Inklings Graduation 2022 Issue

INKLINGS

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Graduation Issue

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Contents INKLINGS SENIOR OPINIONS

NEXT CHAPTER Explore seniors’ post-high school plans and future steps on this informational centerspread map.

Q&A WITH VALEDICTORIANS Get to Zach

know valedictorians Bishop and

Natalie Julian

Bandura, Weng.

SENIOR PRAISES Find your congratulatory message for your senior!

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Volume 89, Issue 10, June 2022

Front cover design by Maya Hruskar ’23 Front cover photos by Camille Vynerib ’23 Back cover design by Lilly Weisz ’23 More About Us

Arts Editors

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

Audience Engagement Manager Margot Richlin

Ava Chun, Talia Varsano, Alexandra Gaines, Ruby Kantor

Sports Editors

Anna Diorio, Abby Nevin

Gabi Gerig, Matthew Stashower

Zach Brody, Finnegan Courtney

Jolie Gefen, Siena Petrosinelli

Broadcast Directors TV Show Producers

Asst. Business Managers

Web News Editors

Web Opinions Editors

Nina Jones, Aidan Sprouls

Assoc. Managing Editors

Indie Ahl, Julia Leitner, Michael Pontoriero

Business Directors

Audrey Kercher

Audrey Curtis, Samantha Sandrew

Genevieve Frucht, Mia Bomback

Liora Perkins, Matthew Saw

Kiswa Khan, Phoebe Miller Meg Enquist, Allie Gillman, Mia Kirkorsky

Photography Director Camille Vynerib

Asst. Creative Directors

Shivali Kanthan, Elle Vail

Public Relations Director Emily Goldstein

Social Media Manager Alix Glickman

Breaking News Editor

Web Features Editors

News Editors

Web Arts Editors

Opinions Editors

Web Sports Editors Talia Moskowitz, William Murray

Addison Coughlin, Megan Kelly, Ava Cordella, Katherine Phelps

Web Photostory Editors

Caitlin Jacob, Lily Hultgren, Nina Bowens, Paige Tighe

Joseph DelGobbo, Mary Elizabeth Fulco

Features Editors

Karlie Saed

Advisors

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.

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You can always repark: !"#$%&'$()*+&,--

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Editor-in-Chief

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Placing perfectionism on hold means I must open myself up to judgment, but in turn, I can foster deeper and more meaningful connections.

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Graphic by Alex Gaines ’25

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Abandoning the windowsill: allowing myself to explore new opportunities in a new environment !"#"$%&'(")*+,"'-..

Editor-in-Chief

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liked to sit on windowsills throughout most of high school. I knew that I would write my senior opinion about that ever since my sophomore year; after all, I’d seek out windowsills wherever I went. I’d often sit on them during free periods and occasionally at lunch, and I’d insist to my co-Chief that we write every Editorial from atop a windowsill. Windowsills made me feel tranquil and at peace, and some of my best ideas and most meaningful conversations had been generated atop a windowsill.

B u t this year, I ’ v e stopped sitting on windowsills.

Maybe because I’ve realized they’re kind of uncomfortable to sit on, or because I’ve found more interesting things to do than to observe the world passing by below me from my coveted vantage point. Or maybe because I’ve simply moved on.

I realized that this change would mean my senior opinion topic would no longer be accurate, and so I found myself trying to steer myself back towards the windowsill. I wanted to keep myself tethered to that position of comfort and familiarity as a way to better cope with the fact that everything around me was going to change.

Initially, I thought I would

be alright with all the change that was to come with my high school graduation. Although I knew that I would miss the close friendships I made here and the inspiring teachers who made me love coming to class, I was excited for college. I felt like it was time for me to move on from Staples and from Westport. As I started transition to college, I began to realize that I was subconsciously trying to replicate all the things I was used to in high school.

Before I had researched or even heard about the multitudes of clubs and extracurriculars that I would have access to next fall, I had already made plans to join my college newspaper as a way to substitute no longer being in Inklings, to join student government so that I could continue to advocate for student voices despite no longer being a Board of Education member and to search for ways to continue to tutor students before even beginning to consider the multitude of other ways I could make some extra cash while being located right next to a large city. When I visited Boston during April break, I found myself searching for stores and restaurants like the ones I recognized back home. When I connected with my future classmates over social media, I unknowingly began comparing them to my current

friends, wondering whether they would be interested in doing the same sorts of things with me that I do with my friends now.

While I felt ready to venture into an entirely new environment, I was searching that environment for its own identical set of windowsills. I was willing to give up my current surroundings, but I was still grasping tightly onto the current version of myself and the act with those surroundings.

College is an opportunity for me to explore new domains and

accrue new interests, and limiting myself to only the things I have enjoyed in high school would only rob me of those experiences. Even though I may be scared myself, I have realized that just because I no longer sit on windowsills does not mean I haven’t found other ways to feel tranquil and at peace, generate ideas or have meaningful conversations.

I’ve accepted that I don’t know where I’m going to be at the end of the next four years, but I can assure you, I won’t be sitting on a windowsill.

I was willing to give up my current surroundings, but I was still grasping tightly onto the current version of myself and the

which I interact with those surroundings.

Photo by Lilly Weisz ’23

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!"##$%&'()*%+,, Managing Editor

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I never found a need to conform to others’ beliefs, styles or attitudes; I learned how to become my own person from her.

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A thank you letter to Staples teachers

Managing Editor

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here’s an infamous story in my house where on my third birthday my mom asked me, “What kind of cake do you want for your birthday?”

I responded, “I want a**hole cake.”

I actually didn’t want an a**hole cake; I wanted a castle cake. I had a speech impediment because of enlarged tonsils which I got removed after that.

Ever since then, I never stopped talking.

My inclination for chattiness has occasionally gotten me into trouble. At 6, I got kicked out of dance class for talking too much. At 8, I was limited to three questions per car ride.

But when I reached high school, I had learned to control myself—kinda—and I to get my chatterboxing out.

Instead of spending my free periods working, I would walk around the school catching up with teachers who I couldn’t text or Facetime like I would with my friends.

During Teacher Appreciation Week, I realized how little was done for the Staples staff so I wanted to dedicate my senior opinion to the teachers that made my years at Staples so memorable. I owe every single teacher that I have had at Staples a thank you, especially for dealing with my overly chatty energy.

Over the past four years, I’ve always enjoyed having relationships with my teachers, but a few really took off. Nicole Comerford, my seventh grade gym I had a special relationship with.

Now, let me tell you, I hated gym… hated it. Running around Wakeman Field before lunch was not ideal. But, Mrs. Comerford

made gym less painful. We would talk about the most trivial topics, but she made me feel heard. She moved to Staples my sophomore year and our relationship took off right where we left off; it felt like nothing changed. During every free period, you could

we became so close, but I met her from Westport Pride. It’s a

it’s a great workout that com-

candy stash (thanks Ms. Wirkus).

Not to office. toot my Coo w n i n c i - I owe every single teacher h o r n dently, that I have had at Staples o r anothanya thank you, especially for thing, er one of my but, dealing with my B e d if it overly chatty energy. f o r d wasn’t teachers for me, moved to Nicole GiStaples my seuliani wouldn’t be the Pride Adnior year, like fate brought visor with Ms. Iannetta. Ms. Gius back together. Kevin Cuccaro uliani was my junior year math was my Pre-Algebra teacher and teacher. It’s funny how math is is now my Pre-Calculus teacher. my least favorite subject, but the I’m not the best math student, subject I had some of my favorbut Mr. Cuccaro and I have ite teachers in. Thank goodness, - she became a Pride advisor, so tween concentration and jokes. I still saw her my senior year.

Then there’s science teachEnglish teachers Alexandra er Kayla Iannetta, who, fun- McHale and Gus Young: I owe ny enough, I’ve never had as a my next four years to you. I teacher. I’m not even sure how wouldn’t have gotten into college

Photo contributed by Lily Caplan ’22

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without you. If it wasn’t for Mr. Young, my college essay would’ve been non-existent. He helped me come up with a topic that showed who I was and was under 650 words. In addition, I noticeably grew as a writer in his classes.

In Ms. McHale’s class, I was able to learn Rhetoric and Persuasion from one of the best comedians I know. She helped me grow as a public speaker which was quite scary. Public speaking is one of the few most valued skills I’ve developed at Staples, and she also makes me laugh my head off.

Another skill I’ve gained is from the world’s biggest Red Hot Chili Peppers fan, Joseph Barahona. Señor Barahona was my last Spanish teacher for my 12 year Spanish journey. He prioritized speaking in class, which I had never experienced before. I’ve grown a lot as a Spanish speaker and look forward to catching up with Señor one day, in Spanish, of course.

Finally, there’s Mary Elizabeth Fulco and Joseph (Salvatore) DelGobbo who you all should know because you’re reading my article in the Inklings graduation issue and there would be no Inklings without them.

I hope these two know how much they have impacted my life. I don’t want to get sappy because they have to edit this (Hi Gobbo and Fulcs), but words can’t describe how thankful I am for the relationship I have built with both of them.

Nothing will compare to our late night laughs. Fulco, I will never put text on a bright color again, and DelGobbo, your snow day predictability was impeccable (even better than Mr. Shamas).

To everyone I’ve mentioned, thank you for being amazing teachers but also amazing people.

You all haven’t only impacted my four years at Staples, but also the rest of my life. Oh, also, thanks for keeping up with my chatting!

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IKEA -.)/#)/$)%0123/"4%+,, Web Managing Editor

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Ultimately, an acceptance, waitlist or rejection letter will not provide me the motivation to thrive in college; it is what I do after the letter that counts.

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How to apply to co

llege:

Step 1. Take 15 AP courses Step 2. Get a 1600 on the SAT Step 3. Apply to al l Ivy League schools (everyone else is doing it)

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Encourage empathy by standing in other people’s shoes

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Pho to con trib ute db yG isel le O lda ni ’22

a lot on these things, on these rules that I viewed as proof that she didn’t trust me. They made me question whether being an obedient child was worth it if I still had to endure these restrictions regardless.

And then one afternoon my mother told me more about her childhood. She grew up in a small town in the northeast of Brazil. Her mother worked a lot, so my mom had to make breakfast herself, walk to school alone and live much of her life

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have a strict mom. A mom who calls 10 times per day, tracks my location on Life360, needs the parents’ numbers of the friend’s house

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on her own. Brazil is also not the safest place, so she had to go everywhere with friends and avoid being out past 10 p.m.

Once I learned more about my mothers’ history, I began to understand why she hovers over me in the way that she does. The insecurity of her childhood compelled her to take extra care of me during mine, to protect me even more because of what she experienced.

Just like my mom, most people’s experiences shape their opinions and actions. The best way to un-

Gr aph ic

Giselle Oldani ’22

derstand an issue, why one side is one side and another is another, is to talk to people who’ve lived that issue. You have to develop a burning, genuine interest in others’ memories and moments, an unrelenting curiosity about the human experience of those rich, poor, black, white, gay, straight, healthy and sick.

Stanford professor David Broockman and graduate student Joshua Kalla at the University of California, Berkeley found that 10 minute conversations “encouraging actively taking the perspective of others” notably reduced prejudice for at least three months. In the trial, the conversations “substantially reduced” transphobia. Our propensi-

ty for empathy is strong. But empathy cannot happen unless we know what another is enduring, and unless we absorb all the gory details. That is why conversation and exploration are so crucial.

There is one more thing, though. When we hear about the experiences of others, the racism or discrimination they faced, we feel bad. We feel sad and upset.

That’s okay and expected. The important thing is that we also have to get angry. We can’t just mope around and wish for better days. We have to get mad—protest on the streets, circulate information, sign petitions, write letters to legislators—kind of mad.

So, please, yearn to learn about those around you, their beliefs and adventures. Immerse yourself in the different perspectives the world has to offer and open your mind as much as you possibly can. And once you hear those stories, use so that the next one is better.

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Don’t wear short shorts, and other lessons from a tall man !"#$%&'()*+,&-..

Creative Director

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Height is just a part of everything that makes me who I am.

the air quality is much the same, and I can certainly assure you I am not looking at your dandruff.

Another, rather curious, part of my life is the unspoken dress code for tall, skinny folks like myself. Given my size and general lankiness, there are certain things I have to avoid in the way I dress.

Beyond the more obvious stuff, like keeping away from stilettos and wedges, one of the most important principles is avoiding wearing “short and short.” That means avoiding wearing shorts with short sleeve shirts. Instead, I’ve learned to stagger these

one physical attribute overpower all that I am proud to be, I have learned to accept and appreciate my lankiness. With

all the advantages, disadvantages and peculiarities it brings, height is just a part of everything that makes me who I am.

Photo by Lily Klau ’23

n my case, being tall has often served me well. I’m the hero of the grocery store, valiantly grabbing cannellini beans off the top shelf for those who can’t reach. Not only can I dunk a basketball, but I can stand in the deep end of the pool with my nose above the water like a mighty hippo in a lake.

Beyond these divine qualities resulting from some longer bones, height has had some unexpected impacts on day-to-day life.

Almost everyone who meets me comments immediately on my height. Most people jokingly ask what my parents feed me and where I buy my pants: the kinds of jokes you could see coming even if you weren’t 6’4” (and a half, I might add). Regrettably, few people go for the cooler descriptors: nobody rolls up and calls me altitudinous or statuesque.

My height has also resulted in inquiries to whether “the weather is different up there” and if I can see people’s dandruff from my el-

things with either long sleeves or pants in order to disguise the overall limb-based lengthiness that I struggle with: this is an important skill to master.

If it is too warm for pants or a sweater, I will wear them anyway as I am just following the lankiness protocol.

But there are other parts of being tall that do bother me. While I have the frame with the potential to build a 250 pound powerhouse, I am not the heaviest or strongest person.

And, for some reason, people are disappointed by this. I’ve had friends, family, and even strangers at the YMCA tell me that I am too small, and need to put on an inhuman amount of muscle so that I can win a few pick-up basketball games. I even had a basketball coach, a grown man, call my middle school self a “waste of height” in a basketball practice.

The degree of heated rhetoric that my height attracts from an assortment of sweaty men never ceases to amaze me.

Height does come with its challenges. To be completely honest and serious, I have struggled with this part of myself and my identity. I have gone through periods of being self-conscious about my lankiness. I have also felt pressure to place the athletic opportunities that my height offers over my other interests.

As a result of changing and considering the way that height impacts how I see my identity, I have learned to appreciate my whole self. Rather than letting

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Wrecker or Wildcat: Karina Murray ’22

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veryone dreams of their high school experience looking similar to the

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The past four years have in the iconic movie series “High School Musical,” and while many people going into high school told me, “It’s nothing like the movies,” my experience at Staples says otherwise. While cal to “High School Musical,”

*Don’t* “Stick to the Status Quo” od of my senior year embodied this principle. What began as a group of 10 individuals with very little in common and very few mutual friends ultimately turned into a concrete friend

each other’s lives, partaking in a Secret Santa gift exchange and watching Taylor Swift music videos. Despite our differences, our eagerness to welcome new

but are genuinely now some of my best friends. All sharing the

ers to true friends who went to the movies together, went

low seniors in our last year as Wreckers, the 10 of us bonded on a level none of us expected.

Each of us come from very

spent time together after school.

The ability to break out of

perience we watched over and over again was not to replicate every occurrence, but instead to replicate the camaraderie that shone through the halls of East High; indeed, this camaraderie abundantly shone through the halls of Staples High School.

en me friendships that I know will last long after I am handed my diploma, and what better way to categorize these lessons and memories than by High School Musical song titles.

“We’re All in This Together” munity was found in Inklings.

My adoration for Inklings is nization’s ability to take any individual from the school

ily to work towards a common goal. In Inklings, the “we’re all in this together” ing the room, and it has truly ing in unison with your peers.

“Right Here, Right Now” As graduating seniors, the ly blessed to have spent these

er, because before we know it, we will be “Breaking Free”.

ra y’ 22

er’s names when we began to

ways being present is the only way to make the most of the rest of the time we have living together with our beloved

ing family surrounding me, the best group of friends I could ask for and the entire spirited, fun and memorable Class of

G Ph raph ot ic o co by K nt rib isw ut a K ed h by an Ka ’23 rin aM ur

ferent interests and different friends. Many of us admittedly

ple without prejudice was truly an enjoyable part of my high school experience and has gifted me some of my best friends.

ment is more present than ever right here, right now. Though looking towards the future is

11 | Rachel Greenberg ’22

Assistant Creative Director don’t know how to get anywhere. Seriously. I have absolutely zero internal compass.

And for someone who has lived in this town for the majority of her childhood, you’d think she would understand where she’s going or have some kind of sense of where she may be going, but no. I really missed the mark on having geographical awareness.

Learning to drive has helped me improve my directional delinquency. Being in control of where I need to be puts a weight of responsibility on my shoulders that pushes me to understand where I am and where I am going… to an extent.

I don’t know where I’d be without my GPS; it always

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Samantha Felner

Associate Managing Editor et me set the scene.

It was a last period physics class. The entire class was half-dozing off and half-ready to jump up, grab our bags and run out of the classroom. There was little attention left in the brains of my classmates—we are second semester seniors after all.

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Photo by Creative Team Graphic by Alex Gaines ’25

points me in the right direction.

But if my GPS were to break, it would be uncomfortable for sure. That being said, I’d it would just take some time.

It’s important to note my lack of directional awareness doesn’t come from nowhere.

I would like to thank my mom for this particular trait.

I never realized how poor my internal GPS was until I got to high school really. Getting to class freshman year was pretty much impossible. I would do what the rest of the school likes to call “the freshman spin.” I would be walking to my class only to realize I was walking in the opposite direction of where I needed to be and I would then spin to walk the right way... hence “freshman spin.” I

While the teacher was attempting to conjure any remaining focus out of us, I caught a glimpse of something peculiar in my peripheral vision, and much like a squirrel that runs past a puppy, it stole all of my attention.

A tall junior in the back of the classroom was holding his paper under his desk. While my sorb a single ounce more of class material, I had just enough left to spy on my classmate, patiently awaiting his next move.

Next thing I know, the junior stands up and poses a question to the class: “Who took a bite out of my paper?”

The entire class bursts out into uncontrollable laughter, despite

wish I could say I adapted to my surroundings as the years went on but with the breaks between the pandemic and online school I never fully grasped where classes were until my senior year.

Don’t get me started on driving my friends anywhere. I think it’s a general consensus that if I’m driving we need to leave earlier than expected to leave room for … directional mishaps.

That being said, ev-

ery time the jouney took longer, the laughs and jokes did, too.

Although sometimes I can be late or take a wrong turn, I’ve made memories with the people around me. As long as you appreciate where you are and who you’re with its okay to be lost. You’ll end up where you need to be.

Photo contributed by Rachel Greenberg ’22

not having a clue why he would ask such a question. Even the teacher was struggling to maintain his composure. But the nonsense of it all is what immediately shifted the mood in the room from anxiously awaiting the sound of the bell at 2:45 p.m., to exchanging smiles and laughter with my classmates.

These tasteful and— mostly—non-disruptive moments of class-clownery are what helped us to temper the seriousness of school throughout these four years.

I personally have had an abnormally stressful high school career. I was heavily impacted by the high pressure of AP classes and college admissions, and I am sure I am not alone in that.

But throughout the stressful rollercoaster that is high school, there have always been those kids — the class clowns — that manage to remind everyone to not take everything so seriously.

On one particularly draining day, my AP World teacher quizzed the class on where the money for infrastructure in African Imperialism comes from.

Without hesitation my friend

out to be the antidote to my stress on that day. Such a simwrong burst of energy from one quirky classmate was enough to lighten the mood for an entire class of overtaxed students.

School can be rough, but sometimes a little class clownery is just what everybody needs, including teachers.

So, my advice to the rest of the classes at SHS—don’t always take life so seriously. Between the tough exams and long study days, we all need a lighthearted moment. After all, there is nothing better than a good laugh — especially when it is completely and utterly unexpected.

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Tierney Kugel

Breaking News Editor here are only 11 years remaining for humans to correct irreversible climate change, according to a 2019 United Nations report.

As the months pass, Earth becomes increasingly polluted, temperatures rise, economies are annihilated by natural disasters, and ocean acidity levels continue to escalate, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Yet, every aspect of American society fails to address the issues that will eventually devastate the globe.

Mainstream media fails to provide adequate climate-related coverage, public school curriculums fail to educate on the consequences of industrial farming practices and corporations exacerbating the climate crisis do so because of close

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ties to political institutions.

As consumers and citizens in one of the countries with the greatest amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, it is our responsibility to be increasingly aware of ence. While I agree that corporations and the government have a responsibility to regulate their own environmental impact, making progress on climate goals will be impossible without more consumer participation.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw how the global community was able to join together and make changes in the interest

of public health. In America, many schools became virtual and public health measures such as social distancing and vaccination cards were implemented. We were able to adapt to COVID and we are each capable of adapting to smaller lifestyle changes that are beneficial to the environment, such as becoming vegan or vegetarian, thrifting clothing, reducing food waste through composting, carpooling and more.

Lifestyle changes are possible and they should be embraced if it means protecting our future.

Environmental conservation is my passion. While ethical consumption and living completely carbon neutral is ex-

When progress is not made through legislation, it is up to consumers to vote with their dollar and make changes that support our planet.

smaller changes, we can take collective steps towards our goals.

Once I learned about the severity of the climate crisis, the

plant-based diet. Livestock farming is not only a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, but it also contributes to issues such as deforestation and water waste. I knew that cutting meat, something I had always eaten and enjoyed, out of my diet would be to at least attempt the challenge.

After a short adjustment period, I became acclimated with my new diet, and meat became a distant memory. There are dozens of supplemental “meat” products at the grocery store that are plant based, tasty and convenient.

After changing my diet, I looked for other ways to introduce eco-conscious behaviors into my life. Now, I embrace thrifting more regularly, limit food waste and attempt to cut back on unnecessary purchases.

Although these changes are not massive, if we as a society make a consious effort to consider the effects of our everyday actions, improvement is possible. When progress is not made through legislation, it is up to consumers to vote with their dollar and make changes that support our planet.

Photo by Kiswa Khan ’23

e e th v a S et! plan

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Lyah Muktavaram Broadcast Director

ong before my tatayya was my grandfather, he was a student and an author and a boy. Tatayya was the type of student that teachers hated; he would read the entirety of a textbook at home and never pay attention during his class leture.

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After Tata published his offered him the opportunity to turn the novel into a movie. He refused, claiming the producers didn’t appreciate or understand the essence of his story (he later admitted the decision was arrogant and immature).

Most importantly, Tata loved stories. When I visited his Telangana home this past had been dedicated to space for his personal library. Even in previous years, my memories of India his stories. Epic tales of William Faulkner blended with his comments on Ernest Hem-

mingway’s short, terse language as he retold his favorite stories. Tata insisted that despite the hundreds of Don Quixote translations, the original Miguel de Cervantes version was the best.

April in India was notorious for its heat. On a particularly hot day over spring break, as tata, my grandmother and I barracked ourselves shut in the air-conditioned guest room of their Indian home, Tata told me a story about a parakeet.

While our conversations would typically last hours on end, covering a broad range of topics and books, Tata’s parakeet story was entirely new to me.

A parakeet sat perched in his cage, dreaming of liberation.

A man, taking pity on the parakeet, opens the cage and sets him free. Upon doing so, the man instructs the

Graphic by Shivali Kanthan ’24 media page, I am met with an array of posts detailing updates on Supreme Court leak on plans to on COVID-19 spikes and more.

If you choose freedom, don’t look for a perch to support you, for freedom has a cost.

sky, to which the parakeet responds, “Is there a perch like the one in my cage in the sky?”

Tata tearfully explained the moral of the story and, despite the loud hum of the overhead fan rotating on full blast, I could hear his words perfectly clear: If you choose freedom, don’t look for a perch to support you, for freedom has a cost. the state of our political and social world bearing the same message in mind. Scrolling through virtually any news site or social Photo by Cami Vynerib ’23

for freedom comes with

persistence and a cost.

As I venture into the world as a hopeful changemaker, I remind myself that in my own personal life, I, too, tentimes, slightly uncomfortable decisions to contribute to a greater movement. Walk to school, skip buying lunch, attend a protest, donate money, vote, make yourself uncomfortable— whatever it may be, be prepared of your home without a clutch.

While there may not always be a ledge or perch to look to for support, we must be sat-

and cost will amount to free-

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Ode to my lunch table !""#$%"&'()$*++

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hen out to dinner this past April, my friends and I began reminiscing on how great our senior year has been. We went around the table sharing our favorite memories ranging from February break vacations, successful sports seasons, our homecoming dance and more. But when it was my turn to share with the group, all I could think about was a conversation I had sitting at my lunch table the week before.

It was an ordinary day, an ordinary second lunch wave with the same group of friends.

To be completely honest I don’t remember the entirety of the conversation, but I do remember the laughter. Can’t breathe, stomach aches, water coming out of your nose laughter.

My highschool experience had many ups and downs, certainly many big moments that I will never forget. But it’s the small, everyday occurrences with friends that I will miss the most.

I owe my lunch table for fostering many of these memories.

Weirdly, I’ve always had a strong connection to my lunch

A group that was thrown together by chance and then nurtured in the cafeteria became an actual friend group.

of middle school, my friend group was formed w h e n a loose group of elementary school friends decided

in familiar faces. Together, we went through the most awkward years of our lives and thrived in the comfort of the cafeteria.

Lunch was a different ballgame at Staples. It was a daunting task to navigate the lunchroom in a sea of upperclassmen, who although only four years older,

looked like mature adults with beards and full faces of makeu p .

M y friends and I decided to avoid the cafeteria entirely and found our new sanctuary in the hallway.

It became routine to congregate there, and although we lacked an actual lunch table, the same support of lunchtime continued.

During the pandemic, our sacred lunches were forced to take a pause. After two years of the isolation of virtual, then hybrid learning, and many lonely lunches, I woke up and it was my senior year. COVID-19 was a wakeup call that I only had a few months left before I would never sit at these lunch tables ever again.

I went back to school determined to make the most of the time I had left with my best friends. However, I didn’t expect that this would be the year that I made the most new friends. All the high school awkwardness, popularity-

Graphic by Alex Gaines ’23 seeking tendencies of my peers had seemingly vanished. Everyone was open and eager to mingle. As always, the lunch table fostered these new friendships.

Sitting at my normal lunch table, with my normal group, I began to see new faces. Mutual friends from free periods, classes and more started coming together. People I hadn’t known existed a few months before became the best parts of my day. We had started as scared, insecure freshmen who hid in the hallway to seniors belly laughing in the cafeteria.

Eventually, the lunch table left the walls of Staples. We had breakfast at The Sherwood Diner and after-school lunch at Shake Shack or Jr’s Deli and Grille. A group that was thrown together by chance and then nurtured in the cafeteria became an actual friend group.

While part of me wishes that I had been more open to making new friends earlier on in my high school experience, I am so thankful for the journey (and the few tables of the senior section in the cafeteria) that brought me together with my people. Without my friends, new and old, I know I would not have made it through. And I owe it all to my lunch table.

Graphic by Audrey Kercher ’23 Photo contributed by Ella Alpert ’22

| 15

My petition to end asking “what do you want to be when you grow up?” !"#$%&'$(!&)*"%+,-.&(/00 1--&-2"'2(34$"2&5$(6&4$)2+4 he most anxiety-inducing part of highschool was not the three hours of nightly homework, nor Staples’ obsession with the college process and where you are going, or not even having to take swim freshman year and attempting to sprint from the pool to biology with soaking wet hair.

The scariest part for me was actually just a common question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Can we collectively agree to stop asking high school students this? Please.

This question made me believe that I had to have my life

T

as a career as soon as I walked through the school doors. Freshman year I told my counselor I possibly wanted to go into nursing because I had a passion for helping others and thought I liked science. But then I took biology and anatomy and crossed that one off of the list.

I could not wrap my brain around the intricacy of the human body, and after dissecting a cat junior year I decided it was not for me.

Then, after loving my freshman and sophomore social studies classes, I enrolled myself into courses that dealt with current issues and thought that international relations or public policy was my path. (I have

It was in the most unexpected way that I found a passion, somewhere that I felt

school. But to any underclassmen reading this–you don’t. Trust me.

But because of this question, I scrambled to try and

become known as the girl who took every social studies class ever now). I found a love for discussing inequities and dismantling biased systems that I have been so lucky to be able to explore every day through the new Black/Latinx class this year. And although I deeply enjoy having these conversations, I struggle to feel like Then, I thought after joining Inklings my junior year that maybe I had a knack for writing. I mean my mom always used to say that I was constantly drafting stories when I was younger, but surprisingly the writing aspect wasn’t what I enjoyed the most about the club.

It was in the most unexpected way that I found a passion, somewhere that I felt out of year when it was time to apply for Inklings positions I was extremely committed to growing the newspaper’s social media and online presence, so when I didn’t get that position I was devastated and confused.

I was chosen to be assistant creative direc-

tor–meaning I had to make graphics and help design layouts for the monthly papers.

My initial reaction was “uh, how.” I had literally only made two graphics ever and had no idea how to make something

and surprised myself with what I was capable of. My mind blossomed when given the chance to think outside the box each month for eye-catching visuals and powerful pages. A position I had never ever considered and has made me eager for more.

Because of this, I plan to explore graphic design and visual media during my next four years at college. But let’s be honest, that might all change too! I now realize it is ok to feel lost or uninterested even up to your senior year at Staples. There is no need to passion. Exploration is what your four years here are meant for and even what life after high school is for. So if adults insist on asking that old-age question about your future, it is ok to say “I don’t know yet.” I wish I knew that.

Graphic by Shivali Kanthan ’24

16 |

The Business Team: The Hidden Gem of Inklings

Margot Stack ’22

to my disappointment, I did not get any of them. I felt like I had no place

Business Manager

of teamwork and how to adapt

and my co-managers faced any

I

three whole years, yet I’ve never written for the paper.

Yes, you heard that right, I am a I have never actually written an article for the school newspa-

ing? And to answer that, I introduce you to my favorite part When I joined Inklings my sophomore year, I didn’t even know

the class. I immediately knew that’s

munication issue with a client or printing error, we always were

for advertisements in order to generate revenue to fund the paper. For

ness team has taught me lifelong

has taught self, my peers and the world around me. It introduced me to my amazing co-managers and allowed me

Photo by Katherine Phelps ’25 Graphic by Shivali Kanthan ’24

the person I am today.

Thank you Inklings, and thank you ness

team.

to take on a leadership role in a plied for multiple editor positions and

learned how to value the aspect

Brooke Fried: the Next Albert Einstein?

Brooke Fried 22 Business Manager

I ended up acting half of it.

Throughout the duration of my senior year of high school,

Photo by Creative Team Graphic by Alex Gaines ’25

I

ed his intelligence to having a childish sense of humor. I guess now I have a glimmer of hope for my future.

Oftentimes, I hear stereotypical judgements surrounding childish humor gives off a sense of stupidfeel it’s made me wiser. Prior to entering high school, middle school teachers acted as though high school was a different dimension, as if to attend a disciplinary military school.

I had gotten the impression that I would

I’ve made some interesting purchases: two pink squishmallows, four pop-its, a Highlights Mag-

case of emergency.” Yes, I’m legally considered an adult who can go to jail and also legally adopt a child. Scary, right?

The Advanced Journalism

true self and personal interests, ranging from my strange usage of emojis, the struggles of having curly hair and even the Through writing these articles, I learned that my sense of humor is something that connects me to humanity, something that allows me to develop meaningful relaity from myself and others. High school is a stressful time where we our lives, and while it’s important to work hard and dedicate equally as important to enjoy our youth and laugh until we feel like

my humor into my journalistic writing. Throughout my three er once written for the news or sports section; they were way too structured, didn’t allow me to incorporate my voice and lacked the connection I enjoy forming with my audience. So, with that, I continued to write almost

By writing these articles or simthrough oversharing my random opinions, I hope I’ve shown my classmates of all ages that it’s important to simply have fun and channel your inner child. come the new William Shakespeare or Jeff Bezos. If you do, feel free to give me a call.

| 17

Hi, how can I help you? !"#$%&'$()"#%&*++

cause even I can’t resist a good

,-.).()/&0%.1(#

f you’re looking for me on a Friday or Saturday night, there’s a pretty high chance that I’ll be at a restaurant. Not as a patron, but serving high maintenance Fairfield County residents as they mispronounce the names of dishes.

While most 16 year olds can’t wait to get their driver’s license, I

I

-

only natural that I found a It’s

not

The connections I’ve made and the people I’ve met is something that no amount of money can buy.

the

let

So to my time in the restau-

Well, me

that were calling my name, has

not all the I could do without the customers who

I’ve met is that no amount of money can

occasional ly two years in the industry own against even the rudest

in the restaurant industry: it’s noying customer’s latte who well they didn’t, rather than have it out with them during

And for a while, I was doter all, the customer is always -

It wasn’t until I started writ-

the customers who go into a little too much detail while I’m

mon-

Almost every Friday and Saturday night of my senior year has

-

-

I’d consider myself quite the

ing, I started to genuinely

something

Photo contributed by Jared Leonard ’22

| 18

Take a chance, say, ‘hello’

Abbie Goldstein ’22 !"#$%&'(#)"%

t’s late August, and students frantically log into Powerschool to check their schedules for the upcoming school year. Everyone has the same worry: whether or not they have friends in their new classes.

I will admit, I too was one of those students eagerly comparing schedules with others. How-

I

interactions. When Coronavirus hit in March 2020 and we were stuck inside, I not only regretted not spending more time with wished I got to know more people in my grade. As the months went remained online, time was dwindling. It was impossi-

senior year, I realize that those

for new friends. It only takes an open mind to start a conversation and create a meaningful relationship. And, in a grade of around 500 students, there are countless chances to do so.

new friends on Zoom, and the act of casual conversa-

new friends. What started as a random assortment of people

The group slowly grew, and I began to look forward to my free, not just for the break in class, but to spend time with my new friends.

and school returned to normal, I promised myself to keep an open mind and not only spend time with the friends I have always My free period this year soon

one I was friendly with, I would

section, and a few close friends one day to sit with some new faces. We had rarely talked to these discovered that we all had a lot more

Photo contributed by Abbie Goldstein ’22 Graphic by Lily Klau ’23

test that kept me studying long into the night, or the economics graphs I never could seem to on the small moments of laughter and smiles I shared each day

have

afraid to wave to a stranger or give them a compliment. Don’t

more productive during those 50 min-

sation with a peer. Because high school is only four years long, and who knows, they could

could

more than a

workload during the day to have some fun, I reduced my stress and was

wish I did so sooner.

Now, when someone asks me what from

high school, I’m not going to

portive, uplifting atmosphere.

Although

grateful to create these friendships. I real-

at Staples, I would often resort to the quiet section during my free period. I would quickly scan the

I never tried to grow my inner circle. Instead I would com-

in common than we thought.

The group slowly grew, and I forward to my

| 19

Finding my voice was not enough !"#$%&$'(%$)*+,,'-..

Opinions Editor had an experience right here in this building on April 8. It has haunted me and made me feel like a failure, but has also helped me begin a journey that I hope will lead me to be stronger and braver.

I was participating in the National Day of Silence, a student-led demonstration where LGBTQIA students and allies all over the world take a vow of silence, to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQIA people in schools.

I was with friends and ran into an adult member of our school community who I will not name. When this person

I

discovered why I wasn’t speaking, they launched into a bitter tirade that was insulting to both the cause and belittling to me.

In the movie version of my life, here’s what I would’ve done: with my chin up and my eyes hard, I would have broken my vow of silence, to say, in a cool voice: “I very much respect you and appreciate what you have done for our school, but what you are saying is hurtful, insulting and not in line with the values of this school.”

I would have then turned, and

at our school to belittle a cause that students were supporting. I did not let this person know that the “argument” was underscored with prejudice and ignorance.

I did not reveal the impact that their words and tone had on me.

After a day of feeling angry and ashamed, I let the matter drop, but it has echoed through my mind and heart ever since.

Now, I have come to realize that this was a turning point for me—a moment that enabled me to understand the ways in which I hope to grow.

My involvement in groups like Westport Pride, GLSEN and TAG has not only helped me understand my personal identity and build my empathy for oth-

I let the matter drop, but it has echoed through my mind and my heart ever since.

out of the cafeteria, and to the shared this experience with a member of our administration. red and my stomach churned. In an attempt to maintain my oath of silence, I used the notes app on my phone and I typed out a bumbling response. I pointed and that was all—I did not have the courage to express how inappropriate it was for this adult

me from saying it. It was fear.

But fear of what?

Fear of being uncomfortable. Being vulnerable. Seeming overly emotional or sensitive.

Offending someone in a posiHarming my own reputation.

I know these are valid concerns, but I wish I had found a way to speak.

My experiences during high voice, but the next step for me is to overcome the fear of using that voice respectfully, clearly, appropriately and courageously.

Next time, I will not stay mute.

voice. In protests, demonstrations and classrooms, I have felt ions and sharing my experiences.

But on that April day, I failed to translate my passions and values into practice. I knew what I wanted to say, but it wasn’t just the vow of silence that kept

yL sb

ily

’23 au l K

hic ap r G

Photo contributed by Valerie Dreyfuss ’22

20 |

My sneeze: please, just bless me

!"#$%&'()*+"#$+,(-..

Opinions Editor he way I sneeze has been a topic of conversation

T

yous” she has missed out on!

Which brings me to my point. Both my mom and I sneeze in a

nitely one for the ages: it is a

quires a lot of control

I quite literally say “achoo” in the tiniest, softest voice. Both

When sneeze,

ments, laughter, and judgment over the years, but ultimately, I have learned to embrace both.

My mom has a similar sneeze. Although hers doesn’t even have an “achoo” attached to it. In fact, it is so quiet that

much force as possible and try to minimize

sneezed if they were not sitting right next to

we we

portant to express feelings and thoughts. Holding everything

I am committed to graduate to a louder sneeze... at least in a don’t want to hold back. I don’t want to be silenced.

tion. Some might call this polite, but it’s made me stop and wonder if I might

er So I learn

healthy. maybe should to let

be I should

and begin the next chapter of my life, I am committed to graduate to a louder sneeze...

don’t want to be silenced. I am me while I simultaneously learn new journey. So, if that means getting a bit messy and loud at

ing an earth shattering and alarming sneeze and see what it feels if there ever was a time to

thing new, this transition period between high school and college

part of myself too. shame,

really—

As I graduate high school

Graphic by Lilly Weisz ’22 Photo contributed by Charley Gutharz ’22

| 21

Find your voice through writing Maria Krug ’22 Arts Editor

klings, I always wrote more generalized pieces; mostly arts and feature articles with topics ranging from show reviews to COVID-19 policies. This was perhaps the result of being a shy sophomore who was new to journalism and didn’t yet recognize the importance of personal voice in writing.

However, by junior year, I wanted my readers to feel connected to my narative. I felt I could be making a bigger impact with my writing than I currently was. Then it hit me: I could write opinion articles about what I was going through or my life experiences, and perhaps people would be comforted and relate to them as they read.

M y ly personal

W

piece centered around my struggle with self-image and acne shockingly something no one had ever written about before in Inklings. I was anxious about putting myself out there and being so vulnerable, especially somewhere everyone in school could see. Thanks to my journalism teachers who encouraged me and gave me the space and opportunity to display my voice, I was able to tell my story.

Another organization liked my article so much that they published it on their website so it could reach a wider audience.

From this, I realized that I had the power to inspire and help others through my writing, which is what I be-

gan to do. Something I found I could bring to my community when writing my articles was an outsider’s perspective—a teen girl from South America living in a mostly white community.

I realized many people have not had the same experiences as I did and that growing up in a diverse and culturally rich city of 12 million people impacted my way of thinking.

J u s t last year, I wrote an opinion article about what it was like moving from Brazil to Connecticut in middle school and learning to adapt to American customs and traditions. The amount of praise I received from peers and teachers made me feel as if people wanted to hear my story and wanted to know how my point of view on things differed from theirs.

From that point on, I began linking my background and life back at home to conversations in

the classroom. When someone in my AP Government class mentioned the “American dream” from an American lens, I would raise my hand and share my take—an outsider’s perspective— on how real the American dream really is. I would even go so far as to share unpleasant stories from my time in Brazil; for example, the need to have bulletproof car windows or even seeing someone held at gunpoint in front of your face, so that others realize how different life is in Connecticut, even though it meant somewhat degrading my country.

All of these things, from having small conversations to writing articles about my life in Brazil, help to teach my community that others can experience life differently. I believe it is essential to a community, my community, to keep an open mind and stay away from one-sided viewpoints, learning to listen and understand others’ stories, which ultimately helps them gain knowledge about the world we live in.

So here is my advice to you, whoever is reading this: share your story and be proud in doing so.

Photo by Lilly Weisz ’23

Graphic by Lily Klau ’23

I realized that I had the power to inspire others through my writing, which is what I began to do.

Photos contributed by Tori Wilson ’22

| 22

!"#$%&$'(")%*++ Arts Editor

W

high school, I expected it would be more similar to a movie: attending football games every weekend, walking past lunch tables separated by jocks and geeks, and getting crowned homecoming queen to the applause of hundreds of people in the stands.

Photos contributed by Tori Wilson ’22

high school experience was nothing close to this My perceptions of high school were based on tons of movies (including my favorites “Dazed and Confused,” “Clueless” and “Project X” ) and also

A reminder to all: BeReal..

peers’ Instagrams. However, my high school experience was more similar to hitting snooze on my alarm clock and dreading each day of school.

Expectations are nothing close to reality. As social media platforms grow amongst Gen Z, it is so easy to make up a fake life to project to the public.

People criticize social media for being fake and toxic yet they still choose to spend hours scrolling through their TikTok “for you page” or get ex-

cited after receiving a snapchat from their new hallway crush.

But, I see that going down ing reality can be damaging.

So, the one social media platform I actually support and encourage is “Be Real.” If you’ve never heard of it and are living under a rock (kidding…kinda), then “Be Real.” is a social media platform where a

My lesson to underclassmen and incoming students is “be real.” Don’t try to live up to the false projections of high school.

the day and within two minutes you must take and post a picture. There are no likes or com-

ments on this app and you can actually see if someone chooses to retake their photo. I believe this is the most raw form of social media. There is no ability to look better. In fact, in most people’s “be reals,” they are laying in bed, and not dressed up at all.

This form of social media is the closest form of reality I’ve ever seen in high school, and it’s one of my favorite pastimes.

My lesson to underclassmen and incoming students is “be real.”

Don’t try to live up to the false projections of high school. Even though you may want to show off your glamorous weekend on social media, it’s okay to have a night-in to do homework or to simply spend time by yourself.

Not every high school experience has to be a lit crazy movie.

| 23

Ode to Barney: !"#$%&'())*+&,--

.(/#01&2%#*30$45&60)%13$)

I

’ve never exchanged even one word with my best friend.

I recount my day to him and tell him about my highs and lows. I vent to him about anything and everything. I gush over how gorgeous he is and tell him how much I adore him.

While I do all this, he is usually sleeping, staring off or enthralled in some other endeavor.

Perhaps he does not seem like the greatest friend. But my dog is that and so much more.

Barney is my dog and my dearest companion. While he does not check off every box in the conventional “good friend” checklist, he checks off the most important one: he makes every shared moment better.

H i g h school has been four unforgettable years for me and I am beyond grateful for how my time at Staples has unfold-

happy moments even happier and more memorable. My best friends make me laugh more, love harder, and miss the moments I live with them as though they are still happening.

Barney has done this for the past 11 years of my life, which is truly all that I can remember.

Barney has proven to me the power of a true connection and the extent to which one person, one animal can transform one’s life.

I could not imagine my childhood without Barney’s constant presence; a constant spread of positive energy and a constant reminder that life is better when shared with someone or something else.

Barney is a constant reminder that friendship a n d l o v e d o e s n o t have to manifest in verbal tion or a constant promise of mutual care.

True, deep care will never feel forced, and the love is unconditional and ever present.

Barney is not my only best friend and I would be remiss if I did not mention my amazing human friends, my incredible family, and even the random friendships I have forged that have made each class in my time at Staples so enjoyable. But Barney has helped de-

Barney has proven to me [...] the extent to which one person, one animal can transform one’s life.

I would remember, it became apparent to me that, while the negative moments existed, I will remember the happy times far Upon this revelation came a second one; a good friend is the bad moments more bearable, but also by their ability to make the good moments better.

I know my friends will be there for me when I am down, but my favorite friends will time and time again make the

of true companionship, and I feel blessed as I write that I have experienced gold upon gold in walls and beyond. Thank you, Staples and thank you, Barney.

Graphic by Alex Gaines ’25

Photo contributed by Chloe Murray ’22

24 |

20

| 25

22 Graphics by Lily Klau ’23

26 |

Life is short: don’t take the little things for granted cial than ever to emphasize how

!"#$%&'(#)($*&+,, -./$(%0"&1%2%*($

ractically every weekday this school year I kept to a regimented routine: Waking up early, getting ready for the day, driving to school, blasting music to keep myself awake, and

P

up to Staples. I parked my car in my designated parking spot, walked into school with all my friends, and off we went to the the daily anticipation of standing in the sandwich line and praying that the paninis are crispy periods in the cafeteria to where we discussed those sandwiches among many other things. past two years the world has -

like to discuss the small things in our lives, like taking time to smell the roses or smelling anymany things that I now truly appreciate but have come to the realization that I have a time limit on many of them.

For example, I most want to call attention to the relationships that created my path at Staples and helped me learn and grow. Walking from English to math and seeing my friends in the halls helped me get through short daily interactions outside of class that had tremendous meaning and impact on my life and high school experience.

And then there were my transition into adulthood this year, my teachers have offered

me advice, not just about school, but about life itself. I have developed meaningful teacher relationships, and I appreciate how they have shaped me into the student and person I am today. less carefree hours of driving around Westport, with no spe-

I have loved most in the last four years will now come to an end, but I am now ready to embrace a host of new possibilities, cherish these new moments and create new memories.

Photos contributed by

Shira Zeiberg ’22

Diner to Compo Beach, listenhave been some of the best little possible because I am privileged to live in the place I call my hometown. As much as Westport has its competitiveness and my people, places, and things and my peace within them.

As I soak in my last week as tersweet realizing my coming of age and the changes I will experience in the years ahead.

It’s okay to not be okay: accepting myself and my mental health 34%25%&678%2&+,, 9"7/7:/7$;&<5#/7$

ealing with my emotions has never been easy for me. In seventh stand my feelings or why I would

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lash out at the people I love, cry for no apparent reason, seek to be alone and have no energy to socialize. At the time, I could not recognize these feelings and I had no understanding that they were not normal. After much hesitation, I asked my parents for help, which to this day, is one of the best decisions in my life.

Even so, it was hard to accept help.

For one thing, it is nerve wracking to

But as time went on, I slowly started opening up about my feelings, and in doing so, it helped me to understand that it was okay to feel the way I was feeling. I was able to under-

ready to open up about my problems and I was afraid of how I would be judged.

Nevertheless, every Wednesday after school, I would say goodbye to my friends and venture off to see Rebecca, my therapist.

Each week I would sit in her

thought I was alone in this world, struggling underwater all alone.

As my time in therapy continued, I began to understand I was not alone in my quest for help.

Mental health is stigmatized enough as it is, and asking for help is often dismissed as a sign of weakness. It took me some time to get here, but today, I know how crucial asking for help is.

waiting for the hour to end.

not alone with these feelings.

teens (aged 12 to 18) suffer from at least one mental health disorder; however, when I started re-

Yes, getting help is intimidating as hell, but it worked. I learned to control and manage my emotions, as well as understand that the way I was feeling was okay. I learned to accept all my feelings, even the feelings that made me sad. By accepting my emotions, I started to get better.

I gave myself more credit for the little things I did, and acknowledged not everyday will I allowed myself to get sad and feel emotions without being embarrassed by how I was feeling. proud to say I still receive help, be able to deal with all your emotions on your own. Life can get

Change of Plans: Why I embrace unconventional paths Hannah Ratcliffe ’22 !"#$%&'($)*+',&

T

The stigmas surrounding gap years should not prevent students from exploring their true passions.

this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity forced me to realize that I would never truly be content without exploring the possibilities that might lie in dance.

Staples does not discourage students from following their passions, but there isn’t a lot of encouragement to pursue anything beyond the scope of college, either. It is sad to think about how my fear of being different from my peers almost stopped me from following my dreams.

In the future, I hope that Staples is able to better foster an environment where the societal expectation is not to simply go to college the year after graduation, but to pursue what you are genuinely interested in, no matter what path it leads you down.

A common phrase practically every senior has heard this year is “You will end up where you’re supposed to be,” and while I admit I was a skeptic, it has proven to be absolutely correct.

Lessons I’ve learned at the kitchen table Ella Stoler ’22

-.,',(',&/$)*+',& Photo contributed by Ella Stoler ’22 ome of my most impactful memories throughout high school have occurred

S

at my kitchen table. Sitting there reminds me of the countless family dinners that were accompanied by conversations about the importance of hard work, keeping up our grades and earning our Saturdays.

It also reminds me of the times watching my parents wholeheartedly dance on top of that same table and the sound my dad’s head made the two times it went through the ceiling. And while I’ll miss my dad crashing my parties and impressing my friends with a game winning shot, joining him the next morning at the kitchen table to do our work is a comfort I’ll miss more.

I’ve always admired that about my parents — their ability to balance work and play is something I’ve strived to perfect throughout high school.

As Staples students, we perpetually feel like we’re drowning in coursework, and ironically, not one of us would deny that we feed into this competitive atmosphere.

There’s a reason Staples is known for its high quality athletes, students and productions.

Those kitchen table memories, however, have helped me put things into perspective and avoid burnout. The busy weeks were no doubt draining, but, without fail, my energy was replenished by the Friday

To balance work and play is something I’ve strived to perfect.

Photo contributed

he phrase “gap year” is heavily tainted at Staples, and one barely worth acknowledging in most cases.

“Where are you going to college next year?” is the magic question that I’m asked countless times a week by my peers and teachers, as the assumption that all students are college-bound straight out of high school still stands strong.

However, the stigmas surrounding gap years should not prevent students from exploring their true passions, because despite the competitive atmosphere at Staples and the expectation to attend college right

away, everyone’s path is unique.

My college process has been far from easy. After getting deferred from my previous top choices and being unsure what nally decided to make one of the most important decisions of my life. On April 10, I committed to Fordham University. Nine days later, I was accepted into one of the most prestigious dance conservatories in the country.

My initial impulse was to immediately cross dance off as a possibility for my life after Staples High School. I feared people’s judgements. How would they react?

Would anyone even understand the reason why I wanted to pursue something other than academics? However, embracing

| 27

night games, weekend hangouts and beach loops. Even as we’ve been pitted against each other, I would argue the workload encouraged us to lean on one another and never stopped us from pulling for each other.

We’ve grown up depending on and celebrating each other, and competition never drove a wedge between us.

Now that our time together is nearing its end, my kitchen table has become a more meaningful reminder to appreciate the comradery we’ve maintained all these years. Together we’ve pulled all-nighters, had frenzied free periods and always fully earned our Saturdays. We are bonded for life as the Class of 2022, and that is certainly worth celebrating with at least another dance on the kitchen table.

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Privilege pays for privilege to be taken away

Lia Gordon ‘22 !"#$%&'(")'

had no idea my life was about to change until my parents sat me down to tell me I would be going to a wilderness therapy program in two days time. While this may have been jarring, it was a softer approach than most of my peers’ received. The status quo of wilderness transportation was being ‘gooned,’ meaning you were woken up from sweet slumber to muscle-clad men leading you to a car that went to who knows where.

I

premeditated, legal kidnapping.

The demographic of these programs varies, but the majority of the children I was around had similar credentials: girls with gut wrenching life stories, mental illness and parents that were just wealthy or desperate enough to be able to pay for long-term treatment. It was a paradox: we had all been and were going through so much, but due to our enrollment in these programs, we

all had a certain privilege — the privilege of having enough money to take your own rights away.

When entering Wilderness, the only things I was allowed to bring were sports bras and underwear. I was given a singular pair of base layers that I would end up wearing for the entirety of my over-100-day stay. My backpack held all of my minimal belongings and a tarp.

In Wilderness, I endured the most extreme of conditions.

But it was also in the woods where I was stripped clean of any excess noise around me.

It was there that the dooming elevator music that was my depressive thoughts were able to scream in the hollowed silence.

There was nothing that could be used as a distraction — no TV, no phone, no internet and no music. Instead, I had to maintain focus on my own survival. It was in Wilderness where I learned that money provides only material items used to distract.

The water I drank was collected in large bags from a stream that I carried on my back. My dinner was cooked -

Photos contributed by Lia Gordon ’22 for a weekend, I had been gone for nine months.

It felt like a culture shock. As I entered the structure that I once had called home, it now felt like nothing method of bow drilling. The set is made up of a like it. All I could sense types of hard and soft woods. was the empty space. The expansiveness of leave my comfortable Westport the infrastructure swallowed home and to operate under forme whole. There were many mulated tactics of control. No useless rooms and clean unclut- matter how brutal conditions betered surfaces. It felt historical; came at times, when I reentered like a museum. It felt frivolous the doors of Staples as a second and unnecessary. I felt glut- semester senior, something betonous, bordering on sickly. came apparent: not everyone It was at this has parents that pay attention moment that I to their kid’s mental health. Not - every parent is willing to proality of my experi- vide the help their child needs ence over the past or not every parent can afford two years. I felt as to provide that care. I had been if my Wilderness through pain and struggle the lifestyle during past two years, but the hardest treatment was pill to swallow was that all of it one to complain about. It was was a product of my privilege. harsh, extreme and uncomfortPrograms like these are not able. But I was unlike many others who lived in my Wilderness for those who have been harmed. school’s community: I had the luxury of a family who, at any lucky to have not fallen victim point, could pluck me out and to. Although my past two years bring me back to the comforts have been tough to endure, I I once knew. Looking around, I know that intervention was had a safety net that most people necessary. The lesson provided did not. I was temporarily deal- is one that can transcend what ing with an extreme, alternate we may be taught in school. experience of life that others All you need is to survive. were born into and could not so There is truly nothing more emeasily escape. The daily hardships powering than that. No matter I endured were designed, set up where I go to college, if I get into and assigned to me by the adults college or what job I get, I have around me; it felt eerily simulated. the security of knowing how My parents wanted me to to be okay. All I need is some canned food and I can seek refuge didn’t know how to handle me in the nearby forest. I’ve gained anymore. They paid for me to the peace of mind to survive.

I learned that money provides only material items used to distract.

bark. I moved everyday by bushwacking with only a compass as my guide. It was there that I was sent to restart. Upon my graduation, I cried in delight of taking an indoor shower and being in a heated hotel during the transportation process to my next center.

I was moved to a therapeutic boarding school in the middle of nowhere Montana. Here, I was in a campus of about 40 other girls, living in a house ¼ the size of my own with 18 peers and staff.

Squishmallows: It’s nice having a ‘teddy bear substitute’ !"#$%&'()%*+,&-..

Staff Writer

“

By no means are Squishmallows better than a regular teddy bear,” is what I would’ve said four months ago. Now, I know that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Squishmallows, for those who don’t know, are stuffed animals, but extra cute. The Squishmallow is a soft, squishy stuffy “based heavily on Japanese design after the creator John Kelly went to Japan for a trip.” Squishmallows can be bought on Amazon, or bought in person at stores such as Walgreens, Walmart and Target.

For any of you older readers out there, think of the Squish-

mallow as the 2022 equivalent to the Beanie Baby craze that stretched from 1996 and 2000.

The differences are that Squishmallows come in a full range of sizes and are far softer and cuter.

Each ‘squish’ has its own name and personality that comes on the tag when you buy it. For example, I have a dinosaur named Grey who according to his tag I’ll never forget the time I was at a friend’s house, when my eyes saw this type of stuffed animal that I had never seen before and instantly fell in love with it.

It was a jumbo blue dinosaur named Grey which I now own.

While driving home I stopped and bought one and that is

when the “collection” started.

I now have six Squishmallows and eight teddy bears in total.

Buying Squishmallows is addictive because you are incentivized to collect them almost like they are Pokémon. Each tag has a number and there are also limited edition ‘squishies’ tain areas. People even resell these because they know there is a market for them. For example, on EBay, a “limited edition” squishmallow which would normally sell for $24 resold for $85.

They are also more than just a collector’s item. Squishmallows are comforting to squeeze

Staff Writer

watched you grow up, you have watched me grow up too.

Growing up with two brothers, I never really got the choice to play sports or not. I had to. I grew up getting pushed around while I was dressed in my C i n derella gown, but I had the best of b o t h worlds.

It made me realize how much I loved healthy competition. I took off my Cinderella gown and replaced it with shorts, a pinny, headband and lacrosse stick. That’s when you came into my life. I walked down your steps, a timid, small girl, but have continued to play and grow into myself in your

Photo by Aidan Sprouls ’23 years have been completed by my athletic experience. I have been on varsity teams watching and admiring all my teammates. I have discovered a work e t h i c that will help me throughout my life. This

It may sound crazy because you’re

Photo by Creative Team

H

i! My name is Jess Leon and I have had the absolute pleasure of growing up on your field since elementary school. I’m writing to you to let you know that without you I don’t know what I would be doing today.

It may sound crazy because you’re just a turf field sitting outside of Staples High School.

Yet, we share a relationship that is unlike most. As I have

bed volleyball, but instead of using a ball we used a ‘squish.’

I want to clarify that I do not NEED Squishmalllows or any other stuffed animal with me at all times to make me feel secure. “Need” is not the point. The point is that they are cute, fun and feel nice to hold.

So, before you pass judgment on me, I challenge you to give a Squishmallow a squish.

For instance, on the Inklings trip to Washington, D.C. this year, my roommates and I played ‘squishball,’ a game of

Dear Virginia Parker Field... /0%%&10,2&-..

29 |

would come to hit balls repeatedly until I knew I had mastered it. now isn’t only present on you but has followed me off of it too I have been a captain for which put me in the position to

inspire and motivate the younger girls to show them what playand feel like. I have shared some of my happiest moments laughs, and joyous memories.

I have shared some of the saddest moments in your presence through the losses, blood, and exhaustion. But at the end of the day you were always there.

Sometimes I feel that Ginny in my life. Everything around me was always changing and the stress sometimes took the best of me, but I always knew you were there. All I can say is thank you, without you, a piece of me would never have been found.

A wise person once said “home is where your heart is” and my heart is with you. To all the female athletes who have and will continue to use Ginny Parker Field, take care of her for me. Love, Jess.

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Appreciate the essence of time 1*34&5*3+0#6(2&-..

Assistant Business Director

T

he concept of time is strange and complicated. Boring classes feel like an eternity, days can drag on forever, but somehow years seem to fly by. How do we slow down and cherish each moment? Is that even possible? How can I feel so old, going off to college and becoming independent but still feel like the same goofy girl I’ve always been?

As a freshman, I remember looking at the senior girls and thinking they were so “old” and “intimidating” and that I could never imagine being them one day.

But now it’s me. I’m that “scary” senior girl that the freshmen are wondering about and intimidated by.

As a society we have learned to rush everything in our lives.

It always feels like we don’t have enough time. Life moves fast, there’s no need to rush it anymore. I have learned to slow down and live in the moment because over time I have noticed that I feel way more relaxed, and that’s when I truly feel the happiest.

When you are always looking into the future, you forget to appreciate the beautiful moments that happen each

day like the smiles you see in the hallway or the snack that you’ve been craving all day. Like the old saying goes, we need to “slow down and smell the roses.” nounced to the school in February, girls had their prom dresses posted t h a t s a m e week. I, too, fell prey to the stress around me.

I freaked out, texted my mom and headed to get

Honestly, I wish I waited and had given myself a moment to breathe and think about it. I ended up getting a dress ly wasn’t worth the stress and tears that came with it.

Since the beginning of high school I’ve always can’t wait for college,” or “College is going to be so much better than high school.” I under-

stand where these thoughts are coming from but I haven’t even taken time to think about it yet.

They may be correct, but why bet on the future instead of enjoying the present. I always say, “Things never hit me until they are actually happening to me,” and I just n o w realize w h y that is true. I live in the mom e n t and try to appreciate high school as much as I can.

High school might not be the most glamorous time in your life, but when will you be this young again? The answer is never.

I want to remind everyone to think about time differently.

Life is precious. We are lucky to be on this planet for as long as we are. Let’s try to live in the moment, and don’t only worry about what’s to come. Freshman and senior Lucy would encourage you to slow down, value the time you have and to stop and smell the roses.

Photo by Creative Team

Graphic by Lily Klau ’23

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Candid disposable photos create long lasting memories 7(22("&8($9&-..

Graphic by Shivali Kanthan ’24

Staff Writer

Photo by Creative Team

N

o one piece of media can fully capture the memories, experiences, laughs and tears that have come and gone through the past four years at Staples.

As I reflect on my time here, looking back through all of my videos and photos, this has become more clear. But even if this is true, I’d argue that a collection of candid photos comes closest to capturing the true essence of my time here.

I am obsessed with cameras,

Photos contributed by Hannah Kail ’22 ones. Disposable cameras have recently become a more popular way to take photos. What once was a way to take pictures in the 80s and 90s before cell phones came into the picture, they are now resurfacing as a cool way to capture memories.

Although they do take more effort – you have to send them away to get developed – there is something exclusive a b o u t these photos that no other type can match up to. The idea of waiting for what is in store adds a sense of surprise and joy to the whole ordeal that makes them just so much more special.

They are also better at capturing the candid moments and realities of life that cannot be edited through PhotoShop

ter or the click of the “delete” button. While it is true that a camera cannot fully capture a whole experience or memory, disposable cameras have helped on these important moments.

Being a Superfans captain this year has changed my perspective on what it really means to be a Wrecker. Due to COVID-19, many activities since

a camera cannot

were limited. But as restrictions lightened throughout this year, I enjoyed some of the “normal’’ high school activities, taking my disposable camera along for the ride. A normal phone camera would not have been able to accurately show some of my favorite moments.

me to more

memories, like leading football games with Wrecker Bob in the stands, cheering for a Wreckers “Blueout” themed touchdown or sitting on “the Hill” my peers in their sports games.

Things I had looked forward to since freshman year had become a reality, and disposable cameras were there to show them.

As my time at Staples ends, I appreciate the little things. I am grateful for the huge blue and orange balloons in my kitchen from my college commitment surprise, the sneaking out during free lunch to sit in my car with

spirit week and the overall joy captured in students. I am thankful for the Super Bowl bracket that almost won me money, the silly glitter backpack debut on the the letter sent back to me from my younger summer camp self. say thank you. Now I have these memories that will last me a lifetime, as they sit in my “Staples High School Dispo Book” and I can reminisce on the things I appreciated most.

32 |

Seniors must abandon destructive study, schedule habits in college

Graphic by Shivali Kanthan ’24 Photo by Creative Team

/(+0&:$);<()#$3+&-..

Staff Writer

M

y first day of high school was filled with thoughts of only one thing: college. Despite being four years away, I dedicated myself from day one to getting into a good college by any means necessary. This included habits and mindsets that I now realize were self-destructive four years too late.

Now I intend to abandon these practices when I go to college.

It is evident that I was not the only high schooler stressed over college, as according to an article done by the Washington Post, 66% of high-schoolers are “often/always worried” about getting into college. High schoolers, especially Staples students, face overwhelming pressure from their teachers, peers and parents to get into a high-level college by any means necessary, often creating unhealthy habits and mindsets. Staples seniors must drop much of the learned, unhealthy behaviors for the sake of their physical and mental health.

A very unhealthy habit I’ve had from day one of high school is doing as many extracurriculars as possible. When attempting to get into a good college, students stretch themselves thin in order to edge out competition. Once in college, however, it is unnecessary to impress others with the number of clubs you attend. This is especially true when colleges like The University of Connecticut,

one of the most popular schools for Staples students, host over 700 clubs and organizations on campus. In college, it is impossible to do all of the impressive clubs, nor is it important to do so. Focusing instead on clubs that match your chosen career path or interests is more clubs for the sake of doing them.

Another unhealthy habit that I’ve picked up from high to get a slightly higher grade on a test or project. Due to the workload I put on myself in order to get into a good college, I often six hours a night rather than the nine hours I should be getting according to Hopkins Ignoring the impacts to my health is unsustainable for college. According to Florida State University, the largest stressor for incoming college freshmen is the increased workload and a faster pace. This increased workload entails that more of my time will be spent studying and that my already limited amount of sleep will be cut.

Rather than giving myself an

overwhelmcult schedule that cuts into my sleep, I should focus on keeping a balance that allows myself time to sleep so that I don’t face unnecessary health consequences.

The last unhealthy habit that I picked up in high school but will discard before college is perfectionism on assignments to get marginally better results. According to Investopedia, the Law of Diminishing ics theory that, after some optimal level of capacity is reached, adding an additional factor of production will actually result in smaller increases in output.

This theory of economics also applies to essays and projects in high school and college.

In high school, there was

often the urge to spend as much time as possible on an assignment as possible to ensure the highest grade possible. This habit, however, resulted

In college, it is important that I do only the work that would get a good grade, rather than a perfect grade when the latter especially as work loads increase.

While some of the practices and mindsets I had in high school led to general academic success and my acceptance into a good college, they often were self-destructive in nature, sacrifree time. These habits included doing as many extracurriculars as possible for the sake of looking better on college applicasake of slightly better grades and spending inordinate amounts of time on assignments for diminishing returns. To survive the brings, I must drop these habits for the sake of my wellbeing.

| 33

Meet the valedictorians: Natalie, Zach and Julian

F

Natalie Bandura '22

Zach Bishop '22

Julian Weng '22

Q: What was A: Mr. Messina’s AP

A: Differential Equations

A: Intro to Web Programming

Q:

A: Shelled pine nuts

A: Dried fruit—particularly

A: Trader Joe’s crushed,

A: A teacher.

A: An architect.

A: A Minecraft streamer.

A: The Dead Sea.

A: The Ring Road in Iceland.

A: The Kremlin.

your favorite Chemistry class and class? Who Advanced Journalism with Ms. Fulco and Mr. taught it?

DelGobbo.

What is your favorite snack?

Q: What

was your dream job as a child?

Q: Where is

a place you want to visit?

imported from Serbia.

with Mr. Watnick.

mango and starfruit.

with Mr. Scrofani.

deep-fried jalapeños.

Photos by Lily Klau ’23

34 |

Congratulations Seniors!

Aidan Alex

Alexia

Amanda & Bruno Anannya Carly Catherine

Coley Colin

Dillon

Ellie

Hannah Kail Jennifer

JJ Kate

Congratulations Seniors!

Lucy

Max MAXWELL Michael Brody

Miles Miles

Moira Olivia Reese Shira

Spence Teagan Church

Theresa

Tori

Zachary

| 35

36 |

ABBIE

Amanda

Alex

Cailen

| 37

Forever Friends

We love You

Charley

forever!

Congrats!!!

Love The Curran

Konstanty Families

Christiane Chloe

38 |

Class of 2022 Delaney

Eliza

Ella

| 39

Ella

Ella Stoler

Fernando

Giselle

40 |

Girls Varsity Tennis seniors

Isaac

Izzy

Izzy

| 41

Jack

Jess

James

Karina

42 |

Lily Katie

Lyah

Madeline

| 43

Matthew

Margot

Murilo

Michael

44 |

Rachel Nicolo -

Rory

Ryan

| 45

Shira, Merel, Betti, Ella, Sam

Sophie

Sophie and Catherine

Staples Boys Senior Golf Team

46 |

Stasia Talia Perkins

Tierney

Tate

| 47

Valerie

Will

Congratulations Senior Class of 2022!

Zach

PENN STATE

ELON

INDiANA UNiVERSiTY

SYRACUSE

CORNELL

LEHiGH

And they’re off!

UNiVERSiTY OF MiAMi

UCONN

NORWALK COMMUNiTY COLLEGE

BOSTON UNiVERSiTY

UT AUSTiN

NORTHEASTERN

UNiVERSiTY OF WiSCONSiN

STAPLES HiGH SCHOOL 70 NORTH AVENUE WESTPORT, CONNECTiCUT TULANE