Inklings March 2023 Issue

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

CONT ENTS News

4 BOE increases budget

In a 5-to-1 decision, the BOE voted in a 5.24% budget increase for 2023-24.

5 Long Lots set for rebuild

A safety inspection revealed that Long Lots Elementary requires reconstruction.

6 PSAT pain

Samantha Sandrew ’25 argues that the PSAT has evolved into a standard for competition.

7 March sucks

Opinions Features

Benjamin Buchalter ’25 explains why March is the worst month of the year.

10-11 Panama Trip

Science teachers Messina and Leahy ventured on a week-long trip to Panama with 13 students. The group learned about local ecological challenges and the history of Panama.

Inklings Staff

Editors-In-Chief

Lucy Dockter, Julia Herlyn Creative Directors

Maya Hruskar, Lily Klau, Lilly Weisz

Paper Managing Editors

Mishael Gill, Ella Shi Web Managing Editors

Hannah Conn, Toby Goldfarb

Associate Managing Editors

Kiswa Khan, Phoebe Miller Business Directors

Meg Enquist, Allie Gillman, Mia Kirkorsky

Photography Director

Camille Vynerib

Asst. Creative Director

Shivali Kanthan

Public Relations Director

Emily Goldstein

Social Media Manager

Alix Glickman

Audience Engagement Manager

Margot Richlin

Broadcast Directors

Anna Diorio, Abby Nevin

Exec. TV Show Producers

Zach Brody, Finnegan Courtney

Asst. Business Managers

Indie Ahl, Julia Leitner, Michael Pontoriero

More About Us

Breaking News Editor

Audrey Kercher News Editors

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

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

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

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

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

Jolie Gefen, Rachel Olefson Web Opinions Editors

Nina Jones, Aidan Sprouls Web Features Editors

Audrey Curtis, Samantha Sandrew Web Arts Editors

Liora Perkins, Matthew Saw Web Sports Editors

Talia Moskowitz, William Murray Web Photostory Editors

Karlie Saed Advisors

Joseph DelGobbo, Mary Elizabeth Fulco

12 A&E highlights

Check out the latest movies, music and more.

13 Ashmore visits Food in Literature class

Arts Sports

Viral food blogger Kathleen Ashmore presents her culinary media tips to the Food in Literature class.

16 Skate Club advocates for Compo Skate Park renovation

The club is directing a movement for a more inclusive skate park.

17 Top goalie Josh Marcus ’25

Marcus ’25 was named the top goalie nationally for the 2025 class.

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

Opinions

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

Advertisements

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

Membership

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

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

@inklingsnews

Front cover photo by Kristin Leahy & back cover photo by Dominick Messina Cover designs by Maya Hruskar ’23

What do students want to see with the budget increase?

In a 5-1 decision, the Board of Education (BOE) voted to increase the budget by 5.24% (approximately $6.9 million) for the 2023-24 school year, and plans to allocate the funds to new facilities, mental health support and resources and educational experiences.

The Editorial Board supports the use of the newly-added budget funds to support the above departments/ categories, but would like to make additional proposals for what students would like to see implemented in the future.

1. Newer, more advanced technology: During AP testing last year, students who needed to utilize the technology for their exams in the Language Lab were met with several frustrating, stressful issues—audio and recording malfunctions, outdated monitors and broken headphones—ultimately resulting in over four hours of testing. As such, we would like to install more advanced and working technology in areas like the Language Lab and library. Some members also believe that more adequate Wifi is needed throughout the school, as many people have had trouble connecting and staying connected to the current system.

2. Healthier cafeteria options: Some members found that they were over whelmed with the amount of un healthy options (specifically, the plethora of desserts— chocolate chip cookies, cup cakes, apple crum bles, etc.) in the caf eteria, and would like the school to demand better quality food from Chartwells. We want to see more healthy choices that are less processed and contain more nutri ent-dense ingredients consis tently throughout the cafeteria.

3. More common spaces Currently, the only places for students to gather with free periods are the library, cafeteria and auditorium lobby. However, students who are looking for somewhere quieter are forced to sit in the hall, mostly without seats or desks. And students gathering in the halls is disruptive to nearby classes. The Editorial Board proposes more spaces designated for student work that can be monitored by adults to minimize disruptions.

4. More school-wide educational presentations: From

Inklinations

we want to see more speakers brought in to discuss their experiences or field of research with students, for example, during the various history months.

5. Additional mental health specialist: To accommodate the needs of all students, we believe that we should hire an additional mental health specialist, particularly since school counselors may be overworked and not have the capacity to pay enough atten-

tion to all students. This would provide students with an accessible, dedicated outlet to express themselves and their respective needs.

Ultimately, the Editorial Board believes that implementing these changes will promote a stronger and more enjoyable school environment for students and faculty alike.

The Editorial Board voted 23-3 in favor of this opinion.

Philip Abraham Leigh Foran '24

“I would like more special education support services, such as paraprofessionals, special education teachers and social, emotional staff for the students.”

“I think it should be used for more diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to create a better sense of belonging at Staples.”

Graphic by Lilly Weisz ’23

Right photo taken by Genevieve Frucht ’24 & Paige Miller ’24 Left photo taken by Mishael Gill ’23

Board of Education votes to increase budget for upcoming school year

lenge courses” at the middle schools that would be similar to the ropes course at Staples.

Matthew Stashower ’25 Sports Editor

The Board of Education (BOE), in a 5-to1 decision, approved a 5.24% budget increase—$136.3 million—for the 2023-24 school year. The expansion includes various projects ranging from new facilities, addressing students’ mental health with in-school clinic support and purchasing “chal-

“Of the 5.2% budget increase we’re seeking, 4.9% is covering the current program,” Lee Goldstein, head BOE member, said. “On top of [the] current program, we need to add another two full-time teachers to meet increased enrollment demands.”

BOE member Robert Harrington disagreed with the proposed budget, believing the district could have cut down more on transportation and utilities.

“When you look at things such as transportation, for the projected year 2023-24, the

superintendent’s budget recommends spending just over $7.7 million so that’s a massive item,” Harrington said. “And then if you look at utilities, [...] electricity, natural gas, heating oil, when you add all that together, that’s approaching $2.5 million, so if you want to have an impact outside of the classroom, you’re gonna have to look in a couple of those areas.”

Although Harrington disagrees with the high-priced budget, Superintendent Thomas Scarice feels that the overall budget the BOE voted on is beneficial for Staples students, as no courses will be cut.

“Fortunately, at this point in

the budget process, we were able to maintain current programming for all Staples students.” Scarice said. “All courses are expected to be offered and we have added a couple of new courses.”

Some of the new courses arriving next year include AP Psychology and Shakespeare Honors, which are made possible because of the increased budget. Goldstein agrees that the budget is beneficial to students’ learning experience.

“Most of the budget this year is continuing what we have so there aren’t a lot of big changes,” Goldstein said. “The whole point of the budget is to get our kids to where they are.”

Local Briefs

March 17

St. Patrick’s Day at Black Duck Cafe

The Black Duck Cafe will host a St. Patrick’s Day party starting at 9 p.m. on March 17. The Bar Car Band will sing live rock-and-roll covers, mostly hits from the 80’s, including cover songs by The Cure and U2.

Nina Bowens ‘25 Features Editor

March 19 - May 28

“Rainbow in the Dark” Exhibition at MoCA

German contemporary artist Anselm Reyle will display a new exhibit called “Rainbow in the Dark” at The Museum of Contemporary Art starting March 19. The exhibit will feature fluorescent colors, recycled objects and reflective materials. Non-gallery members will be charged for admission.

Information from Westport Journal

March 30 - April 2

The Westport Public Library will host VersoFest, their annual music festival that celebrates creativity among artists, creators and fans starting March 30. Panels will feature experts and there will be craft workshops and live performances. Tickets for various events range from $15-$50.

Siena Petrosinelli ’25 Web Opinions Editor

Long Lots Elementary inspection reveals need for rebuild

Genevieve Frucht ’24 Paige Miller ’24 News Editors

The Westport Board of Education (BOE) recommended that the town construct a new Long Lots Elementary School building after an inspection of the school in June 2022 showed that many of its systems and components are no longer working properly.

The town is still considering whether a rebuild or renovation is the best option. However, it is leaning towards rebuilding because replacing the equipment and maintaining the aging building have become increasingly expensive. In addition, the school is not ideal for educating elementary students because it was originally built as a middle school.

“After a comprehensive assessment of the building, the Board unanimously felt that rebuilding Long Lots was the best decision because of

the financial, structural and educational considerations,” BOE member Liz Heyer said.

A large issue found during the assessment of Long Lots was that a renovation would not comply with the standards for renovation set by the CT Office of School Construction Grants & Review. Also a new building would avoid the issue of needing to place students in alternative learning locations because the building would be constructed in a different location on the current Long Lots campus, while students remain in the current building.

“A renovation would require the district to provide alternative learning settings for students during a renovation.

Perhaps some of the work can be performed incrementally over summers,” Superintendent Thomas Scarice said. “But I find that [a] full renovation would be incredibly disruptive to students, faculty and families. We would need to develop a plan and expect massive disruption.”

According to CT Insider, if Long Lots is rebuilt, it could include “flexible spaces for students, bigger classrooms,

and collaborative learning environments.” These updated classrooms would allow for a learning environment more tailored for elementary students.

“Teachers would be able to incorporate more movement in the classrooms, which helps students with their ability to focus,” Long Lots principal Kim-

berly Ambrosio said. “Students would also be able [to] work within flexible groups, which would help foster collaboration and problem-solving skills.”

While a possible rebuild of Long Lots brings excitement for many about the new space, it sparks nostalgia amongst former Long Lots students. Amelia Tarsy ’24 remarks on her memories of certain aspects of the school.

“I had no idea any construction was being done, but hearing about it makes me feel kinda sad,” Tarsy said. “I loved the murals and the duck hallway. They made Long Lots feel really special.”

While a final decision has not been made, the unknown leaves room for excitement and challenges.

“It is exciting to think about a new school that could be designed to meet the developmental and academic needs of younger children,” Ambrosio said. “I am confident that our building and planning committees would be up for the challenge.”

Scan the QR code to read the full article.

It is exciting to think about a new school that could be designed to meet the developmental and academic needs of younger children.”

- Long Lots Principal Kimberly Ambrosio

Graphic by Shivali Kanthan ’24; Photo by Paige Miller ’24

PSAT pain: it’s not that deep

and success in the long run; therefore, the PSAT should only be used as a tool to help students study for the SAT.

Samantha Sandrew ’25 Web Features Editor

Ientered my period eight Latin class to find people anxiously hunched over their screens. That’s when I heard the ping of an email echoing from my phone: PSAT scores were out.

Naturally, I rushed to my seat and hurried to remember my College Board password. People were abuzz with “What did you get?” I overheard answers from 800 to 1430. Then, a shout: “If you didn’t get above 1000 then you’re stupid.” Many of the kids shrunk into their seats, hoping to be absorbed by their desks.

Academic ranking is of high value to many students at Staples. Teens compare their academic performance against all others, trying to score what they deem as “the best.” Students assume that PSAT scores provide direct evidence of intelligence—for many, this formative test has become a tool used to assert dominance over others. However, comparing your own exam to others’ can be harmful to your well being

In a study by Rowan University, where they surveyed students about their self esteem before and after two weeks of a class in which time they took an exam, they found that comparisons can lower students’ self esteem and confidence when they feel bad about their performance. Lower confidence is also likely to result in a lower test score. The comparison and pressure of scores is the problem—not the test itself. This can be observed with PSAT testing.

The PSAT is a resource. The test should be a method, a benchmark, for your SAT studying. It gives you exposure to the format of the SAT, which can be extremely helpful to explore personal test-taking strategies. Also, teens can link their Khan Academy and College Board accounts and get automatic personalized recommendations of practice exams and other resources based on their PSAT score. Your PSAT score is not set in stone and should only be a helpful tool for your future success. Students need to stop comparing scores. There are higher numbers and lower numbers, but the scores are not there to bring shame; they are there to help a student with their own test-taking methods. Focus on the number you got, not on others, and focus on improving your weaknesses because, in the end, you’ll benefit more.

Photo by Anna Kercher ’25

Graphic by Lily Klau ’23

Inklings humor & satire

sucks; here’s why March

March efficiently delivers misery with surgical precision.

The year is 1934. In China, a country shattered into a collective of squabbling warlords, Mao Zedong and his communist Red Army fled from the provinces of the East that were controlled by the democratic Kuomintang government. This year-long escape into the deeper inland mountains of China came to be known as the “Long March” after the fact that the soldiers in Mao’s army marched for 5,600 miles.

Today, students can experience the exact same agony in the space of one month.

With no breaks, no long weekends, multiple standardized test days and no holidays,

The moment that the accursed month starts, a time dilation field descends on the entire world. You’ll sit in a lecture for what feels like hours, anxiously shifting in your seat, waiting for the sweet merciful release of the high-pitched drone of the bell, only to look up at the clock and realize with hor- ror that merely three minutes have passed from a day lasting 405 agonizing minutes.

Each miserable day drags on for a century, greedily refusing to let go of even a single second. Conversely, by the time you reach Friday and sit down on the couch to take a well-deserved break on the weekend, all too soon, you are back at your desk on Monday.

that March brings, it also selflessly donates the excruciating knowledge that in the blink of an eye, the year is a quarter of the way through. It typically has very little to show for it except an overwhelming despair over the accelerating passage of time and checkboxes ticked in some administrative suite far away.

March efficiently delivers misery with surgical precision.

The worst agony that March offers, however, is the weather. As an interim between February and April, March inherits the worst traits of both: February’s frigid cold and April’s constant rainstorms (but never at the same time) and always leaving ice to ruin roads, water pipes and every other great human invention.

With all the dreadful hours

The misery is enough to drive anyone up a wall... or through one.

Benjamin Buchalter ’25 Staff Writer

Graphics by Ava Chun ’25, Hannah Conn ’23 & Lilly Weisz ’23

Photo by Zoe Alpert ’25

Graphic by Lily Klau ’23

FEATURES

Women’s History Month celebrations promote gender equality

Paige Miller ’24 News Editor

Walking down the bustling halls of Staples, students’ eyes are drawn to the colorful posters adorning the walls. The halls are alive with energy and excitement as students and faculty alike come together to celebrate Women’s History Month.

From the classrooms to the clubs, the school is a showcase of the achievements and contributions of women throughout history.

March is Women’s History Month, a month celebrating all the contributions and accomplishments made by women throughout history and the ways women continue to break barriers today. The Women in Society class, Contemporary World Studies and the Staples Feminism Club act as Staples’ main opportunities

for students to evaluate their own experiences with gender inequality through activism. Their projects involve speaking to students about their own experience with sexism, collecting data and anecdotal evidence and then putting them on display for the school.

For the past seven years, social studies teacher Cathy Schager has guided her Women in Society Class to tackle the month by collectively deciding on a project that will engage the Staples and Westport community. Some years the class has done projects that profile notable women around the building, while other years focused on activism around major women’s issues.

“Students interview peers, teachers, administrators and other staff so this automatically means that conversations are

happening,” Schager said. “One of the first things that students learn about is intersectionality. [...] I work hard to include marginalized people (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, differing abilities, and stories of women from across classes, geographic locations, etc. into the curriculum).”

The Contemporary World Studies class often pursues similar projects, including tackling issues of sexual assault, period shame, Title IX athletic issues and sexism.

Camille Kolek ’23, a student in Women in Society, says that she hopes to inspire an ongoing conversation among the student body about sexism experienced in everyday lives.

“These activities can help inspire students to be more aware of the misogyny all around us,” Kolek said. “They can make connections to the

and advises her students, it’s up to

similar treatment of women throughout history, evaluating how things have changed but also how tragically many patriarchal phenomena have remained over generations.”

Also serving as the President of the Staples Feminism club, Kolek says that students should have the opportunity to get involved outside of just the month.

“Students should not have to enroll in a specific class or join a specific club to be able to learn about women’s history,” Kolek said. “Teachers should not just teach one unit on suffrage or have one women’s history lesson in March.”

Despite the efforts of various clubs and classes throughout Staples, both Kolek and Schager still believe that more progress can be made as a whole to prioritize women’s issues in society.

“If it were a community priority to address these months, as well as any or all racial, ethnic, gender and sexual orientation,” Schager said, “then the marginalized groups wouldn’t be wholly responsible for addressing it and raising awareness.”

Graphic by Shivali Kanthan ’24 Information from Rutgers University & Pew Research Center

These activities can help inspire students to be more aware of the misogyny all around us,”

- Camille Kolek '23

Woog and Muktavaram publish ‘06880: Pick of the Pics’

Genevieve Frucht ’24 News Editor

Westport is filled with locations that make it a memorable place for both current and past residents. From the stores and lights that line downtown, the iconic bridge at Old Mill beach where children and teens enjoy jumping into the water and the Minute Man statue that welcomes residents as they drive to Compo Beach, Westport has a distinct character and personality. To capture the beauty and the community that makes up Westport, 06880 founder Dan Woog and Lyah Muktavaram ’22 published their book “06880: Pick of the Pics” on Feb 6.

“Westport is a very beautiful place… but my favorite photos are the ones with people in them, because people are the heart of this community,” Woog said.

The book contains photos from “Pick of the Day,” a column on Woog’s blog where he posts a photo of Westport everyday, which he began in 2017. The photos in the book and Woog’s blog are contributed by current and former Westport residents. Muktavaram completed her senior internship with Woog, where she completed much of the book.

“The minute Dan proposed the idea, I knew it would make for an exciting and interesting project. I was especially intrigued by the project’s focus on community,” Muktavaram said. “Over the past few years, ‘Pick of the Day’ has highlighted over 3000 photos of various locations, subjects and people in Westport. I loved the idea of sharing different aspects of the town through a book.”

To create this book, Woog and Muktavaram brainstormed layouts, got photo approval and eventually published the book. Even with a jam-packed schedule, Muktavaram made sure to devote time to choosing the most

should be of recognizable locations and some of them should be of more hidden gems.”

Though the final book includes photos that are of high quality, one of the toughest challenges Woog and Muktavaram faced when creating “06880: Pick of the Pics” was making sure that all the photos were in a resolution high enough to be printed clearly. With the help of graphic designer Miggs Burroughs, the resolution was upgraded and Muktavaram was able to replace the lower quality photos with clearer ones.

“Many of the photos were from cell phones, so they looked fine on my blog but not necessarily when published on paper,” Woog said. “Lyah re searched many options, and finally found one that worked.”

I loved the idea of of sharing different aspects of the town through a book.”

- Lyah Muktavaram '22

“

Photos contributed by Dan Woog

RAW MOMENTS The photos used by Woog and Muktavaram have been captured by various photographers over the past decade.

Photo contributed by Lyah Muktavaram ’22

Scan to read the extended version of the article.

Panama through pictures

Students hike, snorkel and save the wetlands

Julia Herlyn ’23 Editor-in-Chief

For chemistry teacher Dominick Messina, deciding to spend his vacation on a trip with 13 students was an easy decision.

“I studied abroad when I was in school, so I think I knew what I was in for [and] what I was leading,” Messina said.

“I knew how awesome it was for me as a student… and I think that giving that [experience] to a student is awesome.”

Joined by fellow chemistry teacher Kristin Leahy, Messina and company ventured on a week-long, STEM-centered trip to Panama during February break. Take a look at some day-by-day highlights.

Students participated in a beach clean up and collected loose trash on the shore—enough to fill an entire full-sized garbage truck, according to Dominick Messina.

Joley Sarro ’24 described the beach cleanup as a memorable experience.

“We had a very early rise,” Dominick Messina said. “We drove to this remote part on the Pacific coast, got on boats, lathered up in bug spray and picked these things called propagules, which basically [allow] mangroves to reproduce sexually.”

The group learned about mangroves’ characteristics as well as their ecological importance before replanting propagules in an effort to repopulate them. Participants later earned a certificate from the Ramsar Regional Centre for Training and Research in the Western Hemisphere, officially deeming them Wetland Ambassadors.

“Seeing the difference between before [the cleanup] and after was absolutely eye-opening,” Sarro said. “We’re all told that change needs to happen in the world with climate change, but hearing about it is very different [from] actually seeing the problem and making a difference. It was very fulfilling.”

After a few action packed days, day four was spent relaxing by the beach.The group also rented out a beachside restaurant and played soccer together.

“Playing soccer in the sand [...] was one thing I was hoping to do during the whole trip, since Panamanian streetball is a popular activity,” Tavan Bhatia ’23 said. “It was a good way to get to know the people I didn’t know yet and generally bond over soccer.”

Photo by Lily Hultgren ’25

Photos contributed by Kristin Leahy & Dominick Messina

Scan to read the extended version of the article.

Graphic by Shivali Kanthan ’24

The final day included a visit to the Panama Canal and the Miraflores Visitor Center, a tour of the Panamá Viejo ruins and a farewell dinner. In addition to riding along the canal with a biologist, the group viewed a presentation about the canal’s history and structure.

“What I loved about that movie was that it [showed] scenes of places we had been throughout the week,” Kristin Leahy said, “so it felt like this culminating movie that showed all the things we had done.”

As the group bus drove to the Panama Airport, each student reflected on their favorite experiences and the impact that the trip had on them.

“I kept getting choked up,” Leahy said. “There were layers of interpersonal growth… And that doesn’t happen sometimes in a classroom.”

The group traveled to Portobelo and took a boat ride to a private island to go snorkeling along the Caribbean coast of Panama.

“The fish and coral that we saw were absolutely beautiful, and [snorkeling] was something that I had never done before,” Joley Sarro ’24 said.

In addition, they visited the Biomuseo and collected data at a tropical research station, retriving, measuring, identifying, weighing and observing native birds before releasing them.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Highlights of March

Ruby Kantor ’24 Arts Editor

Check out a kicking new movie, a new pop album and hot celebrity drama between Selena Gomez, Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner, all this March.

movie highlights

Adonis creed punches his way back into theatres

After returning from prison, Damian Anderson faces his childhood friend Adonis Creed in the boxing ring.

However, this match-up is more than just a single fight. “Creed III,” a sports drama film released on March 3,

by

bastian Cruz ’ 25

S e

the latest beats

Boy’s a liar pt. 2

PinkPantheress,

follows the journey between these two boxing prodigies and their battle toward victory.

“It seems there’s not as much Rocky influence in this movie which I don’t like,” Sebastian Cruz ’25 said. “Rocky is my favorite character and he was in the other movies a lot, so I hope they can find a way to work him into this movie.” celebri’tea

Keep an Eye out for Selener

After Selena Gomez took to Instagram saying that she laminated her eyebrows too much, Kylie Jenner posted a picture of her and Hailey

Bieber’s eyebrows, seemingly ridiculing Gomez. Speculators have slammed Bieber and Jenner for their “mean girl behavior,” as this incident wasn’t

Bieber’s first altercation with Gomez. Many fans are siding with Gomez and publicly opposing Bieber and Jenner.

“I’m definitely on Selena’s side because, I don’t know, she seems genuinely nice and I love her music,” Alex Gordon ’24 said. “I don’t think she wants to get herself into drama.”

music spotlight

Ice spice Goulding flies with Higher than Heaven

die for you - remix the weeknd, Ariana Grande

Last night

Morgan wallen

March 24 marks

the release date of singer and songwriter

Ellie Goulding’s fifth studio album, “Higher than Heaven.” This is Goulding’s first

Charlotte Walsh ’ 25

album since “Brightest Blue” in 2020 which was a commercial hit. Fans are anticipating the new album to take a spin on modern pop music.

“I am the biggest Ellie Goulding fan. I went to her concert in 2016 and have been obsessed with her ever since. I hope her new album meets my expectations,” Charlotte Walsh ’25 said.

Graphic by Mishael Gill

Graphic

Rachel Olefson ’25

’23

Graphic by Lilly Weisz ’23

Food

Mishael

in Literature class stirs up scene with viral food blogger Kathleen Ashmore

Gill '23

Managing Editor

The culinary hall of Staples is notorious for the delicious aroma of freshly-baked goods and regional dishes. However, the hustle and bustle of the kitchens paused when students put down their whisks and opted for pens instead, taking notes and listening intently to a special guest: Kathleen Ashmore.

Food in Literature is a hybrid English and culinary course cotaught by English teacher Kim Herzog and Chef Cecily Gans. In February, the class met with Ashmore, a Southport-based chef who went viral on social media through her cooking content. The class learned about recipe development, food content creation and asked questions about Ashmore’s process.

Throughout her talk, Ashmore highlighted the importance of crafting a narrative

around each piece of media content and making it relatable.

“People want relatability more than something that is picture perfect,” Ashmore said. “They actually really appreciate it. I will have sauce in my hair half the time or I’m like messing something up. Like I just keep the bloopers in half the time because it’s like, that’s real life.”

As students in Food in Literature explore recipe development, Ashmore urged them to look inwards at personality, background and cultural ties to invent unique culinary ideas that can then be expressed through visual media.

“In the English portion of class, I love seeing [the students’] connection with

KEEPUPWIT H ASHMORE

food and how it has shaped them,” Herzog said. “Food is a great source to learn about others and form that connectivity between each other.”

Ashmore’s attention to simplicity and authenticity inspired students to incorporate those qualities into their own work.

Christina Meehan ’23, owner of a dessert business called CookiedByC, found relatability to be the key factor in sustaining social media traction.

“Hearing her talk about her large following and how she’s built herself and seeing that it really is possible to make a large following out of the simplest things inspired me to try to do the same for my baking page,” Meehan said.

In the coming weeks, students in Food in Literature plan to apply Ashmore’s tips

on audience engagement, visual literacy and voice to their cooking videos. For many, the class serves as a niche form of creative expression that stimulates culinary media innovation.

“Aside from the constraints of the types of things we write and the culinary challenge of the week, there is really no limit to what you can create,” Meehan said. “I’ve enjoyed exploring the kitchen in a new way than I have at home.”

Student takeaways:

1) Stay consistent

2) Be relatable

3) Step out of your comfort zone

4) Draw inspiration from your culture

5) Cook with your senses

12 oz. firm silken tofu, drained

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp ground turmeric

1/8 tsp Kosher salt

“

I just keep the bloopers in half the time because it’s like, that’s real life.”

- Kathleen Ashmore

Magic Lemon Meringue Pie Pudding Photos

Revitalize Your Wardrobe

News Editor

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Skate Club advocates for inclusivity through Compo Park renovation

Allie Gillman ’23 Business Director

Alex Gaines ’25 Arts Editor

It takes English teacher Jesse Bauks a couple seconds to quiet down the room. About 10 students across all grades are busy chatting, reacting to skateboarding videos on the smartboard and distributing newly designed stickers for the club. But once Bauks has their attention, the energy in room 2002 is completely directed towards him.

It’s a Wednesday, and the Staples Skate Club is having their weekly meeting. But this is no ordinary session—Bauks just received an email with news on a massive development the club has been working on: a complete renovation of the Compo Beach skate park.

and to advocate for the com plete restoration of Westport’s skate park at Compo Beach.

“We just want to inspire people to get on a board,” Al dridge said, “to light a spark in people, because that’s what happened to me and Noah, and it was life changing for us.”

Ironically, the Skate Club does not skateboard in school at all. Rather, the meetings are devoted to discussions of skateboarding and ideas to improve the skating community in Westport, such as renovations to the Compo skate park.

The Skate Club took its first step towards its goal with

little kids on scooters and bikes and things like that.”

Bauks has been the club’s advocate for the changes they envision. Salpeter and Aldridge approached him at the beginning of the club’s conception to ask him to sign on as the club’s advisor, despite the fact that Bauks has

cepted as an official Staples club. Once they had a room, advisor and some members, the Skate Club immediately began constructing its big plan for Compo. Currently, the club has been working on budgeting plans and figuring out exactly which sections of the park need work done. They’re actively in communication with the Westport Parks and Recreation department as well as the Youth Commission.

“I want to reach out to

Photo by Lucy Dockter ’23

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Skaters aren’t like these big tough guys. We’re all chill, and I just want to get everyone in there.”

- Noah Salpeter ’23

Photo by Ella Shi ’23

CLUB MEETINGS (left to right) Zach Mountain ’23, Finn Converse ’23, Noah Salpeter ’23, Kelpin Gomez ’25, Freddie Aldridge ’24, Iva Radman ’24 and Kimberly Cheng ’24 attend weekly Wednesday meetings to discuss skating and sometimes feature Zoom guest speakers.

KELPIN GOMEZ ’25 (top right) Gomez is the vice president of the Skate Club and practices at the Compo skate park often.

Josh Marcus leads lacrosse on and off the field Charlotte Berner ’25

he offensive player runs around the back of the goal, within a foot of the goalie circle. Surpassing all other defenders, the shooter is left facing just one more opponent. As he whips the lacrosse ball toward the net at 90 mph, his face drops as the goalie spots the high corner shot in an instant, jumping up and trapping the ball in his stick with ease. The goalie in question: Josh Marcus ’25. Marcus made Staples boys’ varsity lacrosse his freshman year. His undeniable talents have led to numerous recognitions. Just recently, the sophomore was named the top goalie in the nation for the 2025 class, in addition to being classified as a five-star recruit by the National Lacrosse Federation (NLF) after playing in the NLF Futures Showcase at IMG Academy in January. Marcus was also named the top goalie and 10th overall player in his age group by Lacrosse Magazine.

ership of the defense,” Koshansky said. “We saw a great improvement in our defense when he went into the net.”

Even off the field, Marcus demonstrates his strength as a teammate as part of not only the Staples varsity team but also his club team at Eclipse Lacrosse, where he works year-round to improve upon his skill set.

Many of the admirable qualities Marcus has acquired, both on and off the field, he credits to his dad, Jon Marcus, who was an All-American lacrosse goalie at Johns Hopkins University and now helps coach the Staples team.

“My dad has always been my biggest influence. Not even just in lacrosse, but in life,” Marcus said. “I have always tried to follow in his footsteps and so far, he has yet to steer me in the wrong direction.”

Marcus applies knowledge of the sport from his dad to continue to push his current skills to the next level in hopes of greater achievements.

are lucky that

“As I keep putting in work, I hope to eventually reach my goal of playing Division I lacrosse at a top program in the country,” Marcus said.

Staples Wrecker.”

- Matthew Jacowleff Staples Assistant Coach

said, “and it’s really nice to see his hard work be rewarded because Josh has put in a ton of hard work over his lacrosse career.”

Last year, Marcus ended his rookie season on the Staples high school varsity lacrosse team as the starting goalie with a 62% save rate, helping the team to secure their first state championship win.

“One of the biggest pieces, even as a freshman, is his lead-

Marcus’ mindset is acknowledged by his coaches and teammates as he stays attentive in practice and prioritizes his team’s goals over his individual accomplishments.

“I know that it feels great for Josh to be recognized, but I know he would trade all of the stars, the articles and hype to help his team win,” Staples assistant coach Matthew Jacowleff said. “That is the type of person Josh Marcus is. We are lucky that he is a Staples Wrecker.”

Photo contributed by Josh Marcus ’25

We

he is a

FIVE-STAR RECRUIT Josh Marcus ’25 is classified as a five-star recruit by the National Lacrosse Federation (NLF) after playing in the NLF Futures Showcase at IMG Academy in January. He is also named the top goalie and 10th overall player in his age group by Lacrosse Magazine.

(Counterclockwise from top left) Eva Slossberg ’26, Elias Mitrokostas ’23, Brea Church ’23, Sarah Marron ’24, Dania Hemdan ’24, Tavan Bhatia ’23, Joe Mccrea ’23 and Je rey Pogue ’23 at Panamá Viejo ruins.