The Class of 2025 received their early admissions decisions last December, with 223 students applying through Early Decision (ED) and Single Choice Early Action (SCEA), according to the administration. 47% of the applications were admitted, marking a tie for the highest acceptance rate in the past five years. 33% of early applicants were denied and 20% were deferred.
According to a Chronicle article from February of the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, 51% of the Class of 2024’s seniors in the early pool applied to the same 14 schools. Slattery said the performance of this year’s senior class was better than the results of last year’s early admissions, in terms of students admitted. She said students were able to approach the admissions process more strategically.
“It was a really successful year in comparison,” Slattery said. “When I looked at the percentage of kids who were done, either because they were admitted through ED or EA, it was a lot more than last year’s, which was probably around a third of applicants. One class has almost 300 students, and usually a little over 100 kids are done around this time, but this year, it was around 140 or 130 students. I think it was good counseling and good listening on the part of the [Class of 2025]. That may be partially in response to last year because early wasn’t as strong, so people are often responsive to that.”
The top 25 colleges students applied to include the eight Ivy League schools, New York University, Boston College, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, Washington University in St. Louis, Vanderbilt University, Tufts University, Emory University, the University of Virginia, Duke University, Wesleyan University, Colgate University, Boston University, Tulane University, Howard University, Kenyon College and Carnegie Mellon University.
Semester courses to be full-year
By Alex Reisner
Starting next school year, all semester courses will become fullyear, according to a new school policy. Courses such as Creative Writing, Criminal Law and Shakespeare and Our World will become full-year classes. Directed Studies are not affected and will remain one-semester classes.
Head of Upper School Beth Slattery said the transition aims to allow students to fit more classes into their schedule.
“Semester courses become impossible to schedule because they don’t always match with students’ schedules,” Slattery said. “Students who wish to take two semester courses find they don’t necessarily meet in the same block, resulting in them dropping the course altogether. That is why most of them are turning into full-year courses.”
By Colin Ho
In response to the fires that affected students and tens of thousands of Los Angeles residents, the school accepted two transfer students from Palisades Charter High School (PCHS) and established a ‘do-no-harm’ academic period from Jan. 14-24. The two students, Sam Plant ’26 and Natalia Crystal ’27 were both accepted through a modified admissions system according to Head of Upper School Beth Slattery. Classes at PCHS are currently being held online after 40% of the campus burned in the Palisades Fire, according to the Los Angeles Times. After evacuation orders were announced for the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, the school closed both campuses for five school days. Community Council hosted a donation drive for gift cards, clothing and other essentials from Jan. 11-12 in Hamilton Gym for victims of the fires, where student volunteers were able to sort and organize donated clothing. As of Feb. 2025, both the Eaton and Palisades Fires are 100% contained, but over
40,000 acres and at least 12,000 structures have been burned, according to Cal Fire.
Crystal, who is now living in a rental property after losing her home, said she misses the community she had in the Palisades.
“I lived in my house for seven and a half years,” Crystal said. “Even though I was never the biggest fan of the interior of the house, it just felt like home. The location was amazing. I was opposite my best friends who are now 20 minutes away, and I could walk to school. I had my sports and my temple there. My entire life was in the Palisades. I didn’t really have anything outside of it. It doesn’t just feel like my house burned down, it feels like my life did.”
Plant said he is excited to have a new start and integrate himself into the school community.
“I chose to apply here because I know a lot of people that go here already,” Plant said. “I’m definitely excited to come in and meet people. I really wanted to play volleyball this year. I’m a volleyball player and the team at PCHS was not looking good, so we wouldn’t have
had a successful season. I want to help the boys volleyball team win [this season].”
During the ‘do-no-harm’ period, students unable to complete assignments or take assessments received no grade penalties. The period was extended until President’s Day weekend for students who needed additional accommodations. Slattery said she feels the altered academic policy following the return to school was successful.
“I think what we did was right,” Slattery said. “I didn’t get any pushback from faculty, and I didn’t really hear anything negative from families. It is good for the majority of people to actually have things continue to go on [as normal], but I’ve approved ‘do-no-harm’ periods for five to 10 kids so far who have needed them. That feels better to me than a blanket policy. The whole school doesn’t need a grade floor, and we need to treat people as individuals.”
Math Department Head Kent Nealis said he is not worried about how the new students will adapt, and is willing to create accommodations for needs they may have.
Slattery said she believes eliminating schedule conflicts will result in more students enrolling in former semester courses.
“The semester courses were mostly from the Kutler Center and were relatively small classes,” Slattery said. “Most of the classes were so small because the kids couldn’t work it into their schedules, so I think it’s actually going to be better in the long run and increase the class sizes.”
Creative Writing Teacher Lucas Gonzalez said switching to a full-year course will lessen the time pressure on the course.
“One of the problems with a semester-long class is that we build a wonderful community over that time, but I think we find there isn’t enough time to fit everything that we want to do in one semester,” Gonzalez said. “Having a whole year allows for more breathing room to be more meticulous and feel less hampered by the time constraint.”
Gonzalez said he is exploring different types of content he can incorporate into a full-year course.
“With the additional time, I will include more assignments that build on one another to create a broader scope for the class.”
ONE MONTH LATER: The historic Altadena Hardware store, established in the community for nearly 80 years, burned down in the Eaton Fire. The Palisades and Eaton fires have collectively impacted several L.A. communities.
CONNOR TANG/CHRONICLE
School to help after fires strike
• Continued from A1
“We first have to make an assessment of where they are right and then place them properly, so there shouldn’t be a lot of catching up that needs to take place,” Nealis said. “A much bigger concern of ours would be making sure that we meet them where they are with respect to the trauma that they’re currently working through. Expecting them to do normal schoolwork might not be something that they are up for. We have to set standards that are particularly tailored to their needs, whatever they might be.”
Community Council organized a drive in order to collect water bottles, gift cards and clothing in the weeks after the fires began. The council is currently working with Student Leaders for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity to fundraise for all of the affected communities and the Los Angeles Fire Department. Community Council Member Lily Tamkin ’25 said the support will continue to help victims of the fires persevere during hard times.
“As a school whose community is built based on the diversity of interests as well as the backgrounds of the student body, faculty and staff, I find that this is one of the most important times to gather together and collaborate as a united front,” Tamkin said. “The fires did not particularly target one group of people or another, and thus it is our responsibility as a community to care for everyone who is a part of the Wolverine family. As the fires have affected so many members of our community in varying ways, I believe that the outpouring of love and the continuous display of support from so many people has the ability to help people through more emotionally difficult times.”
GIVING BACK TO THE FIREFIGHTERS: Students gathered together to participate in a 5K run in support of the Los Angeles Fire Department Wildlife Emergency Fund. Members of the community of all ages came to participate at the event in order to fundraise for those that have been battling fires.
Alumni team and Prefect Council host 5K Wolverrun to raise money for fire department
By Holden Kim
The Alumni Team collaborated with Prefect Council to co-host the 5K Wolverrun at Ted Slavin Field on Feb. 2 in support of the Los Angeles firefighters who worked to battle the Eaton, Palisades and other recent wildfires. All of the proceeds coming from the event benefitted the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Wildfire Emergency Fund, which helps supply firefighters who are on the front lines trying to combat fires with vast amounts of essential tools as well as necessary safety equipment.
Wolverrun participants, including faculty, alumni and students, ran six laps around the track and senior parking lot until they ran a total of five kilometers. A Tot Trot race was also held for participants aged 10 and younger. Community Council sold snacks, with all profits donated to LAFD.
Head Prefect Ellie Borris ’25 said the Alumni Team had initially considered canceling the Wolverrun, but eventually they decided instead to modify the event by getting Prefect Council involved. Both students and adults could run together so that they could support the LA Fire Department.
“This year, with the fires, [the Alumni Team] were originally thinking about canceling it, and then they decided to add the [Prefect Council] to participate and to donate all of the funds to the fire department,” Borris said.
Associate Director of Alumni Relations, Ivy Bunnak, said this year’s Wolverrun prioritized donating to the LAFD over purchasing more merchandise.
“We decided not to have swag this year. All of the things that
we normally would be spending money on, we instead decided to put that money towards helping the LAFD,” Bunnak said. Track and Field and Cross Country Program Head Jonas Koolsbergen ’83 said the Wolverrun gathering held particular significance this year due to the fires’ greater widespread impact across the entire school community, affecting all of the students in some way.
“With so many members of the community and so many families of the community having been affected the way that they have, it just reaches everyone more because everyone knows someone who has been having a real challenge,” Koolsbergen said.
LAFD Battalion Chief Aaron Guggenheim ’99 said the Wolverrun demonstrated the power of collective action in
bringing the community together for a common cause.
“A lot of times people want to do something, they just don’t know how, so it’s great that someone can organize something where those that want to partake and give can all be together in the same place,” Guggenheim said.
Koolsbergen said this year’s Wolverrun took on deeper meaning amid recent losses.
“[The run] feels extra special because the moments of loss have made the need for community feel all the more special,” Koolsbergen said.
Bunnak said the school plans to expand Wolverrun’s racecourse in the next few years to come.
“I think some years from now, we’ll be running to River Park, and we’re probably going to include our community and organize a run on the streets, like close off Studio City to run,” Bunnak said.
Students organize LAFD fundraiser
By Tali Gurule
Community Council collaborated with Prefect Council to sell Diddy Riese ice cream sandwiches during lunch from Jan. 30-31 to support the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation (LAFD) Wildlife Emergency Fund. The fundraiser came after the recent Palisades and Eaton fires, which began on Jan. 7.
Community Council member Cole Grossman ’25, who managed the booth, said he wanted to continue to foster support for the first responders who protected his house from the Palisades Fire.
“The firefighters did great things,” Grossman said. “I live in the Palisades and my house was saved by the firefighters, so it feels good to see the community coming together for a good cause.”
Felicia Duan ’27, who purchased from the booth, said she
was happy to help the firefighters because they put the city first, despite not being personally affected by the fires.
“I am glad that we got to help the fire department and the firefighters who work there,” Duan said. “It is so important that we contribute to funding the firefighters because they sacrifice so much for the city even though we are all in a crisis.”
Duan said the firefighters deserve greater compensation for their crucial work, including the incarcerated people from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) that assisted the firefighters.
“The firefighters spend a lot of effort and time away from their own families, but oftentimes they don’t get paid enough,” Duan said. “Some of the inmates can get paid less than minimum wage even though they are doing the most
essential job.”
Dylan Fullmer ’27, whose house was partially burned in the Palisades Fire, said he purchased from the booth because he knew the proceeds would go to the LAFD.
“I decided to buy some ice cream because I heard the fundraiser was supporting firefighters,” Fullmer said. “It feels great to know that there is support out there for everyone who is affected.”
Elise Kennedy ’27, whose family opened their home to people displaced by the fires, said she bought from the booth because she wants to do as much as possible in order to assist the reconstruction.
“I’ve seen how much damage the fires have caused in the community and I want to do anything I can to help,” Kennedy said. “The fundraiser makes me feel really happy and hopeful for the rebuilding efforts and the future of our city.”
FIREFIGHTER FUNDRAISER: Community Council organized
raiser, selling ice cream to support the LAFD Wildlife Emergency Fund.
L. Wood
Ellie Borris ’25
Four WLSA Shanghai Academy students visit Upper School in weeklong exchange program
By Colin Ho
Four students from the World Leading Schools Association (WLSA) Shanghai Academy participated in the East to West Exchange program at the Upper School from Jan. 27-31. This is the second year that the exchange program has taken place at the school after being paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The exchange students, ranging from grades nine to 11, shadowed their host students for one day and then followed a class schedule specifically curated for them by a group of student volunteers and Kutler Center Director Jim Patterson.
Patterson said the program allows exchange students to increase their cultural competency and to experience what life is like abroad.
“One of the best ways that you
“can learn about cultural differences is by visiting other countries and interacting with folks who have grown up and live in those countries,” Patterson said. “These exchange students come from China, and so there’s also an interest for our Chinese language students here to be part of that particular exchange. Beyond that, it is about having that type of cultural exchange between students here and students who are growing up in a culture that is in many ways, vastly different from the culture here in the United States.”
students who volunteered to organize the exchange program, said she cherishes the connections she created with the exchange students.
“These interactions fostered cross-cultural understanding, built friendships and created lasting bonds beyond the classroom.”
Katelynn You ’26
Katelynn You ’26, one of the
“I chose to help organize the exchange program because I believe it is important for students from different backgrounds and cultures to experience each other’s school environments firsthand,” You said. “This unique opportunity allows the WLSA students to immerse themselves in a different setting, which really broadens their perspective and helps them navigate future international experiences. Overall, the
ASiA hosts annual Lunar New Year Festival for fire relief organization
By Ella Jeon and Nathan Wang
Asian Students in Action
(ASiA) hosted a Lunar New Year Festival after school on the Quad on Jan. 27. Students celebrated the holiday with a buffet of various Asian foods and a variety of activities, including a spicy ramen eating challenge and cookie carving from the Korean-based show “Squid Game”.
The proceeds from the event were donated to Tzu Chi USA, an organization providing resources to help victims of the Los Angeles fires.
ASiA co-leader Hudson Chen ’25 said the Lunar New Year celebration emphasized community and culture.
“I’ve gone to this event since ninth grade, and I’ve had a great time every year,” Chen said. “Every year this remains
ASiA’s biggest event, and we get consistent turnout. I love the sense of togetherness the community has, whether we’re playing a game or grabbing food. Even to get the parents’ support with catering food every year means a lot.”
ASiA member Ivy Wang ’26, who lived in China, said she appreciates the club’s dedication to preserving Asian culture and holidays.
“When I was a young girl in Shanghai, Lunar New Year was always my favorite day of the year,” Wang said. “We celebrated for a week straight, eating so much food and seeing all types of performances at school. When I moved here, I worried about not being able to celebrate, and risk losing the culture that made up so much of my identity, which is why I’m so grateful that ASiA hosts their Lunar New Year celebra -
tions each year.”
Zach Zhang ’26 said he enjoyed attending the after-shool festival because of the opportunity to eat good food and celebrate the New Year with all of his friends.
“I really liked the variety of food, and I thought that the popcorn chicken and Korean fried chicken were especially good,” Zhang said. “It was also fun to hang out with all of my friends and get to see them outside of class.”
Wang said the event was a meaningful way to unwind from academic pressures.
“Moments like these remind me how lucky I am to be in a community that honors different cultures and allows us to share them with each other,” Wang said. “In such a stressful time of the year, it made me so happy to see people laughing on the Quad.”
By Yuna Jeon
The school partnered with The Jed Foundation (JED) to host training in mental health awareness and help-seeking for sophomores, juniors, seniors and faculty. JED is a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention for teens and young adults and has partnered with the school since 2023.
The trainings were recommended by the JED Foundation as part of their review of the school’s suicide prevention practices. A survey conducted by JED in early 2024 found promoting help-seeking behavior and recognizing warning signs to be the biggest areas for improvement within the school.
experience was incredibly meaningful because these interactions fostered great cross-cultural understanding, built friendships and created lasting bonds beyond the classroom.”
Maggie Zheng, a ninth grader at WLSA, said she enjoyed the freedom that Upper School students have.
“While WLSA is a good school, it’s definitely not comparable to Harvard-Westlake,” Zheng said. “It’s a very free school, [which is] the type of school I like because everyone can express themselves. Everyone is so independent and flexible.”
English Teacher Jill Turner taught English at Hefei University in Anhui, China, from 20022006, and said the teaching styles in Chinese schools and American schools are very different.
The training aimed to help participants recognize signs of well-being, stress and distress as well as teach strategies for mental health check-ins. It also focused on setting boundaries when supporting peers, and introduced participants to mental health resources available at the school, local and national levels. During the training, students and faculty engaged in small group conversations discussing scenarios created by other students.
Director of Wellness Marci Reichert said it is important to acknowledge deeper factors that influence mental health.
“When you look at mental health in general, a lot of people think just giving people information and telling them all about suicide, depression and anxiety can actually change behavior,” Reichert said. “That’s actually not true. It’s all these underlying factors that impact behavior change.”
Reichert said she hopes the training will serve as a foundation for ongoing discussions and raise awareness for mental health issues.
“The training will be a starting point to start a conversation and to normalize that everybody has mental health to address,” Reichert said.
CONNECTING IN THE CLASSROOM: The exchange students pose for a group picture as they get a chance to explore campus and learn about the school from their assigned student hosts. The group’s visit, from Jan. 27-31, was spent sitting in on classes, talking to other students and touring LA.
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Outcomes from Early Decision
An inside look into how the Class of 2025 performed during the early round of college admissions compared to previous years.
Upper School Dean Chris Jones said the seniors in his cohort — with nearly two-thirds accepted in the early round — have been some of the most successful in his counseling career.
“In all my 30 years doing this, in which the last 23 have been on the high school side, my cohort of students [this year] has done better than any cohort of students I’ve ever had,” Jones said.
“If a third of my students are done by January 1, I know that it’s going to ultimately wind up being a good year. It doesn’t mean that the people who are in the two-thirds aren’t going to have good options. It’s not that. But if at least a third got in, I know it’s going to be okay. This year, out of my 33 seniors, 22 achieved that place by January 1. I’ve never seen something quite like that because this class really applied very smartly. Even when I think about the students who didn’t get something during early decision, looking at their list, it’s smart, and what they did made a lot of sense.”
kids who understand what it means to be practical, to be realistic, to take risks and go for goals while still being in the realm of possibility,” Suh said. “I’m just very happy with our community, and I’m very happy to see that we’re successful. I know it may make the people who didn’t get into their EDs feel good. But honestly, would I rather have this situation, this boom of success, that we’re going through right now?
Or the opposite, like something we had last year? I would much rather have what we have this year.”
Slattery said she hopes students will use this class as an example when applying to schools in the future, choosing to diversify their options.
Senior Prefect Victor Suh said he is proud of the turnout for the seniors and believes their success comes from a greater amount of awareness regarding the admissions process.
“[Our class is] made up of
“If a class was more successful with a different strategy, I would hope that people would follow that strategy,” Slattery said. “There were a handful of schools where we had incredible success, like Vanderbilt and Northwestern, where we historically haven’t had the best outcomes. There were places where the majority of people who applied early got in, and so if people can do that and spread the types of schools out, they’re going to have more success.”
The school’s college counsel-
Early Application Results
223 ED/REA applications were submitted by the class of 2025 according to the deans’ office.
ing team uses a platform called College Kickstart, which provides students with information about the likelihood of acceptance to colleges after they input data about their GPA and test scores. This tool allows students to strategize about where to apply to and to optimize their chances of acceptance. Colleges are sorted into categories such as “likelies” where a student has a 90% chance of being accepted, “targets” where a student has a 50% chance of getting accepted, “reaches,” where a student has a 25% chance of being accepted and “unlikelies” where a student has a 1% chance of being accepted. Jones said College Kickstart is more accurate than most students believe. According to the website’s data, Jones said, seniors are successful 91% of the time in “likelies,” 55% of the time in targets, 29% of the time in “reaches” and 2% of the time in “unlikelies” in regular decision applications. Jones said students may underestimate the platform’s reliability because Early Decision results appear different, as the website only provides probabilities for students applying through Regular Decision. Jones said because his approach to counseling students depends heavily on a student’s statistics, especially their GPA, it becomes difficult to construct a plan if a student’s college list is too ambitious.
“There’s no way for us to prevent students from overshooting,” Jones said. “[The choice to use data] is more for us to make sure students understand exactly what the landscape is. I rely a lot on data to allow them to come to those conclusions on their own, which they usually do. We go to the data and see how kids within your GPA cohort have performed in the admissions process over the last three years. If you look in there and you see a good number of kids getting in, yay. If you look in there and you see that most, or maybe all the kids in your range have not gotten in there, it’s not saying you can’t apply to those schools, but we can’t develop a strategy for you that’s based around having a list that only has that.”
“In all my years doing this, my cohort of students has done better than any other cohort of students I’ve ever had.”
making good, wise decisions at the end of the day. Sometimes, that means giving them control of the reins a little bit and giving them the full picture so that they and their families can make as good and informed decisions as possible. Again, that also means playing a little bit with unrealistic and realistic possibilities because, at the end of the day, it’s the kid’s and their family’s decisions. So, there is nothing wrong with entertaining the dreams and goals that some kids might have, regardless of how realistic.”
— Chris Jones Upper School Dean
Suh, who was accepted into Harvard University via Restrictive Early Action and is a student of Jones’, said he appreciates Jones’ flexibility and considers the application process an opportunity for students to challenge themselves.
“[Jones is] the perfect blend of wanting his kids to be idealistic and realistic,” Suh said. “He puts faith in kids and them
Slattery said she is confident that the students applying via regular decision will be admitted because of the many early admissions this year.
“Last year, the top of the class was not as successful in early [admissions], while this year, most students at the top of the class got in,” Slattery said. “That’s going to be better for everybody else in the regular pool. Regular decision last year was really difficult because the top kids were still in the regular decision pool. So this year, the kids who are still left in the pool and who are strong will have success.”
Top 25 colleges applied to ED/REA for Class of 2025
L. Wood Beth Slattery
Middle School tests fingerprint scanning for purchasing food
By Ella Jeon
The school is in the process of implementing fingerprint identification as an optional payment method in both campuses’ cafeterias as an alternative to a school-issued ID card. The technology is currently being tested on the Lower School campus, with the possibility of being brought to the Upper School next year, when cell phone usage will become restricted on campus.
Head of Lower School Jon Wimbish said the system will quickly recognize students’ fingerprints when they make purchases in the cafeteria.
“Using a finger scanner, the software scans unique points on the finger to create and store individual numerical templates that identify each student,” Wimbish said. “When the student returns, the software again scans the finger and looks for a numerical template match in the database. This all happens in about a second.”
Head of Communications and Strategic Initiatives Ari Engelberg ’89 said the scanning technology was introduced because of issues with students being unable to keep track of their school IDs.
only associated with the student’s name, student ID number, grade, and school. All templates are located behind the school’s firewall with all the security protections currently in place so the vendor does not host or have access to any of our data.”
Maia Blackman ’28 said she is happy the school is working to make its phone-free policy more convenient for students.
“I think it’s a great solution since a lot of people I know often forget their school IDs at home and then [do] not have a way to purchase food without buying a completely new one,” Blackman said. “It’ll definitely make it less annoying to not have our phones on campus.”
Engelberg said the school would benefit from the new technology, which allows for a more efficient payment system during busy periods.
“
Adding fingerprint scanning to the cafeteria’s point-of-sale-system seemed like a fast and highly-reliable solution.” Ari Engelberg ’89
“The idea originated at the middle school because cell phones are not permitted during the school day and students often can’t find their ID card when they are at the register,” Engelberg said. “Adding a fingerprint scanning option to the cafeteria’s point-of-sale-system seemed like a fast and highly reliable solution, and it is in use at lots of schools around the country for this purpose.”
Wimbish said that while participation is voluntary, the new system is completely secure and ensures that students’ personal information and fingerprint scan remain protected and private.
“There are no images of actual fingerprints taken,” Wimbish said. “The initial finger scan is converted to an encrypted string of numbers called the template, which is
“At the Upper School, where cafeteria lines can be long during the common lunch period, the hope is that the fingerprint system will speed up checkout because students won’t need to fumble with their phones or take ID cards out of their bags,” Engelberg said. Rael Kreiz ’26 said while he would prefer to keep using his phone at school, he is open to these new advancements.
“I won’t want to carry my school ID around next year, so I think it’s a good idea to have an easier option in the cafeteria,” Kreiz said. “I do wish we could still just have our phones, but this seems like the next best choice.”
Talia Hannani ’26 said she is looking forward to the change but is hesitant over its cleanliness.
“The technology seems very innovative and I’m excited to see if it actually helps with congestion in the cafeteria lines, since it does get pretty crowded. However I’m not sure how sanitary it will be to have the whole school touching the same scanner so I wonder if there is a way to address that.”
MLB player Max Fried donates equipment to local baseball teams
By Holden Kim
Red Sox MLB player Max Fried ’14 donated baseball equipment through his Fried Foundation to local baseball leagues and organizations affected by the Eaton fires on Jan. 25. Fried displayed his team’s World Series trophy and provided equipment to children impacted by the disaster at the event, which was held at the school’s baseball field, O’Malley Family Field. The foundation also brought a food truck offering free burgers and french fries for the community. Roughly $3000 of gloves, T-shirts and baseballs were donated.
Miguel Villegas ’25 said the event showcased how alumni continue to support the school community even once they leave the school.
“Fried is such an amazing guy,” Villegas said. “He’s an alum who continues to make a huge impact on our program. It was great for an alumni like him to come back and give to the community by donating baseball equipment the community in need.”
Philip Moon ’20, who formerly pitched for the school said he wasn’t surprised at the generosity and kindness he has witnessed from the baseball team, citing his positive experiences on the team COVID’s impact on his baseball experience at the school.
“The baseball program here has always been proactive in supporting its members and the greater community,” Moon said.
said. “We have always had such a strong sense of community. Our whole team’s a bunch of genuine guys who really care for each other, and that support helped us get through the fires.”
“Even though my senior baseball season was canceled due to COVID, the program still organized a unique senior-day for our graduating class. Given my experiences in the baseball program, it doesn’t surprise me they continues to do their part in helping the LA community.”
Baseball player Jake Chung ’26 said during the fires, the team provided a supportive space for other teammates in need.
“Our baseball team has always been super close,” Chung
Villegas said the event not only provided baseball equipment but also created a memorable experience by having different activities.
“Max Fried didn’t just donate gear, he made the day special for the kids,” Villegas said. “Bringing a food truck, letting them take pictures with his World Series trophy, and just spending time with them really showed how much he cares about giving back.”
Moon said it was inspiring to see professional baseball players offer support to the community affected by the fires.
“Seeing an MLB team recognize struggles during these difficult circumstances and give back in a meaningful way shows how connected the baseball community is from top to bottom,” Moon said.
Annual Tap Out game commences
By Luca Gonzalez
The annual game “Tap Out” — where students are tasked with eliminating other participants by tapping them on the back until there is one winner — began on Feb. 3. As of Feb. 7, there are 12 people left in the competition. Liv Kriger ’25, who was eliminated, leads all participants with five eliminations. In second place is Jasiri Johnson ’27 with four eliminations.
The opportunity to participate in the game is available to all students. To eliminate a target, a player must be seen on video tapping their target on the back. The video is then posted to a Facebook group and the player receives a new target. Eventually, to determine the winner, an event
with another game to eliminate players is hosted on a planned day.
Game master Cosgrove ’26 said her priorities are to make sure that it is a fun and safe experience for everyone and to ensure that it is a game where anybody can participate.
“This year we made sure that safe spaces were truly safe, and made the cafeteria a safe zone,” Cosgrove said. “I led Tap Out out last year as well and it was a fun experience. I love communicating with the student body, so sending texts and assigning targets is really fun. I enjoy the fact that Tap Out is for the whole school, and that people from any grade can be matched as target.”
Cosgrove said Prefect Council is currently looking for alternatives to using Facebook and re-
cording videos since phones will be banned on campus next year.
“We are still figuring out how we will adjust the game based on the new phone policy, but we are open to ideas such as clothespin Tap Out or another physical object,” Cosgrove said.
Jonah Greenfeld ’27 said he values Tap Out as a fun social activity and a break from his workload.
“It’s such an integral part of the school because it brings vitality and fun to an otherwise monotonous, hard and super stressful time of the year,” Greenfeld said. “It’s definitely worth participating because of the fun break it brings, social connections and the and opportunity to have fun being competitive.”
SELFLESS SUPPORT: Alum and MLB player Max Fried ’14 donated baseball equipment to those affected by the LA wildfires through his organization, Fried Foundation, highlighting the support within the baseball community.
L. Wood Jake Chung ’26
FRIENDLY COMPETITION: Aven Son ’26 eliminates Joshua Massey ’26 from the school’s annual Tap Out game, lowering the competition.
Kutler Center hosts film
By Audrey Herrera
The Kutler Center held a showing of Mufasa: The Lion King on Jan. 22 as part of the Cinema Sundays initiative in association with Black Leadership And Awareness Club (BLACC), Parents of African American Harvard-Westlake Students and the HW African American Alumni Network. Movies are routinely chosen and shown for the community at selected locations, led by Director of Kutler Center and Director of Summer School Programs Jim Patterson.
Patterson said Cinema Sundays helps unite the school community in a way that aligns with the Kutler Center’s interdisciplinary ethos.
“Cinema Sundays is a community outreach program that allows us to provide educational opportunities to our wider community, ” Patterson said. “Cinema in particular is very interdisciplinary, and so it fits very nicely with the mission of the Kutler Center.”
Mufasa: The Lion King was recently released on Dec. 20, 2024. Many students enjoy attending Cinema Sundays as it allows them to watch newly released films, some of which are unavailable for streaming. The wide selection of movies provided by various affinity groups and student choice ensures a wide variety suitable for all.
Sarah Huang ’27 said she has enjoyed studying the details of films at this year’s screenings.
“I love Cinema Sundays as they make me so happy,” Huang said. “It encouraged me to explore the boundaries of movie possibilities and helped me move out of my comfort zone.”
Movies and films are nominated by students and affinity groups to be shown in future screenings. Attendance is open to all students and families of the school community.
USC Diplomat visits school to speak about foreign affairs experiences and career paths
By Riya Iyer
University of Southern California (USC) Public Diplomat in Residence Joshua Shen spoke to students about his career path as a diplomat and the means of military, economic and cultural influence over other countries, known as hard and soft power, in Ahmanson Lecture Hall on Jan. 24. The talk was hosted by the Harvard-Westlake Global Leadership Organization of Business and Education (GLOBE) in partnership with the Chinese Language Department. Shen most recently served as the Public Affairs Officer at the United States consulate in Surabaya, Indonesia and was elected four times to the board of the Asian American Foreign Affairs Association (AAFAA), where he worked on reforming security clearance processes.
This work earned him the State Department’s Edward J. Perkins
ACADEMIC ACHIEVERS: Four students were nominated for the Presidential Scholars Program, all being chosen for the scholastic category.
Award for Diversity and Inclusion in 2022.
Chinese Teacher Bin He said hosting leaders in professional fields allows students to take their curiosity for a particular career beyond the classroom.
“We try to build out the bridge from the classroom to reality and hope students can meet these kinds of professionals to gain some firsthand perspective,” He said. “Experiencing and listening to these people’s lives gives you insights beyond the context that you have learned and also makes you realize how powerful language can be in daily life. Hosting Mr. Shen allows students taking languages to see how to use language in the professional field.”
students grow as leaders through real-world experiences. GLOBE partners with outside organizations to connect students with internships and leadership roles beyond the classroom, as well as offering workshops, panels with professionals, and other training to help students build practical leadership skills.
Shen said being able to balance ambition with kindness is the key to navigating foreign diplomacy.
as diplomats, I think we need to treat the world as it is and not as what we think it needs to be, and that means listening better to them and not telling them.”
GLOBE leader Katelynn You ’26, who co-hosted the event with Liv Kriger ‘25, said Shen’s visit helped her see the impact of diplomacy on a wider scale, particularly through the use of soft power, which is when states take advantage of cultural influence and diplomacy in international relations.
HW Globe is a student-run organization focused on helping
“The power in Washington is having proximity to people, you just ask people and they will sit down with you,” Shen said. “It’s important to take that attitude in life because the squeaky wheel gets the grease, which is really true when you’re networking and developing relationships that eventually help you. However,
“Mr. Shen’s visit was incredibly insightful and inspiring,” You said. “Hearing him discuss the role of soft power and his unique career path as a diplomat showed us how creativity and technology can build bridges across cultures. It definitely gave me a new appreciation for the diverse opportunities in diplomacy and how impactful these roles can be on a global scale.”
Four Presidential Scholars nominated
By Erin Ryu
Sophia Schaffer ’25, Katherine Shen ’25, Olivia So ’25 and Presentations Managing Editor MeJo Liao ’25 were nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, five students less than the Class of 2024.
The program was established in 1964 to recognize the nation’s top high school students in academics with scholars nominated after demonstrating excellence in standardized test scores. In addition to academics, the program also honors students in the arts and technical education, naming up to 161 students as Presidential Scholars. This year, all four seniors were nominated in the scholastic category.
Katherine Shen ’25 said she is appreciative of the acknowledgment, but finds the process of being selected as a winner unusual because of the numerous requirements one has to fulfill.
“It’s an honor to have received this nomination and I am grateful for the recognition,” Shen
said. “It’s interesting that the initial round of nominations is only based on standardized testing. I would expect something like this to have more standards of comparison. It’s also interesting that nominees then need to go through a long application process to be considered for further rounds, including writing essays.”
Following the 2020 pandemic, many colleges resorted to test-optional policies. Upper School Dean Nia Kilgore said the drop in candidates from previous years may be due to a decrease in the number of students taking standardized tests.
“Any given year can yield different numbers of nominees,” Kilgore said. “In this test-optional era, each graduating class will vary in the final tally of students who took the SAT or ACT. The initial selection of Presidential Scholar nominees is based on results from those standardized tests as compared to other test-takers within each state. There may have been not as many members of the class of 2025 who took these tests.”
Executive Order 11155, issued
by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 regarding nominating students, states, “it is necessary in the national interest that the Federal Government encourage high attainment by students in secondary schools.” Sophia Schaffer ’25 said using high standardized test scores as the benchmark for nomination is strange, especially because it was never stated in the federal policy.
“As far as the stated purpose of the awards in the executive orders, rewarding high attainment with national recognition and, as such, hopefully encouraging it, is cool,” Schaffer said. “My problem is more with the standardized testing part, which isn’t mentioned anywhere in the original executive order. It’s ridiculous that they treat high SAT and ACT scores as a baseline for potential outstanding scholarship.”
Kilgore, who was once a reviewer of the program’s applications, said though academics is a big part of a candidate’s resume, the holistic profile of a student is what separates them from the rest.
A DISPLAY OF POWER: Diplomat Joshua Shen speaks to a crowd of students in Ahmanson Lecture Hall on Jan. 24 about the international influence of the United States on other countries. The World Languages Department hosted the event to educate students on the use of language in foreign affairs.
Speakers visit Spanish V classroom to educate students about traditional Mexican music, foods
By Tali Gurule
The Spanish V class hosted speakers to accompany their unit about art and identity on Jan. 22 and Jan. 24. Former Symphony Director Mark Hilt, who retired last year, presented a musical arrangement on the first day, and Consuelo Pérez, a Mexican immigrant and cook, spoke about numerous traditional Mexican foods during the second presentation.
Upper School Spanish Teacher Margot Riemer said the presentations significantly increased the authenticity of the topics she covered in class.
“It’s one thing for me, a white American and not a native speaker of Spanish, to introduce students to these important cultural topics,” Riemer said. “They become
more meaningful when someone else reinforces them.”
“In his demonstration, Hilt shared a musical interpretation of “Sensemayá,” a poem arranged by Sr. Silvestre Revueltas, the Mexican violinist, conductor and composer. The Spanish V class had previously read and analyzed the poem.
Food and art are some of the most crucial aspects of any culture, but they are often left out of lessons in the classroom.”
Afro-Cuban community. I had a good experience listening to the music and learning about just how different the rhythms can actually be.”
Seth O’Brien ’25
Gideon Marley ’25 said Hilt’s presentation displayed unique aspects of Afro-Cuban music and culture.
“Hilt’s presentation showcased the niche Afro-Latino culture,” Marley said. “We learned about a song endemic to Cuba, specifically to the
Pérez shared her quesadilla recipe with the class and spoke about how the quesadillas are significant to her traditions on Jan. 24.
Seth O’Brien ’25 said Pérez taught him about the history of quesadillas, and how some elements of food are often lost despite the cultural diversity in Los Angeles.
“Especially living in Los Angeles, we are exposed to the foods of many different cultures,” O’Brien said. “The cul -
HW Model UN team brings home various awards from Valley Regional
By Ella Jeon
The Model United Nations (MUN) team attended the Valley Regional Model United Nations tournament at Granada Hills Charter School on Jan. 24. Students represented various countries and formed committees to discuss topics ranging from the biodiversity of coral reefs to the Norse myth of Ragnarok. Chase Meyer ’26 and Assistant Features Editor Lyla Kavanagh ’26 received Outstanding Delegate awards. Arman Tabesh ’26, Assistant Opinion Editor Ellika LeSage ’26, Rhea Khanna ’26 and Ryan Hung ’26 all won Honorable Mentions awards.
Donna Enayati ’27 also won a Research Award.
Meyer, who represented Austria in the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, said attending MUN conferences allowed participants to
engage in discussions about current events and learn about the many different perspectives of a variety of countries.
“I have been on the team since last year and have found it very eye-opening,” Meyer said. “Not only does it teach research skills, but [it] also [teaches] collaboration and the spirit of global progress. Model UN is a great way to learn about relevant issues, points of view from all over the world and solutions to the problems that we face.”
MUN President Sophia Bakhtiari said that people who demonstrate focus and dedication to the activity often achieve success at Model UN.
“There is no required skillset to succeed at Model UN,” Bakhtiari said. “You just have to have the motivation and the drive to learn and get better, but it is open to any type of person. A desire to be there is also important because
conferences can be a very long day, sometimes even taking up to eight hours.”
Khanna, who participated as a delegate for Peru in the Disarmament and International Security Committee, said she has improved since joining Model UN last year.
“This was my third conference, and I felt a little more prepared for it because I knew how to prepare my speeches and participation during the conference,” Khanna said. “I was more confident during this conference because I felt like I knew what I was doing and had a lot of information before starting.”
In March, the team will travel to New York City for National High School Model United Nations. Bakhtiari said delegates at the conference are able to acquire a variety of skills, including researching for sources as well as articulating ideas.
School hosts NACLO for the first time
By Holden Kim
The math department hosted the North American Computational Linguistics Olympiad (NACLO) competition in Feldman-Horn Gallery on Jan. 23. Although the event annually draws in over 1500 students from high schools all across the U.S. to compete, the school had not hosted NACLO until now.
The top-performing participants in the initial round will advance to the invitational round, bringing them one step closer to representing the U.S. in the International Linguistics Olympiad. Students Jacob Massey ’25 and Angela Yuan ’26 participated in the three-hour event, which featured eight linguistics puzzles designed to test pattern recognition and logical reasoning skills. Their results are going to be posted by the end of February.
Yuan said she was particularly intrigued by NACLO’s unique blend of linguistics and problem-solving.
tural significance and traditions behind the foods aren’t always as popularized. I really enjoyed learning about the traditions and the origins of a food that I have always enjoyed so much.”
O’Brien said he felt that the aspects of the Latin American cultures and traditions that were brought to his Spanish V classroom made the entire experience especially meaningful and valuable to him.
“Food and art are some of the most crucial aspects of any culture, but they are often left out of lessons in the classroom,” O’Brien said. “Getting the exposure to traditional Latin American art and food as well as learning the significance of the cultural traditions behind them makes the course so much more engaging and also much more impactful.”
“I’ve always been fascinated by languages and puzzles, so NACLO felt like the perfect combination of both,” Yuan said. “When I first learned about the competition, I was drawn to the idea of using logical reasoning to decode linguistic patterns, even in languages I’d never encountered before.”
Massey said the competition stood out among his academic experiences at the school.
“Out of all the competitions and tests that I’ve participated in at Harvard-Westlake, NACLO was by far the most fun,” Massey said. “Each question was a puzzle unlike any other I’d ever seen before. It was all I could think about for the rest of the day.”
Yuan said the wide variety of the NACLO puzzles kept her engaged, and she encouraged other puzzle enthusiasts to participate next year.
VISITING SPEAKER: Mexican immigrant and cook Consuelo Pérez visisted Spanish V students to teach them about cultural foods. She brought her own traditional quesadilla recipe, preparing food for the class, while also explaining the history behind her cooking and the cooking of others.
OVER REGIONALS: The Model UN team competed against multiple schools at the valley tournament, collecting a total of seven awards.
Love Albums
Aidan Deshong ’24 has crafted up The Chronicle’s crossword puzzle for this issue. This musical crossword features album-themed clues alongside a mix of pop culture references and classic puzzle fare.
ACROSS: 1. Cracked, as a door
5. Tangent
10. Statement that might be “humble”
14. Transportation tube for Mario
15. Fight away 16. Indian musical pattern
17. Wine “expert”
18. Album by 18-Across 20. Put on the company tab
22. Sound of a cartoon spring
23. “The Big Lebowski” director Joel 24. Draws out
26. Album by 26-Across 30. Hawaii’s Pineapple Island
31. “Celebrity Jeopardy!” network
32. Arab bigwig
36. Old White House nickname
37. Pointed fingers at
41. Citrus drink suffix
42. Basilica benches
44. Apt rhyme of “fire”
45. Hole-in-one on a par three, e.g.
47. Album by 47-Across
51. Wrecked beyond repair, as a car
54. Periods of worsened performance
Chron-nections
55. Twos in the news
56. Came clean
60. Album by 60-Across
63. Daisy or Rose
64. Car-collecting comedian
65. Resident of Tehran
66. Units of current
67. Once, once
68. ___ and repeat
69. In case
DOWN :
1. Basilica benches
2. “We just said the same thing at the same time!”
3. Per unit
4. “Friday” singer Black
5. Wakes up
6. Star close to Venus?
7. Music player from 2001-2022
8. Bear lair
9. State tree of two different states
10. Rich French bread
11. They’re ulnae-adjacent
12. FBI operative
13. Groups of troublemakers
19. Slightly
21. Brand of seemingly indestructible cell phones
24. Goes, as the flow
25. Use the bunny-ears method, say
26. Dot on a radar screen
27. Word before any of the words in the HOMES mnemonic
28. From the beginning
29. Eddie of men’s apparel
33. Biblical gift bearers
34. Doing nothing
35. Instagram ____s (TikTok competitor)
38. Include in a bibliography
39. Reputation, casually
40. Financial obligations
43. Junk email sender
46. Rival of Manchester United
48. If’s partner, in computer science
49. Leafy ___ (salad bar selections)
50. One “Down Under,” informally
51. Sir or Madam
52. Catchall category
53. Some Generation Alpha members
56. Custardy Spanish dessert
57. Knight’s lady
58. Baseballers who work at home?
59. Bothersome individual
61. Cause of inflation
62. Prefix with angle or athlete
Colin Ho ’26 has designed this issue’s Chron-nections. Find four groups of four words that share a common category. Each word belongs to only one category. Have fun and puzzle away!
Illustrators: Annabelle Cheung, Rex Grube, Alexa Liu, Emma Lutsky, Anika Norton, Eva Park
Layout Assistants and Staff Writers: Gideon Ames, Alex Bakhtiari, Hudson Barber, Beau Cartwright, Emmeline Chan, Sophia Chang, James Corman, Mila Detmer, Aidan Elson, Donna Enayati, Jack Fener, Charlotte Fowkes, Jackson Friedman, Evalina Gerencher, Darya Ghassemieh, Zara Groves, Tali Gurule, Audrey Herrera, Jackson Hubbard, Téa Hunnius, Riya Iyer, Kara Jazaeri, Chloe Kim, Holden Kim, Hailey Kramar, Tess Latham, Sophie Lee, Jean Park, Mattea Pisani, Luke Rascoff, Andrew Rindone, Abby Ryan, Maddie Saada, Oona Sawyer, August Sone, Angel Song, Nicole Um, Jacob Waxman, Jake Yoon
CEO of HW Media: Max Turetzky
Chronicle Adviser: Billy Montgomery
Director of HW Media: Jen Bladen
HWTV and Broadcast Adviser: Max Tash
Assistant Adviser: James Lane
Publication Information:
Founded in 1990, The Chronicle is the Harvard-Westlake Upper School’s student-led newspaper. Now in its 34th year, The Chronicle strives to report stories accurately and to uphold its legacy of journalistic integrity. The newspaper is published eight times per year and distributed to students, parents, faculty and staff. We are members of the California Newspaper Publishers Association and the Private School Journalism Association. Be sure to check out the HWMedia+ app for more content from our publications.
Extending a Helping Hand
Following the LA wildfires, thousands of t-shirts, shoes, water bottles and other donated goods filled Hamilton Gym. Families opened their homes to people in need, and the school instituted a week of no-harm classes so that students who lost everything could focus on taking care of themselves. The school community came together in ways it had never before, giving families who were scrambling to find new housing and file insurance claims a support system to help them through a traumatic time.
Two weeks later, Hamilton Gym was empty. Displaced families moved into hotels or rentals and those whose lives were not directly affected by the fires moved on. While assuming normal routines and a regular pace of life is healthy, it leaves those who lost everything in the fire in an isolating space. The “honeymoon phase” that victims of the fire experienced in the first few weeks after the events eventually ended, but their difficult situations did not magically disappear. Students have begun working towards replacing basic necessities and getting through a day of school without feeling exhausted, but the homework and tests have ramped up once more. Many people who have lost everything feel even more alone now than they did in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.
Community members need to make an effort to continue showing up for the people in their lives who are struggling, even as the event becomes weeks and eventually, months old. As people have to replace things like marriage certificates or passports, they may have less bandwidth to cook for their families or get their work done. Acts of kindness, like bringing dinner to a friend or wash-
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ing their car, could mean so much to someone who simply doesn’t have enough time to perform daily tasks in addition to their new responsibilities. Other than acts of service, being intentional about reaching out to friends to check in with them can make all the difference for someone's mental health. Calling to check in about how a friend’s day was or how they are feeling could help give someone a support system when they most need it.
At school, students who lost their belongings and homes might struggle to stay focused in class and may not have a stable place to study or even sleep. Teachers need to remember that some of their students aren’t slacking off but rather don’t have their lives in order enough to devote the time they normally would to their studies. Asking how a student is doing and being forgiving about slight inattentiveness or tiredness during class will help students feel more comfortable going to class. The school’s institution of a case-by-case grade floor policy for students affected by the fires has also granted struggling students a chance to go to school and learn without the pressure of their grades dropping. Community members should do their best to spread awareness to affected students about their ability to receive grade floors and alert deans about students who are struggling, as many are uncomfortable coming to deans themselves about focus issues.
Losing one’s home to a fire is traumatic, and the impacts of the event can last for years after the event. It is more important than ever for our community to recognize that although the fires happened in January, it is still up to all of us to continue showing up for those experiencing loss as they work to rebuild their lives.
LETTERS TO THE
EDITOR:
Letters may be submitted to chronicle@ hw.com or mailed to 3700 Coldwater Canyon Ave., Studio City, CA 91604. Letters must be signed and may be edited to conform to Chronicle style, space and format. We are committed to uplifting the voices of marginalized or underrepresented individuals and groups in accordance with our efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
PUBLICATION
UPDATES AND CORRECTIONS:
Though we always strive to be as accurate as possible, staff members identify inaccuracies and receive feedback from readers.
The Chronicle publishes corrections when we discover a factual error within a piece. We will continue to uphold transparency even in the face of mistakes following the publication of each issue.
MEMBERSHIPS:
WLLos Angeles is unfit to host the Olympics
By Eila Shokravi
atching the news the past month, I have begun to question what the future of Los Angeles may look like. On the news I see endless traffic, thousands of homes burnt down and the inefficacy of public transportation. LA has many large events approaching within the next couple of years including the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the Super Bowl in 2027 and, biggest of all, the Olympics in 2028. The streets of Paris were flooded with millions during the 2024 Olympics, and, now, residents of Los Angeles have begun to question whether or not the city is ready to host the Olympics in 2028. As of right now, Los Angeles is not fit to host the 2028 Olympics due to poor infrastructure and transportation complications.
The recent brush fires in Los Angeles have left the city in a devastating state. An estimated 40,000 out of 321,000 acres of land have burnt down, according to The New York Times. That statistic suggests that about 12.46% of Los Angeles County was lost in the fires. Rebuilding what was lost will be extremely expensive — the cost of rebuilding from the fires is
Create connections between campuses
By James Corman
ately, it seems as though the school has lost sight of a key value in our mission statement: unity.
One of the unique things about the school is that it is split across two campuses, separated by six miles and winding canyon roads that connect the neighborhoods of Studio City and Bel Air. Two campuses allow for more resources, more opportunities and more space. It is time that the school start using the two-campus system to its advantage.
Some rising tenth graders dread the transition to the Upper School. Many upper school students say they prefer the middle school campus, whereas others appreciate the freedom of the Upper School. Regardless of preference, there is a clear divide between the campus culture and daily life between the two locations, with the separate campuses feeling almost like different schools. There are certain attributes of the Upper School that the Middle School lacks, and vice versa. Middle school students should not have to wait to experience the benefits of the Upper School, including advanced and extensive course
offerings and older peers to look up to.
After coming to the Upper School, these students will lose out on the highlights of the Middle School, including better performing arts and music facilities.
It is time that the school start using the two-campus system to its advantage.
More intermixing of students between the two campuses will allow students access to all the resources that the school offers, as opposed to merely half. Furthermore, cross-campus interaction will strengthen the school community, allowing younger students to learn from older, more experienced peers.
The Middle School has certain resources that the Upper School lacks, the first of which is the Saperstein Theatre at the Middle School. The benefits of having upper school students perform on the middle school stage are twofold. With two levels of seating,
the middle school theatre is significantly larger than that of the Upper School. Architecturally, it is more modern and objectively grander. Seasoned student performers should be able to perform on such a stage. Secondly, middle school students should get the opportunity to see experienced student performers from older grades, as artists gain inspiration from watching more experienced artists preform.
Another example of a resource exclusively available at the Middle School is its music technology and production room, something the Upper School lacks. The room contains synthesizers attached to computers with music production software and high-tech recording equipment. In the room, Music Technology teacher Mr. Goddu teaches classes Music Technology I and II, and upper school students should have access to the music production software in these classes. Indeed, they should not forget that the Middle School is still their school; they should be encouraged to travel down to the Middle School to take advantage of all of the school’s resources.
• Continued on hwchronicle.com
estimated to be $250 to $275 billion, according to AccuWeather, a private sector media company that provides weather forecasting services. Additionally, funding from the government will be needed to support recovery and cleanup, additional wildfire preparedness and reopening schools, California Gov. Gavin Newson said.
Residents of Los Angeles have begun to consider their reality of hosting the Olympics in 2028.
With hundreds of billions of dollars required to rebuild Los Angeles, the government still plans to spend billions of extra funds to prepare for the Olympics. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has a budget of nearly $7 billion, according to LA28, the private group organizing the Games. The Olympics budget will be spent on the construction of stadiums, hotels and retail spaces. This money should be used to support the Los Angeles community rather than build unnecessary infrastructure.
Expensive investments in stadiums and hotels are unnecessary because Los Angeles has many stadiums already built and is planning on using the dormitory of University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) to host all athletes, according to UCLA Housing and Hospitality. Unessential budget for the Olympics should instead be used to rebuild homes, businesses and schools.
Additionally, public transportation during the Olympics will interfere with residents’ day-to-day life. 73% of Angelenos drive alone to work and only 6.8% utilize public transit, according to USC Lusk, a neighborhood research group. The lack of residents using public transportation shows how dependent residents are on personal vehicles and the roads driven on. According to NBC News, Mayor Karen Bass plans to address traffic concerns by borrowing 3,000 buses from across the country as public transportation and asking businesses to allow their employees to work from home. Buses take some of the busiest roads in LA, including Van Nuys Blvd., Sepulveda Blvd. and Olympic Blvd. • Continued on hwchronicle.com
DConsider military service
By Ellika LeSage
uring freshman year, in Saperstein Theater, an alumnus turned military recruiter spoke to the entire grade about opening new horizons. He described his time in the military as a fulfilling experience that offers many opportunities for higher education along with service. As my friends and I exited the assembly, the reaction was unanimous: mockery and disbelief. “Who would ever do that?” “Imagine throwing your future away like that.” “Yeah, let me just skip the Ivies for boot camp.” Our culture has become so focused on a traditional, successful college path.
The school, like other college preperatory schools, pushes students to strive for their best and reach their full potential. However, what is traditionally seen as success has been incredibly rigid, with most students funneled toward the same elite colleges and conventional career tracks. Nevertheless, options like gap years and international schools, once seen as unconventional, are gradually becoming more recognized as viable paths.
The school’s mission statement includes being “a diverse and inclusive community” marked by “educational excellence” and “purpose beyond ourselves.” This mission statement is meant to guide students to decide their futures throughout high school and into the
time ahead, yet its values are being forgotten. Military training fosters resilience, responsibility and leadership in ways that traditional education cannot. Students often disregard those benefits because they seem less tangible than the prospect of standard career paths. Some should reconsider their perspective and recognize the benefits that serving in the U.S. military would provide.
In accordance with the “purpose beyond ourselves,” students should find more genuine ways to engage with our communities and country. Service should be valued in and of itself because it instills discipline, leadership and a deep commitment to our country.
More than just personal growth, military service offers education and career advancement opportunities, aligning with the financial stability that many students prioritize when choosing a major. Military academies, the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 can reduce the cost of college and make students appear more well-rounded and qualified for high level jobs. Military academies cover the cost of your education after five years of service. The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 makes it possible for veterans to receive benefits on their education retroactively.
• Continued on hwchronicle.com
ILLUSTRATION
ILLUSTRATION BY ANNABELLE CHEUNG
ILLUSTRATION BY EILA SHOKRAVI
SHOULD TIKTOK BE BANNED?
We must ban TikTok
By Holden Kim
The short-lived TikTok ban was met with tremendous public backlash after it went into effect on Jan. 18 at 10:30 p.m. By the time the ban was lifted just 14 and a half hours later, American TikTokers had migrated to alternate social media sites like Instagram, X and YouTube in protest. Hashtags like #SaveTikTok and #NoTikTokBan quickly trended online. While some legal scholars and users opposed the ban on First Amendment grounds, most resistance came from distraught TikTok users reacting emotionally to the shutdown. The intensity of the outcry, particularly from the platform’s younger users, merits serious concern; user’s reactions to the ban can be likened to withdrawal from an addiction. The intense reactions from users expose our generation’s deep emotional and psychological dependence on a platform that poses risks to national security and data privacy. The U.S. government’s decision to ban TikTok unless ByteDance divested its shares is grounded in legitimate concerns about national security, data privacy and algorithmic manipulation. TikTok’s privacy risks, which are compounded by its users’ extreme dependence the application, clearly justifies a ban.
TikTok’s ownership structure is a significant national security risk. While all social media platforms collect user data, TikTok’s Chinese ownership subjects it
STATS AND FACTS
to China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law, which could compel the platform to share all user data with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), according to a December 2020 business advisory issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
The ban is not permanent — TikTok can continue operating if ByteDance divests its shares.
TikTok collects extensive personal data, including browsing history, location tracking and biometric information, raising concerns that the CCP might exploit this sensitive information for surveillance, identity theft or espionage. In May 2023, the New York Times reported allegations by former ByteDance executive Roger Yu that the company had already granted the CCP access to all user data, including that of U.S. users. While ByteDance has denied these claims, such concerns fueled Congress’s passage of the “Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” (known colloquially as the TikTok ban) with overwhelming bipartisan support last spring. The House voted 352-65 and the Senate 79-18 in favor.
TikTok is important
By Lyla Kavanagh
commonly used to host political discussions censors the voice of the American people by restricting where they can express their opinions.TikTok also gives people a platform to fundraise or campaign for political or social justice causes, something unique to the app that does not exist on other short form content platforms like Instagram or YouTube Shorts.
Moreover, according to USA Today, the TikTok ban will hurt small businesses and content creators. According to a study by Oxford Economics, TikTok generated an estimated $14.7 billion for small businesses and $5.3 billion in tax revenue in 2023. Exposure and marketing are critical for small businesses to reach their target audiences and show their products to a wide range of consumers, and TikTok has shown itself to be an increasingly effective medium to achieve both of these goals. Without TikTok, small businesses will struggle to maintain the same level of growth and success. While some may contend that the ban is a necessary step to protect the national security of the U.S., Congress must first deliver a solution to the data privacy issues that exist within all social media companies. The economic and political implications of banning the app demonstrate why we need to keep TikTok available in the US. Moreover, banning TikTok is only a first step towards censorship: as of now, we still have time to speak up.
• Continued on hwchronicle.com • Continued on hwchronicle.com
It is Sunday night, and I’ve finally finished all of my assignments. I open TikTok, ready to scroll for a few minutes before going to bed. Instead, I'm met with a pop up: “We regret that a U.S. law banning TikTok will take effect on January 19 and force us to make our services temporarily unavailable.” Personal feelings and attachment aside, banning TikTok, even temporarily, is an unnecessary crackdown on privacy and security issues that already exist on both domestic and internationally owned apps. Congresspeople from both sides of the aisle have expressed concerns about the privacy of U.S. citizens on TikTok and have stated that banning the app is a matter of national security. These concerns regarding TikTok have some validity, but these problems are far from unique and can be found on nearly all social media platforms. According to Business Insider, a Meta engineer used his personal access to Facebook data to track a woman after a personal dispute. Recently, the European Consumer Organization accused Meta of gathering unnecessary personal information, including data used to infer sexual orientation, emotional status or susceptibility to addiction, according to CNN Business. Additionally, the TikTok ban is an infringement on First Amendment rights. The First Amendment only restricts the freedom of speech in cases of clear and present danger, according to Cornell Law School. Banning a platform
Do you use the TikTok app regularly? Yes: 38.2%
We should watch more foreign films
By Audrey Kim
At the 2020 Golden Globes, the winner of the best international feature film was the South Korean psychological dramedy “Parasite.” During his acceptance speech, director Bong Joon Ho encouraged the audience to explore more non-English films, stating that subtitles are only a minor barrier that prevent people from experiencing diverse expressions of film and television. “Parasite” went on to become the first international and first foreign language film to win the Oscar for Best Picture of the year, a historic victory that made people more aware of the rising popularity and critical acclaim of non-English films.
The global entertainment market is expected to exceed $100 billion in revenue by 2026, with the United States predicted to hold about one-third of the total market share, according to Statista. The film industry was pioneered in the US and Hollywood in the early 20th
century, and most blockbuster franchises are made in the United States, evidenced by the fact that the top ten highest-grossing films of all time are all American films, including “The Avengers”, “Avatar” and “Juras -
The lack of awareness of foreign media has led to people missing out on the creativity international filmmakers hold.
sic Park”, according to IMDB. International films, especially films foreign language films, rarely make it to mainstream movie theaters in the United States. There is currently one international film in theaters, “Bring them Down,” according to AMC. Since the United States has the largest film industry in the world, Hollywood productions are marketed glob -
ally. Films from other countries do not have as many opportunities to advertise to American audiences. The lack of awareness of foreign media has led to people missing out on the creativity and general artistry that international filmmakers hold.
More non-English media has gained global attention and popularity. In 2024, the second season of “Squid Game,” a Korean show, became the mostwatched premiere on Netflix of all time. Spanish telenovelas and Japanese anime are also becoming more accessible to American audiences with specific streaming services that have lately expanded their offerings of these two genres. However, most people do not seek them out because foreign films aren’t as widely advertised as Hollywood productions. Some people may also find reading subtitles annoying or generally feel uncomfortable watching media in another language and culture.
Consuming foreign films
Do you think that TikTok should be banned?
Should politics be involved in the TikTok ban?
*144 students polled
Assistant Opinion Editor Audrey Kim ’26 argues that student at the school should watch more foreign media, specifically films, in efforts to expand their horizons.
and television is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone. Often, non-English and international films and television tell stories deeply connected to life in that country and society, much like Hollywood cinema tackles themes and topics rooted in American culture and life. Foreign films also may provide different insights into the history and my -
thology of other countries. For example, the acclaimed Studio Ghibli movie “Spirited Away” is deeply rooted in Japanese folklore and uses these creatures and tropes to put a unique spin on a coming-of-age story. These topics can guide audiences toward fresher and more authentic stories about other cultures compared to American films.
Uncovering Sunswept
The Sunswept Fire challenged both local residents and first responders in the short term. What will the future for this Studio City neighborhood look like?
By Nathan Wang
A structure fire broke out internally at 4132 Vanetta Place and spread up the Sunswept hillside to the neighboring four-story building at 4124 Vanetta Place before being extinguished by first responders Jan. 8 at 8 p.m.
Contrary to news reports that suggested the fire erupted due to dry conditions, neighbors and eyewitness accounts said that news outlets were misinformed, given the pictures they took on cellular devices. Neighbors said the fire began internally at a two-story home and quickly spread up the ascending hillside due to the explosion of a propane tank between the two homes. Flames then reached the foundation of the four-story home at 4124 Vanetta Place. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Down the street, Los Angeles Fire Department Station 78 received calls of a large single-family structure fire at a single family residence half a mile from the Upper School campus. Fire Captain Brian Harris was dispatched
zones. Due to the extent of the flames, rooftop ventilation, which would otherwise aerate the gases, was impossible. One fire department helicopter assisted with water drops.
Harris noticed the four-story home’s structure weakening and ordered firefighters to retreat. Minutes later, the building collapsed, and the fire was fully contained by 10 pm. Harris said he distributed units to ensure the fire’s containment, as it threatened the hill side and dry vegetation in the sur rounding neighborhood.
“As we’re going up [Sunswept], I’m listening, and there’s not too much radio traffic because we’re going to be the first ones there,” Harris said. “I’m looking at the map, and when we get there, I coor dinate with the com panies coming in to redirect some of them to go up to the top. We create a scene called a ‘Structure Defense Group.’”
sag a little bit.”
Despite being one of the most understaffed fire departments in the country, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) maintains a global reputation as a leader in structural firefighting, according to Harris. Covering a jurisdiction of 471 square miles and nearly four million
who remained in their homes barricaded the streets to support the residents of the two burned homes.
“That first night was scary,” the same resident said. “We wound up building a barricade at the end of the street and put a big light on it. There was no power up here, so we had cars driving up and down this street looking at houses. Then we hired a security guard.”
Residents living on the Sunswept hillside grappled with the unexpected impact of the fire. Hannah Biggins ’25, who lives on Sunswept Drive, said she felt both fear and gratitude for the emergency response.
“The fire made us all scared because we never thought this would happen to us, especially due to our close proximity to school,” Biggins said. “Although the fire department was on it right away, our fear puts it into perspective that you never know. It also makes me very grateful for the fire department and the community on Sunswept.”
On the main entrance of Fire Station 78 in Studio City are hand-drawn gratitude cards donated to the first responders fighting the Sunswept fire. Harris said the Studio City community is rallying together in support of one another.
“The outpour from the public was just
A past to restore
After the devastating Eaton fire, residents of Altadena comment on the destruction and rebuilding efforts of their historically significant neighborhood.
By Kayla Graff
Keisari Penman ’27 steps out of the car, smoke stinging her eyes. After evacuating the night before, she is on her street to assess the damage done to her home. Her garage is ablaze, and a pile of smoldering embers sits where her house once was. Her home, located in Altadena, was lost to the Eaton fire, which burned over 14,000 acres of Altadena and Pasadena, according to Cal Fire. Penman said seeing her home burn was emotionally devastating.
“We went back to our house to see it completely gone,” Penman said. “The only thing there was a chimney. Our garage was standing [when we left], but when we went back a couple hours later, it was on fire. After seeing our garage [burn], I couldn’t imagine watching my entire house on fire. I didn’t know if I could handle it.”
sense of comfort in Altadena that you’ll probably get in no other place.”
Penman said she felt immense sadness and grief for the place that held her most important memories.
“Everything happened in that house,” Penman said. “In a home, you’re supposed to feel comfort and warmth. Watching that all go feels unbelievable and beyond crazy.”
“ There’s a sense of comfort in Altadena that you’ll probably get in no other place.”
—Keisari Penman ’27
The Eaton Fire, which started on Jan. 7, damaged or destroyed over 10,000 structures and killed 17 people, according to Cal Fire. Although the fire is now fully contained, it has left many Altadena and Pasadena residents displaced.
Penman said after the fire, the Altadena community was very supportive and rallied together.
“The best part [of living in Altadena] was being around so many people who provided a sense of comfort and support,” Penman said. “You had your home, but the whole community
Altadena is a community with a distinct history that has been shaped by its geography, residents and demographic shifts. Altadena’s development can be traced back to the mid-19th century when Benjamin Eaton, a civil engineer and the fire’s namesake, helped establish irrigation systems that made it possible to settle in the dry San Gabriel Valley. In the late 19th century, Altadena emerged as a residential community, according to Altadena Heritage.
By the early 20th century, Altadena was an attractive destination for wealthy residents. Opulent estates were built along Mariposa Street, and restrictive racial covenants limited property ownership to white residents. A significant shift occurred after World War II, when the 1948 U.S. Supreme Court case Shelley v. Kraemer made racial covenants unenforceable, according to Oyez. Altadena became one of the first neigh -
ter housing opportunities, began moving to Altadena in the 1950s and 1960s.
Altadena was 95% White and only 4% Black in 1960. Things changed with the passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968. More Black families moved in, and by 1970, Black residents made up 30% of the population, according to the U.S. Census. However, by the turn of the 21st century, due to gentrification and the rising prices of Altadena’s real estate market, there was an influx of wealthier homebuyers and residents of other demographics. By 2020, Black residents decreased to 18% of Altadena’s population.
Gian Ngo-Willis ’26 is an Altadena resident. His house is one of three that remains standing on his street. He said that although Altadena is home to people of many different backgrounds, he has recently noticed heightened gentrification within the community.
their land, and it’s probably going to get flipped and resold. It has the potential to kick a lot of people out.”
Ngo-Willis said the media coverage of the Eaton fire has a different tone than that of the Palisades fire due to the socioeconomic differences between the two communities.
“The Palisades obviously has more resources to rebuild,” Ngo-Willis said. “Altadena has a lot less resources to rebuild, so I feel like that has been a focus [of the media coverage], which is good. When it comes to Altadena and Pasadena, [the media portrays the fires] as a horrible thing that’s happened on a much more personal level.” Penman said the Altadena community is showing resilience as it begins to restore the neighborhood to its original state.
“Altadena is a very diverse place,” Ngo-Willis said. “There is some slight gentrification coming in that I’ve seen. There have been a lot of white-owned businesses popping up and taking out some of the older Black businesses. It’s a pretty small number at this point, but you can definitely see a change. There have also been a lot of white people buying homes and renovating them.”
Adrian Drouin ’26, who’s house survived the Eaton fire, said the aftermath of the fires has the potential to accelerate the
“You realize how close of a community you have when you see the response in times of crisis like this,” Penman said. “All my neighbors are dedicated to moving back in, rebuilding and coming together to help one another even throughout all this. What’s so great is that a lot of people want to rebuild and want to get back to what Altadena was. It will never be the same, but it can be close.”
Ngo-Willis said the community’s action-oriented response to the fires has been inspiring.
“The community reaction has been astounding,” Ngo-Willis said. “It’s been beautiful to see all of Altadena coming tomunity. There are people offering their services, their time, their hands and their bodies to help put out the fires and make sure they stay out so we can continue to
Keisari Penman ’27
Various members of the school community discuss the complex decision of choosing to stay together or to break up when attending different colleges.
By Sienna Dall’Olmo and Alden Detmer
In her pitch-black bedroom at 5 a.m., Sunny Lu ’25 sits crisscross in front of her laptop. Her eyes are glued to the screen as the Harvard University mens water polo team’s game begins. Squinting to read the numbers on the players’ caps, she catches sight of her boyfriend, Dean Strauser ’24, as he makes his first goal in his debut college game. Shrieking so loud that she nearly wakes up her family, a smile appears on Lu’s face as she is reminded of the times she would watch her boyfriend from the stands at Copses Family Pool.
Lu and Strauser have been dating for ten months, since she was a junior and he was a senior. They decided to stay together despite now living on opposite ends of the country. Lu said part of maintaining their relationship is supporting each other and staying dedicated without being physically together.
Lu said being separated from her boyfriend has not been difficult because of their ability to ease each other’s anxieties.
“If you don’t communicate, [long-distance] is never going to work out,” Lu said. “There are going to be so many issues because everyone overthinks little things. It’s human nature. The other person can’t get annoyed and is willing to give that reassurance when needed. He’s been doing that really well when I’m overthinking and vice versa.”
Approximately 75% of college students have been in long-distance relationships, according to The American Counseling Association. Many students choose to stay together because of the strong emotional connection they have built throughout high school.
“Long-distance is about commitment,” Lu said. “You have to find a routine where both of you are ready to put in as much effort as you can. For example, he’s having a hard time because he is a student-athlete, so he has to balance both water polo and academics. There are times when he is really stressed, so I try to be there whenever I can.”
College students in long-distance relationships may face increased loneliness due to limited in-person interaction with
Helena Salas ’25 and Matthew Commons ’25 have been dating for two and a half years. Despite having the same first choice school, they will be attending different colleges next fall. Salas said their choice to apply Early Decision (ED) to the same school was made independently.
“We both [applied ED] to the same school,” Salas said. “[It wasn’t] because we wanted to go to that school together, but because we both liked it. He got in. I didn’t get in. That was a little upsetting, but then I realized it’s really for the best. I don’t actually think I’d be happy there, and all that pressure was for naught.”
Salas and her boyfriend plan on staying
strengthen their bond.
“[Long-distance] is not going to be the best, but we can make it work,” Salas said. “We will have separate friend groups and our own spaces in college, which is healthy. We already compete against each other on separate club sailing teams, so we’re used to the challenge. Also, in college, your relationship becomes a lot more serious.”
Couples separated between states face an even larger challenge to maintain their relationships because of increased difficulty in reuniting, according to the Carolina Digital Repository. Approximately 82% of students in the school’s class of 2024 attended a university outside of California, according to Upper School Dean Sharon Cuseo.
Mac Galaviz ’25 and Diya Schievink ’26 have been together for one year and the two plan to stay together while he attends Northwestern University and she stays in Los Angeles. Galaviz said that being separated is going to have challenges, but they are willing to work together.
“It is very scary to imagine the future of us being separated,” Galaviz said. “We are going to be living such different lives, especially with the time difference. There are probably going to be many things that we will have to work through [because of] how much that is going to change. It’s natural to worry when someone’s significant other goes off to college, but I am going to do my best to make sure she doesn’t feel that way.”
Reed Reck ’26 has been dating her
testament to our relationship to experience college and still choose to be together,” Reck said. “It is important to understand that college is a major time for both of us to grow while also being there for each other. The moments we spend together are even more special in college and it gives an opportunity to experience life together without the drama of high school.”
Long-distance relationships are becoming more common as technology advances. With instant communication tools like texts and FaceTime calls, couples can maintain constant contact regardless of distance. About 60% of long-distance relationships last the duration of their time apart, according to the New York Post.
Eden Mahoney ’25 has been dating Crossroads School senior Caden Ezralow for almost two years. The two plan on attending different colleges next year. Mahoney said she and her boyfriend will remain part of each other’s lives, even if they break up.
“We will probably end up breaking up while staying in contact and being friends,” Mahoney said. “We will most likely be really far away and that would be hard to manage. On top of that, I know we want each other to have a full college experience and go into it not holding back at all. ”
Serena Gupta Gandhi ’99 has been married to her husband Dayan Gandhi ’00 for 18 years. The couple met when she was a junior at the school and he was a sophomore. The couple stayed together throughout college despite attending different schools. Serena Gandhi said couples who tionship in highschool should spend time apart in order to
“Take a little time apart so you can enter college and not feel like you need to be loyal to that bond,” Gandhi said. “Let the relationship take a little break, experience new things and meet new
L. Wood Reed Reck ’26
from the
By Lyla Kavanagh
It is eerily quiet in the Pacific Palisades. Soft rays of light filter through cracked walls and rubble as the ashes of Palisades Elementary Charter School blow away in the wind. Meanwhile, five miles away, the faint scent of residual smoke filled Upper School Symphony Teacher Neli Nikolaeva’s nose as she walked her son to his first day at his new school, Brentwood Science Magnet. She couldn’t help but feel the painful loss of his old elementary school. Nikolaeva said Palisades Elementary, along with her home, was among the many places she was heartbroken to see burned down during the recent Los Angeles wildfires.
“My 8-year-old child is in second grade,” Nikolaeva said. “Seeing his school partially burned and seeing the community that we had of people we love dispersed and trying to regroup has been difficult. It has been the most emotionally charged experience for me to see our kids be able to continue schooling at Brentwood Science Magnet. I will always celebrate Pali Elementary. It’s a beautiful campus that was destroyed, but the community being able to continue forward is what brings tears of joy to me.
Students and faculty discuss the impacts of the recent Los Angeles wildfires and how they plan to rebuild and move forward.
[Coming back to teaching] has been one of the other greatest joys in my life. I’ve seen how much community matters to me and my family.”
Like several other families, Nikolaeva’s family is currently recovering from the emotional and monetary damage caused by the wildfires. Out of 144 people surveyed, 18 families at the Upper School stated their families lost their homes in the fires, according to a Chronicle poll.
Between the Palisades and Eaton fires, nearly 200,000 residents were placed under evacuation orders as firefighters were unable to contain the blaze, according to NBC News. NPR News reported that a combination of low humidity and high winds Santa Ana winds allowed the fire to spread rapidly throughout Altadena and Pacific Palisades, making containment difficult. Mila Detmer ’27 said her parents were only able to grab a few possessions before leaving their house for the last time.
“My dad was more focused on hosing down the house, so he grabbed just a couple things, and my mom mainly grabbed a bunch of valuables, like jewelry and some handbags,” Detmer said. “She grabbed a couple outfits because she thought we would only have to go to a hotel for three days, so we wouldn’t bring our
whole closets. We lost pretty much everything except for our important documents, like passports.”
Detmer said firefighters in her neighborhood explained to her family how challenging it was to contain the wildfire.
“We talked to the firefighters, and they said the winds were too intense, and they were 100 miles an hour,” Detmer said. “They would set up a fire line at a street, and then the ember cast would go everywhere, so they would have two separate fires surrounding them. Then they would have to disengage and then set up on another street.”
Katie Chambers ’25, who also lost her home in the Palisades fire, said the fire destroyed her family’s sentimental and irreplaceable belongings.
those most impacted. They might just not feel much of anything or feel energized and supported by their communities. For other people, it might have a more immediate emotional impact, particularly when people have lost their homes, or pets or are displaced from their homes. There can be a bit of a mix. But after a few weeks, there can tend to be a dip in mood and emotions. It’s the disillusionment phase, where, after people maybe aren’t talking about it as much, it feels like things might be returning more to a state of normalcy.”
“I had a box of letters,” Chambers said. “I have a tradition where on my birthday, I would write one letter to future me. Every year, on my birthday, I go reread the old ones and then add a new one. I’m really sad I lost that box of letters because I’ve been writing them since I was six.”
Upper School Counselor Emily Joyner said those affected by the Los Angeles fires are experiencing a range of emotional responses, from unaffected to distressed.
“This has been a collective trauma that impacts an entire city and region of the country,” Joyner said. “After a disaster, there can be numbness, particularly for
In the wake of several major fires, insurance companies are overwhelmed by the volume of claims. California’s Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan, which offers coverage for properties that most companies will not insure, received over 4,400 claims in the three weeks following the fires, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. The Claims Journal, an insurance news magazine, estimates for insured property losses to range from $28-45 billion, from both privately and publicly insured homes.
Nikolaeva she said affected families will have to make many decisions about whether to rebuild or move on.
“There’s a lot up in the air,” Nikolaeva said. “By nature, this situation is so unexpected, because even people who were insured have to make decisions. We are in a situation where we need to make many choices and having time to make those choices is
ground up
really helpful.”
22.5% of families whose homes burned down plan on rebuilding their homes, according to a Chronicle poll. Chambers said her family is unsure whether or not rebuilding their home will be financially worth it.
“We honestly don’t know yet if we’re going to rebuild,” Chambers said. “I know my parents really loved living in the Palisades, and we lived in our neighborhood for pretty much my whole life. I know they would love to stay there, but I think at the same time, they want to see if we like it better somewhere else, so we’re not sure. We’re going to give it some time and then decide.”
Dylan Fullmer ’27, who co-founded Build Back Pali, a student-run fundraising group, said he was inspired to help businesses in the Pacific Palisades rebuild after seeing videos on social media of a store owner returning to his restaurant for the first time since the fires.
“[The Build Back Pali founders] all grew up in the Palisades together and decided we wanted to help make a change and raise money to rebuild where we grew up,” Fullmer said. “Our first of -
faster. We’re also looking to partner with one or two other small businesses, like the barber shop that had been there for a long time and burned down across the street from [Cafe Vida].”
Co-founder Jake Yoon ’27, who also lost his house in the Palisades fire, said he felt a personal connection with small businesses that burned down.
“I’ve lived there my entire life, and I’ve been to most of these small businesses,” Yoon said. “For instance, I used to order from [Cafe Vida] a lot when I used to live there. Seeing the community I grew up in burned down really inspired me to go help [small businesses] because they are a crucial part of my childhood and my life.”
Detmer said her family plans on reconstructing their home.
“We definitely want to rebuild because we love the community in the neighborhood and it was so nice living there,” Detmer said. “I want to rebuild and possibly go live there in the future if I have children. We haven’t talked to contractors or anything like that yet, but we found out through my dad’s friend that he had contacted five people
and over 40,000 residents were displaced, all of whom are now struggling to find affordable housing as the pre-existing housing shortage has been exacerbated by the fires, according to Fox Weather. Chambers said finding long-term housing was difficult for her family.
“It was kind of a disaster,” Chambers said. “Especially from the Palisades, a lot of people ended up going to the same areas. I’ve noticed a lot of people have come down to the South Bay or have gone to the Hancock Park area.”
place, but we had to get it from a friend of a friend. There’s some pretty nasty people out there that try to get around [laws against increasing rent].”
Detmer said the support of friends and family has helped her get through this challenging time.
“ If I have children, I want to rebuild and possibly go live [in the Palisades] in the future.”
Mila Detmer ’27
California prohibits rent increases of more than 10% when housing demands increase due to emergencies, with violators facing up to a year in county jail, $30,000 in fines or both, according to the California Apartment Association. Still, Chambers said finding permanent housing was difficult due to price gouging.
“It’s just a mess trying to find a house because there’s like 30 applications for one house, and there’s so much
“Luckily, a lot of people have been very nice, like my grandma,” Detmer said. “My dad didn’t expect that we would be at her house for almost three days. He told me, ‘At 53 years old, I never thought I would be living with my mom.’” Nikolaeva said amidst all the uncertainty, she is grateful for the support of the school community.
“I just feel so blessed that I can continue doing what I love to do,” Nikolaeva said. “Working with my students has been beyond amazing, offering me so much love, passion, and healing. We had the annual solo instrumental concert on Saturday. Students showed up to support their peers who were performing, and I felt like that was a huge step forward in
Members
of
the school community discuss the importance of Black History Month and understanding their family history.
By Andrea Ricabal
When Upper School Counselor Emily Joyner thinks about Black History Month, she pictures her great-grandmother as a 14-year-old girl, standing on the docks of the Caribbean island of St. Thomas. Alone after her mother’s death, Joyner’s great-grandmother boarded a ship to the U.S., leaving behind everything she grew up with. Eventually, she made her way to New York, working for a Danish family to establish a foundation for later generations. Joyner said Black History Month represents the sacrifices and courage of those who came before her.
she was able to teach the novel Beloved, which tells the story of a formerly enslaved family, from a more personal standpoint.
“My great-grandmother is really my anchor for my dad’s side,” Joyner said. “I have family from the Bahamas, but [my great-grandmother] came to the U.S. when she was 14 after her mom passed away. She didn’t have anybody else in the islands, and her father and her brothers all went to work on sugarcane plantations around that time.”
Before Black History Month, which was officially recognized in 1976, there was only a weeklong celebration in 1926 that aimed to honor the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans, according to NPR. Over several decades, university students and educators advocated for expanding the celebration, leading to the establishment of Black History Month as it is recognized today in the U.S., according to USA Today.
BLACC Co-Leader Dashiell Sparks ’26 said February is a time of discovery and inspiration for him as he learns more about import ant figures in Black history and cele brates with his community.
“Black History Month is important to me because each year I learn more about the contributions Black people have made,” Sparks said. “It excites me how I can enact change currently and in the future. Every year my fam ily and I go to the Pan-African Film Festival and look forward to the MLK Day Parade and seeing the new Cap tain America movie with BLACC.”
The Association for the Study of Af rican American Life and History carries on the celebration by announcing an annual theme. This year’s theme, “Af rican Americans and Labor” highlights the contributions of Black workers in shaping the nation, according to the Associated Press. Regardless of theme, families use the month as an opportu nity to explore their genealogy, learn about their ancestors or come to gether to eat a meal and make family trees, according to CBS News.
English Teacher LaShonda Long said by talking with her grandmother,
“In talking with my great- grandmother, and with the help of my father, I found out about my last name,” Long said. “I learned about the importance of name and naming, which allows me to teach Beloved by sharing my own history about my name.”
Upper School Counselor Brittany Bronson said she wants to discover more about her own family but is saddened by how much African Amer- ican
lost over the years.
“I know a bit about my family history, but I’m interested in learning more about my roots,” Bronson said. “I always admire people who can trace their roots from centuries, and I don’t necessarily have that. I think a lot of Black people don’t. Some do, but it’s just really hard because a lot of history was lost, which always makes me sad. A lot of my family’s roots come from the South. I do know we’re mixed with Native American [ancestry]. Still, I would love just to be able to
“
know more definitively.”
The Black population in the U.S. is diverse with members of different backgrounds and histories. While many are descendants of enslaved individuals, others are more recent immigrants to the country.
I think it’s just important, not just in February, but every day, to showcase your identity and who you are.”
Brittany Bronson Upper School Counselor
About 46.8 million people in the U.S. identify their race as Black, either alone or as part of a multiracial or ethnic group, according to the Pew Research Center. Spanish Teacher Sephora Escarpeta-Garcia, who is Afro-Latina said people often have the misconception that all Black people come from the same culture.
“My grandfather is from Dominica, my grandmother is from Anguilla and they both migrated to Dominican Republic,” Escarpeta-Garcia said. “That’s how we became Dominican. People think African-American culture is the same culture as mine because I am Black, but it’s not. We eat different foods, [and] we think differently. Being Afro-Latina, a lot of people don’t understand that there’s colorism within our own culture. I grew up in New York, and I felt it was okay to be Afro-Latino over there because everybody looked like me.”
Tracing family history can be challenging for Black Americans due to the legacy of slavery. The difficulty lies in tracking ancestry before the 1870 census, as records of the enslaved are often handwritten, poorly kept or have been lost over time. Therefore, approximately 76% of Black Americans reported speaking with relatives to learn more about their family’s history, according to the Pew Research Center. At school, Joyner said she utilizes her culture’s tradition of storytelling to help students understand their identity.
“I’ve always loved the tradition of storytelling that’s part of Afro-Caribbean culture,” Joyner said. “I want to help empower students to tell their own stories and help find their narrative arcs for them so that it can impact how they view themselves. My lineage also supports me in connecting to that inner strength in the face of oppression and just talking about all the joy and amazing things that come from Black culture.”
Bronson said she feels it is essential not just to celebrate Black history during February, but also throughout the rest of the year.
“It’s important, not just in February, but every day, to showcase your identity and who you are,” Bronson said. “Now, especially with people straying away from DEI, it’s just really important to celebrate who they are as Black people and the culture.”
L. Wood Dashiell Sparks ’26
Funding the Future
Students and faculty discuss the impact of how financial aid can limit certain students’ choices in choosing a college of their choice.
By Lydia Gugsa
Sitting alone at a table on the Quad, Kamari McNeely ’24 sat at a table at school and prepared to open her decision letter to her dream school, Tufts University. Bracing herself for the worst, she read the letter and felt excitement and joy wash over her — she had been accepted into Tufts University regular decision. Relieved at the news, she texted her parents, who immediately congratulated her.
However, her excitement was cut short just a few days later when she got her financial aid package back. The university offered her $20,000 per year, leaving her and her family to cover the rest of tuition costs, approximately $70,000. Despite exploring all possible financial options, McNeely said Tufts remained financially out of reach.
“My parents saw the financial aid package and immediately told me we couldn’t afford Tufts,” McNeely said. “I tried to bargain with them and find a way where we could make it work there. [My parents] told me to reach out to the financial aid person at Tufts. I got in touch with him, and I had a meeting with him, and he was just very short with me. He gave a very negative vibe and wasn’t willing to negotiate my package, so I turned down the offer.”
nancial aid, with an average amount of $14,100, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
McNeely said the financial realities of college admissions deeply affected her mental health.
“If my parents had all this money that a lot of students at the school have, I would have gone to Tufts [University] right off the bat,” McNeely said. “Financial aid is just something I had to factor in. It definitely affected my mental health when I saw people being able to get into the same schools as me and also be able to attend them because they could afford it. ”
76% of high school students said the financial aid amount awarded to them and the overall financial aid process were the top drivers in their choice about where to go to college, according to CNBC. Maylie Macias ’26 said financial aid will be crucial in her college decision, especially as a first-generation college student.
“ There are so many scholarships, and it’s hard to choose where I will spend time applying.”
— Maylie Macias ’26
Student financial aid in the U.S. is funding that is available exclusively to students attending a post-secondary educational institution. Student aid encompasses grants, scholarships, work-study jobs and loans, according to the government office of Federal Student Aid. Students can receive financial aid by applying directly to schools with forms like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and College Scholar
“Financial aid will be one of the biggest factors of where I go, and the school that gives me probably the most aid will probably be where I end up going,” Macias said. “This process will be my family’s first time going through [it]. I didn’t grow up in an area where they emphasized the college process, and there weren’t a lot of resources or awareness about what programs and scholarships to apply for. If not for Harvard-Westlake, I wouldn’t have the amount of knowledge that I do right now.”
McNeely, who is now a freshman at Skidmore College, said it is important for students on financial aid to be realistic about their options.
“Make your list of colleges you want
them, and acknowledging that can help you cope.”
Early Decision (ED) is a binding commitment, meaning those who apply in that round must attend the selected college if they are accepted. The only way to get out of the commitment is if a student cannot afford the financial package a college gives them, according to U.S. News. Micah Parr ’25, who applied ED to Emory University, said he eliminated any school he knew his family would not be able to afford.
“I took out schools like New York University (NYU), Northeast ern, any schools that whenever I looked up and I’d see average cost of financial aid was over like $35,000,” Parr said. “I instantly crossed colleges off my list for early decision application because I knew that if I used my original opportunity and put it on a school that I couldn’t pay for it even if I liked it, then it just wouldn’t be worth it to apply for early decision.”
One way to come up with money for college is through various on line scholarships. Many websites, such as bold.org, BigFuture by College Board and scholarships.com, allow students to submit applications for these scholarships through essays. If selected, participants can win amounts of money spanning from $500 dollars to $20,000. 44% of students said they would switch their top choice school for just $5,000 more in scholarship aid, according to Ellucian, an education technology company. Macias, who has had to search for scholarships, said the process is overwhelming.
and choose where I’m spending my time and where I’m putting myself out for these scholarships.”
The outstanding federal student loan balance is $1.693 trillion; 42.7 million student borrowers have federal loan debt and federal student loan debt represents 92.4% of all student loan debt and 7.57% of student loan debt is private, including $29.3 billion in refinance loans, according to Education Data Initiative. Parr said due to a lower financial package than expected, he will have to take out loans.
“I remember scrolling through the email, just looking at it over and over and over again, and I was like, ‘This is all I got?’” Parr said.
“I was very panicked. It was nowhere close to the amount that I thought I would get. I chose Emory precisely because I thought it would give me a decent amount of financial aid. I went home, talked to my parents multiple times, and afterward, we figured out that we could afford it, but I would have to take out some loans.”
Miller said honesty in financial conversations is key for both students and parents in navigating the college process.
“I’m getting a $1,000 here, $500 there,
“The most challenging thing is having difficult conversations between students and parents early on, so a student has a sense of what their parent is comfortable paying if cost is a factor in the process,” Miller said. “The other piece is that if a student doesn’t know that the price of tuition is going to be a factor in the process because the parents haven’t felt comfortable being transparent with their student about that, it can be really frustrating at the end of the process when a student sees what options they’re left with, thinking that a parent might pay for any
Parr said navigating the college application process with financial aid in mind made him rethink his approach to safety
“Even though there are certain out-ofstate schools like University of Texas at Austin and University of Wisconsin-Madison that are great schools, it was very daunting knowing that even if I got in, I wouldn’t be able to afford it, even if I had a very high chance of getting into some of those,” Parr said. “I’d have to apply to safety schools that aren’t as popular to see which ones would give me the best scholarships to see which
Miller said financial considerations and transparency with the deans are crucial in helping students make informed
“We encourage students who indicate to us that finances are going to be an aspect of how they choose a college to apply to a very wide variety of schools, not just in terms of selectivity, but in terms of financial aid structure,” Miller said. “There are some schools that guarantee to meet a student’s need, as is indicated on the FAFSA, to the fullest extent, and there are other schools that are really up front that they’re need-aware.”
Digital Distortion
Students and faculty discuss the politicization of social media, censorship and the attacks on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives.
By Celine Wang
A few days after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, Upper School Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Director Rebecca Limerick grew concerned as they checked their phone. Posts and articles flooded their feed, filled with heated debates, misinformation and polarizing rhetoric. As Limerick read headlines and comment sections, they said they worried about the future of DEI programs and the broader implications for diversity efforts nationwide.
With his new executive orders in office, President Trump said he would cut federal fund ing to DEI initiatives and programs. In addition, social media platforms are currently amplifying various narra tives, both supporting and criticizing DEI efforts, according to BBC News.
Limerick said there is importance in looking beyond the abbrevia tion, DEI, and truly un derstanding the value of the inclusivity that encompasses many aspects of identity, which enriches the school com munity in meaningful ways.
“Even though the acro nym can be easy to say, it can be nice to separate the acro nym into the actual words that we’re talking about and really dig into what is diversity, what is positive about diversity and what it really means,” Lim erick said. “Because people can immediately go to one aspect of diversity, like race, but there’s so many different aspects of identity that make up the diversity of our school community that just makes us this beautiful, diverse school community.”
Conservative groups and lawmakers ar gue that DEI programs promote division, political bias and discrimination. Crit ics claim that DEI efforts in workplaces, schools and government institutions pri oritize identity over merit and stifle free speech, according to the Wall Street Jour nal. This opposition has inten sified under the Trump administration and has continued with legal challenges, legislative bans and corporate pushback against mandato ry DEI training. Supporters, howev er, argue that these initiatives are essen tial for addressing systemic inequities and fostering inclu sive environments.
Josh Massey ’26 said that although in clusion efforts are valu able, prioritizing them over merit can lead to political polarization.
“Diversity, Equi ty and Inclusion is a good idea,” Massey said. “A lot of peo ple on the right-wing
think that when you prioritize DEI you can’t prioritize [objectives] like competence. I am of the belief that competence should have the most major role in any higher government. However, instead of prioritizing competence and DEI, they prioritize what I call divisive politics.”
Limerick said understanding the purpose of DEI requires identifying and addressing societal imbalances and exclusion.
“The work of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion requires taking a deep look at differences between people and inequities in society, and ways that people have been excluded from
“fact-checking program across platforms like Facebook and Instagram, opting instead for a user-driven “Community Notes” system similar to that of X (formerly Twitter), according to Wired. This shift, intended to promote free speech, has raised concerns about the large spread of misinformation, which could impact DEI-related discussions.
Abby Juarez ’26 said she believes people should rely on fact-checked sources for informed political opinions and balanced information.
is. [Your feed] is going to be biased all to you and you’re just not going to see every side of the story. Most of our age group is getting our facts and a lot of our opinions on [information that is] misconstrued. You won’t get both sides of the story.”
It’s part of the culture war moment that we’re in and it’s fascinating to see how quickly DEI is blamed.”
Peter Sheehy History Teacher
TikTok faces scrutiny over its content moderation practices, with reports suggesting that political content, especially anti-Trump material, has been suppressed or censored, potentially influencing conversations on diversity and inclusion, according to Reuters. History Teacher Peter Sheehy said he is worried that Meta’s decision to pull back on fact-checking aligns with longstanding conservative concerns about bias in social media.
“There’s a concern about companies, like Meta, backing away from factchecking because it had always been a concern among Republican politicians, especially Trump, that there’s been inherently liberal bias in social media,” Sheehy said. “One of the problems is that we’ve given social media companies so much freedom to be unaccountable for the content on their sites. They’re the main source by which many people gather their news. That relationship and responsibility has to be rethought.” Massey said he believes growing corporate and governmental alignment with company executive power is leading the country toward a more centralized and elite-driven system.
“This is a very large wave of bending to presidential authority,” Massey said. “We see that in government with the Supreme Court and Congress. We see that with Elon Musk making sure that the House can pass bills. We see that with all these companies rolling back DEI. This is overall a shift towards oligarchy. If things continue this way, we will look more like a country like Russia.”
Sheehy said he fears the rapid spread of AI-generated content will further undermine public knowledge and bias.
“The problem is that a lot of people aren’t aware of the way information is curated and fed to them, but that even if you are aware of how these algorithms work, they’re designed to be kind of addictive and to feed into a kind of confirmation bias or negativity bias,” Sheehy said. “But now there’s more widely used sites, even for teenagers. It’s all going to be accelerated with AI-generated too, just because of how quickly people can create the misinformation that they want. I think it’s going to lead to a crisis of knowledge and truth.”
L. Wood Josh Massey ’26
The Chronicle • Feb. 12, 2025
Arts & Entertainment
Jackson Hollis ’25 steps on stage into the spotlight, where the glow of the theater lights cast long shadows behind him. It is nearly 5 p.m., but the fourhour rehearsal is only halfway through. The music from Hadestown plays as he starts the choreography, focusing on his steps, lines and emotions while the director’s notes echo in his head. Hollis tries to embody the complex, villainous role of Hades in his movements.
Hadestown is a musical by Anaïs Mitchell that reimagines the classic Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Eurydice is a young and poor woman struggling to survive, lured by Hades’ promises of stability into leaving her lover, Orpheus. Determined to save her, the passionate musician travels to Hadestown. Performances of Hadestown will be held on Feb. 13, 14 and 15 in Rugby theater.
Cast and crew members of Hadestown, the Upper School spring musical, reflect on the process of bringing the script to life.
is] exploitation of the working class, industry and its effect on nature and the climate, selfdoubt and revolution.”
Ensemble member Cole Firshein ’26 said the theater department has created a fresh adaptation of the musical.
“I love the modern take on such a classic story,” Firshein said. “It’s based on a Greek myth, but it's very interesting. The original Broadway musical is set in 1920s New Orleans, but we are setting it in contemporary New York.”
Washburn said the school's production of Hadestown allows cast members to take some creative liberties with their interpretation of the script.
“ I feel so lucky to perform alongside people I’ve known since ninth grade.”
— Clara Berg ’25
Upper School Performing Arts Teacher and Director Sabrina Washburn said that the show reflects current social and environmental issues.
“There’s so much in the show that is relevant today, perhaps even more relevant than last spring when we chose the show,” Washburn said. “[There
“Hadestown is an epic story told through poetry,”
Washburn said.
“It leaves a lot of room for the group working on it to express the ideas, themes and relationships through their own lens.”
The Hadestown soundtrack combines elements of folk, jazz, blues and New Orleans-inspired brass to create a unique sound.
The playwright Mitchell’s lyrics and melodies give the songs a storytelling quality, with slow ballads like “Wait for Me” and energetic ensemble numbers like “Way Down Hadestown.” Each song
in the soundtrack contributes to the show’s themes of love, struggle and fate, allowing the soundtrack to move the plot forward.
Washburn said the Hadestown music is difficult to master because of its unique blend of folk and jazz.
“The music is very complex and requires everyone to be focused at all times,” Washburn said. “There are several reprises with just tiny changes to the music or lyrics, all things that can very easily trip you up if you’re not careful.”
Hollis, who plays Hades, said he lacks a background in music, making it harder for him to learn the material.
“A big challenge for me was the fact that I’ve never done a musical before,” Hollis said. “The music in this show is particularly difficult in terms of rhythm, so having never been in a musical or choral activity made the learning process difficult. Luckily, we have a great music director who helped me figure everything out.”
Clara Berg ’25, who plays the Greek messenger god Hermes, said she enjoys being a part of the musical’s cast.
“My favorite part of being in Hadestown has been the cast and crew,” Berg said. “These folks make me look forward to coming in on a Sunday for six hours. Rehearsal has felt like home, and I feel so lucky to perform alongside people I’ve known since ninth grade.”
Hades is the ruler of Hadestown and the antagonist of the show. He rules the harsh, industrial underworld with an iron fist.
Hollis said he wants to focus on portraying Hades as a powerful and assertive, rather than malicious and evil, character.
“My goal for this production is to bring a lot of confidence to the role of Hades,” Hollis said. “I’ve seen a couple of high school produc tions on YouTube where the person playing Hades is playing the role [of] a sad and evil old man. While Hades is definitely evil, I think it makes much more sense for him to be powerful and confident before softening toward the end of the show.”
Berg said the finale is especially meaningful to her because it emphasizes the story’s themes of struggle and perseverance.
“My favorite scene in the show is Road to Hell Reprise, [which] is the finale,” Berg said. “It starts quietly and simply. I sing acapella, repeating the lines I started the show with. The ensemble enters, and hearing their voices after such a still moment creates an incredible warmth. The ancient myth of Orpheus and Eurydice has been repeated over and over, and the circular ending of the show is always filled with sadness, love and most of all, hope.”
Student stage manager Shimon Schlessinger ’26 is responsible for overseeing technical aspects of the play like lighting, set design and sound. Schlessinger said he is looking forward to the outcome of the cast’s work following tech week, a week of extended rehearsals that perfects the performance before the show opens.
“We have some very talented kids,” Schlessinger said. “The cast recently sang with the orchestra for the first time, and you could really see them getting more and more confident having that backing track. As you move into tech week and into the shows, the performance feels more professional with the lights, costumes, makeup and orchestra. People’s performances get elevated, and there’s much more intensity. I’m really excited to see how everything comes together.”
Soloists, chamber groups perform repertoire at annual winter concert
By Analeigh Nava
The Upper School Symphony and Chamber Orchestra performed in the Instrumental Solo Concert in Rugby Auditorium on Jan. 18. Students performed pieces ranging from Wang Jian Zhong’s “Silver Clouds Chasing the Moon” to “Estampes, Pagodes” by Debussy.
Chamber Orchestra violinist Will Putzer ’25 performed “When She Loved Me” in a duet with Chamber Orchestra violist Aviv Pilipski ’25. Putzer said they chose the piece to create a familiar and sentimental start to the concert.
“We knew that many listeners would not be able to recognize some of the heavier classical pieces on the program, so this was an opportunity to play a song that the audience members could love and remember,” Putzer said.
Symphony Concertmaster and Violinist Jessie Cai ’27 performed “Allegro Molto Vivace” by Mendelssohn, aiming to capture its joyful energy.
“My piece was lighthearted, so I aimed for a more playful tone,” Cai said. “I think I succeeded since I felt my performance was light and comfortable to play, compared to other heavier pieces.”
Performing Arts Teacher Neli Nikolaeva said performers bring compositions to life.
“Performers bridge the story of the composer with their talent and they bring it to the audience,” Nikolaeva said. “It’s a journey into other times and other worlds through the passion of both the composer and the creator.”
Chamber Orchestra pianist Mac Galaviz ’25 performed “Ballade No. 2” by Liszt. Galaviz said despite preparation, the piece presented challenges.
“My teacher helped me learn how to play everything properly, but since the piece was written by a virtuosic composer, I had to work through some fast passages and a few technical challenges,” Galaviz said.
Cai said the most memorable moment of the concert was the
support she received after finishing her performance.
“Although I played this piece before, every performance is different and rewarding,” Cai said. “Finishing the piece at school, where there are friends who support me gave me a more satisfying feeling of accomplishment.”
Similarly, Galaviz said a highlight was the audience’s enthusiastic response.
“It was the most ecstatic an audience has been about one of my performances,” Galaviz said. “They continued to cheer after I left the stage, so I came back and bowed again. I’m always glad afterward that I can play for other people. It makes all of the practice that I do worthwhile. The piano is one of my greatest sources of pride.”
Audience member Olivia Kong ’25 said Galaviz’s performance was significantly impactful because of its complexity.
“It felt like a story being told through the piano,” Kong said.
“Transitions of dramatic to lighter, delicate parts made everything feel so reflective.”
Piano trio holds lunch concert
By Kara Jazaeri
A Los Angeles-based piano trio performed in the chapel for a lunchtime concert on Feb. 7. The trio — Songa Lee, Charlie Tyler and Louise Thomas — performed Ludwig Beethoven’s famous “Archduke Piano Trio,” along with a movement from Clara Schumann’s “Piano Trio.”
Lee, Tyler and Thomas have been performing as freelance musicians for six years at various venues and events throughout Los Angeles. Tyler, the trio’s cellist, said he has aspired to play music professionally from a young age.
“I initially chose the cello because it was larger than my older brother’s violin, being the younger brother,” Tyler said. ”I loved it immediately and knew the moment I started that this is what I wanted to do with my life.”
Tyler said the pieces they performed were particularly significant given the context of the time they were created.
“It is from the end of his period of compositions before
[Beethoven] completely lost his hearing,” Tyler said. “There’s a sense of overcoming struggles in this piece.”
Noah Koo ’27 said the group’s passion for music was notable.
“I think [my favorite part] was the energy I felt from them,” Koo said.” They were all very concentrated and into it. I know they’re professionals, but I think the energy, vibes and color from the music [that] really shone through.”
Valentina Hernandez Ruiz ’27 said the group’s performance was well conveyed through their passion and dedication.
“My favorite part of the piano trio was seeing how passionate they were to share their love for the arts,” Hernandez Ruiz said.
Chamber Orchestra violinist Edward Ward ’25 said he hopes more students take advantage of opportunities to experience live music and appreciate its impact.
“I would encourage other students to attend similar performances,” Ward said. “Despite most people in attendance being musicians, I doubt all of them see
Photography II class displays art in gallery
By Holden Kim
Photography students displayed their artwork in Feldman-Horn Gallery from Jan. 10-31. The showcase featured works by 30 students who examined identity, memory and artistic experimentation through diverse photographic techniques. Organized by Upper School Visual Arts teacher Brannon Cook, the exhibition displayed pieces spanning multiple units, including portraiture, long exposures, cyanotypes and various artist emulations.
Photography II student Branden Wong ’26 exhibited multiple photographs in the show, including a long exposure piece that transformed a fidget spinner from when he was younger into a luminous arc of light resembling a smile. Wong said he was excited to have his artwork portrayed alongside other impressive ones in the gallery.
deepened her connection to the school’s artistic community.
“A lot of thought and effort went into the photo exhibition by the students, teachers and staff, and I feel really fortunate to be part of such a creative and supportive community,” Higashi said.
Alexander Hudlin ’26 said his work explored the intersection of rap culture and Black artistry through multiple pieces.
“One piece is a diptych featuring Playboi Carti alongside the legendary artist Prince, symbolizing Black rock stars who challenged the norms of sexuality and redefined masculinity,” Hudlin said.
“Having my work displayed in the gallery was awesome,” Wong said. “A big part of that is knowing that my work is among so many other amazing works of art and people who have endless creativity and innovation.”
Anju Higashi ’26 displayed a cyanotype piece — a cameraless artwork that involves laying pieces of paper in chemicals to expose the UV lighting. Higashi said her work was dedicated to the memory of her late grandmother.
“Creating this piece allowed me to honor our memories together, and the artistic process itself helped me process my emotions,” Higashi said. “It feels affirming as an artist to watch my ideas materialize in a real exhibition.”
Wong said the exhibition helped broaden his perspective on artistic expression.
“Being a part of this exhibition has helped me see how universal photography is,” Wong said. “Each photo can have so many different meanings and intentions.”
Higashi said the exhibition
or listen to live performances on a regular basis. Bringing the music to school is a really great way to enhance musical education and bring the orchestral program to the next level.”
Ward said live performances offer an experience beyond what recordings can capture.
“[During live concerts], you’re able to observe communication between performers, which is not something that comes easily and really does level up your musical abilities,” Ward said. “Even with the high standard of recording technology today, there is still something lost through the recording process that you can pick up through a live performance.”
Thomas, the group’s pianist, said music is profound because of its ability to impact others in any given situation.
“[The students] are incredibly lucky to have music in their lives,” Thomas said. “It’s one of those things that transcends everything. No matter what you’re feeling or when it’s very difficult to use words, music takes over.”
Maya Stillwell ’26 said she combined both technical homages and personal reflection in her works.
“It’s cool to have work displayed in the gallery because it allows for the photos to be seen larger and in print rather than only digitally, which is how we see most photos nowadays,” Stillwell said.
Hudlin said showcasing his work in the exhibition contributed to his artistic growth and development.
“It’s impactful to have my art featured in a gallery at such a young age, even if it’s just at my school,” Hudlin said. “It’s definitely inspiring to know that hundreds of people have stopped by to see my work.”
Stillwell said the exhibition helped her honeher artistic voice.
“This exhibition influenced my artistic journey — to see my photos side by side with all the other students ’ takes on the same projects. It allows me to start to see an emergence of my style,” Stillwell said.
Cook said the exhibition aims to inspire artists and foster connection within the school community.
“I hope the show empowers student artists to continue making beautiful and complex images,” Cook said. “I hope seeing those images makes students feel inspired to create their own art.”
POWER TRIO: Violinist Songa Lee and Pianist Louise Thomas perform Beethoven’s “Piano Trio Op. 97” in St. Saviour ’s Chapel during lunch.
MASTERING THE KEYS: Chamber Orchestra Pianist Mac Galaviz ’25 finishes off the annual Instrumental Solo Concert performing Liszt’s “Ballade No. 2.” Other soloists and groups performed similar genres of repertoire.
L. Wood Branden Wong ’26
Valentine’s dates to remember
By Annabelle Cheung
As Valentine’s Day rolls around, now is the perfect time to plan a thoughtful date to celebrate with friends or a significant other. Here are some ideas to make the day memorable.
A classic park picnic is the way to go if you are looking for a simple date. The peaceful surroundings can encourage conversation and give you the opportunity to relax in a more casual environment than a restaurant. Pack your picnic basket full of bread, cheese, chocolates, fruits and sparkling lemonade. If you want to go the extra mile, create a heart-themed charcuterie board. Bring a speaker or a guitar and a bouquet of flowers to serenade your special someone with a love song!
If you’re feeling creative, try making your own pottery or painting pre-made pieces together. This activity is a perfect
Ready for Romance Gifts to impress your valentine
way for couples or friends to talk and bond while creating one-ofa-kind souvenirs. The pottery can be customized with a Valentine’s Day theme like hearts, initials or sweet messages. To take things to rom-com levels of cute, exchange your pottery at the end of the date. A physical representation of your love is a fun and simple way to celebrate!
Spending time in the kitchen is another hands-on way to bond as you celebrate Valentine’s Day by cooking up a love-themed meal! From cakes and cookies to pretzels and pizzas, there is a plethora of heart shaped recipes online. Set up the dining room with Valentine’s Day decorations, add candles and flowers to the table and set the table with cute plates and utensils. The best part is getting to enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor!
If you’re artistic, going to a concert with friends or a significant other is always a hit. Go
see an artist you love or someone who holds significance to your relationship or go out together to discover a new musician or song. Dance and sing and enjoy the excitement of getting ready together. You can also write a cute love note with a little reference to the musician or song, adding a personal touch to the date.
Lastly, find a sports game to go to for a high-energy date. Dress in matching jerseys, cheer for the team and bond over the excitement of the game. For a Valentine’s Day look, go for heartshaped face paint in the team’s colors. While it may not be the easiest or most conventional Valentine’s date, it will make for an unforgettable experience.
No matter what you do, details that are meaningful to your relationship are always the most important. A well-planned date can turn any activity into an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience of love and laughter!
By Analeigh Nava
Roses are red, violets are blue, need a gift for that special someone? Don’t worry, I got you! You can’t go wrong with the classic chocolates and flowers, but if you’re looking to really put a smile on your loved one’s face, what better way than to show your love than with these thoughtful gifts?
Sure, real roses are beautiful and smell amazing, but they start wilting before you know it. LEGO roses might be made of plastic, but they’re sure to never fade, just like your love for that person! The best part is assembling them together; nothing is more romantic than a little teamwork.
If it’s the night before Feb. 14 and you have absolutely nothing to gift, a handmade card is your best option. All you need is a glue stick, scissors, a couple of crayons, a pen and a heart full of love. Write a letter to your Valentine talking about
how great they are. Everyone likes to read about themselves! But really, take the time to write something thoughtful and to make it pretty. I suggest a pop-up card — they’re super easy to make and are a delightful surprise!
If you have a partner who can never keep their eyes off the screen, this video game is perfect. “It Takes Two” follows a married couple on the brink of divorce who have a 9-year-old daughter who’s willing to do anything to keep them together. In an attempt to rekindle their love, their daughter turns to a love spell book. The couple is transformed into dolls and must collaborate to regain their bodies, hence the title “It Takes Two.” The game will challenge your communication skills and your patience, but it will all be worth it.
This might be the most typical thing on this list, but Squishmallows are adorable and a must-have for your Valentine. With such a
To binge or skip: popular romance movies
By Zara Groves
Casablanca
- Binge-worthy
Some love stories transcend time. They capture our imaginations and resonate with us on a deeply personal level, regardless of the era in which they were created. “Casablanca” is a perfect example of this. Set against the backdrop of World War II in wartime Casablanca, American nightclub owner Rick Blaine’s world is turned upside down when his former lover Ilsa arrives with her resistance-leader husband on the run from the Nazis. The characters are captivating, and the audience feels a mix of hope and nostalgia as they watch the film. The chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid
Bergman as Rick and Ilsa is terrific, allowing for the ending to feel timelessly bittersweet. This film entertains not only with its humor and wartime excitement, but also because isn’t the least bit mushy. Rick’s face breaking when he first sees Ilsa in his bar shows the power of action in movies that is slowly slipping away in modern Hollywood. One guarantee is that if you’re craving a great film, you’ll always have “Casablanca!”
Kissing Booth - Skip “The Kissing Booth” was a part of the onslaught of Netflix rom-coms that came out a few years ago, and is the epitome of a quickly produced Netflix original. With clumsy writing
and overused tropes, the movie is a hard pass. Released in 2018 and starring Joey King and Jacob Elordi, the film follows Elle, a high school student, and her awkward but lovable best friend, Lee, as they try to abide by the rules they set for their friendship when they were kids. However, things get complicated when Elle develops a crush on Lee’s older brother, Noah, in clear violation of one of their rules. Elle tries to navigate her feelings while also maintaining her friendship with Lee. The film’s greatest flaws are not only its over-the-top cliches but also its troubling treatment of women and unrealistic depiction of high school. In one scene, Elle strips in front of a crowds of boys, too drunk to
realize the consequences, while nobody stops her. Noah’s overprotectiveness of Elle also adds discomfort to the film. Overall, the Kissing Booth is a mockery of rom-com drama.
Four Weddings and a FuneralBinge-worthy “Four Weddings and a Funeral” is a cinematic masterpiece. Its witty and dry humor makes the film one of the best British rom-coms. Young, handsome and charismatic, Charles (Hugh Grant) struggles to find love. That changes when, at the wedding of a friend, he meets Carrie (Andie MacDowell), an American who quickly enchants him.
• Continued on hwchronicle.com
wide variety to choose from, there’s surely one that’s perfect for them. Soft, huggable and adorable, they are the perfect companion, especially when you’re missing your partner. Anything customized would be great, but a shirt with your face plastered on it is too funny not to gift, and it will put their loyalty to the test. Are they willing to show the entire world that they’re taken? Will they wear it to school? To brunch? Or maybe use it as their new pillowcase? The possibilities are endless! Last but not least, besides the heartbreaking feeling that this movie left us with, “Up” represents one of the most romantic relationships on screen. Carl and Ellie Fredricksen’s “Adventure Book” (scrapbook) was one of the key memories that Mr. Fredricksen held onto in memory of his late wife and their everlasting love. Gifting your own version is a heartfelt way to celebrate your journey together and all the adventures still to come.
Asking for a recommendation letter: your foolproof template
By Zoe Goor and Hannah Shahidi
Juniors: listen up! Are you feeling humbled by your recent introduction to College Kickstart? Do you want to secure a recommendation from your favorite teacher? Lucky for you, we both scored two whole teacher recommendations (the required number of teacher recommendations). Here’s a flawless guide for how to email your teacher for a recommendation:
Hey (name of teacher),
I love that we’re close enough to be so casual with each other. Having you as a teacher has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Not as great as having me as a student, though. That’s why I am so glad to be bestowing upon you the opportunity to write my recommendation letter! You should be very proud of yourself.
Remember when I got you that Amazon gift card ($20!)? I think you should repay me by writing a recommendation that is of the same caliber as that amazing gift.
Of course I trust your writing ability, but in case you need any assistance, please feel free to consult me. I have never written a recommendation before, but I think I would be pretty good at it since I’m good at everything!
In case you forgot (though I doubt you even could), here are some of my most impressive moments from my time in your class.
The time I used “liminal,” “dichotomy” and “paradigm” in one sentence. Did I know what they meant? No. But did you notice that I didn’t know what they meant? Also, no. I think.
My focus on LEARNING, rather than grades. I always wait a respectful amount of time (18-24 minutes) before I email you to reconsider my score. I just want to learn.
Every meeting we had after you returned our essays. I like that we worked so collab -
A Valentine’s Day gift giving guide
By Kayla Graff and Lyla Kavanagh
It’s February, and you know what that means — love is in the air! Or at least an excess of bland couples’ Instagram posts captioned “so easy to love you”. This Valentine’s Day, if you’re looking for a gift for that special (or not-so-special) someone, we’ve got you covered.
For your obsessive, paranoid girlfriend: A Life 360 Platinum Membership. Now she’ll always know exactly where you are and can “coincidentally” run into you at the grocery store.
For your significant other that you secretly hate: A heartshaped box of chocolates with only coconut praline and citrus-filled chocolates.
For your best friend who just got her heart broken: Tickets to the Gracie Abrams concert. Now she can scream “I miss you, I’m sorry” and “That’s So True” instead of going to therapy!
For your boyfriend’s girl best friend: Her own boyfriend.
For one humanities and one STEM teacher: A $20 Amazon gift card (see: Asking for a recommendation letter: your foolproof template)
For your class crush: A not so anonymous note from Prefect Council’s letter making station confessing that staring at their face is the only thing that gets you through Advanced Precalculus.
For the couple always PDAing on the quad: Tinted windows and directions to a scenic Mulholland lookout.
For your ex-situationship: A gift certificate for couples therapy for him and the girlfriend he found right after telling you he needed to “focus on basketball” as a JV benchwarmer. (Too niche? Assistant Features Editor Lyla Kavanagh ’26 thinks not.)
For the one that got away: A live performance of Silver Springs by Stevie Nicks.
For your boyfriend who just buzzed all of his hair off without telling you for “team bonding”: A breakup text.
For your best friend with a hot older brother: An invitation to a Galentine’s day sleepover! At her house!
For your best friend’s significant other who you hate: A dirty look from across the Quad.
For your eye-contact-ship: A box of conversation starters. Maybe they’ll finally gain the confidence to make the first move already.
For the long-distance couple that didn’t break up for college: Receipts of them cheating on each other.
For your long-term significant other: We really don’t care. Just make sure us normal people don’t have to witness it.
Puzzle Solutions
oratively on getting me some points back. I also think it is relevant to mention that I was always great at compromising when we disagreed on what my grade should be.
I go to Math Lab for 20 minutes a week, but I talk about it in class enough that you would think I spend all night there! You know the saying — if you don’t have time, lie.
Please send me your letter for final review by XX/XX/ XXXX. PDF only, no Google Docs (and I won’t even mention Word files *insert barf emoji*), please.
It’s been real,
Your star pupil, your muse, the reason you love your job as a teacher, etc.
Insert your name here:
This piece is inspired by English Teacher Jeremy Michaelson.
1) Valentines Gifts Rose, Candy, Teddy, Card
2) Shades of Pink Bubblegum, Champagne, Salmon, Baby
3) Places to meet your future Valentine Hinge, Snapchat, Layout, the Quad
4) Nicknames for your Valentine Huzz, Honey, Boyf, Baby
The Coaches’ Journey
Coach Jonas Koolsbergen
July 7th, 1983
Sep 1st, 1982
Athletic Director
Darlene Bible
Coach Richard Simms
Sep 1st, 2005
June 15th, 1983
By David Rothbart and Sienna Dall’olmo
It is 2005, and Girls Soccer
Program Head Richard Simms is standing on the HarvardWestlake track for the first time. Anxiously awaiting his interview with former Athletic Department Head and former Head of School Ardius Barzdukas, he gazes across the large turf field in front of him. Stateof-the-art facilities and top notch-coaches drew Simms to the the school’s Athletic Department, but the relationships he has formed with his teams are what have made him stay for 20 years. Simms said his first year at the school was crucial in changing the status quo around the girls soccer team.
“My first year, we had made playoffs and that really established me right away because it gave me some credibility and early success,” Simms said. “It was fun to win those games and go down to Orange County where the teams seemed so much better than us. They weren’t better, we were just a little bit fearful of them. I am proud to say, 20 years later, we are the team that people are afraid to play. That took a lot of work, and we didn’t start there.”
“
but that used to be the driving force behind why I coached,” Simms said. “I loved the games and the constant competitive feedback. But as I’ve evolved, it has become much more about human development for me and wanting to develop myself. Soccer has become very much secondary to just helping with human development, whether it is parents, myself, our staff, athletes, training staff or our sports performance.”
Simms said in his time at the school, he has better understood the importance of diversity within his team and the larger school community.
Over the last 10 years, my program has become so much richer and more satisfying to work with because of our diversity.”
Richard Simms
“Over the last 10 years, my program has become so much richer and more satisfying to work with because of our diversity,” Simms said. “I started to really learn about all different kinds of diversity that I had never considered what that can bring into a team environment. You have academic, socioeconomic, racial and also geographic diversity. It’s made me a better person, a better educator and our school is more enriched.”
Simms said his coaching methods have evolved over the years, focusing more on forming connections with the members of his team and athletic community.
“I’m still very competitive,
Athletic Director Darlene Bible has been working at the school for 43 years. She spent 30 years coaching swimming, girls golf and a season of girls soccer. For the last 13 years, Bible has served as an Athletic Director where she has overseen operations for the school’s teams and programs.
Bible was a teacher and
Coach Scott Wood
coach at the Westlake school prior to the merger. When the school became co-ed, Bible said there was a lot of planning to prepare for a new, combined athletic department. Bible said she remembers the reorganization that created the modern physical education courses.
“The year before the planned physical merger, the entire full-time athletic department members from Harvard and Westlake got together and had a number of meetings,” Bible said. “We decided who would teach Physical Education (PE) at each campus because there were a number of PE classes at the high school, so some people who were at Harvard originally moved to the Westlake campus and vice versa.”
Bible said coaching at the school and watching the athletic program evolve has been a rewarding experience for her.
“Working with young people to help them become more skilled in their sport, to instill leadership skills, good work habits and teamwork, is something I will always cherish,” Bible said. “We have strived for excellence in the athletic department from the day of the merger, but [we] have ramped up our programs and improved our facilities over the years to become the amazing department we are today.”
Cross Country and Track and Field Program Head Jonas Koolsbergen ’83 has been apart of the school for 44 years. He started as a student and athlete in 1977, and since then has been a teacher, assistant coach and head coach. Koolsbergen said attending Harvard School for Boys played a big role in him working at the school.
“I obviously had a history here, a fondness and a terrific experience,” Koolsbergen said. “I was originally hired by the coach that was my high school coach, and so it was just a good and natural fit.”
Koolsbergen began coaching immediately after high school while he was attending the University of California Los Angeles. He worked as a part-time assistant coach for the track and field team and continued serving as an assistant coach even after graduating. Koolsbergen said that his transition from student to coach was smooth but very unique.
Koolsbergen said he learned there are many different ways to reach goals without being fixed on one approach.
“I was coaching the kids who I had been teammates with the year before,” Koolsbergen said. “The lead guy on the team was a junior when I was a senior and he really set the tone, because we had a good rapport and friendship. He also had a ton of respect for me and the idea that I could be the coach made sense to him.”
Koolsbergen said the biggest shift in the track program since he was a student has been expectations for the team’s success.
“The biggest change in the program over time is just the scope of what we are trying to achieve,” Koolsbergen said. “When I was in high school, we did well, and we did our best, but really the highest goal was to win league. Now our scope is so much larger than that. CIF success, state success, running in the best races was just not stuff we did back then.”
“Over my time as a coach here I have learned to seperate the vital from the nonvital,” Koolsbergen said. “There are certain things you have to get done but in learning that there are certain other things you can get done, on another day, or get done in a different way, you start to realize that there are multiple paths to get to where you want to go. You don’t have to be so locked into one version of it.”
Boys Golf Program Head Scott Wood ’88 has been a member of the school’s athletic department for over 20 years, holding multiple positions coaching golf, football and basketball. Beyond that, Wood attended Harvard School for Boys and participated on each of those teams as a player. Wood said attending Harvard School has allowed him to have a more meaningful connection with the students on his team.
“Luckily for me, I know what it is like to deal with the school and I know what sports means to different types of people,” Wood said. “I am very fortunate to have been pretty close with all my teams, all the kids, all the parents. [Having been a student here], there is something kind of soothing and therapeutic about being back.”
L. Wood Jonas Koolsbergen ’83
Girls water polo wins league
By Chloe Kim
The girls water polo team finished the regular season with a 17-11 record and won the Mission League Championship on Jan. 29 against Notre Dame High School. The team also won their first game 12-7 in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Divison 1 Playoffs against Rancho Cucamonga School at the Upper School on Feb. 6. The team finished the regular season on a strong note, despite the departure of four seniors last season.
Attacker Lilah Mitchell ’25 said it has been difficult being the only upperclassman, but she continues to stay positive and cheer up her teammates whenever they are having a hard time.
“Being the only senior with 16 underclassmen has been difficult,” Mitchell said. “It can feel overwhelming at times without the support of other upperclassmen who would share the responsibility of leadership. However, I always try to stay positive and lead by example. If we are struggling in practice or a game, [I let] them know I share their experience and that we can all get through it together.”
Mitchell said she wants to enjoy her last games on the team before she graduates.
“I am going to focus on making the most of my last few practices and games before I stop playing water polo,” Mitchell said. “I loved getting to know the freshmen this year and seeing the potential the team has.”
Attacker Darya Ghassemieh ’27 said she made memories with teammates during the SOCAL Champs Tournament in Irvine.
“My favorite memory from the season was a few weeks ago when we had a tournament in Irvine, and we stayed overnight,” Ghassemieh said. “It was really fun because we got to room with our friends, hang out at the hotel and have team dinners. It was just a really great bonding experience for everyone on the team.”
• Continued on hwchronicle.com
Boys basketball wins seventh straight Mission League title before advancing to CIF playoffs
By Wynne Davis
The varsity boys basketball team won their seventh consecutive Mission League Championship in a 67-64 win over Notre Dame on Feb. 5. Coming off a successful season that ended in a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) state championship last year, the team now looks to defend their reputation as one of the highest ranking teams in the state and the country. With several key players graduating last year, including Trent Perry ’24 and Robert Hinton ’24, the spotlight is now on the next generation of athletes to step up and lead the team to another standout season.
“We’re off to a great start,” Rebibo said. “But we’re always looking to improve. Every year we are looking and making changes, trying to grow and evolve with our personnel. We have some basics that are staples in our program, like defending, rebounding and sharing the ball.”
plenty of time to figure things out. Everyone is taking on more responsibility. Players are stepping up to score and play defense.”
By Jean Park
Alyssa Thompson ’23, Gisele Thompson ’24, and Ali Riley ’06 — former high school soccer players and alumnae of the school, who now all play together for Angel City Football Club (ACFC) — returned to campus on Feb. 3 to attend the girls soccer match against Chaminade High School, which ended in a 2-3 loss. The three players met with young fans for photos and autographs, and younger attendees had the chance to enter a free raffle to win Thompson’s signed United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) uniform.
Alyssa Thompson, who made history as the youngest player to debut in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) when she joined ACFC, reunited with Riley — who had previously led the school’s team to a Division 1 final in 2006 before becoming an Olympian and a veteran of
“We’re feeling good,” McNeely said. “We’ve had some challenges, but we’re a really talented group. If we keep working as hard as we are now, we have a good chance at another championship.”
Boys Basketball Program Head
David Rebibo said the team’s success so far reflects their focus and preparation, but the team will continue to face adversity.
Rebibo said practices during the summer allowed the team to adjust to big losses like Trent Perry ’24 and Robert Hinton ’24.
“We haven’t made any changes really,” Rebibo said. “This is the roster we had in June, and this is who we have been working with since.”
Guard Trevon McNeely ’26 said the team is adapting well to these changes in the roster.
“It’s been a big change,”
McNeely said. “They were leaders, so without them, other guys have had to step up. At first, it was tough getting used to, but we had
Soccer alumni return for signing event
115 international matches. As a student, Alyssa Thompson was an active competitor on the U-20 national team and later earned a spot on the USWNT. After graduating in 2023, she competed in the Women’s World Cup in Australia that summer.
Gisele Thompson said there was a lot of dedication and sacrifices required to reach the professional level.
“I think just pushing and working hard [was key],” Gisele said. “I made so many sacrifices, and I had to miss things that normal teenage girls get to do, but making those sacrifices really pushed me to be where I am.”
Gisele Thompson said her academic pursuits allowed her to grow as a student while also being a competitive soccer player.
“My academic track was definitely very hard,” Gisele said. “But I think the help from all my teachers and all of my friends helped me to get where I am.
Being able to always ask questions and being on top of my work was very helpful.”
During the meet and greet, a long line of supporters and fans gathered near Taper Athletic Pavilion, eager to meet the athletes. Among them was fourth grader Zoe Hong, who said she had mixed emotions meeting the players.
“I feel excited but nervous at the same time," Hong said. "I used to play soccer [and] I'm here because my sister is applying to the school.”
Athletic Director Jason Kelly who organized the event, said he was ecstatic to have all three athletes back on campus.
“I used to coach Ali Riley when she was a club soccer player, so I followed her career a lot,” Kelly said. “And obviously, when she became a professional soccer player at Angel City, it was such a prideful moment for not only myself but, of course, for our school.”
Rebibo said he is happy with how members of the team have stepped up to the occasion and in filling big roles, especially with new transfer and guard Joe Sterling ’26.
“
“Joe has been a big part of our success,” Rebibo said. “He is a gifted scorer and playmaker. He has evolved into a really good defender and he also continues to grow. Amir Jones, Dominique Bentho and Isaiah Carroll have also shown incredible growth and contributed immensely to our team success.”
We have played a very tough schedule and have continued to improve, grow and succeed as a unit.”
Rebibo said the team has faced extremely tough competition and has used that challenge to make themselves better and improve.
David Rebibo Basketball Program Head
McNeely said if the team maintains the effort, they have a chance at a three-peat this year.
“I am happy with our growth and development throughout the season,” Rebibo said. “We have played a very tough schedule and have continued to improve, grow and succeed as a unit.”
Having finished Mission League play, they will now advance to CIF group play as the top seed in pool play. The team’s next game will be against La Mirada High School on Feb. 12.
ON THE MOVE: Amir Jones ’ 26 dribbles past a defender during the Mission Leage Championship game Feb. 5 at home. The boys basketball team secured their seventh consecutive league title and ended their season with a 24-1 record. The team now prepares to faceoff in the first round of playoffs.
SIGNING SUPPORT: Gisele Thompson ’24 and Alyssa Thompson ’23 greet young fans and sign autographs during a community event Feb. 6.
Girls basketball gears up for postseason games
By Max Nam
The girls basketball team has concluded the regular season with a 20-6 overall record and a 7-3 league record. The team lost to Marlborough 67-61 in overtime in their most recent game, and will compete in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division 1 playoffs. Their first game is against Rialto High School at home on Feb. 13.
This season is the first under Interim Head Coach Alex Nailes, who previously served as an assistant coach for the boys basketball program. Players said his leadership introduced a new approach to the team’s preparation and in-game strategies.
Valentina Guerrero ’26 said Nailes brings enthusiasm and dedication to practices and games, which has motivated the team.
egies he uses to think about the game. It has made a huge impact on the way we are able to prepare for games and practice.”
Deana Thompson ’25 said the team needed time at the beginning of the season to adjust to the new coaching style and establish chemistry on the court.
“Our progress has been great,” Thompson said. “In the beginning of the season, we were still figuring out the positions and connectivity we needed as a team with a new coaching style, but with our full squad back and a good flow going, we are improving every day.
“My favorite aspect of having Coach Nailes as our head coach is the energy and passion he brings every day,” Guerrero said. “This pushes us to be our best and to continue to grow. He holds us to high standards, which makes us better both individually and as a team. What is different is his attention to detail and the strat-
With Coach Nailes this year, he has really tapped into our competitiveness and overall mentality, which helped progress our skills and confidence as players, which is what we needed to get us to where we are now and in the future.”
Thompson said the loss to Marlborough was a reality check.
“I honestly think we needed this loss because going into the game we were very confident in our team,” Thompson said. “It is a good lesson going into playoffs that we can’t underestimate any of our opponents. This game gave
DETERMINED TO
us an edge that we need later on.”
Bella Spencer ’25 said the team’s chemistry has strengthened as the season progressed.
“Our team chemistry has only improved as the season has gone on,” Spencer said. “We have a lot of freshmen on the team, so early on it was important to integrate them into the mix while also adjusting to a new system and coaching staff. We had to figure out how to gel on and off the court, and I think we’ve done a great job of coming together. As we continue into playoffs, I only see things improving in terms of
Boys soccer prepares for upcoming playoffs
By Connor Merrihew
The boys soccer team finished the regular season with a record of 9-5-2. In the Mission League, the team went 7-2-1 through 10 league games. After an 0-2 start to the season, the team bounced back, winning six out of their last seven games.
Head Coach Michael Erush said the team’s resilience was essential to their performance throughout the season.
“The team has shown incredible determination and growth throughout the season, improving with each game,” Erush said. “Their chemistry on the field and commitment to hard work have been key to their success. Heading into the playoffs, we have high expectations and believe this group has what it takes to make a deep run.”
Defender Marty Minikes ’26 said the team changed the course of their
season and team chemistry has improved during the streak.
“After the winning streak, we have turned around our season,” Minikes said. “Our group is clicking together and we are really making a playoff push. Now that we’re in, I think we can make a solid playoff run this year.”
The team currently sits in third place out of eight teams in the Mission League. Heading into the playoffs, Minikes said the team so far has been playing very well against strong competition.
“Throughout the season, we played some strong teams, but we played well against many of them,” Minikes said. “It definitely shows what we can do as a group, especially heading into playoffs.”
Right midfielder Roen Beiley ’25 said the team had endured some struggles throughout the early part of the season, but that they were stron-
ger and ready to compete.
“The season has been pretty bumpy and we’ve certainly had to overcome a lot of adversity thrown our way,” Beiley said. “Right now, though, we are solely focused on bringing home our first CIF title and doing everything in our power to make us as prepared as possible to do so.”
Striker Tyler Park ’25 said that although the season didn’t start off the way the team wanted, the players were able to overcome adversity and come together and finish the season strong heading into playoffs.
“This season has been a journey filled with both challenges and triumphs, but it has been a blast to grow alongside my teammates,” Park said. “As we enter the playoffs, I hope we can make the most of these final games and compete with a strong sense of unity and determination.”
on-court chemistry.”
Thompson said the team’s biggest area of growth this season has been its defense.
“Coach Nailes always harps on our defense during games and practice,” Thompson said. “It is something that we can control, unlike a missed shot. I also think that our competitiveness has very much improved this year. We have a different mentality, and I think it starts with Coach Nailes. He pushes us to be our best and compete in practice, whether it is scrimmage or even simple drills. These two things have translat-
ed well on the court and really helped us build a culture.”
Guerrero said she looks forward to finishing the season with the seniors, and hopes to send them off with a strong playoff run.
“I am most excited to play our last games of the season with our seniors and to send them off to college the right way, by winning,” Guerrero said. “With our new coach, I am excited and hopeful for the opportunity to complete the goals that we set and have worked for the whole season.”
Wrestling team focuses on future development
By Wynne Davis
As the wrestling season continues, the wrestling team is focusing on commitment and steady improvement in preparation for league finals. With a roster in transition and several new wrestlers stepping up, the team is working to build a strong foundation for the future.
The season has had its challenges, with the team struggling to fill all weight classes in matches due to injuries. However, Abraham Avalos ’26 said that the team can improve its performance in upcoming tournaments and matches with more focused training.
“We’ve done alright, but we haven’t performed as well as I think we could,” Avalos said. “If we practice harder and put in more effort, we can start making a bigger impact at tournaments and win more matches.”
“Gideon Marley ’25 said the wrestling program is in a rebuilding phase currently, which includes increasing the number of participants.
mances at tournaments. A lot of that is dependent on many of the new members who’ve joined the team.”
With the postseason approaching, practices have shifted toward live wrestling, match simulations and conditioning to ensure that wrestlers are mentally and physically ready.
Despite the challenges, Avalos said he remains focused on personal growth and is eager to see the progress he has made throughout the season pay off.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how much I’ve grown as a wrestler, especially since this is my first year on the team, I want to see how much better I’ve gotten since I started,” Avalos said.
Head Coach Junior Amazan said he is proud of how the team has responded to adversity and is optimistic about where they are headed.
If we practice harder and put in more effort, we can start making a bigger impact at tournaments.”
Abraham Avalos ’26
“We’ve hit a rough patch, but we’re working on building a strong team again,” Marley said. “Right now, we’re focusing on the wrestlers who are fully committed, those who show up to every practice and tournament. We may not have the numbers to dominate in dual meets, but as our dedicated wrestlers keep improving, their hard work will show in their individual perfor-
“The guys are showing up every day and putting in the work,” Amazan said. “Wrestling is not an easy sport, and it takes time to develop. But we have a solid group that is willing to push through the tough moments, and that’s what matters.”
The Mission League Individual Finals will be an opportunity for wrestlers to demonstrate their progress. Unlike dual meets, where the abilities of several members of the team play a significant role, individual tournaments allow each wrestler to showcase every one of their unique talents.
L. Wood Bella Spencer ’25
ON THE ATTACK: Roen Beiley ’25 maneuvers past defenders against Loyola High School during a home game. The team ended their season with a 9-5-2 record. They are now preparing for postseason playoffs.
PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF NIC MONROE
WIN: Deana Thompson ’25 drives down the court during a game against Chaminade. The team is preparing for postseason playoffs under their new head coach, Alex Nailes. Playoffs will begin Feb. 13.
PRINTED WITH PERMISSION OF NIC MONROE
wolverines only wolverines only
BY MADI GRANT Madi Grant
From the moment I first kicked a soccer ball, the sport became an integral part of my life. My parents wanted me to try all different sports but eventually landed on soccer. From the beginning, they noticed that I had a natural rhythm to the game. What originally started as a random recreational activity quickly became a lifelong passion that has completely shaped my identity.
When I was four, I began playing in a nearby recreational league, and soon after, I joined an AYSO team at my local park in Van Nuys. My love for the sport grew with every game, and eventually, my parents signed me up for club soccer at Sherman Oaks Extreme, my first competitive team. My first coach, Coach Mario, welcomed me onto the team, but I was one of the weaker players. My teammates were more technical, more experienced, and had a better feel for the game.
Determined to improve, I spent countless hours outside of practice training with my dad. After each practice, we would stay late, working on my skills and building my confidence so that it would translate into games. Slowly but surely, my hard work paid off, and I started to see progress. I quickly went from a player who once struggled to keep up and had now become one of the best on the team.
After my time at Sherman Oaks Extreme, I transitioned to a small but competitive club called Ole, run by my current assistant coach, Walter Merino. This club was foundational to my development, both as a player and as a person. The friendships I formed and the lessons I learned at Ole are still with me today. Almost every technique and fundamental aspect of my game today came with the foundation I learned at Ole. It was here, that I truly fell in love with soccer and the process of improvement.
Two years later, my coach approached my dad and suggested that it was time for me to move on to a higher-level team. I tried out for LA Galaxy South Bay, one of the top-ranked clubs in the country at the time. At just 10 years old, I was about to take a massive leap in competition. Making the team was an incredible achievement, but I had so much work that needed to be done for me to see minutes on the field. Once again, I found myself struggling to keep up. I was on the bench often, watching from the
sidelines as my teammates would play in important games against other highly ranked teams. But rather than giving up, I doubled down on my training, proving my commitment through pure work ethic.
During my years with LA Galaxy South Bay, we won numerous tournaments and were consistently nationally ranked. The girls on that team became my closest friends to this day, and the experience of pushing through adversity solidified my love for soccer. However, as my club merged with Beach FC, another challenge sparked. Tryouts were held to determine the new team roster, and I once again had to prove myself. I made the team, but before we could fully play together, the COVID-19 pandemic appeared.
COVID-19 shut down in-person training, forcing my teammates and I to adapt. For months, I trained alone, joining virtual practices over Zoom and spent hours at the park with my dad. The isolation and uncertainty were difficult, but the extra training time allowed me to sharpen my skills even further. By the time we returned to normal play, I felt stronger and more prepared than ever before.
Just as things were falling into place, my freshman year at Harvard-Westlake brought the biggest challenge of my life. I made varsity as a freshman, an accomplishment that I was incredibly proud of. Unfortunately in my first game of the season, I was tripped in the box and landed awkwardly on my knee. The pain was immediate and overwhelming. An MRI confirmed my worst fear — I had torn my ACL and meniscus, along with suffering a collateral bone bruise.
My devastation was indescribable. Tearing my ACL had always been my biggest fear, and now it was my reality. The road to recovery was long and grueling. The injury meant being away from the sport I loved so dearly for 12 months, undergoing surgery and committing to physical therapy five days a week for almost 14 months straight. This was truly the most excruciating time of my life. Between all the doctors' appointments in the bland, isolated room in the back right corner, the dozens of needles that were injected into my knee and watching my muscle mass decrease drastically in front of my own eyes within a few days, nothing could help. Physi-
cal therapy consumed my daily life, and I often felt isolated, watching my teammates play while I was sidelined. However, with the unwavering support of my parents, coaches, teammates and our incredible Sports Psychologist Kat [Scardino], I found the strength to push through. Kat helped me realize that while soccer was a huge part of my identity, it was not the only thing that defined me. This was a difficult lesson to learn, and often I still have a hard time with it, but it has shaped me into a more well-rounded person. This experience taught me to never take anything for granted. Simple things such as going for a walk or run are now something I appreciate so deeply because I know how fast they can be lost—and how uncertain the road to regaining them can be. This experience hasn’t only expanded my perspective on gratitude, but it has made me realize I am more than an athlete. For so long, I only saw myself as a soccer player and my whole life depended on how I played.
After over a year of rehab, I finally returned to the field during my sophomore club season. I was so excited to play but I was not the same player I had been before the injury. My confidence was low and I hesitated in situations I once thrived in. Just as I was beginning to regain my form, another setback hit—I tore my labrum in my shoulder. This injury caused my shoulder to dislocate frequently, forcing me to miss more playing time. The cycle of constant injury and recovery was exhausting, oftentimes it was difficult to be optimistic about the future.
Now, as a senior, I am playing some of the best soccer of my life. My confidence has returned, and I am excited for what lies ahead. With the CIF playoffs approaching, I am excited to compete at the highest level and compete for a championship with my teammates.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize that soccer has given me not only athletic skill, but has taught me resilience, discipline, and the power of hard work. It has introduced me to lifelong friends and mentors who have shaped me into the person I am today. Though injuries have tested me heavily, they have also given me a wide perspective, reminding me that while I will always identify as a soccer player, I am more than just the sport.
