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
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Class of 2025 editorial board members—whose leadership, creativity, and bold ideas helped shape the voice of Spyglass—led with purpose and passion.
“Spicy, Opinionated, Brazen”: Spyglass Says Goodbye to Seniors
Confessions from the Class of 2025
Confessions from the Class of 2025
From top left to bottom right: Director of Upper School Dr. Melanie Arias, Administrative Assistant to Upper School Ms. Kali Spicer, Assistant Director of Upper School Ms. Kerri Epps, Upper School Dean of Student Support Ms. Bonnie Paiz Martinez (Valentina V.)
Community, Innovation, and Teamwork: Upper School Administration Reflects on First Year as a Team
This past year, the Los Feliz/Silverlake bus has faced multiple issues regarding the mechanics and sizing leaving students frustrated.
Nationwide Shortage of Bus Parts Impacts Westridge’s Los Feliz/Silverlake Bus
OPINION: Senior Spring Was Miserable. It Doesn’t Have to be That Way for Future Classes.
OPINION: Senior Spring Was Miserable. It Doesn’t Have to be That Way for Future Classes.
The permaculture garden in full bloom during the annual Open House, where students showcased a year’s worth of sustainability and design work.
Permaculture and Sustainable Building and Design Round Out the Year with Animal Friends at Annual Open House
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Spyglass staffer Lilah and her friends’ dresses hung up, ready to be worn.
Behind the Scenes: Westridge Prom Edition
Confessions from the Class of 2025
Confessions from the Class of 2025
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
OPINION: Senior Spring Was Miserable. It Doesn’t Have to be That Way for Future Classes.
OPINION: Senior Spring Was Miserable. It Doesn’t Have to be That Way for Future Classes.
During the Spyglass Senior Celebration, newly elected Editor-in-Chief Valentina V. '26 gave some thoughtful remarks about my time on Spyglass.
OPINION: Joining Spyglass as a Senior
The AI generated image hanging in Mudd.
OPINION: The Case for a Clear AI Policy at Westridge
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
Give me any microphone and I'll have an opinion to share with you. This article details the premises of some of the opinions I never got to write for Spyglass.
OPINION: All the Op-Eds I Never Got to Write
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
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
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
Sounds For State Street: Au revoir
Sounds For State Street: Au revoir
Going down the A Line, our next stop Historic Broadway.
Metro Stop Highlights: Historic Broadway
Going down the A Line, our next stop 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
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
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
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
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
Throughout the season, the players were able to create special bonds together as a team.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Sprinting Toward the Touchdown
An intense moment taken during the Quarter Final CIFs game against Oaks Christian, as a Westridge player shoots while under immense defensive pressure.
“We Wanted To Make History”
A collage graphic of Bennett, Micaela, and Teia competing in their respective events. All three champions have at least one year left in their athletics career at Westridge.
Three Individual Championships Carry Westridge to a Third Place Finish At Prep League Finals
Teia L. ’26 stands at the podium at CIF-SS Finals after winning third place in the entire division in pole vault.
A Spring Sports Recap: New School Records Made in Lacrosse and Track and Field
As both Coach Melanie Horn (left) and dance teacher Kashmir Blake are set to retire at the end of this school year after decades of service, the Westridge community is taking the time to honor their commitment and dedication to the school.
After 30 Years of Empowering Young Women, Director of Athletics Melanie Horn Retires from Westridge
Etc: 10 Things I’m Not Going To Miss When School Ends
Etc: 10 Things I’m Not Going To Miss When School Ends
Etc: Top 10 Relatable Headlines From Senior Spring
Etc: Top 10 Relatable Headlines From Senior Spring
Want to truly impress your teachers with an end-of-year gift? Read this guide.
Etc.: 5 Gifts to Give to Your Teacher that Won’t End Up In a Goodwill Next Year
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
"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
  • May 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
Ilena M.

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist

Ilena is passionate about stories— especially histories— good snacks, and bad puns. She has been on Spyglass for a very long time. Ilena is a senior.

All content by Ilena M.
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

Ilena M.
May 19, 2024
College Column: Oh, the Humanities!

College Column: Oh, the Humanities!

Ilena M. and Giuseppe D.
May 19, 2024
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!

The Backstory: The Pet That Truly Rocks

Ilena M.
February 12, 2024
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!

The Backstory: The True Meaning of Christmas in Beheading a Candy Pig

Ilena M.
December 11, 2023
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!

The Backstory: The Women Who Drove Auto Innovation

Ilena M., Contributor
November 13, 2023
A snapshot of Mr. Baldwin's email sent to families.

Discovery Week 2024 Announcement and Sign-Ups Raise Equity Concerns And Minimal Enthusiasm

Ilena M.
November 13, 2023
The Backstory: A Brief History of Underwear Through the Ages

The Backstory: A Brief History of Underwear Through the Ages

Ilena M. and Sabina P.
May 31, 2023
Spyglass Honors Its Seniors

Spyglass Honors Its Seniors

Ilena M.
May 30, 2023
Commuters getting on and off the North Hollywood metro at Union Station.

Who Needs Cars When You Have the Metro? The Appeal of L.A. Public Transits Outweighs the Cons for Local Riders

Lilah R. and Ilena M.
May 30, 2023

Click Here for April Editor’s Note

Ilena M.
April 24, 2023
Westridge alumnae of all ages gather to hear from 2023’s Distinguished Young Alumnae Award winner. (Katie L. ’27)

Alumnae Weekend Gave Me All The Westridge Feels

Ilena M.
April 23, 2023

Click Here for March Editor’s Note

Ilena M.
March 13, 2023
A Westridge Student’s Ode to Men

A Westridge Student’s Ode to Men

Ilena M.
March 13, 2023
Patrons line up to enter Octavia’s Bookshelf on opening day.

Community Stacks Up at Octavia’s Bookshelf

Ilena M.
March 13, 2023
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!

The Backstory: LA’s Long History of Blowing Things Out of the Sky & Out of Proportion

Ilena M.
March 13, 2023
Patrons line up to enter Octavia’s Bookshelf on opening day.

[Photo] Westridge Raises Questions About the Future of Artificial Intelligence in Education

Ella B. and Tanvi C.
March 13, 2023

Click Here for February Editor’s Note

Ilena M.
February 6, 2023
Octavia’s Bookshelf will soon open its doors.

A New Shero for Pasadena: Nikki High Opens Octavia’s Bookshelf

Ilena M.
February 6, 2023
Lunch with the Archer Oracle staff.

Spyglass Goes to St. Louis!

Ilena M., Eliza W., and Valentina V.
December 12, 2022
Students with learning differences can struggle without support in the classroom.

Accessing Academic Accommodations

Ilena M. and Kristin C.
December 12, 2022
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!

The Backstory: The Pig & Potato War

Ilena M.
December 12, 2022
Ilena’s Holiday Recipe: Honey-Olive Oil Granola

Ilena’s Holiday Recipe: Honey-Olive Oil Granola

Ilena M.
December 12, 2022

Click Here for December Editor’s Note

Ilena M.
December 12, 2022
Scary Places to Find Yourself on Halloween Night

Scary Places to Find Yourself on Halloween Night

Ilena M.
November 7, 2022

Click Here for November’s Editor’s Note!

Ilena M.
November 7, 2022
The Backstory: Hershey’s Happy Accidents & Flavorful Failures

The Backstory: Hershey’s Happy Accidents & Flavorful Failures

Ilena M.
November 7, 2022
The Backstory: A Moo-ving Story of Cow-lifornia

The Backstory: A Moo-ving Story of Cow-lifornia

Ilena M.
October 3, 2022
Click Here for October's Editor’s Note!

Click Here for October’s Editor’s Note!

Ilena M.
October 3, 2022
10th Grade History: A Love Story

10th Grade History: A Love Story

Ilena M.
October 3, 2022
What to Say When You Get Dress Coded

What to Say When You Get Dress Coded

Ilena M.
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
Fun with fruit trees in Mr. Libicki’s B-Block Algebra II class.

Westridge Says Goodbye to Mr. Libicki

Ilena M.
May 31, 2022

Click Here for May’s Editor’s Note!

Ilena M.
May 31, 2022
Loafing Around With Paleo Bread

Loafing Around With Paleo Bread

Ilena M., Mili L.-M., and Lauren C.
May 31, 2022
Advanced Knife Juggling 101 & Other Suggested Replacements to the AP Curriculum

Advanced Knife Juggling 101 & Other Suggested Replacements to the AP Curriculum

Ilena M.
March 21, 2022
A Spyglass Guide to Civic Engagement

A Spyglass Guide to Civic Engagement

Katie S. and Ilena M.
February 14, 2022

Top 10 Suggestions for Feeling Less Single On Valentine’s Day

Ilena M.
February 14, 2022
Top Ten Tips to Dress like Dr. Kelly

Top Ten Tips to Dress like Dr. Kelly

Ilena M. and Lauren C.
February 14, 2022
Scallion Pancakes

Scallion Pancakes

Ilena M.
December 13, 2021
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!

The Backstory: How Weird Clothes Brightened Up the Dark Ages

Ilena M.
December 13, 2021
Andrea Kassar

Andrea Kassar’s Week At Westridge: “An abstract excitement became a really real excitement.”

Ilena M.
December 13, 2021
Places To Find Candy On Campus

Places To Find Candy On Campus

Ilena M. and Lucia P.
October 31, 2021
Screen-Shot-2021-10-31-at-12.20.07-PM

[Photo] Imagined Conversations With Weird Neighbors While Trick-Or-Treating

Eliza W., Daria H., and Verena W.
October 31, 2021
James Evans

What’s That British Guy Doing On Campus?

Ilena M.
October 4, 2021
Humans of Westridge: Heidi R. '24

Humans of Westridge: Heidi R. ’24

Ilena M., Managing Editor
October 4, 2021
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!

The Backstory: Some Fangtastic Suggestions for Warding Off Vampires, Brought to You By Classic European Literature

Ilena M.
October 4, 2021
Remote Learning Forces Teachers to Rethink Assessments

Remote Learning Forces Teachers to Rethink Assessments

Nitya C. and Ilena M.
May 21, 2021
The Backstory: How Monopoly Helped Prisoners of War Get Out of Jail Free

The Backstory: How Monopoly Helped Prisoners of War Get Out of Jail Free

Ilena M.
May 16, 2021
Westridge students gather for a Tiger Week class. Even when used recreationally, videoconferencing is often still mentally draining.

The Ups and Downs of Zoom Culture

Ilena M.
April 12, 2021
The beginning of high school brought with it a very __ need for emotional reassurance in the form of baked goods. On good days, that manifested itself in the form of homemade crepes, which made me gasp in horror at the realization of just how much butter goes into __ food, then shrug and eat twelve. When I didn’t have that kind of ambition, it was jarred whipped cream in a pre-made pie crust -- which I can’t say is too bad at all. And when we couldn’t get our typical honey-laden baklava from a local bakery for the Jewish New Year, I decided to keep up the tradition by brewing homemade cinnamon syrup and experimenting with phyllo dough for the first time. It was a little chewy, and it didn’t cook through until ten o'clock at night, but when I sat around in my pajamas at midnight, it tasted like victory.

Etc: Valentine’s Day Edition

Ilena M. and Spyglass Staff
March 1, 2021
Some Appropriately Professional, Non-Invasive Valentines For Teachers

Some Appropriately Professional, Non-Invasive Valentines For Teachers

Ilena M.
March 1, 2021

Suggested Artisanal Ice Cream Flavors for Valentines Day

Ilena M.
March 1, 2021
Fascinating Facts About Valentine’s Day You Never Knew You Needed to Know

Fascinating Facts About Valentine’s Day You Never Knew You Needed to Know

Ilena M. and Katie X.
February 28, 2021
The Backstory: Three Historical Couples Who Didn't Start Wars, End Empires, Or Marry Their Cousins

The Backstory: Three Historical Couples Who Didn’t Start Wars, End Empires, Or Marry Their Cousins

Ilena M.
February 28, 2021
The Abraham Lincoln

Alternative Ways to Wear Masks: A Photo Essay

Ilena M.
January 29, 2021
In Online School, Mental Health is Hurting: How Do We Move Forward?

In Online School, Mental Health is Hurting: How Do We Move Forward?

Ilena M.
December 8, 2020
Column: The Backstory: 3 Female Pirates Who Swashbuckled Their Way Into History

Column: The Backstory: 3 Female Pirates Who Swashbuckled Their Way Into History

Ilena M.
December 4, 2020
If all else fails, turn off your video and conk out on your keyboard.

Tuesday: A How-to Guide

Ilena M.
November 5, 2020
Column: The Backstory: Häagen-Dazs; A Story of Immigration, Entrepreneurship, and... Ice Cream?

Column: The Backstory: Häagen-Dazs; A Story of Immigration, Entrepreneurship, and… Ice Cream?

Ilena M.
November 1, 2020

Finding Connection Through the Mundane: My Covid Summer

Ilena M.
October 12, 2020
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Opinion: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, My Jewish Feminist Hero

Ilena M.
October 11, 2020

When STEM is Forced on Girls

Ilena M.
May 1, 2020
(clockwise from left) The author talks with Gia M. ‘27, eighth-grader Sydney W., and Sylvie S. J. ‘24

Lower & Middle School Remember Ms. V.

Ilena M.
April 24, 2020

8 Fun Activities To Keep the Crazy Out of Quarantine

Ilena M.
April 17, 2020
Sophia L.

Presidential Elections & Peanut Butter Cups: What Westridge Has to Say About the Year Ahead (Kinda)

Ilena M.
February 18, 2020
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Ilena M.