October news briefs

As fall arrives and the school year begins, take a look at what the Trojans have been up to.

Colin Wehrle, Print Photo Editor • October 4, 2024

Catch up on the Trojans’ latest endeavors

Football

The football team has experienced ups and downs throughout the start of their season, currently standing with a 2-2 record as of Sept. 20. Their first game was held on Aug. 30, where they fell short against Liberty. However, West made a comeback over the next two weeks, winning against Urbandale and Muscatine, improving their record to 2-1. Unfortunately, West lost a hard-fought battle against City on Sept. 20, bringing their record to 2-2.

Henry Elser ’26 returns a kick against Urbandale. The Trojans won their first home game on Sept. 9. (Minna Abdalla)

Student Government

After adding the Homecoming Parade last year, Student Government has been preparing for the second Homecoming Parade, Spirit Week and the Homecoming Dance. Student Government President Moustafa Tiea ’25 plans to improve many aspects muddled after the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re working on the Homecoming season to be its best since the past four years were impacted by COVID. We’re upgrading music, refreshments, photography and much more,” Tiea said. Homecoming will take place on Oct. 5, finishing off Spirit Week after the Homecoming Parade and Trojan Games.

Preparing for homecoming, juniors Minna Abdalla and Finnley Bonfig work on a project Sept 10. (Colin Wehrle)

Club Fair

Students gathered in the cafeteria for the club fair on Sept. 11 to interact with over 50 clubs that they can participate in throughout the year. This year, the fair featured a diverse range of clubs, from Pickleball to Science Olympiad, and included new clubs, such as the Community Connect Club, Knitting Club and Gardening Club. Many clubs incentivized sign-ups using candy and interactive activities.

Seniors Ava Bruxvoort, Sidney Tranel and Sasha Postnikov endorse Period Club. On Sept. 11, the group incentivized sign-ups by giving out candy. (Lea Abou Alaiwa)

Construction

Over the summer, West has seen significant advancements in its ongoing construction. West is currently in Phase 3 of construction, which has been divided into three parts. The first part of Phase 3 was completed in mid-July, which added a new main entrance, commons space and offices. The second part is scheduled for completion over winter break; it focuses on the music wing, adding new offices, storage in the orchestra rooms and larger ensemble rooms. The third and final part, set to commence in the summer of 2025, will see renovations to the library and technology center.

West High is currently constructing the commons area, which will introduce many new features, such as decor, seating, and a kiosk for Pump It Up. (Colin Wehrle)

Girls Swim

The girls swim team has had a very successful start to the year. As of Sept. 21, the Trojan Bolts have competed in five meets, winning all of them. Noteworthy individual performances include sophomore Hannah Geng’s outstanding showings in the 100-yard freestyle and 200-yard freestyle, where she auto-qualified for state in both events with a time of 54.33 and 1:56.57, respectively. The Trojan Bolts will conclude their season with the MVC Diving Championship and MVC Swimming Championship later this month.

Kate Flannery ’26 comes up for a breath during a race on Sept. 10. (Marie Stier)

Fundraising for Music

West High’s orchestras and bands have started fundraising for upcoming trips. Members of the Symphony Strings orchestra have begun raising money for their trip to Carnegie Hall in 2025 by working concession stands at Kinnick Stadium and Xtream Arena. The marching band, who will be traveling to Orlando, Florida in 2026, hosted their annual mattress sale on Sept. 29 in the North band room. The band will also do a fruit sale during October for students to raise additional money.

Lydia Evans ’26 volunteers at Kinnick Stadium on Sept. 7 to fundraise money for the Symphony Strings. (Shanza Sami)

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About the Contributors

Colin Wehrle, Print Photo Editor

Colin is a sophomore at West High and is excited for his first year on staff. This year, he serves as the Photo Editor for the print edition of the West Side Story. When he's not fidgeting with a camera, you can find him running cross country or track, playing saxophone in West High's numerous ensembles or relaxing at the Java House.

Tyler Shane, Print Assistant Design Editor

Tyler is a junior at West High. This is his second year on staff, and he is the Assistant Design Editor for the print edition. Outside of the newsroom, you can find him working or hanging out with friends.

Shanza Sami, Print Features Editor

Shanza Sami is a junior at West High and this is her second year on staff. She is the Features Editor for the print publication. Outside of the newsroom, you can find Shanza leafing through a book, going for a walk or listening to her playlist.

Marie Stier, Print Co-Editor-in-Chief

Marie Stier is a senior at West, and this is her third year on staff. She is the Co-Editor-in-Chief for WSS Print. Outside of journalism, Marie spends her time playing tennis, reading (add her on goodreads!) and eating ice.

Lea Abou Alaiwa, Assistant Photo Editor and News Co-Editor

Lea Abou Alaiwa is a sophmore and this is her first year on staff. This year, she's broadcast's Assistant Photo Editor and News Co-Editor. When she's not in the newsroom working, you can find her either spending hours practicing trumpet or at Java fueling her caffeine addiction.