The Sword

With your hosts, Gio Arteaga and Delaney Pound, they are joined by juniors Jade Bito and Mia Donato in a 'Would you rather' podcast episode. Listen closely as they debate many different topics and may or may not argue a tad.

With your hosts, Gio Arteaga and Delaney Pound, this episode of The Sword features conversations with Sophomore Kira Yurchenko as they discuss what success actually means. Through their conversation, they dive deep into high school success and how important figures in one's life place unrealistic expectations.

With your hosts, Gio Arteaga and Delaney Pound, this episode of The Sword features conversations with Seniors Averi Halbert and Sadie York, as well as Sophomore Kira Yurchenko, as they talk about how shows and media portray relationships in a toxic light. Through their conversation, they learn about perspectives and personal stories alike. While they what a relationship actually is, they discuss different perspectives and personal stories alike to find common ground.

With your host, Gio Arteaga, this episode of The Sword features conversations with juniors Delaney Pound and Roman Soto, as well as Sophomore Kira Yurchenko, as they discuss how each person views finals and the methods they use to cope. Through this casual chat, tune in to hear advice tailored to each grade, as well as personal experiences that listeners can relate to.

With your host Gio Arteaga, this episode of The Sword features conversations with Junior Delaney Pound and Roman Soto as well as Maya Gurr and Marcos Mantelli as they discuss how the traditional values of Thanksgiving are lost to events like black friday, or cyber monday. Through their casual conversation, they dive deep into their own instances and give insight into their own lives.

With your host Gio Arteaga, this episode of The Sword features conversations with Junior Delaney Pound and Sophomores Penny Nunes and Mira Nayak as they discuss the the dynamic of high school relationships and the difference between situationships and relationships. Through their casual conversation, they speak about how relationships---especially in high school---affect different aspects of day-to-day life.

With your host, Logan Mendelson, this episode of The Sword features conversations with Social Science teacher Kim Kerr as well as seniors Christian Moore and Otra Phillips as they discuss the complex nature of social media and how it plays into daily tasks. Through their conversations, they dive deep and explore how much social media really is in our daily lives, and the effects it has on schooling, educating, and how it's affected their daily routines.

With your host Cami Yee, this episode of The Sword features conversations with Kristina Canales-Padilla as they discuss the college application process and advice for future seniors. Delving into the world of essays, scholarships, acceptances, and rejections, this episode addresses the complicated process that many seniors endure every year.

With your host, Madeline Crowley, this episode of The Sword features conversations with Alexia Gourvennec as they discuss their views on the value of a clean room. Mentioning the psychological impact that organization has on the brain, the importance of creating a safe space, and the difficulties in maintaining that safe space, these guests dive deep into the world of cleanliness and mental health.

With your host Logan Whiteson, this episode of The Sword features conversations with Athena Toa as we discuss the origins of the holiday and its adaption to a commercialized society. Discussing her personal experiences with the day, the pressure of purchasing gifts, and the overarching issue of over-consumerism, our guest challenge the popular holiday's true intentions.

With your host Cami Yee, this episode of The Sword features conversations with Denise Picard and Rucha Chavan as they discuss seasonal depression, its symptoms, and its impact on mental health. They also dive into why seasonal depression occurs, and how students can combat it during the winter months.

With your host Joseph Nian, this episode of The Sword features conversations with Eric Buran and Claire Huang as they discuss the SAT, ACT, and AP tests and their effectiveness in determining student success. Questioning College Board's motivations, determining better paths forward, and evaluating American testing culture against other countries' customs, these guests take a deep dive into the word of standardized testing.

With your host Cami Yee, this episode of The Sword features conversation with Valerie Garcia-Vallejo, Max Mazer, and Denise Picard as they discuss the impact of concussions on young athletes. Exploring the life-altering consequences that one or two injuries can incur, our guests discuss their personal experiences and the science behind concussions

With your host, Mason Vargas, this episode of The Sword features a conversation with Laura Saldana, Owen Zinn, Spencer Hoang, Hewan Tafari, and Josie Todd as they discuss the impact of school spirit on the Westmont community from various perspectives. Delving into a new school year, guests discuss their favorite events, the role athletics and activities play in school pride, and how Westmont can increase student spirit.

With your hosts, Gio Arteaga, Lily Bourne, and Anjali Nayak, this episode of The Sword features conversation with Cat Kemp and Thea England concerning the emotions and opinions that accompany the adolescent queer experience. The LGBTQ+ community often faces discrimination at both an external and internal level---listen in to learn more concerning such struggles.

With your hosts, Gio Arteaga, Lily Bourne, and Anjali Nayak, this episode of The Sword features conversation with Heather Tran concerning the common loss of motivation known as "senioritis" that plagues work ethic and motivation. Many seniors at Westmont feel that because their second semester grades do not count in terms of getting into college, or furthering their academic career as a whole, they thus do not need to continue working towards the former end goal of a strong GPA.

With your hosts, Gio Arteaga, Lily Bourne, and Anjali Nayak, this episode of The Sword features a conversation with (names of people) who each share their unique experiences and/or challenges that come with different parenting styles, and the effects they have noticed later on in life.

With your hosts, Gio Arteaga, Lily Bourne, and Anjali Nayak, this episode of The Sword features an exclusive conversation with ROOTing ForEarth co-president Maria Edrisinghe, as she discusses the steps the club is taking in order to create an efficient recycling system at Westmont. Even more, Edrisinghe looks to possibly address issues regarding recycling possibly at a district level.

With your hosts, Gio Arteaga, Lily Bourne, and Anjali Nayak, this episode of The Sword features an exclusive conversation with Westmont's Jewish Culture Club's President (JCC) Shelly Yoffe, as well as Christian junior, Vince Moreno. We spoke with the two while they shared their views and ideas on if they believe their culture is commercialized and appropriated, and if the real meaning behind their holiday has been overlooked.

This episode of The Sword includes an exclusive conversation with president of the Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) Faith Gonia. The conversation dives deep into the massive issue the majority of parents and students face when simply getting to campus. The TAC comes together to solve these pressing matters, while sharing ideas with your hosts, Gio Arteaga, Lily Bourne, and Anjali Nayak.

This mini episode of The Sword features an exclusive conversation with the 2023 - 2024 homecoming royals: Bianca Hayes, Diego Mantelli, and Sasya Reddy. This mostly uncut conversation features the royals experiences concerning homecoming court and a reflection of their time at Westmont High School.

Even after being diagnosed with cancer, life goes on. But how does one cope with undergoing chemotherapy and radiation? Hosts Anjali Nayak and Lily Bourne speak with Rylann Adams and Amanda Kappenman to understand the impact of life - threatening diseases on high school development.

Each year, Westmont's senior class votes for one student to receive the Most Inspirational graduation robe. Last school year, Westmont's graduating class of 2023 honored George Bilionis. Hosts Anjali Nayak and Lily Bourne interview last year recipient for advice on how a student can make the most of their high school career. Looking back at his high school career, Bilionis answers our question "What makes someone inspirational?"

In honor of the upcoming PRIDE Month, the Sword has decided to showcase the voices and talents of LBGTQ+ members within our Westmont community and their experiences challenging the limitation that heteronormativity imposes upon their identity.

Considering Westmont's diverse array of communities and backgrounds, Westmont's ASB often strives to promote diversity in school sponsored events. Whether it be the biggest nights of the year or everyday recognition of Westmont students, Westmont ASB has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure involvement of all students. However, there is still more work to be done! In this episode of The Sword, hosts Anjali Nayak, Lily Bourne, and Alex Gryciuk interview Westmont students Keira Devita (0:00) and Danielle De La Cruz (7:30) .

Launched as a prototype on November 30, 2022, ChatGPT is an AI software known for its ability to answer and ‘think’ humanly. The system’s capability to write essays and solutions for students proves dystopian. As technology advances the critical thinking from English and History classes almost seem obsolete. In this episode of The Sword, hosts Anjali Nayak, Lily Bourne, and Alex Gryciuk interview Westmont teachers Dianne Leo (0:27) and Christopher Mock (17:45) .

Student athletes are often pushed to work overtime and sharpen their skills, but at the expense of their mental stability. Athletes balance school, social life, in a time-consuming and physically draining sport, all while dealing with the struggles of growing up. Furthermore, the overall stigmatization of mental health has led many students to feel that their problems aren’t worthwhile, or even worse, that they can not be solved; thus, forcing them to refrain from seeking help.

As "cancel culture" becomes more and more prominent, fans are forced to grapple with their favorite artist's wrongdoings. The public is forced to create a moral threshold. What's the line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior? How much does an artist's morals and ethics impact an artist's work?In this episode of The Sword, hosts Anjali Nayak, Lily Bourne, and Alex Gryciuk dive into the reality of living in the Bay Area and talk to Westmont students for their perspectives and opinions.

Westmont High School is located in the center of Silicon Valley. Although plagued with affordable housing and debilitating academic competition, the Bay Area is also regarded as a progressive, diverse, and innovative hub brimming with opportunity. As Westmont students prepare for the next chapter of their lives as they apply for jobs and colleges, issues of family living and residing question the general welfare of the Silicon Valley. Many students have lived in the Bay Area their entire lives, is it worth going elsewhere?In this episode of The Sword, hosts Anjali Nayak, Lily Bourne, and Alex Gryciuk dive into the reality of living in the Bay Area and talk to Westmont students Sasya Reddy & Maddon Hoh-Choi and Westmont teacher Liz Jarrett for their perspectives and opinions.