Stories by Laurel Richards

News

Jim Duea Retires After 26 Years

On April 9, 2025, the Waukee Community School District announced that longtime activities director Jim Duea would retire. Duea began his career in education at Valley High School, where he taught math and served as the head coach of the boys’ track and field team and the assistant coach of…

by Laurel Richards  •  May 12, 2025
Culture

Impacts of social media on teens

In today’s digital age, youth around the world have to navigate the effects of social media, which has impacted their communication, mental health and self-perception.  Most social media platforms have become a way for the youth to communicate with their peers, to share their experiences and to express themselves. However,…

by Laurel Richards  •  Mar 26, 2025
Features

Feature: Zuri Patterson’s Comeback

The recruitment process is tough for anyone, but for those navigating it while battling an injury, the challenge becomes an exhausting test of resilience and determination. Senior Zuri Patterson committed to play Division I softball at the University of Washington next fall, but that journey was not easy. The summer…

by Laurel Richards  •  Mar 11, 2025
News

National Signing Day

On February 5, Northwest High School hosted its fourth national signing day to celebrate 27 students’ commitment to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level. The dedicated group of student-athletes from Northwest High School committed to continuing their athletic careers at the Division I, Division II, Division…

by Laurel Richards  •  Feb 13, 2025
News

The Importance of Mental Health Days

Mental health days are crucial for high school students to better their personal well-being.  High school students face loads of pressure from exams, extracurricular activities, jobs and friendships. Understanding the importance of mental health days can reduce anxiety, stress and burnout. “I think mental health days are important to have…

by Laurel Richards  •  Dec 2, 2024
Culture

Meet the “Zone”

The Waukee Northwest 2024-2025 student section theme is construction and is led by a group of twelve senior and junior boys.  The group is known as the “Zone,” and it consists of seniors Max McBride, Nate Hipwell, Landry Goldsworth, JT Spalding, Ryan Carpenter, Roman Punelli, Nikson Vansyalom, Andrew Kivlin and…

by Laurel Richards  •  Dec 1, 2024
News

National Merit Semifinalists

Sixteen Waukee Community School District high school seniors were chosen as National Merit Semifinalists and six were from Northwest High School.  The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic scholarship competition for seniors who took the PSAT during their junior year of high school. The competition is for recognition and…

by Laurel Richards  •  Oct 28, 2024
News

2024 Homecoming Court

On September 19, 2024, Northwest held its fourth annual Homecoming Coronation where seniors Greta Paulson and Kellan Croatt were named Homecoming Queen and King. Paulson and Croatt are both very involved at Northwest. Paulson participates in Varsity Tennis, Show Choir (EOS), Northwest Singers, Random Acts of Kindness club, National Honor…

by Laurel Richards  •  Oct 8, 2024
Sports

Paris Summer Olympics

The Paris 2024 Olympics will take place July 26-August 11, 2024, and will feature the world’s top athletes.  Four new sports will be featured at the Paris Olympics which are skateboarding, surfing, breaking and sport climbing. 32 different sports will be featured at the games. Three sports that were featured…

by Laurel Richards  •  May 7, 2024
Culture

The Downfall of Disney

Disney is not the same joyful company that it once was years ago. Their revenue is down, their streaming platform is failing and their new movies have not been successful.  2023 was one of the worst years ever for the Disney Franchise. Every movie produced during the year seemed to…

by Laurel Richards  •  Feb 16, 2024