![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."](https://westridgespyglass.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dr.-kellyyy-1-e1748143600809.png)
![Lacrosse had an incredible season, making it to the semifinals. Jeff Searock, the father of player Sophie S. '28 has gone to most games and said, "[The season has] been great. Great coaching, great players, kids have great attitude. You can't ask for much more."](https://westridgespyglass.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_3652-1200x900.jpeg)
The end of the semester is in sight. December brought a much-needed break from the khakis, and students around campus can be found snuggling up in sweats and pjs. The screeching parakeets may be the only thing keeping me awake in E block calculus. With the end-of-semester workload, college applications, and the need to drink hot cocoa, it can feel like Winter Break is the only thing to look forward to. Fortunately, that sentiment is incorrect because Spyglass’s third edition of the year is out now, and we have so many new stories for you to look forward to reading!
In the spirit of the holiday season, we have a collection of lighthearted stories: the best-dressed students and faculty of Cozy December, a Christmas carol for the sophomore slump that’s feeling extra slumpy this year, and a gift guide targeted toward particularly overwhelmed high schoolers.
If you need a little campus catch-up, you can read all about recent happenings, including the Friends in Deed Food Drive, Mug-a-palooza, and the Yam Festival.
We also have several deep-dive features, such as senior staffer Keira K.’s exploration of Westridge students coping with concussions. Additionally, sophomores Karalim C. and Micki M. paired up to investigate the selection process for the English department’s required books.
Since you last heard from us, the Spyglass staff has not only been hard at work to get this edition to you, staying up late drafting and waking up early to catch interviews, but we also traveled to Nashville last month for the 2025 Fall JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention. In Nashville, staffers attended workshops pertaining to different aspects of journalism, and six of the attendees (including me) had the opportunity to present.
Wishing you the best this holiday season, and enjoy reading!
Love,
Valentina
