University Interscholastic League competition season is rounding the corner for fine arts, but questions are being raised over how the competitions will look and feel during the pandemic. Several students have opted out due to not being able to rehearse with their classmates in their individual learning environments.   “I am not doing it because it would require too much additional work,” junior violist Tommaso Fumagalli said. “Since...

While COVID has put a halt to in-person meetings for many, the Psychology club has not let this deter them and has trekked through this year. Senior and club president Aashna Desai has helped the club utilize everything at its disposal.    “Although our club is meeting virtually, the possibilities of learning continue to be endless. Psychology Club meets virtually over Zoom,”  Desai said. “We have an active Instagram where we post...

Since March of 2020, it has become imperative to keep up physical health through masks and use lots of hand sanitizer. What has become equally important, and what one specific club aims to help with, is mental health. The Mental Matters Club recognizes this importance and strives to help in any way possible, especially during this time.    “It [COVID] has put a spotlight on mental health in various ways: more people are being affected,...

With the recent pandemic leaving many students feeling lonely and disconnected, the International Club just might be the place to meet new people and learn about the unique diversity in the West Community.   “I have always believed that someone decides to join a club because they enjoy the environment and they also feel comfortable during meetings,” senior club president David Huerta said. “Therefore, the International Club works...

A new club this school year is one made for writers, Writewell. A virtual club for those who love writing and creating worlds. Juniors Isabella Reyes (club president) and Ali Gavalya saw a need for the club at West.   “For students who are debaters, artists, and athletes, there are easily accessible clubs and organizations to join,” Gavalya said. “But as writers, we have noticed few ways to collaborate with each other.  We started...

Valentine's Day is approaching, but the high school dating scene has had to deal with significant challenges this year.  With social distancing, weeks without face-to-face contact, masks, and other protective measures in place, finding and maintaining a relationship in high school has been more difficult than ever.  But many couples, like junior Ainsley Barnett and her boyfriend Carter Ranton, found creative and quarantine-safe ways to go on dates...

Dollars and Sense is an elective semester class at Plano West that gives students an opportunity to explore money management in depth using real-world scenarios. “This one-semester course explores managing life independently,” Dollars and Sense teacher Mrs. Desiree Rideaux said. “Areas of study include budgeting, banking, saving, investing, housing, healthy living, insurance, and careers. A focus on money management and consumer practices...

With the school year slowly coming to an end, seniors have to make a very important decision that will most likely change their lives: where to live after graduation. It’s no secret that moving out is a step towards freedom and independence, but the current pandemic has made choices even more difficult than before. “I plan on staying on campus in a dorm. I think it is such an amazing opportunity to be able to have your own space outside of...

The jump from junior high to senior high is special, marking the beginning of a new adventure for juniors. There are more opportunities to meet a variety of new faces, the campus becomes noticeably larger, and a wide set of responsibilities are entrusted. What was supposed to be a fresh start for many upcoming juniors became an experience that was anxiety inducing, as the pandemic shifted the basis of everyday life. “I was most excited to get...

Owning and running a functioning business comes with a lot of responsibilities, requiring endless amounts of research, planning ahead, and unknown risk. While the term entrepreneur usually gets associated with adults, there are also many self made young teens who set out to make their hobby or passion into a secure financial income. “I hand make individual jewelry pieces and custom pieces,” senior Cynthia Roberts said. “Most of my pieces...

A survey was taken by 11 Plano West and Allen students on what and how to binge-watch shows. Questions like ‘How Many Seasons Does a Show need to Be Binge-able’ and ‘What is Your Favorite Show’ were asked. Below are the results.    Three seasons is the consensus for how many seasons a show needs to be binge-worthy. However, some say a show needs a grand total of 10 seasons to be binge-worthy. If you want to sit in for the long...

Sixteen athletes from Plano West signed with their chosen colleges or universities on November 11, 2020.  These scholarship athletes are going to secondary institutions both in and out of state, from Austin College to locations from South Carolina to Minnesota. While these student athletes are not the only Plano West seniors to be offered athletic scholarships, their stories and accomplishments are notable. Blueprints staff worked to share the...