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
Best of Spyglass
Best of Spyglass
Lower Schoolers gather in the library for a 35-minute set block dedicated to reading. During this time, students are able to enjoy time in the library with their friends.
PHOTO ESSAY: Reading Around Campus
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Annual Spyglass Senior Survey
Though many students have found community in off-campus sports, these commitments are often more time consuming, with less attention and support being given to them on campus than athletes for Westridge teams.
Missing the Mark
At 7:50 a.m., the State Street Lot is still barely filled, mostly with teachers cars, before the true chaos of the lot is reached.
“Please Give Me an Actual, Normal-Sized Parking Space!”
Back in 2018, I stood outside the Pasadena IPIC along with eight other third graders. This past February, the IPIC movie chain filed for bankruptcy.
OPINION: Go to the Movies!
Humans of Westridge: Writer, Filmmaker, and Model Zephyrine L. ‘27
Humans of Westridge: Writer, Filmmaker, and Model Zephyrine L. ‘27
As Holocaust survivors pass from living memory into history, their stories are entrusted to the next generation—hands that must carry what voices soon cannot.
The Last Generation to be Heard: Honoring Holocaust Survivor Gabriella Karin
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
My painting that hung in my synagogue for nearly two years as a tribute to Rabbi Aimee Gerace. At the time, I believed the painting marked an ending. It was my attempt to preserve Rabbi Aimee’s warmth, faith, and ability to bring light to others even in difficult moments. I did not yet know how deeply I would return to that image of light in the months ahead.
Rekindling Hope: My Painting Survived a Devastating Synagogue Fire and Became a Symbol of Faith and Resilience
The official album cover for The Great Divide, which explores distance, memory, and the space between past and present.
REVIEW: “The Great Divide” Finds Noah Kahan in the Space Between
Back in 2018, I stood outside the Pasadena IPIC along with eight other third graders. This past February, the IPIC movie chain filed for bankruptcy.
OPINION: Go to the Movies!
The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act's official movie poster featuring the characters from the series and it's highlighting the show's finale.
Animation Is Evolving: How Indie Animation Is Becoming More Relevant
The performative male starter pack--to deliver that soft, feminine look.
OPINION:  We Are All Performative, And That’s OK
Humans of Westridge: Writer, Filmmaker, and Model Zephyrine L. ‘27
Humans of Westridge: Writer, Filmmaker, and Model Zephyrine L. ‘27
“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
Westridge is the one and only high school experience we will have. Why not make the most out of it by creating the most supportive and loving community possible?
EDITORIAL: Let’s Love, Westridge
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
Members of Taiwanese Affinity and I at our booth. Most of our 25 person affinity stopped by to help out throughout the night.
Behind the Scenes of Taiwanese Affinity at the 2026 WPA Night Market
Flamenco Arroyo Performs for Westridge Spanish Students For The First Time Since 2017
Flamenco Arroyo Performs for Westridge Spanish Students For The First Time Since 2017
Westridge in Bloom: Explore Nature Around Campus
Westridge in Bloom: Explore Nature Around Campus
Art show poster by Zoe G. '27.
The Spring Art Show, Convergence, Celebrates All Forms and Levels of Visual Art Offered in Upper and Middle School
On April 28th, the American Red Cross transforms the Westridge Dance Studio into a blood donation center.
Helping To Save Lives: Westridge Hosts Annual Blood Drive With the American Red Cross
REVIEW: Matcha Map. Review of Five Popular Matcha Spots in Pasadena
REVIEW: Matcha Map. Review of Five Popular Matcha Spots in Pasadena
While on an almost 300-foot expedition vessel for two weeks going around the Antarctic Peninsula, Julia K. ’27 saw penguins, conducted microplastic research, and learned more about the environment. “I knew that climate change was a big issue, but I didn't realize how big an issue microplastics were for somewhere as remote as Antarctica,” she said.
From Pasadena To the Edge of the World: Julia K. ’27 Takes On Antarctica
Even on an early Sunday morning, Salted Butter is packed with people.
Pasadena’s Sweet Spot: Our Honest Review of The Salted Butter Company
Avery Colvert and her mom, Lauren Sandidge, Altadena Girls co-founder and president, at the opening of the Altadena Girls community center. In just over a year, Altadena Girls has provided over 1.2 million essential items and served 3,500 girls and their families.
“Peak Girlhood.” Altadena Girls Founder Avery Colvert on Crisis, Community, and Success
A community center for Altadena residents, the 37 year old family owned restaurant, Fair Oaks Burger, stands in the corner of Calaveras and Fair Oaks.
Fair Oaks Burger Continues Serving for the Altadena Community
Five Westridge Community Members share their stories after a year since the Eaton and Palisades Fire
One Year Later—Five Westridge Community Members and How the Eaton and Palisades Fires Changed Their Lives Forever
Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, continues to advocate for survivors over a year after the fire.
Joy Chen, Executive Director of Eaton Fire Survivors Network, Continues Her Advocacy for Altadena
In the mountains of Altadena between Marengo Ave and Loma Alta Dr, residents can overlook the skyline where business and home rebuilds continue.
Westridge Remembers One Year After the Eaton Fire
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
Jenna Wong coaches her Varsity Volleybal team during Dig Pink night.
Coach Jenna Wong Steps Into New Department Role as Assistant Athletics Director
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."
Lacrosse Advances to CIF-SS Semifinals, Making Westridge History for the Second Year in a Row
Westridge Lacrosse sets new school records, reaching CIF Semifinals for the first time in Westridge history.
Spring Sports Recap: Lacrosse Makes History as CIF-SS Semifinalists; Track and Field Secures Two Prep League Individual Championships
Coach Alice Lee has led multiple major changes to Westridge Athletics within just one year of taking on the position of Athletics Director. Prior to Westridge, Coach Alice coached the Women’s Lacrosse Team at Williams College for eight years.
“The Athletes Deserve This. Truly.” Here Are All the Changes Athletics Director Coach Alice Lee Brought To Westridge in Her First Year
Though many students have found community in off-campus sports, these commitments are often more time consuming, with less attention and support being given to them on campus than athletes for Westridge teams.
Missing the Mark
Meeting in the Middle: How Music Connects Freshman and Junior year
Meeting in the Middle: How Music Connects Freshman and Junior year
Match the Teacher with the Water Bottle!
Match the Teacher with the Water Bottle!
Coming to the end of the year, it feels as if the months have passed us by. If that means your grades are less-than-optimal, by all means, try these spells, secret tricks, and salamis.
No Finals to Get Your Grade Up? Try These Mystical Magical Hacks
Senior ditch day: according to the seniors, everything went exactly as planned.
Senior Ditch Day: An Underclassman’s Field Guide
Upper Schoolers: if you want a unique, insightful, and potentially useful course next year, check out the Course Catalog for any of these courses; sure to make your year more fun.
SATIRE: Recommendations for New Courses
(Left to right) Masami Hansen, Emma Ho'o, Zanita Kelly, and Farrell Heydorff at a Westridge School event.
From the Commons to the Courtroom: Emma Ho’o, Lower and Middle School Coordinator, to Leave for Law School
Students gather in the gym at the start of a Tigers, Stripes, and Cubs meeting searching for their group.
This Year Middle School Students Join Tigers and Cubs as “Stripes.” Students Left Feeling Unenthused and Underwhelmed
Ms. Irish poses at her desk in the office shared by the Cultural and American Studies teachers of the Middle School.
The Westridge Community Says Goodbye to Ms. Jennifer Irish After 15 Years
COMIC: A Guide To The Middle School Play
COMIC: A Guide To The Middle School Play
Lanterne celebration in German culture; the writer at age seven.
Hola, Hello, Guten Tag!
Before a question is asked or a conversation begins, there’s often a brief pause—students deciding whether to say ‘Ms.,’ ‘Dr.,’ or a first name. That small uncertainty reflects something larger: a culture where respect isn’t defined by a single rule, but shaped through individual preference, context, and mutual understanding.
By Any Other Name: How the Way We Address Faculty Reflects School Culture
The players of Edmonton Oilers entering the rink.
OPINION: Stop Pucking Around. It’s More Than A Bad Joke
In the mountains of Altadena between Marengo Ave and Loma Alta Dr, residents can overlook the skyline where business and home rebuilds continue.
Westridge Remembers One Year After the Eaton Fire
When Ms. Shang arrived in the United States in 2012, she applied for permanent residency and fell in love with America’s culture of freedom and exploration, prompting her to consider obtaining her citizenship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, she is holding her official certificate during the citizenship ceremony.
“I Never Felt So Proud of Myself in My Life.” Middle and Upper School Mandarin Teacher Lily Shang Obtains U.S. Citizenship
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?
  • Happy Summer!! See You in the Fall!
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.
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Ilena M.