Stories by Laurel Richards

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

2024 Homecoming Court

On September 19, 2024, Northwest held its fourth annual Homecoming Coronation where seniors Greta Paulson and Kellan Croatt were named Homecoming Queen and King. Paulson and Croatt are both very involved at Northwest. Paulson participates in Varsity Tennis, Show Choir (EOS), Northwest Singers, Random Acts of Kindness club, National Honor…

by Laurel Richards  •  Oct 8, 2024
Sports

Paris Summer Olympics

The Paris 2024 Olympics will take place July 26-August 11, 2024, and will feature the world’s top athletes.  Four new sports will be featured at the Paris Olympics which are skateboarding, surfing, breaking and sport climbing. 32 different sports will be featured at the games. Three sports that were featured…

by Laurel Richards  •  May 7, 2024
Culture

The Downfall of Disney

Disney is not the same joyful company that it once was years ago. Their revenue is down, their streaming platform is failing and their new movies have not been successful.  2023 was one of the worst years ever for the Disney Franchise. Every movie produced during the year seemed to…

by Laurel Richards  •  Feb 16, 2024
Culture

Snowglobe Des Moines Shakes Up Traditional Holiday Dining

Exile Brewing Company has transformed its restaurant into Snow Globe DSM, providing the ultimate winter dining experience.  Snow Globe is a Christmas-themed bar and brunch experience from November 14th to January 7th in Des Moines. The restaurant is open six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday. The restaurant has lights,…

by Laurel Richards  •  Dec 20, 2023
Culture

Women’s Sports on the Rise

During a time when live television is losing viewership, there is one area that is on the rise: women’s sports.  Women’s sports have grown tremendously in the last few years, and their viewership is at an all-time high. Although women’s sports often don’t receive the same amount of attention as…

by Laurel Richards  •  Nov 27, 2023
Culture

Waukee Chain Milkshake-off Review

While food chains across Waukee each have their own unique menus, milkshakes are a consistent staple that can be found at most. We visited five local ice cream locations to discover which one has the best milkshake in Waukee. Culvers:  6/10 Our first stop of the day was Culver’s. One…

by Laurel Richards  •  Oct 23, 2023
Culture

Jeremiah vs. Conrad Proves a Hot Topic This Summer

One of the hottest debates on social media has taken over Northwest. Many students have read or watched, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” series, which has sparked the question, Jeremiah or Conrad Fisher?  The series is based on a love triangle between Conrad, Jeremiah and Belly. The two boys are…

by Laurel Richards  •  Sep 24, 2023
News

Tropical Smoothie King: The Better Smoothie Store

With the introduction of the Tropical Smoothie Cafe to Waukee, students at Northwest find themselves taking sides in the newest controversial debate. Smoothie King, or Tropical Smoothie? Many of the Northwest students are patiently awaiting the grand opening of the new Tropical Smoothie in Waukee. The opening date is still…

by Laurel Richards  •  Aug 14, 2023
Culture

Valentine’s Day vs. Galentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a celebration on February 14th and it is a holiday dedicated to love. Valentine’s day originated from a Christian Feast day honoring a man named Valentine. Now, Valentine’s Day is a day full of romance, gift-giving, eating out, and simply being with loved ones.  Sophomore Aubrey Schultz…

by Laurel Richards  •  Feb 17, 2023