LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Hey there!

My name is Zaira Ahmad and I am the Print Editor-in-Chief for the 2023-24 school year.

Congratulations on making it through this year! You have worked hard and it’s time to finally take a moment to relax as you say goodbye to your peers.

While we bid farewell to our seniors, many West staff members also part ways with the school as they retire. To learn about a few teachers’ future plans, flip to page 8.

This issue’s cover story explores body image and its impacts on students at West. To read about students’ experiences with eating disorders, body dysmorphia and self-harm scars, turn to page 10.

As you take your final steps out of West’s doors, you may find yourself looking for the perfect way to start your summer. Turn to page 18 to find soundtracks for any occasion under the sun. Have a great summer West, I look forward to seeing you in the fall!

SINCERELY,

ZAIRA AHMAD (she/her)

Contact Us

Mailing address: 2901 Melrose Ave., Iowa City, IA 52240

Website: wsspaper.com

Email: westsidestorypaper@gmail.com

West Side Story reflects the views of the staff and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the school administration, faculty or student body. Students who want to join WSS should enroll in Foundations of Journalism. For more information, go to wsspaper.com/join.

Advertising

Mailing address: 2901 Melrose Ave., Iowa City, IA 52240

Website: wsspaper.com/ads

Email: westsidestorybusiness@gmail.com

Responding To Wss

Letters to the editor may be submitted to room 111, emailed to westsidestorypaper@gmail.com or mailed to the school. All letters must be signed. Names will be published and identities verified by the opinion editor. Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual and may be edited.

Corrections And Clarifications

The WSS strives to correct its errors. If you notice any inaccuracies, contact westsidestorypaper@gmail.com.

Equity Statement

It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, martial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or sociaeconomic programs, activities, or employment practices. If you believe you have (or your child has) been discriminated against or treated unjustly at your school, please contact the Equity Director, at 509 Dubuque Street, 319-688-1000. Please contact westsidestorypaper@gmail.com for questions or comments.

Wss Social Media

Instagram: @wsspaper & @westhighathletics

Twitter: @wsspaper & @wssathletics

Facebook: @wsspaper

Tiktok: @wsspaper

YouTube: West Side Story

Staff List

Zaira Ahmad* (she/her) Print Editor-In-Chief

Jack Alden (he/him) Reporter

Defne Bayman (they/she) Artist, Designer, Photographer

William Cheng* (he/him) ................................................. Visual Editor

Maya Chu* (she/her) Feature Editor

Ella De Young* (she/her) Managing Editor

Heidi Du* (she/her) Copy Editor

Sila Duran* (she/her) Assistant Design Editor

Jack Furlong (he/they) Reporter, Videographer

Sachiko Goto* (she/they) Design Editor

Lilly Graham* (she/her) Managing Editor

Camille Gretter (she/her) Online Editor-In-Chief

Eva Jordan* (she/her) ....................................... Entertainment Editor

Krisha Kapoor* (she/her) Print Co-Editor-In-Chief

Reem Kirja* (she/her) Profiles Editor

Kamakshee Kuchhal* (she/her) Copy Editor

Jane Lam* (she/her) Assistant Copy Editor

Jessie Li* (she/her) Assistant Copy Editor

Gianna Liu* (she/her) Photo Editor, Sports Editor

Jay Mascardo (she/he/they) Photographer, Reporter

Ginger McCartney* (she/her) Art Editor

Helen Orszula (she/her) Artist, Designer

Esther Park (she/her) Artist, Designer

Lily Prochaska* (she/her) Sports Editor

Mrudani Ramkumar* (she/her) News Editor

Katherine Shoppa* (they/them) Print Co-Editor-In-Chief

Anna Song* (she/her) Assistant Design Editor

McKenna Stephens (she/her) Designer

Marie Stier* (she/her) Feature Editor

Rosemary Timmer-Hackert* (she/they) Opinion Editor

Erinn Varga* (she/her) Design Editor, Opinion Editor

Angel Wells-Lu (she/her) Artist, Designer

Sara Whittaker (she/her) Adviser

Athena Wu* (she/her) Entertainment Editor