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
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
Hope in Action's official logo.
Westridge Seniors Turn Hope into Action by Giving Back to Immigrant Communities
An old, sun-bleached American flag hangs in front of the Main Hall building.
Faculty Seek to Preserve Student Opportunities Despite Uncertainty Amidst Trump’s Policies
The international college journey begins for Westridge alumna Lily Johnson ’25 who is attending university in Scotland!
Adventure, Lower Costs, and an Escape: the International College Thrill for Westridge Students
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
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
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.
The album cover to "Who's the Clown."
REVIEW: It’s Messy, It’s Awkward, and It’s Authentically Audrey
The cast of IVRT's Newsies doing silly poses. (DawnEllen Ferry)
OPINION: If You Love It, Go For It.
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.
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
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
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
Pancakes. Coffee. Croissants. Matcha. To many Westridge Upper School students, eating breakfast plays a large role in their morning routine, as well as having health benefits. Here’s a look into what some students’ breakfast plates look like!
What Does Breakfast Look like for Westridge Upper School students?
ASB and Admin Push for an Increase in Spirit, Expanding Community Engagement and Support
ASB and Admin Push for an Increase in Spirit, Expanding Community Engagement and Support
The Westridge community gathers on the Quad on Convocation morning.
How Head of School and ASB President Prepared their 2025 Convocation Speeches to Bring Perspective and Excitement for the New Year
Headlines from national media coverage reflect the divided response to Charlie Kirk’s death, ranging from tributes to indifference.
Death of Conservative Activist Leaves Students Shocked and Morally Conflicted
The Commons Gets A New Layout
The Commons Gets A New Layout
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
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
After 3 Years of Trailblazing Passion, Coach Nick Moves on From Westridge
After 3 Years of Trailblazing Passion, Coach Nick Moves on From Westridge
The Tigers pose with the iconic Westridge “W” hand sign after winning the Webb Tournament.
Westridge Varsity Volleyball Wins the Webb Tournament for the Second Year in A Row
The Tigers build friendships during practice, which contributes to their ability to work efficiently as a team during game.
“The Best Way to Play is to Play as a Team.” Westridge Flag Football Bounces Back with Several Wins After Initial Loss
On September 2, junior Jadyn M. verbally committed to the application process of Harvard University.
“I’ve Just Been Waiting for this Moment My Whole Life.”
Throughout the season, the players were able to create special bonds together as a team.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Sprinting Toward the Touchdown
As the Class of 2027 navigates their way through the challenges of junior year, we are here to share our top 10 moments of when you know you are in a junior slump.
You Know You’re in Your Junior Slump When…
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
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
"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
  • September 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., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
College Column: Oh, the Humanities!

College Column: Oh, the Humanities!

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

The Backstory: The Pet That Truly Rocks

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!

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

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!

The Backstory: The Women Who Drove Auto Innovation

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
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., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
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.
Spyglass Honors Its Seniors

Spyglass Honors Its Seniors

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

Click Here for April Editor’s Note

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

Click Here for March Editor’s Note

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
A Westridge Student’s Ode to Men

A Westridge Student’s Ode to Men

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
Patrons line up to enter Octavia’s Bookshelf on opening day.

Community Stacks Up at Octavia’s Bookshelf

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

Click Here for February Editor’s Note

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
Octavia’s Bookshelf will soon open its doors.

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

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
Lunch with the Archer Oracle staff.

Spyglass Goes to St. Louis!

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

Accessing Academic Accommodations

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

The Backstory: The Pig & Potato War

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
Ilena’s Holiday Recipe: Honey-Olive Oil Granola

Ilena’s Holiday Recipe: Honey-Olive Oil Granola

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

Click Here for December Editor’s Note

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
Scary Places to Find Yourself on Halloween Night

Scary Places to Find Yourself on Halloween Night

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

Click Here for November’s Editor’s Note!

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
The Backstory: Hershey’s Happy Accidents & Flavorful Failures

The Backstory: Hershey’s Happy Accidents & Flavorful Failures

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
The Backstory: A Moo-ving Story of Cow-lifornia

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

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
Click Here for October's Editor’s Note!

Click Here for October’s Editor’s Note!

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
10th Grade History: A Love Story

10th Grade History: A Love Story

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
What to Say When You Get Dress Coded

What to Say When You Get Dress Coded

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
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.
Fun with fruit trees in Mr. Libicki’s B-Block Algebra II class.

Westridge Says Goodbye to Mr. Libicki

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

Click Here for May’s Editor’s Note!

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
Loafing Around With Paleo Bread

Loafing Around With Paleo Bread

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

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

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
A Spyglass Guide to Civic Engagement

A Spyglass Guide to Civic Engagement

Katie S. and Ilena M.

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

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
Top Ten Tips to Dress like Dr. Kelly

Top Ten Tips to Dress like Dr. Kelly

Ilena M. and Lauren C.
Scallion Pancakes

Scallion Pancakes

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
The Backstory is a column celebrating fun and forgotten history!

The Backstory: How Weird Clothes Brightened Up the Dark Ages

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

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

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
Places To Find Candy On Campus

Places To Find Candy On Campus

Ilena M. and Lucia P.
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.
James Evans

What’s That British Guy Doing On Campus?

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
Humans of Westridge: Heidi R. '24

Humans of Westridge: Heidi R. ’24

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
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., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
Remote Learning Forces Teachers to Rethink Assessments

Remote Learning Forces Teachers to Rethink Assessments

Nitya C. and Ilena M.
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., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
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., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
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
Some Appropriately Professional, Non-Invasive Valentines For Teachers

Some Appropriately Professional, Non-Invasive Valentines For Teachers

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

Suggested Artisanal Ice Cream Flavors for Valentines Day

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
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.
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., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
The Abraham Lincoln

Alternative Ways to Wear Masks: A Photo Essay

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
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., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
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., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
If all else fails, turn off your video and conk out on your keyboard.

Tuesday: A How-to Guide

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

Finding Connection Through the Mundane: My Covid Summer

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Opinion: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, My Jewish Feminist Hero

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

When STEM is Forced on Girls

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

8 Fun Activities To Keep the Crazy Out of Quarantine

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

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

Ilena M., Editor, Former Editor in Chief, Columnist
Load More Stories
Menu
Activate Search
Home
Ilena M.