1. Meet the Candidates: Tosa West Students Interview 2025 School Board Hopefuls
By: Evelyn Davis, Emmersen Weber, Devin Long, Felix Bucaro, Eleanor Scholtus
“It was really interesting doing interviews on the school board candidates because we got to learn what they stood for and how they connected to the Tosa community.”
— Senior Eleanor Scholtus.
Behind the Story:
When the School Board Elections were coming up, students took it upon themselves to interview the candidates in hopes of informing students and adults in the community about the different goals of each candidate. With the elections coming up quickly and very little details about the candidates, students saw this as a perfect opportunity to create a Q&A styled article with the sole purpose of briefing the public.
Execution & Craft:
Tosa West journalists made a list of questions to ask all of the Wauwatosa School Board Candidates. They planned out times to have in-person interviews to get a better understanding of the people running in hopes of relaying that information back into the community. Students demonstrated professional interviewing skills to make the candidates feel comfortable and confident. The information provided came straight from the candidates themselves to ensure reliability.
Why It Mattered:
For many senior students, this was the first time they were legally allowed to vote, so while many students wanted to vote, they did not have the proper information about the candidates. Students took it amongst themselves to give information not just to these students, but also to the whole Wauwatosa community who also wanted to know more about these possible school board members.
2. Building the Future: Students Thrive in LAUNCH Trades Program
By: Michael Reis
Behind the Story:
This story showcases the close academic collaboration between Tosa West and East students. West Senior Michael Reis interviewed a classmate in his LAUNCH class at East, as well as a plumber from Milestone Plumbing. Interviews from a cross-town student, professional, and a trades teacher are part of some of the work that Reis put into this article that makes it stand out.
Execution & Craft:
The strong and interesting quotes in this article are the best part of this story. Not to mention the details and opinions about the trades path after high school that can be eye opening for many parents and students who may be more close minded about high school students having to go to college after high school.
Why It Mattered:
This story sparks conversation about employment options for students after graduation. It also highlights the often forgotten work that goes into making these Tosa LAUNCH programs so effective for both East and West students. Finally, this story stands out because it shares unique perspectives about how connected Wauwatosa is within high schools and professionals.
3. Explain The Game: Tosa West VS Racine Park State Championship
By: Alijah Jackson
“I was inspired to write the article for state because I’ve always dreamed that Tosa West would make it to state. Early in the season I didn’t know if we were going to be good or not, but next thing you know we are in the playoffs. It was so exciting because it was the first time we’ve ever been in the tournament and look what happened.”
— Senior Alijah Jackson.
Behind the Story:
The Tosa West boys basketball team made a historical state run this year. Senior Alijah Jackson was always there to bring the Trojan spirit throughout the season, all the way to the team’s state championship win against Racine Park.
Execution & Craft:
This incredibly detailed article offers a deep analysis of the history-making overtime state championship win for the Trojans. Quotes from players and detailed statistics are some of the aspects that make this article special.
Why It Mattered:
Although many sports articles on the Tosa Compass are great, the basketball state championship game was clearly one to remember for West. The Trojans winning this game has had a lasting impact on the Tosa community.
4. A Family Affair: Students Reflect on Family Business Ownership
By: Ben Westmont and Adam Onopa
Behind the Story:
Many students in the Tosa West building have parents who own their own businesses. It can be a very demanding responsibility at times, but with a strong family to back them up, the upkeep of owning a business can be more manageable.
Execution & Craft:
The student perspectives on a topic that is already interesting is what makes this article so engaging. The different family business features highlight an aspect of student lives that is often forgotten by peers.
Why It Mattered:
This story about students with family businesses is important because it taps into themes of family legacy, balancing work and school, early entrepreneurship, cultural impacts, and how it may affect the future. For students with family businesses, holidays and day-to-day life may look a little different.
5. Tosa West Talks Podcast – I Made This: Put the Vapes Down
By: Evelyn Davis, Emmersen Weber, Devin Long
“I really enjoyed recording this podcast because I got to connect with students that I otherwise would have never met. They had great energy and made talking for over an hour so easy. I also liked how they addressed the serious topic in a lighthearted way because it makes it easier to bring light to the issue.”
— Junior Evelyn Davis
Behind the Story:
This story was the start of a new segment and form of media on the Tosa Compass. The podcast was started to bring a new perspective to the website that would hoped to increase student engagement. The segment, “I Made This,” was made to highlight something impressive done by a Tosa West student that is not usually recognized. The podcast brings a voice to the Tosa Compass and showcases underrepresented voices.
Execution & Craft:
Making this media meant exploring other forms of technology and editing tools to bring it together. This process was a learning curve and required a lot of time just to put together a ten minute audio.
Why It Mattered:
This podcast was an important and educational, but fun way to warn teenagers about the dangers of nicotine and vape usage, which is very prevalent in Tosa West. It included a fun, “Milwaukee style”rap that is very catchy.
