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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
Paige Fortney

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter

Paige is a senior at Millard West and this is her second year on the CATalyst staff. She loves sharing her opinions and being able to tell stories throughout her writing. This year she hopes to share her best work with others and broaden her skills within journalism. In her free time, she loves traveling and exploring new places and spending time with her friends and family. 

All content by Paige Fortney
“Gen Zers” make up a very large portion of the population in the U.S today, and while born in an era of technology, 80% have stated that they aspire to work with cutting-edge technology at some point, according to a study done by Dell. This generation is also expected to account for 30% of the labor force by 2030.

To be Gen Z

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
December 18, 2020
Along with the release of his new album, Mendes also worked on a Netflix special, “Shawn Mendes: In Wonder” that premiered on November 23. “Been working on this documentary for so long & am so excited to finally share it with you all,” Mendes shared on Instagram.

No need to Wonder anymore

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
December 9, 2020
This Ohio man was among the large number of people who received and was involved in Moderna’s COVID-19 clinical trial that showed a 94.1% effectiveness rate.

A chance for a change

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
December 2, 2020
The city of Omaha took a different approach to the mask regulations this past week. Instead of extending month-to-month, council members took it into their own hands and placed a three month mandate until further notice.

Regulated once again

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
November 19, 2020
Netflix’s new Christmas rom-com “Holidate” is sure to make you laugh, but maybe not in a good way. While it features many popular faces, it definitely isn’t a top pick for me. 3/5 stars.

Don’t make a date for this one

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
November 11, 2020

Spook-tacular Cheer Clinic

Anna Blumenthal and Paige Fortney
November 5, 2020
"I'm voting because I don't think the current government is doing a good job. I care strongly about climate change."

[Photo] Tanner Klahn

February 22, 2021
"Because I'm 18, I can now do something to have my voice heard. That's why I want to take the action to vote."

[Photo] Grace Schiemann

February 22, 2021
"I'm voting because there are a lot of problems in America. I think there should be free healthcare, more gun restriction and more focus on the BLM movement."

[Photo] Aiden Berggren

February 22, 2021
"I'm thankful to be able to vote in this election specifically because I neither agree or respect our government situation. We need something new and neither are perfect choices, but there is a lesser of two evils in this election."

[Photo] Mae Killeen

February 22, 2021
"I'm voting because it's my first year that I can. I feel like it's our right as a citizen to vote."

[Photo] Erica Michel

February 22, 2021
"I'm voting because I think that everyone's vote matters. One extra vote might have the power to make a difference."

[Photo] Ben Vanrooyan

February 22, 2021
Two days after the movie’s release, “Clouds” reached the number one spot on the iTunes chart. In 2013, when the song was initially released, it also made an appearance climbing to a high spot on the charts, making this the second time it went viral.

Tear-jerker of the year goes to…

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
October 27, 2020
“mama’s boy” took a different approach from their last two albums, “Malibu Nights” and “LANY.” The release of this album gave off a nostalgic and southern feeling unlike their usual contemporary heartbreak songs.

LANY’s latest

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
October 13, 2020
According to the Mayo Clinic “This year’s flu shot will offer protection against three or four of the influenza viruses expected to be in circulation this flu season.” The available options of delivery this year for the vaccination are through injection or a nasal spray. Although the flu shot does not provide 100% protection, it is still worth getting.

Fighting the flu

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
October 6, 2020

Sewing bandanas for dogs

Edison Geiler, Anna Blumenthal, Paige Fortney, and Noah Walls
October 2, 2020
Posters were painted and hung on each player's front door. The team wanted to surprise the seniors with an assortment of items and snacks as well. “We painted the football stripe and design on the brown paper bags”, senior Phoebe Rackliffe said. It’s always a fun time with the team when we make different things like this."

A senior surprise

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
September 18, 2020
Work It is just like any other Netflix original movie. Once released, it was somehow the top-watched film in its debut weekend, before falling to fifth place in its second weekend.

It’s not working for me

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
September 10, 2020
Millard West’s student section always shows up ready to support. As shown above, the stands are always filled completely from top to bottom with students all decked out in the game’s theme. Without the energy of the student section and cheerleaders together, the games are not the same. The whole experience of football games comes from the atmosphere and the liveliness of the crowd.

Seniors on the sidelines

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
September 3, 2020
These kinds of masks are seen being worn daily by billions of people, and that number can quickly add up. Disposable masks are meant to help block large-particle droplets, splashes, sprays, or splatter that may contain germs. However, they don't filter or block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs and sneezes. As you can see from this photo, the edges of the mask are not designed to form a tight seal around the nose and mouth.

Unmasking the damage

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
August 27, 2020
Many universities are dismissing or making these standardized tests optional for the 2021 enrollment.

Colleges cancel scores

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
May 8, 2020
The mall’s employee’s returned on the 24th only as a “soft-opening.” Some stores will potentially begin reopening for customers on the 1st of May.

COVID Crossing

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
April 28, 2020
This chart gives a few examples of ways to cope with anxiety during COVID-19. Following these will result in keeping yourself healthier and safer. Graphic by Team Kentucky member, Whitney leggett

Quarantine comes with consequences

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
April 14, 2020
After Hours debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 for the chart week of April 4, 2020. The album was first introduced on November 6, 2018.

The Weeknd returns with After Hours

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
April 2, 2020
Lauv’s album cover, as mentioned before, portrays six miniature versions of himself. Each color stands for it’s own personality and emotion that Lauv believes he is like.

How is Lauv feeling?

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
March 12, 2020
Junior Elise Nyffeler works in the Scratching Post as a part of DECA. She is a junior officer and is in there during her lunch period for students to shop.

Taking on the job earlier

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
March 6, 2020
With e-Learning days being implemented, schools are saving a lot of hassle towards the end of the school year. High schools are easily getting assignments out to students and getting the required work done in order to have a successful work day.

e-Learning changing schools for the better

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
February 28, 2020
This image is an example of a four by four block schedule. A schedule like this is much more organized and efficient for students.

Blocking out success

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
January 30, 2020
Mac Miller’s posthumous album Circles was recently released and is said to make a big appearance on the Billboard 200 this coming week. His leading single “Good News” has already made its debut placing at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Swimming in circles

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
January 24, 2020
This photo is a great example of what many of these basic tracking applications look like. Friends and family can be easily located by the tap of a button.

Tracking down the trouble

Paige Fortney, Staff Reporter
January 15, 2020
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