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 at Westridge are seeing their classmates use generative AI more and more. Piper* said, “AI usage is definitely increasing in ways that I wasn't expecting."
Westridge Responds to Generative AI’s Impact on Teaching and Learning
Finley N.
Spyglass Survey of 200+ Students Reveals Attitudes Toward Cheating
"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
(Rebecca L. '27 and Finley N. '28) Once again, the annual Discovery Week trips for Upper School students are met with questions about cost, equity, and direct communication.
It’s Discovery Week Season Again…and Students are Less Than Pleased with New Changes.
Investing in the Future of Women: Westridge's Financial Literacy Program
Investing in the Future of Women: Westridge’s Financial Literacy Program
On April 14, Spyglass elected its newest leadership team.
Introducing Spyglass’ 2025–2026 Editorial Board
Emerson F. '26 and Audrey L. '26 smile alongside their projects.
Westridge’s 13th Annual Voices in Literature Conference
Seniors in Chile during Discovery Week. “I was very glad I went [to] Chile…it was a really cool experience,” said Jordan B. ’25. (Westridge School)
Discovery Week Resounding Success for Juniors and Seniors; Local Trips Leave Underclassmen Underwhelmed
At just 3:30 p.m., the once bustling Commons is desolate and student-free, as after school, Commons service has been suspended.
The Commons Struggles to Find Balance and Match Student Demand
The purchased property behind the commons on 310 Arlington Drive. Credit: COMPASS
310 Arlington Task Force Continues to Search for an Ideal Architectural Partner
(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
As I continue to physically improve my muscles, I am also motivated to improve my mind as well.
OPINION: Falling Into Finding My Resilience: What My Injury Taught Me About Perseverance
COMIC: Girls Can
COMIC: Girls Can
COMIC: Uniform Evolution
COMIC: Uniform Evolution
OPINION: Postcard from 103 Days After the Fire
OPINION: Postcard from 103 Days After the Fire
Uniquely Nova: The Musical by Valentina V. '26 (me) and Sydney S. '25 is currently rehearsing for a staged reading that will take place on May 23. (PC Miyari V.-W. '27)
OPINION: From Brain to Stage: The Journey of Writing my Own Musical, Uniquely Nova
PC: After my mom finishes her marathon (we all finished at different times) we gathered for a family photo, marking out first full marathon ran together. Almost about to collapse from exhaustion, my mom leans by my dad for support while my brother and I smile awkwardly for the photo.
OPINION: How We Find Love as a Family Through Marathons
I sit atop Giselle R ’28’s back as the team poses in front of our senior banners (Deijah Bradley)
OPINION: Softball, Capris, and Me
As I continue to physically improve my muscles, I am also motivated to improve my mind as well.
OPINION: Falling Into Finding My Resilience: What My Injury Taught Me About Perseverance
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
Photo Essay: Documenting the Loss of My Home After the Eaton Fire
Photo Essay: Documenting the Loss of My Home After the Eaton Fire
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
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.”
Metro Stop Highlights: 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
"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
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
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
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.”
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
From left to right: Kelly C. '27, Skylar R. '28, Spyglass Copy Editor Hermione W. '27, Dillan R. '28, and Ammi O.-A. '28 at the Romona High School Distance Carnival on April 25.
Seven Distance Runners Earn Top 25 School Records in the 1600 Meter Race
Alice Lee will start her time at Westridge on July 1. She said, "I'm incredibly honored and grateful to join the Westridge community as the next Director of Athletics."
Williams College Lacrosse Coach Alice Lee Selected as New Athletic Director
Pictured left to right: Coach Amy, Ginny A. '25, Joss C. '25, Coach Karen. At the Winter Sports Wrap Up and Recognition, Ginny and I received our joint Leadership Award for our leadership on and off the basketball court.
Why I Joined Junior Varsity Basketball as a Senior
Water polo captain MG N. ’25 passes the ball in an attacking play against Tesoro High School. The Tigers defeated Tesoro 12–5 in the first round of CIF playoffs.
A CIF Playoff Appearance in a Season Truncated by the Eaton Fire: A Winter Sports Round-Up
Booster Club Co-Chair Ms. Vanessa Withers, Mrs. Allison Dietrick, and Co-Chair Ms. Angela Rashid stand in front of their “Tiger Treats” table. “Parents, players, and fans are excited about [“Tiger Treats”] because it kind of makes Westridge athletics more of a thing,” said Mrs. Dietrick.
Tiger Athletics Booster Club Brings School Spirit and Empowerment
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
COMIC: Girls Can
COMIC: Girls Can
COMIC: Uniform Evolution
COMIC: Uniform Evolution
COMIC: This is Frog
COMIC: This is Frog
"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
  • April 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
Daria H.

Daria H., Editor

Daria is a senior in her fourth year on Spyglass and third year as an editor. Outside of Spyglass, you can find her reading (typically about quantum physics), studying in coffee shops, crafting hyper-specific Spotify playlists, and pondering the vastness of the universe while listening to Fiona Apple. 

All content by Daria H.
“We Don’t Need to Tiptoe Around Sex-Ed:” As Students’ Needs Evolve, So Does the Program for Sex Education

“We Don’t Need to Tiptoe Around Sex-Ed:” As Students’ Needs Evolve, So Does the Program for Sex Education

Eliza W. and Daria H.
February 12, 2024

Teacher Dating Stories

Eliza W., Daria H., and Genevieve W.
February 12, 2024
What the War in Gaza Taught Me About Being a Journalist and Affinity Head

What the War in Gaza Taught Me About Being a Journalist and Affinity Head

Daria H., Editor
December 11, 2023
College Column: Can I stay true to myself in the admissions process?

College Column: Can I stay true to myself in the admissions process?

Daria H.
October 2, 2023
Westridge students and faculty reflect on the implementation of Westridge's new advanced courses.

Advanced Courses One Year Later: Faculty and Students Reflect on Deeper Learning

Daria H.
May 30, 2023
The newly purchased property on 310 Arlington Drive.

Westridge Purchases New Contiguous Property with Hopes of Curricular Advancement

Daria H.
April 24, 2023
Matilda (Alex S. '24) and the Escapologist (Eliza L. '25)

Courage, Connection, and Comedy: Westridge Theater Presents Matilda the Musical

Daria H.
March 13, 2023
Some of the teachers with doctorates pose by the staircase after graduation.

A Love for Lifelong Learning Inspires Doctorates on Campus

Daria H. and Amanda S.
February 6, 2023
Scenes from the last All School Day Westridge hosted. The theme was carnival.

BREAKING: Coker Confirms All School Day’s Return for 2023

Daria H.
November 7, 2022
What are Westridge teachers giving out during Halloween?

What are Westridge teachers giving out during Halloween?

Daria H. and Genevieve W.
November 7, 2022
Confessions from the College Front Line: Applying to College Means Confronting my Future

Confessions from the College Front Line: Applying to College Means Confronting my Future

Daria H.
October 3, 2022
Summer Editors’ Picks

Summer Editors’ Picks

Ilena M., Eliza W., Tanvi C., Reed D., Sophene A., Florence J., Katie S., Daria H., Hailey T., and Lauren C.
May 31, 2022
“It’s time”: Kendis Heffley Retires after 10 Years at Westridge

“It’s time”: Kendis Heffley Retires after 10 Years at Westridge

Daria H.
May 31, 2022
“All about the students”: Lynn O’Grady Retires After 12 Years at Westridge

“All about the students”: Lynn O’Grady Retires After 12 Years at Westridge

Daria H.
May 31, 2022
Westridge announced that it would be moving away from the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) program and weighted GPAs

Westridge Officially Announces Move Away from AP Program

Daria H.
February 14, 2022
Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Pie

Daria H.
December 13, 2021
“It’s Just a Toxic Place to Be”: Facebook Whistleblower Reveals Studies Confirming Instagram’s Harmful Effect on Teens’ Body Image

“It’s Just a Toxic Place to Be”: Facebook Whistleblower Reveals Studies Confirming Instagram’s Harmful Effect on Teens’ Body Image

Daria H. and Sophene A.
November 8, 2021
Imagined Conversations With Weird Neighbors While Trick-Or-Treating

Imagined Conversations With Weird Neighbors While Trick-Or-Treating

Eliza W., Daria H., and Verena W.
October 31, 2021
One staffer reflects on growing up in a post 9/11 world.

Honoring the Past While Analyzing the Future: Reflections on Growing Up in a Post 9/11 World

Daria H.
October 4, 2021
In-person history class

“Going to school…gives me a chance to wear my clothes.” Upper School Reflects on Return to Campus

Daria H. and Lucia P.
May 16, 2021
When Did The Pandemic Become Real To You? Students and Faculty Respond.

When Did The Pandemic Become Real To You? Students and Faculty Respond.

Daria H. and Julia W.
April 12, 2021
Reflections on Coming of Age as a Reader

Reflections on Coming of Age as a Reader

Daria H.
March 1, 2021
Valentines Crossword

Valentines Crossword

Caroline L. and Daria H.
March 1, 2021
Joe Biden’s Inauguration Signals Hope for the Future

Joe Biden’s Inauguration Signals Hope for the Future

Daria H., Staff Writer
January 21, 2021
Advanced Dance poses for the camera. Dance classes are being held entirely online this year.

Athletics During Covid-19

Daria H. and Lucia P.
December 16, 2020
Fall Festival Poster Art by Adeline K. '24

Fall Festival: Westridge Theatre Goes Online

Daria H., Staff Writer
November 12, 2020
History on the Walls: A Summer Quarantine Project

History on the Walls: A Summer Quarantine Project

Daria H., Staff Writer
October 11, 2020
Westridge Welcomes Michelle Amos

Westridge Welcomes Michelle Amos

Daria H., Staff Writer
October 11, 2020
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Daria H.