WHS celebrates class of 2024 graduation Students conclude their unprecedented high school journey
By Sophie Murray A&E Editor
Walpole High School’s graduation ceremony for the class of 2024 was held on Sunday, June 2, on Turco Field where loved ones filled the stands to celebrate the graduates' milestone on their completion of high school. The class of 2024 experienced an unusual transition into high school as their freshman year occurred during the hybrid year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Faculty, family and friends gathered to celebrate the growth and resilience that students demonstrated through their high school experience.
Principal Stephen Imbush opened the ceremony by welcoming all attendees, followed by the National Anthem sung by the WHS chorus students. The ceremony continued as the two student speakers, senior class presidents Kevin Needham and Faith Heffernan, were invited to present their speeches. Both Needham and Heffernan emphasized in their speeches the obstacles their class went through as they navigated the beginning of high school with setbacks from masks and social distancing to zoom meetings and separate class cohorts.
“Finally, it seemed the dark storm was passing and the sun was out again. Masks no longer were tied on our faces and our community grew closer socially, emotionally and of course,
physically,” Needham said. Additionally, both presenters highlighted how high school undoubtedly shaped each graduate into who they are today through themes of com-
munity, bravery and strength. “Throughout the past four years, 20 seconds of bravery has looked different to all of us…but, class of 2024, no matter what your 20 seconds of bravery have been and no matter what you have decided to do next year, you are all brave and you are all ready for what comes next,” Heffernan said.
Imbush followed by acknowledging individual students who were given awards by having them stand to be recognized by the crowd. Some of these recipients included Elsa and Jonah Van der Linden for having the highest GPA in the senior class, Dylan Bent for the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award and Taylor Carter for the Outstanding Female Athletic Award.
Finally, after much anticipation, assistant principals Lee Tobey and Dr. Kristina Kelleher announced each graduating senior's name as they crossed the stage to accept their diplomas presented by administration or faculty members. The ceremony concluded with the graduates flipping their tassels and tossing their caps in their air marking the end of their high school journey. Congratulations seniors!
Walpole robotics competes in world championship
The Timberwolves competed in the FIRST
By Joe Curran Staff Writer
On April 24, a select group of high schoolers from the Walpole Robotics team flew out to Houston to compete in the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Championship, a competition equivalent to a world championship. Included in this group of high schoolers was the Walpole High School(WHS) Robotics Team. Walpole’s team 1153, along with their invention, a disc throwing robot performed extremely well at the prestigious event and were even able to take home the award for sustainability. This award was a massive accomplishment for the team and a great way to cap off one of the best years in the program's history.
This year marked the Timberwolves’s eighth appearance in
the competition since the team’s inception in 2003 and their second appearance in the past three years. The Timberwolves were one of only 75 teams who qualified for worlds this year. Although the team was unable to make it out of the quali-
competion in Houston
fying round, they still showed a valiant effort, placing 30th. Along with the awards that the team won from the competition, the team was also able to connect with others and form a more close knit worldwide robotics community.
“Everyone’s there to support the robots and have fun, to try and win awards at the competition and meet new people,” the team’s designer and driver, Brendan Conover said “[It’s a] good place to meet new people.”
Along with their impressive placement, the Timberwolves also managed to get the Team Sustainability Award. This award recognizes two things. The first is a measurement of how eco-friendly the robot is, and seeing as the Walpole team very consistently reuses parts from earlier robots, they were a perfect fit for the descriptor. The other half of the award is based
on how well the team is set up for the future. Just like with their environmental sustainability, WHS also makes an active attempt to build a strong group of underclassmen and incoming students. To familiarize and teach younger students about robotics, Walpole has three youth robotics teams as well as a high school team consisting solely of freshmen and sophomores.
“The upper classes send information down the classes so seniors teach juniors who teach sophomores who teach freshmen to make sure we never forget this important information,” programmer Cole Howard said.
Although the Timberwolves are proud of their achievements, they expect to go even farther next year. With a larger, more experienced team, they believe they can do better than ever and hopefully attain another award.
Senior class president Faith Hefernan gives her speech to the graduating class.
Graduates toss their caps in the air to mark the end of their high school expierence.
Photo/ Mia Destito
This year's robtot cost the team about $20,000 to make.
Photo/ Joe Curran
Photo/ Mia Destito
WHS Speech and Debate Team heads to Nationals
Several students are advancing to compete in Des Moines, Iowa
By Sienna Kreuzer Staff Writer
As the school year comes to a close, the Walpole Speech and Debate team’s season also nears its end. While it has been a long year for the Speech and Debate team, full of many different events and tournaments, there is one final event left before the year closes off. This event is Nationals, which takes place from June 16-21.
The Walpole Speech team competes from October through April, while the debate team competes from October through March. Both of these teams are coached by Mrs. Murray, WHS English teacher. Throughout the year, the Speech and Debate team took part in various events. Some of which included the virtual debate state tournament, where Sara Axelrod and Blanka Lazri were champions after competing in the Big Questions Debate. Another notable event was when Debate President Sarah Mukkuzhi competed in Varsity LD and the March Merryness Tournament, where the team placed 6th out of the 40 teams in the tournament.
While the regular season is over for the WHS Speech and Debate team, it is not over for the Debate team’s President
Sarah Mukkuzhi, Vice President of Speech Bhakti Belle and Shayna Jain. As a result of their competitions, these students have qualified for the National Speech and Debate Association Nationals in June. In addition to these students, President of Speech Nirjara Akkole recently competed in the National Catholic Forensic League speech and debate national competition in Chicago, IL, from May 25 to May 26.
To qualify for NCFL nationals, a student needs to compete in a local league. There are six speech events and four debate events at NCFL Nationals. In these events, students compete in five preliminary rounds on the first day, then the top six entries in each category compete the next day. This competition is the final round, which is judged by five judges. Awards for the top competitors are given after the final round.
President Sarah Mukkuzhi is going to the NSDA Nationals as part of a New England team.
“Preparing [for nationals] entails frequent practices with [her] teammates, research into various topics, writing speeches, [and] practice debates against teams from
other states,” Mukkuzhi said. Mukkuzhi will be participating in the debate events at the NSDA.
“[Debate] focuses more on topics about morality, current events, [and] international relations,” Mukkuzi said.
In addition, Bhakti Belle is preparing for the NSDA Nationals for the speech event. Belle has been preparing for a very long time.
“[I] deliver my speech in front of as many people as possible before nationals so that I can hear different opinions and advice that will allow me to adjust my speech to appeal to many people,” Belle said.
The NSDA Nationals is the annual National Speech and Debate Tournament that allows
more than 140,000 members from around the country to compete with each other. In order to qualify for Nationals, students must attend other speech and debate tournaments that are called National Qualifiers, the most common qualifier being the NSDA District Tournaments. This year, the Nationals for speech and debate will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, from June 16 to June 21.
The WHS Speech and Debate team has had yet another successful year of competitions, with competitors placing in the top 10 for a majority of their meets. Notably, the team ranked 14th for the NDSA. This was out of all of the other speech and debate teams in Massachusetts, ending off their eventful year.
Innovation Career Pathways comes to WHS New program joins Walpole High in 2024-2025 school year
By Maeve O’Connor Staff Writer
In the upcoming 2024-25 school year, WHS will roll out a new program called Innovation Career Pathways, which will put students on a track to better plan their post-graduate careers. This upcoming program offers college level credit and a as well as hands-on career experience while students are still attending high school. WHS has introduced the program to connect the gap between what students are taught in the classroom and what they will need to know in the work force.
“We have a really cool setup where we can send kids away for a whole semester to work,” program coordinator James Connolly said. “But we were like, how do we take that program and apply it to the rest of the kids? How do we give that hands-on career experience to your average student?”
That is exactly where the brand new Innovation Pathway program comes into play. Starting in fall of 2024, WHS will start with two pathways offered to students: the preexisting Work Study program, as well as the new and Information Pathway. The Information Pathway consists of required courses such as Media Literacy and AP Language & Composi-
tion as well as a selection of electives such as Journalism, Digital Filmmaking and TV Production. The program hopes to eventually offer options for students with various interests and academic skills. By participating in the pro-
now, we don’t do a lot that’s focused on those next steps.”
Assistant principal Lee Tobey was interested in leading the program due to the rising interest in high demand job sectors that already exist within
gram, students will gain hands on career experience in a variety of fields. To prepare students for working in these fields, students will participate in a seminar called “My Career Plan Seminar ‘’ that will include career planning for students, skills for studying and talks from guest speakers.
“If you want to be a nurse, you can get a taste test of whether it’s something you’re actually interested in,” Connolly said.”
“It’s hopefully a way for kids to explore because I feel like right
Massachusetts, including manufacturing, information technology, business and finance, health and environmental or even life sciences. During the students’ senior year, they will finish the program by completing one of the program’s exit requirements.
“[Students] will either do a 100 hour internship or a capstone research project in their senior year, allowing them to connect with professionals in their fields of interest,” Tobey said.
This upcoming school
year is seen as a trial run for the faculty and students, so in later years, Walpole is able to decipher through what did and did not work.
“Next year, we’re going to apply for another pathway to be implemented in the 20252026 school year”. “We want to onboard students as early as the end of eighth grade. The differential is this internship or a senior project, and most kids take these classes anyway,” Tobey said.
The main target of bringing about a program like this is to make education for students enjoyable. “Pretty soon, we’ll have a place where everyone feels like they belong. That’s the goal” said Connolly. There’s only a handful of kids who excel in a classroom environment and who follow a routine of notes, chapter, study, test however, with the Innovation Pathways it would allow kids to excel beyond a confined environment.
The offerings to explore career paths for after high school, gain experience and prepare for the next steps in your education. That is what the program leaders Ms. Tobey and Mr. Connolly want most for students out of this dedication for the pathway. “It’s all about giving students more opportunities to find out what they really want to do,” said Connolly.
The Walpole Speech and Debate Team is preparing for their final competition.
Photo/ Walpole High School
Photo/@walpolespeechanddebate
How to create a consistent summer routine Tips towards managing your free time effectively during the summer
By Lila Koepenick Staff Writer
Incorporating a summer routine after the school year ends is extremely important to stay motivated. Especially if you’re a student juggling a job, summer work for classes and community events, it’s necessary to stay on track. Though many people enjoy sleeping in late during summer, an early start to your day can boost your mood. Beginning with a healthy breakfast , such as incorporating fruits, yogurts or protein is helpful to start your day. Adding water to all meals is essential as staying hydrated allows one to practice a healthy lifestyle,especially during the hot months. An energizing breakfast to have during the summer is a smoothie bowl with frozen fruit, topped with granola and bananas. It’s super simple to make, delicious and fuels your body. Getting a good meal as soon as you wake up can help one have a good day. If you’re near a beach or pool, another great way to start off your morning is going for a swim. Whether it’s laps, or just back floating in the water, it’s a good way to refresh yourself. Additionally, a way to help you feel more accomplished and organized is by making your bed. It makes your room look much neater, especial-
ly if you want to have friends over, or even just to sustain a clean environment for yourself. Keeping your room clean can help you stay motivated, and by taking 15 minutes each morning to tidy up can improve the overall look. Another thing that is great to add on to your morning routine is self reflection. This can be done through journaling, reading, or just listening to music. Putting on your favorite jams can help you stay motivated to stay awake throughout the morning. Journaling can include just brainstorming, or even a to-do list of the day. Planning out your day helps to get everything you need to do finished. It helps to lay out the steps you need to achieve in order to reach your daily goals. Adding journaling outside if the weather permits is a great idea, as the warm weather and sun can help boost mood levels and energy. If you have to get to your summer job early in the morning, it’s important to pack the night before so you have time in the morning to yourself. Make sure to pack an extra snack, and a water bottle, regardless of your job. If summer schoolwork is taking up your days, you should make sure to grab a snack and get an hour of your work in. Getting it done in the morning will allow one to
have more time later in the day for fun and relaxing activities. In the mornings and at night, an important step to implement is self-care like showers, skincare and things such as hair masks. Skincare is a crucial step, especially when your skin is exposed to a lot of heat in the summer, to keep it hydrated and healthy. Make sure each morning you start your day off by washing your face, using a serum and finishing with a moisturizer that also has SPF in it. At night, make sure to wash your face again to eliminate any dirt or makeup on your face. Use a toner to follow and even add things like eyecream and make sure you finish
with moisturizer. After a long day in the sun, taking an “everything showering” is crucial. An “everything shower” consists of all the steps you need to take in a shower. This ranges from bar soap, sugar scrubs, body wash, shampoo and conditioner and even hair masks. This is such a great way to reset after a long day and is essential to make a staple in your routine, especially in the summer. Staying on track throughout your days in summer is important so you can achieve more and so you are prepared to transition into the upcoming school year. Fill your mornings with things you enjoy doing in order to make your summer as fun as possible!
Students should seek out friends across grade levels
There is value in having a diverse
By Vanshi Shorff Staff Writer
Going into high school, there are many opportunities to become friends with people who are not the same age as you. When one joins clubs and sports, it can lead to creating friendships with people from a variety of grade levels. These relationships can be some of the most important friendships you make through out high school, and they can make high school life easier and more so much more fun. Having friends that are older or younger than you can have many benefits.
having a friend in a different grade can do is helping you with things they have prior experience with.
People in older grades have empathy for underclassmen because they have most likely already gone through many core experiences. Therefore, they can provide advice or comfort when you are experiencing hardship or conflict. You can also learn a lot from a person in a different grade. They can not just relate but tell you about their experiences and how they did things, opposed to hear-
sionate about the specific activity. In most cases the people in the clubs or sports that you do will be in a different grade level than you. Some of the bonds you make with people in other grades can be amazing but also sad. If you are becoming friends with a senior as a freshman it can be really sorrowful at the end of the year when they leave high school or in the case that they are younger, when you leave highschool.
Sometimes the bonds that you make can be even stronger than people in your own grade due to the fact that when you see someone everyday you might get bored and not have things to talk about. One of the biggest benefits of having an intergrade friendship is helping you gain empathy and tolerance for others. They can help you, when you form close relationships with people of a whole different lifestyle than you. This can help you develop greater empathy and be more accepting of others. When you have friends from various backgrounds and various grade levels, you are exposed to different ways of thinking and living.
social circle
Each grade level is different in their own way, and learning things from members of different classes can help you improve as a person. Having friendships outside of just your grade will really help with the way you perceive things, their opinion can help shape your opinion so that you are not just relying on people who are the same as you. With integrated relationships you will start to appreciate everyone and not just people who are similar to the character that you are. It is harder to hold on to stereotypes when you have personal relationships that contradict them. Finally, having friends across grade levels can create a fun environment for your high school life. When you see more familiar faces in the halls it can make you feel happy and put a smile on your face as well as theirs. Because of this, going to school every day can be a more positive experience. Overall, intergrade friendships can make your life more vibrant and can even give you a different perspective of the world. They can help you become a better person, improve your social life, and do so many things that will make your highschool life so much better.
Graphic/ Lila Koepenick
Graphic/ Vanshi Shroff
WHS should implement outdoor classes Outdoor classes increase students’ mental health
By Hailey Brooks Staff Writer
Integrating outdoor classes into the school system can bring a breath of fresh air to traditional learning environments. Outdoor education offers a sufficient amount of benefits that can enhance students overall wellbeing, academic performance, and engagement in learning.
Outdoor classes provide a unique learning environment that fosters a deeper connection with nature. Stepping outside the four walls of a classroom allows students to experience the wonders of the natural world firsthand. This exposure to the outdoors can have a calming effect, reduce stress levels and improve focus and concentration, ultimately enhancing the learning experience. “Students’ thoughts will increase more with positive emotions and comfort being surrounded with friends and being able to communicate with others, Student Emma Wagonfeld said. Furthermore, outdoor classes offer hands-on learning experiences that can significantly impact students’ understanding
of various subjects. For instance, taking science classes outdoors enables students to observe and interact with the environment, conduct experiments and apply theoretical concepts into real-life scenarios. This practical approach to learning not only makes lessons more engaging but also helps students retain information better.
In addition to academic benefits, outdoor classes promote physical activity and overall health among students. Instead of being confined to desks for extended periods, students have the opportunity to move, explore and engage in physical activities outdoors. This active learning approach not only promotes fitness and well-being but also instills healthy habits that can benefit students in the long run.
Moreover, outdoor classes stimulate creativity and critical thinking skills. The outdoor environment serves as a natural catalyst for inspiring innovative ideas, encouraging students to think creatively, problem solve and view concepts from different perspectives. Outdoor activities also promote teamwork, communication and adaptability
which are essential skills for success in today’s dynamic world. “I think students’ motivation could increase because oftentimes when you’re stuck inside you’re too busy looking outside wishing you were there but if you’re outside you’ll be more focused on the activity at hand,” an anonymous student said.
To effectively implement outdoor classes, schools can designate outdoor learning spaces on campus, such as gardens, nature trails or outdoor classrooms as well as other necessary resources. Teachers can integrate outdoor activities into their lesson plans, aligning them with curriculum standards and learning objectives. Providing support for teachers on outdoor teaching methods
can further enhance the success of outdoor education initiatives. Incorporating outdoor classes into schools can enrich the educational experience for students in numerous ways. From promoting mental well-being and academic achievement to encouraging physical activity and fostering creativity, outdoor education holds immense potential to transform traditional learning environments. These learning environments are transformed into dynamic, engaging spaces that students can learn, grow and create bonds with. By embracing outdoor learning opportunities, schools can create a more impactful educational experience for their students to thrive in to get the most of their schooling.
Field day should be enjoyed by all ages A day in the sun gives students a break from school
By Caitlin McCabe Staff Writer
Field day is, arguably, a staple in one’s elementary and middle school experience. Unfortunately, once you get to highschool it no longer occurs. This day is looked forward to by many students because it allows you to partake in enjoyable as well as competitive activities. A school day dedicated to going outside and playing games also builds bonds and trust among classmates. New friendships can form and educators can see their students when they are with their friends being themselves. Additionally, the teachers also benefit from field days because it allows them to have a break in teaching and get to know their students better. Overall, field day creates many enjoyable memories and if high schools started implementing field days, older students would be able to have more memories to look back on once they graduate. A day to blow off steam and not have to stress about tests or projects could help all groups in the WHS community. Students stress levels increase severely due to finals, MCAS and all the projects that the end of the year brings. Stress can easily cloud the mind and a distraction from all the anxiety can help students a lot because it provides a mental break; therefore, field day is a way to relieve stress and take
a breather from tests and projects. An exhilarating day in the sun bonding with your peers is able to assist the growth of friendships and trust between students. In high school certain cliques or gossip have the ability to separate people and ruin their friendships causing them to not
ships between two people. Field day also allows pupils to socialize more than they would if they were just in their regular classes. Social skills are something that people are just expected to know regardless of their background or home life and activities like this can aid the development of these
talk to each other even if they could potentially get along really well. When competitiveness kicks in people put their differences aside resulting in effective teamwork and connection. It can also form unexpected new friend-
necessary skills. Certain learning conditions make it much more difficult to create friendships for specific people and this day opens up countless opportunities for socializing with new people that you would not normally talk to.
Not only would a break benefit students, but it would also be beneficial to teachers. The WHS staff works hard all year long so their students can pass their classes, score well on exams, and eventually graduate. Being able to have their students cooperate and get good grades takes a lot of effort. As a result, field day is beneficial to educators because it gives them a relaxing recess from their busy schedules. Having a break from the usual routines can help the educators clear their mind for the upcoming stress. This event also lets them get to know the teens they have seen every week better by allowing them to spend time with students outside of the classroom.
WHS should incorporate a field day into their yearly schedule as a way to stimulate community building, healthy competition, and physical activity. Having the oppurtunity to go outside and play games with your classmates is something every student should be granted. Everyone works hard all year and deserves a break from all the pressure. Especially with finals week being the last week of school and the semester ending; a mental relief is something that can be extremely beneficial. A day out in the sun is a perfect way to bond, unwind and enjoy oneself; moreover, it celebrates the conclusion of a school year by ending the year on a fun, positive note.
Graphic/ Vanshi Shroff
Photo/ Hailey Brooks
okay to change your mind on your future plans and path after high school. Keep an open mind and try new things. Trust your gut and work hard!” ~Victoria Noyes
“It’s
“Live in the moment, make the most of every experience/opportunity you get. Put down the phone and soak it all in. Life moves quickly!”
~ Courtney Nottebart
We asked the WHS what advice they had for ates embark on their post-graduate words of wisdom
ability“Cherishmomentswithyourfriends.The todevotesomuchtimetoyourfriendshipdoesn’tlastforever!”~GillianHogan
“Time istosomething make the ~ James
the teachers of for the Class of 2024 as the gradupost-graduate plans. Come check out what they have to share!
“Lifeisn’tacontestaboutwhoisrightandwhois wrong,orwhoshouldsaysorryfirstornot.Just shutupandsmile.” ~Richard Kim
something that you can’t get back, try the most of every day.”
James Connolly
“Iwouldencourageallgraduatingseniorstotravel,especially ifyouaregoingtoacollegewhereyouhavetheopportunityto studyabroadforasemester.Immersingyourselfinanother cultureisanamazingexperiencewhereyoucanandlearn moreaboutyourself.”~JenniferHugueley
“The one lesson I try to teach is that when you spend time and energy trying to be something you’re not, you will never be happy with your life. It’s a lot easier to embrace your flaws, own up to your mistakes and understand no one is perfect.”
- Kerry McMenimen
Graphic / Madilyn Cataloni
A letter to the Class of 2024
It is time to stop worrying about the
By Carly Schlittler Staff Writer
When I was five years old, I could perfectly present the timeline of the rest of my life to anyone who asked. I would live in a bright pink house with white accents. I would have a brick road that would lead to the double doors of my castle. I would have six golden retrievers and three tabby cats. I would get married at twenty years old to a charming prince, and we would have twin girls and a boy. When I was younger I could not wait to grow up and enter this new life I had planned for myself. However, life started to get confusing when I became a junior and senior, and between five and seventeen years old, my answer got less specific. Flash forward twelve years, I am nowhere near that goal, and that is okay.
“Where will you be in five years?” is a notorious question that immediately sets people into a panic. Job interviews, teachers and even your own parents want to see if you have the rest of your life figured out. Somehow, they are expecting a serious answer when our adulthood years are barely starting. We are expected to know what our career is, where we will settle down, when we will get married; however, we are just kids. Right now, we are just trying to keep our statistics grade up and make sure our voice does not get dry during a presentation. People try so hard to make sure you have a plan for their life, but does anyone really have a plan they follow? Have you ever really had a set plan that followed everything you wanted? No one has to know where they will be in five years, and it is time for people to start accepting the uncertainty of the future. People need to stop planning their entire life, and just focus on what is right in front of them. If you focus too much on the future, you will miss out on opportunities that will give you lasting memories as you grow up. It is okay not to know where you will be in the future because all that matters is what is happening right this second. I am a senior in high school about to enter an entire new chapter of my life, and all the adults in my life continue to bring up college and careers
when it tends to get quiet. My future has become the new icebreaker, but I never have the same answer. I have grown worried about my future and the pressure of my family’s expectations of me sometimes gets too much. I have yet to decide on a college, and my parents keep wanting to make a decision but I don’t know what to do. I never understood how people knew exactly what they wanted to do with their life, and I always hoped those people could make a decision for me. All of these decisions and questions about my life worried me until I remembered my sophomore year of high school. I took a television production class and I felt
turned upside down because without it, he would have never had the family and job that he clings to so dearly. He wishes he learned that life is not always a straight path earlier, and now he is letting us indulge in his ideology so we can be prepared. The one aspect he wanted us to take away from his lecture was that we need to accept the bumps that come along the road. Do not throw away opportunities in your life that swerve you off your path. It is okay to change directions and your mind because nothing is permanent. We have to allow every change that comes into our life, and know that it is happening for a reason. It is okay to not have
Even though you might face pressure to have your life figured out, there is always time to determine your path.
completely out of place. One day, instead of filming news stories, my teacher wanted to give us a little piece of advice. He knew that when we went into our junior year of high school, everyone would pile on questions, and he decided that we needed a new perspective on our future when those questions were asked. He felt that his advice on the rest of our life was more important than projects or homework, and it was. He told us that if we had a plan for the next few years of our life, it would never work out. He told us that there is no point in aligning our future in a straight line because it never stays straight. His life turned in many different directions that he was not expecting in high school, but the new path he was put on made his life so much more enjoyable. He never saw himself teaching at Walpole, but he is utterly grateful life gave him new direction. He is happy that his life changed and
an answer for everything because we are not supposed to have everything planned out. Life gets pretty bumpy along the way, and it might get hard, but the best thing we can do is just allow everything into our life. Hearing this completely altered the way I saw my future. I used to dread growing up and making decisions because I never understood how people had plans. I never understood how people have dream schools that they have always wanted to go to because how do they know that college is the one for them? How have they known exactly what they want to be when they grow up? I tried so hard to be one of those people who just have everything perfectly organized, but I realized that it is okay to not be that person. It is okay not to know. I am forever grateful he talked to my class. People try so hard to shape us to have an answer for everything, but life is not that easy. If
future
Start trusting the uncertainty of what’s to come
we try so hard to focus on our future, we will miss living and the future will come and we still won’t have an answer. Our future depends on the choices we make today, not the plans we make for ten years later. Plans change, life changes, and all we can do is just take life day by day and accept everything that happens. Now, I am about to graduate high school and even though I have not chosen a school, I know everything will work out. I know that whichever school I choose will offer me amazing new opportunities and memories. I know that my pick for a school will become clear to me and I will be able to achieve my dreams. I have finally chosen a major I want to pursue in college, but that does not mean I am narrowing my future to that specific major. If I decide that my major is not the one for me, then that is okay. I will take college one step at a time, and not force myself to fit into a plan that is wrong for me. I know people believe that going to a college forces me to be there for four years, but I will decide my plans for what I believe is right for me. Thinking about my future does scare me, but I know that everything that happens is for a reason. I know I will find a college right for me and a career that will make me happy. I am forever grateful my teacher gave me this advice because now I am so excited for college and what is to come. I hope that my advice helps anyone who is facing decisions that will inevitably change their life. I hope it helps anyone that feels so confused about what they will be when they grow up. This is for anyone who constantly worries about their future and tries to plan everything out before they grow up. I am going to be the one to tell you that everything will be okay. Not knowing your future does not mean that you are going to fail. It is okay not to know. It is okay to change your mind and make mistakes. You do not need to know everything about the next five years of your life. We are all human, and we are allowed the right to say “I don’t know” because “I don’t know” is an answer too.
Graphic/ Carly Schlittler
“Dancing Queen” ABBA
“Risk” Gracie Abrams
“La La Land”
Bryce Vine
“Growing Sideways”
Noah Kahan
“Hips Don’t Lie” Shakira
“Back On 74” Jungle
“ All Your’n” Tyler Childers
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER Billie
Eilish
“Hotel California” Eagles
“Cruel Summer” Taylor Swift
“The Spins” Mac Miller
“Saturn” SZA
“This Love” Taylor Swift
“Manic Monday” The Bangles
“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” The Beach Boys
Netflix releases season three
Part
of “Bridgerton”
one entertains fans yet leaves them anticipating more
By Meg McNeil Editor-In-Cheif
On May 16, Netflix released season three part one of “Bridgerton” to its patiently awaiting fans. The previous season premiered over a year and a half ago, and with so much time taken, this season was highly anticipated with the hope of yet another diamond season. “Bridgerton” takes place during the Regency era in London, England as the show follows the Bridgerton family and their eight children on their journey to find love. This season, the show highlights yet another love story, but this time a friends to lovers trope is portrayed in comparison to the previous season enemies to lovers trope. Colin Bridgerton, an esteemed member of upper class society of England returns from his tour of Europe with enticing stories, attracting many young ladies in hope of marriage. However, he has overlooked his “friend” who he has been writing to all while on his trip, Penelope Featherington. Previously, the friendship
between Penelope and Eloise Bridgerton, Colin’s sister, had been severed causing confusion for Colin when he returned.
“Dearest Reader”, the iconic phrase used by Lady Whistledown, writes to the ton about scandals and disrupts the social order of society. Penelope writes under the pen name of Lady Whistledown to express her opinions and gossip. Not only is her romance with Colin highlighted but also her friendship with Eloise. This dual relationship coverage in this season really makes it stand above the rest.
An interesting and eyecatching factor about this new season is that both Penelope and Colin remodel themselves this season. For example, Penelope wears new colors like sage and dark green, unlike previous seasons, that accentuate her hair and make her stand out. A major shift is that Penelope realizes she wants to get married and become like the rest of the ton, opposite of her old friend Eloise. With more beautiful music played at balls, the acoustic versions of popular
versions of popular songs are appealing to fans who are interested in the pop music genere. The fashion this season ran into controversy with many viewers on social media. Many claimed that their attire was too modern for the time period of the show. With many dresses breaking the traditional look and color scheme of 17th century England, some fans were disappointed with the show’s lack of commitment to realism. Part one of this season met the
Photo/Teen Vogue
expectations of readers and prepares viewers for more action in the upcoming part two. Leaving on a cliffhanger was an intentional choice to hook readers However, as most seasons of “Bridgerton” have played out, viewers know couples never get such a simple ending and more plot twists are to come in part two. Leaving on a cliffhanger was an intentional choice by director Shonda Rhimes to hook viewers and attract more suspense.
How to achieve a stylish new summer closet Advice on how to update your wardrobe this season
By Maeve O’Connor Staff Writer
With the school year coming to a close, teenagers are already preparing on transitioning their outfits for the summer. So as you get ready to update your wardrobe for the warmer months, consider one of these options for a fresh take on summer fashion. If you’re looking for an alternative to plain denim shorts, there are a variety of breezy options to help you stay cool while looking put together. Pinterest boards have been filled with striped boxers and maxi skirts, and they seem to be a fan favorite. The loose-fitted boxers allow you to feel more casual and laid-back, and the stretchy fabric can be much more comfortable than stiff denim. Additionally, maxi skirts fit the vibes for a variety of occasions and can easily be dressed down with a basic tank top or dressed up with fun accessories. If you do enjoy denim shorts, going for a longer length with jorts is an easy way to put your own spin on the current aesthetics. Wide leg pants are also is coming back through waves of styles, giving the same feel as boxers as they’re still breathable on hot
option for pants slowly making their way back into everyday fashion. With so many stylish choices, you’ll be sure to find the perfect pants to fit your summer style!
While tube tops have always been a summer staple, many brands are coming out with new iterations of the classic piece for this season. In recent months, striped and floral patterns have been on the rise. Don’t forget variations of square necks this
year’s aesthetic has to offer. No matter what item it shows up on, a square neck is guaranteed to give your outfit a more fashionable edge. Graphic tees are timeless but still offer a bold statement in a casual event. With so many diverse styles you’ll never be in doubtful to find the perfect price for your summer wardrobe.
If tops and shorts aren’t your aesthetic, summer 2024 will have plenty of options to offer you
for any sort of dresses. Stores are overflowing with long and flowy maxi dresses, with patterns ranging from floral to solid colors. If you’re looking for a tighter fit, many stores have bodycon dresses available as well. You’ll even be able to find a classic sundress for a breezy day that will for sure match with everything! Dresses are an easy way to look put together without having to assemble a complete outfit, and the flowy fabric is perfect for the warmer weather. Additionally, dresses with puff sleeves and cut outs can be styled to look modest or vintage, with many possibilities to choose from. Floral printed dresses annually make a comeback as they’re a timeless staple for every summer. Halter neck dresses will be in stock in stores all around as they offer an easy way to cool off in the heat. With endless styles and patterns for dresses you’ll be sure to find the perfect one for you to elevate your summer fashion. No matter what aesthetic you prefer, adding accessories like rounded sunglasses, canvas bags or hair bows can elevate your look and tie the whole thing together. By incorporating some of these trends into your wardrobe, you can enter the summer season in style!
Folk rock concerts come to Boston this summer Artists like Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan
By Sophia Gibson Staff Writer
Singers Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan have gained a lot of popularity this past year, which is why many local fans are very excited to see them both perform their concerts in New England this summer. The singers have a similar style of music, varying from folk to country music, which is considered a unique type of sound that has not been heard from a majority of artists before. The artists music complements each other well because of the similar style of music and their vocals.
About two years ago, Bryan released his second single “Something In The Orange” from his album “American Heartbreak.” This song quickly gained popularity and was a crucial listen throughout the summer. However, this hit single was not released until a little later on in his career. In October of 2019, Bryan had his first concert open to the public in Oregon and about five years later, after his rise to fame, he was able to tour in major cities across the United States. Bryan’s tour is entitled “The Quittin Time Tour” where he will be traveling to perform at Gillette Stadium June 26 and and July 17. Fans are very excited
have already sold out shows
to hear him play, as he originally was only going to play in June, then later added the July date.
“Bryan’s fans have been eagerly waiting for this since his last tour. The blend of his soulful voice with the ambience of a live concert creates pure magic,” a Zach Bryan tour website said.
Noah Kahan’s third album Stick Season skyrocketed his career as an artist as it has received the most popularity out of all his previous albums. Many began to learn about Kahan in the past few
years after this album received a lot of positive feedback. His original Stick Season album was released in October of 2022, which is when many fans discovered his music. Kahan extended this album to include deluxe tracks which is entitled “Stick Season (Forever)”, he added collabs with other artists such as Post Malone, Lizzy McAlpine, Kacey Musgraves, Hozier, Gracie Abrams, Sam Fender, Brandi Carlile and Gregory Alan Isakov, which allowed for his album to gain more
support from fans of his collaborators. These collaborations also left each track with a uniqueness to them. Although Kahan has already begun his tour, Kahan will be playing in Fenway Park July 18-19 to feature his newest album, which has already been sold out.
Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan can also be associated together because of Bryan’s song “Sarah’s Place” in his album Boys of Faith, which Kahan collaborated with him on. “Sarah’s Place (feat. Noah Kahan)” has over 350,000 daily streams as of May 28th. The song contains uplifting lyrics that are easy to sing along to. Additionally, this song is a good listen because their voices complement each other really well. The singers work together to make music that is fun to listen to and that they enjoy creating together. The two singers will continue to succeed because of the vulnerability within their song lyrics and the ability for many fans to find a connection with their lyrics. Many fans would definitely be very happy to see more collaborations between the two artists because of their many musical similarities. Since their careers are just taking off due to their semi-recent fame, there are many future opportunities for them to continue to sing among their fans.
Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan performing “Sarah’s Place” in Tennessee.
Photo/ dumbstruck
Pinterest is a great resource to find new styles
Graphics/ Mia Destito
I hated middle school, so to be honest, I was petrified to enter high school. Once COVID-19 shut everything down, I was scared that I would never have a normal high school experience. The first year was tough since we were in cohorts and stayed 6 feet apart from each other, but I still managed to find my way by joining Best Buddies and the Cross Country/Track & Field Teams. Sophomore year was the start of the best three years of my life so far. I joined the student council, got leadership roles in Best Buddies, and started hitting some goals in Cross Country/Track. I have made most of my friends through running, and the XC/Track program is something I will forever be grateful for. My friends have become like my family and having such a large support system surrounding me at all times has made high school so much more enjoyable. I Being a part of a team, clubs, and on the Executive Board of STUCO has made these past four years so much better. High school has made me a more knowledgeable, kinder, and well-rounded individual. While I am sad to see it go, I am excited for the next chapter at the University of South Carolina where I will be studying political science.
The growth I have undergone since freshman year is, for lack of a better word, dense. My time at Walpole High School has provided a plethora of situations driving me to adapt to new challenges, people, and environments. These experiences have come at full force in such a condensed period of four years. Yet no matter how difficult they may have been, I struggle to articulate my gratitude for each of the lessons I have learned. I walked into the front doors as a submissive, little freshman, and thanks to my peers and educators, I marched out as a resilient, intrepid graduate. Whether these individuals’ contributions came from support or doubt, I learned to always keep moving forward: To the dreamer goes the dream. Many of my most wild, emotional, and/or hilarious nostalgia can be found in hallways, classrooms, and of course, science lab tables. The notorious high school career gave me hearty laughs and strong relationships—yet more than anything, Walpole High drew up my utter perspicacity. My experience there has provided a stark perspective as to what my life can be, and although there is apprehension in embarking on new adventures, I know that it is better to miss home than not know what you’re missing. The biggest risk is taking none, and every memory you’re not making will never be there. With that, I wish the best for all future Walpole High School students! Do interesting things and interesting things will happen to you.
As I look back on my high school experience, I am thankful for all the memories I have made and the amazing people I have met along the way. I have been involved in many different clubs, activities, and community service over my four years here but, as many people know, Student Council holds a very special place in my heart. I have been on StuCo all four years and my senior year serving as Co-President alongside Kevin Needham. Kevin and I have worked closely with Ms. Mac, the executive board, and the rest of our council to plan many different events this year. My favorites have been the Bead Battle, the Cornhole tournament, and our MA StuCo three-day conference in Hyannis. One piece of advice I would give to the incoming freshman is to use study halls wisely because getting that extra assignment done during the school day can really help with a busy nighttime schedule. Stay for intervention when you need it because the extra help I have received is what has helped me get the grades I wanted. Leaving Walpole High School is a bittersweet feeling, but I am excited for the future and will never forget the memories made here.
I slept a lot in high school. On a near-daily basis, often in multiple classes, I would doze off for twenty or thirty minutes at a time. Sometimes I slept out of boredom, but it was most often an uncontrollable exhaustion; I loved my biology lectures, and I snored through half of them. I was not sleeping enough at home, even if I pried eight hours out of my day for it. My teachers nearly always let me snooze with the understanding that I could catch up on weekends. Their doors were open for catch-up work during intervention. My naps became part of the messy, cooperative process by which I survived my classes. Many times, I have contended with my own limits in high school. I have had to negotiate healthy relationships with my anxiety, my body, my social battery, and my calculus homework. I have also failed in these regards, again and again. I could not have expected to get through high school without the sympathy and kindness of my peers, in these moments of defeat. There is hardly anything more humiliating than literally collapsing on your desk from exhaustion - and hardly anything kinder than being given grace for it. My friends and teachers at Walpole High have treated me with grace and empathy again and again, as I work out these growing pains, the awkwardness and enervation of being a teenager. Thank you, Walpole High, for being kind.
