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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

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
Sophomore Cade Walker dropped a career high 16 points. Last year he averaged 4.5 ppg in 21 game, never eclipsing 10, which makes this performance that much more impressive.

Wildcats battle the Mustangs

Jacob Larson, Sports Driector
December 13, 2024
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

Trey Jochims, Managing Editor
December 9, 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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