Inklings October 2022 Issue

A tribute to Michael Sansur

Michael Sansur, a beloved tech education teacher, tragically died in a car crash on Oct. 15. One student of his, Marley Brown ’23, originally wrote an email to Principal Thomas to share her memories and appreciation of Mr. Sansur, and she granted Inklings permission to publish it. We thank Marley for her contribution and hope her letter can bring some comfort to the community in this time of hardship.

scan this QR code to donate to the Sansur family

Marley Brown ’23

Though I can never do justice to explaining or honoring the life of Michael Sansur, as there is so much I did not know, I would like to share my experiences with him as a teacher and mentor.

I met Mr. Sansur right before I became a freshman, after learning that I had not been accepted into his Tech Ed I class. My father reached out to the school to ask why I was not admitted, and we were eventually put in contact with Mr. Sansur. I told him that I had selected his class, and that even though I had previously told my guidance counselor that it was the main elective I wanted, I was still not admitted. I talked to him and he realized that the class I had wanted to go into was all male, and that there were a lot of freshman boys in that class. Mr. Sansur fought for me to be in Tech Ed I and I ended up being the

only girl in that class, and apparently one of the first girls he had taught. Mr. Sansur then did the same process to get me into Tech Ed II. He believed that I had the same right to be in his classroom as any of the boys did, and that I should be able to get that opportunity, regardless of my gender.

He believed that I had the same right to be in his classroom as any of the boys did, and that I should be able to get that opportunity, regardless of my gender.

Mr. Sansur always said I was one of his favorite students, but maybe he said that to everyone; he was just that kind of person. Or maybe it was because I reminded him of his daughter, which he often told me. Either way, he sent my mother an email at the end of freshman year talking about how it was a pleasure having me in class, and that he couldn’t wait to see me in his classroom again and see the things I would make. He brainstormed project ideas with me and supported me every step of the way, even going along with my insane ideas. When I had the idea to scorch my projects, he taught me how to use a blowtorch and a flamethrower, and how to achieve the look and color I wanted. Sitting next to

me now is a bedside table that I made with him. It holds records in the bottom and has a secret compartment with a William Shakespeare quote carved into it. It is torched to perfection.

Ihave always known that I wanted to be a teacher and I love helping people. I have written the syllabus that’s on the chalkboard in Mr. Sansur’s classroom all of my four years at Staples. Freshman year I came into school on back to school night, and I helped him explain the class and talked about my own experience to the parents. I did that again this year, and I wish that I could go back and hear him talk about his love for being a teacher just one more time. This year, he told me that he thought I would make an amazing teacher, and that if English did not work out, I should consider Tech Ed. My freshman year, school ended early because of COVID and transitioned to online learning. Though most teachers did not communicate with us and just posted assignments online, Mr. Sansur made sure to meet with us individually every single class period. Not only was

Not only was he an amazing teacher, but he was one of the kindest and most caring people I have ever met.

he an amazing teacher, but he was one of the kindest and most caring people I have ever met. COVID was a hard time for me, and whenever we would meet he would always ask me how I was, and he genuinely cared about my well being. I remember one time, I went for a short walk and lost track of time, missing the start of my individual check in. Mr. Sansur Zoom called me, and I picked up in the middle of the forest. Instead of being frustrated, he just chuckled to himself, and we talked and joked for 10 minutes about online “not” learning and the COVID lockdown. He told me he was finding it hard to keep a sense of normalcy with his students, and how he was excited to get back into the classroom and build things again. Mr. Sansur pushed me to be a better student and to challenge myself. This year, I started as his Teaching Assistant, and I only wish that I could have had more time. We started planning my TA during the second half of my junior year, when I was unable to go to PE. Instead, I went to academic support which, by chance, was with him. He told me about his time as a student

teacher and his experiences in the classroom. He made me create lesson plans with him, and even told me what units he wanted me to teach all by myself. This year, he had me lead most of the demonstrations and give the safety talks to his students. He introduced me to the parents of all of his students at back to school night, and raved about how I wanted to be a teacher, and how he was going to connect me to people, to make that dream a reality. He said the same speech every 10 minute class period and always mentioned how much he loved being a teacher and how he loved seeing all the students’ incredible creations. I had planned to create a guitar with him this year. I hope I will find a way to still accomplish that in his memory.

Oor a cookie, and often asked if he could have another one to save for his family (though a few times I saw him eating them on his own later on).

Michael Sansur was one of those people who leaves a lasting impact on your life.

I could never pass by Mr. Sansur’s classroom without popping my head in to say “hi” and check on what he was doing with his students, and he was always the first person I thought of talking to when I had big news.

Two weeks ago, I got back my ACT score and after my parents, he was the first person I told. I told him about my various entrepreneurial adventures and showed him pictures of things I had made at home. On Wednesday of last week, I asked him to write my college rec. Unfortunately he only got around to completing the reference form, which I cannot bring myself to give to anyone as it’s one of the last things I have of his that relates to me.

n a more personal note, I make a lot of baked goods in culinary, and I always have more than I know what to do with. My go to taste testers have always been my teachers, specifically my favorite teachers. While most of the teachers I would offer these goodies to would politely refuse them and say, “I’m on a diet” or, “I don’t eat baked goods,” I knew that I could always count on Mr. Sansur to try my newest concoction and give me a raving review. He would never turn down a cupcake

Michael Sansur was one of those people who leaves a lasting impact on your life. He inspired me, and I will remember him and everything he gave me and taught me for the rest of my life. I have always said that if I can change one person’s life for the better, then I will have lived a good life. I only hope that in the future I can have as much of an impact on some of my students as he had on me.

I miss you already Mr. Sansur. Thank you for everything. I promise I’ll do everything I can to make you proud.

Michael Sansur, tech education teacher, worked at Staples High School for 18 years. Before Staples, Sansur worked in the Ansonia Public Schools from 1997 to 2005, according to CTInsider.

Photo contributed by Staples Yearbook club

CONT ENTS

News

5 Fentanyl-laced candy

Federal law enforcement recently confiscated a large amount of fentanyl that was to be disguised as candy, prompting parental concern.

6-7 Banned books

Books in the Staples library have been challenged by some parents who allege the books endorse harmful messages.

Opinions

8 Lessons of babysitting

Abby Nevin ’23 acknowledges the life lessons learned from babysitting.

9 Am I enough?

Ava Chun ’25 reflects on the pressure to succeed in high school.

Features

10-11 New ropes course

Staples’ new ropes course hopes to build peer bonding, confidence, etc.

12 Staples Vision

Staples Vision encourages students to connect with their faith.

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

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 Editor

Karlie Saed Advisors

Joseph DelGobbo, Mary Elizabeth Fulco

Arts

13 Spooky movie review

Elle Vail ’23 recommends three must-watch movies this Halloween.

14 October highlights

Read more about the latest in arts and entertainment for the month of October.

Sports

15 Sports toxicity

Athletes discuss the toxic body image sports create after years of coaching.

16-17 Wealth inequality in sports

A report shows that sports teams in wealthier Connecticut towns have been proven to rack up more state championships than poorer towns.

More About Us

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

Opinions

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

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

Membership

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

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

Fentanyl disguised as candy discovered ahead of Halloween

Samantha Sandrew ‘25

Web Features Editor

An undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent, with the help of the Rocky Hill police, con scated 15,000 fentanyl pills disguised as Skittles and Nerds candy that two men attempted to smuggle into Connecticut on Sept. 8. e two men were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute.

As Halloween nears, the fear of drugs being disguised as candy has grown. Many

Westport parents, such as Aneta Rompre, have concerns about their child potentially receiving fentanyl disguised as candy while trick-or-treating.

“

“My concerns lie with my children’s health and safety,” Rompre said. “Lacing or disguising the drugs to mimic candy increases the possibility that children unknowingly become innocent victims.”

Fentanyl is a very potent opioid and can cause an overdose in very small amounts."

“[Our children] are probably seeing more stu on social media than we actually talk to them about. Have more conversation with your kids,” Woodridge said. He also urges parents to remind their kids not to take candy from strangers.

extra vigilant during holidays like Halloween, where food is exchanged between strangers.

Staples High School’s School Resource O cer Ed Wooldridge recommends reporting any abnormal food to the police. He also emphasizes the importance of having safety discussions with youth.

discussions

Local Briefs

e Westport Library book sale will begin on Nov. 11 from 8:45 a.m. -1 p.m. for ticket holders followed by free admission from 1-6p.m. e sale will continue through Nov. 14 with free admission (hours vary per day).

“Everybody should be vigilant and not take ‘candy’ or pills from anyone under any circumstances,” Staples nurse Anne Fitzpatrick said. “Fentanyl is a very potent opioid and can cause an overdose in very small amounts.”

- Anne Fitzpatrick Staples

Nurse

Law enforcement stays

“As law enforcement, we are trying to make sure the public is being safe and that we keep an eye on them,” Wooldridge said. “But parents and kids have to be diligent too.” ere are alternatives to traditional Trick-or-Treating for those who are worried. At the Trick-or-Treat with Stew Leonard’s Characters event at Stew Leonard’s in Norwalk, children 8 under, in costume, can come to collect candy throughout the store for free.

Ultimately, parents bear the decision whether to practice traditional trick-or-treating.

“Parents should do what’s in the best interest for their kids,” social studies teacher and parent Suzanne Kammerman said.

• 4 out of every 10 pills containing fentanyl have a potentially lethal dose (DEA).

• Over 100,000 Americans died from overdose in 2021, with 66% of those deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl (CDC).

• A lethal dose of fentanyl can be as little as 2 milligrams, or ~10 to 15 grains of table salt (U.S. News & World Report).

Mia Kirkorsky

’24

Business Manager

e Staples Players will present an opening night for “Guys and Dolls,” a classic Broadway musical. Tickets went on sale on Oct. 22 and can be purchased 30 minutes before curtain time in the lobby.

At the Westport-Weston YMCA, families will work together to make the best meal from ingredients in a mystery basket. Non-members can enter for $45, while members will pay a $30 fee.

Staples library display incites community response at BOE meeting

Lilly Weisz ‘23 Creative Director

Nine Westport residents spoke on the controversy surrounding Staples High School (SHS) Library’s Banned Books Week display during the public comment section of the Board of Education (BOE) meeting on Oct. 3. Some attendees sought to challenge the books featured in the display, especially “This Book is Gay,” “Lawn Boy” and the graphic novel “Genderqueer.”

The BOE’s public comment differs from an official appeal to the BOE. Such an appeal would require completing nine steps out of a 10-step process to challenge materials.

So, while the district has received nine seperate formal challenges to eight of the books on display—including one challenge to all books on the display—none of the challengers have taken step two of the procedure, which is to reach out to talk in-person with the Staples library media specialists. Step three would be to report any resolutions decided by the library media specialists to the principal.

the books expressed discomfort and displeasure that these books, which contain sexually explicit scenes and information, were available in the SHS library and advertised by the Banned Books Week display.

One of the books in contention, “This Book is Gay,” includes guidance in navigating sexual encounters in the LGBTQIA+ community, and includes an explanation that the book’s purpose is to provide a same-sex version of the sex education taught in schools, including explicit diagrams with the intent to educate. The sex education section begins with a content warning for younger readers and anyone who may feel uncomfortable.

market them so aggressively,” Westport parent Alma Sarelli said. “I’m not saying this because some of these books may address the perspective of one sexual orientation or another. I’m saying this because a school is not the same as a commercial or adult bookstore.”

A smaller number of Westport residents approached the podium to speak in favor of the Banned Books Week display.

“I felt it was important to address the issue being raised by the community members we represent and to signal to the community that some Board members did feel strongly about discussing the issue.”

A school is not the same as a commercial or adult bookstore.”

“I’m still waiting on an official challenge,” SHS Principal Stafford W. Thomas Jr. said.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Each BOE meeting begins with 15 minutes allotted for public comment, in which residents can discuss issues not on the agenda. The residents speaking against

A second book on display, “Genderqueer,” contains images of an adult discovering aspects of their sexuality. The graphic novel is a coming-of-age memoir. One parent, Camilo Riano, referenced that “Genderqueer,” contained images of an adult sexually touching a child. Inklings confirmed that the book does depict an adult and minor engaging in a sexual act. It’s in reference to content in the classic Greek text “Plato’s Symposium.”

-Alma Sarelli, Westport parent

The context for the scene in the graphic novel is an imagined teenage fantasy and does not discuss themes of nor promotes acts of pedophilia.

Other residents were concerned about the active role librarians played in distributing these materials to the student body.

“It’s now one thing to have books available. It’s another to

Parent Brian McGunagle, President and founder of Westport PRIDE, a community group for LGBTQIA+ people and allies, stated that he only spoke on behalf of himself and not for any organization.

“

Adding the item would mean both BOE members and public attendees would have been able to engage in discussion over the Banned Books Week display. Without an agenda item, BOE members are prohibited from discussing a topic.

It is very important for our children to be exposed to different lifestyles.”

-Brian McGunagle, Westport parent

“It is very important for our children to be exposed to different lifestyles and ways of life,” McGunagle said.

Ultimately, the Chair adjourned the public comment section with a recess from the meeting after a board member spoke out of turn multiple times and a community member questioned the presence and legitimacy of this Inklings reporter covering the events of the meeting.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

At the start of the general meeting, BOE Vice Chair Liz Heyer sought to add an agenda item to publicly discuss the “treatment of materials in our school library that encourage harmful and unsafe behavior.”

The motion fell short of the two-thirds vote needed to pass.

“Avoiding public discussion can often escalate an issue unnecessarily,” Heyer said.

BOE Secretary Neil Phillips voted against the motion, explaining that the BOE was only made aware of the controversy less than a week before the general meeting and he felt unprepared to publicly comment. In addition, he said the BOE only received 10-13 emails on the subject, mentioning how past issues have attracted many more emails, and thus, warranted the primary focus of the Board.

“We have typically approached most agenda items with supporting documentation provided before a meeting,” Phillips said. “To better inform the board members as well as the public, and for a topic as sensitive as this one, I would have expected no less.”

The board remains divided on the issue, and, as of the writing of this article, banned books are not on the agenda for the next general meeting on Oct. 25.

Scan the QR code to read the full version on the Inklings website.

“Banned Books Week” Display

The library’s display included the following top 10 most contested books of 2021.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (2007)

By Sherman Alexie

A teenage boy decides to leave his home, the Spokane Indian Reservation, to go to a nearly all-white public school.

All Boys Aren’t Blue (2020)

By George M. Johnson

A coming-of-age memoir about the author’s experiences growing up as an African-American member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out (2014)

By

Susan Kuklin

A series of stories written by transgender and gender-neutral teenagers recounting their experiences.

The Bluest Eye (1970)

By Toni Morrison

An African-American girl who fights to combat racism, family struggles, and her own negative self-image amid the Great Depression.

Gender Queer (2019)

By Maia Kobabe

An autobiographical graphic novel about Maia Kobabe (e/em/ eir)’s struggle with eir sexuality and gender.

The Hate U Give (2017)

By Angie Thomas

An African-American teenager grapples with racism, police brutality and social activism.

Lawn Boy (2018)

By Jonathon Evison

A Mexican-American considers the hardships he has faced in his life as he enters a phase of self-discovery.

Me, Earl and the Dying Girl (2012)

By Jesse Andrews

An introverted teenager befriends a classmate who has just been diagnosed with lukemia.

Out of Darkness (2015)

By Ashley Hope Pérez

A teenage love story between a Mexican girl and an African-American boy amidst the 1937 New London school explosion in Texas.

This Book is Gay (2014)

By Juno Dawson

A collection of testimonials from LGBTQIA+ individuals, reflecting on childhood experiences and answering readers’ questions.

Lessons from babysitting: back to the basics

Abby Nevin ’23 Broadcast Editor

*Children’s names have been changed for anonymity.

Not to toot my own horn, but I’d say I’m a pretty good babysitter. I tell the best bedtime stories, bandage boo-boos to the T and make some awesome boxed mac and cheese.

But the kids are not the only ones who bene t from my babysitting; I bene t, too.

Take the interaction that I had with 5-year-old Ben and his sister, Anna. Ben shouts in a t of rage, upset that his sister has just won an intense game of “Chutes and Ladders.”

“Are you overwhelmed, Ben?” his rstgrade, big sister asks.

“Yeah,” he whines. “I just tried really hard and I’m sad I didn’t win.”

“I think it’s smart to take some deep breaths,” Anna said.

She then comforts him, as she models taking deep breaths and he fol-

lows her example.

I sat back in awe. Not only was I shocked by the emotional maturity of these intelligent kids, but I thought to myself, “When was the last time, I, a 17-year-old, reminded myself to breathe in a time of frustration?”

Through this small act of empathy, Ben and his sister demonstrated a skill that I let lapse in my life: a reminder to calm the heck down. A er that night, I have now made sure to incorporate steady breathing in times of stress, like when I take a test or get frustrated.

tient when a child is faced with an obstacle.

Take 3-year-old Eliza, for example. Eliza got so upset over her brother’s highway robbery of her favorite Barbie doll that she ran from me, slamming her bedroom door while screaming and hiding underneath her bed.

The key to getting Eliza to open the door (and the key to dealing with my own stresses) is patience.

“Get away from me!” she yells as I peek my head through the cracked open door.

ment, I discovered I could empathize with her. As a high school student struggling with the pressures of college applications, homework, extracurriculars and other normal drama, I can get easily frustrated and be especially hard on myself. e key to getting Eliza to open the door (and the key to dealing with my own stress) is patience.

Babysitting has also taught me to hone my compassion skills. Caring for children has allowed me not only to be understanding but particularly pa-

At this moment in time, I wanted to throw in the towel. It was the rst day I had babysat these kids. Although I was confused and concerned about what to do next in this situation, I reminded myself to relax and consider how she felt. What triggered this behavior? How could that have made her feel? What should I do to help her calm down?

In that mo-

I have applied this thinking to my own home and social relationships. I know that when making an important decision for my life, I must rst nd the patience to calm down and evaluate my own thoughts and feelings.

In times when I feel stressed, I nd that now more than ever before, I revert back to the skills I have developed through babysitting. I have been making an e ort to speak to myself more kindly, and to be more lenient with myself in times of pressure. ese skills that I now apply to myself are those I largely credit to the job of babysitting, small individual experiences that gi ed me the lessons I am grateful for every day.

Photo dramatization by Kiswa Khan ’23

Graphic

Shivali Kanthan ’24

Am I enough? Standing out proves stressful in college applications

Ava Chun ’25 Arts Editor

When my oldest sister was going through the process of applying to college, she got rejected from her dream schools and some of her safeties. She started to get worried that her application was too common; they thought she was blending in with all the other applicants.

In the end, my sister got into NYU her senior year of

high school, one of the top schools in America. She should have been celebrating, right? Wrong. It still wasn’t enough. She transferred to Northwestern University the next year.

My sisters and I grew up thinking our best isn’t good enough. We live in a community of overachievers that set such high expectations for everyone that sometimes it’s hard to see if and when we ever are successful.

about college since I was 11. e pressure rst started when I was an 11-year-old Asian American who played violin in my school's chamber orchestra. But did any of that matter?

An Asian American who plays an instrument and has straight A’s?

Sometimes it’s hard to see if and when we are ever successful.

at’s a resume that resembles a lot of other people’s applications as they apply to college.

would increase my chances of getting into a great school when it's nally time to apply.

Today, as a sophomore, I go from math tutors to dance teachers to volunteer coordinators all so I can gure out how I’m going to stand out from every other stereotypical Asian student applying. Juggling all my activities is overwhelming.

Case and point: I’m a sophomore and I've been stressed

Seeing this issue, I was pushed into dance and other extracurricular activities in the hopes it

Over and over I am reminded that my grades won’t get me into the best colleges. My activities aren’t enough. My ethnicity isn’t enough. My passions and interests aren’t enough. So what will it take to prove that I am enough? Am I enough?

by

Photo dramatization by Natalie Chun ’17

FEATURES

Ropes course provides adventure, promotes community

Charlotte Berner ’25 Staff Writer

Sophomores at Staples high school returned back to school from summer vacation, ready for another year of kickball games and badminton practices in gym. However, students were shocked to find that Staples has taken Sophomore Cooperative Activities to the next level - a higher level.

The Project Adventure Course, standing just under 30 feet tall, has been built both in the fieldhouse and outside of Staples High School. The federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided $63,200 worth of funds to be implemented in the high school’s physical education (P.E.) program.

The building process for the course is nearly complete and certain aspects of it are already being used in the sophomore Cooperative Activities class.

Students will first try the on-ground portions of the course in their class, such as

“The first activity that we did involved walking across wood while touching your classmates and everyone needed to be connected to each other,” Isla Goldberg ’25 said.

The concept of adventure education has been implemented at other schools and has been a subject of discussion in Westport for six years. But, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that Staples High School was granted money from federal funds to build the adventure course.

It helps a lot with leadership, trust and overcoming a fear of heights. It is also great to be supported by your peers and you have a great sense of pride once accomplishing some of these feats.” “

- Principal Stafford W. Thomas Jr.

“It helps a lot with leader ship and trust and overcoming a fear of heights. It is also great to be supported by your peers, and you have a great sense of pride to accomplish some of these feats,” Thom as said. The Staples P.E. pro gram consists of many creative activities such as archery or skateboarding. However, the ropes course is truly one of a kind. It has a unique ability to bring different types of students together through trust and communication.

“This is a program that has been requested multiple times by the P.E. department,” Westport Superintendent Thomas Scarice said, “but was never approved in the budget process [until now].”

Training for P.E. teachers that will supervise this course will be held on Nov. 8. This training qualifies the staff to instruct students, as well as

“I think kids in P.E. fall in a spectrum between athletes and kids uninterested in sports,” Staples gym teacher Jeffrey Doornweerd said. “They all can benefit from learning how to work together, but this [ropes course] takes the athleticism out and focuses on them trying to achieve a common goal.”

In addition to the teachers and administrators, Staples

Photo by Caroline Zajac ’25

Photo by Phoebe Miller ’23

TEAM CLIMBING A belay team consisting of four sophomore girls prepares to work as a unit and prevent injury for their climber, who is beginning the next task.

Graphic by Ben Lorenz ’24

Photo by Paige Tighe ’24

THE CENTIPEDE Lexie Fass ‘25 grapples her way down the “Centipede” activity, supported by her peers and her belay team. This task builds trust, as well as allows students to conquer fears or nerves.

Staples Vision encourages inclusive environment to connect with faith

Mishael Gill '23 Managing Editor

If you happen to peer into room 3001 on any given Friday afternoon, you will see a group of teenagers poring over Biblical text. Intellectual, right? Intellectual indeed. Staples Vision is a religious

opportunities. According to their club leaders, their mission is to build godly people in an inclusive Christ-centered community through biblical exploration and servant leadership. Club presidents, Spencer Yim ’23 and Asher Dahlke ’23, came up with the idea for Staples Vision in their freshman year, where they sensed the lack of an inclusive com-

Spencer Asher

sticking point for us: having a vision for the future and a vision that is dictated on our personal beliefs,” Yim said. “It’s super important to all the students out there who have that background [...] but also for students who maybe are looking for different religions, [or] are looking to explore.”

That was a big sticking point for us: having a vision for the future and a vision that is dictated on our personal beliefs.”

Both presidents also highlighted their focus on inclusivity, whether it be in terms of different faiths or in terms of different degrees of religious commitment.

“In our conversations, we have levels of people who have read most of the Bible, to people who have not even read more than a page,” Dahlke said. “We’re all there to help each other out and learn more from each other and each other’s perspectives.”

In the past decade, the U.S. has seen a major increase in youth atheism. According to a 2018 study done by Barna, a Christian polling firm based in California, the percentage of teenagers who identify as atheist (13%) is double that of the general population (6%). Both Yim and Dahlke agreed that this disconnect from faith has only grown, and it has been a goal of Vision to provide a safe space for members to explore their personal relationship with faith.

“Studies have shown that

church-going folks, but also people of various faiths, have a sense of community when they gather with others who have that same belief, people who support them,” Yim said. “So, it’s that kind of relationship, that kind of bond we’re hoping to bring to Staples.” Dahlke added that the discussion of various faiths brings new perspectives to light and can promote the same sense of community that Vision aims at nurturing.

- Spencer Yim '23

“I think religion can be a really enriching thing, and whether or not you decide that someone else’s religion is correct or that you want to believe in it, I think looking at all the perspectives is so important,” Dahlke said.

According to club advisor and science teacher Alexandra Krubski, Vision has been successful in fostering a safe and uplifting environment for all of its members.

“It has been really awesome to see students come together that I don’t think would have crossed paths otherwise,” Krubski wrote in an email. “The sense of community that has come out of Vision, both between the students, and in their works of service in the greater community has been a blessing and something I am proud to be part of.”

VISION Staples Vision has volunteer opportunities every month, including a fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 27 in partnership with the local non-profit Filling in the Blanks, which will help provide weekend meals to students on school lunch plans. If you are interested in getting involved, contact Asher Dahlke ’23 or Spencer Yim ’23.

Photo by Paige Tighe ’24

CLUB PRESIDENTS Spencer Yim ’23 (left) and Asher Dahlke ’23 (right), co-presidents of the club Stapes Vision, hope to create an environment that inspires others to envision a future based on their biblical beliefs.

Photo by Mishael Gill ’23

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Movies for Fright Night:

Elle Vail ’23 Staff Writer

Halloween is what some may call the most exciting time of the year: jack o’lanterns, cra zy costumes and candy are key features for this favorite of holidays. But if you’re a hor ror bu like me, it is the many nights of jumpscares that make this holiday so special. With Westport having its own horror- lm contributions with “ e Last House on the Left” and “Friday the 13th,” it is only right to honor the industry that has lmed scenes in our very own town. at’s why I’m giving you my top three terrifying lms to binge this year.

Get Out

Released 02-24-2017

7.7/10

Rating from IMDB

e second horror lm I have to recommend is just as psychological, yet twice as gory. Starring Florence Pugh and directed by Ari Aster, “Midsommar” is beautifully mind-bending. Contrasting dark themes with a consistently uorescent and elegant setting, “Midsommar” follows college students’ travel to a festival in Sweden where the sun never

The Blair Witch Project

Released 07-30-1999

6.5/10

Rating from IMDB

sets. Quickly accelerating, the students nd themselves in a community of traditions incorporating both psychedelics and malicious acts. Caught in a world where survival is all, the students quickly turn on each other leading to an incredibly morbid and thought-provoking ending. “Midsommar” is gripping, and truly more of an experience than a movie.

ose familiar with the horror industry likely know the name Jordan Peele. Known for his disturbing creativity and psychological appeals, Peele has been gloried since his debut lm, the Academy-Award-winning “Get Out.” Following an interracial couple visiting the girl’s parents, the Black boyfriend slowly nds himself increas-

ingly disturbed by the robotic actions of fellow Black residents. Peele, perfecting the slow burn, ultimately reaches the climax of this lm with help from hypnosis and the inability to get out. Terrifyingly psychological, I would recommend this movie to anyone interested in how horror has evolved today, speci cally in terms of social justice.

Last is perhaps my favorite: “ e Blair Witch Project.”

A turn for the horror industry, “ e Blair Witch Project,” directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez, was the rst lm to increase fear-factor using solely hand-held cameras. Involving three college students researching their ndings on the Blair Witch for a thesis project, this classic hor-

Midsommar

Released 07-03-2019

7.1/10

Rating from IMDB

ror lm left me avoiding the woods months later. Freakily realistic and personal, “Blair Witch” is beautifully detailed and raw, even creating hysteria prior to its release through publicizing missing yers for the main characters. Terrifying and incredibly acted, “ e Blair Witch Project,” appeals to all, although I would not recommend hiking the day after.

Zoe Alpert ‘25 Staff Writer

Highlights of October Styles in “Don’t Worry Darling”

Olivia Wilde’s “Don’t Worry Darling” starring Florence Pugh and Harry Styles made its theater debut on Sept. 23.

Gemma Chan, Chris Pine, Olivia Wilde and Kiki Layne make up the star-studded cast. Jack Chambers (Styles) and his wife Alice (Pugh) live in an idealized 1950s community town called “Victory,” where the men work on a top secret project, and the women enjoy the

luxury and beauty of their perfect paradise. However, when things start to appear suspicious, Alice can’t help but wonder what she’s doing in Victory.

So far, the movie has had mixed reviews after its fifth week in the box office. The psychological thriller has left many viewers shocked, with several questions remaining unanswered.

“I would say the [...] movie was overall very cha-

Styles in “My Policeman”

Oct. 21 marks the theater release date for Michael Grandage’s “My Policeman” featuring Emma Corrin, David Dawson and Harry Styles. The movie was adapted from the 2012 romance novel written by Bethan Roberts which takes place in England in the 1950s. The story of forbidden love has been reviewed as heartbreaking and compelling.

“I can’t wait to see [the

story] portrayed on the big screen,” Rosie Kauppinen ’25 said. “I read the book as soon as I heard about the movie, and I absolutely love it. I think it’s an extremely important story, and I love that it’s being shared.”

The film is also set to be released to Amazon Prime Video on Nov. 4. This will be Harry Styles’ second movie that he’s starred in branch-

ing out from being a singer,

“I love that Harry is broadening his horizons and going into acting,” Kauppinen said. “I think he has a really natural talent for it.”

“[Styles’] character in ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ is practically the opposite of his character in ‘My Policeman,’” Grace Power ’24 said. “So it will be really interesting to see him act in those two separate ways.”

otic and confusing to follow,” Katie Hannon ’25 said. “Although, I do think Olivia Wilde did a phenomenal job with the cinematography.”

While the movie left some questions unanswered, it was entertaining to be able to interpret those details on your own.

“I really liked the movie,” Filipa Lemcke ’24 said. “It was really unpredictable and super fun to watch.”

Swift shines with new album

On Aug. 29, Taylor Swift posted to social media to announce her 10th upcoming studio album, “Midnights.” With 13 tracks, the album was released Oct. 21. This album will come in the midst of Swift re-recording her other albums. This news is a huge deal to many eager fans.

“‘Midnights’ is a really big deal and really exciting because it’s her 10th album, her first new album release since ‘Folklore’ and ‘Evermore’,” Marley Brown ’23 said. “And those were surprise releases. She’s said that this is one of her most personal albums and all the songs have been writ-

ten throughout her life. It’s going to be really cool to hear.”

In Swift’s album announcement, she included a note describing the album as “the stories of 13 sleepless nights scattered throughout my life.”

“I’m just excited to hear new music and different styles,” Brown said.

Graphic by Avery Michalowski ’25

Graphic by Abby Dellavalle ’23

Graphic by Abby Dellavalle ’23

SPORTS

Destructive body-image hinders athletes

Phoebe Miller ‘23 Associate Managing Editor

Looking into a mirror, a person often stares into their own eyes, their mouth, their facial structure. But for many athletes, their gaze is often drawn down to their body.

The sports of gymnastics, dance and figure skating, among others, are often body-centric. Many athletes who compete in these activities are driven by perfectionism, and while this can create a motivating push for some, others feel it has damaged how they view themselves.

has been a competitive gymnast since she was 6 years old, said that being surrounded by mirrored images of your body for years can distort your view of who you are.

I have friends that look a lot different than they did when they started. I wouldn’t say eating disorders, but the verge of.” “

-Camryn Harris ’24

“I would always have to condition in front of the mirrors. I would have to do floor dance in front of the mirrors, we would warm up in front of the mirrors,” Fidalgo said. “It was just so toxic because there’s a point where you don’t need to look at yourself that much, especially in a leotard.” Activities like ice-skating are so focused on the body often because the sport itself is based on having a set look, without which, a person could be at a disadvantage when being scored.

is the role that body image can play in boys’ sports.

“From what I have seen, there are some people who are on the smaller side and seem to feel a little intimidated in the weight rooms or at practice,” an anonymous former Staples male athlete said, “so they go out of their way and spend hours working out, trying to put on muscle, trying to get bigger, just so they fit in more.”

However, he stressed that his former coaches

shared because of the stigma that surrounds the topic.

“I feel like [boys] bottle it up and kind of just keep it to themselves,” he said. “Our coaches and everyone make it very obvious that we have somewhere to go. We always have someone to talk to, but I feel like boys don’t feel like they should.”

While the outlook of body image on teams is often harmful, many feel that their teammates do their best to look out for each other and fight

Camryn Harris ’24, who competes in Irish step-dancing, has had several experiences with what is referred to by many as a toxic body-image culture that exists in sports.

“At my old school, and even where I am now, I have [dance] teachers that make comments about what we eat getting close to competition,” Harris said. “I have friends that look a lot different than they did when they started. I wouldn’t say eating disorders, but the verge of.”

According to Jumpstart by WebMD, almost 80% of elite female athletes said they were aware of their body image. But this perception is not limited to professional athletes.

Victoria Fidalgo ’24, who

Uniforms for synchronized skating require tight leggings, a tight tank top and a body pop, which is essentially tights for your upper body. Similar to gymnastics and dance, skaters are often required to wear clothes that show off their bodies.

“It’s all very fitted, because synchronized skating is all about the lines, and the aesthetic is very important,” Sam Paris ’23, who competes internationally in skating, said. “So the lines of your body, of the strokes and pushes that you make, you want to be able to see the extension, and baggier clothes can kind of hinder the look of the sport.”

An aspect that is not always widely discussed

Report highlights impact of wealth inequality on state championships

Talia Moskowitz ‘24 Web Sports Editor

In every inspirational sports movie, the coach sits the losing team down at half time in the locker room and delivers one message: with enough hard work and perseverance, the underdogs can still win the big game.

However, the results of a recent report from Hearst Connecticut Mediasuggest a different reality: ultimately, money plays more of a role in whether a team wins or loses.

According to Hearst, over the past 10 years, teams from the five wealthiest towns in Connecticut accumulated over 159 state championships for all sports. The state’s 10 poorest towns, in contrast, acquired only 44 state championships Westport ranks among the

our team plays club field hockey in winter, spring and summer,” Stevens ’23 said. “When we play teams like Danbury or Westhill we typically shut them out 10-0, which isn’t fun for either team. It’s not a fair matchup for girls who play club year round to play against girls who only play during the school season.”

Alternatively, Barry Beatie, head coach of the Staples girls’ soccer team, did not subscribe to the notion that his team’s success could be attributed to Westport’s affluence. The Staples girls’ soccer team has been

fall. They currently sit undefeated in second place in the FCIAC regular season ranking.

-Francine Stevens ‘23 “

It’s not a fair matchup for girls who play club year round to play against girls who only play during the school season.”

“When people say that the reason the Staples program is so good is because Westport has a lot of money, I feel like it takes away from all of the talent and quality our players have and all the work that we put in to win championships. We win because we deserve it,” Beattie said. Still, others point out that poorer districts and their subsequent athletics programs lack access to the same array of re-

games,” Dewitt said. “The Gatorade and water are also super helpful to rehydrate afterwards. And it’s so nice because I don’t have to think about packing my own food.”

As the weather gets colder, each player has access to insulated, weather-proof jackets to keep warm on the side lines. The program was even able to bring in a nutritionist at the beginning of the season to educate players on when and what to eat to perform their best.

Wealthy towns across the FCIAC have attempted to reallocate their own resources to schools in Bridgeport specifically, where the athletic programs fall significantly behind, with the exception of boys’ basketball. In 2019, Staples football, led by former head coach Jon Zames, donated shoulder pads, helmets and guardian caps to Bridgeport Central’s football program. The guardian

ing head injury and cost $60 a piece. The Central coaching staff responded with gratitude, saying that their program would have never been able to afford this equipment on their own.

not be made by donations and charity alone. Coaches have looked to the CIAC for a solution. Reconfiguring the playoff season, for example, to bring some more fairness to the system, has been discussed,

Graphic by Shivali Kanthan ’24

PLAYER PARKA Each player and coach receives an insulated, weather-proof jacket (as seen in the photo above) to wear on the sidelines during the game. A coat like this isn’t accessible for teams in poorer town.

Photo by Demi Sasson ’25

Infographic by Ella Shi ’23

Source: Hearst

Spooky Surprise

Halloween Spooooky Crossword - Inklings

By Jeffrey Pogue and Tavan Bhatia

crosshare.org

crossword: Contributed by Tavan Bhatia ’23 and Jeffrey Pogue ’23

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

ACROSS DOWN

1. A-Dora-ble sidekick?

4. Treat, with “for”

7. Space bar neighbor (on Windows)

10. Cattle call

11. “ we there yet?”

12. “To Kill a Mockingbird” author

13. Compliments’ consequences, maybe

15. To the (fully)

16. Major, general and private, e.g.

17. Facebook or Instagram entry

18. A clear and enthusiastic “yes!”

21. What this puzzle is, as demonstrated by four special squares in this puzzle

22. “Does the food ?”

23. Sommelier’s offering

24. Ran a marathon, perhaps

28. “Yout point being...?”

29. Trick

31. Social no-no

32. Bartender’s “rocks”

33. “Cool cucumber”

34. Sound of disapproval, when repeated

35. Lasso lassoing hearts of the nation

36. Like a deceptive herring

1. Gen-Z comeback: “ok ”

2. Roman dressing?

3. Any day now

4. Collapse from exhaustion

5. Gallery display

6. “Absolutely!”

7. “Joy”ful nut?

8. Last, but not

9. Communicate with your thumbs

14. Library storage unit

17. Baby’s jumpscare

19. NH, from CT

20. Attacked, as a castle

21. User’s manual

22. Turner and Fey

23. Bulb unit

25. Ancient Russian ruler

26. Threat ender, with “or”

27. Doornail descriptor

29. Computer’s true or false

30. High (or low) card

Graphic by Lilly Weisz ’23