News briefs
From competing in California to singing in Missouri, West has had a busy third trimester. Read on to learn about the events that have taken place for the Trojans.
As the school year wraps up, here are some of the events that have taken place at West and around the world.
June 2, 2023
Sudan Crisis Protests – April 1
Protestors gathered at the Iowa City Pentacrest April 29 to rally over the civil war in Sudan that broke out April 15. As of May 16, over 5,000 have been wounded, and over 600 people confirmed killed. As a result of the war, over 730,000 people have been displaced. For the Sudanese community at West, Reem Kirja ’25 started a Change.org petition to raise awareness about the war.
BPA Nationals – April 24-30
41 West students competed at the 2023 Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California, April 24-30. Zach Buchholz ’23 placed first in Computer Programming Concepts and John Woodward ’23 was elected to the National Executive Council as the 2023-24 Secondary Parliamentarian.
Choir Tour – April 27-29
West choirs Virtuosa and West Singers traveled to Saint Louis, Missouri, April 27-29 for their annual spring choir tour. They took part in vocal clinics at Quincy University in Illinois and Webster University in Missouri. The singers also performed in the St. Louis Old Cathedral and the Shrine of St. Joseph.
AP Tests – May 1-12
After months of preparation, students were tested over their AP classes May 1-12. Tests covered a variety of subjects ranging from AP Government to AP Music Theory. Students will receive their test scores starting July 5.
Thomas Gibson Wins Congressional Medal – May 3
Thomas Gibson ’25 was awarded a Congressional bronze medal May 3 in recognition of initiative, service and achievement amongst America’s youth. He was one of 3,797 ages 14-24 to win a Congressional award this year. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, an Iowa U.S. representative, presented Gibson the award in the West High Commons.
Hector – May 3-4
Last fall, Club West raised $5,000 to purchase a new “Hector” Trojan Mascot. Tryouts for the mascot team ran May 3-4 4:30-6:30 p.m. Hectors have been chosen; they will begin practicing this summer, but their identities will remain anonymous.
Prom and Party After Prom – May 6
Glitz & Glam filled the air May 6 for West High’s annual prom. The dance took place at Courtyard Marriott Rooftop in University Heights. Following the dance, West High hosted its first Party After Prom from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. featuring a hypnotist, three thousand dollars worth of prizes, mini golf and more.
Track and Field State Qualifiers – May 11
West Boys and Girls Track competed at State Qualifiers at Dubuque Senior High School May 11. Girls qualified in 12 events while boys secured 16 qualifying events. Of the 16 events for boys, Jordan Caperon ’23 qualified for three wheelchair races.
