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
Roger Ayad

Roger Ayad, Staff Photographer

Roger Ayad is a freelance photographer for Signals and a sophomore at West. This is his second year in Signals. He’s excited to record and describe the life of West High through photography. Roger enjoys wrestling, listening to music, and late night drives.

All content by Roger Ayad
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[Art/Photo] Boys’ Soccer Takes Home Senior Night Victories

Kate Phan, Entertainment Editor • March 3, 2023
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), every packaged food is required to have nutritional information published on the package. Kelly Brown (10) stated that wrestlers take great importance of nutritional labels: “We choose what we eat based on our calorie intake.”

[Art/Photo] Are Calorie Labels Lying to You?

Anthony Parker, Entertainment & News Editor • February 8, 2023
Aaron Cohen (12) is always striving to improve and hone his running skills. When discussing running against the competition, he said, “I’ve always wanted to win. That’s just been my thing.”

[Art/Photo] From P.E. Student to Cross Country Star: Aaron Cohen

Anthony Parker, Entertainment & News Editor • December 2, 2022
West High’s Girls’ Volleyball seniors huddle up for a group picture on senior night against North High on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022. Congratulations to (top row from left to right) Amani Flakes (12), Samantha Jiao (12), Mikayla Long (12), Maddy Hancock (12), Kate Amano (12), Rylee White (12), Aaliyah Martinez (12), Maddie Verette (12),(bottom row from left to right) Abigail Witzansky (12), Sheridan Hagedorn (12), Maddie Gloria (12), Mia Koliander (12), and Paityn Yamasaki (12) for representing the Girls’ Volleyball program.

[Art/Photo] One Last Spike

Bella Levinson, Visuals Editor • December 1, 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
Linebacker and fullback Tyler Schlappatha (12) and family.

Center Carlos Herrera (12) and family.

Linebacker Elias Overstreet (12) and family.

Corner and receiver Degan Jones (12) and family.

Wide receiver and cornerback Ernesto Hernandez (12) and family.

Wide receiver and safety Dominick De La Torre (12) and family.

Wide receiver, running end, and defensive back Kyle Cascalenda (12) and family.

Cornerback and runningback Joseph Arrata (12) and family.

Quarterback Jackson Sharman (12) and family.

Wide receiver and cornerback Matt Rochford (12) and family.

Runningback, cornerback, and linebacker Brett James (12) and family.

Right guard Manny Agredano (12) and family.

Linebacker and right end Jason Jones (12) and family.

Wide receiver Philip Ogbuehi (12) and family.

Defensive end and left tackle Luke Weaver (12) and family.

Offensive and defensive line Lincoln Ornelos (12) and family.

Center Dylan Zeledon (12) and family.

Students dance the night away with friends in the transformed courtyard of building five at Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. A photo booth, selfie stand, and snack table were just some of the options open for dance attendees. It was an absolute blast of a Homecoming done by West High’s Associated Student Body (ASB) team. ASB brainstormed the theme of “Saturday Night Fever,” inspired by the disco parties in the 1970’s. An ASB representative, Gracie Ito (11), expressed how she “enjoyed Hoco this year,” and how the “dance floor was fun and the photo opportunities were also great.” (Art/Photo by Roger Ayad)

Saturday Night Fever

Roger Ayad, Staff Photographer • October 23, 2022
Lauren Ng (12) and Frank Wong (12) share the life-long memory of becoming West’s new Homecoming champions. The stadium roared with excitement as Wong and Ng’s names were announced.

[Art/Photo] West’s Homecoming King and Queen Have Been Elected!

Anthony Parker, Entertainment & News Editor • October 7, 2022
Kyle Cascalenda (12) prepares for the Varsity Football game against Mira Costa on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. He is this season’s starting running back for West High’s Varsity football team. Cascalenda was awarded “Player of the Week” by Daily Breeze after the Sept. 9 game against Peninsula.

[Art/Photo] Athlete of the Week: Kyle Cascalenda

Ilma Patel, Assistant Social Media Manager • October 7, 2022
West High students cheer as they participate in the first rally of the new school year on Friday, September 26, 2022. The Homecoming rally included two student involved games: table surfing and “skin the snake.” In addition, West High’s Dance Department, Drill and All Male performed at the rally, much to the excitement of the student body. To end the rally, the Associated Student Body (ASB) announced the Homecoming Top 5 Court: (Pictured from left to right in middle left row of photos) Ian Chen (12), Beckett Tom (12), Nancy Kim (12), Brandon Howard (12), Lauren Ng (12), Frank Wong (12), John Kang (12), Sullivan Kolakowski (12), Riyana Roy (12), and (not pictured) Jaden Mooney (12).

[Art/Photo] The Final 5!

Bella Levinson, Visuals Editor • September 30, 2022
Mrs. Jennifer Milla, or commonly known amongst students as “J Rod,” helps out on the football sidelines as West High’s new athletic trainer. Mrs. Milla loves her job and helping students safely compete and accomplish greatness in their sports. She is passionate about sports and health because “[I] grew up within sports,” adding that she would “like to be able to help out all the other teams and get to know the athletes of other sports.”

[Art/Photo] Mrs. Milla: Jack of all Trades

Grace Lu, Staff Writer • September 21, 2022
West High's Girls Volleyball team huddles up after scoring a point against Palos Verdes High on September 1, 2022. The team plans their next play to get that “Warrior win”. Outside of brainstorming their next play, the girls build up positive momentum to keep them in the right mindset throughout the whole game. The girls support each other, and when one teammate fails a play, they build each other back up without giving up.

[Art/Photo] Reasons for the Season

Bella Levinson, Visuals Editor • September 9, 2022
Excited and humbled by the title of Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Hettinger strives to “[create] a place that is both friendly and kind, but also safe.”

[Art/Photo] Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Hettinger

Lauren Ng, Co-Editor-in-Chief • June 3, 2022
WHS Dance runs through their perfected performances after adapting to last minute changes. Despite the added difficulty, choreographer Ray Pham (11) expressed, “Everyone has been trying their best to overcome these challenges and it’s been amazing to see the team work harder than ever!” The dancers successfully persevered through all of their troubles, bringing another spectacular show to the West High Performing Arts Center.

[Art/Photo] How WHS Dance “Continued to Thrive” Through May Show

Elise Fauni, Staff Writer • May 16, 2022
Seniors from the volleyball team wear celebratory leis on their shoulders with posters in hand. Players celebrated their win as they walked down a line and posed for photos with loved ones. “I’m grateful for the time we’ve had together,” said senior Jason Irie.

[Art/Photo] West Victorious at Senior Night Volleyball Game

Sophia Yoshimura, Staff Writer • May 10, 2022
This year marks the 10-year anniversary All-Male was introduced into West by Adam Burt, son of West teacher Ms. Donna Burt. The West Drill and All-Male Dance showcase saw guest performances from Glendale, Carson Street Dance, Carson Flaggies, Kindreds, Channel Islands, Mira Mesa, and the 1st year alumni of All-Male. This was the last performance for seniors Pierce Vo, Cathy Lam, Leah Sullivan, Saki Matsumoto, Joseph Kim, Sammy Kelley, Nico Villongco, Jocelyn Traub, Chris Fauria, Taylor Benedict, and Breana Maravilla. Drill/All-Male ended their season, winning 3 different National Titles. Drill members Gracie Ito (10) reflects on their past season, “Drill is like a second family to me, and I think everyone did an amazing job this season,” she expressed.

West Drill and All Male Showcase

Roger Ayad, Staff Photographer • May 9, 2022
Caden Mitchell (11) preparing for upcoming volleyball games. Mitchell is competitive and dedicated to his sport. He said the thing he most enjoys about volleyball is getting to play with his best friends.

[Art/Photo] Athlete of the Week: Caden Mitchell

Luciana Gonzalez, Staff Writer • March 24, 2022
The West High Track Team competed in a Tri-Meet against South High and Torrance High on March 30. In Boys Varsity events, placing first was Tyler Vo (12) in the 100 meters and long jump, Conor Gibson (12) in the 3200 meters, and Karim Grissett (12) in discus. For Girls Varsity: Amor Jones (12) was first in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and long jump, Sophia Rabang (11) in the 800 meters, Lily Ball (12) in the 3200 meters, and Isabel Reynolds (12) in the high jump.

Track Tri-Meet

Roger Ayad, Staff Photographer • April 21, 2022
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[Art/Photo] About

August 11, 2009
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[Art/Photo] Print Edition

March 7, 2022
Sullivan Kolakowski is a staff photographer for West Signals. She is driven, passionate, and determined. Aside from photography, she has found a passion for piloting and surfing.

[Art/Photo] BTS of West Signals: Sullivan Kolakowski

Luciana Gonzalez, Staff Writer • February 28, 2022
All five seniors on the Boys’ Basketball team hold gift packages and wear leis around their necks. Around them are their parents, coaches, and loved ones, celebrating the day that the boys had been working up to for the past four years. Matthew De Luna (11) of the Varsity team commented “They’ve worked so hard the whole time they’ve been with the program and it was their night.”

[Art/Photo] Boys’ Basketball: Thank You, Seniors!

Sarah Han, News Editor • February 14, 2022
On January 13th and 14th, students from the West High Dance Department, including Choreo Club worked to put together an amazing performance. The January Dance showcase (Jan Show) was an outstanding success with 20+ extravagant performances varying in music genre and dance styles. In regards to her final Jan Show, senior and advanced dance student Rebecca Yan (12) expressed, “I am proud of all we were able to accomplish these past few months.”

[Art/Photo] Striving for Greatness: The Choreography of January Dance Show

Elise Fauni, Staff Writer • January 31, 2022
Seen smiling, spirited students carried along shopping carts, baskets, and buckets on Bring Anything But a Backpack Day! It was definitely one of the more entertaining days as students looked all around to see creative items.

[Art/Photo] A Spirited Farewell Into Winter Break

Kate Phan, Entertainment Editor • January 17, 2022
Podcasts provide listeners with insightful and on-the-go information about particular topics. They are a way to spark some fun in our daily routines. According to Juan Garcia (12), “Podcasts are a good option for those who get tired of nothing new to listen to . . . they’re perfect for a sick day or a bus ride.”

[Art/Photo] Podcasts You Should Listen to in 2022

Luciana Gonzalez, Staff Writer • January 13, 2022
West’s 2021 manleaders work together to build a connecting pyramid –impressive for guys who’ve only had a few weeks of experience. This Winter Rally was jam-packed with entertainment, with special courtesy of the manleaders and Powderpuff players, whose athleticism really got the crowd on their feet.

[Art/Photo] Powering Through Powderpuff

Sarah Han, News Editor • January 5, 2022
On December 2, 2021, West High’s Boys’ Wrestling Team threw it down in the ring in their duel against Redondo Union High School. This season, the team put in great efforts to get back at the SeaHawks since last year’s hard-fought loss, but unfortunately lost to Redondo Union for the second time, though putting up quite the fight. The team plans on continuing to put great efforts into practice every day in hopes of huge accomplishments this season.

[Art/Photo] Intense Wrestling Duel Against Redondo

Sophia Yoshimura, Staff Writer • January 5, 2022
Butting heads, wrestlers Michael Barretto (12) and David Lee (12) practice their skills. They have prepared hard to win their competitions and have a successful season!

[Art/Photo] West High’s Winter Sports!

Cyrilla Zhang, Editor-in-Chief • December 10, 2021
Congrats to the Seniors of West High’s Girls Volleyball team for their awesome run! Along with the rest of their Varsity team, these Seniors played their last game against Peninsula High School on October 15. Despite the unfortunate loss of their last game, they still had an unforgettable season. Reese Verrette (12) reminisced on these past 4 years: “I’ve been looking forward to my Senior year since I saw the Seniors when I was a Freshman." Pictured from left to right: Reese Verrette (12), Alley Frey (12), Alex Ayano (12), and Sophia Quintana (12).

One Last Serve: Girl’s Volleyball Senior Night

Roger Ayad, Staff Photographer • November 1, 2021
The Senior class of 2022 gathers together at the crack of dawn to watch the sunrise. A chilly Tuesday morning full of laughs and donuts kicked off Seniors’ last high school year.

[Art/Photo] The Beginning of the End: Senior Sunrise

Luciana Gonzalez, Staff Writer • October 30, 2021
Gavin Ashley (9) - Freshman Gavin Ashley was highly requested as one of the top 10 best dressed. Ashley wore gray plaid pants with a dressy black belt and a white formal shirt matched with a burgundy tie. To top it off, he paired his outfit with some classic white Vans, a look to envy.

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