Fall Issue 2025 • Wilmington Friends School’s Community Newspaper • Wilmington, DE
Shrek the Musical Takes the Stage at WFS
Victoria Gasta Domínguez ‘29 Staff Writter
Prepare yourselves for ogres, donkeys, and plenty of laughter, because this year, our Upper School will perform and bring Shrek the Musical to life. Inspired by the beloved film, the musical tells the tale of a misunderstood ogre who becomes a hero when he rescues a princess from a tower.
Throughout the tale, the audience follows Shrek’s adventure with fairy-tale creatures, a talkative donkey, and a Lord who struggles to measure up (literally). Margaret Anne Butterfield, the musical director, describes the production as “Absolutely hilarious, but empowering because the characters kind of own up to who they are.” Although there are vastly different opinions, many believe the musical was chosen for its impressive number of lead roles and important ensemble characters. Piper Roskovensky ‘26, playing the lead role of Fiona, says, “There are a lot of different characters for people to choose from, and in the ensemble, there are a lot of personalized characters that have a significant role in the musical.” This year’s cast list is full of variety, but it is not the first time Wilmington Friends School has done a production of Shrek. Back in 2019, the eighth graders brought the tale to life.
Of course, a production this big requires just as much effort behind the curtain as on stage. So, what goes into creating a musical as complex as this? What are the tiny details that make the musical so interesting to the audience? Beyond the quick costume changes and intense choreography, there are small details that keep everything running smoothly.
Ava Miller ‘26, the stage manager, has the complex task of keeping track of it all. Her job involves taking notes of the small moments that each character has on stage, props that each scene might need, and even filming videos of certain scenes so the cast can use them when practicing. When asked about what people might not realize about the process, she says, “A lot of organizing, tons of Google Docs and spreadsheets, and communicating with cast, lights, and sound.”
The themes of the musical also carry a deeper message beyond the humor. Easton Martinenza ‘27, who plays the role of Pinocchio, says, “Humorous, but behind the humor it really talks about true beauty.” Piper Roskovensky ‘26 says that Shrek is fun and energetic, but also reflects “Our school values, like community.”
The date for Shrek the Musical is getting closer and closer. Rehearsals run multiple times a week, often running late into the night. As mentioned before, the building of each scene, let alone an entire act, takes plenty of time to cover. Scenes become broken down into small chunks, with the leads repeating their lines over and over again until it is acted out perfectly. Besides acting, it takes a lot of time to process where and how a certain character should stand on stage. With small corrections, each scene shapes up exactly how it should be.
The audience can expect a performance full of laughter, energy, and plot twists. From the incredible and hilarious sound effects, to Donkey’s humorous jokes, every scene the viewers will see is nothing but entertaining and filled with talent. Once you add in the colorful, yet seemingly uncomfortable costumes, heartfelt moments, and a catchy final song titled “I’m a Believer”, the production will be an unforgettable and amusing night for everyone.
With humor, love, and plenty of stinky swamps, Shrek the Musical promises to be one of the most memorable productions the Upper School has ever staged, and it certainly will not be the last.
AmeriStarRail is Coming to the United States
Henrik Maansson ‘29 Staff Writer
High-speed rail is finally coming to the Northeast Corridor with a brand-new line starting in Alexandria, Virginia traveling to Washington, D.C., then to Philadelphia, and making its final stop in New York City. The record travel time from Washington, DC to New York City will be just 1 hour and 59 minutes, according to AmeriStarRail, with trains going every 30 minutes. The head of the entire operation is a company working with Amtrak named AmeriStarRail.
AmeriStarRail is an innovative train company based in Delaware that plans to revolutionize the passenger rail industry in the Northeast corridor by making it more convenient to take a train than a car or plane. One of their projects will be the connection of the Alexander to New York City line, with the use of Libertyliner 250 trainset from AmeriStarRail, the train is able to hit speeds of up to 160 mph on 52 miles of track in New Jersey which makes it much better to travel on than a car or plane in terms of travel time, but what about cost? Well, in a recent interview with the Chief Operating Officer of AmeriStarRail, Scott Spencer, he said that, “adding coaches to all high-speed Libertyliners is a major part of making Amtrak more competitive, affordable and family friendly,” as well as, “up to two kids under 18 will be able to travel for free with each Adult or Senior Citizen Coach ticket
fare. In addition, infants and toddlers can ride free in the laps of parents in the Family Coach.” AmeriStarRail will also set ticket prices “to be more competitive with the “out-of-pocket” costs of driving (gas, tolls, parking).” By taking down the cost of passenger rail travel, transportation by train has become more affordable. In addition to reducing transportation costs, AmeriStarRail is ensuring that its trains have priority on rail lines owned by freight companies.
The issue of Amtrak trains not receiving priority on freight rail lines, which leads to hour-long delays, has plagued the company for decades. However, AmeriStarRail will pay freight companies to use their tracks and ensure that no delays occur during the operating service of passenger trains. The new passenger line from Alexandria to New York City will also be very climate-friendly, as only 1% of all global transportation emissions come from trains, compared to 70% from cars, according to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).
AmeriStarRail is not only building new highspeed rail; it is also helping to save the planet.
Wilmington Friends School Theater
Photo: Morgan Kim
Amtrak Photo: Pixels
Meet Your Class Reps
Liza Green ‘27 Staff Writer
“I ran because our grade didn’t feel represented, and I wanted to change that.”
-Lilah
Pauley ‘26
It is at this time of the year when the school is arguably the most aware of class representatives; election season. But who are our class representatives, and what do they do to serve the Wilmington Friends School community? Each year, Ildiko Miller and our senior business team work together to officiate and organize the elections.
This year, the student body can congratulate Victoria Gasta-Dominguez and Will Vandruff as freshman representatives, Cooper Miller and Cael McDonnell as sophomore representatives, Gabrielle Hamilton and Justin Hutchful as junior representatives, and Izzy Winchell and Lilah Pauley as senior representatives. Candidates campaigned over the first few weeks of school, and gave speeches on Friday, September 19. The student body then voted on the candidates that they think would best represent the members of their grade.
Since the winners of the student representative elections had been announced, they have been open to interviews about their campaigns, responsibilities, and motives as class representatives. Some candidates were asked why they decided to run for class rep this year.
Justin Hutchful ‘27 says “I wanted to make it easier for people to communicate with the business team, and encourage more student budget proposals.”
Punctuality or Pain? The Controversy of the New Late Policy
Zoë Mooney-Doyle ‘27 Staff Writer
New school years often come with new rules. At the beginning of every school year students can be found on the lookout for new regulations being implemented. The 2025 school year presented everyone with a new late policy for students. The old late policy stated that “late to school” lates were separate from the “late to class” lates. Now the late policy says that the “late to school” lates and the “late to class” lates are the same and are read by the system identically. This means that too many late to schools will lead to a warning where previously they were mostly ignored. New rules often bring the potential for controversy between students and faculty, and this new addition is no different.
Main reasons for the new late policy include the increase in the amount of lates among students, and the disruption caused within the class when students enter late. Due to the students’ lateness to school being ignored, some felt like they could show up whenever they wanted. “The late policy was being taken advantage of,” Taiasha, who works at the main office, says, “it was being used when not necessary.” Upper School students
Some of our class representatives chose to try out for this leadership role because they work well as leaders. When asked the same question, Victoria Gasta-Dominguez ‘29, who was a business meeting clerk in eighth grade, says “Since middle school, I have liked to take on big leadership roles. I often assume the leadership role, because leading comes naturally to me.”
Izzy Winchell ‘26 and Lilah Pauley ‘26 experienced a unique campaign process, where they were the only 2 candidates running in their grade. When asked why they chose to run, Izzy explains that she wanted to take the initiative to represent her grade when not many others were considering campaigning. Lilah says “I ran because our grade didn’t feel represented, and I wanted to change that.”
When candidates were asked about their
should be responsible for getting to school on time, especially those who drive. Should an excuse be given to those who simply refuse to leave their house earlier?
While working in the main office, Taiasha sees everyone that comes in late and learns why. Adding to this, Ildikó Miller, the US dean of students, says, “There used to be a line outside of the check-in office.” Punctuality is a life skill, and the Upper School is trying to teach high schoolers the importance of being on time.
From the perspective of teachers this new late policy ensures that their classes will start on time and hopefully little to no students will come in late. From their perspective, this new rule is in both the interests of teachers and students. When students come into class late, they have to check in with the teacher and get settled. This is a major distraction for all parties involved. Miller says, “Being late is stressful for teachers and students.”
When asking students what they think about the new late policy their answers differ from Mrs. Miller’s. Quinn Marshall ‘27 says, “Sometimes being late to class happens because of things like crowded hallways, being let out late, or a teacher talking to you in the hallway. That’s very different than showing up late to school altogether.” Students feel that sometimes it is out of their control and it is not fair to put that penalty on them. In addition, some students live very far away and cannot control an accident or traffic. Life happens, and the new late policy doesn’t always give grace to those who cannot
responsibilities and duties as a class representative, Gasta-Dominguez ‘29 discusses the process of representing an individual student’s idea or proposal. Gasta-Dominguez ‘29 says, “We create a form, a student would state their name, grade, and any complications or concerns they may have, and we take this to Agenda Meeting. We are then able to consider the importance of the proposal, and discuss how we can best fulfill the needs or requests of the student. An example of something we discussed at the most recent meeting was a proposal from a student about making the water in our school colder, and how we would be able to do that.”
When asked about his main responsibilities as a junior class representative, Hutchful ‘27 says, “Our job is to make it easier for the juniors to communicate with the business team. At Agenda Meeting, we go over the proposals that have been brought to us, and discuss them. All of the class representatives attend as well as Mrs. Miller, the business team, and anyone else who wants to join us.”
Finally, when asked about their campaign strategies, Gasta-Dominguez ‘29 says “When creating a speech, I thought about the image I wanted to present myself as, and how I would be received by my classmates. I want to allow students to feel comfortable coming to me with their ideas and proposals.” Hutchful ‘27 says “I wanted to come across as approachable and excited to make change.”
If a student has a proposal for how to best use the collective budget, or if they have an idea that will benefit the student body, they have an excellent team of representatives in their grade who are ready to take on any requests and work with students to make our community as successful as it can be. With that, congratulations to the new class representatives!
control being late.
geekpartnership.org
The new rule this year is as controversial as it gets. The teachers are happy about it, students are upset about it, and some are impartial. As the year continues, it is important to keep this rule in mind so warnings are not given out for lates. Too many warnings lead to more severe consequences, which distressing for students and teachers alike. The varying perspectives on this new rule pose an intriguing question: does the new late policy contribute to the punctuality or pain of WFS community members?
Class Representative Gabby Hamilton ‘27 Photo: Morgan Kim ‘27
Day in the Life of Ildikó Miller: Organization and Time Management
Isla White ‘29 Staff Writer
While everyone focuses on how students juggle their schedules, we often overlook the ways teachers and faculty manage their time, too. Let’s take a deep dive into the life of our very own Ildikó Miller, who seems to do it all.
Ildikó Miller, the Upper School Dean of Students, likes planning out her day. Upon arriving at 7:30 a.m., she uses the next 20 minutes to check emails and outline her daily schedule, giving her a clear understanding of what to expect. After that, Mrs. Miller will manage all student incidents regarding health, lateness, or injury. This includes processing and responding to related messages, as well as communicating student absences to the appropriate teachers.
Once classes have started, Mrs. Miller takes ten to fifteen minutes to draft her agenda and to-do list for the day, a daily ritual she values for focus and clarity. She conducts wellness checks on sick or injured students to provide necessary support and help them manage missed schoolwork.
After everything is up and running, Mrs. Miller will begin checking off tasks on her to-do lists. She finds them a great way to organize her day and remember what to accomplish. At 9 a.m., she does morning attendance, and most days at 3 p.m., she will have meetings with teachers and faculty.
Mrs. Miller teaches math for six days of the seven-day cycle, and she also attends agenda meetings every Day Four. She sponsors many clubs, including Spikeball Club and Quaker Life Club.
At home, she has two dogs, one being a seven-month-old. She likes to go on 4-mile walks with her family and dogs, and also watch sports games all together. A lot of her family time is spent with her dogs and playing with them. Everyone knows that 7-month-old puppies can take up a lot of time and effort. She said, “Organization is key.” She believes that great ways for students to organize their time are to use agendas, to-do lists, the assignment center, Post-it notes, and whatever else works.
Over 50% of responses in a poll of fifteen people reported that writing things down in an agenda or planner helps them remember tasks and events more easily. Kate Weigand ‘29 says, “I like to fill out my planner with assignments, and I also make reminders on my phone sometimes if I have something coming up, like an appointment.” Another way students like to organize themselves is by using digital resources because most of the time they have an electronic device with them that can remind them of
Quaker Events: The Flow of Hoco
Toni Opawumi ‘29 Staff Writer
Homecoming means dancing the night away, snapping selfies, and basking in the glory of glittery decorations! But wait, ever thought about the behind-the-scenes magic that makes it all happen? Spoiler alert: it’s not all glitz and glam!
That’s right, while everyone was busy planning outfits and perfecting dance moves, a dedicated crew of spirited souls, Friends’ very own Spirit Committee, was hard at work creating this epic event. Let’s send out a call to arms (or maybe just a message) to some of the star planners and participants: Jake Maheshwari ‘27, Lucy White ‘27, and Sarah O’Brien!
Curious about how the homecoming extravaganza flows at WFS? Well, get ready for a wild ride through the planning process, with all its giggles, epic brainstorming sessions, and maybe a few late-night snack breaks!
Maheshwari ‘27 explains, “Well, you know, it is a methodical process, choosing the theme for homecoming and the themes for spirit week, and the feedback we have gotten is… well-received. But you know you can't please everyone, you have to do what's best for the school.”
When asked how they go about picking these themes, Maheshwari ‘27 added, “We choose some themes, then go to the heads of the school to see if they approve or not. Before pleasing the students, we have to please the authority figures in the school.” WOW! The spirit committee pulled out all the stops to make this year’s homecoming the best it can be! With all that hard work and dedication, you could feel the excitement in the air. But Maheshwari ‘27 wasn’t the only one reached out to for the
events and tasks. 13% of the poll said that they like to use either the assignment center or a digital calendar.
Charlie Kurz ‘27 likes to use the assignment center because he is constantly checking it throughout the day. Kurz ‘27 says, “It is very reliable; most of the time, teachers are very good about making sure to put assignments on it.”
He also likes to find time during school, such as free periods, where he can get his work done. He does this so he does not have to stress out about it after school and out-ofschool activities.
On the other hand, Juliette Hughes ‘28 likes using both the digital assignment center and an in-hand planner. Hughes ‘28 says, “The planner is helpful for scheduling and [reminds me] when to do long-term assignments and study for tests, and the assignment center helps [me] know when things are due and more like homework.”
A lot of people enjoy using both an agenda and a digital organization tool. Many students and teachers enjoy just writing things down on a to-do list so they can keep track of what tasks are completed or not, while other students just rely on remembering. Despite their separate roles, students and faculty organize in very similar ways. Mrs. Miller likes using agendas and to-do lists, while some other students like to use memorization or alarms on their devices.
scoop now. Let’s hear from Lucy White ‘27!
When asked her opinion on her vision for homecoming, White ‘27 exclaims, “Homecoming should be enjoyable this year because it is not in the lower school but in the east and west gyms, so we are excited for that. But my vision probably looks like everyone dancing, talking, and having fun playing the games for the theme, Game Night! So it will be very interesting to see how everything flows on Saturday.”
Now let’s hear a teacher's opinion on all of this. Time to call down Ms. O’Brien. When asked how she thinks homecoming has been going so far, Ms. O’Brien says, “The spirit days have been great. They did a lovely job selecting good themes that include everyone, but it was strange to have Thursday off, but still everything went wonderfully.”
Goodness gracious, the compliments keep getting better. Ms. O’Brien believes that school spirit is “a general love for the school and what we represent, and I feel like friends do a really good job supporting our vision”. When asked what she thinks the hardest part of planning homecoming was, she says, “Because it was early this year they had a ton of work to do in a really short amount of time.”
Ms. O’Brien envisions homecoming this year and she adds, “A space for people to dance and vibe but also a place for people to play games who aren’t really into dancing as much so everyone is included and comfortable”. When asked if there was anything she would like to add, she says, “Friends is a great place, and homecoming is one activity where we really shine”.
Every year, the spirit committee seems to outdo itself, and this year is no exception. Expectations were high, and everyone delivered. Homecoming was full of dances, fun, and games.
Ildikó Miller
Photo: wilmingtonfriends.org
Winnie the Pooh, a bear often quoted by Ildiko Miller Photo: flickr.com
The Reopening of the Java Nook
Annie Rosenthal ‘27 Staff Writer
The school year has kicked off and with that schools will traditionally add new elements to the community to enrich the campus and the happiness of students. This year, the school’s newest addition is the Java Nook, well sort of.
The Java Nook originally opened in September of 2014 and was running smoothly, but sadly had to close in 2020 due to health concerns from the rapid spread of COVID-19. Since then, the cafeteria has been the place students and faculty go to for any food or drink that they may want.
Now with the re-opening of the Java Nook, the students and faculty at Wilmington Friends School are very happy to have this new convenience built into their every day school lives.
The story behind the creation of the Java Nook is one that is very unique to the school, but it’s very understandable in relation to how the Friends community operates. The idea was first proposed in 2014 at a business meeting. Many students showed support for the idea and from there the Java Nook became one of the most popular spots on campus. It was very upsetting to students when the Java Nook closed during the pandemic but now that it is back, it is getting the same praise, if not more than it did when it was first introduced back in September of 2014. In a Whittier article written by Maddie Ireland ‘19 and Meera Kohli ‘19, they wrote, “Most students were voicing praise for the coffee shop. In fact, the shop is so popular, many students were asking for the Java Nook’s hours to be extended.” It’s interesting to hear that the students from 10 years ago have similar feelings towards the Java Nook as current students do now.
Nya Parker ‘27 feels that the Java Nook should also be open later in the day. “I really appreciate this new convenience but sometimes I wish I had the option to go later in the day. Not just in the morning.”
As the year continues it will be interesting to see if people’s thoughts towards the re-opening will stay positive or if people will begin to want new additions added to the Java Nook.
One of the most talked about advantages of the Java Nook’s re-opening is its convenience in location. It can be found right outside the theatre lobby. This spot is great for students to grab a quick snack or drink during passing time or break.
The workers at the Java Nook are the most important aspect of its re-opening and structure as a whole. They make the Java Nook run like a well-oiled machine and ensure it runs smoothly while also providing the best customer service to all students and faculty.
Veronica is the main worker at the Java Nook and she also helps in the cafeteria after her shift. You can find her cleaning the coffee area,
restocking the shelves or working hard at making sure every student is satisfied with their experience. When asked if the Java Nook gets busy she says, “Yes it does. Usually whenever the students’ breaks are it gets busy or it’s just sporadic throughout the day.”
It is certain that anytime you walk past the Java Nook you will find someone checking it out or waiting in line. Parker ’27 values this new convenience by saying, “I appreciate the Java Nook reopening because it is way easier to walk to the Java Nook than walking all the way down to the cafeteria. It makes it easier to get to class on time and avoid waiting in long lines. I’m also able to go during my frees.”
Parker ‘27 speaks for a lot of the student body when she mentions the beneficial location of the Java Nook in comparison to the location of the cafeteria.
In the future it’s well-wished and expected that the Java Nook will continue to run for students and faculty. In only the first month it has been overwhelmingly successful and has gotten so much positive feedback. It’s not only a good experience for the students but also for the staff.
Veronica shares that her favorite part about working at the Java Nook is “Getting to meet all of the people and know names and what everyone likes.” The Java Nook is open everyday from 7:30 to 11 a.m. for all to say hi to the workers behind the counter or to just get a tasty snack or beverage. Oh, and one more thing, faculty gets free coffee on Fridays!
The Java Nook
Photo: Morgan Kim ‘27
Photo by Ivan Samkov Pexels.com
The Whittier Miscellany
Trump Administration Announces the End of Solar for All Program
Aubrey Ashman ‘26 Staff Writer
The Trump administration has officially ended the Solar for All program, a $7 billion federal initiative designed to provide solar energy to at least 900,000 lower-income households. In July 2025, Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) into law, which repealed Biden’s $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), the central source of funding for Solar for All.
On August 7, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin declared the end of Solar for All in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Today, the Trump EPA is announcing that we are ending Solar for All for good, saving US taxpayers ANOTHER $7 BILLION!” Zeldin wrote.
The announcement voided 60 grants that had been issued to states, tribes, and local organizations. While the administration maintains that the repeal of the GGRF left no legal authority to continue the program, critics argue that grants already assigned should not be canceled.
The termination has disrupted many projects nationwide. For instance, Michigan was preparing to launch $156 million in solar initiatives when the money was pulled. Texas lost even more, as it had $250 million planned for solar energy projects. The abruptness of the revocation has caused confusion and chaos.
Whether the EPA has the authority to cancel already-issued grants will likely be tested in court. Many state officials have already suggested that lawsuits are possible, arguing that their awards were fully granted before the repeal and therefore still valid. Connecticut, in
particular, claims its $62 million Solar for All grant was legally binding as of mid-2024.
Democratic members of Congress have expressed their opposition to the cancellation of the program. Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, the top Democrat on the Senate Environment Committee, called the elimination of Solar for All a betrayal and stated that it will be detrimental to electricity cost and function. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has defended the decision as part of its effort to promote fossil fuels and pursue “energy dominance.”
The repeal of Solar for All is consistent with a series of deregulatory measures carried out by the administration related to federal rules that protect clean air and
EPA terminates Solar for All program
Photo: David Paul Morris water, as well as renewable energy projects. Critics argue that the decision will not only stall America’s transition to clean energy but also leave vulnerable communities behind. Corey Solow, the legislative director for Climate and Energy at the nonprofit Earthjustice, said, “Instead of focusing on cost-saving investments, the Trump EPA is keeping those communities reliant on pollutant, fossil energy”.
Environmental justice advocates emphasize that the cancellation disproportionately affects disadvantaged communities. Solar for All was specifically designed to
The Assassination of Charlie Kirk
Blaire Princilus ‘29 Staff Writer
On September 10th, 2025, Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, was assassinated at Utah Valley University. He was shot during an outdoor event, which was his first stop during the fall season of his “American Comeback” tour, a debate series planned by Turning Point USA, which he co-founded. In the midst of talking with an audience member about mass shootings in the US, he was fatally shot. His assassin, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, surrendered himself to the authorities just a day later and is now being tried for the death penalty in court.
The news spread quickly, not only in the United States, but also worldwide. Josh Fung ‘26 says it “felt like he didn’t die”, due to the vast amount of news released about him daily. There were mixed reactions from people worldwide, and an anonymous freshman at WFS mentioned, “ I saw a bit of everything. I think people just rushed to spill out their opinions online about the situation, which caused lots of disagreements.” In the political world, numerous important figures, including conservative leaders, have spoken out about the situation and issued statements. For example, Donald Trump labeled Charlie Kirk as an “American Hero” and a “martyr” during his memorial service. At the same time, the famous comedian Jimmy Kimmel criticized conservative figures for “trying to score political points” rather than truly grieving.
Ultimately, the situation highlights the fact that political tensions in the U.S. are rising rapidly. Tara Agne, a history teacher at WFS, says, “I think the assassination shows that tension will keep rising and rising, and more extreme people from both sides will emerge.” It is known that high-profile assassinations of political figures don’t happen very often, especially in the United States, which helps to serve her point. Additionally, Agne states, “It’s scary that things like these are becoming more targeted to prominent public figures, especially ones in the political world,” which is a sentiment shared by people throughout the country, based on online reactions. Even though Fung ‘26 described Charlie Kirk as a “great guy” who “made common sense common again,” and contrarily an Anonymous Junior at WFS described him as “too intense”, both people agreed that violence should not be the answer regarding politics.
Many changes have already been implemented within the political world since the events of September 10, 2025. For example, security measures during similar events have been taken to a much higher level. When Turning Point USA returned to Utah for the first time after the events, things like metal-detecting security drones were flying
bring benefits to neighborhoods that have historically been disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. Ms. Caitlin Norton, a biology teacher at WFS, said, “I think the government should be investing in clean energy programs like this as they have the potential to lower energy bill costs and provide jobs for many people, specifically those of low-income.”
The reaction has not been limited to lawmakers and advocacy groups. Many state governments and nonprofits that had already begun outreach for Solar for All projects now find themselves scrambling. Local organizers in states like North Carolina and Illinois reported that they had already hired staff and engaged the community, only to have their funding revoked with little warning. For these groups, the loss is not only financial but also a setback in building trust with the communities they serve.
While many communities are facing hardships after the program’s cancellation, the fight is far from over. Several states are exploring alternative funding options to keep solar projects moving forward. Meanwhile, legal challenges could determine whether the federal government needs to issue the grants that it clawed back after the cancellation.
As the political battle continues, it is becoming more apparent that the future of clean energy programs like Solar for All depends not only on federal decisions but also on local leadership and public advocacy. Even the voices of students and youth can make a difference. Sara Clothier ‘26 said, “I think that people our age need to educate themselves and others about climate change, since the state of our world is at stake.”
The cancellation of Solar for All raises pressing questions about national priorities. Should the government continue investing in renewable energy, or should it prioritize short-term cost savings and fossil fuel expansion? For now, the Trump administration has made its voice clear. Whether that choice stands will depend upon the courts, Congress, and the collective voices of those determined to keep clean energy accessible for all.
overhead, and a strong law enforcement presence was evident. Utah natives who attended the event noticed that many more security measures had been implemented since the previous incident at the same campus. Many future political events will have higher security standards.
Similarly, interviewees agreed that change will happen. Fung ‘26 says, “The younger age group will start to face a push to become involved in politics,” and that “People will feel a strong need to pick sides.” Agne states, “It takes our public figures on both sides to come together to moderate the language that is used rather than hurling insults at each other, to benefit all Americans.” Agne also stresses that no matter what side a person is on, hate shouldn’t be spread among the citizens of our country.
Extremism is becoming a problem in this country due to growing political tensions. Though the action of assassinating Charlie Kirk was done as a protest, it went to extreme measures. Charlie Kirk’s assassination illustrates how quickly people resort to violence in political disagreements, which all interviewees agree is devastating. The case with his alleged assassin, Tyler Robinson, continues to move forward with millions watching. As younger generations witness the current events in our country, it is impossible to discern whether the polarization of our country will continue as they enter the vast world of politics. In all, Charlie Kirk’s assassination will go down as a turning point in American politics.
Charlie Kirk speaks at Republican National Convention Photo: Chip Somodevilla
Money Grab or Worth it?
Kylie Poole ‘28 Staff Writer
Each year, roughly around the same time, Apple launches a new iPhone with supposedly better features than the year before. The iPhone of the year, the iPhone 17, was announced on September 9, 2025. The question is, is it worth the money?
This year’s iPhone features a significant number of small changes, including a dual fusion camera for improved close-up photo quality, a more scratch-resistant and durable screen, the new iOS 26 update, a center-stage front camera for enhanced group selfies, and an A19 chip for improved battery life. Although these new features can significantly contribute to the quality of an iPhone, is it really necessary to make the change and purchase it?
Kate Coletti ‘28 states, “I think it is a little too similar [to other iPhones] cause I haven’t heard of any major updates except for the camera on the phone”. The updates are not very major and make the iPhone seem similar to previous iPhones.
Although it may be similar, others approach the new iPhone from a different perspective.
In accordance with Sebastian Pellathy ‘28, “The iPhone 17 was made with significantly more battery life, storage, and processing power, and even with the release of the iPhone 17 Air, their thinnest phone to date, they were able to continue the trend of improvement”.
The new phone additions represent a technological advancement that could continue the pathway for further development and improvement of other iPhones, as well as making them one of the best phones to buy at present.
Greg Miller, the director of technology, says, “I mean its, you know, its a relatively better iPhone, but do you really need all that stuff?” It may seem like the newer technology on the latest iPhones is necessary to have a good phone; however, it is questioned whether those updates are actually essential, or if an older iPhone is all that is needed.
The launch of new phones every year by Apple is a marketing technique to help it generate more revenue. Every year, they attempt to make changes to their iPhone to increase demand and boost interest in the latest products.
Miller emphasizes, “It’s all consumerism, it’s a big money grab, so you know, it’s definitely not necessary to upgrade every year.” The minor tweaks made by Apple year after year for iPhones aren’t necessary.
Though Apple’s marketing strategy may work on some, others think that the yearly iPhone release is unnecessary and more time could be spent as a way to create an even better iPhone to be released occasionally but not annually.
Coletti ‘28 explains, “A new iPhone every year is a bit excessive, especially since they [Apple] usually just change the look. They do usually add more power and stuff like that, but I think every year is a bit excessive, and they could be spending more time just upgrading the phones instead of just releasing a new one every year.” The yearly release of these phones is not necessary, especially since well-maintained phones can last up to 10 years without needing replacement. Apple could spend more time working on larger upgrades that create a greater contrast between iPhone models, rather than launching new phones every year with slight differences.
Although some think that the iPhone is non-negotiably not something necessary to buy, others think that it may be beneficial to the advancement of technology.
Sebastian Pellathy ‘28 explains, “The creation of a highly thin phone could also point to Apple incrementally testing out a possible future foldable phone.”
The advancement of this iPhone could lead to more innovative features in the future, making it a stepping stone in the process of creating an even better iPhone.
Nonetheless, the iPhone 17, the newest and highest-quality Apple iPhone at the moment, has many new qualities and features, along with its criticism and appraisal; but is the phone worth buying?
Ingredients: 12 peanut butter cookies (store-bought or homemade)
12 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate, melted optional: 24 mini candy eyeballs
Instructions:
1) Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and melty. Transfer the chocolate to a piping bag or Ziploc bag with a tiny bit of the end snipped off.
2) Place a tiny bit of melted chocolate in the middle of a peanut butter cookie then press a mini peanut butter cup on top. Using the piping bag, create 8 “legs” with the chocolate, 4 on each side. Repeat with remaining cookies.
3) Use a bit of the melted chocolate on the front of the Reese’s peanut butter cup and place 2 mini candy eye balls on top, pressing them on.
Senior Stress
Abigail Terrell ‘27 Staff Writer
Quaker Cares has made it in the Whittier column! Each issue will feature an article exploring mental health within the WFS community. This fall’s issue topic is: SENIOR STRESS.
Students may begin their journeys at Wilmington Friends at different ages, but they all end together: senior year, the final chapter of a Wilmington Friends education. Since 1748, there have been 276 graduating classes, and this year, it is the class of 2026’s turn. There are many requirements for seniors. They must lead by example, set a tone for the community, and complete the necessary steps to graduate. Furthermore, they will have to figure out their next steps in life. In this article, the following questions will be explored: How do seniors manage this? What makes seniors nervous? Where do they get their support? What is the solution to senior stress?
When interviewed, Margaret Butterfield described applying to colleges as a “huge elephant in the room,” describing the pressure seniors feel as they near the end of high school. Butterfield referred to senior year as “the end of a chapter” and pointed out that, “as anyone is approaching the end of something, the tendency is not to want to miss out on anything. People tend to cram in a few too many things.” When asked how the faculty supports seniors’ mental health during this time, she explained that teachers “try really hard to be aware of what’s going on with students, not just their workload, but their mental health as well.” To help manage stress, Margaret Butterfield encourages seniors to try what she called “backwards planning.” When students feel overwhelmed, she suggests pausing, taking a few deep breaths, and then making a list to set priorities. The list entails deciding what needs to be done now, what can wait, and what’s coming up soon. “Backwards planning,” she explained, “is when you look where you need to be and plan the steps backwards.” This approach helps students stay grounded and focused as they navigate the demands of senior year.
Aubrey Ashman ‘26 shared that “everything is kind of compiling up right now in the fall,” as college applications approach their deadlines. Still, she believes her stress is no different from that of previous seniors, saying, “Everyone’s going through the same thing, which is nice to rely on.” To manage her stress, Ashman ‘26 turns to sports. “When I go to practice, it forces me to not think about anything else or do any work—I’m just focused on the practice. After I exercise, I always feel happier and more motivated. I think it’s a very good outlet that helps me be more productive after school.” She also emphasized the strong sense of support within the senior class: “I definitely feel very supported by my peers and teachers. Senior year brings us closer through the shared experience of preparing for college. It makes us more supportive because we’re all going through the same thing—everyone is a good resource for everyone else.” Reflecting on advice she received
from past seniors, she added that it’s essential to “save time for yourself to spend time with friends or family before you go through the big transition period.”
Mr. Clothier reflected on how stress often shows up in athletics. “I think oftentimes the field is where it may come out—often not in a good way. It’s where students might be the most comfortable saying they’ve had a bad day, and they can do that through body language or verbally.” He explained that sports can both relieve and add to stress. “It does both for an individual on a given day. I always promote that it should be an opportunity to come out here and forget about the books, but I also understand that for some kids, it’s just two hours where they are away from their books, which creates a crunch of their time.”
Ultimately, he emphasized the importance of community and perspective. “Oftentimes the collective nature of this place goes over our heads. And what I mean by that is the collective nature is—hey, we are all seniors, we are all going through this together. Can we somehow step up and help each other?” he said. He reassured seniors that they are not alone in their experience: “You are not the first person to go through this, and the school has a lot of success. It’s going to be great.”
In conclusion, senior year will have highs and lows but with the advice from Margaret Butterfield, Aubrey Ashman ‘26, and Mr. Clothier, seniors will be able to balance their demanding academics with precious time left with their friends.
LT Alleyne ‘26 spending her time tackling homework. Photo:MorganKim
Is McLaren Dominating Formula 1?
Nora Abd El Kader ‘27 Staff Writer
2023 was the last year a team or individual dominated the F1 sport; the Red Bull team won 22 out of the 23 races that year, with Max Verstappen winning 19 of those. That was pure dominance, lasting from 2021 to 2024. Although Verstappen won the championship last year, Red Bull did not win the Constructors’ Championship, which is the overall race between each team throughout the year; the team that accumulates the most points at the end of the season wins the World Constructors’ Championship.
The 2024 season also featured seven race winners, all of whom had won multiple races the previous year, marking an iconic 2024 season, but also the end of Red Bull and Max Verstappen’s dominance. As of this year, Red Bull has not had an incredibly fast car, leading to a poor start to the season. They ended up switching their 2nd driver at the start of this season. Now they are 4th out of 10 in the Constructors’ Championship, and although Max is still 3rd in the drivers’ championship, his teammate’s 17th position has held them back. These factors have contributed to the end of the Red Bull and Max Verstappen era; however, a new era has started.
At the beginning of the 2024 season, no one predicted McLaren to be front-runners. After Verstappen won the first two races, many people thought the 2024 season would be similar to the previous year. Carlos Sainz was the first person to win a race besides Verstappen, the third race of the season in Australia, which was only two weeks after he went into surgery for appendicitis, but nonetheless, it was unsurprising, as he was the only nonRed Bull driver, as Sainz drove for Ferrari to win a race in the 2023 season.
On the 5th of May, a surprising turn of events happened at the Miami Grand Prix: McLaren driver Lando Norris won his first race in his 6th season of Formula 1, and then later in the season, Oscar Piastri won his first (official) race win in his second Formula 1 season.
McLaren’s hard work that season paid off; they
PRESEASON MAKES PERFECT
How the WFS Soccer Team Has Shown the Fruits of their Labor Psalm Bortei-Doku ‘26 Staff Writer
As expected of WFS’s soccer team, another win has been brought home, improving the record. But these matches are more than just the final scores. Students need to recognize all the work done in the dark. By bringing that work to light, everyone can get even more excited for the games to come.
Preseason is a chance for players to shake off some rust or keep them in shape, try out new players, and experiment with different strategies; so making changes to any part of it carries significance on the effects it will create.
On that note, this preseason started off differently than the rest. From the first day, it was clear that changes had been made, with the team having to run 2 miles with no breaks. It was sure to take the wind out of the players, and in the words of the starting left-back, Colin Romano ‘26, “It was sending a message for how the season was gonna be.” Such a rough start could only foreshadow what was to come.
The man behind this, Coach Philip, shared how preseason may be rough, but it’s necessary in the long run. He’s shown how he’s weighed in several factors to make sure everything runs smoothly and effectively. Philip says, “I start to plan out the week and what we need to work on
won the Constructors’ Championship after 26 years and were second and fourth in the drivers’ championship, which is the overall race throughout the year, with an individual who has accumulated the most points throughout the season winning this. McLaren won the second-most races after Red Bull.
In the 2025 season, McLaren became the official World Constructors’ champions after making the announcement during the Singapore Grand Prix, tying them with Red Bull (2023) for the earliest Constructors’ title win, with six races remaining in the season.
This season raises questions about whether McLaren can be said to be dominating or not. Henry Gaskell ‘26 says, “They are dominating because they are pretty much winning every race, they have the best car, which is pretty
much the only reason they are winning.” Gaskell ‘26 makes a great point, their car is amazingly built. He says that their drivers and strategy are not the main contributors to their great season, but truly, it is all in the car.
Another student, Yuanyi Zhao ‘26, says that McLaren is not dominating Formula 1. She states, “Teams that are dominating cannot be beaten, they don’t have rivals, the competition is just between the teammates on one team, like Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. Their drivers are also not good enough to be ‘GOATs’. They are great drivers, but they aren’t as special as Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, or Fernando Alonso.” She raises an interesting point: if they were showing complete dominance,
other teams would not be winning races as often as they do; instead, they would face significant competition from other drivers and teams.
This season has had other race winners, such as Max Verstappen and George Russell; when they win, it was almost entirely because McLaren couldn’t keep up with them or because of team error. McLaren has not won a race for the last three rounds. Their team truly dominating would make it so that other teams would not have the ability to win or beat McLaren as often as they have.
Both Gaskell ‘26 and Zhao ‘26 mention that Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are not one-of-a-kind drivers; they both suggest that the team has almost everything they need to get first and second place in every race. Besides this, there are issues with the way the team itself treats its drivers, which contribute to the problems preventing McLaren from dominating every race. Fans continue to argue that there is a favoritism towards Norris, which, in most cases, negatively affects Piastri’s race, and in some cases, both Norris’s and Lando’s races.
As mentioned previously, it took Norris 6 seasons in Formula 1 to win his first Grand Prix, which was 110 career starts; he developed the nickname “Lando No wins” although he proved them wrong. Many critics believe he has natural talent but lacks the consistency necessary to take a team to the front row in almost every single race. Piastri, on the other hand, is seen as more consistent as well as having natural speed, but because he is not a very seasoned driver, he lacks some important training, causing him to make more mistakes than Norris. Generally, Norris and Piastri are talented drivers, but they both make errors that cost their team many wins and podiums.
McLaren has worked their way from being a midfield team for the last ten years to being a top team. Their drivers, cars, and engineers have all worked together to bring Norris and Piastri to being Drivers’ Championship contenders, and the team itself being the Constructors’ champions. The team and drivers have made so much progress. Despite accumulating substantial evidence, fans generally agree that McLaren is not currently dominating Formula 1. This poses the question: What does it really take to dominate Formula 1?
totally new concept to them, yet they still pushed through and showed us how their work paid off. Luke Lohkamp ‘29, one of the batch who have already risen to become a starting winger, has commented on the whole process, “We didn’t have preseason in middle school so this fall was definitely tough but it helped me feel more prepared, be in the best shape, and made the whole team tougher.”
He must be telling the truth because their record shows it, especially in comparison to last year. With a win-loss-tie ratio of 5-3-1 compared to last year’s 3-11-1, they show how much the team has improved, to the point that, not even halfway through the season, they’ve already beaten the record. It goes to show that the more work they put in, it has been reflected in their play.
If anyone reading this hasn’t decided on it yet, be sure to check out the next game the team plays and add a bit more enthusiasm to the crowd with the acquired knowledge of how they made winning this season possible. Coach Phil additionally says, “I know that this team can beat any team in the state,” and we need to watch upcoming matches with the same belief.
for that week in advance, it’s a real balancing act in getting it right to make sure the guys can perform at the highest level for each game.” Coach Phil thought thoroughly about what needed to be done and always had plans of adjustment ready, in case it was ever necessary. Luckily, but expected of the amazing team, alternatives were never needed, even for those who have never been exposed to the preseason package, the freshmen. A
The support the student body shows will add to all the fruits of their labor. In turn, the team will show you – just as Lohkamp ‘29 and Romano ‘26 say – that “we went through struggles which made us more determined to win” and how “this is the hardest it’s ever been but the best, the best it’s ever been.” Those words capture exactly what this journey has meant.
McLaren Car
Photo: Deviant Art 25
WFS Soccer Player Artist: Micah Davenport
Rio Rising
The Youngest Soccer Sensation
Michael DiPrinzio Jr. ‘29 Staff Writer
Soccer is a sport where talent appears out of nowhere. Players find their primes at different times and stages in their careers. Professional soccer clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, and Liverpool all shape their players and coach them to the best of their abilities. Some players struggle when signing with large clubs and thrive at smaller clubs, while others struggle at small clubs and succeed at larger clubs. Every so often, young prodigy soccer players enter the soccer scene out of nowhere, players like Lamine Yamal and Desire Douel. Most of these young talents are formed by large clubs through their academy teams.
Although many players stand out in these academies, playing at the professional level is nearly impossible. Playing at such a young age can destroy a player’s drive and talent, but finding the right club for the right player creates young success. The newest young talent, Rio Ngumoha, plays in the Premier League for Liverpool FC. He scored his first goal during a game against Newcastle FC in overtime and has the entire English soccer world’s eyes on him. The big question in soccer fans’ minds is this: Can Liverpool shape Ngumoha into the next Messi?
All eyes are on Rio Ngumoha after scoring a game-winning goal against Newcastle. Ngumoha made his first Premier League appearance for Liverpool, getting substituted in during the 90th minute with the game tied at 2-2. He managed to rip a shot into the top right corner in the 110th minute of extra time, with only 15 seconds left on the clock. The soccer world was not paying as much attention to the 3-2 win as they were to Ngumoha, who rose to the occasion.
ultimately led Liverpool to give him a chance. But the main challenge that Rio faces is the pressure of being a young star.
Colin Romano ‘26, a senior at Wilmington Friends School, believes that Rio can handle all of the pressure at such a young age. Romano ‘26 says, “For him to be playing at such a top club like Liverpool FC, and playing so well, shows that he takes pressure well and can handle it. He might have some stress here and there, but he knows he has enough talent and knows he is a special kid, so I believe he can handle all of the pressure.”
There is also another major issue that Rio Ngumoha faces: his lack of experience at the academy level. The academy level is where players play against others around the same age group; it is the level before professional. Although Rio Ngumoha played some years at the academy level, most of those years, he played up several age groups with the older boys, but he still never played as much academy soccer as most players in the Premier League.
Players learn a lot at the academy level, including things like how to defend properly and positioning on and off the ball. Many people worry that he could lack knowledge when it comes to certain aspects of the game, due to playing at the professional level so soon. Others believe that playing at the professional level will develop him faster since he will be playing with and against the most skilled players in the world.
Luke Lohkamp ‘29, a freshman at Wilmington Friends School, was shocked too. He shared his reaction after seeing this crazy performance. Lohkamp ‘29 says, “I was stunned because he is 17 years of age and scored a game-winning goal for Liverpool in the Premier League to win them the game, which is just absolutely insane!”
Rio Ngumoha has something special, something that both young players and many seasoned players lack. Ngumoha has what appears to be an endless amount of skill, soccer IQ, and athleticism, but it is his decision-making speed that separates him from other players. Ngumoha showcased his talent during the pre-season matches, which
Passion with a Price
Colton Loeffler ‘29 Staff Writer
The 2026 World Cup is coming to the U.S. and it is right around the corner. Nathan Bell ‘26 and Colin Romano ‘26 both stated, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” But the ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup are sky-high and ridiculously overpriced. The cheapest tickets are anywhere from $60 to $70, depending on the stadium, round, or game.
These high prices are a growing issue in the sports world, considering that citizens from other countries will not only have to purchase game tickets, but also plane tickets, and pay for hotels, which is a significant amount of money to spend.
Some of the smaller countries participating in the World Cup are lower-income countries where people can’t afford to spend a significant amount on the World Cup, but these are the countries that make the World Cup such a great event and atmosphere.
These countries that might not attend could be a problem for the tournament and FIFA because when the Club World Cup was hosted last summer in the U.S., there were a lot of neutral or not die-hard fans of the clubs, which made the event have a dead atmosphere.
Middle School English teacher Sean Kerrane stated that one of the reasons he wants to attend a World Cup match to experience the intense support and atmosphere of international soccer fans.
The World Cup ticket prices mean that they might only be available for middle and upper-class citizens. People believe that the prices should be dropped compared to other sporting events like the 2016 Euros, where the maximum price for a ticket was 200 euros ($220), according to Rodri Saldaña, an upper school Spanish teacher.
The cheapest tickets for the Club World Cup last summer were around $40-50 during the group stage. This dead atmosphere might not be a good thing for the U.S., considering that they are trying to make soccer an actual sport rather than a foreign concept. That goal will be impossible if people don’t attend games because they might not be able to realize what a great sport soccer is.
Although there has been a lot of hate on the pricing for tickets, a plus for FIFA is that there has been praise for their sales system. Each stadium is split into 4 categories. Category 1 is closest to the field, and category 4 is all the way at the top. FIFA also put out a lottery for fans to get a chance to purchase tickets through a random selection. Accord-
Nathan Bell ‘26, a senior at Wilmington Friends School, believes that he should skip the academy level. Bell ‘26 mentions, “I think it’s helpful to skip years, because he will learn a lot more playing at the professional level, just ‘cause it’s a much faster pace and more physical. I think it will almost make him develop faster physically and mentally to keep up with the older guys. So the competition, and starting young, is just going to make him such a better player in the future due to all of the experience that he will already have.” There are pros and cons of skipping the academy level, but it really just depends on the individual player and how they handle the pressure. With Ngumoha’s extraordinary talent and skill, specifically his amazing dribbling and ball control, Rio Ngumoha has the soccer world watching him. Even though he is very young, his teammates, coaches, and fans believe he can succeed under high pressure. The entire soccer community is excited to witness his growth and improvements as a professional player and hopes he succeeds.
ing to ESPN, 4.5 million fans around the world have put their names in the lottery, but there will be around 7.1 million seats out of the 104 games to be played during the World Cup, which means each person who applied for the lottery should have a chance to get tickets.
This chance to get tickets would be great for every person who applied. This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and something that most people don’t get to experience, because the World Cup changes continents every time it’s played. This opportunity will be great for families. “I want to experience this with my son Kevin,” Kerrane says.
Even though the tickets are quite expensive, people can still have the experience at a match at FIFA fans festivals across the country in each of the host cities, and in Philly at Fairmount Park in Lemon Hill. The World Cup creates memories for lots of people around the world, and to have it come to the U.S. and experience the atmosphere and world-class soccer players will be a great experience and opportunity for anyone who attends a match.
Rio Ngumoha after goal
Photo: Heute
World Cup Trophy
Photo: Universe Roboflow
The Rise in Popularity of Labubus: The Creepy-Cute Creatures Taking Over Your Feed
Ellie McQuillan ‘28 Staff Writer
Flooding the TikTok “For You Page,” Gen Z is buying the newest, limited-edition Labubus, raving about their cuteness, or attaching one to their favorite purses or bags. For those who are unfamiliar, Lababus are small plush toys created by Kasing Lung, a Chinese illustrator and toy designer. These toys were originally characters in Lung’s “The Monsters” story series; however, the popularity of Labubus skyrocketed when Blackpink’s lead singer, Lisa, attached a Labubus to her designer bag and showcased the creature on her social media platforms. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Lizzo, and Cardi B have also contributed to their global popularity. Kasing Lung’s partnership with the Chinese brand, Pop Mart, enabled an increase in production and allowed Lababus to be sold worldwide. This only fueled the demand for Lababus, particularly in the United States.
Labubus are another social media trend that consumers spend their disposable income on. Across social media, “influencers” buy the latest products from new launches, attempting to normalize discretionary spending. Gen Z not only buys Labubus as accessories, but also to participate in the trend as a symbol of being part of the “in-group”.
Theo Lawrence ‘26, part of the community who joined this trend, purchased two Labubus in Japan over the summer. He said, “Labubus were similarly popular in Japan, and pretty readily available there.” Lawrence ‘26 bought two Labubus from Pop Mart, the same store that supplies Labubus in the United States. “I bought Labubus solely because of the trend online,” Lawrence ‘26 said.
Labubus range in price drastically, with most standard ones starting at around thirty dollars. Lawrence ‘26 said, “Through the currency conversion, I spent around fifty dollars for both of them.” Considering how the prices of Labubus are climbing, fifty dollars for two is reasonable. On eBay, a notable new record selling price was achieved for a rare 15-inch Labubu, featuring full Vans apparel, which sold for $10,500. Online, there is an ongoing debate about whether these dolls are considered ugly or cute. With their fuzzy bodies, large eyes, button noses, and elongated ears, Labubus resemble bunny rabbits. However, their pointy teeth hanging outside their mouth portray a menacing and creepy appearance to some. Nya Parker ‘27 said, “I was gifted a
AI Art: What Do Local Artists Think?
Rumi Madonna ’28 Staff Writer
Over the past five years, artificial intelligence has become one of the fastest-growing and most controversial sectors in tech, especially in the development of AI-generated art. Despite ongoing backlash, the generative AI industry is projected to reach a $900,000,000 value by 2023. From its early days, AI art faced strong resistance from art communities, with users who post AI-generated images often ostracized. As AI tools became more mainstream, hostility began to intensify, with artists being bullied off platforms over suspicions of using AI, though sometimes such claims lacked evidence.
At the heart of this backlash is a widespread fear that AI could eventually fully plagiarize an art piece or take jobs from emerging artists. However, this initial rejection is starting to be nullified. For example a reddit user,“jamqdlaty”, commented on a post
discussing the generative platform Midjourney saying, “It’s mostly accepted by artists who do professional graphic design and illustrations. In a way you learn to accept your lover’s death with time.”
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normal light blue Labubu by a friend. My Labubu has plush fur, pointy ears, and the typical expression where its smile exposes its sharp teeth.”
Coca-Cola, Tiffany & Co., the How to Train Your Dragon movie franchise, and Vans are a few brands that have bought into the Labubu craze and partnered with Pop Mart. In fact, Theo Lawrence ‘26 bought one doll that was part of a collaboration with Coca-Cola. “The Labubu clutches a little Coca-Cola aluminum can between its two hands,” he said.
Each generation has had a short-lived craze, where society has been briefly fixated on a toy or gadget. There was the Hula Hoop craze in 1958, which remains iconic today; Cabbage Patch Kids in the winter of 1983; and Fidget Spinners in 2017, to name a few. Additionally, the Rubik’s Cube sensation originally emerged in the 1980s but has remained relevant, with children today continuing to enjoy solving it.
Currently, Labubus are associated with an “in-group,” and by purchasing one, one maintains a certain aesthetic and social connection; however, who knows how much longer the infatuation with Labubu toys will last before the following new item comes along and finds its way into the Gen Z markets.
Homecoming Throughout the Decades
Gavin Gray ‘28 Staff Writer
Homecoming: a fun day each fall that ends in a dance and invites alumni back to school for sports games and festivities. Homecoming is fun no matter the festivities, games, year, or decade. The most significant aspect of Homecoming is the clothing. Many students struggle to decide what to wear.
Eris Connor ‘28 discusses her style and influences. “I try to base the color on the season and something that will go with my skin tone,” Connor ‘28 said. She wanted to do something different by wearing a black dress, but there are some things she would never wear. “I usually stay away from sparkles because they’re really itchy and they get everywhere. It’s also a texture thing. I cut tags out of clothes for that same reason.”
Her black dress for Homecoming this year differs from her everyday style. “I feel like I dress pretty basic, like every other girl. I don’t try to be a follower, but it’s just what I like. It depends on how I feel based on the day, whether I dress down because I’m tired or dress up, but for the most part, when I look good, I feel good.”
Connor’s biggest inspiration for her everyday style is a senior in the 2026 class. “My inspiration is Lilah Pauley. I like the way she dresses, and I think it’s really cool. Also, if I’m being honest, Pinterest.” When bored, she searches Pinterest for different outfits, accessories, and makeup looks. When discussing makeup for dances versus everyday makeup, she said, “I like to do a little more for Hoco, because firstly, I’m dancing, so I want it to last, and secondly, I feel like it’s a special event, so I want to do more than my everyday stuff.”
Along with a more complex makeup look, Connor ‘28 said she likes to style her hair differently for Homecoming. Connor doesn’t feel that she makes many changes to her hair, but she tries to form an explanation of what she usually does. “I feel like I do my hair depending on my dress,” Connor 28’ said. “If it’s more sleek, I straighten it, and if it’s simpler, I curl my hair or make it a bit wavy.” She also does this on regular days for fun, so it’s not too different when she does change it.
Connor ‘28 also discussed what songs she would enjoy hearing during the Homecoming dance. She said, “I really enjoy country, not stereotypical country music, but more upbeat, like TN by Morgan Wallen.”
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Ava Hay ‘26 with her Labubu
Photo: Morgan Kim
AI in action
Photo: launched
Continued Controversy: AI Art, What do local artists really think?
Rumi Madonna ’28 Staff Writer
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Mainstream conversations about AI art often rely on extreme opinions shared online, which can misrepresent the broader artistic community. To get a clearer picture, look to our local community, artists in the Delaware region, and at Wilmington Friends School. How do they perceive AI’s role in the creative world, and could AI-generated art ever be as accepted as just another medium?
Mrs. Robertson, Upper School visual arts teacher at WFS, highlighted a core idea. For her, art is deeply rooted in the personal experience of making, offering a space to “go away from the world.” She emphasizes that solving creative problems and exploring multiple solutions is vital to her students’ growth. From this perspective, AI, which automates creation, may lack the emotional tradition that art emphasizes.
Novelist Theodore Dreiser once described art as “the stored honey of the human soul.” Yet, art is also iconic for adapting to its time of creation, and AI is becoming an undeniable part of modern-day society. Mrs. Robertson still expressed concern about the environmental impact of AI, citing its high energy demands, and many activist groups share this concern. Still, she acknowledged that AI-generated images can serve as valuable tools for learning new skills if they are truly considered such.
Some of Ms. Robertson’s students, after seeing a large AI-generated video piece in a museum during a field trip, described it as repetitive, “like they had seen it before.” These responses reflect a common belief that AI art considerably lacks the ‘honey of the human soul’. Yet, many students also saw potential in using AI to support their creative process, a more balanced view than what’s often found on social media. Despite differing views, all the local artists spoke with an optimistic outlook. One student commented, “Art has a way of being, AI art just is,” acknowledging a key difference between the two while still considering a future for AI’s use. Mrs. Robertson pointed out that throughout history, artists have learned by imitating others, and even many mas-
On the other hand, Noa Romero-Feito ‘28 has an entirely different aesthetic. When describing her dress, she said, “This year my dress is a pastel, tight-fitting yellow dress with a ribbon to tie it back. It’s on the shorter side, I got it tailored, and it fits really well. It’s flowy at the end, and textured at the top.” When asked if she would wear it to school, Noa says, “No, I wouldn’t wear it to school; it’s probably too short to wear to school, as well.” Differing from Eris, Noa’s dress is the same aesthetic as her everyday outfits; she adds, “It’s not too different from my everyday outfits, I wear stuff with the same aesthetic, it’s just not a school outfit.”
Romero-Feito said, “I’ll probably wear it down with curls in it,” going for a simpler look. Her friend Sommer Smith ‘28 says, “She’s going to be the beauty of the ball.” She adds that she’ll do her makeup the same way, saying, “Probably something similar to what I would do for the first day of school, natural glam, I guess.” When asked who her fashion icons are, Noa says, “Alix Earle and Demetra Dias from TikTok are my fashion icons that I take the most inspiration from.” Good dancing songs are one of the most important parts of a dance, Noa says her perfect songs to dance to would be “Baby by Justin Bieber, and maybe some Bad Bunny.”
Piper Roskovensky ‘26 had a different idea of perfect dancing songs, she says, “Good question, probably classics like Cotton Eye Joe, 2000s pop; Starships by Nicki Minaj. They’re not ones to listen to every day, but they’re good for dancing. 2000s pop that everyone knows is perfect for dances.” Piper’s everyday outfits she describes as, “A mix of denim and comfy. I also like to have a nicer top, like a cardigan or something. Very simple but also fun and comfortable, usually plain bottoms and a cute top.” Piper emphasizes comfort in her everyday style as well as in her dresses for dances. Piper explains her fashion inspirations, “I take a lot of inspiration from online, places like Pinterest, TV like Gilmore Girls, and 2000s comfy looks.” She adds, “I like to look in public, like when I’m in New York, I’ll just look at people’s outfits because it’s nice to see what actual people are wearing, not just models trying to sell products.” She says, “Dresses are usually shorter for Homecoming because it’s more casual. I like to emphasize being comfy. For prom or more formal events, choose longer dresses that are more elegant. I’d say there are similar patterns and textures, just differences in length.”
Similarly to Piper’s ideas, Erica Brown ‘12 says, “Homecoming was always shorter dresses, satin, but some people wore bodycon dresses.” She adds more about her everyday style versus her style for dances, “My general style day to day, jeans and athletic shirt to easily run to sports. For events, I really played it up, something unique, elegant, and timeless. But also simple and classic, not playing into crazy designs.” She adds, “It was conventional but not for the time.” Erica tells about her hair, “I always liked it up and out of my face; it matched the higher necklines for my dresses, a friend at the University of Delaware did all my hair for homecoming and Prom, and will probably do it for my wedding.” She adds, “It was always in a side part, brushed over; middle parts weren’t a thing.” Similar to today’s world, Erica explains that heels were usually taken off after pic-
terpieces have elements borrowed from existing works. This addresses the fear that an artist’s work could be stolen by highlighting that it has always been an essential part of art culture.
Her husband, a professor at the University of Delaware, has begun integrating AI into his teaching. He used it to help students develop artist statements, and the results were not only accurate to their original ideas but also offered possible sources of inspiration, all of which were correct as well. This experience supports the idea that AI can assist rather than replace creative thought, another key fear among art critics. Even with its growing capabilities, nearly everyone interviewed agreed that AI in art still needs to be regulated regarding all uses.
Acceptance won’t come overnight, but within WFS and beyond, artists are already starting to ask the right questions. How can AI be used as a tool? How do we regulate AI? To what point can AI-generated images be considered art? Like any other introduction of a new technological era, this won’t be an easy transition. With these questions considered and new perspectives debated, a future where AI art is accepted might be closer to reality than many realize.
tures. She says, “I liked anything I could walk in, not a big heel wearer. Heels were definitely a thing, but only for pictures, and then after dinner, you’d take them off to dance.” Erica graduated from WFS thirteen years ago. When asked if she’d wear her dresses from back then, she responds, “I think I definitely would, but a lot of people wouldn’t wear the dresses they wore today because it is pretty different.”
This all goes to say that, although Homecoming was very different thirteen years ago, it remains as much fun as it is today. Homecoming should be fun for everyone, no matter the decade or attire. Whether it’s 1975 or 2050, Homecoming will always be a fun day for everyone that ends with an even better dance.
Homecoming Dance 2010
Photo: OakleyOriginals on Flickr
Homecoming Dance 2018
Photo: cseeman on Flickr
AI vs Real Art
Photo: Roboflow Universe
Credits: Bradey Bulk
The Whittier Miscellany
2025-2026 Masthead
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Emma Lavelle ‘26 & Cora Lohkamp ‘26
FACULTY ADVISOR: Carrie Simpson
COMMUNITY EDITOR: Scarlett Murphy ‘27
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR: Gabby Hamilton ‘27
NEWS EDITOR: Ani Seidl ‘26
SPORTS EDITOR: Olivia Agne ‘27
SCI & TECH EDITOR: Gianna Cottone ‘26
MANAGING EDITOR: Ethan Halaby ‘27
STAFF WRITERS:
Aubrey Ashman ‘26 Paz Becker ‘28
Micah Davenport ‘27 Colton Loeffler ‘29
Lindsey Forman ‘28 Gavin Gray ‘28
Liza Green ‘27
Psalm Bortei-Doku ‘26
Michael DiPrinzio Jr. ‘29
Victoria G-D ‘29
Isla White ‘29 Sofia Velastegui-Fratticci ‘28
Ellie McQuillan ‘28 Zoë Mooney-Doyle ‘27
Kylie Poole ‘28
Julia Provo ‘28
Annie Rosenthal ‘27 Blaire Princilus ‘29
Abigail Terrell ‘27 Nora Abd El Kader ‘27
Toni Opawumi ‘29 Rumi Madonna ‘28
Henrik Maansson ‘27
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Morgan Kim ‘27
CARTOONISTS: Micah Davenport ‘27
The Whittier Miscellany is published five times during the school year by high school journalism staff of Wilmington Friends School, 101 School Road, Wilmington DE 19803. To access the Whittier Miscellany online, go to www.wfswhittier.net.
