News briefs

Read on to learn about the activities and events blossoming in the West community this spring.

Krisha Kapoor, Print Co-Editor-In-Chief

Spring Musical: Theatre West performed Beauty and the Beast April 13-16. Tess DeGrazia ’23 starred as Belle and Andreas Warren ’24 starred as the Beast. Additional cast members include Ahmed Elsheikh ’24 as Maurice, Eli Asper ’25 as Lefou, Xion Owens-Holst ’24 as Gaston and Ella Vakiner ’25 as Mrs. Potts.

Walk it Out: Over 50 students representing 30 different countries participated in West’s annual multicultural fashion show, Walk it Out, April 8 in the North Band Room. Before the runway fun began, participants and attendees enjoyed a dinner featuring cuisines from around the world and a gallery walk with artifacts from each of the six regions. 

Pancake Breakfast: The Iowa City Athletic Booster Club held its annual pancake booster breakfast April 1. From 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., student and parent volunteers made and served pancakes to community members to raise money for ICCSD junior high and high school athletic programs.

French and Spanish Trips: West’s World Language Department organized two trips — one to Spain and one to France — for foreign language students to be immersed in native-speaking countries March 10-18 by staying with host families and touring historic sites. 

End of Mock Trial season: West’s Mock Trial Club concluded their first season at the Hyatt Hotel in Coralville March 22. Coached by social studies teacher Michael Mittenberg, the team competed in two trials this year, and members Reem Kirja ’25, Allison Reed ’25, Franny Jordan ’26 and Holden Rebich ’25 all received individual awards. 

Track Meets at West: Both the boys and girls track teams hit the Trojan track to compete outside for the first time this season. Cindy Wang ’24 placed first in the 3200m and Meena Tate ’23 cleared 5’3.5’’ on the high jump for a first-place finish March 28. Todd Rent ’24 and Izaiah Loveless ’24 placed first in the 100m and 200m April 8, respectively.

Returning to the court: The reigning state champion boys tennis team had their first meet of the season at the University of Northern Iowa courts April 8. The Trojans went 1-1, winning the first match against Bettendorf 9-0 and losing the second against Waukee Northwest 1-8.

Season-opener soccer games: Girls and boys soccer both played in their first soccer games of the year against Cedar Falls April 6. The girls lost 0-1 and the boys won 2-0 with goals from Daniel Fuentes ’25 and Nate Heenan ’24.