No curriculum, no teachers, no tests: Alumna Alexis Franklin paves the path for a unique type of learning
Ridwan Oyebamiji, Features Editor
February 10, 2020
Students enter through the doors of the school ready to start their day, but instead of sitting at their desks to start their morning work or turn in their homework, students socialize until they feel they are ready to begin working. By students taking responsibility for their own education, alumna Ale...
Alumnus Stuart Portman takes an unconventional path to work at the U.S. Senate
Ridwan Oyebamiji, Features Editor
January 30, 2020
Always showing a passion for health and politics, alumna Stuart Portman combined his interests to become an advisor at the U.S. Senate. Portman’s Journey After graduating high school in 2009, Portman attended the University of Denver where he double-majored in Biology and Political Science on a pre...
Alumna Vicky Hedgecock animates “Call of The Wild”
Ashlyn Gillespie, Convergence Journalism Writer
January 22, 2020
After deciding to become an animator her freshman year of high school, 2012 alumna Vicky Hedgecock worked in high school and college to gain animation skills and experience. She is currently animating the movie "Call of the Wild,” coming to theaters Feb. 21, 2020. “The major push for me to pursue anima...
From high school baseball to playing professional, alumni Sherron Rives uses passion for baseball to coach youth teams
Michael Lolley, Staff Writer
December 3, 2019
Graduating in 1989 and continuing his baseball career into professional game, alumni Sherron Rives is now giving back to his community by teaching the game to youth players in the St. Louis area. “I was able to play professionally in the minor leagues for the Detroit Tigers organization. I wouldn’t...
More than a substitute: alumnus Scott Winfrey shares the impact he hopes to have on students
Drew Boone, Staff Writer
October 4, 2019
As a substitute teacher, you get limited time with the students in class due to a plan already written out for you by the teacher. Not only does substitute teacher and alumnus Scott Winfrey accomplish this, but he also hopes students walk out of his class gaining experiences they otherwise would not have h...
From student council president to State Representative hopeful, Alumna Trish Gunby shares strategy for getting into office
Ridwan Oyebamiji, Features Editor
October 1, 2019
After hearing much encouragement from her peers, 1979 alumna Trish Gunby decided to take her involvement to the next step by choosing to run for Missouri State Representative of the 99th District. If elected, Gunby will be representing cities such as Manchester, Valley Park and Twin Oaks. “When o...
Alumna Audra Hartwell returns to reverse roles from player to coach
Tre Bell, Staff Writer
September 24, 2019
Turning right at the stoplight into 14653 Clayton Road is not out of the ordinary. Gearing up in Columbia Blue Longhorn apparel seems like an old habit. After a six-year hiatus from playing softball and running cross country, during high school, 2013 alumna Audra Hartwell has returned to coach the JV gi...
Alumni share how they met their soulmates
Brinda Ambal, Staff Writer
August 27, 2019
Look to your right, look to your left, you never know if that person sitting next to you in class will be your forever. Four couples share their love stories, and their chance meeting at West High. Adam and Danielle (Renaud) Tritt Tell me about how you met. Danielle: “We met in 1998 freshman English,...
Alumna Yasmin Younis reclaims her identity
Ridwan Oyebamiji, Staff Writer
October 18, 2018
As you scroll through The 74 website on 7 of This Year’s Most Memorable—and Inspiring—Graduation Speeches you see Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Carter and alumna Yasmin Younis. Younis’ speech focused on how she reclaimed her identity after she hid her identity as a Muslim after 9/11. ...
