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Westwood Horizon

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The student news site of Westwood High School.

Westwood Horizon

The student news site of Westwood High School.

Westwood Horizon

Community & World

As Austin continues to experience its annual winter freezes, community members' perspectives have evolved with the times. Many express their opinions regarding not only the nature of the freeze, but what this pattern reveals about climate and infrastructure.

Community Members Speak Out On Recurring Winter Freezes

Nikhil Gupta, Reporter February 1, 2025

Tuesday, Jan. 21, marked Texas’ fifth annual winter freeze, signaling a clear sign of a changing climate in a state typically known for its intense heat. In the midst of this consistently occurring transformation,...

As the fate of TikTok remains in an uncertain limbo, many users have been speculating about the app's future. The popular social media platform has already been receiving mixed attitudes after the short-lived ban that took place on Sunday, Jan. 19.

Users Speak Out On Future of TikTok

Charly Obermiller, Reporter January 30, 2025

Culminating weeks of anxious chatter and painful online goodbyes amongst its users, the short-lived TikTok ban, issued on Saturday, Jan. 18, delivered 150 million Americans with the news that TikTok was...

Reflecting on the authentic purpose of game design, Exploding Kittens Senior Game Designer Mr. Ian Clayman discusses his path to strategizing creative board-game pitches.

Designing Magic: Exploding Kittens Designer Discusses Path to Success

Charlie Hui, Reporter January 27, 2025

"We don't make entertaining games. We make games that make the people you're playing with entertaining.” Entering the gaming market with this explosive motto, a startup by the name of Exploding Kittens...

Leading the march to downtown Round Rock, the Hutto High School ROTC Color Guard stands tall, proudly displaying the Texas and American flags. Their ceremonial presence sets a tone of honor and pride, as the community rallies behind them, united in purpose and spirit.

Round Rock Community Unites for 38th Annual MLK Jr. Walk and Celebration

Hana Le, Reporter January 23, 2025

Bringing together hundreds of community members, the City of Round Rock hosted their 38th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Walk and Celebration on Saturday, Jan 18, marking a significant evolution from...

As a result of a staggering increase in admissions numbers, an approximate 95% of early admission applications were deferred to the regular applicant pool. These decisions will be released on Feb. 15th.

UT Austin Releases Mass Deferrals Under Ramping Admissions Pressure

Sabareesh Dinakaran, Reporter January 23, 2025

As students in the Class of 2025 applying early action for University of Texas (UT) at Austin eagerly awaited their admissions decision on Thursday, Jan. 15, many were shocked by the vast number of widespread...

The Austin Bergstrom International Airport  has seen explosive growth in recent years,  a development that many community members have used to draw parallels with the diverse changes taking over the city as a whole. From using it as a cornerstone in advocating for infrastructure changes to analyzing the potential root causes of such growth, the airport has prompted widespread discussion surrounding the future of Austin.

Heightening Growth of Austin Airport Reflects Parallel City Development

Charlie Hui, Reporter January 14, 2025

Austin. The capital of Texas, live music, and new innovation. The city nicknamed “Silicon Hill” has been rising in population, with individuals across the country traveling to the city. Austin Bergstrom...

Smiling for the camera, Ms. Mindy Sepeti and her husband Mr. Kenny Sepeti prepare for a news segment about Mindy's Bakeshop. Exposure like this is a significant way Ms. Sepeti expands her small business.

Mindy’s Bakeshop Spreads Kindness Through Sweet Treats

Katie Ring, Reporter December 13, 2024

An online bakery that takes custom orders, Mindy’s Bakeshop is founded and owned by Ms. Mindy Sepeti. Attempting to express her love for kindness, Ms. Sepeti has taken what she believes to be one of...

A new series of renovations will commence for The Domain in late 2024 and early 2025, bringing numerous additional luxury brands and greenspaces to the complex. These changes have incited broader discussions surrounding Austin's growth trajectory towards smart city planning and modernized suburban development.

Massive Wave of Domain Renovations Prompts Discussion on Austin’s Rapid Growth

Nikhil Gupta, Reporter December 6, 2024

Characterized by its vibrant nightlife, unmistakable charm, and a myriad of modern businesses that sprawl across blocks, The Domain serves as a place that allows people of all age groups and backgrounds...

Newly-reelected Place 1 Trustee Mr. Chuy Zárate hopes to promote unity throughout the community by celebrating cultural and societal differences. Aiming to foster a communal culture of appreciation and respect, Mr. Zárate is eager to make an impact on the district.

Place 1 Trustee Mr. Chuy Zárate Hopes to Bring Best Out of Community

Charlie Hui, Reporter November 29, 2024

In a political climate where all eyes are on the federal and statewide races, local elections that dictate the lifeblood of communities may often be overlooked. As a child of hardworking teachers in the...

Newly-elected Place 7 Trustee Dr. Wei is eager to utilize his in-depth background in data science to remove what he believes are unneeded politics from practical decision making. Dr. Wei plans on incorporating key data science tools to ensure the best policies are produced.

Place 7 Trustee Dr. Michael Wei Plans to Streamline Decision-Making Procedure

Gabriel Oliveira, Reporter November 29, 2024

In a political landscape strife with distrust and contempt, many Americans desire a politician that not only accurately represents their views but someone who does so politely and impartially. This is...

Newly-elected RRISD Place 2 Trustee Ms. Melissa Ross hopes that she can make a widespread impact on not only the student bodies, but the general community. She makes a point not to seek recognition, but rather pour her efforts into creating tangible change.

Place 2 Trustee Ms. Melissa Ross Aims for Impact, Not Recognition

Rayghen Peak, Reporter November 29, 2024

Fifth generation teacher-turned board member, newly elected Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD) Place 2 Trustee Ms. Melissa Ross aims to implement change within the district. Her mind is set...

A prominent festival in Indian culture, Diwali holds a special importance in the hearts of people across the world. But for children living in the United States, the celebrations hold a deeper value; many students note that Diwali is a time for them to express their bicultural backgrounds.

Living in the Melting Pot

Kriya Handa, Dreamcatcher Editor-in-Chief November 5, 2024

Complete with vibrant lights, a diverse range of sounds, bright colors and a feast of sweet and savory food alike, families around the world came together on Friday, Nov. 1 to celebrate one of the most...

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