• Follow us on Instagram @MWHS.Catalyst
  • Follow us on Twitter @MWHSCatalyst for Breaking News
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
Leaping above two defenders, senior Luke White fires a shot on goal. White’s multi-goal performance helped lead the way for the Wildcats to overcome an early deficit against the Westside Warriors. “We just weren’t playing our game early on,” White said. “We were playing sloppy and slow and that is what was holding us back. After a couple goals in the second quarter, the ball started rolling and it was wraps from there. This win shows that even after being down a couple goals, we can still come back with ease, as long as we give the effort and put forth the energy needed. This offense is so dangerous, being down couldn’t matter less.”

Wildcat comeback crushes Warriors

Sam Whittaker, Editor-in-Chief
March 21, 2025
Sophomore Sofia Hoegemeyer showcases her toughness and resilience as she pins her opponent to secure a victory. Hogemeyer won the 2025 girls wrestling State championship for the first time in school history. “I find different ways to show how tough I am as a wrestler while on the mat,” Hogemeyer said. “Winning this match was a forever dream knowing how much work I put into it to get to this point.”

Setting the standard

Landen Swift, Staff reporter
March 11, 2025
Eying down the pins at the end of the lane, junior Anden Sutter, flings the ball out of his grip. Sutter placed first at the NSSA State Bowling Championship for the 2025 season. “It was a pretty crazy feeling to win the whole thing,” Sutter said. “Keeping my cool and staying relaxed even when playing challenging opponents really helped me succeed in the long run.”

Big time bowler

Corgan Perry, Staff Reporter
March 7, 2025
Shooting the ball in the air, senior guard Jayden Kozney sinks the ball in the hoop. Offensively, Kozney led the way in scoring and finding open shots to take to help lead the team to victory. “I try to get in a rhythm early because it makes sure I stay that way throughout the whole game,” Kozney said. “My teammates also come into play for the success I had throughout that game because they gave me open looks that gave me opportunities to be aggressive.”

Thriving for success

Landen Swift, Staff reporter
February 24, 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
Influencers hurt Gen Z by posing a false reality the average person cannot live up to.

The false gods of Instagram

Natalie Fink, Managing Editor
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
Speeding up ice, senior defenseman Cole Grandgenett controls the puck. Defensively, Grandgenett led the way for the Wildcats collecting multiple takeaways en route to the loss. “I think the biggest takeaway is simple. The depth of the team needs to grow,” Grandgenett said. “We had a total of 20 shots but they mostly consisted of shots from really only five players at most. This has been a problem all season. We need players to gain their confidence and start producing plays according to their style.”

Race to the playoffs

Sam Whittaker, Editor-in-Chief
February 12, 2025
Dribbling past the defenders, senior Norah Gessert tries to find herself a lane to drive in the paint to work herself to the hoop and make a basket to help lead her team to a victory. During the game she scored 12 points and had three rebounds. “I try to find open lanes if possible and I know if I can’t then I will have a teammate by me that I can pass it to,” Gessert said. “We are always trying to score points no matter what way it happens.”

Queens of Q Street

Landen Swift, Staff reporter
February 6, 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
The world’s children are being pushed to plan their future years in advance.

Childhood is over

Brooke Samson, Staff Reporter
January 29, 2025
Firing the puck on a breakaway, senior captain Reece Wilson looks to add to the lead. Wilson’s five-goal performance propelled the Cats past Gretna for the second time this season. “We noticed Gretna’s defense tends to play a little off, giving you more time and space,” Wilson said. “It was also just good positioning on our end that led to more opportunities and chances to score. After a unique game like that, I think it’s super important to feed off that energy and get the other guys fired up wanting to score and find opportunities.”

Cats freeze the fire

Sam Whittaker, Editor-in-Chief
January 29, 2025
Load More Stories