The West Ottawan

Staying safe with Motorcycle Mandrick
April 2, 2025
Connor Saeteurn
The deafening wind flies past Instructor Doug Mandrick’s helmet while he zooms down the road on his motorcycle. Up ahead, a hoard of turkeys cross the road. Covered head-to-toe...
Humans of West Ottawa: Adjusting, 6,000 miles from “home”
April 1, 2025
Nolan March
“I moved to the United States because of my dad’s work when I was in fourth grade. I was sad because I had two close friends in South Korea, I couldn’t see for like...
Isabel Anaya: State Champion
March 27, 2025
Braylon Cates
Down by one point heading into the third period of the state championship match, Isabel Anaya, wearing the red ankle band, found herself in an improbable position. Before...
Introducing…salmon
March 27, 2025
Colin Schneider
It’s 4 a.m. on a warm July morning in Holland, Michigan. While most of the area is still fast asleep, a few dedicated anglers are already miles offshore, navigating the...
The energy we put into the world is the energy we get back
March 27, 2025
Isabella Vruggink
Whether it's waving to a friend across the street or offering a cheerful smile to a stranger, even the smallest gestures can have a powerful impact on your mood and the energy...

Copies of Emerson's book were available at a book release event organized by her peers.

Addilyn Gall and Isabella VanDerVeen • March 24, 2025

On December 19, 2024, in the library at Waukazoo Elementary, tears fill Elena de Alvare’s eyes as she flips through the pages of a book. Each page draws a memory, and each word...

Instructor Doug Mandrick riding a Yamaha TW200. He frequently uses this bike to commute to school.

Staying safe with Motorcycle Mandrick

Connor Saeteurn • April 2, 2025

The deafening wind flies past Instructor Doug Mandrick’s helmet while he zooms down the road on his motorcycle. Up ahead, a hoard of turkeys cross the road. Covered head-to-toe in gear, he grips the handlebars as he makes the...