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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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Unique classroom features impact learning for students

Heloise Robertson and Sohum Uppal
December 17, 2022
Heloise Robertson (’23)
Webb’s classrooms are scattered around campus in multifunctional buildings for various courses. The Liu Cheung theater has humanities and math Nelson classrooms that surround its perimeter, while Fawcett Library is not only home to books, but the Harkness discussion structure students grew to love. Here is a look into what features and tools make each classroom experience so different.
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Heloise Robertson ('23)
Thornton Laboratory sits in the science building, a home for AP Biology and AP Chemistry courses. The lab benches behind the rolling desks allow for students to integrate classroom material into real experiments as they perform scientific research, before their very eyes. The hands-on application reinforces memory that allows students to perfect their Science Practice standards, a grading system Webb uses.
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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
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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
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 
Sohum Uppal
Sohum Uppal, Editor of Sports
With an active pursuit in journalism for the past three years, Sohum Uppal (‘25) is entering his senior year with an aim to produce more high-quality work for the Webb Canyon Chronicle along with a plan to create a new series of video journals. Sohum is a talented builder of beauty in his family and community. His creations include complex motorbikes and delicious meals. Passionate about mechanics, this year Sohum is committed to fixing his motorcycle, an old Yamaha. He also wishes to get a car of his own as he enjoys driving just as much. During his free time, Sohum likes to cook for his family. He loves making Mexican food the most, and his favorite dish is chicken burritos, which blends a lot of flavors together. Sohum’s journey of beauty-building extends further, as he also strives to cultivate a more beautiful community. As someone who is concerned about homelessness and mental health issues, Sohum plans to advocate for and reach out to help those troubled by the issues this following year. He recognizes how these groups of people often fade into backgrounds of the busy lives people are leading; he hopes that more people in need of help can be seen and heard, and he will put up posters for the affinity groups and cook meals for the homelessness. Willing to serve and contribute to the Webb community, Sohum is ready to create more beauty in others’ lives this year.   Favorite song: Mamacita by Travis Scott