The Write Side

Congratulations to our Senators on a historic season!

For the first time in 41 years, our team secured both the District Championship and the SOC Conference Championship. To put that in perspective, the last time Westside saw a dual-title run like this, the world was a very different place, but the Senator spirit is timeless.

This team's dedication, late-night practices, and sheer determination were evident every time they stepped onto the hardwood. From the deafening roar of the our hometown crowd to the grit shown during tough away games, they represented Westside with unwavering pride.

To Our Players and Coaches:

You didn't just win games; you built a legacy. You gave our community a reason to gather, to cheer, and to remember why it’s a great day to be a Senator. We are beyond proud of the character you showed both on and off the court.

Thank you for an unforgettable ride! 🧡🏀🖤

Photos courtesy of Joe Shupert

What an incredible, soul-stirring run of Hadestown: Teen Edition! PWHS theater department delivered a phenomenal production that resonated far beyond the final curtain. From the haunting melodies to the striking visuals, the talent on stage transformed our theater into something truly otherworldly.

The heart of the show beat through the incredible performances of the leads:

• Logan Ralstin moved us as the young dreamer, Orpheus.

• Isabella Sherman gave a powerhouse performance as the determined Eurydice.

• Elijah Kasper commanded the stage as the formidable Hades.

• Samantha Thompson brought the house down with the vibrant energy of Persephone.

• Turner Young guided us through the journey with style as our narrator, Hermes.

This production was made even more impressive by the grace with which our students and staff navigated challenges along the way. Facing everything from grueling rehearsal schedules to illness, the company (including our hard-working Chorus and the talented live orchestra led by Nicholas Wolford) showed the kind of resilience and teamwork that defines the Westside spirit.

It takes a village to build a world. Thank you to the Stage Crew, Scenic Designers Josh Sherman and Audrey Brower, and our choreographers for the countless hours of creativity you poured into this production. Your hard work did not go unnoticed.

We are so proud of everything you accomplished and deeply grateful for the unforgettable experience you brought to our community stage. Bravo to the entire cast and crew! 🌹⚒️

Photos courtesy of Amber Kasper. To see more photos, click here.

Congratulations to our Winter Sports Scholar Athletes! 🏀📚 These students have demonstrated excellence both on the field and in the classroom, maintaining a 3.0 or higher GPA while upholding strong character and sportsmanship throughout their season.

To earn this recognition, student-athletes met high expectations, including no disciplinary infractions at the team or school level - an accomplishment that reflects their commitment, responsibility, and pride in representing Portsmouth West.

Recognized Student-Athletes:

Shelbi Day

Farrah Wilson (Not Pictured)

Naomi Luster (Not Pictured)

Sawyer Staggs

Easton Simpson (Not Pictured)

Lainey Cook

Colton Blevins

Austin Ramsey (Not Pictured)

Tamaja Moore

Alenah Throckmorton

Gracelynn Bigham (Not Pictured)

Gabe Swanner (Not Pictured)

We are incredibly proud of these students for setting the standard for what it means to be a true student-athlete. Keep up the great work!

Recently, our very own history teacher, Mrs. Carolyn Callihan, stepped outside the classroom to serve as an official judge for the Ohio History Day Region 9 competition. Held at the Madog Center for Welsh Studies at the University of Rio Grande, this year's event challenged students to deeply explore the theme of "Revolution, Reaction, and Reform."

Tested with evaluating documentaries, exhibits, and research papers from across the region, Mrs. Callihan assessed historical accuracy, analyzed primary sources, and provided valuable feedback The stakes were high for these young historians: winners from the Region 9 event advance on the state competition at the Ohio History Connection. From there the top competitors earn the opportunity to present at the prestigious National History Day competition, held at the University of Maryland, just outside of Washington D.C. ~Mrs. Callihan

"My time judging at Ohio History Day was an inspiring testament to the power of student curiosity. I walked away with a renewed sense of hope and a deep appreciation for the critical thinkers of tomorrow," Mrs. Callihan shared. "Seeing middle and high schoolers engage with primary sources and think critically gives me so much hope for the future. Holding the competition at the Madog Center also added a unique layer to the event, setting the perfect tone for historical discovery."

Kayden, Rylee, and Eli spent time at Lett Terrace helping with their Easter egg hunt, and it was such a heartwarming sight. Some of the eggs were extra special—taped shut because they held tickets for gift cards to local restaurants—and these teens jumped right in to help the little kids sort through their eggs and find the hidden treasures.

Even more special was watching how the younger kids looked up to them. Moments like this remind you just how powerful kindness, leadership, and a little bit of time can be. ~Mrs. Blevins, Key Club Advisor

February 24, our senior class proudly sponsored an incredible blood drive with the American Red Cross.

Thanks to the generosity of our students, staff, and community members, this drive (along with our October drive) was the most successful yet! So many people stepped up to give the gift of life, and we couldn’t be prouder of the Senator spirit on display.

Because of the outstanding number of donors, the Red Cross will award Portsmouth West High School its largest scholarship contribution yet ... $1,000!

Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, and supported this life-saving effort. You truly made a difference!

Mrs. Callihan’s CCP American History classes recently took their studies on the road, traveling to the Cincinnati Museum Center for a profound and moving experience at the Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. exhibit.

This world-class exhibition provided students with a look at one of the most significant and tragic chapters of human history. Through original artifacts and personal testimonies, our Senators were able to move beyond the dates in their textbooks to gain a deeper, more empathetic understanding of the Holocaust and the importance of remembering these events.

The historical journey didn’t end in Cincinnati. On the return trip to West Portsmouth, the group stopped in Point Pleasant, Ohio, to visit the birthplace of Ulysses S. Grant.

Walking the grounds of his humble beginnings offered students a unique connection to the American presidency and the Civil War era, rounding out a day dedicated to the complexities of the past.

Experiences like these allow our students to see themselves as part of a larger historical narrative. We are proud of our CCP students for the maturity and curiosity they showed throughout this intensive day of "living history."

“To learn more about the exhibit our students visited, visit cincymuseum.org/auschwitz.”

Photos courtesy of Ryan Bishop

Congratulations once again to our Miss West 2026, Laiken Caudill! Laiken, a junior at Portsmouth West, will proudly represent our school throughout the summer by participating in River Days activities, culminating in the Queens Pageant at Portsmouth River Days.

We’re excited to cheer her on and know she will represent Westside with pride. Best of luck, Laiken!

Photo by Kevin Hoops, Impressive Studios

12th grade

Straight A: Halie Bays, Max Bell, Kayden Bentley, Carson Carver, Ariana Evans, Brody Hall, Jack Jewett, Sydney Kammer, Will Kegley, Grace Lucas, Trever Patrick, Levi Pickelsimer, Charlie Pollitt, Logan Ralstin, Isaak Tipton

A: Erica Barton, Jerry Book, Jeremy Gravely, Michael Grobowski, Payton Howard, Logan McIntire, Elijah Kasper, Martine Kitts, Corbin Miller, Bralyn Newman, Cristian Quirasco, Tabitha Rodgers, Gracie Thompson, Maleah Whitman, Bo Wroten

B: Micah Barnes, Zach Holsinger, Kendal Matthews, Rileigh Miller, Dylan Moreland, Zach Parker, Ethan Patton, Claire Sines, Tucker Yazell

11th grade

Straight A: Adriann Carver, Hailey Carver, Rylee Fuller, Mollie Morrissette, Max Newsome, Evan Stiles, Gavin Veach, Macey Whisman

A: Braden Adkins, Ava Baker, Roschelle Cantrell, Miley Castle, Kayleigh Craft, Kate Cyrus, Luke Elliott, Chloe Fraley, Camilla Harrison, Rihanna Henderson, Colton Hill, Carter Keyser, Kylee McCleese, Tyson McGinnis, Owen Richards, Ben Sparks, Maddie Tieman

B: Gracelynn Bigham, Shaley Boggs, Chloe Bryant, Ally Buckner, Laiken Caudill, Bradyn Frost-Romero, Harrison Richards, Aubrey Stone, Sophie Vernier

10th grade

Straight A: Lorelei Carver, Lainey Cook, Ava McNeil, Gabe Nichols, Isaac Ruark, Keagan Salem, Isabella Sherman, Chris White

A: Rebecca Bashaw, Mason Bodmer, Sophia Coleman, Donovan Eldred, Morgan Entler, Wyatt Ferrell, Nathan Kammer, Logan Kessinger, John Maynard, Haylee Perkins, Elyn Shiveley, Braeden Stevens, Summer Williamson, Turner Young

B: Jadyn Anderson, Ashton Barber, Makenna Bentley, Cheyane Bradford, Grace Conley, David Brickey, Khloe Campbell, Jetta Cline, Noah Fannin, Addi Hall, Lauren Hannah, Olivia Hannah, Logan Hatfield, Allyssa Hedge, Bryson A Journey, Layla Kamer, Braxton Kammer, Baylee Mathews, Bree Messer, Isabella Nichols, Aaron Patton, Brayleigh Pistole, Rilee Pollard, Russell Rapp, Abby Reed, Braden Slusher, Mylee Tieman, Lauryn Trinidad, Gracie Vandyke, Kailynn Wiedbrauk, Anna Wyman

9th grade

Straight A: Brycen Bodmer, Audrey Brower, Shella Harrison, Aubree Hayslip, Maddox Lawless, Hunter Maynard

A: Reece Bell, Dannie Galloway, Giuliana Hedrick, Cameron Howard, Shelby Hurst, Kaitlyn Logan, Chloe Lucas, Braxton McNutt, Myles Mitchell, Tamaja Moore, Bryson Roy, Easton Simpson, Sawyer Staggs, Haley Thomas, Molly Whisman, Brookelynne White

B: Colton Blevins, Eli Blevins, Chase Bryant, Ryan Cassidy, Lilly Chapman, Shelbi Day, Mary Estes, Zane Fannin, McKenna Flanagan, Cason Frump, Annabelle Jordan, Ava Klaiber, Haley Kleinman, Jace Lore, Mayah Markwell, Torie Milstead, Kierston Mosley, Noah Mount, Makayla Murphy, Shelby Murphy, Roger Plona, Adrian Ramey, Westyn Ratcliff, Max Rosario, Bentley Shonkwiler, Natalie Snow, Maddox Spencer, Celyne Taylor, Wyatt Terry, Alenah Throckmorton, Farrah Wilson

GOAT Production

I am beyond proud to announce that Carson will be interviewing in a few weeks with announcement of the final placements on April 30th. Truly an honor to be selected among such a talented and hard working group of young people from around the state. Carson has put in so much time, effort, grit, and pure love in to what he is doing. It has been a pleasure to sit on the sidelines to watch him create his own destiny. Making your family, friends, and community very proud! Keep doing what you’re doing, it’s working! ~Mrs. Sherman

Congratulations to these outstanding students who were selected to perform in the Scioto County Honors Music Festival on March 3! 🎶 This recognition highlights their dedication, talent, and the many hours they’ve committed to their craft. We are proud to have them represent our school so well.

Nevaeh Jarrell

Karis Keslar

Alenah Throckmorton

Luke Elliott

Elyn Shiveley

Jaydyn Anderson

Logan Ralstin

Bella Sherman

Great job, Senators! Keep making us proud!

We are proud to recognize our outstanding student-athletes and coaches for their achievements this winter season. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment truly represent Senator Pride!

⭐ Aubrey Stone – 2nd Team SOC

Seniors Cristian Quirasco, Will Kegley, Logan McIntire, Corbin Miller

Seniors Josie Burton, Maleah Whitman, Tucker Yazell

Spring break is set for April 3 - April 6. Classes resume Tuesday, April 7.

Time & Location

Apr 28, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Portsmouth West High School, 15332 US-52, West Portsmouth, OH 45663, USA

About the event

Choir Concert Description

Join us for an enchanting evening of music at our annual choir concert. Experience the harmonious blend of voices as our talented choir performs a diverse selection of choral pieces, ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary favorites. The concert promises to uplift and inspire, showcasing the dedication and passion of our singers. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable night of melodious artistry!

Time & Location

Apr 30, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Portsmouth West High School, 15332 US-52, West Portsmouth, OH 45663, USA

About the event

Band Concert Description

Join us for an enchanting evening of music at our annual band concert. Come join our bands as they perform a diverse selection of concert pieces, ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary favorites. The concert promises to uplift and inspire, showcasing the dedication and passion of our students. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable night of melodious artistry!

Graduation is scheduled for Friday, May 15.