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
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Webb’s 2022 Holiday Party

Kaylynn Chang and Taya Sibichenkova
December 16, 2022
Kaylynn Chang (’23)
Despite the cold, winter night, the Holiday Party lights up the room with a warmth that Webbies feel through laughter, hot cocoa, and live performances. A chance for the whole community to gather and bond, the week ends with a perfect touch of the Christmas spirit.

 

As the days get colder and the nights grow darker, the Webb campus gets ready to welcome back the cheer with touches of the holiday spirit. With only three weeks between Thanksgiving and winter break, the prefect council has been working hard to keep the joyous mood going strong. 

From the Giving Tree in the dining hall and cheery lunch donations to the enthusiastic charity dances at the loop, the prefect council has been keeping in mind the giving spirit amongst the holiday fun. Partnering with the Foothill Family Shelter, San Antonio Foundation, Well Connected, Isaiah’s Rock, and HOPE Partners, we seek to give back to the local charities in the area, extending the spirit to the community. 

“We’ve been donating to local charities this week along with the Toy Drive, which has been a tradition since 1990,” said Will Allan, co-Head Advisor for Dorm Prefects and humanities faculty. 

With the giving spirit brightening up the week, the culmination of these highlights is the annual Holiday Party. Caroling, cocoa, and Christmas come together; the party falls on a Sunday night, giving a chance for students and faculty to experience the classics of holiday celebration together. From competitive gingerbread house contests, the appearance of Webb’s band, The Tonics, and to Dr. Brendan Beikmann, science department faculty taking the spotlight dressed up as Santa once again, the night is filled with unmistakable excitement as everyone embraces the festivities of the holiday season. 

albert taylor hot cocoa
Kaylynn Chang ('23)
Albert Taylor (‘26) enjoys a nice cup of hot cocoa before the party starts, loading up on the whipped cream. With a hot cocoa bar, cookie decorating stations, and plenty of candy, the night was filled with fun food festivities.
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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!
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
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
From the moment young Emily Thornton (‘25) slipped into her purple helmet, pink fairy wings, and a cascade of pearl necklaces, she expressed her own definition of fashion creatively. Her bold red outfit and fearless mix of accessories reflect a personality that thrives on self-expression and imagination. "Just start being creative, do what inspires you, and it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks of your style,” Emily said. Her words reflect the fearless approach she takes in both design and life.
Student in Focus: Emily Thornton, fashion designer
Student government meets in the Fawcett library to discuss the budget and decorations for the Winter Formal. Since Homecoming at the start of November, members of the student government have been diligently planning another exciting event, which will take place at Webb. “The Winter Formal Committee and I all hope for a fun event that will uplift community spirit during a time of stress and hard work,” said Albert Luo (‘27), sophomore vice president . Student leaders finalize plans including the budget, decorations, and assignment of roles, hoping for community engagement and a time where everyone can de-stress and have fun.
StuGov serves the community yet again: Webb’s Winter Formal
From making your morning latte to producing a hit song, Judcody Limon is a man of many talents. When not working at Webb, you can find him experimenting with beats and writing lyrics. "I'm feeling confident enough about [making music] to where I'm pushing out my own stuff as opposed to holding off until I feel good enough about it,” said Judcody Limon.
Spotlight: Judcody Limon
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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
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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’s encourages on reducing paper cups in the dining hall
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
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
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
Holiday decorations relieve stress around Webb campus
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?
About the Contributors
Kaylynn Chang
Kaylynn Chang, Editor-In-Chief
An avid bookworm, journalist, and sushi lover, head day student prefect Kaylynn Chang (‘23) comes back to the Webb Canyon Chronicle for one last year as Editor- In- Chief! If you want someone to cook you a heartwarming meal, give you the best book recommendations, or help you with homework, Kaylynn is the right person for you. Equipped with a loud whistle, she manages to successfully get her voice heard through creative writing and independent journalism, as well as helping others achieve the same by leading affinity groups. She wants to continue using her talent and passion for justice for a career in law or politics after her Webb experience is over. When she’s not learning through everyone else’s life stories and memoirs, Kaylynn enjoys working out, cooking Korean food, and listening to her favorite songs by Cigarettes After Sex. From baking delicious snacks to giving you the most genuine advice, Kaylynn has the perfect recipe for looking after others and giving back to the community. As Editor-in- Chief, she hopes to make the WCC an accessible resource for all students and aspiring journalists to learn and share news about Webb.  Favorite Song: “Sunsetz" by Cigarettes after Sex 
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