News for Wildcats, by Wildcats.

The Paw Print
News for Wildcats, by Wildcats.

The Paw Print
News for Wildcats, by Wildcats.

The Paw Print
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News
A recent campaign to re-spruce up the halls of Normal West is in progress, and one of the key pieces to be targeted are the murals that line the stairwells. These murals originated when West alum, Jenny Reithmaier used her airbrush art to create unique images.
Visualizing the future: Looking back at the murals of Normal West and what their future holds
Katie Munson • December 17, 2024

For most Normal West High School students and staff members, the school stairwell murals are a centerpiece of the building, and an ever-present staple of Normal West’s history. Due...

Normal West French Teacher, Brandee Klieber took a group of French students on a trip of a lifetime this past summer when they visited a variety of famous spots in the country of France. A clear favorite was visiting the Eifel Tower, as shown in the posed photo.
French teacher takes students on once-in-a-lifetime trip to France
Makinzee Boyer, Editor-in-Chief • November 17, 2024
Illinois State Representative, Sharon Chung recently visited Normal West High School to explore various topics on how government works. Dr. Codron, West's principal arranged Chung to visit and tour Normal West's facilities on October 25.
Illinois Representative, Sharon Chung, visits Normal West
Raya Radoslavova • November 1, 2024
After a nationwide movement of colleges and high schools rebranding their language departments and dropping the word 'foreign,' Normal West has recently renamed their Foreign Language Department to the Modern Language Department. Val Higby, the department chair and German teacher, had a large part in this big change.
Embracing the future: Foreign Language Department rebrands as Modern Language Department
Raya Radoslavova and Abby Jackson • October 25, 2024
The Wildcat Fight Song banner is on the wall in the North Gym, showing the infamous song's lyrics. The banner is dedicated to Melanie Smith, a cheerleader who passed away on August 3, 1997.
Feature
The Fight Song: “A vital part of the school’s image”
Jo Brown, Editor-in-Chief • December 17, 2024
Juniors Calvin Beyers & Alyssa Thompson alongside Senior Joy Rattan are credited with getting the Al Fine Club started.
Feature
Music Al Fine Club: Normal West’s newest music club
Jo Brown • December 17, 2024
Normal West Math teacher, Mrs. Patty Saal volunteers with culinary arts teachers to show West students how to create her favorite dish: chicken & noodles. Saal, along with various other staff members and student groups enjoyed their time sharing their favorite gifts.
Feature
Guest chefs visit FACS classroom to share unique and favorite dishes
Raya Radoslavova, Editor-in-Chief • December 2, 2024
Sports
The Normal West volleyball team has been quite successful over the past few years, and Head Coach Kelsey Mueller gives a lot of credit to the four seniors on this year’s squad. Above, the Paw Print staff sat down with them prior to their super-sectional matchup with eventual State Champion, Chicago (Marist).
Four seniors; four impacts: How the 2024 volleyball seniors have left a legacy
Hunter Reid, Owen Voorheis, and Jack Hanks • December 17, 2024

With the 2024 Normal volleyball season coming to a close, so do the high school careers of four seniors: Shelby Sennett, Adsea Schieler, Ally Highland, and Ellie Rink.  Over...

Sasha Benon is a foreign exchange student from France. Not only is she taking on the halls of Normal West, but she has also taken to the basketball court as a key member of the 2024-2025 Wildcat basketball team.
From France To America: West basketball player Sasha Benon embraces role
Jack Hanks • December 17, 2024
Senior Mike Zaleski had a stellar start to the '24 season with his performance in the annual Intercity tournament. The Wildcats went 2-2 and will continue play on Thursday, December 5 against Urbana High School.
Cats take 3rd in Intercity tournament to open ’24 season
Hunter Reid and Jack Hanks • December 4, 2024
The 2024-2025 competitive cheer season is set for a competition at Reed Custer High School on December 7.
Normal West Cheer gets set for ’24-’25 season
Jo Brown and Katie Munson • December 2, 2024
With the release of her 11th studio album which includes a secret 15-song album, Taylor Swift continues to blow the minds of Swifties from all over the world. Normal West is home to a few Swifties, themselves, and they share their thoughts on the newest album in this fun feature.
Entertainment
The resident Swifties of Normal West react to Taylor Swift’s 11th studio album, ‘The Tortured Poets Department’
Natalie Spath, Rachel Evans, Katie Lopez, Leah Smolen, and Anna Klaire Hawkins • April 19, 2024
Senior Editor-in-Chief, Leah Smolen is here to take readers through some of the top releases in the music industry this past April and March.
Entertainment
Best Recent Releases – March-April 2024
Leah Smolen, Editor-in-Chief • April 18, 2024
Seniors Leah Smolen and Anna Klaire Hawkins are gearing up for the latest Taylor Swift album titled, "The Tortured Poets Department, which drops on Friday, April 19.
Entertainment
Taylor Swift set to release 11th studio album, ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ on April 19
Leah Smolen and Anna Klaire Hawkins • April 15, 2024
Instagram
PodCats
Season 3 Episode 8: “Science Department Feature”
November 22, 2024
Poll

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Kat-itude Corner
Final cycle of Kat-itude announced!
Paw Print Staff • May 21, 2024

Congratulations to the following students and staff members who are being recognized for “catching the kat-itude!" Zeke Rice Xavion Grismore Sam...