April 2017

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INKLINGS INKLINGS

April 3, 2017 page 8 Jesse’s roommate search Jesse Levinson ’17 satirizes the college roommate search process.

Vol. 88, Issue 9

page 15 Off the Presses Sophia Livecchi ’17, Matteo Brocollo ’17 and Elizabeth Rhoads ’17’s t-shirt companies take Staples by storm.

1 7 11 17 21

HELICOPTER PARENTS

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News Opinions Features Arts Sports

Gender-inclusive policies promised at Staples in defiance of withdrawn federal protections

prompt security action at PSAT10 exam Brendan Massoud ’17 & Alex Spadacenta ’17

estport’s Continuing Education felt pressured to take precautionary measures and hire a security guard for the March 10 administration of the PSAT10 (the version of the PSAT which is offered to sophomores), after receiving aggressive calls from parents demanding that their child take the test.

Although no one was in physical danger, security guard Ron Palmer and Horace Lewis, SHS head custodian, were present in order to ensure that no parents disrupted the strict procedures and regulations set forth by the College Board.

According to Ellen Israel, the director of Continuing Education, the numerous emails and calls she receieved from parents were agressive and inappropriate since multiple reminders to sign up for the test were sent, and since the PSAT10’s registration deadline had already passed.

Israel said parents were impolite and said the parent interactions were not helpful. “I would prefer that [the parents] teach their students to advocate for themselves,” Israel said.

In the Staples community, a number of teachers have also found parent interjections in their child’s academic life to be more harmful than helpful.

Science teacher Trema Voytek understands that parents are trying to protect their children, however she feels that helicopter parents in high school could potentially hurt the child later in life because they do not allow kids to take responsibility or make mistakes. “[Parents] end up doing everything for their children and the kids don’t learn how to be responsible,” Voytek said.

“When they get out in the real world, if they’d never failed, when they do fail, they’re devastated.”

English teacher Brian Tippy agreed that parents can often lose sight of boundaries, but believes this instinct stems from intentions which are in the right place.

“Sometimes you get people who are so desperate to protect their kids that they forget that some consequences are really important,” he said.

Izzy Baildon ’17 noticed that her

INSIDE

Names have been changed*

Izzy Connors ’18

Graphic by Channing Smith ’17

parents check her grades on Home Access Center more than she does. “My mom is completely obsessed with it,” she said.

Baildon also said that her parents will contact her teachers, but only with her permission. However, not all parents are as forthcoming with their children when they contact teachers.

Robert Shamberg, a social studies teacher, said that some parents ask him to refrain from telling their child they have contacted him.

“Sometimes you get [parents] who are so desperate to protect their kids that they forget that some consequences are really important.”

-Brian Tippy Alan Jolley, a math teacher, administers the PSAT and SAT tests at Staples, and feels that the PSAT10 incident was a learning experience for parents. He “wish[es] these parents would understand that this was a practice [exam],” and he hopes that they have learned what to do when the real SAT comes around.

“The college process is so anxietyprovoking at this point that it’s hard not to get caught up in that anxiety,” Israel said regarding parent behavior.

The PSAT10 incident was not Israel’s first encounter with helicopter parents and she said the behavior is evident even in kindergarden. Israel said that parent

How involved are your parents in your academic life?

reactions to a robotics class offered to kindergarteners is just one example of parents becoming overly enthusiastic and thinking too far ahead.

“It can sometimes be difficult for parents to separate the idea that their kid might want to do robotics for fun when they’re in kindergarten, but might have absolutely no interest in computer science whatsoever,” she said.

To combat the helicopter parents phenomenon, Staples is attempting to increase student responsibility and encourages students to initiate contact with teachers.

“I think there are a number of ways that we could encourage more self-reliance and more taking responsibility,” Tippy said. “A good example is we are reworking the academic honesty policy.”

In Tippy’s opinion, it is parents’ heavy pressure on kids to achieve A’s that is the driving factor in the issue of academic dishonesty. AP students, Tippy felt, were at least as likely to cheat as their peers, purely because they “just can’t turn in a ‘C’ paper.”

Voytek believes that the culture at Staples in recent years has created the assumption that getting a ‘C,’ which is passing, is unacceptable. “[Parents are] always trying to protect them from getting a ‘C,’” Voytek said. “A ‘C’ never killed anyone years before.”

Yet Tippy pointed out that student anxiety is built not only by parent pressures, but also from the pressures created by society. “There is a whole cultural phenomenon in this town, in lots of towns,” he said, “that puts measurements of success ahead of actual success.”

Less than I’d like them to be Results from a school-wide poll with 205 student responses.

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL| 70 North Ave., Westport, Connecticut

Staples implemented gender neutral bathrooms last year and has pledged to keep them open.

Photo by Ellie Kravetz '18

Protection effectiveness against bullying in question after federal investigation Max Appell ’18 & Zach Horowitz ’19

59%

As much as I’d like them to be More than I’d like them to be

On Wednesday Feb. 22, the Trump administration announced that the federal protections for transgender students that allow them to use the bathroom aligned with their gender identity at schools will be withdrawn, reversing a landmark executive order issued by the Obama administration.

In the wake of this decision, the Connecticut governor, Dannel Malloy, released a statement condemning Trump’s actions. “In Connecticut, we will defend the rights of all students regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, race, ethnicity and disability status,” Malloy stated. He reassured residents that the state will continue to implement policies that “will continue to protect their access to welcoming learning environments.”

Nevertheless, some LGBTQ Staples High School students were shocked and saddened by Trump’s regressive measures.

“My overall immediate reaction was probably fear,” Ethan*, who identifies as agender, said. “I wasn’t very worried about myself so much as the transgender children younger than me and those who would be brought up in this sort of systematic oppression where they wouldn’t have basic rights.” continued on page 3

25% 16%

The Westport Board of Education went under federal investigation on Nov. 9 due to claims that school officials from one of Westport’s middle schools grabbed and shook a student who had filed a complaint about being bullied. The specifics of the bullying allegations qualified as violations of the Title IX and Title VI amendments.

But federal investigations of schools are not rare; other boards of education in the state of Connecticut have also undergone investigations.

Title IX states that, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of continued on page 5

inklingsnews.com

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News | April 3, 2017

Who Is She: Laura Blair

What’s going on around town?

LOCAL BRIEFS

An inside scoop on “The Copy Queen” and “Staples Number One Superfan”

Caroline Blevins ’18

Photo by Zoe Barnett ’18

Charlie Colasurdo ’18

Photo by Becky Hoving’17

Okay, Laura. Let’s dispense with the formalities. Why do they call you “The Copy Queen?”

I do all the Xeroxing for the whole school system. It’s a nickname I’ve kept for maybe eight-plus years. I know Staples is trying to go paperless, but if that happens, I’ll be out of a job.

We want to learn a little more about the person behind the copier. What makes you tick?

I’m an outgoing person, and I always find work to do. I love helping people. I help people all the time. I help out all the other secretaries. Part of the “Copy Queen” job is sorting mail and signing packages. I don’t just copy.

BUILDING BRIDGES SUPPORTS SYRIA The Building Bridges Club organized the Syrian Refugee fundraiser at their meeting. To raise money, the club will have a screening of “Salem, Neighbor” on April 1.

Syrian Refugee Fundraiser

April 1 On Saturday, April 1 in the Staples High School auditorium, the Building Bridges Club will host a fundraiser for Syrian refugees.

There will be a screening of the film “Salam, Neighbor” that was produced by two Westport graduates. They were the first filmmakers that the UN permitted to live in a Syrian refugee camp.

Following the film, there will be a panel discussion which includes Westport-hosted Syrian refugee family members, representatives from refugee agencies and local politicians. Although there is no set cost, there is a suggested donation of $10 that will benefit local and international refugee agencies and charities.

ACT Exam If you weren’t the queen of copies, what would be your chosen profession? Do you have a secret hobby or passion?

My trademark is going to a lot of Staples games. I’ve been painting my finger nails blue and white for about 10 years. I’m probably the No. 1 Superfan. Ask any basketball player how loud I get. I sit away from the parents and scream my heart out. I have cough drops in my pocket.

April 8

The ACT exam will be Saturday, April 8. However, Staples is not a test site. Registration for the April ACT closed on March 17. The next test date for the ACT is scheduled for June 10. Registration for the June test is open until May 5.

File labeled for reuse

I do read; most of my books are sports-oriented. If there’s a good sports autobiography out there, I’ll grab that. I like watching TLC, Food Network, and I love to cook too. I bake for the Staples basketball and volleyball teams.

In high school I was very athletic. I played lacrosse, basketball and field hockey. I did softball too, every once in awhile. Sports are in my blood.

Photo contributed by Suzanne Kammerman

We The People Competition April 21-24 More than 1,000 students will compete in the 30th annual We The People competition where they will sit in on congressional hearings on the government, Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

The We The People class will be heading to the National Conference Center in the Washington, D.C. area in order to participate.

Reading anything interesting or addicted to something on TV?

What were you all about in high school?

.THEY’RE THE PEOPLE:

Suzanne Kammerman’s AP Government We The People class pose outside Central Connecticut State University after advancing to the next round of the We The People competition.

Minute Man Race April 23

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE Westport’s annual Minuteman race features

a 5K, 10K and a kids fun run. The races will be held at Compo Beach on April 23.

Spring Break April 10-14 Students will have a full week off during spring break. Students will return to school on April 17. inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

Get USA Track and Field Race Certified at the 39th annual Minute Man Race organized by the Westport Young Woman’s League.

Running, walking and playing in the Kids Fun Zone are just a few of the many activities going on at Compo Beach from 8-11 a.m. Registration costs are tax deductible as net proceeds are donated to local charities benefiting lower Fairfield County.

Westport Women’s Club Art Show April 29-30 At 5 p.m. on April 29 and 12 p.m. on April 30, the Westport Woman’s Club (WWC) will host an art fundraiser at Bedford Hall, 44 Imperial Ave. WWC will partner with local artists to generate sales and raise funds for local scholarships. This year’s show will feature work by 14 artists.

News | April 3, 2017

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Trump administration’s stance on transgender rights prompts Connecticut resistance Izzy Connors ’18

continued from page 3

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lthough the federal administration claims that they remain in support of LGBTQ students and that the decision was merely based on “legal issues,” some conservatives have commended the revocation as they interpret it to be a firm stand against transgender rights. Jamie Lamb ’18, who identifies as a conservative, supports Trump’s revocation because “everyone should be required to use the bathrooms based on the genders they were born with.”

Staples has already made numerous changes that seek to facilitate a safe and accepting environment for all students.

The school has converted a staff bathroom on each floor into unisex bathrooms that can be accessed by all students. “Although it isn’t a perfect solution to the issues we face, granting people freedom to choose the bathrooms they’re comfortable with is one of the first steps to making our society more tolerant of all people,” Sam*, a transgender student at Staples, said.

However, although Staples is claiming to have cemented its support for LGBTQ students through its addition of unisex bathrooms, Ethan, Sam and numerous other students believe that this is not sufficient and more needs to be done. In fact, two of the unisex bathrooms are locked at all times and not able to be accessed by students.

Principal James D’Amico explained that “those restrooms were not unlocked yet as we wanted to start with bathrooms that were in high-traffic areas, as well as to make sure we have adequate bathrooms for staff use.” Many students, however, firmly believe that this fact is a hindrance to the school’s professed progression.

When confronted about this, D’Amico assured that the school will “reassess at the end of the school year.”

But some LGBTQ students believe

action should be taken sooner rather than later. “The bathrooms are still locked and there are many gender neutral students who aren’t aware of the intent to unlock bathrooms,” Ethan explained. “We [also] skipped the most important step in the process of acceptance, and that’s education. Students outside of the LGBTQ community need to understand why it’s so important that we accept everyone despite our differences. Even if we just touched on the subject in, say, freshman health [class], that’s progress.”

D’Amico expressed confidence that the school will continue to strive for a tolerant environment. “The boys locker rooms are scheduled to be renovated this summer [to include] more private options for students,” he said. Moving forward, we would consider having more [unisex] restrooms in the academic wings, since there are already private facilities in the design of the building.”

With regard to curriculum changes, D’Amico believes that LGBTQ issues are touched upon throughout the curriculum, but agrees that it should be more extensive and urges students to bring their proposed changes to the Curriculum Board.

Despite the vocalized support within the school and the state, Sam* remains afraid for the future of the United States under the Trump administration. “[Trump’s actions] leave a discussion that should be national up to the states; it allows human rights, which should be universal, up to the discretion of local leaders with little experience in the matters that they judge.” Ethan eexpressed similar fears.

“If I could say anything to Donald Trump, I’d remind him who his client is,” Ethan* said. “He’s working for the people of the United States. While that was once a place that revolved around middle-aged cis white males, it’s now a place of thenunimaginable diversity. His job, in the broadest terms, is to keep all of those people satisfied, and he’s doing exactly the opposite.”

[INKLINATIONS]

How do you feel about the school administraton’s response to President Trump’s actions regarding transgender rights?

“I agree with Staples because they’re doing the right thing. In this situation, the federal government is wrong. They can’t tell people where to pee.”

-Remy Laifer ’17 Photos by Eliza Goldberg ’17 and Becky Hoving ’17

“This whole jurisdiction of bathrooms in schools should fall under state law, therefore I think what Staples is doing is fine and should not be subject to federal law.”

-Paige O’Brien ’18 “If implementing and maintaining gender-neutral bathrooms does not violate the rights of other students, benefits a group of people who aren’t comfortable with using the men’s or women’s bathrooms, and is within our budget, then I have no problem with it.”

-Peter Clanton ’18

WORLD BRIEFS

[ ] [ ][ ] Adam Wenkoff ’18

FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

F

rance’s presidential elections will be held on April 23. The candidates are François Fillon, Benoît Hamon, Marine Le Pen, Emmanuel Macron, and Jean-Luc Mélenchon. Fillon and Le Pen were the leaders during the first-round polls, but their lead has decreased in the months following. If no majority is won by any of the candidates in April, a new election between the top two candidates will be held on May 7.

NATIONALISM VS. CENTRISM Marine Le Pen (left) and Francoise Fillon (right) are the top contenders for president of France. Le Pen’s campaign prioritizes the French exit from the Eurozone, and immigration restriction.

Photo via MCT Campus labled for reuse

TRUMP’S TRAVEL BAN BLOCKED AGAIN

President Trump’s revised travel ban was blocked in both Hawaii and Maryland on March 15. US District Court Judge Derrick Watson in Hawaii backed his decision, saying, “The notion that one can demonstrate animus toward any group of people only by targeting all of them at once is fundamentally flawed.” In response, Trump said, “We need this and sometimes we need it very badly... for the security of our country.” White House press secretary Sean Spicer has since confirmed that the administration plans on appealing the rulings.

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER SET TO CONFIRM BREXIT

British Prime Minister Theresa May will announce on Wednesday, March 29 that the United Kingdom official withdrawal from the European Union (EU).

According to Article 50, the UK is not allowed to conduct talks on the terms of exit and future relations until it has officially told the EU that it is leaving. May has said that one of the main motivations behind Brexit is to better Britain’s development, saying she wants to “[build] a strong economy and [ensure] that the benefits of economic growth and prosperity are felt across every part of the UK.”

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

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News | April 3, 2017

Campus social comfort trumps college prestige for minority students Kaya Leitner ’19

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ome high school seniors have been willing to overlook academic prestige in favor of seeking higher learning institutions that they anticipate will provide a more safe and comfortable environment, a sense of belonging.

This trend is apparent at Ivy League institution, Dartmouth College. As of 2014, Dartmouth applicant numbers have plummeted as a result of an alarming number of sexual assault accusations.

According to Bloomberg.com, “Applications to Dartmouth College dropped 14 percent after a student outcry over sexual harassment and reports of fraternity hazing last year led its new president to try to improve campus life.”

Staples guidance counselor Kim Curran comments on the college decision process and the ways in which she approaches warning students about college safety.

“If I really thought a school was not safe I guess I would give the students the information and let them make the decision,” she said. Ultimately it has to be what the student wants but that’s why we really encourage that before you say you’re going somewhere you should have visited more than once and can really picture yourself there.”

Taylor Githens ’17, who will be attending the University of Richmond in the fall, spoke to the prevalence of sexual assault on campuses, and its nature in being a deciding factor for some students.

“I never really looked into the safety of the schools I applied to because I know

that sexual assault is an issue everywhere, so I trusted that each school I looked at would take initiative to create a safe environment which they tend to do with things like the blue light system,” Githens said.

However, at the same time, some college students do base their decisions off the ways in which prospective schools deal with race, religion, sexual orientation and gender, all of which are important factors to consider.

“I think religion will highly influence my college process in many ways. I know that I would want an active and fairly large Hillel [a Student Jewish Life Center],” Milli Catan ’19 said. “I would also want there to be Jewish life outside of Hillel.”

For many students who fear racial profiling or religious bigotry, it is important to find a school in which they can practice religion freely and feel comfortable as a minority on campus.

In a 2015 report, “Reimagining Critical Race Theory in Education: Mental Health, Healing and the Pathway to Liberatory Praxis,” Ebony McGee, a professor at Vanderbilt University, and David Stovall, a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago gave insight to the trauma that black students face while at a predominantly white university.

“We have documented alarming occurrences of anxiety, stress, depression and thoughts of suicide, as well as a host of physical ailments like hair loss, diabetes and heart disease,” Professors McGee and Stovall reported.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities have existed since the 1800s.

Initially, they owed their existence to the fact there was little other choice for African

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

Graphic by Eliza Goldberg ’17 Photo by Lulu Stracher ’17

American students. However, in current times, with many options now available, they are in the midst of a resurgence.

Due to an increase in the number of racially charged hate crimes nationwide, the number of applicants at HBCUs has also heavily increased.

“Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that over the past three years, nearly a third of HBCUs have seen at least a 20 percent increase in applications—a spike that correlates with nationwide protests over high profile incidents like George Zimmerman’s acquittal in Trayvon Martin’s shooting death and Sandra Bland’s jail death after a controversial police traffic stop,” NPR reported.

Due to the widespread prevalence of race, religious, gender and safety issues, popular college ranking sites, such as Niche, allow students to understand the social and even political implication of the university that they consider attending. In fact, most of these sites feature a particular section in which the social climate and safety is evaluated.

“It’s a big consideration when we talk to students about choosing colleges, that they pick a place where they feel like they are going to fit in and feel comfortable,” Curran said. “If you feel comfortable you’re going to stay there. What could be worse than going to a college and thinking I don’t have anything in common with these people?”

News | April 3, 2017

FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

Westport Public School system under federal scrutiny Max Appell ’18 & Zach Horowitz ’19 continued from page 1 sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Title VI enforces a similar rule by declaring that discrimination based on race, color or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal funding is prohibited.

Generally, Title IX cases and investigations are handled with the Office of Civil Rights, where “a vehicle through which complaints can be made, concerns can be articulated,” Superintendent of Westport Schools Dr. Colleen Palmer, said.

“The whole idea is to resolve situations where individuals [feel] either they’ve been discriminated against, obviously not treated fairly, for a reason that is not legal,” Palmer added. “That might be their gender, their age, their race, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.”

While Title IX is commonly known for its role in gender equality with athletics, what is frequently overlooked is an additional category that pertains to sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Every high school is required to assign a faculty member as a Title IX coordinator.

According to the US Department of Justice, the Title IX coordinator “is the responsible employee of the recipient with major responsibility for Title IX compliance efforts.”

Staples’ Title IX coordinator is Assistant Principal Richard Francis, and

Staples has dealt with 12 Title IX cases during the 2016-2017 school years.

“I think you guys [Staples students] get a lot of upfront education. I think even in the health classes you probably address sexual harassment,” Franzis said when discussing how these investigations can be prevented. He went on to talk about the nature of sex education specifically, saying, “You can’t make jokes of a sexual nature or make sexual advances that are unwelcome. Obviously, the more students know, the better off that they are.”

There are currently eight open federal investigations in the surrounding towns of Fairfield, Wilton and Darien, according to an article written by Chris Marquette of Westport News. However, these federal investigations differ from the one brought against Westport as they all deal with alleged disability discrimination.

“This year we haven’t had to do an investigation on [disability

discrimination]” Principal James D’Amico said. “In large part that is because of all of the support we put into place. When a student has a disability and we become aware of [it] […] we have a great team of people who provide whatever accommodations they may need.”

But D’Amico explained that even with past incidents, Staples works to ensure a safe environment for students and makes sure that they are comfortable and willing to speak to the administration about issues concerning their academic lives.

Palmer agreed with D’Amico.

“We strive in our district and I believe every school district in Connecticut and beyond,” Palmer said. “We want to make sure everyone feels it’s a safe and accepting environment in which to learn or to work and we have to make sure that happens.”

I

Photo dramatization by Eliza Goldberg ’17

Staples High School is under scrutiny in a federal THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS investigation looking into an alleged violation of Title IX.

Student Assembly representation of student body questioned

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Phoebe Mendelson ’17

nstead of a traditional student government, Staples has Student Assembly to convey student opinion to the administration. The assembly is made up of about 15 students per grade, and new members are selected by the club advisors and members through an application process. However, there are some Staples students who are dissatisfied by the representation offered by Student Assembly.

Since Student Assembly deals with important issues around the school, Thea Collins ’19 feels that the greater student body should have some involvement in the selection of representatives process.

“I think that if Student Assembly acts as our student government, then we should have a say on who is a member. An application that is read is very different from what a person is really like,” Collins said. “I think students have a good idea on who individuals are as people, so should therefore have a say in who is picked for the group.”

Another student, Carrick Keenan ’20, said he doesn’t feel as though Student Assembly has reached out for outside opinions.

“I’ve never been asked to “They welcome give my opinion feedback from on an issue. I don’t really hear students, and much about what if there are Student Assemstudents that bly does around don’t feel well the school,” Keenan said. represented, H o w e v e r, they should let if students feel the group know u n d e r r e p r e that.” -James sented, Staples Principal James D’Amico D’Amico advised students to approach Student Assembly and offer suggestions to the group.

“They welcome feedback from students, and if there are students that don’t feel well represented, they should let the group know that,” D’Amico said.

To further address these complaints, some members of the Assembly, like Taylor Githens ’17, try to accurately represent the student base by listening to her peers. “I usually will have my friends or other people coming up to me saying things they have issues with,” Githens said.

The group meets once a week and from those meetings, the presidents, Jacob Bonn ’17 and Zachary Edelman ’17, and Student Assembly advisor, English teacher Jamie Pacuk, take the issues discussed to Collaborative Team. The Collaborative Team includes members of the faculty and administration who discuss the school climate and any problems that have been encountered.

According to Bonn, Student Assembly also utilizes conversations held during Communication Time in order to gain insight on issues students may be having.

“We stress the importance of getting feedback in Communication Time conversations about the school year, and if there is anything their Student Assembly representatives can bring to the meetings to discuss anything involving the school,” Bonn said.

Jamie Pacuk is proud of the work the Student Assembly members do and believes they serve an important role in the school..

“I feel it is a great representation of the students at Staples,”Pacuk said. “This club, so far, has been an excellent resource to gather information and hear concerns, ideas and feedback directly from students, which we then take to influence positive changes within our school.”

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News | April 3, 2017

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Graphic by Channing Smith ’17

opinions

Inklings Editors-in-Chief

Claire Dinshaw & Fritz Schemel

Creative Chief

Channing Smith

Managing Editors

Becky Hoving & Izzy Ullmann

Whips

Jackie Sussman & Andrew Vester

Web Managing Editors

Cooper Boardman & Molly Liebergall

Breaking News Managing Editors

Kit Epstein & Renee Weisz

Public Relations Directors

Becca Rawiszer & Lauren Stack

Creative Director Eliza Goldberg

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Business Manager Katelyn DeAgro

Assistant Business Managers Brett Franklin & Kayla Sirlin

News Editors

Max Appell & Alice Hickson Lulu Stracher & Frenchy Truitt

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Emma Greenberg & Anay Simunovic Colette Lippman & Sophie Driscoll

Features Editors

Margot Mather & Alex Spadacenta Amelia Brown & Julia Rosier

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Ian Bernstein & Bailey Blaikie Ashton Dedona & Alex Reiner

Sports Editors

Jack Beck & Sydney Kaplan Izzy Blansfield & Jonathan Kaner

Web News Editors

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Megan Doyle & Jesse Levinson

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Advisors

Mary Elizabeth Fulco, Joseph DelGobbo, Matthew Bohn & Brian Solomon Crown Finalist for Inklingsnews.com from Columbia Scholastic Press Association 2015 Silver Crown Award for Newspaper from Columbia Scholastic Press Association 2014 Pacemaker from National Scholastic Press Association 2013 All the opinions, news and features in this paper are those of Staples High School students. Inklings, a curricular and extracurricular publication, has a circulation of 1,800 and is uncensored.

All letters to the editor must be signed. The editorial board reserves the right not to publish letters and to edit all submissions as it sees fit. The editorial board determines all editorial opinions, which are authored faithfully by the Editors-in-Chief.

Inklings reserves the right to not publish advertisements that promote products that could be harmful to student health. The paper is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association and supports the Student Press Law Center.

70 North Ave. Westport, CT 06880 Phone: (203) 341-1994 Inklingsweb@gmail.com Decisions of Inklings and Westport Public Schools are made without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or any other discriminating basis prohibited by local, state or federal law.

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Administrative push for safety proves effective

S

uperintendent Dr. Colleen Palmer and Principal James D’Amico recently responded to a Trump administration directive prohibiting transgender students from choosing where they go to the bathroom under Title IX, reaffirming the availability of gender neutral bathrooms at Staples.

Palmer and D’Amico’s statement crossed the bounds of political neutrality, but it was also necessary to ensure the continued safety and comfort of the entire Staples’ student body.

Inklings

EDITORIAL It is Palmer and D’Amico’s responsibility to serve as student advocates, and Trump’s actions related to bathroom choice threatened the rights of transgender individuals across the United States of America. Palmer was acting as an advocate when, in a Westport News interview, she said, “No matter what the difference is, we

need to be a safe haven for our students where they are accepted and respected, and we tolerate no one who would undermine that environment.” D’Amico was also acting as an advocate when he reaffirmed the school’s commitment to providing gender neutral bathrooms to the student body.

Yes, these statements were political, contradicting the policy of the current Presidential administration. However, we, the Inklings Editorial Board, believe Palmer and D’Amico’s decision to comment was appropriate because it demonstrated support for all students, including students who represent vulnerable minorities.

Furthermore, the statement followed several specific guidelines that made it relevant and crucial. First of all, D’Amico and Palmer were directly responding to previously enacted policy.

Their statements did not speculate on potential political action but responded to a definite political action. Second of all, the issue of transgender rights relates to the lives of current Staples’ students, meaning the enacted policy promised to affect the lives of students within the school system.

The importance of reacting only to definite political action as well as solely responding to issues that relate to the lives of students provide guidelines which the school administration can use to walk the fine line between protecting students and commenting on unrelated political issues. When transgender students’ rights are left unprotected by a Presidential administration, there are students within our school that will feel vulnerable and unappreciated. It is the role of the administration to, in this situation, reaffirm these student’s rights.

We realize it may seem that we are simply commending the school administration for a job well done.

However, we believe the issue of politics within our school administration is larger than this one reaction, especially considering the politically fraught environment. If a situation arises again in which students’ rights are infringed upon, the school administration must continue to follow these guidelines as they trek into the uncharted territory of school partisanship.

Our Editorial Board voted unanimously in favor of this editorial.

Letters to the Editor: *Concerning “Government needs to reduce involvement with Planned Parenthood” by Kit Epstein ’17 which appeared in the March 8 issue of Inklings News.

Inklings Editors, In your March 8, 2017 issue on Inklings, Kit Epstein’s article opposing Planned Parenthood claimed that “60 percent of Americans actively oppose [abortion] according to a 2016 Washington Times poll.” I was surprised at that number, but it didn’t take long to discover Ms. Epstein neglected to mention that the 60 percent figure referred to people favoring “a 20 week abortion ban.” In most polls I’ve seen, a clear majority of Americans still support a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body.

Colin Neenan Librarian, Staples High School Westport, Connecticut

Inklings Editors, Planned Parenthood serves a demographic that cannot get or cannot afford health insurance. Planned Parenthood provides contraceptive solutions to patients to prevent pregnancy and provides, at reduced cost, or no cost other examinations and testing services.

There is no other health care alternative for the Planned Parenthood demographic. To even gain entrance to other Federally Qualified Health Centers requires proof of insurance.

James Goodrich Substitute, Staples High School Westport, Connecticut inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

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Opinions | April 3, 2017

The Artichoke Inklings Satire

Will you be my roommate, please?

Classes will always struggle for equality Jackie Sussman ’17 *All names are fictional

H

ey guys, my name is Jesse Levinson (Lev), and I’m excited to announce that I will be attending Colgate University with y’all!

Although I know the majority of accepted students are still making their decisions, I’d love to share some interests of mine and perhaps connect with anyone interested in rooming with me.

If you would be so kind as to message me a brief, one-page resume in iambic pentameter explaining why you feel we would be compatible together, that would certainly aid my decision. LOL, just kidding bros! Instead, feel free to shoot me a text at (203) COLGATE, email me at ilovecolgatesewmuch@hotmail.com or hit up my Twitter, @memeloversonly.

Though I intend to go into next year undecided, I can certainly see myself pursuing English as a major. There’s just nothing like musing over one of my dog-eared books and smelling the arousing, dusty scent on each page. I’ve even grown to enjoy contemporary texts lately.

To any ladies out there interested in perusing “50 Shades of Grey” with me, my Snapchat is “theboy_wholived.”

I don’t have many talents, but some of them include being introverted, getting picked last in pickup basketball and growing out my jew fro (LOL). I’m also a disc golf (you might know it as frolf) enthusiast, so you can “cash me ousside” working on some target practice most afternoons.

Well, that just about sums it up. Any broseph out there looking to ascend Jacob’s Ladder with me and spend our upcoming year in Heaven, you know how to get in touch with me.

To anyone not interested in my zealous profile, I can’t say I’m entirely surprised. I’m not used to having a cohort of friends, so perhaps it is for the best that my roommate options are fairly limited. ¯\_(*;*)_/¯ I have to sign off now—the school librarians are complaining that my keyboard noises are distracting to others.

Looking forward to meeting everyone in person (not that I need to; I’ve already diligently stalked your profiles), Lev

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

Nicola Alexander ’17 came from a long line of social conquerors; her sister, mother and aunt had climbed Staples’ social ladder. Nicola’s name had to carry the weight of a junior’s backpack and be as ubiquitous as Neenan’s gaze.

There was an air of disgruntlement looming that day, a restlessness in the laboring masses, who were becoming increasingly jaded towards a social hierarchy that was reminiscent of the past.

As Nicola pulled into her parking spot five minutes fashionably late, the group chat—named “Bourgeoisie”—buzzed.

It was strange for someone other than herself to be sending the first messages of the day. Typically this would only happen if someone had missed a friend’s college acceptance party or an inner circle member had their Jeep Wrangler taken away.

“Two people want to leave Nicola Alexander’s Inner-Circle clique,” Amy Edwards, an Outer-Circle Member, had written. “Valerie Lyons and Julia Martin. #teengirlsrebellion” The names sunk into Nicola’s skin; these people were social climbers of a different sort, preaching rights for all laborers and economic equality. Nicola knew the situation ran deeper than newbies wanting to join; her monarchy was under attack.

“Inner-Circle meeting at my house,” Nicola retorted. Comforted by this impending meeting, Nicola went to class, her nose turned the usual 30 degrees upward.

Flanked by two Inner-Circle members, Nicola headed to second lunch.

But as soon as she and her posse strode through the cafeteria doors, they abruptly stopped; Valerie and Julia were at Nicola’s table, and Valerie was in Nicola’s seat.

Valerie and Nicola’s eyes connected and the entire room fell silent.

“Leave,” Nicola said, but the girls didn’t move.

With that show of defiance, Nicola knew damage had been done to her authority. She was furious.

Then Nicola noticed all of her InnerCircle followers sitting next to Valerie and Julia, chatting, laughing and smiling.

They were looking at Valerie and Julia as their new leaders.

“How could this have happened?”

Nicola cried.

It turned out that Valerie and Julia had secretly created a group chat named “Proletariat,” where they gave promises of equality and liberation from Nicola’s authoritarian rule and lured Nicola’s Inner-Circle members together. They were done with Nicola, and had moved on to Valerie and Julia’s Outer-Circle clique.

Two months later: Valerie walked into the cafeteria, flanked by two members of the OuterCircle. Sitting at her table in her usual seat was Amy Edwards. Valerie charged ahead, annoyed that her authority was being undermined. But when she arrived at the table, Amy didn’t budge. “You promised us equality,” Hannah said, “but gave us Nicola 2.0. I’m in charge now.” Before Valerie could protest, the two members who had accompanied Valerie to the cafeteria sat with Amy. And so the cycle continued.

Opinions | April 3, 2017

Federally Qualified Health Centers fail to protect America’s most vulnerable Claire Dinshaw ’17

I

n the last paper, Inklings published an article entitled “Defund Planned Parenthood and stop oversimplifying issues,” arguing that, instead of funding Planned Parenthood (PP), federal dollars should be re-directed to fund Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), health care clinics that provide low-cost healthcare to millions of Americans.

This article discusses the severe discrepancy between the number of Americans FQHCs treat and the number of Americans PP treats. Even as a liberal, I, like the conservative writer, support the efforts and continued funding of FQHCs. However, they cannot be considered a

viable replacement for family planning clinics until America revises its laws and attitudes towards family planning services.

Neither FQHCs nor PP receive a onetime check from the federal government.

Instead, they are reimbursed for care they provide to Americans with Medicaid, a health insurance program designed for low-income individuals.

FQHCs treat Medicaid recipients for free, but they do not have the funding to also treat individuals without Medicaid for no cost. In contrast, because of funding PP receives through Title X, a law that requires the reimbursement of clinics providing Americans without health insurance family planning care (i.e. birth control, STI/HIV testing, etc.), PP can treat patients who do not qualify for Medicaid, as well as patients who do, for no cost.

There is a tremendous number of

people near the poverty line without Medicaid. However, some of the most vulnerable are teenage girls who are unable to disclose their need for family planning services to adults. And, while FQHCs claim to treat all Americans, only PP can guarantee these girls free treatment.

Because of this, going to a PP clinic is the only advice health classes at Staples offer girls who have had unsafe sex or have been raped. PP is literally the only option teenage girls have if they need affordable family planning care.

However, there are also reasons to believe that both Medicaid holders and uninsured patients would be left vulnerable if the government stopped funding PP. According to a bipartisan Congressional Research Service’s report, although FQHCs do offer some family planning services, the quality of this care

9

is inconsistent, depending largely on a clinic’s location and the reproductive health laws of that state.

Furthermore, only PP and other family planning clinics can ensure patient confidentiality. Through Title X, PP is not required to reveal the identity of its patients to insurers. FQHCs, on the other hand, are required to report the identity of Medicaid qualified patients if they want to be reimbursed.

When FQHCs provide free care to all vulnerable populations, not just those with Medicaid and Medicare, government funding for PP will no longer be as vital. When FQHCs are able to offer comprehensive family planning services regardless of the laws in their state of location, PP may become unnecessary.

However, until then, women and girls need PP.

BY THE NUMBERS: One in five women will use Planned Parenthood in their lifetime.

1 2 3

4 5

When Planned Parenthood was defunded in Texas, unplanned pregnancies rose by 27 percent. *Information provided by Guttmacher Institute and Planned Parenthood

Dear gymnastics, it’s not you, it’s me:

a break-up letter to the sport that changed me for the better Alex Spadacenta ’17

When I was five years old, I turned to my dad after marveling over the older girls in the gym and said, “I’m never going to be able to do a cartwheel.” Now, 12 years later, after achieving my goal of mastering a cartwheel and competing back-handsprings and back tucks, I am forced to wave farewell to you, gymnastics, the sport that has shaped who I am today.

Sometimes I wonder why I chose you as my sport. Your four events require me to haul myself over a stationary object, flip around a tiny wooden bar, cartwheel across a fourinch-wide beam and twist on the floor in ways I didn’t know I was capable. You have injury written all over you, and it is because of the numerous injuries you have given me that I must say goodbye.

My dad knew that, too. Before I was born, he told himself I could play any sport but gymnastics. So for starters, sorry Dad, but I don’t regret a second of it.

For the most part, I was a fearless child. I always loved flipping around and jumping off objects. After playing many different sports as a kid it was obvious you were my favorite.

You taught me

discipline and how to work hard for what I want. As a kid, I never understood how the time I spent conditioning and working on the basics would benefit me. But now, even though my six-pack is gone, I realize that all the hard work, sweat and tears I put into training were for a purpose. Yes, it made me stronger and made me a better gymnast. However, I also learned that sometimes to accomplish what you love, you need to do things that are not always easy or fun.

I’m going to miss you. I’m going to miss the idea of having somewhere to be and somewhere to belong.

The friendships and connections I have made with other gymnasts throughout the past 12 years have stuck with me until this day. You have taught me how to work with and support others even when I am down, which has given me the leadership skills I possess today.

As excited as I am for the next four years, I hate to leave you behind.

So now the big question is, what’s next? I have no idea. Maybe I’ll join a club team. Maybe I’ll coach and pass my knowledge on to future gymnasts. Whatever I do, I know I need to keep you in my life.

But for now, I say goodbye to my first ever love.

Graphic by Zoe Barnett ’19

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

10

Opinions | April 3, 2017

Stigmas associating mental health with violence must be adressed in schools Channing Smith ’17

A

few weeks ago my friends dragged me to see the movie “Split.” The thriller flick features a man with Dissociative Identity Disorder who abducts three girls who attempt to manipulate his multiple personalities in order to escape.

The theater shrieked and swelled with noise and anxiety. People jumped. Popcorn was thrown into the air. But something else had me on the edge of my seat. I did not scream at the jump scares, or grow nervous with the ominous soundtrack, but rather covered my eyes with my hands and screeched, “Oh the stigma.”

Menta l health is a subject misunderstood and misrepresented, most often in movies. If not depicted as quirky girls suffering from depression who help the protagonist further discover himself in offbeat romantic comedies, mental illness is otherwise portrayed as being the motive behind violent murderers.

These misinterpretations of mental

illness promote prejudice and prevent communities from engaging in substantial talk about mental health unless a tragedy arises. As teens increasingly rely on entertainment and media for their information, they are deprived of the truth and instead spoonfed stigma.

To address the misconceptions about mental illness, we must engage in conversations in classrooms. After all, it’s often impossible to discern right from wrong unless you are taught what is right.

According to a study done by The National Institute for Mental Health, 50 percent of lifelong cases of mental illness begin by the age of 14, and 75 percent begin by the age of 24. This puts high school students at the peak age for learning about mental health disorders and how to treat them.

But the sad truth is, schools are not prepared nor equipped to teach mental health, let alone cope when tragedy strikes.

School protocol surrounding mental health, and especially suicide, is outdated, out of touch and desensitized. Schools are discouraged from discussing suicide out of fear of memorializing suicides—out of fear of “suicide contagion.” However, chain suicides are rare and only account for 1 to 5 percent of suicides annually. In addition,

90 percent of people who commit suicide have a predetermined mental disorder, so there is no way to “catch suicide.” This means censoring suicide memorials and desensitizing mental illness in schools benefits no one This misinformation rooted in miseducation causes negative effects into adulthood. Just take a look at how politicians speak about mental illness: “We should work to reduce tragic acts of violence by addressing violence at its source, including untreated mental illness,” Marco Rubio said to a crowd of reporters shortly after the Sandy Hook shooting.

Here Marco Rubio is using mental illness as a scapegoat for gun violence. If we only talk about mental health when something goes wrong, people will associate these disorders with tragedy.

It’s a simple Pavlovian response; just as a cat will come running when it hears a can opener because it associates the sound with being fed, so too will the American people go running when they hear the words “mental illness” because they associate it with violence.

Eradicating the stigmas associated with mental health needs to be addressed head on by schools. The fact is that schools do not need to protect their students from tragedy, but instead work preemptively.

Tip toeing around so called “sensitive subjects” makes them taboo, when we should be working to normalize these topics.

Graphic by Channing Smith ’17

What no one told me about senior year Margot Mather ’17 Senior year is the culmination of four long years of hard work, and as my time at Staples comes to a close, I’m already feeling nostalgic.

Although it’s a time filled with crazy stress levels surrounding striving for stellar grades and submitting college applications, it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences. Looking back, there are some things I wish I knew ahead of time—some things that I’ve realized are what make senior year so unique.

You will peak during spirit week You have come to love and appreciate your school more than ever. No one is going to judge you for showing up to Friday night lights in head-to-toe blue and white and screaming the Staples cheers at the top of your lungs. You’ll drop more money than you’d like to admit at Party City because you just can’t go through USA Day without that headband with flag antennas. This all culminates with the true peak of everyone’s senior year: motorcade. Nothing says “spirit” quite like squishing as many people as possible, albeit illegally, into a Jeep Wrangler with music blasting and bodies flailing out of every possible door and window. You’ll look back on these pictures and videos months later and cry.

Social barriers will crumble Senior year is a time to break free from a strict friend group and get to know people you wouldn’t normally talk to. Some of my favorite memories of this year were spent with people I would never have pictured myself hanging out with outside of school. Seniors often realize there is no need for their singular clique to be the only people they associate with. There isn’t time for drama, cliques or exclusion. Everyone’s too busy making the most out of senior year.

You should focus on yourself The college process is all the talk senior year. Who applied where? Are they qualified?

Who are they competing against? Why were they rejected? While it is really difficult to look past all this information that consumes the anxiety-ridden seniors, it really is none of your business. Worry about yourself. It isn’t your job to keep track of where everyone applied, and it certainly isn’t healthy to constantly be digging in other people’s business.

The college process is very personal, and it’s important to focus on your journey through this process without the added stress of worrying about others.

Photos contributed by Margot Mather ’17

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

Paloma Bayona is the program director at National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Connecticut branch. She oversees support groups as well as both family and professional education, working to stamp out stigma across the state.

Here’s what she had to say about mental health education.

Why is it important to teach mental health in schools?

Because teachers have the power to make a difference. Students spend more time in schools than anywhere else; this is a great opportunity for both educators and students to become increasingly aware of mental health and mental health problems. It can provide a positive school environment and promote good mental health in students and staff.

What are the most effective ways to teach about mental health in schools?

According to the World Health Organization, mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” Although it is often overlooked, mental health is as important to a person’s well-being as their physical health, particularly during the turbulent years of adolescence.

What long term effects does mental health education have?

Staff and students would have tools to identify mental health conditions and look for help when needed. Early identification and effective intervention for youth with mental disorders is critical. If left untreated, the symptoms of a mental illness may increase in severity, and its effects may become more serious and potentially life threatening. Educators and school personnel are in an ideal position to recognize behavioral or emotional changes, which may be symptomatic of the onset of mental illness.

Bullying can be decreased as well as suicide, if we start talking about mental health in a different way and “normalize” the diagnosis; in other words looking at mental health diagnosis as other physical illnesses like diabetes or heart disease.

Students who can improve their mental health by accessing services as early as possible do better in school; drop out less often and generally are able to better adapt to the school environment.

11

Features | April 3, 2017

Alice Hickson ’17

I

t’s a Sunday afternoon and James O’Brien ’17 is in his garage, picking away at his list. Not a list of school work or overdue assignments, but an eclectic collection of undertakings he wants to accomplish before the weekend comes to a close.

“Build a chessboard,” “learn about how a lawnmower engine works” and “make a wifi controlled light switch” are a few of the recent tasks on the list that, according to O’Brien, “gets longer faster than it gets shorter.” However, there is one thing on the list that remains constant: “update my farm.”

O’Brien put together a container farm last year after watching a TED Talk on an undergrad at MIT who grows food for research. The TED Talk explained that by controlling the environment in which the plants grow, the undergrads can collect information on how plants grow.

“It combines growing with technology which are usually never combined,” O’Brien said. “The coolest thing is that they were like, ‘Yeah, we made this, the directions are online, you can make one yourself,’ and I was like ‘I have an idea,’” O’Brien said, laughing.

With the help of Amazon, Home Depot and O’Brien’s garage equipped with tools accumulated from family members over the years, he put together his own container farm in his basement where he grows organic lettuce, arugula, kale and more. In order to formalize his work, O’Brien founded “Workshop Garden Technologies” and has since been able to show his work at Wakeman Town Farm, the senior center and the Westport Farmer’s Market.

“It was awesome because I could bring something to people that I had built, learned a ton about and had a ton of fun while building it, and then have them go ‘Wow, that’s really cool’ and have them want to know more,” he said.

O’Brien’s love of presenting doesn’t stop there. He brings his talents to Staples Players, where he has been an active member since the summer before his freshman year.

“Being on stage requires so much in the shortest amount of time. It’s like 180 percent focus for

about two hours and then it’s done, and prepping for that two hours of focus takes months, and months and months,” O’Brien said. “I love the expectation of pure, white hot energy every time you do it.”

Being in Players has provided O’Brien with a work ethic and enthusiasm he stitches into all aspects of his life. When recalling his most memorable performance, a smile stretched over his face.

He recalled the wedding scene in “Fiddler on the Roof” where he and a group of men performed a dance requiring them to balance bottles on their heads while they slid across the stage on their knees.

“Needless to say, balancing a bottle of wine on your head while dancing and sliding across on a stage on your knees is kind of difficult.

I have a distinct memory of every time the clarinet solo that started the dance began, my heartrate would increase and I would breathe slower[...] even months afterwards I would begin to sweat,” O’Brien chuck led.

W h i l e Workshop Garden Technologies and Staples Players may seem like a bizarre combination, O’Brien notes the connection between the two distinct interests is that they both combine “making things that aren’t real, real.”

“A show is literally a stack of paper with words on them and that you make it into a something that people cry about,” O’Brien said. “Workshop Garden was like turning another stack of papers into something that grows food.”

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“It was awesome because I could bring something to people that I had built, learned a ton about and had a ton of fun while building it, and then have them go ‘Wow, that’s really cool’ and have them want to know more.”

- James O’Brien ’17

DIGGIN’ IT (Top to bottom) James O’Brien ’17 stands by his container farm, while showing off his other interest, Staples Players, where he has a role in the upoming show. The kale, lettuce and arugula roots in O’Brien’s farm grow in water instead of soil, a method called hydroponics. O’Brien looks on proudly at his creation; the pink glow from the container is because plants can only use red and blue light waves to photosynthesize. The lettuce seeds used can also be used in soil gardens; almost all plants can be grown in water, except those that grow underground, like carrots and onions, or those that grow upwards, like corn and anything that vines. Kale, one of the three vegetables O’Brien is currently growing, is packed with nutrients , topping all other vegetables in terms of nutrient density.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

12

Features | April 3, 2017

Cigarette alternatives seize the Staples soc Daniel Harizman ’19 & Molly Liebergall ’17

* Names have been changed for annonymity

D

rug Abuse Resistance Education, more commonly known as D.A.R.E., is a nationwide program dedicated to “teaching students decision making for safe and healthy living,” according to its website.

Most Staples students are familiar with the acronym, and with the memory of a local police officer visiting their fifth grade classes to teach a wide range of lessons, all the while emphasizing the dangers of drugs, drinking and cigarettes.

According to the CDC’s National Youth Tobacco Survey, student usage of cigarettes has decreased from over 15 percent to less than 10 percent between 2011 and 2015. Despite this trend, some Staples students still smoke. *Jess Clark ’17, who suffers from depression, ADHD and borderline split personality disorder, began smoking this past June.

“It started kind of as a self-medicating

Graphics by Channing Smith ’17

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

thing,” she said, adding that her boyfriend at the time was a chain-smoker, which, combined with mental illness and identity struggles, caused her to pick up her first cigarette.

“Because I was so confused about who I was, it gave me a more clear box to put myself in.”

From June to December, Clark smoked two to three packs of Marlboro Reds per week before a friend helped her quit. After withstanding three days of the violent shakes and agitation that accompany withdrawal, she successfully kicked her habit—that is, until January.

Now, Clark smokes less, only a couple times per week, but is still susceptible to, and completely aware of the dangers.

“I remember all of the health s***. I know how bad it is for you. I’ve seen the commercials, lung pictures, and all of that,” she said.

The “health s***” to which Clark referred was in reference to the information taught to students in fifth grade through the D.A.R.E. program, and again in high school during health class. “[Cigarette smoking] is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States,” CDC Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) Epidemiologist Tushar Singh, M.D., said.

“It has been shown to cause over a dozen different types of cancer, and kills approximately 480,000 Americans each year.”

Ironically, Clark acknowledged that one of the main reasons she smokes is because she knows from the D.A.R.E. program and from her grandfather’s fatal lung cancer how unhealthy it is. “It’s just the same idea as being self-sabotaging,” Clark explained. Also, as someone struggling with mental illness and a rough upbringing, using cigarettes habitually functions as a form of structure and a temporary distraction from the overwhelmingly intense emotional responses she experiences because of her specific disorder.

“If you don’t have depression or

Photo by Eliza Goldberg ’17

something like that, you’re not going to want to do something super unhealthy,” she said.

“I’m trying to figure s*** out, so hopefully at some point I’ll be like ‘I don’t want to destroy myself’ and I’ll stop, but at the moment I can’t foresee really trying to quit soon.”

Although Clark wants to stop using cigarettes in the future, there is a possibility that she will fail, as is supported by The National Institutes of Health reports citing that approximately 30 percent of teenage smokers will continue smoking into adulthood and die early from a smoking-related disease.

Newer preventative measures, like Truth’s #FinishIT campaign and the CDC’s “Tips from a Former Smoker” advertisements, aim to reduce this number to zero.

“Cigarettes’ role in the social scene back when I was a high schooler was primarily to allow kids who had not known each other prior to their encounter to bond and connect less awkwardly,” Aiden Smith, long time Westport psychologist explained. “It baffles me how teenagers still choose to smoke cigarettes, even though the media industry has been relentlessly advertising against smoking as a whole.”

Since the first electronic cigarette in 2003, various forms of “E-Cigs” have also become intertwined with the Staples social scene.

To *Robert Jones ’19, high school is comprised of a thick vortex of peer pressure, cliques and a series of personal attempts made at furthering social recognition.

Jones’ difficulty in finding his place inside the community of friend groups at Staples led him to smoke his JUUL—a type of E-Cig invented in 2015.

“I believe that ripping JUUL is almost entirely social; there is really no reason to do it besides fitting in or trying to be ‘cool,’” Jones said. “When I use my JUUL, it’s because I want to be able to socialize with others who similarly used JUUL.” Although cigarettes have nationally decreased in popularity over the past few years, “E-cig” usage has increased during the same period of time. In a CDC study about youth national tobacco in 2011,

“When I use my JUUL it’s because I want to be able to socialize with others who similarly used JUUL.” - *Robert Jones ’19

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Features | April 3, 2017

Scan for more information about the effects of smoking on teenagers

The Truth: “Let’s be the Generation to Finish It”

y about two percent of students reported ng electronic smoking devices, which rocketed to more than 15 percent in 2015.

“This increase is due to the prominent ertising of these products, including on vision, where cigarette advertising has been nned in the United States since the early 1970’s,” gh said. “E-cigarettes are also available in a wide iety of flavors that are particularly appealing young people[...]and are also a novel product t many youth report being curious about.”

JUUL holds a small battery that vaporizes erchangeable, flavored pods containing the inously-named “e-liquid” upon inhalation. s liquid, which was manufactured in the mpany’s laboratories, consists of several micals, including Benzoic Acid—a urally occurring chemical found in the acco plant—and Glycerol and Propylene col, which are two common ingredients consumer products like toothpaste.

Each JUUL pod contains 0.7 milliliters juice.

5 percent of this is nicotine weight, which is the same amount nd in one pack of cigarettes.

“I use JUUL for the buzz,” *Bobby wards ’19 said. “I began last year when I saw t the more popular kids were doing it; ever ce then I have had my own JUUL, finishing ut 4-5 pods a week. I recognize the lth-related disadvantages, but at this point m too far in to stop. I have simply given up.”

JUUL and other e-cigarettes produce a less mful aerosol. Nevertheless, “no tobacco or quid product should ever be considered e,”’ according to the JUUL website itself.

“The long-term effects of e-cigarette use not well known, mainly because these ducts have not been around long enough scientists to fully study the health effects,” gh said. “However, we do have enough nce to show that the use of any tobacco ducts, including e-cigarettes, is unsafe for th[...]Nicotine use during adolescence and ng adulthood has been associated with lasting nitive and behavioral impairments, including cts on working memory and attention.”

However, students similar to *Matthew ker ’17, who use JUUL, often reach a certain nt where they disregard the health-related ues, and enjoy their time as young adolescents.

“When you are incapable of running a e because of an excessive use of nicotine ducts, you must come to a realization that r addiction needs to be treated,” Parker said. ith that said, I am not worried about the ure. I’m 18 years old. These are some of the t years of my life. Why not live the dream?”

Information from theTruth.org

CDC: “Tobacco Use Among Middle and High School Students

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Inklings News: “Breathe In, Breath Out: The Cigarette Confessions”

14

Features | April 3, 2017

Coding paves the way for Perelberg’s future

Photo by Eliza Goldberg ’17

S

Jason Streiter ’17 & Andrew Vester ’17

tanding at an average height of 5’7” with short brown hair, Gary Perelberg ’18 might not stand out physically in the hallways, but he certainly stands out in his achievements. Perelberg is the founder of EasyCop, a computer program designed to give avid sneakerheads a leg up in purchasing limited edition shoes upon their release.

“There are limited sneakers and there are lots of people that want them. However, they make a lot less pairs than there are people that want them,” Perelberg said. “So my software simulates a human shopping online so that users can purchase shoes online faster than the average person could. In this way people can get shoes that would normally sell out in seconds; so I just sell licenses for it and I currently have over 3,000 customers.”

P e r e l b e r g got his start in programming as a freshman when he took Intro-toProgramming w h i l e concurrently teaching himself C-Sharp, a different coding language than the one taught at school.

He later went on to take

Web Programming and AP Computer Science in his sophomore year.

Nicholas Morgan, Perelberg’s computer science teacher for Introto-Programming, noticed Perelberg’s skill while he was in his early stages of learning, noting that he was a “strong programming student” and was “definitely in the top of the class.”

EasyCop combined two of Perelberg’s loves — sneakers and programming — into a business.

“As long as I’ve known Gary, he’s been a sneakerhead and loved programming,” Brynn Schumacher ’18 said. “His program combines two things that he loves and is having a ton of success with it.”

But passion alone is not what’s driven his success. Perelberg’s work ethic has been hailed by those who know him.

“Gary is a really smart guy who has definitely earned his success,” Alejandro Perez-Elorza ’18 said. “To me, and probably to most of Staples, whatever language he uses would be impossible to learn. He really deserves everything he has because of the immensely hard work he’s put into everything.”

Dylan Diamond ’17, creator of the myHAC and iStaples apps, added, “It’s great when people can make a difference through programming.”

Despite all his success, Perelberg still only sees his program as a stepping stone to later successes, calling EasyCop the “first-step” in becoming acquainted with the business world.

And although Perelberg might drive the most recognizable car at Staples—a BMW i8 that he purchased with his EasyCop money—he remains humble.

“I have a pretty cool sneaker collection,” Perelberg said. “I’m not special.

I’m just a kid who’s worked really hard.”

Linguistics club deconstructs patterns and investigates intricacies of different languages Renee Weisz ’17 After school on Tuesdays, rich debate about Noam Chomsky’s work and passionate discussion about obscure foreign language structures echo from room 2052. The club is none other than the Staples’ Linguistics Club.

The club members, led by presidents Preston Lust ’19 and Max Popken ’18, immerse themselves in solving computational linguistics puzzles or investigating languages of interest.

“The Linguistics Club deals with the study of linguistic patterns, primarily in the fields of philology, orthography and phonology,” Ben Jia ’18, a club member, said.

Jia, along with Lust and Carter Teplica ’19 participated in the second round of the North American Computational Linguistics Olympiad (NACLO) on March 9. The NACLO is a national competition which is the focus of the club’s yearly preparations. The 100-point linguisticsbased logic test consists of a primary open round and a secondary invitational round, which selects qualified participants for the International Linguistics Olympiad, according to the NACLO webpage.

“You might be given a list of 20 words in an obscure language from Uzbekistan and their English translations out of

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

order and have to match them up based on common word parts,” Teplica said.

While Teplica practiced for the competition by attending a mock session at Yale University, the entire club spent hours studying past competition problems available on the NACLO website.

Though preparation materials were easily accessible, Jia found the test offered a challenging analytical exercise, requiring participants to decipher varied languages that ranged from Vietnamese to Turkish. “Some questions commanded the need for the decipherment of foreign syllabaries, or the construction of algorithms to process the transmutation of various sentences,” he said.

Many members like Lust stumbled upon their interest for linguistics through their natural curiosity for language. For Lust, reading “The Lord of The Rings” led to his fascination in the writing system of Old English used as the foundation for the ancient script in the series.

“I found the origins of the English language very fascinating—and soon sought to understand linguistic progression as a whole,” Lust said.

While Jia, Teplica and Lust await the results of the invitational NACLO open round, the club welcomes new members to join in decoding new linguistic theories and deriving linguistic methods every week.

Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

Features | April 3, 2017 Photo by Alex Spadacenta ’17

Photo by Layla Wofsy ’19 and Amanda Kaplowitz ’19

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From order to product, how Underdog Designs makes their shirts, according to co-owner Matteo Broccolo ’17.

1. Come up with the design, either custom or doodle.

“When we’re coming up with custom designs, we try to get our own artistic styles in them, but we also try to cater the design to how we think the person is, and what wold look best on them, similar to what they usually wear.”

2.Transfer picture onto the computer, then print.

3. Cover screen with emulsion.

“For the emulsion [a water-based paint], we pour the emulsion on one side of the screen and then spread it thin on both sides.”

Contributed by Elizabeth Rhoads ’17

Photo by Layla Wofsy ’19 and Amanda Kaplowitz ’19

INK AND IRON (from left corner,

Photo by Alex Spadacenta ’17

Amanda Kaplowitz ’19 & Layla Wofsy ’19

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any people think of a tight corner in a laundry room as nothing more than a place to throw dirty clothes, a dark basement as simply a place used to store unwanted clutter.

But for Sophia Livecchi ’17, Matteo Broccolo ’17 and Elizabeth Rhoads ’17, these arbitrary places around the house serve a dual purpose: they are also studios for designing custom, high-quality t-shirts.

The basement serves as Livecchi and Broccolo’s location for their business, Underdog Designs, and the laundry room meets Rhoads’ needs to run her business, Iron Woman Designs. While both businesses sell unique t-shirts, they differ in design techniques: Livecchi and Broccolo use an ink and screen printing process to print drawings on shirts, while Rhoads uses transfer paper to iron on designs.

Colleen Brockwell ’17 purchased an Underdog Designs, “Princess and the Pea” t-shirt, designed by Livecchi and Broccolo. “They come in extremely nice quality tees, and the print is set on and made really well,” Brockwell said.

Both businesses provide options for customers, who can direct message the companies’ Instagram accounts to purchase a shirt for $20-25 printed with either the customer’s personal design, or with a drawing made by one of the designers.

However, the entrepreneurs agree that they prefer creating their own designs rather than just printing one provided to them.

“I feel like [printing designs provided by the buyer] shows nothing

about our artistic ability, and just shows we can print shirts,” Broccolo said.

Additionally, the business owners feel a sense of accomplishment when their personal designs are worn. “It’s really fun to see people that you don’t know that well wearing your shirts,” Rhoads said.

Although seeing the final product can be rewarding, there is a lot of behind the scenes work required, and the process to create each shirt demands patience and persistence. “I think it’s funny to think that […] I give [a shirt] to them, but they’re not seeing what goes into it,” Rhoads said.

Broccolo described the complicated printing process he and Livecchi use, which requires a photo emulsion technique. “Once [the screen] is covered and dry, you put a positive of a picture on it so it’s just black outlines. Then, you put a strong light on it for about seven minutes,” Broccolo explained. “After, you wash off the screen and the black lines become clear. Then, we put ink on it and use a squeegee to pass the color over.”

A shirt from Broccolo and Livecchi can take up to four hours to create, and a custom design from Rhoads usually involves setting aside three hours.

According to the designers, finding this time to complete their orders can be difficult, especially since each senior has an additional after-school job.

Rhoads, Livecchi and Broccolo all hope to continue and expand their businesses after high school and throughout college. “I was thinking of maybe going to a couple of stores,” Livecchi said, “and saying, ‘These are my shirts. Would you like to buy a bulk of them?’ and see what happens.”

clockwise) Sophia Livecchi’17, Elizabeth Rhoads’17 and Matteo Broccolo ’17; Livecchi and Broccolo use ink and a press for their shirts while Rhoads uses an iron on process. One of Underdog Design’s custom jobs, hot from the press.

A design by Rhoads from her company, Iron Woman T-shirts, which she sells mostly on Instagram. Livecchi spreading the ink on the screen, which tranfers the design onto the shirt. Another custom Underdog shirt, right after step 10 of the shirt making process.

4. Wait to dry.

“The hardest part is the waiting! We always want to do everything all at once with no breaks, but we always have to wait for everything to dry.”

5. Burn design onto screen.

“We take a positive image of the design, then place it on a coated and dry screen, then shine a super bright light on it for a specific amount of time.”

6. Wash off the remaining emulsion 7. Wait to dry.

8. Center design on shirt.

“The hardest part is making sure that the shirt is centered and set up in the right spot so that we can be as consistent as possible [and] so the shirts don’t look vastly different.”

9. Spread ink on screen with squeegee.

10. Lift screen.

“It’s really exciting when we lift the screen and see how the design comes out on the shirt, especially the first shirt we make of each design.”

11. Let shirt dry.

UNDERDOG DESIGNS Sophia Livecchi ’17 and Matteo Broccolo ’17 show off one of their popular t-shirt designs, which can each take up to four hours to create.

This design was an original requested by a customer that Broccolo drew by hand. Other designs are generated using the computer.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

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Features | April 3, 2017

Senior scavenges success Pogue wins the ultimate scavenger hunt Kate Lewis ’18 & Molly Mahoney’18

GRAPHIC BY MELANIE LUST ’19

Progressive new club offers a safe haven to survivors of sexual assault and harassment Emma Greenberg ’18

W

“

hen a person experiences sexual assault or sexual harassment first hand, they usually feel obligated to stay silent and be in the shadows about it,” Daria Rinde ’17, founder and president of the new club Umbrella of Protection: Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Support (UPSASHS), said. The group focuses on advocating for sexual assault and harassment survivors, and acts as a support group for the members of the club.

“By creating this support group, we wanted to give them a place to feel safe and a place where they could talk openly while that they are never alone,” Rinde said.

Rinde was inspired to create the club because she wanted to make an environment where anyone with a story can feel comfortable sharing it with others. She aimed to create a “safe haven” for people who feel like they have nowhere else to turn.

“There should be a safe place for people to go where they can talk about [what happened to them] to other people that have experienced the same kind of things,” Rinde said.

Rinde believes it’s important to acknowledge that just because some people may never be sexually assaulted or sexually harassed, it does not mean it hasn’t happened to others. Rinde emphasizes that people will never know the story of others just at a glance. “It’s way more common than people think,” Rinde said.

The club is the first of its kind at of students [...] who have reported the high school because, according to [instances of sexual violation] and who Rinde, there has never before been a high still don’t feel safe in the school because school support group for sexual assault only what was required by law was done,” and harassment survivors. She also Jones said. “Here we are in 2017 where commends Westport for being progressive people are being told they can grab in allowing the club to take place on them, and the situation is getting worse, school grounds. “No school has ever had so places like this [club] are needed.” anything like this,” Rinde said.

The advisor of the club, Mandarin Confidentiality is key to the club. teacher Chris Fray, was “relieved” when Rinde stresses that anything said in the the club got approved after undergoing a club will stay in the club. She claims that six month review process. “It was nice to know that there just the act of sharing “There should be a safe are other adults [in your story is hard the building] that enough, and that it place for people to go are on the same should only be heard where they can talk about page about the by a circle of trusted to expand our members.

Rinde [what happened to them] need awareness about states that she “knows [confidentiality] is a to other people that have the issue,” Fray said.

Rinde is also huge deal” and would experienced the same kind appreciative of the never want the club to people who have infringe upon people’s of things.” supported her club. comfort zones. “[P r i n c i p a l Other students -Daria Rinde ’17 James] D’Amico in the club have also commented on the c a m a r a d e r i e was one of the most helpful people,” she the club offers. “I enjoy the sense of said. “He promised that we were going to unity that we have here,” Xi Jones ’17 get this done no matter how long it took.” said. “We are a very close-knit group UPSASHS emphasizes it is a club […]. There’s a sense of comfortability that is open to anyone. One need where you can be who you really are.” not be a survivor of sexual assault or Jones also said many of the harassment; allies are welcome, too. group’s survivors have had many “We welcome everyone,” injustices inflicted upon them. He Jones said with a genuine smile. said that while the club is a step in the Umbrella of Protection: Sexual Assault right direction, more should be done. and Sexual Harassment Support meets “There have been a few instances in room 2046 on every other Wednesday.

Surrounded by a lumberjack, sign language interpreters and children entertainers, Tia Pogue ’17 and her 15 person group, Team Raised from Perdition, were victors in the Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World Has Ever Seen (GISHWHES) that took place in August 2016.

GISHWHES is a seven time Guinness World Record breaking competitive scavenger hunt founded by actor Misha Collins, best known for his role in the show “Supernatural.”

This year’s reigning champions will embark on a free trip to Iceland with Collins in May. Plus, GISHWHES and Team Raised from Perdition will be featured in a Yahoo mini series they recently filmed in Vancouver, Canada.

“I was really surprised when our team, that had only been runner-up for one year, won,” Pogue said. She explained that typical winners are “better established, they have a bunch of social media followers, have networks of people already and they’re very well practiced.”

Pogue is eager to meet Collins and her fellow scavengers, who live across the United States and in Canada and Brazil.

“The actual itinerary is a total surprise. They won’t tell us anything [...]. There will be plenty of shenanigans, I hear,” Pogue said.

Pogue applied and was accepted into Team Raised from Perdition after stumbling upon their ad on Reddit.

Although Pogue was the youngest on her team, she took on one of the hardest of the 174 possible scavenger hunt items: to send a letter addressed to the universe into space and catch it on video.

When the weather balloon carrying the letter got blown off course and landed in a tree in Salisbury, Connecticut the day before school started, team member Christine Gervais drove three kids from Chicago, Illinois to Connecticut to retrieve it. “She had to send her 13-year-old son, who is a rock climber, up to the top of a fifty foot tree to get the balloon,” Pogue said, laughing.

Pogue was also highly involved with the hunt’s artistic challenges. “We had to recreate an iconic photograph entirely out of junk food. I did the African refugee on the National Geographic cover out of Twizzlers, Oreos, chips, Doritos and M&Ms.” The challenges fall into three categories: random acts of kindness, weird art and wacky tasks.

Pogue completed 23 items in the allotted week, and her team collectively completed 171 of the 174 total items, earning them first prize in the international competition against an estimated 40,000 participants.

Although Pogue is competitive in the hunt, she emphasized there is “something for everyone. While there are definitely teams like mine who are trying to win the whole thing and the trip, a lot of people don’t try to complete the entire list.”

GISHWHES aims to forge lifelong relationships between people from all walks of life while still encouraging charity and fun. “The experience was really cool because I was constantly in contact with people from all over the world,” Sophie Betar ’18, who also competed in the scavenger hunt, said.

INKLINGS | April 3, 2017

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Arts

“Urine” luck: Staples Players’ production exceeds expectations Katelyn DeAgro ’17

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s the lights dimmed and the narrating voice of Officer Lockstock came booming through the speakers, the outside world melted away and the fictional world of Urinetown, a captivating one filled with corrupt business and a colluding government, unfolded.

“Urinetown” premiered on March 17 and ran through March 24. The musical is a satire about a society where two characters on opposite ends of the wealth gap, Bobby Strong (played by Remy Laifer ’17 and Charlie Zuckeran ’18) and Hope Cladwell (played by Zoe Mezoff ’17 and Zoe Samuels ’17) face a 20-year water shortage.

The whole cast did an excellent job of transforming the stage into a world under threat of Urinetown. Georgia Wright ’18, the actress who played Little Sally on the night this reporter attended, deserves recognition for her depiction of the character. Leaf’s blunt portrayal of Officer Lockstock, the narraor, played well against Wright’s questioning disposition. Their dynamic added humor that might otherwise have been lacking.

“Playing Lockstock has been an opportunity for me to really have fun acting,” Leaf said. “Being able to relax for parts of the show offstage and just watch everyone else really knock it out of the park was a blast, as well.”

Mezoff was exceptional in portraying Hope Cladwell, a charmingly naive character who ultimately becomes a missguided revolutionary.

“She becomes a satirical figurehead for those that demand freedom at any cost,” Leaf said. “In the end, despite her intentions, she is wrong and actually a sort of villain.”

Director David Roth said the Staples

Players’ hope that the shows’ satirical depiction of a corrupt government will increase contemplation and action for “worldwide ecology and how we treat each other.” With its dry humor and literalism, they were able to draw the audience into a destitute fictional world that one hopes will never become a reality.

Staples Players’ took steps to promote ecology by following in the footsteps of the Broadway tradition of collecting donations for worthy causes. The cast collected donations for water. org, a safe water and sanitation charity, during intermission and outside the bathrooms near the theater entrance.

This final product was professional, authentic and compassionate. The passion and attention to detail demonstrated by the Players not only made the show a must see, but also a must see again.

For a closer look at the show, scan this code with your phone to be redirected to Inklings’ coverage online

Photos by Channing Smith ’17

Head iners Movies

“Smurfs: The Lost Village” “The Fate of the Furious” “The Lost City of Z” April 7 April 14 April 14

Music

Search For Everything” “Love and War” “Memories: Do Not Open” “The Brad Palsley John Mayer The Chainsmokers (Album) April 7 April 7 (Album) April 21 (Song) inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

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Arts | April 3, 2017

Play us a song, accordion man Anna Rhoads ’19 & Kayla Sirlin ’19

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ccordions may be associated with polka dancing, moonlit dinners in France and middle aged men with mustaches. But for Nicholas Daines ’19, playing this squeezable, box-shaped instrument is a calling.

Despite having only two years of experience with the accordion, his commitment to the instrument is evident. “I like to play everyday, whether it be playing random things or actually practicing,” Daines said.

The different registers and buttons on the instrument make it possible to play a variety of genres and musical styles, ranging from folk music to classical.

“I was interested in playing the accordion because I think it’s a really cool sounding instrument,” Daines said.

“It’s very versatile with the types of music it can play.”

Daines works with the Connecticut Accordion Association (CAA) and periodically plays at their events. His teacher, Marilyn Zara, runs the association in addition to running her own orchestra. Daines will be joining this accordion orchestra in July for a competition.

Although it is not intended to be a secret, Daines said, “Nobody in this school has heard me play the accordion.” Daines said his unwavering love

M fe AGI w ac , i C H co f n AN rd ot io on DS n. ly N stu ich de ola nt s D si a n t ine he s ’ sc 19 ho is ol on wh e o o f th pl ay e th e

inklingsnews.com inklingsnews.com| |STAPLES STAPLESHIGH HIGHSCHOOL SCHOOL

Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18

for the instrument does not rely on the approval of others. He simply plays for himself.

However, when given the opportunity to perform onstage, Daines never passes it up. Recently, Daines attended a CAA competition in Cheshire, Connecticut with his brother who played the tenor saxophone.

Very complimentary of his brother’s achievements, Jackson Daines ’16 understands the hard work that goes into playing the accordion. “I think it’s great. He is a dedicated musician and won’t stop until he is able to play something well,” Jackson Daines said.

Regardless, Nicholas Daines certainly does not have any worries about pursuing an unusual interest and is benefitting from everything it has to offer. According to the website Accordion Worldwide, benefits include “greater concentration, self confidence, creativity and self discipline.”

Most importantly, Daines says “playing it always makes me happy,” which to him is the greatest benefit.

When asked about future performances, Daines shrugged and said, “I don’t care much if my peers hear me play.”

What he knows for sure is that he will continue enjoying the “happy instrument that it is.”

Arts | April 3, 2017

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makes Westport debut Emma Rojas ’18 & Bri Zeiberg ’19

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Graphics by Emerson Kobak ’18

ree People, a Bohemian style clothing store owned by Urban Outfitters, opened their new 6,000 square foot location, in the former Patio.com building at 645 Post Road East in late March.

The women’s clothing store has over 100 stores nationwide, including three others in Connecticut: Greenwich, Danbury and Farmington.

The opening has many Staples students excited as Free People offers a variety of clothing items and a different style compared to other women’s stores in town. Their website says they cater to a creative and individualistic junior image.

Avery Smith ’19, a Free People customer, is excited for the new location.

“Now that it’s local, I’m sure I’ll have more of their clothing in my closet,” she said. “Going to Greenwich or other places was a hassle, so this is great,” While students have previously purchased Free People products online, the opening provides Westporters a convenient location to shop, without having to wait days for items in the mail.

“I’m sure it will do very well, but it is very unlikely it will put other stores out of business,” Smith said.

Stores like Lesters and Winged Monkey have carried the Free People brand for years. Rachel Seideman ’17 thinks that the store “will create more attraction for Lesters and other stores in that shopping center” so other shops may actually benefit from the opening.

The one caveat for Staples students is the high price points, which definitely catch many customers off guard. “I am excited but the clothes are way too expensive for me to shop there often,” Maddie Jones ’17 said. “I really like the clothing Free People sells, but they’re usually exorbitantly priced, which will steer a lot of young people away.”

Despite the steep price points, the company does offer a relatively large sale section in all their stores, and their ‘under 100’ tab on the website looks to accommodate the average girl’s needs without breaking the bank.

The ultimate guide to looking your best on Spring break Bailey Blaikie ’19 & Cate Casparius ’19 As winter nears an end, students will soon trade their leather boots and North Face jackets for denim and Converse.

Springtime brings April Break and teens sporting trendy outfits. Here’s a guide to packing the best 2017 Spring looks.

The average temperature throughout Europe in April ranges anywhere from 40 degrees to the high 60’s. While it may still be too chilly for shorts and a tank top, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear killer outfits to taste test the best gelatos in Italy or climb up the 1,710 steps of the Eiffel Tower.

Denim is a must for your spring break attire. From jackets to overalls to skirts, denim is a classic piece that can spice up a simple outfit. Maisie Prince ’20 traveled to Europe during December break. “When I went to London and Paris over break, I made sure to bring my boyfriend jeans because I love the way they look. So simple, yet so trendy,” Prince said.

It is necessary to have a comfortable, yet cool pair of shoes if you are going to be sightseeing.

Ella Sunshine ’19 is going to London for break and is planning on exploring the city. Sunshine mentioned that her limited edition, Adidas Superstar 80’s City Pack Berlin shoes will be her go-to sneakers.

Grab a cute, trendy bag or backpack that you’ll have with you throughout your vacation to use as a carry on. Herschel sells ideal travel backpacks, along with Longchamp if you’re looking for a simple tote. In your bag, we recommend packing a Swell water bottle to stay hydrated. Swells are very popular right now due to the fact that they keep your water cold for up to 24 hours. Snacks and magazines are what get you through a long plane ride, so stop into a Hudson News right before your flight to stock up on your favorite snacks. Don’t forget to throw in your favorite reflective sunglasses, as these are a necessity as soon as you hop off the plane.

Staying home this break? Nothing wrong with that! Throw on an embroidered t-shirt or pair of jeans and hop on a train into the city. Embroidery is the newest craze, whether it is a patch of flowers on a simple t-shirt or embroidered patches up and down the leg on jeans. Embroidery is customizable, which makes it easy to spice up any simple outfit. “Embroidery is one of my favorite trends going on this season.

I love the way the patches look on simple t-shirts and on jeans,” Gemma Price ’19 said.

Taking off to an exotic island over break is always a relief.

Packing your favorite bathing suits, cover-ups, sundresses, shorts and sandals is a must. It’s also crucial to bring a pair of sunglasses and a f l o p p y beach hat to protect yourself from the beating sun.

If you are looking to splurge on a fashion-forward bathing suit, go for the Kiini. The handmade crochet suit is bound to make you stand out due to the bright mix of colors. Triangl Swimwear is also a hit for high schoolers due to their intricate shapes and use of different materials However, if you are looking to not break the bank on bathing suits, Target is always offering a huge variety of bathing suits that can definitely fit your needs.

Graphics by Emerson Kobak ’18

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

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Arts| |April November Arts 3, 201722, 2016

From self-taught piano prodigy to master composer: Lust explores the vast world of music piece that made me view which he described as being particularly music in a different challenging because of the large scale of way,” L u s t s a i d . instruments he was composing for, none Wit h n o of which he had ever played. His second t e a c h e r o r a ny publicly performed piece he composed p r i o r was during his sophomore year, in experience with which the Staples High School chamber the piano, orchestra played one of his symphonies.

Lust practiced Lust has worked with Luke Rosenberg, everyday, trying Director of Choral Music at Staples, on to crack some of his pieces. Rosenberg described the chords Lust’s compositions as “rather elegant for a and harmonies composer so young. He takes great care in and perfecting making sure that his work is pleasing to his his switch from audience and yet true to his own aesthetic.” major to minor chords.

Lust truly hit his stride during his past “I just spent hours a day summer spent at the Interlochen Camp for trying to learn it—no matter how the Arts in Interlochen, Michigan. While difficult it was there, Lust because I figured joined other as I’d probably students I think music is the most direct learn some passionate technical aspects about music and all encompassing way for an art of the piano along and learned form about finding one’s humanity. the way,” Lust said. to compose

-Terry Lust ’17 The emotional with a higher nature of the piece degree of inspired him to technicality, think deeply allowing about the impact him for of his role in creating and playing music. a greater appreciation for “I think music is the most direct and what music can accomplish. all encompassing way for an art form “I think music combines a spatial about finding one’s humanity,” he said. kinetic and a sort of a combination Lust has grown since his days of of gesture, it combines density, and agonizing over Beethoven’s melodies, and it combines movement in a way prefers sitting down in an empty room that I don’t think other art forms with just his piano to be left to improvise. can innately accomplish,” Lust said.

“When I’m improvising on the piano In order to familiarize himself and there’s nobody in the room or my with instruments he does not play, nearby surroundings, those are always Lust spends his time listening to the very fun moments [...] then I have the masters of these instruments, some freedom to play what I like,” Lust said. of his favorites being Beethoven, Lust has described his improvisation Mozart, Chopin, Schubert and Ligeti. sessions as being extremely physical, “I think the most important aspect in which he enjoys using a series of of composing for other instruments cluster chords, where a musical chord is understanding the individual comprising of at least three adjacent tones nature of each instrument,” Lust said. in a scale are played at the same time.

As Lust looks to his bright future, “I often have to restrain myself if I he prepares for his plans to attend the improvise with people nearby,” Lust joked. University of Chicago in the fall to With a basic foundation of the piano, major in either math or philosophy, Lust focused his attention to composing, with a consideration to minor in music. with a goal that his music would be But until then, Lust longs for another performed. His first performed piece day where he’ll have the opportunity was presented by the Bedford Middle for another empty room with a piano School eighth grade combined orchestra, to play and plenty of composing to do.

“

Margot Mather ’17

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hopin before Chainsmokers and Mozart over Migos any day—at least this is true for Terry Lust ’17.

Lust’s piano playing could have passed for Mozart. As could his composing of music. All at just 11 years old. For Lust, his first song he ever learned to play on the piano was Beethoven’s Pathetique Sonata, completely self-taught. What began as a sibling rivalry for wanting to compose music as his younger brother Preston Lust ’19 had done, Lust launched

his exploration into the world of listening to and composing symphonies, along with his passion for the piano.

“I think writing good music has to consist of an understanding of the backdrop of movement that’s behind the music, primarily through listening,” Lust said. “It’s pretty abstract.”

Lust began with a simple online composing website called Noteflight, where he dug through hundreds of published scores of music in the database, until he came upon Beethoven’s Pathetique Sonata and knew he wanted to someday learn to play it on the piano.

“I think that was probably the first

”

“Get Out” debuts Jordan Peele’s unique style of dark comedy Christoph Russi ’17

young black man named Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) who goes on a weekend trip to meet his white girlfriend

I’m not a big fan of watching horror movies in theaters nowadays. Not that I don’t enjoy being scared once in awhile, but it seems to me that most American horror films that’ve come out recently have had very little substance beyond cheap pop-up scary faces and the same predictable tropes that we’ve all gotten used to. A truly scary movie can’t be scary just for the sake of marketing the movie as a horror film. The film has to be scary because it’s essential to the audience’s understanding of the story that they feel afraid, anxious or disturbed. Renowned comedian Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, “Get Out,” is an archetype of a movie that scares its audience for the sake of executing on a deeper meaning.

“Get Out” is an intelligent investigation into the more clandestine elements of modern racial narrowmindedness in America. The film follows a

Rose’s parents for the first time at their family estate. As soon as her parents see that Chris

is black, things take an uncanny turn. It’s freaky, it gets under your skin and it’s filled with thoughtful commentary. It’s unique to see a horror film made with the intent of reflecting upon a social evil that doesn’t just devolve into an axemurder bloodbath filled with black and white thinking.

Being the brainchild of a comedy mastermind, “Get Out” is thick with elements of dark comedy, and it’s in the satirical edge of the script that Peele really excels. Most of his work has been concentrated in shorts and skits, but his talent for slowly putting together a joke for the perfect punchline translates well to a feature-length piece. I really enjoyed “Get Out,” and even if you’re sick of hearing about social issues, this film is hard not to recommend.

Graphic Alex Spadacenta ’17

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

HGG

21

INKLINGS | April 3 2017

sports

as tennis season approaches this upcoming spring Daniel Harizman ’19

A

s she tosses her bag aimlessly onto the cold tile floor of the kitchen, Alyssa Dimaio ’20’s phone lights up with a message reading, “Let’s hang out.” These three words ring in her head as Dimaio is forced to choose between a few hours of mingling and five more grueling hours of tennis training. She closes her phone without regret, gathers her tennis belongings and walks to the car.

Dimaio began her tennis career at the age of four, and despite the fact that she says she “wasn’t very good at it [back then],” she felt at home on the court.

“Now, my life basically revolves around [tennis]. It definitely affected my friends and school for sure because I miss a lot of school for tennis since I’m always traveling. It’s just very competitive and a huge commitment,” Dimaio said.

“Tennis is so much fun, no matter what I always enjoy myself. It for sure can be hard at times but the one thing that motivates me is my passion for the sport.”

Claudia Fernandez ’20, a close friend of Dimaio’s, understands the incredible commitment Dimaio puts towards tennis.

Fernandez’s understanding of tennis’ importance to Dimaio has led her to believe that her relentless effort and dedication “has paid off.”

“This, I believe, doesn’t really change our friendship because we see each other so frequently in school as well. If anything, it has probably strengthened our friendship,” Fernandez said.

The challenge of competing in an individual sport often leads many athletes to panic and perform slightly worse

1

No.

under pressure. But for Dimaio, this facet of the sport is what fuels her competitive nature and desire to win. “ [ Te n n i s] definitely has taught me to be independent and think for myself,” she said. “When I’m out on the court and I’m losing or not playing to my potential, I have to think of new plans and self motivate myself in order to turn the match around.”

Dimaio’s relentless effort and commitment to the sport has helped her reach number one in the state of Connecticut in her age group for girls singles and attain a position on the New England team of competition three times.

“Alyssa Dimaio is an amazing player.

She has an aggressiveness we need in the team. She can also bring a ton of experience as she does higher-level tournaments and even national tournaments,” Vanessa Mauricio ’17, varsity girls’ tennis captain, said. “I train with her and she’s always very motivating and upbeat. We think Alyssa can help us beat Darien this year and pull out another win for us [both within states and FCIACs].”

The Staples girls’ varsity tennis head coach, Paco Fabian, believes Dimaio will “bring stability to a high singles position for years to come.” Despite the ups and downs the sport of tennis has brought Dimaio, she remains satisfied with the decision she has made.

“I am happy I chose tennis because I love it so much and I have accomplished so many things. I would never want to change any of this.”

“

in Connecticut No.

6

in New England

194

No. in the nation

4

star recruit

Alyssa Dimaio is an amazing player. She has an aggressiveness we need in the team. She can also bring a ton of experience as she does higher-level tournaments and even national tournaments.

Dimaio has trained at the Intensity athletic club since 2006.

”

Dimaio scored 9-3 vs. three star opponents.

Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18

Dimaio has 27 wins against ranked opponents.

- Vanessa Mauricio ’17

Dimaio was a semifinalist at the Grande Meadows Championship. inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

22

Sports | April 3, 2017

GIRLS’ GOLF

tees up for another successful season Olivia Ronca ’18

Pho to c ontr ibut ed b y Bo b Lu

ckey

H

ead coach Patty Kondub stands at the front of the classroom, looks out at the 20 girls currently signed up for tryouts and knows this could be yet another successful season for girls’ golf.

Hesitant, yet excited, freshmen sit a few rows from the back, while returning players, including junior varsity captain Jessie Duranko ’18 and varsity captains Olivia Wood ’17 and Alex McMahon ’17, sit front and center. They are ready to begin the first meeting of what they hope to be another FCIAC winning season.

As the meeting begins, Kondub makes two statements that she believes will lead this team to success: “working hard becomes a tradition” and “winning becomes a tradition.”

One tradition girls’ golf is hoping to start is winning the FCIAC championship, just as they did last year.

“Last year was a record year for the Staples girls’ golf team. The varsity team took first place in our division and again at FCIACS,” returning varsity player Sophie Carozza ’18 said.

But while their hopes and spirits are high in starting the season, practicing may have to wait a bit due to below freezing temperatures and snow from recent winter storm Stella.

According to Kondub, the team will “not be hitting too many golf balls” at this point in time.

2017’s harsh winter weather will not be the only difficulty girls’ golf will face this season. The loss of last year’s graduating class was a big one.

According to Carozza, Annelise Brown was their “star player.” “Losing

Annelise, who played first position last year, is definitely a big loss,” Wood added.

But the girls are certainly not dwelling on the past, as they prepare for their weeks filled with at least four practices and exciting new golf tournaments.

The girls will be pining for another F C I A C trophy, and the seniors hope to end their last year with Staples golf on a high note.

“I would love to win FCIACs again this year and make it back to states,” Wood said. “I’m just hoping to finish up my four years on the team with another great season.”

TEE UP Alex McMahon ’17 drives a shot during last year’s golf season. The girls are looking to repeat a successful campaign after their FCIAC championship win last year.

Photo by Jonathan Kaner ’18

Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

College P.E. requirements still present at many schools

Alexa Moro ’18 Staples seniors are aware of the academic and social rigors of college but may be unaware of the physical demands.

A physical education requirement, sometimes including a swim test, still exists at many colleges and universities.

The freshman year swim test as part of physical education only exists at a few schools, including Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Emory and Washington and Lee. “Everyone here knows our school is a little old fashioned but we love it for how it is,” Washington and Lee student and Staples graduate Zack Azadian ’15 said about the school’s stillstanding physical education requirements.

Many schools removed physical education requirements within the past few years. In fact, according to Cory Weinberg, author of “Study Skills,

Not Swimming,” health as college is a big transitional time researchers at Oregon for people in all areas of health,” physical State and Western education teacher Cari Moore said Oregon Universities found Besides swimming, many colleges that in 1988, 63 percent of colleges required have looked to provide a variety of physical their students to take physical education. education courses to satisfy students’ However, in 2010 that dropped to 39 percent. interests. For example, Abby Lustig ’15 and Notre Dame was one to contribute current Cornell student, says that she got to this decline as they eliminated their to choose which P.E. classes to take. “There standard physical education requirements are typical team and individual sports and replaced offered like basketball, “One year is probably enough for tennis and soccer, but it with a more “ w e l l n e s s ” most students to get a grasp on there are also courses focused physical the concepts, but it would then on skiing, outdoor e du c a t i o n education, yoga and be up to them to practice a curriculum in massage, mental 2015, according health, self defense, etc. healthy lifestyle.” to Margaret In my first year, I took -Cari Moore, P.E. teacher Fosmoe, author Walking Tours, where of “Notre we travelled all around Dame dropping phys ed Ithaca once a week, and bowling,” she said. requirement for freshmen.”

Colleges often vary on the number Other schools have also shifted to of years a students must take physical focus on wellness, including Staples. “I education.

“One year is probably think the class should be wellness based enough for most students to get a which encompasses everything from grasp on the concepts, but it would physical health to mental and emotional then be up to them to practice

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

Photo contributed by Staples ski team website

a

healthy lifestyle,” Moore said.

None of the schools’ websites provide an explanation for why a swim test is necessary, but Ken Torrey, the director of physical education at Columbia, said that the requirement of a swim test “falls nicely within the philosophy of the school.” He believes that physical education counts as a core subject, according to Lisa Anderson, author of “Swimming test afloat at a few colleges.”

Azadian agrees: “Our school is a liberal arts school which preaches being well rounded. I don’t see a problem with having swimming be a part of that,” he said.

As for college students, the physical education requirements may initially be seen as an unnecessary hoop through which they must jump, but they can still appreciate the benefits. “While the courses are especially annoying for people who already exercise on a daily or weekly basis, I think they’re a great opportunity to try something new and meet new people,” Lustig said. “So I’m actually even considering taking another one my senior year.”

Sports | April 3, 2017

23

Bowling rolls back into style Becca Rawiszer ’17

W

hile the thought of bowling may stir up distant memories of five-year-old birthday parties, for some Staples community members, bowling is an ever-present part of their lives.

“I really like the atmosphere of bowling,” Harris Levi ’18 said. “It offers a very different aspect of sport competitiveness than I’m used to.”

Levi considers himself a competitive bowler and spends one day out of his busy week at Nutmeg Bowl in Norwalk, Connecticut with his brothers.

“Competitive bowling is awesome,” Levi said. “Being able to play with people who appreciate the game as much as you do is great.”

Despite his appreciation for bowling, he doesn’t see a real future in the sport.

Bowling popularity has declined along with the number of bowling alleys available. As of Dec. 2007, there were only 5,498 certified 10-pin bowling centers in the United States, which is less than half the number certified in the mid1960s. The business used to be built around leagues who would sign up to come multiple times a week for a certain period of time. The decline in league bowling has definitely hurt bowling alleys’

businesses and, one by one, bowling they’re there and having a great time.” alleys across America are shutting down.

Griffin explains that he not only However, some teachers in the likes the challenge of bowling, but the Staples community are hopeful camaraderie as well. When Griffin that bowling will survive and first entered Staples, the league was have noticed a slight comeback. a great way to make friends and he “The beauty of the game is that it’s continues to make new ones every year. a challenge,” Spanish teacher, Eamon Social studies teacher and avid Griffin said. “And it seems so simple. bowler, Carol Avery, grew up in Norwalk, All it is is rolling a ball and trying to hit and has watched bowling slip between the the same target. But to repeat that on a cracks of the Fairfield County community. consistent basis is not as easy as it would “Norwalk used to have two bowling look or seem.” Griffin has participated in alleys, Bridgeport had two as well, and the teachers’ Westport had one and b o w l i n g “Everyone does it. You go to a everyone was doing league, called it,” Avery said. The bowling alley and you see all decrease in popularity Mixed Nuts, for about races, all genders, old people of the sport, however, 10 years. hasn’t stopped Avery. do it, young people do it.”

The league Avery continues consists to bowl every Monday -Carol Avery, social studies teacher night with a group of current teachers, retirees, Bedford of close friends and participates Middle School teachers and other staff in the Fairfield County USBC members. The bowling season runs 30 annual tournament, the weeks long, not including a championship state tournament and the week at the end of the season. They International Gay Bowling essentially bowl every Thursday organization in Philadelphia between September and late March. that she attends with her “There is definitely an interest husband and friends. in the sport. If you don’t bowl, you “What I love about probably wouldn’t notice,” Griffin said, bowling is that it is by far “but since we bowl every week, we the most diverse sport,” see hundreds of high school students Avery said. “Everyone does bowling competitively. Some are really it. You go to a bowling alley and good and some aren’t so good, but you see all races, all genders, old

people do it, young people do it.” Avery tries to bowl as much as she can and is disheartened by the decline in leagues.

“I think parents would rather their children participate in a different sport where it’s more active, more exercise and outside,” Avery said.

“Playing soccer on a Saturday morning is probably more about fitness than being inside a junior bowling alley.”

But the decline in popularity has not affected the avid bowlers at Staples.

“I know bowling is something I’ll enjoy doing for a long time,” Levi said.

“I’ve made some great friends bowling, and it’s something I will always appreciate.”

Graphics by Melanie Lust ’19

Girls’ track gears up for outdoor season

Photo contributed by staplesrunning.com

Jackson Daignault ’18

The Staples girls’ track team will look to replicate last year’s success, a FCIAC and state competition berth, with another strong showing.

“I hope that our team can further improve and work on getting our times to the best that they can be,” captain Sarah Neckritz ’17 said. “If everyone gives it 100 percent, I know that our team will be happy with our results.”

The Wreckers have sustained success in part to captain Ivy Prince ’17, who finished fifth in javelin in the Class LL Championships, and cocaptain Susie Martin ’17, who finished seventh in both the 1600 and 3200 meter events at the Class LL Championship.

The team also looks to finish out the strong careers of captains Grace Foster ’17, Sarah Neckritz and Samantha Little ’17 with help from runners Amanda Neckritz ’18 and Leah Robins ’18.

Robins has a personal goal for this upcoming campaign. “My hopes for this season would be to improve my times in the 100 [meter] and 200 [meter] dash,” she said.

Amanda Neckritz believes that the Wreckers can continue their success from the indoor season. “Our relays

have kept on improving and there are a lot of individuals who have run personal bests this past season,” she said.

The Wreckers have been training during the winter, according to Sarah Neckritz. “Freshman and sophomores workout on Monday and Wednesday, while the upperclassmen go on Tuesday and Thursday,” Neckritz said.

“I have been doing outside workouts too to get ready for the season.”

The Wreckers lost Hannah Debalsi ’16, a key contributor to last year’s team, to Stanford University. She won the state and FCIAC championships in both the 1600 meter as well as the 3200 meter, later qualifying for the New England Championships where she finished third in the 3200 meter.

Despite the loss of Debalsi from the roster, the Wreckers seem confident they will be able to contend in 2017.

“Our distance runners have already done a great job during the indoor season after losing Hannah,” Robins said. “Distance captains Susie Martin and Sam Little [have] been very helpful and dedicated to working with the girls in order to make them their very best.”

Amanda Neckritz, along with the rest of the team, seems to be prepared for the outdoor season to begin, stating, “We are excited to see what is going to happen this season.”

Schedule Highlights

/ / /

Home opener vs.

New Canaan CIAC Class LL State Championship Willow Brook Park

New England Championship Norwell (MA) HS

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

24

Sports | April 3, 2017

propels himself towards states Lili Romann ’19 & Zach Horowitz ’19

Music City Invitational in Nashville, Tennessee.

Ortega is offered support from the Staples swim coach Frisk Driscoll. Driscoll raced the 500 when he was a student, and he feels that with the experience he possesses, he ost five or six-year-old’s struggle to put can greatly benefit swimmers like Ortega. on their sweaty shin-guards before a “He’s really embraced it with open arms,” soccer game, or put all of their effort Driscoll said. “He’s got a great work ethic and into loosening up their new baseball glove. Nico he’s one of those kids where he gets to a big Ortega ’18, however, was up to something different. championship meet and the rest of the state Living in Caracas, Venezuela, he was introduced goes, ‘Wow, where’d this kid come from?’” in kindergarten to Charlie Nadel ’18 has what would become nothing but high praise for his lifelong passion: the friend and teammate he swimming. has had since third grade.

“The school I went According to Nadel, Ortega He’s got a great work ethic and he’s to was a private music has always significantly stood one of those kids where he gets to a school, so they always out as a swimmer, more big championship meet and the rest thought swimming specifically starting freshman was the best sport year, when his wingspan of the state goes, ‘Wow, where’d this because you can’t really expanded almost six inches. kid come from?’ hurt yourself doing “He always seems to it,” Ortega said. “With show up to practice ready to

-Coach Frisk Driscoll other ball sports you work hard, even though we can hurt your hands, have a lot of fun with him but that’s not really the as well,” Nadel said. “It is case with swimming.” always good to see teammates Ortega, who also is very passionate about around you succeed like he does and he does the violin and viola, has found many successes bring an exciting attitude to the team as a whole.” on the Staples swim team, recently winning the Ortega looks to continue his efforts not 500 freestyle at FCIACs with a time of 4:39.03 and only throughout the closing of the season, taking second in the 500 freestyle at states. Apart but possibly even at the collegiate level. from Staples, Ortega swims for the Westport Water “It has kind of made me want to get better Rats and has traveled across the country competing and see where my ceiling is,” Ortega said. “There in tournaments. He broke a Water Rat record, are a lot of other fast swimmers in this country. which was previously held for 17 years, by finishing Seeing that I’m not really that fast compared the 1,650 freestyle in 15:37.18 during the Speedo to them, I want to get to an even higher level.”

M

“

BY THE NUMBERS 1:43.08

200 YARD FREE

”

BREAKING RECORDS Nico Ortega ’17 has swept away his opponents winning the 500 freestyle at the FCIAC tournament with a time of 4:39.03 and coming runner up at states. As the fourth best swimmer in Connecticut, Ortega broke a 17-year Staples record by finishing the 1,650 freestyle in 15:37.18.

Ortega’s 1650 freestyle time has progressed from 17:03 in Nov. 2015 to his new time this year. Ortega’s fastest 500 free came in Dec. 2016 at the Speedo Music City Invitational in Nashville, Tennessee with a time of 4:32.84.

4:13.44

500 YARD FREE

No.

4

IN CONNECTICUT

Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18

INSIDE THE ISSUE

page 21 Alyssa Dimaio The freshman has made her way to a number one state ranking.

page 22 Girls’ golf looking for repeat The girls’ golf team is aspiring for another FCIAC title.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

page 23 Bowling making a comeback The popular childhood activity is making a competitive return.

page 23 Runners looking for success A preview of girls’ track and field ahead of the outdoor season.