Noteworthy Bobcat of the Month

By Jacob Barnwell

Emily Vaughn, of Peosta, is the daughter of Mike and Jill Vaughn and is a sophomore at Western Dubuque High School in Epworth. Emily plays the bassoon and the piccolo for the Bobcat Marching Band, plays the piano professionally, and is co-principle bassoon for the Dubuque Youth Symphony Orchestra.  One of Emily’s favorite parts about the arts program at WDHS is “[t]he fun and colorful characters you meet at competitions.” In Emily’s free time, she likes to write creative fiction, learn songs on the piano, read, act in drama productions, spend time with friends and family, and learn how to play exotic instruments.

Senior Spotlight

Interview conducted by Erin Norton

NAME:  Sidney Marie Burds

BIRTHDAY:  December 9, 1993

FAVORITE COLOR:  I love ALL colors.
FAVORITE FOOD:  Chinese Takeout #given

FAVORITE SCHOOL LUNCH:  The spaghetti is delightful.

FAVORITE TEACHER(S):  J. Smith, of course!  Also, Mr. Jasper even though he says he dislikes me... oh, and Mr. Kurt.

FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT:  Art! How great thou art!

CELEBRITE CRUSH:  Dwight from The Office. Nothing is sexier than mustard-colored shirts.

CAR YOU DRIVE:  A gypsy van.

CAR YOU WISH YOU DROVE:  Who wouldn't want to drive a gypsy van, honestly?

FUTURE JOB:  Aerospace Engineer.

IF YOU HAD ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE:  To control people’s thoughts. "You WILL buy me those expensive boots."

FAVORITE THING TO DO DURING THE HOLIDAYS:  Driving around and looking at lighting decor on people’s homes.

Check Mate! Chess Club at Western Dubuque

By Emily Vaughn

Despite the club making so many appearances in various high school movies, a chess club has never appeared at Western Dubuque High School until now. Justin Kluesner, a junior, has created Western Dubuque’s first chess club. In an exclusive Westener interview, he explained the intimate details of the WDHS Chess Club’s creation:

W: How many people are in chess club?

JK: Over 40
W: Why did you start the chess club?
JK: Because I could. Just kidding, I really wanted to help people learn how to play chess or just become better players.

Horoscopes

By Breanna Reisen and Abby Gloeckner

Aries (Mar. 21- Apr. 19) - You’re usually the center of attention, but when Mercury shifts, you’ll actually have to try to stand out. But don’t worry because when the signs change, you’ll be back on your game.

Taurus (Apr.21- May 21) - Expect to feel much more decisive in many areas of your life. A relationship might hit a few bumps, but you’ll know in your heart if it’s worth saving or not.

Gemini (May 22- June 21) - You’ll be ready to face some things that will make you uncomfortable. Recognize that this puts you on track for change. You could be torn between the demands of school and work.

Cancer (June 22- July 23) - Suddenly there are a lot of new things happening, new projects, goals, and relationships. You’re focused on involvement, and there may be a local issue you feel strongly about, so get involved.

Leo (July 24- Aug. 23) - You have been dealing with a bumpy relationship, and you need some improvement. Problems can be smoothed out, but it will take some work.  If not, you will meet someone new who understands you. You’ll love being with someone who has the same interests as you.

Virgo (Aug. 24- Sept. 23) - It’s a whole new phase in your life, and you’ll likely encounter rocky or intense moments. Overall, it’s all good because you are on the right path. If these plans fall apart, romantic opportunities will cheer you up.

Libra (Sept. 24- Oct. 23) - Relationships pop up right and left. One exciting relationship may pop up before fall ends. Until that happens, you’ll wonder if you’re in line with your dreams.  Don’t be hard on yourself; you’re just getting started.

Scorpio (Oct. 24- Nov. 22) - Your upbeat outlook will attract new people. Someone you once considered an important person could fall back into place in your life. That’s just the natural part of growing up. Your romantic life will heat up.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23- Dec. 21) – You will be easily frustrated this month, so be prepared to face your responsibilities. It’s no big deal because friends are watching your back.  It’s a busy time, and you may feel that you’re making progress and changing interests.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) - After dealing with a bit of chaos, you’ll welcome a state of stability. One particular thing will take center stage in your life. This is a good time to get new ventures started, but do this sooner rather than later.

Aquarius (Jan. 21- Feb. 19) - You may need to pay attention to your cash for a while. This may mean cutting back on buying various items. Maybe it’s time to focus on what really matters, like your friendships or that special relationship.

Pisces (Feb. 20- Mar. 20) - Others will notice a shift in your attitude.  You’re getting more serious. You will take a mature approach to major decisions. A social issue could grab your attention. Face it; you’re realizing there’s a big world out there waiting for you.

Cocoa & Carols: A Cannot-Miss Event

By Brooke Bockenstedt

Interested in music? Love the holiday season? Enjoy watching young talent? Then this is just for you. Western Dubuque High School’s two show choirs—5^th Avenue and the Aristocats—are performing on December 16. This event features both choirs’ competition shows and individual talent showings, anything from singing to dancing or joke telling. The concession stand with also be open, obviously serving the famous cocoa! Chances to win prizes will be available at a $5 price. Prizes include a 42" TV, a golfing package, tickets to the Bell Tower Theater, the Grand Opera House, and the Grand Harbor, and Texas Roadhouse gift certificates. 

5th Avenue is the varsity show choir, consisting of energetic and commanding boys and girls from all grades. Their show songs include Lost in the Wilderness, Light, 21 Guns, I’m Alive, and Steal Your Rock N’ Roll. Aristocats is the second show choir at WDHS, and it is full of artistic
and spirited girls in every grade. Their competition songs are There’s a Place for Us, The Distance You Have Come, Beautiful Life, and Down in Mississippi (Up To No Good). The show band also plays with these two show choirs.

Cocoa & Carols is to be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 in the Western Dubuque High School old gymnasium. Admission is $5.00. Hope to see you there!