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

Alex Garlands Civil War was a blockbuster hit. Sitting at the top of the box office for the second straight weekend, this is the largest debut that production studio A24 has had for a film yet.

A24’s First Blockbuster Breakout of 2024: Here’s Why You Should See It

Jackson Mancilla, Staff Writer April 22, 2024

   In a time of tension both inside and outside of the United States, it’s best that we caution ourselves to the uncertain future and its outcomes. And in an all too timely manner, a movie has arrived that perfectly encapsulates the growing fears...

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The highly coveted Oscar trophies illuminate on the display ahead of the 96th Academy Awards. This year, late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel reprised his role as host.

The 2024 Oscars: A Bold Year for Film

Anthony Parker, Entertainment & News Editor March 28, 2024

Whether it was the concluding storyline of the Guardians of the Galaxy, the story about the birth of the atomic bomb, or the tragic depiction of the Osage Indian murders of the early 1900s, 2023’s film rollout had something for everyone. In a time where...

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Thursday, Oct. 5’s theme was Mathletes or Athletes, where students choose to dress up as one of the two subjects. Students in Mr. Collin’s AP Biology class sported their unique choices of attire. From left to right: Leah Ho (11), Gabriel White (11), and Mackenzie Ashford (11).

Get Ready for Some School Spirit!

Joshua Lee, Staff Writer March 21, 2024

    During West High’s spirit weeks, ASB plans exciting themes that allow students to wear unique attire and bring props to school. From Monday, Oct. 2 to Friday, Oct. 6, students participated in the first spirit week of the 23-24 school year. Themes...

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The manleaders work together to lift several of their teammates into the air during the halftime show of the Powderpuff game. In spite of their short training period of mere weeks, the manleaders did not fail to deliver on their promise of an entertaining and impressive performance that kept the crowd invigorated.

Flying High at Powderpuff

Alexandra Arnold, Staff Writer March 8, 2024

   Doubtlessly, the Powderpuff game was an event eagerly anticipated by many West students as the highlight of this year’s winter rally. Featuring solely seniors, the Powderpuff players were split into two teams: the Pink Pancakes and the Maroon...

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The Theatre Department’s 2023 fall musical “Changing Keys” was performed Wednesday, Nov. 15 to Friday, Nov. 17.

Changing Keys: A Fall Musical!

Alexandra Arnold, Staff Writer March 8, 2024

   When people attend a West High theater production, they can always expect the promise of a wonderful time. And the theater department’s 2023 fall musical “Changing Keys” certainly delivered. After auditions early in the school year, practices...

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The movie stub of The Boy and the Heron. Acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki came out of retirement to make this movie, but was it any good?

Miyazaki’s New Movie, Marvelous or Maddening?

Christian Robledo, Staff Writer March 1, 2024

Hayao Miyazaki is an acclaimed director for the Japanese film company Studio Ghibli. Studio Ghibli has made many great films that are arguably better than most Disney movies. In 2013, Miyazaki discussed his retirement plans after making the film The Wind...

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The Surprising History Behind Valentine’s Day

Alexandra Arnold, Staff Writer February 26, 2024

Although many of us now associate Valentine’s Day with red roses, chocolates, and oversized teddy bears, the holiday actually has much different, much darker origins- and has changed dramatically over history. Which begs the question; how has a day...

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The phrase “May the odds be ever in your favor” is one of the most well-known Hunger Games sayings, and in the original movies became a means of mocking the Capitol, like depicted above.

Snow Lands On Top

Alexandra Arnold, Staff Writer January 8, 2024

It’s a somewhat rare occurrence when a sequel, let alone a prequel centered around the backstory of an especially despised villain, lives up to the thrill and excitement of seeing the original film for the first time. It’s extremely difficult to reignite...

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On Friday, Oct. 20, participants pose right before being soaked on the second day of the event. Senior Soak was a great way for ASB not only to raise money but also to promote camaraderie between students. From left to right: Sena Kobayashi (12), Kostadinos Loukatos (12), Cameron O’Neil (12), Aeonn Rubi (12), Micah Taw (12), Darren Chang (12), Ryan McBride (12), Isaac Sanles (12). Photo courtesy of Jordan Seiler (12).

West High’s First Ever Senior Soak

Joshua Lee, Staff Writer December 12, 2023

  In Oct. 2023, West High held its first-ever Senior Soak. This new excursion was planned out by West’s ASB, in which  students paid money to dunk volunteers with different-sized water buckets for three days.  Both the “soakers” and the “soaked”...

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Entrance to The Last of Us attraction in the lower lot of Universal Studios. One of the park’s most popular attractions, so be prepared for a long line!

A Survival Guide to Halloween Horror Nights

Jackson Mancilla, Staff Writer November 12, 2023

With Halloween just around the corner, there’s a big chance that West High students will be heading down to Universal Studios Hollywood to celebrate Halloween Horror Nights. Horror Nights is an annual tradition in which the popular theme park is decorated...

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A picture of the Homecoming Court Top 15 (from left to right, top): Aeonn Rubi, Kostadinos Loukatos, Cameron O’Neil, Darren Chang, Haruto Asami, Isaac Sanles, Jackson Mancilla,  Jonathan Valot, Kainalu Barricklow, Lawrence Pong, Micah Taw, Noa Wada, Philip Lam, Sean Toomey, and Saul Hernandez. Bottom: Aastha Kashyap, Amaya Sanles, Avery White, Chloe Kang, Danielle Wissler, Maddy Heineman, Gracie Ito, Karsen-Reese Takenaka, Cyrilla Zhang, Masami Fumimoto, Sadie Hopkins, Richa Thakre, Simran Bhattacharya, Tiffani Yoshimura, and Yumiko Kasai. Nominee Chang said, “I do not think I will become Homecoming King but I’m also fine with that because I feel like there are other people who are more deserving of that title.”

The 2023 Homecoming Court

Katelyn Baba, Staff Writer October 21, 2023

Eyes On Them: The Homecoming Top 15    On Friday, October 6, the entire student body of West High gathered in the gym for the annual Homecoming Rally. The seats in the gym transformed into seas of purple, blue, green, and red while the main event...

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“Pli-Yay!” West Dance Department’s Fall Showcase

Christian Robledo, Staff Writer October 16, 2023

   Sometimes, all you need to have a good day is an excuse to leave your house. Luckily, West’s Dance Department has got you covered. Their first show of the year was on September 27, and they really put their all into it. With stunning twists, turns,...

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