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
Students embrace each other after a challenging week.
“It’s okay to ask for help”: How Westridge Supported Students and Faculty During the Eaton Fire Crisis
Smoke plumes from the Eaton Fire cloud the sky on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 near the I-210 freeway.
“Each day felt like a year”: A Timeline of Westridge’s Response to the Devastating Eaton Fire
Communication gaps during the fire closure left students confused about homework and class expectations.
Gaps in Communication Create Confusion for Students Returning to School After Eaton Fire
On the morning of Wednesday, January 8, 2025, smoke from the Eaton Fire crowds the sky.
“What Happens Now?”: Students Displaced by Eaton Fire Seek Normalcy
Freshmen adjust to the academic demands and freedoms of Upper School while exploring new opportunities for growth.
“The Expectations Have Gone Up.” Freshmen Navigate Upper School’s Increased Academic Standards While Balancing New Freedoms and Choices
(Kim Kercher) The group of volunteers who helped set up the February 8 drive.
Westridge Holds Donation Drive for Victims of the Eaton Fire; Welcomes 80 Families to the State Street Parking Lot Distribution Center
The first week back at Westridge after the devestating Eaton Fire featured an adapted schedule, town meeting, and a variety of different lesson plans.
The First Week Back: Westridge Students Awkwardly Embrace a New Normal After the Eaton Fire
Alumna Lauren Tom '12 compiled Westridge families' GoFundMe fundraisers after the Los Angeles wildfires into a Google Sheet for better shareability and organization.
Alumni Profile: Bringing Together the Westridge Community, Lauren Tom ’12 Supports Families Affected by LA Wildfires by Sharing GoFundMe Fundraisers
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
Communication gaps during the fire closure left students confused about homework and class expectations.
Gaps in Communication Create Confusion for Students Returning to School After Eaton Fire
"Eternal Strength"
“We strive to rise” Rebecca U.G. ’29 paints with her pen a symbol for Westridge in response to the fires.
PC: Ruby S. Students returning to work and discussing after the meeting.
Middle School Students Find Strength in Community Amidst Election Results
OPINION: Movie Master Class: How Movies Have Brought My Dad and Me Together
OPINION: Movie Master Class: How Movies Have Brought My Dad and Me Together
All of Middle School came together to identify their "Top 10 Scariest Scenarios."
Top 10 Scariest Scenarios – Westridge Middle School Edition
“We lost as a team and won as a team.” Middle School Flag Football Team Puts up a Valiant Fight Playing for the Prep League Championship
“We lost as a team and won as a team.” Middle School Flag Football Team Puts up a Valiant Fight Playing for the Prep League Championship
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
Postcard from 15 Days After the Fire
Postcard from 15 Days After the Fire
Photo courtesy of Festival de Cannes
Gory Thriller “The Substance” (2024) Evokes Emotions But Lacks Substance
Spyglass staff writer Lilah R. '25 and I pose with our cart full of soup cans. We bought around 100 cans during this trip to the store.
OPINION: Four Years of Food Drives: Connecting with Service and the Class of 2025
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
PC: Ariana E. Zetta G. ‘31 posing in front of the gym after a fun P.E class. 
Humans of Westridge: Spotlight on Zetta G. ‘31, “I love Westridge.”
Spyglass Live: What's In Your Notes App?
Spyglass Live: What’s In Your Notes App?
Athletic Trainer Mike in his office.
Humans of Westridge: Meet Mike, Westridge’s Athletic Trainer
"Girls Just Want to Play Sports" is a column that highlights women athletes.
Girls Just Wanna Play Sports: It’s Time for Playoff Hockey
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
Sounds For State Street: Sunkissed
Sounds For State Street: Sunkissed
Sarah and Lilah Review: Challengers
Sarah and Lilah Review: Challengers
We Need to Start Caring About the Waste Production Problem at Westridge
We Need to Start Caring About the Waste Production Problem at Westridge
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?
Confessions from the College Front Line: How Early is Too Early for College Pressure?
Confessions from the College Front Line: How Early is Too Early for College Pressure?
"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
Song ’24
Sounds For State Street: Solstice
Song ’24
Sounds For State Street: Harvest
Song ’24
Sounds For State Street: Crimson
Sounds For State Street: Sunkissed
Sounds For State Street: Sunkissed
Sounds For State Street: Daisy
Sounds For State Street: Daisy
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 | 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
Spyglass Live: What's In Your Notes App?
Spyglass Live: What’s In Your Notes App?
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
PC: Ariana E. Zetta G. ‘31 posing in front of the gym after a fun P.E class. 
Humans of Westridge: Spotlight on Zetta G. ‘31, “I love Westridge.”
Spyglass Live: What's In Your Notes App?
Spyglass Live: What’s In Your Notes App?
Athletic Trainer Mike in his office.
Humans of Westridge: Meet Mike, Westridge’s Athletic Trainer
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
Lindsay C.'25 after her third round of interviews for the Rose Court.
From a Westridge 4th Grader to the 106th Rose Queen: Lindsay C. ’25 Shares Her Growth
Going down the A Line, our next stop South Pasadena.
Down the Metro A-Line: South Pasadena
Athletes were unable to practice outdoors due to the poor air quality caused by the Eaton fire.
Westridge Sports Practices and Competitions Canceled Due to Eaton Fire; CIF Playoff Qualifications Temporarily Changed
(Esperanza O-C. '26) Esperanza posing with the U-17 National Women’s Team of Nicaragua.
“It’s Just So Much More Than Just Playing Soccer”: Esperanza O. ’26 Is Selected for the U-17 National Women’s Team of Nicaragua
Layla R. '27, center, rushing the ball in a game.
In Second-Ever Season, Westridge Flag Football Features a Postseason Triumph in CIF’s First Year of Offering Playoffs
Sophomore quarterback Abby W. pitches the football as Layla R. '27 looks back. The Tigers played Ayala in the season opener, losing 19-6, but went on to win four straight games after that.
Jennifer L. ’25’s Back-to-Back Prep League Tennis Championship Headlines the 2024 Fall Sports Season
Coach Horn sits in front of a cluster of sporting trophies and an inspirational tiger poster. (Gemma A. '27)
“I Will Be a Tiger for Life.” After Over Thirty Years At Westridge, Director of Athletics Coach Melanie Horn Announces Her Retirement
Photo Credit: Sophene A.'25
Your Senior Year Survival Guide
Holiday Recipe: Ginger Molasses Cookies
Holiday Recipe: Ginger Molasses Cookies
Dr. M: Latin Teacher and Style Icon
Dr. M: Latin Teacher and Style Icon
1. Get in the holiday spirit by listening to some classic Christmas music. (Ms. Amos holding a vinyl of Christmas carols.)
10 Ways to Spend your Winter Break – According to Your Freshman Advisors
5 Ways to Get Into the Holiday Spirit
5 Ways to Get Into the Holiday Spirit
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
On the morning of Wednesday, January 8, 2025, smoke from the Eaton Fire crowds the sky.
“What Happens Now?”: Students Displaced by Eaton Fire Seek Normalcy
Activity in the library fluctuates depending on time of day, divisional schedules, and events.
Westridge Library’s One Space Serves All: Convenience, Cramming, and Community
Guests settle down as the event dedicated to Anna Bondoc starts. (Credit: Aceley P.)
“This is really about the two years she spent here and her time as a teacher.” Anna Bondoc’s Celebration of Life
A handful of Westridge classes have incorporated a flipped learning approach. Teachers aim to find the right balance between traditional and flipped learning. (Eliza K. ’26)
Westridge Teachers Seek to Find the Right Balance Between Traditional and Flipped Learning
  • Post-Fire 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
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Journeys Filled With Laughter and Learning: Students Bond While Exploring New Places Together During Discovery Week

Gia S. and Lily C. • April 13, 2024
Lauren K. ’24
Seniors Julia H., Lauren K., and Verena W. at a train station in Berlin

This Discovery Week, some Westridge students trekked up the trail of Macchu Picchu in Peru while others learned about Los Angeles’ vibrant cinematic history. Each trip, whether local, regional, or international, gave students the opportunity to explore a new place with curiosity. Throughout it all, students grew closer together, building stronger friendships and making new memories. Compiling the student experience in various photo galleries, here are Spyglass’ highlights of students’ favorite places and discoveries.

Cinema City Los Angeles

Screenshot 2024-04-14 at 9.13.48 PM
Shania W. '27
Photos in front of the big orange sofa featured in Central Perk coffee shop in "Friends": Back Row: Maddy T '27, Noelle S. '27, Rebecca L. '27, Tekle S. '27, Front Row: Nia H. '27, Abby L. '27, Abby W. '27, Avin M. '27, Shania W. '27, Center: Clara T '27

Southern California: A Bastion of STEAM and a Look at Issues for Women in STEM Careers

Screenshot 2024-04-14 at 9.15.56 PM
Lily C. '27
Aquarium of the Pacific: Jellyfish Expanding and Contracting to Move Through Water

 

Footprints of Immigrants

Screenshot 2024-04-14 at 9.16.46 PM
Miyari W. '27
Huntington Gardens: Flowers From Many Parts of the World Blooming on a Sunny, Spring Day

Hollywood: Sights and Sounds

Screenshot 2024-04-14 at 9.17.29 PM
Willow S. '27
Amoeba Music: A Place Where Students Discovered New and Old Music

Ports and Pelicans: Economy Meets Ecology on the Coast

Screenshot 2024-04-14 at 9.19.26 PM
Grace F. '27
Taxidermy Pelicans at Bolsa Chica Conservancy's Interpretative Center

Civil Rights

IMG_0488
Alana L. '25
Students walk across the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where civil rights marchers were attacked during their march for voting rights

 

East Coast Urban Cities

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Jaedyn T. '25
Juniors Jaedyn T., Lindsay C., Amanda G., and Sari G. show off their love for New York in Times Square

Southwest Desert Art

IMG_2943
Isla R. '25
Isla R. '25 in the Museum of Paleontology at Georgia O'Keeffe's old home, Ghost Ranch

Chile: Discovering Deserts and Observing the Cosmos

Seniors Anna K., Ashley Z., Maya C., Charlene W., and Gio K. float in the high salt concentration of Laguna Cejar (Charlene W. ’24)

Exploring Iceland: Unveiling the Tapestry of Unique Geography, History, and Culture

IMG_7870
Erin L. '24
Seniors Erin L. and Jordan C. in front of Skógafoss waterfall

Germany Tour-Holocaust & Human Rights

IMG_0510
Lauren K. '24
Seniors Julia H., Lauren K., and Verena W. at a train station in Berlin
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About the Contributors
Gia S.
Gia S., Staff Writer and Copy Editor
Gia is a senior in her fourth year as a Spyglass staff writer and third year as a Copy Editor. She loves solving crossword puzzles and crocheting little dolls and flowers in her free time.
Lily C.
Lily C., Staff Writer
Lily is a freshman in her second year writing for Spyglass. Outside of school, she loves to paint, play piano, and spend time with her two cats named Waffles and Lilac. 
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(Kim Kercher) The group of volunteers who helped set up the February 8 drive.
Westridge Holds Donation Drive for Victims of the Eaton Fire; Welcomes 80 Families to the State Street Parking Lot Distribution Center
The first week back at Westridge after the devestating Eaton Fire featured an adapted schedule, town meeting, and a variety of different lesson plans.
The First Week Back: Westridge Students Awkwardly Embrace a New Normal After the Eaton Fire
Alumna Lauren Tom '12 compiled Westridge families' GoFundMe fundraisers after the Los Angeles wildfires into a Google Sheet for better shareability and organization.
Alumni Profile: Bringing Together the Westridge Community, Lauren Tom ’12 Supports Families Affected by LA Wildfires by Sharing GoFundMe Fundraisers
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
Communication gaps during the fire closure left students confused about homework and class expectations.
Gaps in Communication Create Confusion for Students Returning to School After Eaton Fire
Students entering Braun for the class meeting.
Reassembling the Westridge Community