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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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Embracing Slavic heritage: traditions that warm up cold winters

Elena Petrova
January 16, 2024
Elena Petrova
In winter, most of Eastern Europe transforms into a silvery wonderland, where every tree is a sculpture, and each breath is a frosty whisper on the magnificent white canvas. “I love the beginning of winter in Russia when the snow is really bright and sparkling and it’s on all the birch trees,” Taya Sibichenkova (‘24) said. However, in the gentle Southern Californian climate, winter does not require the fortitude needed in Eastern Europe, but it does call for a different kind of resilience—the perseverance to keep our traditions thriving in a vastly different environment.
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Annalise Centeno (’26) and Ella Berg (’26) peacefully sit on Huntington Beach with the company of Dr Nguyen’s corgi, Ein. Although the weather was foggy, the beach was still filled with other corgis and attendees. “I really enjoyed relaxing on the beach near the ocean, along with the company of so many puppies,” Annalise Centeno (’26) said. The event was a huge success.
Webbies embark on Corgi Beach Day
The College Guidance Office, hidden between the trees of lower campus, with a table and chairs outside providing a quiet place to work, is where students receive advice and support while preparing for and applying to college. “I think it's hard because it's two counselors supporting 100 students,” said Emily Thornton (’25). “I think you can feel really unsupported.” Only having two counselors for so many students might lead to a lack of knowledge for students about the college process.
Does Webb put too much stress on college admissions?
Frequent Cafe 1175 visitor Daniel Xue (’27) purchases a jasmine milk tea and a choco bun after patiently waiting in a long line during X Block. The cafe offers savory and sweet breads, ordered from 85º Bakery every morning, along with a choice of coffees, teas, and refreshments. “One of my favorite items to purchase is the Arizona [tea],” said Daniel. Cafe 1175 offers a variety selections that students enjoy and is looking forward to new additions of foods in the future.
Cafe 1175: A Blend of flavor, community, and connection
In Advanced Studies Anatomy & Physiology, Marc Zambrano (‘26), Isamar Theobald (‘25), Pristine Thomas (‘25), Geniya Parker (‘26), and Berklee Antecol (’25) work on making a muscle microanatomy booklet to help them study. Working on projects like this helps students learn more about the subject. “There is less emphasis on tests and there are more projects,” said Geniya. “It makes learning more fun and engaging, so I end up learning the material better.”
Why is Webb removing AP classes?
Female cat Fuego –– “Fire” in Spanish –– belongs to Susanna Linsley, Director of Experiential Learning. Fuego waves at the camera, welcoming you to hear her story. The name “Fuego” was suggested by Dr. Linsley’s kids, as they liked the idea that it is one of the threats California constantly faces; naming their cat “Fire” symbolizes their kitten is the fierce protector of their realm. Along with her brother Oso, Fuego is the one of the two first kittens adopted by Dr. Linsley and her family. “We knew we wanted two of them because I had two kids,” said Dr. Linsley. “I also think everybody needs company.”
Stories behind the faculty cats
Dorm prefects Chelsea Wei (‘25), Lucy Troendle (‘26), Sophie Lin (‘26), Natalie Au (‘26) and Samantha Wang (‘26) gather moments before starting the Webb haunted house to take a photo dressed as scarers. Scarers participated in the haunted house from 8:30 to 10 p.m. “I enjoyed screaming at people and even though I felt tired, I’m glad I experienced being part of the haunted house,” Natalie said. After hours of preparation, prefects put their planning into action by scaring students in the Old School House.
Discover the process behind Webb Halloween traditions
About the Contributor
Elena Petrova
Elena Petrova, Editor-in-Chief
Elena Petrova (‘25) is a passionate and dedicated journalist with the hopes and dreams of making a positive impact on her home country of Russia. Born and raised in Moscow, Elena came to Webb to seek a broader perspective and to escape the dictatorship of her country. She currently works as an English tutor for Russian students and hopes to one day return to her homeland to pursue investigative journalism, focusing on political murders, war crimes and corruption. In her personal time, Elena enjoys crocheting and watching true crime documentaries, especially Russian cases from the 80s and 90s. Elena’s goal for this year’s publication is to reach a wider audience. Inspired by the work of journalist Elena Milashina, whom she shares a name with, Elena seeks to follow in her footsteps. Elena is motivated by the impact Milashina’s investigations have had, as they have helped hundreds of families find out what is happening to their country and to their loved ones. Elena wishes to use her passion and journalistic skills to contribute to the better making of Russia.   Favorite song: я танцую вас by maslo chernogo tmina