The student-run newspaper of Westridge School for Girls, Spyglass strives to build community and evoke empathy through the medium of journalism. Comprised of passionate student writers, editors, designers, managers, and leaders, Spyglass is dedicated to ethical reporting that amplifies our unique voices to inform, entertain, and forge connection in the Westridge community and beyond.

Spyglass
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Class of 2025 editorial board members—whose leadership, creativity, and bold ideas helped shape the voice of Spyglass—led with purpose and passion.
“Spicy, Opinionated, Brazen”: Spyglass Says Goodbye to Seniors
Confessions from the Class of 2025
Confessions from the Class of 2025
From top left to bottom right: Director of Upper School Dr. Melanie Arias, Administrative Assistant to Upper School Ms. Kali Spicer, Assistant Director of Upper School Ms. Kerri Epps, Upper School Dean of Student Support Ms. Bonnie Paiz Martinez (Valentina V.)
Community, Innovation, and Teamwork: Upper School Administration Reflects on First Year as a Team
This past year, the Los Feliz/Silverlake bus has faced multiple issues regarding the mechanics and sizing leaving students frustrated.
Nationwide Shortage of Bus Parts Impacts Westridge’s Los Feliz/Silverlake Bus
OPINION: Senior Spring Was Miserable. It Doesn’t Have to be That Way for Future Classes.
OPINION: Senior Spring Was Miserable. It Doesn’t Have to be That Way for Future Classes.
The permaculture garden in full bloom during the annual Open House, where students showcased a year’s worth of sustainability and design work.
Permaculture and Sustainable Building and Design Round Out the Year with Animal Friends at Annual Open House
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Spyglass staffer Lilah and her friends’ dresses hung up, ready to be worn.
Behind the Scenes: Westridge Prom Edition
Confessions from the Class of 2025
Confessions from the Class of 2025
Throughout the season, the players were able to create special bonds together as a team.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Sprinting Toward the Touchdown
The old math workbook (left) and the new math workbook (right).
OPINION: How the New Math 7 Class Changed My Perspective
Here I am as Mr. Ferguson, my favorite role, in my favorite scene, holding my favorite prop, Baby Harold.
OPINION: My First and Last Experience in Westridge Theater
(Lillian W. '27) In the beginning of the second semester, a third math option was opened to seventh grade students, Math 7.
“Every Girl Can Do Math.” Middle School Administration Adds New Math Class
The eight representatives for eighth grade throwing the ping pong balls into the bright orange bin.
Ping Pong Balls Fly as Westridge Middle Schoolers Go Head-to-Head in Advisory Challenge
OPINION: Senior Spring Was Miserable. It Doesn’t Have to be That Way for Future Classes.
OPINION: Senior Spring Was Miserable. It Doesn’t Have to be That Way for Future Classes.
During the Spyglass Senior Celebration, newly elected Editor-in-Chief Valentina V. '26 gave some thoughtful remarks about my time on Spyglass.
OPINION: Joining Spyglass as a Senior
The AI generated image hanging in Mudd.
OPINION: The Case for a Clear AI Policy at Westridge
Here I am as Mr. Ferguson, my favorite role, in my favorite scene, holding my favorite prop, Baby Harold.
OPINION: My First and Last Experience in Westridge Theater
Give me any microphone and I'll have an opinion to share with you. This article details the premises of some of the opinions I never got to write for Spyglass.
OPINION: All the Op-Eds I Never Got to Write
Dr. Zanita Kelly, Director of Lower and Middle School, pictured above, and the rest of Westridge Administration were instrumental to providing Westridge faculty and staff the support they needed after the Eaton fire. "[Teachers] are part of the community," said Dr. Kelly. "Just like our families and students."
After the Eaton Fire, Westridge Support Includes Teachers and Staff
OPINION: Postcard from 103 Days After the Fire
OPINION: Postcard from 103 Days After the Fire
In the wake of the Eaton fire, Westridge launched the Community Relief Fund to provide financial support for impacted students and family.
“People Immediately Stepped Up”: Westridge Raises $450,000 to Support Fire-Affected Families
“Everybody Has Different Experiences”: Grief and Trauma Specialist Dr. Jennifer Levin Returns to Westridge to Offer Advice After Eaton Fire
“Everybody Has Different Experiences”: Grief and Trauma Specialist Dr. Jennifer Levin Returns to Westridge to Offer Advice After Eaton Fire
Postcard from 52 Days After the Fire
Postcard from 52 Days After the Fire
Sydney S. '25 posing for a picture in the car.
Humans Of Westridge “Songwriting is my Safe Space.” Sydney S. ’25 On What Art Means to Her
Ms. Keller in 2016 jammin’, or also known as the point scorer, skating around the turn. “I think it’s just a great sport for anyone that wants to find another identity," Ms. Keller said about the sport.
Humans of Westridge: Westridge’s Very Own Roller Girl Ms. Shannon Keller
Alice C. '25 and the cast of Newsies rehearse a dance sequence two weeks before opening night.
A Day in the Life of the Lead in Westridge’s Upcoming Musical Newsies: Alice C. ’25
PC: Gia S. ’25. Willow and some of the Westridgettes posing before their first performance.
Humans of Westridge: 10 Questions with the Westridge Tiger Willow N. ’25
PC: Bianca P. ’28, Both sisters pose together on the first day of school.
Humans of Westridge: Bianca P. ’28 Embraces Her First Year of High School, Following in the Footsteps of Her Older Sister Brooklyn P. ’25
Sounds For State Street: Au revoir
Sounds For State Street: Au revoir
Going down the A Line, our next stop Historic Broadway.
Metro Stop Highlights: Historic Broadway
Going down the A Line, our next stop Little Tokyo.
Metro Stop Highlights: Little Tokyo
College Column: Home, After All
College Column: Home, After All
A Senior in March: On Making the Most of Every Moment
A Senior in March: On Making the Most of Every Moment
College Column: Home, After All
College Column: Home, After All
College Column: Oh, the Humanities!
College Column: Oh, the Humanities!
The writer taking the football to the head instead of catching it during a game. (P.C. Austin M.)
College Prep and Lifelong Learning: From One Girls School To Another
College Column: College Prep and Lifelong Learning: From One Girls School To Another
College Column: College Prep and Lifelong Learning: From One Girls School To Another
College Column: Can I stay true to myself in the admissions process?
College Column: Can I stay true to myself in the admissions process?
"Girls Just Want to Play Sports" is a column that highlights women athletes.
Girls Just Wanna Play Sports: It’s Time for Playoff Hockey
"Girls Just Want to Play Sports" is a column that highlights women athletes.
Girls Just Wanna Play Sports: Women’s Basketball is Winning
"Girls Just Want to Play Sports" is a column that highlights women athletes.
Girls Just Wanna Play Sports: National Girls and Women in Sports Day Reminds Us of Our Accomplishments and Shortcomings
"Girls Just Want to Play Sports" is a column that highlights women athletes.
Girls Just Wanna Play Sports: Reflecting on the Careers of Women’s Soccer Players
"Girls Just Want to Play Sports" is a column that highlights women athletes.
Introducing: Girls Just Wanna Play Sports, A Column
Sounds For State Street: Honey
Sounds For State Street: Honey
Sounds For State Street: Flora
Sounds For State Street: Flora
Sounds For State Street: Solstice
Sounds For State Street: Solstice
Sounds For State Street: Harvest
Sounds For State Street: Harvest
Sounds For State Street: Crimson
Sounds For State Street: Crimson
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!
The Backstory: How An Immigrant, A Dream, And A Bunch of Bananas Changed The World
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!
The Backstory: The Pet That Truly Rocks
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!
The Backstory: The True Meaning of Christmas in Beheading a Candy Pig
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!
The Backstory: The Women Who Drove Auto Innovation
The Backstory: A Brief History of Underwear Through the Ages
The Backstory: A Brief History of Underwear Through the Ages
Spyglass Live: All School Day 2025 with Nia C. '33
Spyglass Live: All School Day 2025 with Nia C. ’33
Spyglass Live | Yam Fest Yap Sesh 2024
Spyglass Live | Grandparent's Day 2024
Spyglass Live | Grandparent’s Day 2024
Do all Westridge students think the same? | Election Edition | Spyglass Live
Do all Westridge students think the same? | Election Edition | Spyglass Live
Spyglass Live: 2024 Dance Concert Documentary
Spyglass Live: 2024 Dance Concert Documentary
Sydney S. '25 posing for a picture in the car.
Humans Of Westridge “Songwriting is my Safe Space.” Sydney S. ’25 On What Art Means to Her
Ms. Keller in 2016 jammin’, or also known as the point scorer, skating around the turn. “I think it’s just a great sport for anyone that wants to find another identity," Ms. Keller said about the sport.
Humans of Westridge: Westridge’s Very Own Roller Girl Ms. Shannon Keller
Alice C. '25 and the cast of Newsies rehearse a dance sequence two weeks before opening night.
A Day in the Life of the Lead in Westridge’s Upcoming Musical Newsies: Alice C. ’25
PC: Gia S. ’25. Willow and some of the Westridgettes posing before their first performance.
Humans of Westridge: 10 Questions with the Westridge Tiger Willow N. ’25
PC: Bianca P. ’28, Both sisters pose together on the first day of school.
Humans of Westridge: Bianca P. ’28 Embraces Her First Year of High School, Following in the Footsteps of Her Older Sister Brooklyn P. ’25
Trump Administration’s Funding Threats Complicate Seniors’ College Decisions
Trump Administration’s Funding Threats Complicate Seniors’ College Decisions
Green Guerilla members and other Westridge students holding protest signs at the candle light vigil. There were around 15 Westridge affiliates in attendance.
“Carbon Free by 2030”: Westridge Students and Faculty Gather at City Hall with Pasadena 100 to Commemorate Clean Energy Resolution’s Anniversary
Pip D. '27 and Claire H. '28 have found temporary living arrangements with their Westridge best friends.
Living With a Friend During the Eaton Fire: Offering “Ecstatic” Support
Donations and Volunteering Opportunities: How You Can Get Involved in Fire Relief Efforts
Donations and Volunteering Opportunities: How You Can Get Involved in Fire Relief Efforts
The ban will reframe how both students and admission officers approach future applications.
Westridge Reacts to California’s Decision to Ban Legacy and Donor Consideration in the College Admissions Process
Throughout the season, the players were able to create special bonds together as a team.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Sprinting Toward the Touchdown
An intense moment taken during the Quarter Final CIFs game against Oaks Christian, as a Westridge player shoots while under immense defensive pressure.
“We Wanted To Make History”
A collage graphic of Bennett, Micaela, and Teia competing in their respective events. All three champions have at least one year left in their athletics career at Westridge.
Three Individual Championships Carry Westridge to a Third Place Finish At Prep League Finals
Teia L. ’26 stands at the podium at CIF-SS Finals after winning third place in the entire division in pole vault.
A Spring Sports Recap: New School Records Made in Lacrosse and Track and Field
As both Coach Melanie Horn (left) and dance teacher Kashmir Blake are set to retire at the end of this school year after decades of service, the Westridge community is taking the time to honor their commitment and dedication to the school.
After 30 Years of Empowering Young Women, Director of Athletics Melanie Horn Retires from Westridge
Etc: 10 Things I’m Not Going To Miss When School Ends
Etc: 10 Things I’m Not Going To Miss When School Ends
Etc: Top 10 Relatable Headlines From Senior Spring
Etc: Top 10 Relatable Headlines From Senior Spring
Want to truly impress your teachers with an end-of-year gift? Read this guide.
Etc.: 5 Gifts to Give to Your Teacher that Won’t End Up In a Goodwill Next Year
Ms. Cutler goes around the world in five iconic outfits!
Vogue Voyages: A Fashion Expedition with Ms. Cutler
Just days into the trip, I stand in the Atacama Desert, unfazed.
Etc: My Trip to Chile in 8 Egregious Anecdotes
"I started nonprofit because I'm actually interested in that area, and I want to actually raise awareness for that specific topic," said senior founder of Madhatter Knits Kimberly C. She is one of several non-profit founders at Westridge.
Intent and Impact for Westridge Students Who Found Nonprofits
Photo Essay: Documenting the Loss of My Home After the Eaton Fire
Photo Essay: Documenting the Loss of My Home After the Eaton Fire
Credit: Jane K.
EDITORIAL: A Call for Leadership
On January 7, the Eaton Fire upended my life. I am still grappling with the destruction in my town—and what it means for the future.
Opinion: What Losing the Places I Love Taught Me About Community
Volunteering sites at PCC, Elks Lodge, and The WalkGood Yard, where donation drives were held.
After Devastating Eaton Fires, Westridge Students Channel Grief Into Fire Relief Efforts
  • May Edition Out Now!
The student-run newspaper of Westridge School for Girls, Spyglass strives to build community and evoke empathy through the medium of journalism. Comprised of passionate student writers, editors, designers, managers, and leaders, Spyglass is dedicated to ethical reporting that amplifies our unique voices to inform, entertain, and forge connection in the Westridge community and beyond.

Spyglass
The student-run newspaper of Westridge School for Girls, Spyglass strives to build community and evoke empathy through the medium of journalism. Comprised of passionate student writers, editors, designers, managers, and leaders, Spyglass is dedicated to ethical reporting that amplifies our unique voices to inform, entertain, and forge connection in the Westridge community and beyond.

Spyglass
Recent
OPINION: Senior Spring Was Miserable. It Doesn’t Have to be That Way for Future Classes.
OPINION: Senior Spring Was Miserable. It Doesn’t Have to be That Way for Future Classes.
Reed D., Ella B., Tanvi C., and Mirella C. • May 26, 2025

On Saturday, May 24, the four of us—Ella, Mirella, Tanvi, and Reed—spent our evening at Erewhon eating...

Recent Stories
A collage graphic of Bennett, Micaela, and Teia competing in their respective events. All three champions have at least one year left in their athletics career at Westridge.
Three Individual Championships Carry Westridge to a Third Place Finish At Prep League Finals
May 24, 2025
The AI generated image hanging in Mudd.
OPINION: The Case for a Clear AI Policy at Westridge
May 24, 2025
This past year, the Los Feliz/Silverlake bus has faced multiple issues regarding the mechanics and sizing leaving students frustrated.
Nationwide Shortage of Bus Parts Impacts Westridge’s Los Feliz/Silverlake Bus
May 24, 2025
This past year, I noticed various illustrations taking over the whiteboards. One day they'll be blank, and by the next morning the boards will be filled with various colors and characters. I began photographing each piece throughout the year.
Mysterious ‘Banksy’ Artists Takes Over Library Whiteboards
May 24, 2025
Featured Story
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Frances B. and Tekle S-J • May 25, 2025

    Suggested Reading:  Annual Spyglass Senior Survey Spotlight on the Class of 2023  

Continue Reading
Confessions from the Class of 2025
Confessions from the Class of 2025
Frances B. and Tekle S.-J. • May 24, 2025
The American flag displayed in front of the Main Hall building. The Trump administration's stance on scientific research, immigration, and diversity, equity, and inclusion has directly affected and will likely continue to affect the Westridge community.
Westridge Faces Impacts of Trump Policies
Kristin C. • May 24, 2025
Top Stories
From left to right: Former Lower School science teacher Ms. Liz Kim, Mx. Brownsmith, and former Upper and Lower School English teacher Ms. Anna Bondoc. Credit: Unknown
“I’ll Miss the Collaborativeness of the Lower School”: Math Teacher Mx. Kenzie Brownsmith prepares to move to Oregon after 6 years at Westridge
May 24, 2025
The Last Curtain Call: Middle and Upper School Dance Teacher Kashmir Blake Retires After 30 Years
The Last Curtain Call: Middle and Upper School Dance Teacher Kashmir Blake Retires After 30 Years
May 24, 2025
As both Coach Melanie Horn (left) and dance teacher Kashmir Blake are set to retire at the end of this school year after decades of service, the Westridge community is taking the time to honor their commitment and dedication to the school.
After 30 Years of Empowering Young Women, Director of Athletics Melanie Horn Retires from Westridge
May 24, 2025
Editor's Note
Yolanda W.
May Editor’s Note
Valentina V. • May 24, 2025
Recent Stories
Features
Class of 2025 editorial board members—whose leadership, creativity, and bold ideas helped shape the voice of Spyglass—led with purpose and passion.
“Spicy, Opinionated, Brazen”: Spyglass Says Goodbye to Seniors
Karalim C. • May 24, 2025
Confessions from the Class of 2025
Confessions from the Class of 2025
Frances B. and Tekle S.-J. • May 24, 2025
From top left to bottom right: Director of Upper School Dr. Melanie Arias, Administrative Assistant to Upper School Ms. Kali Spicer, Assistant Director of Upper School Ms. Kerri Epps, Upper School Dean of Student Support Ms. Bonnie Paiz Martinez (Valentina V.)
Community, Innovation, and Teamwork: Upper School Administration Reflects on First Year as a Team
Valentina V. • May 24, 2025
Etc.
Etc: 10 Things I’m Not Going To Miss When School Ends
Etc: 10 Things I’m Not Going To Miss When School Ends
Jessica S. • May 24, 2025
Etc: Top 10 Relatable Headlines From Senior Spring
Etc: Top 10 Relatable Headlines From Senior Spring
Isis L. and Finley N. • May 24, 2025
Want to truly impress your teachers with an end-of-year gift? Read this guide.
Etc.: 5 Gifts to Give to Your Teacher that Won’t End Up In a Goodwill Next Year
Ella B. • May 24, 2025
Ms. Cutler goes around the world in five iconic outfits!
Vogue Voyages: A Fashion Expedition with Ms. Cutler
Karalim C. • April 27, 2025
Just days into the trip, I stand in the Atacama Desert, unfazed.
Etc: My Trip to Chile in 8 Egregious Anecdotes
Ella B. • April 26, 2025
COMIC: Girls Can
COMIC: Girls Can
Charley G. • April 25, 2025
Op-Ed
OPINION: Senior Spring Was Miserable. It Doesn’t Have to be That Way for Future Classes.
OPINION: Senior Spring Was Miserable. It Doesn’t Have to be That Way for Future Classes.
Reed D., Ella B., Tanvi C., and Mirella C. • May 26, 2025
During the Spyglass Senior Celebration, newly elected Editor-in-Chief Valentina V. '26 gave some thoughtful remarks about my time on Spyglass.
OPINION: Joining Spyglass as a Senior
Joss C. • May 24, 2025
The AI generated image hanging in Mudd.
OPINION: The Case for a Clear AI Policy at Westridge
Kelly C. • May 24, 2025
Middle School
Throughout the season, the players were able to create special bonds together as a team.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Sprinting Toward the Touchdown
Carys H. • May 26, 2025
The old math workbook (left) and the new math workbook (right).
OPINION: How the New Math 7 Class Changed My Perspective
Rilo Pearl K. • May 24, 2025
Here I am as Mr. Ferguson, my favorite role, in my favorite scene, holding my favorite prop, Baby Harold.
OPINION: My First and Last Experience in Westridge Theater
Katarina L.S. • May 24, 2025
(Lillian W. '27) In the beginning of the second semester, a third math option was opened to seventh grade students, Math 7.
“Every Girl Can Do Math.” Middle School Administration Adds New Math Class
Ruby S., Middle School Staffer • April 27, 2025
The eight representatives for eighth grade throwing the ping pong balls into the bright orange bin.
Ping Pong Balls Fly as Westridge Middle Schoolers Go Head-to-Head in Advisory Challenge
Harper W. • April 27, 2025
Campus Culture
Local & World
Trump Administration’s Funding Threats Complicate Seniors’ College Decisions
Trump Administration’s Funding Threats Complicate Seniors’ College Decisions
Sophene A. and Reed D. • April 27, 2025

Federal funding cuts for universities under the Trump administration have recently disrupted the research projects and opportunities of some...

Green Guerilla members and other Westridge students holding protest signs at the candle light vigil. There were around 15 Westridge affiliates in attendance.
“Carbon Free by 2030”: Westridge Students and Faculty Gather at City Hall with Pasadena 100 to Commemorate Clean Energy Resolution’s Anniversary
Ella B. and Lilah R. • March 8, 2025

A chant rings through Garfield Avenue, starting just outside of Pasadena City Hall: “Carbon Free by 2030.” Westridge students hoist signs...

Athletics
Throughout the season, the players were able to create special bonds together as a team.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Sprinting Toward the Touchdown
Carys H. • May 26, 2025
An intense moment taken during the Quarter Final CIFs game against Oaks Christian, as a Westridge player shoots while under immense defensive pressure.
“We Wanted To Make History”
Gemma A. • May 26, 2025
Spyglass Live
Columns
Sounds For State Street: Au revoir
Sydney S. '25 posing for a picture in the car.
Going down the A Line, our next stop Historic Broadway.
Going down the A Line, our next stop Little Tokyo.
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The student-run newspaper of Westridge School for Girls, Spyglass strives to build community and evoke empathy through the medium of journalism. Comprised of passionate student writers, editors, designers, managers, and leaders, Spyglass is dedicated to ethical reporting that amplifies our unique voices to inform, entertain, and forge connection in the Westridge community and beyond.