Alexssa Takeda, Co-Editor-in-Chief
Alex Takeda is West Signals’ Co-Editor-in-Chief. As a rising senior at West High, this is her fourth year on staff. Inspired by the writers around her, Alex hopes to use journalism as a tool to amplify the voices of those in her community. Aside from Signals, she is a member of Girls’ Tennis and Drill, and is on Choreo Club board. In her free time, you can often find her journaling, playing video games, or hanging out at Yogurtland.
![From left to right: Ila Krauss (11), Hannah Takasaki (10), Cammi Merendo (10), Kaitlyn Gates (11), Molly Paulson (12), Danielle Wissler (11), and Jaden Mooney (12). Not pictured: Mia Gibson (12). WDAAM’s Lyrical performs at West Coast Elite (WCE) Dance Nationals on Friday, March 10, using the thought of the seniors’ graduation as fuel for their emotional piece. “I really want[ed] to [dedicate this piece] to this team — specifically Lyrical — to these underclassmen, and my friends,” Co-Captain and Lyrical performer Molly Paulson (12) said. Photo courtesy of Julia Araujo (12).](https://whssignals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_9076-1-900x600.jpeg)
![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.”](https://whssignals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Stress-Free-Finals-900x900.jpg)
![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.”](https://whssignals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/4_13–4_20-Article-Apr-19-2021-at-10_59-PM-900x900.jpg)
![West High’s ASB threw themed events for each class using the GooseChase scavenger hunt app. Anika Agarwal (10) participated in the St. Patrick’s Day themed event, noting how one event included collecting as many green items as she could find to photograph: “it was pretty fun, especially [when] asking my family to [help].”](https://whssignals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Scavenger-Hunt-900x900.png)
![Students including Kristen Sayano (9) are doing their best to prepare for finals this week. “I feel prepared and a bit nervous," Sayano admits. "Last year for Bio [Honors] finals I felt good about them, so I have a good feeling about this semester’s finals as well." Photo courtesy of Kristen Sayano (9).](https://whssignals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Flying-Through-Finals-Week-900x675.jpg)
