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
Reed D.

Reed D., Editor, Website Manager/Designer

Reed is a senior, and this is her fifth year on Spyglass and her third year juggling her roles as Editor, Website Manager, and Website Designer. Outside of writing for Spyglass, you can find her studying (or busy curating Spotify playlists) in a cafe, crocheting, thrifting, and spending time with her 8 pet chickens.

All content by Reed D.
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.

Reed D., Ella B., Tanvi C., and Mirella C.
May 26, 2025
Trump Administration’s Funding Threats Complicate Seniors’ College Decisions

Trump Administration’s Funding Threats Complicate Seniors’ College Decisions

Sophene A. and Reed D.
April 27, 2025
College Column: Home, After All

College Column: Home, After All

Reed D.
April 26, 2025
Holiday Recipe: Ginger Molasses Cookies

Holiday Recipe: Ginger Molasses Cookies

Reed D.
December 15, 2024
Dr. M: Latin Teacher and Style Icon

Dr. M: Latin Teacher and Style Icon

Reed D.
December 15, 2024
View inside Jones Coffee's South Pasadena from the staircase

Community in a Cup at Jones Coffee Roasters

Reed D.
October 5, 2024
Website Manager Reed D. '25

[Photo] Spyglass’ 2024–2025 Editorial Board

Gia S.
May 19, 2024
An inside-view of Hodgson's Antiques on a sunny, spring day. Its location on Mission Street in South Pasadena, only a short walk away from Westridge, makes it a prime destination for an after-school outing.

Hodgson’s Antiques: A Time Capsule of Nostalgia in South Pasadena

Reed D.
April 14, 2024
The recent reversal of test-optional admissions policies made by several of the nation's most influential college institutions stirs up a whirlwind of emotions as current high schoolers adapt to an ever-changing college admissions landscape.

The Dartmouth Domino-Effect: More Elite Institutions Reinstate Test-Required Admissions Policies

Reed D.
April 14, 2024
10 Indie Love Songs for Valentine’s Day

10 Indie Love Songs for Valentine’s Day

Reed D.
February 12, 2024
Copy of Westridge Welcomes New Faculty

[Photo] Highlights from Westridge Class of ’23’s First Semester in College

Lily C.
February 12, 2024
Painting depicting Lupercalia celebrations (Wiki Commons).

Ancient Lupercalia: My Bloody Valentine, Indeed!

Reed D.
February 12, 2024
(PC: Reed D.)

Holiday Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Cake

Reed D.
December 11, 2023
Io, Io, Io, Merry Saturnalia!

Io, Io, Io, Merry Saturnalia!

Reed D., Editor
December 11, 2023
HBD to the PSL: The Pumpkin Spice Latte Turns 20

HBD to the PSL: The Pumpkin Spice Latte Turns 20

Reed D.
November 13, 2023
Screenshot of comments regarding Erewhon’s opening on Pasadena’s Nextdoor, 9/20/2023

Opinion: Erewhon: “Nowhere” I Want To Be

Reed D.
October 2, 2023
This June, 10 Westridge students and two faculty members embarked on a 10-day trip to Ireland as a part of Westridge's Summer Global Art Program.

Testimonies from Westridge’s Summer Global Art Program in Ireland

Ella B. and Reed D.
October 2, 2023
Westridge Summer Global Art Program Takes on Ireland

Westridge Summer Global Art Program Takes on Ireland

Ella B. and Reed D.
October 2, 2023
A stack of papers, a binder, and a laptop take the place of food on the plate. For many students at Westridge, lunch time is used for everything but eating.

The Westridge Diet: Is Serving Up Activities Instead of Food at Lunch Normalizing Disordered Eating on Campus?

Reed D.
October 2, 2023
Dr. Lexie Kovach

Westridge Alumna Interview: Lexie Kovach, M.D. ’99

Reed D.
May 29, 2023
An illustration showcasing an array of athletic equipment. (Bellamy S.)

Op-Ed: Westridge Needs to Rethink the P.E. Credit System

Reed D.
April 24, 2023
Where Does Tuition Money Go? A Guide to Westridge’s Budget

Where Does Tuition Money Go? A Guide to Westridge’s Budget

Reed D. and Katie S.
February 6, 2023
Ditch Ugly Cards for Tasteful Handmade Valentines

Ditch Ugly Cards for Tasteful Handmade Valentines

Reed D.
February 6, 2023
A collection of celebrities who died at 27.

Why Do So Many Celebrities Die at 27?

Reed D.
February 6, 2023
Thrifting is so fun! Sometimes you find clothes, sometimes you find naked dolls!

Op-Ed: It’s Time to Denormalize Overconsumption and Fast Fashion

Reed D.
December 12, 2022
Reed's Holiday Recipe: Molasses Cookies

Reed’s Holiday Recipe: Molasses Cookies

Reed D.
December 12, 2022
4 Back-To-School Tips and Tricks

4 Back-To-School Tips and Tricks

Reed D.
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
Five Independent Local Coffee Shops to Visit From a Diehard Coffee Drinker

Five Independent Local Coffee Shops to Visit From a Diehard Coffee Drinker

Reed D.
May 31, 2022
Oddball Week of Remote Learning Causes Westridge Community to Reflect on the Pandemic

Oddball Week of Remote Learning Causes Westridge Community to Reflect on the Pandemic

Reed D.
February 14, 2022
Thin Mint Ice Cream Pie

Thin Mint Ice Cream Pie

Reed D.
December 13, 2021
Avoid the Shipping Crisis with Handmade Holiday Gifts

Avoid the Shipping Crisis with Handmade Holiday Gifts

Reed D.
December 13, 2021
Westridge removes the ISEE requirement from applications to promote diveristy, equity, and inclusion in the admissons process.

Westridge Goes Test-Blind. What Does This Mean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?

Reed D. and Hailey T.
December 13, 2021
Humans of Westridge: Brooklyn P. ’25

Humans of Westridge: Brooklyn P. ’25

Reed D.
November 8, 2021
As part of Westridge's protocol, Westridge students wearing masks on Convocation. (@westridgeschool)

2021-22 School Year Ushers in a New Normal, Covid-Style

Reed D.
October 4, 2021
Make Your Own Valentine’s Day Meme Cards

Make Your Own Valentine’s Day Meme Cards

Sophene A., Ella B., and Reed D.
March 1, 2021
My mom, brother, and I standing outside of Philz last May

Opinion: Why I Love Philz Coffee + Five Drinks to Order

Reed D.
February 15, 2021
Mia G. ‘25 standing in front of piles of donated breakfast cereal

All-School Food Drive Triumphs Against All Odds

Reed D.
January 19, 2021
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Reed D.