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The mission of the Wylie East High School news site is to inform, educate and entertain readers. Established Jan. 13, 2011. Principal: Mrs. Tiffany Doolan; Adviser: Ms. Kimberly Creel

Blue Print

The mission of the Wylie East High School news site is to inform, educate and entertain readers. Established Jan. 13, 2011. Principal: Mrs. Tiffany Doolan; Adviser: Ms. Kimberly Creel

Blue Print

The mission of the Wylie East High School news site is to inform, educate and entertain readers. Established Jan. 13, 2011. Principal: Mrs. Tiffany Doolan; Adviser: Ms. Kimberly Creel

Blue Print

Gloria Olajimi

Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief

Hey Reader! I know what you’re thinking: “I had no idea we had a newspaper.” Impressed? Well, you see, that’s because I’m something of a magician, an inventor, a story-publisher who can answer all of your questions about Blueprint. So quiet up and listen down… Nope, scratch that, reverse it (if you know, you know).

This message is brought to you by yours truly, Gloria Olajimi. I’m entering my third year on staff, my final year of high school, and the most stressful era of my life so far– college application season. My applications may tell you that I’m an aspiring psychologist in Band, NHS Sunshine committee, ASO and College Club who likes Tiktok dances, crochet hats, jollof rice and practicing ASL. But what Texas universities have yet found out is that my many interests are a byproduct of your stories. Your clubs, your organizations, passions and aspirations inspire me and reveal that I am surrounded by more than peers–I am surrounded by legends in the making whose stories I, as magician, inventor and editor-in-chief, am determined to share. 

All content by Gloria Olajimi

There’s more to jazz than a lovesick Laufey

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
August 19, 2024

Don’t Get Me Started: Tour de Force for Two

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
April 30, 2024
Save the coop \\ Chickens, cows and pigs are a few of many farm animals mass produced to feed the country's increasing number of stomachs. However, the average American consumes more meat products than farms can provide. Making the meat industry more sustainable requires all of us to adapt a less carnivorous diet.

Meatless Monday mandate

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
February 2, 2024
Exemption criteria \\ The graphic above reveals the different conditions through which students are exempt from taking a semester final and illuminates the absence policy used to distinguish excused from unexcused absences.

The finals countdown

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
January 30, 2024
Autumn delights \\ Making final touches, culinary student Jordan Truong organizes the goodie bags the advanced culinary arts class would sell at the theater's production of the musical "Grease" Oct. 19 and Oct 21. The students chefs work continuously throughout the school year to cater meals for various school activities.

Crumbly culinary creations

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
November 27, 2023
Tooning in

Tooning in

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
November 17, 2023
Helpless romantic \\ Laufey's latest album "Bewitched" has an entire generation of music-lovers enraptured by her soft-jazz sound. What her popularity hopefully induces is an appreciation for the universal language as opposed to a fleeting fad over a singular artist.

There’s more to jazz than a lovesick Laufey

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
October 25, 2023
Jack of all trades

Jack of all trades

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
October 17, 2023
Ricochet right-side \\ In a synchronized block formation, senior Dayden Dyess (left) along side her fellow hitters helps lead the Varsity Volleyball team to victory during the crosstown showdown game Sept. 12. They continue their 7-0 streak as they approach play-off season. "My favorite memory from the game was winning game point in the last set," Dyess said. "We blew them out, winning 15-2."

Crosstown smackdown

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
October 6, 2023
Senior sabotage \\ Playing the opener of their 2023 marching band show, "The Hope Cycle," senior Arle Casillas performs at the Senior Night football game Aug. 25. Little did she know that the following week, she wouldn't perform during halftime at all. "I was disappointed that we didn't go to the game because we seniors only have a few games left," Casillas said.

Silent night lights

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
September 8, 2023
My wonder walker \\ Bringing down the mood with a heartfelt ballad and gentle guitar strums, sophomore Henry Walker performs “Wonder Wall” at the annual Pop Show May. 5. “Performing in front of an audience is pretty nerve-wracking, but once you’re on stage, your nerves begin to melt away,” Walker said.

Punk-rock; preppy pop show

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
May 23, 2023
Girls just wanna have...books \\ From relaxing the mind to enlightening the soul, reading has numerous wellness benefits; however, the romanticization of the practice may impede those positive outcomes.

The girlypop is a bibliophile

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
May 15, 2023
Critical contemplation \\ A new wave of book recommendations infiltrates BookTok every week- but which stories are worth the read? The review below analyses one story that has TikTok readers completely enraptured- "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black.

Power-hungry heroine

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
April 14, 2023
Hand in hand \\ Singing the famous duet, Duo de Fleurs, seniors Lucy Ramirez and Carolyn Childrey perform at the talent show Mar. 22. "Performing in the talent show was like showing off to people what we, the performers, could do,"  Ramirez said. "I also loved being able to get to know more people because of the different acts. I met my friend Antwon Anderson through the talent show over past years, and it really is just a fun thing to do if you want to put yourself out there."

Raider’s got talent

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
March 24, 2023
Jessie Davis: Class of 2020

Jessie Davis: Class of 2020

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
March 3, 2023
Seizing the moment \\ Belting out her finest soprano notes, junior Ellyse Joseph sings "Les Berceaux" for the Black is Beautiful showcase Feb. 19. "I chose to sing Les Berceaux because I had a day to prepare something, and the track was free since a cappella choir is already learning it for UIL," Joseph said.

A tribute to african artistry

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
February 28, 2023
Macho gato \\ Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is the latest DreamWorks animated movie, released on December 21, 2022. DreamWorks is renowned for its quality animated films and this movie was nothing short of stellar.

Our favorite fearless hero

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
February 6, 2023
Spot the difference \\ The image to the left is a piece entitled “Baked to Perfection” created by junior Vivian Nguyen and to the right is the Manga-AI-converted version of the piece. “The hands and facial features are gone and everything is so blurred,” Nguyen said. “Even though it was only inspired by my work, not an exact copy, the AI version isn’t even a quality piece.”

Artist animosity

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
February 6, 2023

The most wonderful songs of the year

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
December 16, 2022
Strike a pose \\ After weeks of auditioning, the 2022-2023 Wylie East Dance Company performs at their first showcase Dec 3. "We perform a wide area of styles from modern, jazz, and ballet to hip-hop," junior Jade Banks (center) said.

Show them what you got

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
December 8, 2022

Ignite your flame

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
December 2, 2022
The girl who has everything \\ Junior Miriam Stone performs as Ariel in this year's theatre production, The Little Mermaid, Oct. 7.

Little mermaid, big dreams

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
November 29, 2022
Spilling the tea \\ Going around the room, book club members share fun facts about themselves at the most recent meeting, Oct. 20.  Each meeting consists of book-unpacking, socializing and snack-enjoying.

Look in a book

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
October 27, 2022
Smiling Soloist \\ Running through the show at the JV stadium, sophomore Alex Tran happily carries her instrument, the soprano clarinet, on which she plays her solo in the opener of the show.

Slaying Soprano

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
October 6, 2022
Enoch Olajimi: Class of 2020

Enoch Olajimi: Class of 2020

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
October 4, 2022
Little mermaid, big deal \\ The new live-action adaptation of "The Little Mermaid" rouses controversy over who can play the role of Ariel and simultaneously exposes racial discrimination in the country.

That’s my ariel

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
September 30, 2022
Follow the leader \\ Smiling at her bandmates, senior Celine Abuga gives the band instructions on District Band Night  Oct 20.

Sensational Senior

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
May 17, 2022
First ain't the worst  \\ Beaming with his first place medal, junior Charis Jackson poses for a photo to mark his first place win in the 400M during the Area track meet April 21.

Track Champion

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
May 3, 2022
A showstopping performance \\ Channeling her inner swan, Camille Benton performs as Odette in the school production of Anastasia.

Swan Princess

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
April 26, 2022
An avid anime aficionado \\ In celebration of National Anime Day, here are five anime recommendations from an anime fan.

Hurray for anime

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
April 15, 2022
A hidden legacy \\ In honor of her memory, Gelila Mekonnen's organization, Kids Can Help Two: Gelila Mekonnen's Chapter, displays Mekonnen beaming for the camera, a smile remembered by school staff. "She was always driven to make the world a better place by sharing smiles everywhere she went,” choir director Mrs. Ashley Dame said.

The Geleila Project

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
April 5, 2022
Class clown \\ Alpha teacher Coach BJ Smith loves to have fun with his students and co-workers. His pranks keep the laughs coming.

Pranks with Coach Smith

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
April 1, 2022
A glimpse into the past \\ Reading about the life of civil rights activist Ruby Bridges, students participated in Diversity Club's Beauty in Blackness event Feb. 18. "I believe this event will accomplish spreading more information about African American history and things that happened in the past that we can now celebrate today," club member Tiffani Garvin said.

Honoring Black History

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
March 1, 2022
Welcoming the new kid \\ Beaming from ear to ear, Chelsea Ombadykow (center of the photo) poses for a class picture at her private school Mare de Deu del Roser in Barcelona. "The school didn't have an ideal education system, and I'd much rather learn in the U.S., but the city has a wonderful social system," Ombadykow said.

Across the Chel-sea

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
January 29, 2022
Mapping out the future \\ Born in Turkey, club President Mahmut "Matt" Yilmaz experienced discrimination for most of his life because of his father's rejection of the country's corrupt government. "My life in Turkey ended up pushing me to seek making a better future for future generations and with the opportunity of the club, I plan to encourage the discussion of preventative measures for future social problems and promote the understanding different viewpoints from people with different backgrounds," Yilmaz said.

From persecuted to president

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
January 25, 2022
Ayomide Olajimi: Class of 2014

Ayomide Olajimi: Class of 2014

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
January 19, 2022
Spreading Christmas cheer \ Beaming with their successful target haul, the cheerleaders reveal the tags they purchased for the Wylie Way Christmas and Holidays event. “It’s a really rewarding feeling to give back and know that you're the reason a kid will get to open a present,” head varsity cheerleader Campbell Andrews said.

Have yourself a Wylie Way Christmas

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
December 17, 2021
Hephzibah Olajimi: Class of 2018

Hephzibah Olajimi: Class of 2018

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
December 15, 2021
Eunice Olajimi: Class of 2017

Eunice Olajimi: Class of 2017

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
December 6, 2021
In that field of marigolds \\ Playing the final notes of their show, the Pride of the East performs at the Bands of American Super Regionals competition Nov. 6. “Going into the BOA Super Regional, our main goal was to just have the best run that we could possibly have since it was our last,” Band President Tailene Morales said. The golden guard flags, orange sleeves, and back screens display a bright array of marigolds to represent the last song of their show “Marigolds” by Kishi Bashi.

Why not us

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
November 30, 2021
Tiger queen \\ Sophomore Heidi Martinez holds up her first place winning artwork for the National Art Honor Society Inktober contest. Her picture reveals a tiger with a muzzle over its mouth and human hands holding the muzzle in place.

Stunning Stippler

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
November 30, 2021
Get into it \\ Reviewing their latest routine, East Side Crew vice president Crystal Macalisang leads the group as they prepare for the upcoming pep rally Oct. 21. Having rarely performed during the 2020-2021 school year, the crew returns to their regular performance routine with excitement. "I think, overall, this year's dances are going to be our best ones yet," Macalisang said.

What Side? East Side

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
October 20, 2021
Round of Applause \\ Cheering and applauding in the stands, juniors rock their class colors during the first school pep rally, Sep. 3.

Drippin’ or Trippin?

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
September 21, 2021
The most diabolical lick \\ Sticking to a wall in the boy’s 100 hall bathroom, the remains of a stolen soap dispenser showcase a successful lick, the culprit leaving not a trace of evidence behind. "To be honest, the trend is stupid because there isn’t a valid reason for the act. People just want to be ‘all that,’" sophomore Vivian Ngyen said.

A scrumptious scheme

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
September 21, 2021
Rise and Shine \\ Enjoying snacks and each other's company, class of 2022 meets in the parking lot to watch the sunrise at the Senior Sunrise Aug. 15.  "Senior sunrise to me represents the beginning of a new chapter in our lives," senior Bailey Causey said. "This year will be totally different from all the others, and it was fun to have a celebration to kick it off."

Together; WE Rise

writer: Gloria Olajimi, Editor-in-Chief
August 31, 2021
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