This Day in History: March 15
By Cynthia Andary
- 44 BC- Julius Caesar was stabbed to death in the senate house by a group of conspirators led by Cimber, Casca, Cassius, and Marcus Junius Brutus.
- 1493- Christopher Columbus returned to Spain after his first visit to the Western Hemisphere.
- 1820- Maine became the 23rd state to join the United States of America.
- 1937- The first hospital blood bank in the United States was established by Dr. Bernard Fantus, in Chicago, at Cook County Hospital.
- 1959- Robert Foster made a world record for holding his breath underwater. He held his breath for an incredible 13 minutes and 42.5 seconds. Foster held this record for 48 years!
- 1965- President Lyndon Johnson asked Congress for legislation guaranteeing every American the right to vote.
- 1985- The very first .com domain was registered.
- 1990- Mikhail Gorbachev was elected as the Soviet Union’s first President.
- 2004- Scientists reported the discovery of Sedna, the most distant object in the solar system.
- 2009- NASA’s Discovery Space Shuttle launched from the Kennedy Space Center on mission STS-119. There was a stowaway on board.
Blood Drive Club Saves Lives in Recent Donation Event
By Faith Gonia
Westmont’s first blood drive in two years did not collect donations in vein.
Throughout the day on February 6, over 90 students and adults aspiring to give blood traveled to our campus cafeteria. There, the Westmont Blood Drive Club, partnered with Stanford Blood Center, warmly welcomed participants while conducting them through the donation process. To ensure they possessed no health abnormalities, prospective donors each went through a series of procedures which checked blood pressure, pulse, and hemoglobin levels. Once cleared, participants laid down, received a small needle prick, and waited ten minutes to fill a pint bag of blood.
Upcoming Events
By Lily Bourne
As our second semester continues, Westmont will offer some exciting events. Make sure to follow @westmonths for up-to-date information!
March 13-17: Diversity Days
March 13:
- Cultural Games
- Infographics on cultural history
- Cultural workshops and panels at study hall
March 14:
- Lunchtime activities representing different cultures
- Cultural workshops and panels at study hall
March 15:
- Wear cultural outfit to school/represent your culture/fashion show
- Recognizing countries around the world
March 16:
- Cultural Food Day
- Infographics about food
March 17:
- Cultural Dances Day
- Infographics about cultural dances
March 20-24: March Madness
As March approaches, so does the annual Westmont March Madness basketball tournament! 16 teams will compete in four days of competition for the title of March Madness champions. The first rounds will be played on the outdoor courts and the final in the gym. Keep an eye on the Westmont Instagram page for more info and team sign-ups coming soon!
March 27-31: Battle of the Classes
March 27:
- Dress Up Day: Bad Hair Day
- Lunchtime Activity: Friendship bracelets
March 28:
- Dress Up Day: Surfers vs. Bikers (Teen Beach)
- Lunchtime Activity: Musical Chairs
March 29:
- Dress Up Day: Pink Day (Sharpay)
- Lunchtime Activity: Snow Machine
March 30:
- Dress Up Day: Adam Sandler Day
- Lunchtime Activity: 3 point contest
March 31:
- Dress Up Day: Class Colors
- Lunchtime Activity: Beads ro-sham-bo competition
- Rally in the gym at 7!
Article Highlights
Travel Column
By Isabella Brady
Whether you are looking for an adventure, relaxation or an urban escape, Vancouver, Canada is an excellent destination. The following are my top recommendations if you find yourself in British Columbia.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Spanning 170 meters across at 70 meters high, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most popular attractions in Vancouver and is — in my opinion — definitely worth the hype. Make sure to plan to explore for a few hours as there are bridges on both sides of the river to traverse: one in the treetops, one on the cliffside. Be prepared for some breathtaking views, but if you’re looking for a photo opportunity, I recommend coming early, right as the park opens, to avoid the crowds.
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