The student news site of Western Albemarle High School

The Western Hemisphere

The student news site of Western Albemarle High School

The Western Hemisphere

The student news site of Western Albemarle High School

The Western Hemisphere

Reading may be your last resort, but it is a great way to pass time!

Top 5 Engaging Books To Read During Social-Distancing

Darrah Sheehan, Staff Writer May 7, 2020

Where the Crawdads Sing By Delia Owens This mystery novel follows Kya, an outcast in her society, as she grows up. This shocking coming of age novel is intertwined with a murder mystery that keeps...

Music Corner – April 2020

Grace Berigan, Editor-in-Chief April 22, 2020

Over break, finding myself with an unusual amount of time on my hands, I took the plunge into Spotify’s music recommendations. The results were a mixed bag, but I’ve found several worthy of The...

The Mandalorian” follows the interstellar adventures of the titular character, a masked warrior, in the era after “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.”

“The Mandalorian” Review

Will Jackson, Opinion Editor March 9, 2020

The Mandalorian”, the first live-action “Star Wars” television series, began streaming on Disney+ this past November. The show follows the adventures of its titular character, referred to only as...

Music Corner – March 2020

Grace Berigan, Editor-in-Chief March 9, 2020

Over break, finding myself with an unusual amount of time on my hands, I took the plunge into Spotify’s music recommendations. The results were a mixed bag, but I’ve found several worthy of The...

Fresh Flicks for Summertime

Fresh Flicks for Summertime

Sarah Capshaw, Staff Writer May 30, 2019

A Dog’s Journey, May 17th Calling all dog lovers! A Dog’s Journey, the sequel to A Dog’s Purpose, is set to be released in theatres May 17th. The sequel follows Ethan, his wife Hannah, their granddaughter...

David Sedaris’s most recent release: Theft by Finding Diaries

David Sedaris’s most recent release: Theft by Finding Diaries

Grace Berigan, A&E Editor May 21, 2019

David Sedaris’s Theft by Finding Diaries 1977-2002 is unlike any of his previous publications. Including titles such as Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, and When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Through Sedaris’s...

Ariana Grandes thank u, next Turns Heartbreak Into Harmony

Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next” Turns Heartbreak Into Harmony

Sarah Capshaw, Staff Writer April 18, 2019

Ariana Grande’s much anticipated fifth studio album “thank u, next” was released  February 8th, 2019. Grande had previously released three singles off the album: “thank u, next”, “imagine”,...

For The Throne: “Game of Thrones” Season 8 Preview

Abigail Connelly, Copy Editor April 9, 2019

There is no shortage of excitement and anticipation for the release of the final season of “Game of Thrones”. Fans are counting down the days until April 14th, eagerly reading fan theories and soaking...

“The Sound of Music” ensemble rehearses for the show.

Meet “The Sound of Music” Ensemble

Sophie Creager-Roberts, A&E Editor April 9, 2019

Every year, Western’s drama department puts on a spring musical. And every year hardworking students help put in on in every step of the process. From acting, assistant directing, stage managing, lights,...

Cover art for Vampire Weekends newest album, Father of the Bride

New Music: Vampire Weekend

Mia Jevack, Editor in Chief April 9, 2019

After a six year long hiatus, our preppy, indie kings have finally returned. After signing to Columbia Records and the departure of Rostam Batmanglij, (one of the original founding members) fans were left...

Left to right: Gregory Brogan (9), India Mawn (12), Lilah Dottori (11), Maya Kelly (10)

Iconic Individuals Showcase Their Fashion

Sophie Creager-Roberts, A&E Editor February 5, 2019

Gregory Brogan (9) *outfit pictured: pants from AE, shoes Steve Madden, jacket = vintage Dolce, shirt from Banana Republic Who do you consider to be your style icon and why? “I don’t know....

Warriors in the Studio

Warriors in the Studio

Jack Reichert and Austin Davis February 5, 2019

Soundcloud is a popular platform for music creators across the country, and Angelo Garano and Mark Barstow have joined in on the new craze with hopes to make it big. Garano, better known as King AG...