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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor

All content by Hannah Ashtari
Revisiting "Daisy Jones & The Six"

Revisiting “Daisy Jones & The Six”

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
April 19, 2023
Student Council, or 'StuCo' officers collaborate to discuss logistics for an upcoming project. StuCo hosts a multitude of events and service opportunities for the school.

StuCo Members Run for Office Ahead of 2024 School Year

April 12, 2023
With a powerful throw, pitcher West Morgan '26 launches the ball towards the batter.

[GALLERY]: JV Orange Baseball Triumphs Against Austin Waves 15-0

Hannah Ashtari and Phoebe Taber
March 3, 2023
Pitcher Dorothy Ziebell '24 launches the ball towards the batter with a powerful throw.

[GALLERY]: Softball Hosts Pre-Season Tournament

Hannah Ashtari and Aanika Hirode
March 2, 2023
Horizon's Best Albums of 2022

Horizon’s Best Albums of 2022

Aanika Hirode, Amy Simon, Hannah Ashtari, Indy McBrearty, Jayant Bettadpur, Oliver Barnfield, and Sabrina Kim
January 13, 2023
On Thursday, UT Athletics announced the firing of men’s basketball coach Chris Beard following his arrest on domestic violence charges in an altercation with his fiancée.

University of Texas Head Basketball Coach Fired After Assault Charge

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
January 9, 2023
Jackson Connor '24 dribbles the ball away from a defender. He was able to gain some space and pass the ball down the line.

JV Orange Boys’ Soccer Starts Season off With 0-0 Tie Against Rouse Raiders

Hannah Ashtari and Amy Simon
December 10, 2022
Alex Kim ‘23 monitors time in mock roleplay events as members prepare to present in front of a judge. Officers were assigned to supervise participants in DECA Day before their mock competition- an attempt to give members an idea of how a real competition will operate.

DECA Members Prepare for Competition at DECA Day

December 2, 2022
Terin Score '23, Allie Shepard '23, Claire Delane '23, Julia Hopkins '24, and Trinity Woods '23 wave from the front of the volleyball team's float. The float's theme was Britney Spears.

Warriors Showcase School Spirit and Style at Annual Homecoming Parade

Hannah Ashtari, Catharine Li, Prakrit Sinha, Michelle Faghih, and Shivani Kondubhatla
October 20, 2022
Spanish Honor Society Vice President Sanam Talreja '24 discusses with member Mallory Milner '24 before the meeting, which took place on Friday, September 30, begins.

[GALLERY]: Spanish Honor Society Holds Meeting in Collaboration with Amigos International

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
October 7, 2022
The aspect of Jane Austen's 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’

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
August 18, 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

Amoli Agarwal, Catharine Li, Hannah Ashtari, and Keana Saberi
May 22, 2022
Principal Dr. Mario Acosta announced his resignation in an email on Tuesday, May 17.

Dr. Mario Acosta Announces Resignation

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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 Men's Wearhouse suits.

Well-Dressed Warriors Amaze Audience During Annual Pageant

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
January 27, 2022

Westwood Lifts Lockdown After External Threat is Cleared

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
January 19, 2022

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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari, Amy Simon, and Arushi Sharma
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
November 5, 2021

2021 HOCO Highlights

Chloe Boyd, Amoli Agarwal, Eshaan Chopra, Oliver Barnfield, Alana True, and Hannah Ashtari
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’

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
September 15, 2021
The Alamo Drafthouse Ritz was opened in 2007 and was intended to be the "spiritual successor" of the chain's 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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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’

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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 store's 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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
November 20, 2020
What Type of Bread Are You?

What Type of Bread Are You?

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
November 17, 2020
The upcoming release of 'Songbird' is proof of Hollywood's 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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari and Eshaan Chopra
November 2, 2020
The last 2020 presidential debate took place on Thursday, Oct.22, after a second scheduled debate was canceled, due to President Trump's refusal to participate in a virtual debate after his COVID-19 diagnosis.

Trump, Biden Spar During Final Presidential Debate

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
October 9, 2020
Sneha Nangunoori in '23 cleans waste in her community.

Student Council Organizes World Cleanup Day

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
October 6, 2020
Westwood Reports New COVID-19 Cases

Westwood Reports New COVID-19 Cases

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
October 5, 2020
The 'Scientific American' Endorses Joe Biden, Calls Trump Policies Dangerous

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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari and Eshaan Chopra
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
September 4, 2020
Texas Representative Vikki Goodwin Holds Town Hall on Housing

Texas Representative Vikki Goodwin Holds Town Hall on Housing

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

Democratic National Convention Recap

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
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

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
May 31, 2020
Overhead image of a hurricane, taken from a satellite.

Tropical Storm Bertha and the Harsh Hurricane Season Ahead

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
May 29, 2020
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Splash and Dash Raises Money for Project Graduation

Hannah Ashtari, Managing Editor
September 29, 2019
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