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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How different cultures at Webb Celebrates Lunar New Year.

Anna Meng and Emma Liu
February 25, 2025
As the drumbeats, mystical creatures of blue and red scales entered. This mysterious creature is the dragon and lion for the lion dance performance. These traditions, fortunately, bring a sense of home to international students. “Watching the lion dance reminds me of performances I watched at home in Shanghai,” said Jessica Lu (‘27).
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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
After years of student complaints and broken fountains, the campus is finally taking a fix at promoting hydration at Webb. The water fountain by Chandler Field has been fixed, marking Webb’s progress toward fulfilling its end-of-year water station plan. “I used to carry around an empty bottle all day because there was nowhere to refill it,” Jayden Aleman (‘26) said. The fix is part of a broader effort to improve sustainability and student well-being. With more stations expected soon, staying hydrated at Webb is finally becoming easier.
Webb’s plan to improve campus facilities
Caption: Finn Bulson (‘25) answers a call from his dad and freezes. A shooting threat reported on the Claremont McKenna College campus—where his dad works. His appetite vanishes; concern turns to panic, and Finn heads home. "I just wanted to make sure everything was okay," Finn said.
CMC swatting call raises questions about school security measures
Ash Cortéz ('28) stands in the Quad, holding the Mexican flag as she looks up at the American flag towering above her—a moment that reflects the complex emotions surrounding immigration policies and national identity. “The protests had a profound impact on me—they brought me down at times, but they also inspired me. I wanted so badly to be there, to be out in the streets, actively supporting the cause” said Ash Cortéz (‘28). This quote shows Ash's struggle, feeling both discouraged by the challenges her community faces and inspired by the protests.
Anti-Ice protests and immigration policy: how Webb students are affected
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
Daira Kaufman, Webb’s choreographer for the dance company instructs the whole dance team. Ms. Kaufman has been choreographing the dancers in many different styles of dancing to perform for the dance show. ”Styles and themes include contemporary dance, jazz, hip hop, K-pop, ballet, dance theater, dance as political satire, dance as resistance, a Community Dinner like you've never seen before, and so much more,” said Ms. Kaufman.
Webb’s dance program leaps into a new chapter
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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
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
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
About the Contributors
Anna Meng
Anna Meng, Social Media Manager
The laughter ringing in your ears when stepping into South Hutch lounge belongs to Anna Meng (‘27). There she is, chatting with friends about the most recent K-Pop news while sharing DoorDash deliveries on the couch. After all, the joyful spirit characterizing SoHo would not be the same without Anna’s presence. The epitome of a sociable friend, Anna strives to bring inclusivity to the Webb community. As a prefect in SoHo, Anna is never absent. From sleepover nights to hotpot gatherings, she will accept anyone’s invitation to hang out, even if it is just having a casual conversation or a “doom scrolling” TikTok session on the lounge couch. These seemingly small moments are especially meaningful to Anna; a session of “doom scrolling” with friends even sparked her academic passion, leading her to attend Brown University’s summer program on language and media. Fittingly, Anna takes on the role of social media manager for the Webb Canyon Chronicle this year, incorporating her knowledge from the summer program to increase WCC’s publicity. From promoting Asian American artwork through her co-founded The Little Art Book nonprofit to debating about politics, Anna has never disappointed in her ability to chat with anyone about anything. Those who have talked to Anna even once will know that how the conversation started does not matter, because she’ll have become your friend before you know it. Favorite Song: “Mystery of Iniquity” by Ms. Lauryn Hill
Emma Liu
Emma Liu, Staff Writer
Emma Liu (‘26) has a keen sense of dedication and creativity. She is always a colorful presence on campus, spreading amazing talents like a bee pollinating the flowers. Originally from Shanghai, Emma has been passionate about dance since kindergarten. Despite taking a brief pause, she rekindled her love for it last year with the Webb dance company. This summer, she expanded her dance repertoire by diving into K–pop, jazz, and hip–hop. However, Emma’s enthusiasm extends beyond dance: she also broadened her horizons by exploring different countries in the world and indulging her passion of reading and writing.  As the founder of the Business club, she showcases her leadership skills and entrepreneurial spirit. Academically, she enjoys humanities courses the most, particularly Advanced Studies Faith Narrative of the Holy Cities, and has been actively involved in theatre for the past two years. Emma often spends her weekends with her ragdoll cat and poodle dog, watching action and fantasy movies, and of course, busting out a couple new moves for her two furry friends. Just like her pets, she holds her advocacy for environmental issues and feminism very close to her, highlighting her commitment to making a positive impact on the world. In addition to her leadership and passion for art, she hopes to bring kindness and authenticity to journalism through her work in the publication.  Favorite Song: Galway Girl by Ed Sheeran