The student news site of West Chicago Community High School

Wildcat Chronicle
The student news site of West Chicago Community High School

Wildcat Chronicle
The student news site of West Chicago Community High School

Wildcat Chronicle
All content by Leslie Fireman
The Plainfield Co-op was among those teams invited to the Wildcat Championships. When not swimming, they sat behind the diving boards.

Lake Park swimmers cheer their fellow teammate on as she works her way through the 100-fly.

Jenna Bilut takes bronze in the 100-fly at the Dan Johnson Natatorium on Sept. 27-28.

Returning swimmer Megan Sego gave a strong showing at the meet this weekend, placing second in the 200-yard IM, and sixth in the 100-fly. Sego is a senior.

Freshman Jenna Bilut completes an open turn during the prelims.

Freshman Claire Simon swims fly during the prelims; she would go on to take second place at the Wildcat Championships in the 100-yard backstroke.

[Photo] New coach, new chapter: Wildcat Championships make a splash at WCCHS amid Natatorium dedication

September 29, 2024
Ava Nelson laughs with a teammate while waiting for the next heat to start. Nelson is a freshman in her first season with the Wildcats.

In the 500-free, it can be difficult to keep track of what lap a given swimmer is on, so teammates grab boards that display the number underwater.

Jenna Bilut coasts through the freestyle at the Dan Johnson Natatorium this past weekend.

Gabby Clasen, a freshman, laughs at one of her fellow Wildcats as they wait for the next heat to begin.

Senior Megan Sego makes a quick goggle adjustment before continuing her warm-up on Sept. 27.

The sophomores, including Rowan Ambre, gave a strong showing at this weekend's meet. Ambre placed fourth in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 5:30.19.

Natalie Brown, a sophomore, de-fogs her goggles during prelims.

Sophomore Emery Larson, who walked away from the meet with two medals, takes a moment during warmups to take in the scene at the Dan Johnson Natatorium.

Senior Mia Marin snatches a quick breath as she practices her freestyle. Marin's team placed fifth in the 200-yard IM, and she placed seventh in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Glenbard West swimmers watch the prelims on Sept. 27 from the pool deck.

A plaque sits outside the Dan Johnson Natatorium and explains his impact on the program, and the wider world of swimming.

[Photo] WCCHS honors legendary swim coach with pool dedication

By Wildcat Chronicle Staff
September 28, 2024
SEPT. 8-14: Junior Jacob Hayward is one of the cross country team captains, and his coaches describe him as having "a great work ethic and leadership skills." Hayward is a standout in the 3-mile run.

[Photo] ATHLETE OF THE WEEK 2024-25

September 3, 2024
According to fellow English teacher Jamie Culen, Steve Aiello "always got involved with spirit week." (Photo courtesy of Steve Aiello)

Humans of WEGO: ‘Mystery’ man brings engagement to classroom

By Jayden Lang and Leslie Fireman
May 22, 2024
West Chicago's state journalism team, relieved after everyone finished with their competitions at 1 p.m.

[Photo] Student journalists win at IHSA state

By Sasha Baumgartner, Editor-in-Chief
April 27, 2024
West Chicago's state journalism team, relieved after everyone finished with their competitions at 1 p.m.

West Chicago's state journalism team, relieved after everyone finished with their competitions at 1 p.m.

Sebastian Alarcon placed fourth in the radio news contest.

Dhanveer Gill placed fourth in the editorial writing competition.

All the competitors, minus senior Ryley Salazar, who had to return to West Chicago early for WeGo Drama's performance of "Mean Girls", after the award ceremony.

Proctors and hall monitors at West Chicago Community High School pretend to review paperwork as the test comes to an end.

[Photo] [MULTIMEDIA PACKAGE] Moving forward, or holding students back?

April 18, 2024
Another photo of the English chairs, a huge crack occurs when you rest your back hilarious indeed

[Photo] [OPINION] The chairs in the English rooms are awful (they always break)

By Jonathan Saucedo, Opinions Editor
April 4, 2024
Staff who attended the NISPA convention pose for a photo, holding up certificates and achievements.

[Photo] Victorious sweep for Wildcat Chronicle at NISPA

By Sasha Baumgartner and Emily Ziajor
March 15, 2024
Students in ninth-period Journalism and Journalism Production enjoy an uncharacteristically warm day in February by holding their weekly committee meetings outdoors.

[Photo] Wildcat Chronicle qualifies for Pacemaker

March 3, 2024
Students form teams in the back room so they can pack as many meals as possible.

[Photo] Gearing up for the 7th annual Feed My Starving Children event

By Ja'Nyah Villa, Editor-in-Training
February 8, 2024
Members of the Speech Team prepare for a showcase event on Feb. 2, the day before the Regional competition. The showcase allowed the students the chance to perform for fellow students and WEGO staff ahead of Saturday's competition.

[Photo] Speech Team performs at regional level

By Adam Mackovic, Antos Kumar, Michael Angeles, Michael Birdsell, and Karidja Monjolo
February 5, 2024
An explanation of benefits from Blue Cross Blue Shield lists the amount billed for chemotherapy treatment at over $34,000.

[Photo] Jonathan Says: healthcare harms patients financially

By Jonathan Saucedo, Opinions Editor
January 18, 2024
The Wildcat Chronicle senior staffers attended the JEA conference in Boston in November 2023.

[Photo] About

November 12, 2009
Sasha Baumgartner Profile Pic

Students and staff stand outside of Entrance B after the fire alarm on May 1.

[Photo] Fire alarms strike again at West Chicago Community High School

May 5, 2023
Senior Daisy Garcia is a two-time soccer captain at West Chicago Community High School.

[Photo] West Chicago's girls' soccer star Daisy Garcia is a fierce player and leader

May 3, 2023
Opinions Editor Dhanveer Gill and reporters Michael Birdsell and Charlotte Boorsma won the blue ribbon for their editorial “Excessive Social Media Use: Dangerous for Teenagers”. Not pictured: News Editor Savannah Epperson.

[Photo] Wildcat Chronicle awarded at Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Association conference

By Wildcat Chronicle Staff
March 24, 2023
Students stand in front of the stadium fence alongside Wood Street in West Chicago.

[Photo] Fire alarm goes off for third time in month

By Jonathan Saucedo, Opinions Editor
March 22, 2023
A banner advertising relief efforts hangs in the common area at Wheaton North High School on March 3.

[Photo] Local efforts help Turkey/Syrian earthquake refugees

March 10, 2023
Coach Dan Johnson, surrounded by members of the swim team, circa the mid-1990s. (Photo courtesy of Len Penkala)

Humans of WEGO: remembering Deej’s legacy

By Leslie Fireman, Chronicle Advisor
February 25, 2023
The inaugural Girls Who Code club members gather in the LRC on Oct. 21.

[Photo] Girls Who Code coming to WEGO

By Dhanveer Gill, Managing Editor
September 30, 2022
WeGo Spooky gave clubs from across the school the opportunity to come together. Each group offered its own activity station at the event.

[Photo] Clubs offer opportunities for students to explore interests, give back

January 10, 2023
Alegria members volunteer at Feed My Starving Children last spring.

[Photo] Dancing only part of the fun for Alegria members

By Alejandro Perez, Reporter
January 10, 2023
Seniors Andrea Sarmiento, Maritsa Romero and Kathy Martinez sort apples at the Northern Illinois Food Bank in November.

[Photo] National Honor Society recognizes students with character, leadership

By Miguel Garcia, Reporter
January 10, 2023
A mug of hot chocolate at Kindred Coffee.

[Photo] Fulfilling dreams at Kindred Coffee Roasters

December 29, 2022
A snapshot of recycling statistics.

[Photo] Teacher seeks grant to fund recycling efforts at WEGO

By Michelle Garcia and Sasha Baumgartner
December 5, 2022
Junior Mason Williams is a Varsity basketball player at WCCHS.

[Photo] Athlete Spotlight: Mason Williams is not afraid to be tough on himself

By Carlos Allen, Senior Reporter
December 8, 2022
A side view of one of the two rock climbing walls in the field house.

[Photo] D94 welcomes Rock Climbing Club

By Miguel Garcia, Reporter
December 5, 2022
The red light cameras at Routes 59 and 64 have been a source of discussion in recent months.

[Photo] Routes 59 and 64: no more than usual tickets being issued despite driver concerns

By Anthony Cortez, Reporter
November 20, 2022
Senior Kenya Bahena is a long-time member of the Speech Team.

[Photo] Performer Spotlight: Kenya Bahena speaks her mind

By Thania Villagran, Reporter
November 1, 2022
Students attending the field trip in St. Louis Nov. 10-13.

[Photo] Reporters travel to JEA convention in St. Louis

By Karidja Monjolo, Managing Editor
November 10, 2022
Children play Simon Says with Creative Writing Club on Oct. 25.

[Photo] WeGo Spooky gets future Wildcats into the Halloween spirit

By Jetzelli Hernandez, Reporter
October 27, 2022
Snowball advisor Christina Sladek wore snowflake earrings to the first leadership meeting on Oct. 17.

[Photo] Operation Snowball is back at WEGO

By Karidja Monjolo, Managing Editor
October 25, 2022
School Resource Officer Mike Levato is at work in his office near Entrance B.

[Photo] WCCHS works to create a safe learning environment for students, staff

By Akciri Ortiz, Sasha Baumgartner, and Karidja Monjolo
October 25, 2022
Alarms will be installed in the boxes shortly.

The blue lights appeared on campus the week of Oct. 24.

Sophomore Kevin Lopez concentrates on a geometry problem in class.

[Photo] WEGO students awarded in mathematics

By Wildcat Chronicle Staff
June 4, 2022
Senior Jared Diaz with his cross country teammates in the fall.

[Photo] Jared Diaz: a pretty interesting guy

By Alex Carranza, Reporter
May 25, 2022
Seniors Daniela Luna and Anthony Sanchez perform a scene from Macbeth in Enriched World Literature.

[Photo] English 4 should be an option for seniors at WEGO

By Daniel Kuriakose, Reporter
May 25, 2022
0 Senior Quotes 2022

[Photo] Class of 2022: Senior Quotes

By Wildcat Chronicle Staff
May 18, 2022
Sophomore Kali Waller has been breaking records since the day she set foot on WCCHS's track.

Athlete of the Week: Kali Waller sprints to State

By Leslie Fireman, Chronicle Advisor
May 18, 2022
The Chicago Hornets sled hockey team in the locker room after a win.

Goalie Owen Payton and team take second at national sled hockey tournament

By Leslie Fireman, Chronicle Advisor
May 18, 2022
Second semester journalism students celebrate the Chronicle's achievements on May 10.

[Photo] Chronicle takes home high honors at NISPA’s annual conference

By Wildcat Chronicle Staff
May 12, 2022
Seniors James Kostomiris, Maya Gomez, Mariana Lopez, Ashley Malay and Anthony Sanchez let loose on the last days of the school year.

[Photo] [EDITORIAL] Seniors needed to enjoy their youth and have more special opportunities

By Wildcat Chronicle Staff
May 11, 2022
Senior Carina Correa delivers her Ignite speech on "Why We Should Have Enjoyed Our Childhood When We Had the Chance".

[Photo] Seniors deliver Ignite speeches as culminating project

By Wildcat Chronicle Staff
May 6, 2022
LifeSmarts competitors work as a team during the National Championship in Washington, D.C.

WCCHS’ LifeSmarts Team places eighth in nation

By Leslie Fireman, Chronicle Advisor
May 10, 2022
The Chronicle staff weighs in on the recycling - or lack thereof - at WCCHS.

[Photo] [EDITORIAL] Recycling necessary at WCCHS, even if costly

By Wildcat Chronicle Staff
May 7, 2022
Competing members of Creative Writing Club assemble outside of High School.

Writers awarded at Upstate Eight Literary Festival

By Leslie Fireman, Chronicle Advisor
May 2, 2022
Prom Pie Chart

[Photo] The “in” colors this prom season

By Karina Lemus, Reporter
April 8, 2022
Senior Mikail Herrera is an All-State performer and member of WeGo Drama.

[Photo] Performer Spotlight: Mikail Herrera tells stories through theater

April 11, 2022
Seniors Jairo Ibarra and Katrina Dy worked their way to the final two.

[Photo] NHS’ latest fundraising event a success

By Adan Villa, Editor
March 17, 2022
Hoopin with Julie 1

[Photo] Gonzaga the team to watch during March Madness

March 20, 2022
Sophomore Elliot Paar is a member of the concert band at WEGO.

[Photo] Performer Spotlight: Elliot Paar finds more than music in band

By Ida Soeholm Bertram, Reporter
March 14, 2022
Athlete of the Week - Jayden Rodriguez

[Photo] Athlete of the Week: Jayden Huesca Rodriguez wins State championship

By Chuck Baumgartner and Isabella Lopez, Contributor
March 15, 2022
Hoopin with Julie 1

[Photo] The fight to the top: Miami Heat v. Chicago Bulls

By Julissa Munoz, Reporter
March 7, 2022
Those traveling to Europe this summer will want to check out the top 5 places to visit in Denmark.

[Photo] Top 5 places to visit in Denmark

March 19, 2022
Marching and concert band member Brandon Heath is this week's Performer Spotlight.

[Photo] Performer Spotlight: insight on Brandon Heath's 7 years of performance

February 18, 2022
Sophomores Joey Engstrom and Ryan Zalak don masks at the curriculum fair in December.

[Photo] COVID guidelines change rapidly but support for masks remains strong

By Daniel Kuriakose, Reporter
February 14, 2022
Senior Daniel Canda and sophomores Chase Pechman and Mia Villaquette perform their speeches for the English department ahead of Sectionals.

[Photo] Speech Team concludes strong season with Sectional bid

By Adan Villa, Editor
February 18, 2022
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The student news site of West Chicago Community High School
Leslie Fireman