The New Normal
Ava Bidner, Content Editor in Chief
9:26 am
“BEEEEEEP, BEEEEEEP. A DISTURBANCE HAS BEEN DETECTED IN THE BUILDING. PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND PREPARE TO DEFEND YOURSELF IF NECESSARY.” As blinds are pulled on classroom windows, doors are securely locked, lights are turned off, and students huddle in the corners of their classro...
Your Permanent Record: Can You Erase It?
Lea Despotis, Design Editor
November 25, 2019
It was 2013 when a catalytic shock reverberated across the digital world. Notorious whistleblower Edward Snowden toppled the American intelligence establishment with a single revelation that led to his demise: “You are being watched and recorded.” Initiating one of the largest security heists in ...
In Response To. . .
Ava Bidner, Content Editor in Chief
November 23, 2019
Dear Dr. Henneberg, My name is Ava Bidner, and I am a 17-year-old senior in high school. I recently read your article in The New York Times titled “When An Abortion Doctor Becomes a Mother,” and after rereading it several times, I felt compelled to write you this letter and make an effort to ...
Power Down
Ava Bidner, Content Editor in Chief
September 8, 2019
As Westminster students were welcomed back into the building this year for the first week of school, they were confronted with several new changes. From all of the new faces to the presence of a student council to new leaders and teachers, Westminster is prepared for a fulfilling upcoming 2019-2020 s...
The Fall of Feminisim
Isabella Francois, Managing Editor in Chief
April 2, 2019
To say that the word “feminism” is a controversial word, in 21st century America, would be an understatement. In fact, the debate over what feminism is or is not has become a topic of debate among people of all ages, especially within high school students. Students often take a stand for one side...
The Finals Feud
Ava Bidner, Content Editor in Chief
February 1, 2019
Pure exhaustion. Anxiety. Stress. Worry. Caffeine. Sleep-deprived brains. Study guides and notes galore. And test after test after test. The worst week(s) of the year, but you power through with the knowledge that if you just get through your finals you will be compensated with a much-needed break, whether...
Rewiring Intelligence
Lea Despotis, Design Editor
January 31, 2019
Today we stand at the juncture of a revolution where the product of our own inventiveness has the ability to alter the course of history. In an era of smartphones, Amazon Alexas, and Google assistants, there is no doubt technological advancements have cast rippling waves and driven generational shifts....
Is St. Louis Really “Better Together”?
Isabella Francois, Managing Editor in Chief
January 29, 2019
On August 22, 1876 St. Louis voters cast their ballots and it was decided that St. Louis City and St. Louis county would become separate entities with separate governments. Today, 143 years later, this issue is finally being revisited with the “Better Together” initiative. In order to better understand...
“Fish are Friends, not food”
Ava Bidner, Content Editor in Chief
November 26, 2018
A quick scroll through Instagram or a stroll down a grocery store aisle yields an abundance of vegan or vegetarian recipes and options. These diets have become both more popular and more accessible over the past few years, and people all over the country and globe are choosing to try them. Adding labels...
Time to “Spill the Tea”
Lea Despotis, Design Editor
November 2, 2018
Dating back to ancient Chinese culture, the quintessential cup of tea has been a universal product touted for its medicinal and therapeutic properties. Laden with a medley of exotic spices and hints of floral extracts, the endless variety of teas remains a cross-cultural favorite. According to the Tea...