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
All content by Verena W.
Remembering Anna Bondoc 1969-2023

Remembering Anna Bondoc 1969-2023

Verena W.
October 2, 2023
Playing Mahjong with my family at the Air Bnb.

[Photo] The Chinese New Year that Gifted me a Sense of Home after a Natural Disaster

Verena W.
May 31, 2022
Mei Mei as a Red Panda Pictured with Her Mom and Tyler (Right) and Friends (Left) Miriam, Priya, and Abby (Left to Right).

What Turning Red Taught Me About Embracing Imperfection

Verena W.
May 31, 2022
Oxtail Tomato Noodle Soup

Oxtail Tomato Noodle Soup

Verena W.
December 13, 2021
​​Ms. T posing behind her work at her exhibit opening of “A Recurrent Retreat” in the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

Painting With A Purpose: Lower School Art Teacher Val Trimarchi’s New Exhibit Highlights Optimism and Overcoming Obstacles

Verena W.
December 13, 2021
A photo of Ms. T and late friend, Regine (left) and Acrylic on Canvas Painting of “Italian Hills” (center) by Ms. T from “A Recurrent Retreat” Exhibit at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

Ms. T (right) helping out a student (left) in her classroom

Ms. T’s Workspace in her Classroom

Ms. T’s Workspace in her Classroom

Acrylic on Canvas Painting of “Blue Umbrellas” by Ms. T from “A Recurrent Retreat” Exhibit at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

Watercolor Painting of “Pink Chair” from “A Recurrent Retreat” Exhibit at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

Acrylic on Canvas Paintings of “Dancing Crowd” (left) and “Wine Country Glow” (right) from “A Recurrent Retreat” Exhibit at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

Acrylic on Canvas Painting of “Cloud Shadows” from “A Recurrent Retreat” Exhibit at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

Group of Small Sketches, from“A Recurrent Retreat” Exhibit at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

Description of Ms. T’s exhibition, “A Recurrent Retreat” Exhibit at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

Acrylic on Canvas Painting of “Dive in” from “A Recurrent Retreat” Exhibit at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

A photo of Ms. T and late friend, Regine at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

“A Recurrent Retreat” Exhibit at the South Pasadena Arts Council Gallery

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
As the First Month of School Comes to an End, Students Reflect on Their Mental Health

As the First Month of School Comes to an End, Students Reflect on Their Mental Health

Verena W.
October 4, 2021
Ninth Grade English Class with Ms. Bondoc

New Teachers Reflect on the Past Year of Remote Learning and the Resilience of the Westridge Community

Verena W. and Hannah W.
May 16, 2021
“Can YOU Save Spring Break: The Escape Room” Photo Credits: Verena W.

Tiger Week: A New Experience For Teachers and Students

Verena W. and Sabina P.
April 26, 2021
Photo Credits: Samantha C.

Opinion: One Year of My Dad Working on the Frontlines

Verena W.
March 1, 2021
Valentine’s Day Haikus

Valentine’s Day Haikus

Jacqueline Y. and Verena W.
March 1, 2021
Greek and Roman families share their self-portraits during Wednesday’s festivities. (Photo Credits: Verena W.)

Virtual Love Your Body Week Gives Students an Opportunity to Share their Voices

Jacqueline Y. and Verena W.
March 1, 2021
The New Renovated Lower School Playground Photo Credits: Kim Kerscher

Lower School Playground Renovation Highlights the Importance of Community

Verena W.
December 4, 2020
Westridge Welcomes Anna Bondoc

Westridge Welcomes Anna Bondoc

Verena W.
October 11, 2020
IMG_0651

Eighth Graders Support and Cheer Each Other On During the 60 Second Sermons

Verena W.
April 17, 2020
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