April 6 full pdf

Inklings April 6, 2015

Issue 9 Founded in 1933

inklingsnews.com

Gender divisions form in classrooms Amina Abdulkareem ’15

boys may have less of a fear of an

P

sometimes more cautious with

ink versus blue.

Barbies versus action

prevalent.

One example of Staples

boys when the teacher asks the

But the truth is that they are stereotypes all the

there’s sometimes only one or Harry Epstein ’15 has

class.

Physics especially

in

electives

teacher

Carrie

like

prefer to have at least one male

not the societal norms. often can play a role in our

even on the class Facebook

GRAPHIC BY MEGAN ROOT ’15 INFOGRAPHIC BASED ON STAPLES CLASSES

Students split on participation in new SBAC exam Kaila Finn ’16

a recent email interview. there are not consequences for

The BOE sent a similar

“THEY CAN’T MAKE ME TAKE IT, AND I DON’T

there

are

alternative

routes

BELIEVE IN STANDARDIZED

many are still left with questions. consequences to Connecticut if

TESTING.”

—JULIA KEMPER ’16

alternative will be available for

in an online presentation. Their

are no state provisions that are

Inside Opinions Features A&E Sports

7 11 18 24

Continued on page 3

Athletes deal with lasting effects of injuries Page 25

STUDENTS ATTEND INTERNATIONAL COLLEGES Page 16

NEW RESTAURANT, VESPA, VOWS TO WOW Page 18

Inklings

2

April 6, 2015 | News

Economics of public and private education

T

Fritz Schemel ’17

In Brief Good Friday and Passover April 3

U.S. Public School

There will be no school on

Math: 513 Critical Reading: 497 Writing: 487

issues as the cause of America’s test score woes.

AVERAGE SAT SCORES

Staples High School

Math: 593 Critical Reading: 583 Writing: 591

countries.

Pesach!

Greens Farms Academy

Board of Education Meeting perform better than the rest of

Math: 644 Critical Reading: 649 Writing: 657

April 6

be open to the public.

Spring Break

PERCENTAGE OF TEACHERS WITH MASTERS DEGREE

switch to a private school this year. four

weeks

before

senior

it is the last break of the year. low test scores of public schools in lower economic areas are turn causes them to focus less on their schoolwork.

Private Schools Nationwide

43.1%

Public Schools Nationwide

56.4%

One Act Play Festival she receives at Staples is still

The annual One Act Play Festival is a compilation of

On the science section of private schools may be better GRAPHIC BY GRETA BJORNSON ’15 STATISTICS OBTAINED FROM NCES.ORG AND 2014 SCHOOL PROFILES

information will be available at staplesplayers.com soon.

AP Testing

that level.

AP Computer Science Principles to be offered next year

have the opportunity to take

Alice Hickson ’17

course next year. available class—AP Computer Science Principles.

have become an inseparable part

both professionally but also in

life. He also believes there are other important factors.

internships start.

Amato believes this class

For continual updates, check www.inklingsnews.com

it next year.

The course’s

Computer Science Principles next year. She plans to pursue focus

is

computer science class will be

solutions.

This course is available to sophomores if they have taken PHOTO BY CAROLINE O’KANE ’16

class as a prerequisite.

TECH TIME Jake Atlas ’15 works on an assignment on his laptop during his Introduction to Programming class.

Scan the QR code above to access our website

3

Inklings

April 6, 2015 | News

Despite consequences, edibles prove popular Bailey Ethier ’15 & Jane Levy ’16

S

or at school.

Some people feel that this

before school.

set.

bite.

last few years.

Another anonymous senior

Laura thinks that it’s because

the preparation of the As

for

consumption

the of with it in an unemotional way so The

consequence

for

GRAPHIC BY MEGAN ROOT ’15

the relative ease

SBAC stirs up controversy

whether or not to take AP exams

Continued from page 1

Quinn Hughes ’16

the safest path was to sit the exam.

the test as a form of activism because they can’t make me

He also believes this policy

process.

The primary purpose for

all but Columbia University

“[Taking AP exams] would make my college experience a lot easier.”

—Benjamin Waller ’15

the exams.

But a major motivator. She also

in a class.

Sussman

says

he

SBAC test?

is in both AP Environmental both of her classes.

GRAPHIC BY MEGAN ROOT ’15

Go to inklingsnews.com to take the SBAC poll

4

Inklings

April 6, 2015 | Advertisement

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Intensive two-week workshops in fiction and creative nonfiction with electives in screenwriting, poetry, science fiction, and more.

Visiting faculty including National Book Award winner Julia Glass and playwright and screenwriter Trey Ellis. Guest speakers in publishing and media.

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5

Inklings

April 6, 2015 | News

SBAC test administered to class of 2016 in place of CAPT Justine Seligson ’15

website mean is that if the

Another matter that concerns some teachers is how very little about the nature of the new

because there is more than one correct answer. The fact that phrases is not always clear in the instructions.

means that the packets of paper Some SBAC questions follow

any of the classrooms.

how practice opportunities for their current juniors have been available. have so few resources to help

One aspect of SBAC that remains unclear is when the

Assessment

Consortium from the test blueprint have

Performance

Test

(CAPT) whether or not that means This style of test that lacks

the fact that SBAC is taken by the test is taken with a computer the purpose of SBAC is to have

GRAPHIC BY GRETA BJORNSON ’15

NEW TESTING TECHNOLOGY The SBAC test is described on its website as “a state-led consortium working to develop next-generation assessments that accurately measure student progress toward college- and career-readiness.”

Ale Benjamin ’15

German airline crash

2016

U.S. and Israel

Staple s

World Briefs

Scho ol igh H

survivors.

confrontation of the issue for of the crash.

former Secretary of State Hillary

approaches to the crisis.

weapons.

Boehner believes it is important as problematic.

Times.

6

Inklings

April 6, 2015 | Advertisement

Opinions

April 6, 2015

7

Clear up the testing confusion

S

BAC is a test. It’s taken on the computer, and it’s for juniors. But what else do we know about it?

Students know more about quantum mechanics, William

Inklings EDITORIAL

Shakespeare’s personal life and the culture of Burma than they know about the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium.

No one is giving us straight answers about SBAC. And it’s pretty hard to take a test if you don’t know anything about it.

Connecticut’s now former Commissioner of Education, Stefan Pryor, said at a public

Inklings

hearing back in March 2014, “I don’t believe that there’s regarding consequences [of opting out].”

However, in a March 4 statement, Connecticut’s Interim Commissioner of Education, Dianna R. Wentzell, sent out an email to superintendents saying, “Both state and federal laws require the administration of annual assessments in our public schools in certain grades and subjects. These laws do not provide a provision for parents to ‘opt-out’ their children from taking state tests.”

The Board of Education [BOE] backed up Wentzell at its March 9 meeting when the BOE presented a PowerPoint stating, “Students are required to sit for Editors-in-Chief Zoe Brown Bailey Ethier

Silver Crown Award for Inklingsnews.com from Columbia Scholastic Press Association 2015

Managing Editors Alexandra Benjamin Caroline Cohen

Silver Crown Award for Newspaper Columbia Scholastic Press Association 2014

Web Managing Editors Nicole DeBlasi Cadence Neenan

Pacemaker from National Scholastic Press Association 2013

Breaking News Managing Editors Andrea Frost Taylor Harrington

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 mines 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.

Directors of Social Media Mat Jacowleff Larissa Lieberson Associate Managing Editors Gabrielle Feinsmith Claire Lewin Creative Directors Katie Settos Graphics Editor Olivia Crosby Photo Coordinator Justine Seligson

the test beginning with [the] Class of 2016.”

But then Superintendent Elliott Landon said in an email interview with Inklings, “If a parent elects not to have his/her child participate in this mandated test, the child will be required to sit quietly in a non-testing area and may read, do homework, or use his/her computer. No educational alternative will be available for that child during the testing periods.”

Though their messages seem to contradict, most overwhelming of all is that Pryor, Wentzell, the BOE and Landon are all correct.

It’s correct that there are no law about opting out, and it’s true there are laws that require the state to administer the test. But News Editors Greta Bjornson Sophia Hampton Quinn Hughes Megan Root Opinions Editors Emma Berry Cooper Boardman Emma Lederer Izzy Ullmann Features Editors Claudia Chen Jackie Cope Jane Levy Margaux MacColl A&E Editors Jessica Gross Sarah Sommer Renee Weisz Emily Wolfe Sports Editors Claire Dinshaw Dylan Donahue Adam Kaplan Fritz Schemel

students have also always had the option to take alternative routes for completing the graduation requirement associated with the test; all they need to do is have a parent send an email to Landon declaring their intent to opt out.

However, we still have more questions – not fewer.

For instance, what’s the point of taking the test? If many students choose to opt out, and if Staples doesn’t do as well as we’ve done in the past on standardized tests, like CAPT, will the district lose funding? And if we end up doing worse than we’ve done in the past, will the school structure change in a way that focuses more on conformity and less on creativity?

Additionally, we don’t even know much about Common Core Web News Editors Kaila Finn Daniela Karpenos Web Opinions Editors Julie Bender Michael Mathis Web Features Editors Jane Schutte Rachel Treisman Web A&E Editors Zach McCarthy Blake Rubin Web Sports Editors Talia Hendel Jimmy Ray Stagg Web Multimedia Editor Adam Kaufman Business Manager Kacey Hertan Assistant Business Managers Chase Gornbein Jacquelyn Sussman

– the curriculum that SBAC is supposedly testing and that we are implementing at Staples.

What’s the point of it? What exactly are the Common Core standards?

We know we have a lot of questions, but we deserve some clear, succinct answers.

This is our education, afterall.

If you’re going to change it, if you’re going to implement Common Core and replace CAPT with SBAC, explain it to us, just like you’d explain Einstein’s theory of general relativity, Shakespeare’s iambic pentameter and the four major language families of Burma.

We don’t like taking tests.

But if we’re going to take one, let us know the details.

Advisors Mary Elizabeth Fulco Rebecca Marsick Cody Thomas 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.

Inklings

8

April 6, 2015 | Opinions

GRAPHIC BY OLIVIA CROSBY ’15

How to succeed in second semester without really trying Emma Berry ’15

I

t is now nearing the end of March of my senior year, and my long, treacherous journey through high school is almost behind me. In two short months I will be saying my goodbyes to my teachers, the table in the senior section I’ve learned to call home and, of course, the infamous sandwich line.

I like to think I have navigated life as a second semester senior fairly well, and as I am half way to victory

I’ve learned quite a bit. Here is what I’ve learned as to how you can succeed with a socially acceptable lack of effort.

Suck it up and do your homework (or at least the easy assignments). The devil on your shoulder will constantly whisper in your ear that it’s second semester, and how much does this really matter? It does matter, and it can help a lot more than you think.

Realistically, there will be a test, most likely two, down the road that you will forget

#1:

about because you’re a senior, and assignment planners are a piece of your past. When this day comes it will be nice to know you don’t have a glaring 0 percent on homework for the quarter. That little bit of credit is essential to cushion the blow of that questionable test grade. Giving up 10 minutes between your worksheet is worth it, I promise.

Don’t stress too much.

Obviously, it’s important to care about your grades, and the dreaded fate-worse-than-death

#2:

idea of getting rescinded from your school for a line of Ds on your report card is still very real.

However, I don’t go into many tests with sweaty palms and a compression headache anymore.

I have actually found every now and then. As it turns out, when I’m not so distracted with how stressed out I am I sometimes have an easier time actually remembering what I have learned.

Don’t be obnoxious.

Everyone cringes at the kid in

#3:

class who is way too open about not caring anymore in front of the teacher. They’re doing their best to work with a bunch of kids with questionable levels of motivation.

Also, it’s a lot easier to have fun in class when you don’t think your teacher wants to throw textbooks at you.

Have some fun. I know it sounds cliche, but you’re a second semester senior, so if you get the invitation to take a beach drive or a Dairy Queen run at 9 p.m. on a Tuesday night, take it.

Live a little.

#4:

Female politicians are treated unequally Lulu Stracher ’17 From rape culture to the wage gap to daily micro-aggressions, life for women isn’t so easy. Unfortunately, this doesn’t really ever stop, even for seemingly powerful women. Regardless of their political party or beliefs, female politicians have been attacked with sexist comments from the media, the public and even fellow politicians.

Most recently, Hillary Clinton has been the butt of many sexist remarks in the news. Apparently, being the former Secretary of the State and U.S. Senator still won’t spare you from comments about your clothes, your weight or your personality.

Recently, Rand Paul (U.S. Senator and possible presidential candidate) created a mocking and pretending to be her, posting boards such as “White House Remodel” and “Power Couple.” Paul wasn’t trying to strengthen his own political career, he was trying to undermine a woman with mentions of stereotypical female activities.

The fact that a 52-year-old man spent his time registering the account, deciding

photos and writing captions is pretty appalling. It’s not an easy thing to do. I almost want to applaud him for making such an effort.

Not only is the account painfully pathetic, it violates Pinterest’s Acceptable Use policy, which states that users cannot “impersonate or misrepresent your is also a pretty accurate representation of the micro-aggressions women have to deal with just for being women.

When was the last time you read an article criticizing Jeb Bush for his fashion choices or new haircut? Why is the color of a politicians blouse considered newsworthy? These are micro-aggressions that females face daily, simply because of our biological makeup. Yes, women have the right to vote and aren’t expected to live up to all stereotypes, but that doesn’t mean as we have a black president, racism is still prevalent in our society. The same is true for sexism. The discussion around a female politician, especially in a political setting, shouldn’t be focused on her clothing or her haircut but instead on her politics. Until mired in prejudice and banalities.

GRAPHIC BY EMMA LEDERER ’16

WOMEN IN CONGRESS Only 24 percent of congress members are female. While there has been

April 6, 2015 | Opinions

It’s time to breakup with snow Julia Greenspan ’16 ey snow, Don’t get me wrong, things were

9

Inklings

Class of 2016 gets thrown an academic curve ball Jack Zeldes ’16

H

Class of 2016 when we had to take CAPT. I didn’t mind being in the Class of 2016 when we had to write our research papers

of winter we had great times together watching “Friends” marathons and enjoying the days off from school.

But after a while you kind of just got, you know, clingy.

Like, really clingy.

I was constantly trying to get rid of you, but you just always came back. Did you not get the hint?

I also can’t stand hearing about your impending presence from Al Roker every morning. I stopped sleeping with a spoon under my pillow a long time ago just so I could hear this man predict sunshine

with being in the Class of 2016 when we were only given one morning to sleep in instead of the customary two weeks.

Then I found out about SBAC: the new standardized test

that takes place in the middle of May. That’s when I broke. That’s when I realized being in the Class of 2016 stinks.

If you didn’t know already, May can be a pretty busy month for us juniors. Between studying for the last SATs and ACTs,

stresses of junior year come to a crescendo around this

time. But now to add to those highly pressured obligations comes SBAC, a new national and standardized test that, according to its website, “can provide information and tools for teachers and schools to improve instruction and help students succeed.” With little preparation and no idea of the format of the test, students including myself are at a loss.

I certainly realize that the government needs a way to track

its teachers’ progress and to improve the education system, but do juniors need to take part in that, especially a year after we had to take a two-week, strenuous and similar test? For me, while CAPT was unenjoyable, it’s something we should’ve had to do. However, to do something like it two years in a row during one of the most stressful months of high school is absurd and has led me to one conclusion: being in the Class of 2016 stinks.

day stuck in a white abyss.

And you were always so moody. Remember that time you were going to be the big bad “apocalypse,” and the next day you just decided to casually sprinkle some Not to mention you treated everyone with complete disrespect this winter. Boston doesn’t have time to clean up your mess with baseball season around the corner. And the Texans? The Lone Star not your problems.

So go run off and tell someone else about your 108.6 inches because I’m tired of hearing about it.

You’re not cute, snow, and frankly spring doesn’t look that good on you. ‘Tis the season for you to leave... now.

Good-bye for now (and hopefully for a while), Julia P.S. Please move out ASAP; I’d like to be reminded of what grass looks like.

PHOTO BY CAROLINE O’KANE ’16

The best ways to spring into spring things Cadence Neenan ’15 Maybe it was the consistently negative temperatures, the 10 feet of snow, or maybe it was just everyone whining about it on every social media outlet available, but this winter seemed, in particular, tremendously awful.

The cozy sweaters and snow days and hot cocoa seem to be all

Teenage boys, this is your time to shine. Trust me when I say that nothing shows off your true manliness and bravery like exposing your knobby knees to the freezing cold. And also trust me when I say that we’re all getting tired of you recycling the

gets to be March and I still obtain

own. Let’s shake it up for spring.

from my car to my house, I start to get frustrated.

According to my calendar, acting like it.

#1: Iced coffee

Maybe you’re like me, and you have the two brain cells that it takes to see that iced coffee is blatantly superior to hot coffee and to never stop ordering it.

Otherwise, get smart and start getting your coffee iced. As the weather slowly but surely transitions away from that of an arctic tundra, iced coffee will be the far more refreshing drink of choice.

#2 : Shorts

PHOTO BY CAROLINE COHEN ’15

#3: Florals Amidst the humdrum of the winter months, we all get a little early-2000s-Avril-Lavignegoth and sink into a monotonous rotation of muted, dark and mildly depressing color schemes.

As famously said in “The Devil Wears Prada” by all time queen Meryl Streep, “Florals for spring?

Groundbreaking.”

Sure, maybe your thermometer, your weather app and your mother will tell you that it’s too cold to shift into spring.

But the sooner it’s spring, the sooner it’s summer. So let’s get things moving.

SPRINGING INTO THE SEASON One of the best ways to get into the spirit of Spring in Staples, is to buy iced coffee for a refreshing wake up call in the morning.

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April 6, 2015| Opinions

Inklings

GRAPHIC BY CAROLINE COHEN ’15 AND MEGAN ROOT ’15

College roomate rush creates frenzy among girls Andrea Frost ’ 15

G

like a roommate, can make things a lot less intimidating. I guess

etting into college is one

has become such a big deal; it gives you someone to turn to, someone who automatically has your back.

Some people have decided, or it is simply required of them, to do random rooming, and I honestly applaud those people for the courage of entering the situation blind. However, for the

the perfect roommate is another.

College is scary. Anyone who denies that they’re not even a little bit frightened by the idea of facing this big, bad world on their However, having someone

rest of us, or at least us girls, who have decided to pick who we will be living with for the next year, because, unlike boys, girls actually read into what other girls say, what emojis they use, how many exclamation points they put and how long it takes for them to respond to a text. Too many smiley emojis, can’t live with someone always this peppy; but

no smiley emojis, can’t live with a such a downer. Someone should give lessons on how to come off as cool, caring, and someone who likes to cozy up but at the same time down to have a good time all over text.

But I’ll tell you where things get awkward: it’s hard to just blatantly ask someone if she likes to sleep with lights on or off, neat or messy, a morning or a night person. Overall, I think of it sort

of like a relationship, trying to problem is you place more on the line because you can’t just break You’re stuck with them for the whole year.

So, for the sake of all seniors, lets hope our roommate situations workout. I swear I’m not crazy; I’m just a regular playing in the match, my roommate that is.

Calendar changes for 2016-2017 school year cause grief

Brendan Massoud ’17 place; it ensures that no student has to be in During the cold, dark school for more than two winter months of January months straight. After and February, it’s reassuring all, not many students, or to think about the upcoming teachers for that matter, break, during which I will be complain about having taking a trip to the beach or my too many breaks. couch. Yet, due to Connecticut Lastly, some may state regulations, this will no give the argument that longer be an option for me or 16 17 removing February break any other Staples students. would leave students As of the 2016-2017 school a longer summer and year, Staples High School will that the days eventually be shortening February break 18 19 20 even out in the end. And to a long weekend in order to although this may seem comply with a state mandated to be true, we need to common calendar. remember that slicing According to the Hartford down break only really Courant, this new calendar adds three or four more is supposed to help districts CALENDAR CHANGES For the 2016-2017 school year, there will not be a traditional February break. Instead, there will be a days. save money on buses and long weekened from Feb. 16 to Feb 19., with a staff development day on Feb. 20. April break will remain intact.

When I look at it professional development that way, it seems almost costs. However, there are, in obvious that having a full week fact, quite a few reasons why is a junior’s only opportunity the schedule could be potentially suffer from fatigue or illness. this change of schedule would to go on a long-distance trip to harmful to the kids. According Everyone, including myself, off during one of the most dreary have more negative effects than California, Chicago or Canada. to Craig Cooke, superintendent needs a break every couple positive ones.

Cutting down the break will only of the Windsor Public Schools, months in order to refresh and than getting out on June 16 versus For one, many students make it harder for these kids to being in school without a full get excited for the rest of the June 19.

Who really wants to go to need a full February break for break from January to April may year. This is the reason for the school during February anyways? college visits. Often, this week Furthermore, a change in cause students to burnout and GRAPHIC BY IZZY ULLMANN ’17

February 2017

‘ Jenna McNicholas ’15 Becoming a part of the Greek-life family is something many Staples students plan on. The sorority squat, the to promote events, the constant resurfacing of the phrase “throw what you know” and, of course, the most outrageous and glamorous parties.

For a lot of people I know, Greek life was a large factor in deciding which college they wanted to go to. I even know a few people already know to which sorority or fraternity they would like to pledge. I, on the

other hand, could hardly name four sororities and fraternities on a good day, have no idea how to pronounce any of the names, and still cannot completely comprehend the whole sister, big big sister, and grandma system.

While most of my friends will come out of school with 100 plus new sisters, I will come out with zero.

As for being one of the only people of my friends will be going to a school without Greek I won’t be able to share the experiences of living in glamorous sorority houses and going to convivial mixers with

fraternities. visit them, but I do not regret my choice to go to a school without Greek life.

Despite what is depicted in almost every comedy movie, going to a school without the Greek system.

If you plan on playing a sport in college, which I am, your team acts as it’s own sort of sorority or fraternity.

A sense of community (why many people join the Greek system) can be found in other places, such as clubs, sports teams, organizations, and even

with common interests in one of your classes.

Not to mention, going Greek is pricey. On top of paying for tuition, books and everything else one needs to survive at college, sorority and fraternity dues are costly.

College is all about branching out, and while joining a sorority would give me an easy in with a set group of friends, I’m excited by the challenge of having to make friends without the structure of the Greek system.

It’s easy to be comfortable with your high school friends because you’ve known them for

so long, but while being thrown into a completely new place with no allies is scary, it also provides a situation where you can go outside of your comfort zone and meet people you wouldn’t with in the cafeteria.

I don’t worry about the fact that I am not going to a school with a Greek life because nobody in my future school is going to one, either.

We are all in the same boat, and while we are watching Snapchat stories of our friends from home out at a frat party, similar experiences.

Features

April 6, 2015

11

Local author inspires students Green takes the writing world by storm

J

ane Green might be a Westport mother of four, but she is also a New York Times bestselling author of 16 novels. of journalism in her home country

well as a cookbook.

neighbor, but to the New York Times Even though Green is very

PHOTO BY MARGAUX MACCOLL ’16

Eliza Goldberg ’17

time to fully experience other aspects a novel. She gave herself about three

1996.

she is able to make a living out of a for my book] was amazing, just this

common emotional situations they go through involving themes such as

The novel is a story about marriage,

Even though Green has been in

WRITING AWAY Her sixteenth book,”Saving Grace,” came out this January and recieved a starred review from “Library Journal.”

Inklings

12

April 6, 2015 | Features

GRAPHIC BY OLIVIA CROSBY ’15

Fasciolo discovers new angles through her art

E

Ale Benjamin ’15 heart.

artistic

creation,

which

strives

to

entwine

all

her

future. There was one moment

that just brush the bottom of a crop top.

the picture is really, really black off her multiple rings

museum like the Louvre.

painting a yellow house in a

nature as a National Geographic photographer.

Until then, Fasciolo hopes simply to explore as much of her artistic ability as she can, both

choker as she spoke.

in college.

She wishes to treat her

illustrate how, as the

where she can test herself in new selecting a focus.

For now, Fasciolo is simply grateful for the ease that art

them because not only was it one of my favorite artists, but it was also in such a it as the contrasting

in her home.

Since then, Fasciolo has

-Emma Fasciolo ’16

Just as this piece encompasses her

go into my own zone, just forget

like her mother, but she was

AP Literature class talks Ted Talks Jackie Sussman ’17 common misconceptions about ourselves trying to score last minute tickets to the

This is not just any platform with a English literature class is preparing.

high schools in the area. These schools Grant from the National Writing Project,

13

Inklings

April 6, 2015 | Features

PHOTO BY MARGAUX MACCOLL ’16

e m a d a

M

French teacher brings joy to the classroom Jackie Cope ’15

brightening up a classroom with a simple

teach the culture of the places that speak

Learning a language is also both

successful conversations, successful prep, these projects to be not only fun but also

smile.

BONJOUR Though Caroline Henry is now a high school French teacher, she was homeschooled through her own high school education.

What’s o n Madam e Henry’ s desk?

Becca Rawiszer ’17

“Brain

Breaks”

book:

P H OTO S B

Y C LA

A RG N ’16 & M U D IA C H E

AU X M A C

C O LL ’16

Calendar:

The

whom she loves.

Tea:

Painting: The painting is who

often

paints

scenes

English breakfast tea, vanilla caramel or chai.

New Orleans. The painting was given to her by her aunt,

at all times.

hang a piece of art wherever she lives or works. She says Colorful Post-it notes:

14

April 6, 2015 | Features

GRAPH

IC BY JU

L IA S C H

O R R ’16

Emily Olrik ’16 Sarah Sommer

GRAFFITI GOLD Rampage Skate Shop located on 1625 Railroad Ave in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It is a small business founded in 1995 that works to help support local skateboarding communities, as well as commission local PHOTOS BY EMILY OLRIK ’16

15

Inklings

eyes lit up notably as he spoke.

T

love for the young artist.

6& ’16

Street art has a strong societal message. Famous

with fairly simple solutions.

make social commentary.

each ear was a single

colorful paintings.

cheeks below with the precision of a hunter, to point out three

legal takes away from the thrill of the experience.

Though he believes the art form itself has many

aversive; sometimes people just the opportunity to explore new places, leave his mark think

Inklings

16

April 6, 2015 |Features

Differences in college courses alleviate stress

Foreign universities broaden cultural experiences

Andrew Vester ’17

GR AP HI C

from the Staples hallways to college campuses with pits of

BY OL IV IA

Anders Hovstadius ’17

OS

international

CR

the

BY 5 ’1

leave for college by a a reputable institution, six

stories of hours of homework, boggling mathematics that separate college curriculum from that of high school.

country. they can exhale a sigh of relief.

chose an international university

opt for an international college

international similarities,

the

universities

for mean college is easier than

cultural

Paraprofessionals prove essential to Staples

are actually passionate about.

has taken its goals to heart.

Max Bibicoff ’16 & Jane Levy ’16

paraprofessional

is

fostering

close

classes of interest, they also take was appealing at one point, Stanley

lunch.

no more juggling eight classes at

silly photographs revealing the regulars of of a community inclusion program. paraprofessionals whose jobs, as special

working in the program for two years, he Science

teacher

William

only have three or four hours a a smile.

this was the job she was meant to pursue.

a great job preparing for college.

Jake Schutte with an activity.

paraprofessional for seven years, sat HELPING OTHERS (From left) Sarah Stanley, Andre Williams, Donnie Smith and Drew Smith have a laugh during the lunch period in room 1045. PHOTO BY JANE LEVY ’16

17

Inklings

April 6. 2015 | Features

W is a bubbly sophomore who is two to three years This is problem 16 from one of the two versions

math classes at Yale University.

Staples math whizzes conquer the AMC 12

math is just a way of thinking that comes

A M

Claire Dinshaw ’17 the nation.

C

Class of 2015 crowns classmates with senior superlatives Taylor Harrington ’15

DYNAMIC DUO MOST OUT OF

MOST LIKELY TO

his basement.

grow as an actor.

PHOTOS BY CAROLINE O’KANE ’16

Epstein is bringing his passion for fashion

taking opportunities as far as they

his sights even higher.

A&E

18

April 6, 2015 | A&E

Scoot on over to Vespa for traditional Italian food with a modern atmosphere V Alex Spadacenta ’17

VESPA VOWS TO WOW New restaurant Vespa, located on 2 Post Road W, Westport, Connecticut, is a classic Italian restaurant with a modern vibe.

One of the Vespa chefs (top) prepares a traditional “small plate,” which are appetizer-sized portions that are perfect for sharing with a friend.

espa.

Typically people associate this word with the cute little Italian scooter, but recently the word has taken on a different meaning in Westport.

On Christmas Eve 2014, Bobby Werhane opened a restaurant by the name of Vespa on 2 Post Road West.

Werhane came up with the idea to open Vespa after being in the restaurant business for a while in New York City. It took him a little while to feel comfortable with opening a restaurant since,“the dynamic of owning and operating a restaurant in Westport, or in Connecticut, is different from owning and operating a restaurant in New York.”

Vespa, the restaurant seems calm, with its white walls and aquamarine and sea foam couches. With all the paintings, and embellishing lighting, this new eatery’s contemporary decor

of the most modern and society-

The booths, which are located to the left, are perfect for families looking to have an enjoyable and casual dinner.

There are more tables located in the back, and there is also an area

Next to the bar, there are four smaller tables without stools so that people can come in and have a drink or two before their meal. Then, once their table is ready, guests can take a seat and have an Italian-style dinner.

Vespa’s menu can be a However, after the waiter explains it to the customer, it is easy to see that the restaurant is a modernization of a traditional Italian dinner with an appetizer, pasta and then entrée. Many people see the Vespa menu as “Italian small plates,” as Werhane described it.

“We like folks to try a little bit of everything, so we strongly encourage sharing,” he said.

The food at Vespa was splendid. There was so much that even the pickiest eater could appetite. Their most popular dish, the spinach gramigna, is a green pasta made of spinach with a bolognese sauce and was very tasty and different than most other foods in Westport.

The waiters who work at Vespa are very lively people who seem to be passionate about making the customers happy.

“It’s exciting, it’s different, it’s new,” waitress Gia Mendoza said. She said the workers at Vespa really enjoy “the variety of the food, and [how] you can dine how you please.”

Julie Kaplan ’17 said that she is very exited about trying Vespa, and that she “[hasn’t] been there, but It seems really cool because it has a great location,” which is exactly what Werhane wanted when they think of Vespa.

With the fun vibes, delicious food and great location, Vespa is bound to be a big hit in Westport.

PHOTOS BY CAROLINE O’KANE ’16 AND ALEX SPADACENTA ’17

Namasivayam brings fallen friend’s story to life Michael Mathis ’15 In the summer going into eighth grade, Vignesh Namasivayam ’16 had an ideal middle-schooler’s life.

He excelled in academics, he was pursuing his interests and his lunch table remained full with a dependable friend group.

The one girl of the group was Tess Meisel, a fellow eighthgrader.

“She was my best friend,” Namasivayam remembered fondly.

But on Aug. 17, 2011, that lunch table would forever be empty one seat.

“On behalf of all Westporters, I offer my deepest condolences to the Meisel family whose daughter Tess died today in a tragic accident in Farmington, Maine, where she was attending summer camp,” former First Selectman Gordon Joseloff said in a statement to “Westport Now” on that dreadful day.

Now, nearly three-and-ahalf years later, Namasivayam is preparing a fundraiser at Toquet Hall. The goal: raise $12,000 to fund a musical based on the life of Meisel. The script, called “Where the Love Begins,” was penned by Meisel’s mother, Suzanne Tanner, a professional musical biographer. Described as a “song cycle,” the show centers on a vaguely-named four-person

family: The Mother, The Father, The Son and The Daughter. The play deals with topics ranging from love to adolescence to commitment to divorce.

Namasivayam, an active assistant director in Staples Players, will direct the performance.

“It’s a really beautiful script,” Namasivayam said.

“There’s no set plot, but it’s told very spiritually. Each song really conveys the emotion of her life.

In order to properly convey Tanner’s story, Namasivayam and the crew are in need of funding everything from costumes to lighting to renting the auditorium.

Thus far, however, they have only raised $700, according to Namasivayam.

In order to plug the $11,300 gap, the crew has arranged a fundraiser at Toquet Hall in Westport, Connecticut on Friday, April 11. There will be live performances by local student rock band C4S, Wreckers InTune, as well as by several individual members of Staples Players, who, Namasivayam said, will debut three songs from the show.

“It’s going to be very relaxing,” he assured.

But, for others, that did not diminish how personal the fundraiser will be. Justin Cheng ’16, lead guitarist for C4S, was a friend of Tess Meisel and will be performing as well. In the days following her death, many

note.

In addition, as many as performing, all of whom are cast members in the show. They will be debuting three new songs from the show to close out the night. Carly Kobylinski ’16, choreographer and ensemble cast member for the production, did not even know Tess but admits the show has still made her feel for Meisel’s story.

“I feel so emotionally involved with the project already,” she said. “And I know how incredible of an experience it is going to be for everyone involved.”

And for Namasivayam, getting everyone involved is

PHOTO BY JESS GROSS ’15

THE LOVE BEGINS WITH VIG Director and coordinator Vignesh Namasivayam ’16 poses with the poster for his event “Where the Love Begins” which will premier on Aug 21 at Staples.

were encouraged to write poems and letters to Tess as a means of honoring her. Cheng did not take part.

“I’m just not a sentimental guy,” he admitted. “I felt anything I wrote would be disingenuous to Tess. So that created a rift between me and some of the

group for a while.”

However, Cheng expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.

“I guess it does feel like many years of pushing it aside. It feels like I can now honor her in a way that feels natural and true to myself,” he said on a brighter

the uphill battle of getting this show produced.

Though underfunded, Namasivayam believes the show’s message drives him to keep working.

“I want people to walk out changed by this,” he said. “I want them to realize that you don’t have to be older to make a difference. Tess was 12 years old when she died, and she still taught me so much.”

If funding is secured, Namasivayam hopes to run the show from Aug. 21 through Aug. 23. All proceeds will go towards the Tess Meisel Scholarship Fund, which will go towards helping future college students

Lots o’ matzah April 6, 2015 |

Inklings

19

Don’t pass over these three matzah recipes this Passover season

W

Jesse Greenspun ’16

ith Passover quickly approaching, it is essential to prepare for the week-long absence of leavened products, including bread and cookies. Luckily, matzah, a crispy unleavened bread, is a staple of Passover cuisine, often becoming the centerpiece of some delicious dishes. Choosing what to do with the abundance of Passover matzah can be a daunting task. However, these recipes are tried-and-true favorites that will certainly impress all of your Passover guests.

Matzah Brei Ingredients: Matzah Two eggs Two tbsp vegetable oil Directions: Crush matzah and soak with warm water for about a minute. Drain matzah and combine with two beaten eggs.

Combine until a batter-like consistency forms. Oil the pan and cook for about two minutes or until golden brown.

Chocolate Caramel Matzah Ingredients: Matzah Melted chocolate Caramel Assorted Candy Directions: Lay matzah on sheet pans covered in tin foil. Apply a generous coat of caramel to the matzo. Bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees.

Let caramel cool for 10 minutes, then spread the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel.

Top with a candy of choice and refrigerate until the chocolate has hardened.

Matzah Pizza Ingredients: Matzah Mozzarella cheese Parmesan cheese Tomato sauce Pepperoni Directions: Put the sauce, mozzarella and pepperoni on the matzah in that order. Place in a 350-degree oven. When the cheese starts to bubble (about 10 minutes) sprinkle the parmesan on the matzah and let cook for another minute.

PHOTOS BY KAILA FINN ’16

Get ready to react to the One Act Play Festival Blake Rubin ’16 Live theatre sparks emotional highs: from jawdropping suspense to eruptions of laughter. But it can also summon emotional lows: from heart-breaking anguish to the streaming of tears.

Staples can expect every array of emotion from this year’s One Act Play Festival.

The One Act Play Festival is a completely student-run production consisting of student actors, student directors and even a tech crew made up entirely of students.

These 18 one-act plays are hand picked by the 18 senior and junior student directors who are all part of Staples Players, as well as a directing class.

Emma Ruchefsky ’15 is one PHOTO BY JESS GROSS ’15 of the lucky seniors who was chosen to direct her own play. EMOTION IN MOTION One Act Play Festival student director Noah Pines While she could have chosen a ’16 (left) gives notes to one of his actors Daniel Pauker ’16 (right) as they tragedy or romance story, she rehearse in the choir room. Pines’ one act is titled “Perspective.” decided to go a totally different

route.

Ruchefsky chose to direct a comedy called “Bar Mitzvah Boy.” “It takes place at Samuel’s bar mitzvah. It’s really funny. laughing for a solid 10 minutes.

It’s super cute, witty and wellwritten,” she said.

However, choosing exactly what play to direct wasn’t a smooth sailing process. For a week or so, the directors were sent to the library to read and study some plays. They wrote an analysis of a few plays every week, until each director found an act they really loved.

Anyone interested in participating in any one of the 18 acts had a chance to audition; however, they were not able to pick which act to participate in.

“All of the directors and plays are always good,” Caroline Didelot ’16 said. “All in all it’s an honor to be in any of them.”

Preparing for the One Act

Play will take time and effort from both the directors and their casting crew.

As stated on the Staples Players website, hell week for one acts will start on April 20 and continue until April 24.

Hell week is the week before the show goes up and is corrections or improvements.

Rehearsals go until late at night, usually around 8:00 or 8:30 p.m.

The opening night for the student run production is April 25, though performances are on both April 25 and 26. The show will be held in the Black Box Theatre.

Tickets go on sale later this month and will be available for purchase in the Staples cafeteria and online at staplesplayers.com “I may be a freshman, but I’ve heard so many great things about the One Act Plays from family and friends” Scott Adler ’18 said. “I can’t wait to experience it for myself.”

20

Inklings

Shop ‘til you drop

Shopping at the mall becomes a thing of the past as students move on Bella Gollomp ’15

GRAPHIC BY JESS GROSS ’15 AND EMILY WOLFE ’15

S

uburban shopping malls were a part of adolescent culture for quite some time.

They were known as the default location where teens hung out, whether they were shopping or just hanging out in the food court.

But now, the incentive to drive close to 20 minutes to the nearest mall to be with friends is fading out, at least for Staples students.

Instead, the majority of students cruising along places, like Main Street, if they ever are in need of a quick purchase or bite to eat.

Main Street is not only convenient, with its proximity to most of We s t p o r t ’s residents, but it also offers a variety of stores for a

variety of customers.

It has something for everyone, from the workout junkies, whose havens—Nike and Lululemon— reside on the same street as the prepter’s paradises of J. Crew and Vineyard Vines.

However, not everyone feels Main Street meets their retail therapy needs.

Maddie Gray ’16 goes to the mall solely for some of her favorite shops, like Forever 21, a trendy retail store with the “hottest deals”.

However, the mall had a larger appeal as a hangout place prior to high school.

“It’s not that I’m against malls, because I do enjoy them,” the urge to go if I can be with my friends elsewhere.”

Other students, like Ben Hamer ’16, can hardly recall the last time he was in a mall.

“I can’t really say that I would voluntarily go, but the only time I will ever be at the mall is for Black Friday. Other than that, I’m good,” he said.

Hamilton Kovtun ’15 says his idea of fun with friends doesn’t require a whole lot of effort.

“It’s usually simple, like going over to their house,” he said. “But when you get tired of going to Garden Catering and Fortuna’s everyday, the mall isn’t bad for some good food.”

April 6, 2015 | A&E

Study the anatomy of a senior backpack Francesca Truitt ’17 Usually, the older people get, the more weight they gain. Yet, the senior backpacks seem to have lost some junk in the trunk since freshman year.

Since they are carrying less stuff, many seniors have opted for a smaller backpack to further lighten the load.

Some seniors made minor adjustments.

“I had binders before and now I have folders,” Alex Collins ’15 said.

Meanwhile, others partook in more drastic measures.

“I only have one notebook right now for all my classes,” Gabrielle McNeese ’15 said.

“Probably not a good idea.”

Anina Hoffman ’17 just cannot fathom how it’s even possible.

“You still have to pass your classes. Like, what are you doing?” she

pondered.

But according to Caroline Accardi ’15, “I was more organized freshman year than I am now.”

Early on in high school, one number-two pencil was never enough— ten, no, twelve was acceptable.

The pink and orange highlighters?

An absolute must.

But things change in fourth quarter of senior year.

“I have, like, one pencil,” Courtney Brockwell ’15 said.

“And I don’t even have a pen.”

While some underclassmen don’t quite comprehend this sudden change, Grace Foster ’17 was more understanding to their cause.

“Why would they try?”

Foster said. “I wouldn’t.”

PHOTO BY DYLAN DONAHUE ‘15

SCANT SUPPLIES With only a single pencil, a folder, a notebook, gum and water bottle, this “Dora the Exporer” inspired senior backpack is more than ready for second semester.

Wislist_9x14Ad_Aug14_Wislist_9x14_SepSaleAd 9/2/14 12:27 PM Page 1

April 6, 2015 | Advertisement

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April 6, 2015 | Advertisement

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April 6, 2015 | A&E

Students scope out their horoscopes Zoe Brown ’15 ne day, there was a misunderstanding between Jenna Patterson ’16 and one of her best friends.

The two just weren’t seeing eyeto-eye, no matter how hard they tried.

Her horoscope for the day, from her Daily Horoscope app, read, “You have been talking sense to someone […]. No matter how clear you are and how many times you point out the obvious, this person just doesn’t understand. Give it some time.

Let it sink in. The truth and the reality of it will prevail.”

Although the horoscope was a little more dramatic than the situation, it was pretty on-point.

“The times when it’s been most accurate are usually when

O

someone, and my horoscope tells life, and then I read that person’s horoscope, and it’ll say similar things,” Patterson said.

“That’s always really cool,” she added.

Other students have found that their horoscopes tend to be relative to their lives, but in different ways.

Vig Namasivayam ’16 used to read his horoscope every day but recently stopped because he found it became “pointless,” he said.

“I did see horoscopes that were similar to my life, but the real-life events usually went the exact opposite of what the horoscope described,” Namasivayam said.

One day, for example, his horoscope read, “Be focused and you will succeed.”

Despite his focus, that same day Namasivayam failed a big test.

“I realized most horoscopes really said the same thing except very broadly, and I stopped reading them,” Namasivayam said.

Some believe, though, that horoscopes act as a guide to people who are lost in their lives.

According to the Humanity Healing Network, horoscopes came into existence in the seventh century B.C.E. because many ancient civilizations became interested in the formations in the stars and their correlation to human life.

Megan Hines ’17 feels that many people love reading their

horoscopes because “they might not have a sense of direction for their life, and they need a horoscope to assure them that But still, Patterson trusts that even if she’s having an awful day, and her horoscope tells her that she should be having the best day ever, maybe it’s just an off-day for the horoscope reading.

“I think [reading horoscopes] is both fun and a really noncommittal way to think about high powers like fate and such,” Patterson said, adding, “I really like reading it in the morning and then seeing if my day plays out like it said it would.”

GRAPHIC BY OLIVIA CROSBY ‘15

Senior Players pursue their passions Jen Gouchoe ’16 From their big musicals to their smaller studio productions, Staples Players have put on a plethora of riveting shows that have enraptured their audiences.

Now, six stars from the Staples stage will go beyond Players, taking their love of the art to the next level.

Jack Baylis ’15, Jack Bowman ’15, Bailey Claffey ’15, Juliet Kimble ’15 and Emma Ruchefsky ’15 have all auditioned for college theater programs, while Noa Wind ’15 auditioned for just vocal performance programs. However, the road to the Staples stage and beyond has been long for these actors and actresses.

Bowman was in second grade when he auditioned for his camp’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Auditioning as a joke with one of his friends, mostly to annoy his older sister, he had no idea that theater would be something he would want to pursue for the rest of his life. my sister was the scarecrow,” Bowman said, laughing. “That done.” monkey, Bowman became more involved with theater and has been in Staples Players since his freshman year. About a year ago, he started preparing material for his auditions; over the summer, he took dance and vocal lessons, picking out songs and monologues he would use.

process.

Not only is it time consuming, as Ruchefsky attested when she mentioned how she had to miss Red and Whites for an audition, but the competition is tough.

“It could be based on such arbitrary things, whether you get in or not, like if they have someone that already looks like you,” Bowman said. “Such subtle things could decide whether you get into a program or not.”

However stressful the process may be, it is an overall

GRAPHIC BY JESS GROSS ’15 AND EMILY WOLFE ’15

Like Bowman, Baylis discovered his love for theater at a young age, performing in his elementary school’s plays and also playing Gavroche in the Staples Players production of “Les Miserables” when he was 11 years old.

“I don’t think I pieced it together like, ‘this is what I want to do with my life’, but I knew that nothing else made me feel like that,” Baylis said. “I was set on auditioning for everything I could after that.” play when she was 5 years old,

mother who was an actress.

“I always knew I wanted to do theater,” Ruchefsky said. “It was just kind of always a part of me.”

Now, the Players have endured the grueling auditioning process. just inherently,” Baylis said.

Most colleges have students send a prescreen, which is a video of them performing. If they make it past the prescreen, then they are invited to the school to audition.

Typically, that involves singing two or three songs, acting

out two or three monologues and dancing.

Despite the months of preparation these actors and actresses have put into their auditions, some auditions bring surprises.

Ruchefsky once went to an audition where they made her sing an extra song on the spot.

Kimble agreed with this, noting that, while auditioning, “you kind of have to have tough skin and have good improv skills.”

Although some aspects of the auditioning process may differ for each person, they

“It gave me an idea of what I’ll actually have to deal with in the real world if this ends up being my career,” Wind said.

To onlookers, pursuing theater as a career seems risky, but Staples Players has encouraged these young actors to pursue their passions for the art.

“It’s a great place to grow as an artist,” Ruchefsky said.

Pretty soon, the six artists will be hearing back from schools and making big decisions.

But after college, what next?

Broadway?

“Essentially, yeah,” Bowman said, smiling. “But you never really know.”

With skills in singing, dancing and acting, these students have the talent to take them wherever they want to go.

“I don’t want it to be this big fantasy,” Baylis said.

“I have this goal to do what I want to do, and I’m just going to take each step that’s necessary to achieve that.”

Sports

24

April 6, 2015

“Having the confidence and composure to go out

PHOTO BY JULIA ETHIER ’17

and play 18 holes goes a long way, which makes it a sport that I love.”

-Mary Bennewitz ’15 GETTING ONTO THE GREEN

Bennewitz drives for success to close out her high-school career Talia Hendel ’16

M

ary Bennewitz ’15 might just be the perfect mix of Tiger Woods and Hope Solo with her mad soccer course.

As a successful soccer player and golfer, Bennewitz enjoys being a team player, as well as competing as an individual.

“Golf is one of the sports where it’s easy to compare your performance to another’s,” Bennewitz said. “And with the addition of having a ranked lineup for each match, there can potentially be a lot of competition between teammates.”

While this sport can be competitive among teammates, Bennewitz said it remains a team sport at Staples through the coaching.

“Whether it was our coach Robert Byiteck who retired last year or our new head coach Patty Kondub, the coaches make sure that there is a comfortable environment that will allow the players to not only grow individually but an environment that makes the players become teammates rather than opponents.”

Bennewitz began playing golf when she moved to Westport

from the Netherlands. She had been taking lessons since the age of 7 but hadn’t played an actual round of golf until she was 10.

“I think what drew me to [golf] is how individualized it is. It’s a head game. You have to be mentally tough even before you start the match,” Bennewitz composure to go out and play 18 holes goes a long way, which makes it a sport that I love.”

Bennewitz currently works at The First Tee, a national program that has a chapter at the Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course where she used to take classes.

“The First Tee is not only able to teach its students the game of golf but also teaches them life values,” Bennewitz said. “That idea is what makes me continue to love the game and is one of the reasons why I’ve stuck with it for the last 11 years.”

For Kreis family, soccer strikes close to home

By Cooper Boardman ’17

fall afternoon, and you’ll hear a cacophony of cheers from fans basking in the autumn sunlight as a motley team of players try to score.

But less than a mile away, up the hill and past Bedford Middle School, is where the real story is – at the Staples soccer junior varsity game.

Kreis ’18, a forward with spiky blonde hair and the son of former Major League Soccer player and present coach of the recently formed New York City Football Club, Jason Kreis. While some may expect the son of a head coach of a professional sports soccer powerhouse Manchester City, to boast of his title, Kason is a bit more reserved.

“I’ve grown up with it, so I’m far used to it, but obviously I’ve grown into that,” Kason said. “I’m really grateful for the experiences that I’ve had.”

Jason has enjoyed an illustrious career in MLS, league history, along with 14 United States National Team appearances. His coaching career has been just as successful, becoming the youngest head coach to win a MLS Cup at age 36 in just his second year at the helm of Real Salt Lake.

Jason’s newest coaching

endeavors began on March 8,

PHOTO BY RACHEL DORAN ’15

head coach in NYC FC franchise history, as the season kicked off against Orlando City. The current record is 1-1-2, and his team currently sits in third place in the “He has already left a historic mark on the league, both as a player and coach, and him continuing to do so at New York City FC,” team sporting director, Claudio Reyna, said in the statement announcing Jason’s hire.

Historically, MLS expansion teams have not fared well in their Salt Lake, where Jason formerly both played and coached, went just 5-22-5 in 2005–their opening year in the league. Still, NYC that is accustomed to winning– Manchester City. The team is powerhouse that has captured “[The organization] offered us a fantastic opportunity to come [to New York] and be the also offered us the opportunity months,” Jason said. “It was an amazing experience for myself professionally and for my family.

I couldn’t have asked for anything more.” miles is the distance from Salt Lake City, Utah to Manchester,

EMPIRE STATE OF MIND

Connecticut. This is the distance Jason traveled after being named head coach of the NYC FCon Dec. 11, 2013. with the set up of the franchise from Manchester City’s Under-21 Squad, a subsidiary of the Manchester City franchise that owns NYC FC. For a man who grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, life across the pond was a challenge.“The U.S. are certainly plenty, starting with driving on the opposite side of the road,” Jason said with a laugh.

While fans may think of this as just a business trip for an MLS head coach, some may forget the

toll it takes on his family. “School was challenging [in Manchester].

It’s a very different system,” Kason said.

Perhaps the toughest part of the two-year whirlwind that took the Kreis family back and forth across the Atlantic was leaving Utah.

“When I moved from there after nine years, [after] growing up there—making a lot of friends—it was really hard,” Kason said. “I met a few people in Manchester, and that really helped my transition, and now I’m here, and once again I found a few friends that help me with that transition.”

One thing that has crossed the many borders with the Kreis’ is their love for soccer. Kason has taken after his dad in that regard, though Jason reserves the

credit for his son.

“I don’t think I’ve had to do a whole lot, honestly. He’s been around the game at the highest levels since he was born, literally.

I think [he has] fallen in love with it,” Jason said. “He’s a big, big fan, and he knows probably more about players around the world and in the MLS sometimes than I think I do.”

Kason’s teammates on the Staples soccer team also saw his passion for the game.

“Kason always puts in 100 “[He’s a] really likeable kid.”

Though students can’t see Kason’s prowess on the pitch until next September, he urges them to support soccer for now through his dad instead, adding, “Go New York City FC.”

Inklings

April 6, 2015 | Sports

25

PHOTO BY CAROLINE O’KANE ’16

DOWN AND OUT

SIDELINED Athletes forced to heal mentally and physically Katelyn Deagro ’17

T

he last thing an athlete wants to hear is that he or she can’t play because of an injury, especially if it will land them on the bench for the majority of a season.

Nick Roehm ’17, a longtime football player, has suffered numerous injuries, ranging from a concussion in eigth grade to torn cartilage in his knee in 10th, but never has he blamed the game. try to make my body as strong as possible to keep playing the

sport,” Roehm said.

Often these long-term injuries can affect an athlete beyond just a simple mending of a bone or healing of a tendon. The long-term psychological journey that the athlete undertakes is the most challenging. For an athlete, a sport can be a huge part of their life, and they can be left spinning if it is taken away.

“We love the game too much to give it up,” Roehm said.

Losing this aspect of their lives, athletes are often left reeling to recover their losses. A team and sport can provide many perks for an athlete, including a

Boys’ tennis returns with repeat hopes Thomas Nealon ’17

stopping and the temperature slowly climbing, many students at Staples are excited for the spring.

Spring is even more thrilling for students who are looking to play on the boys’ tennis team. This year’s team looks to continue the success from last year’s, who 21-0 and won both the FCIAC and state tournaments.

However, this year’s team will look a little different, particularly in age. The boys’ tennis team lost a total of seven players, which is a lot considering that the team usually only carries around 14 varsity players total.

But senior captain Zack Levin ’15 believes that the younger team won’t have any trouble upholding the outstanding reputation the boys’ tennis team is known for. “It’s a lot to live up another very successful season.

We have a group of talented kids, and I believe,” Levin said. “This team is ready to continue to grow in the footsteps of the graduated players.”

Returning varsity player

sense of identity, a role, a brother and or sisterhood, a structure and a form of stress relief.

Claire Meehan ’17 was injured playing soccer on June 24, 2013, and hasn’t been able to play since. She can remember the day vividly.

“It was really rough going from being a very active athlete to a sedentary one,” Meehan said. “I felt less invincible, and it reminded me that I can’t do everything, and I had limits.”

Much of the post-injury anxiety or stress can stem from a fear of reinjury long after the original injury has healed.

Justin Djuve ’17 knows this feeling all too well as a long time football player, having torn a ligament in his leg.

“I felt like my leg was exposed or, like, weaker than the other. I thought I was going to injure it again,” Djuve said.

However, these athletes don’t blame their injury on their sport.

Instead, many choose to turn the events into a learning experience, even if they can no longer hit the “I learned that even though you’re going to want to give up more than anything, you’ve just got to push,” Meehan said.

Quinn Hughes ’16 Major professional sports leagues such as the MLB, WNBA, NFL and MLS all generate massive support from young athletes, inspiring people to play the sport and pursue it as a career.

However, students that play water polo, volleyball, rugby or any other sport that is underrepresented at the professional scene in America do not have the same experience with their sport as star football players do.

Girls’ volleyball captain does not plan on pursuing volleyball in college.

“I think if volleyball was more popular on the professional level than it would give current and future players the aspiration to get to that elite level,” Knoll said.

Cole Moyer ’16, a member of the boys’ water polo team, a sport that lacks a popular professional league, takes a more nonchalant approach. He says he most likely will not play the sport after high school aside from a recreational or club team.

However, there is some debate as to the level of importance professional young athletes. Noah Yokoi ’16, entering his third year of Staples baseball, said he does not “play baseball because of the publicity it gets.”

“I think everybody reaches a day when they are told to quit the game. But for some, it’s earlier or later than others.”

- Noah Yokoi ’16 Rachel Seideman ’17 also doubts the importance of a professional league.

“The WNBA hasn’t

Will Andrews ’16 had similar beliefs to Levin. “Last year was a really special year. Half our team was seniors, and four of them had been on the team since freshman year,” Andrews said. “We but everyone still on the team is one year older and better, and we’ve all got the experience of winning FCIACS and states.

Max Zimmerman ’17 is one of the younger players that Levin believes could make an impact this year. Last year, he was involved in 15 out of the 21 varsity victories, and played a key role in the state tournament.

Zimmerman himself seemed pretty excited for the start of the season. “I can’t wait to get back out there,” he said with a smile.

“I feel like my experience from last year has helped me become a better player and I look forward to contributing again to this year’s team.”

But Zimmerman wasn’t the only one who was eager for the start of the season. Head coach Kris Hrisovulos was enthusiastic as well. “The team is going to be better and more in depth this year,” Hrisovulos said. “We can’t wait to see how far we can go again this year.”

Minor leagues don’t hinder passion

WRITE TO INKLINGS

always loved basketball,” she said.

As a sophomore on varsity girls’ basketball, she is still deciding whether or not to take the sport to the collegiate level.

Some are told their time playing is done, some lose their passion for the game, but when it comes to sports like volleyball and water polo there is the practical aspect.

Without a professional league the likelihood of making a good living off of the sport compared to the MLB where the lowest salary in the league, is $507,500, is very slim.

For CJ Stephan ’16, another member of the baseball team, money is not the motive for playing the game.

“I simply play baseball because I love the game, and salaries are not what’s on my mind when I’m on the diamond.”

There is a multitude of considerations that come into the minds of players when choosing when to end their athletic careers. Yokoi stated, “I think everybody reaches a day when they are told to quit the game. But for some it’s earlier or later than others.”

26

Inklings

April 6, 2015 | Sports

Tees off for his last season as head of Superfans Jimmy Ray Stagg ’16 There are a select few people who have navy blue and white running through their veins.

There are a select few who yearn for the feeling of the cool metal bleachers yet stand for the entirety of the gameplay. There are a select few people who rise above the rest as the ultimate select few people are chosen to run the SuperFans.

If you’re one of the 1,067 members of the Staples SuperFans Facebook group, then you undoubtedly know the name promoting games for every sport, as well as his sheer audacity and his willpower to defend the Wreckers against any other fanbase, Thrush has proven to be a successful leader to Staples’ largest student organization.

Thrush hopes that his own legacy will be one of positivity.

“When people hear my name, I want them to think, ‘Oh he’s a great kid, really enthusiastic,’ Thrush said. “I mean I don’t want to toot my own horn, but I just hope people think good things.”

While Thrush enjoys the fanfare of the football games, the

chilling intensity of the hockey games and the intimate ferocity of basketball and volleyball games, he himself plays a sport that doesn’t have a huge following at Staples.

Thrush has been playing golf since he was three years old and while revering the togetherness and the brother and sisterhood formed in the thunderous fan section, he loves the “individuality” that golf provides.

Peter Richards ’15, captain of the golf team, believes that Thrush’s “legacy at Staples will probably be for his outgoing and loud personality and his leadership in SuperFans.”

However, Richards believes that Thrush’s skills shouldn’t be ignored. “He started on varsity year, and helped us rank inside and inside the top eight teams in the state,” Richards said. “Plus he’s playing golf at Hobart next year, so you know he’s pretty solid.”

Co-head of the SuperFans, Greg Fisher ’15, praises Thrush’s ability to inspire his fellow of getting people rallied around

Caroline O’Kane ’16 After years of practice, Katie Orlin ’17 has perfected her sport. Her blades cut through the ice as her arms pull back.

She launches herself off the ground, perfectly synchronized with her 19 teammates, followed by that leaves the cheering crowd amazed.

Though Orlin has traveled the world with her synchronized skating team, Orlin most vividly recalls World Championships.

Orlin and her teammates took to the ice after hearing the booming voice of the announcer state, “‘May I present to you Skyliners, representing the United States of America.’”

“That moment was absolutely surreal,” Orlin said, smiling as she recalled her experience at Junior hair on my arm stood straight up. All I could think about was everything I’ve ever done the endless practices to perfect the routines, all the grueling conditioning, the countless

SPINNING AND WINNING

hours I’ve spent on the ice all of it has led up to that exact moment,” she added.

championships, and was ranked sixth at Worlds where Orlin competed against skaters from all corners of the globe. all the dedication and hard work Orlin put in to reach the Junior World Championship.

Orlin has lived and breathed the ice. By the age of seven, she was competing freestyle skating and later began her career in synchronized sun has set and when most their study guide for the next day’s test, Orlin is working out on the ice. But the hard work is made easier when it is done in an act of love.

Orlin’s mom, Jane, loves to watch her daughter sail across the ice. “She has always loved to skate,” she began. “I love how much she has grown on and off the ice.

Her hard work has truly paid off.”

it hard to forget Thrush after meeting him. “This one time we and he basically knew the entire staff by name,” Richards recalls.

“This happens nearly every time we go out.”

Although Thrush believes that the two worlds of golf and SuperFans have very little in common, he would love to see some support for Staples golf.

“I’d love to see a gallery of fans come out and support us,” Thrush said. “I think that’d be hilariously awesome.”

Whether it be hoisting the “S” banner high above the crowd or sending a ball into orbit with his driver, Thrush has undoubtedly left his mark on Staples.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY KATIE ORLIN 17’

Orlin spins in sync

Staples sports,” Fisher said.

“He’s loud, he always makes his presence known and he’s not afraid to take charge.”

Thrush’s enthusiasm and energy came out even before he started answering questions.

When approached for an interview, Thrush asked, “Can we walk and talk? I’m good at that.” Throughout the whole conversation, Thrush never lost pace or stumbled, marching

PHOTO DRAMATAZATION BY ZOE BROWN ’15

BLEEDING BLUE

Boy’s volleyball sets up for a new coach Renee Weisz ’17 Daniel Cho juggles his job as a nurse while coaching a girls’ club volleyball team at Chelsea Piers and playing for his own national volleyball team. Yet, the new head boys’ volleyball coach, serve Staples well, pun intended.

Having previously worked with junior varsity, the team members “all view him as a very smart and knowledgeable player and coach,” Chris Delaurentis ’15, a varsity captain, said.

Cho’s love for the sport began at a young age with Cho’s church group volleyball league. He went on to play as an all-state setter for his Trumbull High School team, where he met the man who would lead him to the Staples courts.

“What brought me to Staples? John Shepro,” Cho said without hesitation. Along with being Cho’s coach throughout high school, Shepro is the current Staples AP economics and Cho is grateful to continue this he respects immensely and is proud to share his knowledge from Shepro with his own team.

“Seeing [Shepro] just brought back nostalgia,” Cho said. “I want to take this opportunity to teach the younger guys or younger generations what I have learned in this sport that I love.”

Cho’s players agree that communicating his knowledge and passion to the team. “He never yells at players but manages to always get his points across, and all the players respect him for it,” captain Jason Bernstein ’15 said.

His personal style is very much based on team improvement rather than individual efforts. Drills focus more on collaboration than individual positions, positively “The team become very connected because Dan teaches to

play as a unit; he always mentions that you are as strong as your weakest link, and by practicing as a team, our squad has become much stronger,” Jonas Piekara ’16, a varsity player, said.

Cho recognizes team bonding is a priority. He believes the key to success, especially with a small group of only six players on the court, is feeling completely comfortable with one another and having fun as a team.

“I’m very dedicated to the term ‘family’ in the way I play [and] the reason why I play volleyball,” Cho said.

Cho has become a part of the team family, too. “Probably the I want to be on the court with them,” he chuckled. He proudly calls his athletes more than just players to coach but fellow teammates and colleagues, even if he can’t join in the game.

Piekara can attest to this camaraderie and trust between coach and team. If he could describe Cho in one word it would be “relatable. For the three years I’ve known Dan, he’s been an incredibly down to earth guy who shares his common experience from playing the game not too long ago,” Piekara said. techniques, Cho emphasizes the importance of a solid defense . The team often practices these drills in a fast-paced, timed setting to get the players thinking on their feet. With two consecutive FCIAC championships already under the team’s belt, team members have high expectations for an “FCIAC three-peat” and winning states.

Despite these challenges for the season, everyone is grateful to have Cho as the new head coach and he has proven to be an asset to the Staples community.

“It is an honor to have known and played for Coach Cho for the past three years,” Bernstein said.

“And I am looking forward to the up-coming season.”

Inklings

April 6, 2015 | Sports

27

Little Leaguers prepare for the big stage

M

Sarah Ellman ’15

any remember those little (or not so little) boys in evergreen baseball uniforms playing on TV during the Little League World Series two summers ago. It’s hard to believe they are now walking the halls of Staples and trying out for the high school team.

In August, 2013, the Westport Little League team, made up of 11 middle LLWS. The boys became champions when score of 1-0 in the championship game.

“It seems like so long ago that I was watching the LLWS and ‘The Chad Knight’ with my friends,” Claudia Boland ’16 said. “It’s so weird that they’re in high school with us now.” to an end for these boys as a number of them will now be continuing their baseball careers in high school.

“We are expecting a great group of players who have had great coaching to continue the winning tradition here at Staples,” varsity player Phil McGovern ’15 said.

Thomas Whelan, who coached the LLWS, said that fundamentals such as used from Little League all the way up to the Big Leagues.

“I think that all the boys associated with Westport Little League, not just the boys from the LLWS, that try out for the Staples baseball team will not have any issues with the transition to high school ball,” Whelan said “This is a by product

of the hard work of the Westport Little League board that make sure all children have the ideal baseball experience from K to eigth grade.”

Matt Stone ’18, who was the catcher baseball starting this spring. He said the main differences he will be facing as a high school baseball player are faster pitching and stronger teammates and competitors.

On the other hand, Christopher Drbal Little League team, said he feels that Staples baseball will be more serious than Little League baseball.

“In Little League it was more about having a blast with your friends,” Drbal said. “High school ball is more about working hard, competing, getting better, focusing on how to help the team and winning to build a reputation for yourself, your team and your school.”

Drbal and Stone agree that the competitive aspect of Little League baseball has given them experience that will prove as an advantage on the Staples diamond. Both players are excited for this upcoming season and to further their previous baseball skills.

“I’m excited to play for my town again this year for Staples,” Stone said.

Current varsity baseball captain Ian Burns ’15 expects big things out of these boys and thinks they are a talented group of players. He said he hasn’t gotten a chance to see them play since the LLWS but believes what they did is a great accomplishment.

“Hopefully they have the same success at the high-school level,” Burns said.

Wed April 8

Thurs April 9

Baseball and Softball

Baseball vs. Newton 4 p.m. at Home

Boys’ and Girls’ Track and Field

Girls vs.

McMahon 4 p.m. at Home

Boys vs.

McMahon 4 p.m. at Home

Boys vs.

Norwalk 4 p.m. at Home

Boys vs.

Greenwich 4 p.m. at Home

Boys’ and Girls’ Tennis

Fri April 10

Sat April 11

Softball vs. Nonnewaug 4 p.m. in Woodbury

Baseball vs. Masuk 12 p.m. in Monroe

Girls vs.

Girls vs.

Norwalk Greenwich 4 p.m. in 4 p.m. in Norwalk Greenwich

Boys vs.

Boys’ McMahon and Girls’ 7:15 p.m.

Lacrosse in McMahon

Girls vs.

Danbury 4 p.m. at Home

Boys vs.

Stamford 1 p.m. at Home

Rugby vs.

Prep 4 p.m.

Rugby

Volleyball vs. Bassick 4 p.m. in Bassick

Boys’ Volleyball

Sailing PHOTO BY CAROLINE O’KANE’ 16

CELEBRATING THE WIN

Sailing Regatta 3 p.m. at Home

NO EVENTS ON 4/6 OR 4/7

GIRLS’ GOLF’S NEXT EVENT IS APRIL 20 BOYS’ GOLF’S NEXT EVENT IS APRIL 21 GIRLS’ WATERPOLO’S NEXT EVENT IS APRIL 22 BOYS’ GOLF’S NEXT EVENT IS APRIL 21

THE SPORT THAT BECAME A LIFESTYLE

Caroline Lane ’16 Tis the season of girls’ and boys’ lacrosse.

And here’s to the next four months of lax; but we all know that the hype of lacrosse never really let’s up.

Soon enough, girls in white T-shirts running frantically around the hall trying to get their marker color on another girl’s shirt, in hopes of winning color war, and armies of girls in black will storm the halls.

And that’s just on game days.

sporting one’s very own mid-calf tan line while strutting down the halls of Staples.

And as the lacrosse teams say, sock tan-lines may fade, but the memories last forever,’ but let’s be honest, they think the tan lines are pretty great while they last.

Team spirit may be all fun and games, but, to the team, there is no part of lacrosse more important than the game itself.

The colorful, beat-up, trusty lacrosse stick isn’t just a stick but an extension of a player. God forbid a player doesn’t have it by their side on a big game day.

The goofy rituals of lacrosse may be laughable to some, but there’s no denying

travels in packs around the school decked out in lacrosse logo-wear topped off with in the class L championships last year, and the infamous bucket hats.

The team spirit isn’t just about to play at college next year.

There is overwhelming success for but showing the whole school that they’re a both the boys’ and girls’ lacrosse programs. player for the prized lacrosse squad.

But that’s no surprise because, well, Yet there’s no greater glory than lax is life.

PHOTO BY DYLAN DONAHUE ‘15

LAX IS LIFE

Sports The Wreckers

Inside

Mary Bennewitz ’15 tees off for a successful season

Page 24

Griffin Thrush moves from the bleachers onto the course

Page 26

PH OTOS BY CA

10

Top

Y

ou’ve heard it countless times: ‘My team is my family.’ But for the Staples varsity girls’ lacrosse team, this mantra rings true, and rightfully so.

“A lot of us have played grade,” Amelia Heisler ’15 said. “It’s awesome playing with the same group of girls for such a long time. They are like my second family.”

Heisler is not the only one of the 10 graduating varsity lacrosse players who feels this way. In fact, ask any of them and the feeling is mutual.

“It’s a privilege playing with such a large group that has stuck together since we were underclassmen,” Paige Murray ’15, who will be attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University for

’16

BEGINNING OF THE END

Seniors cement their legacy for one last season Becky Hoving ’17

RO LI NE O’KA NE

PHOTO BY DYLAN DONAHUE ’15

lacrosse, said.

“We’ve all grown so much since freshman year and we all have been able to learn how each and every And this growing, learning and sticking together has paid off in big ways. season as Wreckers, all 10 donning their white Staples jerseys and signature blue hair ribbons. They are able to read each other like they can read the coverage across Ginny our specialties and, with that being said, our team keeps getting stronger because we know what works and what doesn’t,” Murray said. “We have learned how to improve each other’s skills individually

and as a whole to make us better as a team.”

But it’s not just the 10 seniors exclusively who share such a bond- everyone on the team feels it, too. To an underclassman on the team, it’s easy to see how coming into this kind of environment could be intimidating, but this is not the case. Colleen Bannon ’17 was welcomed onto the varsity team her freshman year, and immediately felt at home despite the number of upperclassmen. “They made me feel like I was important and part of the team right away,” Bannon said. “And not only do we have good

Pete Najarian, agrees that the team has great chemistry and the team,” Pete Najarian said. Like in most sports, familiarity and friendship on in lacrosse.”

While Bannon and other underclassmen may be excited to advance further into their high school careers this

this is our last year together,

and it’s going to be hard to leave people who have been like my family for the past four years,” Heisler said.

Another senior, Nicki Najarian ’15, who is playing for Denison University next season, shared similar remarks college next year, so that is for us, but it’s going to be very hard to move onto a different team,” she said. “We have all become so close; it’s going to be hard to leave my best friends. I really can’t imagine playing with any other group of girls.”