The student news site of Westwood High School.

Westwood Horizon
Beyond the Horizon: Performative Activisms Stage Presence Grows Stronger and More Dangerous
Beyond the Horizon: Performative Activism’s Stage Presence Grows Stronger and More Dangerous
Beyond the Horizon: Does Cancel Culture Promote a Toxic Society?
Beyond the Horizon: Does Cancel Culture Promote a Toxic Society?
The Westwood Horizon crew reveals the secrets of Westwoods latest math wing.
Reviewing Westwood’s New Wing
Beyond the Horizon: A Look Into Ukraines Crisis
Beyond the Horizon: A Look Into Ukraine’s Crisis
What Are Westwood Warriors Thankful For?
What Are Westwood Warriors’ Thankful For?
The student news site of Westwood High School.

Westwood Horizon
The student news site of Westwood High School.

Westwood Horizon
Amoli Agarwal

Amoli Agarwal, Horizon Editor-in-Chief

Class of 2023

I strongly believe in finding the stories that need to be told and helping others understand their importance. I'm looking forward to sharing my passion and leading this wonderful team of reporters and editors with Catharine. When I'm not camped out in the newsroom, I'm probably intensely contemplating the daily Semantle or jamming out to movie soundtracks while drinking way too much boba. Aside from my never-ending (and sometimes fruitless) word-game endeavors, I enjoy scrolling through the New Yorker, spending hours playing piano, and learning ice-skating (very painfully) from my friends.

All content by Amoli Agarwal
Ms. Tamra Franklin and Ms. Molly Walsh attend the graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 24. Both were popular English teachers, but at the end of the 2022 school year, Ms. Franklin accepted a position in another school district, and Ms. Walsh moved to New York City.

35 Teachers To Resign or Retire

May 28, 2022
Speaking to the crowd, Principal Dr. Mario Acosta addresses the 2021 graduates on their graduation day in May 2021. The principal will speak at one more graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 24 before he leaves Westwood.

On Learning and Rebuilding

May 22, 2022

[Video] Beyond the Horizon: Performative Activism’s Stage Presence Grows Stronger and More Dangerous

May 7, 2022
The Varsity Tennis Team placed in all five tournament events of one of the most difficult UIL districts in the state. Photo courtesy of Westwood Tennis.

Varsity Tennis Sweeps District Tournament with Nine Athletes Advancing to Regionals

April 17, 2022
Social media has had a multifaceted impact on Westwood students today. From increasing the importance of body image to facilitating community interactions, social media has redefined normalcy in every way.

Reckoning With Authenticity: Social Media as a Platform for Student Multidimensionality

April 2, 2022
The Horizon recently received national recognition from the Columbia Scholastic Press association, earning one of the highest awards of digital high school newspapers.

Westwood Horizon Receives CSPA Gold Crown, Placing Into Top High School Digital Newspapers in Nation

March 31, 2022
Flex is under pressure to be canceled after misconduct during the period. Students, staff, and administration have gone back and forth on the issue.

[Photo] As Flex Reform Begins and School Policies Tighten, Students and Staff Offer Alternative Solutions to Cancellation

March 29, 2022

[Video] Beyond the Horizon: Does Cancel Culture Promote a Toxic Society?

March 25, 2022
stacked - right focus

Beyond the Horizon: A Look Into Ukraine’s Crisis

March 2, 2022
All schools and offices will be closed on Thursday, Feb. 24 due to weather conditions. Photo courtesy of Unsplash.

School Canceled Thursday Due to Inclement Weather Conditions

February 24, 2022
School will be delayed by two hours on Thursday, Feb. 24 as a safety precaution due to inclement weather conditions. Photo courtesy of Izzy Park

RRISD Issues Late Start Amid Winter Weather

February 23, 2022
A winter storm is rapidly approaching, and school has been canceled for two days in preparation for the possible conditions.

School Canceled Thursday and Friday as Winter Storm Approaches

February 2, 2022
Rank Week took place from Monday, Jan. 24 to Friday, Jan. 28. With the onset of rankings and competition after a year of virtual learning, students are discussing how the school ranks certain students.

[Photo] Ranking System Discussed After End of Semester Rank Week

February 1, 2022
Presenting animatedly, a group of students pitch their idea Stematics to the judges of the semester showcase. The Westwood Tech Starters Club held this showcase as a halfway point for the members of their club to get feedback and improve their product ideas.

Westwood Tech Starters Club Holds Semester Showcase for Members

December 11, 2021

[Video] Friday Flex: Local Musician Sophia Johnson Shares Her Journey Through the Music Industry, Inspiring Students

December 2, 2021
For Fans, Highly Anticipated Sci-Fi Classic Dune Stands On Slippery Sand

For Fans, Highly Anticipated Sci-Fi Classic ‘Dune’ Stands On Slippery Sand

November 22, 2021
After being set to premiere in late 2020, Dune held off until Friday, Oct. 22 for its debut. The film was a sci-fi action narrative highlighting the tale of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet). Graphic by Amoli Agarwal. Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers.

Epic Sci-Fi Film ‘Dune’ Sands Down to a Lackluster Experience

November 17, 2021
Jumping on numbers within a square, IB students participate in a team building activity in the IB Retreat within their houses. The House Risk Takers engaged in other house bonding activities like getting through a maze blindfolded and trying to separate a pair of handcuffs.

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IB students from the House Caring sit in a circle blindfolding themselves. The students then proceeded to build a house out of ropes with no vision, encouraging trust and communication between house members.

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Chaos ensues in the makeshift stock exchange market as IB students rush to trade various commodities in a team-building exercise. The retreat included several bonding activities throughout the day.

[Photo] I-Be Bonding: IB Community Hosts First Retreat Promoting Importance of Team Building

November 9, 2021
Standing in a circle, IB students listen intently to an instructor from Newks. After the instructions, the students split up to join their houses in other team building exercises.

[Photo]

2021 HOCO Highlights

October 19, 2021
Seniors 17 years and 10 months or older line up to register to vote for the first time. Their vote will be essential to the upcoming vote on proposed changes in county, city, and state governments. Everyone should vote so that everyones opinion matters, Bryan Groves 22 said.

Senior Class Voting Registration Flex Session Emphasizes Importance of Voicing Opinions

October 1, 2021
Thirty-seven National Merit Semifinalists were honored at a breakfast ceremony on September 15.

National Merit Semifinalists Announced

September 15, 2021
Texas recent abortion law has sparked oppostion nationwide. However, it seems unlikely the law will be repealed as party divisions deepen through a myriad of issues.

Texas’ Severe Abortion Law is Just the Beginning of Deepening Political Divide

September 3, 2021
The Class of 2021 celebrated their graduation on Saturday, May 29 at the Kelly Reeves Athletic Center. Due to the petition drafted by Student Council Executive President Hart Black 21 and Alayna Pelayo 21, a traditional graduation ceremony was able to take place along with a separate non-traditional Commencement Walk later that day.

GALLERY: Class of 2021 Celebrates Traditional Graduation

June 26, 2021
India is battling to control its recent COVID-19 outbreak that is devastating the nation. Westwoods population of Indian students have reacted to Indias current state of crisis.

Westwood Students React to COVID-19 Surge in India

May 3, 2021
A map of how the electoral college voted in the 2016 election. Though the system seems unfair, it gives a chance for citizens in less populated areas to have their voices heard. Photo Courtesy of Business Insider.

The Electoral College Should Not be Abolished

March 25, 2021
The Weeknd highlighted the Super Bowl LV halftime show on Sunday, Feb. 7 with his unique stage presence. However, the performance, while being a major step in The Weeknds career, was not his best. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

The Weeknd Fails to Deliver at Socially Distanced Super Bowl LV Halftime Show

February 17, 2021
The U.S. has surpassed 400,000 deaths from COVID-19 in the past few weeks, and is slowly edging towards 500,000, despite the current vaccine rollout. Photo courtesy of Jason Hanna.

COVID-19 Death Toll Soars Past 400,000, Nears Half-Million Victims

February 1, 2021
Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock have taken the two remaining seats in the Senate after being selected in the recent runoff elections in Georgia. The Democratic Party now has control over the entire legislative branch of the government.

Democrats Win Big in Georgia Runoffs

January 13, 2021
Hoisting the newest championship trophy addition upwards, head coach Travis Dalrymple and the varsity team look upwards, celebrating their second state title win. Taking on Plano West High School, the Warriors would surge through the morning in a thrilling matchup, clinching a 10-3 victory. Watching the joy on the kids faces [when] they worked their tails off and to watch it all come together was amazing. I love this school and this program and I want the same for my players and students, Coach Dalrymple said. Photo courtesy of Antonia Antov.

Varsity Tennis Reclaims State Title 10-3 over Plano West to Conclude Momentous Fall Season

November 19, 2020
Following through on a serve to his opponents, Daniel Antov 21 and his partner Nic Pesoli 21 look onwards, anticipating the balls trajectory. Antov and Pesoli prevailed with a 6-3, 6-0 win.

Varsity Tennis Topples Lake Travis 10-1 to Advance in State Playoff Run

November 9, 2020
Dr. Mary Bone is running for the RRISD Trustee Place 2 position this year. With her background in systems engineering, she hopes to implement data driven policies and bring accountability front and center to the Board.

Mary Bone Brings Accountability Front and Center During Final Day Before Election

November 2, 2020
Varsity poses with their medals six-feet apart and wearing masks, holding the number one in the air. This is the team’s 11th district title in a row, and it’s their first step towards the goal of winning the state championship. “I was happy with our performance today. We had a few hiccups here and there, but we definitely set the tone for the match. We just have to keep capitalizing on the net and making the most of our chances,” Coach Travis Dalrymple said.

Varsity Tennis Secures 11th District Title in a Row with 11-1 Victory over Vandegrift

October 26, 2020
Simryn Jacob ‘24 lays her racket back for an inside-out forehand return to the other side of the court. She would win this match 6-2, 6-0.

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Marko Mesarovic ‘23 sets his feet in preparation for a wide slice return, pulling his opponent off the court and winning the point. He would win his singles match 6-1, 6-0.

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Aadhi Raja ‘23 forehands the ball, making a powerful cross-court return towards his opponent, forcing an error. He won his doubles and singles swiftly with a score of 6-1, 6-0. “I feel like I’ve gotten just more consistent in general and I’ve worked on my fitness so I can keep my balls in play,” Raja said.

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Sachchit Sivaram ‘21 explodes off the ground to serve an ace towards his opponent. He would easily win his singles match 6-1, 6-0. “I’ve just gotten a lot more mentally strong. I think I’ve had the skills and the physical part of it, but I just needed to trust myself and the mental aspect and I think I’ve gotten there,” Sivaram said.

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Dana Kardonik ‘24 tracks the ball moving towards her, stepping up with her racket laid back to brush a heavy topspin shot on her strings. She would take the first set with a score of 6-1, but didn’t complete the match as the Warriors had already won.

[Photo]

Jessica Lu ‘21 runs across the net to catch a volley on her strings, placing it perfectly out of reach. Lu and her teammate Dana Kardonik ‘24 would prevail in this match 6-3, 6-0. “We had kind of a slow start and we missed a couple of unforced shots here and there, but after the first set, we kind of got the confidence boost of having that set under us, so we played a lot more free and a lot more aggressive at the net, which definitely helped,” Lu said.

[Photo]

Nicolas Pesoli ‘21 follows through on his face-paced serve, pronating his racket head to achieve maximum spin. He would win the doubles match with his partner Daniel Antov ‘21 6-0, 6-1.

[Photo]

Kinaa Graham ‘23 jumps forward on her serve, reaching out and following through. Graham and her doubles partner Simryn Jacob ‘24 would go on to win their match 6-1, 6-1.

[Photo]

Zeyad Elchouemi ‘22 crouches in eye-formation, focused on his opponents as his partner Sachchit Sivaram ‘21 serves from the baseline. The classic doubles team would go on to win 6-1, 6-1. “I think its good that we’re playing team tennis again [because] not every sport is lucky enough to be playing and I think the team has what it takes to get that state title hopefully,” Elchouemi said.

[Photo]

Jun Xiao is running for RRISD Trustee Place 1 this election year. With his background in technology and science, Dr. Xiao hopes to bring a renewed perspective to the RRISD Board

Dr. Jun Xiao Hopes a STEM Background Will Fuel Election Day Win

October 1, 2020
In his stance, center Eric Taylor 21 waits to snap the ball. Players will have to wear masks under helmets during play. Photo courtesy of Ben Ramsey 22.

Fall Sports Start Practice as Seasons Approach

September 12, 2020
Students and Staff Adjust to Virtual Learning

Students and Staff Adjust to Virtual Learning

September 2, 2020
As students are set to return to school in a couple of weeks, teachers have many concerns that have yet to be addressed. Meanwhile, district officials are scrambling to put together a plan that keeps safety a priority while following TEA guidelines.

Teachers Speak Out on Risks of In-Person Learning During Pandemic Peak

August 7, 2020
Round Rock officials hosted a town hall that covered a litany of issues related to education in the coronavirus age. The panelists also fielded questions from parents and students on how the synchronous system would work.

Virtual Learning and Support Services Town Hall Recap

July 27, 2020
Donald Trump made immigration a central part of the 2016 campaign. Now, with deepening economic woes, many fear that Trump is taking advantage of unemployment numbers to shut down immigration.

Trump Suspends Foreign Work Visas in Effort to Curb Unemployment

June 26, 2020
This statue is a monument to the Confederacy and is situated on the grounds of the Texas Capitol.

A Review of Confederate Imagery in Central Texas

June 19, 2020
A view of Austins City Hall from the shore of Lady Bird Lake.

City of Austin Begins Redistricting Process

June 12, 2020
Protestors gather to protest the death of George Floyd at the hands of Derek Chauvin, a cop. His death sparked a series of protests against the ongoing issue of police brutality and racism.

George Floyd’s Death Emphasizes the Need for Change in America’s Mindset

June 7, 2020
Matthew Gula 22 hits a single in the third inning against Elgin on March 3. Baseball was one of many spring sports to have their season shuttered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Student-Athletes Adapt to COVID-19 Situation in Different Ways

May 16, 2020
Running to return the ball on the backhand side, Kinjal Khatri 20 gracefully wins the point. Unfortunately, she fell short in her match and lost in two 6-0 sets.

JV Orange Tennis Match Against Georgetown Gets Rained Out

October 9, 2019
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