• 11/11: Girls basketball, boys swimming and bowling practices begin
  • 11/13: Signing day
  • 11/15: Cadenza concert @6:30 in West High commons
  • 11/15: Girls swimming state championship @ Marshalltown
The student news source of Iowa City West High

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

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

West Side Story
Alex Carlon

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief

(she/her) Alex Carlon is a senior at West High and editor-in-chief of the web publication. When she’s not helping out on the website she can be found playing clarinet, being a business professional™ and begging her friends to get sushi with her.

All content by Alex Carlon
Divya Shyamal '21 has found a purpose in teaching math to younger students.

[Photo] 2021’s Last Story: Divya Shyamal

Maggie Huang, Online News Editor
May 16, 2021
Jack Gluesing '21 achieved the world record lap time for Mario Kart's "Shy Guy Beach" track.

A pretty shy guy

Fareeha Ahmad and Alex Carlon
April 26, 2021
In "A glance into the past," columnist Kamakshee Kuchhal '24 dives into the WSS archives.

[Photo] A glance into the past: Miss Iowa, you’re ugly

Kamakshee Kuchhal, Lead Print Copy Editor
April 8, 2021
In West Side Radio's newest podcast, Renee Gould '22 and Alex Carlon '21 join a panel of journalists to discuss current events and so much more.

The Breakout Room episode 3: March highlights

Alex Carlon and Renee Gould
April 1, 2021
West High also took home 10 awards at the fair.

West science fair participants advance to round 2 of state competition

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 23, 2021
Follow WSS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for the most up to date coverage concerning West High.

26 West BPA members qualify for national conference

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 3, 2021

Students predict 2021 fashion trends

Alex Carlon and Helelia Wa Kalala
March 1, 2021
In West Side Radio's newest podcast, Renee Gould '22 and Alex Carlon '21 join a panel of journalists to discuss current events and so much more.

The Breakout Room episode 2: February highlights

Alex Carlon and Renee Gould
February 23, 2021
WSS recaps the latest ICCSD school board meeting.

[Photo] School board recap: 2/9/21

Vivian Polgreen, Managing Co-Editor, News Editor
February 12, 2021
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[Photo] Star Wars

February 2, 2021
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[Photo] 20th Century Studios

February 2, 2021
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[Photo] Marvel

February 2, 2021
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[Photo] Disney

February 2, 2021
Enjoy WSS on the Student News Source mobile app.

A guide to using WSS’ mobile app

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
January 7, 2021
Enjoy WSS on the Student News Source mobile app.

West's student-athletes have varied opinions about whether sports should proceed in the midst of a pandemic.

In-person versus online schooling: Student-athletes weigh in

Alex Carlon, Abby McKeone, Paige Albright, Annie Schwartz, Emma Hall, and Sidney Nash
January 3, 2021
Emily Hughes '86 reflects on her journey from being a West High student to becoming a lawyer.

[Photo] Life After a Trojan: from student to teacher

Paige Albright, Managing Co-Editor, Podcast Editor
December 26, 2020
In West Side Radio's newest podcast, Renee Gould '22 and Alex Carlon '21 join a panel of journalists to discuss current events and so much more.

The Breakout Room episode 1: December highlights

Alex Carlon and Renee Gould
December 15, 2020
Anjali Tanna '86 may have started out at West High, but she ended up with a successful career as a musician.

[Photo] Life After a Trojan: from high school halls to concert halls

Paige Albright, Managing Co-Editor, Podcast Editor
December 6, 2020
Whether they voted or not, West students are opinionated about the results of the 2020 election.

Students react to the 2020 election

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 14, 2020
West High movie buffs Sam Westergaard '22 and Sam Nester '21 discuss their favorite films.

[Photo] West High movie buffs share their favorite films

Jack Harris, Online Copy Editor and Arts Editor
November 7, 2020
A Joe Biden campaign sign sits in a Coralville lawn.

Power to the people: 2020 election preview

Alex Carlon, Maddy Smith, and Abby McKeone
November 3, 2020
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A look at the data

Alex Carlon and Abby McKeone
November 2, 2020
The endgame

The endgame

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 2, 2020
New voices

New voices

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 2, 2020
Yulong Shao '21 and Lucy Westemeyer '21 were announced as senior class president and vice-president Oct. 26.

2021 senior class officers named

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
October 27, 2020
West High hosts a multitude of different clubs for all students.

A guide to West’s virtual clubs

Bess Frerichs, Alex Carlon, Alexis Dick, and Emma Hall
October 8, 2020
When he's not interacting with students, or taking calls, Dr. Shoultz finds time to work on ongoing projects.

Shoultz takes on new district role

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
August 17, 2020
Department of Education denies ICCSD's off-site learning request

Department of Education denies ICCSD’s off-site learning request

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
August 6, 2020
6 things that bring us joy despite tough times

6 things that bring us joy despite tough times

Kailey Gee, Alex Carlon, Hanah Kitamoto, Marta Leira, Abby McKeone, and Alyssa Skala
June 3, 2020
The joy of inspiring yourself

The joy of inspiring yourself

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
June 3, 2020

Iowans protest police brutality at “Say Their Names” rally

Alex Carlon, Marta Leira, and Kailey Gee
June 1, 2020
Liam Edberg '22, Bivan Shrestha '22 and Jonathan Chen '22 perform in a virtual trio.

Cadenza and UNICEF club present United in Isolation

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 5, 2020
Enjoy WSS on the Student News Source mobile app.

[Photo] Student News Source app available for download

Camille Gretter, Online Editor-In-Chief
October 7, 2022
Iowa schools to close until April 30

Iowa schools to close until April 30

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
April 2, 2020
Follow WSS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for the most up to date coverage concerning West High.

Collegeboard releases updated AP testing guidelines

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 20, 2020
ICCSD cancels school until April 13 due to COVID-19 outbreak

ICCSD cancels school until April 13 due to COVID-19 outbreak

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 16, 2020
Paraeducator Farren Kerr poses for Wheel of Fortune submission photo.

A stroke of good fortune

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 15, 2020
BPA Nationals cancelled due to COVID-19 outbreak

BPA Nationals cancelled due to COVID-19 outbreak

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 14, 2020
Follow WSS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for the most up to date coverage concerning West High.

ICCSD recommends cancellation of international trips amid Corona fear

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 6, 2020
Follow WSS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for the most up to date coverage concerning West High.

West student arrested after bringing BB gun to school, making threats

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 5, 2020
Nate Nelson '20 prepares to give a presentation to West's chapter of BPA

West BPA members compete at regional competition

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
January 27, 2020
Students warm up for their auditions in the gym.

Students find success at Southeast Iowa Honor Band auditions

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
January 27, 2020
Students warm up for their auditions in the gym.

[Photo] Looking back: Let students smoke

Caroline Mascardo, Editorials Editor and Copy Editor
January 30, 2020
Personal Finance will now be required to graduate

Personal finance to become graduation requirement

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
January 21, 2020
An increase in the number of in-school altercations has garnered the attention of students and faculty.

Fighting for change: examining the combative culture at West High

Alex Carlon and Joe Goodman
January 7, 2020
Styling 1920's fashion elements 100 years later

Styling 1920’s fashion elements 100 years later

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
January 5, 2020
Gettin' to know Gregg episode 2: Gregg in high school

Gettin’ to know Gregg episode 2: Gregg in high school

Natalie Dunlap and Alex Carlon
December 22, 2019
Students no longer able to request themselves for AFT

Students no longer able to request themselves for AFT

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 5, 2019
Sabrina Williams '22, iJAG Community Service Representative, poses with one of the donation boxes that can be found around West.

iJAG hosts care box drive to support Four Oaks

Alex Carlon and Marta Leira
November 30, 2019
A student's desk sits ready for the ACT, equipped with a pencil, calculator and water bottle.

[Photo] West pilots online ACT

Abby McKeone, Graphics and Social Media Editor
November 20, 2019
Gettin' to know Gregg episode 1: Gregg fast facts

Gettin’ to know Gregg episode 1: Gregg fast facts

Alex Carlon and Natalie Dunlap
November 16, 2019
Jacob Gehlbach '21 works on a composition. Gehlbach has been composing since a young age and aspires to one day compose a movie score.

The composition of a dream

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 7, 2019
WSS online managing and news editor Alex Carlon '21 sits in the West High cafeteria

We deserve to feel safe at school

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
October 28, 2019
The state officer team concludes the 2019 Fall Leadership Conference

West BPA attends Fall Leadership Conference

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
October 24, 2019
If homecoming isn't for you, there are an array of other options for ways to spend your Saturday night.

Ditching the dance: 9 homecoming alternatives

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
October 2, 2019
Superintendent Stephen Murley awards custodian Daniel Carlos with the Shine Award on Sept. 13 in the main commons.

ICCSD superintendent to resign June 2021

Alex Carlon and Marta Leira
October 2, 2019
The vandalized car was towed at approximately 2 p.m. in the Liberty High parking lot.

Senior prank sparks police involvement

Alex Carlon, Marta Leira, and Natalie Dunlap
May 23, 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.

Dancing across the world

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 22, 2019
Perry Heredia '21 discusses her decision to attend the boarding school, Maston Academy in Boston, Massachusetts next year.

Studying aboard

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 11, 2019
Sophia Davis '21 received 12th place in the "Entrepreneurship" event. Davis won first place earlier in the year at the Iowa State Leadership Conference.

BPA members place at National Leadership Conference

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
May 9, 2019
Alex Carlon '21 leans against a mural downtown Iowa City on Thursday, March 21.

Mom jeans, scrunchies and graphic tees: a 2010’s guide to ’90s fashion

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 29, 2019
Alex Carlon '21 and Aditi Borde '21 record their first podcast for a new addition to WSS Radio.

Tiny Room: Perry Heredia ’21

Alex Carlon and Aditi Borde
March 11, 2019
The room where the coffee shop was located will be undergoing construction soon.

Pump it Up to move locations for third trimester

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
February 28, 2019
Turning houses into homes

Turning houses into homes

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
January 21, 2019
Design by Lydia Guo.

Meet the Buddies

Jessica Moonjely, Marta Leira, and Alex Carlon
January 10, 2019
Jaden Buckley '19 and Byamungu Omari '20 first met at Northwest Junior High and their friendship quickly took off.

Jaden Buckley ’19 and Byamungu Omari ’20

Jessica Moonjely, Marta Leira, and Alex Carlon
January 10, 2019
Lucas Locher '21 smiles and shows off one of his games.

Lucas Locher ’21

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
January 10, 2019
Kaisa Whittaker ‘21 and Katie Hoefer ‘21 kick off a kazoo club meeting on December 4 with some helpful breathing exercises.

Club Connection: Kazoo Club

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 18, 2018
Jada '22 and Olivia Dachtler '19 talk about their experience running a business together as sisters.

From a passion to a profession

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 11, 2018
How to boost your productivity this trimester

[Video] How to boost your productivity this trimester

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 4, 2018
Aurora Roghair '21 competes in the 500 free at West's last dual meet. Later in the season, Roghair swam a 4:53.20 to place second in the 500 free at the state swim meet.

Staying afloat

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
November 1, 2018

An ocean apart

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
October 21, 2018
A group of freshman girls sit in Ms. Head's classroom, bundled up in long pants, and jackets to keep warm.

Burst water pipe means no heat at West

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
October 16, 2018
Reaching new heights

Reaching new heights

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
October 1, 2018
A Pep Club signup sheet sits on Brianna Dusterhoft's desk on Wednesday, Sept. 12.

Club Connection: Pep Club

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
September 13, 2018
A look into Ragstock at the Coral Ridge Mall.

Best places to thrift for your fall wardrobe

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
September 9, 2018
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The student news source of Iowa City West High
Alex Carlon