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
Sullivan Kolakowski

Sullivan Kolakowski, Visuals Editor

Sullivan Kolakowski is the Photography Editor and a senior at West High. This will be her third year in Signals, and she is eager to share her photography knowledge and experience with staff. In her free time, Sullivan can be found studying for her private pilot's license or surfing at the beach.

All content by Sullivan Kolakowski
From left to right: Hridhya Sukumaran (11), Rithika Yalla (11), Simran Bhattacharya (11), Pranati Anna (11). Adorned with various competition medals, Speech and Debate encourages curious students to join their club at West Fest. After selling root beer floats and passing out flyers, Captain Rithika Yalla (11) explained that the highlight of the night was bonding with her fellow members: “For me, its really just the memories that you make with that . . . That’s what stood out to me.”

[Art/Photo] Bringing West Torrance Together With the First Annual West Fest

December 15, 2022
Evoking vibes straight out of a superhero comic book, the Advanced dance team kicked off the show after intermission with their “Kick It” routine.

[Art/Photo] “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work” at West High Dance Department’s Winter Showcase

February 26, 2023
Set a few goals and start 2023 off strong. You get this opportunity once a year – make it count!

[Art/Photo] New Year, New You

January 12, 2023
Emily Wen (12) reflects a somber tone for her duet performance “How Do I say Goodbye” with fellow dancer Mana Fujimoto (10).

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Evoking vibes straight out of a superhero comic book, the Advanced dance team kicked off the show after intermission with their “Kick It” routine.

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Choreo Club rallies the crowd with impeccable dance routines that have audience members “screaming our lungs out”, said Kono. (Pictured from left to right: Hannah Kang (10), Kieffer Castro (12), Lauren Ng (12), Ray Pham (12) and Alexssa Takeda (12).)

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During Beginning dance’s “I’ll Be There For You” routine, dancers leap and twirl with colorful umbrellas to the rhythm of the upbeat music. The song is the theme song from the famous tv show Friends, and Phillips explained that the team “used umbrella props so we based the dance around that.”

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Mesmerizing viewers, the dance team creates captivating shadow silhouettes. For months and months, the dance department worked tirelessly to perfect the show. Beginning dancer Alissa Phillips (9) explained how, “We practiced every single day up until the final day of the show to make it as good as possible.”

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Duet partners Hailey Steck (11) and Xianthelle Arvee Agustin (11) move audience members to tears with their dance to “Growing Pains”.

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Co-Artistic Director, Misa Cohen (12), gets lifted by fellow dancers during a routine at the “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work” dance show. The West High Dance Department hosted their winter showcase on Jan. 6 and Jan. 7, 2023. Students, parents, and alumni flocked to the Performing Arts Center to watch the Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced teams dance their hearts out. West High School and Dance Department alumni Zoe Kono expressed how, “Every piece had such different themes and costumes—I could never predict what was going to come next.”

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If your ideal Halloween involves visiting a haunted house, chances are you visited the Maricopa Haunted House on Maricopa Street in Torrance. The Maricopa Haunted House was undoubtedly a hit; lines as long as fifty people stretched down the street. The residential-home-turned-house-of-horrors was adorned with realistic props using special effects, Hollywood-level actors in character, and perfectly timed jump scares. This year was the 25th anniversary and the final year for the Maricopa Haunted House. Each room had the theme of a previous year: “The house was well-designed and orchestrated nicely,” expressed Taran Sunkara (11), a visitor of the haunted house.

[Art/Photo] Maricopa St. Haunted House Spooks Students

November 10, 2022
On Friday, Sept. 23, Drum Major Riyana Roy (12) and Assistant Drum Major Yumiko Kasai (11) led the West High Entertainment Unit in a home football game against Redondo Union High School.

[Art/Photo] Major Responsibilities in West High’s Band

November 18, 2022
In order to prepare for the SAT and ACT, many students purchase prep guides and workbooks, dedicating precious time to studying in hopes of scoring well on these standardized tests. Test prep was once a universal part of the high school experience: The SAT and ACT were previously regarded as absolutely necessary for anyone going to college. It would take six years and a global pandemic to change the test’s mandatory status.

[Art/Photo] Me, Personally, I Wouldn’t Take That (the SAT and ACT)

November 16, 2022
Searching for the right scholarships can be daunting for high school seniors. Luckily, there are plenty of out-of-the-ordinary scholarships for the class of 2023 application season. (AI Art/Photo by Sullivan Kolakowski)

Unscouted Scholarships

Sullivan Kolakowski, Visuals Editor • October 25, 2022
September 26, 2022 marks the one year anniversary of the passing of West High freshman Wyatt Eddy. In his honor, a paddle out was organized by his friends and family on the crisp morning of September 10 at Torrance Beach. Local food trucks, legendary surfers, vintage cars, and close family friends came together to remember Eddy. The atmosphere was filled with meaningful embraces and heartfelt words. Eddy is deeply missed.

Long Live Wyatt Eddy

Sullivan Kolakowski, Visuals Editor • September 19, 2022
Students make their way down the whimsical garden path into the Mad Tea Party Formal Event. The day before, as ASB set up the campus, ASB Advisor Ms. Eriksen expressed her excitement: “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!” Photo courtesy of Gaby Nieraeth (10).

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Students make their way down the whimsical garden path into the Mad Tea Party Formal Event. The day before, as ASB set up the campus, ASB Advisor Ms. Eriksen expressed her excitement: “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!” Photo courtesy of Gaby Nieraeth (10).

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On Friday, May 20th, West High hosted its first West High Car Show in the student parking lot after the dismissal bell rang. With music blasting and students chattering, the car show was about to begin!

[Art/Photo] Car Culture at West High

June 9, 2022
Leaning against his 1969 Chevrolet CST-10, Ronan Taylor (12) showcases his vintage truck at the first West High Car Show on Friday, May 20th. “My car reflects my personality because I love working on cars,” Taylor explained. Tinkering with cars alongside his dad and grandfather is an experience he holds close to his heart. The classic look and bright color of blue have made Taylor’s truck a student favorite.

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Leaning on his 2018 BMW 3 Series 330e, Mohamad Hindi (12) explained, “My car reflects my personality because it is sporty. It sets the vibe when I drive.”

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Proudly standing next to his 1958 Ford F-350, Carlos Herrera (11) showcases the old-school vibes of his classic truck. “One thing I like about my car is the sound . . . It reflects my personality because it is old school,” Herrera expressed.

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Riding his Jetson e-bike through the West High parking lot, Ali Zarenezhad (12) showcases one of the centurys coolest inventions. No matter size, shape, or engine, the West High parking lot has it all.

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Standing next to his 2008 Scion tC, Kyle Cajigal (11) throws a peace sign. “My favorite thing about my car is the sound system . . . it reflects my personality because it is loud and that’s how I roll,” Cajigal said. Cajigal’s car stood out to students because of its unique leather interior.

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Christopher Matsuoka (11) and his friend Ben Arrata (11) stand next to his 1998 Toyota Tacoma. “My favorite thing about my car is how none of my friends can drive it, being a manual,” Matsuoka said proudly. “I guess it’s a part of who I am now. Its always there and I’m always fixing it.”

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Entering his car, George Abdou (11) shows off the stereo to his friends. “My favorite thing about my car is how many friends I can fit in it . . . Also, it has the 2016 Lincoln Mkt Ecoboost so its fast for its size. Driving it just makes me happy.”

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Giving a thumbs up, Matthew Rochford (11) sits on the hood of his 2004 Dodge Ram. “It reflects my personality by just the fact that it runs and I’m a big guy just like my car,” Rochford expressed.

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Standing beside his 1970 Chevelle, Christopher Larez (11) retells part of his family history: “My favorite thing is that it has been in the family for 3 generations and I was the lucky one to get it next,” Larez shared.

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Smiling at the crowd, track and field Coach Madera shows off his Fed Nissan 300ZX Slicktop Twin Turbo to the hyped group of students at the West High Car Show. “The whole thing reflects my personality because I believe cars are avatars for the person who owns them,” Coach Madera shared. Indeed, each car reflected a unique aspect of each students’ personality.

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Entering his car, George Abdou (11) shows off the stereo to his friends. “My favorite thing about my car is how many friends I can fit in it . . . Also, it has the 2017 Ford GT so its fast for its size. Driving it just makes me happy.”

[Art/Photo]

Leaning against his 1969 Chevrolet CST-10, Ronan Taylor (12) showcases his vintage truck at the first West High Car Show on Friday, May 20th. “My car reflects my personality because I love working on cars,” Taylor explained. Tinkering with cars alongside his dad and grandfather is an experience he holds close to his heart. The classic look and bright color of blue have made Taylor’s truck a student favorite.

[Art/Photo]

With a smile as vibrant as her car, Isabel Reynolds (12) mirrors the energy Starla—her classic orange 1992 Dodge D150— radiates. “My favorite thing about my car is that it’s orange and to me, the color orange represents excitement and happiness,” she said

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Leaning against his 1969 Chevrolet CST-10, Ronan Taylor (12) showcases his vintage truck at the first West High Car Show. “My car reflects my personality because I love working on cars,” Taylor explained. Tinkering with cars alongside his dad and grandfather is an experience he holds close to his heart. The classic look and bright color of blue have made Taylor’s truck a student favorite.

[Art/Photo]

West High’s Giving Day was a total success. Twenty-seven thousand dollars were fundraised all thanks to everyone who donated and participated. “It’s a blessing to be at this school and it’s nice to know we are so well supported by the community,” Coach Butler expressed.

[Art/Photo] West High’s Giving Day

May 27, 2022
Receiving the tennis ball, Varsity Girls’ Tennis player Ivy Chan (12) delivers a fierce hit during team warm-ups. She encourages all student athletes to try their best: “In high school, you only have four years to do what you want in your sport, and I think it’s more important that you go all out and you try even if you do make mistakes.”

[Art/Photo] Athlete Spotlight: Ivy Chan on Resilience and Teamwork

November 13, 2021
Chris Matsuoka (11), a candidate for Secretary of Athletics, is hanging up posters for his campaign. As an athlete himself in baseball, Matsuoka hoped to “get as much hype as possible for our student section and to represent all of our athletes,” if he was elected.

[Art/Photo] Candidates’ Campaigns For ASB

May 3, 2022
Through the hardships that come with fashion and design, however, students learn to persevere and problem-solve. West High’s program offers so much more than needles and strings- it offers opportunities that can’t be seen anywhere else, preparing students for all the best and worst things their futures have to offer.

[Art/Photo] Needles and Strings

April 24, 2022
Mr. Jin prepares for his presentation for his next class. Introduction to Data Science is one of West High’s new classes that provides helpful tools to immerse yourself in the world of math and science.

[Art/Photo] Codes, Data, and More!

April 20, 2022
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[Art/Photo] Print Edition

March 7, 2022
Athletes make their final dash to the finish line, pushing themselves to their limits with adrenaline pumping through their veins. After delays caused by COVID-19 in previous years, Track and Field was glad to finally return to normal.

[Art/Photo] Track and Field Sprints into New Season

March 8, 2022
Joining West High as a College and Career Coordinator, Ms. Stover has certainly gone above and beyond at the College and Career Center. As a former English teacher, Ms. Stover expressed her preference for being able to help students rather than create pressure from grading assignments: “Coming from a teaching background, I like not having to evaluate their work but really just be there to listen to students and help with whatever it is they have questions about.”

[Art/Photo] Preparing for the Future with Ms. Stover!

February 28, 2022
Talent show participants cheer as first place talent show winner Sarayu Kocharlakota (10) makes her way up to the front to receive her award. West High’s Choir Department hosted the West High’s Got Talent show on Thursday, February 10 in the Performing Arts Center. Kocharlakota shared what singing means to her: “Singing is my stress-buster; It’s the only thing that makes me forget about everything else. It fills me with happiness and helps me connect with people all around.”

[Art/Photo] West High’s Got Talent

February 17, 2022
In the middle of a fierce match, West High Games Club members compete against each other in a chess tournament hosted on February 4, 2022 after school. All skill levels were welcome and winners received gift cards to Target. Tournament participant Elizabeth Kim (10) shared that “when I heard there was a chess tournament I was like – woah! And it just seemed like a fun after-school thing.”

[Art/Photo] Checkmate!

February 15, 2022
Steve’s Char-Broiled Burgers has served food and smiles for generations. Steve’s has become part of many West High students’ daily routines. “It’s a great place to eat and hang with friends,” Alyssa Reamer (12) expressed.

[Art/Photo] Hangouts at Steve’s

January 31, 2022
New year, new me! New Year’s resolutions are a great way to set goals for the upcoming year. Students share what resolutions they made and how they plan on measuring their achievement progress.

[Art/Photo] New Year, New Resolutions

January 17, 2022
Warriors are seen cheering for their grade level during the Winter Rally. With high spirits, outdoor rallies allowed closer bonding post-pandemic.

[Art/Photo] Boosting School Spirit at the Winter Rally

January 5, 2022
Powderpuff players run towards the endzone, hoping to make a touchdown for their team. Pictured in black shirts were the Blitz Babes, running with the ball, as the Trophy Wives (pictured in pink shirts) followed. Lilly Ramirez-Johnson (12) enthusiastically recounted the game, saying that it was “super fun getting to play a traditional game in front of the school’s audience.”

[Art/Photo] Powering Through Powderpuff

January 5, 2022
Practicing shooting during warm-ups, West High Girls’ Varsity Soccer player #8 Cherrie Cox (12) prepares for the game against Palos Verdes High School on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. Cox has played soccer her entire life and recently committed to playing for Cal State Long Beach.

[Art/Photo] Athlete of the Week: Cherrie Cox

January 5, 2022
Shant Mazmanian (12) catches a wave as he practices on a sunny Saturday morning. Surfing is a sport that requires great passion and dedication, and Manzmania has both. His perseverance has allowed him to compete against South Bay’s top high school surfers.

[Art/Photo] Athlete of the Week: Shant Mazmanian

December 3, 2021
It’s that time of the year again! Pumpkins have never been more popular – whether that’s on doorsteps or the dinner table. Students shared their favorite autumn season recipes, hoping to not only spread the great taste but the fall feeling. Natalia Cruz-Chicas (10) expressed how “every time I bake something, I still never get bored. It’s really my favorite thing!”

[Art/Photo] Warrior Fall Baking!

November 29, 2021
With opening night right around the corner, that’s a wrap on Tech Week! Johnson is “really excited for people to come and watch [Puffs]!” Tickets are available for purchase on the ASB webstore or at the door. Showtimes are Thursday, November 18 @7pm, Friday, November 19 @7pm, and Saturday, November 20 @5pm. Don’t miss this incredible musical!

Backstage Pass: Puffs Tech Week

November 18, 2021
Varsity Golf member Kami Kwong (12) delivers another one of her perfectly precise swings on the challenging golf course. Kwong has played golf her entire life. She recently celebrated her commitment to playing golf for Hawaii Pacific University. In regards to the recent payoff for her dedication, Kwong explained how “Golf is such a big challenge and it makes you keep wanting to do better and better. I just want to strive to keep improving more and more.

[Art/Photo] Athlete of the Week: Kami Kwong

November 2, 2021
Breaking a school record is no easy feat, and Varsity Cross Country runner Conor Gibson is one of the lucky athletes who holds that bragging right. Gibson is the current school record holder for the three mile race in 14 minutes and 19 seconds. But he doesn’t plan on stopping there! He expressed how he also aspires “to break the 3200-meter and 1600-meter records,” and wants to “win an individual and team state title.”

[Art/Photo] Athlete of the Week: Conor Gibson

October 22, 2021
Following the announcement of Homecoming King and Queen, Meileen Taw (12) and Elliot Kim (12) reminisce about learning of their win at Friday’s Homecoming football game. The Homecoming King and Queen are nominated through a series of student voting and teacher appointments. It’s a long journey to the throne, and Taw expressed how she is “honored to be chosen by my teachers and peers.”

[Art/Photo] Just Crowned: Homecoming King and Queen

October 16, 2021
Brilliantly Shooting the ball, Boys Varsity Water Polo senior Tyler Reed (12) scores a point for his team in a heated battle against Culver City. Reed plays club water polo in addition to highschool water polo and this season, all those hours of dedication are paying off. Not only is he a valuable player, but according to Ian Noe (9), “he always acts like a team leader” and “brings positive energy to the team.”

Athlete of the Week: Tyler Reed

Sullivan Kolakowski, Visuals Editor • October 7, 2021
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