Once a year students from all different middle schools come to the 8th Grade Showcase at West hoping to find a reason to make it their high school home. They can be given a tour and are shown many clubs and athletics that the school has to offer. A few examples include Robotics, Diamond Dancers, Basketball, etc. As for clubs, a few the school has to offer include National Honor Society, Art Club, Speech and Debate, and many others. On November 13th, 2024, the future freshman had a chance to view all the school has to offer, going around to all the tables learning information about what they may be interested in.
This year’s showcase was held in the new athletic facility, so the future freshmen were able to get a look at some of the attractions. Some of the new things include a new weight room, gymnasium, and wrestling room. The reasoning behind the location can most likely be explained by the fact that they want to catch the eye of some of these future students.
The principal of West High School, Cory Williams said, “The 8th grade showcase is what it says in its title: we showcase our school to the upcoming students. All of the high schools in Davenport have a separate night that they host a showcase for their school. I do not like the aspect of it being called a ‘competition’ but it really is, we have to tell and show what these students may or may not want. Because we want them to come here, come to West over the other high schools,” said Williams.
A lot of students attend this event, to learn more about the layout of the building and also the different things they will be able to participate in. One of the current freshmen, Sophie Fuller, remembers attending the showcase and said, “It was nice to get a preview on how high school was going to work, at the time I had no idea how to get around the school. But the tour from the showcase really helped. It was a little hectic but overall I’m grateful I went, and I hope they continue to do it.”
Junior, Evie Augustine has a younger sibling that will be going to West this coming year. She said, “When I attended the 8th grade showcase here at West I did find it helpful to look around and learn about some of the clubs. Though this year many people did not know where they were going or in general were very confused. This year the showcase being in the athletic facility was a good idea to show it off, but in general was very crowded.” Ezra Augustine, her brother, attended this year’s 8th grade showcase as an incoming freshman, and said, “The showcase wasn’t organized very well, I myself was confused with what was going on. I think it would be better if they opened up some more of the hallways so people could see more. Though I still think it was helpful, I hope they keep doing it for incoming students.”
Overall they both found it accommodating, but do suggest a more organized approach for upcoming years.
