Fall is finally here! I can smell the sweetness of the Yam Fest in the near future, and I can sense the rest and relaxation Thanksgiving Break will bring to the Westridge community. After a packed first quarter of school, filled with neverending college applications for seniors and an endless stream of essays, tests, and comments for the entire Upper School, this upcoming break is well-deserved.
Here at Spyglass, there are no breaks—the news never stops, so neither do we. This edition features a wide array of stories with live, on-the-ground reporting. On November 6, Donald Trump captured enough electoral votes to win the 2024 presidential election. At Westridge, a reliably liberal campus, the community grappled with the reality of a second term for Trump. I partnered with staff writer Josie S.-J. ’27 to report on student reactions, teachers’ responses, and school support offerings during this somber and deeply emotional time.
The next day, November 7, brought more news when a trespasser broke into a Westridge Upper School classroom. Spotting a police presence on campus the following morning, I jumped on the story, capturing photos of shattered glass and officers investigating the scene. That same day, during the first-ever Tiger-Cub activity, a car swerved and flipped over on Orange Grove. 9th grade Staff Writer Karalim C. reported on the heroic actions of Coach Allison Clark ’07, who leaped over a fence to assist the woman out of her vehicle. Not to mention, Spyglass had eight staffers depart California and take a cross-country flight to Philadelphia for a journalism convention on the same day! You can read that story here.
Whether covering pivotal moments in American history or rarities on campus, Spyglass is always ready to report.
Continuing our election coverage from October, this edition also features a profile on a group of three sophomores who traveled to Nevada to canvas for Vice President Kamala Harris and a story on the panel featuring a local Republican and Democrat the History department hosted back in October. As our entire campus braces itself for what a second term will look like under President-Elect Donald Trump, and Spyglass considers how his presidency could impact journalism, it is imperative to remain true to our values. At Spyglass, we’re committed to telling truthful and unbiased news. At Westridge, we must embrace a similar commitment: continuing to empower women to lead tomorrow’s world.
The news certainly will not be quiet in the next months leading up to Trump’s second inauguration, but here at Spyglass, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy this edition and the holiday ahead, and we’ll see for our next edition launch on December 16.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Ella
