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The Student News Site of Millard West High School

The Catalyst
The Student News Site of Millard West High School

The Catalyst
The Student News Site of Millard West High School

The Catalyst
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MWHS Wildcat News
Featuring the library
Vance Wellborn, Staff Reporter • December 10, 2024
Holly and hungry
December 10, 2024
Girls basketball preseason preview
December 6, 2024
Uproar radio PSA
December 6, 2024
News
The Strengthen Minds, Elevate Performance event was a heart-wrenching reminder of the silent battles student-athletes face every day, proving their strength lies not just in their physical feats but in their vulnerability.“ I am so glad we worked with the Play for Paige Foundation to put on such an impactful event,” Teter said. “It made me so happy to see all of those who decided to come learn about the importance of mental health in athletics.”
Mind over matter
Natalie Fink, Opinions Editor • December 9, 2024

The lights dimmed in the auditorium as the Strengthen Minds, Elevate performance event began, the air charged with emotion and hope. Hosted by the Play for Paige Foundation and DECA students Chloe Teter and Noah Behrens on Dec.3, the...

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Standing outside the aquarium in the Henry Doorly Zoo, Millard West students spend the day showing the German exchange students a place that is near and dear to their hearts. Upon their arrival, the students worked together to brainstorm ideas on where they could take the Germans. “I decided to house a German student because I wanted an opportunity to meet new people from a different country and to give them experiences they've never had,” senior Jersey Retzlaff said. “The best part has been being able to go out and do things with new people I've never hung out with before.”
International becomes national
Lillian Tinker, Features Editor • November 26, 2024

Changing from one school to another is a difficult process for students, especially for those in the exchange program. With a mindset to learn about American life, students from Stuttgart, Germany took on the challenge of leaving their...

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Chemistry students are doing their fourth experiment, which is a steaming potion. On Oct. 29, students from AP Chemistry were given the opportunity to leave their classes early to perform spooky science experiments for Wheeler Elementary students. “I’m still trying to find a balance between biology and chemistry because I want to go into a medical job.
A witches brew
Caden Reynolds, Uproar Radio-Station Manager • November 25, 2024

Exploding pumpkins, brewing potions and massing objects out of nowhere, these are a few things that AP Chemistry students performed for this year’s Halloween demo. On Oct. 29, AP chemistry students in Cheryl Vanicek’s class...

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Opinion
Giving food to drives, donating money or toys, and spending your time volunteering are some of the many ways you can help those who are indigent.
Most “wonderful” time of the year
Sophia Eljamal, Editor-in-Chief • December 6, 2024
Parents’ political beliefs can shape their children's perspectives when they can engage in civic activities.
Family, the first political classroom
November 25, 2024
Just before a second attack on other paintings, two unnamed protesters threw tomato soup onto the “Sunflowers” by Van Gogh and kneeled in front of it, refusing to move. The two are part of the Just Stop Oil movement, where members frequently vandalize art. They reason that "Art is part of our collective culture," adding, "We love our history and culture too much to just allow it all to be destroyed."
Paint and oil don’t mix
November 25, 2024
Cancel culture is detrimental to Gen Z’s mental health. It is important to reshape digital punishment to leave room for the inevitable mistakes that come with being teenagers.
Cancelled in a click
November 11, 2024
High-school athletes can be severely demoralized after going down by large margins
The mercy rule
November 7, 2024
Feature
Holding up a microphone, senior Emma Morley sings with her band, "The Soggy Phillips.” After many rehearsals, she and her band performed at many different venues and got to sing and play together. “My favorite part is jamming out in rehearsal and being surrounded by so many fun people,” Morley said. “We genuinely just have so much fun in rehearsals and while there are sometimes hard conversations to be had, we still have so much fun performing and trying things with music that overpower any of the tough conversations we have.”
Melody in the making
Lainey Reynolds, News Director • November 26, 2024
Sitting in a chair for at least an hour, junior Montana Chronister gets her nails done by junior Emily Thai. Chronister continues to come back trusting that Thai exceeds her expectations with each appointment. “I get so many more compliments because they look so good every time,” Chronister said.
Neat nails
Kyla Riveland, Staff Reporter • November 26, 2024
In a hurry to finish the race, junior Nathan Biles cycles on the course representing Millard West’s mountain biking team. Biles built a sturdy bike from scratch, from his many rough drafts to finally experiencing his finished product on the courses. “Somehow this bike was faster than the one I normally race on,” Nathan Biles said. “It had impressive riding characteristics and performs 100 times better than imagined other than a bit too much flex.”
Fast and fearless
October 31, 2024
An informal DECA Officer meeting discussing a future meeting for all students in DECA is being attended by Senior Michael Jones. With Jones being an Executive Officer, he has gained business experience that will continue to help him push for his sandwich business’s name sitting next to Subway and Jimmy John’s.
Mikey sells Mikey Subs
October 28, 2024
Theater director Brooke Phillips earned the Inspirational Theatre Teacher of the Year Award, recognizing her dedication to her students and colleagues over the years. “Everything I do is for the students at our school,” Phillips said. “But any teacher will tell you the best part of our job is to know that we made some sort of difference.”
An inspiration to many
October 25, 2024
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Entertainment
“This is the Zodiac Speaking” was released on Netflix on Oct. 24, 2024, and is Netflix’s newest docuseries.
This is the Zodiac speaking
Wyatt Carmichael, Staff reporter • December 6, 2024
SweetBeans Coffee is an amazing new coffee shop that has already attracted so many customers and is expected to stay popular for quite some time. You can find SweetBeans on Instagram @sweetbeanscoffeeco.
Brewing buzz
November 26, 2024
In lockdown protocol, it is best to work with two or more people in order to stay safe from the dissident. But be careful, you never know who you can trust!
Sabotaging vs success
November 25, 2024
“CHROMAKOPIA” is Tyler, The Creator’s eighth studio album. This album follows his 2021 release “Call Me If You Get Lost” which did 169,000 album-sale equivalent units first-week, and his 2019 release “IGOR” which did 165,000 and was Tyler’s first number one album of his career.
Tyler creates another masterpiece
November 25, 2024
Cafe Botanica is a locally sourced, healthy option that can be a substitute for going to a fast food restaurant. In the image I'm eating a signature egg and cheese wrap along with a pumpkin spice latte.
The greenhouse of the midwest
November 1, 2024
SNO Distinguished Sites Badges
Trending Stories
1
Junior Nathan Delaney likes to listen to music during work time. Studies suggest that listening to music can increase your focus while studying and increase productivity.

Music in class should pass

2
High-school athletes can be severely demoralized after going down by large margins

The mercy rule

3
The new movie “The Blind” released in theaters Sept. 28, 2023 and helps the audience learn about the story of Phil and Kay Robertson along with what it looks like to give your life to Christ.

Faith, family, ducks……in that order

4
Gene Wilder had extensive input into the design of his costume. He even wrote to the movie director Mel Stuart to express his raw and unfiltered thoughts after viewing the early costume sketches.

50 years of Willy Wonka

5
The Strengthen Minds, Elevate Performance event was a heart-wrenching reminder of the silent battles student-athletes face every day, proving their strength lies not just in their physical feats but in their vulnerability.“ I am so glad we worked with the Play for Paige Foundation to put on such an impactful event,” Teter said. “It made me so happy to see all of those who decided to come learn about the importance of mental health in athletics.”

Mind over matter

Polls

What is your favorite extinct animal?

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  • Millard West High School
    56
    Bellevue East
    3
    Oct 3 / Football
  • Millard West High School
    60
    Bellevue East
    57
    Jan 17 / Boys Basketball
  • Millard West High School
    52
    Bellevue East
    62
    Jan 17 / Girls Basketball
  • Millard West High School
    1
    Westside
    2
    Jan 17 / Hockey
  • Millard West High School
    4
    Fremont
    1
    Jan 15 / Hockey
  • Millard West High School
    70
    Lincoln Southeast
    76
    Jan 14 / Boys Basketball
  • Millard West High School
    45
    Lincoln Southeast
    53
    Jan 14 / Girls Basketball
  • Millard West High School
    5
    Gretna
    0
    Jan 11 / Hockey
  • Millard West High School
    42
    Bellevue West
    70
    Jan 10 / Boys Basketball
  • Millard West High School
    37
    Bellevue West
    39
    Jan 10 / Girls Basketball
  • Millard West High School
    17
    Lincoln Southeast
    16
    Oct 7 / Football
  • Millard West High School
    2
    Grand Island
    1
    Oct 6 / Softball
  • Millard West High School
    5
    Papillion-LaVista
    13
    Oct 6 / Softball
  • Millard West High School
    10
    Omaha Westview
    0
    Oct 5 / Softball
  • Millard West High School
    6
    Papillion-LaVista
    11
    Oct 5 / Softball
Sports
Loading up his shot, junior defenseman Gavin Spencer prepares to fire from the blue line. Spencer’s efforts led him to a multi-point game in the 3-1 win over Lincoln Capitals West. “We knew we’re the better team so we just wore them down all game,” Spencer said. “In the third when they were tired and upset, it allowed us to calm down the game. It also led to us being able to make good heads-up plays to one another.”
Cats climb over Caps
Sam Whittaker, MWHS Wildcat News & Catalyst Editor-in-Chief • December 10, 2024
Senior Neleigh Gessert dropped 27 points in the season opener against Millard North. Neleigh Gessert also led the team with seven rebounds and had three steals behind her sister who had four. “It was a good team win with everyone doing what was drawn up in our game plan”, Neleigh Gessert said. ”We definitely had moments of struggle on the offensive side of the ball, but that was mainly because it was the first game of the season for us. We were able to get hot at the right time and played great defense the whole night.” Photo by Lilly Stoops
Wildcats roll by the Mustangs
December 9, 2024
Taking it all in on the ice, senior Eli Simard skates around the ice during warmups. Simard received the call on the morning of Nov. 2 that he had the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream that same night. “It was special for me because I’ve always wanted to play for the Lancers or the Stars as a little kid,” Simard said. “It made me so happy to see that dream come true. Stepping on to the ice, I had so much adrenaline pumping and I was genuinely so happy and enjoyed every second of it.” Photo courtesy of Eli Simard
Shooting for the Stars
November 11, 2024
Awaiting the puck to drop, senior defenseman Cole Grandgenett positions himself to receive the puck. Grandgenett’s goal helped lift the Cats past Elkhorn North along with his great defensive play and leadership. “I am expecting a good run this year,” Grandgenett said. “I think after we get things together and our feet under us, we can figure it all out from there.”
Wildcats blank Elkhorn North
November 4, 2024
Senior Chance Roberts was able to record one interception in the shutout win against Lincoln North Star. Roberts and company kept the Navigators off the scoreboard multiple times late to seal the low scoring game on senior night. “As a defense we are all really close, so it is easy to play with and for each other,” Roberts said. “ Our coaches do a great job of keeping us focused on the goal. As a unit we understand what we have to do to win.” Photo By Chloe Vaughn
Playoffs still in sight for the Cats
October 28, 2024
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Podcasts
Logan's Sport Takes: Nebraska Episode
Logan’s Sport Takes: Nebraska Episode
Logan Moseley, MWHS Wildcat News Editor-in-Chief • December 1, 2022

Logan's Sport Takes: NFL
Logan’s Sport Takes: NFL
November 22, 2022
AC Podcast 2
AC Podcast 2
May 5, 2022
AC Podcast 1
AC Podcast 1
May 5, 2022
Logan's Sports Takes: Episode Four
Logan’s Sports Takes: Episode Four
March 31, 2022
Photography
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