“You’re taking AP Chem? Wow, I could never do that!” This is the reaction I often receive when my peers hear about advanced classes centered around STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEM has earned an infamous reputation for scaring students away — the seemingly endless stream of calculations and complex reasoning can feel almost impossible to navigate,...

  The death of renowned actress Michelle Trachtenberg (known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl) on February 26th sent shockwaves among drama lovers and Y2K fanatics, many West High students among them. Trachtenberg is best remembered as the dynamic antagonist for many of her appearances, notorious for stirring the pot using her manipulative and cunning personality. The legacy...

  The existence of a universal creator has sparked debates since the beginning of mankind. From Darwin’s Theory of Evolution to the Big Bang Theory to various religious scriptures, people around the world hold different beliefs regarding the concept of a creator. For many students at West High, religion is held in high esteem, and their desire to share their beliefs is apparent in clubs such as...

   The lights dim as West High’s speech and debate captain Ayleen Zavala (12) walks onstage with a binder in hand, giving an overview of an oral interpretation. Members of the speech and debate program highlighted their passion, bravery, and wit behind speaking into a microphone, whether it was in two-on-two debates, impromptu speeches, or oral interpretations.     Zavala’s speech highlighting...

   Standardized testing: roadblocks in the lives of various students. Tests such as the SAT and ACT determine their skills in mathematics and literary techniques. As students prepare for these tests, it’s easy to be overwhelmed, struggling to comprehend the topics necessary to perform well. However, this guide will provide key steps to help you navigate your testing journey.    The SAT and...

  Mental fatigue, overconsumption of short-form content, and drastic changes in attention span— if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, I am sorry to report that you have the condition “brain rot.” Brain rot is the common slang term accounting for the daily overconsumption of seemingly shallow, mindless content for the sake of entertainment. With the rise of social media, countless...

   The Grammys. A giant awards ceremony celebrating the monumental achievements of musical talents. On February 2, 2025, this year’s Grammy Awards Celebration was a large milestone for the music industry. It showcased a reflection of 2024 and the artists making it so great.     The Grammy Awards, initially introduced in 1959, were formed to annually recognize major achievements within the...