The Searchlight January 2025

Walpole High School undergoes renovation

Improvements to multiple aspects of the school are in progress

By Olivia Fezzie Staff Writer

In August 2026, Walpole High School’s Renovation Project will be complete, with improvements including changes in the science wing, a greenhouse, a field house, exterior site improvements and replacements of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC). Throughout the school, problems regarding space will also be addressed, with music and athletic programs expanding and getting more attention.

“The primary motivation for this project is to address critical areas of improvement at WHS to better prepare students for the future,” WHS Principal Stephen Imbusch said. "Key focus areas include: Athletics, Science & Technology, Student Support and Music Education. With the successful completion of the Middle School building, the time has come to address these deficiencies and modern-

ize the high school facilities.”

Inside the school, the music classrooms, science classrooms and athletic programs will expand. Currently, the STEM and science classrooms do not have the room they need for proper labs and experiments.

expanded to promote collaboration and communication, instead of the usual “lecture style” structured classroom. A greenhouse will also be built to the left of the school. The greenhouse will provide several sources that will support eco-friendly and environ-

Performing arts, theater and music departments also do not have the space they need for practices, performances or to store equipment, which is being addressed as well. Standard classes such as math, English and history will be

mental learning. These sources will also provide real-life experiences to introduce studying the ecosystem, farming, gardening, hydroponics and much more.

“The new greenhouse will allow the school to expand

its Program of Studies to include exciting courses such as Botany,” Imbusch said. Fresh food sources inside the greenhouse will also help the Walpole Food Pantry and The Food Service Department. There are a variety of priorities that the project aims to address, and the funding will spread throughout a variety of sources. The total cost of the project will approximately be $30-37 million and will be paid by borrowing money, using remaining funds from completed capital projects, the Walpole Media Corporation and more. The budget will continually be refined and reduced in order to have all aspects of the project achieved.

The WHS Renovation Project is a consequential operation for the school, with its goal aiming for improvement of the school environment. The renovations will address short-and long-term issues to improve the school.

Mentorship program returns to Fisher Elementary

WHS students provide guidance to elementary school students

By Lila Koepenick News Editor

For the second continuous year, Fisher Elementary School has implemented a mentor program that provides students with a high school student to provide extra help on learning activities, assignments and extra socialization. The mentorship program is held every other Wednesday from January until June.

The Walpole High School students were chosen through a specific process in order to become mentors. Students were required to provide reasons of interest for joining the program in order to be accepted. Additionally, students were required to get a recommendation form signed by a teacher to vouch for their suitability to serve as mentors in the program.

In last year's program, each classroom was given one mentor who would work with specific students. The program has made beneficial changes this year in order to accommodate

students' needs, allowing the mentor to have time focusing on all students within the classroom.

Focusing on students individually has found to have a larger impact and generated more positivity within the program.

Principal of Fisher Elementary School, Brian Bermiss, decided

Our WHS mentors inspire our students to see that there is a big world of opportunities beyond elementary school,” Bermiss said. Some examples of mentor and student activities may include reading, math work, STEM activities and preparation for Battle of the Books. Mentors assist

to create this program, along with other Fisher teachers in order to create larger areas of support for elementary age students in terms of socialization and peer-based learning.

“By working with the high school mentors, we hope our students gain a sense of perspective.

in this program through reading with students, and engaging in conversations about their books.

“Something new this year is that the mentors have taken an active role in our ‘Battle of the Books’ program, playing a key part in ensuring participating students read the required

number of books,” Bermiss said. When teachers aren’t available for students, mentors are able to step in and help with reading comprehension, math work and other essential skills needed in the classroom.

“I have loved being a part of these students' academic careers where I can help them learn and where I can pick up on my own skills regarding teaching,” WHS student mentor Gloria Wilmot said.

Many of the selected students who have contributed to this program plan to further their post-graduate education in teaching. Many utilize this opportunity to gain experience working with children in an educational environment.

“I’ve enjoyed this program throughout my participation. I plan to go into elementary education in college and this program sets me up for success in my future workplace,” Wilmot said. The program will continue throughout the year.

Fisher Schools "Meet our Mentors" bulletin board.

Current renovations in order to add more parking spots.

Photo/Olivia Fezzie

Photo/Brian Bemiss

WHS reintroduces the Green Team WHS students shine a light on environmental awareness

By Gianna Frederick Assistant News Editor

In today’s world, our planet is vulnerable to many environmental harms. Winters without snow and 60 degree days are now common, and it appears as though it may be too late to reverse these effects; but, students at WHS are ambitious to tackle these issues and better the situation of our planet.

A portion of Superintendent Dr. Bridget Gough’s Student Leadership Cabinet recently sparked the idea of getting the Green Team—a student-run group that promotes the betterment of the Earth—back upand-running at WHS. Seniors Nirjara Akkole, Norah Broderick and Rebecca Schmidt, and juniors Michael Federer, Shahasree Keerthana, Thomas Kowalsky and Jackson Towers, have been meeting frequently to discuss the future of the Green Team.

“We’re not reinventing the wheel: we’re reviving the Green Team that did such good work paving the way by promoting environmental sustainability around the school,” senior Student Leadership

Cabinet member Schmidt said.

In 2009, a group of students at WHS introduced the Green Team to the collection of the various student-led organizations available at the school. They worked alongside other clubs, such as Student Council, to offer opportunities for students to connect with nature and contribute to the improvement of our planet. However, as years passed, the Green Team became leaderless after many active members reached their graduation. Luckily, the ambitions of Walpole’s Student Leadership Cabinet aspire to foster participation across freshman and sophomores to create a large, diverse base of students that can prolong the Green Team’s existence.

Although the team isn’t reestablished yet, aspiring members have been meeting frequently to curate solutions and mechanisms to employ upon WHS students and staff to bring light to the health of the Earth, such as introducing recycling bins to the cafeteria, crafting eco-friendly posters to hang on the walls and having the lunchroom evaluated for sustainability. These notices have the potential to cultivate

schoolwide investment in not only the Green Team at WHS, but in the environment in general.

“Though a lot of climate change is out of our control, there is a lot we can do within the school to make it more sustainable and to address the situation of our planet. Every small effort counts,” Schmidt said.

One long-term goal the upcoming Green Team has set out is investing in composting at the school. Composting has numerous benefits for the planet: it reduces waste and emissions from landfills, improves soil health and overall, protects

the climate. Although it is a timely process, typically taking anywhere from two weeks to two years to process depending on the material, it is definitely worth the investment in the eyes of the future Green Team. However, this project is something that will be in the works for years to come. Regardless, these seven members of the cabinet have full faith that this future composting project—and the regeneration of the Green Team in its entirety—has the potential to bring a great impact to the Walpole community, and our planet as a whole.

Wildfires globally burn throughout 2024

Countries are left in shambles as a result of the fires

By Maeve Connors Staff Writer

Wildfires have been a major concern in 2024 and into the new year. The 2025 Los Angeles fires have brought increasing attention to the issue and the specific causes. The 2024 fires left lasting results, affecting six continents. The wildfires left countries and states devastated by their long lasting effects.

There are many common, natural causes that lead to wildfires such as lightning and volcanic activity; yet, fires are also being caused by humans from cigarettes and unattended campfires. Climate change is also a source of fires with the increasing temperatures and extreme weather. No matter the cause, wildfires continue to affect many families, ecosystems, homes and towns.

“The 2023–2024 fire season was marked by unprecedented fire extent and emissions in Canada; deadly fastmoving fires in Hawaii and Chile; the largest individual wildfires on record in the European Union and Canada,” Earth System Science Data (ESSD) Copernicus stated in 2024.

North America was largely affected by the fires last year. Canada suffered 4,648 fires and

the United States 54,769. North America reached about half a million fires due to drought in areas such as California, Arizona and states nearby. The U.S. states with the highest fire risks are California, Texas and Colorado. Canada experienced similar cases too, where the long dry seasons with warm air started

and around $4 million worth of acres lost that used to be grasslands and forest. Brazil, similar to Bolivia, experienced uncontrollable wildfires beginning in June. Just one month later in July, 4% of land was burned in the Amazon Rainforest with the intensity of the fires growing. Several other countries and cit-

more fires. British Columbia, Canada was the area at highest risk during the 2024 fire season. South America also endured harsh fires in Chile, Bolivia and Brazil. Chile, with unusual high temperatures, resulted in over 150 fires throughout the year. Uncontrollable fires began in Bolivia during the month of June and increased in severity in July and August. The Bolivian fires resulted in air pollution

ies in South America, like Ecuador and Peru, also suffered fires along with cities nearby.

The other continents who withstood the fires were Australia, Asia, Africa and Europe. Australia experienced around 35,000 fires devastating their lands. Asia and Russia suffered through the most fires at around 1,700 because of extremely dry conditions from climate change. European countries saw less

than 100 wildfires. Africa, on the other hand, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, went through 105,951 fires during the 2024 season. Many neighboring countries by the Democratic Republic of Congo faced 1,000 to 10,000 fires on their land.

Overall, wildfires have been increasing in severity due to climate change, causing the land and air to be hotter and drier, leading to a longer season for wildfires. The number of fires increased during the summer months, and when it should have died down during fall months, the number of fires kept increasing. Wildfire season used to last roughly five months, but now wildfire season is pushing almost seven months long. The wildfires also continue to worsen as seen with the fires in Los Angeles. Citizens were required to evacuate the city as the fires destroyed thousands of homes and buildings. Caused by seriously dry conditions along with powerful winds, the fires continue to blow farther and for longer.

The expanding wildfire season, climate change and so many other factors contributed to the intense wildfires that burned millions of acres of land over the span of a year. The concerns of many lead people looking for ways to help save their homes.

Wildfires continue to cause mass destruction across the world.

Photo/Scientificcamerican

A few members of Superintendent Dr. Bridget Gough’s Student Leadership Cabinet.

Photo/Gianna Frederick

Kids have access to social media too early

Introducing

kids to social media is damaging to their mental health

By Sophie Murray Editor-in-Chief

Generation Alpha, born between the years of 2010 to 2024, is the first to grow up entirely in the 21st century—a time of revolutionary technological advancements. Generation Z, born between 1996 and 2009, experienced the gradual evolution of technology and social media. As this generation got older, they witnessed the release of new iPhone models and the advancements in artificial intelligence, which developed their addiction to technology and phones slowly over time. However, Gen Alpha is growing up in a world where technology is part of their everyday life, making them the first generation to experience its detrimental effects very early on in life. With exposure to phones so early on, Gen Alpha has not been held back from diving into one of the most damaging aspects of technology: social media. Children who have access to platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat are at risk of hindered brain development, resulting in the possibility of depression, anxiety and underdeveloped social skills. Overall, children

should not be exposed to social media at a young age due to the harmful mental and social effects. Most families provide their children phones around middle school, as the need for outside communication grows with increased independence. While phones offer essential benefits like texting, phone calls and tracking apps to stay connected with young children, many kids begin to push for access to social media. With a device that offers endless opportunities to engage on social media platforms, they will most likely want to explore. However, children under the age of around 15 are generally not ready to handle the responsibility of managing social media. Their prefrontal cortex—responsible for decision making, reasoning and maintaining social appropriateness—isn’t developed yet. Having underdeveloped brains, they are less capable of understanding the potential consequences of their actions on social media, such as what they post, view and who they interact with. Additionally, kids will not be able to recognize inappropriate or unsafe behaviors online, making them more vulnerable to the exposure to harmful content. Therefore, keeping kids

off of social media apps at this stage will protect their mental and emotional development, benefiting them in the long run.

“Delaying social media immersion helps ensure that they will be more mature about what they post, more able to resist its addictive appeal and less vulnerable to emotional harm,” the Child Mind Institute stated.

Social media is also extremely damaging for the emotional well-being of kids. It is designed to provide instant gratification through likes, comments and shares, which can create a sense of needing validation. If we don’t receive positive feedback, it is easy to feel self-conscious or bad about ourselves. Young chil-

dren are not equipped to manage these feelings, often resulting in low self-esteem, anxiety or even depression at a very early age. Additionally, social media increases the risk of exposure to cyberbullying or social exclusion, which can be particularly hard to handle as a child. With a lack of maturity, kids should stay off of social media until they are ready to handle negative outcomes from social media platforms.

CEO of Social Awakening, Max Stossel, works with parents about the impacts of technology on kids.

“I am still waiting for the first parent to tell me they wish they had given [social media to their children] sooner,” Stossel said.

Social media filters create detrimental effects Consumers

of filters are at risk for mental health

By Caitlin McCabe Assistant Opinion Editor

Over the years, social media has become a huge part of people’s lives; however, it is not always beneficial. Social media generates unrealistic expectations about how a person should look or act, and filters only add to that. Filters have proven to be harmful because of the false reality they produce of damaging one’s mental health, physical health and self esteem.

Numerous social media users, whether that be kids, teens or adults, use filters in order to enhance their appearance and hide their flaws. A filter can change what one looks like in order to boost their confidence. Additionally, people also use filters to cover up unique or personalized features that make them who they are. Many use them to cover up traits that can define who they are. Characteristics that they personally do not like can be hidden due to filters.

Social media has been notorious for unrealistic beauty expectations with filters being a leading factor. Appearances can be deceiving online, especially with filters concealing the truth of how people actually look. Nu-

merous people edit their photos or videos, giving viewers unrealistic impressions of their lives. So many teenagers become insecure of their looks because of how others portray themselves on social media. Even something as simple as changing the coloring on a sunset photo can give viewers a false sense of reality.

A majority of what a person sees online is fake, resulting in viewers going to lengths to achieve that unrealistic lifestyle. These impossible lives can hurt people because of the expectations that everyone looks and acts perfectly, resulting in people negatively changing how they

live. Even one’s mental health can deteriorate because of the phoniness that surrounds them. Seeing certain photos online puts an inaccurate label on society. It shows that everyone has to look and act perfect, as if nothing in their lives has ever gone wrong, as if struggle does not exist, and everyday is easy, which really hurts how someone can think about the way they live. Mentally, one’s health can deteriorate because they believe that they have to live up to unreasonable expectations. People could stop doing things they enjoy, going out and putting in an effort because they are insecure due to social

issues

media. Anxiety and depression can both be a result of filter usage, which sounds extreme, but is very real. People suffer every day because of the unintended consequences that filters cause. Body image affects also a large amount of people, primarily girls and teenagers, who are insecure because filters can change how one looks physically. Therefore, more insecurities can form as a result of these alterations. This can eventually lead to eating disorders, body dysmorphia, self-harm and other very dangerous effects. It is best to not compare oneself to others on social media because it only damages the view a person has of themself. Furthermore, filters can seem harmless at first, but in reality, they can cause serious damage to one’s life. People’s mental and even physical health can decline due to the beauty standards that filters and social media uphold. Insecurities should be embraced instead of hidden, but filters completely disregard that and diminish people’s confidence. They can create unreasonable expectations that kids, teens and adults feel the need to fulfill. Ultimately, Filters only add on to the insecurities seen and felt in so many men and women in our society today.

People use filters to disguise themselves and cover up who they really are.

Graphic/Vanshi Shroff

Kids are not able to act like kids if their life is consumed by social media.

Photo/Vanshi Shroff

The evolving safety concerns of self-driving cars

Autonomous vehicles are advancing faster than ever before

By Mia Destito Editor-in-Chief

The pace of technological change is advancing quicker than ever before. We now live in a world where it is normalized for cars to operate themselves, a technology leaving many people in discomfort. Humans’ constant need for control is clashing with cars’ ability to take over the wheel. As fascinating as these cars seem at first glance, the dangers they bring to the road outweigh their positives.

By definition, a selfdriving vehicle is one that uses a combination of sensors, cameras, radar and artificial intelligence (AI) to travel between destinations without a human operator. The cars use radars, cameras and light detection or ranging in order to assess road features and potential obstacles While selfdriving cars help improve safety, their sensors can be ineffective in conditions such as snow or other heavy precipitation—a factor that should be considered before blindly trusting the technology.

The Society of Automotive Engineers have defined six levels of self-driving cars, ranging from the driver being in full control to a vehicle that can operate without a human.

Levels 0-2 are vehicles operated by humans; however, they have safety features such as blind spot warning and automatic emergency braking. Many cars that are not typically considered self driving still have these features in place. Levels 3 and 4 hold the technology to operate themselves while the driver takes their attention off the road; however, human operators are able to take over whenever they feel it is necessary to do so. Level 5 vehicles are the only ones considered fully autonomous, as they do not require a human driver behind the wheel.

Common concerns regarding autonomous vehicles are their lack of human reactions. The technology is unable to emulate human logic and or instincts, especially our ability to make split second decisions. When autonomous vehicles face confusion—whether to swerve or brake—they go into a handover period. A handover takes around 3-10 seconds where the human driver is expected to take over the wheel, a sudden and concerning adjustment that can put others in danger.

Autonomous vehicles seem helpful for taxis and rideshare purposes, yet end up be-

ing a liability. The self-driving car company Cruise has faced backlash and were forced to shut down their robo taxi service after one of their vehicles killed a bicyclist in Tempe, Ariz. back in 2018.

Even if you consent to the dangers of riding in a selfdriving car, others on the road are not necessarily comfortable with it. Everyone should have the right to their own decisions; however, if the risk can put others in danger, the situation gets more complicated.

The technology of autonomous vehicles could be safer if all vehicles on the road were self driving. If all vehicles on the roads were autonomous,

they would be reacting to other cars with the same technology as them. A combination of self driving and regular cars is problematic as the two can face struggles coexisting. Even engineer Liam Welch is hesitant of the technology of self-driving vehicles.

“The technology is too new to determine the safety of other passengers on the road,” Welch said.

There is definitely a lot to take into consideration before becoming entirely reliable on autonomous vehicles. Until cars are able to react as quickly and logically as humans, selfdriving cars can be a danger to human safety in the future.

Effective ways to balance screen time usage

Regulating phone consumption promotes productivity

By Vanshi Shroff Graphics Editor

In today’s digital world, people unknowingly spend multiple hours on their screens, and their time is not usually used in a productive manner. The amount of screen time usage issue can have numerous potential impacts on one’s physical and mental health. From straining eyes to disrupting sleeping patterns, as well as increasing anxiety and decreasing physical activity, excess use on screens must be contained. In order to do so, it is crucial to develop strategies that can help limit your screen time. Finding different strategies to limit the said screen time can be significantly impactful on one’s day to day life and can help improve one’s overall wellbeing. It can be difficult to limit the amount of time you spend on your screen due to the amount of things one uses it for in day to day life; however, it is not impossible. Many apps have been created to help limit screen time by setting timers on apps or blocking certain apps entirely. These apps have a large impact on how much you use your screen and many people use these as a prime helper. In an effort to reduce my own screen time, I used the app

Clearspace for one week. For one week I used my phone as I regularly would and kept track of my screen time; then, I limited my apps with Clearspace, a software that helps control screen time, the following week. My average screen time without Clearspace was seven hours per day, and my screen time with the app was an average of two to three hours per day.

This was a difficult experiment to test as I would often open my phone and get frustrated that I could not enjoy the apps on my phone. As the week

went on it got harder, but eventually, I didn’t mind the app as much as I did at the beginning.

Overall, this experiment really opened my eyes on how much I really use my phone in one day. When I was using Clearspace, I felt I was more productive. I was getting more of my homework done, I went to bed earlier and felt more energized overall.

As there are only 24 hours in a day, being on screens fills the majority of those hours, taking time away from more productive activities. Using your phone

for more than a certain amount of time can take away time from more useful habits. This experiment was eye opening on how much I really used my phone.

Even though this experiment was extremely frustrating I got through it, and it ended up being very impactful for my day to day life. It is essential to acknowledge the impact that screen time usage has on our everyday lives.

While technology has several benefits, one should not spend every free minute on a screen as it takes away from building productive habits and activities. Relying too much on screens for entertainment can disconnect people from reality, hinder one’s ability to hold meaningful face-to-face conversations and interfere with productivity.

After my experiment, I would definitely recommend the app Clearspace to anyone struggling with their screentime usage. By acknowledging the effects, one can make more conscious choices about how to properly savor one’s time and use it in a more productive manner. It is essential to find a balance that allows everyone to enjoy the advantages technology offers without compromising one’s overall wellbeing.

56% of Americans are unwilling to drive in self-driving cars.

Graphic/Vanshi Shroff

Graphic/ Mia Destito

Reducinng screen-time can benefit your mental and physical health.

WHS Robotics mentor the First Lego League teams

Walpole’s First Lego League proves to be a success

By Madilyn Cataloni Opinion Editor

For the past three years, the Walpole High School Robotics team has partnered with the Walpole Public Library to mentor First Lego League teams (FLL). The partnership between the robotics team and the library has been an outstanding success, as a team from Walpole has made it to the Massachusetts State Competition every year.

First Lego League highlights three components: the robot game, core values and an innovation project. The robot game teaches kids how to build and code a robot and have it complete a series of missions while being timed.

The core values focus on teamwork, inclusion, enthusiasm and celebrating how FLL combines discovery and fun.

The innovation project has kids focus on a real world problem based on the theme for the competition and create an innovative solution. Walpole sponsored three teams in 2024: The Sea Pups, Mighty Minnows and Aqua Bots. The Sea Pups worked on underwater kelp farming, the Mighty Minnows worked on underwater fi-

ber optic cables and the Aqua Bots worked on an underwater dome project to explore wildlife.

“Being able to code and being able to teach people younger than me is what I love to do,” Sea Pup team member Salve Pizzano said.

On Dec. 7, 2024, three FLL teams competed in the Algonquin Regional Event. After the event, the Sea Pups received a golden ticket, which is given to the top placing teams and sends them to the Massachusetts State Competition. Not only did the Sea Pups win a golden ticket, they also won the Core Value award, which recognizes their outstanding teamwork and enthusiasm.

“My favorite part is witnessing the students’ growth in confidence and creativity. Seeing them develop problem-solving skills, collaborate effectively, and present their innovative solutions is incredibly rewarding,” Sea Pup mentor Zena Gihorta said.

Another accolade earned by Walpole is winning coach of the year two out of the three years competing. The first coach of the year accomplishment was given in 2022, honoring Ryan Garbet, a high school senior who started the First Lego League in Walpole. Most recent-

ly, John Mosteich, a coach for the Walpole Robotics team and mentor for First Lego League, won coach of the year for 2024.

“My favorite part is watching kids that come in and are not really familiar with robotics and walk out programming, making robots that feed sharks, flip shifts open and doing all sorts of tasks with their robots, and just seeing the progress they make,” Mosteich said.

This program allows kids

to explore their creativity and continue their educational pursuits of STEM. Through this program, high school members of the Walpole Robotics team get the opportunity to learn how to teach and work with those younger than them. The members of the First Lego League get the opportunity to expand their knowledge by learning how to code and think of creative solutions for real world issues, ultimately aiding them for their future.

Ari Castillo builds thriving nail business WHS junior provides nail services for her classmates

By Jackie Cruz Assistant Lifestyle Editor

At Walpole High School, creativity shines in a variety of ways. A prime example is Ariana Castillo, a junior at WHS who’s a self-taught nail artist. With a steady hand and a passion for beauty, Castillo has turned her love for nails into a business— Nailz by Arii. From simple manicures to bedazzled sets, Castillo has become the go-to nail tech for local students at WHS. Her story is one of dedication and the power of pursuing one’s passion, even within the halls of high school.

“[My inspiration to start doing nails began through my] vibrant creativity and artistic nature,” Castillo said.

Social media platforms, such as TikTok and YouTube have taught her the necessary skills she’s acquired today to be a cultivated technician. A few challenges Castillo faced in the beginning of creating her business were time management skills and patience.

“[I was able to overcome time management challenges by] prepping and getting the [materials needed] before a client,” Castillo said.

Castillo also credits her success to other nail techs and

trying out other tactics to see what works best for her. Besides a full-time student and nail tech, Castillo also works at a daycare. The workload between those three places can add up quickly, but her work in the salon motivates her despite added stress.

“[I love seeing] girls happy and [making] them feel better than when they

walked in,” Castillo said.

The future of Nailz by Arii seems prosperous as her ultimate goal is getting her own personal suite and to be fully booked monthly. With the help of her parents and her pleased clients, Castillo believes this goal can be achieved.

I personally was able to experience Castillo’s talent—it

was truly impressive to watch her work. From the moment I sat in her chair, she made the process feel comfortable and professional. Her precision, creativity and attention to detail was evident as she created the exact nails I’d envisioned.

Starting a business is difficult, but turning a hobby into a business can be extremely rewarding with the right mindset. Castillo’s journey as a student and self-taught nail artist is a testament to the power of determination and creativity. She not only has turned her talent into a thriving business, but has become an inspiration to others who want to showcase their talent. Whether it’s by each nail set or ability to connect with her clients, Castillo is leaving her mark—one nail at a time. As Nailz by Arii continues to grow, there’s no doubt her story will inspire many more to follow their passion.

Castillo tries to aim for at least three clients weekly, if possible, to have the full week booked. To book with Castillo, visit @ nailz_by_arii_ on Instagram.

“Some advice that I would give to somebody that wants to turn their hobby into a business is to set realistic goals for yourself that are manageable and achievable,” Castillo said.

Walpole’s First Lego League teams at December competition.

Photo/@nailz_by_arii_

Photo/Nicole Cataloni

By Nora O’Connor & Kate Potter Staff Writers

Starting off with the year 2020. On March 13th, President Donald Trump declared that the rapid spread of the pandemic COVID-19 which made its way into the United States from China was severe, sending the world into quarantine.

Originally known as Musical.ly, TikTok quickly exploded in popularity during the early months of 2020 for its entertaining videos and dance challenges that allowed quarantined teenagers to continue to interact with their friends through videos.

The Black Lives Matter movement gained widespread public attention in 2020 following the murder of 46-year-old black man George Floyd. Floyd was arrested by Minneapolis police officers after being accused of using a counterfeit bill. During the arrest, officers held him down by their knees,Floyd fell unconscious, resulting in his death on May 25, 2020.

2020 was a presidential election year between Republican candidate Trump and Democratic candidate Joe Biden. Biden won the election making history as he appointed the first ever woman of color, Kamala Harris as the Vice President.

In the beginning of 2021, due to the presidential election results, Trump supporters believed there was fraud related to the outcome of the election. On January 6, 2021, a mob stormed the United States Capitol Building with the intent to disrupt a session of Congress verifying President Biden’s victory. The FBI classified this as an act of domestic terrorism.

2022 was a year to remember, yet it may not be in the way most people would hope. On May 24, in Uvalde, Texas, Robb Elementary saw one of the deadliest shootings at an elementary school since the Sandy Hook shooting. At 12:28 p.m. an 18-yearold former student entered the building with a military-style weapon and 19 children and two adults were killed in the shooting.

On June 24, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a landmark decision where the court ruled it unconstitutional to deny access to an abortion. Overturning Roe v. Wade ended the constitutional right to a safe abortion, setting up the fight for reproductive rights at state level.

On September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth passed away at the age of 96-years-old. It was stated in the former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson’s memoir that the late Queen Elizabeth II was suffering from bone cancer for over a year before she died.

In 2023, there was a notable growth and advancement in the use of artificial intelligence (AI). AI websites and apps such as ChatGPT became increasingly more popular for its ability to write and generate images.

On June 18, 2023, a submersible owned by the American company OceanGate was sent down to the ruins of the Titanic to explore. However, the communication with the submarine was lost shortly after submersion, and it failed to resurface at its expected time. Debris from the submersible was found four days after connection had been lost and it is suspected that it imploded, killing all five passengers.

2024 was another presidential election year, creating many monumental political events in America. On July 13, 2024, President-Elect Trump was campaigning in Butler, Pennsylvania when several shots rang out. They shot Trump in the ear, injured two bystanders and even killed another.

A week after the attempted assanation of Trump, President Biden dropped out of the presidential race on July 21, 2024. Biden then endorsed Vice President Harris, who became the Democratic presidential nominee with only 107 days left to campaign until election day. In the end Harris lost to Trump making him the 47th president

The past half decade has been filled with many impactful moments, many of which changed society, for better and for worse and the remaining five years of the decade will have much more in store.

Chappell Roan’s pop songs went viral on hit “Hot To Go.” Fans sold out her concerts everywhere bold, quirky style and a colorful and “disco cowgirl” Gracie Abrams opened for Taylor Swift’s performed shows of her own, helping her to reach Earlier in June, Abrams released her second studio Us.” Viral tracks like “That’s so True” and “I Love nected with listeners due to their meaningful Benson Boone’s songs quickly climbed global song “Beautiful Things.” He first got contestant on American Idol and grew released his album “Fireworks & Rollerblades” fans his talent for songwriting. Pop-singer Sabrina Carpenter, arguably, fame in 2024. Her songs “Espresso,” “Please “Taste” blew up on TikTok for their catchy in Billboard Global and Hot 100. Carpenter Short N’ Sweet Tour, selling out dates across rope.

Women’s basketball made a huge impact on athletics women. Players like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers increased the amount of viewers for each game and inspired many. the two athletes were against each other in the semifinals, hungry to advance to the championship, the game was second most-watched non-Olympic women’s sporting ever on U.S. television. Overall, this brought much tion to women’s basketball.

This year, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) added four new sports to the 32 in participation at Paris Olympics. Break Dancing gained lots of attention on social media for Australian athlete, Rachel Gunn, her “kangaroo” performance. Katie Ledecky contin ued to dominate swimming, breaking her own records time and time again. The four time Olympian has 21 World Champion titles and 14 medals across gold, and bronze. Meanwhile, Simone Biles amazed many with gymnastic skills. Biles now has 11 overall Olympic medals name.

Brat Summer was more than fashion and part of a culture. Charli XCX’s bold music is all about that inspires confidence and self love. These trends with the aesthetic of Y2K. The style of this trend back bright colors, mini skirts, chunky platform shoes, and layered jewelry to embrace people’s individuality. about looking cool or “in style” but feeling empowered, apologetic. A combination of old fashion, pop-music media trends create a carefree vibe. It was all self-expression, encouraging people to be

on social media, especially her everywhere as many adored her cowgirl” vibe.

Swift’s “Eras Tour” in 2023 and reach a broader audience.

studio album “The Secrets of Love You, I’m Sorry” conmeaningful lyrics with an upbeat feel. global charts, especially his fame from appearing as a grew even more on TikTok. He Rollerblades” in April, showing arguably, has gained the most “Please Please Please” and catchy lyrics, all of which peaked Carpenter also embarked on her across North America and Eu-

Broadway’s hit musical “Wicked” filled theaters everywhere. The movie released in late November and was a box office hit, gaining $70 million of sales within the first seven days. Ticket sales in the movies also boosted sales for the live version on Broadway.

The sequel to Pixar Animation’s movie, Inside Out 2 was released in June 2024. Families loved its entertainment and emotional story, teaching younger generations about mental health. Deadpool 3, which partnered with Wolverine to be known as “Deadpool & Wolverine,” was one of the biggest Marvel movies of the year. The movie crushed box office records and led to a huge increase in superhero merchandise.

By Maeve O’Connor Lifestyle Editor

athletics for increased When semifinals, both was the sporting event atten(IOC) at the attention Gunn, and continrecords won gold, silver with her medals to her

TikTok trends in 2024 continued to be influenced by nostalgia and vibes from the early 2000’s Fashion trends like oversize blazers, low rise jeans and platform shoes. Accessories including chunky gold jewelry, butterfly clips and sunglasses with colorful frames became a must have in every wardrobe. Baggy pants and cargo pants made a comeback, paired with crop tops or graphic tees for a casual look.

2024 saw a shift in makeup, leaning towards glossy and dewy skin on a minimalistic look to embrace natural beauty. The glossy “clean girl makeup” trend was seen everywhere from street wear to red carpet events, pushing away from heavy makeup and embracing a more effortless vibe.

Hair trends also participated in the natural beauty movement, many going for the loose waves and embracing naturally curly hair. Endless accessories including bows, claw clips and banana clips were key to adding a sense of creativity to every

Taylor Swift took over the music industry in 2024, concluding her two year long worldwide “Eras Tour.” Every concert broke records, as Swift broke four single-day attendance records and became the highest grossing tour in history by the end of her performances, obtaining $2 billion.

Zach Bryan became one of the country’s biggest artists of 2024, not only for his hit music but also for the major economic impacts of his “Burn, Burn, Burn” tour. His concert filled arenas and stadiums, boosting local economies, especially in smaller cities with fans who adore his music, grossing roughly $321 million. Bryan was also nominated for several Grammys, such as Best New Artist and Best Country Album. Bryan won Country artist of the year at the 2024 American Music Awards.

music trends but rather about a “bratty” attitude trends connected closely consisted of bringing shoes, bold accessories individuality. The vibe wasn’t empowered, loud and unpop-music and current social about confidence and be bold.

Covering topics from true crime to comedy, podcasts are engaging forms of storytelling that have been a recent trend. Whether it was a way to connect to others, share interesting stories or make people have a good laugh, many influencers took the opportunity to create their own podcast. Some in particular, like “Call Her Daddy,” hosted by Alexandra Cooper, had Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris as a guest star in order to bring awareness about the presidential election to her audience and give a chance to voice her opinions about important political issues.

How to conquer the winter blues Tips to enhance one’s mood in the cold months

By Rebecca Schmidt Staff Writer

As the excitement from the holidays and winter break dwindles, it is easy to get caught up in the monotony of winter: the dark mornings and nights, cold weather and seemingly endless workloads. Often, people develop a case of the winter blues. While different and less severe than seasonal affective disorder, otherwise known as seasonal depression, the winter blues can make a person feel emotionally down and subdued; therefore, they can still have deleterious effects on daily life. However, there are some lifestyle changes that can substantially improve one’s mood during the harsh winter months.

One of the biggest downsides of winter is the lack of sunlight. Sunlight triggers the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can boost one’s mood, among other effects. While summer can boast 18 hours of daylight, midwinter can have a measly six-and-a-half hours a day. For students or full-time workers, it is difficult to maximize those six hours when the majority of them are spent working or studying. However, just taking 10 to 15 minutes a day to go outside when

it is sunny, like during a lunch break, can release serotonin. If that isn’t possible, light therapy boxes can also supplement the amount of sunlight for the day.

While it might be an instinct to cuddle up and do nothing all day during cold weather, it can be beneficial to exercise for a mood boost. Exercise releases endorphins, which are other neurotransmitters, and serotonin that both improve mood. Because endorphins work quickly to relieve stress and pain, exercise can offer an immediate boost in mood, though it is shorter lived. However, serotonin works more long term and can help stabilize one’s mood; therefore, regular exercise can drastically improve mood quickly and over longer time periods. Exercise does not have to be running 10 miles or intense pilates classes. Simple activities like cooking or taking a pet for a walk can get one moving and improve their state of mind. Another fun and easy way to release serotonin is to spend time with others. To enhance socialization opportunities, activities such as volunteering, fitness classes or sports leagues are perfect. Regardless of who occupies that time, the emotional connection of spending time with oth-

ers releases the hormone oxytocin, which causes the brain to release endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. Winter is the best time to take advantage of the cold weather and snuggle up on the couch with friends to watch a movie or participate in outdoor activities like ice skating. Winter is definitely the time for comfort foods; however, adding in certain foods and reducing processed sugar intake can considerably improve mental and physical health. Therefore, eating unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruit and seafood and eating foods high in fiber can

improve gut health and, consequently, improve mental health. One can not expect to change their whole lifestyle at once; however, healthy habits can be implemented in small increments. For example, bundle up and take a 15 minute walk in the afternoon, or try to buy more fruits at the grocery store or even find an easy, online workout video. Try to join an activity, like a cooking class or a book club. In the end, taking care of oneself is crucial for positive mental health, so these measures have the ability to increase happiness and fend off the winter blues.

Influential women take over social media Female creators are leaving positive impacts on young girls

By Aneesha Korke Staff Writer

In a usually hostile and argumentative place such as social media, it’s easy to get caught up in the negativity of the online world. Social media in general has a largely negative impact, specifically on girls and women, putting pressure on them to look, dress or act a certain way. However, there are many women on social media whose influence is actually beneficial to young girls and women online. From entrepreneurs to body positive creators, these are just a few out of many of the women on social media who use their platforms to share positive and beneficial content that help uplift other women, setting them apart from the rest of the confusing and challenging world of social media, and inspire confidence and ambition in young girls.

Spencer Barbosa is an online creator, usually making short form content on platforms such as Youtube, Instagram and TikTok. She advocates body positivity and support for women. Besides creating content, she is an entrepreneur based in Toronto. She has a clothing brand called “Something Bigger” which is made to promote body confidence and

positivity. Barbosa’s videos uplift women and support them with their body image, helping women feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin. Her transparency, showing that social media does not accurately portray what’s actually going on, makes her an extremely influential female creator that all women and girls should look up to.

Emma Chamberlain is an influencer who is a YouTuber,

entrepreneur, she created her coffee brand, Chamberlain Coffee, in 2020, known for her affinity to caffeine. Chamberlain Coffee has received lots of love from her fans. Over the years, Chamberlain has been transparent with her struggles with depression, anxiety and body image.

“I want to be a lighthearted reality check for them. I grew up watching YouTube and it was tough feeling like ev-

podcaster, businesswoman and model. Based in LA, she began making videos in 2017, and since then, has become more involved with her podcast, “Anything Goes,” which covers a variety of subjects such as stories, advice and fashion. Her more impactful discussions include interviews with experts about topics such as mental health, relationships and the science of psychology. As an

eryone I watched had a perfect life. I couldn’t help but feel that my life sucked when I watched their videos,” Chamberlain said. “Now that I have a platform of my own, I do my best to be an honest voice that makes young girls feel understood.”

By doing so, she has shown that celebrities struggle as well, reminding young women they are not alone while in-

spiring them to open up and receive help when needed. Cassey Ho, also known by her social media username, Blogilates, is a fitness influencer and entrepreneur. She owns POPFLEX, a female founded athletic clothing brand. They have everything from athletic leggings, skirts, dresses, bras and accessories, all designed to create comfort and empower women. Ho is widely popular on platforms like Instagram and TikTok where she creates videos pointing out flaws or issues in fitness wear and other fitness equipment. To avoid these widespread mistakes other brands are making, her main focus of her business is that the clothes she makes are both stylish and functional. Being on social media as a young woman can be tough when it comes to societal pressure and expectations. Choosing to curate your experience with women on social media who inspire you, or give you a safe space free of the usual negative feelings is essential. Overall, it’s important to be mindful that your experience on social media depends on which kinds of content creators you surround yourself with. Choose to interact with the most positive, inspiring and uplifting creators.

While winter is a challenging time, utlizing these tips will help you enjoy the season more.

Fans are positively impacted by these women’s influence.

Graphic/Aneesha Korke

Graphic/Rebecca Schmidt

Mac Miller debuts seventh studio album

Posthumous songs from “Balloonerism” honor Miller’s legacy

By Jeffrey Todd Staff Writer

Hip-Hop-Rap artist Mac Miller’s posthumous album, “Balloonerism” debuted Jan. 17, 2025, and many fans are thoroughly satisfied with its contents. This is his seventh studio album, and second posthumous album. Miller reportedly recorded the album between 2013 and 2014, writing and recording around mixtape “Faces,” but then left it unreleased. Now it has finally been released and serves as a culminating farewell from Miller.

The release of “Balloonerism” has sparked conversations not only among fans, but also within the music industry. Critics have praised the album for its raw honesty and the seamless blending of various genres, emphasizing Miller’s versatility as an artist. The production quality is top-notch, with each track meticulously crafted to reflect Miller’s unique style and emotional depth. The tracklist consists of 14 songs, including the single “5 Dollar Pony Rides,” which quickly became a fan favorite with its catchy beat and poignant lyrics. The album also includes other

perfected tracks, such as “DJ’s Chord Organ,” featuring viral R&B singer-songwriter SZA. The track in specific adds a soulful dimension to the album, increasing the likability for many audiences.

Despite the previouslymisjudged album cover, Miller proved his community, and most of the music industry wrong with his genuine, enticing album, which honors his legacy to its fullest extent. His lyrics are genuine and remark on his life in a way that allows for a new perspective of him to be shown to the world.

The album’s lyrics capture common fears of Miller, including death and addictions, which transforms into a dreamscape of jazzy, scattered instrumentals as the album progresses. This new addition to Miller’s discography was known to be of great importance to him, and many fans are embracing the album’s beauty, and giving the new titles the praise they deserve.

As said before, many of the tracks touch upon fear of death and struggles with addiction. Tracks like “Shangri-La” emphasize the regret he has for getting hooked on drugs at a young age; however, he further

explains in the lyrics that he can’t live without them. This haunting need for drugs led to his eventual overdose in September 2018. This theme is remarked upon throughout most of the album, and quite frankly, in most of his music. However, the final track on the album, “Tomorrow Will Never Know,” is over 10 minutes long, and features deeper, more emotional lyrics about wanting to start over his life, and wishing he could make his pain all go away.

Many of Miller’s fans speculate this is about the poor decisions he had made in his life, and the regret he was facing at that time. Therefore, this possibly increased his drug

and alcohol abuse, leading up to his death on Sept. 7, 2018. As the album continues to be successful, Miller has proven himself an influential artist, allowing his memory to continue to live on. Miller’s album not only honors his legacy, but also serves as a reminder of the struggles he went through during his life. The album’s instrumental and lyrical depth lures listeners in, and will hopefully keep them listening for many years to come. Miller is a staple artist to the hip-hop music community, and “Balloonerism” is a testament to his talent and eternal impact he has had in the music industry.

A sudden rise in true crime interests the media

Where to watch and listen to well-known true crime cases

By Sophia Gibson A&E Editor

The conversation of true crime has opened up over the past few years as there has been an increase in documentaries and podcasts made to unveil how well-known crime stories have unfolded. Platforms like Netflix and Spotify are crucial for creating well-covered documentaries and podcasts, that have appealed to the many people interested in true crime. Stories covered have been either well known or unheard of, bringing light to all different types of cases. Media uncovered from the stories is factual, by containing accurate evidence accompanied by interviews and personal anecdotes. One of the most recent true crime documentaries is “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey” which was added to Netflix on Nov. 25, 2024. The documentary covers the story of a six-year-old American child beauty queen living in Colorado who was killed in her home on the night of Dec. 25, 1996. Seven hours after she was reported missing, her body was found in the basement of her home by her father. A theme in the documentary is the discussion of how Ramsey was exploited at beauty pageants, leading her to be in the

public eye or spotlight of many people. The documentary also focuses heavily on how police believed Ramsey’s parents and brother to be suspects. Police devised stories as to different possibilities of why Ramsey’s family members could have been frustrated or angry with her on that specific night. The police inquiries caused the public to believe her mother Patsy Ramsey, father John Bennett Ramsey or brother Burke Ramsey could have all been individually involved in Ramsey’s death. There is no final answer on who killed Ramsey.

Other recently made documentaries such as “The Menendez Brothers” on Netflix and “The Prison Confessions of

Gypsy Rose Blanchard” on Lifetime, which have generated lots of popularity from those who enjoy true crime stories. Both cases involve children who were behind the killing of their parents as a way to end the abuse they received in their childhood. Lyle and Erik Menendez are currently serving time in prison and Gypsy Rose Blanchard was released from her 10 year sentence in 2023. Blanchard served eight years while the Menendez brothers were given life sentences without the possibility of parole. However, this sentence may change as the brothers will have a resentencing hearing on Jan. 30, 2025 because of evidence found in the last few years

against their parents. Both documentaries were released in 2024 despite the Menendez brothers case taking place in 1989 and Blanchard’s case in 2015.

The rise of true crime is also evident on Spotify, where there has been a rise in true crime podcasts in the past few years. A popular podcast is “Crime Junkie,” hosted by Ashley Flowers and her friend Brit Prawat. The podcast began in December of 2017 and releases a new episode every Monday. Flowers and Prawat cover underreported true crime cases, ranging from cold cases to missing persons mysteries. Another well-known podcast is “Rotten Mango,” where host Stephanie Soo uncovers the psychology of killers while sharing the full truth of cases. The podcast began around 2020 and episodes are still added daily. The podcasts are important as they bring light to the victims of cases covered.

“Almost a quarter (24%) of [the] top podcasts [on Spotify] are primarily about true crime,” a Pew Research Center Study conducted in December 2022.

As more evidence is discovered from both new and old cases, crime documentaries and podcasts will continue to be made as they have a large enough audience to thrive, ultimately serving justice to the victims of the crimes.

Other recently released true crime documentaries are “Making Manson” and “Mafia Spies.”

Graphic/Vanshi Shroff

Many judged “Balloonerism” for it’s presumeably weird album cover.

Graphic/Hypebeast

The 82nd Golden Globes: driven by glamour The most anticipated night in the film and television industry

By Katelyn O’Brien Assistant Sports Editor

The highly anticipated award show, The Golden Globes, is one of the biggest nights for movie and television show lovers. The 82nd Golden Globe award show was hosted in Beverly Hills on Jan. 5, 2025. The event is a chance for directors, actors, actresses, television shows and movies to be recognized for their exceptional efforts, both on and off the screen. Unlike the Oscars, this award show gives an opportunity for television series to receive greater recognition for their success, not just movies. Many A-List guests such as Angelina Jolie, Selena Gomez, Leonardo Dicaprio and Kate Hudson attended the event while millions of viewers were able to tune in from home to experience the humorous and heartfelt moments from the awards.

Host of the show, comedian and actress Nikki Glaser, grasped the audiences’ attention with her clever jokes and captivating monologue. As the Golden Globes’ first female host, Glaser helped increase the viewership by about 7% from the 2024 show. The New York Times also commented on her wardrobe

changes throughout the awards, considering her one of the best dressed of the night. Glaser had a total of 10 outfit changes throughout the show, including low cut dresses and velvet gowns. Glaser was not the only one who attended the awards show in style. More notable appearances came from “Wicked” co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo who walked the carpet in classy dresses. Erivo was in a long floral black dress and Grande in a simple champagne colored dress. The two women have walked several red carpet events together since the “Wicked” release back in November and are notable for matching their wardrobe to the color themes of the movie.

Despite the Broadway show remake receiving the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement Award, Grande and Erivo fell short on winning in their individual categories. Erivo was nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture and Comedy while Grande was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture. There were many notable awards given throughout the night that were highly deserved by each recipient. Sebastian Stan received Best Male Actor for his role in “A Different Man,”

which was a highlight of the night. Stan gave an inspiring acceptance speech after receiving his first Golden Globe win during his lengthy career, leaving fans in excitement after reaching this milestone. Another first time Golden Globe recipient, Tadanobu Asano, gave a heartfelt speech after winning Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role for a Television Series for his part in “Shogun.” Asano was not the only successful member from the “Shogun” cast. His co-stars, Anna Sawai and Hiroyuki Sanada, won individual awards. Additionally, the show won the award for Best Drama Television Series.

Along with “Shogun,” the cast of “The Brutalist” had

a very successful night, receiving an award for Best Motion Picture in the Drama category. Director Brady Corbet won Best Director and Adrien Brody, who portrayed the main character László Tóth, won the big award of the night, receiving Best Actor in a Motion Picture. Likewise, in addition to winning Best Motion Picture, Musical, or Comedy, “Emilia Pérez” accumulated a total of four awards, including Best Non-English Language Film and Best Original Song from a Motion Picture.

The Golden Globes is an anticipated event for film and television lovers for a reason as the show exemplifies the accomplishments of the production industry.

SZA begins a new era with “SOS Deluxe: Lana” Fans rave over the album for its soulful melodies

By Jeffrey Todd Staff Writer

On Dec. 20, 2024, famous R&B artist, SZA unveiled her latest edition of her discography, “SOS Deluxe: LANA.”

The long-awaited return of SZA’s music has finally arrived, and fans are ecstatic with her work.

The deluxe project consists of 15 new tracks, making the album a total of 38 songs, including the viral “Saturn,” and rap track “30 For 30,” featuring Kendrick Lamar. The two artists now share eight tracks with one anoth-

er, such as fan-favorites, “luther” and “All The Stars”. In addition to Lamar, the entire album now has a total of four features: Travis Scott, Phoebe Bridgers, Don Toliver and Ol’ Dirty Bas****.

In addition, to promote her new emotional single, “Drive,” SZA and her team produced a music video featuring actor Ben Stiller, who is wellknown for films such as “Night at the Museum” and “Zoolander.”

The new tracks left fans ecstatic and looking forward to even more songs in the future, which is now confirmed to be

closer than fans assumed. After her album release, SZA later tweeted that she and her label plan to update the mixes on existing tracks, and also release new tracks. The extension has an unknown amount of tracks, but SZA hinted at potentially including fan-favorite “PSA.”

“Just got word, all updated mixes and new songs will be added Jan. 6 when the label comes back from holiday. Sorry they can’t do it any sooner. Just wanted to keep y’all in the loop. Thank y’all for your patience,” SZA stated in a tweet.

However, there has been no sign of release since, regardless, fans are still holding on to hope for a possible release during January. However, even without these newly-advanced mixes and tracks, all 38 of her lyrically capturing tunes on the “SOS” album led her to be the number one artist on Spotify for over seven consecutive days.

Not to mention, the full album has obtained 10.8 billion streams, making it the most streamed album from a black female on the platform. In addition, the album remains at number one of the Billboard 200, for a 12th week, with 130,000 units internationally sold.

The heavy anticipation of

this deluxe made the album instantly rise to the top of the charts. Along with the anticipation, SZA is set to go on the “Grand National Tour” with Lamar, which will be held at 23 stadium events across the U.S. and Canada. The tour will come to Gillette Stadium on May 12, 2025, and the tour will conclude in June if the tour is not further extended.

Overall, the long awaited “SOS Deluxe: LANA” album has been a huge success for SZA and her team, launching her to the top of the charts. The skipless, emotionally-varying album marked her place as a breakout artist in the music community. This project has and continues to captivate audiences even from before the deluxe edition was released. However, the deluxe edition’s versatility and SZA’s growth as an artist has enhanced the album by blending soulful melodies with moving lyrics. Fans are eagerly awaiting her next move, confident that SZA will deliver music that resonates with their experiences and emotions. Due to the successful feedback from regarding her album, many fans plan to purchase tickets and attend the “Grand National Tour.” This will ensure a successful music career in 2025 for both SZA and Lamar.

Nikki Glaser was praised for her witty and entertaining broadcast.

SZA named her new album based on her childhood nickname, Lana.

Photo/Hypebeast

Photo/NBC

Walpole hockey approaches midseason

Girls and boys teams look towards playoffs

By Katelyn O’Brien Assistant Sports Editor

Walpole High School’s hockey officially started their seasons mid December after a strong season from both the boys and girls teams last year. Following each team’s playoff run last season, the players hoped to start their seasons off with their best foot forward. The girls began their season with a 2-2-0 record, while the boys held a 1-2-1 record.

The coaching staff strove to bring each team out of an uneven start to the season. Boys varsity head coach, Ronald Dowd, has been a part of the

Walpole hockey program for 14 years and is heading into his 19th year as a head coach in Walpole. Dowd hopes the Timberwolves can be a tough competitor when preparing for the postseason.

“We are hard to play against, we do not beat ourselves and we are disciplined,” Dowd said.

Dowd’s team secured a win in their first game with a slight lead over Braintree of 3-2. Despite a winning start to the season, the boys have a 1-11 record as they approached the middle of their season. In their big game, Walpole shut out Norwood, as the Timberwolves scored a total of 4 goals. The team’s lead ing scorer is captain Ryan Lania. Lania scored a total of six goals so far this season.

“[Our goals are to] be competitive, tough to play against and get better every day to be ready for the postseason,” Dowd said.

On the girls side, head coach Bobby England is in his fourth year as a coach at WHS.

He believes the team’s hard work will be a key part in being victorious during the 24-25 season, and aims to give his seniors a strong final year after being with them since the beginning of their high school hockey careers.

“The way you do anything is the way you do everything; whether it’s a workout, a practice or a game, 100% is the minimum,” England said. “This motivation should give anyone the opportunity to succeed.”

In their first game against Braintree, the girls secured an impressive win scoring five goals. After scoring four goals within the first two periods compared to 1 for Braintree, the team fought off the attempted comeback by scoring another in the third period, demonstrating the teams grit. Progressing further into the season the team won two games in a row against Mansfield and Norwood. So far, senior captain Cassie Burke leads the team in goals with a total of 4, while ju-

nior Kaylee Walsh leads the team in points with nine, including five assists and four goals. Looking ahead to the rest of the season, England hopes that the team can represent Walpole well.

“My goals are always to put together the best team that I can,” England said. “First overall is that the team represents Walpole High School, so everyone is expected to act accordingly on and off the ice.”

The boys’ last game is on Feb. 17 while the girls will play their final regular season game on Feb. 19. Come support WHS’s hockey teams throughout the rest of the season at Cadillac Arena.

Walpole boys basketball defeats Wellesley 70-55

Walpole relied on strong defense and quick scoring to win the game

By Joe Curran Sports Editor

Walpole High School’s boys varsity basketball team recently played against Wellesley in their ALS awareness game. After a hard fought game, Walpole ultimately came out on top with a score of 70-55. The game marked the team’s fourth win of the season, as well as its first interconference victory of the season.

“We always expect to win. We always are going in optimistic, making sure that we are prepared,” head coach Jenna Galster said.

The team started the game strong, scoring 24 points to Wellesley’s 11 during the first quarter. The quarter was led by senior captain Peter LaRusso who managed to score nine points for Walpole throughout the night. Walpole slowed down in the second quarter, putting up only 14 points, most of which were scored by junior captain Ryan McDonald and junior James Patey.

“I went up to them and said let’s pretend that this is 0-0,” Galster said to the team. “Lets just go out and win this next half.”

In the third quarter, Wellesley brought themselves

back from the dead. They managed to score 16 points, while holding Walpole to just four, all of which were earned by senior Ryan Domineau. Walpole nearly scored seven points instead of four, but a three-point shot by McDonald, which was originally thought to have gone in, ended

Although it was now close, Walpole was able to hold their lead throughout the fourth quarter and secure themselves a win. Scoring was led by senior captain Luke Gaba and the varsity team’s only sophomore, Shane Harrington. Each scored eight points in the quarter. Mc-

up not counting in a contentious decision by the referees.

“Every team, no matter if you’re undefeated or not, has pieces that they could do better at,” Galster said. “For us, it’s executing and maintaining a high level of work ethic.”

Donald recorded 19 points throughout the game, the most on the team. Galster attributed the win to the team’s ability to play both sides of the ball.

“We are big believers that if you pick up that defensive stop, it leads to some positive offensive

opportunity,” Galster said. “One stop at a time, one score at a time.”

For the game, like many other Walpole sports games that week, spectators and players alike wore red in support of ALS. Players had “4 you I will fight” written on the back of their uniforms, with some replacing the four with their own number. The student section looked like a sea of red with nearly every single person in the crowd wearing red to support the cause. This was the second basketball game in support of ALS that season, the first being a few days before against Weymouth.

Walpole moves into the rest of their season with a 4-7 record and aspires to move up in the power rankings to extend their season as long as possible. With less than a month left in the regular season, they must keep the momentum they gained from Wellesley in order to reach this goal. With about half of the season left, Walpole still has some very highly anticipated matchups left, including rematches against Weymouth and Braintree. They are taking things one game at a time, and hope that by the end of the season, they will have a strong record.

Photo/Coreen Jackson

Photo/Coreen Jackson

Ryan McDonald led the team in scoring, putting up a total of 19 points in the game.

Photo/Courtney Doherty

Bill Belichick accepts UNC head coach position

Highly experienced coach takes on a new challenge

By Connor Vigneau Staff Writer

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, 72-year-old Bill Belichick, who is widely known as the greatest head coach in football history, was named the University of North Carolina’s next head coach. Belichick was the head coach for the New England Patriots for 24 seasons (2000-2023), which is the third longest coaching tenure in NFL history. In his time coaching the Patriots he won six Super Bowls, the most of any head coach, leading the Patriots to be tied with the Steelers with most Super Bowl wins of any franchise in the NFL.

UNC hired Belichick on a five-year deal where he is estimated to be earning around $10 million dollars per season. The hire made him tied for the sixth highest paid coach as well as the oldest coach in the entire Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

After the hire, many college football fans wondered how the more traditional coach would handle the newer model of college football—where managing both recruiting and the transfer portal are highly valued and have become a major role for coaches.

On ESPN’s extremely

popular football talk show, The Pat McAfee Show, Belichick acknowledged the change of culture within college football, as well as what he’s doing in his first offseason as UNC’s head coach to match this new culture.

Show that it seems like more and more prospects are entering the transfer portal everyday and that lots of players want to join him and be on UNC’s roster for the upcoming season after the groundbreaking hire.

Belichick said he’s been very busy recruiting, and is also spending time looking at multiple transfer portal prospects. Furthermore, Belichick told McAfee and the rest of the members of The Pat McAfee

“A lot of people [are] contacting us wanting to come to [The University of North] Carolina. My Instagram account [has] been busy. I never thought I’d be saying that, but here I am, joining the 21st century. A lot of play-

ers want to come to [the University of North] Carolina, so that’s a good thing,” Belichick said. Since Belichick’s hire, UNC has acquired 12 transfers, some of the best being Washington linebacker Khmori House, Alabama offensive lineman Miles McVay, UConn edge rusher Pryce Yates and 6’7 340 lbs Prairie View A&M offensive tackle William Boone.

Last season, the Tar Heels finished their season with a disappointing six wins to seven losses, ending the year with an embarrassing loss to the University of Connecticut in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl. UNC has never been especially known for its football program, with Tar Heel basketball far overshadowing football historically. Only once in program history, a week in 1948, has UNC football ever been ranked number 1.

Overall, the decision made by UNC to bring in Belichick has an extremely high chance of proving beneficial for the university’s football program. Due to the potential large number of recruits and transfers who wish to play with one of the best football coaches ever, UNC will be improving this season.

Walpole wrestling breaks gender stereotypes Lauren McAteer inspires young females to play in male dominated sports

By Adrianna Pinto Staff Writer

Freshman Lauren McAteer is Walpole High School’s first girl to be on the wrestling team. She has been receiving recognition for her bravery to break gender stereotypes of wrestling.

Wrestling is a combat sport that includes two unarmed opponents going head to head with each other. The main objective of this aggressive sport is to use different techniques and positions to be able to pin your adversary. The sport used to be known as a stereotypically male dominated sport; however, now many girls have taken part in the sport, making it more inclusive.

McAteer started wrestling when she was in 8th grade and she has been interested in it ever since. As soon as she became a student at WHS she knew she wanted to pursue her athletic career in wrestling. Not only does she wrestle for WHS but also for the MetroWest United Wrestling Club in Natick. McAteer’s brother, George McAteer, was the reason for her interest in the sport. Being exposed to the sport throughout her childhood has had a lasting effect on her because her older brother has been wrestling for several years.

“My brother did Walpole wrestling for eight years, so the coaches knew him. I kind of decided that I wanted to do it, so I asked my mom to sign me up,” McAteer said.

Going into her first meet, McAteer assumed she would be going against another girl. However, there was not another girl in her weight class, so she went against a boy. She was able to pin him down in the second period. After winning she felt a great sense of accomplishment and pride. Not only does she enjoy wrestling in meets but also going to the tournaments, supporting her fellow teammates and watching them wrestle.

“It was such a good feeling. I love how fun it is and how much hard work it takes,” McAteer said.

McAteer is playing a critical role in challenging gender stereotypes. As the first girl on the team, she not only demonstrates bravery but also inspires other girls to take bold steps in male dominated fields and claim their place within them. She also shows courage for playing a sport most girls would be too scared to do. She hopes that her wrestling will show more girls to step outside the box and try new things.

“It was such a hard thing

for me to do, especially since there was no girl; I know a lot of girls that wrestle but they don’t wanna do it. I feel like it’s very important to do it because it’s such a good sport, and I feel like if I join, more girls will want to join,” McAteer said.

McAteer finds WHS’s wrestling team very inclusive. It also gives her a built in friendship with a group of people, which was very helpful walking in as a freshman. McAteer sees a pos-

sibility in expanding her career in wrestling after high school. She also thinks that more girls should step out of their comfort zones, even if it breaks the social norms. Hopefully, her efforts will show future students of WHS that talent is not defined by gender but by courage and strength.

“There is nothing to be scared about. The first step is always the hardest, but once you take that step, it’s really fun and worth it,” McAteer said.

McAteer competed in the first meet of the season against Newton North.

Belichick’s father, Steve, was an assistant coach to UNC in 1953

Photo/Courtney Doherty

Graphic/Connor Vigneau

Looking ahead towards the 2025 Oscars Predictions for Hollywood’s biggest night

By Connor Murray Staff Writer

As the 2025 Academy Awards draw closer, movie lovers and critics alike are attempting to answer the biggest question of award season: who’s taking home silverware? This year’s talented lineup brought powerfully deep performances, stunning visual feats and box-office behemoths. The Conan O’Brienhosted award show will be held on March 2, 2025, in the iconic Dolby Theater on Hollywood Boulevard, and it is sure to be a spectacle. Will Wicked make history as the first musical in almost 25 years to win best picture? Will Adrien Brody repeat as a Best Actor winner? Will Cynthia Erivo finally achieve an EGOT? Using trends from past winners and the recent Golden Globes as a helpful guide, here are my predictions for the major categories:

Best Picture: (“The Brutalist”)

“The Brutalist” has recently emerged as the frontrunner for the Academy’s most prized award, with its lengthy narrative and social statement really landing with critics and audiences. The film is an epic historical drama about a Hungarian architect trying to rebuild his life in post-World War II America. Like past Best Picture winners, such as “Nomadland” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” the film mixes personal drama with bigger societal questions, a combination that often sticks with Academy voters. But most of all, Academy voters love their historical dramas—especially those about World War II. Almost half of all Best Picture winners (42 out of 95 films) have been historical dramas, and a third of those historical dramas have surrounded World War II. “The Brutalist” is, arguably, the film to beat for Best Picture.

Best Director: Brady Corbet (“The Brutalist”)

Brady Corbet’s vision for “The Brutalist” has gained great acclaim for its innovative storytelling and depth. His direction powerfully combines a deep character study with grand, but grounded, visuals. Corbet excels at creating characters and settings that feel gritty and real, similar to Best Director winners of the past, like Bong Joon-ho (“Parasite”) and Chloé Zhao (“Nomadland”). It is worth noting that the filmmaker whose movie wins Best Picture has won Best Director 64% of the time, and if “The Brutalist” does take home Best Picture, Corbet could be a sure bet for winning his respective award.

Best Actor: Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”)

Adrien Brody delivers, arguably, a career-best performance as the Hungarian immigrant, László Tóth. Brody is an expert at making his portrayals feel frighteningly real, and this performance is no exception. Roles that take great mental and physical tolls upon the actor, such as past winners Joaquin Phoenix in “Joker” and Matthew McConaughey in “Dallas Buyers Club,” have consistently impressed Academy voters. There’s less of a correlation between Best Actor and Best Picture winners.

Best Actress: Demi Moore (“The Substance”)

Demi Moore’s raw performance in “The Substance” is a triumphant return to the spotlight. Her portrayal of a woman struggling with identity and power fits with the Academy’s trend of awarding emotionally troubled female leads, such as Jessica Chastain (“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”) and Frances McDormand (“Nomadland”). Furthermore, Moore’s role in “The Substance” has given her career new life—and you know who loves a good comeback story? Academy voters. This can be seen recently with Brenden Fraiser’s win for “The Whale” and Ke Huy Quan for “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” An Oscar for Best Actress sure would put a bow on Moore’s storied career.

Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”)

Kieran Culkin’s performance in “A Real Pain” is a nuanced portrayal of a man in personal turmoil. His ability to balance dark humor with deep emotional vulnerability sets his role, and ability as an actor, apart, bringing a unique intensity to the film. As a supporting actor, Culkin really finds meaning in

his character, stealing every scene with a performance that is both hilarious and heartbreaking. Coming off of immense success with “Succession,” Culkin should be in line for his first Oscar win.

Best Supporting Actress: Zoë Saldaña (“Emilia Pérez”)

In “Emilia Pérez,” Zoë Saldaña shines as a key figure in this musical crime drama. Her emotionally layered performance has been widely praised, aligning with the Academy’s appreciation for impactful supporting roles, as seen with Ariana DeBose (“West Side Story”). “Emilia Pérez” has exploded in popularity after its success at the Golden Globes, which will push Saldaña’s performance to more audiences.

Best Cinematography: (“Dune: Part Two”)

Greig Fraser’s work on “Dune: Part Two” is, as expected, a technical wonder. Following his Oscar win for “Dune” in 2022, Fraser again shows his ability to create immersive, visually stunning worlds that make him a likely repeat winner, especially given the Academy’s love for epic visuals (“1917, Blade Runner 2049”). Director Denis Villeneuve is no stranger to seeing his films winning Best Cinematography (2 wins), and “Dune: Part Two” should add to his impressive collection.

Best Original Screenplay: (“Anora”)

The imaginative storytelling of “Anora” has positioned it as a standout in the Original Screenplay race. Its blend of emotional depth and narrative innovation mirrors the Academy’s recent preference for unconventional stories like “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and “Promising Young Woman.”

Best Adapted Screenplay: (“Conclave”)

Edward Berger’s “Conclave” brings Robert Harris’s hit novel to life with sharp dialogue and gripping tension. With its focus on morality and power struggles, “Conclave” follows the past success of similar literary adaptations such as “The Father” and “Women Talking.” “Conclave” is a very wise and mature screenplay, which deserves the award for Best Adapted.

Best Costume Design: (“Wicked”)

The costume design of Jon M. Chu’s blockbuster “Wicked” is what fully brings the world of Oz to life. From the leading actors to background extras, everyone featured in the film is dressed as extravagantly over-the-top as you’d expect from an adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. The wacky wardrobe fully immerses viewers into the magic that the film brings to the screen, and for that, it should receive high marks from the Academy.

This year’s Oscars should feature a mix of fresh voices and seasoned talent. While nothing is certain until the names are called, the predicted winners all reflect the Academy’s evolving taste and its appreciation for bold, groundbreaking and inovative storytelling.

Photo/Wikipedia