Tumbling Towards Triumph
April 4, 2013 • Carly Saber, Entertainment Editor
Filed under Feature
Wake up, go to school, go to the gym, sleep, do it all again– that is the life of a gymnast. Eri Tamada (11) has been doing gymnastics for thirteen years. She started her career at South Bay Gymnastics where she learned her basics and was introduced to the world of competition. She then moved to Studio... Read more »
Interview with a California Journalism Teacher of the Year Candidate and Former Smoke Signals Adviser
March 5, 2013 • Kiana Schmitt, Opinion Editor
Filed under Feature
The following interview is published in its full form as Mrs. McGee replied. The article in our print issue is solely highlights of the interview, which you will find here as well. Mrs. Inez McGee, a beloved adviser for Smoke Signals from 1983 – 1996, shares her experiences with the printing process... Read more »
Geoffrey Wong: Writing, Wishing, and Waiting
December 10, 2012 • Connie Chung, Freelance Writer
Filed under Feature
The crowd roars as the brown and gold Warriors bring the football game to another touchdown. In ceremonious unity, the band scurries to hold up their instruments. One particular individual shines through the golden chaos with his hands held high in mysterious serenity. With sharp, collected movements,... Read more »
All “Ty”-ed Up, But Not In a Knot
December 5, 2012 • Connor Ji, Staff Writer
Filed under Feature
A glittering student with endless passion for theater and music, a warm heart, and a keen interest in math and science is Ty Koeller (11). Koeller is currently involved in numerous school and extracurricular activities, including CSF, Play Production, and Cross Country. Balancing his strong commitment... Read more »
Thanksgiving Traditions
November 19, 2012 • Kristin Corse, Staff Writer
Filed under Feature
Since the Pilgrims began the Thanksgiving tradition back in 1621, it has become one of the cherished holidays ever since. Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks for what you have, eating more than you normally do, and spending time with your family. It also comes with a variety of cultural traditions.... Read more »
Anthony Xian: A Deeper Meaning
November 15, 2012 • Connie Chung, Freelance Writer
Filed under Feature
His fingerprints can be found across the walls of West High — from the pavilion to the ASB Chambers. Tall and lean, his strides carve the pathways of future students at West. A familiar face and a famous name — Anthony Xian (12) takes on the ultimate challenge. Xian currently presides over Key Club,... Read more »
Zombies and Leprechauns Invade West High
November 2, 2012 • Kevin JB Kim, Staff Writer
Filed under Feature, News, Top Stories
Horrifying monsters, delicate fairies, superheroes, villains, and famous movie characters came to West High this week. The annual Halloween Costume Contest during lunch in front of the library attracted many entries, all of which won candy despite how they placed. When asked why he was dressed as a samurai,... Read more »
Saving Hanan
November 1, 2012 • Kristin Corse, Staff Writer
Filed under Feature
On Monday, October 29th, 2012, Amnesty International welcomed Marcel Wright to tell his story. Wright was a security manager at the United States’ Embassy in Djibouti when he met and fell in love with Hanan Howail, a 27 year-old Tanzania citizen. After falling in love with Hanan, Wright proposed to... Read more »
Mr. Egan’s Tips for Success
September 12, 2012 • Grant Torre, Editor-in-Chief
Filed under Feature
Smoke Signals recently received “Brief Education News”, also known as “The BEN”, a weekly newsletter sent to WHS staff each week. On September 10, 2012, Mr. Egan offered “3 Pieces of Advice to Freshmen”: 1. Get involved in your school. Students who surround themselves... Read more »
First Day Surprises
September 10, 2012 • Kristin Corse, Staff Writer
Filed under Feature
Smoke Signals asked two West High students from each grade about what surprised them about their classes on the first day of the 2012-2013 school year. Christina Marie Rojo (9): “I am new to the school district and so far the students have been welcoming and all of my teachers seem very nice so... Read more »


