http://whssmokesignals.com The School Newspaper of West High School Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:51:44 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en There has been much debate over whether cheerleading should be categorized as a fine art or a sport. In sports, athletic and physical abilities are needed for success. The challenging routines require a great deal of effort and skill. Cheerleading should be accepted as a sport instead of fine arts. It ... http://whssmokesignals.com/opinioneditorial/2010/09/08/cheerleading-fine-art-or-sport/ Although West’s Swim has it fair share of obstacles this season: not having its own pool, losing many of its top swimmers from the previous years and having only two of is individuals qualify for CIF Finals, it has also showed signs of improvement and determination that make success certainly ... http://whssmokesignals.com/sports/2010/06/17/a-conclusion-to-swim-season/ From a very young age, Scott Bower was a versatile athlete who could thrive in any sport that he participated in. Although he was very successful at cross country in high school, Bower had to quit his sophomore year because it conflicted with his soccer interests. Nevertheless, Bower has displayed ... http://whssmokesignals.com/sports/2010/06/17/scott-splashes-through-the-season/ As the year comes to an end, so does West High's softball season. Curretn outfielder Megan Yapelli (11) has played the sport since she was eleven years old. For six years, Yapelli has considered playing softball in college. This year, Yapelli’s most memorable game was “when we ... http://whssmokesignals.com/sports/2010/06/16/softball-star-megan-yapelli/ West High School “Pursuit of Excellence” Achievement Awards June 9, 2010 _____________________________________ Trophy Winners Publications: Advanced Journalism: Smoke Signals Michelle Cho 12 Annual: Chieftain Mariko Terasaki 12 Arrowheads Kathryn Wu 12 Athletics: Male Daniel Henggeler 12 Female Shayna Guitare 12 Male Scholar Kevin Behan 12 Female Scholar Amanda Oslund 12 Career ... http://whssmokesignals.com/news/2010/06/15/achievement-award-winners/    The Senior Good-Bye Rally was held on Friday, June 11.  The gym filled quickly as excited students rushed in to enjoy their last rally of the year.    The rally began as Secretary of Spirit Jimmy Takashima (11) welcomed the students. A routine from the Dance, Cheer, and Drill Team ... http://whssmokesignals.com/news/2010/06/14/last-rally-of-the-year/ The Pavilion was filled at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, June 9th, as students, faculty, and parents gathered to celebrate the annual Achievement Awards Ceremony.   Stephanie Nakamura (12) welcomed the audience, and began the evening by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.  Mr. Egan then presented various awards, including the Community Service ... http://whssmokesignals.com/news/2010/06/14/a-star-filled-night/    Joshua Girardini (11) is more than meets the eye; not only is he an exceptionally talented athlete, he is also an acknowledgeable scholar.    On and off the field, Girardini consistently challenges himself academically and physically—taking rigorous courses such as Biology AP and Calculus AB AP while juggling demanding sports ... http://whssmokesignals.com/news/2010/06/10/girardini-keeps-his-eye-on-the-ball/ 1. Your Sport: Track and Field 2. What You Drive: Lexus 3. Favorite Athelete: Misty May 4. Favorite Sports Moment: Winning CIF in triple jump 5. Relationship Status: Single 6. Favorite Book:The Uglies 7. Favorite Movie:Stick It 8. Number of Years in Sport: Two years 9. Biggest Accomplishment: Winning Athlete Of the Year Sophomore year 10. Proudest Moment: Being ... http://whssmokesignals.com/sports/2010/06/09/warriorette-of-the-month-june-kayla-mallet/ Grade: 11 Sport: Swimming Favorite movie: Avatar Favorite book: Green Eggs and Ham Swimming experience: 4 years Future Goal: Part time LA County lifeguard Favorite Song: “The Vampire” by Tribal Seeds Relationship Status: Single Clubs: CSF & Freshman Focus Biggest highlight of soccer season: going to CIF Position in swimming: Captain Favorite restaurant: Chipotle Hardest adversary you played against: Peninsula swim team http://whssmokesignals.com/sports/2010/06/07/warrior-of-the-month-june-scott-bower/