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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
Shivani Kondubhatla

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief

Class of 2025 

Feeding my ardent love for journalism, I am beyond excited to serve as the Horizon Editor-in-Chief to not only give a voice to the students of Westwood but also to those in our buzzing community. Outside of the newsroom, I am most likely spending time with friends, watching sit-coms (probably Modern Family), or sustaining my unhealthy coffee addiction. Welcome to the Horizon!  

All content by Shivani Kondubhatla
Aiden Wen '26 serves as the DECA president of one of the largest chapters in the state. Throughout his term, he's had to navigate many changes regarding chapter operations due to budget cuts.

Beyond the Blazer

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
November 7, 2024

Courtside Conversations: Shrishti Mahajan ’25

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
October 14, 2024
The 52 National Merit Semifinalists stand with Principal Erin Campbell and Lead Counselor Holly Browning for a photo.

52 Seniors Named National Merit Semifinalists

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
September 11, 2024
Westwood Students' Top Girl Scout Cookie Picks (VIDEO)

Westwood Students’ Top Girl Scout Cookie Picks (VIDEO)

Sabareesh Dinakaran and Shivani Kondubhatla
March 3, 2024
Smiling, Nathan Paddock '25 holds up a high-scoring homework assignment. The issue of grade inflation has persisted since the nationwide lockdown in 2020, increasing competition and leading to grades that may not reflect students' academic abilities.

Grade Inflation Heightens Since Lockdown

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
February 14, 2024
Smiling, Lena Boas '25 and Valentina Galeana Ruiz '24 fold a fitted sheet while Isabella D'Alessandro '25 folds a towel. At Casa Marianella, volunteers were tasked with organizing a linen closet. "Being able to work with others in my specified group helped me more productive," Galeana Ruiz said.

IB Ideals Manifest in Community on Day of Service

January 30, 2024
On Satuday, Jan. 6, 30 band students auditioned at the All-Region auditions. Students practiced hard to advance to All-State. "I practiced a lot, around a couple hours a week," Neel Kotichintala '25 said.

Band Students Advance to TMEA All-State

Jacob Chow, Heritage Staff
January 14, 2024
The Horizon dissected the best albums that came out of 2023. Whether it be about heartbreak or growing up, all these albums had one thing in common: they were tunes that kept listeners going throughout the year.

The Horizon’s Top Albums of 2023

Prima Changwatchai, Shreya Selvaraju, Hannah McDonough, Alessandra Ashford, and Sawyer Grimaldi
January 7, 2024
Wonka, released on Dec. 15, features actor Timothée Chalamet and follows Willy Wonka in his early days as a chocolatier.

‘Wonka’ Lives Up to Films in ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ Franchise

Maddy Yendle, Instagram Manager
January 2, 2024
On Saturday, Dec. 9, band students competed at TMEA Region auditions. With 65 making a region band and 30 advancing to Area auditions, this the largest amount of students who advanced to Area in the school's history.

Band Students Set Record at TMEA Region Auditions

Jacob Chow, Heritage Staff
December 17, 2023
Priscilla, directed by Sofia Coppola, was released on Oct. 27. It follows the story of Priscilla Presley and reveals the reality of her relationship with the beloved Elvis Presley.

‘Priscilla’ Sheds Light on Toxic Relationships and the Feminine Experience

Mallory Milner, Reporter
November 30, 2023
In a circle, students dance to Bollywood music while following a routine. Other South Asian organizations performed and led attendees in the dance as well.

Students Embrace South Asian Culture at Garba Night

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
November 15, 2023
Released on Oct. 27, 1989 (Taylor's Version), specifically the vault tracks, explores everything about relationships -- from falling in love to saying goodbye.

1989 Revamped: Taylor Swift Explores Relationships With New Vault Tracks

Katie Ring, Reporter
November 13, 2023
Walking in the parade, the softball team toss candy to spectators. Garnering a first-place win, the team impressed audiences with their Toy Story themed float.

Students Bring Cheer to Community at Annual Homecoming Parade

Valerie Zhang and Shivani Kondubhatla
October 12, 2023
Claire Rosinkranz is a rising artist, known for her hit singles like 'Backyard Boy.' She is on the way to release her first album and has been dropping songs from the album as a sneak peek.

Sneak Peek Into Claire Rosinkranz’s First Album, ‘Just Because’

Jia Chun, Reporter
September 24, 2023
This August, Irish singer-songwriter Hozier released his third studio album, Unreal Unearth. Unreal Unearth is filled with beautiful, poetic lyrics and themes of love and loss.

Unearthed: Hozier Uncovers Another World To Listeners With New Album

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
August 31, 2023
With college applications getting more competitive in recent years, there has been an increase in students starting nonprofits and joining numerous clubs.

Have Students Cracked the Inauthentic Formula To College Applications?  

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
May 22, 2023
The emphasis on AP and IB testing has taken a toll on high school students and has diminished desires to learn for the sake of learning.

AP and IB Curricula: Are They Worth It? A Look Into Student Perspectives and Alternatives

Chloe Oakley and Shivani Kondubhatla
May 22, 2023
The Structure of AP & IB Curricula Needs to Change 

The Structure of AP & IB Curricula Needs to Change 

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
May 19, 2023
Warrior Pride gathers in a circle to encapsulate the enchanting ambience of "Spell on You".

One Last Time: Warrior Pride Concludes Year at Merge

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
May 10, 2023
Beaming, Shrishti Mahajan '25, Bailey Zhang '25, and Shivani Kondubhatla '25 hold their 3rd place trophy in the air at the DECA International Conference awards ceremony. The team of sophomores won in the Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research event.

Westwood DECA Gets Edge at International Conference 

Shivani Kondubhatla, Rifah Mirza, and Prakrit Sinha
May 5, 2023
Members attentively listen to Nitya Khurana '24 present her candidacy speech and slide. Khurana was elected SHF President for next year.

SHF Holds Officer Elections at April Meeting

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
April 8, 2023
Co-Presidents Rutu Rupurel '25 and Mishree Narasaiah '25 present their slideshow about anxiety, the focus of the April meeting.

Active Minds Fosters Safe Space for Members at April Meeting

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
April 6, 2023

Senior Joanna Lin Strings Her Way to Success With Noctua Jewelry 

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
April 5, 2023
Posing, FBLA members gather together for a group photo after attending the Closing Ceremony.

Business at the Beach: FBLA Members Compete at State Conference in Galveston

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
March 29, 2023
Owner Sam Bayizitlioglu cleans the coffee equipment during the busy hours of the bakery.

Locally-Owned Bakery Cures Customers With Caffeine and Hospitality 

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
March 21, 2023
Kavi Sharma is American Girl's 2023 Girl of the Year. She has numerous interests like Indian dance, Hip-Hop, and songwriting.

Ramping up Representation: American Girl Makes History with First South Asian ‘Girl of the Year’

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
January 26, 2023
After a long tournament, the boys who competed gather for a picture with their awards on display.

Boys’ Golf Hosts Invitational and Claims Win

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
December 7, 2022
Tyson Woods '25 flies into the air with the ball inches away from the hoop. He came back down after scoring for Westwood.

JV Boys Basketball Dominates Anderson Trojans 57-44

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
December 3, 2022
What Show Should You Binge over Thanksgiving Break?

What Show Should You Binge over Thanksgiving Break?

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
November 21, 2022
Students shine their phone flashlights in the bleachers. With the accompaniment of glow sticks and flashlights, students committed to the theme of the blacklight pep rally ahead of the final football game of the year.

Lights, Camera, Glow Sticks: Student Spirit Shines at Blacklight Pep Rally

Prakrit Sinha and Shivani Kondubhatla
November 8, 2022
Ms. Amber Feller, the current Board President, is running again to represent Place 3. Her top priorities are helping teachers and economically disadvantaged students. Courtesy of Amber Feller

Incumbent Board President Amber Feller Aims to Attain Equality and Success in the District

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
November 5, 2022
Gilmore Girls is a popular show from the early 2000s that is centered around outgoing & spunky Lorelai Gilmore and her bookish & introverted daughter, Rory Gilmore, in a small town called Stars Hollow.

The Downfall of Rory Gilmore

Shivani Kondubhatla and Valeria Tijerina
November 4, 2022
Ryan Lee '25, Austin Skierski '25, Jonathan Kim '24, Luke Hagan '23, and Jake Bialek '23 prepare to compete.

Boys’ Golf Participates in First Vandegrift Invitational

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
October 23, 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
Teachers and students rate their experiences with both Flextime Manager and Edficiency on a scale of one to five.

Edficiency: Teachers and Students Reflect on New Flex System

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
September 27, 2022
Representing Westwood, FBLA members gather together for a pep-talk and picture before they compete at the 2022 State Leadership Conference. The conference took place in Galveston, Texas from March 23-25.

FBLA to Hold First Meeting

Shivani Kondubhatla, Horizon Editor-in-Chief
September 6, 2022
An Interview with New Associate Principal, Ms. Jessica Rinehart

An Interview with New Associate Principal, Ms. Jessica Rinehart

Shivani Kondubhatla and Oliver Barnfield
August 31, 2022
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