Inklings November 2022 Issue

November 2022

Join the discussion

Election Results pg 5

Am I Betraying Body Positivity? pg 6

Swatting Hits Westport pg 8-9

Aiden Schachter the Entrepeneur pg 10

Fall Fashion Trends pg 12-13

Annam Olasewere makes a splash at USA swimming national select camp page 15

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CONT ENTS

News

Features

Arts

4 Inflation precedes holidays

6 Body Acceptance

5 Q&A with election winners

7 Casual Comments

Prices of holiday items are skyrocketing, potentially affecting seasonal celebrations.

Dominique, Maher, Steinberg win representative positions in Connecticut.

Front and back cover by Maya Hruskar ’23 Cover photos by Camille Vynerib ’23

11 A&E Highlights

8-9 Swatting incidents

Take a look into November’s most popular trends.

Staples was not the only school impacted by phony threats that prompted a lockdown.

Conn ’23 discusses the significance of not feeling guilty for wanting to change her own body.

Cohen ’25 contemplates the impacts of casual, disturbing comments made by peers.

Sports

15 Olasewere makes splash

Olasewere ’25 joined other elite teenage swimmers at USA Swimming National Select Camp.

12-13 Fall fashion

10 Schachter creates room decor Schachter ’24 produces LED cloud lights for people to enjoy.

Learn some of the hottest fall fashion trends.

14 New art classes

16 Neglected sports

Printmaking is now offered at Staples for art students.

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 TV Show Producers Zach Brody, Finnegan Courtney Asst. Business Managers Indie Ahl, Julia Leitner, Michael Pontoriero

Opinions

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, Siena Petrosinelli 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

Weisz ’23 argues that neglected sports deserve more widespread attention.

More About Us

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

Staples High School 70 North Avenue Westport CT, 06880

Opinions

The Editorial Board determines editorial opinions that are authored by the Editors-in-Chief.

Inklings News serves as an open forum for the public and welcomes letters to the editor and other submissions. Send signed letters to inklingsnews@westportps.org. Submissions will not be edited prior to publication.

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Watch On the Wreckord!

EDITORIAL

|3

Lockdown reveals inadequacy in emergency training

S

eventeen high schools— including Staples—and two universities in Connecticut went into lockdown due to threats of gun violence on Oct. 21. The threats were eventually determined to be a “swatting incident:” a prank threat made to emergency services with the intention of evoking an aggressive response from authorities.

According to CT Insider, the Westport Police Department Chief of Police Foti Koskinas reported that he would give “students and staff an 11 out of 10 for how they acted during the incident.”

However, the members of our Editorial Board reported rampant inconsistencies they found regarding lockdown protocols and responses, all of which contributed to potential safety hazards and heightened feelings of stress and insecurity among some students.

It is important to note

that many teachers did react the schools,” shelter-in-placproperly, and Editorial Board es or evacuations—Editorimembers praised the major- al Board members reported ity of teachers for their com- vastly contradictory accounts petence during the lockdown. of their classroom experiences.

However, far too many others Some members of the reported a much more disturb- Board reported having access to ing and upsetting experience. their phones which aided comDuring a lockdown, the munication with their families. procedure is supposed to in- Others reported being restrictclude: directing ed from using students and All students—and phones, and staff who are were instead staff, too—deserve relayed emails in the halls to nearby rooms, to feel as secure from adminisclosing the as possible during tration verbalblinds, lockly or through ing windows these excruciating posts on the and doors, circumstances. classroom turning off Smartboard. the lights, remaining silent, si- Some students reported barrilencing electronic devices and cading their doors with desks waiting for their room to be and chairs, while others played unlocked by the police, fire de- chess through the commotion. partment or an administrator.

Furthermore, Editorial Yet, despite the fact that pro- Board members who were in tocols are standardized for all classes with substitute teachers emergency situations—wheth- reported that their substitutes er they be lockdowns, “secure did not know the building pro-

Inklinations

cedures, and said that students had to complete all the outlined responsibilities instead of the adult in the room. Other students had a substitute who encouraged them to continue with a timed assessment while the alarms continued to sound.

The inconsistency from classroom to classroom suggests an insufficiency of emergency training among staff—particularly substitutes—and raises significant concerns among members of our Editorial Board as to what would transpire during a legitimate threat.

To combat these issues, the Editorial Board proposes that all teachers, including substitutes, as well as students, receive more consistent and informative training throughout the school year so as to ensure that correct steps will be taken in case there is an actual emergency.

The Editorial Board voted unanimously in favor of this opinion.

Graphic by Lilly Weisz ’23

Have an opinion?

Write to inklingsnews@gmail.com

eG ak

oldshore

’

“They made sure that we were safe and took precautions. But I also heard stories that police officers were walking in with guns.”

ur p ly M hy ’2 l i L

3

“Yeah they went into lockdown very quickly, the school was very secure and I felt safe. I was on the third floor […]

I never felt in danger.”

25

an Eiger ’24 Eit

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Do you think the school reacted appropriately to the lockdown?

“I was in the College and Career Center for a college info session. [...] I heard other students experiences may have been worse or scarier than mine, but I think that depended on the teacher or the room.”

NEWS

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Graphic by 07 Kuhner ’24

impairs holiday spending, family traditions Siena Petrosinelli ‘25 Web News Editor

P

rices of food and gifts have soared due to inflation in the United States, leaving families worried about high expenditures during this holiday season, particularly for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Cost-inflation occurs when the cost of producing materials increases, which, in turn, in-

creases the prices of the products themselves. For instance, Investopedia analyzed that oil had risen from $3 to $12 per barrel due to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) banning their exportation of oil in America. As a result, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices for food rose 11.2% from September 2021 to September 2022.

Prices

Infographic by Alex Gaines ’25

Local Briefs Dec. 2

Holiday Tree Lighting The annual holiday tree lighting ceremony at Westport Town Hall will be held on Dec. 2 at 4:30 p.m. The Staples Orphenians will sing carols at the event.

Jayme Stevenson, Republican candidate for Congress, discussed the impacts of the current inflation on residents at the Candidate Town Hall, which took place at Staples on Nov. 1.

“This is going to be a tough holiday,” Stevenson said. “To a person, the cost of living and affordability in Connecticut and across the country is really scaring people.’’

According to the Wisconsin State Farmer (WSF), prices of food have risen dramatically in the last year. Turkey prices have increased by 112%, from $3.16 a pound last year to $6.70 a pound this year.

Eggs are another standout example, considering they are a key ingredient in so many holiday recipes. They have increased by 27% from around $1.70 for a dozen grade-A eggs to $2.34 this past year.

In light of anticipated expenditures, families are beginning to reconsider their plans for this year’s holiday season. Math teacher Kevin Cuccaro reflects on how his family will manage their spendings for Thanksgiving.

Meg Enquist ‘23

“We have discussed skipping the turkey on Thanksgiving and roasting a chicken instead because the price of turkey is so ridiculously high,” Cuccaro said.

We s t p o r t parent Meredith Anand emphasized how she will be careful with her spendings on family members and friends for Christmas this year.

“I will be more specific this season about my gift buying,” Anand said. “What I mean by that is I will make sure I know exactly what family members and close friends want and not buy superfluous items.”

While many were excited by the holidays finally being free of pandemic restrictions, it is clear that this holiday season will have other factors potentially making it less than festive, especially for those who may have more limited funds. “[Low income families] won’t be able to get as many gifts under the Christmas tree,” Taylor Brunetti ’25 said, “and families won’t be able to purchase as many foods for Thanksgiving like turkey and stuffing.”

Business Director

Dec. 8

SHORT CUTS Film Festival: Narratives II

The Westport Public Library is hosting the 12th annual SHORT CUTS Film Festival on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. Five narrative films will be shown, followed by a conversation with Director Harris Doran.

Dec. 16-17

Candelight Concert The annual Candlelight Concert will be held at Staples High School on Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 17 at 3 and 8 p.m. The concert will feature the Staples symphonic orchestra, symphonic band and choir ensembles.

news | 5

Q&A: local election winners share plans O

n Nov. 8, Westport residents casted their ballots for the midterm elections. Ultimately, Dominique JohnJulia Herlyn ’23 son was elected as State Representative for the 143rd District, Ceci Maher was elected as State SenaLucy Dockter ’23 tor for the 26th District and Jonathan Steinberg was elected as State Representative of the 136th District.

Editors-in-Chief

Q: What are your most important goals around education in CT?

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c i M a he Cetate Senator r

“We must make classrooms safer and prevent gun violence. So many students are worried about school safety and lock-down drills, affecting every grade level, and every parent. This has to change. Rather than putting the burden on students we need to take strong action to increase gun control.”

“Find something you’re passionate about, do your research and then figure a way in which you can take action and, ideally, make a difference. Urgent issues like climate change mean that everyone has a role to play, no matter how small.”

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“Making sure we can keep schools open, even if a virus like COVID rears its ugly head this winter and [discourages] dual learning protocols which may lead to too much remote teaching; and looking at ways to direct funding in disadvantaged districts which have the optimal impact on learning.”

n Stei tha e nber a p r se n t g at on ate Re i

Q: Do you have advice for students who want to make a difference?

“You won’t settle for a future marred by climate change, the horrors of gun violence or a future where we don’t protect basic freedoms. Neither will I. You’re fighting for a better future, and I’ll fight alongside you.

Using your voice and sharing your knowledge will help create a stronger community.”

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“I have heard from young people in our district that providing additional mental health support is crucial.

I also deeply believe you should be able to be your whole selves in school and celebrated for who you are so you can thrive. So equity and inclusion in education and the student-led initiatives to achieve this is something I want to be very supportive of as well.”

D

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to e con ah tribu ted by Ceci M

oh eJ u q i n

by Domi

“Start anywhere where you have a passion for making our community better. No way is too small to make an impact. Every action is part of a change we can make together. [...] I want to use my role as an elected official to galvanize young voters like you to engage civically and politically because to win these fights we will need GenXYZ to mobilize together intergenerationally as a movement focused on the future.”

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OPINIONS

Personal journey for self-love includes healthy lifestyle changes Hannah Conn ’23

Web Managing Editor

O

ver recent years, the extensive body positivity movement has swept modern social media and the minds of our generation. The movement presses that we should love our bodies no matter what. Its rhetoric has provided comfort and security to many teenagers as they transition through their most transformative years— where their bodies are constantly growing and changing.

I have found, however, in my own quest for body positivity, that it is not as simple as waking up one day and declaring that I love my body. It has been a long winded, often fluctuating

Photo by Gabi Gerig ’23

process which I have struggled to ly or even changing how I dress. truly embrace. Part of this jourWhen I mention any of these ney has been realizing that there goals to my friends, I notice that isn’t anything inherently wrong their immediate reaction is to say with wanting to change how “No, oh my gosh, you’re beauyou look, as long as you do so in tiful!” They emphasize that my a healthy manner. body is “perMy main two I shouldn’t feel fect,” or say, “I goals at the molove the way ment include en- guilty about wanting your hair looks; hancing a healthier to change, improve don’t change it!” diet that cuts out We l l - i n or experiment with tentioned excessive snacking comand binge eating, my body. ments such as and incorporating these attempt simple daily exerto comfort cise through 30-minute walks some perceived insecurity. Howoutside. I am actively making ever, they can sometimes do more these changes in order to bring harm than good: these coma healthy balance to my life that ments can make me feel guilty I feel I lack. Like many, I also for wanting to make changes have cosmetic-based goals such But I shouldn’t feel guilty as wanting to grow out my hair, about wanting to change, imallow my nails to grow healthi- prove or experiment with

my

body. No one should.

Wanting to make changes to how you look, both physically—such as losing weight— or more aesthetically—like altering jewelry or clothing styles—are healthy goals.

In all honesty, as someone who isn’t as skinny as many of the girls next to me in class, I find comfort in healthily adjusting my lifestyle.

Nobody told me I had to change. I was the one who made the decision to change my lifestyle. I chose to make this effort personally, so I can progress towards truly loving myself. Healthy change, such as weight loss—or weight gain— is not always a toxic thing, and it looks different for everybody. I am simply on a personal quest for acceptance and love of my own physical appearance.

opinions| 7

Flippant suicidal comments degrade severity of mental health issues Sage Cohen ’25 Staff Writer

A

If you or a friend have been having suicidal thoughts, call.

Suicide Prevention Hotline:

988 Ph

on adis yM ob ot Mayr ’24

fter a stressful test, I always need to mentally prepare myself for what will come next. Unlike many of my peers, I do not fear the possibility of a big “F” in the gradebook — I’m usually confident in my studies and proud of my academic accomplishments.

My concern lies more in having to listen to the disturbing comments my classmates make as we exit the room.

“I did so badly; I just want to kill myself,” one friend said upon completing a chemistry quiz.

I laughed along, but something inside of me just didn’t feel right.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24 in the U.S. Nearly 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide and 9% have made an attempt to take their lives, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

So, why are comments about the topic of suicide so casually tossed around by our generation?

Whenever a situation doesn’t go someone’s way, an instant reflex is to follow up with an insensitive comment like “I want to kill myself.”

Most often, the phrase is accepted as a benign, hyperbolic comment, with no true intention attached. But, as someone who struggles with mental health and has friends who have also struggled, I become deeply disturbed and saddened by these remarks.

Even if the intention behind them is harmless, the message they send is not only dangerous, but degrading to those

who may actually be struggling with these issues. They send a message that you are contemplating hurting yourself.

According to HelpGuide,​​ almost everyone who attempts suicide leaves some sort of hint or warning. No matter how casually or jokingly expressed, statements like “I wish I hadn’t been born,” or “I can’t see any way out,” may signal severe suicidal intentions.

If you’re struggling with your mental health in any way, you deserve to get help.

But how will our community know who actually needs help if everyone is casually throwing around comments suggesting that they want to die?

The subject of suicide deserves more respect. It is not a punchline and not something to joke about, especially given the real consequences many endure.

Over 550 people attended Westport’s recently-held Out of the Darkness walk that raised funds for combating suicide. The walk ended up raising $131,000 for suicide prevention.

This was an astonishing improvement for addressing suicide in Westport.

However, we need to dig deeper and discover how to improve our everyday casual comments when it comes to suicide.

So, the next time you feel the need to blurt out the line “I want to kill myself,” stop and think. You are doing more harm than simply expressing your bad grade on a chemistry quiz.

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FEATURES

Connecticut swatting incident highlights growing national problem Finnegan Courtney ’23 Executive TV Producer

Caroline Zajac ’25 Staff Writer

“

Lockdown procedures activated. Lockdown procedures activated. An emergency has been reported in the building. Please follow the building lockdown procedures.”

Snapping out of their early morning stupor, students and teachers race into the corners of the classroom, shielding their faces from doors and windows. Confusion and unspoken fear quickly take over the class: is this a drill or is it real?

Similar scenes played out at 17 high schools and two universities throughout Connecticut after calls were received warning of potential gun violence on Friday, Oct. 21. Among them was Staples, forcing the school into lockdown around 9 a.m.

As police officers poured onto campus, students and teachers waited: some terrified, some

Graphic by Shivali Kanthan ’24

confused. As minutes drew Swatting, the practice of into seemingly endless hours, calling emergency services on normal school operations were the premise of a false threat, is a eventually deemed safe to re- growing nationwide epidemic, turn to at around 11 a.m, in with a 2019 Anti-Defamation what would later be charac- League article citing a 600-case terized as a swatting incident. increase from 2011 to 2019.

However, the morning’s un- This tactic of harassment wastes expected turn left the entire resources and instills terror community, administrators within a community. Some feel included, that these shaken. ats It is concerning but, in tareh r eeerily “This all honesty, [...] those reminicent one in particuof the oldlockdowns have lar really er trend simply become a part of bomb bothered me bethreats. of being a student.” cause the “Bomb - Jaime Paul '23 response threats had warranted the same an armed response,” Westport results,” Scarice said. “SomeSuperintendent of Schools one would call in a bomb threat Thomas Scarice said. “Last and we would have to leave the May, we had a shelter in place, building. So the disruption is which was disturbing, but this the same, but because of the one warranted cops going [...] modern world, it’s more gunroom by room with their guns and school-violence related.” shown.”

According to a WIRED article, there were 90 swatting calls spanning just three weeks this past September. Often these calls occur after real shooting incidents. The Sandy Hook tragedy that will turn a decade old come December also experienced a similar incident.

“For the years following Sandy Hook, there were

“

[false] calls made in Newtown on or around the anniversary,” Staples Principal Stafford W. Thomas Jr. said. “So unfortunately, we know all too well that [swatting is] here until they find a way to crack down on that.”

As the school year continues to progress, many Staples students have become accustomed to frequent lockdowns.

“It is concerning but in all honesty, I feel as though, to some extent, those lockdowns have simply become a part of being a student,” Jaime Paul ’23 said.

“Which in some ways is more c o n cerning as lockd ow n s should not be the norm for [students].”

Police departments— We s t p o r t ’s included—are struggling to determine whether these threats are real or

features | 9

fake. Westport Police Department Lieutenant Dave Wolf noted certain indicators may help in determining this, but all calls are treated as real until proven otherwise.

“We always take swatting calls very seriously until we can

conclusively determine that the call was, in fact, a prank,” Wolf said. “We can never know for sure that the call is fake until we get to the school and make sure that there are no issues.”

Meanwhile, for the community most affected by the

two-hour lockdown, it is a different feeling of sorts, albeit one becoming all too familiar and frightening.

“Since the last swatting incident, I have found myself worried about possibilities of other attacks [...] and it’s

nerve-racking and scary to have thoughts like these constantly on my mind,” Lily Rimm ’25 said. “I was very distraught after the incident a few weeks ago, and am always alert during the school day in case another incident will occur like this one.”

Number of swatting incidents nationwide in September 2022

21

Information from Wired and NPR Infographic by Lily Klau ’23

10 |features

Schachter achieves sky-high success as entrepreneur, pilot Indie Ahl ’24

Assistant Business Manager

I

t seems the sudden onset of the pandemic had teenagers feeling one impulse: to cover their walls in LED strip lights. Teenagers on Tiktok flocked to this trend in the height of quarantine, and it has since become even more popular. In all the frenzy around these products, Aiden Schachter ’24 seized the opportunity to take the strip lights to new levels, creating the LED cloud light.

The product is a soft polyester cloud containing remote-controlled LED lights.

When he was just 14 years old, Schachter created his first LED cloud light model, solely from an old stuffed animal.

Hot-gluing the stuffing to an LED strip light, Schachter created the first prototype for his product. Ultimately, he was inspired by his love for flying.

“There’s the tie-in with flying, [and] I’m a pilot as well, so I’m always up in the clouds, which I think is kinda cool,” he said.

In addition to local events, like the Westport Craft Fair, he also sells on online platforms like Etsy and the Amazon business program, which allows him to buy his materials in bulk at a seller discount. As Schachter strives to increase profits, he values sustainability in his business practices. In 2021, Schachter decided to use the Nextdoor app to source

recycled aluminum from the Westport community to build the framework of the clouds.

“I donate 5% of my profits to charity at the end of the year,” Schachter said. “Last year I donated to climate change to offset my carbon emission, this year I’m doing a local based charity.”

To aspiring entrepreneurs, Schachter highlights the importance of developing a unique product to experience success.

“It can’t be something you saw on TikTok; it can’t be something you saw online; you can’t try and copy someone else,” Schachter said. “Ultimately, it’s really got to be a unique idea that you have to be passionate about. You got to know how to expand it, you gotta start slow, and it’s going to take a lot of time.”

Schachter’s business isn’t his only passion or priority. While an entrepreneur, he’s also a pilot, wrestler and full-time student.

“It’s really challenging just balancing my time. You get home at 3 p.m., not including wrestling season when I’m getting home at 6 p.m.,” Schachter said. “There’s a lot of time management.

That’s the biggest challenge.”

Observing his son balance his passions, Aiden’s father, Seth Schachter, expressed how his son has not only grown his business over the past few years, but has grown as a young adult.

“It’s quite an accomplishment from the day he started,” Seth Schachter said.

“We’re very proud and excited for this whole experience.”

Photos contributed by Aiden Schachter ’24

ROOM DECOR Aiden Schachter ’24 creates cloud-like LED lights, commonly displayed in bedrooms.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP Aiden Schachter ’24 has his products boxed and sold on platforms including Etsy and Amazon.

A&E highlights of November C movie highlights

Allison Gillman ’23

| 11

heck out some of November’s pop culture highlights, from new Marvel films and trending music to jarring celebrity controversy.

Business Director

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” stalks to the big screen in theaters Nov. 11. Princess Shuri and Queen Ramonda of Wakanda must continue to lead their devastated nation after the death of T’Challa from an undisclosed illness.

With the United Nations growing more hostile towards Wakanda and a new threat emerging from the ocean’s depths, the Black Panther must rise again.

“I really liked how they handled Chadwick Boseman’s death, and I think Shuri’s character was really well thought-out,” Mili Green ’23 said.

Mili G

Graphic by 07 Kuhner ’24

To continue the “Black Panther” franchise and honor the late Chadwick Boseman, director Ryan Coogler spearheaded the sequel, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” which appeared

n ’ 23 ree

music spotlight Tomlinson gears up for debut of “Faith in the Future” Haile

’24

Graphic by Asmi Rudra ’24

ohnson yJ

Singer Louis Tomlinson released his second studio album, “Faith In The Future,” on Nov. 11.

Tomlinson

“Overall [Tomlinson] has stuck to his original style and continues to prove that he is a true artist,” Hailey Johnson ’24 said. “His music makes me feel relaxed and I enjoy listening to it while I do homework.”

celebri‘tea

the latest beats Kygo, Dean Lewis

Anti-hero Taylor swift

Bones Imagine dragons

Anti-Black, antisemetic comments from Ye ignite online backlash Ye made a series of offensive remarks in the past month, which led to multiple companies dropping their partnerships with him. On top of a slew of anti-Black statements

rS

Osca

Lost without you

pre-released two tracks from the album—“Out Of My System” and “BiggerThan Me”—and is set to tour across the UK and Europe.

cher ’23

over the years, Ye donned a “White Lives Matter” shirt in early October. He then repeated several antisemitic conspiracy theories on a national podcast later in the month.

Graphic by Creative Team

“When someone like Kanye is praised as a genius by so many people for so many years, his words could do good or incredible harm,” Oscar Scher ’23 said.

“With [Ye’s] racist and antisemetic remarks recently, he has given the sign that these beliefs are okay and acceptable to have, when that is in no way true.”

Photos by Allison Gillman ’23 and contributed by Hailey Johnson ’24

12 |a&e

FASHION FALL WARD Must-have staple pieces Mia Bomback ’25

$128

News Editor

Lululemon

$140

Ugg

$43

$48

Lululemon

$68

Urban Outfitters

Bobbles and Lace

$98

SCHOOL

If you’ve been on TikTok lately, it’s likely you’ve heard of ‘Stockholm style,’ the classy, cool girl aesthetic stealing the hearts of Gen-Z. To nail the ‘Stockholm style,’ opt for a creamy knit sweater, swap your bell-bottom jeans for a slouchier, relaxed fit and

throw on a fun, chunky scarf.

This fall season, you won’t have to trade style for comfort with the Ultra-Mini Ugg Boots.

For a sleek look, throw on a neutral sweatshirt and some light-wash, baggy jeans, complete with a fresh pair of Nikes.

Lululemon

ATHLEISURE

No matter the season, athleisure is always trending, and this fall, it comes in the form of a Lululemon Scuba Jacket and the City Sweat Joggers. Both the jacket and joggers are comfortable, casual

$39

and available in a variety of colors and styles.

After trending all summer, platform shoes remain in the spotlight this fall. For guys, a pair of Nikes are the perfect finish to a sporty look.

Urban Outfitters

$59 Urban Outfitters

$79 Urban Outfitters

$59

$120 Blue & Cream

$100

Blue & Cream

Lululemon

a&e | 13 $128

$98

South Moon Under

Urban Outfitters

$70

$98

Middlemarch

$98

Bobbles and Lace

South Moon Under

$25

JEWELRY

GOING-OUT

For a sleek, stylish outfit, go for the ever-trendy corset top.

The Urban Outfitters Modern Love Corset remains on-trend this fall. Pair with a simple pleated skirt, black tights and rockin’ black leather boots to

$105

Middlemarch

achieve the “punk prep” look as seen in Vogue. You can also class it up in a quarter-zip, styled over a button-down with gray athletic pants. Go for trending colors such as dark grays, cobalts and autumnal crimson.

Looking to add some fall flair to your wardrobe? Elevate any outfit with a bold, gold chain or pair of pearl earrings.

Have fun mixing metals and experimenting with the differ-

ent jewelry trends, from cutesy charms, like the Gold Pave Evil Eye Necklace, to classic hoops, like the Tube Hoop Earrings in ‘Gold.’ Both pieces are from Westport’s own Middlemarch.

State and Liberty

total=

$240

$95

Middlemarch

State and Liberty

$105 State and Liberty

$25

Middlemarch

Photos by Mia Bomback ’25

14 |a&e

Print--..-making..class. promotes variety in art curriculum

Paige Miller ’24

figure out how to make that happen in this type of imagery.”

Sileo went on to explain the rom visual and per- art department’s decision beforming arts to graph- hind the shift from silkscreen ic design, ceramics and to printmaking and the benefit pottery, Staples is home to an behind a broader curriculum. extensive art department that “[The art department] felt caters to those who have a pas- that just one class of just silksion for expressing themselves. screen or silk printing was Printmaking is a new class limiting because you can only that allows for a much more make a certain type of imagnuanced way of expression. ery,” Sileo said. “So, if a student Implemented at the begin- doesn’t like screen printing ning of this year, the class is an maybe they’ll like a different introductory course for students unit in printmaking more.” who want to explore printmakAnnika Reddy ’24, who ing media. Prior to this, all that took silkscreen last year prior was taught was silkscreen and to the course changes, says she advanced silkscreen, which is had no idea any changes to the now merely a course were unit within a being made. much largerStudents will have a c l a“s sTr o ho me curriculum. vision, and then we e x p e r i e n c e Throughout the sein silkscreen figure out how to mester-long was very posmake that happen in itive and I course, students will learned a lot,” this type of produce fine Reddy said, imagery.” art prints, “but I would - Stephanie Sileo cards, t-shirt definitely Art Teacher designs and be interestmore while ed in seeworking with silkscreen and ing what changes were to other printmaking media. expand the curriculum.”

New to Staples this year, Sophie Spheeris ’23, who is art teacher Stephanie Sileo was currently enrolled in the only a primary factor in the expan- section of printmaking this sion of this course. Earning her semester, says she is thankful Bachelor and Masters of Fine that the addition to the curArts in printmaking, the art riculum was made for this year. department has utilized her ex“Without the change, we pertise to provide an easy tran- wouldn’t be doing a lot of my sition between the two classes. favorite units,” Spheeris said.

“In printmaking we do a “Right now, we are printing lot of creative thinking, a lot using linoleum. I’ve never done of problem solving and a lot a process like this before, and of process-based things,” Sileo I believe most people in the said. “In a way it’s almost its own class haven’t either. It’s a very science lab that teaches better cool medium because it allows problem solving skills. Students people to express themselves will have a vision, and then we through their unique designs.”

News Editor

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Infographic by Lily Klau ’23 Photos by Rachel Olefson

SPORTS

| 15

Photo contributed by Annam Olasewere ’25

Annam Olasewere makes a splash at USA Swimming National Select Camp Lily Klau ’23

Creative Director

W

ith her Staples girls’ Swim and Dive backpack draped over her shoulders, Annam Olasewere ’25 strolled into the Colorado Olympic and Paralympic Training Center to participate in the USA Swimming National Select Camp. Starstruck as she watched Olympians and Paralympians from various sports pass by, Olasewere and 50 other elite teenage swimmers made their way to the pool. Their flip flops squeaked on the pool deck as they timidly sat down on the bleachers, ready to embark on one of the most impactful experiences of their swimming careers.

The camp is designed for the top USA swimmers in the nation to have a once-in-alifetime experience and learn about post-race recovery, drug and supplement rules, psychological training skills, nutrition, race strategy and more.

Olasewere was invited to nation’s top, these athletes are attend the camp due to her not foreign to the pressure to various successes in the pool. succeed in the sport, but the “Last season, I was the best swimmers are the ones fastest in the nation for the who are able to overcome these 50 meter (M) and 100 M mental blocks. Attending the Freestyle for the 13-14 year USA Swimming National Seold age group. As of Aug. 31, lect Camp is not only an amaz2022, I was also the fastest ing swim training experience, swimmer in the nation in the but it also paves a path for the 50 M Freeswimmers to learn style for the how to imI know that she 15-16 age prove outside group that will continue to of the pool. was eligi“At the do great things ble for this camp, I was camp,” Olasable to listen in the world of were said. to speakers swimming.”

“As a rewho spoke - Emma Maddoff '23 sult, since I about sports was in the psychology top three eligible athletes in and how to prepare yourself for the 14-17 age group category races,” Olasewere said. “They in the 50 M Freestyle, I was also covered mental health, and invited to attend the camp.” how to keep a growth mindset The swimmers were told and seek help to keep yourself that a large percentage of the both mentally and physically camp attendees make it to healthy, and much much more.” the national teams, and that In addition to the great around one to three olympispeakers the swimmers heard, ans come out of each camp the camp was also led by some session. Being some of the of the top coaches in the Unit-

“

ed States which was extremely influential to the training process of the swimmers.

“They gave constant and direct feedback, introduced new techniques, helpful equipment and led by example,” Olasewere said. “They were truly passionate about the sport.”

After coming home and starting the Staples swim season, Olasewere is building off of the lessons she learned from the coaches and speakers at the camp, and she has established herself as an important and impressive teammate.

“It is a privilege to watch Annam swim her races, and even swim against her sometimes. It is undeniable that she is the fastest in the pool at her speed, and I always look up to her as a person and to her abilities,” Staples girls’ Swim and Dive captain, Emma Maddoff ’23, said. “She is humble, kind and puts everyone on the team first. Just like she is now, I know that she will continue to do great things in the world of swimming.”

16 |sports

Neglected sports deserve greater recognition, resources Creative Director

R

unning out onto the litup football field during Homecoming halftime, I couldn’t stop beaming as my co-captains and I took our places among all the Staples varsity captains. But, as I soaked in the Friday night lights, I remembered how hard it was to make it there in the first place.

I don’t mean in the inspiring sports movie sense, where we all worked our way up to being captains. We almost didn’t make it onto the field for the Captain’s Parade because the Staples athletic department forgot that the girls’ squash team existed. While the department emailed all other captains, we had to contact them ourselves and let them know we needed to be included, too.

Throughout my four years on the squash team, I’ve come to expect and joke about a certain ignorance from the student body on what my sport is—yes, we are a varsity team; yes, it’s kind of similar to tennis; no, it’s not related to the vegetable. However, when the athletic department itself ignored our team, it wasn’t so funny anymore.

Squash is not an FCIAC sport, and both the boys’ and girls’ teams formed at Staples only in 2016. Yet, we have the same pasta dinners, banquets and block awards as other varsity teams, so we deserve the same treatment from the athletic department.

Squash practice takes place off-campus in Norwalk, yet Staples’ athletics denies us bussing to practice. During my freshman year on varsity, we received transportation, but this system

was halted during COVID-19.

Subsequently, when the boys’ and girls’ squash coach recently requested bussing to after-school practice, Staples athletics told us we would not receive it due to not having bussing for two years.

This would be understandable in context of recent bus driver shortages and higher transportation costs across Connecticut schools, as reported by C T I n s i d e r.

H o w e v e r, Staples’ ski team re ceive d bussing to their off-campus practices throughout COVID and will continue to do so in the present.

Squash is not isolated in being sidelined by the Staples community. Other teams, like girls’ swim and dive, also practice off-campus at nearby locations and don’t receive bussing to practices. Consequently, these athletes also have difficulties arriving to practice on time and must devote time during captain’s practices to figure out logistics that should be the responsibility of the athletic department.

Furthermore, Staples is more likely to advertise the most popular sports, feeding into a cycle where only some sports’ games are attended.

I distinctly remember when Staples released a calendar of winter sports games last year which failed to include sports like squash

and skiing. Moreover, while it’s a given that sports like football will be announced over the loudspeaker, less popular sports get less air time. For example, swim & dive’s FCIAC finals were not broadcasted.

Even though all sports may not garner the same crowds as football or boys’ soccer, we are part of the Staples community all the same. Only when we’re given more equal recognition and resources can we all bleed Wrecker blue.

UPCOMING IN SQUASH Jan. 4 vs. Greenwich

Jan. 9 vs. City Squash

Jan. 20 vs. New Canaan Home matches played at Intensity in Norwalk

Photo by Talia Varsano ’24

Lilly Weisz ’23

CAPTAINS Ashley Julien ’23, Lilly Weisz ’23 and Rebecca Schussheim ’23 are the current 2022-2023 captains.

sports |17

Walsh jumps to success through horseback riding Lucy Dockter ’23 Editor-in-Chief

J

essica Walsh ’25 has been riding horses for around 10 years. She got into it because her cousin rode, so she and her sister grew up around horses and fell in love. Walsh talks about what people commonly misconceive about horseback riding and what makes the sport so special.

Q: How does the sport work in general?

A: I ride at a barn called West Lane, and it’s managed by our head trainer. She’s the one that finds all the shows and enters the kids that want to go. She enters us in the class that is our level for what we’re currently practicing. […] We spend a few weeks prior practicing and making sure that we’re ready. And then we go to the show, and we spend a day or two, depending on when the class you’re competing in, practicing at the show. And then you just go and do your class.

Photos contributed by Jessica Walsh ’25

Q: What do you think people should know about riding?

A: I feel like when people say that it’s not a sport, most of those people think that the person riding isn’t actually doing much. But what they don’t think about is that horses have a mind of their own, and they’re a conscious animal and they have other things that they want to do. […] Riders make it look like they’re not doing much, but they’re actually doing so much more than people would think to get the horse to actually move how it’s supposed to and to jump over jumps.

Q: What would you say is your best moment from a particular competition?

A: I got reserve champion in my second show on my current horse [Zippy], [which is] second best out of the entire division. I wasn’t expecting that because it was only my second show on the horse, and it was a new environment.

COMPETITIONS Walsh competes at the Vermont Summer Festival in Manchester, Vermont, which features divisions for every level of equestrian.

Q: Have you had any behavior issues with horses?

A: All horses are different, and it really depends on the day. My horse, Zippy, he’ll have one really good day, and then the next day he’ll throw me off. […] There was this one time where he had jumped this particular jump the day before, and then the next day I rode and I got to this particular jump and he stopped at it. So I go back around, and he stops at it again, and I fly over his head and land on the other side. It’s not always so much fun when that happens, but you have to get back on and keep riding.

Q: Is there a team aspect to horseback riding?

A: I think that there’s somewhat of a team aspect because it’s never just you riding from your barn. You make friends at your barn, and it’s not just you going to the show, it’s your entire barn going. You’re not necessarily competing with the same people from your barn […] but you’ll have other people there that are cheering you on.

18 |

Parts of a Whole Parts of a whole - Inklings November

Contributed by Tavan Bhatia '23 & Jeffrey Pogue '23

By Jeffrey Pogue - Published on crosshare.org 1

2

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Scan the QR code above to play the crossword online and check your answers!

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Answers to last month’s crossword:

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