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
Leslie Najera-Rivas

Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief

This is Leslie’s fourth year on the team. She is a student ambassador and a senior. She enjoys helping others and hopes to major in communications or film. 

 

All content by Leslie Najera-Rivas
Boys varsity soccer team has special pep assembly after making it to state semifinals for the first time.

Boys varsity soccer special pep assembly

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
November 8, 2019
Boys varsity soccer defeated Jacobs at Conant High School with a 2-0 score and moves on to the state semi-finals on Friday.

Boys varsity soccer moves on to state tournament for the first time

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
November 6, 2019
Senior Eulises Serriteno began playing football in fifth grade and now in his senior year, is the football team captain.

[Photo] Childhood game turns into a passionate sport for senior

By Kathy Garcia, Contributing Writer
October 31, 2019
Dance production performs at the drama variety show on Oct. 17. Drama held the variety show as a way to earn money for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Drama prepares events to help save money for Scotland trip

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
October 28, 2019
Library media specialist Donna Leahy (left) presents Dare to Scare on Oct. 24. LRC clerk Donna Kubica designed the poster.

LRC calls students to bring their creative side with Dare to Scare

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
October 18, 2019
Senior Brayam Barrios defends the ball against Dekalb on Tuesday.

[Photo] Boys varsity soccer brings a work ethic to their wins

By Evelyn Aldaco, Reporter
October 9, 2019
Junior Guadalupe Rosales meets with Interact members Flora Nei ('19) and Ruby Lebo at last year's spring blood drive.

Opportunity to give back to the community

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
October 9, 2019
Dancing horses open the Mexican Independence Day event in downtown West Chicago on Sept. 14.

Downtown West Chicago brought to life the colors and sounds from Mexico

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
October 1, 2019
Custodian Alfonso Rivera will be recognized with the Illinois State Board of Education’s highest honor on Oct. 19 in Normal, Illinois.

Custodian celebrates his 40th year with Award of Excellence

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
September 23, 2019
Principal Will Dwyer visits the orchestra and chats with students while answering questions.

High school inspiration helped Dwyer become principal

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
September 19, 2019
Superintendent Douglas Domeracki will retire after working for six years here.

After many contributions to the school, superintendent says goodbye

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
May 23, 2019
Senior Guadalupe Arriola holds Local Government Academy certificate and plans local government academy for Latino students that will occur from June 17 - 27.

Senior helps to make a change in the community

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
May 23, 2019
Science and math teacher Eduardo Montoya’s family gathers around him at the Trek 100 2016 event.

Science teacher Eduardo Montoya rides to raise money for children with cancer

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
May 22, 2019
News editor Leslie Najera-Rivas (left), perspectives editor Isabela Casimiro, and (absent) editor-in-chief Ariana Alcantar win a blue ribbon and honorable mentions from the National Illinois Scholastic Press Association (NISPA) for excellence in journalism.

Journalists win awards for excellence in journalism

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
May 20, 2019
Gran Kermes to help former student Juan M. Soto Arriaga who is in need of a kidney transplant will be held on Saturday.

Gran Kermes for former student in need of kidney transplant

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
May 11, 2019
Librarian Donna Leahy holds free comics that will be given out to honor free comic book day Friday.

LRC to give free comic books for all to enjoy

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
May 2, 2019
Notre Dame fire took the world’s breath away

Notre Dame fire took the world’s breath away

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
April 23, 2019
During the students’ ROAR on Feb. 28 special education teacher Catherine Thielberg, left, and Spanish teacher Sarah Gill play “egg, chicken, dinosaur.”

Staff learns like a student with ROAR

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
April 11, 2019
Over 100 donations were made at the fall blood drive. Students can sign up for the spring blood drive on Friday.

School gives back to community through spring blood drive

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
April 2, 2019
Drama teacher Mark Begovich helps junior Nathan Bradley develop his character for a play.

School internship turns into a love for drama

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
March 21, 2019
Student Council adviser Christopher Lukas instructs student in American History class. He won the Outstanding Activity Adviser of the Year.

Student Council adviser Christopher Lukas to receive outstanding award

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
March 20, 2019
Freshman Juan Andrade meets with a Smith & Richardson Inc. employee at the spring job fair on Wednesday.

Spring job fair exceeds fall student attendance

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
March 19, 2019
Students learn the basics of merengue in Alegria’s first meeting of the year Monday. From left, 3-year member Gladys Gomez teaches sophomore Suleima Montoya how to do a ‘sweet heart.’

Find rhythm in Alegria dance club

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
February 6, 2019
My top 20 songs of 2018

My top 20 songs of 2018

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
January 25, 2019
Overspending on Christmas gifts, where should the money actually go?

Overspending on Christmas gifts, where should the money actually go?

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
December 20, 2018
The coffee shop will sell hot cocoa topped with marshmallows and candy cane grams (not shown on the picture) during finals week.

A sweet treat from the coffee shop during finals week

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
December 13, 2018
Over 75 students attended Snowball two years ago. The event did not take place last year due to contract issues with the Teachers’ Association and Board of Education.

Snowball’s three-day field trip is back

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
December 12, 2018
Transition student Rachel Haluska prepares a berry smoothie for a student in the coffee shop.

Transition students run school’s coffee shop

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
November 29, 2018
Last year’s social worker Jeff Anderson spoke to ROAR participants as part of their guest speaker presentation.

ROAR’s first in-school event of the year is set for Thursday

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
November 7, 2018
LRC clerk Britta Renwick holds her son Sean’s artwork that is part of the ‘Family Renwick grand finale’ exhibit at Gallery 200.

Local artists to present ‘Family Renwick Grand Finale’ art show at Gallery 200

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
November 6, 2018

Teachers: What is your favorite Halloween movie and why?

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
October 31, 2018
Four seniors participated in Voice of Democracy in 2017. Natalie Thompson won $750 in the competition. At last year’s award ceremony, from left, are Jacob Beaird, Daniela Almarales, Michael Sawicki, and Thompson.

VFW offers ‘Why My Vote Matters’ speech competition

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
October 19, 2018
Learn multiple languages through free learning app Duolingo

Learn multiple languages through free learning app Duolingo

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
October 15, 2018
The Dare to Scare contest is now open and students can submit their stories to their English teacher or the LRC. From left, language arts teacher Tara Deleon, library media specialist Donna Leahy, and career and technical education teacher Brittney Bauer will take part in the event.

Students can show writing talent in Dare to Scare contest

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
October 10, 2018
Students can sign up at the counseling office or with a HOSA or Interact club member for the fall blood drive on Oct. 12 from periods 1 to 9.

A chance to save lives at fall blood drive

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
October 5, 2018
WeGo global executive board members meet to finalize the Human Race event which will take place Saturday at Kress Creek farm.

WeGo Global focuses on 7 Elements to help the world

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
October 3, 2018
Teachers Catherine Thielberg, left, and Jen Culbertson took part in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk Aug. 3-5 in Detroit, Michigan.

Teachers walk 60 miles to help fight breast cancer

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
September 12, 2018
Art Club member, sophomore Ryan McComb, prepares banners for homecoming.

Students get a taste ‘Around the World’ during homecoming week

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
September 7, 2018
Over 60 students were employed at last year’s job fair.

Fall job fair brings employment to students

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
August 27, 2018
Band director James Wallace prepares students for the last band concert of the year on Wednesday in the auditorium.

Band will honor seniors at their last concert

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
May 14, 2018

Teachers’ advice to seniors

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
May 14, 2018
From left to right seniors Emily Pietura, Connor Thompson, Jeremy Belingon, and Michael Sawicki competed for the Personal finance challenge on April 25.

Personal finance challenge team heads to nationals after winning first place at state

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
May 5, 2018
From left to right FCCLA adviser Brittney Bauer, seniors Alondra Reyes and Ana Sanchez, junior Sabrina Lutfiyeva, sophomore Ellie Rzeszut, and adviser Angela Gentile competed at the FCCLA competition on April 12 to 14.

Sophomore Eleanor Rzeszut takes first place for FCCLA competition

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
April 29, 2018
Librarian Donna Leahy organized the LRC summer reading book fair.

LRC gives students a chance to pre-order summer reading books

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
April 23, 2018
Freshman Cielo Cabael-Castro visits the open reception at Gallery 200 to present her artwork on display.

Over 175 student-created pieces are on display for spring art show

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
April 17, 2018
Senior Jacob Burnitz signs up for the blood drive in the counseling office. The blood drive takes place in the small gym from periods 1-9.

Spring blood drive gives students opportunity to save lives

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
April 12, 2018
Over 60 students were employed at last year’s job fair.

Spring job fair exceeds expectations

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
April 9, 2018
Last year ROAR students and mentors did activities in the LRC as part of their field trip.

ROAR comes back with new plans and ideas for students

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
March 21, 2018
Sole steppers captain Alondra Cordero prepares members for competitions.

Sole Steppers looking forward to first competition

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
March 17, 2018
The job fair on Wednesday is hosted and organized by Anne Dragosh. Sixteen companies will attend the job fair.

Spring job fair gives students opportunity to get a job

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
March 13, 2018
Junior Alexia Gountanis (left) and sophomore Noemi Lara practice their piece “Bedtime” for the regional showcase practice on Feb. 2.

Speech team ends season with first place winners seniors Efrain Aguilar and Jack Gillespie

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
March 12, 2018
Senior Catherine Franch stretches before practice.

What it takes to be in track

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
February 27, 2018
Senior Ajani Taylor cheers at senior night on Feb. 10.

Senior enjoys last year as high school cheerleader

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
February 16, 2018

Who do you love the most?

By Ariana Alcantar, Isabela Casimiro, and Leslie Najera-Rivas
February 13, 2018
Senior Efrain Aguilar practices his piece "The Wisdom of a Third Grade Dropout" during regional showcase practice.

Speech team takes fourth place in first season competition

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
February 9, 2018
Special education teacher Katie Sullivan helps student Ruby Romero prepare milkshakes for teachers.

[Photo] Special education students’ business supports teachers with “Wego’s Worth It Milkshakes”

By Ariana Alcantar, Editor in Chief
February 1, 2018
Senior Natalie Thompson placed first in the VFW Voice of Democracy competition. She won a flag and a $750 check as a prize.

Voice of Democracy first place winner Natalie Thompson moves on to state

By Leslie Najera-Rivas, Editor in Chief
January 30, 2018

8th grade Open House

By Ariana Alcantar, Isabela Casimiro, and Leslie Najera-Rivas
January 24, 2018
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The student news site of West Chicago Community High School
Leslie Najera-Rivas