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The Student News Site of Lakota West High School

The West Press

The West Press

The West Press

Thomas Price

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief

Thomas Price is a third-year student in Journalism who has been heavily involved in The West Press since first joining, acting as the Website Manager and Editor-in-Chief. He participates in many of Lakota’s extra-curricular and in-school programs, such as being a member of the prom planning team, Lakota West Drumline, performer in the Marching Band and Winter Percussion Ensemble, as well as being a Percussionist in West’s top concert band. As a creatively driven student, Thomas is also skilled in many technical areas, whether through photography, video design, or media creation. Through The West Press, he writes news and opinion articles, giving insight into the good and bad West offers its students and staff.

All content by Thomas Price
The End of an Era: Taylor Swift Concludes “The Eras Tour”

The End of an Era: Taylor Swift Concludes “The Eras Tour”

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief December 12, 2024

On March 17th, 2023, the world watched as Taylor Swift, the biggest artist on the planet, began “The Eras Tour” which would span 149 shows in 22 countries, generating over 2 billion dollars from the tour alone. The tour sold over 10 million tickets...

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Lakota East Principal Resigns Amid Investigation

Lakota East Principal Resigns Amid Investigation

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief November 23, 2024

Lakota East Principal Robert Burnside announced Friday that he would be resigning amid an investigation into his assistance to a former homeless student. According to Burnside, the decision was for “personal reasons” and will go into effect on January...

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A Look Inside the Lakota West Marching Band 2024

A Look Inside the Lakota West Marching Band 2024

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief November 14, 2024

Since early May, the Lakota West Marching Band has been meticulously crafting their 2024 show, “A Lakota Western” which is heavily inspired by classic Western films, music, and fun. With dancing, cowboy hats, and a whole lot of “yee-haws” to go...

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How Liberty Dies: With Thunderous Applause

How Liberty Dies: With Thunderous Applause

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief November 8, 2024

Reminder: This is an opinion article. Any and all viewpoints are not reflective of The West Press or Lakota West High School as a whole. Entering the 2024 United States presidential election, the world knew it would be a tight race;  no one candidate...

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Lakota West Student Hit In Crosswalk, Hospitalized

Lakota West Student Hit In Crosswalk, Hospitalized

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief September 20, 2024

Before school started on Friday, September 20th, a Lakota West student was crossing the street on her way to catch the Butler Tech bus and was hit somewhere around 6:48AM. The student pushed the button to signal the lights of the crosswalk to turn...

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Define Discipline: Something Lakota West Lacks

Define Discipline: Something Lakota West Lacks

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief August 23, 2024

As the new school year starts, the teachers of Lakota Local Schools have been busy preparing lesson plans, textbooks, new schedules, and new ways to teach throughout the coming months. One part of preparing for the year includes the school administration...

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When Brown Turns Green: Lakota West Principal Leaves for Mason HS

When Brown Turns Green: Lakota West Principal Leaves for Mason HS

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief May 27, 2024

The end of the school year calls for a lot to happen at Lakota West, but few expected the bomb-shell of an announcement Lakota’s administration dropped after the school day ended. Around 2 pm on Thursday, May 23rd, Lakota announced Mr. Ben Brown, the...

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The Senior Prank That Never Was

The Senior Prank That Never Was

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief May 23, 2024

As the Class of 2024 left Lakota West High School, it felt like something was missing from their departure. As though they “went out with a whimper,” the seniors departed without a trace of their presence: no mess, toilet paper, or bustling main street....

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Prom 2024: Behind the Scenes

Prom 2024: Behind the Scenes

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief May 9, 2024

As the end of the year approaches, many students look forward to prom, a long-standing tradition for upperclassmen (Juniors and Seniors) to celebrate their final years in high school through a night of dancing, dresses, and spending time with friends....

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Should Prom Include ALL Main Campus Students?

Should Prom Include ALL Main Campus Students?

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief May 3, 2024

Since its creation, Prom has always been an event focused on giving upperclassmen (Juniors and Seniors) a way to celebrate the things they have accomplished, through a dance held at the end of the year: Prom. With a theme selected by the prom-planning...

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Eclipse of a Lifetime: Great American Eclipse 2024

Eclipse of a Lifetime: Great American Eclipse 2024

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief April 11, 2024

On Monday, April 8th, millions across North America were able to experience the Great North American Eclipse 2024, with millions of sightseers traveling to the path of totality to experience the incredibly rare phenomenon. Starting its route in Texas,...

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It's Time to Modernize Lakota's High Schools

It’s Time to Modernize Lakota’s High Schools

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief March 14, 2024

Since the 2019-2020 school year, Lakota has meticulously chipped away at the creation of their star-studded Master Facilities Plan, which has been paraded around as the district's most innovative and impactful changes since its creation. With plans to...

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Lakota's Master Facilities Plan: 2024 Edition

Lakota’s Master Facilities Plan: 2024 Edition

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief March 4, 2024

Over the past few years, Lakota’s School Board has been hard at work constructing the future of the district; everything from designing new buildings, changing grade setups throughout the entire district, and even adding a potential third branch of...

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Taylor Swift vs. The NFL: Who's in The Right?

Taylor Swift vs. The NFL: Who’s in The Right?

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief February 15, 2024

Over the past 6 months, football fans from around the United States have been taken aback by Taylor Swift, the global popstar who has dominated every corner of the music industry throughout the last decade, making an appearance at the Chiefs vs Bears...

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Introducing the Lakota West Broadcasting Club

Introducing the Lakota West Broadcasting Club

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief February 2, 2024

Lakota West prides itself in featuring the work of students from around the school, from sharing their creations online to talking about the students’ successes during the morning announcements. Over the past 2 years, West has been witness to one of...

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Let's Talk Main Campus Bathrooms

Let’s Talk Main Campus Bathrooms

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief February 2, 2024

One of the most essential quality-of-life needs for schools is the ability to relieve oneself in a public restroom. Even if they aren’t the highest quality or most modern design ever, they get the job done and allow you to carry on with your day. Is...

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Changing for the Worst: Lakota Does it Again

Changing for the Worst: Lakota Does it Again

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief January 30, 2024

Since the first day I can remember attending Lakota West, there have always been changes made throughout the year to things we are oftentimes familiar with. Whether it be the XH schedule change from last school year to this school year or the most recent...

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Schools Across The US Receive Russian Bomb Threats

Schools Across The US Receive Russian Bomb Threats

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief December 14, 2023

Schools around the country have been receiving threats from a “Russian Terrorist Organization” about bombs being placed across American schools. Last Friday, the threat was emailed to many northern Texas school districts, claiming that explosives...

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Destination, Hawaii! East/West Marching Band Trip

Destination, Hawaii! East/West Marching Band Trip

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief December 14, 2023

If you had to go on vacation to any place in the world, where would it be? Some people might say London or Tokyo; Others might say Paris or Australia. One of these places is a must-see bucket list type of place: Hawaii. Announced early 2022, The Lakota...

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A Look Inside the Lakota West Marching Band 2023

A Look Inside the Lakota West Marching Band 2023

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief November 16, 2023

Lakota West has always been known for having spectacular athletics and extra-curricular activities for students. With all of their impressive wins and records held over the years, one program West offers has become a pinnacle of the school’s success:...

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National Emergency Alert Test Strikes Devices Nationwide

National Emergency Alert Test Strikes Devices Nationwide

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief October 12, 2023

As the clock struck 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 4th, hundreds of millions of phones prepared to light up and make a loud, buzzing noise. This was part of an effort required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to be carried out with the...

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Lakota West Marching Band Wins Obetz Regional for 3rd Consecutive Year

Lakota West Marching Band Wins Obetz Regional for 3rd Consecutive Year

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief September 28, 2023

In 2021, The Lakota West Marching Band made history by placing first at the Bands of America Obetz Regional, something the program had never done before. Winning a Regional this competitive is not an easy achievement and very few bands have ever had the...

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What Lakota NEEDS to Add in the NEW East + West High Schools

What Lakota NEEDS to Add in the NEW East + West High Schools

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief September 21, 2023

Earlier this year, the Lakota School Board approved a new Master Facilities Plan that would include a price of over 500 million dollars going into destroying older schools, renovating aging schools, and creating some new schools. Among these proposed...

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How to Start The New School Year Off Right

How to Start The New School Year Off Right

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief August 16, 2023

As the students of Lakota West return to school and prepare for another nine long months of tests, projects, and essays, it’s always good to reflect back on the previous year, and things that went well (or not). With a clean slate in front of you, there...

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Taylor Swift Travels to Cincinnati for The Eras Tour

Taylor Swift Travels to Cincinnati for The Eras Tour

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief July 7, 2023

Taylor Swift, the pop star who has reshaped the music industry in its entirety over her 17-year career, announced earlier this year she would be going on tour again after releasing her newest album, Midnights, just a week prior. On the first day of ticket...

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Let's Settle This: Which is Best, East or West?

Let’s Settle This: Which is Best, East or West?

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief May 24, 2023

Back in 1997, Lakota made the decision to split the district into two different sides, Lakota East and Lakota West. As with many districts, the two were often compared, and continue to be to this day, as each side's clubs and sports clash with each other...

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2022-2023 in Review: What Can WE Do Better?

2022-2023 in Review: What Can WE Do Better?

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief May 24, 2023

Congratulations, we’ve made it through the 2022-2023 school year! With exams complete and summer now in our grasp, it's always a good time to look at all the fantastic things you’ve done this year. Seniors have most likely chosen what they want to...

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Closing the Book on Summer Homework

Closing the Book on Summer Homework

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief May 18, 2023

Earlier this month, the Lakota East and Lakota West English Departments made the decision to cut summer homework for the 2023-2024 school year. This comes after complaints were received by students and parents throughout the years, gaining enough traction...

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Is AI Chatting The New Future?

Is AI Chatting The New Future?

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief May 1, 2023

On Friday, April 21st, Snapchat released its AI to its users for free, after previously keeping it restricted for only Snapchat + users to use by paying for its service. The bot has an extensive list of features, from understanding complex math problems...

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Curriculum Controversy: Do I Really Need to Learn This?

Curriculum Controversy: Do I Really Need to Learn This?

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief March 30, 2023

From the start of Kindergarten to the end of senior year, students around the world learn things like scientific properties, how to analyze famous novels and plays, calculate the mass and density of a 16-inch tall triangle, and of course understand the...

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Why are Graduation Requirements Getting so Complicated?

Why are Graduation Requirements Getting so Complicated?

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief March 1, 2023

As the Class of 2023 is preparing to leave, the requirements to graduate become more and more critical. Do you have at least two seals? Are you getting all your credits? Are your grades passing, have you paid all your school bills, did you find the right...

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Lakota's Master Facilities Plan: 2023 Edition

Lakota’s Master Facilities Plan: 2023 Edition

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief March 1, 2023

Authors Note: The contents of this article have since been changed by the District. An updated look at Lakota's Master Facilities Plan can be found by searching "Lakota's Master Facilities Plan: 2024 Edition" Over the past few years, Lakota’s School...

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A Major Miscalculation: Where Schools Went Wrong With Calculators

A Major Miscalculation: Where Schools Went Wrong With Calculators

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief January 30, 2023

As students prepare to enter another year of high school and go through a rigorous 9 months of lectures and projects, teachers will post their lists of classroom procedures and items they need to have in class each day. While most seem like everyday items,...

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A Look Inside the Lakota West Marching Band 2022

A Look Inside the Lakota West Marching Band 2022

Thomas Price, Editor-in-Chief November 17, 2022

Over the past few years, The Lakota West High School Marching Band has been on the rise after winning numerous awards and growing in musical strength. They made it into Grand National Semi-Finals for the first time in 2019, are two-time, back-to-back...

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Recycling in West Chester gets Trashed

Recycling in West Chester gets Trashed

People in the West Chester community have been dumping everything from car seats to toilets in recycling bins across the area. The after effects include social service employees having to work extra shifts and wasting their time, money and efforts towards...

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