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The Occidentalist

Riley Ashbury

Riley Ashbury, Staff Writer

Riley Ashbury is a senior who joined The Occidentalist four years ago. Throughout growing, she has learned what it means to be on a team and how to become not only a better writer but a stronger one too. Riley has joined the Editorial Board and has become Head Page Designer. She joined only because of her older sister but soon found her own love and passion for newspaper. After high school, Riley plans on majoring in psychology down at Grand Valley State University. Outside of studying and school, she enjoys the school events, hanging out with friends, going on hikes, cooking, and playing with her dogs.

All content by Riley Ashbury
A bridge in Nitsenkos home town bombed by Russian forces. Photo Courtesy: K.Nitsenko

Ukraine War Makes a Local Impact

Riley Ashbury and Peter Worden March 24, 2022

  When Kateryna Nitsenko, left her home in Voznesensk, Ukraine, to partake in a yearlong exchange program in Traverse City, Michigan, she couldn’t contain her excitement.     “[I was excited]...

Tokie lifts Hewitt on Homecoming night before the dance.

Together On and Off the Course

Riley Ashbury and Peter Worden February 24, 2022

  With Valentine’s day in passing, couple of eight months, juniors Ainslee Hewitt and Sam Tokie, elaborate on their relationship and how they make it work through their conflicting schedules in high...

Mediation Classes Work on Making West a Better and Safer Place for All

Mediation Classes Work on Making West a Better and Safer Place for All

Riley Ashbury, Staff Writer November 15, 2021

  The students at the Mediation Center have been working toward making school a safe and comfortable environment for students. Each hour is working on their own project which focuses on something that...

P. Guiney and S. Schermerhorn hug after being crowned

Homecoming King and Queen: Patrick Guiney and Sara Schermerhorn

Peter Worden and Riley Ashbury October 26, 2021

  A new school year means a new homecoming king and queen. In the middle of a brutal takedown of Gaylord in the Homecoming football game at halftime on Oct. 8, contestants of the homecoming court walked...

Devious Lick Challenge Gone too Far?

“Devious Lick Challenge” Gone too Far?

Riley Ashbury and Mogen McAllister September 30, 2021

  Why are teens across the country stealing from the bathrooms? At the start of the school year, a TikTok trend referred to as the "Devious Lick Challenge" consisted of people stealing anything from...

Perfecting the Balancing Act

Perfecting the Balancing Act

Riley Ashbury, Editor June 1, 2021

Managing your time for school while in sports and doing extracurriculars has always been difficult but for Alysha Haight, all she's done is excel in the opportunities that she's worked for.    Chad...

Weekly COVID-19 Testing for Student Athletes

   On March 19, 2021, Gov. Whitmer issued an order stating that all student-athletes ages 13 to 19 must get a weekly COVID-19 rapid test in order to participate. There have been many mixed feelings...

The Dramatic Spike In COVID Cases

The Dramatic Spike In COVID Cases

Alyssa Masiewicz, Ava Whinnery, and Riley Ashbury April 15, 2021

 COVID-19 cases around the state have been rising among students. Between school sports, hanging out with friends, working, extracurriculars, and spring break students have a higher risk now than ever...

Mental Health Toolbox

Riley Ashbury, Editor March 8, 2021

   Throughout these hard times, the school has prepared to do what it can for the students here at West. With the Mental Health toolbox that students have created, the main idea was to give students...

West Writing Center Helps Students at all Phases of the Writing Process

Riley Ashbury, Editor February 1, 2021

   For the past three years, West Senior High has had not only a resourceful and helpful writing center but also a place where students can build their confidence.    Freshman English teacher,...

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