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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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Recap of 2024 Homecoming asks at Webb

Berklee Antecol and Anna Meng
October 29, 2024
Berklee Antecol
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.
steph and hanbo graphic
Berklee Antecol
Hanbo Xu (‘25) was swift to ask his very own “swifty.”. He is “enchanted” that he gets to go with Steph Ma (‘25) to Homecoming. He even added a funny personalized detail –– a photoshopped “Stephanie Swift” –– on the poster. “I like Taylor Swift a lot,” said Steph. “I was surprised I was just talking to my friends, and when I looked up, Hanbo was right there, it was cute.”
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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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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
The DSPs Kevin Wang (‘24), Hannah Hao (‘24), and Kate Alvarez ('25) smile at the camera as they prepare for the DSP Fall Social. Students can come to the front table and line up to get tickets for pie and free boba. From 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., students were coming up the gym hill to grab the free desserts. The boba truck, though, was the biggest hit of the night.
Chills of fear flow at the Prefects’ Fall Social: Halloween edition
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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
Berklee Antecol
Berklee Antecol, Chief of Social Media
Berklee Antecol (‘25) radiates like the sun, and loves to embrace the thrilling waves of the sea. As a surfer of the sea, she is always up for a new adventure. Just like her recent upgrade of her favorite meal from chicken nuggets to steak and fries. Her love for numbers and market analysis leads her to be a top student in math and economic courses at Webb. Berklee strives to work in the analytical side of the fashion industry, but she spent her summer exploring other fields of expertise, including an internship at an AI company. Her optimistic energy shines through her work as a peer advisor and admission ambassador. She is driven by her desire to spread kindness and her love to engage with everyone in the community. This year, Berklee aims to become more flexible with her content planning in newsroom as Chief of Social Media of the Webb Canyon Chronicle.    Favorite Song: Waste My Time by Essosa
Anna Meng
Anna Meng, Staff Writer
Anna Meng (‘25) is a creative force on campus, always blending her artistic talent with a spirit of exploration. Whether it is crafting digital art, hanging out with her friends, or trying different activities at Webb, Anna brings a vibrant energy to everything. Continuing trying new activities, this past summer, Anna began to explore the world of editing and writing at an online journalism program with Georgetown University. She learned how to write articles for a publication, edit articles, and try out different sections of the newspaper. While at the journalism program, Anna loved to write opinion articles but because she is always on the lookout for trying new things. Anna hopes to step out of her comfort zone and continue to let her creativity flourish by exploring different sections of the Webb Canyon Chronicle, especially features, hoping to write more articles on other people’s perspectives.  Favorite Song: PRIDE. by Kendrick Lamar