The Student News Site of Harvard-Westlake School

The Harvard-Westlake Chronicle
ASKING THE AUTHOR: Author Steph Cha’s novel “Your House Will Pay" is currently read in English IV: Criminal Minds.
Alumnus author Steph Cha speaks to students
School to host exchange students 2025
Arnold is creating three different songs, all of which are in the musical style of different bands.
Senior Independent Study: Nate Arnold
Spurred by the uptick of trash on the quad, the school restricted access to a table to encourage student responsibility for litter.
Admin responds to increase in trash
Tuition raised to $49,700
Holiday shopping in Sportsmen’s Lodge offers an opportunity to browse stores, buy gifts, and enjoy the wintertime ambience.
Holiday Guide in Los Angeles
Coldwater Canyon Ave. is undergoing maintenance again and is set to finish by November 2025. The street's last roadwork project was in 2023 after a water breakage. Just like with the construction in 2023, the increased traffic and congestion has hindered students' and faculty's commute despite them taking alternate routes.
Roadwork on Coldwater Canyon to finish by 2025
The new layout will include 520 apartment units, 78 of which are reserved for low-income tenants and 45,000 square feet of commercial space, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.
Sportsmen’s Lodge hotel set for demolition; renovation to include new apartments
Community members vote in the California Primary
Community members vote in the California Primary
From left to right: Jamie Page, Assistant A&E Editor Mia Morgan '25, Councilmember Traci Park and Craig Fiegener.
School hosts District Attorney debate in Rugby Auditorium
Illustration by Anika Norton
Staff Editorial: Celebrating Our Setbacks
Crossing the Line: Trump Trumps Harris
Crossing the Line: Trump Trumps Harris
Pro: Make Classes Test Free
Con: Keep Testing In
Build community with consistency
Build community with consistency
The Official Club Fair Guide
Head Prefect Predictions
The Official Chronicle Curriculum Guide 3
Unpublished Chronicle Headlines 2: Electric Boogaloo
PRETTY IN PINK: Super princess pop star Sabrina Carpenter performs on stage with Rick Caruso '76 as a dynamic duo. The pair will be performing a concert this upcoming weekend in Palisades Village, curtesy of Caruso.
Your holidays, my opinions
Illustrated by Annabelle Cheung
Compounding Interest: Exploring the Privilege of High School Investing
No Means No: Students and faculty discuss consent
No Means No: Students and faculty discuss consent
Teen knocks on therapist's door.
Talking it Out: How Therapy Supports Teens
Split the Season: Navigating Splitting Holidays Between Divorced Parents
Split the Season: Navigating Splitting Holidays Between Divorced Parents
Vital Choices: How the Community Sees Women's Healthcare After the Election
Vital Choices: How the Community Sees Women’s Healthcare After the Election
Dress the part: challenging gender norms through fashion
Dress the part: challenging gender norms through fashion
"Generational Women" by Samaya Sayana-Manchanda ’26 was one of the winning works in photography.
Students win titles in 2024-2025 National YoungArts competition
Music Teacher wins award at gala
Music Teacher wins award at gala
Sam Cleland ’25, who is a part of Jazz Band, plays a solo on his saxophone during the annual fall concert. Cleland recently participated in a Senior Independent Study project for music.
Jazz ensembles host annual fall concert
Jazz Singers perform in various locations
Lacrosse, volleyball and football coaches depart
Lacrosse, volleyball and football coaches depart
Head coach Jack Grover regroups with the team during a timeout with a team huddle.
Boys Water Polo Season Ends in Quarterfinal Defeat Against Corona Del Mar
SERVE AND PROTECT: With another win, the girls’ tennis team enters the tournament with an 8-0 league
Girls’ tennis team gets ready for CIF playoffs
Girls’ volleyball ends fall season on high note with win over rival
FINAL KICK: Robbie Louie ’26 nears the end of the two-mile race.
Cross country aims to win league
The Student News Site of Harvard-Westlake School

The Harvard-Westlake Chronicle
The Student News Site of Harvard-Westlake School

The Harvard-Westlake Chronicle

Natalie Cosgrove, Editor-in-Chief

All content by Natalie Cosgrove
In response to the multiple antisemitic vandalism incidents this year, members of the Jewish Club posted signs around campus meant to spread awareness about antisemitism.

School searches for suspects after fifth antisemitic vandalism incident

Davis Marks and Natalie Cosgrove
February 8, 2023

The school administration filed a police report and has increased surveillance on campus after a Nazi symbol was found poked into a bulletin in the student lounge on Jan. 23, the fifth in a series of antisemitic...

An infographic depicts how students feel about the mayoral race.

Mayoral candidates step up campaign ahead of June 7 primary

Will Sherwood and Natalie Cosgrove
May 29, 2022

As the June 7 primary approaches, the campaign for the Los Angeles (LA) mayoral election is narrowing into a two-horse race. In the past few weeks, multiple candidates have dropped out and have announced...

Illustration by Alexa Druyanoff

Depp v. Heard: Trying the truth

Vasilia Yordanova and Natalie Cosgrove
May 26, 2022

Grace Adams ’24 said she was unfamiliar with the name Amber Heard until about a year ago. However, she said she was jarred by the claims of abuse the American actress put out about one of Adams’s favorite...

Logan Azizzideh ’24 takes notes during a lecture in his Honors Algebra II course. For the first time in more than two years, Azizzideh was able to attend a class without having to wear a mask after the administration removed the school’s indoor mask requirement.

Cases rise after school relaxes indoor masking policy according to county recommendations

Natalie Cosgrove
March 18, 2022

The Community Health Office (CHO) announced in an all-school email the school will be lifting the mandatory mask mandate, meaning masks will be strongly recommended but not required on campus starting...

Boys Water Polo Program Head Brian Flacks gives feedback to his team during halftime.

Deconstructing championship teams

Natalie Cosgrove
February 17, 2022

As outside hitter Ava Lange '23 tied a bandana around her eyes to begin her pregame ritual, she felt the hands of her teammates guiding her way. She listened for a voice to follow before starting her way...

Student defends themselves in the face of gun violence, standing in front of a crumbled American flag.

Lives on the Line

Students and faculty reflect on the progression of gun violence on school campuses since the deadly shooting in Parkland, Florida.
Natalie Cosgrove
February 17, 2022

Palisades Charter High School (PCHS) senior Maya DeGanyar ’22 turned in her seat to see the whiteboard more clearly. She scribbled down notes and then opened "To Kill a Mockingbird" to the assigned page...

Rick Commons announced new and improved Visions for the school after surveying students, parents, staff and alumni.

School releases new Visions after surveying community

Davis Marks and Natalie Cosgrove
February 12, 2022

President Rick Commons released a report summarizing the results of the school's Visions survey in a email sent to the school community Feb. 7. The school sent the survey to the school community in September...

Brock Getson '24 prepares to get his booster shot on campus.

HW Community Health Office announces booster clinics

Natalie Cosgrove and Nathalie Leung
January 20, 2022

The HW Community Health Office (CHO) announced on-campus booster clinics for students available starting the week of Jan. 20. The school's definition of “fully-vaccinated” now requires a vaccine booster...

Head Prefect and Executive Editor Quincey Dern ’22 takes a deep breath before receiving the COVID-19 booster shot at Elements Pharmacy.

Administration issues new COVID-19 protocols amid surge in cases

Natalie Cosgrove and Alex Hahn
January 19, 2022

The administration updated COVID-19 testing and protocols in an effort to both maintain in-person learning and accommodate those self-quarantining in response to the increased positive COVID-19 infection...

Class hosts friend to late Senator Bob Dole

Natalie Cosgrove and Jackson Mayer
December 19, 2021

Upper school history teacher Peter Sheehy (Print Managing Editor Will Sheehy ’22, Tate Sheehy ’24) hosted Marc Adelman, friend to the late Kansas Senator Bob Dole, Dec. 6. Dole was a politician...

School engages in ALICE protocol during drill

Claire Conner and Natalie Cosgrove
December 11, 2021

Following several school shooting threats throughout various Los Angeles high schools, students participated in an active shooter drill Dec. 10. Palisades Charter High School (PCHS), Santa Monica High...

Ben Sherwood ’81 (Assistant News Section Editor Will ’23) spoke to HW Venture about his career path during Conference Time on Thursday. Sherwood is currently the CEO and co-founder of MOJO, a youth sports app meant to make coaching easier for parents.

CEO and co-founder visits HW Venture

Natalie Cosgrove
December 7, 2021

HW Venture hosted Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MOJO Benjamin Sherwood ’81 (Will Sherwood '23)to speak with students in the Drama Lab on Dec. 12. According to Sherwood, MOJO is a sports app...

Hierarchy in the health care system

Students grapple with the inaccessibility of mental health resources based upon their financial situations as well as other barriers.
Natalie Cosgrove
December 2, 2021

Shaking out her blanket and laying it across a cushioned armrest, Zoe Shapiro ’23 stood up from the couch. She passed a table of snacks catered to dietary restrictions and a bucket of toys meant for...

While snacking on South Asian food, Aiden Schiller ’22 paints henna on Rohan Madhogarhia ’22. Meanwhile, Jack Coleman ’22 decorates a diya candle using both Sharpies and stickers.

SASA observes Diwali

Natalie Cosgrove
November 4, 2021

South Asian Student Alliance (SASA) hosted their annual celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights observed by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across the world, on the Flag Court on Nov. 4. Club members provided...

FDA approves booster vaccine dose for high risk populations

FDA approves booster vaccine dose for high risk populations

Natalie Cosgrove
October 27, 2021

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Booster Dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for those age 65 and above and for 18 to 64 year olds who are at high risk for contracting COVID-19. Visual...

Shanti Hinkin '22 takes her test in an empty classroom.

Pencils down, time’s up

Students discuss their learning differences and extended time arrangements following quarantine and the return to school.
Natalie Cosgrove
October 20, 2021

Cole Hall ’24 circled the final multiple choice problem on his spring biology exam and released a deep sigh of relief before handing it to his teacher. Hall said he realized he had never before experienced...

Photo Credit: Sandra Koretz/Chronicle

Stop conflating female objectification with liberation

Natalie Cosgrove, Assistant News Editor
October 16, 2021

Whether it be in Playboy Magazine or sexual education courses, women are often put in the position where they are confused on whether to hyper-sexualize themselves or do the exact opposite. From a young...

Students line up to get tested for COVID-19 before school at Palisades Charter High School.

LAUSD mandates vaccines

It becomes the largest school district in the U.S. to require students to be vaccinated
Natalie Cosgrove
September 15, 2021

The governing board of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) announced that all eligible students, 12 and older, are required to receive the vaccine to attend schools within the district. The...

At the Senior Ring Ceremony, Senior Prefect Jason Thompson '22 addresses seniors and their families, discussing his high school experiences.

Seniors celebrate annual ring ceremony

Natalie Cosgrove and Davis Marks
September 14, 2021

Seniors and their families gathered on the Ted Slavin field Sunday for the annual Senior Ring Ceremony. Each senior was given a ring or a pin, as well as flower crowns and boutonnieres, to represent school...

AN EASYGOING EVENING: Jewish Family Alliance (JFA) members mingle as they enjoy the food provided at the summer JFA Shabbat dinner.

JFA hosts summer Shabbat dinner

Natalie Cosgrove
September 6, 2021

Harvard-Westlake Jewish Family Alliance (HWJFA) hosted their first Shabbat potluck dinner Aug. 20. The gathering was a back-to-school celebration allowing student members to sing blessings and discuss...

Code Red: 2021 Climate Report

Following the United Nations’s climate report, students and faculty reflect on the efforts currently being made to combat climate change.
Natalie Cosgrove
August 27, 2021

A recent report from the United Nations’s (UN) climate panel details the full extent of the damage human behavior has caused to the environment. As greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, the newer...

Happier Than Ever review

Happier Than Ever review

Natalie Cosgrove
August 25, 2021

From Billie Eilish’s first EP at 15, to her latest album at 19, Eilish’s fans have watched the singer evolve with every piece of work she releases. Her listeners have followed her transformation from...

Departing Teacher: Cynthia Winters

Natalie Cosgrove
June 1, 2021

After 37 years at the school, Performing Arts Teacher and Director of Dance Cynthia Winters will retire. During her career, Winters inspired students to reach out of their comfort zones and explore movement...

University of California System finalizes testing standards

Natalie Cosgrove
May 29, 2021

The University of California System (UC System) is no longer taking SAT and ACT scores into account during their admission process. They will cease to utilize a test optional policy, as they have for the...

Kutler Center Scholar in Residence Stephanie L. Batiste '90 shares her personal story regarding Hurricane Katrina and how her family was affected by it.

Kutler Center Scholar in Residence leads community discussion about Hurricane Katrina’s legacy

Natalie Cosgrove
May 9, 2021

Kutler Center Scholar in Residence Stephanie L. Batiste '90 shares her personal story regarding Hurricane Katrina and how her family was affected by it.

Environmental Club members team up with FoLAR to restore local fire-damaged habitat

Natalie Cosgrove
April 30, 2021

The Environmental Club partnered with Friends of the L.A. River (FoLAR) for a habitat restoration day April 24. The event took place at the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, which was affected greatly...

(left to right): Quinn Callaghan '21, Walt Schoen '21, and Staff Writer Lucas Cohen-D'Arbeloff '23 perform in the school play.

Spring musical premieres online

Natalie Cosgrove
April 29, 2021

(left to right): Quinn Callaghan '21, Walt Schoen '21, and Staff Writer Lucas Cohen-D'Arbeloff '23 perform in the school play.

Newly-elected Head Prefect Jade Stanford '22 gives her runoff speech in front of the Ted Slavin field.

[Photo] History-making Head Prefects elected for 2021-2022 school year

Natalie Cosgrove and Lucas Cohen D'Arbeloff
April 20, 2021

Newly-elected Head Prefect Jade Stanford '22 gives her runoff speech in front of the Ted Slavin field.

Prefect council hosts March Madness tournament

Natalie Cosgrove and Leo Saperstein
March 27, 2021

Prefect council announced an upper school March Madness bracket tournament for the ongoing National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men's basketball tournament. Students participating in the tournament...

Olivia Rahhal '23 cuddles her pet sheepadoodle.

Secret Life of Pets (in Quarantine)

Natalie Cosgrove
March 27, 2021

When Olivia Rahhal ’23 returned to her house after leaving her sheepadoodle puppy home for the first time, she noticed her dog’s overly exaggerated behavior—specifically, her intense tail wagging...

Los Angeles County enters COVID-19 red tier

Natalie Cosgrove
March 27, 2021

Los Angeles County entered the California-enforced Red Tier on Monday, meaning COVID-19 safety protocols for the county will loosen. Indoor dining, museums and gyms are permitted to open with proper precautions...

Westflix hosts first virtual premiere event

Natalie Cosgrove
March 27, 2021

Westflix members hosted the first virtual Westflix Film Festival for students in Southern California using the virtual screening platforms BingeWave and Zoom on Friday and Saturday. Golden Globe Award-winning...

Improv Workshop members (from top right clockwise) Will Farhat '21, Simone Herman '23, Alon Moradi '21 and Carter Staggs '23 perform in a group skit.

Improv group hosts online performance event

Natalie Cosgrove
March 21, 2021

The upper school improv group hosted an event on Zoom, where students from the group displayed their improvisation skills through a series of games and scenes based on suggestions from the audience, March...

Natalie Cosgrove '23 poses for a selfie by Ted Slavin Field.

Back To School Perspectives

Natalie Cosgrove shares her experience on the upper campus for the first time
Natalie Cosgrove
March 16, 2021

I reluctantly reach my arm to my nightstand and smack my phone to turn off my 6:50 a.m. alarm, a little different from my usual 8:29 a.m. one, but it will do. I quickly hurry to get up and get dressed,...

“Big Mouth” Speaks Volumes About Adolescence

Netflix releases season four of "Big Mouth."
Natalie Cosgrove
March 16, 2021

As Jessi enters the water to swim at summer camp, her pad sucks up all of the water in the lake and turns into a destructive monstrosity. To make matters worse, all of the cool girls at camp chime in to...

Citizens 65 and older in the Los Angeles County district are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination as of Jan. 14. However, only 850,000 vaccine doses were delivered, when more than four million are needed.

Limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines in Los Angeles County negatively impacts seniors

Tanisha Gunby and Natalie Cosgrove
February 17, 2021

Citizens 65 and older in the Los Angeles County district are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination as of Jan. 14. However, only 850,000 vaccine doses were delivered, when more than four million...

Second annual Hackathon takes place

Natalie Cosgrove
February 16, 2021

Printed with permission of Violet Barron ’22 HackHW hosted a 48 hour Zoom hackathon event for all students Feb. 12-14. Participants joined together in teams to design coding projects and...

Freelance music journalist speaks out against anti-Semitism in the workplace

Natalie Cosgrove
February 10, 2021

The HW Jewish Association hosted freelance music and culture journalist Eve Barlow on Wednesday. Barlow answered student questions and discussed her experience with anti-Semitism in the music industry...

Author of “Fire and Fury” Michael Wolff speaks at virtual upper school event

Natalie Cosgrove
February 8, 2021

New York Times bestselling author and journalist Michael Wolff spoke in a Q&A webinar event for students planned by History Teacher Peter Sheehy Feb. 8. The event was open to students from all AP...

Prefect Council announces reopening of on-campus activities

Natalie Cosgrove
February 3, 2021

Prefect Council announced the reopening of on-campus activities over President Day weekend for upper school students via email Wednesday. During the fall, students had the opportunity to participate in...

Spotify and Apple Music wrap up the songs of 2020

Natalie Cosgrove
February 3, 2021

Spotify celebrated an unprecedented year for their users with a list of their most streamed songs, artists, podcasts and genres for the culmination of 2020 on Dec. 2. Lavinia Tyagi '23 said she enjoyed...

Professor presents new book to history students

Natalie Cosgrove
January 14, 2021

American Historian and professor in the department of history at the University of Alabama Joshua Rothman came to speak to history teacher Peter Sheehy’s Advanced Placement United States History classes...

Evan Nichole Brown '12 spoke to a student audience on Zoom about the rigors of freelance journalism.

New York Times freelance writer speaks to Venture, BLACC members

Lily Lee and Natalie Cosgrove
January 13, 2021

HW Venture hosted The New York Times freelance writer Evan Nicole Brown ’12 to speak about her journalism career Jan. 13. During the presentation, Brown explained how she launched her journalism career...

Choir performs in virtual concert

Natalie Cosgrove
January 12, 2021

The Performing Arts Department hosted a virtual choir concert Dec. 13 featuring Bel Canto, Wolverine Chorus and Chamber Singers. Performing Arts teacher Zanaida Robles directed the concert. The performance...

HW Venture hosts social impact workshop with Ralph M. Parsons Foundation program officer

Natalie Cosgrove
January 12, 2021

HW Venture hosted the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation program officer Kadar Lewis to teach a social impact workshop Dec. 10 . Lewis has been working in the social impact field for 20 years and came to discuss...

LA Times Editor of the Editorial Pages speaks to students

Konnie Duan and Natalie Cosgrove
December 12, 2020

LA Times Editorial Page Director Sewell Chan spoke to students in Advanced Placement United States History and Advanced Placement Government over Zoom Nov. 17. History teacher Peter Sheehy (Will ’22,...

Junior creates humor magazine club

Natalie Cosgrove
November 1, 2020

The Elbow, a humor magazine publication, is organized by Oliver Green '22. The club’s goal is to model after comedic magazines like the Harvard Lampoon, McSweeney’s, The Onion and the Yale Record....

Students bond over reality show in Survivor Club

Natalie Cosgrove
November 1, 2020

The Survivor Club, organized by Matthew Lee '21, Lucas Grad '21, Ryan Prybil '21, Matthew Paul '21, Chronicle Digital Managing Editor Kyle Reims '21 and Chronicle Print Managing Editor Jaidev Pant '21,...

Junior students organize Model Congress discussion club

Natalie Cosgrove
October 29, 2020

Model Congress is a place to discuss national affair issues. The club gives students a chance to learn more about the government and processes of Congress over Zoom. Model Congress is organized by Daniel...

Co-founder of Cameo discusses his video-sharing app with HW Venture students

Lily Lee and Natalie Cosgrove
October 26, 2020

Co-founder of Cameo Steven Galanis spoke at an HW Venture event last Wednesday. He also shared a video of Danny Green, a Los Angeles Laker, who recorded a personalized video for the school community....

Venture Club announces kickoff event

Natalie Cosgrove
September 24, 2020

Venture Club plans to host a range of events, from guest speakers to workshops and games. Venture Club announced their kickoff event on Wednesday, Sept. 9, where students could come together and commence...

Sierakowski joins History Department

Natalie Cosgrove
August 30, 2020

Ingrid Sierakowski joined both the History and the Interdisciplinary Studies and Independent Research departments as a History and Latin American Studies teacher this fall . She will be teaching three...

Peter Sheehy joins History Department

Natalie Cosgrove
August 28, 2020

Peter Sheehy (Will '22, Tate '24) joined the history department this year to teach Advanced Placement United States History and Advanced Placement Government. Sheehy holds a bachelor’s degree in history...

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The Student News Site of Harvard-Westlake School
Natalie Cosgrove