Upcoming events
  • No school Friday-teacher make-up day
  • ISASPS Tuesday and Wednesday
  • Girls soccer vs. Jefferson @home-Tuesday (postponed due to weather)
  • Walk it out next Saturday-North band room
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
Students celebrate graduation at the Old Capitol in Iowa City.

Choose your own adventure: Can you survive senior year?

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 7, 2018
Get it together, girl!

Get it together, girl!

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
April 27, 2018
How to: study for finals

How to: study for finals

Mary Vander Weg and Fenna Semken
April 1, 2018
The Jostens Look Book featured the 2017 West High yearbook.

Trojan Epic featured by Jostens for “Cutting Edge Design”

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 23, 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
This drawing by Iowa City West senior Madi Wehmeyer is one of 24 pieces of student-created art on display at Veridian Credit Union’s Coralville branch as part of the credit union’s ArtShare, a program designed to celebrate the talent of local student artists. The full collection will be unveiled at the branch on February 26 from 5-6 p.m.

Iowa City West and Marion among 10 high schools showcased in Veridian’s ArtShare

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 23, 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 authors 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
Using fresh cauliflower is much better than pre cut, because of its freshness. A food processor makes using this ingredient very doable.

Cauliflower fried rice to sooth your carb cravings

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 7, 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
Cars park outside of the painted parking lot lines daily.

[Photo]

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
First Girl Up fundraiser offers much to West community

First Girl Up fundraiser offers much to West community

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 29, 2017
Cars leave the parking lot as their school day ends.

Back parking lot floods, water at West turned off

Alyson Kuennen and Fenna Semken
November 3, 2017
Finals schedule released for end of first trimester

Finals schedule released for end of first trimester

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 1, 2017
The four treats go great together for a halloween party.

A twisted take on Halloween treats

Carmela Cohen Suarez, Ken Wilbur, Fenna Semken, and Jessica Doyle
October 29, 2017
50 years of excellence celebrated

50 years of excellence celebrated

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
September 21, 2017
Dillon Doyle 18 carries The Boot to Wests side on Friday, Sep. 15.

West brings home the boot

George Liu, Eman Elsheikh, and Fenna Semken
September 17, 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
Graphic by Fenna Semken

Vote on GO bond nears

Ken Wilbur and Fenna Semken
September 12, 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
Effectiveness of sexual assault prevention education questioned

Effectiveness of sexual assault prevention education questioned

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
April 29, 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
West students place high in Drake Physics Prize Exam

West students place high in Drake Physics Prize Exam

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 24, 2017
Maddy Epping and Lydia Guo are among 17 Iowa City West High School students whose art is featured in Veridian Credit Union’s ArtShare exhibit. The collection was unveiled at an ArtShare Premiere on Monday, February 27 at the credit union’s Coralville branch, where all 20 pieces will remain on display for one year.

20 pieces of student-created art part of exhibit at Veridian

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 28, 2017
Robotics team wins State tournament

Robotics team wins State tournament

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 27, 2017
West High dance team places in national competition

West High dance team places in national competition

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 7, 2017
West High Robotics brings home two awards

West High Robotics brings home two awards

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
January 24, 2017
A man at the Womens March yells at an anti-protester saying, gays will not go away.

Photo Gallery: Emotions of the Women’s March on Washington D.C.

Fenna Semken and Allie Schmitt-Morris
January 23, 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
West student wins second place at national math contest

West student wins second place at national math contest

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
January 10, 2017
Pocket Points: good or bad?

Pocket Points: good or bad?

Fenna Semken and Taylor Shelfo
December 3, 2016

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

Students lead anti-hate protest, work to end discrimination

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 16, 2016
Protesters chanting Anti-Trump slogans on the interstate.

[Video] Anti-hate protesters take to Iowa City streets

Fenna Semken, Ala Mohamed, and
November 12, 2016
Dear USA, this is my one request.

Dear USA, this is my one request.

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 9, 2016
Many of the pins represent what she likes, such as her favorite restaurant Oasis.

West High students’ pins and keychains

Kristina Rosebrook and Fenna Semken
November 2, 2016
The story of a miracle

The story of a miracle

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
October 25, 2016
A booth offers newly published books.

Iowa City Book Festival celebrates the city of literature

Fenna Semken and Mary Vander Weg
October 11, 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
QB Evan Flitz 18 moves in the pocket during the third quarter against Southeast Polk. Photo by Nick Pryor

Trojan’s create excitement after first home game

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
August 27, 2016
West High girls swimming wins first meet of season

West High girls swimming wins first meet of season

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
August 26, 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
Flash Fest brings community together

Flash Fest brings community together

Fenna Semken and Sarah Longmire
May 13, 2016
Mary Beth Tinker first visited West on May 5, 2016, to talk to students about their First Amendment rights. She will return—this time, with her brother John Tinker—as part of the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling in Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent School District.

Mary Beth Tinker visits Iowa City West High School

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 11, 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
Column: math can save our society

Column: math can save our society

Fenna Semken and Sarah Longmire
April 1, 2016
Music in our schools

Music in our schools

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 29, 2016
Swing into spring

Swing into spring

Fenna Semken and Sarah Longmire
February 28, 2016
Lets be friends

Let’s be friends

Fenna Semken and Sarah Longmire
February 21, 2016
Dear bathroom users, Im sorry

Dear bathroom users, I’m sorry

Fenna Semken and Shati Cooper
February 19, 2016
What teachers think about PDA

What teachers think about PDA

Fenna Semken, Barbara Badovinac, , and
February 19, 2016
Students try boys and girls track

Students try boys and girls track

Fenna Semken, Sarah Longmire, Catherine Ju, and
February 11, 2016
Trying food from Chongs Market

Trying food from Chong’s Market

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
January 25, 2016
Thelander donates kidney to wife

Thelander donates kidney to wife

Fenna Semken and Cameron Cook
January 22, 2016
Clinton tells Iowa City her plans and pulls in voters

Clinton tells Iowa City her plans and pulls in voters

Fenna Semken, Shawn Thacker, Maggie Terry, and
December 17, 2015
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 ODonoghue

John Huston, polar explorer

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 6, 2015
Healthy Kids Act claims vending machines, classroom treats

Healthy Kids Act claims vending machines, classroom treats

Fenna Semken, Online Editor-in-Chief
September 23, 2015
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The student news source of Iowa City West High
Fenna Semken