
  • 12/19: Throwback Thursday
  • 12/19: Boys wrestling @ Linn-Mar
  • 12/19: Girls wrestling @ Solon
  • 12/20: 2 HOUR EARLY RELEASE
  • 12/20: Ugly sweater day
  • 12/20: Boys and girls double-header vs City
The student news source of Iowa City West High

West Side Story

The student news source of Iowa City West High

West Side Story

The student news source of Iowa City West High

West Side Story

Fenna Semken

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief

Fenna Semken is a senior at West High. It is her third year on staff and she is Online Editor-In-Chief this year. When she isn’t working on the website, Fenna enjoys taking long hikes at Macbride, listening to live music on Friday nights, and going on road trips with her best friends.
 
Contact her at [email protected]
Read more of her work on her website: merryandhappy.weebly.com
All content by Fenna Semken
The graduation countdown

The graduation countdown

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 22, 2018
Get it together, girl!

Get it together, girl!

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
April 27, 2018
Social studies teacher, Megan Johnson poses for a photo in her classroom on Wednesday, March 7.

A legacy leaves

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 21, 2018
Just a little help from my friends

Just a little help from my friends

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 24, 2018
Milo, the dog, hangs out in the library with students during lunch to help ease students' stress from finals.

Milo visits West, relieves stress

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 23, 2018
Mediterranean tri-bean salad: three times the fun

Mediterranean tri-bean salad: three times the fun

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 18, 2018
Items throughout the author's life that have influenced her opinion, such as the school newspaper and her dance shoes.

Choose happiness

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 17, 2018
Procrastination can greatly increase though watching Netflix while working on homework.

[Photo] How to: not procrastinate

Kristina Rosebrook, Online and Broadcast Entertainment Editor
February 4, 2018
West Side Boutique opens today

West Side Boutique opens today

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 1, 2018
Replace the noodles with zoodles

Replace the noodles with zoodles

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 1, 2018
The finished cookies need to cool for five minutes after being baked.

Peanut butter cookies to satisfy a sweet tooth

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
January 24, 2018
Author Fenna Semken posing with flowers on her recent vacation, yet another part of her life that she has found happiness in.

51 ways to be happy

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
January 21, 2018
50 years of excellence celebrated

50 years of excellence celebrated

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
September 21, 2017
Superintendent Stephen Murley awards custodian Daniel Carlos with the Shine Award on Sept. 13 in the main commons.

Daniel Carlos receives District Shine Award

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
September 13, 2017
Two birds rest together on the islands. Photo from Bailey Raso.

The trip of a lifetime

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
September 13, 2017
Spirit week themes released

Spirit week themes released

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
September 11, 2017
The happiness project

The happiness project

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 17, 2017
We are all humans, treat us that way

We are all humans, treat us that way

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 30, 2017
Robotics team wins State tournament

Robotics team wins State tournament

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 27, 2017
West High Robotics brings home two awards

West High Robotics brings home two awards

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
January 24, 2017

Iowa City residents gather and march for change

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
January 21, 2017
Former West student to be Secretary of US Senate

Former West student to be Secretary of US Senate

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
January 20, 2017
The students sit in together in the North band room during a panel discussion held by The View. The View came to West on Jan. 6.

Students featured on The View’s MLK day special

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
January 17, 2017

Free food . . . what could be better?

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 3, 2016
What Iowa City landmark are you?

What Iowa City landmark are you?

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 26, 2016
Dear USA, this is my one request.

Dear USA, this is my one request.

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 9, 2016
The story of a miracle

The story of a miracle

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
October 25, 2016
Memory Monday: Jenny Vest '18

Memory Monday: Jenny Vest ’18

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
September 12, 2016
Fashion and friendship Friday: Taylor and Issy

Fashion and friendship Friday: Taylor and Issy

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
September 9, 2016
Washin' away cancer

Washin’ away cancer

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
July 25, 2016
Students complete shed for West teacher

Students complete shed for West teacher

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 25, 2016
Marked absent

Marked absent

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 22, 2016
Forever with Flash

Forever with Flash

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 2, 2016
Misson Creek Festival in Iowa City

Misson Creek Festival in Iowa City

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
April 9, 2016
West High blood drive

West High blood drive

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
April 5, 2016
How Iowa City are you?

How Iowa City are you?

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
April 4, 2016
Music in our schools

Music in our schools

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 29, 2016
Trying food from Chong's Market

Trying food from Chong’s Market

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
January 25, 2016
Secret to success

Secret to success

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 14, 2015

Club connection: Ceramics Club

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 8, 2015
John and Elle joking around on Baumann Fiord. Day 12 of 65. New Land 2013 Expedition – Ellesmere Island. © Kyle O'Donoghue

John Huston, polar explorer

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 6, 2015
Load More Stories
Donate to West Side Story
$50
$2000
Contributed
Our Goal

Activate Search
The student news source of Iowa City West High
Fenna Semken