The Student News Site of West Covina High School

WCHS Insight
The Student News Site of West Covina High School

WCHS Insight
The Student News Site of West Covina High School

WCHS Insight
News
ERWC and ELD I teacher Amanda Vivas tapes a flea that landed on her arm last November as proof to show administration that fleas exist in her classroom. She had been teaching in the Media Center while her classroom was quarantined. “This day that I had a flea taped to me though I will tell you I bawled. I was crying. Oh my god I looked like the most crazy person. As though you're not already crazy with a flea taped to you, that's already a sign of mania right. I’m also crying… What’s going on? What is my world?” said Vivas.
L-Portable pest infestation calls into question district priorities
Kassandra Aguirre, Editor-In-Chief • January 17, 2025
In loving memory of TikTok
In loving memory of TikTok
Sophea Rios, Assistant Editor • January 17, 2025
Smoke from a fire near the San Gabriel Valley Mountains at 7 a.m. today, was visible to homes in West Covina.
Strong winds cause concern as WCUSD schools remain open
January 8, 2025
Senior dancers Grace Torres, Milla Diaz, Jazlyn Wagner, and juniors Sofia Trujillo, Isabella Lara, and Charlyn Badoles in the final formation to perform Bo$$ by Fifth Harmony. Their performance was choreographed by ℅ 2023 Dub C alumni Kathy Castro.
The spectacular Winter Dance Showcases
December 19, 2024
“I really want to go to a D1 school… that's my motivation… this year made me realize even in some earlier races… I put in hard work…just going into races, my times are dropping,” said Osorio while she prepared by doing her warm-up routine before her race at the CIF state championship race in Woodward Park, Fresno.
Becky Osorio makes history in the schools cross-country team
December 13, 2024
Features
The sunset view from the JV baseball field on Dec. 11. “After practice I love seeing through the window the beautiful sunset,” said junior Melissa Acosta.
Thyberg sunsets are unmatched
Maddux Marquez, Staff Writer • December 16, 2024
AFJROTC cadets stay after school to plan future events and clean up the office. AFJROTC is a class that is more like a close-knit community where cadets appreciate the strong bonds they form. “We happened to have a polaroid camera so we decided to take a picture to leave something behind to future cadets to show our close bond…we consider each other like a family we never knew we’d have,” said junior Kimora Padilla.
AFJROTC serves its community despite campus oversight
December 4, 2024
G Farms is one of the two vendors offering fresh produce. According to World Hunger Relief, a non-profit dedicated towards ending world hunger, some people choose to shop at a farmers' market rather than a grocery store because locally-grown food offers higher levels of vitamins and minerals.
How community is built at the West Covina Farmers Market
November 18, 2024
From left to right seniors Alejandro Martinez Cavazos, Sophea Rios, Kristina Fuentes, and sophomores Francesca Rios and Adelia Li on their first Roblox club meeting on Oct. 2 in room M-5. The meeting discussed what their club is about and introduced their officers as it was kept a secret until the day of the meeting.
Alejandro Martinez Cavazos makes a mark in club involvement
October 25, 2024
Arts & Entertainment
The movie poster for Walt Disney’s animated film “Inside Out 2.” The movie was produced by Pixar Animation Studios and was released on June 14, 2024. The film’s production began in 2020 and is about a young girl named Riley who is going through puberty and experiencing new, complex emotions. It adds four new characters Anxiety, Ennui, Envy, and Embarrassment to join the original characters of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust.
Ten films that dominated 2024
Arianna Alvarado, Staff Writer • January 17, 2025
Senior dancers Grace Torres, Milla Diaz, Jazlyn Wagner, and juniors Sofia Trujillo, Isabella Lara, and Charlyn Badoles in the final formation to perform Bo$$ by Fifth Harmony. Their performance was choreographed by ℅ 2023 Dub C alumni Kathy Castro.
The spectacular Winter Dance Showcases
December 19, 2024
Many people gather around at Washington Square Park in New York for the Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest on Oct. 27. Chalamet appeared at the contest where fans approached him for pictures, surprised that he showed up.
The rise of celebrity look-alike contests
December 13, 2024
The choral department commences the winter concert with “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas” by Mark Hayes. Despite having to quickly learn multiple lyrics, the choral department had a good outcome.“It was a lot of work. It took like a few months of planning even though it was, like, crammed into two months we still, like, put in the hard work every single day. And, yeah, it just came out really nicely and I’m proud of what we did,” said freshman Samantha Hernandez.
2024 Choir Winter concert spreads holiday cheer
December 10, 2024
Opinion
Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about various concerns, found that more than 70% of teachers acknowledge that cell phone distraction is an issue in their classroom. Cell phones serve as a major distraction in today's classrooms and diminish the quality of a student’s ability to learn.
Lock in to 2nd semester by focusing
Valeria Aguilar, Staff Writer • January 15, 2025
During the previous Boost Day on Nov. 22 , there were long lines of students waiting to order food, while the booths were filled with activities. Students hung out with friends and enjoyed the fun atmosphere and took a break from classes.
Everyone could use a boost
December 19, 2024
Seniors Erika Muñoz and Izabel Roman immerse themselves on their phones instead of paying attention during class. With senioritis interfering with their academic availability, many students take on the habit of procrastinating their work by going on their phone. “When l don't feel like doing the work, I just go on my phone,” said Muñoz.
Senioritis explained
December 19, 2024
Secret Santa presents can range from humorous to sentimental items that make the festive season memorable. The challenge lies in selecting a friendly gift that reflects the person's interests. “That's like, my biggest concern,” said Mejorado.
Unwrapping the stress of Secret Santa
December 13, 2024
Trending Stories
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Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about various concerns, found that more than 70% of teachers acknowledge that cell phone distraction is an issue in their classroom. Cell phones serve as a major distraction in today's classrooms and diminish the quality of a student’s ability to learn.

Lock in to 2nd semester by focusing

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From left to right: Josh Milon, Emily Milon, Alexander Milon, Maddie Milon, and Kaylei Milon in Arequipa, Peru during winter break on Dec. 24, 2023. “it would've been nice if Christmas break was three weeks because we would've had a little bit of down time between school and the trip,” said Milon

Would longer breaks be beneficial for students and teachers?

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Senior Alexis Barboza drinking her Starbucks coffee in the morning. Her favorite drinks include an Iced Apple Crisp Oat Milk Shaken Espresso, a Strawberry Açaí Refresher, and a Caramel Frappuccino.

Starbucks vs. Dutch Bros, which do students pick?

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Students and teachers can create a hall pass and use other tools that the website has to offer. Students have only seven minutes to use the restroom or go to the water fountain and they also need approval from their teacher before they’re able to create a pass.

Minga app falls short of expectations

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Smoke from a fire near the San Gabriel Valley Mountains at 7 a.m. today, was visible to homes in West Covina.

Strong winds cause concern as WCUSD schools remain open

Insight Instagram
Dog pound Insider
Sports
“I really want to go to a D1 school… that's my motivation… this year made me realize even in some earlier races… I put in hard work…just going into races, my times are dropping,” said Osorio while she prepared by doing her warm-up routine before her race at the CIF state championship race in Woodward Park, Fresno.
Becky Osorio makes history in the schools cross-country team
Angelina Shepherd, Staff-Writer • December 13, 2024
Senior Monica Flores plays flag football and basketball and picked the number 23 for both jerseys. She has played basketball as the center post whose main responsibility is rebounding, since freshman year. When Flores took her first jersey home, her brother commented that LeBron James and Michael Jordan wore the same number as her. She appreciated the connection and it solidified 23 as her permanent jersey number. Flores hopes to end her last high school basketball season well and offers advice for underclassmen to stay dedicated and passionate about their sport. “If you’re willing to put that in and give your all then enjoy it,” said Flores.
Beyond their jersey numbers
Valeria Aguilar, Staff Writer • December 11, 2024
Cross country: Alexander Escalante Alexander Escalante is a four year cross-country athlete and current varsity runner and team captain. Cross country is one of the only sports that has a team that trains year round, causing many to shy away. For him, cross country isn't just a sport, it's a test of strength, discipline and heart, and has taught him that although the sport is painful, he can work through its difficulties. "Some things I like to look back on are honestly all the races I've had throughout the years and how I've come to grow from them, learn from them. They're really great experiences," said Escalante.
Senior fall athletes leaving a legacy
Maddux Marquez, Staff Writer • November 4, 2024
Galleries
En Español
El estudiante de ultimo año Jacob Nguyen ha sido jugador de béisbol en el equipo universitario desde su primer año. A lo largo de los numerosos juegos, prácticas y recuerdos que ha creado como miembro del equipo de béisbol, también ha aprendido mucho sobre responsabilidad que ha ayudado en su vida como estudiante. "Así que honestamente me ha enseñado a mantenerme al tanto de mi educación, mis deportes y a mantener un equilibrio entre las cosas", dijo Nguyen.
Planes posteriores a la escuela secundaria de los atletas de último año
Giovanna Garcia, Staff Writer • May 1, 2024
Una venta por cierre de toda la tienda 99 Cents hizo que los lugareños corrieran a la tienda y compraran todo lo que pudieran.
El cierre de las tiendas 99 Cents Only obliga a la gente a comprar en otros lugares
Enrique Santos, Staff Writer • April 30, 2024
Alex García, estudiante de último año, comienza una tarea para la clase de español. La tarea debe entregarse en clase tan pronto como ella entre. “Últimamente he tenido dificultades para mantenerme al día con el trabajo, pero creo que he mejorado mucho desde el comienzo del semestre,” dijo García.
Como afecta la senioritis a los estudiantes y cómo pueden ayudar los profesores
Justin Cabrera, Staff Writer • February 29, 2024