Ella Smith

Ella Smith, Staff Writer/Social Media Manager

Ella Smith is a senior who joined The Occidentalist staff in 2020. She decided to take newspaper because she wants to be a journalist in the future. She’s a part of the National Honors Society, volunteers with the Human Rights Campaign, and is involved in a program called Front Street Writers at the Career-Tech Center. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to good music, pretending to be a world-class chef, and writing.

All content by Ella Smith

From Musicals to Governmental Leadership, She Does it All

Ella Smith, Staff Writer • May 26, 2022

Becoming the National Honors Society (NHS) vice president is an honor only one student gets a year. This year, that title went to Lilli Gray. NHS vice presidents have to do a lot of work behind the...

The Age Restrictions on R-Rated Movies Need to Change

Ella Smith, Staff Writer/Social Media Manager • December 14, 2021

In the U.S., anyone under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 21 to watch an R rated movie. In my opinion, people 16 and older should be allowed to watch R rated...

New Mexican Restaurant Opens up in Downtown Traverse City

Ella Smith and Anna Childs • September 30, 2021

Barrio is a new restaurant in Traverse City, voted one of the top 10 taco stands in the United States. Barrio opened their doors on July 8, 2021. They are located in downtown Traverse City, on West Front...

Students Protest Inequality At West

Wave Spence and Ella Smith • June 8, 2021

On June 1, a planned demonstration took place outside of the school's main doors. Students sought to highlight the discrimination and prejudice those in the LGBTQ+ community and people of color feel...

Former AP Gov. Students Spark Conversation through the School – Arielle Jean

Ella Smith, Staff Writer/Business Manager • June 1, 2021

A tradition practiced in newspaper since the class began is the “Taking Sides” column. Two former AP Government students, always seniors, write their views and opinions about different topics each...

Former AP Gov. Students Spark Conversation through the School – Shep Slack

Ella Smith, Staff Writer/Business Manager • June 1, 2021

Senior Shep Slack took AP Government as a junior, and learned about the column through that. “I was excited to become a columnist as it is a great opportunity to spread my views and have a positive...

Traverse City’s Newest Take On Vegetarian Food

Ella Smith, Staff Writer/Business Manager • April 12, 2021

Hexenbelle is one of Traverse City's newest takes on making good, healthy food. Hexenbelle opened its doors in November 2020. When you first enter the restaurant, one of the first things to catch your...

Come On In, We’re Open

Ella Smith, Staff Writer/Business Manager • March 5, 2021

Many places in the United States have been on lockdowns for a very long time, Michigan being one of them. Just recently, the state allowed restaurants to reopen indoor dining for the first time since...

Local Author Discusses The Truth

Ella Smith, Staff Writer/Business Manager • November 24, 2020

In today’s society, the media is something that many people rely on to consume their news. What if that media is no longer trusted by the people? Journalist Bob Giles was put in charge of the...

First Time Voters

Ella Smith, Staff Writer/Business Manager • October 30, 2020

This year is a very important year. Obviously, no one expected what 2020 has become and on top of everything that has happened, it’s an election year. Speaking to first-time voters at West Senior...

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