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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
Valerie Zhang

Valerie Zhang, Reporter

Class of 2024

Because of writing, the spontaneity of ideas that pop into my head in the middle of the night has transformed me into a night owl. Throughout the late hours, I cultivate my obsession with period dramas, sports animes, and pictures of swim practice sunsets. Other hobbies include learning languages, lifeguarding, and sleeping!
All content by Valerie Zhang
With the new season of Bridgerton coming out, fans are impatiently waiting for May to arrive. Take this quiz to see which Bridgerton character you are in the meantime!

What ‘Bridgerton’ Character are You?

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
May 16, 2024
Smiling, seniors Miyuu Tani, Disha Nistala, and Ayushi Merchant pose for a picture. The three girls were able to celebrate graduation and their years of friendship through Senior Sunset.

Seniors Say Goodbye at Senior Sunset

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
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
Speaking confidently, Aamir Kutianawala '24 goes over the rationale behind his project. The diagnostic insole aims to prevent common injuries in runners.

Senior Engineering Students Present Final Product

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
April 29, 2024
Texas House Bill 598 was passed on May 24, 2023 and prevents convicted animal abusers from owning an animal for five years. The bill currently acts as a precedent, opening up future implications for further legal action against animal abusers.

Texas House Bill 598 Sentences Abusive Pet Owners to Five-Year Ban

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
April 11, 2024
If you're still deciding on what kind of dress to wear for prom this year, read on to get some inspiration!

Best and Worst Prom Dresses for 2024

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
April 7, 2024
On March 19th, the Supreme Court allowed Senate Bill 4 into effect. However, hours later, a lower court of appeals issued a preliminary injunction, blocking the ruling on basis of unconstitutionality. This event is an opportunity for the U.S. to reflect on the current state of the immigration crisis and rebuild the broken system.

Texas’ SB 4 is Incentive to Reform Immigration

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
April 4, 2024
On February 22, Netflix released the live action of the beloved animation: Avatar the Last Airbender. The remake reached widespread popularity among fans and critics, urging Netflix to announce on March 6 that they would be renewing the show for two additional seasons.

‘Avatar: the Last Airbender’ Live Action Is Acceptable

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
March 11, 2024
Tucking her head tightly against her knees, Jazzlyn Vaughan '26 performs her routine dive. As a sophmore, Vaughan is Coach McBrearty's first State Qualifier in Diving and is looking forward to expanding her success in the next two years. “It’s kinda crazy,” Vaughan said. “I’m just in shock and it just makes me so excited and proud of myself.”

Swim and Dive Ends Season at State UIL Meet

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
March 4, 2024
On Monday, Jan. 29, the Court of Arbitration for Sport disqualified Kamila Valieva from international competition for four years. Removing her points from the Team Event during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics has put the United States in first place and Japan in second place.

Russian Figure Skater Kamila Valieva’s Disqualification is Deserved

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
February 16, 2024
Tightening the gap between his opponents, Max Laine '27 lands in fourth place with a time of 56.95. From this swim, he became the fourth freshman in Westwood Swim and Dive history to qualify for State.

Swim and Dive Makes a Splash at Regional Championships

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
February 15, 2024
Arching back, Namanh Truong '26 starts off the 200-Yard-Medley Relay. Westwood Girls clutched first place in this event.

Swim and Dive Emerges Victorious From District Meet

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
February 7, 2024
Vivek Ramaswamy caters to patriotic voters with his America First 2.0 campaign, aiming to separate the US from the global community and promoting nationalist goals. While Ramaswamy is amazing at running debates, he may not be the best for the U.S. in the long run.

Evaluating 2024 Presidential Candidates

Gabriel Oliveira, Conall Coats, Sabareesh Dinakaran, Sawyer Grimaldi, and Valerie Zhang
December 1, 2023
On Dec. 8, Studio Ghibli released its final Miyazaki film: The Boy and The Heron. The story follows the adventure of Mahito as he plunges into a magical world filled with both the living and the dead.

Hayao Miyazaki Waves Masterful Farewell With ‘The Boy And the Heron’

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
December 27, 2023
Starting off the Bite Me dance to audience cheers, K-pop club members prepared to give the performance their all. Following the red and black palette displayed in the original performance of the song, dancers embraced the theme of the dance by wearing red lipstick and dressing in darker colors.

K-pop Club Closes Semester with Winter Showcase Performance

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
December 17, 2023
Keeping her head low, Leah Zhang '26 completes the first 50 of the 100-Breastroke. Zhang specializes in mid-distance events such as the 100-Yard-Breastroke and the 200-Yard-Medley.

Swim and Dive Breaks Out Ahead Of Competition at TISCA Meet

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
November 30, 2023
Flying off the blocks, NamAnh Truong '25 launches into her 100-Yard-Freestyle. Over the course of the meet, she received three 1st places, and one 2nd place.

Swim and Dive Blows Aggieland Competition Out of Water

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
November 15, 2023
Taking a quick breath, Jaden Steen '24 races to the wall. As the last leg of the 200-yard-medley relay, she played an intricate role in gaining points for the girls during the Round Rock Opener.

Living out a Dream: Swim and Dive Captain Jaden Steen Reflects on Career

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
November 7, 2023
Animated with a shocked expression, Psych Club officers begin their meeting with a slideshow on the basics of gaslighting.

Psychology Club Educates Members on Gaslighting

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
October 23, 2023
Challenging his opponent, Ben Meijers '25 defends a player with the ball. Meijers has made significant contributions as a player this season and will have a vital role on the team next year.

Boys Water Polo Bested by Westlake in Final Game of Season

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
October 20, 2023

Courtside Conversations: Maya Granoff ’24

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
October 15, 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
Looking overhead, Zach Hobbs '24 prepares to shoot a goal. Hobbs had a stellar UIL season as he placed top five on the roster in goals and assists.

Boys Water Polo Subdues Austin High in First Post-District Playoff Game

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
October 10, 2023
Breaths in sync with his opponents, Julian Rusk '27 glides through his 100-yard-breastroke. The 100-yard breaststroke was one of the most heated competitions of the day.

Swim and Dive Vanquished by Vandegrift in MavWood Invitational

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
October 10, 2023
Rising above the water, Zach Hobbs '24 defends a Midway player with the ball. Hobbs' defensive prowess helped hold Midway to single digit points.

Boys Water Polo Take District Crown from Round Rock

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
October 10, 2023
Rising above the water, Christina Stassforth '24 aims the ball past her Midway opponent. Stassforth was a staple for the Warrior offense as she created many goal scoring opportunities.

District Title Slips from Women’s Water Polo during Second District Round Robin

October 8, 2023
Beating back a McNeil swimmer, Liam Lewis '26 finishes his 50 yard breastroke leg in the 200 yard Medley Relay.

Swim and Dive Dominates in District Opener

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
September 28, 2023
Taking a much-needed breath, Esha Ramanathan '27 reaches for another stroke. As per tradition, each new swimmer to the team swam the 500 yard freestyle at the Orange versus Black meet.

Swim and Dive Flies Through Orange and White Meet

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
September 19, 2023
Successfully rising above the other team's defense, Zach Hobbs '24 prepares to shoot a goal.

Boys Water Polo Dominates in Round Rock Tournament

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
September 13, 2023
Leaning forward, Jack Beneviste '25 defends against a pass from a Waco Midway player.

Water Polo Boys Crush Opponents in First District Round-Robin

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
September 5, 2023
Posing in front of her digital blackboard, Art and Fashion Design Teacher Madeline Picket smiles.

Fashion Design Teacher Madeline Picket Sews Up Student Creativity

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
August 31, 2023
'American-Born Chinese' is a popular TV show that began airing at the end of May.

Myth and Match: ‘American-Born Chinese’ Flips Between Two Worlds

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
August 24, 2023
Westwood Men's Waterpolo team shakes hands with opponent Southlake Carroll after season opener.

Men’s Water Polo Overcome by Southlake Carroll Dragons

Valerie Zhang, Reporter
August 14, 2023
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