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By Lena Pearson

For Clemmons Courier

CLEMMONS — The Titans have had a very eventful fall so far, having to balance school work, fall sports and Halloween festivities all throughout the busy month. Even as October comes to a close, West strives to make each day as exciting as possible to keep students involved. From hosting inspirational speakers to theater productions on campus, October for the Titans is sure to end on a high note.

The last week of October, is known as Red Ribbon Week. The annual celebration is a drug and violence prevention campaign, often encouraged in schools to promote the importance of living a substance-free lifestyle. Throughout this campaign, SAVEDD Club (Students Against Violence Everywhere and Destructive Decisions) sought to spread the message to fellow Titans by sharing surveys, statistics and resources to those interested in being a part of the preventative efforts. By getting their peers interested in Red Ribbon Week’s mission, SAVEDD also encouraged students to attend the visit of the best-selling author, David Magee. Visiting West on Oct. 29, Magee spoke to freshman students, addressing ideas covered in his book, “Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love and Loss.” Magee’s coverage of mental health, finding joy, purpose and recovery are topics that are applicable to many during their high school years, ultimately being a beneficial lesson for all freshman attendees. 

The theater department is taking the spotlight this Halloween with their opening production of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Members of the cast are satisfied with the unique nature of the play compared to previous productions, as this spooky story includes immersive narration and a significant literary influence. Rehearsals for Sleepy Hollow commenced only shortly after the end of the previous fall production, “WCKY,” giving the cast the opportunity to carry their momentum and excitement between shows. The show’s opening performance will fall on Halloween night, allowing for peak mystery and eeriness to ensue. Doors open at 5 p.m. on Oct. 31, and at 7 p.m. on Nov. 1-2 with a $5 admission fee at the door.

Education wise, the seniors have had a busy, and somewhat stressful couple of months due to the overwhelming pressure of college applications. The Early Action deadline for many North Carolina and out-of-state schools is Nov. 1, giving eager seniors the chance to be considered earlier by the schools they applied to. College campus tours and open houses are also in full swing, and although final decisions don’t have to be made just yet, many Titans are committing to their dream schools. The seniors have also been busy this month with fulfilling their graduation requirements such as CPR certification training, meeting with counselors, and ordering a cap and gown in preparation for Senior Day.

The Titans have kept up the good work throughout October, encouraging positive habits and maintaining a safe campus with awareness efforts such as Bullying Prevention Month and Red Ribbon Week. Sporting events and drama productions have been in the works all month, and the hard work is evident. West students will be sure to bring this same energy and motivation with them to the beginning of November, continuing to make campus the best place it can be.