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The Student News Site of Traverse City West Senior High

The Occidentalist

The Occidentalist

The Occidentalist

Riley Burkholder

Riley Burkholder, Social Media Manager, Page Designer, Reporter

Riley is a junior in her third year being a member of the newspaper. She is the social media manager bringing fun new ideas to our Instagram and tiktok. Riley enjoys dancing, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family outside of school.

All content by Riley Burkholder
Photo caption: Volunteers are a key part of getting the Cherry Festival running, the search for volunteers is important. If you can volunteer we would love to have you help out! Check out cherryfest.org for volunteer positions.

The Summer for Service

Coral Cravey and Riley Burkholder June 8, 2026

  For many students, summer means swimming, tanning, and sleeping in, while for others, it means more time to give back to the community. All across Traverse City, there are many opportunities for students...

“Dandelion” Album Review

“Dandelion” Album Review

Riley Burkholder, Reporter, Social Media Manager May 28, 2026

  After dropping the hit single “Choosin Texas” in the fall of 2025: it became the longest running number one song ever to top the Billboard Top 100’s by a women country artist.    Ella Langley...

Perfect Pitch

Perfect Pitch

Riley Burkholder and Coral Cravey May 15, 2026

  Liam Bauer’s choir career has been one of growth, confidence, and leadership. Since middle school, Bauer has not only developed as a singer but also as a young leader. Bauer has been active in theater...

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 Send” and “Short...

Screenshot

Framing the Future

Riley Burkholder, Social Media Manager May 20, 2025

  Nora Neidorfler is a senior who has been very passionate about dance throughout her whole life. Due to numerous injuries and health problems, Neidorfler decided to end her dance career after high school...

Photo Credit: Apple Music

“So Close to What” Album Review

Riley Burkholder, Social Media Manager March 4, 2025

  With countless teasers and easter eggs hidden inside Tate McRae’s recent music videos and performances, McRae finally released her third studio album “So Close To What” on Feb. 21, 2025, via RCA...

Ace Family Annulment

Ace Family Annulment

Riley Burkholder and Audrey Kohler February 12, 2024

  On Jan. 11, 2024, the Ace Family, a famous and influential YouTube family that many students at WSH are familiar with, announced their divorce through separate media platforms. In their statements,...

Rodrigo's "Guts" album cover.

“Guts” Review

Riley Burkholder, Social Media Specialist September 29, 2023

  On Sept. 8, 2023 Olivia Rodrigo released her second studio album “Guts” via Griffin Records. This is Rodrigo's second No. 1 album after “Sour” was released in the spring of 2021. Her debut...

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