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The student news site of Davenport West High School

WHS Today

The student news site of Davenport West High School

WHS Today

Sophomore Sean Brown is working hard on his T.A.G. project, coding and making a video game.

T.A.G. You’re In!

Isabella Davis and Megan Dunn September 23, 2021

Situated between the family consumer science hallway and the art hallway is a classroom that few people get to see, but holds amazing talent: room 118. Room 118 is home to the new Talented and Gifted...

One thing I struggled with in the first couple weeks of high school was talking to new people. Talking to new people helped me make amazing friendships, freshman Addison Aleksiejczyk said.

Starting off Strong

Isabella Martens, Reporter September 17, 2021

Busy hallways, long classes, piles of homework; we all know how overwhelming freshman year of high school can be. The class of 2025 went into the school year a little unsure and behind after spending a...

New athletic director Michelle Lillis stands proudly by her hall of fame plaque. She was recognized as the first female athletic director at her previous school, Rock Island High School.

Awesome Arrival in the Athletic Office

Makenna Burt, Reporter September 16, 2021

Math teacher for 27 years, head girls track coach for 19 years, going on year 5 of being an Athletic Director. There is a lot to say about Michelle Lillis who is Davenport West new Athletic Director.  Born...

“After fourth block I either go to my job or take that time to lift.  I like being able to leave early because it gives me the extra free time that other grades don’t get,” senior Alec Shipley said.

A well earned senior schedule

Sarah Bernick, Editor in Chief September 15, 2021

It’s been a long day, third block is coming to a close, one last block to go...but wait, why are people leaving?! Senior year, a time where some students look forward to the shorter days and less classes....

 “My favorite part of Ecology Club is getting to see the growth of all our plants, veggies, etc. each week. It’s quite amazing to see growth from something you took part in with your own two hands,” Williams said.

Going Green

Sarah Bernick June 8, 2021

Looking for a way to end the school year feeling good? The Ecology Club is the perfect fit! As of the 2021 spring semester the ecology club has taken a jump in making the school a better place through...

 Two students engage in a fight while a third student records. For some students, pulling out their phone to record would be their first instinct if a fight went down. However a majority of students would do the good and try to avoid it. A survey of West students found that 50 percent of students would evade a fight if it were to break out near them.

School fights: Alarming or not?

Alec Shipley, Reporter April 26, 2021

Fights and other forms of violence are an unfortunate reality in high schools. Students attempt to settle their problems, usually hurting others and even themselves. You hear about them for a couple days...

Suicide prevention lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Statistics collected from a survey of 108 West High students.

Taking a toll

Tiara Soppe, Reporter April 23, 2021

Have you personally experienced mental exhaustion or know someone who does? Has this past year affected your mental health? Has the isolation and zoom meetings drained you mentally? Do you have trouble...

Nothing is going to stop her. Irakoze is working hard in her class. Her favorite class she’s taken so far is Art class. “[My sister made me get into drawing] because I was drawing in my room and she was  like ‘I like your drawings, you should actually start drawing’,” Irakoze said.

New faces and new places

Luke Loving, Reporter April 23, 2021

Moving to a completely new area is often difficult because you basically have to start over from scratch. You don’t know anyone and no one knows you. Now imagine moving to a new place AND trying to learn...

This smile isn’t fake as Eckert has a constant look of happiness wherever she goes. Her joy is contagious to everyone around her!

An eagerness for academics

Sarah Bernick, Editor in Chief April 20, 2021

The road to success can start at a young age, especially for junior Sarah Eckert. As only a junior, Eckert is completing an inspiring level of academics that some can only dream of. Currently dual enrolled...

According to The Local Project, there are roughly 6 billion texts sent per day in the U.S. 50 percent of West students say most of their screen time on their phone is from social media.

Who’s controlling whom?

Luke Loving, Reporter April 14, 2021

According to ABC News, teens spend an average of seven hours and 22 minutes per day on their phones. That is over 50 hours every week. However, with so much knowledge and entertainment at our fingertips,...

 “If I could describe Matt in one word it would be driven. His work ethic, his leadership, his constant goal setting, and never settling for anything less than perfection,” Oates said.

Music to My Ears

Sarah Bernick, Editor-in-Chief April 7, 2021

Name one person you know that can play the tuba, euphonium, french horn, bass clarinet, and the bass trombone...don’t worry, I’ll go first.  Matt Reis is a senior at Davenport West who has a special...

 Kathy Truong ‘21 manages to stay upbeat amidst her heavy course load. “I definitely will miss just being a kid during high school because I know during college there will be a lot of pressure and responsibility, whereas during high school you can still have fun with your friends and mess around.”

Striving under pressure

Tiara Soppe, Reporter April 5, 2021

Throughout high school, senior Kathy Truong has been one to stay behind the scenes but make moves in silence; Truong has maintained a cumulative GPA (grade point average) of a 4.0, challenged herself in...

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