Teacher Highlight
Name: Amy Ivie
Number of years at Westwood: 23years
What you like most about WCS: The feeling of one big family.
Hobbies: Reading
Pets: None
Fun Fact About You: I love spending time with my family.
Favorite Quote: Teamwork makes the dream work.
Favorite Bible Verse: Matthew 5:16
Home Church: Westwood Baptist Church
Senior Highlight
Name: Addy Horne
Number of Years at Westwood: 4 Years
Favorite Subject: Bible
Hobbies: Volleyball and Driving
Plans after Graduation: Become a Medical Receptionist
Favorite Bible Verse: John 3:16
How to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Camdyn Bryant
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for overall well-being and long-term health. This involves making daily choices that support mental and physical health. By focusing on a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and adequate rest, one can improve one's quality of life and reduce the risk of illness.
One important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is having a balanced diet. Consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein provides the body with the nutrients it needs to function properly. Drinking enough water throughout the day is also very important because it helps with digestion and keeps the body hydrated. One might suffer fatigue and other health problems if they are not properly hydrating and giving their body the nutrients it needs. Limiting processed foods and sugary snacks can help prevent health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.
Physical activity is another important factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Exercising regularly helps give one’s body the proper strength it needs while also helping improve one’s overall mood and reducing stress. One can exercise by walking, jogging, playing sports, or doing yoga. Even doing something small every day to keep the body active, instead of an extensive workout routine, will have great long-lasting effects.
Getting proper rest and having a good sleep schedule is necessary to have a healthy lifestyle. Sleep allows the body to rest for the next day. Without enough sleep, one may feel stressed, tired, or unfocused. The body cannot function without the proper rest it needs, so having a regular sleep schedule is beneficial for one’s overall health.
Supporting Our Community
Carson Alford
The town of Live Oak, home to 7,000 residents in north Florida, is a place where diverse people come together, facing many different circumstances. Over the years, the community has grown in its efforts to provide support and care. Today, there are many accessible ways to volunteer and donate, helping to strengthen the bonds that hold us together.
One powerful way to make a difference in Live Oak is by starting with the children. Even if someone has graduated or isn’t a teacher, children always welcome help through tutoring, participating in events, or other educational support. Every bit of kindness and guidance helps shape the futures of these young children.
Another meaningful way to show your love is through Love In the Name of Christ of Suwannee County. This heartfelt non-profit organization offers food, hygiene supplies, and financial assistance to those facing hardship. The First Baptist Church of Live Oak also runs a food distribution center, providing meals and essentials to local families in need. Even small donations—like clothes you no longer wear or extra supplies—can make a big difference. For those who want to give more of their time, volunteering with Love In the Name of Christ allows you to directly support their outreach, bringing hope and comfort to many in need.
While donations are greatly appreciated, families aren’t the only ones in need. Elderly residents in nursing homes or hospitals often long for companionship and support. Live Oak Adult Day Services offers a volunteer program where caring individuals can spend quality time with seniors through activities, social events, and simple daily interactions. Sometimes, just sitting with someone and sharing a moment can lift their spirits significantly.
Although only a few programs have been highlighted, countless other opportunities need volunteers. By spreading awareness about these organizations, we encourage their growth and help build a stronger, more compassionate community. Your kindness and willingness to help truly make a lasting impact in the lives of others.
Balancing academics and athletics
Elly Greene
Imagine you're about to make the game winning shot for your team, and you are about to shoot the ball into the hoop. All of the sudden you are petrified by remembering the test tomorrow morning that you forgot to study. Completely panicked, you miss your shot and lose the entire game. Now this is exactly what you should not do, for you and your team's sake. Homework, studying, and sports interfere with each other in a student's time schedule, but there are ways that can help you get them all done that do not involve you missing the winning shot at your game.
Sports and academics have always been a problem for athletes. Athletes will always push aside their homework or studying because they either have practice or they are tired from their sport and want a break. Let me tell you that there are better ways to do this! Having a good planner for weekly scheduling can help lay out what homework you have and when you can get it done that week. This can help with knowing what all you have to get done and when you can make time for it. Whenever you happen to have a break during the school day or have extra time in a class, you should use that time to your advantage and get some of your work done. This can help you to not have to do your work at home and be ready to go to your sport without worrying about it. Communicate with your teachers if any of your sports games or practices get in the way of studying to see if they could move it. It never hurts to ask your teachers questions. They understand what you are doing and will try to help the best they can! These practices can help improve your grades and help you to not worry about studying or homework when you are playing your game. These practices can help you immensely in life if you stick with it! Always try to remember to rest and not overwork yourself. Remember that you do have time to study, do the sport you love, and rest.
WCS is a member of the Quill & Scroll Society.
Quill and Scroll is an international high school journalism honor society that recognizes and encourages both individual and group achievements in scholastic journalism. According to the Quill and Scroll website, over 14,104 high schools in all 50 U.S. states and 44 countries have established local chapters. The organization was founded on April 10, 1926, and is based out of the University of Iowa.
To be eligible for a charter, a high school must publish a magazine, newspaper, yearbook, literary magazine, broadcast program, or website; or, the school must have students who are under the supervision of a local news bureau, radio or television station, or publication. Charters are granted for the lifetime of the school's existence, and there are no dues.
When a charter is granted, the publication adviser or advisers automatically become a member. Only chartered schools may submit student names for nomination, as Quill and Scroll members and several activities are limited to chartered schools only.
To be eligible for induction into Quill and Scroll, students must meet the following five requirements:
Quill and Scroll have no requirements for local chapters' activities; each chapter is encouraged to engage in activities that best serve its school's journalism and publications program.
Quill and Scroll | Honor Society - Official Honor Society® Website
