Videos
Recruiting Trail with Alex McKane
This episode of West Side Story's college recruitment series follows Alex McKane ’22 as he walks through his recruitment process with Iowa State University, his memories as a Trojan and what he’s looking to accomplish as a Cyclone. From McKane’s unwavering determination to his astounding work ethic, his historic track and cross-country careers came as no surprise. Listen to both him and track/cross-country coach Josh Kidman reflect on his remarkable time at West.
Behind the curtain of Theatre West's 'Anastasia'
‘Anastasia’ is finally taking the stage, but what goes on behind the scenes of a West High musical? With more than two hundred cast and crew members, Theatre West has had a profound impact in its members’ lives, including promoting future careers and inspiring others. Under the direction of the cast and seven student-led tech crews, the final product is beyond astounding for the department’s hands-off directors. Get to know the cast and crew behind the highly anticipated spring musical, ‘Anastasia’.
Advice from West High's first graduating class
West High’s historic class of 1971 returned to the newly renovated building and reminisced on their vastly different experiences. By sparking change through combating dress codes and gender roles, this class paved a new path for all future Trojans. Now they offer up advice for current students as the summer comes to an end.
Winter volunteering creates community amidst COVID-19 pandemic
Although COVID-19 has restricted volunteering, it is no match to the Iowa City community spirit that banded together during the holiday season. While health restrictions have put a damper on in-person volunteering, the local food pantry, Hospice home, and West High's own volunteering club are creating new ways to come together to give back.
The sky's the limit
Every child has a moment that they never forget early on in their childhood. For Hunter Shook ’22, this was the discovery flight he went on in Nevada with his grandma. After spending years working towards his private pilot’s license, he is now well on his way towards his goals of being a Naval aviator and flying to new heights he never could have imagined.
about ME
My name is Alaina Greenlee, and I am a rising senior at Iowa City West High School. This is my second year on the West Side Story staff as a videographer, and first year as the broadcast Video Editor. Ever since my freshman year, my passion for videography has grown deeper every day. I never thought I would be able to share people's stories in ways words never could or aid younger staffers in their own videography experience when I first joined. Today, I am so grateful that I have that opportunity.
My leadership position also grants me the ability to work in other areas of journalism. While managing the West High Weekly news show and compiling my own projects, I am able to work on sports coverage, photography and contribute to editorial stories. My time in the newsroom has also been integral in teaching me collaboration in a bustling environment. With numerous ideas being carried out every day, it has shown me the importance of mastering effective communication. Additionally, my attention to detail has led to many late nights in a very time-consuming craft. In turn, I will always prioritize and benefit from my learned lesson that quality genuinely is superior to quantity.
As I look back on my work throughout the years, I am very proud to have grown as a videographer and to learn how to bring my work to a new level. Being mostly self-taught due to COVID, I have surprised myself with this improvement since starting journalism. Yet with my advancements in audio, honing my editing skills and my ever-growing eye for b-roll, I have made strides from the new videography I once was. I believe my excitement for the craft alongside my team of videographers have collectively elevated the depth of our website through this year’s new dedication and love of broadcast journalism. It was beyond rewarding after being named the 2022 Iowa High School Press Association Videographer of the Year to see that my progress can be seen and that my drive had paid off. I am thrilled to continue to expand my skills over the next year on WSS, and to potentially pursue a sports broadcasting career.