The Student News Site of Xavier College Preparatory

XPress
The Student News Site of Xavier College Preparatory

XPress
The Student News Site of Xavier College Preparatory

XPress
The Student News Site of Xavier College Preparatory

XPress
Layla Torres

Layla Torres, XPress Freelancer

Layla Torres is a senior at Xavier and she began writing for the XPress in her sophomore year. She is the vice president of Right to Life Club, president of the WAX Justice Committee, and she is involved in French National Honor Society, French Club, and National Honor Society. Layla loves to travel, learn about other parts of the world, read, dance, and make new friends. This year, she’s very enthusiastic about getting to reach out to a larger Xavier community through the newspaper. Layla is a Best of SNO award-winning writer.

All content by Layla Torres
Two students, seniors Lily Nelles and Sophie Saia, are staged to compare themselves on intelligence levels based on the amount of books they read and on the amount of homework they have. Nelles said, “Personally, I think it’s a good thing to compare yourself to other high-achieving individuals because then you want to be like them; it’s good when it’s a growth mindset. But when it’s a fixed mindset, like ‘I’m never going to be as good as her or as smart,’ then that’s just negative. I learned that from my psych class.”

Stress, competition and perfectionism at Xavier: How can you deal with it?

Layla Torres and Campbell Linaman
October 20, 2022
Two students, seniors Lily Nelles and Sophie Saia, are staged to compare themselves on intelligence levels based on the amount of books they read and on the amount of homework they have. Nelles said, “Personally, I think it’s a good thing to compare yourself to other high-achieving individuals because then you want to be like them; it’s good when it’s a growth mindset. But when it’s a fixed mindset, like ‘I’m never going to be as good as her or as smart,’ then that’s just negative. I learned that from my psych class.”

Being more than a number

Layla Torres, XPress Freelancer and Best of SNO award-winning writer
September 29, 2022
In California’s Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, a board publicly addresses the town’s multicultural diversity and its Spanish roots. The board itself includes elements of Spanglish in its title; instead of saying, “Fiesta de Banderas,” the title says, “Fiesta de Flags.” This little, yet seemingly purposeful error enhances that beauty and culture of the small, warm-feeling-filled town.

What they don’t tell you: The rewarding struggles of being bilingual

Layla Torres, XPress Freelancer and Best of SNO award-winning writer
May 20, 2022
Cutline: Seniors celebrate their last rally and their triumph. The winner of class rallies is determined by loudness, frequency of class colors, class dance and overall sportsmanship.

Senior Funny Moments

Layla Torres, Editor-in-chief
May 5, 2022
XPress Word Search

XPress Word Search

Layla Torres, Editor-in-chief
April 30, 2022
XPress Crossword Puzzle

XPress Crossword Puzzle

Layla Torres, Editor-in-chief
April 18, 2022
Vice president of XERO Club Reyna Silva reflects the club’s love for the environment. In honor of Earth Day this week, XERO Club will have a party to promote awareness and love for Earth.

XERO Club and Earth Day: Standing as Earth’s allies among unprecedented foes

Layla Torres, XPress Freelancer and Best of SNO award-winning writer
April 13, 2022
Ansel Elgort as Tony and Rachel Zegler as Maria in 20th Century Studios’ WEST SIDE STORY, directed by Steven Spielberg. Photo by Niko Tavernise. © 2021 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

“West Side Story” underwhelms audience

Layla Torres, Editor-in-Chief
March 6, 2022
Sister Lynn Winsor is inducted into the Hall of Fame for Athletic Administrators

Sister Lynn Winsor is inducted into the Hall of Fame for Athletic Administrators

Layla Torres, Editor-in-Chief
January 28, 2022
Coach Tui Selvartanam receives stellar recognition from the AIA

Coach Tui Selvartanam receives stellar recognition from the AIA

Layla Torres, Editor-in-Chief
January 28, 2022
Coach Laurie Martin receives AIA acknowledgement

Coach Laurie Martin receives AIA acknowledgement

Layla Torres, Editor-in-Chief
January 28, 2022
Sitting outside during lunch, two Xavier students, Lily Nelles ’23 (top) and Sophie Saia ’23 (bottom) display their favorite social media platforms and their influencers. Saia watches mindfulness and wellness posts to uplift her mentality and Nelles messages her friends, using social media as a way to promote self-wellness.

Part 3 of 3: Being Alice in a social media rabbit hole

Layla Torres, Editor-in-chief
January 28, 2022

Xavier’s 2021 Christmas Pageant

Layla Torres, Editor-in-Chief
December 9, 2021
The Xavier faculty triumphantly dominates the court with their “Pirates of the Caribbean” themed dance. In participating, the faculty not only joined the fun, but allowed the students to get to know them through their enthusiasm and school spirit.

Gators leap into the new school year with fall sports rally

Layla Torres, Editor-in-chief
September 23, 2021
Elayna Pennell and her mother Tiffany Albers ’89 pose by the Bell Tower. During their interview at Xavier, Albers reminisced as she compared the physical structure of Xavier from when she attended to now.

Xavier continues mother-daughter legacy

Layla Torres, Connect Editor
May 11, 2021
Bruce, Ginger and Winston Richter pose in their fashionable scarves.

Xavier Gators love their furry friends

Layla Torres, Connect Editor
March 30, 2021
Junior Allegra Wilga reflects on her success in swimming 100 yards for the Swim for the Light fundraiser at Brophy’s pool on December 6, 2020.

Gators were made to swim for light

Layla Torres, Connect Editor
January 27, 2021
Sister Joan’s dedication and love for Xavier earned her the Phoenix Business Journal’s Most Admired Leaders Award.

A standing ovation in order for Sister Joan

Layla Torres, Staff Writer
December 10, 2020
Near Bidwill Circle, a Xavier student logs in her cans on an online Google survey as evidence that she did participate in the food drive. NHS members worked shifts in the morning to monitor the logging-in of cans.

Xavier holds annual St. Vincent de Paul Canned Food Drive

Layla Torres, Staff Writer
November 23, 2020
Señora Santaella in her classroom, ending the day in a virtual mode. Santaella is thrilled to join the Xavier community this year and to have students back on campus. She prepared to teach online by attending an online program.

New teachers and students crushing start of year with spirit

Layla Torres, Staff Writer
September 29, 2020
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