THE PULSE | SUMMER 2026 ISSUE
Dear Readers,
As I near the end of my time at Harvey, I’ve been reflecting on the many opportunities I’ve been afforded in these hallowed halls. Over four years, I can say I’ve grown into a wellrounded student I’ve performed on stage, delivered speeches before large audiences, and even competed on the tennis court. And while I’ve come to value all of these experiences, why I am so grateful for Harvey is because here, I’ve discovered my cardinal passion of journalism
My journey with reporting began in Ms. Holmes’s 10th grade honors English class, where she delivered the shameless plug of recommending my peers join her newspaper production elective Realizing I needed to change my elective, combined with the hope of gaining some brownie points with Ms. Holmes, I swapped into Newspaper, eager to start writing.
What came next were three days of instruction, as Ms Holmes introduced journalism fundamentals like article structure and Associated Press (AP) style. In retrospect, I am grateful for this foundation being established for every budding reporter in the class, especially because of Ms Holmes’s emphasis on media ethics before writing.
Ms. Holmes also introduced me to films which helped me solidify my compass as a journalist Her recommendations to watch “All The President’s Men” and “Spotlight” gave me heroes to look up to like Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein, and Mike Rezendes.
LOGAN’S
LETTER
By Logan Kreisberg
All the knowledge Ms. Holmes distilled in me makes me think about how I craft every word in every article I write This duty has been important to me when covering hardhitting news like the Los Angeles wildfires and post-Oct. 7 college campus demonstrations.
But even with articles where it is appropriate to inject my own opinion, I have been conscious about the impact of the way I crafted my argument. For one of my first Pulse articles, I wrote an editorial on why participants in Harvey’s fall production deserve a sports credit In this case, my writing resulted in positive reform Still, I knew that if I relied too much on personal frustration or one-sided evidence, it could reinforce bias rather than giving way to meaningful dialogue.
After two years of writing for The Pulse, I decided to further my journalism education by attending a summer program at Northwestern University At first, I felt a creeping sense of imposter syndrome. However, after peer review and instructor feedback, I realized the foundation that Ms Holmes instilled in me set me up for success
I worked under the constant pressure of deadlines – drafting leads, refining nut grafs, and editing peers’ stories amid the hum of late-night typing and empty pizza boxes These four weeks were exhausting, but there was nowhere else I’d have rather been
Editor-in-Cheif Logan Kreisberg posing with his Wildcat pride at the Senior Breakfast
Credits: Logan Kreisberg
THE PULSE | SUMMER 2026 ISSUE LOGAN’S LETTER
By Logan Kreisberg
Next year, I will be returning to the Medill School at Northwestern University to pursue my Bachelor of Science in Journalism I truly feel my education at Harvey, especially Newspaper Production, has given me the resources to thrive And before my next chapter in Illinois, I will be interning at The Recorder this summer, a role I could not have secured without The Pulse.
I want to express my immense gratitude for Ms Holmes’s mentorship In the past three years, she has unconditionally supported and guided me as a budding journalist. She has challenged me to think more critically, take on difficult stories, and approach every article with responsibility And on a personal note, the integrity and dedication she carries every day are qualities I strive to embody myself.
Ms Falcon has also been instrumental in developing my interest in journalism By supporting my specialization in Press Corps within Model United Nations, she provided me with opportunities to apply journalistic skills in high-stakes, realworld contexts.
I also need to thank two role models who served as editor-in-chief before I stepped into their shoes. Annissa Khanna ’24 and Benji Cutler ’25 were both incredibly helpful in learning the ropes of editing and layout design, as well as how to balance being firm but approachable in the newsroom
I want to acknowledge The Pulse’s current incredible staff. I am constantly impressed with this group’s talent, and I know I am leaving the publication in great hands
Finally, thank you to the Harvey community for supporting our role in upholding the Fourth Estate. On behalf of The Pulse team, we are deeply grateful for your willingness to serve as sources, engage with our reporting, share your stories, and, of course, read our work.
I cannot thank The Pulse enough for shaping me as a critical thinker and writer I hope more students take advantage of this amazing program that empowers them to tell meaningful, responsible stories.
All the best, Logan Kreisberg
Editor-in-Chief
HARVEY’S GRAND GATSBY PARTY! Harvey News
THE PULSE | SUMMER 2026 ISSUE
By Ana Failla
With juniors studying “The Great Gatsby” by F Scott Fitzgerald, Harvey hosted its very own Gatsby soirée to celebrate! Organized by Mr Kiessling with help from many other teachers, students enjoyed a fun-filled double-lunch slot Thursday, April 30 The gym was transformed into a scene from the Roaring ‘20s, giving students a fun way to immerse themselves in their studies
With mock-tails served in fun glasses, finger sandwiches, and lawn games, there was much for juniors to do on Gatsby Day English teacher Mr Keller divided the grade up into East and West Egg teams to compete in games of croquet and bowling, which are traditional 1920s activities In the end, East Egg prevailed!
The 11th grade English teachers, Mr. Kiessling, Ms. Taylor, Mr. Zazzarino, and Mr. Keller, worked together to deck out the gym with vibrant decorations that resembled one similarly described at Gatsby’s house. Mrs. Kiamie and her after-school art program also helped with festooning the gym. Teachers and students alike dressed to the nines in suits, dresses, and top hats to reflect the time period.
Mr. Norman even came to teach the class how to do the “Charleston Step ” The room lit up with laughter and smiles as the grade fumbled with their feet trying to nail the steps
With so many exciting activities, the junior class truly enjoyed their experience, as it gave them a way to connect what they were doing in English class Gatsby Day let juniors and teachers creativity shine through fun dress, activities, and a lunch filled with ‘20s roll play
In an interview with Mr Kiessling, The Pulse learned all about the process behind the Gatsby Day experience Mr Kiessling shared that some time ago, a couple of his juniors asked him if they could have a Gatsby dress up day, and this idea sparked Mr Kiessling’s idea for a fun experience Now, years later, this concept came to life!
Mr Kiessling said that this event allowed the junior class to “inhabit the world of the characters ” In his class, he tries to draw attention to the use of geographical symbolism and the characters that live there, something that was truly reflected during Gatsby Day
Anyone who attended the event noticed Mr Kiessling’s snazzy pink suit, a nod to Gatsby’s attire in the book He said his favorite part of the whole event was everyone's costumes and attention to detail.
Mr. Keissling would like to acknowledge all the teachers, faculty, and students who helped him bring this idea to life: Ms. Taylor, Mr. Zazzarino, Mr. Keller, Mrs. Kiamie, Mr. Norman, Mr. Alexander, and Ms. Nokes. Seniors Delilah, Tory, and Piotr were a huge help.
Personally, I have truly enjoyed reading “The Great Gatsby.” It has been something I have looked forward to since my freshman year. I have always seen and heard stories of juniors reading and loving the book It is now finally my chance to experience it, and this event was wonderful
For me, it was a fun way to further my engagement with the text and get a better understanding of how social dynamics worked during the Roaring ‘20s
Credits: Harvey Communications
An event filled with fun games, good food, and vibrant costumes, Gatsby Day was a huge hit The Pulse looks forward to seeing the tradition continue on!
Editor-in-Chief : Logan Kreisberg
Junior Editor and Layout: Ana Failla
Writers: Dylan Coughlin
Summer Jarbath
Aiden Tarpey
Lexi Vaughan-Johnson
Faculty Advisor: Ms. Holmes
Special Thanks: Mr. Del Campo
Gatsby Girls!
Harvey News
THE PULSE | SUMMER 2026 ISSUE
HARVEY MEETS HOGWARTS
By Summer Jarbath
Watch out and be on the lookout, because Ms. Holmes is bringing wizarding magic to Harvey next spring with her new elective, Harvey Meets Hogwarts! As a die-hard fan myself (especially of Draco Malfoy), I am both incredibly excited for future students and deeply jealous that I’ll be graduating before I get the chance to take it.
Though Ms. Holmes did not grow up reading the series, her daughter, Juliet's, recent love for the books inspired the two to begin the journey together Since then, the mother-daughter duo has become completely captivated by the wizarding world, connecting deeply with characters like Hermione, Ron, and even Snape through themes of self-acceptance, courage, and loyalty
In fact, their shared love for the series has become such a meaningful part of their relationship that they even spent Mother’s Day and Juliet’s birthday together exploring the Harry Potter store in Manhattan If that doesn’t convince you of the power of the wizarding world, then read on to discover the inner-child creativity and sense of wonder awaiting students in Harvey Meets Hogwarts!
More than just a class about Harry Potter, Ms Holmes hopes to transform her classroom into an immersive experience inspired by the works of J K Rowling Students who join the elective can expect house sorting, wand pairings, a point system, magical creatures and pets, visiting professors, and discussions of the novels themselves
With the highly anticipated new “Harry Potter” television series arriving on HBO Max later this year, there could not be a more perfect time for “Harvey Meets Hogwarts” to make its debut. The 2026 adaptation of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” is expected to bring eight episodes filled with dramatic wand duels, “levi-osa” spells, and intense broom-soaring Quidditch matches to a whole new generation of fans. As the wizarding world once again captures audiences everywhere, Harvey students will have the chance to step directly into that same sense of imagination right inside Ms Holmes’s classroom
Having taken the newspaper elective during the final term of my senior year (because how else would I be writing this?), I can confidently state that Ms Holmes has given me a space to unlock my voice without the constant pressure of hyperanalytical essays
Recently, in our newspaper class, the topic of sorting houses came up, and both Ms Holmes and I revealed that we had been sorted into Slytherin For the longest time, I was embarrassed by that result, to the point where I would lie and say I was a Gryffindor instead
I associated Slytherin with being manipulative and inherently bad because so many of the series’ darker characters come from that house But Ms Holmes completely shifted my perspective She helped me recognize the ambition, determination, and leadership that also define Slytherins, which are qualities that can be so helpful to not only myself but also others (if used properly!).
If Ms. Holmes could help me rethink an insecurity I carried around for years in the span of just ONE class period, imagine what future students who take Harvey Meets Hogwarts will discover about themselves along the way! The stories are more than just an escape.
J.K. Rowling’s seven novels have connected with readers across generations because they capture what it feels like to grow up, search for belonging, and figure out who you are. To get the inside scoop on the new elective, I interviewed Ms. Holmes with some burning questions that future Harvey Meets Hogwarts students are probably dying to know.
She says, “I think this could make us all a little happier It's wonderful to connect with things from our childhood So, I can’t wait I'm going to wear a robe every day!”
So keep your eyes peeled for the elective spring course sign up sheet! Because while we may not have a real Platform 9 3 4 at Harvey, Ms Holmes is preparing to offer some fantastically fun fantasy!
Credits: Summer Jarbath
Summer with her family at Harry Potter exhibition
Reports
THE PULSE | SUMMER 2026 ISSUE
A WORLD WITHOUT SPIRIT
The skies have lost their spirit as of May 2, 2026. After years of growing financial pressures plaguing the company, the airline, which has been in business under the name Spirit since 1992, has finally ceased operations
Spirit Airlines has been a cost-effective option for travel for many Americans, offering cheap flights to consumers The airline is even categorized as a ULCC or ultra-low-cost carrier according to Routesonline.com. In this same vein, the amenities on these flights have been mediocre at best Spirit flights lacked the amenities that other major airlines provide, like a free food and beverage service, inflight entertainment, and adequate leg room
Along with these services being lackluster, in 2016, Spirit was recognized as the Worst Airline in America by the American Customer Satisfaction Index based on information from Going com According to YouGov survey data, 27% of Americans said that traveling with Spirit Airlines was a worse experience than traveling with other airlines, while only 7% said it was better
Spirit has also been facing major financial issues, filing for bankruptcy twice in the past two years, as reported by CNN The airline faced financial difficulties as a result of the 2020 pandemic and again in 2026 with America's War on Iran. Oil prices have increased, making the cost of jet fuel more expensive and stretching airlines' budgets thin
By Dylan Coughlin
As reported by NBC News, in April 2026, Spirit Airlines approached the White House, seeking a $500 million federal bailout for its financial issues; the White House declined, initiating the official end of the airline, but Spirit CEO Dave Davis said he understood this decision, stating, “from the government’s perspective, we oftentimes don’t have half a billion dollars laying around in a spare account that we can put into the bailout of an airline.”
This closure could also lead to a shift in ticket pricing for other airlines, as Spirit set a low price standard for more expensive airlines to compete with, but with the loss of the affordable airline, who will these bigger businesses compete with? The answer to this question is currently unknown, but consumers may see ticket pricing increases in the next few months, which, coupled with the war on Iran, may create problems for travelers throughout the country and the world.
Now that the company is out of business, what will happen to the planes, paid tickets, and people's jobs? The planes are currently decommissioned, and according to the Austin AmericanStatesman, they now sit in the Arizona desert, awaiting a decision to determine their fate
After the airline shut down, they issued a statement: “To all our guests: all flights have been cancelled, and customer service is no longer available ” This worried travelers who had booked flights, but NBC News reports that those travelers have had their tickets refunded.
The downside to this is that some flights were refunded while travelers were away, leaving them without a return flight home. Additionally, guests with planned trips had to scramble to find new flights to their destinations.
The loss of jobs is arguably the worst loss of this whole ordeal CNN states that 17,000 people had lost their jobs due to the closure, and 14,000 of them were direct employees. This devastating event has shifted the lives of thousands who relied on their jobs at Spirit and posed issues for finding new jobs, as airlines often use seniority to determine who works in each position.
Due to this unfair system, highranking pilots from Spirit will not be able to acquire the same job with another airline The factor of seniority eliminates years of work that pilots and flight staff invested in Spirit to acquire their jobs.
Spirit Airlines planes sitting vacant on the tarmac
Photo Credits: Money Digest
Reports
THE PULSE | SUMMER 2026 ISSUE
MAMMOTHS: BACK FROM THE
PAST?
Woolly mammoths have been fully extinct for approximately 4,000 years according to the Natural History Museum, but scientists at Colossal Laboratories & Sciences have recently been trying to bring them back to life This is not the first time these scientists have attempted to revive extinct species, with their last success being the return of the dire wolves
The woolly mammoth is around 10 feet tall, with an average weight of six tons and lifespan of 70 years They were herbivores that used their long tusks to dig up the ground to look for food, and they had multiple layers of thick fur to keep them warm
Colossal states that in order to create a woolly mammoth, its scientists have to first to locate DNA samples of the mammoth, and then they have to sequence it to confirm that the sample is consistently accurate. After that, the scientists acquire samples from Asian elephants, the closest living relatives to the woolly mammoth, and they use it to fill any gaps in the mammoth DNA sample. Sequencing technology is then used to verify the changes made to the mammoth’s DNA before being implanted into the egg of an Asian elephant, which is inserted into either an Asian or African elephant surrogate mother so that the mammoth can be born
By Aiden Tarpey
Revive & Restore, a wildlife conservation organization, states, “Colossal, a bioscience and genetics company co-founded by worldrenowned geneticist George Church, Ph D , and technology entrepreneur Ben Lamm, is focused on rapidly advancing the field of species deextinction Using CRISPR and other genome editing technologies Colossal will pioneer a practical, working model of de-extinction to apply to the Woolly Mammoth and other species.”
When questioned about the ethics of the project, Harvard University geneticist George Church said, “Some people think it's a bad idea because there will be only one lonely coldadapted elephant That's not our intention it's to have them fully socialized in large herds. Some people think it's a bad idea because it takes money away from conservation efforts, when in fact we're injecting money into conservation efforts "
The resurrection of woolly mammoths could potentially help combat climate change, specifically in areas like the tundra The elephants would act as grazers, digging up the layers of snow in search of food, allowing the grass to grow and absorb nutrients and help combat global warming
According to Revive & Restore, “The introduction of grazers to tundra generates a nutrient cycle that allows grasses to out-compete the tundra flora, converting the ecosystem in a manner that then favors the persistence of grazers and grasses Not only do arctic grasslands support higher biodiversity and abundance, but there is also building evidence that the grazing, compaction, and disturbance effects of these larger herbivores enable the deeper freezing of the permafrost during the winter months The grasses then insulate the permafrost from melting during the summer months – further preventing the release of greenhouse gases ”
Another benefit of bringing mammoths back is the biodiversity and vitality they bring to their ecosystems Scientists at Colossal state the preservation of the mammoths “is vital because elephants are considered a keystone species This designation signifies that elephants are prime contributors to maintaining the vitality and biodiversity of the ecosystems in which they inhabit ”
Many people oppose this project, claiming that Colossal is just saying scientific words with no real meaning. Adam Rutherford, a geneticist who spoke to The Guardian, said, “‘The woolly mammoth is a vital defender of the earth,’ it claims on its website, despite the fact that mammoths are extinct and therefore – I feel this shouldn’t really need saying – have literally no role in defending the Earth. Colossal states that packs of mammoths were a crucial part of tundra ecosystem management in their heyday tens of thousands of years ago – that much is true – and that bringing them back might be a useful tool in the fight against global warming. It is a ridiculous suggestion for tackling the climate crisis – and more than that, it is scientific folly ”
The woolly mammoth has been extinct for a very long time, but with genome editing and DNA sequencing technology, they could be brought back, or, at the very least, this research could introduce a close relative of a real mammoth
Model of a Woolly Mammoth in France
Photo Credits: Jean-Marc Zaorski / CNN
Reports
THE PULSE | SUMMER 2026 ISSUE
Pixar Animation Studios, founded on Feb 3, 1986 by Steve Jobs, has grown into a beloved household name. Since their first release, “Toy Story” in 1995, Pixar has been changing the world of animation with original movies that capture the hearts of audiences. However, in recent years, they have strayed away from their initial avoidance of sequels, and now it seems like that is all Pixar is producing.
“Toy Story” was Pixar’s breakout film, and for a while, it was the exception to Pixar’s rule against sequels In fact, according to Movieweb, the first 10 releases of Pixar only had one sequel, “Toy Story 2,” but of the next 10 releases, six were sequels But, even after, they went back to mainly original content; however, films like “Onward,” “Luca,” and “Turning Red” did not perform well at the box office Now, even 30 years later, Pixar is planning to release more sequels up to “Toy Story 7 ”
According to Variety, Disney often released Pixar’s new releases exclusively on Disney+ We’ll never know if “Luca” or “Soul” could have been box office hits, because they were never actually shown in theatres COVID-19 is also a reason for these movies being streamed online and could be a reason for their poor performance
Looking back at the last five releases of Pixar, it becomes clear that Pixar has experienced a major decline From 2022 to 2026, Pixar released “Lightyear,” “Elemental,” “Inside Out 2,” “Elio,” and “Hoppers ” Two of the releases are based on prior Pixar films, “Lightyear” being a spin-off and “Inside Out 2” being a sequel Also, in the U S and Canadian box offices, “Elemental” and “Elio” did not meet their films' budgets.
PIXAR’S DECLINE
By Lexi Vaughan - Johnson
“Lightyear” scored a 6 1/10, according to IMDb, and one critic stated that “the film couldn't decide what it wanted to be It took itself too seriously and had too many convoluted concepts ” “Lightyear” is meant to be a movie Andy had watched and what created the Buzz Lightyear action figure, yet some critics state “the Toy Story association is totally forced ” “Lightyear” seems to lack the depth and emotional value that classic Pixar films like “Up” thrive on
“Elio” is an original Pixar film released in 2025, and it scored a 6 6/10 on IMDb One critic stated, “it felt highly rushed” and “lacked complexity.” This claim is repeated by other users, as well, stating that the film was good, but the overall storytelling felt like it was missing pieces Critics even claim that “Elio” felt like a repackaged, watered-down version of previous Pixar films such as “Wall-E” and “Finding Nemo ”
“Inside Out 2” received a 7 5/10 on IMDb, but the overall reviews were very mixed Some users claimed that it was one of the best sequels since “Toy Story 3,” while others felt that it lacked certain aspects and was greatly inferior to the original “Inside Out 2” just experienced the same issues that all Pixar sequels seem to face
In all, Pixar is one of the most world-renowned and profitable animation companies in history, so why are they struggling with making movies that are interesting, well-thought-out, and fun? Audiences often feel that they have to celebrate mediocrity just because it is an original film, and that could be a major indicator of Pixar’s current decline
Movie poster for “Toy Story 5”
Photo Credits: Pixar com
Reports
THE PULSE | SUMMER 2026 ISSUE
A PULSE GUIDE TO COLLEGE VISITS
For students preparing to go to college, college visits can feel a bit overwhelming or intimidating. But exploring colleges is the best way to know what you want in a school and how you want your education and experience to be. So, here is a quick guide outlining how you can make the most out of your college tour
The first step is actually scheduling the appointment Going during the school year allows you to get a good feel of the student life and experience, and visiting in the summer months will definitely give you a decent feel of the campus and classroom However, in the summer, it will probably feel very empty and not be a good reflection of the student body
Of course, when most students think of college, they focus on their academics and what they hope to study in university. Your major and minors will be a huge focus of your college experience, and even if you are not sure what to study, it is still important to consider them during your visits Many students will go into college undecided, so ask questions to those who have now chosen their major while in college and know what they would like to do
However, when visiting any college, academics are not the only aspect to focus on, because it is important to truly imagine yourself living and learning at that university. Note the types of people, how the students act on campus, the dining hall food, and the environment It is crucial to take notes and pictures of all the different aspects, as they will be part of your daily life
By Lexi Vaughan - Johnson
It is impossible to cover the entire college in a single tour, and sometimes what you want to be covered will be missed So, do not be afraid to ask the tour guide or even college students on campus questions, because they are there to help! Ask about different majors and minors, languages, electives, sports, food, dorms, and anything that would help you imagine yourself at the university
Also, the College Board website has a complete guide to search for colleges as well as visit them. They have a full guide called “Campus Visits: Know Before You Go” and various other related articles to aid students and families planning their tours Something they recommend to do before the tour is to “Explore the college's official website, and review any materials the college has sent you. This will help you come up with questions specific to that college ”
These resources could be helpful to those who truly have no idea where they would like to go, because by taking their quiz, you can find schools within your area that have your major and many other considerations.
The Pulse interviewed Ms Booth, the director of college counseling here at Harvey who has worked for numerous years advising students during their college search. She talked to The Pulse about the difference between visits whether you are a rising junior or senior. She said that for rising juniors, “They have a better sense of what they're actually looking for So as you go to the college, think about, why did I choose this? Why is this currently on my list?” Since juniors have done more work specifically on searching for colleges, they will have a clearer idea of what they want
On the other hand, rising juniors should keep an open mind about all colleges, since most are not sure what they are looking for. Ms. Booth said, “I think a little bit is more of taking in their likes and dislikes.” The only way to absolutely know what college experience you want is to visit all kinds of colleges and take note of what makes them different from each other, as well.
The Pulse also asked Ms. Booth about what questions to ask students on campus or the tour guides She recommended asking, “What made you choose the school, and what other schools were you deciding between?” She also recommended, since most of the tour will only focus on the positives of the university, to ask, “if there's something they would change about their experience,” because that allows you to have a more well-rounded idea of the school.
Any school you visit will give you a greater perspective, so even if you are not sure about the university, explore it anyway!
From left to right: Meaghan Sullivan ’25, Ms Booth, and Benji Cutler '25 Photo Credits: Harvey Communications
Reviews
THE PULSE | SUMMER 2026 ISSUE
LAKESIDE ON LONGRIDGE
Lakeside Diner has been a staple in the city of Stamford since the early 1950s Located on Longridge Road, Lakeside is a charming oldtimeyfeeling diner that provides a traditional but dining experience.
Owned by Jane Agostino since 1987, Lakeside maintains the inviting feeling of a classic diner “taking a step back in time.” Lakeside is a comfort to all Stamford residents that will always stay the same
With no WiFi, Lakeside diner forces patrons to take a moment, take a breath, and enjoy some good food. With a view of a beautiful lake and local wildlife, Lakeside is truly the best place for a Sunday brunch, a late lunch, and everything in between.
If you are looking for a fresh cinnamon sugar donut, Lakeside is the place for you Famous for Red, White, and Blue Pancakes and delicious milkshakes, Lakeside truly has something for everyone.
Ranging from sweet options like French toast, pancakes, and waffles to savory options like omelets and freshly made sandwiches, Lakeside is always a good choice for breakfast In terms of lunch, Lakeside has options ranging from sandwiches, salads, soups, and many more.
Photo Credits: Editor in Chief, Logan Kreisberg
By Ana Failla
Senior at Harvey and Pulse Editorin-Chief Logan Kreisberg is a Lakeside enthusiast! Living in Stamford, it is a weekend tradition for him to have a nice breakfast at the diner
Logan’s go-to breakfast item is a burrito with egg, cheese, and chili (which he says is the “best chili ever”). In terms of lunch, Logan often orders a chicken salad sandwich on rye bread, and if he is feeling “spicy,” he will split the chili cheese fries with his dad
Logan’s favorite Lakeside memory is a lovely birthday breakfast of their “scrumdidilumptious” pancakes, when servers brought out a plate of their iconic donuts with whipped cream, sprinkles and candles accompanied by a happy birthday song! Logan shared how welcoming the atmosphere is, commenting on how sweet and charming the workers are.
Logan has become such a regular, and every time he goes to Lakeside, they give him his favorite iced tea without even having to ask.
Being a Stamford local myself for my whole life, Lakeside has always been a staple My favorite Lakeside memory would have to be going for a late breakfast with my grandparents after my dance recitals Lakeside holds a special place in the hearts of all Stamford locals.
In my recent visit to Lakeside, I ordered the classic Red, White, and Blue pancakes A decadent and fluffy stack topped with banana, strawberry, and blueberries, this breakfast order truly is second to none
One of the aspects of Lakeside I truly enjoy the most is the welcoming aspect of the service. Owner Jane Agostino is always there providing that comforting dinner experience and excellent service
Going on a Sunday morning, it is no surprise that the dinner was absolutely packed Nevertheless, workers at Lakeside never fail to provide the best service possible. Working hard to get out numerous orders of pancakes, French toast, or sandwiches, the Lakeside staff truly has it down to a system
To know Stamford is to know Lakeside It has been such a core place for Stamford residents Not only does it provide for a delicious meal, but it truly becomes a second home for many. Great food is just the surface of Lakeside's wonders; people come for the food but stay for the community.
View from Lakeside
Reviews
THE PULSE | SUMMER 2026 ISSUE
THE CHOCOLATE KINGDOM
Most people know Hershey’s as a chocolate brand, but they do much more than just make chocolate. Hershey’s Chocolate World is one of many different locations at Hersheypark, their chocolate themed amusement park, and it is by far my favorite.
The location of the original Chocolate World building can be found at 101 Chocolate World Way, Hershey, Pennsylvania The area my family stayed at is called The Hershey Lodge, which is a hotel that is only a nine-minute drive from Chocolate World
The Hershey Lodge has many activities of its own, such as golfing, an outdoor pool and indoor water park, and an indoor arcade There were also multiple different spots for food, including room service
Unlike the main theme park that mostly consists of face-paced rides, Hershey’s Chocolate World has less intense attractions that can be enjoyed by all ages. The experiences that I went to were the Hershey’s Chocolate Tour and the Create Your Own Candy Bar station. There are others that I have not seen, like Hershey’s Great Candy Expedition and Hershey’s Unwrapped.
The Hershey’s Chocolate Tour is a free ride where up to six people can go into a kart that is placed on a set track, and they are taken through the chocolate making process It lasts around 30 minutes, where riders can see the Hershey’s, Reese’s, and Hershey’s Kisses mascots on a screen in the front of the kart, explaining what is happening during the ride and why it is used to make chocolate The line to enter the ride has signs explaining the steps needed to produce chocolate and fun facts about chocolate, including the history of the Hershey’s brand
By Aiden Tarpey
While I enjoyed the Chocolate Tour, my alltime favorite experience at Hershey’s Chocolate World is the Create Your Own Candy Bar area, which costs around $30 dollars Before entering, everyone has to put on an apron and hair net and insert their ticket into a machine. After the ticket is scanned, customers choose what kind of bar they want, either milk, white, or dark chocolate
When the type of chocolate is selected, there are six options for fillings, but only three can be chosen per bar, and after they are picked, the entire bar is enrobed in milk chocolate. The options are semi-sweet chocolate chips, premier white chips, sprinkles, chocolate cookie bits, heath toffee bits, butterscotch chips, pretzel bits, and crisp rice The bar I designed was white chocolate, with sprinkles, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and pretzel bits
After making these choices, people pull a lever to send their chocolate bar down multiple conveyor belts so the toppings can be applied, and they can see which one is theirs because there are LED screens below each topping section to show what bar belongs to each person Once the chocolate is complete, the final step is to design a custom wrapper for the bar, and this includes color, pattern, stickers, and even the bar designer’s name.
Hershey’s Chocolate World also has good food outside of just chocolate, with their own Food Hall While they do have many sweet treats, such as milkshakes and special baked goods, there are also savory foods like sandwiches and pizza There are also options for children and vegetarians, as there are different kids meals and soups and salads
Entering Chocolate World is free, but most of the experiences, except for the Chocolate Tour, are paid attractions While the tickets can be individually purchased, there are certain bundles, which give access to different areas depending on the bundle, but they all have free all-day parking, when the usual parking limit is 3 hours.
Hershey’s Chocolate World is only one part of the greater Hersheypark, but it still has many things to see and do I would recommend visiting the area to anybody looking for something to do with family, chocolate fanatics, and anyone that wants to see what the Hershey brand has to offer besides their chocolate.
Entrance to Hershey's Chocolate World
Photo Credits: Elizabeth Tarpey
Reviews
THE PULSE | SUMMER 2026 ISSUE
MET GALA: THE BIGGEST NIGHT IN FASHION
As the summer fashion season approaches, it is important to recall the most important event in fashion: The Met Gala! One of the most exclusive and glamorous nights of the year, The Met Gala is held annually on the first Monday in May at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Celebrities and influential figures frequent this event, but the chair of this gala is the former editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine, Anna Wintour.
This year's theme was “costume art,” inspired by the new exhibit at the Met Museum in New York, which has the same name Celebrities were given the dress code “Fashion is Art ” The theme explores the relationship between creativity and the human body in art history
Prior to the gala, I expected to see archival looks like those from John Galliano for Dior. Bold makeup and outrageous outfits, all incorporating elements of art into the fashion pieces, were expected Some hit the mark, while others missed entirely
Some of the best-dressed of the night were Emma Chamberlain, Hunter Schafer, Gracie Abrams, Sabrina Carpenter, and Anok Yai. These celebrities dressed within a theme and balanced art with style, wearing gorgeous pieces that allude to numerous famous paintings
By Dylan Coughlin
It is impossible to talk about the best dressed without mentioning Emma Chamberlain. This year's gala marks the sixth consecutive gala Emma has attended The famous influencer wore a Mugler gown, which looked like a paint palette with dripping paint. The dress paid homage to Mugler’s butterfly dress from 1997 Though her dress didn’t make references to any specific painting or sculpture, it was a work of art in itself, blending fashion with artistry.
Hunter Schafer was dressed in a Prada gown with a long train and a bow in her hair that matched the pattern on her dress. Schafer is a model and actress, featured in the show “Euphoria,” which premiered its third season this April The look was inspired by Klimt's Mäda Primavesi, incorporating youthful and playful elements into an elegant whiteand-floral-patterned gown Schafer was a perfect choice for this dress, exuding the same energy carried by the girl in the painting.
Another Klimt-inspired gown was the one worn by Gracie Abrams. The singersongwriter arrived in a golden, bejeweled Chanel gown, which referenced Klimt’s Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I The dress featured an off-the-shoulder neckline with a halter strap behind the neck. This dress not only referenced an important piece of art history, but it also transformed the painting into a piece of fashion history.
Sabrina Carpenter arrived in a Dior dress, drenched in film reels from the 1954 classic “Sabrina,” starring Audrey Hepburn. The gown was on theme with the singer’s over-the-top, campy aesthetic and paid homage to old Hollywood The look had a glitzy headpiece drawing inspiration from the 1920s and a bow on the waist made of film reels This look tied the art of film with fashion and brought this combination to the red carpet of fashion’s most important night.
Another celebrity that can be noted as one of the best dressed of the evening was Anok Yai. Anok Yai was last year’s model of the year, featured on runways across the globe Yai arrived at the 2026 Met Gala looking like a shiny, bronzed statue hidden under a modest hood. According to Vogue, Yai collaborated with Balenciaga to construct a dress that sends a message. They decided to go with the “Black Madonna,” a look that is meant to evoke hope in the hearts of people watching at home.
CONT. ON PAGE 12
Emma Chamberlain left, Hunter Schafer right
Photo Credits: RCFA and Vogue
THE PULSE | SUMMER 2026 ISSUE
A WORLD WITHOUT SPIRIT CONT.
MET GALA: THE BIGGEST NIGHT IN FASHION
CONT. FROM PAGE 11
Some “honorable mentions” who arrived in theme include Sabine Getty, Isha Ambani, and Kylie Jenner These women had art-inspired gowns that were fashionable but slightly more understated than the others mentioned above
These celebrities not only hit the theme perfectly but also provided viewers with what they wanted to see Ever since the 2018 Met Gala, themed “Heavenly Bodies,” the societal expectations for Met Gala attendees have risen. The Met Gala was forever changed that year when celebrities arrived in their most outlandish garb, shocking the fashion world and the viewers of the event.
The Met Gala gets increasingly more extravagant each year This year’s gala brought a new vibe to the fashion world, and it’s unpredictable what next year’s gala has in store
FROM PAGE 5
One positive effect of the situation is that people have been brought together from the closure, helping others at a time that is most necessary The Guardian reports that Spirit Airlines pilot Jon Jackson was supposed to have his final flight with the company before retirement, but due to the closure happening on May 2, this flight was canceled When Jackson was on his flight home to Baltimore as a passenger on Southwest Airlines, his son mentioned his job loss to the flight crew, and they put on a special celebration for Jackson
The flight crew worked to give Jackson a sendoff even though he had never flown for Southwest Airlines Upon landing, Jackson gave a statement to the flight staff: “Very overwhelming, I can’t thank you all enough As Spirit goes down, this is a sad day, and you guys made it incredible, so thank you so much ” Jon Jackson's experience on Southwest Airlines stands as a testimony of how people provide for others when times get tough