The student news site of Arvada West High School

The Westwind
The student news site of Arvada West High School

The Westwind
The student news site of Arvada West High School

The Westwind
Madeus Frandina

Madeus Frandina, Editor-in-Chief

Madeus is a senior and four-year staff member of The Westwind. Previously, he served as feature editor his freshmen and sophomore years, and as CTE officer his junior year. As Editor-in-Chief, he hopes to continue producing impactful stories while driving the program forward. Outside of journalism, he plays varsity soccer, participates in National Honors Society, and loves Liverpool Football Club and the Carolina Panthers. He is incredibly excited about the year ahead, and can’t wait to see what comes next for The Westwind.

All content by Madeus Frandina
Photo courtesy of David Oyler

Who is David Oyler? Arvada West High School’s first ever American Sign Language teacher

Madeus Frandina, Editor-in-Chief
September 22, 2025
Brendan Cullen at the Arvada West main entrance, where he often operates from the security desk (Photo taken by Madeus Frandina)

Brendan Cullen on Arvada West, hockey, personal goals

Madeus Frandina, CTE Officer
May 5, 2025
Graphic created in Canva by Madeus Frandina

Twelve popular lunch options, rated

Madeus Frandina, CTE officer
April 11, 2025
A mob of insurrectionists storms the Capitol on January 6th, 2021 (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Is there any justification for political violence?

Madeus Frandina, CTE Officer
February 26, 2025
FACS classes teach a variety of skills from child development to nutrition

Every student should be required to take a Family and Consumer Sciences course

Madeus Frandina, CTSO Officer
January 31, 2025
How old is too old when it comes to Halloween?

Are you too old to go Trick-or-Treating?

Madeus Frandina
October 27, 2024
Heather Pearson, left, on a scuba diving trip with her husband (Photo courtesy of Heather Pearson)

While overcoming a knee replacement, Heather Pearson is doing what she does best: supporting students

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
September 23, 2024
Arvada West is defined by its students…and perhaps more importantly, its educators.

What do teachers have to say about education? A new survey looks to answer this question

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor.
May 8, 2024
Michael Villanueva in one of his favorite places - the beach. (Photo provided by Michael Villanueva)

From League of Legends to Colorado Rapids soccer: the sports (and everything else) that define Michael Villanueva

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
May 6, 2024
Boys volleyball has been in the shadows for a long time, but Arvada West High School is working to bring it into the light - possibly with a state championship. (Photo taken by Madeus Frandina)

Boys volleyball and what it means to the players

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
May 6, 2024
A crowd of students emerges slowly from a hallway in Arvada West (Photo taken by Madeus Frandina)

Research shows that passing periods aren’t long enough

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
March 9, 2024
Spanish is the fourth-most spoken language in the world - but in some ways it continues to be undervalued at Arvada West

Should Spanish be a required class? Teachers and students share their thoughts

Madeus Frandina, Editor
March 8, 2024
Assemblies are home to fun, excitement, and energy, but there are also some issues that need to be addressed. (Photo taken by Maci Lesh)

Assemblies are problematic, here’s why

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
March 4, 2024
Kyle Hart: senior, friend, student, and…future professional bowler?

Worries about the future aside, senior Kyle Hart chooses to be himself

Madeus Frandina
February 4, 2024
The gap between when adults are mature enough to assume office and when they are allowed to is far too large. (Graphic created in Canva by Madeus Frandina).

The minimum age requirement for assuming office needs to be lowered…about 10 years

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
December 15, 2023
While the transition hasn’t been perfect, sophomore Jack Lamy is making the most of his high-school experience. (Photo contributed by Jack Lamy).

Transferring to a new school, finding his place: Jack Lamy

Madeus Frandina, Fearure
December 13, 2023
Karen Kramer, far right, holds a Pickleball-themed cookie with former Arvada West seniors, along with fellow Pickleball sponsor Barbara Redford, far left (Photo courtesy Karen Kramer)

Karen Kramer: A look at Arvada West’s Pickle-Balling English teacher

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
November 1, 2023
Santarelli gives a speech at the Class of 2023's graduation. When she sees a 'sea of purple', Santarelli says she feels immense pride. Photo courtesy of Sue Raney Santarelli's secretary

Looking into her future, reflecting on her past ; Principal Geree Santarelli’s time at Arvada West has come to an end

Riley Swanson, Maci Lesh, Chloe Rios, Ashlyne Gomez, Natasha Doty, and Madeus Frandina
May 24, 2023
Christopher’s interests range from student council to tennis and basketball. (Photo courtesy of Colin Christopher)

Colin Christopher: Athlete, student, friend, leader

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
May 9, 2023
Music in the classroom is a debatable topic, but many students have their minds made up.

Being allowed to listen to tunes is music to students’ ears, but should they be allowed to listen during class?

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
May 1, 2023
It just takes the right amount of love to change a dog's life. Photo by Madeus Frandina

Adopt, foster, or purchase: the process of finding a dog

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
April 6, 2023
Homework is plentiful in high school. Can communication between teachers change this? Photo courtesy of Madeus Frandina

Should teachers communicate more, lessen the burden of homework on students?

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
April 2, 2023
Tommy is "the kind of guy who isn’t just there to protect you as a security guard, but there to help you when you need it."

Your friendly neighborhood security guard: Tommy

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
March 2, 2023
Wealth is as big a part of Premier League soccer as anything else. Photo by Madeus Frandina

Money matters most in the Premier League

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
February 15, 2023
Assessments make up the entirety of every students’ grade in the math department

Does Arvada West’s system for grading mathematics need to change (again)?

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
January 26, 2023
Even if you are not an avid reader, these six books are sure to catch your interest.

Six books you should definitely read this year

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
January 17, 2023
Arvada West students will have to adapt to a different schedule next year

Arvada West to start 15 minutes later for 2023-2024 school year

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
December 15, 2022
“Powderpuffs” used to apply makeup. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

“Powderpuff” football tells a tale of sexism and inequality: does it have to?

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
December 7, 2022
The FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup Group Stage started on November 20th and ended on December 2nd, transitioning into the round of 16 on December 3rd. Photo by Free Malaysia Today.

The aftermath of a hectic FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup Group Stage

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
December 2, 2022
Pospisil featured: top row, fourth from left

Three decades in the making, Pospisil’s Arvada West teaching career still going strong

Madeus Frandina, Feature Editor
November 1, 2022
Load More Stories
Menu
Activate Search
The student news site of Arvada West High School
Madeus Frandina