FOJ - West Side Story

This section includes work created by students enrolled in Foundations of Journalism, the prerequisite course to joining a publication staff at West High. FOJ students are considered interns and are not West Side Story staff members while enrolled in the yearlong English elective. FOJ students can apply to join a publication staff after completing the course.

West High School students and alumni voices, such as Jack McCaffery 25, Grace Walker 26, Tess DeGrazia 23, Jayden Shin 23, and Sanmati Thangavel 20, shed light on the difficulties of juggling numerous activities.

Shanza Sami and Tia Rahmatalla

Experiencing burnout is normal, but shouldn’t be normalized. Mental health is an aspect of academic life that is often overshadowed by students’ desire to perform well—however, mental health should be prioritized regardless of how invested students are in their passions.

Many West High students plan to go to the University of Iowa, as it has good programs and is nearby.

Anna Greenlee, Evelyn Kraber, Jay Sainsbury, and Megan O'Neill

In 2019, 66% of graduates in the U.S. enrolled in college immediately after...

Sustainable Fashion: Changing the Game

Sustainable Fashion: Changing the Game

Bonnie Ding, Leah Butcher, and Callie Gao

West Side Story introduces the club of Sustainable Fashion.

Kaylie Milton 23 poses for a photo during an interview

Girls Who Code: Breaking the Status Code

Callie Gao , Leah Butcher, and Bonnie Ding

West High school is notorious for being excellent. In all things education,...

West High Alumni Leaving His Mark on the World: The story of Hunter Kieth

West High Alumni Leaving His Mark on the World: The story of Hunter Kieth

Giselle Garcia , Maddy Cook, and Jaretzi Garcia

At West, Keith was a brilliant student, spending lots of time in the Debate...

What is your unforgettable moment?

What is your unforgettable moment?

Yeju Seol, WSS Intern

A ray of sunlight illuminates your room as you flip through your aged album....

A Taste of College

A Taste of College

Henry Timmer-Hackert and Sterling Warren

In high school not all classes are created equal, at least in the eyes of colleges....

Defne Baymam 24, Ava Reed 23, Briar Martin 24, and Olaf Christopherson 25 stand together to showcase their outfits and varying styles.

Trends vs. Individual Style and Personality

Gretchen Van Iddekinge, WSS Intern

With different fashion trends blowing up every other day, it's hard to keep...

Out of Pocket Spending

Out of Pocket Spending

Waad Dafalla, Anna You, and Minna Abdalla

From the posters on the walls to the pencils in the cup holder, teachers put...

The Avila Siblings Pre Game Routine

The Avila Siblings Pre Game Routine

Do you have a routine? One that calms the nerves? Mentally prepare you? Wins...

Teens and Screens

Teens and Screens

Charlotte Stephens, Annie Dickens, and Emily Rabe

“The phone is the 21st century’s greatest distraction.” French teacher,...

Shahd Suleiman, WSS Intern

Years pass without a single winter formal. The thought passes through students'...

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