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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
Michelle Zhang

Michelle Zhang, Staff Reporter

Michelle is a senior back for her third year on The CATalyst. She enjoys writing opinion and entertainment stories. Outside of school, she works at a daycare, enjoys shopping, and finding new restaurants in downtown Omaha.

All content by Michelle Zhang
Members of the symphony orchestra sit waiting to start their next song. “Students, in general, were pleased to have the opportunity to finally perform for a live audience, and I haven't heard any complaints regarding the safety of students and audience members at the event,” senior Luke Skrabal said. “I am glad to see that live performances are happening once again because music lifts people's spirits and provides an escape from the difficulties of life under COVID.”

Strings coming to life

Michelle Zhang, Staff Reporter
March 10, 2021
Grocery stores typically have a huge selection of food, however, many of the products are thrown out because of expiration dates, bacteria, mold or cosmetic reasons.

Excess still isn’t enough

Michelle Zhang, Staff Reporter
March 3, 2021
Pep band performing in the bleachers for a basketball game. Many of these students being seniors, they are enjoying their last year playing for the school. “Even when we weren't sure if we were ever going to perform our show or have any concerts, though, we still supported our classmates,” senior Natalie Jaworski said. “I think that's the big takeaway of what we've been doing this year: even though things aren't the same, they're still really special, because at every level, from students to parents to staff, we want them to be special.”

Pep band’s anticipated return

Michelle Zhang, Staff Reporter
February 24, 2021
HOSA members volunteering for past blood drives, helping donors sign in and get registered. “We have not had our HOSA students volunteering at the drives this year,” HOSA sponsor Jeanne Meyer said. “All blood drives have been off-site so our West students did not ‘work’ the blood drives like they have in years past, however, they still volunteer their time in recruiting donors.”

A different take to on-site blood drive

Michelle Zhang, Staff Reporter
February 19, 2021
A student protest over tuition fees at the University of Vienna in 2009 still holds the same messages today as prices continue to increase.

Tuition turmoil

Michelle Zhang, Staff Reporter
February 8, 2021
The Biden Administration is set to purchase 200 million vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, both recommended by the CDC and approved by the FDA.

Creating barriers through herd immunity

Michelle Zhang, Staff Reporter
January 28, 2021
Resolutions have been set every new year with various intentions, ranging from improving personal health, being more mindful or goals of bettering financial habits.

New Year’s Resolutions don’t work out

Michelle Zhang, Staff Reporter
January 19, 2021
Shelves at stores are left empty as disinfectant and cleaning supplies are sold. Following directed forms of use is highly recommended.

Do not ingest chemicals

Michelle Zhang, Opinions Editor
May 12, 2020
As the US continues fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, numbers for reported cases continue to rise.

Cutting funds won’t save lives

Michelle Zhang, Opinions Editor
May 1, 2020
Governor Pete Ricketts continues pushing for Nebraskans to stay home. Following recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19 helps maintain healthier communities.

Our home state is also affected

Michelle Zhang, Opinions Editor
April 14, 2020
COVID-19 has developed a multitude of names referencing China, putting individuals in America at risk.

Call it by its name

Michelle Zhang, Opinions Editor
April 2, 2020

Painting projects

Jasmine Hermosillo-Padilla and Michelle Zhang
March 12, 2020
For Junior Abby Buckley the chance to perform and compete with Team USA has left a lasting impact on her life. Her drive and endurance continues to shine through her work. “Team USA has changed my life by knowing that if you work hard enough you can accomplish great things,” Buckley said. “Just getting the chance to represent the USA in Holland is an accomplishment on its own.”

Coordination with character

Michelle Zhang, Opinions Editor
March 9, 2020
Junior Delaney Aikins’s painting titled “Barney” earned a Gold Key. Because of this, the piece will be entered into a competition in New York City. “For the portrait we were supposed to use acrylic paints and then I went to Hobby Lobby and got gold foil,” Aikins said. “I wanted to mess with the foil and that’s where the latter in her shawl came from.”

Expressing visual success

Michelle Zhang, Opinions Editor
March 4, 2020
Justin Bieber releases Changes, an album containing 16 songs and one remix.

Not many changes in music

Michelle Zhang, Opinions Editor
February 20, 2020
A 3D illustration of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus - MERS-CoV - which shares the same family as the novel coronavirus.

Panic spreading like the novel coronavirus

Michelle Zhang, Opinions Editor
February 7, 2020

Meet the Wildcats: Who is most likely to? (Part 2)

Jasmine Hermosillo-Padilla and Michelle Zhang
February 7, 2020
As citizens, law enforcement are intended to serve and protect safety along with prevent crime. Omaha Police Department holds the motto "To serve and protect".

Policing society

Michelle Zhang, Opinions Editor
February 3, 2020

Meet the Wildcats: Who is most likely to?

Jasmine Hermosillo-Padilla and Michelle Zhang
January 30, 2020

Second degree Black belt

Dana Summers and Michelle Zhang
January 24, 2020
Standard's in society and social media hold a burden over individuals, resulting in stress and anxiety.

Appearance hurts

Michelle Zhang, Opinions Editor
January 16, 2020
Sophomore Adison Mullenburg (top right) poses with other trapeze fliers with a bright smile. Being involved in physical activities such as fencing and trapeze has created an outlet for Mullenburg. “They’re both an escape for me, I don’t think about anything while flying,” Mullenburg said. “I think of nothing during fencing other than what my next move isx and how my opponent is moving.”

From flying to fighting

Michelle Zhang, Opinions Editor
December 13, 2019

Meet the Wildcats: Episode 1 – Name Santa’s reindeer

Jasmine Hermosillo-Padilla and Michelle Zhang
December 6, 2019

Wildcats fall to the Thunderbirds

Natalie Eljamal and Michelle Zhang
December 5, 2019
Flu vaccines are used to stop the spreading and advancing of the influenza virus in populations.

It’s not ‘sick’ to get sick

Michelle Zhang, Opinions Editor
November 15, 2019
Mochi ice cream can be found in many flavors such as vanilla, strawberry, mango or matcha.

A step forward in the ice cream world

Michelle Zhang, Opinions Editor
November 14, 2019

Auditorium Etiquette PSA

Anna Blumenthal and Michelle Zhang
October 30, 2019
Scooter’s Coffee’s new Pumpkin Pie Shake after being hit with a couple sips begins to lose festive flavor.

Pumpkin gets too much pep

Michelle Zhang, Opinions Editor
October 14, 2019

Newly crowned

Natalie Eljamal and Michelle Zhang
October 3, 2019
Millard West High School Dirty lot full of cars on an early Thursday morning.

Reckless driving isn’t a personality trait

Michelle Zhang, Opinions Editor
September 26, 2019
Wildcats line up after halftime watching the plays unravel in front of them.

MWHS Varsity Football (09.13.19)

Michelle Zhang, Opinions Editor
September 17, 2019
Rising temperatures are affecting environments tremendously all around the world.

Hotheaded arguments beat out hot temps

Michelle Zhang, Opinions Editor
September 17, 2019
Hyping up the crowd, cheerleaders lead a chant for students to follow.

Fall Pep Rally (8.30)

Michelle Zhang, Staff Reporter
September 5, 2019

Meet Stuart – Millard North Middle School’s Therapy Dog

Annalise Smalley and Michelle Zhang
September 4, 2019
Being a second mascot for Millard North Middle School, Stuart the Therapy Dog meets with students and staff. Formerly being a home dog, Stuart received certification to work alongside his owner, Eric Depue. “Just having his presence there he really has a calming presence,” Depue said.

A Middle School’s Greatest Resource

Michelle Zhang, Staff Reporter
September 4, 2019
Marketing platform Depop advertises metal straws with the hopes of cutting down on pollution and save marine life.

Sipping on polluted water

Michelle Zhang, Staff Reporter
August 26, 2019
Hydration Hype

Hydration Hype

Michelle Zhang, Staff Writer
December 19, 2018
Senior Kaylee Hallgren (right) plays cheer captain, Campbell.

Bring On the Talent

Michelle Zhang, Staff Writer
December 12, 2018
No Care Equals No Grade

No Care Equals No Grade

Michelle Zhang, Staff Writer
December 12, 2018
Courtesy of New York Times

First World Country With Third World Problems

Michelle Zhang, Staff Writer
November 20, 2018
#BeKind Ineffectively Hitting High School

#BeKind Ineffectively Hitting High School

Michelle Zhang, Staff Writer
November 15, 2018

Minute to Win It

Kiersten Watkins and Michelle Zhang
October 31, 2018
Rated R Reviewed As Unnecessary

Rated R Reviewed As Unnecessary

Michelle Zhang, Staff Writer
October 22, 2018

Seatbelt PSA

Taylor Mason and Michelle Zhang
October 5, 2018
Summer Ending with Itches

Summer Ending with Itches

Michelle Zhang, Staffer Writer
September 27, 2018

MWHS Wildcat News (09.28.18)

Cole Filer, Gabe Paredes, Kaitlyn Willard, Madelyn Augustine, Delaney Richardson, Annalise Smalley, Tenley Wright, Delaney Aikins, Michelle Zhang, Nathan Thomas, and Jacob Janousek
September 27, 2018
Using The Wrong Spice For Fall

Using The Wrong Spice For Fall

Michelle Zhang, Staff Writer
September 21, 2018

2018-2019 Debate season is underway

Delaney Aikins and Michelle Zhang
September 10, 2018

2018-2019 Debate season is underway

Delaney Aikins and Michelle Zhang
September 10, 2018
Crazy and Rich with Asians

Crazy and Rich with Asians

Michelle Zhang, Staff Writer
September 5, 2018

Senior Advice

Natalie Eljamal and Michelle Zhang
August 27, 2018
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