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
An ofrenda, at a festival in Claremont, was decorated with marigolds and photos of deceased loved ones.
Día de los Muertos, a Beautiful Tradition of Remembrance
Students show off their costumes during the Annual Westridge Halloween parade.
It’s Time to Stop Buying and Start Brainstorming. How Consumerism Makes Halloween Even Scarier
A student enters the towering gates of Westridge. The pressure is on.
Students Speak Out on the Public to Private School Transition
With schedules released on orientation, many Upper School students felt overwhelmed and unprepared.
Schedule Release Timeline Met with Mixed Teacher and Student Reaction
Some Upper Schoolers have found difficulty reacclimatizing to the rigor of coursework and homework. Still, many are optimistic about this academic year.
Coming Back to School: Students Find Community in a Stressful Reality
Westridge Latin students gather at SCRAM, embodying the spirit of camaraderie, creativity, and Classics pride that defines the day. For us, Latin is more than a language. It's a living link to history, friendship, and fun.
Latin Isn’t Dead. It’s Alive and Roaring.
“I Think Positive.” Ms. Maria Banuelos Reflects on Working at Westridge, Family, and More
“I Think Positive.” Ms. Maria Banuelos Reflects on Working at Westridge, Family, and More
The official album cover of The Life of a Showgirl (Mert Alas, Marcus Piggott)
OPINION: Taylor Swift’s The Life of A Showgirl is Actually Amazing
Hey, New 9th Graders: Here are Some Helpful Tips for Your First Year
Hey, New 9th Graders: Here are Some Helpful Tips for Your First Year
Younger me spending time with my family friends’ goat herd in Fort Bragg.
OPINION: Jane Goodall and the Stories I Will Remember Her By
The official album cover of The Life of a Showgirl (Mert Alas, Marcus Piggott)
OPINION: Taylor Swift’s The Life of A Showgirl is Actually Amazing
My grandfather posing during one of our dinner gatherings. This is one of the last photos I have of him.
OPINION: What Chuseok, Korea’s Mid-Autumn Festival, Taught Me About Grief
My mom, my brother, and I in Shanghai, where I spent the entire 15 years of my life.
OPINION: Living in the Middle
Following Charlie Kirk's death, talk of his killing crept into classroom discussions.
OPINION: In the Wake of Charlie Kirk’s Death, I Am Choosing Humanity Over Politics
OPINION: Since You Have to Read It, Try to Appreciate It; Why and How to Enjoy School-Required Reading.
OPINION: Since You Have to Read It, Try to Appreciate It; Why and How to Enjoy School-Required Reading.
“I Think Positive.” Ms. Maria Banuelos Reflects on Working at Westridge, Family, and More
“I Think Positive.” Ms. Maria Banuelos Reflects on Working at Westridge, Family, and More
Humans of Westridge: Meet the “First Husband of Westridge,” Tim McKenna
Humans of Westridge: Meet the “First Husband of Westridge,” Tim McKenna
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
The five First Amendment freedoms are integral to our society. Freedom of the press is especially important to us as journalists here at Spyglass.
EDITORIAL: Defending the First Amendment
With the rising of artificial intelligence, Spyglass's Editorial Board decided to prohibit the use of generative AI in all aspects of the Spyglass production. We will not use AI chatbots to produce writing, Design Team thumbnails, photo images, or to assist in editing within our newsroom.
EDITORIAL: Spyglass Says No to Artificial Intelligence
Credit: Jane K.
EDITORIAL: A Call for Leadership
“I Feel Like This Year Can't Go Wrong.” Junior and Senior 2025 Discovery Week Trip Announcements Spark Excitement and Buzz Among Students
“I Feel Like This Year Can’t Go Wrong.” Junior and Senior 2025 Discovery Week Trip Announcements Spark Excitement and Buzz Among Students
Screenshot of the cover slide for the WestFest info presentation.
Westridge Prepares to Host the First Annual WestFest, An Interdisciplinary Art Festival
Recently, students have not been wearing skirts along with the newly-allowed sweatpants. Each grade's class dean sent out an email following a discussion on October 14th to try to combat these violations of Westridge's uniform.
Uniform Violations Threaten Cozy December
Nia H. '27 (left) and Ta-Nehisi Coates (right). During the webinar, he, along with Westridge Junior Nia H. and Archer Senior Selah J., discussed the Black experience at private schools, where Black students largely remain underrepresented. (Photo Credits: Nia H., left. 2025 International Edinburgh Book Festival, right.)
Follow Along Junior Nia H. As She Co-Leads an Interview with Author and Activist Ta-Nehisi Coates
Actors in action behind the curtain during the Fall Play rehearsal.
Westridge Theatre Stages Never-Before-Seen Production: The Sisterhood or Sorority of Scientific Sisterly Science
On any given Thursday, the farmers’ market bustles with activity as smoke wafts up from the outdoor barbecues and bathes the entire street in a late-afternoon haze.
Culture, Community, and Convenience: The Beloved After-School Tradition of the South Pasadena Farmers’ Market
New action movie, One Battle After Another, can be seen anywhere, but only at the Vista in "VISTAVISION".
A Unique Joy: Three Independent Movie Theatres in Los Angeles You Need to Check Out
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
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
Both flag football (pictured above) and cross country have advanced to CIF Playoffs through automatic bids this season, with flag football doing so for the first time in the CIF flag football league's two-year history, and cross country doing so for the first time since 2007.
Both Flag Football and Cross Country Advance to CIF Playoffs: A Fall Sports Roundup
Varsity volleyball poses with seniors in front row after speeches.
Faculty Puts Up a Humorous Yet Passionate Fight Against Varsity Volleyball on Senior Night
Westridge's flag football team gathered before the game commenced.
Westridge Flag Football Makes it to CIFs for the Second Year in a Row
On September 29, the Westridge varsity volleyball played against Jurupa Valley High School. At the time, eight schools had forfeited against Jurupa Valley High School.
Westridge Varsity Volleyball Beat Jurupa Valley High School 3–0. How Come Nobody Wants to Talk About It?
From her office, Coach Alice Lee looks over a picture from the Tiger Tracks newsletter.
“Tiger Tracks” Newsletter Keeps Westridge Athletics on the Move
Halloween Etc. Section: A Suite
Halloween Etc. Section: A Suite
Halloween Movie Titles: Westridge Edition
Halloween Movie Titles: Westridge Edition
For the Class of 2027, junior year feels like a never-ending haunted maze.
Halloween Horror Stories: Westridge Junior Frights
Top Five Spookiest Westridge Themed Jack-O-Lanterns
Top Five Spookiest Westridge Themed Jack-O-Lanterns
Halloween Horrors: Scariest Situations on Campus
Halloween Horrors: Scariest Situations on Campus
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
On September 29, the Westridge varsity volleyball played against Jurupa Valley High School. At the time, eight schools had forfeited against Jurupa Valley High School.
Westridge Varsity Volleyball Beat Jurupa Valley High School 3–0. How Come Nobody Wants to Talk About It?
"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
  • November 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
All content by Ella B. ’25
The plaque inside Coach Horn's office that announces the naming of the "Melanie Horn Basketball Court." Besides it sit trophies, other plaques, and sports merch Coach Horn has collected over the years.

[Photo] After 30 Years of Empowering Young Women, Director of Athletics Melanie Horn Retires from Westridge

Ella B., Editor-In-Chief
May 24, 2025
Screenshots of some of the headlines of op-eds I've written in the past two years.

[Photo] OPINION: All the Op-Eds I Never Got to Write

Ella B., Editor-In-Chief
May 24, 2025
Want to truly impress your teachers with an end-of-year gift? Read this guide.

[Photo] Etc.: 5 Gifts to Give to Your Teacher that Won’t End Up In a Goodwill Next Year

Ella B., Editor-In-Chief
May 24, 2025
A picture of a student's screen while using Exam.net. While on the writing platform, students cannot receive messages, copy and paste, or screenshot.

[Photo] Westridge Responds to Generative AI’s Impact on Teaching and Learning

Ella B., Tanvi C., Karalim C., and Kristin C.
April 28, 2025
My furry friend, whose name I have already forgotten.

[Photo] Etc: My Trip to Chile in 8 Egregious Anecdotes

Ella B., Editor-In-Chief
April 26, 2025
Screenshot 2025-03-09 at 8.54.57 PM

[Photo] Opinion: Give All Discovery Week Trips A Chance

Ella B., Editor-In-Chief
March 8, 2025
A portion of my backyard burned in the fire—including my childhood trampoline.

[Photo] Opinion: What Losing the Places I Love Taught Me About Community

Ella B., Editor-In-Chief
January 30, 2025
A selfie of me with a cart full of pasta, cans, and other food items.

[Photo] OPINION: Four Years of Food Drives: Connecting with Service and the Class of 2025

Ella B., Editor-In-Chief
December 14, 2024
On Thursday, November 7, as students and faculty arrived at Westridge, they were met with an unexpected police presence. Pictured is the shattered glass door vandalized by the trespasser, alongside the police officer who responded to the scene.

[Photo] Unidentified Intruder Vandalizes Rothenberg Humanities Building in Early Morning

Ella B., Editor-In-Chief
November 16, 2024
The New York Times' homepage blasts "Trump's America." In the back, students work somberly in their Environmental Science and Engineering course, after their teacher, Ms. Michelle Amos, altered her cirriculum to serve as a student work-day, cognizant of student emotions after the election results came out.

[Photo] Westridge’s Upper School Mourns Kamala Harris’ Loss, Grapples With a Second Term for Donald Trump

Ella B. and Josie S.-J.
November 16, 2024
All of Middle School came together to identify their "Top 10 Scariest Scenarios."

[Photo] Top 10 Scariest Scenarios – Westridge Middle School Edition

Westridge Middle School
October 29, 2024
Click the links below to enjoy Carolina's Halloween-inspired playlist!

[Photo] Bewitched: Halloween Edition

Carolina H., Contributor
October 29, 2024
Holly N. '25 is a guest contributor for Spyglass and will be voting for the first time this November.

[Photo] OPINION: The Power of a Vote: Why My 18th Birthday Was All About Registration

Holly N.
October 5, 2024
The outside of the building. Faith C. '25 said, "The stench is horrendous.”

[Photo] After a Summer of Construction, Rothenberg Humanities Building’s Odor Persists

Ella B., Editor-In-Chief
October 5, 2024
Editor in Chief Ella B. '25

[Photo] Spyglass’ 2024–2025 Editorial Board

Gia S., Staff Writer and Copy Editor
May 19, 2024
A collection of some of the outfits we wore during our experiment.

[Photo] We Were Out of Uniform for 12 Days and Here’s What Happened

Ella B. and Mirella C.
May 19, 2024
To many on the Westridge campus, sustainability is of the utmost importance. Recent developments now make Westridge more environmentally-friendly.

[Photo] Earth Week is Over, But Sustainability is Still Going Strong at Westridge

Ella B. and Rebecca L.
May 18, 2024
Both pairs of sisters have played sports with each other before, but this year marks the first time each sibling duo have played together at Westridge.

[Photo] Sisterhood in Sports: Westridge Siblings Reflect on Their Athletic Journeys Together

Ella B., Editor-In-Chief
April 13, 2024
A group of Upper School students sit on the floor, excited to watch the eclipse.

[Photo] Westridge Embraces the Eclipse, Celebrates on Frank Field

Ella B., Editor-In-Chief
April 13, 2024
Westridge's Varsity Soccer team stands outside of In-N-Out, while wearing their hats.

[Photo] Win or Lose, Westridge Sports Make Memories at Traditional ‘In-N-Out Games’

Ella B., Editor-In-Chief
February 12, 2024
Upper School students sit together in the Hoffman Gymnasium to discuss the recent Monterey Park Shooting.

[Photo] Westridge Responds to Monterey Park Shooting

Ella B., Editor-In-Chief
February 6, 2023
In the Performing Arts Center (PAC), several of the World Cup matches have been shown. One notable game was between the United States and Iran, which resulted in a 1-0 win for the U.S., allowing them to advance into the round of 16. Students could be seen across PAC cheering on their respective teams.

[Photo] World Cup Fever Hits Westridge

Ella B., Editor-In-Chief
December 12, 2022
After many years eating in the Commons almost every day, I have come up with a pretty solid list of food combinations that you can get at the Commons.

[Photo] My Go-To Commons Combos That You Need to Try

Ella B., Editor-In-Chief
December 12, 2022
claudia1

[Photo] Bananas and Men in Black: Halloween Parade 2022

Ella B. and Amanda S.
November 7, 2022
Star golfer Julia W. '24 and coach Ryan Miranda high-five during Westridge's match against Buckley School.

[Photo] 4 Seasons Undefeated: What’s the Key to Varsity Golf’s Success?

Ella B., Editor-In-Chief
November 7, 2022
Freshman Micaela R. smiles after the Frosh volleyball team wins their first set of the year against Chadwick School.

[Photo] A Question for Each Fall Sports Team As the Season Ramps Up

Ella B., Editor-In-Chief
October 3, 2022
Westridge freshman and JV players (from left to right) Sofia K., Lilah R., Holly N., and Lindsay C. walk off the field after they defeated Polytechnic School 4-1. They ended the season undefeated.

[Photo] The Magical World of Junior Varsity Soccer

Ella B., Editor-In-Chief
February 14, 2022
Gabby C. '23 scores a goal from a free kick against Temple City High School.

[Photo] Winter Sports Round-Up: No Teams Advance to CIF Playoffs

Ariana E. and Ella B.
February 14, 2022
Load More Stories
Menu
Activate Search
Home
Ella B. '25