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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

Humans of the West

Performing at the national Coeur d'Alene Symphony Orchestra over spring break, Josephine Chow '27 took the days off from school to pursue her passion. While it was not her first experience playing with an orchestra, she was nonetheless excited for the opportunity. She played with professionals fellow high schoolers alike.

Josephine Chow ‘27 Pursues Passion for Piano at National Orchestra

Vedanti Patil, Reporter April 16, 2025

The melodious fusion of strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion reverberates through the vast auditorium, piercing the still air as onlookers watch in a hushed silence. All of a sudden, the combination...

Senior Assistant Directors Mason Jacob and Cheyenne Wang contemplate their experiences in Westwood Theatre and anticipate their futures.

Quiet Backstage: Seniors Mason Jacob and Cheyenne Wang Contemplate Theatre Experience

Katie Ring, Reporter April 12, 2025

Silently, the actors wait for their notes. Seniors Mason Jacob and Cheyenne Wang open their notes document and prepare to give their feedback. As assistant directors (ADs), their thoughts and suggestions...

Drum major Alicia Kanazawa De Figueiredo ‘25 reflects on her time as a leader in the band program and how her passion for music has grown.

More Than Music

Addy Temple and Jacob Chow April 7, 2025

Pride. Passion. Family. These core values are the foundation of the Westwood Warrior Band Program, and drum major Alicia Kanazawa De Figueiredo ‘25 has grown to cherish and exemplify these values throughout...

Chess and Community: Chess Club’s Sanmita Hosur ‘28 Aids Student with Cerebral Palsy at Tournament

Chess and Community: Chess Club’s Sanmita Hosur ‘28 Aids Student with Cerebral Palsy at Tournament

Nikhil Gupta and Vedanti Patil April 7, 2025

Crowded around a white table, numerous spectators watch in awe as Sanmita Hosur ‘28 makes moves on a silicone chess board. Pieces fly across the board in a frenzy as Sanmita and her opponent play rapidly...

Science Teacher and Tennis Coach Mr. Daniel Veve was announced as the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year.

A Constant Cycle of Learning: Mr. Daniel Veve Receives Teacher of the Year Award

Mayla Montgomery, A&E Editor April 2, 2025

Mr. Daniel Veve never  planned on becoming a teacher. Coming from a family of doctors and nurses, he initially attended medical school with the intention of becoming a doctor and fulfilling his childhood...

As president of the Orchestra Program, violist Sophie Liu '25 ensures all events, socials, and promotions run smoothly.

In Harmony: Sophie Liu ’25 Leads Growing Community

Serena Liu, Reporter March 26, 2025

While the viola, a similar instrument to the violin, is sometimes dismissed by many people, it's warm and unique rich tone catch the attention of Sophie Liu ‘25. With the silver strings under her fingers...

Proud to have diligently served the Westwood community, Ms. Dina Schaefer attributes her success to her innate love for service, and enjoys dedicating herself to helping a cohesive and tight-knit community like Westwood's.

Ms. Dina Schaefer Presented With Paraprofessional of the Year Award

Valeria Tijerina, Reporter March 25, 2025

Streamers and balloons frame the doorway of Ms. Dina Schaefer’s room in the front office, reminiscent of the recent victory she celebrated: being announced the paraprofessional of the year for Westwood.  The...

Indiana McBrearty '25 is the captain of varsity boy's basketball.

A Lifelong Passion

Gabriel Oliveira, Reporter March 16, 2025

In varsity boy's basketball journey of becoming bi-district champions, their captains have played a crucial role. One of its captains, Indy McBrearty ‘25, has proved to be a vital part of the team, balancing...

Enthusiastic about programming, Ruhan Gupta '27 puts immense time into his coding projects to create the best possible user experience. Algo, his most successful project, has gained a global audience and is useful to aspiring coders of all ages. "My goal is to help people really strengthen their skills from a younger age," Gupta said.

Ruhan Gupta ‘27 Gains Global Audience with Algo

Vedanti Patil, Reporter January 23, 2025

The clock creates a soft halo illuminating the room, displaying a bright 5 a.m that blinks in a parallel rhythm to the sound of typing that penetrates the quiet air. Ruhan Gupta ‘27 sits at his desk,...

Eager to inspire others, Pranav Balakrishnan ‘25 and Ethan Andrew ‘26 work hard to make the most of their final years in scholastic debate, and leave a legacy that promotes success and passion. In addition to winning the Glenbrooks Tournament, the largest, non-championship tournament of the year, they have also been ranked 2nd best Policy Debate team in the world. “As a senior, I don't have much time left to improve,” Balakrishnan said. “But I have been preparing for the past four years, so it's now my time to succeed.”

Pranav Balakrishnan ’25 and Ethan Andrew ’26 Leave Unprecedented Legacy for Debate

Tianwen Gao, Heritage Staff January 13, 2025

The clock ticking at three hours and 31 minutes before the start of the upcoming new year, Speech and Debate Co-President Pranav Balakrishnan ‘25 was hunched over his computer screen, repeatedly refreshing...

As the newest addition to Westwood's administration, Assistant Principal Mr. Michael Wuensch looks to creating a safe space for all types of students. Enjoying Westwood's unique student diversity, he believes in promoting unity through diversity.

Mr. Michael Wuensch Takes on Role as Assistant Principal

Sabareesh Dinakaran, Reporter December 6, 2024

Aiming to garner growth through helping students work through their academic and social struggles, Mr. Michael Wuensch has taken on the role of a new assistant principal on campus after returning to the...

Blending her bilingual skills and journalistic abilities to share the stories of American culture, Lena Boas ‘25 crafted a video package documenting American life for German audiences. “[A German TV station] wanted me to do this video diary so that I could show my personal life and what it's like going to school here [US].”

Through Two Lenses

Sophia Cortes, Dreamcatcher Assistant Editor November 15, 2024

Serving as a unique inspiration due to her cultural background fused with her honed journalistic skills, Lena Boas ‘25, a student reporter, caught the eye of the German TV station, Zweites Deutsches...

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