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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

Eager to inspire others, Pranav Balakrishnan ‘25 and Ethan Andrew ‘26 work hard to make the most of their final years in scholastic debate, and leave a legacy that promotes success and passion. In addition to winning the Glenbrooks Tournament, the largest, non-championship tournament of the year, they have also been ranked 2nd best Policy Debate team in the world. “As a senior, I don't have much time left to improve,” Balakrishnan said. “But I have been preparing for the past four years, so it's now my time to succeed.”

Pranav Balakrishnan ’25 and Ethan Andrew ’26 Leave Unprecedented Legacy for Debate

Tianwen Gao, Heritage Staff January 13, 2025

The clock ticking at three hours and 31 minutes before the start of the upcoming new year, Speech and Debate Co-President Pranav Balakrishnan ‘25 was hunched over his computer screen, repeatedly refreshing...

With the upcoming district election fast-approaching, students express feeling concerned and disoriented regarding their minimal role in the democratic process. Many of these individuals point out that the Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD) election in particular holds the potential to affect them the most, however only a fraction of them are allowed to vote and actively take part in it.

Students Comment On Role In Democratic Process

Nikhil Gupta, Reporter November 4, 2024

As Election Day approaches on Tuesday, Nov. 5 and talk about district bonds, allocation funds, and heightened property taxes hold the community’s adult social circles in a chokehold, students are left...

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

Receiving an invitation for an Academic Achievement ceremony with little context of what to expect, 52 seniors filled the field house along with their families on Wednesday, Sept. 11 to find out that...

Focused, Shrey Birmiwal ‘25 prepares to give a Public Forum speech in his Triple-Octafinals round at the TFA state tournament. Birmiwal and his partner, Siyona Jain ‘25, advanced to the Double-Octafinals round of the tournament.

Debate Competes at TFA

Nikhil Gupta, Reporter March 19, 2024

From Thursday, March 7, to Saturday, March 9, Speech & Debate competed at the Texas Forensic Association (TFA) state tournament in Houston, Texas. Speech & Debate competed alongside 1,500 students...

Posing for a photo, DECA seniors Brooke Xu, Valerie Zhang, and Hannah Lee relax after qualifying for the State competition. Westwood DECA beat personal records this year, having a total of 256 members advancing to compete at the next level.

DECA Breaks District Records

Mallory Milner, Reporter January 18, 2024

On Tuesday, Jan. 9, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) began their season with the Districts competition at Kalahari Resort. DECA members gathered to compete in written and roleplay events...

Focused, Shrey Birmiwal '25 prepares for his event at the Longhorn Classic debate tournament. Birmiwal and his partner Siyona Jain '25 worked diligently to in hopes of garnering a victory in their event.

Speech & Debate Finishes Second Overall at Longhorn Classic Tournament

Scott Seamon, Managing Editor December 8, 2023

From Friday, Dec. 1, to Sunday, Dec. 3, the Speech & Debate team competed at the Longhorn Classic tournament at the University of Texas at Austin. Debate competed against 130 schools across the...

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