The Sword

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.

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.