Inklings Grad 2026 Issue

Inklings seniors bid farewell to Staples.

What will you pack in your suitcase for summer?

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Find out what Staples’ students are doing after graduation Get some advice from the 2026 valedictorian & salutatorian.

Family and friends offer best wishes to their grads!

Graduation issue editors sign off. Have a great summer!

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Shelf by shelf:

Objects that trace my high school journey Andi Jacobs ’26 Editor-in-Chief

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n my bedroom there are shelves. Big white shelves. Two floor-toceiling giants, posted on either end of the room. They are stuffed with so many tchotchkes that they could burst. But four years ago, my shelves were completely empty.

When I was a freshman, I was in the process of re-designing my room. High school was starting soon and I felt it was time for the picture books and antique dolls from my nursery to finally retire. So I cleared everything out and painted the shelves white. Rest assured, I was NOT a 14-year-old psychopath with zero creativity and only an appreciation for empty white decor. I was just waiting for some inspiration, but, to be honest, I had no idea how to fill those shelves back up again.

The first new addition to my bedroom shelf was a big whiteboard calendar. I was in high school; I needed to b e organized.

Next, of course, were my books. But not the picture books and 100-page “chapter books” from elementary school.

Real novels because I was more grown up now. Books I planned to read soon. Although, admittedly “A School for Good and Evil” did make it through—the series was a childhood favorite—and each book was long enough to blend in with the real novels.

I started stacking up worn out pointe shoes on one section.

I wanted to see if I could fill an entire shelf by the end of my high school dance career (I’m pretty close...). What started as a competition for myself morphed into monthly reminders of my progress in dance. Another shoe down meant hours of training completed.

When my great grandmother passed away, I made two additions to the shelves. The first was the “Shalom Y’all!” sign.

It is a vibrant blue tile with flowers, a keepsake that welcomes in anyone w h o

Photo by Ella Turner ’28

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steps into my room. The second was a statue of a ballerina. Her genuine smile and the way her skirt appears to move makes it hard to believe that she is just porcelain.

But none of that is really why I added them. The true reason is that I can distinctly remember them from my GG’s apartment on the Upper East Side: the place where GG raised my Nana, where my sister and I would stay up late giggling on her pullout couch, where GG kept a closet of gifts for when her great-grandchildren visited last minute.

But, after three years of filling my shelves, after adding framed pictures and dried flowers, a toy trophy, nutcrackers, art projects and fake plants… there were still three shelves left to fill.

I thought I would never reach my goal. Until, of course, I became Editor-in-Chief and my staff ’s first magazine was printed. The second that the issue made its way into my hands, it was obvious what would be filling those shelves. If I am ever struggling with a task, my eyes wander to where the thirteen magazines I helped oversee are on display. It’s a reflex. A habit.

When people told me that high school would be a period of self-discovery, I thought they were full of…(a not-nice word).

At 14 years old, I knew exactly who I was: I was a dancer, and I liked to read, and I was going to be the perfect high schooler. Now, at 17, I’d like to refine that.

I am still a dancer, a reader and a good student…but I am also a journalist, a writer and (hopefully!) a mentor of sorts.

My high school career was far from perfect, but there are many moments that I’m proud of.

People also say that college is a period of self discovery. I hope they’re right: I have a dorm to decorate. I’ll start with a calendar. This is college; I need to be organized. And I’ll bring a couple of books, of course. Some framed pictures, some magazines. And I guess we’ll have to see where it goes from there.

Graphics by Zoya Gill ’28, Chloe Mitchell ’28 & Piper Salik ’28

The risks worth taking: Overcoming fears leads to growth

Sophie Smith ʼ26 Editor-In-Chief

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elieve it or not, when I first heard of Inklings, I was very skeptical. Although I always loved to write and found journalism interesting, I didn’t believe that applying for a position on a magazine would be the right fit for me. After all, who in their right mind would willingly sign up for more writing, more reading and more time in a classroom?

Definitely not me.

Instead, I thought of a much better plan: join the girls’ water polo team. But, after riding the bench all season, I quickly realized I would never be a water polo champion. Desperate for an after school activity I could do without the risk of drowning, I decided to give Inklings a shot.

That was hands down the best decision of my high school career.

When I first walked into the Inklings room as a paper sports editor, I wasn’t prepared for how different the class would be. Instead of sitting quietly and taking notes, class discussions were frequent.

Students constantly pitched ideas for articles or discussed current events.

That absolutely terrified me.

During my sophomore year, one of the pages I designed went to print with an incorrect QR code. The moment I realized my mistake, I dreaded going to class, knowing we would be critiquing the newest issue. I vividly remember sitting nervously, bracing myself for someone to notice. Luckily, it wasn’t brought up.

But that moment taught me two important things about myself. Number one, I am undeniably a nervous perfectionist (if that wasn’t already obvious).

But number two, the reason I cared so deeply wasn’t just because I hate being wrong. It was because I genuinely cared

about Inklings. I cared about the work, the quality and the team. So I stuck with it.

And over time, I realized the critiques were not setbacks but lessons. Each edit sharpened my writing and design skills, built my confidence and helped me understand what it meant to be an editor. I slowly came to see that the collaboration I had once found so intimidating was, in fact, the most supportive environment I had ever been part of.

Throughout my two years as an editor, I gained so many incredible friendships with every person involved with Inklings. Whether it was laughing through late nights, bond-

ing at bridge staff dinners or even getting rides to Wakeman after layouts, Inklings became not just an extracurricular, but a true community.

At the center of that growth were two of the best mentors I could have asked for: Mr. DelGobbo and Mrs. Fulco. They have a remarkable ability to see potential in every student, celebrating successes through Student of the Month recognitions and constant encouragement.

The environment they created made me feel both challenged and supported, giving me the confidence to expand my skill set.

When it came time to apply for a leadership position at the end of my junior year, I knew I wanted to go for Editor-in-Chief and give back to the community that had given me so much. I can not imagine where I would be if I hadn’t pushed past my initial hesitations and joined Inklings. Not every transition is going to be comfortable or easy, but it will, without a doubt, teach you something new.

So, if you are ever holding yourself back from trying something new, my advice is: go for it.

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of time. However, firsts bring lasts, and in time the extraWeb Managing Editor curriculars I had spent high school pursuing came to an have close to 20,000 end. It wasn’t until April that photos in my camera I began to comprehend how roll and over 2,000 on little time I had left. my digital camera. Postcards, In three months I won’t be train tickets, polaroids and forable to go on “bloops” at Comtune cookie messages line the po, or get breakfast (butterwalls of my bedroom. I have milk pancakes in particular) at four different boxes dedicated Sherwood Diner. I won’t be a to housing the letters and notes 10-minute drive from my best people have written to me. I friend’s house, or a door down sleep with the same stuffed anifrom my sister’s bedroom. mals I did when I was two, with In spite of all the thirdthe same faded purple blanket floor bathroom mental breakI’ve had since I was 10. I’ve redowns, tears shed in the ascorded thousands of thoughts, sessment center and multiple dreams and moments into jourall-nighters, the place I am nals since I could write. To sum most grateful for is Staples. it up, I thrive off of nostalgia.

I’ve made some of the most So, it should be no surimportant relationships here prise that I couldn’t wait for and would not be who I am the milestones that came with without them. I’ve taken being a senior. The excitement classes that have pushed me of homecoming, turning 18 to think outside the box and and committing to college tritaught me that it's ok to be umphed over the otherwise unchallenged. I’ve learned from noticed passing some of the most intelligent and thoughtful people I’ve ever met who have a genuine interest in watching me succeed.

To be honest, I spent so much of high school working towards making it out. I dedicated hours to schoolwork in hopes of fulfilling a definition of success I had no real understanding of. In turn, I neglected to stop and take it all in.

The most important thing I’ve learned about nostalgia is that it doesn’t have to be good to hold significance. Not nd a all the photos 8 ʼ2 arb in my oldf

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camera roll capture me smiling, and not all the cards I’ve kept hold celebrations or congratulations. High school c a m e with its host of challenges for me, however, I hold nothing but gratitude for this point in my adolescence.

In thinking about my ninth grade self, I can’t help but be proud of the progress I’ve made not just as a student, but as a sister, daughter and friend.

At 14, I couldn’t fathom the idea of graduating high school, let alone making it through Global Themes Honors. At 18, I can’t help but be excited for what’s to come. Despite the fear that change holds, the opportunities it presents will make it 100% worthwhile. Whether it be through photographs, letters or knicknacks, I can’t wait to continue to capture and document all the life I have left to live.

How journalism gave me the power to be taken seriously

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that excites me most: investigating the topics few people think to write about and uncovering the nuances and complexities hidden beneath the surface.

My first major article examined trends in 504 plans at Staples. My co-writer Sophie Smith ’26 and I s p e n t hours sifting through state reports and school legal documents to build the foundation of our reporting. We then requested an interview with an assistant principal to request data on the topic. Our request was met with initial skepticism and we were turned away.

But that did not stop us. We continued pursuing the story.

We strengthened our reporting and eventually obtained key data from an anonymous source that revealed 25.5% of students at Staples have 504 plans.

After being rejected, ignored, and dismissed, we returned to the office and request-

ed an interview again. When we were once again turned down, I responded with a single fact: “Can you confirm that approximately 414 students at Staples have 504 plans?” That number changed the tone of the conversation and we were finally granted the interview.

Through this process, the work itself forced people to take me seriously. For the first time, I was treated as a professional, and that felt powerful.

Since then, I have written numerous other in-depth articles, and have gained the respect of my peers and administration as a credited journalist.

Inklings has given me academic validation and shown me where my voice has the most influence. It's not just a class where I learned about journalism, but it gave me an opportunity to become a journalist.

Nothing is more rewarding to me than writing an article that the school talks about, teachers discuss, and administration cites in meetings.

Inklings is serious journalism, and it made me a serious journalist.

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have always looked younger than I am thanks to my “cute” red hair and freckles, my energetic bubbly personality, big smile and frequent laughter. Being taken seriously by both my peers and the adults in my life has been a constant challenge.

Journalism is where I found my power to be taken seriously. When I have the facts, people have to listen. In my high school journalism career, I have focused on writing in-depth stories on topics that often made my advisors nervous:

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unprescribed adderall usage; skipping culture; VPNs; 504 inflation; etc.

These topics demanded months of research, weeks of writing, and the resilience to push against those who obstructed my investigations.

Through that process, I discovered the kind of work

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Take it or leave it

You're heading off to college, but your suitcase only has room for three more items.

From practical necessities to meaningful keepsakes, which three are worth bringing?

College Textbooks Brand-new, expensive college textbooks that are necessary for classes may take up valuable space, but you’ll probably regret leaving them behind.

Headphones Your comfortable headphones are perfect for listening to your favorite songs on long trips, walks across campus, or moments when you just need a familiar song. Wherever you go, they help bring a little piece of home with you.

Camera

Stuffed Animal

Your camera captured football games, school dances and nights out with friends.

There are still countless memories waiting to be documented!

From taking notes in class to staying connected with friends and family, your laptop is an everyday essential. Chances are, you’ll use it for just about everything once you get to college.

Laptop & Charger features 8

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Your favorite childhood stuffed animal that has been there through every stage of growing up.

Bringing it along is a simple way to keep a piece of home close by.

Graphics by Chloe Mitchell & Canva

Dorm Room Decor Photos with friends, letters from family, lights and other personal touches can turn a generic dorm room into a space that reflects who you are. It’s the little things that make a place feel like home.

The art of staying centered Jack Robinson ’26 Managing Editor

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Photos by Jack Robinson ’26 & Ella Turner ’28

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’ve left dried-up clay particles across all of Connecticut, and parts of New York and New Jersey.

Everytime I leave my pottery studio, I take a little of it with me, clay clinging to my sleeves, underneath my fingernails and sometimes dotted on my glasses.

The bad habit of not wearing an apron started from when I first walked into The Studio, 10-going-on-11, and clay from the tiny little animal figurines I made religiously would stain the tie-dye shirts that I wore every day without fail.

The thing about my career as a sculptor/potter/ clay-covered mess is that it will always be strictly unprofessional. Even though I’m not majoring in art, I love working with clay. I love the feeling of finally centering a big hunk of clay on the wheel, of smoothing hairline cracks with my fingernail, even the feeling of waiting for glaze to dry in between coats.

I hope to spend the rest of my life learning more about clay: maybe one day, I’ll be able to throw a 10 pound bowl instead of maxing out at eight.

However, what became even more of a constant than the cloud of clay dust that began to follow me around were the familiar and friendly faces that kept me coming back to The Studio even though there

were a r t studios closer to home. When I first arrived, tiedyed up and wideeyed, I was quickly introduced to a rotating group of adults who have been role models, friends and teachers, who have seen me go from middle school to high school and now to college.

Clay will always be a part of my life: I’ve spent way too much time covered in it to call it quits now. But no matter where my ’27 e Maccaro ri a future takes me, or what studios M n n oto by A I may join in the future, I know Ph that nothing will ever compare to my studio and the people there.

I can go anywhere to make a vase, but The Studio is the only place on earth that makes the process so special.

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One rep at a time Will Enquist ’26

Paper Managing Editor

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n most afternoons since sophomore year, 2:45 p.m. (or 2:40 after the tyrannical phone policy) has marked not only the end of the school day but also the end of my trek to one of the greatest theaters of learning in all of Fairfield County. No, it was not a library, nor a university or even a tutoring center — it was the gym.

I know it seems counterintuitive; how could a place almost entirely defined by physical effort and exertion be a place that has (in my opinion) been a driving force behind my growth as a student and success in my academics. The answer lies not in any quantifiable lifting metric, but in the lessons I derived from my time with the iron.

Like many high school freshmen, one of my biggest struggles in my first year was consistency in my preparation for class. Simply put, it’s hard to understand the positive effects of studying when you don’t, well... study.

But in the gym, I saw how the work I put in on any given lift was proportional to my gains in strength. A heavier bench press was not going to materialize out of thin air; it

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required showing up again and again, even when reps felt redundant, and my energy was running thin. I applied that same approach into my schoolwork as I went from repping bicep curls to practicing MCQs on AP Classroom. Studying, like training, rewards the person who keeps coming back.

The gym also taught me to be patient with the process.

There are only three certainties in life: death, taxes, and high school students procrastinating important work (myself included). In the gym, one cannot cram their way into a 405-pound deadlift; you cannot, in two desperate hours on a Sunday night, undo weeks of skipped sessions. Such a realization also manifested for me in school. To truly understand the content in a class beyond what is simply required for the next quiz or test, you must be constantly making small gains in your knowledge across multiple sessions throughout the week.

Most importantly, however, is the healthier relationship lifting gave me with failure. Missing a lift (a near certainty after going long enough to the gym)

is not a referendum on your character; it is data. You log it, you process it, you come back on Wednesday. Likewise, mistakes in school, be it on a practice problem, a study guide, or a test, are not catastrophes but the very mechanism by which you get better.

So, if an underclassman were to ask me what I would change about my time at Staples, I would not tell them to Photo by Ella Turner ’28

study more, sleep more or to join more clubs (though those are all perfectly valid answers).

I would tell them to find something, anything that demands consistency, punishes shortcuts and forces them into a slow but deeply rewarding work of iterative improvement. For me, it happened to be the gym. The lessons just happened to follow me home.

Graphics by Zoya Gill ’28, Chloe Mitchell ’28 & Camille Blundell ’27

Zara Saliba ʼ26

Paper Managing Editor

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ith me, it was always about following the rules. I set strict deadlines for getting things done. I outlined what details about my interests and passions to share with my friends and those to keep to myself. These were boundaries that I never, ever challenged. If I did something that was outof-the-ordinary for me, like listening to a non-Taylor Swift song or speaking up in class, I would be uncomfortable and vow to not do it again. The creation of these guidelines provided me comfort, and served as a constant reminder that I always knew where I would go and who I would be because I would never change.

Finding success was easy because it was always success within set boundaries with which I was very familiar. For instance, I would only enroll in classes I knew I could excel at and earn high grades in, and I would never venture out of my comfort zone.

But then something happened. One day I broke one of my rules.

I signed up for Advanced Journalism, a class and subject matter I had no familiarity with.

Not only that, but the course would force me to confront all of

the inhibitions I had about talking to new people and putting my ideas “out there” for scrutiny. Doing this was in direct violation of the third column, second line of the imaginary “Live Life Safely” book I lived by: never engage in an unknown activity that could lead to failure.

Initially, I was nervous to talk to someone new or publish my own writing for the first time. But after that first experience, and the satisfaction of seeing my first article on the Inklings website, I realized that wasn’t a concern at all.

Fast forward three years, where I was traveling to different high schools for articles, or interviewing sev-

eral business owners or board heads, I realized that something was missing: the strict guidelines I once devoted my life to. Through the course of all these moments, I had forgotten all about the

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boundaries I drew for myself.

Instead, I chose to push myself to meet new people, challenge my beliefs and open my eyes.

I learned that I loved writing articles, found peace within the structure of news and features and discovered creative freedom through laying out and publishing Inklings. I also learned how much I love interacting with others, and that there were people

who I could trust.

Ultimately, I learned that high school is the time for experimenting and developing a strong sense of your identity.

This is a truth that freshman me, from behind those imaginary lines and bound by rules, significantly lacked.

It didn’t just stop there.

Journalism opened me up to summer program opportunities and sent me to discover new places with my friends to try new foods. I became someone totally unlike who I once was.

Now, I know myself as someone who is outgoing and willing to both fight for my beliefs and remain open to change.

By finding the courage to say “yes,” I found myself.

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Take it easy - learn yourself Bianca Mastocciolo ʼ26 Creative Director

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nowing yourself is one of the most important things you can do.

Knowing your limits, when to take that night in, when to rest, when to take a step back.

Learning myself took me my entire high school career to finally find my own balance, and for the majority of my junior and senior year I overextended myself. I jam packed my life into one big rush day after day, chasing the high of feeling accomplished after being incredibly busy. But after a while it got exhausting, I’d push myself to do more, to be better, to keep chasing with no days off.

I did what I felt was expected at such a high achieving school.

I’d say this started with my dance schedule.

The activity I’ve held so dearly to me for 16 years. Day after day I’d wait after school for 7 p.m. to make my way to dance class.

Some days the gap between after school and dance would feel like eternity. I looked forward to seeing my friends, but I missed them in the time we

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spent apart between dance and school. My brother would be at baseball practice with my dad, I’d talk with my mom, sometimes I’d take a nap. But I still felt like I was missing something. I needed to motivate myself in that empty time.

In my junior year, I decided to take action to fill my time. I saw my friends had filled their time with clubs or jobs, and so I applied for creative director of Inklings, an extremely time consuming job where I’d stay after school every day until 5 or 7 p.m. On the days I had dance I’d go right from Inklings to dance. And then that became my routine. I’d be out of my house from 7 a.m. until dance ended, which would usually be

9 p.m. Even in the little time I had to myself, I filled it. I added a job, I said yes to every hangout asked. I’d be out later, more often, further. Pushing myself to do more, to keep saying yes.

I did everything that I thought would make me happy. And it did make me happy. Yet I found myself focusing more on the things ahead than the things in the moment.

At the end of every day, I’d be exhausted. Finally enjoying that moment when I got to put my head on my pillow and fall asleep. And it wasn’t until a huge bump in my schedule that I decided something needed to change. I never got sick often, but when I did it would hit hard. While forced to be

in bed, I was finally able to reflect on everything I had been accomplishing for so long. All the things I was filling my day with, instead of bringing me joy, began giving me anxiety.

The pressure to get back to everything, the guilt of taking a day or two to recharge, it had all caught up to me. I wanted to be my best self around everyone all the time, but that couldn’t happen if I didn’t prioritize myself.

I finally decided that in order to enjoy the things I do, I need to prioritize my own timing.

I began taking breaks, I stopped pushing myself past my boundaries. I let myself rest on the weekends, I took every moment between my activities to think about and appreciate the things I had done.

Doing that, it allowed me to appreciate the little things and reflect on all the moments of my life. In a world and school so fast paced, where we all prioritize doing as many things as we can to feel accomplished, finding the time to sit, reflect, and put yourself first is the only way we will keep our memories alive.

My car is bubblegum pink. And so am I. entrance. As soon as school let out, I sped back and ripped it Olivia Saw ʼ26 out of the parking lot. The pink Business Director felt humiliatingly bright, like a constant flush in my cheeks.

Every red light and stop sign y Mazda Miata felt personal as I waited, then used to be navy blue: stalled it out of anxiety. I neutral, forgettable, became hyperaware of people the kind of color that sinks looking over at me. I started into a sea of traffic. About a wondering what assumptions week before senior year started, strangers were making as I I went with my dad to an auto stepped out of the car: shallow, shop and saw different shades attention seeking, trying too of wraps lined up on the wall. hard. I found myself wanting Without really thinking, I imto explain it preemptively, like mediately decided I wanted my if I could just clarify that I car to be bubblegum pink. wasn’t doing it for attention, It wasn’t practical or carepeople would somehow see me fully thought out. My parents more favorably. After months warned me multiple times to of driving around, the unsetbe sure it was what I wanted, tling anxiety in my mind was but for once, I wasn’t trying to exhausting. make the most sensible deciA few months after I sion. I just loved the color. That wrapped my car, I was stopped felt reason enough. at a red light with the roof So I did it. down when a school bus pulled I wrapped the car in bubbleup next to me. At first, I did gum pink, my absolute favorite what I’d been doing all year: color, and added an $80 rear staring straight ahead and prewing off eBay along with tending not to notice people heart-shaped exhaust pipes. looking.

And the first day I drove it to Then I heard screaming. school, I regretted it.

Not scared screaming, but As soon as I parked my excited screaming. Squealing. car, I nearly jumped out of it A little girl had her hands and ran to the pressed against the window, pointing directly at my car like Brian O’Connor himself had just pulled up. Then suddenly all the kids around her

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started pointing and waving, too. The girl was looking at my Miata with the most awestruck expression, like the car wasn’t embarrassing or excessive at all - it was just bright and joyful.

So I waved back.

And I remember driving away, thinking about how instinctively adults train themselves out of that kind of reaction.

Somewhere along the way, people become deeply afraid of appearing too enthusiastic, too visible, too sincere about the things they love. We start treating detachment like maturity, like caring too openly about anything is embarrassing. But those kids didn’t busy themselves with trying to seem unimpressed. They looked at the car with the kind of wholehearted excitement people spend years trying to contain.

That was the moment I stopped feeling humiliated about my car. Not because I suddenly stopped noticing what other people thought, but because I realized how exhausting it must be to move through life constantly filtering your own delight into something more socially acceptable.

I don’t want to live like that anymore. So I stopped organizing my life around avoiding embarrassment. And I’ve never been happier.

I laugh loudly now. I get excited over small things. I wave back to kids on buses and people in vintage Miatas like it’s the most natural thing in the world. I’ve stopped rehearsing how I come

Graphics by Ella Turner ’28 & Olivia Saw ’26

across in my own head. I say what I mean and I let myself care openly.

And somehow, life feels lighter than it used to.

Learning to be confident in choices that have brought a newfound sense of thrill in my life, I’ve realized how often people confuse cynicism with maturity.

That’s the part people misunderstand about whimsy choices you make. They may think you’re unserious, but there is nothing unserious about letting yourself be seen enjoying your own life; nothing immature about your own delight. What I pity most is the energy people are wasting to keep it contained, and how much they miss by trying to suppress it.

My car is bubblegum pink. And

so am I.

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From family to friendship: building lifelong bonds being sandwiched between brothers Anna Petrosino ʼ26

Associate Managing Editor became shorter, fighting became constant, and it felt like hen I was 6, I I was just sharing a house with asked my mom them. I felt a distance from if I could have a both my siblings. I assumed it sister. Unfortunately, she said, was part of growing up and that ““no.”” Instead, I had my broth- closeness was just something ers: one older and one younger. we all naturally outgrow with Growing up, my brothers maturity. were my built-in play buddies.

The beginning of high Being the middle child between school was similar. Even two athletic brothers-- each though Sam and I were now in two years apart from me-- peo- the same school, we were not ple would always compliment especially close. Many car rides me and say I was “tough.” But to school were spent either in if you asked my brothers, they’d silence or while screaming in probably say I’m the most sen- anger. sitive person in their life.

But this year, there was a We spent hours playing shift in the sibling dynamic. wiffle ball in the driveway. My With Connor a sophomore at younger brother, Connor, and I Staples and Sam a sophomore practically lived in his Batman at college, I’ve had a better reBatcave Tower playset. Some- lationship than ever with both times I even convinced him to of them. Connor and I drove to build fairy houses with me. My school together every morning, older brother, Sam, and I would and when he was not franticalthrow the football in the yard. ly finishing his homework to Sure, we bickered as any submit by 8 a.m., we actutypical siblings would, but un- ally talked. We did little derneath it all, there was always things outside of school a built-in closeness. together, like going But, it didn’t stay like this. to the driving range, Around the time I was in mid- getting 16 Handles, dle school, the conversations running a 5k over Christmas, or joking

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around in the kitchen late at night.

At the same time, my relationship with Sam improved, too. In the past, he tended to “win” everything (as first-borns and older siblings do,) and I think he enjoyed bothering me just a little too much. For the longest time, I took everything he did personally. But with age, and a bit of distance, I started realizing that there isn’t always something to win.

While he was away at college, he couldn’t tease me, and our communication became more deliberate and sincere.

We started calling occasionally to catch up on life as I went through the college application process and he went through the trials of his football season.

Now, when he comes home from college, (and especially over longer periods like his one-month winter break,) there is a smoother flow than our communication in high school. Ultimately, growing up has made me realize that relationships are rarely constant.

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we expect perfect closeness all the time, but relationships can move in phases. There are seasons where people drift apart, seasons where every conversation turns into an argument and seasons where everything is amended.

As a kid, I thought being close to my siblings meant never fighting, but now I think it means continuing to be there for one another. One day, the wiffle ball games ended. The morning car rides stopped.

Eventually, we will all leave for college, move out and build separate lives. The people I once saw everyday will no longer be sitting across from me at the dinner table every night.

As I reflect back, I think of decorating cookies for Christmas, building Legos or playing football in the yard with my brothers, but now I also look to the future and understand that we will all continue to transform from being just kids who shared the same parents into adults sharing a lifelong friendship.

Graphics by Chloe Mitchell ’28

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The irony of advocacy

From silent student to state advocate

“ I was able

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Time to spin the wheel of names.” If your face turns tomato red and your heart starts pounding the second you hear that, you will probably understand everything I’m about to talk about. And if you don’t, honestly I’m a little jealous.

For as long as I can remember, speaking in class felt more like a performance rather than participation. It didn’t matter how well I knew the answer or how much I had

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Associate Paper Editor

prepared, every time I tried to my head, questioning if I said raise my hand, there was always (if I ever did) the right things an internal force blocking me for the rest of the day, but outfrom speaking out. side of the classroom, someThose around me always thing finally changed. told me it was something that I figured that if I didn’t use I would eventually “grow out this voice I’ve been encouraged of ” as I matured. Well, after 12 to use in the classroom, I must years of school and now being a find another way to use it. And senior, I’m still waiting for that so I did. miracle, still stuck in the same I was able to find my voice “phase.” advocating for But I school safety, wouldn’t be writan issue that ing this if nothaffects all stuing had changed. dents today.

The fear most Before I definitely never knew it I was went away. I’m - Zander Bauer presenting at still the same board meetgirl I was in elings, testifying ementary school, hesitating in front of intimidating state before speaking, replaying legislatures and the scariest of everything I want to say in all, speaking on live television while advocating for legislation that gives schools across the state funding for silent panic buttons.

My co-founder and I helped make Staples a pilot school for the r

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Zander Bauer ʼ26

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legislation, and next year the silent panic button system will officillly be implemented during the 20262027 school year.

Ironically, the girl who could barely speak in the classroom was now speaking in places way more intimidating than any classroom ever was.

And even after everything, I can’t say that my fear ever disappeared. But what did change was that I found a new way to use my voice that didn’t make me feel like I was performing, but instead like I was actually making a difference.

So while hearing “time to spin the wheel of names” still turns my face tomato red and makes my heart skip a few beats. I’ve learned that my voice is not defined by how often I speak up in the classroom, but by what I choose to speak up for when it matters most.

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15

HACKY SACK FEVER

Generating high energy & unity Bear Swearingen ʼ26 Social Media Manager

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veryone has shared the same experience in the past few weeks: you’re sitting in class and zoning out. Maybe your teacher is talking about Chi-squared tests, or reviewing game theory for your econ final. You look through the window out into the courtyard, and what do you see? Hundreds of kids kicking around a hacky sack, laughing and branching out, talking (or joking if they make a mistake) to kids they usually don’t talk to.

Hacky sack has quickly become a popular activity at school for good reasons. It is getting kids outside in the sun instead of spending their free periods in the library watching YouTube or playing games on their compuers.

My dad recognized the trend and brought out his old hacky sack from college. We kicked it around for a second, and it made me think about how this game has made a crazy comeback. Even my old man knew how to do some of the tricks we do out in the courtyard.

The craze started with social media posts from prep schools and quickly spread, lead-

16

get over. Sure it might be loud at times, but the distractions are far worth the connections that kids are building outside the classroom.

I consistently see my friends or find myself socializing and having a great time in school more than ever before, especially as the weather warms up. It has brought the school together as the seniors leave and a new chapter begins.

It provides us with a great lesson: Even in a cut-throat, ultracompetitive environment we can

ing to the creation of a Staples High School Hacky Sack Instagram account. I have found myself in circles of 15-20 kids, some with whom I don’t often interact. It’s a great way to branch out socially and build relationships, not just with people in your own grade, but also with people in younger grades.

Recently, I arrived in the locker room after school for lacrosse practice and saw one of my teammates drenched in sweat. I asked him, “What on earth were you doing?” and he replied, “Bro, hacky sack is no joke.”

However, the popularity of hacky sack has also introduced challenges, such as classroom distractions, highlighting how trends can affect school dynamics beyond just positive experiences. Teachers have been complaining about the noise and distractions that it brings to the students in class, but at the end of the day this is the best problem to have.

Kids laughing and having fun outside is something that teachers need t o

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find a way to escape and bond, without the competitiveness. I hope to bring this lesson with me throughout life, especially to college.

It isn’t always a competition or an opportunity to one up someone. Sometimes things are meant to be just flat out fun.

Mr. Mongirdas

Mrs. Fulco

Mr. DelGobbo

Ms. Giuliani

Mr. Klein

Mrs. Wirkus

Mr. Shamas

Ms. Simpson

Mr. Shamberg

Mrs. Shamas

Mr. Mazzarella

Mr. Jones

17

CHARTING THEIR COURSE advice from the 2026 valedictorian and salutatorian

VALEDICTORIAN

ISABEL JO

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“

Don't let anyone convince you that you can't do something. If you want it, go for it.

SALUTATORIAN

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CHOUDHURY

18

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“

Try to enjoy your first two years and build healthy and productive habits.

Design your own

T R O P S S A P

Date of Birth Destination Date of issue Signature

Adventure Awaits!

Design your own passport with the Staples Graduation stickers attached to this magazine.

Bon Voyage!

19

Post Grad year: 2 grads

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No song captured 2025 better than “Die With a Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, which finished atop a year-end chart rounded out by “ Luther” by Kendrick Lamar and “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey.

“Moana 2” dominated screens with 9.4 billion streaming minutes, while “Happy Gilmore 2” followed with 7.1 billion on Netflix.

Viewers spent more time in Hawkins than anywhere else, making “Stranger Things 5” the most-watched show of 2025 at 39.5 billion minutes watched.

Whether on stage, on screen or on the ice, Sabrina Carpenter, David Corenswet and Alysa Liu were some of the most searched people in 2025/2026.

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The soundtrack of 2008 featured Low by Flo Rida at No. 1, followed by Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis and Lollipop by Lil Wayne.

The biggest blockbuster of 2008 was “The Dark Knight”, which grossed more than $1 billion around the globe.

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In 2008, “American Idol” drew more than 15 million viewers, while “Breaking Bad” debuted and “Desperate Housewives” averaged 9.9 million viewers each week.

Whether it was Britney's return to the top, Oprah's $275 million year, or Brangelina welcoming twins, these stars defined 2008.

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Don’t sweat the small stuff Kasey Feeley ʼ26

Executive TV Producer

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library working on an essay and noticed an underclassmen boy at a nearby table by himself. No headphones, no computer, just sitting and looking around. I felt a sinking feeling, that as I waited for the bell to alert me that my friend would soon be joining me during our free period, he sat alone. I watched as another boy sitting nearby shut his laptop, walked over to the other boy, and introduced himself. I listened to their conversation as he asked about his classes, what colleges he was looking at, and what he liked to do in his free time. I suddenly felt guilty for sitting and not saying something to someone clearly needing kindness.

The next day I carried that same kindness with me, and sparked up a conversation with a girl sitting alone at lunch.

So, I encourage you to watch others and take inspiration from their radical acts of kindness, and find ways to pass it on yourself.

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ne of my favorite books is called “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff… It’s All Small Stuff ” by American Psychotherapist Richard Carlson. This is ironic because I spent the majority of high school sweating the small stuff.

During my time at Staples I found myself returning to the book in times of need, flipping to any of the 100 bite-sized chapters and finding new perspectives. Many challenges I overcame. For instance, while sitting for 15 minutes of traffic on North Ave while being only 2 minutes from school, I was able to work on overcoming my road rage thanks to chapter 57, “Become a Less Aggressive Driver.”

But there were other challenges that were more difficult.

One challenge in specific remains, and it is one that will resonate with my senior classmates, underclassmen, and many of you sitting in the audience.

Staples is a school that pushes its students, and that is something to be grateful for. Achievements are essential to opening doors that lead to amazing opportunities, especially in high school. But when you learn in a competitive, high-achieving environment, it becomes difficult

to applaud your own achievements because they don’t feel “big” enough.

To this I raise chapter 87, “Redefine a ‘Meaningful Accomplishment.’” Carlson says that we often see emphasis on external achievements, and while still meaningful, our highest priorities should lie in goals surrounding inner peace and happiness.

He calls on the reader to measure their accomplishments from the ways in which they stem from inside of us. To ask questions like “Was I kind to myself and others?” “Was I too stubborn?” “Did I forgive?”

As we move on to tracks with taller hurdles, whether it be higher education or a unique path, it is important that we acknowledge the ways we have grown in our time at Staples, not the number of chords around our necks as we cross the stage or whether or not we did “good” enough.

The saying “Cs get degrees” is true in that sometimes we have to abandon perfection in the pursuit of achievement.

This applies academically, but also mentally. Today you may not be the best version of yourself, but tomorrow is a new opportunity to try.

A few weeks ago, I sat in t h e

The road

less taken Annabelle Katz ʼ26 Staff Writer

A

t the start of senior year, everything was going great. Every day I was running cross country and working out. Our first cross country race was right around the corner and I felt completely in control of myself and my athletic routine. And then, seconds later, I wasn’t.

One Friday afternoon, two days before a race, my friends and I were playing around with longboards, skating up and down the streets. A need for speed helped us come up with the grand idea to tie a rope to the back of our car, then let it drag us while standing on a longboard. This led to me flying across the road and ending on the ground with a fractured and sprained ankle.

No running, no training.

It was the kind of moment that’s supposed to come with regret. It wasn’t a smart decision, and I can’t pretend that it was. But that wasn’t my take away.

What I do think about is how quickly things can change.

One second, I was at the peak of my routine: disciplined, active, moving constantly. Next, I was forced to sit still. And

for someone like me, that was harder than the injury itself.

Being on crutches and in a cast isn’t rare. People do it all the time But for me, it felt different.

The way I get through my day and the way I stay balanced in my day-to-day life is to stay moving. I have an urge to run outside whenever the weather is still warm, go to the gym, and constantly be doing something.

That’s where I get my energy.

That’s what keeps me feeling like myself.

And suddenly, I couldn’t use an entire leg.

Everything had slowed down, but at the same time, it felt like the world didn’t slow down at all. Everyone else was still moving at the same pace, and I was just limping behind, trying to keep up.

Even the things I tried to hold onto didn’t feel the same.

The gym wasn’t really mine anymore because I now had to sit and be handed weights.

People were helping, but it felt limiting. I had been so excited to be in the front row at football games, and then I couldn’t even stand in the bleachers without pain. I was there, just not the way I imagined.

Everything became harder: walking, getting places, keeping

Graphics by Camille Blundell ʼ27 & Canva

How a fracutured ankle taught me to stop taking movement for granted

up. Life didn’t stop. It just got physically harder to live in.

But even with all the struggles, I still don’t regret it.

I remember being rolled into the hospital in a wheelchair with the biggest smile on my face. Not because I was in pain, but because I knew exactly how I got there. I got hurt having fun. I was using my body fully, doing something I enjoyed, right up until the moment I couldn’t.

And then, I got to learn how to use it again.

I had to rebuild strength, movement and independence. I had to be patient with myself in a way I had never been before.

And I had to sit with something I usually avoid: stillness.

And now, those same things that I may have used to take for granted, are the ones I notice the most.

Now when something feels inconvenient or annoying, I can remember not to take my abilities for grante d

because I know what it feels like to not have them.

Without having done this, I can probably come up with a million more excuses not to something when I don’t want to.

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If you don’t try, why do it at all?

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much that we dig ourselves into a hole. One is human, the other is self-destruction with a snooze button.

I can tell you from experience that by the time most people notice this mistake, they're not just behind on the assignments, they are behind on themselves.

Here’s what I know is true: the habits you build here in these hallways, classes and small daily choices nobody is grading you on are the habits that follow you out the door on graduation day. You don't get a reset. You don't get a lousy summer to undo four years of practicing avoidance. You walk into your next chapter being the exact version of yourself that you became in this present chapter.

But what I also know is that it is never too late to climb out. The hole may be deep, but never permanent.

Tomorrow is a new day to make small but beneficial steps to a better you. You can become the person that your younger self would have stared up to in awe. You can be someone unstoppable.

But you have to at least try.

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: O T f Connecticut ity o s r e Univ 2026

by Ser e

If you don’t try, why do it at all?”

I’ve heard this statement a million times. My parents and teachers said it to me a lot when I was entering middle school after living through the pandemic. Over the next five years, I had to learn to reinvest myself in school and make personal connections with others. It was a scary and difficult stretch of time, but I was forced to try every day to

no hope of seeing freedom.

At first, my spiral downwards started small. I’d leave an email unanswered and have it sit in my drafts for three days. Writing the response wasn’t hard.But every time I’d try to start, my stomach tightened.

What if I said something wrong? What if the words were misspelled, or were too awkward, or too formal or too casual? What if whoever read it thought less of me before I even had a chance to prove myself ?

So I closed the tab. Again, and again and again.

I now think of that one unaddressed tab as a symbol of everything I was avoiding: the internship I didn't apply to; the teacher I didn't ask for help; the opportunities I let expire quietly because reaching out was too big of a risk.

It wasn't that I was lazy; it was because I overthought all the bad events that could fall like dominos if I dared to try, and I let that fear take over my decision making.

It is human nature to put things off that we don't want to do. We are wired to avoid discomfort, to choose a path far less hilly. But it is not in our nature to procrastinate so

ics

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Staff Writer

get back to a sense of normalcy.

As a result, this statement’s significance remains with me to this day, and I credit it with saving me from a version of myself I would've hated.

After the Covid scare, I, like so many other people, turned “not trying” into my whole personality. I adopted the view that doing anything, no matter how small, was still too much work, too overbearing, too not worth the trouble. Eventually, this lie I told myself morphed into my reality.

“I'll do it later.”

“I still have time.”

“None of this really matters.”

I dealt with that negative outlook and procrastination the most during my sophomore slump. That year, graduation felt so far away. I felt trapped and “stuck” in the middle, with

Gra ph

Bianca Reidy ʼ26

What Staples Can’t Teach You Finn Rockwell ʼ26 Staff Writer

A

lesson that Staples can’t and won’t teach you is that none of the material in high school matters at its core.

At all.

When I say this I’m not being cynical or saying it in a depressed manner. I say it with the understanding that school work and tests you took won’t define you when it’s time to leave high school.

My time at Staples has been filled with ups and downs since I first stepped foot in these halls in August of 2022.

These last four years have been filled with great memories and lots of fun moments, but also a ton of stress and worrying about finals or deadlines or going to college.

Going into this year, still uncertain about where I would land at for college, I started hearing about all these great academic schools my friends were planning to apply to, knowing I would never have a shot at acceptance because of my GPA and my test scores.

All of the hard work I thought I had put in over the years, turned out to mean almost nothing to the people around me, and all of those hours of SAT and finals prep I put in seemed to have been a waste after I found out I ultimately could’ve done even more with my time.

Because of this I began to worry about where I’d go to college, as I didn’t want to feel like I was going somewhere inferior to my peers who maybe tried harder in school or were just naturally more gifted.

I started wishing I had given more effort or had studied a lot more than I had. I felt like I had missed my chance at securing a good future for myself, and I began to get angry whenever I looked back at some of my old grades.

But then, I realized something.

I realized that I knew what I wanted to do (be a sports analyst), and that I still had the grades and extracurriculars for

Graphics by Camille Blundell ‘27 & Canva

my dream school (Syracuse’s Newhouse School of Public Communications).

This helped bring clarity about how to go about applying to college, specifically Syracuse, and instead of writing my personal essay to try and convince schools to let me in, I wrote my essay to tell them what they were missing if they were to decline admitting me to their school.

I decided to dedicate my senior year to getting into that school, taking courses that would not only make me look good, but would require me to really try and prove my abilities.

It turned out that my hard work paid off. I was accepted into the top communications school in the country for my

preferred major.

I’m someone who may not have always been the best at whatever I did, but I never stopped trying new things, playing three different sports and being a part of a few clubs.

I’m someone who has failed multiple midterms and finals before, but not someone who’s ever given up on myself.

I’m someone who only averaged around a 3.0 GPA throughout high school, but for what I’m going to study at college, I believe that I’m one of the most knowledgeable in my field.

My point with all this is that assignments and paperwork ultimately don’t decide your future; your passion and your dedication will.

I didn’t have the stats to get into a school with an average GPA of 3.9 and SAT score of 1320, but it was believing in myself and dedicating my time to my passion that earned me my place.

If chasing your dream includes performing exceptionally at school, that’s amazing and I wish you luck. But for those who will find themselves in the position I was in, I hope you remember this and know that you control your own destiny.

27

Final call: Can you make it to your flight on time?

ARRIVAL You finally make it to airport after an hour long drive, step out of your Uber, only to realize you’ve been dropped off at the wrong terminal....

3 Take the terminal shuttle 2 Sprint!

1 Walk to the right terminal Check in: There’s only one agent, but the kiosks are free

You make your way to the terminal after what seems like an eternity. Luckily, you arrived hours early, so it isn’t much of an issue

1 Use the kiosk to print 2 Go to the agent out your boarding pass

Your bag gets flagged and you miss your flight.

END

Baggage drop: You watch the scale tick up to 53 as you drop your bag onto the scale. The limit is 50...

1 Leave it as is and hope it passes

2 You dont have PreCheck, but go in the line anyway.

A TSA agent notices you don’t have PreCheck, so you move into the regular line The system fails to verify your entry and TSA pulls you for additional checks. By the time you’re cleared, boarding has already ended. You miss your flight. END

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You miss your flight. END

3 Go into the regular line

You made it airside!

Your gate is a 10 minute walk away 1 2 3 Stop for Walk Browse coffee to gate some shops

The line takes longer than expected and boarding has started 1 Stay in line

1 Fix it with a supervisor

2 Pay the fee

You made it to TSA. There are three lines to choose from: 1 Use the CLEAR kiosk

The agent flags down a difference between your ticket and your ID. You notice a typo on the ticket, something that is definitely not your fault

2 Run to the gate

You make it onto the plane just before the doors close!!

2 Rebook

Graphics by Canva

You finally make it through the never-ending line and watch your belongings get scanned when the alarm starts beeping

The next flight isn’t until tommorow. Miss your flight. END

A TSA officer holds up your bag, and takes out your laptop that you somehow forgot was in there 1 Stay calm, apologize, and wait.

You get distracted and miss your flight. END

2 Try explaining yourself They pull you aside for a secondary screening, where you show frustration, and miss your flight. END

Boarding is almost over!

1 Join boarding 2 Pause to check your line immedibelongings ately

You lose track of time and miss the last boarding call.

You miss your flight. END

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Charlie Feld man - Charli e Samuel congra tulations on your grad uation!! We couldn’t be more proud of you. We are very excited for your next chapter. We love you- Au nt Liz, Uncle Marc, Sydney, Matthew, Ryan & Emma

Gael, we’re so proud of you and everything yo u’ve accompli shed! Your kindness and determinatio n will take far. As you you begin this ne xt chapter, curious, trus stay t yourself, and never st being you. Co op ngratulation s! The best is yet to co me, and you’ re going to rock it!

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Henry G Henry oldman , you a magic al pe re a rson.

Every on or wi e you know ll co me to know is so l benef it fr ucky to om ti spent me with you— your fa the l mily being uckie st of all.

We lo v e you so. G eaux Tiger s!!

Julian Garfield - Julian - We are awed by your openness, empathy, perspective, and curiosity. We feel privil eged to be your fans, with front-row sea ts to your adventures. We will mis s you dearly next year (other than maybe the incessant discussions of vehicle acceLeration stats) We love you! Mom, Dad, Camilla, and Roro

Nate Ar ms Nate! W trong - Congr a e are s o proud tulations know yo of you, u will co a the sta rs at U ntinue to rea nd ch for niversi FlorIda ty of ! Love , Dad, Nina, C Mom, Br harlott endan, e, Jay

e so e ar w , ece all - Re and n u r o o y b u’ve Dear d of ! Yo u d e o e c r h e p s is Re mpli r th ibly o o d c f e c r a d for inc har ted u’ve y i o l c y b x i e y of ed that e so rsit incr r e a v d i e e n ome! w work at U to c and r t , e e t t y n is chap mome est ext b n ne e r h Sloa you . T n d i n s a on Dad Wisc om, M , Love

Stella Nguyen - In a time where polish is often mistaken for depth, you kept your footing. You never confused approval with character or accomplishment with worth.

In staying true to yourself, quietly and genuinely, you forged an unshakable confidence and an inner compass that will guide you well through life.

Love you.

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Tanush Arora - so proud of your achievement graduating from Staples & stepping into your next chapter of your life in college. Your hard work & determination has helped you to achieve your dreams to get into the College of your choice.Wishing you all the success for your bright future. Today is all about celebrating you & A proud moment. With Lots of love & best wishes Mom & Sanchit

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31

Alexandra Emmert

Alexis Jacobs

Alex, you continue to amaze us with your thoughtfulness, intellect, talent, creativity and curiosity.

You inspire everyone around you with your incredible work and your many achievements throughout your high school career. Keep creating! We are so proud of you and love you so much!

Love, Dad, Mom, Tori & Madeline

We’re so proud of you alexis! We Can’t wait to see what the next four years bring, and all of your future successes.

Love, Mom & dad

Demeil Betfarhad:

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Watching you grow over the past almost eighteen years have been one of life’s greatest privileges.

Your confidence, determination, and grit will shine brightly at NU. Seeing you develop your voice as a singer has been a true joy. Stay humble, stay kind.

Congratulations, Demeil! Love, Mom, Papa, Christiane, and Deneil

Billy Quinn

So proud of the funny, kind, and amazing person you are. Watching you grow has been my greatest joy, and we can’t wait to see all the incredible things waiting for you next. Love you lots Billy Quinn!

Mom, Bray and Doobie too!

Andi Jacobs

Daniella Sacchetti

Congratulations, Andi! You make us proud everyday... and especially on this milestone day! Love, Mom & Dad

Dear Daniella, your family is very proud of you! We have enjoyed watching you at every stage of your development into the lovely young woman you are today. You have shown great strength of character while maintaining heart in all you do.

Congratulations and best wishes from us all as you continue your studies.

Love, Mom, Dad and Cristiana

Brendan Allen

Finn Rockwell

Dear Brendan, We could not be more proud! You are the ultimate big brother and son — kind, thoughtful, accepting, and supportive, with a wicked sense of humor that not everyone gets to see. We love you so much and can’t wait to see what comes next. Love, Mom, Dad, Ryan, Cole, Mr. Tumnus, and Nala/Patrice

Finn, we are so proud of you, and all that you’ve accomplished at Staples. It has been amazing to watch you develop as an athlete and grow in confidence. We can’t wait to see your next steps at Syracuse and will continue cheering you on every step of the way.

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Gabe Hellmann

Gunnar Eklund

Congratulations Gabe! We are so incredibly proud of the person you are and all that you have accomplished. You crushed it both in the classroom and on the field! Your passion, intensity, curiosity, intelligence and pure grit will take you very far. We are so excited for the next chapter! We love you and are your biggest fans.Have the best day of your life so far. - Mom and Dad

Dear G, you make me proud every day. When we first visited Staples, I knew you had found your place.

You have thrived & conquered. The first time we visited Cornell, I saw that same spark. It’s your place. I’m delighted you get to experience it. You’ve earned it.

Love, Mom

Haley Forman

Leila Stein

Haley, it has been the pleasure of a lifetime to watch you grow, learn and perform. Your hard work has been an inspiration to the entire family. We are overwhelmed with excitement for your next adventure. The sky’s the limit.

Love, your admiring family

Leila, Words cannot begin to express how much your last four years here have meant, and what profound joy and pride I have in you and all you have accomplished. Far beyond the end of an era, this is the beginning of an extraordinary new journey!

Love you FOREVER! ~ Moon

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Liam Wiegand

Lila Boroujerdi

Liam - you are an extraordinary son with a huge heart, endlessly curious mind, and a spirit that never quits. We could not be more proud of you. We can’t wait to cheer you on in your next chapter. Love, Mom, Dad, Bela and Natalia

Lila, you have a way of moving through the world that is both thoughtful and full of heart.

Watching who you are becoming has been one of the greatest gifts of our lives. We are proud of you, and even more grateful for you.

Love, Mom, Dad, Ruby & Violet

Michael Brennan

Michael Scotto

Michael-We are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. Continue showing excitement and passion in all that you do! We can’t wait to see what the transition from Wrecker Blue to Syracuse Orange holds! Love, The Brennan Fam Group Chat

Fluent in Italian, quick with humor, sharp in mind, and kind at heart — you’ve always done life your own way, and beautifully.

Watching you grow into this remarkable young man has been our greatest joy. The world is lucky to have you. Auguri, siamo fieri di te!

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Michael Winkler

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Myla Saperstein

You did it Mikey!

Congratulations! We are so proud of your hard work and dedication to the arts and your studies. Love You Forever, Mom, Dad, Matthew & Emily

Congratulations Myla! We are so proud of you. It has been amazing to watch you grow and reach this exciting moment! We are so excited for your future, and we love you more than words can say! Love, Mommy, Daddy, Sam, Max & Bailey

Sophie Smith

Taylor Sloditskie

Sophie Rose- our beautiful, delightful, fearless independent daughter. We are so proud of the woman you have become. You are strong, thoughtful, curious, kind, capable, hard working, and full of truth. These attributes will serve you well, and we are so excited for your next chapter. We love you!

I am so proud of you.

I love you! - Dad

Will Bernard

Zachary Elliott Gillman:

You are creative, thoughtful, and kind with a wonderful curiosity and keen intellect. You have grown into a man your dad would be most proud, and I as well am so very proud of you, William Emerson Bernard.

Congratulations on your graduation, love you to the moon & back! - Mom

Congratulations! How the time has flown! We are incredibly proud of the conscientious, driven, candid, creative, adventurous, funny man you have become.

It’s bittersweet to close this chapter of your journey, but we cannot wait to watch you step into the next one at UMiami, and come into your own as a college student.

We love you so much and cannot wait to watch you walk across the stage. Congrats grad! Always in your corner, Mom, Dad, Allie, Julie, Rolando, Alonzo, Joannie, Rafael, Renzo, Rumi, Halo and Hudson

Zander Bauer

Zara Saliba

Congratulations, Zander! Your passion, determination, and leadership have inspired so many.

From co-founding Staples MOSS to advancing school safety legislation, you have already left a lasting impact at Staples and beyond. We are so proud of you. Never give up and dream big! Love, Mom, Dad, Harlan, Hayes, and Winston

Congratulations! We are immensely proud of the remarkable woman you have become and all you have accomplished. Your strong values, integrity, and standing up for what is right, are inspiring. Inklings became your home away from home where you let your creativity shine, and nurtured your passion for storytelling. We wish you much happiness in your next chapter. Stay true to yourself and enjoy creating your life collage! We love you very much - Mommy, Daddy, Lara & Ava

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Class of 2026 Staples high schooL 70 north ave WEstport, ct 06880

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

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

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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Travel was chosen as the theme for this year’s Inklings Graduation issue because it captures the bittersweet nature of what graduation truly is: departure. It honors where we’ve been while celebrating the exciting adventures that lie ahead.

Postcards and stamps are woven through the issue as they represent a farewell as well as a greeting card to the new experiences beyond staples. Just as a traveler sets off on a journey with curiosity and incentive, so does the class of 2026. Congrats, and have a safe journey :)

Camilla Garfield Avni Krishna Ella Turner Chloe Mitchell

Zoya Gill Serena Goldfarb Siddhanth Kumar Celia Moccia Avery Sale Piper Salik

Camille Blundell Malena Tortorella Joseph DelGobbo Mary Elizabeth Fulco

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