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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Austin Off the Block: January’s Schedule

Austin Ra and Bryan Oglesby
December 17, 2022
Austin Ra (’23)
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More in Audiovisual
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.
Gale Force Tuesday: Webb tackles extreme winds and the Californian fires
New Years Resolutions
New Years Resolutions
Theme Night Highlights
Arts Adventure
Arts Adventure
Optic Nerve: Art, Light, & Installation
Optic Nerve: Art, Light, & Installation
SoCal Marine Life
SoCal Marine Life
More in Culture and Lifestyle
Kenny Clay (‘25) poses with his mother, who beams with pride after Kenny’s concert. Mother’s Day looks different for Kenny as a boarding student. “I can't be with my mom for Mother's Day this year,” Kenny said, “You have to work with the distance.” Despite the immense distance between them, Kenny still finds a way to make his mom feel special on Mother’s Day.
Moments for mom: how Webbies celebrate Mother’s Day.
In today's digital age, highschoolers get the opportunity to explore the different ways that social media can be used. Students at Webb have found ways to enjoy the content creation experience. “In terms of boarding school content, I like making long form content because people can binge watch it when they are doing chores or getting ready in the morning,” Jayden Aleman (‘26) said. “But, if I ever want to hit a quick dance, then I would steer to short form content.” Instead of shying away from major platforms students like Jayden have built the courage to create uplifting content.
How to embrace social media and content creation
The Webb Schools’ calendar is filled with fun events that bring the community together. In October, Halloween transforms the campus with haunted houses and Zombie Apocalypse organized by the prefect council. As the year ends, the Holiday Party offers cozy activities like caroling, hot cocoa, and gingerbread house decorating. In the spring, Jubilee celebrates student talent with music and dance performances. Theme Night, the highlight of Theme Week, features class skits and dances that show off creativity and teamwork. These events are an important part of life at Webb, creating a lively and welcoming community.
Which Webb event matches your vibe?
During lunch, many Webb students pack into the library to sit together and do homework. Due to the busy schedule that Webb puts on students, a lot of them try to start their homework early so their work is not overwhelming in the evenings. “I usually go to my dorm or the library to do homework during lunch,” Sochika Ndibe (’26) said. “I usually have many hours of homework to do every day, so I like to get a head start on it, so I am not working on homework for hours at a time.”
Stress affects teenagers’ mind across all school environments
While watching Terrifier 3 for the first time, Christina Young could not keep her eyes open as she was grossed out by the disturbing murders. The Terrifier films have always been popular for its comedic killer, Art the Clown, and for the gruesome killings that many see as a challenge to watch, and others see as unnecessary and the murdering of children immoral. “I have watched only Terrifier 3, and that was enough for me,” said Christina Young (‘25). “I was terrified to say the least.”
Was Terrifier 3 too gruesome?
Webb students Freya Fu (‘26), Sebastian Saeedy (‘26), and Thomas Chiu (‘26) mimic a common scene Webbies exhibit during finals or assessment-heavy weeks. To combat Webb’s stressful nature, events held by various leadership groups—such as the PA’s Stress Less Week—aim to create a more peaceful environment on campus. "Typically, I go to the Stress Less Week events and have fun, but this year I wasn’t really stressed, and it was really cold when they held the water balloon fight,” said Maya Chin (‘26). Whether Stress Less Week effectively achieves its goal of reducing stress, considering its planned activities and timing, is called into question, making it necessary to explore what an ideal version of Stress Less Week might look like.
Webbies Visualize their Ideal Stress Less Week
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
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
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
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
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
About the Contributors
Austin Ra
Austin Ra, Editor of Audiovisual
Returning with a rupture of exuberant energy and ready to express his thoughts, Austin Ra (‘23) is prepared to continue his journey at the Webb Canyon Chronicle. Aside from preparing for college applications during the summer, Austin spent his break from Webb in his medical summer camp, where he proposed multidimensional approaches to debatable medical issues. For instance, he was not afraid to discuss the high price of insulin and argue for the medicines he believes are important. Austin’s ability to openly voice his opinions allows him to strive in humanities classes and be a good candidate for the roles of day student prefect and Editor of Audiovisual for the Webb Canyon Chronicle. “In journalism, I can express what I want to express, have a sizable platform, and have credibility of my works,” said Austin. This year, he wants to continue producing quality work and promoting the publication’s media platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. In addition, he hopes to continue sharing his own perspectives on school events and social issues.   “Skating in Central Park” by Bill Evans and Jim Hall  
Bryan Oglesby
Bryan Oglesby, Chief Editor of Sports
Bryan Oglesby (‘23) has made himself known in the world of Webb athletics by being both the captain of the varsity football team and track & field team. His love for sports is intertwined with his love for the Webb Canyon Chronicle, as he takes on a new role this year as the Chief Editor of Sports. Being an athlete has given Bryan many talents such as being able to jump over his leg, do handstands, and do front flips, all in that order. Along with football, Bryan’s favorite hobbies are singing, playing a variety of sports with his family, helping the community, and cooking. Bryan loves cooking his favorite meal, beef Wellington, for himself and his friends at social gatherings or just for fun when he’s hungry. Outside the WCC, Bryan is an avid leader in the community by being a head peer advisor and his role in the Empowering Student Voices Initiative. Bryan also prides himself on being a scholar. His favorite class is LA Literary Culture with Mr. Calvert because it puts LA into a different light and has given him a new perspective on the city he grew up in. Going into his senior year, Bryan hopes to write meaningful articles that will benefit the community as well as staying connected to his family during his last year of high school. He hopes to end his final year at the WCC with a bang.   Favorite song: “Ultralight Beam” by Kanye