The student news site of Westwood High School.

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 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, Dreamcatcher Assistant Editor • 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, Managing Editor • 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, Opinions Editor • 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, Dreamcatcher Assistant Editor • 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...

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, Opinions Editor • 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....

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