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
Alessandra Ashford

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor

Class of 2025

When I’m not writing or editing you can find me reading, drawing, painting, listening to music, and ranting. I always love to tell stories and start conversations. I’m so excited to be on Student Press!

All content by Alessandra Ashford
With the 2024 Presidential Election right around the corner many Americans are preparing to vote or already have. However, while the race is incredibly tight the two candidates have strongly differing platforms.

Evaluating The 2024 Presidential Nominees

November 4, 2024
The massive popularity of short-form video content such as TikTok or Instagram Reels, on the internet has made social media consumption a regular part of many people's day. However, this has led to the popularization of many slang words, often with negative effects.

Staying Mindful of Slang

October 27, 2024
As the 2024 election approaches quickly, the nation is solely focused on the presidential race that will decide the nation's future. Each candidate has clear differences, but Trump shows a concerning pattern of misinformation and racism.

"They're Eating The Cats"

October 20, 2024
Climate change is a dire problem that is only getting worse each year. And while it's clear to many that something needs to be done, in the face of government inaction, many, especially young people, are becoming apathetic.

Doomsday Is Happening Right Now

October 13, 2024
Transgender athletes have been under attack recently across the country, with laws barring them from competing with the gender they identify with, or at all. But these bills only serve to attack and marginalize transgender people.

Trans Athletes Deserve Better

October 6, 2024
Standing at the forefront of the room, GenShe Vice President Natalie Ju '26, President Josephine Sun '26, Secrectary and StuCo Rep Ariana Fresques '26, Director of Operations Samhita Nagarakanti '26, and Director of Marketing Samymy Gorapalli '25 (from left) present an informational slideshow about GenShe. GenShe officers presented a general club overview while members made inspirational bracelets.

Shipley’s and Solidarity: GenShe Initiates Bracelet Making For First Meeting

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
September 29, 2024
This summer, the movie It Ends With Us, based on the book by the same name drew controversy for the press tour and promotion. Despite the movie being about the very sensitive topic of domestic violence, much of the promotion has been insensitive, making the movie seem like a lighthearted rom-com.

The 'It Ends With Us' Press Tour Is Incredibly Tone Deaf

September 23, 2024
Recently, AI and it's impressive capabilities have been a constant source of both fascination and fear. While, AI has potential to be incredibly beneficial for humanity, it can also be extremely harmful in the wrong hands.

AI: Revolutionary or Risky?

September 13, 2024
Students' phones in a phone storage caddy during class. At the start of the 2024-2025 school year, the Westwood administration introduced a new policy restricting phone use in class. Restricting phone use to set times in the school day, the new policy has been met with both approval and annoyance.

Helpful or Stressful: Students Evaluate New Phone Policy

August 30, 2024
This summer, the Supreme Court handed down a number of controversial and consequential decisions. While the full effects of these rulings is still to be seen, the Supreme Court's partisan decisions are only further dividing Americans.

The Supreme Court: America's Most Polarized Branch

July 28, 2024
A Pride flag and a Texas State flag fly outside the Austin City Council building. Highlighted by the death of teenager Nex Benedict, legislation targeting the LGBTQA+ community has increased rapidly in recent years. But laws like these negatively impact the mental health of LGBTQA+ youth and need to be stopped.

Rise in Anti-LGBTQA+ Legislation Negatively Impacts Youth

July 2, 2024
On May 31, former President Donald Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records. Now a convicted felon with a terrifying plan for a second term, Trump should be disqualified from running for president.

Trump’s Conviction Exposes Republican Hypocrisy

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
June 29, 2024
Every year the arrival of summer marks the age-old trends of dieting and exercise in the hopes of having a perfect, slim, "beach bod." But the prevalence has had many harmful effects on mental, physical, and emotional health.

Diet Culture Encourages Unhealthy Weight Loss and Drug Use

June 24, 2024
Reminding the nation of a tragedy, May 24 marked the two year anniversary of the devastating shooting at Robb Elementary School. But to prevent more tragic losses of life, school safety measure must be increased.

School Security Measures Should Be More Restrictive

May 27, 2024
On April 26, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed SB 1325, allowing teachers to be armed at school. While this bill is intended to prevent school shooting tragedies, due to its poor foresight and lack of proper research, it will inevitably fail.

Tennessee Allowing Armed Teachers Will Inevitably Fail

May 24, 2024
In a recent Warrior Update, Westwood students were surveyed about their opinions regarding Flex, as its end was being considered. But the administration needs to let Flex remain, as it is crucial to student life.

Flex Is Necessary For Student Life

May 9, 2024
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning children under 14 from having social media accounts without parent permission. While many teens are upset about this new law and find it restricting, it is a step in the right direction toward providing more internet safety for minors.

Young Adolescents Should Not Be on Social Media

May 1, 2024
In their full runway outfits, (from left) Audrey Lee '25, Olivia "Lucy" Teets, '25, Fashion Design teacher Ms. Judy Chance, and Xueying "Lili" Yang pose for a photo. All three girls made it to Austin Fashion Week by getting in the top 10 in a previous runway show held by Shop LC. "[I like my students'] creativity and how they can look at a fabric and make it their own," Ms. Chance said.

Runway Ready: Fashion Design Students Attend Austin Fashion Week

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
April 25, 2024
As the 2024 election nears closer, questions about the validity of the Electoral College rise again. While some say that the system is outdated, others feel it is still necessary.

Do We Still Need the Electoral College?

April 25, 2024
The past few years have seen a rise in popularity of the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok. Subsequently, many U.S. lawmakers have expressed concerns over the possible spread of misinformation to wide audiences, as well as worries about American user safety while using TikTok.

Possible TikTok Ban Comes From Xenophobia, Not Caution

April 8, 2024
Student loan debt is a burden that affects many students long after graduation. While the Biden administration has been working to forgive student loan debt for millions, more should be done to fix this issue.

Student Debt Cancellation is Necessary For Success

April 12, 2024
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, online standardized testing has become more common for students. The free school-day SAT for Westwood juniors is fully online this year, but it shouldn't be this way.

The SAT Shouldn't Go Completely Online

March 5, 2024
Featuring bottles of Cantu hair products, the textured hair care aisle in Target offers options for Black hair. While many strides have been made to provide equality for Black hair, hair discrimination continues to negatively impact Black Americans' lives.

It’s Never “Just Hair”: The Reality of Hair Discrimination

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
February 16, 2024
Multiple Westwood Girls block a Vista Ridge player. Westwood's defense slacked off the entire game, but at certain points it improved. "I'm proud of us for playing hard and keep[ing] going even when times get rough," Caroline Doughtery '25 said.

Varsity Girls Basketball Faces Blowout Loss on Faculty Night

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
February 6, 2024
Rank week started on Monday, Jan. 22 and will end on Friday, Jan. 26. While for some, finding out their class rank is a source for motivation to improve in school, for others it can be a source of significant anxiety.

Rank Week Is A Huge Burden For Students

January 26, 2024
A majority of Texans rely on Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) for their electricity, especially during the winter. But after the recent winter storm, and previous winter disasters, Texas' power grid should be re-evaluated.

The Texas Power Grid Needs To be More Reliable During Winter

January 23, 2024
Vivian Hapka '25 guards a Stony Point player, attempting to block a pass. Throughout the game, both offense and defense slipped for the Warriors but they remained confident.

Woes Continue for Varsity Women’s Basketball With 57-42 Loss to Stony Point

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
January 15, 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
This November, the 2024 presidential elections will be taking place. While it will most likely will be a rematch with Biden and Trump, it shouldn’t be this way.

The 2024 Election Shouldn’t Be a Trump vs. Biden Rematch

January 2, 2024
Guarding the ball, Ava Sartor '25 attempts to make a shot. The Lady Warriors' defense fell flat during the game but they still maintained their good communication throughout the game.

Varsity Women’s Basketball Suffer Setback With Loss to Cedar Ridge 62-34

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
December 23, 2023
Ava Sartor '25 blocks a Pflugerville player. Lady Warrior's defense has improved throughout the season, consistently blocking the opposing team throughout the game.

Varsity Girls Basketball Beats Pflugerville 48-35 in Tight Game

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
November 29, 2023
Coach Kelli Payton talks to the Lady Warriors before the game. Coach Payton thinks that the win will give the Lady Warriors more confidence. "It's always nice to set the tone early.," Coach Payton said. "The fans in the stands were great, and getting a win in front of them will hopefully keep them coming, as well as attract more people. This gave our girls confidence in the fact that they know they can compete with any team we face."

Varsity Girls Basketball Outlast Killeen 53-49 in Home Victory

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
November 9, 2023
Wearing her custom Wonder Woman drag costume, drag queen Kelly Kline poses confidently. Kline occasionally wears her Wonder Woman costume to protest for LGBTQA+ rights.

“We Battle People Every Day”: Lives of Drag Queens in Austin

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
October 30, 2023
Hannah McDonough '24 buys a World's Finest Chocolate bar from Tian "Tianwen" Gao '27. DECA club members started selling World's Finest Chocolate bars in September to fundraise for their clubs.

World's Finest Chocolate is the Perfect Treat

October 13, 2023
Hannah McDonough '24 buys a World's Finest Chocolate bar from Tian "Tianwen" Gao '27. DECA club members started selling World's Finest Chocolate bars in September to fundraise for their clubs.

World’s Finest Chocolate is the Perfect Treat

Kriya Handa, Dreamcatcher Editor-in-Chief
October 13, 2023
On August 26, a white gunman killed three black victims in a racially motivated attack. The shooting has restarted pushes for stricter gun laws across the country.

The Jacksonville Shooting Shouldn’t Affect Gun Legislation

September 7, 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
Students respond to a Westwood survey about the sexualization of teenage girls in media.

Surveying Effects of Oversexualization of Girls in Society

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
May 1, 2023
Students who advanced will compete at the International Leadership Conference from Wednesday, June 21 to Friday, June 24 in Dallas.

HOSA Students Succeed at State Competition

Lilybeth Dooley and Alessandra Ashford
April 13, 2023
After two years, Java City, the Westwood Student Cafe, plans to reopen. Java City was previously closed due to staffing shortages.

Java City to Reopen After Two Years

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
March 27, 2023
Juniors Lucy Townsend and Nicole Wang make cards appreciating their art teachers. Students were able to use a variety of supplies, including markers and construction paper, to create their cards.

NAHS Celebrates Art Teachers with Card Creation Event

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
March 6, 2023
Seen from across the paint tables in the teach theatre shop, the TreeDome rests on the cage to dry.

The Show Must Go On: Behind-The-Scenes of Spongebob the Musical

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
February 9, 2023
Damage done to the school due to the ice storm includes a shattered door in the downstairs E Wing.

Winter Storm Leaves Westwood Worse for Wear

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
February 9, 2023
White liberals in America often praise Black voters for "saving America" after they mobilize to vote in a close election. But the systemic voter supression that keeps Black voters from voting in the first place is rarely discussed.

Black People Are Tired of “Saving America”

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
January 17, 2023
New flex policies have come into action since the start of the semester, changing the approach to Fun Flex Fridays and Flex absences.

Students and Staff Adapt as New Flex Policies Promote Participation

Alessandra Ashford and Lilybeth Dooley
January 16, 2023
As women-loving-women representation in media becomes popularized, there have been many downfalls. While good representation exists, most of it continues to stigmatize WLW relationships.

WLW Representation Still Has a Long Way to Go

Alessandra Ashford and Lilybeth Dooley
January 11, 2023
(From left) Juniors Lucy Townsend, Nicole Wang, Alyssa Beekman, and Eli Song fill their plates with food. The juniors enjoyed food and played games.

NAHS Nurtures Community at Christmas Card Social

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
December 13, 2022
Tiffanie Harrison is running for reelection for Round Rock ISD School Board Place 6. She is running on a platform of equity, community, and transparency. "I don't know if I've always thought that I would stay here," Harrison said. "but I definitely feel like I'm called to be here for this moment in time."

Incumbent School Board Member Tifannie Harrison Runs on Platform of Equity

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
November 7, 2022
GSA Secretary Wednesday Kolledge '23 tapes decorations to the GSA homecoming decoration. Kolledge provided all the streamers for the homecoming hall. "I think that my favorite part of the experience was being able to work together with the other members of the club to create something new," said Kolledge. "And add[ing] some color to the plain halls of Westwood."

Homecoming Hallways Master Music Madness

Alessandra Ashford, Opinions Editor
October 21, 2022
A defaced statue of Christopher Columbus splashed with red paint and a sign placed at the foot that reads "stop celebrating genocide" in Rhode Island. The statue was vandalized on Columbus Day in 2019. Columbus Day has been the subject of controversy for decades since it was made a federal holiday in 1937 by Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Reconsidering Columbus Day and the Importance of Recognizing Indigenous People

Alessandra Ashford and Lilybeth Dooley
October 9, 2022
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