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The Student News Site of Traverse City West Senior High

The Occidentalist

The Occidentalist

The Occidentalist

Guiney works before school starts, calibrating announcements and systems to make the school function behind the scenes.
New Principal, New Policy
Tessa Gryc and Sofia Hoag November 6, 2025

  Brian Guiney believes that connection is one of the most important aspects of a student’s high school experience. As the new head principal of West, he is looking forward...

One contingent of the Guitar Club flexes their instruments and energy. From left: Tyler Affolder, ‘29, Ethan Stein, ‘29, Connor Broge ‘28, Adam Millner, ‘28. Photo Credit: E. Wynn
Guitar Club Switches Chords
Elijah Wynn, Reporter • October 17, 2025
Warming up his arm, Sophomore Brayden Tillman gets some throws in pregame. Photo courtesy of Brayden Tillman
Brayden Tillman Works Hard to Become Varsity’s Starting Quarterback
Nicholas Schueller October 22, 2025

  The quarterback position is one of the most crucial roles in football; having a quarterback with leadership, talent, and grit is essential for greatness. Sophomore Brayden...

From left, Senior Cade Laurent, Senior Nick Klein, Senior Drew Esper, Senior Dylan Dunklow, Senior Will Turnquist, Senior Jackson Gallagher, Senior Owen Wohlfert. Titan Varsity Football team runs out onto the field for their week one matchup against Howell. That was just one of many challenging games that West has had to endure this season. “A lot can happen in the course of the football season, we just gotta make sure to keep everyone together and keep working as a team,”  senior captain Drew Esper said.
Titan Football Takes on a Tough Schedule
Cavan Cosgrove October 15, 2025

The Traverse City West Varsity Football Team has faced a very challenging schedule this year, because they have had to play many strong teams. However, throughout the season, the...

After finishing the final product, Rosa takes a picture of her clients nails to show off the end product. Rachel posts pictures on her Instagram to get people’s attention on her business and inspire others. Rachel designs holiday nails on her clients so they can feel festive.
Students Start their Own Nail Businesses
Harper Burkholder and Mackenzie Schwandt November 6, 2025

  Here at West, students have created their own nail businesses as a way to make money. Students were...

J. Carmien stands with his son M. Carmien at a soccer game that J. Carmien was coaching.
Beyond the Scoreboard
Ruby Anderson and Stephanie Dyke October 15, 2025

Many people like coaching their kids or having a parent as a coach, but it comes with difficulties. Even...

Many stores already have items for sale or Christmas decor on display. This is just one of them in a store called What to Wear, but Meijer, Target and many other grocery stores have their Christmas items out to buy. Most of them have it out before Halloween.
When Should Christmas Items be out in Stores?
Sioma Abul-Karim, reporter • November 6, 2025

 With Halloween being recently over, some  are starting to get into the Christmas spirit even though...

Graphic Credit: H. Hoxie
Taking Sides: The Trump Administration SHOULD NOT Continue to Deploy National Guard in Cities Across the U.S.
Evelyn Burtt October 31, 2025

  Throughout its tenure, the Trump administration has been recognized for its ability to push the limits...

Robinson’s daughter was also at the event-but not just for dressing up as a witch-she was playing the violin with a few of her friends. It was really fun just to walk around and hear them play. They were always moving around and changing where they were playing their songs, so there was no guarantee that you would see them. “[My daughter] works with MI Music studio up on Garfield. They're going to dress up as pirates and run around town [playing] the Pirates of the Caribbean song,” Allie Robinson said.
Witches Night Out Back from the Shadows
Sioma Abdul-Karim, Reporter • October 31, 2025

Attendees of the prayer vigil for Charlie Kirk and his family gather around photos of Kirk and his wife. Those who attended wished to show respect for the man they admired. “He was committed to having conversations so we could better understand each other and keep our disagreements from getting violent. He was committed to sharing his testimony with others so they could share in the joy he found in his life through his faith,” Claar said.
Hundreds Gather For a Time of Prayer and Remembrance
Megan Dyke October 13, 2025

  On September 10, America took a collective gasp at the assassination of a very prominent figure in the political realm. Though not a politician himself, Charlie Kirk had made...

Athletes from both the marathon and the half marathon run down East Shore Road during the Bayshore Marathon. Photo Credit: M. Gartland
Volunteers are the Key to the Bayshore Marathon
Madeline Gartland, Reporter • June 9, 2025

Old Mission Peninsula provides scenic views of both East and West Bay of Lake Michigan. The Peninsula has paved roads that are an ideal spot for runners and athletes. The TC Track...

Halloween Crossword Puzzle KEY
Halloween Crossword Puzzle KEY
Riley Burkholder, Social Media Manager • October 31, 2025

Image courtesy of Electric Lady and Tamarind Recording Studios
“Man’s Best Friend” Album Review
Riley Burkholder, Reporter • October 22, 2025

  On Aug. 29, 2025, pop star Sabrina Carpenter released her seventh studio album “Man's Best Friend” via Islands Records. Following her chart-topping albums “Emails I Can't...

Cover graphic for Sunrise on the Reaping by Tim O'Brien
Sunrise On The Reaping
Megan Dyke, Reporter/Section Editor • June 9, 2025

  Almost 20 years ago, Suzanne Collins came out with her first Hunger Games book which quickly became one of the most popular dystopian novels of all, blooming into a trilogy...