• WEDNESDAY 11/12: Signing day
  • THURSDAY 11/13: State swimming & diving
  • FRIDAY 11/14: Cadenza Harvest Harmonies concert, Girls bowling vs. Wahlert, Finals (periods 2, 4 and 6)
The student news source of Iowa City West High

West Side Story
Epigenetics is a meeting of many factors, ranging from inherited conditions to current environmental surroundings
Hidden inheritance: the intersection of environment and health
The more chatbots continue to develop beyond basic text generation and coding, the more they are being used to supplement human connection.
Meet my friend, Chat
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claims that the amounts of ultra-processed foods in schools are harming children and teens.
Should school lunches be political?
Although period products, medication and education have come a long way, there are still current issues and stigma.
Breaking the cycle
WSS dives into vaccine debates
The vac-scene
West’s Community Connect Club held a food drive at the beginning of November to stock up the school’s pantry.
Only partial SNAP benefits to be sent out in November
Iowa City residents protest the arrest of Jorge Elieser González Ochoa on Sept. 26 after he was arrested at Bread Garden Market the day prior.
Frozen with fear
Protesters held signs with messages such as “free Jorge now!” and “ICE is not welcome here” at the rally Sept. 26.
“We all belong here:” Iowa City rallies against ICE
The truth behind Trump's tariffs
The truth behind Trump’s tariffs
Placed in between the Old Capitol Museum and Iowa Avenue, a barricade stands to separate the demonstration and traffic April 22, with the preamble of the U.S. Constitution draped over it. Later, demonstrators signed this preamble in protest of current government policies, such as mass deportations and contentious following of legal orders.
Downtown demonstrators return with another protest over current administration
Follow WSS to explore the lives of four Coralville Public Library staff members: Sara Glenn, Emily Kriegl, Karen Stierler and Erika Binegar.
A chapter into the lives of the Coralville Public Library staff
Drew Bonner specializes in low brass instruments, specifically the euphonium, whereas Ashley Hatland teaches the drumline and used to play the bass drum.
Meet the Trojan Marching Band’s new staff: Drew Bonner and Ashley Hatland
Sports manager Thad Longmire ’28 inspires athletes on and off the field — and peers inside and outside the classroom — despite the hurdles he faces.
Playing the long game: Thad Longmire’s sports journey
Sonja Bruxvoort moved to West last year after teaching at Northwest Middle School. After becoming the coach for the Trojan Bolts, she is learning how to balance the two jobs.
Sonja Bruxvoort makes waves in the pool and in the classroom
Walking through the halls of West, freshmen explore their fears of entering a new school and advise that has helped ease their worries.
The fears of high school
After receiving the ball Campbell Janis '26 breaks through Cedar Falls players attempting to score for the Trojans.
Trojan football advances to second round of playoffs
After the game, the Trojans finished the tournament as state quarterfinalists.
West volleyball heads to the 2025 state tournament
Players from West and Linn Marr gather at the line of scrimmage before the start of the play.
Trojan football ends regular season with a sweeping victory over Linn-Mar
Kinnick Stadium and the Savannah Bananas gear up for their meeting during their 2026 season.
The Savannah Bananas set to play at Kinnick
After winning the match 3-1, team captains Sophia Austen '27 and Lila Eastvold '27 celebrate their qualification for state.
Volleyball qualifies for state after winning regional championship against Liberty
Starting the race, the boys varsity team takes off on Ashton Cross Country Course Oct. 2. The team placed first in the Iowa City West Invitational with a score of 20 points.
Boys cross country teams sweep final home meet
Preparing to start their race, the girls varsity team lines up at the start of the Seminole Valley Park Course. The team placed second in the Eastern Iowa Classic Sept. 25.
Cross country teams compete in Eastern Iowa Classic
Moustafa "Moose" Tiea '25 poses with his medal and plaque after the awards ceremony. On Nov. 1, Tiea took ninth in the state meet, running 15:38.2 in Fort Dodge, IA.
West girls and boys cross country compete at the state meet
Kalli Titus '25 leads a pack of runners Oct. 17 at Seminole Valley Park.
Girls cross country competes in MVC Mississippi Divisional
October started off with three Trojan home wins: girls swimming and diving, girls volleyball and boys cross country.
Trojans start October with three home wins
Sonja Bruxvoort moved to West last year after teaching at Northwest Middle School. After becoming the coach for the Trojan Bolts, she is learning how to balance the two jobs.
Sonja Bruxvoort makes waves in the pool and in the classroom
Boys swimming celebrate after setting a new record at the state meet Feb. 11.
Winter sport athletes to watch: boys swimming
A collage of the different athletes in their sports.
A look into winter athletes off-season
West High sports on the left versus club sports on the left. (All photos used with permission).
Finding a balance: club vs. high school sports
Max Gerke '24, Dillon Croco '24, Serene Hamzeh '24 and Emma Pottoff '25 will continue their atheltic career in college.
The next level
Elsie Gross '27 soars over the court.
Girls tennis season switches to fall
The girls tennis team smiles as they celebrate senior night for captain Audrey Crawford ’26 after defeating Washington 7-2. Photo courtesy of Nina Marquardt
West girls tennis ends regular season 14-3
Iris Vasi '28 returns the ball during a singles match against Cedar Falls Aug. 28.
Girls tennis wins big against Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids Kennedy
Seniors Claire Hahn and Marie Stier high-five after winning the first point of 1 Doubles against Dubuque Hempstead May 20.
Girls tennis falls short in team regional finals
Seniors Sasha Postnikov and Marie Stier prepare to return a serve during the semi-final match. Postnikov and Stier won the match 6-0, 6-0.
Girls tennis qualifies a doubles team for individual state tournament
After the game, the Trojans finished the tournament as state quarterfinalists.
West volleyball heads to the 2025 state tournament
After winning the match 3-1, team captains Sophia Austen '27 and Lila Eastvold '27 celebrate their qualification for state.
Volleyball qualifies for state after winning regional championship against Liberty
Before the game starts, team captain Sophia Austen '27 breaks it down.
Trojan volleyball ends regular season with a senior night win over Liberty
The team poses with the Spike after their hard-fought victory against the Little Hawks. The Trojans came back from losing the first two sets to win the match 3-2.
West makes a comeback to take home the Spike
Players celebrate after winning a set.
Newcomers bring new energy to the West volleyball team
Known as "Mental Health Awareness Night," the West High and Liberty basketball teams showed their support by wearing "OS14" shirts that read "Bigger than Basketball" to honor Owen Skelley, a beloved student who died by suicide three years ago.
Trojans sweep the Liberty Lightning in a doubleheader matchup
Mason Goering '26 jumps up to take a shot while players from City attempt to block it on Dec. 20.
Boys basketball mid season update
Jack McCaffery '25 attempts to gain possession of the ball as the referee throws it in the air.
Winter sport athletes to watch: girls and boys basketball
Grace Fincham '26 waits for the jump ball Nov. 22nd at Solon.
Girls basketball season starts with a win over Solon
A collage of the different athletes in their sports.
A look into winter athletes off-season
Releasing the ball, a Regina bowler goes for a strike Jan. 10 at Colonial Lanes
Girls and boys bowling battle Cedar Rapids Kennedy
Rachel Wombacher-Hess '25 bowls a clean ball, finishing with a 240 series during the Battle for the Pins Feb. 9, 2024.
Winter sport athletes to watch: girls and boys bowling
WSS recap the 2023-24 winter sports.
No Cap Recap: leaving snow days behind
Carston Guess follows through after hitting his mark, finishing with a 437 series.
West High Bowling Teams take home the King Pin against City High
Jacob Koch '24 moves past defenders and goes in for a shot Jan. 19 against Linn-Mar.
Trojans shine in recent games and tournaments
Liberty's Jack Tunwall '28 swims the 100-yard breaststroke preliminaries.
Trojan Bolts secure second place at state championship
Nikolai Paulson '26 races in the 500-yard freestyle, clinching a time of 5:05.04.
Trojan Bolts place second at Linn-Mar Invitational
Boys swimming celebrate after setting a new record at the state meet Feb. 11.
Winter sport athletes to watch: boys swimming
A collage of the different athletes in their sports.
A look into winter athletes off-season
WSS recap the 2023-24 winter sports.
No Cap Recap: leaving snow days behind
Trinity Myers ’25 walks to the mat, preparing to wrestle her final match at the state tournament on Feb. 6.
How women’s wrestling found a home in Iowa City
Trinity Myers '25 wins her second match of the girls state wrestling tournament on Feb. 6.
Trinity Myers ’25 competes at girls state wrestling
Trinity Meyers ‘25 stands ready for the match to resume.
Winter sport athletes to watch: boys and girls wrestling
After beating his opponent, Justin Avila '25 is declared the winner Dec. 7 at Xtream Arena. Avila placed second in the 150lb weight class.
Boys wrestling impresses at Donnybrook
Trinity Meyers ‘25 stands in wait while her opponent fixes her headgear.
Trojan girls wrestling team falls to Liberty
Coach Mary Goodfellow maps out the course to Lily Schmid '26 and Lily Collier '26
Girls who golf
Tate Genkinger '26 scans the green on Sept. 16 at Finkbine Golf Course.
Boys golf places second at Dubuque meet
Max Gerke '24, Dillon Croco '24, Serene Hamzeh '24 and Emma Pottoff '25 will continue their atheltic career in college.
The next level
No Cap Recap is a sports podcast with sports editor Yaya Orszula and staffer Anna Gibson.
No Cap Recap: fall sports in the review mirror
Cole Collier walks on the golf course, preparing for his next swing.
Q and A with West High golfer Cole Collier ’24
Soccer head coach Brad Stiles walks with his head down while he mentally prepares for a game against West's crosstown rival, the Little Hawks.
Brad Stiles: championship caliber coaching
Caden Crabtree '25 lines up to kick the ball across the field.
Senior night ends in strong victory for Trojan soccer
Paz Martinez '25 turns past a Western Dubuque player as she falls to the ground from Martinez's fake.
West High girls soccer defeats Western Dubuque on senior night
During halftime the girls sit together with their coaches to hear feedback and game plans.
Trojan takeover: West High soccer sweeps City High
Amaia Martinez '27 hugs Sofia Fuentes '28 after a goal against Wahlert Catholic on April 22.
Girls soccer defeats Wahlert Catholic 8-1
Moustafa Tiea '25 prepares for the 800-meter race April 25 at Drake Stadium.
Trojans take on Drake Relays
Coach Travis Craig congratulates Neil James '27 after his race during the Hollingsworth Relays March 29.
Travis Craig: the philosophy behind coaching
Max Gerke '24, Dillon Croco '24, Serene Hamzeh '24 and Emma Pottoff '25 will continue their atheltic career in college.
The next level
Reveling in their individual victories, Aidan Jacobsen '24, Izaiah Loveless '24 and Moustafa Tiea '25 hold their state champion flags. At Drake Stadium, Jacobsen, Loveless and Tiea won the 400-meter hurdles, 200-meter dash and 800-meter dash respectively, scoring 30 points for the Trojans at the state meet and taking home gold.
Trojans take home hardware at state track
Mason Middleton ’27 clears 5-10.00 in the high jump to tie fourth.
West track and field qualify nine relays and 23 individuals for state
Seniors Junze Sun, Ishan Harwani and Derek Hua pose with State Team qualifying flag.
Boys tennis senior reflections
Pierce Hribar ’28 and Derek Hua ’25 prepare for the serve in their match against Cedar Rapids Washington May 6.
Boys tennis completes regular season with 2 wins
After the starting serve from a Wahlert player, Junze Sun '25 readies himself to return the serve.
Boys tennis caps off home opener with win against Wahlert
The boys pose for a photo after beating City High on May 15 to qualify for state. Photo used with permission of BJ Mayer
Tennis teams compete in state tournaments
Samir Singh '24 serves as Shivy Mannengi '23 prepares for the return during their match for seventh place at the state singles/doubles tournament at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex May 24.
Three boys tennis players place at state singles/doubles tournament
The Good Time Company's 51st theme for the 2025-26 year is "Minecraft," with choristers singing tunes like "Steve's Lava Chicken" from “A Minecraft Movie.”
West show choirs open season with annual Works in Progress
Grapevine's winter 2024 issue features work from 16 different student contributors. Art by Naomi Lai '27, photo by Sadie Frisvold '25, writing (bottom left) by Lydia Cruce '27, writing (top right) by Endrit Ramku '27.
A first look at Grapevine 2025
During rehearsal for "Chicago" Nov. 17, Luke Reimer '27 danced onstage. He plays William "Billy" Flynn, a corrupt and greedy lawyer.
In the limelight
The Grapevine Writing Club poses for a photo during their Tuesday morning meeting. Back row: Nicholas Davis '25, Orion Shaw '25 Front Row: Darien Robins, Eva Esch '25, Gabe Mangan '25
The two Grapevines
The Trojan Marching Band performs a dance during their closer, "Thriller."
Marching forward: one year later
Halloween is a time filled with creativity. From decorations to stories to costumes.
A heartfelt homemade halloween
This week, Trojans traveled across Iowa for state playoffs and conferences.
News Quiz: Nov. 7
The West High legacy is passed through families and generations of talented musicians, inspired athletes and avid community volunteers.
The West High Legacy: Where excellence is passed down through generations
From government shutdown to show choir to state qualifiers, check out West High news with a quiz.
News Quiz: Oct. 31
With Mr. Kirpes being away, student presenters Eddie El-Fadil '27, Yasha Durnev '27, Skylar Ajax '27 and Aydan Thomas '27 help teach the material to their AP Calculus BC class.
Student presenters step up for James Kirpes
This week, Trojans traveled across Iowa for state playoffs and conferences.
News Quiz: Nov. 7
From government shutdown to show choir to state qualifiers, check out West High news with a quiz.
News Quiz: Oct. 31
West has almost 50 clubs that allow students to perform, compete, learn and be active in their community. Which club will you join?
Take this quiz and find a new club to join
Icons representing the different theater crews set on a stage
Which Theatre West crew are you?
A graphic of a living room with a person getting ready to watch Netflix.
Find your next Netflix binge watch
Editorial: AI 101
Editorial: AI 101
Food for thought
Editorial: Food for thought
The removal of the Department of Education will cause trouble for schools across America.
Editorial: Education in the new administration
The Iowa City Community School District needs to support their schools across policies.
Editorial: Policy to practice
The WSS Editorial Board urges students to remain informed and safe
Editorial: Safety first
Admin of West High, including principal Mitch Gross, prepare to open the homecoming parade in Galway Hills Sept. 22.
Homecoming ’25 highlights
Protesters held signs with messages such as “free Jorge now!” and “ICE is not welcome here” at the rally Sept. 26.
“We all belong here:” Iowa City rallies against ICE
Cyan Blommer '29 and Audrey Small '28 block a hit from Mid-Prairie.
West places third in annual Live Like Line home tournament
Author Samira Ahmed spoke in West High’s Little Theater during second and third period on April 29.
Samira Ahmed visits West for biennial author visit
The Jazz Ambassadors held a concert in Arganbright Auditorium on April 18. The 19-member ensemble featured a vocalist or jazz combo in various songs, and their performance was accompanied by a video presentation.
West High’s Jazz Ensemble opens for the US Army Jazz Ambassadors
The West High legacy is passed through families and generations of talented musicians, inspired athletes and avid community volunteers.
The West High Legacy: Where excellence is passed down through generations
The 2025 Formula 1 season will feature five rookies, the most since 2010.
Paddock behavior: 2025 predictions
The outside of the UAY building in downtown Iowa City.
Discrimination in Iowa: a talk about the LGBTQ+ community in Iowa City
The 2024 season draws to a close
Paddock Behavior: Wrapping up a silly season
The West student section celebrates a touchdown by throwing up chalk.
No Cap Recap: fall sports rundown
Farmers Market vendors line East Washington Street selling food, drinks and handmade goods.
Cultivating community: the Iowa City Farmers Market
The ICCSD issued its students new Chromebooks at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year. Though they seem to be better, students still had some complaints.
Are the new school Chromebooks any better?
Spilling secrets with Sophie: Ashlyn Brady and Evelyn Kraber
Spilling secrets with Sophie: Ashlyn Brady and Evelyn Kraber
Finnley Bonfig '26, Grace Fincham '26 and Mayar Aliwaisi '26 participate in a friendly debate in light of the upcoming election.
Student Government holds presidential elections for the 2025-2026 school year
Former WSS Editor-in-Chief Zoe Smith ‘24 started the series “Christian’s Corner” last year. WSS editor Anna Greenlee ‘26 continues the series; in the second episode the two throw pottery while discussing art, advice and life.
Christian’s Corner: episode 2
The student news source of Iowa City West High

West Side Story
The student news source of Iowa City West High

West Side Story
Maddi Shinall

Maddi Shinall, Photo Editor

Maddi is a senior, this is her second year on staff and she is the Photo Editor. If she’s not taking photos, she is probably engaging in a lively political debate whilst drinking an iced chai latte.

All content by Maddi Shinall
Lawful good

Lawful good

Maddi Shinall, Photo Editor
May 24, 2019
Members of the South Asian group perform a Bollywood Dance as a special act for their section of the show on Saturday, March 9.

[Photo] Dancing across the world

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 22, 2019
Kara Wagenknecht '19, Lucy Polyak '19, Maddi Shinall '19 and Sophie Stephens '19 pose at the West High sign outside of the school.

West Side Radio: seniors reflect on 4 years at West

Lucy Polyak, Sophie Stephens, Maddi Shinall and Kara Wagenknecht
May 16, 2019
Ting Gao '19 ranks every book she has read in high school English in her four years at West.

[Photo] Disasters and delights: the 5 best and worst required reading books

May 15, 2019
Simon Jones '19 discusses the importance of knowing geography.

Annabel Hendrickson '21 discusses the discrepancy between high school girls and boys track distances.

[Photo] Going the distance

Apr 17, 2019
Ken Wilbur '20 is joined by Baraa Suleiman '19 to talk about world politics in his latest podcast.

WSS staffers recommend songs for the April edition of West Side Story's latest playlist.

[Photo] WSS Staff Recommends: music April 2019

Mar 31, 2019
Prisca Namutchibwe '19 poses for a photo outside of West High on Wednesday, March 27. She is currently working on a poetry book which she hopes will come out before she graduates.

[Photo] Amplifying the voices of a nation

Apr 25, 2019
Opinion Editor Lucy Polyak '19 talks about the importance of gratitude in her latest installment of Lucy's Lowdown.

[Photo] Lucy’s Lowdown: gratitude is rad-itude

Mar 28, 2019
Online Managing Editor Sophie Stephens '19 writes about the recent national college admissions scandal and why it's unfair that students and their parents can pay their way into a good college when they didn't work hard in high school.

[Photo] Hard work pays off, but money does too

Mar 14, 2019
Caleb Kwok '20 displays the college spreadsheet he made to help compare colleges from across the country.

[Photo] Streamlining the college search

Mar 24, 2019
Kenneth Wilbur '20 is joined by Wylan Gao '20 for his latest podcast.

[Photo] West Side Radio: Breaking borders with Wylan Gao '20

Mar 12, 2019
Mayela Pelayo '18 spins on stage to show her skirt as she models during the Latin American section of the show on Saturday, March 9.

[Photo] Students host third annual 'Walk It Out' celebrating diversity

Mar 11, 2019
Aditi Borde '21 dances as she models on stage during the South Asian group's section of Walk it Out on Saturday, March 9.

Dasia Taylor '20 dances down the runway during the black American group's section of the show on Saturday, March 9. She gave high fives to audience members in the front row as she made her way across the stage.

Soha El-Fadil '20 models during the Middle Eastern group's section of the show on Saturday, March 9. The Middle Eastern group was a new addition to the Walk it Out show this year.

Ahijana Walker Garcia '20 raises a fist in the air as she sings "Strange Fruit" by Billie Holiday on Saturday, March 9. She is joined by members of the black American group as they make a tribute to Black Lives Matter. They were given a standing ovation by the audience.

Mayela Pelayo '18 spins on stage to show off her skirt as she models during the Latin American section of the show on Saturday, March 9.

Melissa Diaz '21 walks the runway in a quinceañera dress during the Latin American section of the show on Saturday, March 9. This year, the group decided they wanted to show off quinceañera dresses in addition to other traditional Latinx clothing.

K-pop dance group Seoul Connections performs as a special act during the East Asian section of the show on Saturday, March 9.

Ahjiana Walker Garcia '20 poses at the end of the runway during the African group's section of the show on Saturday, March 9.

Prisca Namutchibwe '19 poses for a photo outside of West High on Wednesday, March 27. She is currently working on a poetry book which she hopes will come out before she graduates.

[Photo] Amplifying the voices of a nation

Natalie Dunlap, Online Editor-in-Chief
Apr 25, 2019
News Editor Fatima Kammona '19 talks about mental health in her column.

[Photo] Tell me I am human

Mar 31, 2019
Friends Roberto Machado Guzmán ’21, Evelyn Correa Longino ’21 and Doroteo Ortiz Cruz ’21 pose together in the West High courtyard. They’ve been friends since freshman year.

[Photo] Friend crush: Doroteo Ortiz Cruz '21, Evelyn Correa Longino '21 and Roberto Machado Guzmán '21

Feb 27, 2019
Guest columnist Sumner Wallace '20 smiles for a portrait in the West High courtyard. She writes about the need for communication in her piece.

[Photo] Let’s focus on communicatin’

Mar 4, 2019
Editorials Editor Jenna Wang '20 smiles for a portrait in the West High courtyard.

Sisters Mami Selemani ’20 and Jacqueline Selemani ’19 pose together in the West High courtyard. They moved to the United States in 2007 from Africa.

[Photo] The Selemani sisters

Feb 21, 2019
Photo Editor Maddi Shinall '19 poses for a photo as she displays her feminist slogan sweatshirt on Friday, Feb. 15.

A woman’s place is in charge

Maddi Shinall, Photo Editor
Feb 17, 2019
Online Editor-in-Chief and Co-Sports Editor Kara Wagenknecht '19 shoots a photo while covering a basketball doubleheader at West High on Saturday, Jan. 5.

[Photo] A race to be picture perfect

Feb 8, 2019
Online Managing Editor Sophie Stephens '19 talks about the the issue of owing people explanations.

Ken Wilber is joined by Wylan Gao in his latest podcast.

Lucy Polyak '19 talks about why people should be allowed to like whatever they want without being judged for being "basic".

[Photo] Lucy’s Lowdown: like whatever you want

Jan 30, 2019
Will Conrad '19 describes the costs of the college admissions process and how it affects lower-income students.

[Photo] Price of admission

Dec 26, 2018
Emily Hill '20 joins WSS staffers to discuss how comedy has impacted their generation in this episode of the West Side Radio.

West Side Radio: A very Mulaney podcast

Jessica Doyle, Natalie Dunlap, Lucy Polyak, Maddi Shinall and Sophie Stephens
Dec 21, 2018
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catie

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Anjali Huynh '19 talks about name pronunciation in her column.

[Photo] The name game

Dec 30, 2018
Rain Richards '19 and Harry Westergaard '19 are joined in this episode of their recurring podcast by Ken Wilbur '20.

[Photo] Citizen Rain (and Harry): Sherlock Holmes with Ken

Jan 10, 2019
Lucy Polyak describes why wanting to stay out of politics is inherently privileged in her latest installment of Lucy's Lowdown.

[Photo] Lucy’s Lowdown: the importance of being political

Dec 16, 2018
Sean Brown '19 passionately explains Macedonian politics to Ken Wilbur '20.

[Photo] West Side Radio: Breaking borders with Sean Brown '19

Dec 14, 2018
"I was determined to get an education because I know that that was the only way for me to get out of poverty and make my world better, because I did not want to live in the same situation. I wanted a better life for me and my family," Veronica Kharunda '19 said.

Lucy sits on the stage of the Little Theater and ponders the fear of change in her newest installment of Lucy's Lowdown.

[Photo] Lucy’s Lowdown: “Well, I’ve been afraid of changing”

Dec 6, 2018
Staffers discuss the show "Friends" as they sit on the couch and assume the role of one of the show's characters.

West Side Radio: The one with the podcast

Sean Brown, Jessica Doyle, Natalie Dunlap, Sidney Kiersch, Maddi Shinall and Sophie Stephens
Dec 5, 2018
Tony Abdel Malek '22 talks to Liam Edberg '22 and Claire Loussaert '22 about how they plan to beat last year's record of eating outside during lunch on Wednesday, Nov. 14.

[Photo] Freshmen vs. the freeze

Natalie Dunlap, Online Editor-in-Chief
Dec 3, 2018
This school year, students at West had to register for AP tests by Nov. 1 due to the new AP pilot program being tested.

[Photo] Behind the new AP

Dec 7, 2018
Reporter Ken Wilbur '20 discusses privilege in his column.

[Photo] Person of privilege: the Trump card

Nov 29, 2018
During a "Support Trans Lives" protest on the Pentacrest, a woman holds up a sign in support of transgender rights on Thursday, Oct. 25.

[Photo] Push for progress

Nov 15, 2018
Breno Sader '19 poses for his portrait in the courtyard.

[Photo] Gaining ground

Nov 15, 2018
A spectrum of perspectives: despite progress made toward treating LGBTQ+ individuals equitably, challenges and stigmas still remain.

[Photo] A spectrum of perspectives

Nov 15, 2018
Erin Netolicky '20 smiles while sitting in the West High courtyard.

[Photo] The locker room

Nov 15, 2018
Aaron Lidral '19 poses for his portrait.

[Photo] Breaking barriers

Nov 15, 2018
Film Club members discuss ideas for their upcoming film at their weekly club meeting on Friday, Nov. 9.

[Photo] A haven for aspiring student filmmakers

Nov 15, 2018
Samina Naz poses for a portrait outside of West High School. Her journey to the United States has not always been an easy one.

[Photo] What you missed at the end of first trimester

WSS Staff
Nov 13, 2018
Columns Editor Lucy Polyak '19 shares her opinion on why she's not sorry.

[Photo] I’m not sorry you’re scared

Nov 14, 2018
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[Photo] Canvassing

Nov 6, 2018
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[Photo] The Current Issues

Nov 6, 2018
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[Photo] Why should you care?

Nov 6, 2018
Former Columns Editor Lucy Polyak ponders the changes to the FAFSA paperwork. (File photo)

[Photo] FAFSA set to make changes for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year

Nov 8, 2021
Co-Design Editor Lydia Guo '19 takes a photo of the Bean in Millennium Park during free time while at the convention.

[Photo] WSS travels to Chicago for national journalism convention

Nov 3, 2018
Online Feature Editor Natalie Dunlap '20 records Web Editor-in-Chief Kara Wagenknecht '19 while she films a Snapchat video entailing West Side Story's schedule for the day.

WSS staffers sightsee in Chicago in between media tours and workshops.

Designer Selina Hua '20 looks out over the Chicago River on the River Walk while sightseeing before heading to her design workshop on Thursday, Nov. 1.

A watertaxi floats down the Chicago River as WSS staffers walk by while sightseeing on Thursday, Nov. 1.

Joy Li '22 tries a s'more for the first time.

ELL students roast marshmallows over the fire at their after-school event on Wednesday, Oct. 24.

[Photo] Bonding over the bonfire

Oct 25, 2018
ELL students roast marshmallows over the fire at their after-school event on Wednesday, Oct. 24.

[Photo] Bonding over the bonfire

Natalie Dunlap, Online Editor-in-Chief
Oct 25, 2018
Victor, ELL teacher Jessica St. John's service dog, waits for his ball to be thrown at the event in Willow Creek Park on Wednesday, Oct. 24.

Joy Li '20 smiles for a photo. She will be attending West for only a month before returning to China.

[Photo] Joy at West

Oct 28, 2018
Tech addiction is a growing problem among teenagers.

Jessica, Natalie and Sophie are joined by Makenna Hendrickson '19 to take a quiz about "The Office" on their podcast.

[Photo] West Side Radio: How well do you know 'The Office?'

Oct 21, 2018
Abdul Turay '20 smiles for a photo.

[Photo] Abdul Turay '20

Oct 14, 2018
Nic Stone discusses her book "Dear Martin" with students in the library on Sept. 19, 2018.

[Photo] Novel conversations

Sophie Stephens, Online Managing Editor
Sep 21, 2018
Ken Wilbur and Rain Richards discuss Elon Musk, Donald Trump and the NFL in this podcast.

[Photo] West Side Radio: Discussing Elon's mid-life crisis and Trump's inescapable self-sabotage

Sep 17, 2018
The U.S. Capitol building, located in Washington D.C.

[Photo] West graduate observes Kavanaugh hearings in person

Natalie Dunlap, Online Editor-in-Chief
Sep 11, 2018
Nic Stone will be coming to visit West High on Sept. 18 in the library.

[Photo] Author to visit West

Sep 5, 2018
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[Photo] Lucy’s Lowdown: female leaders and the other b-word

Sep 24, 2018
Luke Reynolds '18, Jessica Doyle '19 and Natalie Dunlap '20 listen to music in the podcast lab. In this episode, the trio attempt to guess popular songs.

[Photo] West Side Radio: Play that song

Jessica Doyle, Natalie Dunlap and Luke Reynolds
May 12, 2018
Sophie and Jessica used Flora for five days to find out if it would help them to concentrate better while studying.

[Photo] Technology in control: a Flora review

May 8, 2018
Mrs. DeVries will be transferring to Liberty High School next year to be a guidance counselor.

[Photo] Building connections across the district

May 27, 2018
Natalie and Jessica are joined by Maddi and Sophie to discuss promposals and the AP Vine test.

West Side Radio: It’s prom season, my dudes

Jessica Doyle, Natalie Dunlap, Maddi Shinall and Sophie Stephens
Apr 30, 2018
Goats roam around as people do yoga on Sunday, April 22.

[Photo] Unlikely exercise companions

Natalie Dunlap, Online Editor-in-Chief
Apr 25, 2018
A couple dozen protesters showed up to participate in the die-in on Friday, April 20.

Students hold ‘die-in’ to protest gun violence

Maddi Shinall, Photo Editor
Apr 20, 2018
Demonstrators lie in a circle on T. Anne Cleary Walkway in front of Gilmore Hall.

Protesters laid on the ground for six minutes and 20 seconds, the amount of time the Parkland shooter opened fire on the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Students lie in the die-in on Friday, April 20. The demonstration was held in conjunction with the nationwide protests on the 19th anniversary of the Columbine shooting.

Students lie on T. Anne Cleary Walkway in protest across from the Old Capitol building as pedestrians walk by, looking on.

Students pause at a crosswalk as they make their way from Van Allen Hall to T. Anne Cleary Walkway, where they held the die-in.

The South Lawn of the White House, the summer after Donald Trump was elected president.

To celebrate St. Patrick's Day, two WSS staffers made two different St. Patrick's Day treats: pretzel shamrocks and leprechaun hats.

St. Patrick’s day treats

Sophie Stephens and Maddi Shinall
Mar 14, 2018
Photographer Maddi Shinall shares her opinion against the proposed heartbeat bill.

Keep your laws out of women’s bodies

Maddi Shinall, Photo Editor
Mar 2, 2018
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Maddi Shinall