18 Under 18

Junior Carson Guenthner expands the limits of how much a high school student can be involved. Guenthner takes 5 AP classes, runs track, plays soccer, and is a member of the National Honors Society. Guenthner understands how to work hard in athletics and achieve academic excellence.  Guenthner works hard in hopes of being like his parents who inspire him daily and motivate him to work hard in and...

Senior Sophie Schneider is one of West’s most prominent leaders. At Olathe West, Schneider is co-captain of the Varsity dance team, vice president of the Student Council, a National Honors Society officer, a member of Rho Kappa, Link Crew, and is on the Superintendent’s Advisory Panel. “I am constantly inspired to try new activities because I think that we have so many opportunities to learn...

Junior Allana Moore has an infectious positive energy that makes her a great leader and positive role model for many students at West. Moore is the president of the Black Student Union and is a member of the Student Council, the Kansas Black Leadership Coalition, and the National Honors Society. Moore created West’s first Black Student Union to help Black students and have a space where they can t...

Cameron Carter has played baseball since he was 5 and it is his main focus. He is committed to the University of Arkansas for baseball as a sophomore. Carter's hard work has not gone unnoticed and he is continuing to work hard in pursuit of his goals.  “[Committing to Arkansas] was awesome and I was one of the first people to commit in my class and it's just a good thing to have under my belt...

During his final year of high school, senior Stone El-Attrache found his passion for acting. Some might be scared to step on the stage for the first time, but El-Attrache felt completely confident and loved performing for others. “When I am up on the stage I get my chance to perform and show people who I am,” El-Attrache said. “I get to make people laugh and smile and I have always wanted...

Junior Keely Barnard spends a lot of her time on the basketball court. During basketball season she has practice every day except Sundays and practices with a team outside of West. Barnard is an inspiration to many young athletes and she works hard to achieve her goals.  Barnard wants to play basketball in college and knows that working hard will help her achieve this goal.  “If I want t...

Junior Adam Geyer is a member of Link Crew, Rho Kappa, National Honors Society, Student Council, and tennis. Many people know Adam because of his leadership role and positive attitude. Geyer wants students to make the most out of high school and take opportunities to grow and have fun. “I like to meet lots of different people,” Geyer said. “I want everyone to have the best time at West that t...

Sophomore Gabby Clinkinbeard loves to have a busy schedule and keep herself active. She is involved in gymnastics, diving, lacrosse, cheer, and DECA. Clinkinbeard inspires students to be involved and shows that students can be involved in lots of different sports. Some might be stressed about being involved in four sports, but not Clinkinbeard.  “I prefer being busy because if I'm not I fee...

Sophomore Kolby Brown is involved in cross country, track, theater, choir, and student council. She loves to be busy and reach her goals. She has been a part of West’s theater productions and has met so many new people while pursuing one of her passions. “I was involved in We will Rock You my freshman year and I did crew this year,” Brown said “I mainly did productions outside of scho...

Anisa Reyna has been a dancer since she was young and cannot imagine a life without dance. She loves performing for others whether it's at a pep assembly or on the nationals stage. Dance has given Reyna her passion and some great friendships. “Dance is my passion,” Reyna said. “I have been doing it my whole life and I feel like when I can’t dance, even for a day, it makes my day worse....

Senior Kalista Brown finds the most satisfaction standing on stage performing. Brown is devoted to music and the arts. While working on show-week the cast can stay as late as 1 to 2 a.m. working to create the best show they can.  Brown is involved in choir and theater inside of school. Outside of school, Brown is involved in KC Acapella Soundproof, Theater, and is a part of the music ministry a...

Selam Belete loves organization and planning events. She channels her love for organization and event planning when she works in the Student Council.  “I like the people in student council,” Belete said. “Student council is fun and well organized. We got to have an event at lunch today and it was really nice. I love planning stuff like that.” Along with student council, Belete is on the wo...

Clayton Bauer is very interested in green technology and the Green Tech Academy is the reason he decided to come to West. Green Tech is more than just a class for Bauer, it’s his future.  “I want to work in environmental science because I think it is really important and it gives me opportunities for scholarships through the government because it is a needed job,” Bauer said. Along wit...

Sherron Woodberry plays basketball inside and outside of school. He loves playing and is inspired to play by his idols such as John Collins.  “My inspiration is probably John Collins,” Woodberry said. “He is an NBA player, many  people don’t know him, but I’ve actually met him personally and he is super humble. He still talks to me now even though he’s in the NBA.” He loves wo...

Jayton Hay is involved in wrestling, National Honors Society, Link Leaders, and is the manager of the football team. He has been a football manager since fifth grade and loves being with his friends on the team. “I can’t really play football and I wanted to stick with my friends so I found a way to work with football,” Hay said. “I help set up equipment and stick with the team while mak...

Aubrey May loves to perform on stage and is a member of a theater company outside of school. Ali Stroker is one of May’s inspirations because Stroker is the first actress who uses a wheelchair to be nominated for a Tony award.  “I want to do something like she did one day,” May said. “I never thought that would be possible, but seeing her do that was really special.” Aside from the perfor...

Senior Mike Anderson is a motivation to so many students. He shows that students are not limited to one sport or path. He is a varsity bowler, football player, and basketball player who challenges the idea that kids can or should only play one sport.  Anderson plays all of the sports he plays very well. He won state for bowling freshman year, went to basketball state in Wichita, and made it to sem...

When you think of hard work and determination Emily Yan should come to your mind. She is president of the student council, plays the cello in a chamber orchestra, is a member of the scholar’s bowl, takes AP classes, is a member of the National Honors Society, scored a perfect 36 on her ACT, and is a finalist for the national merit scholarship.  Yan never takes shortcuts and works very hard to achieve her goa...