Skip to Main Content
The Student News Site of Traverse City West Senior High

The Occidentalist

The Occidentalist

The Occidentalist

Anna Sperry

Anna Sperry, Editor in Chief

 Anna Sperry is a senior who is going into her fourth year writing for The Occidentalist. She began as a staff writer her freshman year and took on various tasks her sophomore and junior years including being on the Editorial Board and page designing. Now, she is the editor-in-chief of the paper. Anna took the class to strengthen her writing skills which is still true to this day, however, she has learned many other useful skills along the way. During her free time, Anna enjoys traveling, downhill skiing, and spending time with friends and family. 

 

All content by Anna Sperry
Letter From the Editor

Letter From the Editor

Anna Sperry, Editor-in-Chief May 25, 2023

I didn’t know what I had signed myself up for when I chose the school newspaper as one of my electives freshman year. I remember walking in and being scared to talk to the person next to me let alone...

BREAKING NEWS: TCAPS Makes Cuts to Daily Transportation to School Starting Jan. 23

Anna Sperry, Editor-in-Chief January 12, 2023

  Starting Jan. 23, TCAPS will no longer be able to provide transportation from high schools in the district every day. There will still be bussing services provided before school every day. Families...

"The Swimmers" official movie poster.

The Life and Struggles of Refugees Finally Gets Some Recognition in “The Swimmers”

Anna Sperry, Editor-in-Chief December 18, 2022

  Coming in at number four globally for the most streamed movie this month on Netflix, “The Swimmers” sheds light on the refugee journey of two teenage girls. It is based on the true story of two...

Student Senate Prepares for the Next School Year

Anna Sperry, In-Depth Editor June 7, 2022

  The school year is coming to a close with summer break on the way and students and staff are preparing for the following school year. Student senate holds a prominent part in organizing school events...

Student Mediators Create Safe Space for School Community

Student Mediators Create Safe Space for School Community

Anna Sperry, Editor/Staff Writer April 29, 2022

  Many students have felt burnt out after two years of a pandemic, upcoming exams, and just life in general. The student mediators and libraries noticed this and decided to create a calm space for students...

The three men who killed Ahmaud Arbery (left: Travis McMichael, Greg McMichael, and William Bryan)

Ahmaud Arbery Verdict Opinion

Anna Sperry, In-Depth Editor December 3, 2021

  Feb. 23, 2020, Travis McMichael, his father Greg McMichael, and their neighbor William Bryan, followed and killed Ahmaud Arbery. Almost two years later, the three men were tried and found guilty. The...

Left: Senior Tyler Frechette being interviewed by Senior Patrick Guiney after varsity soccer game against Central on Oct. 5

Social Media Interview Controversy

Anna Sperry, Editor October 25, 2021

  A love has sparked from students in the school community for the after-game interviews done by Senior Pat Guiney and Senior Henry Melcher. They enjoy the casual and funny aspects of the interviews...

TCAPS Board members discuss district mask mandate at a public board meeting on Monday, Sept. 27.

TCAPS Board Requires Masks In Schools Until October

Anna Sperry, Cici Copenhaver, and Shelbie Gray October 1, 2021

  On Monday, Sept. 27, a board meeting occurred regarding the mask mandate throughout TCAPS schools. The TCAPS Board voted 6-1 in favor of requiring masks in all schools but will revisit the issue on...

Bergstrom's Burgers diner-themed wall and logo in the restaurant on US-31.

Food Truck Turns to Restaurant

Anna Sperry, Editor June 7, 2021

  In a time when restaurants and shops seem to be closing right and left, some new businesses seem to ‘make it.’ Bergstrom's Burgers being one of the few new restaurants in town that have been especially...

Senior Olivia Stoerkel (left) posing with 2020-2021 homecoming court

A Final Farewell from the Governor

Anna Sperry, Editor June 4, 2021

  The role of student governor has been a tradition since this school opened. Responsibilities of the governor include morning announcements, working with staff, holding events for the student body,...

COVID Anniversary

Anna Sperry, Editor April 15, 2021

A year after the infamous pandemic began, masks and social distancing have almost become normal, similar to a wallet, not the first thing that comes to mind when leaving the house, but essential.  Several...

D. Kinney ready for competition at her first wrestling meet. Photo Courtesy: TC Rick

Mini But Mighty

Anna Sperry, Editor April 12, 2021

  Although wrestling is normally considered a men’s sport at most schools, it doesn’t necessarily mean that women can't be on the team. Last year, change became a regularity and has continued into...

The Vaccine for COVID-19 Makes Its Way to Educators Throughout Michigan

Anna Sperry, Editor March 25, 2021

After ten months, the infamous coronavirus has changed lives. In December, the country got notice of a vaccine that would make its way around the country, reaching health care workers first. Some think...

Load More Stories