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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

Millard West’s newspaper, the Catalyst, was submitted at the end of the 2020-2021 school year for Pacemakers. The Catalyst, along with the MWHS Wildcat News, won a Pacemaker under the hard work and leadership of editors. “In my two years, I moved from staff reporter to editor in chief,” former Millard West Catalyst editor-in-chief Emma Baker said. “I had zero design experience at the beginning of that second year and had to learn as I went. Being in that leadership position, I learned how important it is to be adaptive and communicative.”

Setting the pace

Morgan Weir, Editor-in-Chief
December 10, 2021
On stage both teams took turns performing “Scenes from a Bench”. The team Your Friendly Neighborhood Dads starts off this game strong.

Improv Night

Brooke Sliva, Social Media Manager
December 9, 2021
Before the Greenhouse Club decided to fix up the area, the greenhouse was used for extra storage for science teachers. "The club is important because it gives people the responsibility to care for something living," junior Peyton Westervelt said. "The club also makes sure the greenhouse is being used like it was meant to, not just as an extra storage room."

West goes green

Sadie Smith, Staff Reporter
December 9, 2021
Two members got to run under the parachute near the end of the session. There is music playing and volunteers direct the members on how to move the parachute. “I’ve loved Special Musicians because it provides another opportunity for expression for people with intellectual disabilities,” volunteer Sophia Hill said.

Making moving music

Olivia Ray, Staff Reporter
December 6, 2021
The Millard West Spanish Honors Society (SHS) helps run a Spanish club for third graders at Willowdale Elementary. Young students are introduced to the language and culture by participating in a number of activities. “The SHS students run the different stations and teach the third graders the lesson,” Spanish Honors Society sponsor Alexander Jameson said. “We have four stations and the kids rotate around every eight to 10 minutes. We always have a culture station and then three Spanish language stations.”

Planting the seeds of cultural appreciation

Kaden Roth, Online Editor-in-Chief
December 2, 2021
Girls with disabilities show off their talents and dreams at the 2021 Miss Amazing Amplify event. They are given a chance to show the world that they are no different than any other girl and are on the path to do great things. “The Amplify Event is an annual event that gathers girls and women from across the state of Nebraska (and even a gal from Wyoming this year) of all different abilities,” volunteer director Sydney Ferrara said. “Its purpose is to encourage confidence, leadership and friendship.”

Amplifying chances

Alexis Bahensky, Opinions Editor
November 22, 2021
Explaining directions and the designated rooms each Forensics and Debate student will compete in, Forensis coach Jennifer Jerome wraps up her directions. Starting off the season with an in-person tournament the GOLD tournament was held on Nov. 12 at Millard West High School. “I'm excited to finally get back to in-person competition,” Jerome said. “We wanted to start with our GOLD tournament so that our novice members could get the swing of things before we jump into the busy season.”

The pursuit of dispute

Riley Kramolisch, Managing Editor
November 18, 2021
Pen in hand, athletes sign their letter of intent to compete in athletics at the next level. The athletes were excited to make their decision official. “The signing day experience was really fun,” senior Sam Novotny said. “My favorite part was just being able to sign with a lot of my friends/teammates.”

Pledging for the future

Camille O’Neill, Sports Director
November 18, 2021
The musical’s cast members gather around the auditorium’s center stage to begin their performance. After spending weeks preparing they were reading now more than ever for their moment of showtime. “This was a really exciting experience getting to be in front of a crowd again,” sophomore Mars Zekpa said. “Having past experience performing in front of large crowds made it not really scary or nerve-racking. I was really just focused on getting to show everyone what we worked so hard on.”

A memorable performance

Quinn Burton, Staff Reporter
November 11, 2021
Placed on tables in the library among several other rows sits a crafted tombstone. Made by higher level French students, these headstones were made to signify famous people who have passed and provide background or significance to the person and their life. “We did a tour on Monday of the cemetery after it was all set up, and the students created questions to ask their classmates about their headstone,” French teacher Sara Karst said. “My other students created headstones for their ‘alter egos’ or ‘spirit animals.’”

Bonjour French Week

Samantha Vojslavek, Feature Story Editor
November 10, 2021
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