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

Holding up colorful signs and wearing traditional lion heads, the Vietnamese Student Alliance students show their love and pride for their club. Whether it’s interesting costumes or good vibes, VSA has it all. Find clubs like this and others only during West High’s Club Rush!
West’s Very Own: Club Rush!
Christian Robledo, Staff Writer • September 26, 2023

   It seems that at almost every school, clubs are taken very seriously. But why? Well, it’s been proven that clubs can help with organizational, communicational,...

A Del Amo mall police officer intervenes in a fight between two teenagers as a crowd gathers to watch the commotion. This is minutes before Torrance PD began to arrive at the scene in full force. Photo courtesy of Alan Bribesca (12).
The Del Amo Mall Brawl
Jackson Mancilla, Staff Writer • September 18, 2023
Ants crawl through the classroom into a jar. The ant problem at West High has increased over the years, and students and faculty have searched for solutions. Student Sebastian Sumrit (11) expressed, I think it’s clever that teachers are coming up with new solutions to get rid of ants in the classroom.”
The Historic Ant Invasion
Katelyn Baba, Staff Writer • September 18, 2023
Varsity field player Leo Garrison (9) handles the ball and scans the pool. West’s loss in last week’s match against Milken Community was largely due to a lack of communication in the pool as well as two dominating players on the opposing team. Despite losing, West continued to play and fight hard until the game was finished. Photo courtesy of David Ventura.
Boys Water Polo Ramp Up the 2023 Fall Season
Joshua Lee, Staff Writer • September 20, 2023

   Contrary to what many people may believe, water polo is one of the most physically demanding sports. It is challenging because it requires extreme endurance and full-body engagement. Fortunately for...

JV Swimmer Shirilette Lacusong (12) aims to finish strong as she sprints down her lane for the 50-meter freestyle. With swim meet events ranging from long-distance feats like the 500 free to the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it 50 fly, knowing how to pace yourself is essential. Swimmers undergo intensive training throughout the entire season to build up stamina and change gears. Photo courtesy of Sally Yuguchi.
Swimming to Success
Natalie Ou, Sports Editor • May 17, 2023
Sophomore Shannon Gilman (10) leads off the line, handing the baton off to Caden Matsumoto (10), finishing Mondy’s 4x100 meter relay race with a first place win on March 20. The Sophomores also dominated Tuesday’s basketball competition, proving to be a huge threat in the games. By the end of the week they were named the  winners of the West High Olympics.
West’s Spirit Soars From Annual Olympics
Anthony Parker, Entertainment & News Editor • May 17, 2023
On Tuesday March 7, Varsity Girls’ Beach Volleyball competed in their first league game of the season at Hermosa Beach 8th Street. Prior to each game, lineups are posted with three different pairs for each level: Varsity, JV, and Frosh-Soph. Each pair combined their strengths and together, compensated for any weakness after every play. After a lengthy season of Fall volleyball, these girls are determined and ready for the intense competition during Spring that Beach has to offer.
West High Dives Into Beach Volleyball
Jacob Usary, Staff Writer • May 10, 2023
Recent nail art client Kayla Ha (12) displays Fung’s impeccable paint job.
Photo Courtesy of Erika Fung (12).
Introducing West High’s Local Nail Salon
Jackson Mancilla, Staff Writer • September 26, 2023

   Balancing work and life isn’t always easy, especially if you’re a high school student— but,...

West plays their second football game of the season. During halftime, there was an amazing performance from our band and color guard. Band member Mayu Herrera (11) reflected: “I think that the music we play might be a bit of encouragement!”
Halftime Highlights: West vs. Santa Monica
Amrynn Gordon, Staff Photographer • September 18, 2023
Congratulations to Mrs. Chambers for winning  Teacher of the Year.
Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Chambers
Elise Fauni, Opinion Editor • June 26, 2023
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Pictured above is the National PTA’s flyer advertising the Reflections Contest. Elementary schooler Alice Meko of Hampton Cove Elementary School in Alabama inspired this year’s theme. Fall entries are due on October 15, 2023. Photo courtesy of the National PTA.
Please, Enter This Year’s Reflections Contest
Joshua Lee, Staff Writer • October 3, 2023

   Whether through musical composition, literature, or the visual arts, artwork has been one of humanity’s...

The push by public schools for more STEM-centered learning is nothing new, and has been around since at least the 1950s. When competing against the Soviets in the Space Race first began, it consumed every aspect of American culture, and in a way still does. This desire to become a leading country in STEM-related subjects has endured throughout the years, steamrolling the fine arts behind the glamor and flashy headlines of new advancements and scientific discoveries.
Make Way, STEM Coming Through!
Alexandra Arnold, Staff Writer • September 18, 2023
What the Bell Is Going On?
What the Bell Is Going On?
Philip Lam, Associate Editor-in-Chief & Opinion Editor • July 7, 2023
Keep up with the latest
Members of the SAG-AFTRA march to support the WGA on strike. Many workers can be seen walking together in peaceful protest. Some of the subjects of conflict are portrayed on the signs waved by the marching protesters.
Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Times
2023 Hollywood Strike Delaying Popular Films, What's Behind It All?
Joshua Lee, Staff Writer • September 18, 2023
Ready at a moment’s notice, West High’s Advanced Dance team holds their stance in preparation to dance to SZA, Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem’s “Family Ties,” a performance dedicated to their family and friends who had supported their dance journey throughout their years.
West's Dance Department Dazzles at May Showcase
Natalie Ou, Sports Editor • July 7, 2023
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) is one of the hottest topics of conversation. Mario’s status as such an integral pop culture character has led to intense scrutiny about the movie’s quality, but has since received generally positive reviews.
Critics Smash The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Anthony Parker, Entertainment & News Editor • May 23, 2023
The West High Marching Band, Color Guard, and Drill teams all performed at Torrance’s annual Armed Forces Day Parade on May 20.
Torrance’s Armed Forces Day Parade Returns with West High Performances
Lauren Ng, Co-Editor-in-Chief • May 20, 2023