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

The Occidentalist

The Occidentalist

The Occidentalist

Wave Spence

Wave Spence, Staff Writer

Wave Spence is a senior and in her third year of newspaper. Wave is a page designer, section editor and social media manager, but also has an interest in sports photography. She took the class to try new things and expand her writing skills. Outside of school, she enjoys skiing, hiking, playing tennis and hanging out with friends. 

All content by Wave Spence
The library boasts big windows with great views

Finding The Best Place to Study this Testing Season

Wave Spence, Staff Writer March 20, 2023

  April, May, and June are months full of tests for each grade. PSAT, SAT, AP tests and final exams are all on the way and it can be hard to find a quiet place to study. Luckily, Traverse City has many...

Restaurant Week is Back

Restaurant Week is Back

Wave Spence, Editor March 7, 2023

  Restaurant week is a long standing tradition in Traverse City where the best restaurants boast their finest three course meals. I went to Red Ginger to participate in supporting local businesses and...

Girls varsity team photo courtesy: tcwgsoccer instagram

Soccer Heads for a Midland Dow Matchup

Wave Spence, Staff Writer June 2, 2022

  Most spring sports have finished up their seasons by the end of May, but girls soccer is still going strong, defeating Alpena on Tuesday to bring them to the district finals. They will then compete...

Sock Drive Helps Provide Warmth for the TC Community

Sock Drive Helps Provide Warmth for the TC Community

Wave Spence, Staff Writer December 10, 2021

  Dec. 21 is the first day of winter and with that, means a long, cold period in northern Michigan. According to thesockbutler.com, Having warm feet opens up the foot’s blood vessels to allow better...

Junior Alex Alvarado, gets ready to hit a serve. Photo courtesy of A. Alvarado

Tennis Seasons Finish Up for the Fall

Wave Spence, Staff Writer October 15, 2021

  As fall sports start to end during the month of October, the boys tennis team also finished up at their regionals tournament in Grand Blanc, Michigan. This past spring, many seniors graduated and left...

Two rowers practice on Lake Leelanau to get ready for the season. Photo courtesy: D. Cram/staff

Local Rowing Teams Fire Up for The Fall

Wave Spence and Delaney Cram September 30, 2021

  Though autumn has just barely grasped the edges of the calendar, the sky has already grown darker and the air more frigid. Yet, in spite of the rougher weather ahead, local athletes are preparing for...

Sophomore Quincy Ward shares a laugh with a peer during the student walk out on June 1

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...

Staying Busy Through High School

Staying Busy Through High School

Wave Spence, Staff Writer June 1, 2021

 Students participate in various extracurricular activities to keep themselves busy and involved in the school community. Senior Lydia Derks is no exception, participating heavily in both choir and rowing...

Indigenous Education Program Name Change

Indigenous Education Program Name Change

Wave Spence, Staff Writer April 14, 2021

 Last year, the United States became more aware of racist and inaccurate names especially logos of popular sports teams, foods, and even cars. The names were changed after years of backlash and criticism...

Load More Stories