The Searchlight October 2025

October 2025

WALPOLE HIGH SCHOOL

Volume XXVI, ISSUE I

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO.8

WALPOLE, MA 02081

Walpole baseball alum makes it to the MLB

2019 graduate Cam Schlittler becomes one of the Yankees top pitchers

By Katy O'Brien Sports Editor

When Cam Schlittler entered Walpole High School (WHS) in the fall of 2015, no one knew he would become a crucial part of a Major League Baseball (MLB) team a decade later. Through Schlittler’s time at Northeastern University, with several MLB minor league teams and with the New York Yankees; he represented Walpole with not only his impressive athletic abilities but also his humble character.

He attended WHS from 2015-2019, playing both varsity baseball and basketball throughout his four years. During his 2017-2018 baseball seasons, he earned back to back Bay State Herget MVP awards and became a part of both the Boston Herald and Boston Globe All-Scholastic teams twice. Schlittler earned an impressive 21-4 win loss record and 213 strikeouts during his high school career, the characteristics of an elite athlete shined

through. He also played a key role in winning WHS three Bay State Championship titles and guiding his team to two Super 8 appearances during his time at WHS. Through his standout performances, Schlittler was named a Second Team All-USA Massachusetts player in 2017 and 2018 and additionally earned First Team All-USA Massachusetts honors the following year.

“With all the experiences I had at Walpole… I was able to grow as a person and play-

er throughout my time there.

Sometimes you don’t notice how great you had things until they are far gone,” Schlittler said.

Schlittler committed to Northeastern University when he was just a sophomore. He continued to build a legacy as the hometown hero from Walpole going 8-1 with a 1.88 ERA over the course of 76.2 innings, striking out 85 batters and was named the CAA Co-Rookie of the Year in 2021. Schlittler ultimately decided to declare for

Graphic/ Katy O'Brien

Schlittler

Massachussetts

has

played

in

14

regular

proposes

season

MLB

games.

school

the MLB draft early and was selected as the 220th pick in the seventh round by the New York Yankees, where he was called up to play on July 9, 2025.

“Having the support of everyone has made my career here in New York so much easier,” Schlittler said.

Recently, Schlittler led the Yankees to victory in their Wild Card series against the Boston Red Sox, with eight scoreless innings, zero walks and 12 strikeouts. Seeing a local athlete in the big leagues makes the reality seem much closer for thousands of kids. His recognition and appreciation for Walpole baseball and head coach Chris Costello display Schlittler’s humility and dedication to the game.

“To the boys and girls who are chasing their dreams, just understand that it is all possible,” Schlittler said. “My whole life has changed. Work hard and put in the effort when no one is looking and the sport you play will reward you.”

phone

ban

More states are implementing phone restrictions during school

By Maeve Connors News Editor A “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban has been rumored throughout the United States, with over 20 states already having implemented all day bans during school. Massachusetts is on track to be the next state to enforce a bell-to-bell smartphone ban if they pass the law to do so.

The law that Massachusetts is trying to pass is named, An Act to Promote Student Learning and Mental Health. This law has to first pass the Massachusetts Senate and then after will need to be reviewed before being passed by the House of Representatives for final approval. If this law is approved it will be effective for the 2026-2027 school year for students of all grades.

The act bans phones during lunches, along with recesses and study halls. However, there are exceptions for students if a student may have a medical condition, disability or an individualized education plan (IEP). The

cellphone requirements regarding an IEP student include needing your phone for blood pressure checks if you have diabetes.

This ban will affect all public schools in the state of Massachusetts; however, while it will not permit private schools to follow the ban they hope private and charter schools will be influenced by the smartphone ban proposal.

In 2023, Florida became the first state in the U.S. to pass a statewide law against cellphones.

Florida's law prohibits K-12 students from using smartphones at all during the day. However, the law allows high school students to use devices for educational reasons, during instructional times or if instructed to do so by a teacher. For example digital photography, a class offered at WHS, allows students to use their phones when told by the teacher to take photos for their photography projects. After this statewide cellphone law was passed, many states chose to follow Florida and make similar smartphone bans across schools in their states.

Graphic/Maeve Connors

Massachussetts takes steps too removed phones from the classroom.

The legislations across tect the mental health of young the U.S. range from day long people, and help our students bans to laws limiting cellphone learn and grow," Healey said. usage to only during instructionIt is currently quite unal time. The act Massachusetts certain if the Massachusetts is attempting to get passed will House of Representatives will ban phones for the entire school choose to consider the “bellday. The main advocates for the to-bell” law and another situacreation and passing of this act tion if they choose to accept the are Boston Governor Maura bill. If the law is passed, they Healey, the Massachusetts At- hope the phone restraints will torney General Andrea Cambell help improve mental health by and State Senator Jason Lewis. limiting screen time and social "We know that distrac- media during the day. This bill tion-free learning is the best is widely and outwardly supway to set our students up for ported by many Massachusetts success. Restricting cellphone schools who witness students use in our schools will sup- and their relationships with their port parents and teachers, pro- phones throughout the day.

News

Page 2

October 2025

Walpole High School welcomes four new teachers Math

and

English

By Journalism 1 Students This year, Walpole High School (WHS) welcomed four new teachers: math teachers John Pitrus and Haley Eagleton as well as English teachers Marisa Silk and Hunter Sullivan.

For Pitrus, the constant workload and busy schedule is just what he has been longing for in his new career as a teacher. With prior experience in the technology industry that required him to speak in front of others, he learned new ways to instill his work experience in the classroom. Pitrus graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering before earning a master’s degree at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Before his time at WHS, Pitrus worked for Westwood Middle School and Needham Middle School; both of which are exceptionally diverse and academically advanced. Pitrus believes in the importance of teaching kids STEM and critical thinking skills.

“In 2024, I decided I would become a teacher,” Pitrus said. “I got tired of the corporate world and wanted to try something different and teaching math is just a natural extension of all my college and business work.”

teachers

join

faculty

this

Eagleton is originally from New York state and attended Oswego University before teaching in New York for three years. She moved to Boston in 2021 and pursued teaching in Walpole due to wanting a job closer to her new house in 2025.

“This year I am looking forward to learning more about everyone here at Wal-

pole and seeing some of my students compete in sporting events,” Eagleton said.

Silk started her journey at WHS working as a long term sub for English teacher, Bailey Tighe last fall and began working here full time this school year. During her schooling, Silk developed an affinity for English and history due to the sto-

Marissa Silk

Hunter Sullivan

John Pitrus

Haley Eagleton

Photo/Gabby Luongo

Photo/Joe Curran

Photo/Molly Diggin

Photo/John Pitrus

New

faculty

memebers

bring

energy

to

Walpole

classrooms.

school

year

ries within them. This love for these classes is a major reason she decided to start teaching. She first attended Stonehill College, studying English and secondary education as a double major, and she is now in a master’s program at Bridgewater State University.

Of all her classes, the freshmen students stood out to her the most. Silk loves to watch her students grow and improve, and enjoys teaching freshmen because they are open to new experiences.

“I love their little nerves that they have getting into freshman year. They are also really open to making mistakes and trying new things,” Silk said.

Sullivan is a new long term substitute to cover the position of English teacher Mckenzie Gould. Sullivan attended College of the Holy Cross and graduated in 2024 with a double degree in English and Chinese studies and received his master’s degree from Boston University. Sullivan is currently a coach for Division I swim and dive at Boston University in addition to teaching at WHS. “Just connecting with people is the number one thing I like about being here; being a role model for students, meeting them where they need to be met [and] guiding them down whichever path they might choose for the future,” Sullivan said.

WHS science department plan trip to Rwanda

Rwanda community service trip commences after past cancelation

By Siobhan Humphreys Staff Writer

The Walpole High School (WHS) science department is set to travel to Rwanda, Africa in Febuary 2026 after the trip had to be cancelled last year due to a deadly disease outbreak. The unfortunate cancellation led to a lot of disappointment for the students that were anticipating this opportunity to experience a new culture and provide service to the communities.

“Canceling the trip was a rollercoaster of a ride because everybody was so excited, the trip filled up in half an hour and there was a lot of excitement for this trip and unfortunately we had to cancel it,” WHS science teacher Susan Wick said.

Although the cancellation last year was hard for students, especially the 2025 graduates, the conditions to travel to Africa are looking favorable now. The upcoming trip will be led by Wick along with fellow teacher chaperone Lindsey Reichheld and the 13 WHS students that are currently enrolled. The group departs Logan International Airport in Boston, on Feb. 12 and is set to return Feb. 21. Over the

course of ten days students will be participating in community service projects along with touring the country. Wick has done many international trips and has previously visited Tanzania, Africa with WHS before.

“I like to take groups off the beaten path and most people don’t get the opportunity to travel to countries within the continent of Africa,” Wick said. “I’m also really excited because we’re going on three different safaris.”

The upcoming trip is promising an experience of a lifetime where students will be traveling to Africa’s largest protected wetland, Akagera National Park and being able to participate in a morning safari drive through the savannah grasslands to spot various animals, and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. The group will also be going out at night on a nocturnal game drive with expert guides and will be looking to spot carnivores that hunt at night time like leopards and lions.

The group will be spending some time in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda and will be visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial which is a place of dedication after the genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group in 1994. The stu-

dents will learn more about the genocide and get the opportunity to visit the memorial. Students will then head to the neighborhood of Nyamirambo, where the streets will be filled with dancing, live music and food, to participate in a sewing class at the local women’s center. The group will be taking an opportunity to tour the Norrsken House, Africa’s largest center for entrepreneurship. Community service projects help communities that need support and improvement.

“We never know right up until about a couple of weeks before we go exactly what our project will be. But in the past, we’ve done things like help build schoolrooms and help build vegetable gardens,” Wick said.

Building the school rooms will be very beneficial to the community because it will provide a proper environment for students to learn and focus.

“I wanted to go on this trip to see new places and meet new people” WHS senior Sophia Malone who will be attending the upcoming trip said.

The students are expected to receive over ten community service hours in the small village of Giperefe over the course of three days.

The trip is quickly approaching and is going to give students an exciting opportunity to explore new cultures and have a positive impact on the communities that they help. Along with learning how to be a leader.

Graphic/ Addy Pinto

WHS students prepare for a ten day educational and service trip to Rwanda.

Opinion

Page 3

october 2025

Reliance on technology leads to impaired memory People no longer see the need to memorize what they can easily look up

By McKenna Scott Staff Writer In this day and age, technology is seizing the lives of many.

Digital usage has been deeply integrated into most people’s daily routines, leading to reliance on it for fundamental tasks. Coined by the Kaspersky Lab in 2015, the psychological phenomenon often referred to as digital amnesia or the Google effect describes people being prone to forgetting information or certain memories because they know it is easily accessible by a digital device or the internet. Similarly, three well-known universities, including Harvard, research-

ers recognized this phenomenon, namint it the Google effect.

The root of digital amnesia stems from our brain’s natural cognitive process. The human brain has become dependent on digital devices to have information readily available to us. While the brain should be processing and retaining information, it instead prioritizes remembering how and where to find that information later on. The brain is similar to a muscle and is highly adaptable; therefore, the reliance on digital tools can deter their structure and function. Overrelying on these digital resources will have a negative, long-term effect. It can impair critical

Graphic/Vanshi Shroff

Reliance on years due

to

phones their

has increased greatly prevalence and ease

School

related

in of

recent use.

thinking, decrease concentration and alter brain structure.

In the past few years, people have admitted to forgetting online information shortly after reading it because they know it is easily accessible if they need it again. This was proved by the Kaspersky Lab study done in 2015. Many people no longer know their family or friends’ phone numbers because they trust their phones to hold the information for them. In a case of medical emergency, this can be threatening, as people may not know the phone number of someone they need to get in contact with.

“I don’t see a point in memorizing my schedule for school or soccer games because I know it is saved on my phone,” Walpole High School sophomore Etta McPhee said.

One of the most common examples of digital amnesia is passive photo-taking. For many people, taking photos of an object or event they are interested in is an instinct. This habit aims to strengthen that memory; however, that photograph will cause them to struggle to remember the details of it. The brain be-

lieves that since it has been digitally captured, there is no need to store it in its memory. While people think taking a photo of a moment is helping them remember, it is actually doing the opposite.

“I tend to put less effort into my notes if a teacher says they are posted on Google Classroom, I don’t worry about missing information because I know I can just open my computer,” WHS sophomore Ruby Banks said.

Another often seen example is instead of attempting to recall basic information, people resort to Google. This is commonly seen with the names of an actor in a movie.

Instead of trying to remember the name, they utilize Google.

Digital amnesia emphasizes the growing problem of society’s dependence on technology. By outsourcing information to devices, people are diminishing their ability to retain knowledge and think critically. The overuse of technology threatens to diminish cognitive skills. At this rate, future generations may find themselves unable to think without digital support, ultimately placing human memory at risk.

students

to

Mental health days should be excused absenses

By Addy Pinto Opinion Editor

Most school systems prioritize student attendance because it helps students grow socially and academically. Absences are intended for when one has the occasional cold or a doctor’s appointment. In contrast, when a student chooses to not go to school for a reason other than being sick, it is considered to be improper.

For recent generations, mental health has become a more prominent issue. Mental health itself is not a growing issue, rather more widely focused on. Schools put a lot of pressure on students, causing adolescents to believe that how successful you are in high school, can determine the entirety of your adulthood, through grades, homework and tests. According to The Annie E. Casey Foundation, which prioritizes children’s well-being states, 75% of mental health illnesses are seen in kids between the age of 10 and 24. Since mental health is more significant in high school, it is important to prioritize students’ well-being.

Some may argue that being sick is the same as having bad mental health. Chronic stress can actually weaken your immune system and lead to one physically

pressure

makes

being sick. Having a cold is just as important as being burned out.

The American school system claims to be focused on students’ well-being, yet they discourage being absent for your mental health. Many consider holiday breaks to be a chance to rest and reset. However, a majority of students have other things that take up holiday breaks, like work, sports and other activities, which completely goes against the idea of resetting. Additionally, a handful of teachers give homework to their students during break, which also occupies their time. Students’ teenage years are one of the most stressful times and they need the most support.

Schools should expand their attendance policy to consider mental health days as excused absences. Mental health days will give students the ability to choose when they need a break. It will give students the time to rest and come back to school more engaged and ready to learn. If schools promote taking a mental health day, students will be able to focus on the importance of their mental well being. This will encourage students in the future to not overwork themselves and learn how to manage stress and anxiety.

Currently, a bill in Mas-

need

take

breaks

sachusetts is being proposed for mental health days in school.

This bill is known as “Bill S.1421” and it states that students can consider mental health days just like having the common cold.

They must have a letter or some sort of documentation from a health care professional, just as they would from being sick.

When students come back to school, they would also be able to have support from counselors.

The school system should consider the benefits of implementing a new attendance policy. Students will be better equipped with how to manage

stress and understand when they need a break. Schools should also encourage counseling after one returns from a mental health day, to better support them. As a society, it is necessary to promote the idea that mental health is just as important as physical health.

Schools need to teach students while they are young that it is acceptable to take a break because it is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of putting yourself first and coming back stronger. With a chance to have an excused absence for mental health, students will be able to manage their stress just as much as being sick from school.

Focusing

help

Graphic/Addy Pinto

on

mental

health

can

one

do

better

academically.

Page 9

Feature

By Maeve O’Connor & Joe Curran Editors-in-Chief

In the past month, America has been divided by the death of prominent conservative commentator, Charlie Kirk. Kirk, who was a very polarizing figure in his lifetime, has only grown more conflicted in the public consciousness since his death.

Many of Kirk’s detractors have gone as far as to celebrate his death, leading to heated debate on social media over the ethics of glorifying someone’s death.

Across the country, individuals have been fired for posts regarding Kirk’s death, with public school teachers among those impacted. Dozens of educators have been suspended or terminated for social media posts, sparking the discussion about the balance between free speech rights and professional responsibility.

The controversy has placed much more attention on the role of politics in education.

Civics and government are parts of the curriculum for many; therefore, teachers are then tasked with helping students understand the function of democracy. Common core standards identify critical thinking as a necessary skill for high school students, so it is important for

Graphic/Vanshi Shroff

young people to engage with political issues in school. When done in an unbiased and open minded way, political conversations in schools can help students by teaching them how to peacefully debate and allowing them to talk in depth about issues affecting their lives. School is meant to prepare children for adult life and a major aspect of that life is being politically literate, meaning it is important for school to instill these teachings.

However, educators are expected to allow for critical thinking rather than advocate for a particular political side.

The goal should not be to persuade students but to provide them with the knowledge to form individual opinions. At the same time, teachers, like all citizens, hold personal beliefs.

While they are required to maintain neutrality in the classroom, many argue they should be able to express those views outside of school, citing the first amendment which allows for freedom of speech and expression.

In Peabody, MA, this tension reached a breaking point.

Two local teachers were terminated after posting on social media about Kirk, with critics describing the comments as political and insensitive. The loss of employment raised many re-

October 2025

sponses through the community, with some applauding the decision and others insisting the teachers constitutional rights had been violated. Since the initial events, one of the fired teachers has resigned. The other was ultimately reinstated to their role on Sept. 30, allowing them to resume teaching the day after.

The speed at which the teacher was both put on leave and reinstated demonstrates how controversial of an issue the topic is. The case illustrates how quickly educators’ personal free speech can generate controversy and how administrators often feel the pressure to respond.

It also opens the broad uncertainty about where professional obligations end and private freedoms begin. Furthermore, these layoffs put extra pressure on staff uncertain of whether or not they can say things in or out of the classroom, leading to them having to focus on their image instead of teaching their students. In recent years, many states, especially in the south, have introduced scripted lessons in order to ensure that teachers are informing their students of the right materials. Although this may seem to be a solution to the issue, it is not. Scripted lessons keep teachers from being able to add their own style to the

classroom while also ensuring that students are not introduced to different opinions. On top of this, memorizing scripts will take away from time teachers could spend on helping their students.

The Peabody case is not an unique incident. Across the United States, teachers in multiple states have been suspended or dismissed over posts related to Kirk’s death. In Massachusetts alone teachers in Framingham, Wachusett and Malden lost their jobs on top of those in Peabody. Some educators criticized Kirk’s political beliefs, while others were accused of celebrating his death. In some cases, educators who did not have their positions restored took the issue to the judicial system, suing their former employers.

These events have reiterated the great role social media plays in shaping professional consequences. A single Facebook post or tweet can reach thousands, attract media coverage and spark community outrage. For teachers, the result is a constant balance between their rights as a private citizen and their responsibilities as public educators.

Teachers are going through an unprecedented experience. In no generation has it been this easy for one’s words to be shared to millions with little

Feature

to no context. Teachers have no way to know what the right thing to do is in these situations because this has never happened before and by extent, administrators also do not know how to respond.

The Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) has advised school administrators not to discipline educators for lawful speech outside of work.

The MTA has emphasized that teachers do not need to give up their free speech rights simply by working in public schools.

At the same time, the union acknowledges the importance of neutrality in the classroom. Teachers cannot use their position to promote and violate the separation of church and state. The union’s position is that professional educators inside and classroom and personal expression outside it should be treated separately.

Parents, community members and online audiences frequently demand responses from schools when controversial posts surface, and in some instances, community members are the ones who have reported teachers’ private posts to administrators. While holding individuals to certain moral standards is important in order to instill accountability and positive progress, the issue is that

cancel culture has led to people assuming someone’s guilt before they receive due process, dissolving their right to be innocent until proven guilty.

At the core of the debate is the question of balance. Teachers, like all Americans, should be free to voice their opinions outside of work. Yet schools have an obligation to ensure classrooms remain inclusive and politically neutral. Navigating these balances requires clear policies, strong union and thoughtful leadership from administration.

Kirk’s death has made America into an even more politically polarized country. In order to reconcile the rift in the nation, it is imperative that teachers educate their students to be open to other ideas, meaning they need their free speech to be protected without them being allowed to present opinions as facts. While educators must not promote ideology in their teaching, dispiling them for lawful personal speech risks violating democratic values.

Protecting teachers rights while preserving classroom neutrality is essential to maintain both free expression and public trust.

In a moment defined by division and public pressure, measuring the balance may be one of the most important tasks for education and democracy itself.

PAGE 5

Page 9

Feature

By Maeve O’Connor & Joe Curran Editors-in-Chief

In the past month, America has been divided by the death of prominent conservative commentator, Charlie Kirk. Kirk, who was a very polarizing figure in his lifetime, has only grown more conflicted in the public consciousness since his death.

Many of Kirk’s detractors have gone as far as to celebrate his death, leading to heated debate on social media over the ethics of glorifying someone’s death.

Across the country, individuals have been fired for posts regarding Kirk’s death, with public school teachers among those impacted. Dozens of educators have been suspended or terminated for social media posts, sparking the discussion about the balance between free speech rights and professional responsibility.

The controversy has placed much more attention on the role of politics in education.

Civics and government are parts of the curriculum for many; therefore, teachers are then tasked with helping students understand the function of democracy. Common core standards identify critical thinking as a necessary skill for high school students, so it is important for

Graphic/Vanshi Shroff

young people to engage with political issues in school. When done in an unbiased and open minded way, political conversations in schools can help students by teaching them how to peacefully debate and allowing them to talk in depth about issues affecting their lives. School is meant to prepare children for adult life and a major aspect of that life is being politically literate, meaning it is important for school to instill these teachings.

However, educators are expected to allow for critical thinking rather than advocate for a particular political side.

The goal should not be to persuade students but to provide them with the knowledge to form individual opinions. At the same time, teachers, like all citizens, hold personal beliefs.

While they are required to maintain neutrality in the classroom, many argue they should be able to express those views outside of school, citing the first amendment which allows for freedom of speech and expression.

In Peabody, MA, this tension reached a breaking point.

Two local teachers were terminated after posting on social media about Kirk, with critics describing the comments as political and insensitive. The loss of employment raised many re-

October 2025

sponses through the community, with some applauding the decision and others insisting the teachers constitutional rights had been violated. Since the initial events, one of the fired teachers has resigned. The other was ultimately reinstated to their role on Sept. 30, allowing them to resume teaching the day after.

The speed at which the teacher was both put on leave and reinstated demonstrates how controversial of an issue the topic is. The case illustrates how quickly educators’ personal free speech can generate controversy and how administrators often feel the pressure to respond.

It also opens the broad uncertainty about where professional obligations end and private freedoms begin. Furthermore, these layoffs put extra pressure on staff uncertain of whether or not they can say things in or out of the classroom, leading to them having to focus on their image instead of teaching their students. In recent years, many states, especially in the south, have introduced scripted lessons in order to ensure that teachers are informing their students of the right materials. Although this may seem to be a solution to the issue, it is not. Scripted lessons keep teachers from being able to add their own style to the

classroom while also ensuring that students are not introduced to different opinions. On top of this, memorizing scripts will take away from time teachers could spend on helping their students.

The Peabody case is not an unique incident. Across the United States, teachers in multiple states have been suspended or dismissed over posts related to Kirk’s death. In Massachusetts alone teachers in Framingham, Wachusett and Malden lost their jobs on top of those in Peabody. Some educators criticized Kirk’s political beliefs, while others were accused of celebrating his death. In some cases, educators who did not have their positions restored took the issue to the judicial system, suing their former employers.

These events have reiterated the great role social media plays in shaping professional consequences. A single Facebook post or tweet can reach thousands, attract media coverage and spark community outrage. For teachers, the result is a constant balance between their rights as a private citizen and their responsibilities as public educators.

Teachers are going through an unprecedented experience. In no generation has it been this easy for one’s words to be shared to millions with little

Feature

to no context. Teachers have no way to know what the right thing to do is in these situations because this has never happened before and by extent, administrators also do not know how to respond.

The Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) has advised school administrators not to discipline educators for lawful speech outside of work.

The MTA has emphasized that teachers do not need to give up their free speech rights simply by working in public schools.

At the same time, the union acknowledges the importance of neutrality in the classroom. Teachers cannot use their position to promote and violate the separation of church and state. The union’s position is that professional educators inside and classroom and personal expression outside it should be treated separately.

Parents, community members and online audiences frequently demand responses from schools when controversial posts surface, and in some instances, community members are the ones who have reported teachers’ private posts to administrators. While holding individuals to certain moral standards is important in order to instill accountability and positive progress, the issue is that

cancel culture has led to people assuming someone’s guilt before they receive due process, dissolving their right to be innocent until proven guilty.

At the core of the debate is the question of balance. Teachers, like all Americans, should be free to voice their opinions outside of work. Yet schools have an obligation to ensure classrooms remain inclusive and politically neutral. Navigating these balances requires clear policies, strong union and thoughtful leadership from administration.

Kirk’s death has made America into an even more politically polarized country. In order to reconcile the rift in the nation, it is imperative that teachers educate their students to be open to other ideas, meaning they need their free speech to be protected without them being allowed to present opinions as facts. While educators must not promote ideology in their teaching, dispiling them for lawful personal speech risks violating democratic values.

Protecting teachers rights while preserving classroom neutrality is essential to maintain both free expression and public trust.

In a moment defined by division and public pressure, measuring the balance may be one of the most important tasks for education and democracy itself.

PAGE 5

A&E

page 6

October 2025

“The Life of A Showgirl” debuts at No. 1

“Sequins

are

By Jeff Todd A&E Editor The latest addition to Taylor Swift’s superlative discography, “The Life of a Showgirl,” was released Oct. 3, 2025 and is another legendary album for Swift.

“The Life of a Showgirl” is Swift’s 12th studio album and is possibly her most aesthetically and musically unique yet. Upon its release, “The Life of A Showgirl” was not a fan-favorite album, but the album still received a 5-star rating from well-known music critics such as the Rolling Stone.

The album’s lead single, “The Fate of Ophelia,” was followed by a music video, which was premiered at “Taylor Swift, The Official Release Party of a Showgirl,” a film shown during the album’s release weekend in local theaters, celebrating the album, showing lyric videos for each track and an inside look at how the album was created.

Contrasting from Swift’s recent albums, “The Life of A Showgirl” was produced by Max Martin, rather than Jack Antonoff of the rock band, “Bleachers.” Swift and Martin have worked together in the past, producing fan-favorite albums such as “1989” and “Red” but this is the first album Martin produced for Swift since “Reputation,” released in 2017. Many fans longed

forever”

in

for the two to make another album together, claiming that Martin’s production style is much better than Antonoff ’s, so this new project likely satisfied those fans.

The album features critically acclaimed pop superstar, Sabrina Carpenter, on its title track, “The Life of a Showgirl.” The two have been very close friends since Carpenter was the supporting act on The Eras Tour, before she recently grew to fame. The track discusses the hardships of being a pop star, the unrealistic beauty and artistic expectations that come with it. It also remarks on how one has to adapt to a showgirl’s life, dealing with the downsides of fame and being a popstar on a daily basis. Towards the end of the track, these shaming themes resolve and the rest of the track shows the two overcoming said expectations and staying true to themselves regardless of outside opinions. With Carpenter only recently rising to fame, Swift served as a helping hand to navigate and manage her fame.

Even with all of this success, Swift said that she does not plan on touring again any time soon.

“I’m gonna be really honest with you. Like, I am so tired when I think about doing it again because I would want to do it really, really well again,” Swift said

Taylor

Swift’s

newest

in an interview with BBC Radio 1.

Through all 12 tracks, Swift showcases her authenticity through songwriting, backing vocals and production, making for an enjoyable listening experience. Along with this, Swift bounces back through tracks like “Father Figure,” a track showing Swift saying she had to act as the man and take care of her partner in past relationships in order to keep the relationship intact. Additionally, “Actually Romantic” seems to be combating Charli XCX for alleged drama between the two, which has been going on for years on end. Swift remarks on XCX talking badly about her. Whether online, or to her husband, George Daniel, who is the drummer of popular alternative band, The 1975. This

album

was seen as an issue as Swift’s exboyfriend, Matty Healy, is also a part of The 1975. Last year, when Charli XCX released “Sympathy is a knife” off of last summer’s hit album, “BRAT,” it was theorized online to be about Swift.

“The Life of a Showgirl” is yet another revolutionary project from one of the most prominent singer-songwriters of this generation. Especially with recent successes with “The Eras Tour,” Swift continuously shows listeners worldwide her signature vocal and performative talent with every new album she releases and “The Life of A Showgirl” is no different.

Without a tour for the album, it will likely have other radio singles, which w may have music videos to follow.

Photo/Taylor Swift

Taylor

Swift

stuns

in

the

album’s

promotional

artwork.

The case for movies in the present tense “One Battle After Another” challenges the trend of period pieces

By Connor Murray Staff Writer How often do you see a great movie take place right now? Not in 1985, not in Gotham or Oz, not in some distant dystopia. Now—the overconnected, messy world we actually live in. For an art form built on reflection, cinema has become strangely allergic to its own time.

The modern world has been traded for safe nostalgia, distant futurism or neatly packaged history. It’s the simple truth; period pieces win awards, sequels dominate theaters and movies set in the present have quietly disappeared. That absence isn’t an accident. It’s a creative blind spot that’s made film culture seem more like a museum than a mirror. The stories on screen have grown timeless, but not timely.

Filmmakers encounter unprecedented challenges when trying to film today’s world.

Technology changes faster than scripts can be written; modern cell phones limit tension and the internet’s nonstop innovation instantly dates films trying to cover it. Filmmakers retreat to the comfort of the past because the present feels impossible to cap-

ture without dating it instantly.

We live in a world that resists visual storytelling. It is a lot easier to build tension with a beeping pager than a buzzing iPhone.

It was not always this way. The 1970s were defined by films that lived in their moment, like “Taxi Driver,” “Network” and “All the President’s Men.” These films stared the nation in the face and did not blink. There is unease—and truth—in every frame. New Hollywood movies weren’t only commenting on the present, they were embodying it.

That is why Paul Thomas

Anderson’s new drama, “One Battle After Another,” matters.

It is the rare modern film that doesn’t dodge the world we’re in.

Set against the noise of political chaos, the film is personal, human and alive. A major problem for similar films, like Ari Aster’s July flop “Eddington,” is a disconnect from the average American’s reality: when grounded stories trying to show everyday struggles play like satires, it is hard to stay immersed. For a film by rich, established celebrities, “One Battle After Another” does not imitate what it thinks interGraphic/Allesasandro Montalto

“One star

Battle After cast including

Another” Leonardo

stars Dicaprio

features an and Sean

allPenn.

personal relationships look like; it depicts accurate, grounded characters and problems. Anderson does not try to capture the 2020s; he translates the decade’s exhaustion into emotion.

The story is about revolution, but at its core, it is about endurance and family—fighting when you are too tired to keep fighting.

The relatable theme is what makes “One Battle After Another” a blueprint. Modern life can be cinematic, not through texts and screens; rather, their effect on us. Alienation, obsession, connection and fear: all emotions augmented by modern society, and all emotions worth filming.

Films like “One Battle After Another” help to prove that the present tense still matters.

The world we live in is absurd, overwhelming and sometimes terrifying, but most importantly: real. If movies still hold the ever-important responsibility of holding a mirror up to humanity, maybe it is time filmmakers stopped looking backwards and began looking forwards.

The modern world is not unfilmable; it is simply waiting for someone to be bold enough to see what makes it important.

LIFESTYLE

Page 7

OCTOBER 2025

The best apple and pumpkin picking places

The

top

three

By Caitlin McCabe Opinion Editor Apple and pumpkin picking is a seasonal activity that is enjoyed by people of all ages.

However, it can be difficult to find a good spot to go to that consistently provides visitors with a positive experience. While one’s personal preference can vary, bringing home freshly picked apples and pumpkins is an enjoyable pastime for everybody.

If someone is looking for a simple experience, Dowse’s Orchard is the way to go. Located in Sherborn, Mass., their products consist of a variety of apples and pumpkins. The orchard contains many different types of apples such as Macintosh, Cortland, Macoun, Honeycrisp, Gala, Zestar and Spartan. Furthermore, Dowse’s has a great place to eat freshly picked apples on a hill overlooking the vast orchard. It is a beautiful view and one that is definitely worth seeing. In addition to their apple trees and pumpkin patch, they have a small market a few minutes away that sells baked goods and more apples or pumpkins.

On the other hand, if one is looking for a more elaborate apple and pumpkin picking out-

Fall Cozy

2025

layers

While summer’s warm weather wardrobe of tank tops and shorts will be missed, autumn’s brisk weather opens up a whole new selection of fashion.

Cozy fleeces, fashionable boots and neutral colors are seen in most styles with each returning fall. While most styles are reintroduced each year, some new styles arise with the new season, transforming wardrobes.

Coats and chic jackets have always been a staple in autumn fashion. Puffer coats and vests can be worn cropped at the waist, or go past the hips for a trench coat style. These jackets are typically a neutral color such as off-white, tan or black. They often are worn over a tank top, t-shirt or bodysuit, which can be dressed up or down. Zara, H&M and Gap sell these styles and are often looked upon for stylish fall attire.

Cozy cardigans and sweaters are a perfect way to embrace the fall weather. Most cardigans are made out of soft and comfortable material such as cotton and cashmere that provide warmth. They range in sizes; some being thinner and made

to

ing, Wards Berry Farm in Sharon Mass., is the perfect spot. Unlike Dowse’s, this farm consists of a lot more than just apple and pumpkin picking. They also have hayrides, a playground, farm animals to feed, sunflower picking and a café. Their orchard has Cortland, Evercrisp, Honeycrisp, Mcintosh and Zestar apples.

Although their orchard is not as big as Dowse’s, Wards Berry Farm’s overall establishment is larger. Moreover, this farm provides fruit and vegetable picking for multiple different seasons like strawberry or peach picking in the summer.

They also provide customers with a variety of flowers to either pick or buy for one’s home.

Additionally, kids can enjoy playing on the playground or spending time looking at the bunnies, chickens, goats and pigs.

If visitors get hungry, they can stop by the café to get smoothies, sandwiches, ice cream and more snacks. Wards Berry Farm can provide for an enjoyable day outdoors with family and friends.

Similar to Wards Berry Farm, Tangerini’s, in Millis, Mass., is a great spot for apple and pumpkin picking. They have a small orchard that has Honey Crisp, Mcintosh, Gala, Ginger

and

By Liv Fezzie Lifestyle Editor

spots

fashion

stylish

staples

out of silk blends and thin cotton, while others are thick, large and made out of heavy fibers and wool that is often spun into a chunky yarn. Dark red, chocolate brown and rich shades of purple take the spotlight for the fall 2025 color palette and can often be seen on these cardigans.

Another style that has been popularized on social media within the past year is unique prints and designs. Animal prints, including cheetah and zebra designs, are quirky but fashionable if styled right and are a unique way to add dimension to an outfit. More simple prints like

pick

apples

and

Gold and Cortland apples. Tangerini’s also has a hay ride that leads to a pumpkin patch for people to choose their favorite pumpkins, which is part of what makes this farm so unique. Kids also have the option to paint their pumpkins once they return from the hayride. Tangerini’s also has a small pen of goats and chickens for people to view. Furthermore, there is a little market that sells a wide range of vegetables, fruits, beverages, spreads and baked goods including their freshly baked apple cider donuts.

On top of the market, there is a little ice cream stand in the front of the farm that has a variation of their “old fashioned” flavors like cookies and cream or vanilla. If a person is looking for

pumpkins

something a little more substantial than ice cream or produce, there is a dining place next to the market called the Farmer’s Porch Restaurant, which can get extremely busy on the weekend so it is recommended to make a reservation ahead of time. It serves breakfast and lunch and is a very popular spot for visitors. Like Ward’s Berry Farm, Tangerini’s also offers sunflower picking for customers that provides a very beautiful picture taking opportunity. As the spooky season draws close, the farm starts a haunted hayride that begins Oct. 18.

Whether someone is looking for a varied experience or a basic experience, Dowse’s Orchard, Wards Berry Farm and Tangerini’s are all great places to visit.

Photo/Caitlin McCabe

Celebrate

fall

with

trends

define

outdoor

this

fun

to

years

polka dots and stripes are typically seen in wardrobes because of their simple but stylish patterns. These patterns can be seen on shirts, cardigans and hoodies and can form an adorable outfit.

Every fall outfit needs a pair of shoes to tie it all together.

Campus and Gazelle style Adidas sneakers have risen in popularity within the past year due to their simplicity and ability to be paired with almost any outfit. In addition to sneakers, boots are a staple in autumn attire. The typical Ugg boots return each year; the most popular being the Ugg Classic Mini Boot. In addition to Graphic/ Vanshi Shroff

Stylish layers, boots and cozy sweaters rise to popularity this season.

at

local

farms.

watch

fall

trends

Uggs, not only have a new style of boots emerged, but they’ve taken the spotlight on social media. These boots are the Frye boots, with their loveable, timeless style and classiness. Made from real leather, these boots are simple yet sophisticated and are a staple in fall wardrobes.

Jeans are yet another autumn basic that can be styled a variety of ways with many outfits. From light wash and dark wash to ripped and flare, the dozens of options make the piece of clothing a loved staple. Levi Strauss & Co., known for their durable and classic styles, was established and has been opened to the public since 1853, and has managed to keep a consistent following for all 170 years.

American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch and Old Navy are recognized for their affordable variety of jeans, as many of the younger generations shop there due to their known brand and logos.

New styles come and go with each season, which is why many eagerly look to dress and update their wardrobes for autumn. Infinite amounts of outfit combinations combined with several layers and textures form a season known for its unique but comforting style.

Sports

Page 8

October 2025

David St. Martin named WHS athletic director

After 25 years as math teacher, St. Martin returns to Walpole athletics

By Molly Diggin Assistant Graphics Editor David St. Martin, a math teacher at Walpole High School for 25 years, has now received the role of Walpole’s athletic director.

Last year, Walpole struggled to find a permanent athletic director, St. Martin decided that the circumstances were favorable for him to become the athletic director. He has been very involved in sports at WHS for 25 years coaching youth baseball, football and basketball. He coached varsity basketball at WHS for ten years.

“I love teaching and getting up in front of the class to teach kids,” St. Martin said. “Teaching is also a lot of work, lesson planning and correcting. This is a different kind of busy.”

Although Athletic Director can be perceived as a job that focuses strictly on athletics, St. Martin adds a new per-

Walpole

Student

spective to the job and hopes to change the way student athletes feel on and off the field.

“I really want to bring together athletics and academics.

Let the faculty know that they are student athletes and students come first, but also support the athletes and coaches to make sure they have a really good experience,” St. Martin said. “I think for me just supporting the student athletes is the biggest call for me.”

Something else important to St. Martin is making sure captains- team leaders for every sport are aware of their position and how to be a good leader. St. Martin decided to start the Captains Council, where he meets with every captain of each sport all together once a month to talk about being leaders in the school. Additionally, St. Martin has introduced a student home pass allowing students to purchase a pass to every home game once instead of being

teams

athletes

By Nicky Mahoney Staff Writer Morgan’s Message is a non-profit organization made to break the stigma surrounding athletes’ mental health. Morgan’s message began in July, 2020 in honor of Morgan Rogers, who was a member of the Division 1 women’s lacrosse team at Duke University. In her senior year of high school, Rogers began to experience severe anxiety. At the time, she received support from her team and professional help to manage her anxiety then she began her college lacrosse journey.

In her sophomore year of college, she had a devastating knee injury that resulted in a one year of endless surgeries and rehab. As a result, the injury caused Rogers’s mental health decline rapidly and she felt she had no worth; she died of suicide on July 11, 2019 at the age of 22. Rogers’s family created this program to raise awareness for all athletes’ mental health and it had grown significantly over the past couple years. It has since grown to 5,136 Ambassadors in 1,618 high school and college campuses in the United States. This fall, eight Walpole sports teams have shown their support for the cause.

charged at every home game.

St. Martin views his change from math teacher to Athletic Director as positive switch for him.

“I loved being a math teacher and I love teaching but 25 years is a lot, so this is a good change of pace for me,” St. Martin said.

St. Martin’s attitude,

Photo/ Molly Diggin

David

support

raise

St.

awareness

On Sept. 17, the first dedication games were held by the boys and girls cross country teams. This was their first year hosting a Morgan’s Message meet. To honor Morgan’s Message, the cross country team wore neon pink Morgan’s Message shirts, teal ribbons on their uniforms, ribbons in their hair and Morgan’s Message bracelets while they were racing. Along with these they had a table set up with posters and brochures to explain the significance of Morgan’s Message.

“The dedication games are a way to remind athletes that they are not defined by their sport and that there are

Martin

takes

on

for

a lot of people they can reach out to if they are struggling with mental health,” the publicity coordinator and chair of the girls cross country dedication meet, Maddie Cunningham said.

Additionally, six other teams will be hosting dedication games this fall; football, field hockey, girls and boys soccer, girls volleyball and girls swimming. Each one of these teams will be representing Morgan’s Message like the cross country team by wearing matching Morgan’s Message shirts in the teams chosen color along with matching teal Morgan’s Message bracelets and teal ribbons on their

Graphic/Vanshi Shroff

athletes

wear

teal

colors

to

promote

new

Morgan’s

Graphic/ Gabriella Luongo

WHS

goals and new perspective is sure to give all students, coaches and faculty a good experience at Walpole High School. St. Martin has brought a new light to the job and has been connecting very well with all student athletes. Having a teacher background, he has been able to create a safe place for all students.

mental

health

awareness.

role

as

Athletic

Director.

Message

mental

health

uniform or in their hair. They will also have an informational table on the purpose of dedication games. In addition to the tables, all teams will read the same script to inform the audience and teams about Morgan’s Message before the game begins.

“Morgan’s Message was created by her family and former teammates with the mission to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health, normalize the conversations about mental health and ensure that mental health is treated equally to physical health for all student-athletes” Walpole’s Morgan’s Message chapter said.

This is a part of the speech the ambassadors will say at the games.

The speech is then followed with a ten second moment of silence to honor Rogers life.

Morgan’s Message is a great way to break the stigma around athletes’ mental health.

They make sure all athletes know that their mental health is important and getting help is not embarrassing. The program creates a safe space for all athletes to share their stories, resources, and help their peers through all struggles they may be facing.