JUNE 2023
WALPOLE HIGH SCHOOL
VOLUME XXII, ISSUE ViI
NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO.8
WALPOLE, MA 02081
WHS
Walpole
hosts
celebrates
By Ciara Foley A&E Editor For the class of 2023, a typical high school experience was far from what was the past four years have been; yet, through a global pandemic freshman year, online and in-person cohorts sophomore year and a mask mandate junior year, this past year’s seniors had found ways to build new traditions, creating exceptional memories. On June 4th, Walpole High’s seniors were able to celebrate their endless resilience and dedication through an official graduation ceremony on Turco Field. Family, friends and loved ones attended despite poor weather conditions, continuing the well-deserved celebrations and reminiscence.
Class President Stephen Sophia Brownsword to classmates
class
of
the
The culmination began with a welcome from principal Stephen Imbusch, thanking all attendees for coming out as seniors and inductees entered their seats. A singing of the national anthem from WHS Concert Choir students followed, allowing audience members to file in prior to personal speeches and award ceremonies. The Choir consisted of multiple seniors, celebrating their success by singing together for one last time as the WHS band had played prior to the event. This year, only two commencement speakers were invited to speak at the beginning of the ceremony, unlike recent years with multiple speakers. Senior class President Stephen Bond and Vice President Sophia Brownsword each spoke to
2023's
149th
graduation graduation Photo/ Ciara Foley
The class of 2023 celebrates four years of hardwork and accomplishments by tossing decorated caps.
an audience of peers and various loved ones, both discussing personal childhood stories Photos/ Ciara Foley with a surrounding theme of growth and individuality to reflect on their experiences. Both individuals have contributed greatly to the class of 2023 through community and academic roles, each with admirable accomplishments and great leadership strides. In addition to speeches, the WHS community made sure to include an honorary diploma for a member of the class who had passed away. Johnathan Poupart had tragically passed away shortly after his sophomore year of high school, but was still honored as his mother and siblings walked across stage to credit his success. His honorary diploma receivement opened up for the award ceremony, where students stood and joined their classmates as they were honored for athletic, academic and scholarship achievements. Students were able to join Graduation Coordinators Zachary Okolowitcz and Kerry McMenimen as they distributed, both staff from WHS that have taught the group throughout their high school careers. Entering the most suspenseful part of the day, the diBond and Vice President ploma ceremony had ended the present speeches graduation as seniors were able and loved ones.
to proudly walk across the stage and receive their well-deserved diplomas. Vice Principals Lee Tobey and Sean Powers had announced each student’s name, allowing a pause for each individual to receive their diplomas from Superintendent Bridget Gough or School Committee Chairperson Kristen Syrek as audience members cheered and clapped. Following, the moment had finally come for seniors to move their tassels and toss up their caps, marking the very end of their high school careers. Graduates were able to take pictures on the field after, happily welcoming a brand new beginning as they departed from the Walpole School System. Traditionally, high school forces prosperity and growth among students as they venture to learn more about themselves before going off into a highpaced work environment. It’s no question that the Class of 2023 had undergone one of the most peculiar four year journeys; regardless, the seniors had left reminiscing unique memories, friendships and personal capabilities that made the graduation all the more rewarding in the end. The Searchlight wishes all the graduates the best , whether going for a career within the military, workforce, two year or four year collegiate career. Best of luck!
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june 2023
News
WHS partners with Riverside Community Care As
mental
By Jess Cruz Staff Writer Walpole High School (WHS) has partnered with Riverside Behavioral Health in an effort to offer additional mental health resources to students. The new partnership stems from Riverside developing a program to tackle long waiting-lists for mental health help statewide. WHS began working with Riverside’s Community Behavioral Health Center Model (CBHC) after the program launched in January 2023. The new CBHC framework is a new model of mental health care which was created by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Prior to the Riverside CBHC partnering, Walpole Public Schools had collaborated with the CBHC’s sister team, Riverside’s Crisis Team, both run by the Riverside Community Care organization. The Riverside organization has two outpatient offices in Norwood and Milford, the two locations carry licensed professionals who provide multiple therapeutic services including CBHC modeled support through walk-ins
health
rates
for urgent situations, group sessions, and virtual appointments. WHS social worker Christina Campbell has worked to bring the new partnership at WHS to life. Within WHS walls, each student is assigned a guidance counselor that can help with scheduling, post-secondary plans and student’s mental health, in addition to the 3 WHS social workers to further assist students. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is predicted globally 1 out of 7 adolescents struggles with a mental health disorder. Mental health services for students are imperative. Adolescents in the current age have been the target of rising mental health issues, due to new generational factors like social media and, more than ever, COVID-19 isolation. “The lack of structure and uncertainty [of COVID-19] appears to have greatly impacted the mental health of young teens in particular” Campbell said. “Many [students] were physically and socially isolated during the pandemic.” Students do not need do be referred from WHS’s Guid-
rise,
more
resources
ance Office in order to benefit from Riverside CBHC services. Any WHS student can contact Riverside to find services that best fit their needs, covered through options of MassHealth and Optimum health insurances or out of pocket payment. In addition to Riverside Behavioral Health CBHC services, the WHS Guidance department can direct students to other mental health services, like the William James INTERFACE Referral Service
arrive
or the additional services provided by other Riverside teams. To learn more about Riverside’s CBHC model, visit their webpage at https://www. riversidecc.org/adult-services/ community-behavioral-healthcenters/ and to learn more about local therapeutic resources, visit the WHS Guidance webpage at https://sites. google.com/walpole.k12.ma.us/ therapeuticservices/resources. Photo/ Instagram
Riverside’s office is conveniently located near the town center of Norwood.
Walpole arts programs honor class of 2023 “Broadway Bucket List” Cabaret shines in sequel to last year’s By Ciara Foley and Max Grant A&E Editor and Staff Writer Arguably, Walpole High School (WHS) sees most of its success from the various studentrun clubs and organizations, bringing a sense of community and passion to typical academic environments. Art, music and other extracurricular programs provide students with opportunities to pursue interests while also building friendships and growing personal talents at the same time. The success and memories mainly prosper through inclusive events. On June 2, Walpole Drama Club partnered up with TriM Music Society to present a cabaret called “Broadway Bucket List”. The idea was based around performing classic Broadway songs that are popular amongst students, providing an opportunity to mirror some fan favorite actors/actresses and playwrights. Students also had the freedom to purchase and wear costumes, perform choreography, recite monologues and more. For one last time, graduated seniors Emma Ledwith, Aden Levenson, Bridget Ryan and MacKenzie Walsh performed songs and duets on the WHS auditorium stage in front of a general audience. Ledwith reenacted “It’s Possible” from the
well-known musical “Seussical.” Performed at WHS in the winter of 2021, Ledwith was additionally a member of the club during the time, and was a prominent actress within the cast. At the end of her number, the audience gave a roaring applause and support to salute the senior a farewell on her next stage of life: college. Levenson, who will be attending the University of Virginia next year, performed his final musical number, “Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better),” from the musical “Annie Get Your Gun.” Returning after an absence from the stage, Levenson reappeared alongside sophomore Francesca Goodsell, both having experience from performing together at a young age. Despite a variety of emotions and high expectations, the two still included comedic jokes within their set. In addition, the number featured the many talents of Goodsell. She held a note for almost 30 seconds straight without taking a breath, singing fast alongside Levenson and more. Following, Ryan’s musical talents were put on full display as she sang “Lost in the Brass” from the musical “Band Geeks.” Thanks to a wide vocal range, Ryan was able to hit incredibly high notes, wowing the audience. Walsh had also performed
Graphic/ Kendra Nutting
WALPOLE HIGH SCHOOL D R A M A Presents
Friday, May 12th | 7:00 PM WHS Auditorium $5 Suggested Donation
Poster for the production of “Broadway Bucket List” displayed around WHS two songs, “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from the musical “Little Mermaid” and “Grow for Me” from “Little Shop of Horrors.” There was a variety of props involved with her songs including a live plant, goggles, and more. She used her skills from her time in drama club to incorporate these props in a meaningful way. The show ended with a performance from choral di-
rector Kendra Nutting, singing “Maybe This Time” from the musical “Cabaret,” wrapping up the WHS music program’s final event of the school year. With an overlap of members, the Drama Club and Tri-M put on another successful performance as members were able to undertake new roles within the clubs, setting both groups up for the fall of the upcoming school year.
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THE SEARCHLIGHT
JUNE 2023
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NEWS
May 18, 2023
JUNE 2023
NEWS
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Best Film The Boy Scout
Best Director
Kieran Stover, The Boy Scout
Best Community Performance Leo Gurtowski, The Boy Scout
Best Lead Performance Alex Richardson, The Heist
Best Art Direction
Cooper Lawlor, Bryan Hope, Charlie Fitzmaurice, & Wilson Syrek, No Questions Asked
Best Cinematography Kieran Stover, The Boy Scout
Best Screenplay
Owen Abril & Mikey St. Martin, The Heist
Best Editing
CJ DeVito, Better Call Yurgold
JUNE 2023
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NEWS
JUNE 2023
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NEWS
JUNE 2023
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THE SEARCHLIGHT
JUNE 2023
Opinion
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June 2023
Students Should Prioritize Summer Reading
Reading over summer break has more positives than believed By Erin Malinn Feature Editor Every June, students within Walpole Public Schools (WPS) are given options of books to read over the summer and told to take notes for a class discussion at the beginning of the new school year. Since COVID-19, WPS has made summer reading optional; however, students must complete and receive a passing grade on it in order to achieve honors or high honors in the first term. For the summer of 2023, WHS has officially made summer reading mandatory again for all students. Unfortunately, this will not motivate all students to read over the summer. Not every student has the same concentration level or motivation needed to place focus on a book, resulting in many not even trying to do so. Summer coursework is traditionally only given to students taking AP classes in the coming fall; therefore, many students do not receive work over their school break, resulting in a loss of crucial skills learned in the past school year, referred to as the “summer slide.” According to the New York State Education department, students lose, on average, about two to three
months of proficiency in gradelevel mathematical computation skills over the summer. Scholastic attributes this loss largely to the lack of reading. Additionally, students who read over the summer are shown to have gained an average of 1 month of reading proficiency. In this instance, students placed in the same level courses for the fall may not be at the same level academically if the same level of reading was not completed. Reading can be thought of like exercise: dedicating one hour a day to reading can strengthen areas in the brain the same way spending one hour a day working out strengthens the muscles in the body. It is essential for keeping the brain alert as well as maintaining academic skills, specifically literary skills. Reading is effective in building a person’s knowledge from elementary level all the way through adulthood. Throughout their school careers, students benefit from reading by increasing their knowledge and critical thinking skills for their upcoming school year. Many students groan at the thought of summer reading, as it is often thought to consist of nothing but classics and novels. However, reading a book of choice can be more beneficial
Graphic/Erin Malinn
Students enjoy reading more when they choose what they read. than an assigned academic book. and emotional intelligence. Choosing a book that interests Local libraries and bookstudents engages them more, al- stores offer a variety of topics lowing more information from to patrons and expose them to the text to be understood. Books similar works. Whether it be on of all genres and styles can be ef- a road trip, plane, or in the backfective, whether it be a graphic yard, summer reading is accesnovel or a magazine. Reading sible and beneficial to all ages. outside of an educational set- In order to see improvement in ting holds benefits besides aca- their following school year, studemia, such as improved con- dents must view summer reading centration, memory, vocabulary, as a priority, as it still falls un-
Makeup Brands Need to be More Inclusive
Popular makeup brands need to shine light on other skintones By Violet Burgess Staff Writer
Inclusivity as a whole has become more and more prominent over the years. Along with this, makeup products and shades must also become more inclusive. Many major makeup brands only had a limited amount of shades and tones of foundations and concealers, which express little to no variety in the make-up industry. Makeup is a form of expression, and brands need to consider every possible shade and tone that can be produced. Brands that do not include every skin tone destroy the whole idea and purpose of
makeup, which is meant to be something for everyone and a form of connection and inclusivity for everyone. Not only is it important to understand which makeup brands include the most variety, but it is just as important to support them and make sure they get more profits for their work. According to Natalie Setareh, the most inclusive makeup brands include: Fenty Beauty, Maybelline, M.A.C Cosmetics, MOB Beauty, Mented Cosmetics. It is nearly impossible for everyone to find the shade that best matches their skin tone. However, Fenty Beauty launched 40 different founPhoto/Fenty Beauty
Different
shades
offered
by
Fenty
Beauty.
dation shades while working with Rihanna in 2017. The collection includes nearly every tone and has a large variety and options for everyone. The launch created a spotlight for the success of makeup brands that are inclusive with all skin tones, highlighting the need for all brands to jump on the trend and create hundreds of different shades of makeup for everyone. In some cases, the main struggle is faced by finding said brands in an easy and affordable way. However, Maybelline is a drugstore makeup brand that includes all shades, and is easy to obtain and afford. Not only is inclusivity in makeup seen for skin tones, but it is seen for all genders, highlighting multiple communities. M.A.C Cosmetics is also one of those makeup brands that not only has many different skin tone shades, but that also highlights the importance of including the LGBTQ+ community. The struggle of inclusivity is mainly seen through foundation and concealer
shades, but that is not the only problem. MOB Beauty includes many different bronzer, blush and highlighter shades for whatever feeling the makeup artist may be feeling and wanting to express.In addition, Mented Cosmetics, which created makeup with less product and made sure to pay attention to new trends of natural makeup, creates a subtle and light look. Many would think the struggle is seen with just shades, but recently the want for light makeup and the “natural” look has become more popular, which makes it necessary for makeup brands to make products that are light and not heavy. Mented Cosmetics highlights this new trend, and finds a different way to be inclusive The list of inclusivity with makeup brands does not stop at these five, but they deserve the most recognition among all brands. It is important nowadays that different shades and tones are created, and make sure to follow out their true purpose; expression for all.
Feature
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8%
June
Post-Gradrad
Class of
Trade School Workforce
College
Gap Year
43%
2023
Feature
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duate Data
f 2023
%
Most Popular Major
Farthest College
Lifestyle
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June 2023
Popular Aesthetics for Summer ‘23 Debunking some aesthetics for the upcoming summer By Sophie Murray Staff Writer After the long, cold winter months, many attempt to reinvent themselves, moving away from big clothes, dull colors and seasonal depression to bright, happy colors and a new positive attitude. As this typical reinvention of oneself comes from the sun peeking out and the weather getting warmer, it is interesting to see how many people switch up their wardrobe to overall aesthetics that brings out their most ideal and happy selves. Typically on social media platforms, such as TikTok, people post fashion ideas and different aesthetics for the upcoming warm months. Similarly in all these aesthetics, each are made for the summer as each is based on the outdoors and the summer apparel that is associated with them. Last summer’s most influential aesthetic trends include the boho aesthetic, coastal grandmother aesthetic, coconut girl aesthetic, hot girl summer aesthetic, clean girl aesthetic and many more. Here is a debunk of two of these very popular aesthetics to expect to see this summer and ideas on
how to take them on yourself. One of the very popular aesthetic is considered the “coconut girl aesthetic.” This by the beach lifestyle definitely gives off the most summer time vibes out of all the aesthetics as it is includes flowers, palm trees, bright colors and overall being by the beach. Some fashion staples in this aesthetic are lots of bright colors and floral patterns on dresses, flowy or tight tops, crochet tops and bathing suit coverups and lots of brightly patterned bikinis. Sun kissed hair that has been infused with salt water from the ocean is the state of a coconut girl’s hair, really taking on the beach lifestyle. While this aesthetic is very easy to take on clothing wise, it is slightly harder to fully embody as this lifestyle is usually associated with tropical locations such as Hawaii, but this aesthetic is very achievable with these super cute fashion choices. This is a very advertised aesthetic on social media; therefore, it is very easy to find ideas onhow to take this aesthetic on, as well as places to shop for the coconut girl apparel. Lastly, to debunk one more popular aesthetic is the very well known “hot girl summer aesthetic.” Many have said
that this upcoming summer is going to be a “hot girl summer,” which is an aesthetic that has been around for a few years. This aesthetic is based on the mindset of being confident, thriving, looking good and not caring about what anyone else thinks. While this is not always the case, a hot girl summer is most typically recognized for a summer of being single, as it takes on the idea of being extremely carefree. While this aesthetic is very easy to take on mentally, one could also add some new apparel to your ward-
As summer begins, it is always exciting to try out new styles, including nails. Getting nails done can be an exciting thing to do with friends or just something to do for yourself to have pretty nails as summer begins. Having bright nail colors matches the vibes of the warm sun and the hot weather. Neon colors such as bright pinks, light blues/greens or corals can be fun and can give that summer
feel. Similar to neon, pastels can be another fun option that will still match the vibe of the warm weather but will not stand out just as much as neon. If plain colors are not exciting enough, ombre can be another fun option. Some ombre nails can be sparkly or glittery to add something extra, or it may just be an ombre of one color. Either way, ombres can be a cute idea for nails this summer. Sparkly ombrè is a fun idea!
Graphic/ Sophie Murray
robe to fully embody this. Tight maxi dresses, tube tops, mini skirts, cross tops and banana tops are all great pieces of clothing to look into for this fun aesthetic. Most importantly with this aesthetic, it is crucial to wear articles and types of clothing that make you feel most confident as this is what the aesthetic is all about. Over the summer, look out for these aesthetics that will make a comeback to thrive the summer months. Take on a new summer home decor and attitude!
Trendy nails styles for the upcoming season Try out a new style of nails for this summer By Liv Carney Staff Writer
Photos/ Instagram
LIFESTYLE
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JUNE 2023
Boston to host art markets around the city Enjoy vintage shopping and art at these four markets As the summer goes on and you’ve spent countless days getting ice cream, driving around town, or going to the beach, it can often feel like there’s nothing fun left to do. So when you run out of ideas for what to do this summer, consider visiting one of Bos-
ton’s many art markets that will be open all season long! All across the city, weekly markets host dozens of vendors who sell antiques, vintage clothing, artwork, and other unique goods. The markets are a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon in before grabbing lunch or
Photo/ Harvard Square Open Market
sightseeing around the city. For those looking to spend a day in Boston, the Boston Open Market and the SoWa Boston are located right in Boston. If you’re looking to expand to other parts of the city, stop by the Harvard Square Open Market in Cambridge or the Somerville Flea
in Somerville’s Davis Square. Whether you want to shop for clothes no one else has, decorate your room or dorm with eclectic art and decor, or just want to out of the house, these four markets are sure to give you something new to do as you enjoy your time away from school. Happy shopping!
Photo/ Boston Open Market
Harvard Square
Copley Square
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Every Saturday
Every Saturday
Photo/ SoWa Boston
Davis Square
500 Harrison Ave
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Every Sunday
Every Sunday
A&E
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June 2023
The Searchlight staff’s favorite summer playlists Albums
to
listen
to
over
the
summer
By Meghan McNeil Social Media & Business Manager
I love to listen to country over the summer and
Puerto Rican artist, Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti
mer because it’s a super fun pop album and
the album has such a variety of different mood
boasts 23 upbeat and lively songs that capture a beach
gets me in a good mood. The vibe of the songs
and vibe for each song, but you can listen to
vibe. Released a year ago, Un Verano Sin Ti (which
also reminds me a lot of summer and the beach.
them all together and not get sick of a single song.
translates to “a summer with you”) was created with
I love the 1989 album by Taylor Swift in the sum-
To me, the songs on this album give off the ultimate summer vibes of happiness, being carefree and enjoying the bright summer months! This album would definitely be my top pick to play at the beach, outside in the warm weather, or just enjoying any summer activity.
summer in mind, creating THE Latin summer album.
The late Mac Miller’s fifth and final studio album,
With hits such as “Undercover Martyn” and “What
“Swimming” has a bunch of his essential hits like
Music lasts a lifetime and generation after generation,
Although this album is fairly old, it is still one of my
You Know,” this album is the epitome of classic 2010s
“Self-Care”, “Hurt Feelings”, “2009” and more. A
that’s why remembering songs of the past is so impor-
favorites for the summer. The songs on it are very up-
music. Despite being a shorter album, each song has
common reference or inspiration with the songs
tant. The Beach Boys are an iconic band and this albums
beat and give me summer vibes. The songs “Chiqui-
an uplifting, charismatic beat that is perfect to listen to
in this album is the breakup with pop singer Ari-
songs such as “Surf ’s Up” give off major summer vibes.
tita” and “Angel Eyes” are my favorites on the album.
with friends or loved ones. This indie-pop album, in
ana Grande, giving him a chance to learn self-love,
a personal opinion, flawlessly represents the carefree,
psychological love, and healing from a breakup.
blissful aspects of summertime during adolescences.
“Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse” releases Long-awaited comic book sequel is released after anticipation
and critics gave the film a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Five years ago, Co- Fans are now returning to the lumbia Pictures and Sony theaters to watch the longPictures Animation, with as- awaited sequel to the first anisistance from Marvel Studios, mated movie, and safe to say, partnered to release “Spider- it was a cinematic masterpiece. Released on June 2, Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” “Spider-Man: Across The SpiAs an animated Spider-Man movie, fans were shocked to der-Verse” continues to follow see how well-received it was, fan-favorite African-American teenage Miles Morales (ShaPoster/ IMDb meik Moore). The events of this movie take place about a year after the first movie as Morales and his best friend, Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), are separated by dimensions in the Spider-Verse. Morales and Stacy continue to focus on their schoolwork, scoring good grades but are seeing a downfall in their family life. The balance between the heavy action built into superhero movies and the social status that the two have to keep is stunning. The key takeaway from this movie is the consistent use of color in different scenes. Directors Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. “Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse” poster Thompson had a brilliant idea By Max Grant Staff Writer
that when we travel across dimensions, there is a different style of art for every world used. In Morales’ world, the directors use the cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black), also known as “CMYK” process halftones, typically used in color printing. CMYK is when different-sized dots on the screen blend with other dots to form different colors. Moreover, Stacy’s world is quite different from Morales’ world. In Stacy’s world, there are visible broad strokes of a paintbrush. The directors use colors in Stacy’s world to portray the character’s feelings. In one scene of the movie, Stacy talks to her father, Captain George Stacy (Shea Whigham). On Gwen’s side of the screen, the screen is painted in blue and purple “cool” colors to signify the depression she struggles with from losing her best friend, Peter Parker. On George’s side, colors like orange, and yellow, “warm” colors, demonstrate his joy at how close he is to catching his daughter, Spider-Woman. It
is an astonishing detail that takes time to acclimate to, but once accustomed, it is another detail to fall in love with. Screenplay writers Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and David Callaham knew what they were getting into with this sequel. The writers were tasked to write a script that made the plot and story intriguing to audience members, plus jokes to keep the mood loose and upbeat. They nailed it on the button. The success of the sequel is something to not go unnoticed. Publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian and many more, gave positive reviews of the film. “Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse” came with a heart-wrenching cliffhanger, but a sequel was announced in the end-credit scene, “Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse,” the last film for the well-crafted trilogy. The film is set to release on March less than a year after the release of “Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse.”
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THE SEARCHLIGHT
JUNE 2023
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feature
June 2023
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June 2023
Sports
Senior Sports Committments
Andrew Falzone
Chloe Bindon
Max Collins
Madison Clark
Jason Finkelstein
Madelin Grogan
Corey Kilroy
Catie Hurley
Aiden Newhall
Brooke Walonis
Tyler Rubino
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June 2023
Sports
Senior Sports Committments
Lindsey Jacobs
Jake Preto
Rachel McDonough
Trey Corbean
Julia Dunn
Mihcael Welter
Emily Rose
Armani Lopez
Brigid Welch
Emma Caulfield
Matt Bianculli
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THE SEARCHLIGHT
JUNE 2023