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
Aarya Kale

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief

Class of 2026

Hey! Besides being a passionate writer and photographer, I also happen to have a liking for all things cheese :) If I don’t happen to be eating some, I’m probably off reading a nice book or hanging out with my friends!

All content by Aarya Kale
Attending the Texas IB Schools College Fair, IB students gained niche exposure to universities' academic and social offerings in an environment tailored to their distinct high school pathway. Students both browsed through tables containing informational packets, spoke to admissions representatives, and attended lectures regarding applying to certain universities.

IB Juniors Explore Universities at Texas IB Schools College Fair

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
April 5, 2025
It's no surprise that AI has exploded recently, with its wide ranging abilities and innovations. However, conversational AI has potentially dangerous implications and Is destroying fundamental human expirience.

Conversation with a Computation

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
March 5, 2025
Swinging to shoot the ball towards the Maverick net, Defender Ella Smith '27 prepares to kick the ball. Smith played a pivotal role in aiding her teammates move the ball down the field in long strides without losing possession to the Mavericks.

JV Women’s Soccer Shuts Out McNeil Mavericks 3-0

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
February 18, 2025
Speaking to an executive from Jefferies, Siyona Jain '25 asks questions regarding the nature of municipal bonds. Jefferies is an independent investment bank that worked with JPMorgan Chase to sell the district's bonds.

GALLERY: DECA Members Watch Sale of RRISD Bonds on New York Stock Exchange

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
February 13, 2025
Receiving the ball from Defender Jackson Bowen '26, Defender Madeleine Ziegler '27 moves to shoot the ball into the goal. The Warriors utilized powerful offense and defense alike to score six goals while keeping Tiger points to a zero.

JV Women’s Soccer Hunts Stony Point Tigers 6-0

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
February 7, 2025
Focused on the ball, Defender Kensington Kaynes '28 chases Hippo offense to regain possession. The Warriors brought renewed aggressiveness to the game in order to keep Hutto's score at a zero.

JV Women’s Soccer Continues Victory Streak Against Hutto 3-0

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
January 28, 2025
Pushing against Raider offense, Defender Erin Lott '28 protects the ball, allowing Forward Misha Baxamoosa '28 to regain possession for the Warriors. Both Warrior offense and defense worked seamlessly together to score four goals and keep the Raider score to a zero.

JV Women’s Soccer Dominates for Win Against Cedar Ridge 4-0

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
January 19, 2025
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
Engaging in the conference's meet and greet with district officer candidates, Arnav Maskey '26 eagerly explains his aims for the upcoming year if elected. At the end of the conference, Maskey was voted the new vice president for the district.

DECA Leads Way at District Conference 

January 15, 2025
Here are the Horizon editors' favorite albums of the year.

The Horizon’s Favorite Albums of 2024

Prima Changwatchai, Shivani Kondubhatla, Aarya Kale, Alessandra Ashford, and Mayla Montgomery
December 23, 2024
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
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
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
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
Focused on perfecting the preparation of their crafting materials, StuCo Junior Class Vice President Reva Chandane and Secretary Ryan Gu work on constructing their Minecraft-themed float. The volunteers worked hard to ensure that their float effectively portrayed the desired theme, and was fun and interactive in anticipation of the upcoming parade.

Classes Collectively Construct Homecoming Floats

October 16, 2024
Launching into the air, Outside Hitter Iris Huddleston '28 leaps to deliver the ball on the opposite end of the court. Although the Tigers eventually dominated over the Warriors, Huddleston contributed to the Warrior attempt towards a solid offense.

JV Orange Volleyball Succumbs to Stony Point 0-2

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
September 25, 2024
Anticipating fellow teammate Defensive Specialist Claire Toupin '27's upward launch of the ball, Outside Hitter Leticia Viana '26 prepares to retaliate against the opposing team. The team utilized fluid teamwork and consistent aggression to eventually win the game.

JV Orange Volleyball Triumphs 2-0 Over McNeil

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
September 15, 2024
Following through after delivering a powerful punch to the ball, Outside Hitter Iris Huddleston '28 leaps into the air. Huddleston played a pivotal role in ensuring both Warrior defense and offense remained strong throughout the game.

JV Orange Volleyball Secures First Win of Season Against Hutto

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
September 6, 2024
Phone caddies, such as the one shown, have been heavily used by teachers across campus to implement the new phone policy. Placing heavy restrictions on student's phone usage, the policy aims to foster greater human connection in class.

New Year New Policies: School-Issued Phone Policy Sparks Controversy

September 6, 2024
Outlining a series of events involving weapons found in a student's vehicle, Principal Erin Campbell's Community Letter sparked discussion on student safety procedures and protocol.

Principal Erin Campbell's Community Letter Sparks Student Safety Concerns

September 4, 2024
Anticipating their first game of the season, Setter Henley Hammonds '28 and Pin Hitter Aurora Simmons '28 warm up during the pre-game prep time. Both players contributed to the offensive efforts Westwood put forth during the game.

JV Orange Volleyball Suffers Crushing Defeat to Vandegrift 0-2

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
August 30, 2024
On April 26, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed SB 1325, allowing teachers to be armed at school. While this bill is intended to prevent school shooting tragedies, due to its poor foresight and lack of proper research, it will inevitably fail.

Tennessee Allowing Armed Teachers Will Inevitably Fail

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
May 24, 2024
With the new season of Bridgerton out, read on to see how you can live your live your life of royalty in Austin!

‘Bridgerton’-Themed Summer Austin Itinerary

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
May 23, 2024
Posing with the chapter's banner, DECA members beam together at their shared success. In order to prepare for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC), many students worked tirelessly to perfect their projects, hone presentation skills, and study hard for event-based exams.

DECA Members Experience Difference at International Conference

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
May 15, 2024
Anticipating the upcoming event, sophomore class StuCo officers pose with bright smiles after setting up for prom. Working for many months in preparation for the event, StuCo officers prioritized making prom an engaging and enjoyable night.

24-25 StuCo Officers Share Goals for Next Year

May 3, 2024
Focusing in on the ball, midfielder Henley Patak '27 moves to gain back possession of the ball from Viper offense. The Vipers and their aggressive offense proved to be a challenge for the Warriors, preventing them from scoring more than one goal.

JV Girls Soccer Concludes Season With 1-1 Draw Against Vandegrift

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
March 14, 2024
Warrior Pride strikes their final pose as they conclude their jazz routine.

Warrior Pride Shares Stage with RRISD Schools at Merge

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
March 11, 2024
McNeil has already begun to display their new IB accreditation by modifying their website and description to include the words “IB World School”. This accreditation is taking the next step in providing a better academic environment for McNeil students, but has left some Westwood IB transfers feeling conflicted.

McNeil’s New IB Program Conflicts Westwood Transfers

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
March 9, 2024
Eyes on fixed on the ball, defender Ella Smith '27 tries to maneuver around Raider defense to gain back possession. Smith played a crucial role in helping the Warriors keep the ball in the Raiders' half.

JV Women’s Soccer Triumphs 4-0 Against Cedar Ridge

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
February 23, 2024
Leading the group in musical practices, choir presidents Kayla Contello '24, Annika Iyer '24, and Elise Trenk '24 stand together singing. With strong ties to music, the presidents weaved their passion for choir with their creative leadership to foster a supportive and talented choral community. "My goal is always about making this the best memory it can be for everyone involved," Trenk said. "I want my personal legacy to have [created] a community built around making choir fun and a safe space for all of us."

Closing the Curtain: Choir Presidents Leave Lasting Legacy

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
February 23, 2024
Beaming at their audience, Warrior Pride hits a power stance during their jazz routine. Pride members worked hard on their stage presence and facials in preparation for the performance. "Walking on the dance floor, I am just excited and happy to be here," Alicia Kanazawa de Figueiredo '25 said. "Once the music starts playing I put everything out there and just have lots of fun dancing."

Warrior Pride Dazzles Audiences at Central Austin Challenge Dance Contest

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
February 21, 2024
Fighting to reach the ball, Center Forward Sam McLelland '27 pushes past Mustang defense. McLelland played a pivotal role in gaining back possession throughout the game.

JV Women’s Soccer Demolishes Manor Mustangs 6-0

Aarya Kale, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
February 8, 2024
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