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3 Years of Outbreak: A Flashback to COVID-19

This spring marks the three-year anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in America.  While over a year has passed since Governor Kim Reynolds declared an end to the coronavirus public health emergency, the detrimental effects of COVID-19 are still seen today. School is a significant part of…

by Avery Herman  •  Mar 30, 2023
Culture

Volunteering During the Holidays

Volunteering is something that many people do, and most often, they get a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of satisfaction after giving their time. Volunteering is something that many people do, and most often, they get a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of satisfaction after giving their time.

by Amari Myers  •  Dec 20, 2021
Opinion

Encanto Movie Review

On November 24th, 2021, Walt Disney Studios released its 60th animated film, Encanto. This article contains minor spoilers for Disney’s film Encanto.  On November 24th, 2021, Walt Disney Studios released its 60th animated film, Encanto. Encanto is set in a village in Colombia where the Madrigal family lives. Every Madrigal…

by Tyler Pittman  •  Dec 15, 2021
Sports

Girls Basketball

The Girls Basketball team has shown prominence to be a State contender again this season. The Girls Basketball team has shown prominence to be a State contender again this season. After an easy blowout against Ames 84-14, many believe that Northwest is taking off where Waukee Girls Basketball left it…

by Caden Sammler  •  Dec 15, 2021
Opinion

Holiday Music

Every year holiday music is covered by many music artists, but many artists who create original songs do not gain as much popularity.  We’ve already heard the song 30 times, who wants to hear John Legend do it again? Every year holiday music is covered by many music artists, but…

by Jack Andersen  •  Dec 13, 2021
Sports

Waukee Northwest State Dance

The Dance team at Waukee Northwest heads to state. The Dance team at Waukee Northwest has had a rollercoaster of a season, starting off with some work that needed to be done, and ending up with a 1st place in contemporary and a 2nd place in pom at the State…

by Amari Myers  •  Dec 7, 2021
Culture

Americanization of Asian Culture

With social media heavily influencing teens, trends are constantly changing and growing in popularity. Ever since the 2010s, Asian culture has become incredibly popular with today’s teens. From K-pop to anime, fashion and makeup styles, right down to the beauty standards, America is exploding with Asian influence. Many people trace…

by Molly Campbell  •  Dec 6, 2021
News

Meet the Band Directors

Mr. Friesleben and Mr. Strohmaier are waukee northwest’s two band directors. Even though the Northwest Royal Brigade is just two months old, Chris Strohmaier and Chad Friesleben, the directors of the marching, jazz and concert band are proud to be leaders of the pack. In high school, Mr. Strohmaier played…

by Emma Goode  •  Dec 2, 2021
Culture

Zodiac Signs – All You Need to Know

Zodiac signs are an interesting way to find out more about yourself and other people. Zodiac signs can also determine who you are compatible with and where you are at in life.         If you were born on December 22nd-January 19th, you are a Capricorn. Capricorns are ambitious, determined and strong. They…

by Presley O'Neill  •  Dec 1, 2021
News

Band Player Shortage

Due to the split, Waukee Northwest High School is suffering from a shortage of band students. Because Waukee High School is splitting into two, this has caused large instrument groups, like the clarinets, to fall to a small group of eight and double-reed instruments, like oboes and bassoons, only have…

by Felicity Menning  •  Dec 1, 2021
Features

International Club: Dance Night

One of the outstanding clubs and an off-shot in Northwest High School is the club whose membership consists of people from different cultures all over the globe. International Club, a club established to encourage students to share their culture and also learn about other cultures. International club offers the best…

by Benedicta Droh  •  Dec 1, 2021
News

School Troubles

With just a few weeks under Northwest High School’s belt, students have already discovered several problems that have arisen, ranging from traffic to the sound of the dismissal bell. As suspected, things at Northwest High School wouldn’t run smoothly in the first weeks. Many students have pointed out the various…

by Ariana Aponte  •  Dec 1, 2021
Features

Meet The Librarian

The contagious smile behind the Waukee Northwest library doors belongs to librarian Ms. Rechkemmer. She is originally from Omaha, Nebraska, and had previously taught middle school Language Arts for seven years. This year is Ms. Rechkemmer’s first year as a school librarian. Ms. Rechkemmer loves riding horses and credits that to…

by Amela Medinoski  •  Dec 1, 2021
Culture

Study Room Review

At Northwest, students use the group study rooms, located upstairs above the lunchroom, to work on projects, study for tests, and more. At Northwest, students use the group study rooms, located upstairs above the lunchroom, to work on projects, study for tests, and more. The students think the rooms are…

by Felicity Menning  •  Dec 1, 2021
News

Impact of Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene caused $53 million in damage and has been reported as the worst hurricane since Katrina in 2005. Helene impacted several American states, including North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. The storm also affected areas outside the United States, such as the Cayman Islands, the Yucatán Peninsula…

by Reagan Hansen  •  Nov 16, 2024
News

Cyclones Storm to Best Start Since 1938

Iowa State’s football program is currently 7-2, following last weekend’s loss against Kansas on November 9th, which many see as a minor setback after a great start in recent months.  Quarterback Rocco Becht’s team is now fourth in the Big 12 conference. Due to this remarkable success, some fans are…

by Jackson Latta  •  Nov 11, 2024
News

Election Anxiety

On November 5, citizens across the United States voted for presidential and local candidates, ending an election season full of stress about the results.   Tensions are high among voters, and even non-voters, about who will be the next President of the United States. This phenomenon has gained significant attention as…

by Krista Giltner  •  Nov 11, 2024
News

Fall Blood Drive

On Tuesday, November 5, Northwest High School hosted its annual blood drive in the multipurpose room. The Red Cord Program is an opportunity through LifeServe for graduates to receive at graduation cord once they donate blood three times throughout their high school career. Once the students reach this goal, they…

by Meredith Muller  •  Nov 7, 2024
News

Congressional Debate at Northwest

On October 8, Northwest High School hosted a Congressional Debate with Lannon Baccam and Zach Nunn on KCCI Des Moines live television, which selected students got to view. These students got the opportunity to immerse themselves in the political dynamic. The event provided students with valuable insights into the electoral…

by Krista Giltner  •  Nov 5, 2024
News

Impact of Media on Zoo Animals

In 2024, many zoos and animal sanctuaries are using social media to educate the public on conservation and wildlife. Still, the internet and media community has an unseen crucial impact on conservation and zoo life behind the scenes.  On many online platforms, cute and funny animals are going viral every…

by Addax Hicks  •  Oct 31, 2024
News

Freddy’s Claims a ‘Steak’ in Waukee

Freddy’s recently opened in Waukee on September 28th, making an exciting addition to the Alice’s Road area.  Freddy’s is a popular American Fast-Casual restaurant. They are known for their steakburgers and frozen custard concrete shakes. The new location features an outdoor patio and drive-through service. The restaurant operates at a…

by Jackson Latta  •  Oct 29, 2024
News

National Merit Semifinalists

Sixteen Waukee Community School District high school seniors were chosen as National Merit Semifinalists and six were from Northwest High School.  The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic scholarship competition for seniors who took the PSAT during their junior year of high school. The competition is for recognition and…

by Laurel Richards  •  Oct 28, 2024
News

Local Senate Candidates Audio Interview

Listen to the audio recordings of my interviews with Iowa Senator Sarah Trone Garriot and Dallas County Supervisor Mark Hanson. Sarah Trone Garriot Interview: Mark Hanson Interview:…

by Krista Giltner  •  Oct 21, 2024
Photos

Homecoming Proposals

Several Waukee Northwest High School students participated in homecoming proposals, prior to the annual dance on September 21st, to ask significant others and peers to homecoming.  On September 21, 2024, Waukee Northwest High School students celebrated their annual homecoming dance. Following up to the eventful night some students chose to…

by Michael Miner  •  Oct 20, 2024