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

Sophia Yoshimura

Sophia Yoshimura, Staff Writer

Sophia Yoshimura is a writer for West Signals. This is her first year on the team, and Sophia is a freshman. Aside from lugging around shopping bags, Sophia passionately esteems her outside interests: creative and music arts, fawning over fiction novels, devouring Doritos, and chilling with a lovely mug of tea. Determined to give her all in every step, she looks forward to growing as a narrator and storyteller through Signals to pursue her dream of becoming a live news anchor.

All content by Sophia Yoshimura
Peter Emmanuel Fabie IV (12), mask on, stops to pass the ball to a teammate. Because of the new cases brought on by Omicron, safety precautions that were previously lenient are strict again. Protocols called for extra health checks and a wave of canceled games. “It was one of [the] hardest things I’ve ever faced,” Mason Nishikawa (11) on Boys’ JV expressed. Photo courtesy of Kami Kwong (12).

Basketball and Omicron’s Surge

Sophia Yoshimura, Staff Writer February 15, 2022
Timothy Tran (12) shows off his newly dyed hair. From college prep to dying his hair to working at Crème de la Crêpe, Tran keeps busy. He thinks that “it’s always good to try new things,” so he’s “been doing it more often.” Photo courtesy of Timothy Tran (12).

Senior Spotlight: Timothy Tran

Sophia Yoshimura, Staff Writer January 31, 2022
Cameras of friends, families, and guardians are aimed at the stage, seen from every other seat. After a year devoid of concerts on West’s campus, the 2021 Winter Wonderland Concert was important for many. From filming Instagram stories to posting on family Facebook pages, this was an important moment to record. Nervous performers knew the significance of the event, so choir director Mr. Dowdle advised them to “just relax. Enjoy yourself. Everything else will be okay.” Photo courtesy of Naoya Yoshimura.

Singing in a Winter Wonderland!

Sophia Yoshimura, Staff Writer December 28, 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!”

Warrior Fall Baking!

Sophia Yoshimura, Staff Writer November 29, 2021
JCC President Fusako Maekawa (12) and Vice President Julie Kimura (12) show off their spooky, bi-cultural door that won first place in the Halloween Door Decoration Contest. Maekawa explained that their goal was to use “Japanese crafts like origami to show [the] American culture [of] Halloween.” The club meets in Room 4105. Photo courtesy of Fusako Maekawa (12).

Spooky Doors at West!

Sophia Yoshimura, Staff Writer November 15, 2021
This fall comes bearing warm colors and chunky sweaters. As the temperatures and leaves drop, students at West take advantage of the weather to cozy up in style! Pictured from left to right: Dominic Disloquez (11), Samantha Kelly (12), Nicole Smith (10), Peter Cepeda (12), Tobeanna Anyaoha (12), Tommy Nguyen (11), Felix (Abigail) Paddi (11). Photo courtesy of Kaila Uyemura (12).

Fall Fashion At West!

Sophia Yoshimura, Staff Writer November 6, 2021
The COVID-19 symptom checker had consisted of 4 questions. First was a question regarding potential symptoms of the virus, one about diagnostic/testing history, history of quarantining treatment, and a final question about close-contact suspicions. If one responds negatively to all, a “green screen” will be given to show proper staff before admission to any TUSD campus. Seen below are a few sources for COVID-19 Information and Resources. Though discontinued, the health checker for TUSD students is still accessible and operational at c19.tusd.org.

No More Green-Screening!

Sophia Yoshimura, Staff Writer October 21, 2021
Both Future Health Professionals (HOSA) and American Red Cross are designed to aid students hoping to go into medical fields by providing education and activities. People like Catbagan and our community servers are proof of those efforts.

Meet West’s Future Health Experts!

Sophia Yoshimura, Staff Writer October 11, 2021
Sports everywhere have felt the hit of the pandemic. In the larger wrestling world, masking and protection are required as shown. Until the pandemic is over, this will be the norm. Photo courtesy of Sean Simmers on pennlive.com

COVID and Wrestling

Sophia Yoshimura, Staff Writer October 8, 2021
Cailey Umamoto (12) entertains a life full of energy, dance, a dream to travel, and so much more. With 4 committed years at West, she is dressed for success. Through these years, she has a continued pursuit in her love of dancing and dedication to fellow confreres. Looking forward, Umamoto hopes for a bright future of travel and University.

Senior Spotlight: Cailey Umamoto

Sophia Yoshimura, Staff Writer October 2, 2021
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