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
Categories:

WSC boarders impress students with coordinated dance moves at Webb Idol

George Cardenas, Heloise Robertson, Taya Sibichenkova, and Jenny Tran
March 6, 2022
Heloise Robertson
The Alamo team celebrates enthusiastically after hearing their names called out for first place. They wave their hands in the air and jump, running to hug their friends. After days of work, their impressive routine earned first place.

Every year, WSC dorms perform in the exciting dance competition — Webb Idol. They spend weeks practicing, coordinating, and perfecting their dances, all with the help of VWS choreographers.

The performance has made a comeback after a year-long hiatus as students filled crossroads, eager to watch their friends dance. This is a compilation of the performance’s best moments.

1 Jenny
Jenny Tran
Webb students sit at the back of crossroads and watch from afar. They have an ideal, elevated view near the Old School House and can take better pictures from there. Teachers stand behind the students, curious about which songs the boarders will dance to.
View Story Comments
Print this Story
Tags:
More to Discover
More in Features
Emrick Dammeier (‘25), stands at the seventh hole of Pebble Beach Golf Course near Monterey, California, and hits a crisp shot toward the green. “There's no better feeling than hitting a confident good shot up at Pebble Beach,” Emrick said. “You just think about all the greats that have played there, and it's something inside you that feels amazing knowing you're playing it too.” As his ball lands, ocean waves crash against the cliffs of the course, and he smiles and lets out a sigh of relief admiring his shot.
Emrick Dammeier: No Pressure
Steve Wishek, Director of Athletics and Afternoon Activities, speaks with Qianqian Jia (‘25) about a basketball game. For years, students have come to this door to change their afternoon activities, obtain exemptions, or simply chat. “Mr. Wishek really understands the student experience and what particular problems we might be going through,” said Tony Gao (‘26), Mr. Wishek’s advisee. But as he prepares to depart next year, let’s reflect on the legacy Mr. Wishek has left during his 22 years at Webb.
A game at a time, Steve Wishek writes his legacy with care
Webb’s band, 7-10 brought the crowd to life, showcasing their vast talents from saxophone, to bass, to drums. Yichen Sun (‘27), James Base (‘26) and Ender Liu (‘25) were a part of the band’s early formation during last years Unbounded Days, but the group has grown, and new members have joined. “What I enjoyed and what made the event stand out was the opportunity for everyone to showcase their musical abilities and their love for music,” said Jayden Aleman (‘26), Jubilee performer and organizer. The event brought people together over the shared love for music.
Soundtrack of the semester: Webb’s Coachella
Claire Yu (‘27) and Grace Zhu (‘25) have a funny and serious conversation as they sit together in the Jones upstairs common room area. Grace shares some of her most crucial tips that got her through junior year as Claire begins to prepare herself for her first upperclassman year. “It's nice to have a friend like Grace who has experienced things that I haven't experienced yet so that I have an idea of what I'll be doing soon.” Claire said. “Talking with Grace about her experience has taught me that every student has their own unique journey, but we can also get good advice from our senior friends.”
What I Wish I Knew
Two posters lie side by side: on the left, Geoffrey Yang’s (’26) rough draft features a quick sketch with "We have Chemistry” with a simple outline of "Prom.” On the right, his final version for asking Maya Chin (’26) is carefully drawn with colored lettering and personalized elements spelling out "PROM” using the periodic table. "I thought it was a personal touch to the poster since we both liked chemistry,” Geoffrey said.
How to make the perfect promposal
Prom happens every year, and yet the promposals are vastly different and unique to the pair going. Whether someone asks a friend or a loved one, there is a story and emotions behind each ask. Social Media platforms like Instagram (@webbstugov) make it easier than ever to support friends and witness promposals, serving as one of the best unifiers of the Webb community. However, what is the context behind some of the most liked proposals for this year’s Tale as Old as Time prom?
Webb Promposals 2025
More in Gallery
Webb campus buzzed with rounds and rounds of Homecoming proposals in the days preceding the dance. Friends were around and helped with posters all in preparation for these special moments before the dance. “I think it's a great way to bond and a fabulous way to develop relationships,” Jessica Lu (‘27) said. She believes that the mood and vibe of Homecoming asks help connect people throughout campus and make memories for those involved.
Recap of 2024 Homecoming asks at Webb
Hanbo Xu ('25), in his formal attire, enjoys a glass of apple cider, one of the many refreshments available during the pre-prom reception in front of the Alf Museum. “The cider was extremely extravagant, lavish, and rich, while the food looked very appetizing,” Hanbo said. “Holding these delicate cups made me feel like Gatsby. The toppings on the cupcakes glistened in the sun, as mouthwatering flavors invited a tsunami of joy in my brain.”
Webbies dance above the city of stars at prom
With a powerful skip shot, Drew Holland stretches for the ball as it bounced into the net. Scored! The team was practicing 6 on 5 drills, a scenario in which the defense team is down a player from an ejection, after talking to the head coach, Dejan Udovicic, and assistant coach Gavin Arroyo.
USA men’s water polo team makes a splash at Webb
As Webb students depart from campus to enjoy the rest of the holiday season, it provides the perfect time to look back and see how Webb decorated their spaces to celebrate this festive season. This year, the Price Dining Hall is displaying a gorgeous, 20-foot Christmas tree, beautifully lit and decorated. Lighting up the Christmas trees with various colorful ornaments, Webb’s community service afternoon activity contributed greatly to the setup and assembling of the artificial tree. “It was very fun to set up the tree and bring holiday cheer!” Frannie Hinch (‘25) said. For many others, decorating the campus for community service has been rewarding to see the joy they bring to students, faculty, and staff.
Holiday Decorations Enliven Webb
Students sit around the fireplace, roasting marshmallows and apples on sticks before the party begins. The party was at the Upper Dorms this year, decorated with Christmas lights. “I hope the party brings the community together, as well as dorm spirit and everything because it's towards the end of the year," said Arthur Lu (‘24), a dorm prefect. “Many people are getting tired. We want to raise the holiday spirit for the last week of school finals.”
Webbies have a blast at the Holiday Party
In the evening sun, students gathered at the museum steps in a chaotic mass. Some students took photos. Others waited for friends. And yet more continuously readjusted their clothing. But most attendees were wondering where the buses were. “It’s already 5:15,” said Ryan Ho (25’). “I thought the bus would be here by now.”
Fish, Push-ups, and Buses: Webb brings life to Homecoming this year
More in Showcase
Alina Li (‘25) stood confused, thinking about the design of Poda’s newest tube matcha. The brand had sparked heated discussion earlier regarding its controversial marketing tactics. “I don’t think that a lot of the claims they made in their marketing video are true,” Alina said. Many other Webb students are also puzzled on Mujtaba Waseem, Poda CEO’s marketing strategy.
Poda uses inconsiderate marketing methods for new tube matcha
Professor Olga Korosteleva from California State University Long Beach hands the SCASA Regional Data Visualization Poster Competition plaque to Anna Park (‘26). The award was presented in the Fawcett Library in front of the Charles Huang Innovation Wing. “I learned from my own experiences that social awareness and community engagement often spark meaningful scientific inquiries,” said Anna.
Student Spotlight: Anna Park receives notable SCASA regional award
At the summit of a 12-mile hike with an elevation of 3,400 feet, Webbies reached a milestone. This challenge was a practice hike offered by Webb, but many seniors did this journey as their first practice hike, making it a physical hardship. "It was pretty hard on the uphill because it was steep, but it was a good accomplishment to get to the top and see the views,” Frannie Hinch (‘25) said. Frannie demonstrated it is worth the push, so it is important to find a way for all seniors to make the practice hikes.
Seniors struggle to complete practice hikes
AP textbooks—given to students in the beginning of the year—for calculus, statistics, and biology sit in a pile, a common sight in many student dorms. “I want students to have a class that they can be exposed to the large area of the subject,” said Dr. Joseph Martin, science department faculty. “The Advanced Studies courses let us keep what we like while customizing the classes to better suit our campus.” With the replacement of Advanced Studies courses, students no longer need to study the entire textbooks; they can follow Webb’s own curriculum with a steady pace.
Last AP exams for students at Webb
A black-and-white glimpse into tradition: the Class of 1970 crosses Alamo Lawn during commencement, their steps echoing the values of growth, honor, and transition that have long defined the Webb experience. For decades, this walk has symbolized not just the end of high school, but the beginning of a lifelong journey rooted in community and character. This walk will now be highlighted in the class of 2025's commencement to honor the longstanding tradition. “Walking across the Alamo has always meant you made it—not just academically, but as a person shaped by this place,” said Dr. Farke, Director of Research and Collections and longtime senior advisor.
Two schools, one stage: Webb combines VWS and WSC commencement
Webb student Candice Tang (‘26) is sitting in the study room in the Webb library. She is frustrated to see her many talented musician friends that have opportunities taken away from them just because they are considered different from societal expectations. “It sucks to see how such talented students are kept away from reaching their dreams because of such a corrupted industry.” Candice said. Many other Webb students feel the same frustrations that Candice feels.
How the exclusivity of the music industry affects aspiring Webb artists
About the Contributors
George Cardenas
George Cardenas, Editor of News
An avid music listener, George Cardenas (‘23)’s perfect weekend involves a homework-free day at the beach with “Night Boat to Cairo” by Madness blasting in the background. In fact, George considers himself to be a very easy-going, optimistic person, who loves nothing more than relaxing with his friends or experimenting on the piano. Although he does enjoy tranquility, George also works with his fellow members of the WSC honor cabinet to uphold Webb’s Honor Code. George is passionate about staying up to date with current events and wants to continue keeping everyone informed during his time on the Webb Canyon Chronicle. A typical Capricorn, George is disciplined, strategic, and clever— similar to a wolf, his self-proclaimed spirit animal. George looks forward to working on the WCC this year as Co-Editor of News and hopes to write authentic, factually correct articles that enlighten the Webb community. Favorite song: “Tadow” by FKJ and Masego
Heloise Robertson
Heloise Robertson, Chief Copy Editor
Delightful and entertaining Heloise Robertson (‘23) is a cherished personality at Webb for her friendly face and hilarious jokes. Our new Chief Copy Editor is a secretly talented chef, a caring camp counselor, an avid fan of horror literature, and the Webb Canyon Chronicle’s fastest editor. She has learned the importance of teamwork and empathy through participating in basketball and cross country. If you need a hand, hers is out to pick you up. Her personal goals this year are to keep a healthy self-care routine, starting with making her bed every morning before school. Heloise’s vision board for journalism includes making sure every article is timely, ensuring that she spots every grammar mistake, and including the student body in the publication better. Knock on this Head Editor’s Jameson dorm room, and you’ll find her eating sushi, watching Despicable Me, and lying on her stuffed elephant.  “This Charming Man” by The Smiths 
Taya Sibichenkova
Taya Sibichenkova, Chief Editor of News
Taya Sibichenkova’s (‘24) kindness and commitment to bettering the world through medicinal and environmental studies shines throughout every aspect of her life. From dedicating her summer to researching population health alongside graduate scientists, to sharing her passion for nature as a children’s science camp counselor, to creating an independent research proposal on drug repurposing at the Claremont Colleges, Taya’s interest in health is boundless. Partly driven by her selfless, caring personality and ability to think outside the box, Taya knows the importance of a holistic approach to medicine and a health As Chief Editor of News, she is ready to recognize and spread awareness of the issues our world faces, such as her article on the timeline of the Ukraine-Russia war. Yet Taya’s leadership is not just limited to news and science. For two years now, she has served as a welcoming admissions ambassador. When Taya isn’t busy being a real-life superhero, she enjoys brewing kombucha, knitting, watching sci-fi movies, and playing the guitar. This year, Taya is excited to bring her interests in health sciences and environmental justice to the newsroom and beyond.       Song: Heat Above – Greta Van Fleet
Jenny Tran
Jenny Tran, Public Editor
Whether it is popping on a new vinyl or traveling across the world, Jenny Tran (‘24) likes to immerse herself in the moment and explore the culture around her. You can find her hanging out with friends in the South Hutch common room or listening to various music genres at any place and time. Her favorite artists include Suboi, Keshi, Tyler the Creator, and Blackpink. Whether across the Pacific Ocean in California or in her hometown of Hanoi, Vietnam, Jenny is probably watching the radiant moon listening to Super Rich Kids by Frank Ocean. At Webb, Jenny shines a light on women’s issues in different countries, Asian rights, and ESVI. As she moves into her third year on the Webb Canyon Chronicle, she hopes to continue advocating for her beliefs while exploring new mediums like poetry or photo galleries. As a Public Editor, Jenny also wants to bring more inventive and comedic ideas to the table. If you are ever in need of a good laugh, a music recommendation, or someone to go thrifting with, you should call Jenny Tran.  Favorite song: DO4LOVE by 52Hz & Willistic