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
Natalie Ou

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief

Currently serving her third year on West Signals as Editor-in-Chief, Natalie Ou aims to write articles with clarity and conviction, believing that journalism is one of the greatest ways to give students a voice through writing. In her free time, Natalie enjoys all water-related activities, hand lettering, and trying out new culinary destinations. (Unfortunately, she usually finds herself in the financial predicament common to many broke teenagers and relies on her brother to foot the bill.

All content by Natalie Ou
With more than 30 delegates gathered at the Japanese American National Museum, the 2024 Cohort of Kizuna Leadership in Action found strength in curiosity and collaboration.

When Opportunity Knocks: Lessons from Kizuna Leadership In Action

"Tangible, impactful, and bold" are a few self-described adjectives for Kizuna Leadership in Action
Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • February 12, 2025
Though writing nonfiction analysis assignments are essential components of literary skill sets, the importance of creative writing shouldn’t be forgotten in favor of abiding by the rigid standards of ELA Common Core.

How Creativity Has Gone Virtually Extinct in Our English Curriculum

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • February 6, 2025
Cheng beckons proudly towards Torrance's 2024 Rose Parade float, "The Lyrical Call of Nature." Submitted for a school art assignment, her design beat out 16 other high school contestants in a citywide competition to represent Torrance in the 2024 Tournament of Roses on New Year's Day. Photo courtesy of Jodie Cheng (12).

Jodie Cheng’s “Lyrical Call of Nature” Honored at 2024 Rose Parade

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • March 25, 2024
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, Editor-in-Chief • July 7, 2023
Dulnaka Jalath (12) won this year’s inter-school chess competition at West High. Photo courtesy of Marina Soen (12).

West High Games Club Hosts Inter-School Chess Competition

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • May 19, 2023
Though the AP Pre-Calculus course may be challenging in regards to self-learning, the struggle isn’t necessarily something to go through alone. According to Mrs. Hettinger, teachers are there to support students rather than intimidate them. However, students must be the ones to take the first step. “Being willing to seek outside help through coming to the teacher or during workshop is important. There’s a lot of personal responsibility involved,” she stated.

West Adds AP Pre-Calculus To Course List

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • May 18, 2023
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, Editor-in-Chief • May 17, 2023
It’s no secret that the K-pop industry isn’t the best towards their idols. There have been many cases of exploitation and abuse by companies towards their idols, utilizing their looks and appeal in their fans to push certain agendas and toxic ideologies that reinforce long-standing social issues in South Korea.

Blinded by Stardom: The Inner Turmoil Behind Becoming a K-pop Idol

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • April 27, 2023
Blazing through round seven of the Pi-Day Competition, contestant Sue-Yan Chin (10) presents her answers consisting of over 70 digits of pi to be verified by Sunwoo Hwang (11). Chin described the competition as tougher than what she remembered from previous experiences: “I was most looking forward to seeing how many digits of pi other people had memorized. Compared to last year, a lot more people came, even some non-math club people, and everyone had memorized a lot more digits of pi.” Photo courtesy of Marina Soen (12).

Eyes on the P(r)i(z)e: West High’s Pi Day Contest Brings Competitive Spirit to the Classroom

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • March 24, 2023
Blazing down her lane, Girls’ Varsity sprinter Shannon Gilman (10) shoots for first place as she runs the 100 meter dash event. Gilman highlighted working towards her goal of surpassing a sub-13 second time on said event. “Remembering what my goal is and what little steps I take to beat it keep me going,” she expressed. Photo courtesy of Alan Matsumoto.

Track and Field Blaze Their Way Through the Season’s First Meet

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • March 1, 2023
“Legally Blonde the Musical” opens on March 23 and showcases a cast of nearly 60 students. Photo courtesy of Mrs. Orabuena.

Prep for Success: Behind the Scenes of West High’s Legally Blonde Musical

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • February 26, 2023
The inaccurate portrayal of romantic ideals and healthy relationships normalized on-screen can have detrimental effects on impressionable demographics.

Soured Valentines: How Media Misconceptions Can Leave Viewers With a Warped Sense of Romance

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • February 22, 2023
Celebrating a sweeping 23-3 victory over North High, West High Girls Water Polo team clutch hand-decorated posters made by underclassmen teammates. Plastered with photos courtesy of Sally Yuguchi (mother of two seniors on the team), the team had scheduled a time for a photoshoot against a crisp sunrise and a beautiful beach backdrop. “It was definitely an early morning, but we all had fun. And we love the outcome of the pictures, they always turn out great!” Senior varsity player Emma Yuguchi (12) commented. From left to right: Mia Yuguchi, Faith Iwanaka, Emma Yuguchi, Ariah Garcia, Allison Tsai, Lauren Cua, Danielle Ciscel, Felicity Matthews. Photo courtesy of Sally Yuguchi.

Saluting Our Seniors for Girls Water Polo

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • February 15, 2023
West High Varsity Boys Soccer Team poses after a crushing victory against Inglewood High, beating their opposition with a spectacular 7-0 end score. Goalkeeper Isaac Sanles (11) described his hope that the game would allow for the team to grow closer: “Our goal would be to work better together as a team, especially because there’s always going to be new players moving up to new teams,” he stated. Top to Bottom/ Left to Right: Isaac Sanles (11), Sena Kobayashi (11), Emillio Brenes (12), Aeon Rubi (11), Kihei Tran (10), Sean Orpe (12), Carson Bandel (11), Dane Paulson (12), Brenden Dalziel (12), Griffin Esperon (12), Kevin Han (12), Travis Schlappatha (12), Zack Mercica (12), Nich Cho (12), Tino Floskas 12), Jason Nicolson (11), Tota Yamasaki (10), Thijs Erhahon (10), Myles Estabrook (11). Photo courtesy of Kihei Tran (10).

Another Win for the Warriors

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • January 19, 2023
For hours on end at the latest points of the night, students reinforced their learning with intense study methods and lots of coffee during finals week. A time that could be incredibly isolating could also be a time of great growth— it is a demonstration of the hard work and persistence students performed over the semester.

Calm Through the Studying Storm – West High Finals Season is Here!

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • January 17, 2023
Though the continuous downpour had rendered students unable to use telescopes, Carissa Melendez (10) was still able to touch and hold lunar samples from thousands of miles away — things that were quite literally unlike any other on Earth.

To the Moon, the Stars, and Torrance — West High’s Astronomy Night

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • December 15, 2022
The seniors of West High’s Girls Tennis team smile after a spectacular victory against North High — with a 14-4 win against the Saxons, the players ended senior night on the highest note possible. The colorful balloons and handcrafted posters served as a reminder of their teammates’ faith and support for them as they continued to open a new chapter in their high school careers. Pictured from left to right: Aki Sugita (12), Alexssa Takeda (12), Jasmin Cuaresma (12), Khushi Sharma (12), Arushi Bagchi (12), Sarah Han (12), Samantha Takeda (12). Photo courtesy of Taeyi Ko (11).

Nostalgic Nights for Girls’ Tennis

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • December 2, 2022
Though Thanksgiving is normally seen as a time of joy and celebration, AP World History Teacher Ms. Hignight believes that it should be a solemn time of reflection due to the problematic history behind it. Despite this, she believes that it doesn’t make Thanksgiving any less of a time to be grateful.

Myth-Busting the Origins of Thanksgiving— and the Problematic History Behind It

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • November 30, 2022
Cheerleading captain Eva Reyes (12) grins as she lifts her Superior award for the United Spirit Association competition. Despite the hardships that come with her leadership role, Reyes still finds passion and joy in cheerleading, even with the challenges that come with it: “I love it as a whole and everything that comes with it, even the conditioning — I don’t mind it because it’s doing what I love,” she explained. Photo courtesy of Eva Reyes (12).

Leading Solo: Cheering on Eva Reyes

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • November 18, 2022
Throughout her time at West, ASB President Allison Tsai (12) has learned how to help others as well as how to set goals for herself: “I’ve learned so much about being there for those around me. West is a community of what I think are really close people, and it’s been so welcoming. I think it has taught me to step out of my shell and has given me ways to improve myself.” Art/Photo courtesy of Allison Tsai.

Allison Tsai on Hard Work and Giving Back

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • November 18, 2022
Navigating your way as a new club on campus is not an easy task, but the Film Critics Club seems to already have a foot in the door. With the Film Critics Club, passionate students could learn about all types of media and film techniques, appreciate them and also express their opinions freely with other like-minded individuals. Go check them out at lunch every Thursday in room 8100!

Lights, Camera, Critique! A Spotlight on WHS’s Film Critics Club

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • November 16, 2022
The Little Mermaid is a Disney classic, a household name with a special place in popular culture. Its live action remake, starring Halle Bailey as Ariel, is being criticized heavily for using a Black woman to portray Ariel. However, there are also many that say that her skin color does not detract from the value of the source material.

Disney’s Casting Controversy Over “The Little Mermaid” Live Action Remake- and the Racism Rooted Behind It

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • November 7, 2022
Opposite hitter Abby Witzansky (12) goes in for a hopeful point, but is stopped by Torrance High’s defense. Unfortunately, West High’s Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team fell short once again to Torrance High, after a long, hard-fought battle on Sept. 20, 2022. Despite the difficult loss, West kept their heads up, going on to beat the North High Saxons on Sept. 22, and two days later, held a 3-0 sweep against The Webbs School.

Eyes Towards the Future: Goals for the Girls Volleyball Team On and Off the Court

Natalie Ou, Editor-in-Chief • October 6, 2022
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