Ellie Chiles spent four years with The Zephyr, and six years in TUSD journalism programs. Her senior year was her fifth year as an editor-in-chief, doing a year at Monte Vista Middle School and starting as Editor-in-Chief her...

Alejandra Bastardo is a freshman and the Copy Editor for The Zephyr. She is also the former Editor-in-Chief of the Pony Express. This is her second year in journalism, but outside of her studies she has a busy life. She was bor...

Jaelyn Randolph is a sophomore born in Tracy, California.  Her hobbies include swimming and baking. In the future, Jaelyn plans on going to a college at UC Irvine so she can get her Business and Marketing Degree. Later, wantin...

Joshua Epperson is in 9th grade, born in Stanford, he is one of the Journalism staff at Merrill F. West High. He decided to be a journalist because not only does he have the experience, but he also wants to improve his skills...

T’Aijah is a sophomore at West High. She was born in Hayward, California. She is part of journalism because she enjoys writing and photography. T'Aijah participates in volleyball and softball. As the Features Editor, she over...

Daneya Cruda is a sophomore born in Walnut Creek, CA. Her favorite color is pink. Her favorite song is Nothing by Bruno Major. Her experience at West High so far is really good and she's made lots of new friends. She joined journalism...

Mia Batres is currently a sophomore and a cheerleader at West High School. She was raised in Tracy. She plans to do cheer all 4 years and become a Sport media manager after graduating. On her free time she is a Junior coach for...

Miguel Carrillo is a senior and entering his second year in Journalism. He was born in Castro Valley, California. His favorite color is red and his favorite holiday is Christmas. Miguel listens to hip hop and rap. He enjoys video...

Janessa Hallman is a West high sophomore born and raised in Tracy, California. She is the youngest child of three, Jazzy her 18-year-old sister and Jada the 22-year-old sister. Her favorite class here at West is Journalism because...

Hazel McCurdy is currently a sophomore at West. She formerly was an editor during middle school and was responsible for the production of the newspaper. She loves reading, being with friends, and playing sports. She is dedicated...

Carlos Landis is a senior in high school and was born in Philadelphia and grew up here in Tracy. He enjoys going to the gym, on the track and field team and is a pole vaulter. He plans to go to UCLA and major in finance and get...

Lara Saban is a junior and this will be her first year in journalism. She’s looking forward to growing her writing skills and learning more about photography. There are many things she’s excited about this school year, including...

Kevin Uolla is in his first year of journalism and his last year of high school. He enjoys going outside, playing soccer, and enjoys riding quads. What he looks forward to in journalism is to have a good time and meet new people....

Ralph Perez is currently a senior at West High. He enjoys writing, reading, and cooking meals. He moved to Tracy in 2023, and he is eager to learn and explore more about Tracy and its people, places and more. Aside from Journalis...

Josue Magana is a student journalist hailing from Monte Vista Middle School’s Pony Express. He is focused on his writing capabilities and getting correct information. This is his second year in the field, having started in 8th grade. Ot...

Ryland Julio is currently a freshman who was born in San Jose, California. He is currently in his first year of playing football at West High School. He enjoys riding bikes as well as collecting shoes and his favorite type of...

Vicente Hernandez is a senior at West High. He enjoys playing football and is on the West High football team. This is his first year in journalism. His favorite color is red, and he was born in Tracy, California. Summer and winter...

Atena Hashimi is a freshman at West High, born in Afghanistan. In her free time, she likes to sleep, draw, and eat pizza. Her favorite color is blue. It’s Atena’s first year in journalism, and she’s interested in writing...

Jovani Garcia is in his first year of journalism and his last year of high school. He likes communicating with others and getting to know other people because he finds some people interesting. What he hopes to achieve this year...

Yashvi Bains a ninth grader born in India. She excels at writing and joined journalism because her mom made her, and her only friend is there. She loves playing Roblox and Call of Duty--especially Modern Warfare II. She lives...

Ms. Alana Eheler has advised Journalism at West High for seventeen years. She is most proud of the improvements to the program in the production of print copy as well as earning American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA) awards...