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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
On April 17, the theater department put on their first-ever talent show. This show was mainly made to fund their upcoming trip to the International Thespian Festival. “I’ve been doing taekwondo all my life basically,” English teacher Mike Catron said. “I started working as an instructor for my dojo after the guy before me retired, so I decided to take this opportunity. When we decided to do a talent show to get ‘Little Women’ to internationals, I thought, why not.”

The talent gala

Caden Reynolds, Uproar Radio-Station Manager
May 2, 2025
Feeling the freezing water, senior Ethan Cole partakes in the USC Speak Your Mind Challenge with his friends. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge inspired this challenge in 2014. “I did the Ice bucket Challenge to raise awareness for mental health,” Cole said. “I hoped my participation in the challenge helped inform a few more people on the importance of speaking up for people dealing with mental health problems around us.”

Minds for mental health

Corgan Perry, Staff Reporter
May 2, 2025
On April 25, 2024, the theater department brought to life “Little Women,” a beloved musical based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. The production told the heartwarming and timeless story of four sisters. “Theater is always about students working together and compiling it together from that initial rehearsal is really satisfying to see as a director,” Theater director Brooke Phillips said. “One of the most memorable moments from any thespian we’ve been to would have to be when the audience cheers for us once our show is over. It’s a really emotional moment for all of us.”

Wildcats go national

Caden Reynolds, Uproar Radio-Station Manager
April 4, 2025
Math Club has reached out to many students from varying grade levels. This club will continue to flourish with its growing popularity, although math isn’t loved by all, the captains make their club inclusive to many different members. It has also helped grow the love for math with the students who join. “I joined because I got referred by friends,” sophomore Alex Sanders said. “I like to hang out and interact with friends. They create new tasks/games/ ideas every time we come to class every day.”

Easy as 1-2-3

Brooke Samson, Staff Reporter
March 31, 2025
Freshman Olivia Goedecker, junior Addison Goedecker and parent Lori Goedecker smile at the camera after having drawn and donated blood. "It makes me happy to help others," said Addison. "I do it whenever I can."

A life or three

Alex Elgert, Staff Reporter
March 21, 2025
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
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