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
Mr. Phelps works with students at home while those in-person are reading an article on the topic of discussion. With some students being at home, teachers are trying to do most in-class activities online so that students both in-person and at home can get the same experience.
We're Back...On Zoom?
Luciana Duke, Staff Writer • September 14, 2021

It’s been just over two weeks since students have been back on campus. Most students are happy to be back in classrooms, hanging out with friends during...

Students make their way through the gates of West High School on their first day of class, wearing masks and presenting their cleared COVID-19 screeners. Photo courtesy of Gaby Nieraeth (11).
Teachers Help Reopen West High
Cyrilla Zhang, Staff Writer • September 8, 2021
West High students made their way to their classrooms on the first day of school. Recalling the exhilaration, Isis Kim (10) said, “I was so excited to meet my friends I haven’t seen in a year!”
The Return to In-Person School
Elise Fauni, Staff Writer • September 4, 2021
An early start, freshman students make their way to their first periods in West High’s Building Five, ready for learning. Finding their classes is a breeze after already having a few days of instruction.
Fresh to West
Kate Phan, Staff Writer • September 4, 2021
This summer will be different from last year, with things returning back to normal. But it’s important to still maintain our safety by wearing our masks and keeping our distance. Here are some activities that you can do over the summer while staying safe! Photo courtesy of Forbes Magazine.
Summer 2021: Safe and Fun!
Shrutika Ezhil, Staff Writer • June 10, 2021
Students make their way down the whimsical garden path into the Mad Tea Party Formal Event. The day before, as ASB was setting up the campus, ASB Advisor Ms. Eriksen expressed her excitement, saying “I think people will be surprised at what school can look like when you throw some different lighting on it. I’m looking forward to it!”
Formal Returns To West High
Alexssa Takeda, News Editor • June 3, 2021
Sports
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End of '21 Football Season: Final Game vs. North
April 30, 2021

   Under the Friday night lights at North High’s football field stadium, the West High football team donned their helmets and charged onto the field for the last time this season. Friday, April 16th,...

Despite the challenges, ASB was able to host a great week of competitions to bring students together through these isolating times. Track race runner Makena Young (12) stated, “It was nice that they recorded it so we can all share some school spirit!” Courtesy of West High ASB.
Let the Games Begin!
Alexssa Takeda, News Editor • March 30, 2021
Seconds away from the finish line, Amor Jones (11) gives it her all in a battle for first against the Palos Verdes sprinter in the varsity girls’ 200m race. On Saturday, March 20th, West High Track & Field kicked off their season with a friendly dual meet against Palos Verdes High School. Jones described her feelings about returning to the track for races once again: “I can admit I was nervous, but me being nervous I feel made me more prepared... while I was running it felt like I was floating in a way.”
West Girls’ Sprints Team Kicks Off Season at PV High
Lauren Ng, Sports & Opinion Editor • March 27, 2021
On Tuesday March 9 at 3:00pm, the West Boys’ Tennis team started their season off with a tournament against Peninsula High School.
Boys’ Tennis Takes On Peninsula
Sullivan Kolakowski, Staff Photographer • March 24, 2021
At tennis’ first League match of the season, the fence that was once engulfed by families and fans was replaced by a handful of supportive parents and teammates in response to the recent TUSD spectator guidelines.
On the Sidelines: Should Spectators Be Allowed?
Alexssa Takeda, News Editor • March 23, 2021
Surf’s Up!
Surf’s Up!
Sullivan Kolakowski, Staff Photographer • March 15, 2021
Spotlight
Mrs. Torres, the new AP Physics teacher, is excited to return to an in-person school year. Although safety guidelines for COVID-19 remain in place, she hopes that West High’s “COVID protocols keep us safe and healthy.” Photo courtesy of Mrs. Torres.
Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Torres
Dominic Herrera, Staff Writer • September 14, 2021

 Lindy Torres (previously Ms. McCulloch) has been teaching physics at West High School for nine years,...

The cover of this year’s Yearbook, titled “There’s Something You Should Know,” was portrayed in bold colors and eye-catching designs that intrigued students to open up the book and read the well-written pages filled with memories of the students at West High. Jason Irie (11), a student who bought a Yearbook, acknowledged how “I thought the Yearbook was really appealing and well designed. Each section was nice and well-written, and I enjoyed looking at it.”
There’s Something You Should Know… About This Year's Yearbook!
Rebecca Yan, Entertainment & Spotlight Editor • June 10, 2021
Aaliyah Martinez (10) engages younger Girl Scouts in her Gold Award project by explaining what mammograms are and how they relate to breast cancer. Martinez’s aim was to bring comfort and support to women called back for a second mammogram. Photo courtesy of Aaliyah Martinez (10).
Planting Hope, One Bracelet at a Time
Ashley Kim, Editor-in-Chief • June 8, 2021
Because of the pandemic, Vietnamese Association Club had to hold their meetings over Zoom. Even so, many of the members were able to gain memorable experiences, as well as the VSA board members. Victoriana Le (12) said that she “enjoyed being able to meet other people through our events.”
Spreading Vietnamese Culture All Through West High
Rebecca Yan, Entertainment & Spotlight Editor • June 5, 2021
  • West High School
    0
    El Segundo
    3
    Sep 10 / Girls Varsity Volleyball
  • West High School
    4
    Beverly Hills
    14
    Sep 9 / Girls Varsity Tennis
  • West High School
    8
    Beverly Hills
    5
    Sep 9 / Girls Junior Varsity Tennis
  • West High School
    236
    Palos Verdes
    190
    Sep 9 / Girls Varsity Golf
  • West High School
    0
    Torrance
    3
    Sep 8 / Girls Varsity Volleyball
  • West High School
    3
    Long Beach Poly
    15
    Sep 7 / Girls Varsity Tennis
  • West High School
    3
    Centennial/Corona
    25
    Sep 4 / Boys Varsity Water Polo
  • West High School
    10
    Citrus Valley
    20
    Sep 4 / Boys Varsity Water Polo
  • West High School
    17
    Santa Monica
    6
    Sep 3 / Varsity Football
  • West High School
    6
    Cerritos
    12
    Sep 2 / Girls Varsity Tennis
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Opinion
Right after her 16th birthday, Paityn Yamasaki (10) made it a priority to get vaccinated. She explained how getting a vaccine is a simple procedure: “It’s a very easy process and can go by quickly depending on how busy they are. Make sure to bring your school ID and birth certificate so they can identify you.”
Why Students Should Get the COVID-19 Vaccine
Lauren Ng, Sports & Opinion Editor • April 25, 2021

   “April 15, 2021, in the state of California, is not Tax Day,” Governor Gavin Newsom declared....

Asian American hate is not new. And with the normalization of abusive and racist comments and stereotypes, it
Enough is Enough
Shrutika Ezhil, Staff Writer • April 2, 2021
A rally was held on February 20th at Los Angeles State Historic Park to magnify the recent violence targeting the Asian community. Anti-Asian and Pacific Islander attacks all over the country have significantly increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times.
West Must Stand Against Asian and Pacific Islander Racism
Lauren Ng, Sports & Opinion Editor • March 17, 2021
An anti-vax protester criticizes the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the Dodger Stadium vaccination site. She is one of many demonstrators who participated in a protest on the afternoon of January 30, assembled by the organization Shop Mask Free Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of The Los Angeles Times.
Dodger Stadium “Scamdemic” Protest: A Controversy Over Rights and Freedom
Lauren Ng, Sports & Opinion Editor • February 19, 2021
Keep up with the latest
Entertainment
Ending the school year with a Spring Show, West’s Dance Department put on a marvelous performance that left a profound and meaningful impact on the virtual audience. A member of Advanced Dance and one of the Teacher Assistants for Beginning Dance, Hanna Blair (12) expressed how “Intermediate
WHS Dance Puts Their Heart and Soul Into Spring Show “20-21 And Done!”
Lauren Ng, Sports & Opinion Editor • May 7, 2021
Netflix Documentary “Seaspiracy” tackles the controversial fish market and the impact it has on the world’s oceans. The fishing industry is accused of wiping out fish in the sea, destroying habitats, and illegally hunting for whales. The filmmakers have expressed a desire to save the oceans from the fishing industry, but they have also come under fire for presenting a sensationalized version of the truth.
On Demand: Seaspiracy Takeaways
Shrutika Ezhil, Staff Writer • April 30, 2021
Despite the challenges, ASB was able to host a great week of competitions to bring students together through these isolating times. Track race runner Makena Young (12) stated, “It was nice that they recorded it so we can all share some school spirit!” Courtesy of West High ASB.
Let the Games Begin!
Alexssa Takeda, News Editor • March 30, 2021
Fine Arts is an exciting part of high school, which, like many other subjects, transitioned online. The Fine Arts Assembly highlighted appealing aspects about the fine art classes at West, including theater arts. It also gave hope to students that they can participate in these activities on campus again someday.
Behind the Scenes: Fine Arts Assembly
Shrutika Ezhil, Staff Writer • March 16, 2021
Visual
As finals week approaches, it’s crucial to take time to take care of yourself. Co-Vice President of Tutorial club Michelle Fong (12) notes how she recharges during this stressful time: “Whether [it be] self-care stuff like just making yourself something nice to drink [or] doing a face mask, I find that that really helps me relax for a bit and find my motivation again to just power through with that last assignment or whatever I have to get done.”
Following a TUSD board meeting discussing the full reopening of Torrance campuses, disdain from teachers and students for the district’s decision-making process grows louder.
As a month of AP testing continues, students prepare for online exams by taking practice tests. Riyana Roy (10) notes how she plans to study for her AP World History exam: “Since world history is about remembering facts, I’m [going to] use active recall where I ask myself questions about important topics to see if I can remember them. I’ll probably create notes for every unit too, and sort them into various world history themes which would be useful on the DBQ (Document Based Question) portion.”
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Since the gradual lifting of lockdown restrictions in California, businesses such as movie theaters are slowly beginning to reopen. But after Governor Gavin Newsom announced the elimination of capacity limits in these theaters, some movie-goers wonder if it will remain safe.
Netflix Documentary “Seaspiracy” tackles the controversial fish market and the impact it has on the world’s oceans. The fishing industry is accused of wiping out fish in the sea, destroying habitats, and illegally hunting for whales. The filmmakers have expressed a desire to save the oceans from the fishing industry, but they have also come under fire for presenting a sensationalized version of the truth.
On April 12th-14th, tryouts for West High’s Speech and Debate team were held. Team captain Jana Abulaban (11) expresses what she got out of being a part of the team: “Once I joined, I understood the broader concept of Speech and Debate and really understood what I wanted to gain [from] it: that feeling of being part of a really supportive team...I have learned to publicly speak more and be more confident with it.”
Right after her 16th birthday, Paityn Yamasaki (10) made it a priority to get vaccinated. She explained how getting a vaccine is a simple procedure: “It’s a very easy process and can go by quickly depending on how busy they are. Make sure to bring your school ID and birth certificate so they can identify you.”
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