Editorial
Letters to the Editor
December 2009
Living with violence Dear Editor, When looking through The Westword, I saw all the good things that students have accomplished, but I saw nothing about the violence [in the school] besides the [student’s] death. I was wondering if there was something you can put in the paper to start a change. There are deaths and fights all the time, and most of it is not worth it. This might seem like an outsider looking in [on the situation,] but I am an insider looking out and taking the time to inform others that school isn’t what it seems. When most people think about school, they want to know that they are safe and out of harm’s
way, but that’s not always the case with Westhill. Fights and pointless arguments happen in the hallway that students, teachers, and other people have to walk in. So in conclusion, I would just like to see a change in our school so I can know that it’s safe to walk in the halls without being trampled by security trying to break up a fight that shouldn’t be going on. Sincerely, Steven Thompson, ’11 Vegetarian Inspiration Dear Editor, The article about sophomore Maureen Michaelson and her petition for vegetarian lunch touched me. It showed me how much courage she had to go around the caf-
Table of Contents E ditorial ...............................................................2-3 News.............................................................................4-9 Viewpoint....................................................................10-13 Feature..................................................................14-17 Las Noticias.....................................................................18-19 Supplement............................................................21-28 Limelight...............................................................29-32 E xpress ............................................................34-35 Special.........................................................................36-38 Scatterbrain............................................................39-41 Sports...................................................................42-47 November Issue Corrections
The Westword apologizes for the following errors: News (page 8): The news brief photos were credited to Alana Kasindorf while they were actually taken by Samantha Rushovich. News (page 9): Brian Barr is identified as a Staff Writer while he is actually a Verification Manager.
Limelight (page 30): The illustrations were credited to Laura Eber and Jackie Avellar, while they were only drawn by Laura Eber. Sports (page 45): Martha Masiarz’s name is spelt wrong. Sports (page 47): In Jordan Meyer’s column, he stated that the New York Yankees played the Anaheim Angels while they really played the Minnesota Twins.
The Westword will be guided in the publication of material by a concern for truth, for human decency, and for human benefit. It is published during the school year by the Journalism and Communications students at Westhill High School, along with the Late Night Staff. Letters to the Editor, advertising requests, comments, criticism, or suggestions are always welcome. The views expressed in Viewpoint may not necessarily represent the opinions of The Westword. Editorial Board consists of Annie Cohen, Stuart Farber, Shivali Khetan, Alexandra Lewis, Jaime Manela, Keben Perez, Skyler Ross, Stacey Rupolo, Erin Stanton, Jake Sabbah, Jackie Schechter, Alba Vega-Ruano, and Katie Zabronsky.
eteria and ask people to sign her petition even when no one would listen to her. All it took was for one person to step up and sign her petition [to make a difference.] Everyone who wanted to sign the petition but was afraid to was encouraged [by Michaelson] to sign and write what they feel, which made them feel better and also gave them a chance to eat a lot more healthily. This article has shown me a lot of courage from this young girl who stood up to the whole school. Sincerely, Sharuq Gadiwalla, ’11 Freedom of costume Dear Editor, Dressing up for Halloween is a
tradition at Westhill. Many teachers have been arguing that this year students “abused freedoms,” but their parents agreed with their costumes and teachers shouldn’t have a problem with it. Halloween is supposed to be fun and kids can dress up for it. If some teacher doesn’t like any kid’s costume, the teacher should leave school and ignore it. I believe that most of [the costumes] were just to be funny and we should let them be the way they want to be. This is a free country, therefore teachers have to let us dress as we want to dress. I’m hoping that the principal won’t put restrictions next year because it would take away all the fun. Sincerely, Mauro Mayen, ’11
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Please send your opinions to The Westword. Place letters in Shivali Khetan’s mailbox in room 224 or e-mail them to westwordwhs@ gmail.com
WHAT THE...?
This enthusiastic reminder placed in the 200s by the Go Healthy Early Club made sure to alert the student body to “live life” this month, among many other “awesome” things.