By Afton Johnson and Jessica Brandt

Trojan Tribune Staff

Photo courtesy of macworld.com

Technology can be a blessing and a curse. Here at West Central, we experience it both ways. Coming into the second quarter of the school year, the West Central staff came up with a new computer rule. Many students among us have had their laptop privileges revoked due to poor grades. Due to the large number of students failing, the staff decided to put a new rule into effect as an incentive to help students realize that they need to work hard while they are in school, and not to just waste their time. There are also students that have been using their computers for the right reasons. The West Central staff is not trying to punish every student as long as the students can keep their grades up. Continue Reading

By Katie Bunde

Trojan Tribune Staff

Photo by Eli McMahon

Replaying everything in his head, junior Isaac McMahon eagerly awaited the results of his All-State Band audition. “I figured I would make it, but I wasn’t for sure,” said McMahon. Holding the second chair bassoon title from last year, McMahon traveled to Brookings on March 22 for the 2012 All-State Band Concert. There were two bands with 85 musicians in each.

The first two days consisted of never-ending and tiresome rehearsals. The bands put on their performances on Saturday, March 23. “The kids’ hard work paid off; they put on a wonderful show,” said West Central band director Daniel Eye. Though the practice was tedious, McMahon said he had a fun experience. “My conductor was awesome! He was so energetic and could really connect to the band to get them to do what he wants. There was this one song that he said he had never had a good performance of, and then we performed it really well!”

In the past, WC has sent more than five students each year, but for the past two years, McMahon has been flying solo. “My goal for next year is to get first chair bassoon with an awesome score and to have a solo,” said McMahon. In a way, he already met his goal. Last weekend, March 30, he went to Fargo, North Dakota, for Honor Band. Honor Band is made up of six All-State members from different states from the Midwest. McMahon got first chair (finally beating out his toughest competitor from SD) and even performed a solo. It goes to show that hard work, determination and passion are what you need to meet your goals. It looks like at this rate, McMahon will have to make his goal for next year a little bit more challenging!

By Brennan Ensz and Emily Stahl

Trojan Tribune Staff

Photo By Brennan Ensz

West Central is home to many students talented in the arts. Jenna Lewis is one of these students. Ever since she was young, Jenna has drawn in her spare time. “I think I’ve always had a bit of a knack for it, but when I was a little kid, I was pretty terrible at art. At the time, though, I thought I was pretty good, but I kept drawing because I really liked it. Over the years, I’ve been able to get better and better.” Jenna has even been given awards for her artwork, receiving ribbons from the state fair.

Jenna grew up in an artistic family, so it’s easy to see where she got it from. “All my other family

members like to do one artistic thing or another. My little brother Will and sister Emma both like to draw, and my older sister Sara makes jewelry. My mom is really good at interior design and my dad at wood work. Even some of my aunts and uncles are really amazing, too.” Her favorite thing to do is go with an idea and see where it takes her. “It’s always really fun to watch my imagination come to life on a piece of paper.” Jenna finds art rewarding, and usually enjoys the outcome. “I love when I’m all done with a painting or drawing I’ve put a lot of time and effort into and I get to sit back and see the end result of my efforts.” In her free time, Jenna doodles, draws and paints whatever she wants. “I like doing a little of everything: nature, people, wildlife, abstract, buildings; whatever I feel like at the time. My favorite things to paint are probably abstracts and trees; that’s what I seem to end up doing the most.” When she feels stuck on a project, or can’t seem to get something right, Jenna takes a break and goes back to it later. Her advice to anyone having trouble with art is to find something you really like. “If you find something you enjoy doing, you won’t have as hard of a time with it, and the more you practice the better you’ll get.” Jenna also suggests starting with a sketch and to keep in mind that there’s no wrong way to do artwork. “It will look good when it’s done, so don’t give up.”

Apart from drawing, Jenna also loves to hang out with friends, fish, ski and much more. After high school, she wants to go into the navy and be in the nuclear field. Although Jenna won’t be doing much with art after high school, she still plans on drawing as a hobby, and may go to college for it. “I might get a degree in Graphic Design or the Fine Arts. I’m not sure though, since it’s still such a long ways away.” Nothing is certain, but Jenna has a bright future ahead of her.