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
Christopher Huston

Christopher Huston, Staff Photographer

Christopher Huston is a staff photographer for West Signals. As a Junior, this will be his third year in Signals, and he is very excited to continue providing amazing pictures for the school. Aside from Signals, you can catch Chris on the soccer field for West or in the WARRZONE cheering on other West Sports. He is looking forward to snapping many quality shots and can’t wait to see what the school year brings.

All content by Christopher Huston
West High Girls’ Flag Football play their first game in history against the Santa Monica Vikings. After a hard-fought battle, the Vikings defeated the Warriors 18 – 13. Defensive Starter Julia Camacho (12) expressed, “It was really exciting having the student section, and it was a super fun experience.”

[Art/Photo] New Girl’s Flag Football Team Makes Its Grand Entrance At West

Jackson Mancilla, Staff Writer • September 30, 2023
Kyle Cajigal (12) walks on court with his family for the Basketball Senior Night ceremony.

[Art/Photo] Boys’ Basketball Clinch Entry Into CIF Playoffs

Philip Lam, Editor-in-Chief • March 3, 2023
Audiences enjoyed an array of performances during Multicultural Day: French Club’s fashion show; dance routines from Filipino Culture Club and Black Culture Club; and a folktale reenactment from Taiwanese Chinese American Association. A passionate student body shed light on their culture, making for a very entertaining and informative show. Member and performer for Filipino Culture Club’s hip hop and traditional folk dance routines, Christine Huston (11) explained, “it’s great to show recognition to our culture club, and I think every culture does a great job on putting on amazing performances.”

[Art/Photo] Diving Into Cultures Around the World With Multicultural Day

Ilma Patel, Assistant Social Media Manager • February 28, 2023
West High Girls’ Soccer celebrates as a team after winning the game in a penalty shootout. After a scoreless game, West and Cypress headed into penalties, where West came out on top. Starting center midfielder and center back, Kathryn Harris (11) stated, “It was a great team effort to get this victory, and everyone did their part in penalties from our goalie to the kickers.”

Girls’ Soccer: Kicking Their Way Into CIF Round Two

Christopher Huston, Staff Photographer • February 10, 2023
During a Thursday lunch break, members of the Sports Medicine Club participate in the first club meeting of the school year on Oct. 6, 2022. The Sports Medicine club had a huge success with their first meeting, making it a fun and competitive environment for members with a creative relay game. Club member Thijs Erhahon (10) described the meeting: “I really enjoyed how well they were able to allow everyone to interact, unlike the boring sit-down meetings other clubs have.”

[Art/Photo] Sports Medicine Club

Jacob Usary, Staff Writer • December 1, 2022
West High’s Varsity Football battles with Torrance on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, trying to clinch a playoff spot. After a hard fought game, the Warriors came home with a victory, solidifying their spot in this year's playoffs. “Clinching a playoff spot means so much to me as a Senior. I get to keep riding the wave and playing the game I love,” stated Varsity linebacker Tyler Schlappatha (12).

Warriors Win Football Playoff Spot

Christopher Huston, Staff Photographer • November 2, 2022
Under the Friday night lights on Friday Sept. 30, 2022, the West High Warrior team takes on the South High Spartans in the first league match of the football season. After a stellar performance from the Warriors, the team came away with a 48-20 win over the Spartans. “It feels good to have won our first league game against a good South team, and it really boosts our confidence going forward,” expressed starting Varsity linebacker Tyler Black (10). The Warriors hope to continue their success in the next league game against Lawndale on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022.

[Art/Photo] Friday Night Lights: Homecoming Edition

Bella Levinson, Visuals Editor • October 4, 2022
For the last time under the Friday night lights, the West High Varsity Football seniors line up for the last home game against El Segundo on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. It was a bittersweet moment for the seniors as they beat El Segundo, 42 to 31 in the last home match. Cornerback and wide receiver Ernesto Hernandez (12) recalled how, “playing in my last home game felt surreal, the atmosphere felt like a dream.”

Football Senior Night

Christopher Huston and Roger Ayad • October 25, 2022
Warriors vs Mustangs Football Game

Warriors vs Mustangs Football Game

Christopher Huston, Staff Photographer • October 10, 2022
A West High student, Adrian Lopez Castillo (10), drinks water to stay hydrated in the scorching and displeasing weather. Lopez Castillo expressed his thoughts on the weather: “This hot weather has definitely been hard to get used to over the past week or two, and I hope we go back to our normal temperatures soon.” With the lack of air conditioning and ways to stay cool at school, many other students have started to feel the same.

[Art/Photo] Record-Shattering Heat Wave Symptomatic of Climate Change

Philip Lam, Editor-in-Chief • September 19, 2022
After one year the South Bay Champs Track and Field meet is back, and the athletes sprang into action in all events. The Warriors competed against teams from all over Los Angeles County, and it turned out as a great success with West coming home with 1st place. First time South Bay Champs participant Justin Hernando (9) described how it felt to be at the meet, sharing, “It was really fun for my first time, I liked the environment and everyone was super chill."

[Art/Photo] Racing Into Action

Luciana Gonzalez, Staff Writer • May 10, 2022
As teacher appreciation week is underway, students are seen showing their love and appreciation for all teachers. With everyone back in school this year, we are able to show how much we really appreciate our teachers by giving gifts, cards, signs, etc. Student Gaby Nieraeth (11) shared her thoughts on the amount of appreciation teachers get, explaining, “I think teachers definitely do not get enough credit for everything they do.”

[Art/Photo] We Love Our Teachers!

Luciana Gonzalez, Staff Writer • May 9, 2022
Students from all departments elegantly perform in West High’s 2022 Fine Arts Assembly. With performances from Theater, Drill and All Male, Dance, Color Guard, and more, the assembly was filled with great action and entertainment. Theater member Bella Distasio (11) commented that the assembly is “a great way for new students to learn about programs they might be interested in.”

[Art/Photo] West High’s Annual Fine Arts Assembly

Kate Phan, Entertainment Editor • March 15, 2022
After a tough loss against El Segundo High, the West Girls Soccer team came together to uplift each other. Kathryn Harris (10) expressed,“All of us love this team . . . I think this loss will help us bounce back and push each other to go as far as we can go.”

[Art/Photo] A Bittersweet Night for Girls’ Soccer

Luciana Gonzalez, Staff Writer • March 14, 2022
Elijah Price (11) looks upon the active court with a basketball in hand. During the “Omicron craziness” as JV player Gabriel Hernandez (10) described, people were “dropping like flies… and missing out.” It became difficult to have a safe and active game at that time, and many teams suffered cancellations.

[Art/Photo] Basketball and Omicron’s Surge

Sophia Yoshimura, Staff Writer • February 15, 2022
Seniors celebrate their win against North High on their Senior Night. “They’ve taught us a lot about how to be a team and supporting everyone,” Lucy Hasenmayer (10) commented. Seniors played their last game of the Pioneer League and were undefeated all season.

[Art/Photo] Girls Soccer Seniors’ Last Goals

Luciana Gonzalez, Staff Writer • February 14, 2022
West High Varsity center and forward Cole Jacobs (11) plays against the South Spartans, attempting to contribute to the team's victory. Jacobs has been a key part of the Warrior team this year but never lets the rest of his team go unrecognized. He stated, “The West team is one of the hardest working and most competitive groups I have been a part of.” The Warriors have a bright future ahead for this season and can hopefully bring back a ring to West Torrance.

[Art/Photo] Athlete of the Week: Cole Jacobs

Kate Phan, Entertainment Editor • January 19, 2022
The West Warriors Cross Country team celebrates their state championship victory on top of a double decker bus. The celebration led by Coach Druten and his runners was well-deserved after a long and hard season. Varsity Runner Matthew Frey (12) felt amazed by what the team had accomplished, recognizing how “it feels great to be a part of the fastest team ever at West High, and [the] second fastest team time in the whole state.”

[Art/Photo] West High Celebrates Cross Country State Championships

Cyrilla Zhang, Editor-in-Chief • January 5, 2022
Designer and Artist Peter Cepeda (12) showcases his hand-painted shirt and tote bag. Cepeda has designed and painted many pieces of clothing, art, bags, and other accessories for many years. He has come across many great opportunities to grow and even started selling his clothing to showrooms. “I feel like I need to go farther, do more and reach more every time I accomplish something,” remarked Cepeda.

[Art/Photo] Senior Spotlight: Peter Cepeda

Cyrilla Zhang, Editor-in-Chief • November 20, 2021
College and Career Day held panels for those who wanted to learn more about their futures. Students gathered in the Performing Arts Center to gain a better understanding of tools that would help them in their future, including the ability to take care of themselves and possible careers that they may want to pursue.

[Art/Photo] Preparing for the Future with College and Career Day

Sarah Han, News Editor • November 12, 2021
Varsity outside linebacker and running back Reave Comer (12) hugs Varsity outside linebacker Tyler Schlappatha (11) before the start of the game. “There was a lot of emotion in the air,” Comer commented.

[Art/Photo] Senior Night: One Last Time

Sarah Han, News Editor • November 11, 2021
After a long wait, the Warrior Mile was back and better than ever! On a beautiful Wednesday evening, with a great west coast breeze, the long beloved Cross Country Meet kicked off. Runners, parents, and coaches from all across the South Bay arrived at West to be a part of the ecstatic event. JV Runner Aaron Liu (11) described his experience at the meet: “With everyone cheering us on and the music playing, it always gets us in the groove to run fast.” The night ended with so many personal records (PR) for many of our Warrior runners, and it was a great success.

The Warrior Mile is Back in Business!

Christopher Huston, Staff Photographer • November 8, 2021
The West Warriors huddle up for one last break, after a tough and hard-fought loss to the Lawndale Cardinals. Varsity safety and receiver Dominick De La Torre (11) expressed, "We do as much as possible to motivate each other to get better… whether it's with tough love or with relentless positivity.”

[Art/Photo] The Foundation of Football at West High

Kate Phan, Entertainment Editor • November 1, 2021
Varsity Football takes a knee minutes before the game, receiving words of encouragement from their coach. “You'll be fifteen years down the line and you'll remember that one Homecoming game … when you have kids you will be able to tell them how it was for you,” Varsity player Juan Garcia (12) joyfully said.

[Art/Photo] Last Homecoming Game for the Class of 2022

Luciana Duke, Staff Writer • October 13, 2021
Load More Stories