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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
Ella

Ella Ciliberto, Online Assistant Design Editor

Ella is a sophomore and this is her first year on staff. She is excited to be this year’s assistant design editor for the online newspaper. She spends a lot of time in the business department and will be entering her second year in West’s business club, BPA. Outside of school she does dance and enjoys listening to music.

All content by Ella Ciliberto
As the school year comes to an end, six West High staff members will be saying goodbye to West and hello to retirement.

2025 Faculty Farewell

WSS staff
May 29, 2025
Traci Burns grades tests after school.

Traci Burns: a story of resilience

Ella Ciliberto, Online Assistant Design Editor
May 28, 2025
West's junior BPA members stand for a photo before going to the BPA closing ceremony on March 11.

BPA national conference 2025 recap

Ella Ciliberto, Online Assistant Design Editor
May 14, 2025
Victor Diaz Galindo stands with his teaching mentor Leticia at the Mexican Teaching English as a Second Language Conference. Used with permission of Victor Diaz Galindo.

Dual cultures: Spanish teacher Victor Diaz Galindo’s international experience

Ella Ciliberto, Online Assistant Design Editor
April 14, 2025
Artificial intelligence's rapid growth brings up new debates on its negative impacts on ecosystems across the state of Iowa.

Digital footprints: AI’s environmental toll

Ella Ciliberto, Online Assistant Design Editor
April 1, 2025
President Donald J. Trump was inaugurated for his second non-consecutive term of presidency on Jan. 20.

Executive directives: The impact of Trump’s presidential decisions

Lea Abou Alaiwa and Ella Ciliberto
March 26, 2025
Seniors Jack Twait and Rowan Bihun pose at the radio station in the BizTown city.

BPA students lend a hand at JABizTown

Ella Ciliberto, Online Assistant Design Editor
March 6, 2025
BPA's National Secondary President Layan Ahmed ’25 stands with West BPA advisor Emily Hudachek after winning first in both her events.

BPA 2025 State Leadership conference results

Jake Beneke and Ella Ciliberto
February 24, 2025
Gabriel Elsden grades math tests after school.

Gabriel Elsden: How his Italian roots shape him and his teaching

Ella Ciliberto, Online Assistant Design Editor
February 17, 2025
Junze Sun '25 poses with his Economics Research Team at the 2024 Spring Leadership Conference. Photo courtesy of Junze Sun.

BPA senior spotlight: Junze Sun ’25

Jake Beneke and Ella Ciliberto
February 11, 2025
JP. Claussen reads after completing his workday.

Teaching with a beat: the duality of a teacher and musician

Ella Ciliberto, Online Assistant Design Editor
January 7, 2025
BPA advisor Diane Fickel and Pump it Up staff celebrate the grand opening of Pump it Up's new location.

Pump It Up coffee shop moves to new location

Jake Beneke and Ella Ciliberto
November 15, 2024
Molly Sofranko instructs art club in the art room Nov. 4.

Lessons learned: Molly Sofranko’s 30 job journey

Ella Ciliberto, Online Assistant Design Editor
November 10, 2024
Jack Twait '25 poses for a headshot portrait. Photo courtesy of Jack Twait.

BPA senior spotlight: Jack Twait

Ella Ciliberto and Jake Beneke
October 16, 2024
A view of Pump It Up's new space in the new commons area. As part of Pump It Up's rebrand, they're going to get a new space with locked doors and seating in front. BPA plans to rename Pump It Up and change the colors as well.

Constructing change

Lea Abou Alaiwa, Jake Beneke, Ella Ciliberto, and Colin Wehrle
June 4, 2024
Arming teachers: A risky policy proposal

Arming teachers: A risky policy proposal

Ella Ciliberto, Online Assistant Design Editor
April 15, 2024
As a Java regular for the past five years, Lily Polgreen '27 comes here whenever she can. Whether it be studying, hanging out with friends or just picking up a sweet treat, The Java House is definitely a favorite for Polgreen.

Java House jolt: a sip into West High culture

Colin Wehrle, Lea Abou Alaiwa, and Ella Ciliberto
February 29, 2024
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The student news source of Iowa City West High
Ella Ciliberto