The School Newspaper of West High School

West Signals
The School Newspaper of West High School

West Signals
The School Newspaper of West High School

West Signals
News
West High’s Giving Day was a total success. Twenty-seven thousand dollars were fundraised all thanks to everyone who donated and participated. “It’s a blessing to be at this school and it’s nice to know we are so well supported by the community,” Coach Butler expressed.
West High's Giving Day
Luciana Gonzalez, Staff Writer • May 27, 2022

   What better way to start May than with Warrior Pride? On May 4 and 5, West High had a goal of fundraising “24k in 24 hours” to renovate the weight...

Therapy dogs are on campus during AP testing week to encourage students and improve their mental health. In light of mental health awareness month, the presence of these dogs reminded students and staff of the importance of mental health and became a beacon of light during stressful times. As Ms. Sophie Meagher of The Alliance of Therapy Dogs said, its easy to see peoples face light up when they see [the dogs].
Therapy Dogs on Campus!
Sarah Han, Staff Writer • May 18, 2022
WHS Dance runs through their perfected performances after adapting to last minute changes. Despite the added difficulty, choreographer Ray Pham (11) expressed, “Everyone has been trying their best to overcome these challenges and it’s been amazing to see the team work harder than ever!” The dancers successfully persevered through all of their troubles, bringing another spectacular show to the West High Performing Arts Center.
How WHS Dance “Continued to Thrive” Through May Show
Elise Fauni, Staff Writer • May 16, 2022
Students line up in front of the library at 12:30 p.m. on May 3 for their AP Psychology exam. They awaited check-in with their ID, #2 pencils, and black or blue pens ready! Photo by Kate Phan.
How West High Studied For Their AP Exams
Kate Phan, Staff Writer • May 12, 2022
As teacher appreciation week is underway, students are seen showing their love and appreciation for all teachers. With everyone back in school this year, we are able to show how much we really appreciate our teachers by giving gifts, cards, signs, etc. Student Gaby Nieraeth (11) shared her thoughts on the amount of appreciation teachers get, explaining, “I think teachers definitely do not get enough credit for everything they do.”
We Love Our Teachers!
Luciana Gonzalez, Staff Writer • May 9, 2022
West High’s Tutorial Club and National Honors Society partner to make tutoring more accessible to students. Ms. Kim shared, “Seeing tutoring in action is such a treat because the students genuinely want to learn and the tutors truly want to help their peers.” Tutoring is open to all students during lunch and after school at the library.
Tutoring with Tutorial Club and National Honor Society
Sarah Han, Staff Writer • May 5, 2022
Sports
Seniors from the volleyball team wear celebratory leis on their shoulders with posters in hand. Players celebrated their win as they walked down a line and posed for photos with loved ones. “I’m grateful for the time we’ve had together,” said senior Jason Irie.
West Victorious at Senior Night Volleyball Game
Sophia Yoshimura, Staff Writer • May 10, 2022

   Watch out, a triple block wall coming your way! Will you go for it? Pass? Or will you feint a shot and throw off the blockers? The audience peers in anticipation! It’s moments like these that are...

After one year the South Bay Champs Track and Field meet is back, and the athletes sprang into action in all events. The Warriors competed against teams from all over Los Angeles County, and it turned out as a great success with West coming home with 1st place. First time South Bay Champs participant Justin Hernando (9) described how it felt to be at the meet, sharing, “It was really fun for my first time, I liked the environment and everyone was super chill.
Racing Into Action
Luciana Gonzalez, Staff Writer • May 10, 2022
The West High Track Team competed in a Tri-Meet against South High and Torrance High on March 30. In Boys Varsity events, placing first was Tyler Vo (12) in the 100 meters and long jump, Conor Gibson (12) in the 3200 meters, and Karim Grissett (12) in discus. For Girls Varsity: Amor Jones (12) was first in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and long jump, Sophia Rabang (11) in the 800 meters, Lily Ball (12) in the 3200 meters, and Isabel Reynolds (12) in the high jump.
Track Tri-Meet
Roger Ayad, Staff Photographer • April 21, 2022
West High’s Cheer team poses at a football game. Cheerleaders typically perform for football games, occasionally at basketball games, or even for soccer. A lot goes into practicing for these big games: “People get thrown up in the air… we practice our cheers, we’ll do some stunts, [and] we’ll throw in some tumbling.” Photo courtesy of Natalie Foronda (9).
Athlete Of The Week: Natalie Foronda
Sophia Yoshimura, Staff Writer • March 29, 2022
As the sun moves across the sky, many intense games take place all at once on the tennis courts. In their game against Beverly Hills, many of West High’s athletes had difficult matchups against players much more experienced than they were: “Yes, I was nervous! They were 6’3” and wore Air Force Ones,” sighed Shoaib Hasnain (10).
League Game Win For Boys’ Tennis
Cyrilla Zhang, Staff Writer • March 16, 2022
After a tough loss against El Segundo High, the West Girls Soccer team came together to uplift each other. Kathryn Harris (10) expressed,“All of us love this team . . . I think this loss will help us bounce back and push each other to go as far as we can go.”
A Bittersweet Night for Girls' Soccer
Luciana Gonzalez, Staff Writer • March 14, 2022
Spotlight
West High’s Giving Day was a total success. Twenty-seven thousand dollars were fundraised all thanks to everyone who donated and participated. “It’s a blessing to be at this school and it’s nice to know we are so well supported by the community,” Coach Butler expressed.
West High's Giving Day
Luciana Gonzalez, Staff Writer • May 27, 2022

   What better way to start May than with Warrior Pride? On May 4 and 5, West High had a goal of fundraising...

WHS Dance runs through their perfected performances after adapting to last minute changes. Despite the added difficulty, choreographer Ray Pham (11) expressed, “Everyone has been trying their best to overcome these challenges and it’s been amazing to see the team work harder than ever!” The dancers successfully persevered through all of their troubles, bringing another spectacular show to the West High Performing Arts Center.
How WHS Dance “Continued to Thrive” Through May Show
Elise Fauni, Staff Writer • May 16, 2022
Regarding this year’s Earth Day, AP Environmental Science student Kate Amano (11) expressed, “Even though I am just one person on this planet full of 7 billion people, living more eco-friendly has made me feel good about myself and what impact I make on the world.”
Earth Day at West High
Kate Phan, Staff Writer • May 5, 2022
West High’s Tutorial Club and National Honors Society partner to make tutoring more accessible to students. Ms. Kim shared, “Seeing tutoring in action is such a treat because the students genuinely want to learn and the tutors truly want to help their peers.” Tutoring is open to all students during lunch and after school at the library.
Tutoring with Tutorial Club and National Honor Society
Sarah Han, Staff Writer • May 5, 2022
  • West High School
    2
    Arcadia
    16
    May 20 / Boys Varsity Tennis
  • West High School
    0
    La Quinta
    1
    May 10 / Varsity Softball
  • West High School
    1
    Grace Brethren
    3
    May 6 / Varsity Baseball
  • West High School
    8
    Chino
    7
    May 5 / Varsity Softball
  • West High School
    1
    North Torrance
    9
    Apr 30 / Frosh/Soph Baseball
  • West High School
    6
    North Torrance
    2
    Apr 30 / Frosh/Soph Baseball
  • West High School
    3
    North Torrance
    6
    Apr 28 / Varsity Baseball
  • West High School
    8
    North Torrance
    2
    Apr 28 / Junior Varsity Baseball
  • West High School
    6
    North Torrance
    5
    Apr 27 / Varsity Softball
  • West High School
    4
    El Segundo
    3
    Apr 26 / Varsity Softball
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Opinion
Masked and distanced students take notes in Mr. Collins’ Biology class as he presents a lesson. Just because Omicron hit its peak, it doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods yet: Masks should still be on and distancing regulations should still be in effect. The sooner we all cooperate, the sooner that classes can return to normal.
The Challenge of Teaching in a Pandemic
Sophia Yoshimura, Staff Writer • February 18, 2022

   For two years now, our teachers have faced extreme pressure and changes that no employee of their...

As cases spike due to the highly contagious Omicron variant, many are wondering whether or not schools should stay home. However, cases will continue rising unless school goes back online, and student voices fight against staying open. Dominic Disloquez (11) commented, “I understand that education is important but this is one of the worst times for COVID, and there are too many families that are suffering from this.”
Should We Go Back Online?
Sarah Han, Staff Writer • February 15, 2022
New year, new me! New Year’s resolutions are a great way to set goals for the upcoming year. Students share what resolutions they made and how they plan on measuring their achievement progress.
New Year, New Resolutions
Sarah Han, Staff Writer • January 17, 2022
Science teacher Mrs. Chambers keeps a list of questions that scientists should never stop asking on her whiteboard for all students to see. Mrs. Chambers believes that the structure of the science education system “beats the joy” out of learning science the right way.
The Essence of Science is Vanishing from AP Science Classes
Anika Agarwal, Staff Writer, Staff Photographer • January 6, 2022
Keep up with the latest
Entertainment
This year marks the 10-year anniversary All-Male was introduced into West by Adam Burt, son of West teacher Ms. Donna Burt. The West Drill and All-Male Dance showcase saw guest performances from Glendale, Carson Street Dance, Carson Flaggies, Kindreds, Channel Islands, Mira Mesa, and the 1st year alumni of All-Male. This was the last performance for seniors Pierce Vo, Cathy Lam, Leah Sullivan, Saki Matsumoto, Joseph Kim, Sammy Kelley, Nico Villongco, Jocelyn Traub, Chris Fauria, Taylor Benedict, and Breana Maravilla. Drill/All-Male ended their season, winning 3 different National Titles. Drill members Gracie Ito (10) reflects on their past season, “Drill is like a second family to me, and I think everyone did an amazing job this season,” she expressed.
West Drill and All Male Showcase
Roger Ayad, Staff Photographer • May 9, 2022
The actors playing the Merry Murderesses and Velma Kelly pose in their special lighting for the “Cell Block Tango.”
Chicago's Late Nights
Kate Phan, Staff Writer • April 2, 2022
Students from all departments elegantly perform in West High’s 2022 Fine Arts Assembly. With performances from Theater, Drill and All Male, Dance, Color Guard, and more, the assembly was filled with great action and entertainment. Theater member Bella Distasio (11) commented that the assembly is “a great way for new students to learn about programs they might be interested in.”
West High's Annual Fine Arts Assembly
Kate Phan, Staff Writer • March 15, 2022
Multicultural Day took place on Friday, February 18, and it was a blast for all those who attended. It was available to classes during 3rd and 4th period, and also during lunch for those that couldnt go during class. The event was all about showing off different cultures, and featured performances from several different cultural clubs on campus, including Japanese Culture Club, Filipino Culture Club, and more.
Celebrating Diversity at West High
Kate Phan, Staff Writer • March 1, 2022
Visual
The West High Track Team competed in a Tri-Meet against South High and Torrance High on March 30. In Boys Varsity events, placing first was Tyler Vo (12) in the 100 meters and long jump, Conor Gibson (12) in the 3200 meters, and Karim Grissett (12) in discus. For Girls Varsity: Amor Jones (12) was first in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and long jump, Sophia Rabang (11) in the 800 meters, Lily Ball (12) in the 3200 meters, and Isabel Reynolds (12) in the high jump.
Mr. Jin prepares for his presentation for his next class. Introduction to Data Science is one of West High’s new classes that provides helpful tools to immerse yourself in the world of math and science.
America has long been viewed as a hub of immigration: many around the world are allured by its reputation as the Land of the Free. Though the name appears to promise security and warmth, migrants can still face social or economic barriers.
Current eighth graders collect flyers from different clubs at Club Alley after coming out of the eighth grade assembly.
As the sun moves across the sky, many intense games take place all at once on the tennis courts. In their game against Beverly Hills, many of West High’s athletes had difficult matchups against players much more experienced than they were: “Yes, I was nervous! They were 6’3” and wore Air Force Ones,” sighed Shoaib Hasnain (10).
Multicultural Day took place on Friday, February 18, and it was a blast for all those who attended. It was available to classes during 3rd and 4th period, and also during lunch for those that couldnt go during class. The event was all about showing off different cultures, and featured performances from several different cultural clubs on campus, including Japanese Culture Club, Filipino Culture Club, and more.
Rithika Yalla (10) performs an Oratorical Interpretation (OI), a 10-minute speech written and published by another person but interpreted by the competitor in a unique style. In her piece, Yalla expressed her ideas on racial biases people face.
West Highs Foods Class cooking competition is a fun and flavorful fight between contestants! A competition for all types of cooking, these skilled chefs showed off all they had learned about their unit on mass-producing food and cooking delicious goods to appease the appetite of other students.
West High School
20401 Victor St.
Torrance, CA
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