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, Sports Editor

Natalie Ou is a junior at West, currently serving her second year on West Signals as Sports Editor. As a first-year editor, she 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
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
Student couple Jason Huffstutter (12) and Claire Perry (12) have been together for nearly two years. Photo courtesy of Jason Huffstutter.

Spotlight: Student Sweethearts at West

Natalie Ou, Sports Editor March 2, 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, Sports Editor 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, Sports Editor January 19, 2023
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, Sports Editor December 2, 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, Sports Editor 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, Sports Editor November 18, 2022
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