As 2023 comes to a close, here’s a look back at what Westwood was this year:
Winter
As students stepped back into school, the 2023 new year kicked off with new flex policies. Student successes started off early, with HOSA members earning awards at their area competition and advancing to state. Closing out the first month of the year, Spongebob the musical delighted audiences with underwater humor.
February started off with a winter storm, leaving many, including the school, without power due to fallen tree branches on power lines. Mid-February, Mr. Eric Scheiber was named the 2023 “Teacher of the Year.” Sports saw successes as the varsity boys’ basketball team made playoffs, and the swim and dive team competed at state championships. School tradition carried on through the 23rd annual Mr. Warrior Pageant.
Spring
Theatre’s UIL One-Act Play Treasure Island started the month of March off with a show of stamina, putting on six shows over the course of six days. Students didn’t stop over spring break, as the varsity men’s soccer team brought home the district champion title after an intense game against the Vandegrift Vipers. Ending the month, Escapade found SunDancers opening campus doors to the community, facilitating flurries of dancers all over campus.
Starting with a major win for varsity softball, and track and field finishing strong at the district meet, April fostered success on and off the field. Varsity girls’ soccer broke school history as they made state playoffs for the first time in 24 years. Flying back from Florida, DECA brought home multiple awards from their International Career Development Conference as new members of Student Council were voted into office ahead of the 2023-2024 school year. National Honor Society boosted school spirit with their annual Powderpuff game and WarriorFest carnival, donating proceeds to the Thirst Project. Bringing the month to an end, community members attended an open house showcasing 2018 bond improvements, such as the addition to the D-wing and the renovated facilities for the fine arts department.
Summer
May flowers saw the class of 2023 blooming as they prepared for graduation. Signing yearbooks and banners alike, the class of 2023’s banner signing showcased college commitments before the red carpet was rolled out for a Met Gala themed Prom. The week before finals, Senior Sunset gave students the chance to come together before graduation. School faculty worked tirelessly as ever, as custodians continued to perservere in the face of staffing shortages. The 2022-2023 school year wrapped up with seniors walking the stage at graduation, saying goodbye to their fellow students ahead of summer break.
In August, students flooded back to school after summer break. A few days before the start of the school year, freshmen roamed the halls at Fishbowl to learn about clubs and activities they would soon be able to join. School spirit filled the gym at the first pep rally of the school year and continued as Howdy Week brought style to the surface with themed dress up days.
Fall
The class of 2024 rang in the new school year together at Senior Sunrise on the first of September. Students from around the district headed to Round Rock High School for RRISD’s Central Texas College Fair. As new teachers were welcomed around campus, the Fine Arts department acclimated to faculty changes and their first full year in their new space. National Merit Semifinalists were recognized for their scholarly success at an annual award ceremony, once again comprising the majority of semifinalists in the district.
October found victory all over campus. Theater’s The Triangle Factory Fire Project ignited audiences, starting their season off strong. Hot off clinching the district title, boy’s water polo faced off against Austin High in their bi-district playoff game, warranting yet another win. The sound of mums echoed through movie-themed halls during Homecoming week, as parade and pep rally festivities brought student organizations together. Warriors went all out in orange for the Homecoming football game, as varsity football emerged victorious. During halftime, SunDancers and Warrior Pride put on a united performance before Homecoming royalty were crowned. Varsity Tennis came out on top at the State Championship for the second year in a row. Victory was in the air as the Warrior Marching Band made history, placing third out of 80 bands from across the country at the Bands of America St. Louis Super Regional.
November had a racing start at the No Hate Tour rally, which combined BMX stunts with anti-bullying messaging. Theater put on their annual children’s show, Miss Nelson is Missing, for third grade students from across the district. Swim and Dive placed first at the Aggieland Invitational in both the men and women divisions. With Thanksgiving break on everyone’s minds, IB hosted their annual Grateful Gathering to celebrate the approaching holiday. Eighth graders joined campus for a day for a tour and activities led by various school organizations such as PALS, Academy Ambassadors, and JROTC.
Softball’s annual dodgeball fundraiser found students and alumni decked out in costume at the head of the month. K-pop Club closed the first semester with their winter showcase. As students began to cram for midterm exams, orchestra, choir, and band winter concerts helped end the year with some holiday cheer.
