Inklings February 2023 Issue

CONT ENTS

Staples High School, 70 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880

News

4 Lighthouse

A new teen LGBTQ supportgroup, the Lighthouse, has opened a location in Westport.

5 New AP Psych Course

Staples seniors will be offered the chance to take AP Psychology next year.

Opinions Arts

6 Underage Drinking

Audrey Kercher ’23 addresses the higher than state average percentage of underage drinking at Staples, according to recent survey results.

7 Milk Stigma

Sage Cohen ’25 diminishes the stigmas behind cows’ milk.

Features

9 Herbivore Heaven

Students Oppose Slaughter club, Chef Benjamen Leahey and the rest of the Staples cafeteria staff collaborate to include more plant-based options.

10-11 Black-Latino Course

Schager's African American, Black, Latino and Puerto Rican Studies courseintegrates diverse history into the curriculum.

Inklings Staff

Editors-In-Chief

Lucy Dockter, Julia Herlyn Creative Directors

Maya Hruskar, Lily Klau, Lilly Weisz

Paper Managing Editors

Mishael Gill, Ella Shi Web Managing Editors

Hannah Conn, Toby Goldfarb Associate Managing Editors

Kiswa Khan, Phoebe Miller Business Directors

Meg Enquist, Allie Gillman, Mia Kirkorsky

Photography Director

Camille Vynerib

Asst. Creative Director

Shivali Kanthan

Public Relations Director

Emily Goldstein

Social Media Manager

Alix Glickman

Audience Engagement Manager

Margot Richlin

Broadcast Directors

Anna Diorio, Abby Nevin

Executive TV Show Producers

Zach Brody, Finnegan Courtney

Asst. Business Managers

Indie Ahl, Julia Leitner, Michael Pontoriero

13 'Twelfth Night'

Staples Players begin their production of 'Twelfth Night.'

14 Orphenians in Hawaii

Orpheniansand choir teacher Luke Rosenberg raisemoney to attend a Hawaii choral festival.

Sports

16 Skating Sam

Sam Paris ’23 travels to Neuchâtel, Switzerland with her synchronized skating team.

17 Boys' Basketball

With their new coach, David Goldshore, the boys' basketball team is on its way to securing a spot in the FCIACs.

More About Us

Breaking News Editor Audrey Kercher News Editors

Genevieve Frucht, Paige Miller, Mia Bomback, Henry Watson Opinions Editors

Addison Coughlin, Ava Coyle, Ava Cordella, Katherine Phelps Features Editors

Caitlin Jacob, Lily Hultgren, Nina Bowens, Paige Tighe Arts Editors

Ava Chun, Talia Varsano, Alexandra Gaines, Ruby Kantor Sports Editors

Gabi Gerig, Madison Mayr, Demi Sasson, Matthew Stashower Web News Editors

Jolie Gefen, Rachel Olefson Web Opinions Editors

Siena Petrosinelli, Aidan Sprouls Web Features Editors

Audrey Curtis, Samantha Sandrew Web Arts Editors

Liora Perkins, Matthew Saw Web Sports Editors

Talia Moskowitz, William Murray Web Photostory Editors

Karlie Saed Advisors

Joseph DelGobbo, Mary Elizabeth Fulco

Inklings News is uncensored, unedited by administration, and does not allow for prior review.

Opinions

The Editorial Board determines editorial opinions that are authored by the Editors-in-Chief. Inklings News serves as an open forum for the public and welcomes letters to the editor and other submissions. Send signed letters to inklingsnews@westportps.org. Submissions will not be edited prior to publication.

Advertisements

Inklings News reserves the right to not publish advertisements that promote products that could be harmful to student health.

Membership

Inklings News is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association and supports the Student Press Law Center.

................................................................

The decisions of Inklings News and Westport Public Schools are made without regard to race, color, age, sex,religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or any other discriminating basis prohibited by local, state or federal law.

@inklingsnews

Cover photos by Lindsay Little & Maya Hruskar '23

Academic pressure warrants adjustments to PowerSchool

Ateacher stands at the front of the room, discussing the importance of foreign policy on economic productivity—yet their students seem to be entranced by their computers. e students are busy refreshing PowerSchool, desperate for their latest test or project to be graded, tuning out a crucial lesson. e teacher is frustrated since they cannot sustain their students’ attention, all the while their students agonize over their grades being .01% away from an A-.

On Jan. 26, at the Collaborative Team meeting—which is composed of department representatives, administrators and Student Assembly representatives—the math department raised the possibility of having “blackout” times on PowerSchool as well as displaying grades either without decimal points or as letters without visible percentages.

Blackouts:

During these “blackout” periods, which would last for an unspecified period of time, students would be unable to view their grades on PowerSchool while teachers update and/or adjust grades. ese blackout periods would provide teachers with time to in-

put grades before the end of the quarter without receiving an influx of emails from students regarding dissatisfaction with their grades as well as prevent students from checking their grades during class.

e Editorial Board believes that these blackout periods on PowerSchool would have a damaging impact.

By preventing students from seeing their grades, they may not be cognizant of missing assignments until it is too late. ese blackout periods would simply prolong student panic; students would face no less pressure from parents and peers and there may be even more comparison between students’ grades, exacerbating Staples’ competitive academic environment. Additionally, these blackout periods may also disrupt student-teacher conferences regarding students’

Inklinations

What reform do you think Staples needs to make to the grading process?

work and subsequent scores.

e Editorial Board voted 17-9 in favor of this opinion.

Removing decimals:

However, the Editorial Board does believe that removing the display of decimal points would benefit students’ mental health.

At the Collaborative Team meeting, the Student Assembly objected to getting rid of decimals, claiming that the decimal points are “motivating.” We believe this objection was premature and unrepresentative of all students’ opinions, mostly because the Student Assembly representatives are not elected by the student body.

When students are able to see decimal points, they are more inclined to hyper-fixate on increasing their grades.

For example, a member of the Editorial Board reported that when they saw a 89.45% (B+) in a course, they requested that their teacher raise their grade by 0.05% to get an A-. is request is frustrating for teachers because by accepting the request, it becomes difficult to be fair to all students. Additionally, accepting this request may create an environment that prioritizes students’ GPAs instead of their actual learning or understanding of material. ere is a fine line between decimals being motivating and decimals aiding hyperfixation, and doing away with the decimal points will prevent students from such extreme fixation on their grades. e Editorial Board voted 18-8 in favor of this opinion.

Vote summary:

Ultimately, the Editorial Board believes that blackout periods should not be instated, though removing decimal points from students’ grades could promote a more collaborative, united and relaxed environment overall.

Graphic by Lilly Weisz ’23

“I think Staples should [change their grading policy] due to the fact that students get way too stressed over the numerical value of their grade and are constantly checking PowerSchool.”

“I don’t think that PowerSchool needs to be changed. I like how it gives you the numerical values in addition to the letter grade for each assignment, which can really help the student.”

Dameer Khan ’24

Brenna Bierne ’25

Lighthouse Support Group opens in Westport

Julia Herlyn ’23 Editor-in-Chief

Lighthouse, a LGBTQ+ youth support group within the Connecticut-based organization Kids in Crisis, opened an additional location in Westport. Currently, there are three Lighthouse locations: Stamford, Greenwich and Westport. In downtown Westport, meetings occur every Monday from 5-6:30 p.m. at Toquet Hall.

According to the Kids in Crisis website, Lighthouse is a peer-to-peer social support group for LGBTQ+ youth and allies, striving to serve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer+ teens and allies with a safe, inclusive and recreational meeting space.

“ e meetings are a casual space for kids to be anonymous if they choose and to share anything going on in their lives,” Phoebe Oler, Lighthouse Manager, said. “[We] also have fun. We play games and snack.”

According to Kelsey Dynia, Youth Services Program Spe-

cialist at Toquet Hall, meetings typically start with general introductions, in which all members may wear name tags and share their preferred pronouns with the group, before engaging in a casual conversation.

“[We] start with a light discussion at the beginning,” Dynia said. “Who are you? What would you like to do? [...] We like to change up the conversation every time, just to keep it fresh [and] fun. And then usually we’ll lead into either an art project or a game.”

ese meetings usually consist of various activities, including trips, barbecues, parties, movie nights and discussions with guest speakers, according to the Kids in Crisis website. Since meetings occur at Toquet Hall, participants also have access to Toquet Hall’s facilities, such as their arcade and pool table to use for team-building or recreational purposes.

Oler said that one of the goals of partnering with Toquet Hall was to stress that everyone within the local community is welcome to participate in Lighthouse’s ac-

Local Briefs

Feb. 23

tivities and promote its mission.

“We are an inclusive facility [and] a youth programs facility,” Dynia said. “I think [Lighthouse’s mission] aligns great with [Toquet Hall’s] mission as well because our mission is a positive response to youth needs within the community. So not only is it community-building, but it is youth building as well—feeling comfortable in knowing your own skin.”

Additionally, according to Kayla Iannetta, Chair of the Education Committee for Westport Pride and Chair of the Westport Public Schools Pride Coalition, Lighthouse and Westport Pride began communicating last year to introduce an additional LGBTQ+ youth support program to the

Siena Petrosinelli ‘25 Web Opinions Editor

Feb. 24

Exhibition on colonial American chocolate Museum showcases work of late Puerto Rican artist

e Museum of Contemporary Arts will hold an exhibition titled “Paul Camacho: El Ritmo y La Unidad,” which covers the late artist’s work through portraiture, geometric abstraction, and still life.

e Westport Museum will host a hands-on exhibition of the cocoa industry in colonial America, including light refreshments starting at 5 p.m. A payment of $5 is requested but not mandatory.

community, particularly to offer a more private space for LGBTQ+ youth to express themselves. Or, as Dynia said, a space in which youth can “come and feel not only heard, but [also] feel like [they’re in] a place of belonging.”

“Lighthouse is unique from anything Westport Pride or the Westport Public Schools Pride Coalition has to o er,” Iannetta said. “A lot of students don’t feel safe to attend meetings at school or meetings that are more publicized, where they can be seen. ey may not be ready to come out, may have unsupportive friends or family or need a more structured meeting with someone trained from Kids in Crisis.”

Feb. 28

Songwriter holds lecture at Westport Library

Richard Butler, British painter and musician, is the keynote speaker at the Westport Library’s February 2023 Malloy Lecture. e event will take place on Feb. 28 from 7-8 p.m.

Our mission is a positive response to youth needs.”

- Kelsey Dynia, Toquet Hall Youth Specialist

Photo contributed by Phoebe Oler

Dan Woog, Westport LGBTQ+ advocate, speaks on the history—and future—of the gay community at a Lighthouse Event held at Toquet Hall.

Staples launches new AP Psych course

Maya Hruskar ’23 Creative Director

Staples will o er AP Psychology to seniors for the upcoming 2023-24 school year. e course explores biology’s social and scienti c aspects, including perception, learning, disorders and much more.

Katherine King, who currently teaches both Introduction to Psychology and Child Psychology, is one of the candidates for introducing the new AP course.

“I think anytime we can expand what we have to o er within the psychology subeld, it’s a great thing,” King said. “ e AP Psych course, I know, is also really popular at other schools, so I’m hoping it will be popular here.”

According to Dr. Lauren Francese, social studies Coordinator for the Westport Public Schools, the addition of an AP Psych class has long been deliberated but was delayed until now because of the aftermath of the pandemic.

“We had the disciplines of history, economics, and political science represented in college o erings,” Francese said, “[but] we didn’t have a college-level o ering for psych.”

Francese em-

phasized that many students in the past had asked about taking the class, and AP Psychology has been popular in Faireld high schools. Because of this, the course will only be o ered to seniors to ensure that Staples has enough sta ng.

“I think that the addition of a new class

is always

a good thing,” Vasco Peixoto ’24 said, “especially a class such as AP Psych.”

AP Psychology is unique from other social studies AP classes because it can count as either a humanities or STEM credit. is is due

to the class’ scienti c focus, as students study the structure of neurons, the brain, and the biological basis for behavior. ough the addition of an AP course typically sparks conversation regarding the perpetuation of a toxic academic culture, students aren’t as concerned with AP Psychology.

“Adding AP Psych doesn’t make a huge di erence,” Viveca Schreiner ’23 said, “it just adds a class that many people seem to be interested into the roster.”

Francese has also cautioned students that, despite AP Psychology’s popularity, it is still a challenging course.

“Enrolling in the class, like any other AP,” Francese said, “should also fall within the context of a balanced schedule [...] students’ well-being and nding balance in their school day.”

Graphics by Alex Gaines ’25 & Jordy Greenspan ’24

OPINIONS

Teen drinking surges, Westport must fip the script

Audrey Kercher ’23 Breaking News Manager

Football games are an emulation of stereotypical high school culture and tradition. However, the bright lights, cheerleader halftime show and busy concession stand line may distract you from the amount of teenagers stumbling around the student section, tipsy from “pregame” activities.

Although teen drinking is common in the United States with 7 million teens having reported drinking alcohol “beyond a few sips” in 2019, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, it appears to be especially prevalent among Westport

teens. According to a survey given to Staples in the spring of 2021, about 33% of Staples students have reported drinking within 30 days, greater than the state average of 26%.

But does this issue go deeper than just partying on the weekends? Although normal peer pressure and party culture are big contributors to this statistic, there must be a reason why the Westport statistic is higher than the average.

Westport is among the country’s wealthiest communities according to Consumers Advocate.

Teen -

agers from wealthier families have more disposable income and therefore more access to consumer goods, even goods that are illegal for them to buy. Further, parental alcohol use also can play a factor in teen drinking, which 80% of high-income or well-educated people partake in regularly according to Teen Savers.

Underage drinking is something that is built into our society. However, this is something that must change. Beyond the obvious justifcations to not give in to underage drinking, like how it harms the developing brain, underage drinking leads to alcoholism down the road as 47% of individuals that have had a drink by age 14 become dependent on alcohol at some point in their lifetime, according to Te National Institute on Alcohol Abuse

and Alcoholism.

It’s bad for individuals, but it’s also toxic to society. In a town where students have privilege and access to good education and resources for success, many of them turn to alcohol and possibly jeopardize their future with threats of alcoholism.

One temporary solution to the underage drinking problem is the idea of “Liquor Stickers,” a campaign that, according to Patch, will help parents be more aware of teenagers drinking in their household. It is a sticker that goes over the opening of an alcoholic beverage and if the sticker is ripped, it means that the alcoholic beverage has been opened.

Admittedly, underage drinking is much harder to solve completely and involves altering the culture of Westport and other afuent towns instead of just creating a temporary fx. However, even just parents setting good examples for their kids will create a brighter future for Staples students.

Photo by Lily Klau ‘23

It’s time to destigmatize cows’milk

Sage Cohen’25 Staff Writer

Walking into GG and Joes, I had my heart set on a matcha latte. As I made my way through the line and fnally got to the register, I was met with a contemplating question: what milk do I want in it?

As someone who is trying to break away from diet culture,

giving me whole or 2% milk. Nonetheless, as I started using social media and seeing online diet-centered trends emerge, my mindset shifted. I associated lower calories with health. Recently, I have learned that these messages about milk were misleading and even false.

other ingredients, including stabilizers such as gellan gum and locust bean gum.

WHY MILK?

Milk substitutes are typically fortifed with nutrients found naturally in cow’s milk, such as calcium. Substitute milks do not have these vitamins and minerals naturally, so they are added in, but scientists are unsure whether fortifed vitamins and minerals provide the same health benefts as those found naturally in cows’ milk.

Whole milk has 9g of protein while oat milk has only 4g per 1 cup

is un-

this question caught me of guard. Tere was a brief mental debate in my head as to which I should choose. If I had been in this same situation three years ago, I would have immediately said unsweetened almond milk. However, that was before I became aware of the extreme pressures society had placed on convincing people that almond milk is healthy and cows’ milk healthy. I grew up with my mother

Tere are many diferent types of milk all claiming to be better than the next: almond, cashew, goat, soy, whole, oat, skim, coconut, rice, walnut, lactose free, hemp, A2, etc. Although they all sound healthy, the main ingredient in the majority of them is processed and diluted with water and

Cows’ milk doesn't need to be feared; it is one of the world's most nutrient-dense foods and one of the original superfoods. It is an extremely healthy choice because it contains a natural balance of carbohydrates, protein and fats, as well as over 13 essential nutrients. Tese natural nutrients help our bodies feel full after drinking it.

In contrast, drinking a water-based milk, such as almond milk, may have half the calories, but it ultimately has little nutritional value. We are allowed to have preferences of what we like and dislike. However, I just don’t

think people should so quickly dismiss the benefts of cow’s milk and jump on bandwagons that claim that alternative milk options are healthier.

So, for me, as I stood at the register of GG and Joes, I looked the barista in the eyes and declared, “I’ll have 2% milk, please.”

Graphic by Lily Klau ’23

Photo by Katherine Phelps ’25

FEATURES

The 85th anniversary of the Red and White Charity Ball was hosted by The County Assemblies on Feb. 3. Seniors from Westport, Weston and Wilton glammed up in black tie attire to attend the dance in 2 degrees Fahrenheit weather. The County Assemblies hosts Red and Whites, along with The County Assembly Charity Ball for juniors, to promote intertown friendships, and the net proceeds go to organizations serving children and teens in Fairfeld County.

“I’m having so much fun. I love seeing how people dress up outside of school and being in a new environment interacting with each other. It’s really nice to see the school camaraderie. I love Staples.”

Graphic by Jordy Greenspan ’24

Lilly Weisz ’23

Creative Director

- Nia Glin ’23

Photos by Lilly Weisz ’23

Abby Della Valle ’23

James Dobin Smith ’23

Rebecca Schussheim ’23 (lef) Logan Goodman ’24 (right)

Cameron Retcho ’23 (lef)

Abby Nevin ’23 (right)

Lef to right: Demitra Pantzos ’23, Marley Brown ’23, Hannah Conn ’23, Olivia McCaffery ’23 and Kaila Kennedy ’23

Staples cafeteria welcomes new vegetarian options

Talia Varsano ’24 Arts Editor

The 10th grade English research paper is an infamous, time-consuming and often dreaded 10page mid-year nightmare. After months of work, most students are eager to lock the fnished product in a folder deep within their Google Drive titled “THE paper,” and leave it unopened for the remainder of eternity. However, there was one who chose to break with this practice: Jordy Greenspan ’24 kept her folder open.

Greenspan wrote her paper on vegetarianism, animal cruelty and the efects of meat consumption on the environment. Her passion for these topics led her to establish Students Oppose Slaughter, or SOS, Westport, a club aiming to educate the public about animal rights and the steps needed to help the environment, climate and wildlife.

“[Te club is] just about being open to ideas and doing what you can to beneft the environment and animals when you have the opportunity,” Greenspan said.

Te establishment of SOS Westport was only possible with Greenspan’s widespread eforts to research beyond a Google search. To help spread her knowledge to the community, Greenspan booked an interview with Bridget Dillon–the

Manager of Student Organization at PETA–and collaborated on improving the environment through food consumption.

“W hen I talked to [Dillon],” Greenspan said, “she gave me ideas for changes I can bring to my community to beneft animals, one being the food in the cafeteria.”

Greenspan then reached out to the director of dining services, Benjamen Leahey (referred to by most as Chef Ben), at the end of last year and contributed a list of companies that produce plantbased items for cafeterias.Together, they brain-stormedhow they couldinfluence changes to the cafeteria food provided at Staples.

“He was so respectful and open to meeting with me,” Greenspan said. “We recon-nected in August of this year and since then we’ve met oc-casionally But, you know, I can’t take all the credit for the changes in the cafe because the staff had simultaneously been

working on Meatless Monday options and a salad bar.”

Herbivore Heaven: VEGGI

Te cafeteria is constantly evolving. Since the beginning of the year, the food options have grown, becoming more diverse and inclusive of diferent eaters.

“Tere are several new meatless entrees,” Greenspan said. “Chef Ben told me about the new veggie chili baked potato and ancient grain bowl. Tey’ve also really focused on Meatless Mondays by serving Impossible burgers on the grill… I’ve seen tofu for the revolution noodle bar and curry chickpeas. Te food soon, if not already, will be labeled in ‘Vegetarian’ in a green font and there’s also a program [coming] in the spring called ‘veg-out’ focused on plant-based meals. I see more and more every day.”

There are several new meatless entrees... I see more and more every day.”

- Jordy Greenspan '24

Graphic by Nina Bowens '25

Graphics by Shivali Kanthan '24 & Lily Klau '23

SOS Jordy Greenspan '24 started Students Oppose Slaughter (SOS) to advocate for animal rights at Staples.

A&E Highlights of February

Anna Kercher ’25 Staff Writer

“Tat ‘90s Show,” the spinof of the early 2000s’ “Tat ‘70s Show,” released on Jan.19. Te show takes place in

Check out the newest pop culture events of this month, including a new Netfix original, a horror movie and Keke Palmer’s baby gender reveal.

the summer of 1995. It centers around main character Leia Forman, teenage daughter of Eric and Donna. Te show’s initial ratings were relatively

high, especially for a reboot, with most viewers coming back to watch for the same reason they enjoy “Tat ‘70s Show”.

“I’m a huge fan of ‘Tat ‘70s Show’ because, to me, it represents an era of nostalgia and freedom,” Latin teacher Perry Tavenner said. “I was familiar with a lot of culture in the 70s whereas the culture of the ‘90s just seems strange and distant to me. It might be good in a diferent way, but I’m not sure it could be better.”

the latest beats

ESCAPISM

RAYE

10:35

keke palmer REVEALS baby gender

Keke Palmer, actress and singer, accidentally revealed the sex of her baby on Jimmy Fallon’s “Te Tonight Show.”

MISSING

“Missing” is a mystery thriller that is a standalone sequel to the movie “Searching” (2018). It follows teenager June as she tries to uncover the mystery of her missing mother after she dissapeared while on a vacation to Colombia.

While chatting with Fallon about her pregnancy, she slipped out the words “baby

boy.” Tis reveal was met with fans tweeting their reactions of surprise and excitement.

“I originally thought the baby was going to be a girl, but I wish her well in her pregnancy and hope they have a beautiful and healthy family,” Lola Lamensdorf ’25 said.

movie spotlight

TV highlight celebri‘tea’

Many critics praised it for its fast pace and its various twists and turns which keep it engaging, while some were slightly dissappointed by the ending.

Graphic by Maya Hruskar ’23

TIESTO ft. Tate Mcrae

Graphic by Alex Gaines ’ 25

Photo courtesy of Netfix

Photo by Matthew Stashower ’25

Photo by Mia Bomback ’25

Performers, creative teams whip into shape’ for

Staples Players production: ‘TWELFTH NIGHT’ ‘TWELFTH NIGHT’

Allie Gillman ’23 Business Manager

Lines are polished, costumes are donned and sound efects are tested as Staples Players prepares to raise the curtain for its frst-ever performance of Kwame Kwei-Armah’s adaptation of William Shake-

speare’s comedy, “Twelfth Night.”

Productions

run on March 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m., -

inees on March 19 and 25.

“Twelfth Night” takes place in the fctional country of Illyria. Te protagonist, Viola, fnds herself shipwrecked on Illyria’s coast and assumes that her twin brother, Sebastian, has drowned in the wreck. Viola sets out to fnd work in Illyria, disguising herself as Cesario in order to secure employment in the household of a nobleman named Orsino. Viola quickly becomes entangled in a love triangle between herself, Duke Orsino and Lady Olivia.

love Players

“We immediately fell in love with it as soon as we heard the songs,” Players director David Roth said. “Tis adaptation really keeps all of the spirit of the Shakespeare play but makes it that much

more accessible [to audiences].”

“Twelfth Night” is a story about the reversal of typical societal roles. Te story originates from the tale of the 12 nights of Christmas.

“It’s about fnding understanding in people’s points of view,” Ben Herrera ’24, who portrays Malvolio, said. “So, to me, the main theme is role reversal, seeing the world through someone

else’s eyes and understanding what they’re going through.”

Composer Shaina Taub wrote the jazz-funk score for the production’s musical numbers, with the majority of performers in the pit being students. Unlike previous productions, the musicians will be on-stage, acting as musician characters in the town square setting.

In ad- dition to musical creativity, “Twelfth Night” features a slew of diferent dance styles, which caters to Players’ cast of performers from diverse dance backgrounds. Players

dancers said the production’s

choreography aims to express some of the more subtle and complex messages that are more difcult for audiences to grasp through the traditional Shakesperian dialogue.

To enliven the dance numbers, the hair and makeup team enjoys signifcant creative freedom in their portrayals of the characters and ensemble. Te room for creative free-

dom in areas like hair, makeup and costuming came from the fact that “Twelfth Night” is not set in a specifc time period and does not adhere to conventional societal rules.

Raia Badurina ’23 – who coordinates Hair and Makeup – and Nikki Sternberg ’23 –who portrays the character Feste – work to bring that vision to life, drawing inspiration from popular Coachella and Governor’s Ball looks.

“It’s established at the very beginning of the show how Illyria is not like our realities,” Sternberg said. “From the getgo, there’s already so much life that’s created on stage, and that’s going to be refected in the makeup and the hair.”

Some performers also feel that “Twelfth Night” stretches their abilities to play new characters.

“I spent a lot of time trying to fnd the justifcation [for] why the audience shouldn’t hate this guy,” Henry Carson ’24, who portrays the character Sir Toby, said. “It’s my frst time playing a guy whose job is to be a bad person in some places.”

With a talented cast of performers and myriad creative projects behind the scenes, Roth is confdent that “Twelfth Night” will leave the audience laughing and entertained.

“By bringing [Shakespeare’s original story] down and crystallizing it, it allows the audience to access it more readily,” Roth said, “and I’m really just enjoying creating this story and telling this story.”

Photo contributed by David Roth

ON THE STAGE Ben Herrera ’24 plays Malvolio, servant to Olivia, in Players’ upcoming production of ‘Twelfth Night.’

Orphenians fundraise for Hawaiian choral festival

Talia Moskowitz ’24 Web Sports Editor

As the school year winds down this June, the Staples Orphenians will be setting off to Hawaii to take part in the International Luau of Song Choral Festival, and spend some time in tropical paradise. Though most schools must audition to take part in these festivals, the Staples Orphenians have been invited to sing across the Pacifc due to their participation in past events, like the Sydney Opera House Festival, directed by Craig Hella

The Cabaret

Te group hosted a fundraiser, the Aloha Cabaret, on Jan. 22 at the Westport Library in order to ensure that all 42 Orphenians could attend the trip. Staples choral director. Rosenberg frmly believes that no fnancial burden should prevent a student from going on the trip. “I kind of have a ‘no orph left behind’ policy for trips,” Rosenberg said. “Tese trips are expensive, but that shouldn’t be a reason why a student doesn’t go.”

Te Cabaret showcased group performances and 10 solos by the Orphenians. Grammy and Tony Award-winner Kelli O’Hara joined the Staples

The

Trip

Dobin-Smith surmised that the trip would be “a nice work hard, play hard balance.”

performers, along with notable alumni in the music industry, Clay Singer and Georgia Wright. In addition to performances, the choralists auctioned of substantial commodities, particularly week-long, all-inclusive vacations to Antigua, Panama and Barbados.

James Dobin-Smith ’23 spoke with praise of the fundraiser, and of the upcoming trip.

“Te Aloha Cabaret was really awesome. We raised a ton of money. I sang a solo, a bunch of other kids sang solos,” Dobin-Smith said.

Te group needs to raise a minimum of $45,000 to cover all costs. Tey are still $15,000

shy of their goal, but the Cabaret aided them greatly in fulflling the budget.

Fundraising is just the tip of the iceberg when it has come to preparations for the Hawaii expedition. Te group will be singing music that they have learned this entire academic year, and will continue to be introduced to more and more material as the trip approaches.

School in Chicago, for the island of Oahu. Te voices of Staples Orphenians, conducted by Pearl Shangkuan of Calvin College, will even echo in the chambers of the Episcopal Diocese in Honolulu.

alongside Barrington High

But afterwards, the Orphe-

For fve days, the music that has been poured over time and time again on North Avenue will be performed, be

nians will take full advantage of their island surroundings. Tey will be on the Big Island for the fnal leg of their trip for some sightseeing. A sunset cruise dinner and volcano hiking are just two of many adventures planned.

Orphenian Reactions

Te Orphenians are understandably excited.

“I’m a little nervous because it’s my frst trip, but it’ll be fun,” Iva Radman ’24 said. “And we get to room with our friends, which is nice.”

Rosenberg shared that he was looking

forward to spending quality time with the group.

“I just love trips because I get to spend time with my kids. We get to have a few days when it’s just us,” he said. “We’re there to make music and have fun.”

Johnson.

BEFORE THE TRIP James Dobin-Smith ’23 looks back on his solo at the Cabaret and shares his excitement to perform in and explore Hawaii.

NEW ADVENTURES Iva Radman ’24 shares how she’s nervous yet eager to spend the trip with her friends.

Photos by Ruby Kantor ’24

Graphics by Hannah Fiarman ’23

Goodman kicks the competition: ranked second in the world for Kata

Lucy Dockter

Editor-in-Chief

‘23

With her black belt tied in a knot under her oversized hoodie, Logan Goodman ’24 paced the room of the WKC World Championship in Kani, Ireland. DJ Khaled’s “All I Do Is Win” blasted from her headphones as she mouthed her positive afrmations: “Trust your training,” before she walked into the ring.

Goodman took home the bronze medal for karate from that competition back in October of 2022.

Goodman specializes in Kata, which is a sequence of movements performed solo. It consists of kicks, blocks and throws as well as twisting, turning, dropping to the ground and jumping. In competition, athletes are judged based not only on their technique, but also on the performance they give.

In January, Goodman earned the ranking of secondworldwide for Kata, according to Black Belt Magazine for her age group. She was also awarded four-time World Top 10, second in traditional form, third in traditional forms Challenge and sixth in traditional weapons.

“One of the things that I love to do in competition is make my strikes real,” Goodman said. “Tey are raw. If someone was right in front of me, they would’ve actually hurt them. And I want to

make it so the judges see that.”

However, the difculty for Goodman is fnding a balance between technique and bringing expression and that “real” look in an efort to diferentiate herself.

“Even though you wanna put on a performance, and even though you wanna look great and look different than the last person that performed, you still cannot sacrifce technique,” she said.

Goodman currently studies with multi-world champion Samuel Diaz,

who has helped refne her tecnique and learn to love the sport beyond just winning.

“As much as the medals and the trophies and the titles are amazing to earn,” she said, “it’s those little moments of when my sensei acknowledges how proud he is of me and when I can see that he really does believe in me. I think those are the best moments.”

Goodman says the sport has taught her valuable life lessons that she believes have helped her in her everyday life.

“I think karate is one of the roots of the way that I learned how to talk to adults and learning to respect those like above you,” Goodman said. “You are learning how to fght, essentially, and that doesn’t come very lightly. You need to learn when to use that, and you need to know, again, respect.”

But Goodman’s biggest piece of advice for anyone looking to try any type of martial arts is “do it.”

“For anyone who is even marginally thinking about doing karate or any martial art, I would say absolutely, go for it. Karate is one of the most valuable things you can ever learn in your life. It’s not just a sport, it’s not just exercise, it teaches you these life lessons that you will take in and use for the rest of your life.”

“You are learning how to fght, essentially, and that doesn’t come very lightly. You need to learn when to use that, and you need to know respect.”

- Logan Goodman '24

KARATE CHOP Logan Goodman ’24 performs Kata, for which she is currently ranked second worldwide for traditional form and third for traditional form and challenge.

Photo contributed by Logan Goodman ’24

Paris earns bronze Neuchatel Trophy, gains new experiences in Switzerland

Phoebe Miller ‘23 Associate Managing Editor

As her alarm suddenly blares, Sam Paris ’23 blinks open her eyes: 4:45 a.m. Hitting the snooze button on her phone, she is granted a few more minutes of rest. After the alarm sounds a second time, she is forced out of bed, making her way to her kitchen to have some tea before she leaves for the Chelsea Piers ice rink in Stamford.

Tis is a common morning routine for Paris, who skates for Skyliners Senior, a national synchronized skating team that competes internationally. Paris’ most recent venture in Neuchâtel, Switzerland granted her and her teammates a third place Neuchâtel Trophy and an unforgettable experience.

“It was just an adventure. Tat’s the best way that I can put it,” she said. “During COVID I was like, ‘I want to someday be able to represent our country doing this. [...] I want to be able to take this as far as I can.”

Paris started skating competitively at the age of 10 and worked her way up through the ranks, from the Southern Connecticut Synchronized Skating team to the ultra-competitive Skyliners. However, this didn’t happen instantly.

“I had a very unusual progression with skating,” she said. “I started very late, in any skating-world, and I was plagued with a lot of rejections before I got it right.”

However, Paris’ ambition and passion kept her going, even through grueling practices and workouts. On a typical weekend, she racks up about 17 hours

-SamParis'23 on the ice or doing some sort of workout related to the sport.

Te team was in Switzerland for six days, two to three of which were dedicated solely to competing.Countriesattending ranged from Germany to Canada to Finland, among others. Neuchâtel was one of several Challenger Series that her team had the chance to attend. Te last of the series is set in Milan, which she leaves for on Feb. 14. Overall, their goal is to make it

to the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships at the beginning of April.

“Tere are four teams that could be possibly chosen for [Worlds],” she said, “We’re very competitive for the spot, we have a chance.”

Altogether, Paris feels that the skills she has garnered through her years in the sport have prepared her for the challenges she could face, both on and of the ice.

“Te world has a funny way of getting you to be in the right place. I ended up where I need-

ed to be, and I am so happy for it,” she said. “It will end up how it needs to, and that will be that, and I’ll make the most out of whatever it is.”

Synchronized skater Sam Paris ’23, who started skatng at age 10, competes with Skyliners Seniors.

Photos contributed by Sam Paris ’23

Infographic by Mia Bomback ’25

Skyliner Seniors take part in internatonal compettons, who, in their latest run, earned a bronze Neuchâtel Trophy in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

“ I was plagued with a lot of rejections before I got it right.”

Boys’ basketball kicks of season with 10-3 record

Caroline Zajac ‘25 Staff Writer

With a 10-3 record, the boys’ basketball team is of to a dominating start in the 202223 season. With captains Chris Zajac ’23, Cody Sale ’23 Gavin Rothenburg ’23 and Charlie Honig ’23, the team is on its way to secure a spot in both states and FCIAC playofs.

When the season tipped of on Dec. 22, it was unclear whether or not the team was bound to be successful, but new head coach David Goldshore solidifed their claim to be taken seriously.

“It’s been a great start. Te kids are working hard, and I couldn’t be happier with where we are,” Goldshore said.

Staples could not have done it without its key players Zajac and Sale. With a 6’ 8’’ stance, Zajac averages about 17 points per game and was nominated “Player of the Year” by the Ruden Report; Sale averages around 13 points per game and earned an honorable mention.

On Jan. 6, Staples beat Ridgefeld for the frst time in six years. With the Tigers and Wreckers having a big rivalry, the upset win was unforgettable.

“Going into Ridgefeld and beating them on the road was defnitely something special,” Sale said.

While it is not over, this season is defnitely one for the books. Whether it’s the seniors that stepped up, or the new head coach, students remain excit-

ed about their basketball team.

“Te team is very good. As the season goes on, I think we will see some great suc cess,” Charlie Wiele ’23, Sta ples Superfans captain, said.

Previously, Goldshore had been assistant coach un der former head coach Col in Devine for fve years.

sucStaunCol“Goldshore

“Goldshore is a passionate coach. His passion continues to push us to be better. I believe his dedication plays a huge role in our success and improve ment this season,” Honig said.

Te basketball team only has three losses so far this season—Danbury, Stamford and Wilton—but Staples has responded well from each defeat.

“We faced a lot of adversity, but every good team faces adversity,” Sale said.

Even though the regular season is winding down, the work is just getting started.

“We’ve defended well. Te kids share the basketball well, and they seem to like each oth er, which is benefcial; we fow well,” Goldshore said. “But we can take care of the bas ketball a little bit better. We need to keep working harder.”

othbasStasuccess-

Time will tell how the Sta ples boys’ basketball team progresses, but they have a bright future ahead of them. With some memorable wins this season, their success es outshine their challenges.

“I want to make a town proud of their basket ball team,” Goldshore said.

basket-

Startng point guard Adam Udell ’25 notches two steals in the boys’ basketball game against Wilton on Jan. 31.

PhotobyCarolineZajac ’25

Goodman has earned the following eight karate belts since beginning the sport at six years old