Inklings Graduation 2023 Issue by inklingsnewsonline

A letter from Principal Thomas to the Class of ‘23

Stafford Thomas Jr. Principal

“It’s all about the drive,” is a phrase which summons feelings of traveling on an odyssey or perhaps taking the road less traveled. Both would be quite accurate comparisons to your high school experience. You and I have grown a lot over these years and the multitude of varied and shared experiences I hope have changed us for the better. I can say that the feeling in the building and the spirit of the school is better at this moment in time than it was four short (or long) years ago. I attribute these positive shifts to your commitment, your drive to first make the best of a difficult situation and more

recently, to make the most of “normal” times. Your drive to build or be part of the school community has helped us to define for the greater community what it means to be a Wrecker.

You will never be accused of being stuck “in park” or waiting for something to happen. Your class has demonstrated that you are driven to make change happen and to not wait around due in part to your genuine understanding of the true value of the commodity known as time. Your drive will get you through the increasingly complex and turbulent world. I cannot think of a time where one class of students experienced two seismic shifts in education; Covid in your first two years and ChatGPT this

Inklings Staff

Editors-In-Chief

Genevieve Frucht, Paige Tighe

Paper Managing Editors

Ruby Kantor, Talia Varsano

Web Managing Editors

Jolie Gefen, Talia Moskowitz

Associate Managing Editors

Ava Cordella, Paige Miller

Associate Web Managing Editor

Samantha Sandrew

Creative Directors

Alex Gaines, Shivali Kanthan

Assistant Creative Director Avery Michalowski

Business Manager

Mia Kirkorsky

Assistant Business Managers

Charlotte Berner, Rylie Cordella, Caroline Zajac

Communications Coordinator

Caitlin Jacob

Social Media Managers

Ava Coyle, Poppy Harrington

Broadcast Directors

Zoe Alpert, Zoe Boxenbaum

Exececutive TV Show Producers

Nina Bowens, Ben Buchalter

News Editors

Henry Watson, Sophia Reeves

year. While not comparable in terms of real impact, their impact will indeed be felt and will influence public education from these days forward and you were able to navigate the bumps in the road with the belief that something good is waiting for you along this road.

This yearbook pays tribute, yes to car culture, but also to your drive and how it documents and presents the events both big and small, but each one significant, so that when you soon look back on the year, the era, that was-you will see that you are stronger and more prepared for life’s challenges now than you were at the beginning of your career at Staples. You have more determination now and are therefore

More About Us

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

more confident in your ability to handle challenges, create and seize opportunities and embrace friendships at a deeper level than ever before because of all you have experienced as a Wrecker. Cherish what you have learned about yourself and others during these high school years and continue to show the amazing creativity, gratitude and empathy that you have exhibited over these past four years. It was truly something to witness you, my first four year graduating class, demonstrate your drive and make this experience a memorable one. I guess I could say that you are a driving force behind this beautiful transformation here at Staples. Thank you. Go Wreckers!

Cover photos by Shivali Kanthan ’24.

Opinions Editors

Angelina Matra, Katherine Phelps, Lily Rimm, Demi Sasson Features Editors

Mia Bomback, Zara Saliba, Lily Hultgren, Anna Kercher

Arts Editors

Addison Coughlin, Andi Jacobs, Ava Chun, Siena Petrosinelli Sports Editors

Sophie Smith, Matthew Stashower, Sage Cohen, Madison Mayr Web News Editors

Ella Harrington, Rachel Olefson Web Opinions Editors

Liora Perkins, Jack Robinson Web Features Editors

Cassidy Gutman, Ayaan Olasewere Web Arts Editor

Olivia Signorile Web Sports Editors

Tristan Gonzalez, William Murray Web Photostory Editor

Audrey Curtis Advisors

Joseph Delgobbo, Mary Elizabeth Fulco

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.

Embracing my identity: growing up biracial

Julia Herlyn ‘23 Editor-in-Chief

In a college interview this past winter, I mentioned that inclusion efforts are personally important to me because of my Asian (and thus POC) identity. My interviewer, who was of Asian descent herself, paused, shifting in her seat as a confused expression promptly emerged on her face.

She halted the interview entirely, and we subsequently deliberated over the semantics of my Asianness (much to my surprise and discomfort). “Which one of your parents is Asian?” My mother. “And where is she from?” We’re South Korean. “And what about your dad—he’s white?” Yes, his family is of western European origins (mostly Germanic, English and Swiss).

I expected that we would then resume the interview, but instead I was asked a question that has resonated with and challenged me since that day: “How does that make you feel— being Asian, but not necessarily having any obvious outward appearance of being Asian? I couldn’t tell before you told me.”

She was presumably referring to my “white” name and physical appearance, both of which aren’t necessarily indicative of my Korean heritage in a pronounced or prominent way to those who don’t know of my Korean roots.

Aside from feeling disoriented due to the circumstances of our conversation (after all, it was a college interview), the interviewer’s tone and complexion both made me immediately feel as though I was being challenged and even questioned about my identity

and sense of self—like I’m less deserving to be proud of my Korean heritage because I’m biracial, rather than fully Korean.

However, as I’ve contemplated her question over the past few months, I’ve not only realized that my relationship with my Korean identity is more complex than my initial reaction to her question—frankly, I’ve also grown to understand the importance of maintaining self-love and assurance in one’s identity.

As a child (and still today), I was significantly influenced by my maternal side of my family, spending a considerable amount of time with my maternal uncle and grandma (or “Halmuni” in Korean) throughout elementary school. My uncle essentially taught me how to read, write and do basic arithmetic. My mom and uncle both introduced me to some of my favorite things in life: classical music and the arts at large, literature and Korean food. My Halmuni, who is a survivor of the Korean War, a mother of three and an active psychiatrist even today at 83, is a constant source of inspiration for me.

I’ve always taken immense pride in my Korean identity, particularly because of my relation -

ships with my maternal side of my family and everything that they’ve sacrificed for me and provided me with—not only as a daughter, niece or granddaughter—but also as a person, an individual.

Since I may externally look “white”—both on paper and in a physical sense—sometimes I feel as though a significant, essential half of my identity is not being adequately represented or recognized by others, as if it is obscured by my Latin-originating name and freckled, rosy skin. Because I may not look “Asian” I may not suffer from the increasing levels of Asian hate. I’ve “revealed” my Korean identity to friends, teachers and mentors countless times, to which most say, “Oh, I didn’t know that,” and “I wouldn’t have known that if you didn’t tell me.”

I’ve questioned whether I’m less deserving to be proud of my identity or even outraged at the racism and violence toward Asian Americans because I

am biracial. I’ve felt as though my white side and name are a guise that ultimately conceal my Korean heritage and pride, even though I have no shame whatsoever in my ethnicity. Despite my occasional doubts and anxieties regarding my inner dichotomy and the prejudgments of others, I repeatedly return to my internal voice to contemplate this question. Ultimately, I am—and always will be—proud of my Korean origins; not only because I feel culturally connected to Korean history and culture, but even more so because of the relationships I’ve forged with the maternal side of my family. Those bonds and shared experiences and passions have irreversibly shaped who I am today, and there is no reason for me not to take pride in who I am. My Korean identity transcends its confinements, and its implications have allowed me to grow and find myself in a holistic sense. For that, I couldn’t be more grateful.

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I was being challenged [...] about my identity and sense of self.

Photos contributed by Julia Herlyn ’23 FAMILY TIES Julia Herlyn ’23 feels closer to her Korean heritage because of her maternal uncle and grandma. They have taught her to be proud and inspired by her culture.

Red the hair grows: how I grew to love my hair

Lucy Dockter ‘23 Editor-in-Chief

When people look at me, I know the first thing they see: my hair. It is bright red and curly-cue curly. The rest of my family has dark, straight, brown hair. They wake up in the morning, brush out the knots and the tangles, smooth it flat against their heads, and are good to go. But when I try the same, my crimson corkscrews grow into a lion’s mane. I’ve learned to leave the house, no matter how my hair looks.

My hair has a mind of her own, never sitting still, twisting off in random directions. Some people will try to push

stray curls (the ones that stick straight up or out) back in, but their efforts are in vain. My hair does not want to listen. My hair and I have always been opposites. She attracts attention. She’s big and loud and doesn’t listen. We often don’t get along. She gets me caught up in social interactions I don’t relish, bring ing in swarms of strangers wanting to touch her or talk about proper hair-care techniques. She gets snarled on the small est things:

buttons, velcro, rings. When she is loose, she blocks my peripheral view. She doesn’t match any of my colorful t-shirts. She flies wild and free every time I open my mouth.

I, on the other hand, like structure. I like having instructions. But I’ve never been given instructions on my hair. There is no manual. I’ve followed tutorials online for when or how to brush her, but they never work. I’ve ended up brushing her to the point of

both of us suffering: hair in the drain and my wrist sprained.

Over the years I’ve learned techniques of tying my hair back, protecting it from getting caught when I drive or wear sequins or play the cello. I’ve learned how to hold her in the shower to be able to brush her (brush in small segments—there’s less pushback).

But even though we battle, my hair is protection. She keeps me warm; I never need a wool hat or scarf in the wintertime. She’s also a comfort in that she’s special. She makes me laugh when I look in the mirror after waking up and strands of hair are flying about my face, and I know there is nothing I can do about it. I know I always have a bit of pizzazz to every outfit. The truth is, she’s grown on me.

It’s not always bad to get off track: exploring individuality

Gabi Gerig ‘23 Sports Editor

Icome from a sports-oriented family. We bond over our love for sports as a shared passion. This could mean watching the Brooklyn Nets and the Pittsburgh Steelers at night or competing in our NCAA March Madness tournament brackets.

My father played college basketball, and he encouraged my sisters and me to play sports at very young ages. We followed the traditional model with youth soccer, PAL basketball and high school team sports. Since both of my sisters excelled in this model, I naturally followed in their footsteps. While my heart was never 100% in these sports, it never occurred to me or my family to try something new.

On a whim, I decided to

join the track team during the spring of sophomore year. I had very little expectations for myself going into it. Similarly, since no one in my family knew anything about track, there was zero pressure.

The first day of evaluations, I remember feeling nervous. I didn’t know anyone on the team, and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I thought about not going through with it, but I am so glad that I did.

After a few days of evaluation, I was placed in the field events group. Initially, I was disappointed because I didn’t know what that meant, and I wanted to run. Once I realized what the field events were, I felt right at home.

Track is unique. Although you compete individually, there is still a strong sense of camaraderie within the team.

In the case of track, your own success is directly correlated by the work you put in. Finally, I found a sport where my heart was fully in it.

Track ended up changing the trajectory of my life. Instead of playing basketball my junior year, I joined the indoor track team, and I will now be com peting at the collegiate level.

This experience has taught me an invaluable lesson: the importance of trying some thing new. If I had not taken a chance my sophomore year, I would not be the person I am to day. Track has transformed me into a more confident and self-assured version of myself. It has

become a huge part of my life. My biggest takeaway from high school is that it is important to try new things when you are young and have endless opportunities. You should not put yourself into a box too early because you might not get to experience your best self.

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Photo contributed by Gabi Gerig ’23 Photo by Ava Chun ’25

An Ode to Turkeys: celebrating my identity

Ella Shi ‘23 Paper Managing Editor

“Dad! Can you help me put the turkey in the oven?” I hopped off the wooden step stool and admired my perfectly seasoned, buttered and twined turkey sitting in a roasting pan on the kitchen counter.

“H o de, láile (Okay, coming),” he called from the living room couch.

As the turkey approached 165 degrees Fahrenheit, I set the table for my family of four, making sure to include chopsticks for my parents, along

with forks, spoons and knives.

For many, the image of an 8-year-old girl wearing an apron and basting a 12-pound bird, mashing russet potatoes and folding pie crust might be shocking. However, growing up, I was always ready to take on a challenge—I hated being told that I was “too young” or “not mature enough.” I always rejected dolls and toy cars, and instead, opted for cooking and baking— maybe because of the sense of satisfaction I received

from sharing the product of a new recipe with my friends and family.

For the feast, I made a list of everything I needed—ingredients, utensils, baking pans. I made an extensive menu (too excessive for a family of four), but I was willing to eat reconstructed leftovers for the next week as all families do. Moreover, I made a meticulously planned schedule of when to start each component of the meal to ensure everything would be done at the same time.

During freshman year, I enrolled in Introduction to Journalism. Journalism felt foreign to me because it lacked the typical structure of writing I was used to. Instead of multi-page essays with an introduction, body and conclusion structure, journalistic writing was short, straight-tothe-point and prioritized the most newsworthy information. Eventually, I found my footing in that different style of writing, and Inklings became the center of my high school career as I went from staff writer to web editor to paper editor. I became familiar with the various aspects of journalism: writing, editing, interviewing, photography and Adobe software. Toward the end of my junior year, I received the honor of being a Managing Editor of Inklings for the upcoming

school year. I welcomed the role wholeheartedly. Graduation layout approached, where my staff would take on the task of creating a 48-page paper (twice as long as a typical issue) that featured the graduating class— stimulating my love of leading extensive projects. It came to me when I was designing a page featuring student pilots: making a magazine reminded me of cooking Thanksgiving dinner.

Each section—news, opinions, features, arts, sports—was a separate dish. Each article was an ingredient; the photos and graphics were garnish. I felt right at home conducting this challenging project. I guided my sous chefs (editors), giving them advice that I had gained after years of being on the paper. I adapted to hurdles that arose, such as when the centerspread graphic had to be redone the day before publishing.

The graduation issue was a major success thanks to the entire staff and my guidance. Seeing the physical paper and the parents’ and senior students’ reactions, I felt pride in my work, as I had while standing in front of my first roast turkey on Thanksgiving day.

Upon reflection, I realize that Thanksgiving dinner may only come once a year; still, the same mindset that inspired me to cook encourages me daily to take on bigger, meatier challenges than 12-pound turkeys.

I felt pride in my work, as I had while standing in front of my first roast turkey on Thanksgiving day.

Photo contributed by Ella Shi ’23 GraphicbyAvaChun’25

Throw caution to the wind:

Real-world experiences illustrate need for unfiltered thought

Mishael Gill ’23 Paper Managing Editor

Iremember sitting as a junior for my Inklings leadership interview like it was yesterday. The chair I was sitting on was wobbly, so I braced my foot against the floor to keep steady. The late afternoon sun was peeking through the classroom’s blinds, illuminating a panel of faces before me—the present senior Inklings leadership and advisors. Even though I had spent a considerable amount of time perfecting my application, no amount of preparation could’ve prevented the dryness of my mouth or my fingers anxiously fidgeting in my lap.

I spent the greater part of high school planning and preparing. From my course selections, my study methods and the extracurriculars I chose, I cautiously made each decision. Having real-world interview experiences showed me that preparation is limited: sometimes you just have to throw caution to the wind.

Nearly a year after my Inklings interview, I found myself in the same position. Since my sophomore summer of high school, I had my heart set on a B.S./M.D. program (a dual-degree medical program that typically ranges from seven to eight years in length). This past January, when I finally received the opportunity to sit for a medical school interview, all the hours spent volunteering in the hospital, shadowing doctors and conducting research felt validated. All I had

to do was speak my truth and respond to the question: why do I want to practice medicine?

As a true planner, I went back to my supplemental essays and picked out the key ideas I wanted to highlight in my interview. I studied YouTube videos, scoured Reddit threads and collected an extensive list of potential interview questions and points I wanted to make. I was prepared—right? But when I sat down to conduct a mock interview, I froze. The simple question “Why medicine?” took me back to that day in the rickety chair at the Inklings interview, where my wish to provide the “perfect” response

to showcase my true self.

It took a lot of practice and self-reflection for me to finally understand that this interview wasn’t going to be perfectly rehearsed or artic ulated. I had pre pared enough— the answers were all in my head—I just had to provide myself the space to allow my un filtered self to shine through.

So, I implore you, future Staples graduates, to leave some room for improvisa tion. Not everything has to be planned extensively, and speaking to your raw expe riences will allow the rest of your personality and incred ible talent to follow through.

I just had to provide myself the space to allow my unfiltered self to shine through.

Photo by Anna Kercher ’25 GraphicbyJordy Greenspan ’24

Don’t let expectations break your back(pack)

Hannah Conn ’23 Web Managing Editor

There is a long-standing second semester senior girls’ tradition of utilizing a kid’s backpack for all of quarter four, and I failed it.

By the second semester, all seniors have applied to college and many have already commit ted. So, in an act of celebration and as a symbol of their release from any remaining high school academic obligations, senior girls wear small, cartoon-dec orated bags that include as few things inside as possible.

But, unlike my peers, in just weeks, my strap frayed and broke, making the bag useless. While part of my failure may be due to the measly $10 I spent on it at our local Walmart, the main issue was probably due to the fact that, at any giv en time, the bag had rough ly 12 to 15 pounds of books and school equipment in it.

You see, I am not the kind of student who can “give up on grades.” I have always strived for academic success. There wasn’t a better feeling than ending a quarter with all my classes having an A- or above.

But, as I reflect now, I rec ognize that, at some point, my goals turned into expectations and my pride turned into anx iety. So even now, when I have secured a college and have ev ery right to relax, I take it hard when my grades aren’t “perfect.”

When I was younger, I was excited about learning. School was an opportunity to learn more about the world and ex pand my thinking. But as the years passed and pressures in creased, learning was set aside

and an obsession with grades percentages took its place. Soon I wasn’t calculating equations; I was calculating how high of a grade I needed on an assignment to keep at least an A-. Each test I faced felt like I was entering a coliseum to fight for my life. These expectations were

to achieve the high grades I desired. Although, to be honest, I am a bit disappointed with myself. While my classmates were able to let go and relax, I could not.

In college, I intend to better balance my schedule with various activities to mitigate my focus and energy to more than just my grades. It is important to have

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Graphicb y S h i v a l i K a n t h a n ’ 2 4 P hot o yb annA rehcreK 52’

Only now do I see that the backpack wasn’t made to carry that sort of

Don’t memorize the unit circle: you are the expert on your life

Toby Goldfarb ’23 Web Managing Editor

Staring at my computer through tears, I attempted to absorb each coordinate of the unit circle. However, my sophomore year self kept mixing up the sines and cosines. With T-8 hours until the test, I called it a night. If I couldn’t remember the trigonometric value, I could just draw a triangle, right? To my surprise, that test was the highest grade I had received in Pre-Calculus. The paper was returned to me with 20 triangles scribbled in pencil, with a smiley face at the top in blue ink.

I had spent my entire academic career adhering to the unspoken rules: turning in every assignment at least 24 hours before the due date and studying at least three days in advance for each test. In middle school, I was the designated “Quizlet girl,” with my study sets usually reaching at least 50 students. But if trig taught me anything besides SOH-CAH-TOA, it was that I needed to listen

to my own academic needs.

So you can imagine my surprise on my 16th birthday when I failed my permit test.

Being one of the youngest among my friends, I had been advised that the 60+ page manual was a “waste of time” and instead, I should study by taking online practice exams. Of course, this strategy didn’t work for me, and the next time I went to the DMV, I had read every word of the manual and taken extensive notes.

Needless to say, I was elated to receive my permit, but like any insecure high schooler, I found myself comparing my failure with my friends who had passed upon their first try—was I not as smart?

Growing up in a competitive environment like Westport, I have always succumbed to the pressure to take the most rigorous course load, achieve the highest possible

GPA and participate in every extracurricular. I was conditioned to seek validation from others, even if it meant taking advice that might not work for me. But, as I reflect upon the past four years, my most positive experiences have been when I listened to my own needs and aspirations.

I recall reading through the high school course offerings in eighth grade and Intro to Journalism catching my eye. Being a primarily math and science student, a journalism class seemed random for me. Nonetheless, I put it down as my first choice.

In my first Introduction to Journalism class on the first day of freshman year, I sat in the front row, surrounded by senior boys who were a foot and a half taller than me with facial hair. Needless to say, the class was daunting; I felt dis couraged and even considered

dropping into Graphic Design. But, I decided to take a risk and sit next to one of the only other freshmen in the class. (Little did I know, we would find each other again as co-Web Managing Editors.)

Miraculously, I made the decision to enroll in Advanced Journalism. Three years later, Inklings has been the most meaningful part of my academic career. Leading a staff of 15 editors has taught me the importance of teamwork and being an effective leader. I am constantly inspired by their work, and if it weren’t for my unexpected enrollment in journalism, I would have never met this group of hardworking students, much less made the decision to go to journalism school.

You are the expert on your own life: everyone is different, and no singular academic path or strategy suits

Photoby Anna Kercher’25

My most positive experiences have been when I listened to my own needs and aspirations.

Graphic byAveryMichalowski ’26 GraphicbyShivaliKanthan ’24

Plans of perfection are overrated: fulfillment is

Finnegan Courtney ‘23 Executive TV Producer

“The best path is not the one you set for yourself, but the one you find along the way.”

This was actually a quote of my own that has gone down in history - Inklings history, at least. I made this statement on my last day as an Inklings senior leader, and it was part

words represented my destiny, even though I was THREE YEARS AWAY from possibly getting such a position.

Years passed, and I made friends and got to know advisors (hey, Fulco and DGobbs!) who I’ll always remember and love. I picked up an editor position and learned from an amazing co-editor and mentor as a sophomore, all the while

or of being satisfied with it, at first, it was an adjustment. After all, letting go of my four-year plan to become Editor-in-Chief doesn’t just get forgotten in a day’s time. I knew nothing about creating a TV show from the ground up, let alone running it afterward. “Why me?” were the only words that came to mind. Nevertheless, I tried my best to go into

just weeks before. And then June 9 rolled around, and in that moment, I had a realization: This could work. This will work. Call it galvanization, call it whatever you please, but the rush of finding a recording studio and setting up for a show minutes before we were supposed to film was exhilarating. That first show was put together with scotch-tape and

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best found through what’s unplanned

On The

The best path is not the one you set for

wreckord

’22-’23 Photo by Siena Petrosinelli ’25

The slay comes from within: my journey from sweatpants to swag

Maya Hruskar ’23 Creative Director

Like many teenagers out there, it takes all of my energy, two iced coffees and a sprinkle of impending deadlines to get me through each day. I’m barely awake, wishing I were asleep, and generally going THROUGH IT for most of the week.

In these exhausting conditions of being a human and needing to go places and do things, it’s a wonder I manage to get by. But there are some genetic anomalies among us

controversial “toxic man” red plaid sweatpants. That used to be about as fashionably adventurous as I ever got.

Last year, however, I decided to turn my life around.

I committed myself to the bare minimum of no longer wearing sweatpants to school, in a pretty lazy effort to get closer to the apparent confidence of these “fit slayers.”

It was an excruciating start. The denim of my jeans was so rough, horrifically fitted and I struggled to even slouch in the way I was accustomed. My only saving grace was that I

through the initial transition.

As time went on, I started diversifying my outfits. I began by perusing the Urban Outfitters sale section for more pants (a great hack by the way), then raiding my brothers’ rooms for unused crewnecks. I cut all the T-shirts I didn’t wear to make them fit better, cropping them slightly and sometimes even doing away with the sleeves to make quasi tank-tops. I even went thrifting for the first time, picking up a fun bomber jacket and more unique tees.

My closet began to accumulate a range of basics that I could mix and match in infinite combinations, and I began putting more consistent thought into my outfits than I ever had before. I started walking straighter, sometimes because my outfit wasn’t slouch-compliant but also because of a new confidence I’d found. I wasn’t necessarily slaying, but

Nowadays, I’ve done away with the no-sweatpants rule -mostly out of desperation amid AP tests-but also because sometimes the oversized sweatpants and hoodie is the energy I want to present (that studious but also on-the-verge energy).

Being purposeful in my outfits hasn’t made me care more or less about how other people perceive me. Rather, I’ve started to perceive myself more positively than ever before. I’ve taken my experience as a lesson in how much of a difference little changes can make for your self-esteem. Positive choices compound. You might be only a decision away from a path to a completely different version of yourself that you may have never imagined before.

I’m now looking forward to a new life in a new place with higher stakes, where every decision I make may define the

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Photo contributed by Maya Hruskar’23 Graphic by Taylor Mogelof ’26

Casual photography increases appreciation, gratitude for life

Phoebe Miller ‘23 Associate Managing Editor

Since middle school, I have always received the same question from those around me:

“Why do you take pictures of everything?”

People have told me I need to live more in the moment, that I need to just appreciate things as they are and not focus on saving it for later.

But taking photos of nearly everything around me has actually taught me to appreciate the little things. For a while, I struggled to do this. COVID happened, then junior year, and it seemed that the reason life had lost its magic was that I was growing up and that’s just what happened. But after picking up photography, it showed me that this is not a natural part of life, it is instead what happens when a person loses sight of how truly beautiful her surroundings are.

My photography did not only mean capturing a small flower in the grass or a unique cloud in the sky, but the smiles on my friends’ faces as we laughed about something only we would understand. This past summer, my parents gifted me a 10-year-old Samsung digital camera. The battery is iffy and sometimes the screen glitches, but for me, it was the perfect way to record my senior year and remember the feelings I felt at the time I took each photo—the good, the bad and

sometimes the ugly, even if I didn’t realize it at the moment. One of my favorite memories from this year was at one of the last football games. The fan section was mostly seniors, as we were the only ones who would brave the cold in order to enjoy one of our last Friday night lights games at Staples. I took some snaps of my friends, but then began taking photos of people in my grade who I had not often talked

to. Eventually, somebody else got a hold of my camera, and as it was passed around, the perspectives of others were captured through the lens. I never realize how much I appreciate these photos until I look back at them.You can feel the genuine happiness and excitement we all had being there.

Hugs, cheering and camaraderie can all be experienced, and they are a perfect representation of the distinctive excitement of this portion of our lives. I plan on bringing my camera to college, as it’s truly been my crutch this year. I don’t plan on stopping my casual photography after high school, especially since I know it will help me to remember those unique feelings of life, such as walking through my dorm doors for the first time, or exploring a new place with new people. So, I encourage everybody to pick up a camera, or even just your phone, and snap some pictures when you are going about your day. It’ll show you just how beautiful humans and life can really be.

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I never realize how much I appreciate these photos until I look back at them.

Photo by Demi Sasson ’25 CLICK Phoebe Miller ’23 finds that taking pictures of every little moment in life brings out its beauty. Photos contributed by Phoebe Miller ’23

My freckles are my friends: embracing insecurities

Lily Klau ‘23 Creative Director

While everyone else was chatting and catching up with their friends, I, the new girl, sat eating my peanut butter and jelly sandwich alone at the edge of the lunch table. It was the first day of third grade and I had moved houses that summer, switching to a different elementary school district.

I didn’t want to draw any attention to myself, so I tried to blend in as best I could. As I was sitting alone, I heard someone laughing and pointing out to her friend that my face — all dotted in freckles — looked like a connect-the-dots page. Now, I do not think this eight year old had the intention of making me self conscious, but at the time, I wished the ground would open up and swallow me whole.

When you’re a kid, all you want to do is fit in. Now, suddenly, I felt like my freckles were making me stand out. I didn’t want to stand out. I was already the new girl at school, and I wanted nothing more than to fit in.

That night while my mom was cooking dinner, I snuck into her bathroom, rummaged through her makeup drawer and pulled out her foundation. I remember staring at myself in the mirror and telling my freckles they were “going on vacation” as I caked the makeup on my face.

When my mom walked in on me doing this, she explained how the girls were just jealous of my freckles and how that’s one feature that all modeling agencies look for. That helped me understand a little, but for

years to come I would be self conscious of my freckles and how they made me different.

Then quarantine came around, everyone was spending more time on TikTok and a new makeup trend emerged. People were using henna to put fake freckles on their faces, and makeup companies were coming out with new products to make the best fake freckles. All of a sudden I was getting compliments left and right from people for my freckles and people were telling me how jealous they were and how much they wished they had my freckles. This made me furious. I had spent so many years hating my freckles and now, all of a sud den, everyone wanted them.

For the next couple of years after that, I would start to develop a love for my freckles. Look ing back on it now, I am real izing that this love only be gan because the people around me started to love them first. I put so much weight on the opinions of others on my per ception of myself that I couldn’t even see how beautiful and unique these freckles really made me.

Now, I can proudly say that I wholeheart edly love my freckles. While most girls my age are out in

the sun tanning, I am out in the sun waiting for more and more freckles on my face. I love sitting in front of the mirror at night after being out in the sun all day and looking at all the new freckles that have come. I hate wearing any face makeup, as it covers up my freckles, which are now one of my favorite features of myself.

My freckles are what make me ME and I love that about them. I have a sense of pride in my freckles and the uniqueness they bring to me. I now choose to embrace being comfortable in my own skin and appreciate my freckles for contributing to my individuality and beauty. I have learned to love myself regardless of what people think.

PhotobyRubyKantor ’ 24 12 |

GraphicbyAlexGaines ’ 25

Unexpected obstacles reveal need to fight for core values

Across many cultures in our society, we have designated specific events as moments of transition into adulthood: flipping the tassel on a graduation cap, making an aliyah as a bar/bat/ b’nei mitzvah, walking down the aisle at a quinceañera.

Never would I have expected that a man physically intimidating me as I reported on a Board of Education (BOE) meeting would become such a moment for me, in which adults both for and against the banned book display had come out to the BOE meeting to voice their opinions.

As the adult towered over my mere 5 foot 2 inch frame, he questioned my presence and identity. Despite his rapid approach and his demands to put my camera down, I did not even think of backing down.

“I am a journalist,” I said. “I’m here with Inklings News to write an unbiased article on the controversy about the Staples library’s Banned Books Week display.”

While a younger version of myself may have been intimidated, I stood my ground. My title as a journalist and my steadfast support of the First Amendment gave me courage I had never before felt. Inklings instilled in me that our freedom of the press is a barrier to the

deterioration of democracy. In the face of unfortunately growing distrust of journalists in the country, at that moment, I realized I was no longer a kid with inconsequential actions; with local elected leaders and community members alike watching me, my persistence in covering news would shape our town.

Now, I feel pride as other Inklings reporters tell me that my story motivated them to cover other BOE meetings and get more involved with local politics.

These past few tumultuous years, I’ve often felt helpless as problems emerged and erupted around the world and at home. Part of my transition into adulthood was the realization that I can take action that will shift the proverbial mountain and that covering real issues in journalism meant I wasn’t so helpless. In that moment, I felt I was a catalyst in my community, fulfilling my purpose but also being part of a chain reaction larger than myself.

Whether you’ve been confronted by someone attempting to test your convictions or not, we are all qualified to make change in our communities and be everyday superheroes. When I feel that urge to hide from the world, I remember that I am Lilly Weisz the journalist, and I will not back down.

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Lilly Weisz ‘23 Creative Director

Our freedom of the press is a barrier to the deterioration of democracy.

Graphic by Claire Durkin ’25 Photo by Demi Sasson ’25

The power of doing what is best for

Karlie Saed ‘23 Photostory Editor

Before I even entered high school, I was bombarded with outside opinions on what classes I should take during my four years in order to be academically successful. I let the opinions of other students influence the decision-making of my schedule. What I wasn’t told was the wave of emotions I would experience when trying to balance the workload that I put on myself.

When curating my junior year schedule, there was no doubt in my mind that AP Environmental Science would be on the list. I was only ever told

it was the “easiest” AP class that Staples had to offer. But boy was I wrong. I was continuously getting Cs on my unit tests, no matter how many hours I put into studying. My self-esteem was only getting lower and lower each time I checked PowerSchool. I felt suffocated by the fat C that looked right back at me.

Every night as I opened my textbook, I deeply regretted taking a class that I honestly had no interest in. My passions lay in English and social studies, and I beat myself up for pushing those aside. Many tears were shed throughout the course of my junior year

THEIR CHOICES

simply because I was unhappy with the choices I had made.

And don’t get me wrong, it is 100% okay to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. But I should have known from the start that enrolling myself in a college-level course that I couldn’t care less about only meant I would be left unsatisfied.

It is important to stay true to yourself and know what is best for you. I wish I could go back in time and tell my sophomore self that when choosing my classes. School suddenly felt like a chore because I dreaded walking into class every day

YOU

knowing I’d sit there with a blank stare on my face while watching the clock slowly rotate.

I had little motivation left within me and felt like a failure. I am a consistent and dedicated student but I no longer felt that way. I let this one class define my potential both inside and outside of the classroom.

I have learned from this moment that I will make decisions that are independent of what others tell me. In the end, I know myself best and can only do what feels right. By following your own path, you have the opportunity to create a life that is authentic, fulfilled and uniquely yours. I am no longer afraid to pave my own path and stop walking in one that has already been made.

MY CHOICES

by Alex Gaines ’25 & Will Vanamee ’25 Graphics

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It is important to stay true to yourself and know what is best for you.

Photo by Lily Rimm ’25

. . . .

Learn to love change by exploring identity

Elle Vail ‘23 Staff Writer

Many people mention how much I’ve changed over the years. Sometimes friends and I look back at past pictures of me, and I appear almost unrecognizable between the various hairstyles I’ve had (bangs, short hair, brown hair, black hair, red hair, etc) to my clear changes in personality. I can affirm that such changes reflect a lot of experimenting with my identity and who I want to be.

It’s in Westport’s competitive nature to apply pressure on students at an early age. With packed sports schedules and rigorous academics starting in middle school, there is pressure to grow up and know who you are as a person very early on. I felt this pressure in addition to a lack of knowledge of my own identity.

That being said, I noticed I felt better when I embraced discovering my identity, even if that meant making mistakes. I learned to love change by constantly experimenting with hairstyles, fashion and persisting in finding what made me happy, even if this meant abandoning what was once important to me. I’ve even changed my hair, recently going blonde, to compliment the various stages in my life.

The most favorable moments in my teenage years involved seeking out new opportunities to discover my identity. For instance, some of the most important people, activities and memories to me would not exist without trial and error when figuring out what

feels most authentically “me.”

It took me until my junior year to figure out I didn’t want to train to be a recruited athlete in soccer. But when I joined the diving team my senior year, I learned I enjoyed sports if I approach them with less intensity. I would not have learned this without taking the risk of joining a sport my senior year.

Additionally, Finding a job I liked, required a lot of trial and error. I went from a bakery cashier to a camp counselor and then, ultimately, landed a job in Ecommerce at Mitchells that resulted from showing up to a casting call photo shoot. I have never regretted accepting an invitation that can lead to potential opportunities; I have learned that the anxieties and unknown aspects of such situations are opportunities for growth. I would not have met some of my friends without embracing change.

I began to find value in

meeting new people as much as possible, even if it meant taking the risk of reaching out: a few of the most positive connections I’ve had with people took place while traveling with strangers through the Dominican Republic last summer.

It has been in cherishing those moments that I have defined myself.

Once I gave myself this time for self-discovery, I was able to distinguish myself as a person apart from my achievements. Looking back at the past four years, it is apparent that successes come and go, and are impossible to be defined by. This makes it that much more important to know who you are apart from them. By seeking out these new opportunities for growth, I have learned the most about

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Photos contributed by Elle Vail ’23

I was able to distinguish myself [...] apart from my achievements

Encourage curiosity:

Margot Richlin ‘23 Audience Engagement Manager

If you were to ask my parents to describe my younger self in three words, I could al most guarantee you that curious would be one of them. As a kid I spent a lot of time in the car, and that served as the perfect environment for me to pester my mom with all of the ques tions that roamed my brain. Research by Harvard child psychologist Paul Harris sug gests that a child asks about forty thousand questions be tween the age of two and five.

I would go as far as to say that I doubled that statistic.

However, unlike most, my curiosity never dimmed with age. All that changed was my mother’s ability to answer my most obscure inquiries.

“Do memories exist even if you forget them?”

“Can birds fly backward?”

Yet still to this day, I would tell you that my biggest pet peeve is leaving the answer to a question unknown. Some of my questions led to an swers that helped me learn random fun facts, and others led to the dreaded response “I don’t know.” But ultimate ly, being a curious person has taught me far more than that.

That said, I found as I entered my junior year that my role as questioner shifted. I became the one being asked the questions.

“What school do you

me to accept. All that I wanted was for my parents to be able to tell me that everything would be perfect and that I wouldn’t regret having different experiences

Recently, I have learned to take comfort in the unknown because the unknown is exciting and is something to be grateful for rather than

Ultimately, my curiosity be came one of my most fundamental traits that has allowed me to chase after my dreams and thrive in the unknown.

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From classroom learning to daily routine:

Celebrating my passion for foreign language |

Allie Gillman ’23 Buisness Manager

Swiping blindly at the buzzing phone on my nightstand to silence my 6:30 a.m. alarm, I roll over to check my phone and am greeted with “desliza hacia arriba para usar Face ID o ingresa el código” (swipe up to use Face ID or enter password). While I drive to school, Siri rattles off text messages and news alerts aloud in Spanish. Having used these language preference settings long enough, I have become very comfortable navigating my phone completely in Spanish and dictating commands to Siri in quick, instructive sentences. Now, I prefer my Spanish-speaking phone to its choppier English counterpart.

I will soon transition into college with the intention of studying International Relations. When adults ask me what career I want to make out of IR, I typically do not know how to satisfy them with a neatly packaged answer. But I do tell them one thing for certain: my career will be directed by my passion for learning languages.

I have been taking foreign language classes since elemen

tary school. In my experience, current primary and secondary foreign language education does not go far enough to set us on a track to fluency. This contrasts starkly to schools in Europe and Asia or American bilingual schools, where many students are taught to speak at least two languages fluently from a young age.

Frustrated that I did not feel adequately challenged by my school and interested in achieving fluency, I sought out other resources to make the jump from classroom learning to experiential learning. I watch television shows and listen to music in Spanish to adjust my ear to the rhythm and sounds of the language. I make an effort to chat conversationally with Spanish speakers in my life, from family friends to teachers. And I have even been fortunate enough to immerse myself in the language several times through trips to

in truly making progress and building confidence in a second language. The acknowledgment that I am becoming adaptable, not limited solely to interacting through the perspective of the culture in which I grew up, is a gift that language learning has brought me throughout high school and a goal to which I plan to dedicate myself in the future.

Language learning bridges the gap for me between abstract classroom learning and integrating a subject into my daily life.

By throwing myself into conversations with native Spanish speakers and developing a preference for speaking Spanish with them, I not only feel empowered, but also realize my interactions can be more authentic in a way that cannot be simulated in a classroom context.

Of course, the ability to speak two languages comfortably can open doors for the career path I will pursue. At a simpler level than that, however, taking language learning to a practical level has turned me into a linguistics nerd, and

CHILANGO CHILANGO VACILAR VACILAR

MURCEILAGO MURCIELAGO

ing of childlike glee when talking about their interest. From the vast pronunciation differences between Spanish and Portuguese, to the rhythmic differences between Igbo and English, to the sing-songy tone of “Chilango” accents (inhabitants of Mexico City) as compared to other regions of Mexico, I could talk about languages without fail for hours.

Language learning bridges the gap for me between abstract classroom learning and integrating a subject into my daily life. I have discovered the humanity in speaking multiple languages—by expanding my capability to communicate, I find myself having more respect and empathy for more people. My interactions speaking different languages challenge and enrich my brain in a way that fuels a desire to keep learning more about my second language, as well as pursuing new languages, without the inhibition and fear of making mistakes. This is how finding a passion has defined itself for me as I prepare for the next chapter in my education, and I encourage my peers to search for this feeling of fearlessness as they open themselves up to the possibilities of their post-high school experiences.

PONTE LAS PILLAS PONTE LAS PILLAS BACHATA BACHATA

GUËY GUËY

Photo by Anna Kercher ’

TERCO TERCO

I’ll take a second helping of frees, please

Aidan Sprouls ’23 Web Opinions Editor

Growing up, I always struggled with writing.

I remember my parents sitting down with me to read every elementary school essay, marking my mistakes with a blue pen and making me go back to rewrite my piece.

is began to change in my sophomore year as I signed myself up for English Honors, joined Inklings and took Myth and Bible Honors during my junior year. With con dence from completing these classes, I ambitiously signed myself up for AP Literature lled with excitement for the challenges ahead.

is excitement quickly dissipated after the rst writing prompt, as I somehow missed that the wind in the short story was racist. I had personally never realized that a force of nature could harbor such insidious feelings, and after hearing that statement from my teacher, I realized that many underlying themes in texts go over my head and I only had one thought: I have to drop this class.

is was the rst time I had even considered dropping a class in my academic career, as I had always held myself to the highest standards and believed that dropping a class was just as bad as failing it. Immediately after dropping the class for a free period, I felt a burden lift o of my shoul-

Putting the

Alix Glickman ’23 Social Media Manager

Ihave always loved my name. e name Alexandra isn’t exactly original, but spelling Alix the French way, with an “i”, makes it stand out. ere is always the initial awkward moment on the rst day of school when I have to clarify how I spell my name during attendance, but it usually leads to interesting conversations with my teachers.

never really made a di erence verbally, but the di erence of the “i” nevertheless made me feel more like an individual.

As I have grown up I have learned to embrace the individuality that the ”i” in my name brings to other walks of life. Whether it is following my passion for dance, choosing classes that I am interested in or

ders. I started going to sleep before midnight as I did not have to read old-timey English or prepare for an in-class essay, helping me sleep stress free.

Along with this, dropping the class did not stop me from achieving my college admissions goals, which is contrary to what most Staples students think, as I got admitted to my top choice college this past December.

Having two free periods not only gave me more free time outside of school, but it allowed me to connect with a new group of people in my free period.

Even though I initially felt poorly about my abilities after I accepted that I was not ready to take AP Literature, I now realize it was the best decision I made at Staples High School.

to embrace my individuality and pursue what I am interested in, I feel the most inspired.

I have always loved dance, and I have been doing it since I was two. As I got older, my passion for dance only grew and I became more driven to dedicate

my time to it. Going into high

classonly

roughout school, there has always been more than one person named Alex in my classes, but I was always the only one who was an Alix. With both of them being pronounced the same exact way, the spelling

joining school activities that satisfy my interests, I have learned that it is always better to make decisions for yourself based on what most fullls you. It was easy at rst to follow what my friends were doing, but as I have gotten older I have realized that when I choose

would be joining school sports that would foster a community both inside and outside of school that I was never quite able to foster. Outside

gested I cut back on dance

hours and nd something bigger at school to be a part of, but I always knew that dance was what I wanted to spend my time doing. ere were certain times when I contemplated what my life would be like if I had joined a school sport, but I never once regretted my decision to stick to dance because it allowed me not only to pursue what I love doing but to also nd my closest friends.

As I embark on a new journey next year at college, I will be faced with adversities that will challenge my ability to become my own individual, but I know that following my own passions and staying true to myself will lead me to the most favorable outcome.

al, but I know that following

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in top of

Photo by Anna Kercher ’25

Expect the unexpected: The importance of “connecting”

23 Broadcast Director Abby Nevin

All Staples students are assigned to a Connections advisory group. This group of approximately 12 students typically meets twice per week for 20 minutes, between the second and third periods of the day. These meeting periods, according to the Student Handbook, serve as an intentional time to “communicate school-related information, foster meaningful connections between students and staff members and create a safe environment where students feel comfortable to hold open discussions throughout their Staples career.”

As I entered my first Connections class, located smack

of my current friends. All of my friends had a buddy or two in their Connections class and I felt jealous that for those 20 minutes, they would have each other and I wouldn’t have a friend. I felt like I was part of the Breakfast Cluband I was playing the part of the snarky 14-year-old Molly Ringwald. Little did I know, it was due to these 20 minutes twice a week for the next four years that I would establish new friendships, engage in nuanced conversations and find a teacher who would serve as a role model to me as I continue further in life. Now back to that first class. As I entered on my very first day, we did what all new groups of people usually do: we dragged our chairs into a circle and went around painfully reciting our names, followed by whatever our faor ice cream flavor was. Boring! I sat there observing the clock and watching the red hand tick second by second, waiting until we were released and I could conwith my day.

“How will I ever be able to form true connections with these people I barely know?”

I wondered to myself. I look back now and almost laugh at how ignorant I was. One of the most important lessons I have since

learned is that some of the most important and fundamental relationships are those you find, create and establish with people you would have never expected to meet or know.

My Connections class has experienced a global pandemic and a variety of struggles together, but has also supported one another through happy moments and triumphs. We went from a group of random acquaintances to hearing about each other’s days and opinions. Although they may not know it, I am very glad we met and became friends with one another.

None of this, however, could have been possible without our Connections teacher who held the group together like glue, Señor Barahona. Señor is a teacher that I do and will continue to praise highly, as he has walked in each day from that very first day with some-

thing positive to say and a progressive mentality. He cares so much for his students and puts buckets of effort into his job while maintaining high spirits.

As I enter college and even when I enter my first job, I will continue to not only search for “roses” in each day but will also remain encouraged in times when I feel disheartened. I have Connections to thank for allowing me to meet such a role model.

As I write this article and marvel at the fact that I am graduating, I think back to all that the class of 2023 went through. I have my friends, family and community to thank for supporting me the entire way.

As I head off to college, I intend to implement the lessons I learned in Connections: I will establish meaningful relationships by starting conversations, even with unknown peers because by reaching out, I know I will meet and learn so much more.

’ Photos contributed by Abby Nevin ’23

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LAST CLASS Abby Nevin ’23 and class celebrate their last day of connections with their teacher, Señor Barahona.

Fundamental relationships are those you find, create and establish.

The importance of sticking with your gut: an ode to my dance experience

Julia Leitner ’23 Assistant Business Director

Seventh grade was the first time that I thought about quitting dance. It was bat mitzvah season, the height of friend group drama and a time when I thought going ice skating at Longshore might be the most important thing I could possibly do. My friends all had schedules filled with social events, and I always had… dance. On many occasions I questioned whether the commitment that dance required was really worth it.

My entire life has been devoted to dance. I put in 25 hours or more each week in the studio, spent countless weekends trapped in dark convention centers all over the tristate area performing at competitions and flew cross country for auditions. Dance is, at my core, a vehicle for me to express my feelings and tell my story and

I can see where they are coming from. Throughout my high school experience, I had to make many sacrifices in order to dance. Basketball games, sleepovers, concerts and trips are a short list of things I often missed. I was quickly labeled as the friend, sibling, daughter who was simply “never there.” This used to upset me A LOT. I often felt like I was missing out on all that high school had to offer.

Freshman year, however, was the last time I thought about quitting dance. Although it may have taken an entire pandemic and lockdown filled with hours of Zoom dance in my basement and months away from the physical studio to show me how much dance meant to me,

my time differed from those around me. I no longer secretly believed that maybe they were right. I recognized that I could never accept my life without my dance family, and I could not be happy without the creative outlet and channel to express who I am and who I want to become. The movements we create and the risks we take keep me going each day. Dance is what I love and what I realized I never want to stop doing. This winter, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into two of my top college dance programs. Again, the doubt crept in. When telling people about my accomplishments, I often found myself un-

ment, or if it is because there is little recognition for dance as compared to other sports, but for whatever reason, I was feeling undeserving of everything that I worked so hard for and earned. It wasn't until a little later that I realized how deserving I really was. Not everybody’s high school experience is filled with 25 hours of dance a week, countless missed events and the need to keep grades up despite having to study around dance. It has taken time but I have come to accept that the path I chose is not something to feel guilty about. Dance was the only path for me and one that I now embrace as it has led to a future doing what I love most. There was a reason why I didn't quit dance in seventh grade. Dance is what I am meant to be doing. Whether it be at The Spot in Norwalk or at the University of Texas in Austin, dancing is where I flourish and find inner peace. For any

I have come to accept that the path I chose is not something to feel guilty about.

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Photo contributed by Julia Leitner ’23 Graphic by Alex Gaines ’25

Embracing my identity through the power of my name

Kiswa Khan ’23 Associate Managing Editor

I’ve never found my name on keychains, but I love it just the same. My name, Kiswa, was inspired by a sacred black cloth that covers the Kaba in Mecca. This cloth has verses from the Quran embroidered on it with gold threads. I like how, when I introduce myself, an initial discussion about my name will often lead to bigger conversations, ones that involve the places I come from and the cultures that have shaped me.

But my name has also caused some difficulties.

When I moved to the U.S. from India in eighth grade, I faced a huge cultural shift. As a person who has moved a lot, I’ve never been a stranger to the sense of not belonging. Nevertheless, this move felt different.

At some point in the tumultuous first year, a teacher who had been struggling with pronouncing and remembering my name asked if there was a nickname that I wanted to go by. At first, I was shocked and appalled by this question. Partly because my name has only two syllables that are easy to pronounce, and also because I couldn’t fathom how I would be able to shorten it.

I certainly didn’t want to go by a name that did not even correlate to the one

that my parents gave me and of which I was proud.

Kiswa was always a unique name, even in India. In fact, my parents have told me that when my grandparents learned I had been named Kiswa, they were horrified and urged my parents to reconsid er. After all, naming a child “Kiswa” in India would be the equivalent of naming your kid “Blanket” in America.

But I grew into my name and it became part of my identity. So, wher ever I moved, I was proud to be addressed by the name my parents gave me.

So when my new teacher asked for a nickname, I had to pause and consider my options. I knew that changing my name might make it easier for her to ad dress me. But when I thought about it further, I realized that I had already left behind a large part of myself to make room for a new Kiswa—one who I believed would better fit into the Westport commu nity. I had adjusted to every other part of my life and just couldn’t change my name, too.

So I refused my teacher’s request. I had already given up enough, and I wouldn’t give up anything else. I did not want to drift away from ev erything I knew about myself until I couldn’t recognize who I was or even my own name.

My name helped me stay grounded and be true to my

self. Taking back ownership of my name allowed me to embrace my culture and my differences. I will probably never find a keychain with my name on it, and that’s just fine with me.

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Graphic by Alex Gaines ’25 Photo by Sophia Reeves ’25

Taking back ownership of my name allowed me to embrace my culture and my differences.

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Graphics by Alex Gaines ’25

A few things I learned at Staples High School

Anna Diorio’23 Broadcast Director

Your camera is the only one zoomed in That time you said something stupid or feared the forehead acne wouldn't just go away—it might be the only thing you can think about or fixate on, but for everyone else, it is out of focus. No one thinks about it as much as you do. But looking back, I can’t remember a single outfit worn by someone else. I've never come home and said to my mom, “So and so’s acne was looking worse than yesterday.” And neither has anyone else. Because like you, everyone else has their own things they’re zooming in on. So please, don’t worry about what everyone else thinks.

“Identity crisis is not a joke, Jim. Millions of high schoolers suffer every year”

Most high schoolers will, at one or many points in their lives find themselves struggling to decide who they want to be. Do I want to be known as the funny one? The pretty and popular one? The Ivy-bound one? I’ve considered being every one of these personas and many others. My piece of advice—when in doubt, be the kind one. Yes, no matter what, we should be kind because it’s important and it increases the probability of double rainbows appearing. But for this particular purpose, being known as “the nice person” is what you should default to if you are ever struggling to be some other aspect of yourself. If you’re trying to come off as cool or confident, it might not always translate well, especially if you don’t feel the same on the inside. So be nice if not something else. To be clear, don’t fake it or pretend. Be genuine. Then once you’re comfortable, you can be the “nice and something else” person.

If at first they are a b*tch, go, go away

When I was a freshman, there was this girl who was in a couple of classes with me. We’d talk pretty often and walk down the hallways together sometimes. I was really excited about the prospect of us maybe becoming friends (I was shy then and had trouble making friends). But this girl was super inconsistent in how she acted. She’d be nice to me one day and standoffish and cold the next day—just playing with my poor little ninth-grader heart. It was frustrating to not know which side of her I’d get and if it was somehow something I was doing to flip the switch.

I eventually stopped trying to make friends with her. She wasn’t treating me the way I deserved to be treated. If someone isn’t at the very least consistently showing you respect, they aren’t worth your time or energy. It isn’t hard to be nice to people. So if a person is friendly to you only half the time, it’s a sign of their own insecurities. Your feelings are not meant to be tossed around.

In defense of lone wolves. . .

Being alone does not mean you are lonely. In ninth grade, when my friend group was small and my anxiety prevented me from expanding that circle, some days I wouldn’t have any friends in my lunch wave. I’d sit alone outside the auditorium or in a couch corner and eat my lunch because sitting down at a table with one familiar face made me feel out of place.

Originally I was embarrassed because I looked like the girl who didn’t have any friends and always ate lunch alone. But it’s okay to spend time with yourself. You don’t have to always be social. Knowing how to be comfortable with being yourself is a sign of strength.

If you’re alone and you feel like you’re missing out on something or that being alone makes you look lonely, remind yourself of the fact that you have a choice. You have friends you can spend time with or places you could be, and they’ll be there when you feel like being social. But it's also okay if you feel like spending time in bed watching TV or baking cookies.

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2. 3. 4.

Photo contributed by Anna Diorio ’23

A collection of t-shirts: participate in life

Audrey Kercher ’23 Breaking News Manager

There is one drawer in my closet that is abnormally stuffed to the brim and no longer shuts properly. This drawer is packed with t-shirts—not just your everyday t-shirt, but a collection of t-shirts from every school, sport, charity or event I have ever participated in.

These old t-shirts, although worn and ratty, are much more than just cotton. These shirts are sentimentally invaluable. Each one symbolizes a part of my life and connects to a certain memory. More specifically, each t-shirt is proof that I have accomplished something or that I took part in something. They are my participation trophies in life and a reminder to continue trying new things.

My current favorite is a

soft, oversized charcoal gray t-shirt with a skull on it from the gym my dad goes to and has dragged me to numer ous times. When I wear this shirt, it reminds me of the relationship I built with my dad through early mornings spent exercising. It reminds me of how fulfilling things, like being in shape, often come through hard work.

Another one of my prized shirts is a white t-shirt with faded blue lettering that I received when my ten nis team won the state championship tour nament. This is not a shirt that can be bought at the store, but in stead one that was earned not only the day that my tennis team won the state tournament but through the countless years that my team

and I had put into the sport. The meaning of this shirt, like the rest of the shirts in

the hard-fought victory. These moments are woven into the shirt, giving me all the more reason to hold onto it.

Although I am not a huge collector of material goods, these t-shirts inspire me to continue being an active participant in life. After high school and beyond, I will treasure my current collection, while also hoping to accumulate more t-shirts, each one symbolizing the exciting times to come.

Extreme disrespect endured by teachers goes unaddressed

Cameron Almonte ’23 Staff Writer

In my elementary and middle school years, teachers were awarded great respect. Students seemed to truly value their teachers and they understood the importance of the role teachers played in shaping their lives and futures.

But as I progressed through high school, it seemed like the practice of respecting and valuing teachers got lost.

Students started using their phones more, giving teachers more attitude and overall disrespecting those who were trying to shape our future. I know because I was one of the students dishing out the disrespect.

But I did learn my lesson. As a freshman, I got in

trouble for cursing and was sent out of class. For the rest of that year, not another swear word came out of my mouth.

But I do witness other kids swearing in class. I do see my peers continuing the practice of disrespecting teachers on a daily basis.

Now, I’m not saying that at times I don’t occasionally mess up and fall into old habits of misconduct, because I do. I get caught at least a couple times a day with my phone out, and I catch myself giving adults an occasional attitude. But for many of my peers, it is more of a common practice.

Of course, teachers don’t enjoy being given shit, but they nevertheless take it, day in and day out, and often never do anything about it.

But their lack of push-

seems like the teachers are afraid of the consequences of standing up for themselves. And I don’t blame them. If teachers stand up for themselves, of ten the parents of the disrespectful kid call out the teacher in stead of holding their own child accountable.

I’m not sure if this is how it works in other schools, but this is something that needs to be terminated because it’s unfair that those who shape our lives have the least amount of power in the room.

Photo contributed by Audrey Kercher ’23

kindness apprication excitement b adaptability appreciation excitment ded i c a t i o n I 25

Photo contributed by Cameron Almonte ’23

Take a risk, step outside

Emily Goldstein ’23 Public Relations Director

If you take a drive down to the beach, you’ll most likely see me. I spend most of my time outside. Whether that is running, walking, hiking, backpacking or scuba diving, you could say I like my time in nature. Nature has served as a medium for developing important relationships with my friends, family and self.

As the youngest member of an outdoorsy family, endless bike rides and snow trails were a norm. These experiences laid the foundation for my fascination with being outside and taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance and the importance of self-reflection.

My most challenging outdoor experience was last summer when I attended a semester school located in Eleuthera, Bahamas called the Island School. One of my tasks there was to embark on a 48 hour solo. This entailed spending 48 hours completely by myself on a beach with only a ripped up tarp, bag of trail mix, soggy yoga mat and jug of wa-

ter. When the sky turned black and the thunder clouds rolled in, I constantly reminded myself that the storm would pass and the sun would again come out, uplifting my spirits. With no concept of time and nothing around me but dark sky, I remained focused on where I was in that moment, rather than where I could be.

The summer prior to the Island School, I went on a three week hiking trip in Washington State. Surrounded by eight other teens from across the country that I had never met before, we averaged 10 miles a day on foot before settling into our campsites by sunset. On the last day of summit we peaked 17 miles in one day. Through the physical discomfort, I was overwhelmed by positive emotions. Until this point, I didn’t realize it was possible to be so grateful for an experience that is simultaneously so demanding.

The lessons learned through these adventures were not left behind on the beach and in the mountains, they were taken back home with me. I learned that we are stronger than what our minds tell us.

Yes, there were many moments where I wanted to give up and cry for help. But no. Instead, I persevered and came out on the other side with a deeper understanding of our dependency on the environment.

School can definitely feel suffocating sometimes. The academic stress is repetitive and debilitating and the social ob-

stacles are no walk in the park, either. However, whenever it becomes too overwhelming, ing time outside grounds me and reminds me that I have so much to explore and learn about myself. I learned my most valuable lesson outside derstorm. I think you can, too.

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SPOOKY CAVE Before the students' solo trip at the Island School, they go to explore the island and they have a class on tourism. Emily goes into one of the oldest caves on the island, which has absolutely no light. TURTLE TIME Emily and her friend have something called quarencia at the Island School, which is solo time where they watch turtles at a spot called the wall. UNDER THE SEA During Emily's marine biology class, students get scuba certified and are able to scuba dive with sharks and study them. Photos contributed by Emily Goldstein ’23

An ode to my drive to school

Meg Enquist ’23 Business Director

At the start of my senior year, there were many things that I was looking forward to, including Spirit Week, Homecoming, internships and more. However, driving Will, my younger brother, to school every day was something that I was not particularly excited about.

On the first day of school, I had barely backed out of the garage when Will asked if he could play the music. I agreed and immediately regretted this decision when he began to play

“Family Ties” by Baby Keem. For the majority of the drive, we sat in silence with the exception of Will asking me how the lunch waves worked. Honestly, I might as well have been his Uber driver.

Growing up, I had never been very close with my brother. Between our three year age difference and busy schedules that kept us coming and going at different times, we spent very

little time with one another. The only exception was the time we spent together during family dinners, but even those had become less frequent as our schedules became more demanding.

However, nine months later, our drives to school are different from the first. Now our ride is filled with the music we have found common ground in enjoying and we engage in lively con-

servations. Will’s stories about school, lacrosse and his friends never fail to make me laugh and are something that I look forward to each morning. When reflecting on my senior year, one of the things that I am most grateful for is the bond that has formed between Will and me. On the weekends, we often go for drives to Colony and Chick-Fil-A, always taking what we call the “long way home” (otherwise known as a “bloop”). It will never fail to amaze me how a 15-20 minute drive to school each day eventually led to such a special, unexpected closeness.

SIBLING DRIVES

Meg Enquist ’23 and Will Enquist ’26 have built a close bond through their drives to school. They now frequently take drives to their favorite restarants together.

Meg

and

Will’s favorite places to drive to

Graphics by Genevieve Frucht ’24 Photos contributed by Meg Enquist ’23

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It will never fail to amaze me how a 15-20 mniute drive to school each day led to such a special, unexpected closeness.

Congratulations Seniors!

Congratulations to Abby Nevin!

“With courage you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity.”

- Mark Twain

“Do one thing every day that scares you.”

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Abby, you are wise, funny, and kind. Continue your courageous journey, with joy and strength, knowing you are loved. Much love from Mom, Dad, Lucy & Caroline

Addie Purcell- We are so proud of you and all that you have achieved at Staples, from your academics to Staples Players to Orphenians to your founded clubs. We can’t wait to see what you will accomplish in your next step! Love, Mom, Dad, Kerri & 16 Paws

Alix Glickman- Congratulations on your graduation! We are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. You are a joy in our lives and we can’t wait to see where your journey takes you. Love, Mom, Dad, Jake and Gigi. ROLL WAVE!

ASHLEY CHENG, YOU DID IT! ALL THE HARD WORK PAID OFF. WE KNOW YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING WHEN YOU PUT IN YOUR BEST EFFORT. THE NEXT CHAPTER IN YOUR LIFE WILL BE AN EXCITING ONE BECAUSE YOU HAVE THE WILL AND DESIRE TO BE SUCCESSFUL. LOVE, MOM, DAD, TIFFANY

Congratulations Ben Rimm! We are so incredibly proud of you. From Ramaz to Staples High School and now Trinity College, you have found great success! We can’t wait to see what your next chapter brings. The sky is the limit, and we know you will soar. Love, Mom, Dad and Lily.

Caleigh Coughlin, I am so proud of everything you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to watch you thrive at Delaware. Thank you for being the best sister I could ever ask for, and supporting me through everything. Love you so much! GO BLUE HENS!!!!!

- Love Addy

Dear Cameron Almonte,

We thank God every day for sending such a precious gift into our lives We could never imagine it without our Cameron and couldn’t ask for a better son and friend. We will miss your crazy dances, your advice on how to raise children, your daily opinions on just about everything, your hugs, and your beautiful energy. We hope all your dreams come true and you get everything you want out of life as no one is more deserving of it than you. We are beyond proud of you!

Love, Mom and Dad

Congratulations CHARLIE HONIG and the entire class of 2023! You did it! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what the future holds! Love, Mom, Dad, Dylan, Justin and Jeter

Chloe Sarno,

We are so proud of you! We’re excited to see all the things you’ll accomplish at American University and beyond. You are amazing! Love, Mom, Dad and Olivia

Congratulations, Christina Meehan! We’re so proud of all you accomplished during your years at Staples. We can’t wait to see all that you do over the next 4 years and beyond. We wish you the best of luck. We love you so much! Mom & Dad

Dear David Gervasio, Your mind is open, your heart is tender, your eyes are wide, and you’re ready for the ultimate exploration! We couldn’t be happier and at peace for you. We love you very much.

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Congratulations on your graduation Jack Gray! We are beyond proud of you. You have been diligent about working on your craft with piano, guitar, violin, and now audio production. We are in awe of not only your talent but your kindness and compassion. Your future is bright indeed!

Joshua Gordon- It is time to open your wings. Keep smiling and be your beautiful self wherever you go. Thank you for the gift of the last 18 years; we’ve been lucky to have you. Proud now and always. Love, Mami and Dad.

Margot Richlin we are all so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. We can’t wait to see what you do next as you follow your dreams. You are our star!

Love, Mom, Dad, Max & Morgan

Congratulations Matthew Gatto on your graduation. We are incredibly proud of you and all that you have achieved over these past four years at Staples High School. Continue to shine with your sense of humor, hard work and determination to excel in all that you set your sights on. We are excited to see all the new adventures that await you at UConn. Love u Mom, Dad & Gabriella

Congratulations Maya Hruskar! We’re so proud of you and all you’ve accomplished and we’re thrilled to see what adventures await you at NYU!!! Love, Mom and Dad

Mia Vindiola STUNNA

Congratulations Sam Barth! Keep making us proud & may your next adventure be as awesome as you!

Love, Mom & Dad

Congratulations Sebastian Miller!

Tutti Gli Studenti D’Italiano- Congratulazioni ed auguri per il diploma a tutti! Che questo sia l’inizio di altri successi!!! Vi vogliamo tanto bene! Abbraccioni dal Circolo Italiano, Prof D’Amore & Prof Noonan

Vincent Penna- Know what makes your graduation extra special? It’s having watched you grow up, having so many good memories of you and knowing all the challenges you’ve worked through to get to this day. Hardwork, talent, drive and vision will always outlast tough time. Always remember: there’s no limit to what you can do if you keep believing in yourself. Congratulations, with love for the grandson you are and with pride in the amazing person you are becoming.

Love Popp and Robin

Aalok- You followed a passion and finished off with flying colors. Kudos for your achievements at History Bowl Championship tournament - top ten in nation in every category you participated!

Allie-

Congratulations to you on your graduation! We are very proud of you and all you have achieved in these last 4 years. There is so much more to come for you and we cannot wait to witness it all. We wish you the best as you enter into this new chapter - Georgetown is so lucky to have you. We love you and your beautiful soul!

The Diaz Family Yullith, Rolando, Joannie, Alonzo

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Congratulations Allie Galoo! We are so proud of all that you have accomplished. We love you so very much and celebrate you, your passion, curiosity and quest to explore the world and its many cultures. You are ready to fly! Love, Mommy, Daddy, Zach, Yullith, Eclipse & Halo

Anna Diorio- We are so proud of you and love you so much! It has been a joy to watch you grow and blossom into the incredible person you are today. We can’t wait for your next chapter to unfold. Love, Mom, Dad, Rob, Colby, Sadie and of course the chickens

Congratulations to all the Band Seniors!

Jason Capozucca * Joshua Gordon * Tanvi Gorre * Isabella Griffin * Mansha Gupta * Wiliam Hayes * Alexandra Hermus

(not pictured) * Anastacia Jahnel * Samantha Laguerre * Witt Lindau * Delaney McGee * Sebastian Miller * Anna Moody * Henry Nowak * Jaime Paul * Mallika Subramanian * Jet Tober

(not pictured) * Eleanor Vail * Cooper Weyers

Congratulations Boys Tennis Team Seniors, Class of 2023! We LOVE watching you play! SO VERY PROUD that good sportsmanship, supporting and lifting teammates, and laying it all out on the court are all parts of your games! Always wishing you happiness and much more. Love, the Dalzells, Guadarramas, and Matars.

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Brea Church - Woohoo! You did it!! Congratulations on closing this chapter at Staples. What a fun, eventful, crazy and very successful four years....I’m very proud of you! And now I’m excited to watch you begin your next adventure. Your future is looking very bright! Love you forever, Mom

Carina, we’re incredibly proud of the person you’ve become. Your hard work, determination, and belief in yourself have led you to this moment. Your perseverance, humor, and kind heart have inspired us all. We’re so excited to see what the next 4 years have in store. Let’s Go X!

Congratulations to our Sweet Caroline. You are our sunshine and we know you will spread your light wherever you go. Onward to this next great adventure in your life. Watch out TULANE, here she comes. Roll Wave!!! We love you to pieces: Mom, Dad, Matt, Jake and Lucy

Congratulations to our CAROLINE! Shine on, sweet LOU. Here’s to all the fabulous adventures that await. We love you to the end of time! ROLL WAVE!!!! Always your biggest fans: Mom, Dad, Matt, Jake and Lucy

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Congratulations Clara! You are brilliant, kind, determined and strong, and our lives are enriched by your presence. We can’t wait to see how you will positively impact the world, and we will always be here for you, wherever your paths may lead.

Congratulations Devon!

We have been so excited to see your growth and passions develop at Staples. The experience and mentors you have had will be the foundation towards your next steps in following your dreams. We are so proud of you!!

Lots of Love, Mom and Dad

Congratulations Drew and Allie! We could not be more proud of all that you have accomplished and, more importantly, your passions, resilience, support for each other and true friendship and your love of travel, fun and games. Love, Your Moms, Dads, Eduardo and Zachary

Ella, congratulations on all your accomplishments on school and Inklings. We are so proud! And we are so excited about your next amazing journey. Follow your passion, stay healthy, keep exploring, and push yourself. Love you, Mom, Dad, Grace, Sammy & Archie.

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CONGRATULATIONS EMILY! We are so unbelievably proud of your kindness, integrity, perseverance and quest for adventure. Your unwavering devotion to your family and friends along with your insanely funny sense of humor are the icing on the vegetarian cake :) We cannot wait to see you soar as your journey continues to Cornell. xoxo YOU ARE LOVED BEYOND MEASURE xoxo mom, dad, ben, abbie, nate & the entire fam

Finn-we are so proud of you! You have accomplished so much already, and it’s only begun! Watching you grow into who you are today is a true gift. “You were only waiting for this moment to arise, Blackbird fly.” Go Nova. Love you forever, Mom and Dad.

Congratulations

Congratulations on graduating Grace! We are so proud of all your accomplishments at Staples and who you have become. We can’t wait to see what you do in the future, Bucknell is lucky to have you! We love you!

Mom, Dad, and Sophia

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Franky! We are so proud of you. Love, Mom, Dad and Raffi.

Grace Ann Alfero, sometimes its hard to find words to describe how proud we are of you on how you handled your academic achievements and playing two sports for the last four high school years. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. We love you very much, Mom Dad and Sophia

Griffin, while your graduation from Staples marks the end of high school, you are actually just at the beginning of a fantastic adventure. We are so very proud of your many successes and accomplishments but are most proud of the kind and wonderful person you have become. We cannot wait to see what you do next. Love, Mom, Dad, Bryce, Mackenzie, Brooke and Olivia.

Hannah - What a ride! So proud of all you’ve accomplished at Staples and so excited for what’s ahead for you at Miami University! Congratulations! Love, Mom & Dad

Hannah, we hope that you see what we see: an incredibly sweet, intelligent, creative and beautiful young woman. We could not be more proud and we’re excited to see where your journey takes you next! Enjoy, you deserve happiness and joy, congratulations! Love, Mom, Dad, Ilan & Austey

34 |

Congratulations Hunter! We are so proud of you and can’t wait for you to take your next steps. The world is waiting for you! Love, Mom, Dad and Autumn

Dear Jackson, We are so proud of you and we are excited to see how your next adventure unfolds. Always believe in yourself and enjoy the journey! We love you to pieces.

Love, Mom, Dad, Juliet, Pepper, Penny & Mimsy

Congratulations Jaime! We love you and are so proud of the amazing young lady you have become! We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish.

James - This isn’t the end, it’s only the beginning. You’ve made us so very proud. We love you more than the moon, the stars & Orion and we will miss you terribly next year. We will always be your biggest fans. Onward to Northwestern!!! Dad, Mom, Jonny & DB

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Congratulations Jenny! We hope you are as proud of all of your accomplishments as we are. We admire your determination, dedication, and hard work. We will cherish the memories you gave us and look forward to more to come. We Love You!

Mom, Dad, Peter and Emma and Chico too xo

Congratulations, Jett! We are so proud of you! Love, Dad, Mom,

36 |

Noelle, Jojo, Kylie, and Jax

Jet, it has been such a privilege and a true pleasure to watch your compassion, commitment and curiosity shape you into an admirable, authentic and engaged young man. As you explore your own path, we will always support you. Thanks for enriching our lives. Love you, Mom, Dad & Angel Matey

Dearest Julia, Congratulations on your graduation and for all your well-deserved achievements!

We are constantly amazed and inspired by your perseverance, compassion, and maturity.

We are your greatest fans, and are excited to witness the unfolding of your beautiful future.

We love you! Mom, Dad, and Ryan

Jules: As you graduate high school and dive into new adventures, always remember that the ocean is vast and full of endless possibilities. Navigate life with courage and determination, riding the waves of success and weathering any storms that come your way. Congratulations on this amazing achievement and may your journey be as infinite as the ocean.

Love, Mom & Dad #WFU

Congratulations, Kai Ross, on graduation and being selected to the 2023 USA Water Polo Youth National Team! We are so proud of you! Love, from your family

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We are so proud of you, Kate! Love Mom, Dad, Mia and Rex

Congratulations to Lilly Weisz and the Staples Class of 2023! Thanks to all of the inspiring Westport Public Schools’ Teachers, Advisers and Staff throughout the past 13 years! Thank you Inklings for providing Lilly’s home away from home! Best of luck to all in the future! The Weisz Family

“Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” —Nora Ephron

38 |

Congratulations to Lucy and Allie for successfully completing five years at Staples. We are so proud of you, love you and wish you the brightest future!

Love, moms, dads, siblings and pets

Congratulations Lucy and Julia! Those longs hours were well spent - Inklings has been brilliant under your leadership. We can’t wait to see what you both do next! Love, Lee, Susan, Charlie, and Bill

Congratulations Maddie! We are so proud of you and of your accomplishments. We can’t wait for what is next. All our love, Mom, Dad, and Zach

Olivia- We’ve watched in amazement as you’ve grown into the person you are today, and we’re watching with great anticipation to see what you become. With your talent and determination, the sky’s the limit!!! We are so proud of you and love you!!!

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Phoebe: To our very own Sherlock Holmes - we are so proud of you, and you amaze us every day! May you continue to be curious, kind, independent, and strong. Boston awaits! Love from your biggest fan club, Mom, Dad, Sophie, Eden, and Twinkie

CONGRATULATIONS REBECCA SCHUSSHEIM!!

WE ARE SO HAPPY FOR YOU!

WE LOVE YOU TO THE MOON (AND BEYOND)!

xoxoMom, Dad, Em, Benj and Dutch

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SAUGATUCK ROWING CLUB GRADUATING SENIORS!

Elisabeth Chadwick, Janna Moore, Dylan Halky, Wyatt Dodge, Jesse Herman, Luke Miller, Vinny Penna and Cooper Weyers

Shannon you did it... but this is only the beginning, your whole life is in front of you to go after and enjoy... we love you Dad, Maya, Nanny and Poppy Lynch

40 |

Congratulations to all Senior SLOBs members, and to SLOBs Executive Board Seniors - Brendan, Matt, Noah, Will & Jet - your leadership and commitment to SLOBs and to our local community is admirable. We know you will all continue to make positive impacts on your new communities! Once a SLOB, always a SLOB!

Congrats Sydney! We’re SO proud of you and can’t wait to see all the great things you’re going to do at IU and beyond. Love you always, Dad & Danielle

Toby — congratulations!! We can’t express the joy we’ve had watching you grow into this incredibly strong, smart, thoughtful, and beautiful person. Just know that we are all cheering you on every step of the way. The future is bright for you and the rest of the class of 2023. Go ‘cats!

Mom, Dad, and Owen (and Dre and Bea)

Tori- We always knew you were going places! What a joy it has been to watch you grow into the amazing woman you are today. We are so incredibly proud of you. The whole world awaits you and we are excited to see where your journey will go. Love you!

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Congratulations, Viveca! We love you and are so very proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad, Henrik, Ginger & Ruby

H A P P Y T U E S D A Y, W H I T M A N ! This is a well earned one! Congratulations! We are so happy for you and admire you so! So much love, M, B and W

Will, you’ve rocked our world for the last 17 years, and we cannot wait to see you rock the music world!

Congratulations! We couldn’t be happier or prouder.

Love, Mom, Dad, Becca, Livi, James, and Penny Lane

Zachary- We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. Here’s to an exciting next chapter of new adventures. Continue to follow your dreams. We’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines! We love you very much!

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Inklings Graduation 2023 Issue

A letter from Principal Thomas to the Class of ‘23

Inklings Staff

More About Us

Embracing my identity: growing up biracial

Red the hair grows: how I grew to love my hair

It’s not always bad to get off track: exploring individuality

An Ode to Turkeys: celebrating my identity

Throw caution to the wind:

Real-world experiences illustrate need for unfiltered thought

Don’t let expectations break your back(pack)

Don’t memorize the unit circle: you are the expert on your life

Plans of perfection are overrated: fulfillment is

The slay comes from within: my journey from sweatpants to swag

Casual photography increases appreciation, gratitude for life

My freckles are my friends: embracing insecurities

Unexpected obstacles reveal need to fight for core values

The power of doing what is best for

THEIR CHOICES

YOU

MY CHOICES

Learn to love change by exploring identity

Encourage curiosity:

From classroom learning to daily routine:

Celebrating my passion for foreign language |

Language learning bridges the gap for me between abstract classroom learning and integrating a subject into my daily life.

CHILANGO CHILANGO VACILAR VACILAR

MURCEILAGO MURCIELAGO

PONTE LAS PILLAS PONTE LAS PILLAS BACHATA BACHATA

GUËY GUËY

I’ll take a second helping of frees, please

Putting the

Expect the unexpected: The importance of “connecting”

The importance of sticking with your gut: an ode to my dance experience

Embracing my identity through the power of my name

A few things I learned at Staples High School

“Identity crisis is not a joke, Jim. Millions of high schoolers suffer every year”

If at first they are a b*tch, go, go away

In defense of lone wolves. . .

A collection of t-shirts: participate in life

Extreme disrespect endured by teachers goes unaddressed

Take a risk, step outside

An ode to my drive to school

Congratulations Seniors!

- Love Addy

Articles inside

Congratulations Seniors!

An ode to my drive to school

Take a risk, step outside

Extreme disrespect endured by teachers goes unaddressed

A collection of t-shirts: participate in life

A few things I learned at Staples High School

Embracing my identity through the power of my name

The importance of sticking with your gut: an ode to my dance experience

Expect the unexpected: The importance of “connecting”

Putting the

I’ll take a second helping of frees, please

From classroom learning to daily routine: Celebrating my passion for foreign language |

Encourage curiosity:

Learn to love change by exploring identity

YOU

The power of doing what is best for

Unexpected obstacles reveal need to fight for core values

My freckles are my friends: embracing insecurities

Casual photography increases appreciation, gratitude for life

The slay comes from within: my journey from sweatpants to swag

Don’t memorize the unit circle: you are the expert on your life

Don’t let expectations break your back(pack)

Throw caution to the wind: Real-world experiences illustrate need for unfiltered thought

An Ode to Turkeys: celebrating my identity

It’s not always bad to get off track: exploring individuality

Red the hair grows: how I grew to love my hair

Embracing my identity: growing up biracial

Inklings Staff

A letter from Principal Thomas to the Class of ‘23