The Student News Site of The Webb Schools

Webb Canyon Chronicle
The Student News Site of The Webb Schools

Webb Canyon Chronicle
The Student News Site of The Webb Schools

Webb Canyon Chronicle
Waving proudly above the Price dining hall on a cold winter morning, flags hang, representing the different countries that Webb students come from. "I think the flags in Price are a beautiful way of displaying students’ culture,” Rebecca Bronshtein (’27) said. These flags are one of the steps Webb takes in its commitment to representation. "They really make our community feel closer together.”
Features
A window into Webb’s diverse cultures
Ava Crane | February 13, 2025

 

Alexandra Wang (‘27) took this photo on her balcony back at Arcadia, documenting the rapid spread of the Eaton fire in Altadena. Along with the dry Winter weather and rapid blowing Santa Ana winds from inland, the fire exponentially increased in a short period of time, spreading fear among many local residents as well as Webb students tracking the hourly growth of the fires on the Calfire website, “I noticed that the Eaton Fire was getting close to my home in Arcadia on the evacuation map on Tuesday night, so I was kind of worried,” Kevin Wang (‘27) said. Boarding students with homes near the fires felt anxious especially, fearing their family’s potential evacuation.
News
Gale Force Tuesday: Webb tackles extreme winds and the Californian fires
Andy Liu and Alexandra Wang | February 12, 2025

New Years Resolutions
Showcase
New Years Resolutions
Catherine Shen and Bella Schnurer | February 12, 2025

Each carefully tended plant is a testament to the collective care of the Lopez Urban Farm. From access to education to sustainable practices, the volunteers are always focusing on impact. "I think the most meaningful part of the work that we do is creating access. So, a lot of the things that we offer are normally monetized,” Bianca Ustrell-Friend said. Whether it is food or clothes to put on your back, the Lopez Urban Farm always meets the needs of the locally underserved.
Showcase
Growing seeds of change within and beyond Webb
Leia Albornoz, Public Editor | February 11, 2025

The colorful murals and bountiful crops provide a retreat from the hustle of Pomona. The Lopez Urban...

Webb students often use AI tools like ChatGPT to navigate questions they have about their classes, some students even having ChatGPT Pro subscriptions. “I think it becomes a habit that’s hard to break because ChatGPT is such a versatile and accessible tool to use for everything,” Triet Pham (‘26) said. However, headlines have been surfacing linking the detrimental environmental impact of AI, with some news sources even tying the recent California wildfires to AI’s resource use. This research has raised questions on whether investing in AI is worth it.
Showcase
The dangers of AI: what do Webbies know?
Yuki Layman | February 10, 2025

Many of us have become accustomed to turning to artificial intelligence search engines like ChatGPT,...

We are what we eat. Although this saying is repeated far more than it is actually thought about, one thing is clear—food plays an essential role, not just in our personal lives but also in culture and society as well. Good food can remind you of home when you are far away; it can bring people together when they need company; it can offer solace when all you want is to be alone on Webb’s campus. In this guide, we will break down the essentials of ordering food at Webb—what does not disappoint, what you must try, and what you might want to think twice (or a lot) about.
Showcase
The ultimate guide to food deliveries at Webb
Zona Zhou | February 10, 2025

Most Popular Takeout Spots: Most Underrated Takeout Spots: Most Overrated Takeout Spots:

In preparation for donation drives, items were packaged and gathered together in the science building. Monetary donations were also used to purchase additional items including packaged food, wipes and diapers. “When tragedy strikes, I don’t feel comfortable standing by. I believe in taking action and doing what I can to help,” said Billie Guerrero, Science Department Faculty. The donation drive showcased efforts to support fire impacted residents.
Showcase
Webb community aids fire-impacted residents
Sydney Morales, Social Media Manager | February 10, 2025

The Palisades fire burned: 23,000 acres homes, businesses, schools and places of gathering were amongst...

The girls' basketball team rallied in pink ribbons, ready to gather their support for cancer survivors while playing a nail-biting game. Bolstered by their competitive spirit, the team joined with the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches in an event called Coaches vs. Cancer. “By being here, you are showing that your community stands united,” said Coach Kays, science department faculty and Webb’s girls’ basketball head coach “You're demonstrating that in the face of cancer, we refuse to be silent.” The game included packed stands with fans supporting the team, and the cause!
Showcase
Girls’ basketball takes on a bigger cause
Lily Youngstrom | February 7, 2025

Weekly Poll
Poll

How are you going to spend Valentine's day?

Loading...

Sorry, there was an error loading this poll.

  • The Webb Schools
    6
    Avalon
    1
    Feb 17 / WSC Baseball
  • The Webb Schools
    17
    Covina
    1
    Feb 16 / WSC V Tennis
  • The Webb Schools
    17
    Fairmont Prep
    0
    Feb 15 / WSC Baseball
  • The Webb Schools
    56
    EF Academy
    22
    Feb 2 / WSC V Basketball
  • The Webb Schools
    1
    Western Christian
    1
    Jan 31 / VWS V Soccer
  • The Webb Schools
    5
    West Covina
    19
    Jan 31 / VWS V Water Polo
  • The Webb Schools
    39
    TVT
    73
    Jan 31 / WSC V Basketball
  • The Webb Schools
    3
    Western Christian
    1
    Jan 31 / WSC V Soccer
  • The Webb Schools
    0
    pacifica Christian
    1
    Jan 29 / VWS V Soccer
  • The Webb Schools
    20
    Sierra Vista
    9
    Jan 29 / VWS V Water Polo
TRENDING NOW
1
Jialu Chen (‘24) listens to “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)”, her favorite vault track written by Taylor Swift.
An analysis of 13 of Taylor Swift’s best songs
2
Following the election, Kamala Harris accepted her defeat in a concession speech, acknowledging the hard-fought campaign and urging her supporters to continue fighting for their values. Donald Trump’s victory and return to the White House was marked by a series of immediate executive actions, including withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, reinstating strict immigration policies, and pardoning his supporters convicted in connection with the January 6th Capitol attack. “When Trump won, I understood that the history of the U.S. will be completely changed forever and began preparing myself to see extremism on the rise,” Marc Zambrano (‘26) said. For many, his inauguration signaled not just a political shift but a turning point in the country’s trajectory.
Harris’ defeat exposes Democratic Party’s weaknesses
3
Photo of the VWS Junior Varsity Basketball Team taken from the El Espejo 2019-2020 yearbook.
Why everyone should play sports regardless of ability
4
We are what we eat. Although this saying is repeated far more than it is actually thought about, one thing is clear—food plays an essential role, not just in our personal lives but also in culture and society as well. Good food can remind you of home when you are far away; it can bring people together when they need company; it can offer solace when all you want is to be alone on Webb’s campus. In this guide, we will break down the essentials of ordering food at Webb—what does not disappoint, what you must try, and what you might want to think twice (or a lot) about.
The ultimate guide to food deliveries at Webb
5
The photo shows key figures from Advancement and Business who starred in this video. Top Left to Right: Leanne Schweitzer, Rona Panginna, Rico Sanders, Michelle Vega. Bottom “Business is super helpful when it comes to processing my checks after I get paid from being a waiter at community dinner. They make sure everything runs smoothly, and I always get paid on time!” said Jayden Aleman ('26).
Meet the advancement and business teams
Columns and Series
Standing in front of the Jackson Library, Stephanie Ma (‘25), Co-Editor of Opinion and honor council member, ponders over Neria Spence’s “Disband the Honor Council” Hot Take Tuesday. Disagreeing with the hot take, she decides to respond.
HC Corner part 2: response to Hot Take Tuesday “Disband the Honor Council”
Arts Adventure
Arts Adventure
Sophie Lin (‘26) sits in the common area of Jones dormitory with a guitar on her lap, writing a song. Music is a shared interest and hobby among many Webb students because it can easily resonate and connect with different people. “I really appreciate the beauty of melodies. I can express myself freely through music.” said Sophie.
How to write a song
View All
News
Daira Kaufman, Webb’s choreographer for the dance company instructs the whole dance team. Ms. Kaufman has been choreographing the dancers in many different styles of dancing to perform for the dance show. ”Styles and themes include contemporary dance, jazz, hip hop, K-pop, ballet, dance theater, dance as political satire, dance as resistance, a Community Dinner like you've never seen before, and so much more,” said Ms. Kaufman.
Webb’s dance program leaps into a new chapter
Sydney Mildon, Chief Editor of Features | December 16, 2024
View All
Tyler Liu (‘25), a local day student, runs alongside West Baseline Road. Here, the road is riddled with imperfections and hasty patches, though there may be hope for a solution soon. The City of Claremont began a near $2 million citywide street resurfacing project approved at the May 28 City Council meeting. This project, which will span from Indian Boulevard to Towne Avenue, has locals hoping that this is a precursor to changes across all streets. “I can definitely feel some bumps while driving to school,” Tyler said.
Claremont, local politics, and you: what changes are happening around Webb?
Phillip Park, Editor of Science and Technology | December 16, 2024
Every Monday, prefects gather in the Arts Lab to brainstorm ideas and finalize plans for the upcoming holiday party. Led by Dr. Ardina Greco, prefect council advisor, the prefects have been organizing the event since before Thanksgiving break, with each prefect contributing ideas to make the evening memorable. “Every time the prefects host some sort of event on campus, there’s a lot of work that happens behind the scenes that people don’t always recognize,” Sydney Morales (‘25) said. Every year, the Holiday party is the most anticipated event of the winter season.
Upper Dorms light up for the Holiday party
Elena Petrova, Editor-in-Chief | December 14, 2024
Students fill nearly every seat in the dining hall, catching up with friends over lunch. Food is undeniably an important part of the Webb life, so a total of 250 students and faculty communicated their opinions about the dining hall food through the food survey sent out by Michael Hoe, Assistant Head of School. “It's empowering to be able to give feedback on stuff that's going well and not going well,” Hanbo Xu (‘25) said. It has been about a month since students took the survey; what is occurring behind the scenes?
Food survey bridges student-admin communication
Kathy Duan, Chief Copy Editor | December 12, 2024
Natalie Au (‘26) portraying Pablo Picasso gives her presentation about Picasso’s life and achievements while Anna Park (‘26) records her as part of the project. Other students performing at the central tables in the library speak as their Spanish-speaking figures as well. “I had the most creative freedom during this project out of all my years [of Spanish] and [got] to bring in my passions from outside of Spanish class,” Natalie said. The project was an intriguing scene for anyone who saw students in their costumes; what happens behind the scenes?
Behind the scenes: Honors Spanish 3 students vivify Spanish-speaking figures
Kathy Duan, Chief Copy Editor | November 21, 2024
Opinion
Following the election, Kamala Harris accepted her defeat in a concession speech, acknowledging the hard-fought campaign and urging her supporters to continue fighting for their values. Donald Trump’s victory and return to the White House was marked by a series of immediate executive actions, including withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, reinstating strict immigration policies, and pardoning his supporters convicted in connection with the January 6th Capitol attack. “When Trump won, I understood that the history of the U.S. will be completely changed forever and began preparing myself to see extremism on the rise,” Marc Zambrano (‘26) said. For many, his inauguration signaled not just a political shift but a turning point in the country’s trajectory.
Harris’ defeat exposes Democratic Party’s weaknesses
Elena Petrova, Editor-in-Chief | February 6, 2025
An incarcerated firefighter’s hand reaches through prison bars toward a firefighter’s helmet, overlaying the beach near the Pacific Palisades fire. Despite risking their lives, incarcerated firefighters are prevented from becoming firefighters after release due to background checks for occupational licenses, which perpetuates cycles of incarceration. “There's lots of evidence to suggest that [occupational licenses are] partly about restricting access to the profession,” said Professor J.J. Prescott, the University of Michigan Henry King Ransom Professor of Law, who is researching the effects of criminal record expungement. Shouldn’t the protectors of our communities be given a second chance?
Incarcerated firefighters deserve criminal record expungement, not cycles of incarceration
Kathy Duan, Chief Copy Editor | February 5, 2025
Scrolling through the TikTok comment section of popular influencer Julia Ernest, you notice a common pattern. People are spending their time watching TikToks of people they wish they looked like and comparing themselves. “I think that my 12-year-old is probably more body conscious than I would have said that I was at that age,” said Sarah Lantz, Dean of Students. “[This occurrence is] because she is exposed to those videos on social media.” Most influencers feed into the unrealistic beauty standards engraved in our minds, making us feel as if we need to alter our appearance to feel good enough.
Social media negatively impacts body image
Berklee Antecol | February 5, 2025
Getting ready for community dinner has become a game of mix and match for Jarra Jallow (‘25). Missing pieces of her uniform due to the abrupt notice, Jarra looks for a replacement for her uniform skirt. “Like many of my senior friends, I didn’t expect to need my uniform this year.” said Jarra. In past years, Webb seniors were allowed to wear formal wear instead.
Community dinner outfit change: seniors are required to wear uniform
Lauren Gutierrez, Chief of Culture and Lifestyle | January 15, 2025
Jonathan Lee ('27) points at Sarah Lantz, Dean of Students, and Yeslea Tadeo, Dean of Residential life, standing in front of the Deans' Building in fear as, highlighting the persistent stigma surrounding the space. "It doesn’t matter who she’s (Ms. Lopez) there for —when Ms. Lopez walks in, the whole room goes silent, and everyone gets tense," Jonathan Lee ('27) said. This reaction reflects how the Deans' Building's intimidating reputation often impacts students, even in situations where no disciplinary action is involved.
Breaking the barrier: making the Deans’ Building more approachable
Chijioke Mgbeke, Staff Writer | December 20, 2024
The sunlight gleams on the edges of the front steps of the Webb campus steps, defining the students' goals to think, act, lead, and serve. Although the front steps remind us of our principles to be trendsetters, another step needs to be taken for a Webb student to become a true leader. “For me, leadership is really a very basic principle of how one leads their own life” said Sarah Lantz, Dean of Students. But how can students lead their life confidently and serve the community as student leaders?
What does it mean to be a student leader?
Lily Youngstrom, Staff Writer | December 20, 2024
View All
Culture and Lifestyle
Martin Beseth (‘27) angrily educates Ethan Xi (‘27) about over-relying on paper cups as they produce unnecessary waste. Webb started to advocate for the community to decrease the number of paper cups used. “I think [Webb is] taking a huge step towards stopping the deforestation of trees ...and helping the environment,” Martin Beseth (‘27) said. The attention brought to the community prompts new opinions among students on using fewer paper cups.
Webb reduces paper cups in the dining hall
Anna Meng, Staff Writer | December 20, 2024
Holiday decorations relieve stress around Webb campus
December 20, 2024
Isamar Theobald (‘25), Jarra Jallow (‘25), and Frannie Hinch (‘25) exit Target, one of the stops on the Webb Loop, and make their way back to the van to return to Webb. On the Webb Loop they made stops at both Claremont Village and Target. “It was super convenient and fun that we got the chance to pick up some Philz Coffee then get picked up by the Webb Loop to head over to Target,” Isamar said. Overall, students have been relaying positive feedback to this new form of weekend transportation.
Webbies weigh in on the new Webb Loop
December 16, 2024
On December 12, 2024, at the Webb Schools' Jones dormitory, Sandy Li ('27) brought spooky vibes to campus. Sandy channeled her love for scary movies with a playful, eerie pose, evoking classic horror-inspired energy. "I really like scary movies because I love that rush of adrenaline when something jumps out at me," she said.
Webb Students’ Best horror movies to watch in 2024
December 16, 2024
View All
Features
The photo shows key figures from Advancement and Business who starred in this video. Top Left to Right: Leanne Schweitzer, Rona Panginna, Rico Sanders, Michelle Vega. Bottom “Business is super helpful when it comes to processing my checks after I get paid from being a waiter at community dinner. They make sure everything runs smoothly, and I always get paid on time!” said Jayden Aleman ('26).
Meet the advancement and business teams
Chijioke Mgbeke | February 5, 2025
Kenny Clay (‘25) and Leia Albornoz (‘25) blast the speakers in the library, bringing good vibes to lunch on Friday the 13th of last week. Anyone walking by could hear the best tunes coming from the library that drew in a crowd of people. Kenny and Leia do not have record players yet, so for now, they are DJing using a laptop set up. “I just want to push my music agenda,” Kenny said. “Steph [Ma (‘25)] said this is just a lame excuse to be on AUX, but I’m gonna capitalize off that.”
New DJs on deck!
December 19, 2024
Webb students and faculty pose in front of the backdrop at the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), themed “Meeting the Moment: Anchoring & Enriching Our Education Futures.” The conference provided impactful workshops and discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). “It was a transformative experience to connect with others who share my identity and goals,” said Jayden Aleman (’26), a participant of this year’s SDLC. Students gained valuable insights and were inspired to foster positive change within their community. Photo Credit: Mr. Choi
Webb students bring SDLC insights home
December 19, 2024
Maddie Leiva (‘27) and Gavin Hamilton (‘27) dramatically pose while holding signs promoting the democratic and republican parties respectively. The two students are both expressing dismay for each other's signs, however situations such as this disagreement are encouraged at Webb. “It's important to keep people in your life that you disagree with, because it kind of affirms what you really believe in,” Saraya Chigoji (‘27) said. Moments of debate build stronger individuals who can allow political differences to coexist.
Political Diversity could advance the Webb community
December 19, 2024
View All
Sports
On one of the Webb robotics team’s new Skytech Nebula computers is Jake Hui (‘25), engineer of Webb’s 358 Robotics team who is currently improving his team’s robot virtually in a Computer Aided Design application, or CAD. Before the building, the driving, and the victories, comes the prototyping of the robot. “Right here [on his computer] is where the robot is designed, and I have access to all the parts that I need to try things out,” Jake said. Technical computer skills as well as an intimate knowledge of how robots work is required to efficiently work in the CAD design space. The skills are well worth the time spent, as it can save hours or even days' worth of time spent on assembly in the real world. "If there is a piece that we don’t have, 3D print it to see if it's really necessary before making an expensive purchase, as the parts can cost hundreds of dollars,” Jake said.
Webb robotics: showcasing every part of the machine in action!
Phillip Park | February 7, 2025
Tracy Ren (‘28) stands on the outdoor courts, ready to practice for the girls’ JV team. Her excitement to improve is infectious, filling the court with a buzz of eagerness. Although the team warms up outside, in the chilly winter air, the excitement warms the team up. "Having energy on the court makes me play better” says Mandana Mojaverian (‘26). With the readiness for improvement coursing through the girl's veins, there's no secret this season will be a great one.
Girls’ basketball has come with a unique surprise this winter season
Dessie Koehn, Staff Writer | December 20, 2024
On October 29th, after an intense game, Webb varsity water polo players participated in the customary post-game high five with the opposing team, Pioneer High School. This game marked the beginning of CIF and ended with a promising score of 13-4. “Coming in as the underdogs brings a thrill of uncertainty to the playoffs and knowing we're playing our best is encouraging,” Neil Xu (‘27) said. As the team steadily progresses through CIF, their advancement raises the question: how did the team get here despite not participating in any league games?
Varsity water polo strives for CIF victory
Gianna Darden, Editor of News | November 14, 2024
Varsity girls' tennis had their senior night match last week. Claudia Yang (‘25), Jasmine Beseth (2’5), Saira Bhagat (‘25), Penelope Sugihara (‘25), and Lindsey Azurin (‘25) can be seen posing with their fellow seniors. The Gauls overall performed well and won against Pacifica Christian.
Girls’ tennis dominates their senior night
Sohum Uppal, Editor of Sports | November 11, 2024
It is 4:55 PM. Webb’s two upper tennis courts nestled in between the Jameson, Kirkhill, and Appleby dorms, glowing beneath an October sky washed in crimson. Soon, darkness will settle, and with daylight savings pushing sunset an hour earlier, dwindling light will make it tough for the players to carry on. “A few small lights would a nice addition,” said Larry (‘26).
From classrooms to courts: Webb’s vision for enhancing sports infrastructures
Andy Liu and Ethan Undello | October 29, 2024
The fall sports teams are kicking off their season with strong performances. For instance, the football team showcases resilience in a tough match, the girls' cross-country team poses after a tiring race, and the boys' cross country and water polo teams practice for their next league game. “It was wonderful seeing huge improvements from everyone on the team,” said Dorothy Ma (‘25), a girls’ cross country runner. As these teams advance in their season, they are looking forward to hopefully seizing a spot in league and in CIF playoffs.
Better together: Fall sports 2024 updates
Kathy Duan, Freya Fu, Andy Liu, Miranda Li, and Lily Youngstrom | October 7, 2024
View All
Science & Technology
On December 18, 2024, at the Webb Schools’ gym, Dr. Theresa Smith, Head of Schools, struck a thoughtful pose, embodying curiosity and reflection. She pondered the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. "How is AI going to transform education and transform society at large?" Dr. Smith asked. She wishes to make Webb a safe place for students to innovate and prepare for the technological advancements of society.
Dr. Theresa Smith navigates AI incorporation at Webb
Bella Schnurer, Staff Writer | December 20, 2024
(Clockwise from top-left) Andrew Huang (‘26), Jonas Sun (‘25), Charlie Zhang (‘27), and Claire Yu (‘27) work on their projects in Science Fair Research Lab, examining everything from biology and chemistry to machine learning and satellites. The activity provides students with the time and resources to investigate their own scientific leads. “I worked on my machine learning app for a whole year during the Webb Science Fair afternoon activity,” Jonas said. “Dr. Martin and Ms. Asanas were a great help and provided a lot of suggestions.”
Webbies change the world in Science Fair Research Lab
Eric Luo | December 20, 2024
In Webbs new innovation wing, new computers line the walls of studio B. With amazingly high GPU and stunning graphics, students' reactions are overwhelmingly positive, “The computers will really benefit the future of Webb, and Webb GPT, it will also help with student development” Says Nora Mu (‘27). The computers in studio B are also not too far off from the ones that are tasked with powering AI. Seeing a actual example of these computers can help us understand how AI is powered.
The environment and AI: stay informed
Dessie Koehn, Staff Writer | November 22, 2024
View All