Casey BenzakenReporter

Westhill offers various spe-cialized academic programs that benefit students and teach indi-viduals useful life skills. These options help students explore possible career choices and main-tain an active role in building and discovering their future. Academy of Finance is a program offered at Westhill that helps students become comfort-able with public speaking and in-terviewing. Those that opt to take this program are required to take an accounting class to become fa-miliar with basic business skills. Students apply for Academy of Finance in the spring of their sophomore year. Throughout the next two years, students partake in mock interviews, job shadows, and internships. Participants also build strong resumès in prepara-tion for finding a successful ca-reer after high school.

“The bond that students cre-ate throughout the few years is really unique. It’s a great learn-ing experience and the individu-als grow as a group,” Ms. Kumar, Buisness and Unified Arts Depart-ment Head said. Another program featured at Westhill is the Agri-Science pro-gram. In this program, students explore science-oriented career choices such as biotechnology and plant and animal related sciences. “The program is very hands-on and there’s something for ev-eryone. In December and May we have a flower sale, we’re going to start raising Tilapia fish, and we even do doggy-daycare and dog grooming,” Dr. Lisy, Agri-Science Department Head said. A major benefit to participat-ing in this program is that students get advanced standings or college credit in many classes. Students also get a head start on learning information that is important in pursuing a science based career.

Junior Reserve Officer Train-ing Corps (JROTC) is a leader-ship class that fosters discipline, courtesy, and physical and aca-demic excellence in its partici-pants. Members are taught how to achieve their best inside the classroom as well as in the real world. Contrary to popular belief, joining JROTC does obligate that a student to join the military later in life. Many students enjoy being in this structured, yet welcoming environment. Currently, 131 stu-dents are involved in the JROTC program. “Kids who join JROTC come from a variety of different places and backgrounds. The program is great because it teaches you a lot about yourself and instills pre-cious life values,” senior Jessica Malhotra said. All of these programs have different advantages and prepare students for a career outside of high school.

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After you create your schedule, the rest of the school day is a blur. Before you know it, the bell rings at the end of sixth period. As you prepare to board the bus, your friend stops you to chat about your day. She tells you that she is trying out for the field hockey team and wants to know if you’re playing a fall sport as well. Earlier in the day, your English teacher had reccomended joining the

debate team. Which do you choose?

If you decide to join a club, go to page 25

If you decide to play a sport, go to page 26

You chose the specialized academic track!

FAST FACTS 20 Dogs in the Agri-science doggy daycare 9 JROTC competitions per year 45 Students in the Academy of Finance

Westhilloffersavarietyofspecializedacademicprogramsthatbenefitthestudentsandteachindividualsusefullifeskills.Theseoptionshelpstudentsexplorepossiblecareerchoicesandmaintainanactiveroleinbuildingand

discoveringtheirfuture.

Photos by Sara Mandel, Laura Rey, & Lexi Boutsikoudis / Photo Editor, Photo Manager, & Photographer