The student news site of Westwood High School.

Westwood Horizon
The student news site of Westwood High School.

Westwood Horizon
The student news site of Westwood High School.

Westwood Horizon

Community & World

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...

With the upcoming district election fast-approaching, students express feeling concerned and disoriented regarding their minimal role in the democratic process. Many of these individuals point out that the Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD) election in particular holds the potential to affect them the most, however only a fraction of them are allowed to vote and actively take part in it.

Students Comment On Role In Democratic Process

Nikhil Gupta, Reporter • November 4, 2024

As Election Day approaches on Tuesday, Nov. 5 and talk about district bonds, allocation funds, and heightened property taxes hold the community’s adult social circles in a chokehold, students are left...

Smiling brightly at a fundraiser, Ms. Linnie LaMaster stands with her teen volunteers for ATX Kids Club. Ms. LaMaster emphasizes how important fundraising is when running a non-profit. “People don’t think about how expensive it can be to run a camp. We rely a lot on fundraising and donors so we can continue to give it back to the kids,” Ms. LaMaster said.

Adventures in Austin

Jordan Kubicek, Heritage Staff • October 31, 2024

With the end of summer already long past, young children everywhere are dreading the end of long days spent outside. However, for kids enrolled at the ATX Kids Club, the fun doesn’t stop during the school...

Standing behind their decorated booth at the Spooktacular, Fiber Arts Club members entertain a customer during one of their sales. The club sold a variety of personally-crafted plushies and key chains during the event.

YMCA’s Spooktacular Event Promotes Student-Led Initiatives

Kriya Handa, Dreamcatcher Editor-in-Chief • October 30, 2024

Bringing in the Halloween spirit, students assisted with the YMCA-hosted Spooktacular community event. The event took place on Saturday, Oct. 26, and consisted of a range of spooky activities catered towards...

The shooting took place in an H-E-B parking lot on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The scene involved police officers, H-E-B workers, and multiple parties. "I noticed on my way in that there was a girl and she was yelling at the police officer," London May '26 said. "You would think an altercation had happened because the police separated the parties."

Students Witness Shooter’s Escape

Prima Changwatchai, Assistant Editor • October 27, 2024

After coming home from school on Wednesday, Oct. 23, K’Lynn Murray ‘27 was talking to her mom about her day when a red truck pulled up in front of her house and a man in a black hoodie stepped out....

In preparation for the upcoming RRISD elections, many community members have found themselves researching about and assessing the four propositions on the ballot. Each proposition provides a detailed breakdown of its diverse aims, and is allocated a set amount of money derived from the larger proposed bond.

“Students Are Finally Being Acknowledged”

Valeria Tijerina and Aarya Kale • October 20, 2024

In the spirit of the upcoming national elections, the Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD) will also be conducting their own district-wide election this season, with early voting beginning on...

Changing their auto-admission rate from six percent to five percent, UT Austin's shift in policy has affected many potential applicants.

UT Austin’s New Auto-Admission Policy Affects Students

Bella Yi, Heritage Campus Life Editor • September 26, 2024

Following a substantial increase in the number of University of Texas (UT) at Austin applicants over the past several years, the university has recently declared a change in its auto-admissions policy,...

Since late August, crickets have been appearing in massive amounts around campus. The presence of these insects, along with their smell and sound, have been affecting the comfort of students.

Insect Invasion

Jacob Chow, Heritage Staff • September 23, 2024

Walking through the crowded hallways, students comment passionately about the annual black field cricket infestation that has taken Westwood by storm. Crickets are seemingly everywhere, from the chirps...

Standing in front of the restaurant’s entrance, co-owners Mrs. Jae-Kyung Kim and Mr. Kiho Kim pose together in the Fresh Heim Steak & Salad restaurant. After immigrating from Korea, the married couple took ownership of the restaurant and integrated an Asian twist on the classic American menu.

Locally-Owned Fresh Heim Steak & Salad Prioritizes Korean Authenticity and Freshness

Vedanti Patil, Reporter • August 16, 2024

Placing an emphasis on freshness, the owners of the Fresh Heim Steak & Salad restaurant, Mrs. Jae-Kyung Kim and her husband, Mr. Kiho Kim, serve authentic health-focused items with a focus on incorporating...

Quickly rising in popularity nationwide, UT Austin is one of the largest public universities in the country. The school has recently come into the spotlight for several of its honors programs, such as McCombs and Turing, as well as its spike in national rankings.

From Backup to Bigshot: UT Austin is a “New Ivy League”

Bella Yi, Heritage Campus Life Editor • July 28, 2024

Just a decade ago, Texas parents deeply involved in their child’s college applications might lament about the process: “My child’s academics are so poor, but at least they’ll be able to go to UT...

As the sun continues to bear down relentlessly upon the Texas landscape, many residents find it difficult to venture out of their homes. Paired with scattered rains and record-breaking heat, the state is undergoing extreme cases of humidity and faces the threat of wildfires.

Wildfire Watch: Austin Braces for Extreme Heat and Wildfire Risks

Hana Le, Reporter • July 7, 2024

Like a smoldering blanket, heat looms over Austin, suffocating the city in its fiery grip. As the air begins to crackle with alarming energy once more, Texans begin to receive a stark reminder of the inferno...

In April, Tesla made the “Autopilot” feature free for drivers, allowing for semi-autonomous driving. Controversy arose about the feature after a lawsuit was recently settled regarding a man who was killed by Autopilot.

Tesla Lawsuit Regarding Autopilot Feature Sparks Controversy

Jacob Chow, Heritage Staff • May 25, 2024

The quiet hums of Teslas begin to engulf the Westwood parking lot in the early hours of the day. Tesla has become a staple car, with many students choosing to drive it for their contribution to fighting...

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