Inklings December 2025 Issue

PAGE 21 Former Staples' Fencing coach and current No.4 Junior champion Delphine de Vore shares her journey and olympic goals

Cover photos contributed by Fencing USA Cover designed by Camille Blundell ’27

C ON T E N TS about the cover Delphine de Vore has competed in numerous fencing competitions, leading her to a national ranking.

more about us 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.

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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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3 | Editorial

The Editorial Board discusses the restrictions on social media.

4 | ICE Raids

ICE raids double in towns close to Westport.

6 | Names, Not Bias

Olivia Saw ’26 highlights the prejudice in pronunciation.

8-9 | Season of Service Various clubs help give back during the holidays.

11 | Orphenians

The Staples Orphenians opened for the Rockettes.

16-17 | Speaking Up

Two students reveal their qualms with being labeled either “loud” or “quiet.”

18 | Student Submission If you’re not eating these cinnamon swirl pancakes, what are you doing?

19 | Cookie Recipe

A holiday favorite: this chocolate chip cookie recipe.

21 | Winter Sports

As winter begins, teams begin the start of their season.

22 | Giftful Guide

Need help with your wishlist? This giftful guide has your back!

must-reads

05 10 Traditions 21 14 Locker Rooms

Reporter Kasey Feeley ’26 reveals the disparities between the boys’ and girls’ P.E. locker rooms.

“The Nutcracker,” performed by Westport’s Academy of Dance, is a well-loved ballet full of traditions.

staff

Editors-In-Chief Andi Jacobs, Sophie Smith Managing Editor Zara Saliba Associate Managing Editor Zander Bauer

Creative Directors Camille Blundell & Bianca Mastocciolo Business Manager Olivia Saw Advisors Joseph DelGobbo & Mary Elizabeth Fulco

A New Star

Grayson Jandora ’29 takes center stage as Jean Valjean in the Staples Players’ production of “Les Misérables.”

Olympic Level

Delphine de Vore, the former Staples fencing coach, is ranked fourth in the nation.

Editors Jasper Hultgren Sophia Jaramillo Bailey Lillvis Madeleine McMahon Bianca Reidy Piper Salik

Editorial

Limiting social media won’t silence hate—but speaking up might The Editorial Board voted unanimously in favor of this opinion.

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member of the Westport High School Parents Facebook page condemned a Staples senior for being a bad driver, calling the student “utterly clueless” and “a major hazard.”

Westport adults attacked a Staples student who submitted an opinion advocating for AirPods on the “06880” blog, writing: “I would encourage all HS students to make a bit more noise called conversations and engage with your fellow students… sigh” and “You’ll get over it.”

A bot commented “Israel is our enemy” on an Inklings post featuring the Jewish Israeli student who started the Peace in the Middle East club.

In a world that is uncertain and hateful, social media is difficult to reg-

ulate. These experiences have community rallied and posted Shielding students from exposed students to the harsh even more comments of sup- online hate does not prevent realities of online platforms port for the club, encouraging hate from penetrating Staples. and have provided a tough but the founder to continue seek- As student journalists, we have real learning experience on ing peace in her home coun- been taught since our freshhow to best regulate accounts try. These comments included, man year that words hold powto promote a supportive envi- “Great work!! Kol Ha cavod!” er and that the true power of ronment. They were also the and “Ignore the bots.” Further- free speech is showcased in our impetus for a m o r e , ability to challenge hate when school-wide t h e it arises.

We each have a duty to directive that founder Teaching students and work towards an online limits the c o m - community members media space where discussion commenting b a t t e d literacy is the means to promote is encouraged, diversity is the hate an encouraging environment. feature on school-affilwith el- Only when individuals pubcelebrated and the best iated social egance, licly condemn hateful words, parts of Westport are media ace x - student leaders delete discrimrepresented. counts. p l a i n - inatory comments and victims While we i n g of hate respond eloquently, can understand the school’s desire that, “I moved to the US from the community work together to protect students from hate, Israel 2 years ago, and opened to restore positivity. as advocates for free speech, we the club to show that although Social media should unite caution against initiatives that our governments are in con- the community, but too often, limit the use of social media. flict, us people of the Middle it divides us. We each have a The truth is, we can never East don’t have to be.” duty to work towards an onfully eliminate hate, but we do On the “06880” student line space where discussion is hold the power to drown it out opinion, community members encouraged, diversity is celewith an outpouring of encour- advocated for the student with brated and the best parts of agement and positivity. posts such as: “If adults take a Westport are repreCase in point, when the cynical view of what students sented. ʼ26 Inklings post that featured are advocating for, the kids iolo c c o ast the new Peace in the Middle will be less inclined to use their aM c n East club received antisemetic voices” and “Thanks for ia yB sb c comments from a bot, starting the converi ph Gra the Westport sation.”

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Local ICE Action Surges Federal Immigration Enforcement doubles over 2025 in towns surrounding Westport Camille Blundell ’27 Creative Director

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mmigration actions have surged across Connecticut this year, more than doubling arrests and tripling deportations compared to last year. ICE action in neighboring towns has underscored how close federal immigration enforcement operates to Westport, a community often viewed as isolated from the pressures facing undocumented residents.

ICE arrests in Connecticut have more than doubled in the first seven months of 2025, rising from 173 in 2024 to 405, according to data obtained by the Deportation Data Project.

ICE reports show the highest numbers of deportations this year were to Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras and the Dominican Republic.

Data from CTData.org shows average monthly community arrests increased from 14 in 2024 to 51 in 2025, with Hartford seeing the steepest rise. Stamford reported 35 community arrests in 2025, up from five in 2024; Danbury recorded 20 this year, compared to six last year.

In mid June, Greater Danbury Unites for Immigrants said between 12 and 15 people were arrested near the Danbury Superior Courthouse. At a press conference, organizer Juan Fonseca Tapia said, “ This

4 News

past week we saw, we experi- ont said they are focused on from attending public school enced, we felt and we witnessed two things: how to prepare for unless a substantial state interror of state sponsored vio- ICE visits and how to generate terest is involved. According to lence, intimidation, kidnapping school policies for an arrival of the Westport Public Schools for disappearances.”

ICE agents, according to NBC website, ICE agents cannot enICE activity in Norwalk Connecticut. ter non-public areas of a school also drew criticism after videos Since the reversal of the pol- (interpreted as inside the showed two brothers being ar- icy, Westport Public Schools school building by the district) rested and tased in the street. has issued a statement on their without a valid judicial warrant Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling website outlining information signed by a federal judge, consaid ICE agents twice attempt- regarding the right to attend sent from school officials, or ed to enter a police department public school as an undocu- an emergency such as a public parking lot without invitation, mented immigrant or a child safety threat. Public schools are according to CT Public. of one. also not permitted to release “We want to first make it “Your child has the right student records to ICE withclear that Immigration Cus- to attend public school in the out a court order, written contoms Enforcement were not in- distinct where they reside, re- sent from a students parent or a vited to Norwalk,” Rilling said. gardless of immigration status,” special case as a health or safety Statewide concern has also Westport Public Schools said. emergency. extended to schools after the “[This is] guaranteed by the As ICE operations expand U.S. Department of Home- United States Supreme Court throughout Connecticut, the land Security reversed a Biden case “Plyler v. Doe (1982).” message is clear: immigration administration policy that Plyer V. Doe states that a enforcement is not distant, it had barred ICE agents from state cannot prevent children is occurring only a few miles entering schools. According of undocumented immigrants away. to the Migration Policy Institute, there were around 7,000 Infographic by Piper Salik ’28 undocumented kids under 16 in 2019 in Connecticut. SteNorwalk, no arrests ven Rioux, Stamford, 20 president arrests of the ConnectiDanbury, 35 arrests cut AsHartford, 51 arrests sociation of Public CLOSER THAN YOU THINK Connecticut School has had an increase in ICE (Immigration ConSupertrol Enforcement) raids throughout the state. intenSo far, raids have happened in Norwalk, dents and Stamford, Hamden, Danbury and Hartford.

Governor According to Deportation Data Project, ICE Ned LamReports, Ctdata.org Greater Danbury Unites for Immigrants and CT Publics.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION The boys’ P.E. locker room includes functional showers (right) which are available after class and after team practices. The girls’ showers (left) are unavailable due to being used for storage.

First step in 44 years:

Board of Finance approves design costs for new girls’ athletic team rooms Kasey Feeley ʼ26

On the Wreckord Executive Producer

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he Board of Finance voted unanimously on Dec. 3 to allocate $30,000 in design costs to convert a portion of the girls’ PE locker room into two new team rooms for female athletes.

Team rooms serve as a space for players to analyze film, hype up for games and discuss strategies. The entire team room project is estimated to cost a total of $183,390. The remaining $153,390 is estimated for construction costs which, if approved, is anticipated to begin summer 2026.

The project does not include plans to allocate funds towards the changing area, showers or bathrooms of the girls’ PE locker room.

When Staples was first

built, the PE locker rooms were a large space split in half, with the boys’ and girls’ spaces mirroring each other.

In 1981, the boys’ PE locker rooms were moved beneath the new Lou Nistico Athletic Complex as a part of a major modernization project, while the girls PE locker rooms remained the same and remained located beneath the gym.

As part of a 2005 renovation project, the boys’ PE locker rooms were upgraded a second time, while no equivalent development was done for the girls’ PE locker room.

On Jan. 27, 2015 the Board of Education allocated $200,000 to upgrade the boys’ PE locker room again, but no changes were made to the girls’ locker room.

A number of the stalls in both sections of the girls’ locker room have hand written signs stating “Shower Closed Main-

tenance Department 12/06.”

According to observations during recent tours given by administration, several of the girls’ PE shower stalls show signs of rust and water damage and are being used for storage.

These conditions currently prevent the showers from being used as intended.

“Those items for sure are things that we could upgrade now with no money. Right?”

Staples Athletic Director VJ Sarullo said at the Board of Finance meeting. “We can make sure that the shower space is a dedicated shower space. The storage space is a dedicated storage space.”

Newly elected Board of Finance chair Danielle Dobin voiced doubt.

“Respectfully, it does not take $0 to fix showers that are corroded with rust,” Dobin said. “I think the disparity in the locker rooms is a disgrace.”

Photos by Kasey Feeley '26

GOING THROUGH CHANGES The boys’ Physical Education locker room (directly above) has undergone multiple rennovations. The girls’ locker room (bottom) has remained the same for many years, including the dim lighting.

News 5

Practice the name, not the prejudice Olivia Saw ’26 Business Director

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e live in a society that embraces the challenge of certain “foreign” names. We learn about Michelangelo in art class, Tchaikovsky in music or the Treaty of Versailles in history. In Westport, people drive Porsches to order their açai bowls at GG & Joe. Millions of people become diehard fans of characters like Hermione Granger and Daenerys Targaryen. We see these names as marks of sophistication and make a point to practice them until they stick. But when a name belongs to a political opponent of color, that evaporates. willingness For instance, this fall, the New York Times documented how New York

mayor Zohran Mamdani has been repeatedly addressed as “Mandani,” “Mandami” or simply “the assemblyman” by former New York governor Andrew M. Cuomo in multiple different settings.

Mamdani noted these instances not as a linguistic challenge but blatant prejudice, stating in an interview that, “Andrew Cuomo never struggles with names like John Catsimatidis…But somehow Mamdani is too difficult.”

This ineptitude transcends the difficulties of pronunciation and delves into the conscious ranking of who’s names are considered worth the effort. This lack of effort has become weaponized as a political strategy against minority politicians. The dismissal of their identities is not a mistake, but a message.

Politicians continue to

deliberately mock or mispronounce names to cast opponents as perpetual foreigners, un-American and burdensome. It’s a way to dismiss their legitimacy without engaging with their policies.

Another example occurred during a CNN panel in August 2024.

South Carolina’s Republican representative Nancy Mace mispronounced former Vice President Kamala Harris’ name. When called out by other panelists, Mace stated, “I will say Kamala’s name any way that I want to.” Mace’s defiance was a public performance of disrespect, a refusal to grant a political opponent the basic dignity of their own identity.

This weaponization packs two punches. For one, it demeans the individual personally, reducing their rich cultural her-

itage and legacy to make a political statement. Secondly, it sends a glaring and malicious message to the rest of the country about the candidate.

When millions of people watch a congresswoman or former governor treat a name with contempt, it normalizes that contempt in our communities. It signals that disrespecting the identity of a woman of color or a child of immigrants is politically acceptable, even commendable.

Calling this out isn’t about “political correctness” but about confronting a long-standing form of prejudice. We’ve been conditioned to treat it as something insignificant.

It is not. Refusing to say someone’s name correctly is about power and maintaining a social hierarchy.

It’s a modern repacking of an old American weap-

Refusing to say someone’s name correctly is about power and maintaining a social hierarchy. It’s a modern repacking of an old American weapon.

- Olivia Saw

Use the blank sweater to create your own festive design.

Cut out the images at the bottom and arrange them onto your sweater.

Student-led anti bias work expands at Staples amid devate over ADL’s role

Graphics by Zander Bauer ’26

interactive 23 7

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month, culinary club cooks for the Gillespie Center. For their December meeting, they made pie, a big salad and vegetables to share.

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Season of service T

Anna Petrosino ʼ26

Associate Managing Editor

he holiday season sparks the time to be a little happier, love each other a little more and give back to the community. Staples High School’s clubs give back to the community in many ways throughout the holiday season.

Staples Culinary Club The culinary club works with the Gillespie Center, a local homeless shelter, to design and prepare a menu of dishes that are served at the center once a month.

“It’s a farm to table process that directly benefits those in need around us,” Culinary Club co-president Sophie Grijns ’26 said.

The members are taught prep work skills like chopping produce, cooking at a stove and measuring ingredients. They source all produce from the Westport Farmers’ Market and local regional growers.

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HOLIDAY HELPING In their annual Operation Christmas Child event, SLOG members packed over 200 boxes for kids in communities in need around the world.

GAME ON In the SLOB’s basketball fundraiser, over 120 participants raised $4000 in scholarships for Staples students. They also raised money for the Connecticut Food Share.

c Service League of Boys

Service League of Girls

The Service League of Boys (SLOBs) plans on donating $1000-1500 to Connecticut Food Share, which is a food bank part of the Feeding America nationwide network. According to Connecticut Food Share, $1 contributes to two meals; therefore, SLOB’s efforts will serve over 2,000 meals.

In the past, SLOB’s has also helped the Westport Fire Department with their Santa Runs which raise money for the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation.

The Service League of Girls (SLOGs) donated and organized supplies for Horizons Norwalk, an academic nonprofit that supports under-resourced families.

Members are collecting colored pencils, notebooks and other supplies.

SLOGs works coincide with Operation Christmas Child to fill shoeboxes with gifts for young children and had their annual holiday bake sale.

“The donation drive and bake sale are our biggest holiday initiatives,” SLOGS president Graysen Peters ’26 said.

Features

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A voice beyond his years:

GRAYSON JANDORA 10

CURTAIN UP Despite being a freshman, Jandora’s hard work and poise helped him rise to the challenge of playing the lead, Jean Valjean, in Staples Players’ “Les Misérables.”

Freshman shines as lead in Staples Players’ ‘Les Misérables’ Amelia Berkowitz ʼ27 Social Media Manager

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hen the cast list for “Les Misérables” was finally posted after weeks of auditions, Grayson Jandora ’29 wasn’t staring at the screen alone. His mom, who calls the show her favorite of all time, stood by his side as he scanned the names.

He expected to be part of the ensemble, maybe an understudy if he was lucky. But there it was next to his name: Jean Valjean. The lead. The exconvict-turned-mayor-turnedfather figure. A demanding role, to say the least, in one of the most famous musicals of all time.

In Staples Players’ production of “Les Misérables,” which played to sold-out crowds from Nov. 13 to 23 and drew rave reviews, Jandora tackled one of the most iconic roles in musical theater. In doing so, he joined a small group of Players who were chosen to play leading roles as freshmen, and maybe the first, according to Director David Roth, to play the lead in their very first Staples production.

While most first years were still trying to figure out the complicated Staples hallways,

Jandora was balancing his tic and act with poise and uncourseload with the demanding derstanding, but he completely rehearsal schedule. memorized every single role “I think one of the most that he was called back for. That challenging things about cast- level of dedication, determiing a freshman in a role this nation, talent and intelligence size is that they do not have the is what made us think that he extensive acting training that could handle a role as demandthe upperclassmen have,” Roth ing as Valjean.” said.

Part of what made the masPlaying the complex and sive production possible was emotionally-heavy character of the double-cast system, pairing Valjean only made it more chal- a freshman like Jandora with lenging. an upper-classmenlike Griffin “Valjean’s character arc is Delmhorst ’26. so wide throughout the entire “As a freshman, such a role show because is difficult to he starts the handle, but he His work is truly show as a prishas persevered oner and then through evincredible and I he becomes ery challenge am in awe every the mayor thrown his later on,” Janway and put time I watch him.” dora said. “It’s on a spectac- Griffin Delmhorst ’26 interesting to ular perforexplore the mance,” Delmcharacter arc from becoming horst said. “His work is truly the villain of the story to then incredible and I am in awe evthe protagonist and the hero.” ery time I watch him.”

Roth, who chose Les Delmhorst said there was Misérables hoping for a “water- one moment when he knew shed show” that would excite Jandora was more than capable the entire Westport com- of playing the role. munity, said Jandora earned “During our callback prothe role through his immense cess, we are all in the room preparation, determi- together when auditioning for nation and talent. the same role,” Delmhorst said.

“We called him back for “Grayson and I were both called probably eight roles with many, back for Valjean among othmany songs to learn,” Roth said. ers, so I got to watch him sing “Not only did he sound fantas- Valjean’s ballad, ‘Bring Him

“

Home.’ I knew after watching his performance that he would be perfect for this role, and it almost seemed effortless the way that he was able to convey such complex emotion and nuance.”

By opening night, the freshman who once expected a role in the ensemble had taken on one of theater’s most demanding roles. Rehearsals and schoolwork became part of the challenge for Jandora, though he credits the Players community for making it manageable.

“The hours are super long for Players, but the community is so supportive and everyone is there to help you,” Jandora said.

“The positive environment really helped.”

One moment stood out for Jandora: performing the prologue, the famous “chain gang” opening that brings the audience into the world of “Les Mis.” “I really like doing the prologue,” Jandora said. “It sets the tone for the entire show and you can hear how the audience is into it right from the beginning.”

Whether or not he pursues acting long-term, Jandora says the experience has already reshaped his confidence onstage.

“I feel like I can conquer anything now,” Jandora said.

Features 11

Jack R becomes snoopy

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Jack falls asleep on WTP zoom, has scarlet fever Anna P ʼ26

takes on

Icon, The Moment, Baddie

Radio City

Avni Krishna ʼ27

Associate Managing Editor

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or most people, the holidays in New York are no less than a dream come true. Rockefeller Center with the Christmas tree lighting, the Fifth Avenue windows, hot chocolate in Bryant Park and most importantly, the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. When Liliana Gomez ’27 found out she and the Orphenians were going to open for the Rockettes on one of the most iconic stages in the country—Radio City Music Hall—she was nothing less than star struck.

Photo from Orphenians Instagram

12 Arts

“Its going to be really crazy an acapella version of “Jingle to look out into the audience, Bells,” and a new piece called which is three times the size “Winter’s Heart,” as their repof the Staples auditorium. It’s ertoire for Radio City.

Through a program called an insane opportunity […]It’s literally Christmas magic,” Go- Community Partner Performances, high school mez said. choirs and dance The StaIt’s literally troupes get the opples Orpheportunity to open nians took a Christmas for the Spectacutrain down to lar during the most New York on magic” beloved time of Dec. 5, and - Liliana Gomez ’27 the year. As per the opened for a Rockettes website, matinee show of the Christmas groups must fill out an interest Spectacular.

For such a special perfor- form and submit an audition mance, the singing troupe put video. All performances on the in the work. Starting prep after Great Stage must be a 5-minthe winter concert in October, utes-long holiday-themed acathe Orphenians focused on pella. Once approved for the their caroling pieces such as performance, high schoolers are

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given orchestra seats to the performance they opened for.

Staples choir director, Lauren Pine previously worked for Ludlow where the high school choir also opened for the Rockettes. New Canaan performed earlier this year.

“I remember thinking before hand that I would be incredibly excited, but I did not understand the magnitude of the audience until I actually stood on stage besides my friends,” Josephine Lewertoff ’27 said. “It really is one of those unimaginable experiences where you do not understand the feeling until you are on stage performing. I feel so grateful and overjoyed for the experience.”

FROM STAPLES TO STAGE Staples Orphenians consistently rehearse to perfect their perfomances not only in the big Apple, but for football games and concerts at Staples.

Eva Matviyenko ʼ27

Broadcast Manager Each year, Westports Academy of Dance [WAD] puts on their production of “The Nutcracker.” This year marks the 44th anniversary of the debut of the original “The Nutcracker.” Not only do the performances capture the hard work each dancer puts in, beginning their rehearsals all the way in August, but also the sisterhood within the CURTAINS OPEN Eliza Gurley community. “The Nutcracker”, a classical ballet with beautiful tech’25 performed the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in 2024, one nique, is joined alongside festive traditions and the creation of beautiusually held by seniors. ful memories.

12 Arts

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Juliet Varsov ’28 performed the role of Clara in 2024. This role is most young ballerinas’ dream to play. The story of “The Nutcracker” follows Clara as she fights a battle against an army of mice, travels through the land of snow and is honored in the land of sweets.

Beyond the spotlight: The bonds and traditions behind Westport’s Academy of Dance’s “The Nutcracker”

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ach year, Westport’s Academy of Dance [WAD] puts on their production of “The Nutcracker.” This year marks the 44th anniversary of the shows debut. Not only do the performances capture the hard work each dancer puts in, beginning their rehearsals all the way in August, but also the sisterhood within the community. “The Nutcracker,” a classical ballet with beautiful technique, is joined alongside festive traditions and the creation of beautiful memories.

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WAD Senior Company has participated in a Secret Snow tradition for decades.

Secret Snow, a spin on “Secret Santa” consists of three rounds of gift-giving to assigned members in Sr. Company. The first round includes a homemade baked good, the second round includes a gag gift and the third round is a present from the heart.

Photo contributed by Alexis Jacobs ’26

When the final curtain closes for Westport Academy of Dance’s [WAD] 44th rendition of “The Nutcracker,” it will not only be the dancing the performers remember.

The memories, friendships, and traditions that were formed will stay with them forever. While the audience only sees the turns and leaps on the stage, the dancers know the sisterhood of support that makes every step possible.

You may have seen a WAD dancer repping a red or green sweatshirt with the last names of Senior Company cast plastered across the back.

Each year, the dancers chip in to get each of them and all their choreographers a “Nutcracker sweatshirt” to commemorate the show. Here the 2024 Senior Company posed in their matching “Nutcracker Merch.”

Bianca Mastocciolo ’26 and Avery Schnider ’26 pose for a photo right before their role as candy cane in the 2024 Nutcracker.

Dress to impress. This year’s seniors (left to right) Photos contributed by Andi Jacobs ’26 Avery Schnider, Andi Jacobs, Alexis Jacobs, Kate Bulkeley and Bianca Mastocciolo are ready to steal the scene in their party scene gowns.

Arts 15

Too Loud for the Quiet Game Reclaiming Volume in a Quiet Classroom Lila Boroujerdi ʼ26

Web Managing Editor

“L

ila is a great student, she just needs to work on not talking so much during class.”

From Kindergarten to fourth grade, that was the gist of what was discussed during parent-teacher conferences.

“Your daughter’s smart, just loud.”

And to be fair, I could not stop talking. I’d talk to classmates while completing a project or during quiet (not that the word “quiet” resonated with me) reading hour. To be quite honest, I’d talk to a dead plant if it meant I didn’t have to sit in silence.

However, it turns out kids are mean, and participating isn’t the “cool thing” to do in middle school. So, I shut up. School became the ideal location to partake in the quiet

game. I became silent during class discussions and didn’t talk with friends during independent work periods. I know, hard to imagine.

To no surprise, this didn’t benefit me in the slightest.

It took moving states and a global pandemic to understand that in order to succeed, I had to contribute more in school.

I had to be the talkative, loud kid.

So, entering high school, I did just that. Through participating in class, working with classmates and talking with teachers, I’ve had the chance to become a more engaged student and understand what learning environments work best for me.

In humanities and social studies courses, I thrive due to their discussion-based curriculums. I’ve learned I’d rather participate in a multi-period Socratic seminar than take a science or math test. Engaging

in class has let me maintain relationships with teachers outside the classroom and create friendships I otherwise wouldn’t have.

Now, if I answer a question wrong in front of a whole class, I react with a shrug or laugh it off. I don’t get embarrassed because the entire point of school is to learn. No one is a world-class chemist or linguist at 16. No one completes high school without making mistakes.

I understand that I can be obnoxious” or “too much,” but it doesn’t mean I don’t care. I understand that there is a time and place for talking, and that some classroom environments don’t cater to it, but it shouldn’t translate to me being told I’m “as mature as a fourth grader” or “torture” to have in class.

I have tough skin, so com-

SHHHH! Photo by Zara Saliba ʼ26

16

ments like those don’t impact me much. But, for other students, it can be detrimental to their confidence. Calling out a student for interrupting class is one thing; using public humiliation to establish a point is another. There’s no need to target someone to communicate a concern.

Speaking up works for me, but that doesn’t mean it’s the ultimate solution to success.

It’s imperative that classroom environments encourage students, no matter their volume, to participate. It is through engagement, whether with course content, teachers or classmates, that we learn best.

A Quiet Mistake Why Being the Quiet Student is the Worst Choice Will Enquist ʼ26

Paper Managing Editor

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hroughout my first two years of high school I made a grave mistake.

No, it was not wearing shorts in February as a freshman, opting to take Chemistry Honors or even transgressing decades of sacred Staples tradition by sitting in the upperclassmen section of the cafeteria – though I have made all these errors. Rather, looking back at my underclassmen experience as a senior I recognize that my greatest misstep during that time was being quiet in class.

My habit of scholastic silence began early in my freshman year. I can remember my geometry teacher asking a simple, easy question for the class to answer but finding no student raising their hand; I’m

almost certain that most knew the answer but no one spoke up for fear of potentially being wrong. In that awkward silent pause that many students – and teachers – seem to know all too well I found both relief (someone did finally speak up) but also disappointment that I had let an opportunity to speak up pass by. Moments like that repeated themselves throughout my time as an underclassmen.

In the midst of my sophomore year I would come to an important realization about being quiet in class; not only was I avoiding mistakes, I was inadvertently avoiding growth. Actively participating in the class, asking clarifying questions, and, yes, occasionally getting the answer wrong sometimes is key to any model of education. When we as students opt for silence over engagement

we deprive ourselves and our classmates of an opportunity for collective academic advancement.

As a senior I can testify to how becoming an active participant in my classes has resulted in a dramatic improvement in both my quality of learning and academic achievement. Asking even the most basic of clarifying questions can lead to deeper understanding for both yourself and your class. Teachers at Staples (mostly experts passionate about their field) are willing and able to go into great, and quite helpful, detail about

their subject — but only if students give them the chance.

The next time your class falls into the awkward silence, take the chance that countless students let slip by; raise your hand, ask a question or even offer an idea. You might get it wrong, but the opportunity you would otherwise miss in silence is far greater than momentary embarrassment.

Speak up!

Opinions 17

Student Submission If You’re Not Ordering the Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes, What Are You Even Doing?

Jack McGrath ʼ29

B

acon egg and cheese?

Yawn. Waffles? What a bore. Hash and eggs?

Gross… just no. But Sherwood Diner’s Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes? Yes with a side of please.

This confectionery masterpiece consists of three pumpkin pancakes with an absolute fire combination of sugar and cinnamon inside, sugar on top and more sugar on the side. Just to top it off and sweeten the deal, it has a warm drizzle of icing and toasted pecans that are the bomb.

Not only are these pancakes absolutely gas, but they also elevate the menu to another planet. Without these pancakes on the menu, it would be plain, weak and just meh.

As the one and only, Google Review Goddess, Dorothy Goss said in a google review, “We stopped on our way home from vacation in RI. I had the seasonal Pumpkin Pancakes.

Our waiter was Armondo. Not only was the pancake to die for and way better than my coffee cake pancakes at Waffle House,

18 Student Submission

Armondo was awesome.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself. Armondo is awesome, especially when he is carrying a steaming hot stack of Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes.

In no way could these pancakes ever be bad. However, there are always the Negative Nancys (or Neds) trying to figure out a way to ruin everything.

“I’m allergic to pECaNs so thEse paNcakEs are Bad.” WHO CARES? Order them without the pecans then and tell me what you think now, huh? “tHey put tOo Much iCinG oN it.”

THEN ORDER THE ICING ON THE SIDE! Figure it out guys. Be problem solvers or something.

Think about how much value a warm, pumpkiny, cinnamon swirl pancake would add to the diner’s famous “Pancake Flight.” (For you non domestic Sherwood Diner goers, the pancake flight is, one regular cinnamon swirl pancake...Note the missing PUMPKIN), one chocolate chip pancake, and one Nutella pancake.

As you can see, this would be the best food combination ever

made on God’s green earth, HOWEVER, they aren’t the pumpkin cinnamon swirl pancakes but the regular, old cinnamon swirl pancakes. In the past year, 25% of the reviews left on Google mentioned just one out of the MANY dishes on the Sherwood Diner menu in it. Take a wild guess what food got the most raves? Newsflash: the Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes.

Therefore, with the power invested in me as the number one fan of Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes, I decree that these pancakes, that are loved so much, shall henceforth be kept on the menu forever. All seasons. All year.

Please and thank you, Vasili (Current owner of Sherwood Diner). That is all.

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Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Arts 19

The Wonderful World of

Winter Sports

Staples Prepares for the Winter Season

A

fter an exciting fall season peaked with boys’ soccer bringing home a state championship, fans are now turning their attention away from the turf and heading indoors to cheer on the winter sports programs. Here are some teams to look out for in this upcoming schedule.

Photo contributed by Staples Basketball Website

FLIPS AND HANDSTANDS Gymnastics does all sorts of tricks to win the competition.

Boys’ and Girls’ Ski Team

DRIBBLING PAST DEFENSE Basketball competed in the CIAC Quaterfinals in 2025 against St. Bernard.

Boys’ Basketball

The boys’ basketball team enters the season with high expectations after winning the FCIAC championship last year.

With only one starter gone from the previous season, the roster returns nearly intact and fueled by a long offseason of disciplined work. Sam Clachko ’26, committed to Connecticut College, will help lead the team as a third-year captain, along with Mason Tobias ’26, Jared Sale ’26 and Dhlian Lohman ’27. The boys first head to Wilbur Cross on Dec. 16 with the goal of defending their FCIAC title and claiming a state title, but they aren’t going in blind. Clachko has plans to achieve this goal. “I will attain this by holding myself and my teammates accountable every single day until we achieve our goals,” Clachko said.

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Both the boys’ and girls’ ski team are gearing up for an exciting season. Preseason, known as dryland, began in the beginning of December in order to give skiers time to build strength and balance before their first runs on Mount Southington. The boys are led by captains Chase Cammeyer ’26, Charlie Feldman ’26, Rian Connelly ’26 and Ean Frankel ’27. Although Frankel is a junior captain, he still puts in lots of effort to lead the team.

“I make sure everyone feels supported and part of something bigger than themselves,” Frankel said. “Ski racing may seem like an individual sport, but our success depends on everyone working together and pushing each other to improve.”

The girls captains are Ella Manchester ’26, Alexis Robinson ’26, Piper Grove ’26 and Abby Cane ’26. Due to skiing‘s reliance on outdoor conditions, the start of competitions often hinges on winter weather, which varies from year to year. Grove says the team has learned to expect uncertainty.

“We have to rely on our ability to ski on all different types of terrain. We always try to go into races expecting anything, ” Grove said. Their first race is expected to be near the end of January, and until then the athletes will practice inside, attempting to simulate the mountain as much as possible.

Graphic by Jasper Hultgren ’28

The gymnastics team enters the season with a small but ambitious roster. Practices began on Dec. 4 at the YMCA gym, and the athletes have been focusing on rebuilding strength and shaping their routines. Even with fewer than 15 gymnasts on the team, the group carries strong goals for the coming months. Many of the gymnasts transition directly from the swim and dive season, helping them maintain strength, flexibility and a natural team chemistry.

With their first meet set for Jan. 6, captains Sarah Arango ’26 and Mia Cochran ’26 only have a short window to help the team sharpen their vault, bars, beam and floor routines. Arango feels that a small team is actually an advantage.

“Having a small team means that everyone really does have an important role on the team,” Sarah Arango ’26 said, “and everyone has to be motivated to do well.”

Photo contributed by Ski Team website.

Paper Editor

Girls’ Gymnastics

Photo by Samantha Sandrew ’25

Lily Ashford ’27

SPEEDING SLOPES Ski team competed in 2023 in various races.

Delphine de Vore Former Staples Fencing Coach Vies for Olympics

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peed, agility, strength, balance, flexibility, strategy, discipline, focus, footwork, intuition, creativity, rhythm—these are the qualities that make a good fencer.

Former Staples fencing coach Delphine de Vore is ranked fourth in the nation and is training to try out for the Olympics. She competes at the highest level, fencing at events such as a World Cup in Korea.

“I love how creative the sport is—it is tempo-based,” de Vore said. “I am a musician at heart; I play three different instruments: the piano, guitar and alto saxophone. The fact that fencing combines rhythm, athleticism, creativity and strategy makes it a very engaging sport for me to do.”

Fencing has been part of de Vore’s life since she was 7 years old. She fell in love with the sport as a kid and continued to pursue it from there.

“It’s a bit of an odd story. I saw the movie [‘Kung Fu Panda’] and really wanted to do kung fu,” de Vore wrote. “To my dismay, there were no Kung Fu classes in the area, and I had to settle for fencing. Fortunately, I loved it from the first class and continued to pursue it!” de Vore volunteered as the Staples fencing coach for two years when the team was a club.

When Staples fencing became

Photos contributed by Delphine de Vore

Andi Jacobs ’26 Editor-in-Chief

a varsity sport, she was hired to be the head coach. This fall, however, she took a job at Sacred Heart University—a Division I NCAA school.

“Coaching allows me to break down strategies and think them through—I am a firm believer that people don’t really understand things well until they teach them,” de Vore said. “Through coaching, I can help people improve their fencing and life skills, and it is also a huge contributor to my improvements as a fencer and as a person.”

Her students appreciate her coaching style.

“She’s a lot more relatable than other coaches that I’ve had,” Nathaniel Amstrong ’26 said. “It’s more working together to get better rather than just being told what to do, which I think makes growing easier.”

Juggling her training, coaching and academics (she is also a grad student) is not easy, but that comes with the territory of playing a niche sport.

“In many of the countries that we compete against, the fencers are full-time athletes and are paid to do such,” de Vore said. “Because fencing is not a high-viewership sport, most of our athletes receive no funding, and the ones who do get very little. Due to this, we also are usually balancing uni-

LUNGING TOWARDS VICTORY Delphine de Vore competes all over the world in fencing competitions.

versity and/or work in addition to a full-time training schedule.

While this is normal for a lot of U.S. athletes in niche sports, it is very hard.”

Still, de Vore’s current goal is to qualify for the Olympics.

“Specifically with the Olympic Games, I think that being able to qualify demonstrates persistence and athletic dominance,” de Vore said. “It would be an absolute honor to be a part of this.”

Sports 21

Ultimate Giftful guide to holiday wishlists Brooke Kirkham ʼ27 Executive On the Wreckord Producer

Favorite Giftful items

What is Giftful?

Giftful is an app and website that makes creating and

sharing a wishlist easy. It avoids the awkward moments where you have to text links or drop hints of what you want only to have nobody ever pick up on them. You can save gifts from any website, organize them into one clean list and share it with just one link. It's made for birthdays, holidays and literally anytime someone asks,

Ugg slippers Classic Ultra Mini Platform Classic Mini Tasman Taz slippers

Graphic by Bianca Mastocciolo ʼ26 5 steps to make the PERFECT wishlist!

Add what you actually want Don't add random items just to fill space. Giftful lets you save things from any website so only add stuff you will really use or love.

Mix expensive + affordable The best wishlists have balance. Add a few big dream gifts, some mid range items and affordable picks for secret snowman or stocking stuffers.

Be specific We have all made the mistake of asking for something and getting the wrong version of it. Instead of just writing “hoodie” or “makeup” add the exact product with the brand, size and color you want. Giftful lets you attach the exact link to the product so there is zero confusion.

Star your favorites If there are a few items you REALLY want, you can star them! This shows people your top priorities so they don't have to guess.

Share it early Send out your Giftful link early so people can plan, compare prices and avoid last minute stress. Plus, Giftful updates when something is bought so there are no duplicates!

Sweat-set brands

Lululemon American Eagle Aritzia Urban Outfitters PacSun Abercrombie & Fitch Nike

PJ brands

Eberjey LAKE Lunya Skims J.Crew Ralph Lauren

Digital cameras Canon EOS R50 Sony a7 IV Fujifilm X100VI

22 Opinions

Graphic by Camille Blundell ʼ27

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