The Student News Site of West Delaware High School

Inklings
A Season of Thanks
Stapling the kindness links together, senior Susie Funke helps out student council by adding to the juniors' kindness chain.
Kindness: A Chain Reaction
On Nov. 15, A group of thespians gather in the UNI auditorium to watch “Zombie Prom.” with other theater troupes. Front Row: Claire Manson (12), Jeanne Bargette (9), Makayla Seeley (10), Baylea Hutchinson (10); Back Row: Jennifer Lamb, Tina Ostrander, Eli Shipley (10), Kaidyn Robbins (9), Keizel Rivera (10), Sophia Hegland (11).
Thespians Go to Festival
NHS Seniors: Front Row: Jaidyn Ronnebaum, Gwenith Pasker, Kirstyn Kolbet, Trudy Loecke, Ali Robinson, Maleah Demmer, Abigail Kass, Susan Funke, Olivia Halverson, Parker Peterson, Jax Miller; Row 2: Anna Sickels, Claire Manson, Aubrey Wilson, Paige Woellert, Andrea Wubbena, Myka Brooks, Amelia Schnieders, Josie McMahon, Kennedy Kolbet, Brooke Krogmann, Adam Cook, Seth Jackson; Back Row: Evan Dunkel, Owen Pettlon, Sam Ogden, Jack Buesing, Nick Lewis, Brent Yonkovic, Caleb Stocks, Jeryn Funke, Nickolas Uthe, Braden Wenger, Keagan Jackson. (Missing from picture: Hannah Cantwell, Kate Wenger, Addison Burger, Kennedy Loesche.)
NHS Induction
Seniors Adam Cook and Olivia Halverson turn 18 on Election Day
From Birthday Cake to Ballot Box
Working in free time, senior Josie McMahon is ready to present her slideshow.
Working to Boost Career Preparation
Junior Aiden Wulfekuhle signs his letter of intent with Henderson Products. With Wulfekuhle is Thomas Kenny, left, welding engineer at Henderson Products, and Holly Stiefel, right, Henderson Products human resources manager.
Classroom to Career
Stock Smart
Stock Smart
American Government students Harley Giellis-Goodman (12), Aarebella Haynes (12), Gwenith Pasker (12), Hannah Palmershein (12), Shelby Waterhouse (12), and Olivia Halverson (12) pose inside the clock tower on their visit to the Delaware County Courthouse.
Government Classes Tour Courthouse
Makenna Kelly is the new Brain Health Room liaison.
New Leadership in the Brain Health Room: A Fresh Approach to Cognitive Wellness
Defending, Lena Petlon (11) and Vedah Langel (11) team up against a Maquoketa Valley player on Nov. 22.
Varsity Sweep
The Hawks celebrate after Brooke Krogmann (12) scores the winning point over Davenport Assumption in the quarterfinals.
Volleyball Makes Semifinal State Appearance
On Thursday, juniors Emma Schmidt and Lauren LeClere strive to block the ball. LeClere led West Delaware with seven blocks.
Hawks Win Semi-Finals
Brynn Kartman (10) leads a pack at the Hawk's home meet. Kartman placed 20th with a time of 20:31.46
Kartman Punches her Second Ticket
On Tuesday night, junior Lauren LeClere aims to hit the ball during the varsity match against Marion. LeClere accumulated 10 kills that night, helping the Hawks win 3-1.
On a Roll
Seniors Ava Bockenstedt, Izzy Schmitz, Emma Hogan, Taylor Domeyer, Kyndall Nelson, Mia Hodson, and Luca Smith throw confetti before the first varsity football game of the season.
The Ghost of Our School Spirit
The Iowa legislature's bill to have all students in public school sing the national anthem each day is to be proposed later today.
The National Anthem: To Sing Or Not To Sing?
Keevan Hauschild (12) uses AI to create a sample of computer code. This highlights one of many uses for AI.
Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe?
Do You Decorate The Back of Your Christmas Tree?
Do You Decorate The Back of Your Christmas Tree?
Lucy Loecke (12) keeps with the pack during the second mile at Decorah.
Why You Should Get Involved at West Delaware?
On Nov. 15, A group of thespians gather in the UNI auditorium to watch “Zombie Prom.” with other theater troupes. Front Row: Claire Manson (12), Jeanne Bargette (9), Makayla Seeley (10), Baylea Hutchinson (10); Back Row: Jennifer Lamb, Tina Ostrander, Eli Shipley (10), Kaidyn Robbins (9), Keizel Rivera (10), Sophia Hegland (11).
Thespians Go to Festival
Bringing Characters to Life Through Costumes
Bringing Characters to Life Through Costumes
At the end of Act I, Wes Duggan (11) leads the Sycamore family in prayer. Left to right: Erin Wegmann, Trent Menard, Wes Duggan, Keevan Hauschild, Liz Sleper, Grace Sleper, Christian Timmerman, Evan Kartman, and Caleb Stocks.
You Can’t Take It With You
Friends characters, Olivia Zirtzman, Elizabeth Sleper, Kaeleb Sickles, Ethan Grawe, Madeline Palas, Evan Kartman, react to modern technology.
Make ‘Em Laugh
Alexis McTaggart (12) poses in her purchased dress from Brides and Weddings in Manchester.
Prom Trends
Mia Moreno (12) portions out the M&M's in a measuring cup.
Down Syndrome Doesn’t Define Her
Fighting Mental Health With Yoga
Fighting Mental Health With Yoga
Senior Hallie Knutson shows off one of her many paintings.
Hallie Knutson Paints a Plan For Her Future
Technology specialist Gary Lubben prepares to launch a toilet paper roll in a game of TP Dodgeball during the Homecoming Olympics last fall.
Where’s Gary Lubben?
After many years of collecting rocks, Shae Loecke's collection display slowly increases in size.
Shae Loecke Rocks
The cast of WDHA Radio performs their final scene.
WDHA Radio Takes Center Stage
Zach Wenger looks ahead during the state cross country meet, finishing the race with a 20:33.
Boredom Fuels Success
As a member of the panel, senior welding apprentice R.J. Helmrichs answers a question at the Work-based Learning Tour held at Henderson Products on Monday, Sept. 11.
Work Based Learning Tour
Memphis Voelker (9) grins as he walks up Lost Beach on Lake Delhi.
Shredding Through Summer
The Hawk's pose with their trophy and banner after claiming their fourth state title.
The Perfect Ending to Four State Titles
The Student News Site of West Delaware High School

Inklings
The Student News Site of West Delaware High School

Inklings
Emma Merkes

Emma Merkes, Contents Editor

I am Emma Merkes, and I am a senior. I am involved in speech, student council, NHS, play, and basically everything in the music department. In my spare time, I enjoy four-wheeling, spending time in the water, blaring Morgan Wallen or Luke Combs in my car, photography, and hanging out with my friends. My greatest fear is feet.

All content by Emma Merkes
Addison Reetz (12) assists in cleaning the pool at the Aquatic Center.

[Photo] Paying It Foward

Taylor Hammer, Staff
May 14, 2021
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[Photo] Making His Mark

Molly Mullis, Contents Editor
May 17, 2021
On April 26, Mia Peyton prepares to chip the green.

Higher Goals for Lower Scores

Emma Merkes, Contents Editor
April 27, 2021
After 34 years, Duane Philgreen retires from teaching vocal music.

[Photo] Moving on from Music

Molly Mullis, Contents Editor
May 5, 2021
Front Row: Anna Werner, Carla Gomez, Kaylee Osterhaus, Ava Hauser, and Jadyn Werner; Back Row: Brandon Wellman, Jared Voss, Kieran Monaghan, Kyle Kelley, and Elias Tibbott.

[Photo] Prom Court

Carlee Smith, Staff
April 23, 2021
During “Song of Triumph,” director Duane Philgreen conducts concert choir.

COVID Choir Concerts

Emma Merkes, Contents Editor
April 1, 2021
West Delaware Presents 'Into the Woods'

West Delaware Presents ‘Into the Woods’

Emma Merkes, Contents Editor
March 31, 2021
Kaylee Osterhaus (12) belts out her solo in the song "Cool Change."

Surfing Through the Show Choir Season

Emma Merkes, Contents Editor
March 18, 2021
During the ensemble "15 Reasons Not to Be in a Play," Laney Robinson (11), Haley Hamm (11), Jadyn Werner (12) and Samantha Anderson (11) swoon over prince Grant Menard (11).

[Photo] All-State Nominees

Macey Heim, Staff
March 29, 2021
In the UNI-Dome, seniors Chloe Wilson, Malena Grummitt, and Austyn Isaacs cheer at half-time of the High School State Championship football game.

Cheerleaders Participate in Iowa Cheer Honor Squad

Emma Merkes, Contents Editor
January 13, 2020
Lydia Heims (9) announces numbers for Turkey Bingo. As a whole, students received around 70 candy snacks and 25 T-shirts.

[Photo] Gobbling With a Goal

Grace Johnson, Contents Editor
December 16, 2019
According to the 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey, 27.5 percent of high schoolers use e-cigarettes.

It’s Just Sad

Gavin Drees and Emma Merkes
December 4, 2019
Isabella Maule(12) donates blood at the 2018 Blood Drive.

Give Blood = Save Lives

Emma Merkes, Contents Editor
November 19, 2019
Taylor Hammer (11) questions Molly Mullis (11) on her involvement as Reverend Hale in the Advanced English III Mock Trial while Brynn Boeckenstedt (11) keeps order as the judge.

[Photo] Tell it to the Judge

November 22, 2019
Sam Lyness' (12) Italian Stallion pumpkin.

Spooky Stallion Shines with Success

Emma Merkes, Contents Editor
November 1, 2019
West Delaware Presents "Sister Act!"

West Delaware Presents “Sister Act!”

Emma Merkes, Contents Editor
October 21, 2019
Senior Ian Tibbott approaches the lane to throw the ball.

Great Start To The New Season

Emma Merkes, Staff
December 20, 2018
An anonymous student exhales vapor causing a white cloud.

Vaping Sweeps Hawk Nation

Emma Merkes and Chloe Wilson
December 14, 2018
Students Who Vape At West Delaware

Students Who Vape At West Delaware

Emma Merkes and Chloe Wilson
December 7, 2018
At the state qualifier meet in Manchester, Andrew Salas (10) finishes with a time of 19:44.

Hannah Axline (11) runs with the districts cross country team on Oct. 18 at Hart Ridge Golf Course. “I felt very accomplished and proud of myself that I had the chance to participate on the district team,” Axline said.

At the state qualifier meet, Tyger Vaske (10) beats his personal record with a time of 19:13 on Oct. 18.

On Oct. 1, rain struck Delaware Country resulting in a flood.

High Water Hits Student Homes

Emma Merkes, Staff
October 24, 2018
Chad Bishop (11) takes a swing at the annual Car Bash following Coronation. This year, the car was a Dodge Intrepid donated by teacher Jason Guyer's sister.

[Photo] Wrecking Waverly

Tyler Salow, Webmaster
October 1, 2018
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