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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
West In The Groove performs their show on stage. Photo from Millard West Showchoirs Instagram

A picture perfect premiere performance

Alex Elgert, Staff Reporter
March 21, 2025
All around the world, different people are struggling with access to food and other necessities. Civilians in Millard are also struggling with these issues, making donating even more important. As a community, students and staff can empower students from South struggling with economic issues. Even though Millard West had just begun this program last year, South received a surplus of goods last year. “Recently, there are not a lot of people helping out in communities or caring about them,” sophomore Vance Wellborn. “So I think it's important that we spread awareness and that we get more people to start helping.”

Sharing is caring

Brooke Samson, Staff Reporter
March 10, 2025
On stage opening night, Senior Brykin Jones is fully in character playing Steve. He had to play a character who doesnt feel pain and stays in character now matter how funny the scene. “My biggest struggle was line memorization, “Jones said. “ There were so many that I had to get down and learn.”

Season of revival

Peyten Pruitt, Photo Editor
February 20, 2025
At the activity fair, a presentation is given by activities director Lance Smith. He talks to the incoming freshmen about the possibilities that await them in high school. “We have one in August before school starts, and then we have one now,” Smith said. “So we can catch as many people as possible. And of course, those numbers aren't as certain in January but it gives us a good estimate.”

Unleashing opportunities

Peyten Pruitt, Photo Editor
February 20, 2025
“I’ve been playing baseball for 15 years,” senior Sam Kidd said. “Just going out there and competing while having fun is what made me fall in love with the game.” These athletes have pushed through injuries and losses to get where they are now which means it's time to let them go. Graduation is coming up for these seniors and this means unnecessary anxiety. However, signing day brings optimism to graduating seniors who are under the stress of college decisions. Whether these athletes choose to play out of state or in Nebraska it is certain what school helped them kick off their future.

Cats in college

Brooke Samson, Staff Reporter
February 13, 2025
A group of Millard West staff jumped into the Zorinsky Lake for the Polar Plunge with the Special Olympics. Even if it is a few moments of torture all of it is for a good cause and getting so much money for our school. “By taking part in the polar plunge or by donating, you are supporting and standing up for individuals that can't always do that for themselves,” gym teacher Stephanie Jurgens said. “Everyone deserves opportunities to be an active member of their society in whatever capacity that looks like and the Polar Plunge is an event that supports that and raises funds so those opportunities can be provided.”

From shivers to smiles

Corgan Perry, Staff Reporter
February 13, 2025
Students will wear the lanyards around their neck when they leave the classroom. This will make it easy for security guards or administrators who are patrolling the hallways to get a clear look of where they’re going. “I think it will stop overcrowding,” junior Caden Reynolds said. “I’ve noticed that bathrooms can get way too many people during class, and it makes it impossible to make it back to class in a timely manner.” On the back of the passes, the room number is listed, which lets administrators take them back to the correct class, if the student is just wandering around.

A new system

Jacob Larson, Sports Director
February 3, 2025
Signs are displayed in the yards of Millard families encouraging community support for the bond voting. Meetings were held at each of the three Millard high schools to inform the community about the bond issue and to encourage them to vote “If passed, we are so excited to start work updating our facilities with the bond referendum,” Superintendent Dr. John Schwartz said. “We hope these updates will enhance safety features making families feel better about security at our schools.”

Vote Yes for MPS

Natalie Fink, Managing Editor
January 31, 2025
Sophomore Sophia Pitcher received an email from the STEM academy telling her how she can set up an interview. She began filling out her application a couple days after the forms were released. “This academy is something I have thought a lot about ever since my freshman year,” Pitcher said. “Getting into it would be a lot of fun and just beneficial to me and my future career.” Attending her interview a week after getting the email she awaits her letter.

The next step

Lexi Vore, Staff Reporter
January 7, 2025
The All-State choir group from Millard West poses in front of the Sheldon Museum of Art in Lincoln. From left to right, in the front row are Katherine Avalos, Adrieana Saucedo, Aubrey Kirk, Michael Knowski, Caleb Houser, and Charlotte Fox. In the middle row are Ava Fix, Luke Laddusaw, Brykin Jones, Madalynn Johnson, Carlee Groff, Josh Olson, and Isaac Cottrell. Finally, in the back row are Emma Morley, Cassatt Cordaro, Hyrum Smith, Olivia Swolley, Liam Dougherty, Henry Hansen, and Dominic Baggiani. Photo courtesy of Jordan Newhouse

All-State, all good

Luka Pashia, Staff Reporter
December 20, 2024
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
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
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