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The student news site of Davenport West High School

WHS Today

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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

 “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...

Lantz still holds Kansas close to his heart. He has been a fan of Kansas athletics his whole life. “Nothing is going to change. [I will cheer for Iowa] if I go to the games, but I was born a Jayhawk,” Lantz said.

Decisions, decisions, decisions

Luke Loving, Reporter March 31, 2021

The butterfly effect is the phenomenon whereby a small localized change in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere. Life is full of decisions and some of those decisions are more life changing...

Erwin shares some qualities with his older brother, Brett Erwin, who graduated from West in 2018. They both played basketball all four years of high school. “They’re both hard working. They were obviously raised really well so they’re both great kids. I think Derek is a little more outgoing towards everyone else,” Paulson said.

Never give up

Luke Loving, Reporter February 10, 2021

Imagine climbing a mountain, but every time you almost reach the top, you trip and fall right back down to the bottom. Imagine having to rehab through the whole off-season leading up to your senior year....

Kennedy Wink smiling on a game day! She has stayed positive and working hard throughout the year even with obstacles in her way. “I'm proud of the relationships I have established through the years and how I have such a good support group and such good friends,” Wink said.

A unique senior year

Isabella Martens, Reporter February 3, 2021

With many struggles happening right in the middle of her senior year, Kennedy Wink still persists. Wink’s senior year has been very different than she expected. She still continues to be a source of...

Denny Dang is a person who wants to put himself out for others to see. With the influence of engineer teacher Jason Franzenburg, "The main thing is he's happy, he is the person who you want to be around," Frazenburg said.

Oh, Dang

Vu Tran, Reporter January 27, 2021

Picture a freshman going through high school, having no complete idea of what he wants to be in the future. Then engineering comes along and that is what sparked an interest to become an engineer as a...

"Alyssa’s life has been quite a journey. She is very resilient and never gives up," social worker Jenn O'Hare said.

From success to scholarship

Emma Bernick, Media Editor February 6, 2019

Maintaining good grades, leading a world class robotics team, and still finding time for typical teenage activities may seem impossible to some, but senior Alyssa Rodriguez seems to balance everything...

Senior Kyle Swanson has been diagnosed with ADD, OCD, and high-functioning autism. Despite his obstacles, he still strives to reach his goals.

Unstoppable despite the obstacles

Tyler Newman, Reporter January 17, 2019

He is a student who always has the biggest smile on his face. He is a passionate soul who loves writing. He is an energetic young man ready to overcome the odds any minute of the day. He is a student who...

"I would describe [Alexis] as outgoing, hardworking and she always puts in a lot of effort into everything she does," Marcus Schutters said

Senior Spotlight: Alexis Schutters

Aiden Rushing, Reporter December 10, 2018

Instead of dwelling in the past on things that can’t be changed, senior Alexis Schutters prefers to live in the present. Schutters is inspired by her aunt who was has taught her a lot about not dwelling...

“'Everything happens for a reason'. This is something I really believe in," senior Alexa Glandon said.

Senior Spotlight: Alexa Glandon

Naomi Walker, Social Media and Business Manager November 27, 2018

Throughout high school, senior Alexa Glandon has made many friendships, learned about herself, and participated in many activities. Glandon has been involved in volleyball all four years, she is the...

“I like that you get to learn more about different eras of history from the music you’re singing and that the audience and performers can interpret in so many different ways. [Choir] provides a sense of togetherness that I really appreciate,” senior Alexis Syverson said.

A day in the life of a performer

Emma Bernick, Media Editor October 31, 2018

Although standing below blinding lights with every move being watched by an audience isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, it is the environment where senior Alexis Syverson thrives. For as long as she can...

Amia Combs is a person that will always stick up for her friends and anyone and need. 
"I hate when people bully sweet kids," Combs said. She tries her best to not conform to high school trends and always speaks her mind.

Breaking the stereotype

Kate Kealey, Editor in Chief October 29, 2018

She sits at the table during dinner, discouraged and angry. She is over being disrespected and feeling out of place. She goes to her mom to bring her out of this state of mind, her mom reminds her that...

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