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
Categories:

David Beeken retires, leaving a legacy of teaching

Isabel Benitez and Marianna Ayala • June 7, 2024
Photo credits: Beeken.net

Throughout the 35 years David Beeken has taught at West Covina High School, he has impacted the lives of many students and helped them gain a better understanding of life and the obstacles they may face. He  captured the hearts of his students, becoming one of the most loved and appreciated teachers on campus. His classroom played a big role in who he is and is a time capsule full of memories. 

13
Isabel Benitez
“He’s probably one of the best teachers on our campus and so he’s definitely one of those foundationals that has made Bulldog Country what it is, and so his participation in, his input, all of that is definitely going to be missed by all of us. I know for a fact that those who understand him and those who get him have definitely been impacted in their life, in terms of not just classroom skills, but life skills,” said Social Science Department Chair Phuong Hoang, who also teaches government and economics, and AVID.
1
View Story Comments
Print this Story
More to Discover
More in Features
Suzanna Gutierrez sorts fruits and vegetables that are given out every day throughout lunch. Her goal is to emphasize providing fresh fruits and vegetables on campus every day. “And we’re emphasizing fresh meals, better meals,” said Gutierrez.
Beyond the cafeteria
Lunar New Year decorations outside the gym, showing a snake, 2025’s animal of the year. A significant part about Lunar New Year is the familial reunions and large dinners to celebrate the good fortune that the new year brings. “A huge part of it is celebrating with your family, and being festive with the color red, celebrating how it's a new year and this year is actually the year of the snake,” said junior Allison Luo.
Celebrating Lunar New Year
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
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
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
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
More in Galleries
Valentine's Day on campus
Anthony Daher shared that high school taught him how to stay positive and open-minded through difficult times. “There was a lot of negativity surrounding me, and it was definitely the people I hung out with, but just knowing that negativity could help like, push me in the right direction filled me with motivation to keep pushing, regardless of whatever happened,” said Daher. This mindset taught him to be more open with others and to stay away from negativity. For Daher his two friends, seniors Matthew Jimenez and Steven Julio also helped to shape him into who he is today. “They set a standard for me, and being alongside them for a good amount of time in my life has set a point in my life to where I have to meet and I want to meet,” said Daher.
The end of an era
A look into senior’s school bags
A look into senior’s school bags
Walking in a Winter Wonderland of school spirit
After having her business for seven months, Duarte’s main struggle is maintaining a healthy balance between the time she spends working on her school work and her business. To ease these struggles, Duarte maintains an organized schedule by managing her time wisely. “I am really organized with making my weekly schedule to make sure I don’t forget anything,” said Duarte.
Turning passion into profit
Senior Mya Salama’s fall outfit consists of a Forever 21 tank top, a thrifted flannel and white sneakers. Salama draws inspiration from streetwear with a seasonal touch by combining baggy jeans with a brown flannel and takes a relaxed approach to putting together her outfits. Salama’s two favorite stores to shop at to achieve her easy going style are Tilly’s and PacSun. “My favorite stores I feel like Tilly’s maybe… PacSun, Tilly’s and yeah I think that's it,” said Salama.
With changing leaves come changing outfits