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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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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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
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