February Blood Drive: January

By: Maya Mullen

The popularity of the Blood Drive at Clovis West is astonishing. Each year, hundreds of students sign up to donate their blood to an organization that's dedicated to saving lives. On February 8th, the organization will reach out to all students above 16, or relatives who'd also like to participate. Sydni Mullen, when asked, became ecstatic about the whole ordeal. She explained how she was "super excited and couldn't wait to donate blood for the first time!" Blood donation is a great way to support the community and Clovis West does a great job of promoting that.

Current Sports: January

By: Maya Mullen

The athletics department at Clovis West is taken very seriously. Beginning the first week back from winter break, Track has been off to an excellent start. The team hasn't had any meets yet, but the members will be competing soon and we know to expect nothing but greatness. Noah Sanches, a Junior on varsity, was nothing short of exuberant when I asked him how the season was going. He explained that, "[the team’s progress is] pretty good. I'm just starting to get into shape after being off season for a month and a half.” The players couldn't wait to get back on the track and show the other schools just how dedicated Clovis West really is. From the track to the field, the Soccer team has experienced nothing but success! On Friday, January 6th, the team had their first league game and won 2 to 0. Overjoyed, Orian Bar told me how "winning the first game against a big rival like Clovis North felt great!" Along with Soccer, Girls Basketball also experienced a win at their first game with an unbelievable score. With our sports teams starting out so well, anyone could predict that Clovis West will stand taller than the rest. Eagles really soar above the competition.

Winterguard and Winter Percussion: January

By: Gwyneth Quitorio

Just like sports have their winter seasons, the band program does, too!  After the fall season, marching band students can transition over to winter season ensembles: winterguard and winter percussion.  These programs compete indoors in both local and out-of-town competitions in San Joaquin Valley Color Guard and Percussion Review (SJVCGPR) circuits and Winter Guard International (WGI) circuits.  This year, we have “Open” Guard competing in the “Scholastic Open” division, “A” Guard competing in the “Scholastic A” division, and listed below are the groups’ upcoming competitions for the season. Feel free to support the music program, music-making, and the arts by coming to any local competitions.

Winterguard:

AG/OG Jan 28 SJVCGPR Clovis East HS

OG Feb 10 SJVCGPR Clovis East HS

AG/OG Feb 25 WGI Modesto Enochs HS

AG/OG Mar 3 SJVCGPR Clovis North HS

OG Mar 11 Hoover Winterguard Show Hoover

AG/OG Mar 17 SJVCGPR Buchanan HS

OG Mar 18-19 WGI Union City James Logan HS

AG/OG Apr 1 SJVCGPR Guard Championships Clovis North HS

Winter Percussion:

Feb 10 SJVCGPR Clovis East HS

Mar 3 SJVCGPR Clovis North HS

Mar 4 WGI Fresno Clovis North HS

Mar 17 SJVCGPR Buchanan HS

Mar 25-26 WGI Power Regional San Bernardino

Mar 31 SJVCGPR Percussion Championships

US News: December

By: Chloe Wilson

On December 19, 2016, the states gave their electoral college votes. Trump received 306 electoral votes whereas Clinton received 232. California alone has 55 electoral votes to give, all of which went to Clinton. Still, Trump managed to pull ahead and is scheduled to become the next president. The official inauguration date is set for January 20, 2017.

Unfortunately the beloved Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia in the Star Wars series, passed on December 28, 2016. On the day after, her mother, Debbie Reynolds, passed, as well. Their deaths have shaken the global community as people from all across the world mourn their deaths.

Local Fresno News: Krispy Kreme Grand Opening: December

By: Gwyneth Quitorio

Ever since the first Fresno Krispy Kreme closed down in 2007 (what is now Chick-Fil-A), Fresno has been mourning the loss of their beloved donuts.  But with a new one built on 5692 N. Blackstone Ave., Fresno can now rejoice in the resurrection of Krispy Kreme.  It is set to open on Tuesday, December 6, 2016.  Business hours include Sunday-Thursday from 5:30 AM-10:00 PM, and Friday-Saturday from 5:30 AM-11:00 PM.

Yearbook Announcements: December

The deadline to buy a yearbook is January 20th. Make sure you turn in your payment of $80 on or prior to that Friday. The money can be turned in via the website yearbookordercenter.com with the school code 15730, or be physically brought to K-5. To pay through the website you may use PayPal or credit card, and if you choose to bring it in to K-5 you can pay with cash or check. While yearbooks will be available for purchase during pick-up in June, there will be very few and they will go very fast. Additionally, prices will go up during this timeframe. So, make sure to purchase them early and save yourself from the stress later!

Yearbook is also looking for photos of students with their Clovis West alumni parents. If your parent graduated from Clovis West, snap a picture of you guys having a good time, whether it be cooking, playing video games, doing each other’s hair, camping, or any number of things! Send your picture to yearbook via K-5, emailing lesliebooth@cusd.com, or uploading it to HJeShare, school code 2016.

Formal: December

By: Kirsten Woodard

The Winter Formal is on January 21st from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The theme is New York Gala and will take place at The Grand 1401. Bids will be on sale starting January 10th; on the 16th the prices will be raised from $65 per couple to $75. Get your bids as soon as you can!

Winter Break: December

By: C.C. Wilson

Winter Break follows the end of the semester and begins on December 24th. It'll extend until the following Monday, January 9th and school will then resume on the 10th. Technically, on the 9th, teachers must still go to school; however, students will retain another day of freedom. Many students went out of state, while some stayed in Fresno. Still, our survey of 67 students showed that 100% were glad they got to have a break. Senior Amanda Bennett even recalled how, “[i]t was great because [she] got to see [her] cousin who [she] hadn't seen in a year. [Her cousin] even gave [her] gifts that she got in Japan while studying abroad.” This break was a time of relaxation, excitement and wonder, depending on how the students chose to spend it.

A Christmas Carol: December

By: Kirsten Woodard

Clovis West held a production of A Christmas Carol on the 14th, 16th and 17th of December. The admission cost was $7.00. Sophomore Morgan Green, an actor in the play, had a few words, saying “the entire thing was rewritten by Blake Jordan and directed by himself. He did a great job. It turned out really good.” She also said, “Robert Budd as Scrooge was great and the cast was really well-casted. It was a fun play.” Though it only played for a short period of time, many went and enjoyed the production; some even saw multiple showings.