Inklings 2021 May Issue

New Schedule p.6 | Senior Prom p.12-13 | Phoebe Crochets p.14-15

USA Lacrosse East Coast Player of the Week p. 17

inklings news May 2021

contents

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Volume 88, Issue 9 | May 21, 2021

05 NEWS

Chloe Murray ’22 covers how the Westport Police Department has been affected by the Chauvin trial verdict

17 SPORTS Staples boys’ varsity tennis coach, Kris Hrisovulos ’00 achieves 200 career wins

10FEATURES 07OPINIONS

opportunity during lockdown to rehabilitate her dad’s old garden shed, converting the space into an artistic abode.

standards and body image as summer approaches.

inklings staff

14ARTS

Phoebe Barnes ‘22 sells crochet products through her small business, Phoebe Crochets.

Front cover photo by Camille Vynerib ’23 Graphic by Aidan Rogers ’22, Rachel Greenberg ’22, Michalowski ’22

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL’S STUDENT NEWS MAGAZINE

Broadcast Directors

Web Arts Editors

Natalie Bandura, Katie Simons Ella Alpert, Lyah Muktavaram Audrey Kercher, Hannah Ratcliffe Lily Caplan, Betti Kobak

Tierney Kugel

Giselle Oldani, Anastasia Thumser Finnegan Courtney, Maya Hruskar, Lucy Dockter, Julia Aidan Rogers Herlyn

Editors Mimi Casey, Jared Leonard, Samantha Felner, Karina Murray Valerie Dreyfuss, Charley Guthartz Camille Vynerib Features Editors Mishael Gill, Emily Goldstein, Rachel Greenberg, Madeline Lily Klau, Ella Shi Michalowski, Lilly Weisz Arts Editors Anna Diorio, Abbie Goldstein, Brooke Dembin, Margot Stack, Maria Krug, Elle Vail Theresa Vandis Sports Editors Gabi Gerig, Kiswa Khan, Meg Enquist, Allison Gillman, Mia Phoebe Miller, Tori Wilson Kirkorsky, Lucy Zuckerman Social Media Director Toby Goldfarb, Abby Nevin Lea Rivel

Chloe Murray Shira Zeiberg

Hannah Conn, Margot Richlin

Web Features Editors

Alix Glickman, Karlie Saed

Web Sports Editors

Sarah Marron, Julia Leitner

Web Photostory Editor Amanda Rowan, Ella Stoler

Advisers

Joseph DelGobbo, Mary Elizabeth Fulco

join the virtual discussion. inklingsnews inklings.news Inklings News Online www.inklingsnews.com Featured: Staples Players will perform May 20-22 for the over a year.

More About Us

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

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.

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 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 orany other discriminating basis prohibited by local, state or federal law.

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editorial

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Graphic by Lilly Weisz ’23

Decreased numbers of online learners necessitate greater student, teacher effort

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s COVID-19 rates continue to drop in our state and country, the number of distance learners at Staples has decreased from a peak of 25% this winter to 12% now. The fact that most students are in-person and only a handful left online has led some online students feeling neglected in the classroom.

Several online students have reported being left with no one to talk to in their breakout rooms, not being able to hear the comments of in-person learners during class discussions, not being made aware when their teachers are absent or what the sub plans are. This had led some online students to feel abandoned.

Conversely, some teachers have felt frustrated with the lack of involvement and engagement of their remote students. Many distance learners arrive several minutes after the bell, remain off-camera during class, do not answer questions

when called upon and rarely on subtitles, allowing students speak up or type into the chat to use the annotation tool on when they have a question. Zoom and utilizing Jamboards The solution to this at the start of a class discussion disengagement for on- to ensure that everyone can line learners is twofold. contribute. During science labs, F o r in-pers t a r t e r s , It is important for son stuit is im- teachers to acknowledge dents can portant connect for teach- that just because we are to Zoom ers to nearing an end to the and enter acknowlbreakout pandemic, it does not edge that rooms to just be- mean it is time to cast show the cause we aside adaptations made online are nearstudents ing an for distance learners. the lab end to the pandemic, it does they’re doing in class. Teachnot mean it is time to cast aside ers should also periodically adaptations made for distance check in with online learnlearners. This means teachers ers to answer their quesneed to make a more concerted tions, as some online students effort to engage online learners. may be hesitant to speak up.

Some effective strategies Online students also have a to engage distance learners in responsibility to make an even class activities include pass- bigger effort now to be engaged ing around the microphone so than they did when more peothat distance learners can hear ple were learning from home. It in-class discussions, turning takes more than just passively

Letter to the Editor Maggie Gomez Math Teacher

To whom it may concern, I actually feel very hesitant talking to Inklings after the last time I helped out a student.

In the article about cheating

[February edition], the opening line made it appear that all my students were staying home to cheat. I did explain to [the reporter] that I thought more kids were staying home on test days, which I found disappointing.

The article really skewed it in

listening to the teacher’s directions or answering questions when called upon. The only way to reap the full benefits of your education is to be proactive.

This requires online students to be keeping their camera on, unmuting themselves and calling out when they have a question. It also means students should email teachers and set up meetings during Flex Time if online learners need to make up work or require further clarification on classroom lessons.

Over the past 14 months, we’ve seen our community triumph through unthinkable challenges and struggles. Supporting all learners, both in person and online, continues to be a difficult challenge; however, effective learning can be achieved by a concerted effort from both teachers and their students. !"#$%&'()*'+,$-)+*&$.)(#&$ /0+0'1)/2,3$'0$4+.)*$)4$("'2$ )5'0')06

Have an opinion?

Write to inklingsnews@gmail.com

a manner that I did not express when I gave her my answers.

As a result, I felt I needed to talk to my classes. I know some of my kids stay home for very legitimate health reasons, and I didn’t want them to think I assumed they were all cheating.

To learn more about writing a letter to the editor, scan this QR code.

NEWS

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Local Briefs

Rachel Suggs ’21 Staff Writer

May 30

Fine Arts Festival

The 48th Annual Westport Fine Arts Festival Downtown Westport will take place on May 30. It is a nationally recognized and juried art festival that features over 170 artists.

June 2 Senior Picnic

The annual senior picnic for the class of 2021 will take place outdoors at Staples on June 2. The event will serve food from Red Diamond Pizza, Super Duper Weenie and Mr. Softee Food Trucks.

June 4

Pride Day

Day will take place on June 4 in the hallways outside the Staples High School (SHS) auditorium. The day will include an art show displaying art produced by any queer artists attending SHS. Submission boxes are located outside rooms 1006 and 3004.

June 17 Graduation

The graduation ceremony for the class of 2021 will be held outdoors in the football stadium on June 17 at 6 p.m. with a rain date for June 18. There will be one ceremony and each graduate is allowed to invite two guests.

Religious exemption bill for school vaccines terminated * state capitol building during dents will still be able to use a the Senate hearing. Some religious exemption if they alSports Editor chanted cries such as “Defend ready previously obtained one.

“Many aspects or specifics Religious Liberty” and “Coercion is not Consent,” according of the [bill] are still evolving he Connecticut State to an NBC Connecticut article. but generally it eradicates the Senate has passed a The bill affects both private religious exemption option for bill that will no lon- and public schools of Connecti- students grade K-12,” Levasger allow religious exemptions cut, higher education, in addi- seur said. “This does allow for a from children’s vaccination re- tion to day care and pre-kin- [grandfather clause] that allows for students quirements for schools, colleges d e r g a r t e n with previous and other educational facilities. p r o g r a m s . There are many who religious exOne such opponent is The ban will opposed this bill and emptions on Republican State Senator, go into effile to continTony Hwang, who wrote an fect starting believed in a different opinion about the hearing’s on Sept. 1 of approach and they were ue to utilize them.” Hwang dissatisfying voting process. the 2022-23 neither heard nor also expressed “There are many who op- school year. respected as the dismay at how posed this bill and believed in The previous committee considered opponents of a different approach and they bill with, exthe bill are were neither heard nor respect- ceptions, will this bill.” being branded as the committee considered remain until - State Sen. Tony Hwang ed as people this bill,” Hwang said. “The then, and the medical exception public hearing was closed at the has not been affected by this vote. who are anti-vaccine, stat24 hour mark and nearly 1,800 Suzanne Levasseur, the Su- ing that social media is conpeople were denied the oppor- pervisor of Health Services for tributing to the problem. “[There is] mischaracterizatunity to personally testify.” Westport Public Schools, notHwang supported the opin- ed that although the ban takes tion and social media proliferions of thousands of opposers of away the chance for religious ation attacks, Hwang said, “on the bill who stood outside the exemptions, for now, all stu- anyone who oppose this bill.”

Phoebe Miller ’23

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*Scan this QR code to read the full article online.

Graphic by Lilly Weisz ’23

Graphic by Hannah Ratcliffe ’22

Should students have

43.5% Yes

56.5% No

124 students responded to this poll

NEWS |

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COVID-19 restrictions ease as Connecticut prepares for new phase Amanda Rowan ’22

Web Photostories Editor

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SUMMER PROTESTS Last summer, Westport residents and students took to the streets to protest against the murder of George Floyd and police brutality.

Derek Chauvin verdict impacts Westport has always been ahead of the curve and has been training Public Relations Director in those areas for as long as I have worked in Westport, and that is almost 20 years.”

Wolf ultimately sees the fter the conclusion of the Derek Chauvin outcome of the case as a cattrial and the wave of alyst for positive change protests that preceded it, the throughout the police system.

“I think that greater police Westport Police Department accountabilhas undergone ity to the changes to If the community gets move towards to know the officers on communities they serve communiwill be the ty policing. a more personal level Lieutenant and vice versa, that will longest lasting impact David Wolf create trust. ” of the verof the West- - Lieutenant David Wolf dict,” he said. port Police TEAM Department leader Taybelieves the Chauvin verdict Westport will influence training lor Simontte ’21, further for police officers in Westport. comments on the gener“A lot more time will like- al theme of accountability.

“Even if George Floyd’s ly be spent on topics such as human relations and de-es- death wasn’t premeditated, calation,” Lieutenant Wolf Chauvin is being held accountsaid. “Fortunately, Westport able for his reckless and harm-

Chloe Murray ’22

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utdoor dining restrictions have eased in Connecticut, and many Westport restaurants followed suit as of May 1. Governor Ned Lamont announced that the state will now allow individuals to be served at bars without ordering food, table seating outdoors is no longer limited to eight people, and business curfews have been pushed back an hour to 12 a.m.

With almost 60% of the state being vaccinated, many of Connecticut’s restaurants and businesses are rePhoto by Camille Vynerib ’23 turning back to normalcy.

Hudson Malone was a new bar and restaurant that Police Department opened in Westport amidst the pandemic. Even through ful actions,” Simontte said. “In the restrictions and protocols, order to build a community Hudson Malone has been where people feel that they trust able to stay open and welthe police, holding police offi- come incoming customers. cers accountable is essential.”

“We are back to 100% capacThe relationship between ity right now but also our social the local police and civilians distance,” Patrick Gene, generhas been dramatically impact- al manager of Hudson Malone ed by the events of the last year. said. “Because [our customers] Wolf believes it is critically im- have the two vaccines [...],they portant for the police to restore feel fine and ok with it. We’ve the trust in their relationship been busy because we were new with the Westport community. but now we’re even busier.”

“I think you can make people feel safe at the hands of the police through community policing,” Wolf said. “This can […] be as simple as an officer stopping by a lemonade stand and chatting with the kids as well as their parents. If the community gets to know the officers on a more personal level and vice versa, that will create trust. That trust will likely Scan this QR code to read translate to a feeling of safety the full article online. when these individuals have to interact with the police.”

6 | NEWS Staples returns to six period schedule for 2021-22 school year to travel between less classrooms over the course of a day.”

Assistant Business Director Another change for next year is the removal of flex time and the introduction of an 2:45 p.m. release time. A period of “flex time” included in he next academic year this year’s schedule to accomat Staples will fol- modate the pandemic enabled low the six-period all students to be dismissed at rotation schedule from before 2:15 p.m., while providing a the COVID-19 pandemic, cushion to meet with teachers according to Principal Stafford until 2:45pm. Beginning in the W. Thomas, Jr. Shifting away fall of 2021, students’ final class from the four-period block period will run until 2:45, raisschedule curing concerns rently observed, I have had less stress for students next year’s under the new schedule, par ticipatschedule will ing in exfollow an A-D mostly because tracurricular rotation with having classes meet activities 50-minute class fewer times a week that will freperiods and usually means less quently have have a 2:45 p.m. consistent homework in early disrelease time. missals from “ [ T h e these classes.” the last periadministration] - Tessa Moore ’22 od of the day. certainly looked into pieces of “Instead of leaving class at the four-by-four block schedule 2:00 p.m. and only missing 15 and other items we liked this minutes or 10 minutes,” sciyear from the current schedule, ence teacher Heather Wirkus but no changes were ultimately said, “now [students are] gomade to adopt a new schedule,” ing to leave at 2:00 p.m. and Thomas said. “The plan is now miss 45 minutes of a class.” to return to last year’s six-periDespite the time and logisod schedule and evaluate it next tical changes that the six-peyear and then bring a schedul- riod schedule will bring to ing committee together wto an ordinary school day, some look at a possible new schedule students also consider the for the 2022-23 school year.” shift to be more advantageous Some students are dis- for student-teacher interacappointed to return to the tions and a rigorous workload. former schedule as they “I find that it is easier to found many benefits to the meet with teachers regardfour-by-four block schedule. ing schoolwork when you “I have had less stress under have their class that day,” the new schedule, mostly be- Tanvi Gorre ’23 said. “I think cause having classes meet few- it can also help students ask for er times a week usually means help when and if they need it less consistent homework in Staples has been operating these classes,” Tessa Moore ’22 under the current block schedsaid. “It is also easier having ule since September; however,

Allison Gillman ’23

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students and teachers still voice their struggles in maintaining focus throughout the 80-minute periods, which have been a schedule staple this year. In addition, many in the school community look forward to shedding the complexity of the often changing daily schedule that characterized this school year.

“After how chaotic this year was,” Wirkus said, “it will ultimately be nice [...] to have some consistency in scheduling, rather than the constant updates. going from hybrid, to remote, to Wednesday remote learning, to Wednesday in-person.”

Scan this QR code to read Mishael Gill’s ’23 article online about how new schedules have forced teachers to adapt.

Infographic by Lilly Weisz ’23

OPINIONS

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New AP Test Multiple Choice rules are unfair, unjust Editor-in-Chief

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or the past 11 years, on every history, math, science, Spanish and English test, I have been told to use the same exact strategy. If I don’t know the answer, skip it and go back. So whenever I come across a problem that I don’t know on a test, my shaky hands circle the number and wait to go back until I’ve finished the problems that I do know.

However, this year, the College Board has changed their digital AP exam format so that students cannot go back to a multiple choice question once they’ve encountered it.

The College Board has stated that the reason for doing so is to keep students having time to use outside resources to cheat.

That being said, the decision to not allow students to return to past questions will cause more harm than good. Students aren’t able to take AP tests the way they’ve been taught in the classroom and it gives an unfair advantage to those whose schools choose to have their students take the exam in-person.

Normally, not knowing the answer to two or three multiple choice questions isn’t a big deal. Instead of stressing out trying to rack my brain for an answer, I just circle it and go back. I’d rather maximize my time on the questions I know I can answer than questions

I don’t know the first time. to them, the test is taken on Additionally, even for the a closed browser, so you can’t questions I think I know the have another tab open on your answer to, going back and be- laptop. Additionally, for a class ing able to check an answer has like AP Environmental Sciproved to be vital throughout ence, you have eighty questions high school. The amount of in ninety minutes, so there isn’t times I have much wigThe decision to not gle room to realized that I didn’t see the be searchallow students to word “not” in ing for anreturn to past a question or swers if you’d questions will realized somelike to get cause more harm thing that through the than good. made me see entire section. that my first The willanswer is wrong is uncountable. ingness of the College Board My entire life teachers have to implement this change epithighlighted the importance omizes the general neglect of of checking my work before student needs. Students I turn in my quiz, but now are not a homogthat option has been removed. e n o u s While I understand concerns about students looking up the answers if they are able to go b a c k

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body of test-takers. We are academically diverse, distinct from one another in our thought processes and test-taking strategy. It is the duty of the College Board to ensure that everyone is able to perform at their best and not allowing students to revisit questions on the multiple choice section represents a failure to do that. It is, therefore, essential that the College Board reconsider this alteration to the exam and, in future, appreciate the importance of enabling individual students to excel.

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8 | OPINIONS How do students feel about the return to 50-minute periods?

Opportunities missed with next year’s schedule say 80 minutes of a class felt like a lifetime this year. Plus, according to the Brain Balance Assistant Creative Director Achievement Centers, childhood development experts say OVID-19 brought children aged 15 to 18 can fomany adjustments: the cus on a given task for up to 45constant wearing of 55 minutes. So when we attend masks, a heightened aware- 80-minute periods, 20 of those ness of germs and a decrease in minutes are not spent protime spent d u c t i v e l y. socializing. I do not discredit Therefore, But one of maintainthe biggest the administration ing the curadjustments for attempting rent block for students s c h e d was the Sta- to bring the ule is not ples school school back to the right schedule. solution.

In pre- “normal”[...]but this But to vious years, was a major be hona school day est, neither consisted of missed opportunity. is the old six 50-min50-minute ute periods, but this year we had period schedule. The classes four 80-minute periods each turned out to be too short to day. There were both positives get any substantive amount of and negatives to this schedule, learning done. From the two but before anyone had a chance years I attended Staples with to reflect fully on the effects that schedule, I always felt of the block schedule, the ad- that by the time attendance ministration announced that was taken and the momenwe will return to the pre-pan- tum of class began, it was over. demic 50-minute class schedule So, if there are substanfor the 2021-22 school year. tial negatives to both of the Most of my peers are prob- schedules, there is an easy ably thrilled to hear this as way to meet in the middle shorter periods sound more and address students’ needs. manageable. However, the In order to not overwork administration missed an op- and lose students’ attention, portunity to formulate a new but also have enough time to schedule that could have uti- absorb material in the most lized everything we learned effective way, 65-minute classfrom both the current block es are just right with flex time schedule and the previous built into the schedule to schedule to find the academ- meet with teachers at the end ic sweet spot. The failure to of the day. So, although most create a schedule that maxi- COVID-19 adjustments took mizes learning and also con- away from everyday life, permasiders students’ health and nently implementing elements attention span has left me, an of the block schedule was a upcoming senior, disappointed. chance to make real beneficial I speak for many when I changes for our student body.

C Claire Fischer ’22

“I think that going back to 50-minute periods is just cutting our time short.”

Dylan Walsh ’24 “I think going back to 50-minute periods is a great idea.”

Isabelle Nahon ’23

“I think [50-minute periods are] better because you won’t be spending 80 minutes sitting down.”

Ditch the Diet:

9 toxic body expectations harbor unhealthy relationships Scan QR code to visit NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) for eating disorder resources.

OPINIONS |

Features Editor

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TOXIC CULTURE The approaching summer season brings with it increasing and harmful concerns about diet and body image, threatening to damage individuals’ mental and physical health.

f you had asked 10-year-old me what my favorite part of summer was, I would say pool parties with pizza, chips and ice cream sundaes.

However, as I grew up, those same foods became too high in calories, fat, sugar and salt.

I restricted them at all costs to achieve a “summer body.”

Along with warmer weather comes more revealing clothing.

The pressure for teens to fit unrealistic standards of a “summer body” manifests unhealthy body image and relationships with food and exercise. Social media apps are bombarded with ab workouts, juice cleanses and “lose 10 pounds in one week” tutorials, which spread misinformation and misguidance. It is important for Staples students to promote body acceptance and reject diet culture in order to create a safe environment where exercise, food and one’s body are not the enemy.

Summer of 2020, I made it my goal to lose 10 pounds.

I was determined to achieve the body that was idolized on social media as girls posed in their bikinis with perfectly flat stomachs and toned legs. What began as an innocent diet spiraled into a persisting obsession with consuming less, exercising more. Soon, I lost weight but also lost my personality as my energy plummeted, and my entire being was preoccupied with numbers and food.

According to CNBC, U.S. dieting and weight loss is a $71

billion dollar industry; therefore, the presence of “diet talk” and diet culture infects our everyday lives. Diet culture, which creates the idea that self-worth is directly connected to appearance promotes the idea that someone who is considered fit or thin has better self-determination and moral values.

But in reality, someone who eats a salad is not any better than someone who eats a cheeseburger. However, diet culture categorizes foods as “good” and “bad”, creating feelings of guilt if someone makes the “wrong” choice.

Obsessively focusing on food intake, exercising or weight can torment one’s mental health leading to disordered eating or eating disorders. However, weight fluctuation should not be demonized, as they are a normal part of maturing.

According to the National Eating Disorder Association, more than half of teenage girls and almost one third of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control methods such as skipping meals, fasting, vomiting and taking laxatives. Clearly, there is an immense pressure to look a certain way and fit into the “ideal” body type that teenagers are willing to engage in dangerous behaviors to reach these standards.

Ultimately, one does not need to change their body to be valued or to be “summer ready” and as a community, we can emphasize the importance of treating our bodies with respect instead of attempting to conform to societal expectations. Summer is a time to count memories, not calories.

Photo dramatization by Camille Vynerib ’23

FEATURES

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Chelsea Strober ’21

Staff writer fter a year filled with canceled opportunities to participate in

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traditional senior activities, the class of 2021 had their last day of school on May 14, and left for their internships for the remainder of the school

year. Seniors were given the opportunity to choose from a self-designed internship, a “DIY” internship or an in-person/hybrid internship.

From making a documentary, forming a band or working at a local business, seniors have a lot planned for their next few weeks.

Graphics by Lilly Weisz ’23

Josh Leon ’21 and a small group of his friends have chosen the “DIY” option for their internships and will be taking hikes around the Northeast. They plan to make a documentary in order to capture their adventures. “For our last hike, we will be hiking Mount Washington,” Leon said.

“We’re all very excited to hike and to see how our documentary turns out.”

Photo by Natal

ie Bandura ’22

Ellee Seitz ’21 has also chosen the “DIY” option and will be forming a band along with a few of her friends. “I think this is a great way for us to practice instruments that are new to us and to discipline ourselves in a way that produces a cohesive product,” Seitz said.

Photo by

Jess Leon

’22

Arden Scherer ’21 has chosen to intern at The Two Oh Three, a Connecticut-based lifestyle brand that sells a variety of items ranging from sweatshirts and sweatpants to beach towels and pillows. Scherer will be helping with social media, shipping, organizing the warehouse and coming up with ideas for new products. “I’m excited about this [internship] because I’m interested in a possible entrepreneurship major next year, and I thought this could be a good way to see how the process works at a local business,” Scherer said.

ber ’21

helsea Stro

Photo by C

India Rubin ’21 was inspired to intern at A Child’s Place Preschool after taking the Child Psychology class at Staples. For her internship, she will be working with children and shadowing teachers in their classes.

“I also went to preschool at A Child’s Place when I was younger so I am really excited since I have so many amazing memories there,” Rubin said. “I also can’t wait to apply what I learned in Child Psychology to a preschool classroom.”

Photo by Lys Goldman ’21

FEATURES |

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ARTISTIC RETREAT started drawing on the shed’s white walls at the beginning of the summer, transforming it into the creative hideout it is today.

humans of staples

Photo by Poppy Livingstone ’21

Poppy Livingstone ’21 Staff writer

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eenagers often struggle to discover a space that allows for the rapid growth and exploration that comes with growing up.

In the midst of quarantine and her high school career, Rachel Offir ’22 took matters into her own hands by transforming a beat-up shed into a haven of creativity and camaraderie in her own backyard.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown, Offir’s father offered her his old storage shed to remodel in her free time.

“He thought I would become disinterested due to the disrepair it was in,” Offir said.

“I was motivated despite having to clear out spiders and

mice and scrub the floor. Over draw whatever I wanted on time, while painting, carpet- the walls,” Paige Toglia ’22, a ing, and furnishing the shed, local artist, said. “We generatit was transformed into a ed a huge list of ideas for what COVID-friendwe wanted ly place to The shed to add to get together the walls, and collabo- provides a w h i c h rate creatively.” versatile space for we’ve just At the bekept develginning of the creative oping with summer, Of- people to create a time. I’ve fir opened her drawn a shed’s doors community lot of frogs to her friends, together.” and inside showing off jokes.”At its humble but - Katie Davitt ’22 first glance, cozy interior. Equipped with the walls exhibit a hodgepodge fake-grass carpeting, tie-dyed mix of eclectic creativity. The tapestries and colorful LED aforementioned frogs are renlights, Offir’s friends were dered carefully in POSCA grateful for the COVID-safe pen next to beloved children’s and comfortable hangout spot. book characters, intricate car“Rachel invited me over to toon cities and playful caricathe shed and told me I could tures. The wall’s drawings are

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in many ways similar to the shed’s visitors: ever-changing, ever-growing, simultaneously wildly varied and unexpectedly cohesive. Amateur freshman artists add hats and glasses onto the drawings of upperclassmen enrolled in AP art classes; signatures of students across grade levels, town lines and social groups pile up in the rafters.

“The shed provides a versatile space for creative people to gather and create a community together,” Katie Davitt ’22 said.

“The overall atmosphere creates a casual environment for bonding with people you may have never met previously.” In a time characterized by disconnection and boredom, Offir’s artistic comrades have developed a space to bond socially and creatively, creating a physical testament to their friendship and art.

12 | FEATURES

Graphic by Lilly Weisz ’23

night, but we didn’t think that it could work out due to social Staff Writer distancing. Luckily, we got the go-ahead to host up to 350 eniors celebrated their first people in one night at the last and final prom on Friday minute, so all the prama was and Saturday night, en- for nothing. It was definitely a lot of work.” joying classic U p o n activities such The extra things entering the as dancing, botanicalmingling and you see at prom, ly-adorned taking photos like the lobby, stuas well as some dents were new and note- caricature artist greeted by a worthy deviaand games, were caricaturist tions from the and airbrush typical school all Ms. Kaye’s tattoo artist, dance. Though doing.” who worked prom is always through the a complex and - Patrick Micinilio, night sketchlaborious event Assistant Principal ing and beto organize, this year’s planning was espe- dazzling prom attendees. In cially hectic. Those involved in the courtyard, students in ball this year’s garden-themed prom gowns and tuxedos played yard are familiar with the term ‘pra- jenga and cornhole, taking ma,’ a play on words coined by breaks between games to rush organizer Carol Kaye to describe to the dance floor. Catered the dramatic, chaotic nature of food was provided, planning both a safe and fun as was a DJ event during a global pandemic. that played “There was definitely prama,” Kaye said. “Everyone wanted to go on Saturday

Poppy Livingstone ’21

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both retro favorites and Top 40 hits throughout the night.

“The extra things you see at prom, like the caricature artist and games, were all Ms. Kaye’s doing,” Assistant Principal Patrick Micinilio said. “Once we found out we could have a prom, we really jumped on making it the best it could possibly be.”

As students milled into the courtyard throughout the night, many noted a sense of

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normalcy in the event. Though masks were present and safety precautions were taken by both administrators and students, the event was very similar to pre-COVID dances.

“Prom is going great so far,” Isabelle Katz ’21 said. “I had very low expectations, and they’ve been exceeded by far [...] It feels like any other year.

It’s so nice to feel normal again.”

Though COVID-19 restrictions loosened in time for the event, the prom was still split up into two nights for the safety and convenience of Staples students.

While the two nights were identical in terms of activities and amenities, there was a notable difference in attendance.

“We wanted to go together, so we signed up for Friday,” Shane Gordon ’21 said. “We thought that there would be a more even distribution of people, but it’s kind of empty.”

Friday attendees cited a number of reasons for signing Gra ph up for the less ic by populous day.

To Some groups r were worried about being separated if they signed up for Saturday prom, while others had scheduling conflicts that necessitated attending on Friday.

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FEATURES |

dance, many enjoyed the night.

“It’s fun, like an exclusive VIP prom,” Elana Atlas ’21 said, laughing. “We knew everyone was going to choose Saturday, so we decided to all go on Friday and stick together. I’m really glad we got to have prom at all.”

Following this strange year of isolation and deviation from the norm, it seemed as though students embraced the opportunity to be together as a grade for one final time.

T h e dance floor was packed shoulder-to-shoulder for hours on end as attendees danced, sang and mingled with friends and class-

mates. Some peers reunited after over a year of separation, reminiscing about their time at Staples and discussing their plans for next year.

“I’m so grateful we got to do this,” Eli Kogan ’21 said.

“It’s amazing that the administration was able to create such a great opportunity for us to be together after so long.”

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ARTS

Barnes pursues passion with ‘Phoebe Crochets’

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ahat used to be a staple look in the 60s and 70s is now an up-and-coming and popular trend in the fashion community: crocheting. From bucket hats and tank tops to potholders and purses, crochet items are making their way into many peoples’ wardrobes and homes.

Phoebe Barnes ’22 has made her mark in the crocheting industry with her business, Phoebe Crochets. Barnes’ hobby originally stemmed from a Barnes & Noble crochet kit gifted to her and quickly turned into a business on Instagram. She not only sells items, but seeks enjoyment and relaxation in the process of making her creations.

“Crocheting gives me the opportunity to forget about my stresses and focus solely on what is in front of me,” Barnes said. “I can crochet for hours on end while listening to TV shows or podcasts.”

Before her business, Barnes crocheted items for fun and gave her creations to friends, but her unfailing passion and overflowing closet full of items pushed her to pursue a business.

Unlike traditional, customary shops that merely sell clothes, Barnes sells stuffed animals, clothing and bags.

She finds patterns online to recreate or creates her own patterns. Taking inspiration for patterns from Pinterest and Instagram, Barnes then experiments with yarn colors and sizes to achieve her final product.

“I love making most currently these flower bags that are really just a bunch of colorful crocheted squares sewn together,” Barnes said. “They’re super satisfying to make and I love knowing that I can actually use what I’ve made.”

Barnes encourages others to start their journeys in crocheting. Because of the many online resources to help, as well as the excitement that comes along with making something yourself, crocheting is a very fulfilling process.

In terms of the future, Barnes plans to continue her journey in crocheting and expand her ambitions. She hopes to give back to the less fortunate by utilizing her crocheting skills.

“In the future, I would love to turn my hobby into something that benefits others,” Barnes said, “such as making blankets, hats and gloves that could be donated to the homeless or elderly.”

Graphic by Madeline Michalowski ’22

Scan this QR code to visit the Instagram page for Phoebe Crochets.

Photos by Katie Simons ’22

Managing Editor

Crochet Business Phoebe Barnes ’22 has found a passion and talent in her self-made business Phoebe Crochets.

Barnes sells bags, crocheted animals and customizable items for her customers.

ARTS

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Skill Level: Intermediate intermediate level crochet-

Stitch a single crochet in a magic loop

Chain 15 times and then half double crochet into the chain to form a

Sew tentacle pieces to the bottom of the

You have now crocheted octopus!

Photos contributed by Phoebe Barnes ’22 Scan this QR code to view the more in-depth tutorial Barnes followed to make the octopus.

16 | ARTS Westport Academy of Dance keeps ‘The Nutcracker’ alive

D

Photo

by Cla ire Red m

er ’21

affodils and tulips line the streets. Chirping sounds fill the air as birds carry twigs and leaves to build their nests. As the weather finally gets warmer and allergies are rampant, there is one thing, ironically, on everyone’s mind: “The Nutcracker” ballet.

Westport Academy of Dance (WAD) is showcasing their annual performance of “The Nutcracker” on May 17 and 18, since the traditional Christmas production was canceled due to COVID-19.

Though the timing seems odd, students and teachers are all thrilled to be performing together once again

show at all.”

“The Nutcracker” has been a l o n g time staple of the Academy, as this will be their 39th year.

Because it has been a core component of WAD tradition, canceling it altogether was never really an option.

“We wanted to do everything we could to make this production happen for our kids,” Studio Director Nancy Hyland-Zindell said. “We call it the heartbeat of our studio because it’s been around for so long and everybody really loves it.”

Due to Coronavirus precautions, rather than a traditional performance, the studio will do one dance at a time. First, they will rehearse each scene and dance number, and then directly after, they will perform the scene.

There will be a limited audience in the theater, as well as a livestream of the show for friends

Photo by Lucy Dockter ’23 "The Nutcracker" hosted its 39th annual “The Nutcracker” performance.

Shepherdess dance. Christina Meehan ’23 (center)

and family to watch.

“We wanted to create that safe, exciting, professional theater environment for the kids to have their show,” Hyland-Zindell said, “but not have it be so crowded in all the common areas that normally would be under regular show circumstances.”

Though the show is different this year, there are some perks to performing later in the season.

“Throughout this year, my technique has improved a lot, so I feel more prepared and satisfied with my performance now versus how it would be in December,” Christina Meehan ’23, who is playing a Soldier Doll and a Chinese dancer, said.

Being able to perform, even under these strange circumstances, has meant so much to students, particularly seniors.

The annual performance fosters a sense of community and strengthens friendships within the studio. Most of the dancers have grown up together at the studio and look forward to getting a better part each year.

“What makes it really special is the Academy’s just fearless,” dance teacher Grace Bergonzi ’13 said. “We tackle everything as it comes and do it as a family. [...] All the kids are still super excited for performances, costume fittings, rehearsals. There’s still a buzz around the studio, even if it can’t be at full capacity.”

Graphic b y Maya H ruskar ’23

News Editor

at the Klein Theater in Bridgeport.

“I was definitely sad that we couldn’t do it when it normally is in December,” Tessa Cassell ’24, who is playing the main character Clara, said, “but I know this has obviously been a crazy year, so I am just so excited that we get to do any type of

SPORTS Kosakowski makes up for lost time during senior season |

Molly Gold ’21 Staff Writer

C

oming off a canceled junior lacrosse season and multiple concussions, goalie JP Kosakowski ’21 is determined to make his final season count. For him, this has meant practicing with his teammates during the offseason as well as putting in extra time in the weight room during team workout sessions.

This same determination continues throughout Kosakowski’s senior season, as he carries the same drive during every game and practice. He feels that being an upperclassman for the first time has allowed him to feel more confident within his team and on the field.

“Just because you are a senior doesn’t mean you get to start. The same thing applies to me,” Kosakowski said. “Each

week I have to go out and prove why I should be the starter.”

Kosakowski was noticed for his hard work when he was named Northeast US High School Boys’ Player of the Week by USA Lacrosse.

After leading the team to a 6-1 record, Kosakowaki suffered a concussion after taking two shots to the head during the team’s game against Darien.

Because of this, Kosakowski was forced to cut his season short, but continues to support his team from the sidelines.

Despite this setback, Kosakowski hopes to leave his mark on the team in many ways including victories and championships.

K o s akows-

ki credits much of his success to his teammates and coaches. His teammates’s motivation to improve has created an environment that rewards hard work and dedication to the team.

“I’d say most of my confidence comes from the trust I have with whoever lines up on the field in front of me,” Kosakowski said. “Our defense is uniquely close. A lot of the time, you see kids getting mad at each other and placing blame after a couple goals, but we all rally around each other and talk through every mistake and s u c cess.”

The sentiment

Photos of Kosakowski contributed

by Shelley Burger

expressed by Kosakowski is shared by his entire team, many of whom feel that Kosakowski was a vital component for their successes this season.

“JP is the best goalie I’ve ever seen in person or played with, and I think everyone on the team agrees on his importance,” teammate Ben Klein ’21 said.

The combination of his individual skill, his teammates’ abilities and their collective mentality is the reason Kosakowski feels that this season is different than any other.

“This is the energy that has consumed our team and we’re proving it each and every time we step on the field,” Kosakowski said. “Even with a loss to Darien, we came out of that game more confident than we felt before. We can run with the best of them and when we see them again we’re going to get our result.”

Scan this QR code for a podcast about the senior night boys’ lacrosse game.

Superfans photo contributed by Dylan Goodman ’21

Graphic by Rachel Greenberg ’22

STAPLES V. NEW CANAAN The Staples lacrosse team beat New Canaan 7-3 on April 10. JP Kosakowski ’21 had 14 saves during the game, and as of April 24, had an 80.6% save percentage.

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BOYS’ TENNIS PRACTICE Varsity tennis coach, Kris Hrisovulos ’00, led his team to a perfect record of 15-0. Staples round of FCIACS on May 13 as the No.1 seed.

Graphics by Rachel Greenberg ’22 & Madeline Michalowski ’22

Photos by Abbie Goldstein ’22 & Jess Leon ’22

18| SPORTS

Devoted boys’ tennis coach secures legacy Sydney Chinitz ’23 Staff Writer

K

ris Hrisovulos ’00, the longtime Staples High School boys’ varsity tennis coach, is only the second tennis coach to have led the team to win both the Connecticut State Class LL Championship and the FCIAC Championship titles in the same year. Hrisovulos not only won the team both titles in the same year, he accomplished this four times at Staples (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018), and just this year he won his 200th game as a coach.

Ever since Hrisovulos was a teenager, he held a profound interest in the sport and played for the Staples tennis team when he was in high school.

Once he was older, he decided

to come back to Staples and looking at an undefeated seapursue a career coaching the son and a chance at state titles. sport he was passionate about.

“We’re in good condi“I wanted to give back tion for the FCIAC title and to the school I graduat- [Connecticut State] Class ed from and the town I LL title,” Hrisovulos said. grew up in,” Hrisovulos said.

The victory of his 200th win The team’s will not hold long winning him back streak can be from leading We’re in good We’r largely credhis team to condition for the yet another ited to Hrisovulos’ coachFCIAC title and c h a m p i o n ing expertise. ship win. The [Connecticut He plans whole team to continue the State] Class LL believes that team’s good forthey are pretitle.” tune this year pared for a - Kris Hrisovulos ’00 great season. with the current 13-0 season.

“Our goal They are curfor this year rently undefeated with just four is to go undefeated, win the more games remaining against FCIAC’s, and Class LL chamteams that are at the bottom of pionships,” Tighe Brunetti ’22, the conference. As of right now, a varsity tennis player, said. the team is almost certainly Hrisovulos is happy with

“

this season’s outcome so far, and believes that the team will be able to pull through for the FCIAC and Connecticut State Class LL Title. “[I am] keep[ing] the team engaged, together and prepared for the postseason,” Hrisovulos said.

Coach Hrisovulos, even with his 200 wins and numerous titles under his belt, will continue to strive for excellence this year, and his ambitions are very well within reach. Hrisovulos proved time and time again that his set of coaching skills is a valuable asset to the tennis program and all of its hard-earned victories so far. “[Hrisovulos] has helped us become a lot better strategy-wise during a match,” Brunetti said. “and we are able to use him as a tool[...] to obtain the win.”

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Back cover by Aidan Rogers ’22 and Rachel Greenberg ’22

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