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
Hannah Ashtari

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor

Class of 2023

I like the oxford comma

All content by Hannah Ashtari
The aspect of Jane Austens work that has moved readers for generations is the spirit of her characters and how profoundly they experience emotions. While other Austen adaptations have captured this essence, Persuasion (2022) fails to encompass the complexity of the original story. Graphic by Hadley Norris.

A Dubiously Received ‘Persuasion’

August 18, 2022
How The American Governments Decades-Long Indifference Towards Refugees Has Created a Hostile Environment

How The American Government’s Decades-Long Indifference Towards Refugees Has Created a Hostile Environment

July 20, 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
Principal Dr. Mario Acosta announced his resignation in an email on Tuesday, May 17.

Dr. Mario Acosta Announces Resignation

May 17, 2022
Vibha Velur 23 poses at a volunteer event she organized for the ROHI. Velur was recently awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for her dedication to community service. [My goal was to] instill interest and love for the sport of volleyball in younger kids everywhere, Velur said.

Three Westwood Students Receive Congressional Award Gold Medal Recognition

April 28, 2022
Ella Wood 23 jumps over the high jump bar at the Round Rock Invitational Meet.

14 Track Athletes Advance to the Area Meet

April 19, 2022
In a dip, Diego Rodriguez 22 is escorted by Bria Rowe 22. This was during the modeling portion of the competition, where the contestants were able to show off their custom Mens Wearhouse suits.

Well-Dressed Warriors Amaze Audience During Annual Pageant

January 27, 2022

Westwood Lifts Lockdown After External Threat is Cleared

January 19, 2022

Going, Going, and Gone: Westwood Theater Stuns With Four Performances of Classic Musical ‘Anything Goes’

January 18, 2022
Dr. Hafedh Azaiez was hired in June 2021 with a 5-2 vote. In January, the RRISD school board heeded a recommendation from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to place Azaiez on paid administrative leave. Photo courtesy of Donna School District.

RRISD Needs to Prioritize Health Safety Over Personal Drama

January 14, 2022
Leaning to the side, Desi Davalos 22 tries to get past the defense to the net. This ended with Westwood winning a point and then the ball went to the other team.

Varsity Girls Basketball Overcomes Hutto 46-34

December 21, 2021
As winter break quickly approaches, many students plan to travel and others plan to stay home as the Omicron variant gains steam in the US.

Students Discuss Plans for Winter Break Amid Onset of New COVID Variant

December 13, 2021
Safe in Austin recently received a grant to build a farmhouse from an anonymous donor. We appreciate the help of our Sponsors, Donors, and Volunteers, the organization said on their website.

Paw Plan Club Volunteers at Animal Rescue Ranch

November 9, 2021
From left to right: Jaiden Webber 23, Haiyang Pang 22, Jake Davis 22, and Lane Wood 24 run out onto the field after halftime. The final score of the game was 35-28.

Varsity Football Closes Out Season with 35-28 Lose Against McNeil

November 8, 2021
Gangadharan crosses the finish line during a race. “The competitive aspect [of racing] is awesome, but it’s more like I love being surprised by new terrains in the races,” Gangadharan said.

Priya Gangadharan Shares Her Journey of Running to the Cross Country State Championship

November 5, 2021

2021 HOCO Highlights

October 19, 2021
The Ariels listen intently to Prospera as she lays out her plan. The Ariels used to be one role, but it got split into five for this rendition of the play.

Warrior Theatre Blows Audiences Away With Production of ‘The Tempest’

October 18, 2021
Texas Senate Bill 8 was passed on Wednesday, Sept. 1. This past week, the Horizon surveyed Westwood students about their opinions regarding the bill.

“Frick yeah, man”: Westwood students respond to Senate Bill 8

September 15, 2021
The Alamo Drafthouse Ritz was opened in 2007 and was intended to be the spiritual successor of the chains original location. It was announced to be closing by the company on Wednesday, March 3. Photo courtesy of @alamoritz

End of an Era: Austin Icon Alamo Drafthouse Closing Three Locations

March 8, 2021
Following the results of the 2020 election, Pro-Trump rioters incited violence and broke into the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., over false claims that the election process was fraudulent.

Insurrectionists Backing President Trump Storm US Capitol Building

January 8, 2021
Wonder Woman 1984 was released on December 25th, after being delayed for almost a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of @wonderwomanfilm.

‘Wonder Woman 1984’ Fails to Capture the Effect of its Predecessor

December 31, 2020
Tales of the Fabulist, a game created by Catherine Hughes 22 and her family, combines many elements for a fast-paced and humorous card game. Photo courtesy of Catherine Hughes.

Catherine Hughes ’22 Creates Game ‘Tales of the Fabulist’

December 3, 2020
The Strand Book Store is an iconic New York City establishment, but has found itself struggling to survive during the pandemic. When the stores owner, Nancy Bass Wyden, issued a call for help, readers showed up in droves, spurring the viral movement #SaveTheStrand. Photo courtesy of @strandbookstore.

Enduring the Test of Time: Strand Book Store Stages Comeback

November 20, 2020
What Type of Bread Are You?

What Type of Bread Are You?

November 17, 2020
The upcoming release of Songbird is proof of Hollywoods lack of sensitivity when it comes to issues affecting real people. The plot is tacky and borderline offensive, creating a film no one should watch. Photo courtesy of STXfilms

Michael Bay’s Upcoming Film ‘Songbird’ is an Insensitive Travesty

November 13, 2020
American musician Ariana Grande released her sixth studio album, Positions, on Friday, Oct. 30, after announcing it only a few weeks before. Photo courtesy of @arianagrande.

‘Positions’ Catapults Ariana Grande into New Era

November 7, 2020
National Arts Youth Alliance is a nonprofit led by Westwood students that aims to bring art supplies and more to children that may not have access to them. Photo courtesy of the National Arts Youth Alliance, graphic courtesy of Hannah Ashtari

Student-Led National Arts Youth Alliance Promotes the Benefits of Art

November 5, 2020
Westwood students began a new virtual bell schedule on Monday, Oct. 19. The adjustment was difficult for some but beneficial for others.

Students Adjust to New Bell Schedule

November 2, 2020
The last 2020 presidential debate took place on Thursday, Oct.22, after a second scheduled debate was canceled, due to President Trumps refusal to participate in a virtual debate after his COVID-19 diagnosis.

Trump, Biden Spar During Final Presidential Debate

October 28, 2020
Danielle Weston is running for Board of Trustees Place 7. Preparing our students for the future is a sacred obligation of all school board trustees, Ms. Weston said.

Danielle Weston Centers Campaign on Serving Students

October 25, 2020
Vice President Mike Pence and California Senator Kamala Harris faced off in the first and only Vice Presidential debate on Oct. 7.

Mike Pence, Kamala Harris Clash During Only VP Debate

October 12, 2020
Americans across the country tuned in to watch the presidential debate, not expecting the drama chaos that would unfold. Both candidates refused to cooperate and follow debate rules, especially President Donald Trump, and the moderator was unable to stop the two from turning the event from a time-honored tradition to one without any substance. Courtesy of time.com

The Presidential Debate Shows a Need for Reform

October 9, 2020
Sneha Nangunoori in 23 cleans waste in her community.

Student Council Organizes World Cleanup Day

October 6, 2020
Westwood Reports New COVID-19 Cases

Westwood Reports New COVID-19 Cases

October 5, 2020
The Scientific American Endorses Joe Biden, Calls Trump Policies Dangerous

The ‘Scientific American’ Endorses Joe Biden, Calls Trump Policies Dangerous

September 22, 2020
The first COVID-19 positive case at Westwood was announced one day after in-person learning began.

Westwood Administration Announces First COVID-19 Positive Case

September 21, 2020
Three vaccines have entered phase three testing in the United States

Trump Administration Tells States to Prepare for November Vaccine Release, Biden Campaign Raises Concerns Over Political Motivations

September 9, 2020
The inaugural Art Heals Festival held by Nonprofit WhatsintheMirror? began on August 27th. Photo Courtesy of WhatsinTheMirror?.

‘Art Heals Festival’ Advocates for Healing Justice

September 4, 2020
Texas Representative Vikki Goodwin Holds Town Hall on Housing

Texas Representative Vikki Goodwin Holds Town Hall on Housing

August 31, 2020
Chairman of the Democratic Party Tom Perez speaks to a mostly empty room prior to the conventions virtual roll call. During his speech, Mr. Perez praised the American dream, which was a theme of the convention.

Democratic National Convention Recap

August 24, 2020
During the first town hall, district officials covered a broad range of topics. These included how areas would be sanitized, in what ways schools and facilities would be updated, and many other safety subjects.

Public Health Guidelines and Safety Measures Town Hall Recap

July 26, 2020
A senior walks toward the principal to get his high school diploma. The ceremony lasted the whole day instead of just a few hours so there were no dense crowds.

Class of 2020 Celebrates Graduation with Modified Ceremony

May 31, 2020
Overhead image of a hurricane, taken from a satellite.

Tropical Storm Bertha and the Harsh Hurricane Season Ahead

May 29, 2020
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Splash and Dash Raises Money for Project Graduation

September 29, 2019
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