Inklings February Issue

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INKLINGS INKLINGS

Vol. 88, Issue 6

February 16, 2017 page 11

page 8 A new season of 'scheming'

Pebbles, poisies, and small business Hillary O'Neill's '17 homemade terrarium Molly Liebergall '17 and Becca Rawiszer '17 business Pebbles and Poises takes off on satirically examine dating culture at Staples. social media.

National news coverage of TEAM Westport essay prompt snowballs into misinformation

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Channing Smith '17

quick punch of the phrase “white privilege” in a Google search results in dozens of articles and photos of idyllic downtown Westport, scenes with which all Staples students are familiar, as a result of a TEAM Westport essay prompt.

As part of the fourth annual TEAM Westport Essay Contest, the board revealed this year’s topic of “white privilege.” The prompt read: “In 1,000 words or less, describe how you understand the term ‘white privilege’.

To what extent do you think this privilege exists? What impact do you think it has had in your life—whatever your racial or ethnic identity—and in our society more broadly?”

When asked about the prompt, TEAM Westport Chairman Harold Bailey Jr. emphasized how the word “extent” allowed responses of all viewpoints.

“Students can respond in numerous ways,” Bailey said. “The idea of the contest was that young people and teenagers would have an opportunity to comment from their perspective on subjects that might be of controversy or interest.”

Despite TEAM’s intended openended question, as Bailey explained, the essay received national media coverage from outlets such as The New York Times, New York Post and even international coverage from the UK Daily Mail.

Jonathan Demeter ’17 blamed 'buzzwords.' “People love it,” Demeter said. “‘Rich,’ ‘white town.’ Let’s go there,” he said mockingly.

Staples principal James D’Amico echoed this idea, as he explained he believed much of the buzz comes from miscommunication, as few people may have actually read the prompt.

“They only react to the headline,” D’Amico said. “It’s Twitter culture.”

The widespread news coverage snowballed inaccurate information concerning the essay prompt, leading to outrage and disagreement from many.

D’Amico explained he fielded calls from as far as Seattle and Virginia debunking rumors surrounding the school’s involvement with the prompt. Falsely reported information included that the town of Westport was paying TEAM and funding the cash prizes, or that the essay was an assignment for every student in the Westport school district.

First Selectman Jim Marpe agreed

INSIDE 1 7 11 17 21

News Opinions Features Arts Sports

Changes in English curriculum push for college readiness and independence Izzy Connors ’18

Crayon 01

Suburban America

White

Tastefully Tan

Band-Aid Tone

Upper Middle

So-called "others" Rich Graphic by Channing Smith '17

Westport

In Westport, and America, some people associate skin tone with identity. that the headlines were worded as “click bait.”

“Unfortunately, in today’s world, certain word combinations are seen by some as “code” for extreme views, [...] Given the power of social media, it quickly spread itself to many people in distant places who would not have heard of, or reacted to, this contest,” Marpe said.

D’Amico was also surprised at the attention the contest gathered around the nation. “People would call saying, ‘How could the school force the kids to write an essay on this?’ Which is just not true,” D’Amico laughed.

On Feb. 5, TEAM Westport published a fact sheet outlining the truth and purpose regarding the essay prompt.

Bailey compared the news coverage to a game of broken telephone. “For every wrong story there were dozens of people saying ‘This is outrageous’ to something that wasn’t true,” Bailey said. “After this we decided to publish the fact sheet.”

Though the essay had no direct affiliation with the school district, both

D’Amico and Bailey explained TEAM and Staples have combined forces to tap into tough conversations at school.

“Historically, [TEAM has] been a good group for us to partner with for kickstarting discussion on diversity on the local level,” D’Amico said. “There are certain conversations about diversity that can be difficult to have in Westport, or anywhere.”

Bailey was adamant in believing these tough conversations must be introduced early on in education. “The parents of the students get a chance to go to work, travel and get away all the time, seeing the diversity that makes up the entire world or the nation. Students here don’t get a chance to do that,” Bailey said. “They tend to be only exposed to the folks around them.”

Ali Tritschler, Greens Farms Academy class of 2016 and one of the winners of the 2016 TEAM Essay Contest, voiced her appreciation for TEAM’s initiatives. “I

Continued on page 6

WHITE PRIVILEGE? This was the full prompt asked of the Westport community, which prompted backlash.

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

Beginning next school year, Effective Writing (the junior B-level English course) and English 4 (the senior A-level English course) will be removed from the Staples English curriculum. Instead, juniors and seniors will choose from a variety of English electives.

“Effective Writing was originally created when there was the major research paper graduation project in grade 11 and when we had a semester course called Research and Literature in place,” Julie Heller, English Department Head, explained. After the research paper requirement was moved to sophomore English classes, the semester course was deemed unnecessary. “Effective was originally created to give students a full year to complete that paper at a slower pace,” Heller said. “It is simply no longer needed.”

Brendan Giolitto, current Effective Writing teacher, believes the decision to eliminate the course will benefit students. “I am behind this decision because I think the English department offers an extensive amount of electives that cater to students’ interests, especially those surrounding research,” Giolitto said.

Although English 3A remains a fullyear option, Heller agrees with Giolitto that juniors and seniors should narrow their scope of learning and explore personal interests. Semester courses like Irish Literature, Mythology and Bible, Caribbean Literature and Film Analysis give students the opportunity to personalize learning. After taking at least two years of generic English, Heller believes that “students should be making their own decisions at this point.”

The resolution to get rid of English 4 stems from the same sentiment. “The idea is that students will register for half year courses that they would not have looked at otherwise and find a genuine interest or passion in that elective,” Mary Katherine Hocking, current English 4 teacher, said.

English 4, although it addresses similar skills that the electives encompass, hasn’t enticed student passion. However, Hocking hopes the electives will have a better chance at engaging students. “These are courses that anyone, not just potential English majors, can find a niche in,” she said.

Julian Ross ’17, who is currently enrolled in English 4, notes that he didn’t put much thought into his course selection. “I haven't taken anything other than A-level English classes, so English 4 seemed like a logical progression. I decided it was a safe bet for my senior year,” he said. Without this “safe option” next year, seniors may explore their own passions beyond traditional English skills.

With college just around the corner for many, these changes to the English curriculum will prepare upperclassmen for the decisions they will soon make about their career paths. “College courses are almost always semester courses,” Heller explained, “so [preparation] for the college experience should mirror that.”

inklingsnews.com

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News | February 16, 2017

Graphic by Channing Smith'16

Local lawmakers seek solutions on key transportation infrastructure issues A

Fritz Schemel ’17

on our local economy and the value of our homes, which in turn makes it harder to fund our high quality schools and the other amenities such as Compo Beach, Longshore, the Library, etc., which make Westport such a special place.”

However, some Staples students who ride the train frequently into New York City say that Metro North has been largely dependable, and they don’t see infrastructure as that big of an issue.

“I think overall Metro North is really reliable and successful in its pretty sizable job of constantly bringing people to and from the city,” Natalie Chun ’17 said, who used to take the train daily for fencing practice.

While many agree that infrastructure problems should be tackled, lawmakers split when it comes to how to pay for plans.

s President Trump sets his agenda for his first 100 days in office, his infrastructure plan is one piece of legislation many Democrats say they are willing to work on with the President.

“President Trump has indicated that he is going to introduce a large transportation funding bill,” Patrick Malone, communications director for Congressman Jim Himes, said. “If he is serious about that, and it is a smart bill that makes good investments, Congressman Himes will be supportive.

Federal investment could be very helpful in solving many of our area’s challenges.”

Local lawmakers say the two central infrastructure and transportation challenges are roads and the Metro North railroad. Lawmakers say it can have large impacts on Fairfield County and Westport.

Democratic State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, who represents Westport, said that both roads and railroads need improvement.

“Longer, unreliable commutes mean Westport is less attractive as a place to live, undermining real estate values,” he said.

First Selectman Jim Marpe agreed with Steinberg’s assessment of the issue’s threat to Westport’s economic prosperity.

“If we don’t [improve transportation 66 percent of Connecticut infrastructure], Westport will become a less desirable bridges are deemed adequate. location to live or do business in,” Marpe, a Republican, said.

“This will have a direct impact

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

Both fare hikes for Metro North and the proposed implementation of tolls have caused controversies in Hartford.

Emerson Kobak ’18, who takes the train into New York regularly, says fares are already too high.

“I think the fare is pretty high as someone who goes into the city every weekend,” she said. “I take fashion classes on Saturdays, and my train fare is pretty similar to the cost of the actual class.”

While some Democrats are in favor of fare hikes, State Representative Gail Lavielle, a Republican who represents part of Westport, has introduced a bill in the Connecticut House that would require a vote for all Metro North fare hikes. She cites the need for better management of the money the state already has, rather than collecting more money.

“There are times when service improvements or cost increases warrant fare increases, and in those instances, legislators should have no concern about supporting them,” Lavielle said. “But when fare increases are simply a result of state budget mismanagement, they must be weighed against other budget items, and the issue of fairness becomes very important.

Infrastructure and transportation, given its consequences, will both be hot-button issues under President Trump and in the upcoming 2018 gubernatorial election.

“Transportation is one of the first things they look at when they are considering places to build or purchase a site,” Lavielle said. “It's a pillar of any economy.”

34 percent of Connecticut bridges are inadequate.

This means that the bridge are either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.

News | February 16, 2017

Special Education rights defined in Transition Bill of Rights Max Appell ’18 & Anay Simunovic '18

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Staples raises awareness about Syrian Civil War Kaya Leitner '19 The Syrian Civil War has been acknowledged as the most brutal and destructive conflict of the 21st century.

In response to the immense amount of violence, tension and the humanitarian and refugee crises, several student organizations at Staples have been established to increase awareness of the circumstances in Syria and attempt to aid victims of the disaster.

Aljazeera reports,“Five years since the conflict began, more than 450,000 Syrians have been killed in the fighting, more than a million injured and over 12 million Syrians—half the country's prewar population—have been displaced from their homes.”

Many search for a solution to combat the growing humanitarian crises. One current proposal, thought to be favored

by President Trump, calls for the creation of safe zones in Syria. A safe zone is essentially a large, patrolled area where refugees can seek a safe-haven that is not riddled by violence. It has sparked great controversy for numerous reasons.

Some people feel that it is an attempt to divert attention from America’s obligation to settle refugees here, others object to the cost estimated at 1 billion dollars a month, while others fear it will lead to escalating military involvement as a result of attempting to maintain the safe zones.

“It's hard to say what Trump is going to do in Syria. In the past, he's said the United States should support Assad's regime, which is simply atrocious,” Theo Koskoff ’18 said. “Since then, he's expressed the need for civilian ‘safe zones,’ but I don't think he understands the significance of such a move.”

Currently, Syria clings to a fragile truce as Russia, Turkey and America seek to work out a peace deal.

Several student-run Staples organizations have made an effort to raise awareness and lend a hand. Social studies teacher Cathy Schager has introduced a curriculum to her Contemporary World class regarding the crisis in Syria and the ways in which they can make a difference.

She held a fundraiser, “Change for Syria,” where each grade level competed to bring in the highest amount of money. All the proceeds went to aid refugees in need.

Building Bridges, a new club at Staples, was also created to connect the Staples community to people in the Middle

Photo by Lulu Stracher '17

Syrian Refugee Crisis: By the numbers 4 million have been displaced in Syria

Jordan population +8 percent

Lebanon population +10 percent

1.3 million have fled to neighborhood countries East. Through fundraising, documentary viewings and guest speakers, the purpose of the club is for members to gain a greater understanding of the issues impacting the Middle East.

“As far as [Building Bridges’] impact in regards to Syria, I hope that the club, as well as the Change for Syria efforts by Ms. Schager's Contemporary World classes, allows Staples students to recognize the complexities of what's occurring in Syria,” Koskoff said.

The roots of the current crisis lay in the Arab Spring movement, a series of anti-government protests and revolutions sparked across the Middle East starting in 2010. In Damascus, Syria's Capital, when a group of teenagers were caught writing graffiti in support of the Arab Spring, they were beaten and tortured, one to death.

This inspired a series of increasingly

Infographic by Lulu Stracher '17

new initiative, stated in the Transition Bill of Rights, was established in the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year in Westport Public Schools which gives special education students the opportunity to begin working on the transitional period, the time of adjustment between high school and future endeavors, as soon as sixth grade.

“It’s really important to me that we as a district continue to focus on the individual needs of the kids trying to make sure they are as successful as possible,” Mike Rizzo, director of pupil services, said.

The Transition Bill of Rights was passed in May of 2016 and defined the rights that students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are provided under state and federal law.

One of the rights stated in the bill is that special education students are entitled to “secondary transition services through their IEP starting at least at age 16, or younger if desired and recommended by the student’s PPT (Planning and Placement Team).”

Members of the Westport community have voiced their concerns with the current special education transition program in place.

“There are needs for the transitional program that aren't being met and I think there are more programs that need to become available,” Edward Milton, Staples Outreach Counselor, said. Milton is also the father of two children with IEPs who attended Bridgeport High School.

Some administrators believe that in an effort to strengthen the transitional programs available, the process should be started at a younger age.

“It is a process that you need to start in middle school,” Sharuna Mahesh, a special education PTA co-chair and parent of a student with an IEP, said.

“50 percent of getting into college is your academics,” she said. “The other part for you to be successful is: Are you ready?

Can you handle that transition.”

According to Lorraine DiNapoli, Coordinator of Special Education at Staples, students in the middle school transitional program learn the “soft skills” necessary to succeed. Soft skills entail being able to identify an academic problem and seek out the proper assistance to resolve the predicament.

“Most of our students go onto a two or four year college,” Rizzo said. “A small percentage need additional services so they would be in the RISE program or go to a program at NCC (Norwalk Community College).”

The Reaching Independence through Supported Education (RISE) Program is a unified effort among area school districts and Cooperative Educational Services (CES) with Sacred Heart University. RISE works with special education students aged 18-21 with “limited cognitive functioning who can benefit from a placement in a more age-appropriate setting versus a high school environment,” according to the program’s website.

Daniel Maya ’17, a student involved in the special education system, plans on attending Gateway Community College in New Haven, Connecticut and pursuing a career as a janitor.

“I think Staples did a good job academically […] by helping me with interviews at colleges, preparing, and getting an internship,” Maya said.

In addition to college, there are many other options available. “It depends on everybody’s need, but I think that without knowing all the options, it makes it harder to make the right choice,” McMahon said.

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violent confrontations. In response, the Syrian government, by Bashar Al-Assad, responded by killing and imprisoning hundreds of protesters. The rebel groups rose to oppose the historically repressive regime of Assad, and eventually this conflict developed into a civil war.

Rebel groups are comprised of SDF, Syrian Democratic Forces, which is backed by the US, and Islamic fundamentalist groups including ISIL, sworn enemies of America. Russia has sent troops and airpower to support its ally, Assad.

Sitting between all these hostile forces are 700,000 innocent civilians. This has created a humanitarian crisis of massive proportions.

“Hopefully, by raising awareness around the war, kids will begin to hold people accountable for its atrocities,” Koskoff said. “Even if on a minor scale.”

BUILDING BRIDGES Posters made by Cathy Schager's Contemporary World class hang around Staples to raise awareness about the Syrian civil war.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

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News | February 16, 2017

WORLD BRIEFS

[ ] [ ][ ] Andrew Vester ’19

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IMMIGRATION BAN

n one of the first acts of his presidency, Donald Trump imposed a ban on immigration to the United States from seven Middle Eastern nations: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The largest concern with the ban comes from the lack of clarity in Trump’s intentions behind imposing it. It’s been criticized as being a Muslim ban rather than being designed to protect the United States, with Trump saying that Christians would be the first allowed into the United States after the ban is listed. Rudy Giuliani appeared on national TV to say that he was the head of finding a legal way to impose a ban on Muslims. A federal court has suspended the ban while it examines its constitutionality.

NATIONWIDE PROTESTS Protesters sit in at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to oppose President Trump's recent travel ban.

Photo via MCT Campus labled for reuse

SUPREME COURT NOMINATION

The death of former Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia in Feb. 2016 left a vacancy on the nine-judge court. During the last year of his presidency, Barack Obama nominated Merrick Garland to fill the position, but the judge was never confirmed by the Senate. President Trump has selected a judge to fill the hole left on the court, nominating Neil Gorsuch to fill the post. Gorsuch, a judge on the Court of Appeals, attended Harvard Law School and was confirmed unanimously to his previous post. Gorsuch’s legislative philosophy is very similar to that of Scalia. On the key issues, Gorsuch is right-leaning, supporting the rights of gun owners and the philosophy of limited government.

CABINET CONFIRMATIONS

As is customary with incoming presidents, Donald Trump has nominated several people to lead the 15 Cabinet Departments that aid in his leading of the Executive Branch. So far, seven of Trump’s nominees have been confirmed, with the most outrage coming from the confirmation of Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. In her hearings, Devos said that schools need to allow guns inside of them to protect against Grizzly Bear attacks, and her critics have frequently accused her of not knowing enough about public schools. DeVos attended private schools for all of her life. Other nominees who have been confirmed are Rex Tillerson (Sec. of State), James Mattis (Sec. of Defense), Elaine Chao (Sec. of Transportation), John Kelly (Sec. of Homeland Security), Mike Pompeo (Head of CIA) and Nikki Haley (Ambassador to the UN).

Feb. 23-26 JSA Winter Congress

LOCAL BRIEFS

Eighteen members of Staples' Junior Statesmen of America will be traveling to Washington , D. C. for their annual Winter Congress meeting. The trip will consist mainly of debating in favor of bills they drafted themselves against schools from around the Northeast. Students will be able to tour monuments and explore the D. C. area.

Nicole Shapiro ’18 Photo via Wikipedia under the creative commons license

Feb. 17-26

February Break Students and staff get to enjoy the second longest break following December vacation. The start of February break a staff development day, falls on Friday, Feb. 17. Students and staff will then return on Feb. 26.

Feb. 17-26

Builders Beyond Borders Trip Over February break, the first four Builders Beyond Borders teams will begin their respective projects in Nicaragua. Each team will be on different sites around the country working on specialized projects for a community in need. One team will be building classrooms for a school, while another is constructing a community center. The teams are made up of students from all across Fairfield County and they will be gone for the entire week of break.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

Feb. 26 Annual Jazz Jam

The Annual Jazz Jam will be held on Sunday, Feb. 26 at the Westport Art Center.

It will be held from 3-5 p.m. this year. The Westport Art Center Artistic Director for Jazz, Brian Torff, will be there for a jam session with some of the community’s most active musicians. These sessions are intended to be a spontaneous exploration of Jazz, Blues and other music styles. The Jazz Jam encourage students and semiprofessionals to drop in and jam for free. Anybody that wants to come and listen, it costs $15 for members of the Westport Art Center and $20 for nonmembers.

Feb. 28

YA Author Visiting Staples Author Karen Fortunati will talk with English classes in periods one and three about her writing career. She will also discuss bipolar disorder, which was the subject of her award-winning book, "The Weight of Zero." Her husband, psychiatrist Frank Fortunati, will talk about teen mental health further in health classes during periods 5 and 7.

News | February 16, 2017

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Calling all seniors!!

Worried about gaining the freshman 15?

Navigate the Dining Hall Stay Healthy Learn BEFORE you go Health & Nutrition Coaching for Individual and Groups Sessions

Sherri Raifaisen, CHC 203-858-9783 healthyeatsct4@gmail.com inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

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News | February 16, 2017

Connecticut businesswoman Linda McMahon nominated to head Small Business Administration in Trump cabinet

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Margot Mather ’17

n Dec. 7, 2016, then Presidentelect Donald Trump nominated co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment Incorporation, Linda McMahon, to serve in his cabinet as the administrator of the Small Business Administration.

"Linda has a tremendous background and is widely recognized as one of the country's top female executives advising businesses around the globe," Trump said in announcing McMahon’s nomination.

McMahon stepped down from her work at WWE in 2009 to dabble in politics.

She ran for Senator of Connecticut as a Republican in 2010 and 2012, and despite her losses, she won the 2012 primary against

former U.S representative Chris Shays.

“I think that she will have a very forward presence on Trump’s cabinet because of her track record,” Hillary Clinton supporter Sophie McCabe ’19 said. “Her proactive business approaches [...] led to the success of WWE.” Many students seem to agree that McMahon is moderate, qualified and proactive.

“As far as Trump's cabinet picks go, [McMahon] is level-headed and reasonable,” Eli Debenham ’17 said.

McMahon contributed financial support in Trump’s election with sizeable donations of $6 million to the Rebuilding America Now super PAC. McMahon also contributed an additional $1 million to a different super PAC backing Trump.

There are some, however, who believe her former relations with Trump may be of some concern.

“I do not believe [...] it is fair the ties she had with Mr. Trump as well as the Republican party in her years prior to being nominated,” Taylor Githens ’17 said.

Githens continued to state that McMahon’s nomination, despite her conflicts of interest with Trump prior, “reflects poorly on his ‘drain

the

swamp’ campaign.”

Regardless, McMahon has used her experience in private enterprise at WWE to prepare for a potential role in the public sector, especially in small business administration field.

During McMahon’s nearly three decade career at WWE, she held the position of both President and CEO. Students predict that she will have an active role in her pursuit in the advancement of women in commerce, as well as helping to grow small businesses.

Malin believes McMahon stands in line with Trump’s economic policies. “I think she’ll try to secure tax cuts for small businesses,” Madison Malin ’17 said.

In turn, McMahon has also set herself apart from Trump’s comments regarding women, and her colleagues believe she will enact policy to reaffirm her faith in the power of women in business.

“She will support women in business as she has done via her ‘Women Can Have It All Series’ at Sacred Heart University, and will stand up for women’s rights,” Donna Goldsmith, the former Chief Operating Officer of WWE, said.

McMahons’ dedication to her business and the advancement of women will continue in her potential role to advocate for small business entrepreneurs.

“It was truly because of their vision, creativity, business acumen and tireless effort that Linda and Vince created an internationally-recognized entertainment and marketing juggernaut based in Stamford, Connecticut,” Bob Collins, former WWE vice president said.

Graphic by Dylan Andie '19

Trump's hostility towards press follows him to White House Tori Lubin ’18

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

publishing information which he considered to be a breach of national security.

“Unlike most other presidents, [Trump] wasn’t a politician before becoming president so he wasn’t used to always having cameras recording and watching everything he did [...]” Calum Gordon '17 said. “I think the press should give him some time to adjust, and he’ll be much more respectful.”

Trump’s criticisms of the press are often made via his Twitter page.

As recent as Jan. 30, Trump called the media the “opposition party.” “[Trump] doesn’t like when things are said against him, so whenever something is said against him he will deny it and blame the source,” Payne said.

Cartoon by Colette Lippman '17

The media and Trump have had a hostile relationship throughout the duration of Trump’s campaign, with Trump calling news sources such as CNN and NBC “fake news” and labeling journalists the “most dishonest people on earth," and some Staples students agree. “[Trump] shows more of a dislike to the media compared to past presidents but for good reason,” George Harrington ’19, a Trump supporter, said.

“He has been constantly attacked and having his words twisted just because he is an outsider. The media should treat people how they want to be treated.”

Trump’s consistent discreditation of the press correlates with the changing views of the press in the eyes of the American public.

In a study done in April of 2016

by Reuters News, it was reported that only 6 percent of people had a “great deal of confidence in the press," with a massive decline in the last two decades.

According to a Gallup poll, in the 1990s, roughly 50 percent of people reported to have a high level of confidence in the press.

“I think in general [Trump’s] anti media policy has

soured an already skeptical public on the honesty of the media,” Justin Nadal, manager of "Good Morning Staples" and former TV news reporter, said. “We must cherish and support news outlets that constantly question those in office and who do it with respect for the facts and pursuit of confirmable information.”

Trump’s attitude towards the press is not an uncommon phenomenon. As early as the 1700s former President John Adams attempted to shut down any form of news which was negative towards the president, and former President Nixon sued The New York Times for

Writing prompt forces community to reflect on white privilege Channing Smith ’17 Continued from page 1 think Westport TEAM is doing something that our community needs,” Tritschler said.

“It is very easy to live in Westport and feel like you don’t relate to anything happening around the world. Westport TEAM is encouraging kids to get involved by asking them to think about different ways in which they can relate and approach the problems in our country,” Tritschler said.

Ellie Shapiro ’17, president of Staples’ TEAM club, expressed her disappointment that the media was portraying TEAM in a negative light.

“They didn't create TEAM to accuse anyone, to point fingers or to blame.

The organization is about educating and opening up a conversation in our town,” Shapiro said.

However, she justifies the excitement with the negative connotation brought with the word “white privilege.”

“Using the term white privilege rips off the dozens of band aids that have been put on race inequality issues,” Shapiro "In a town like said.

“A l t h o u g h Westport, I think TEAM had it is extremely absolutely no important for intention of kids to tackle shaming or the question forcing anyone a particular this contest is into stance, by asking regarding bringing up white privledge.” white privilege, are -Ali Tritschler people most definitely GFA '16. winner reminded of the of 2016 TEAM harsh history of the term and the negative connotation it holds. They're uncomfortable with talking about it and more importantly, how it might still exist,” Shapiro said.

Tritschler agreed in the respect that the term “white privilege” causes discomfort, but this does not mean discussing the term should be avoided.

“I understand that white privilege is a controversial topic, and many people either don’t understand it or simply don’t acknowledge it; however, in a town like Westport, I think it is extremely important for kids to tackle the question this contest is asking regarding white privilege,” Tritschler said.

Marpe noted that the controversy shouldn’t necessarily be viewed as a negative thing and rather recognizes Westport’s progressive steps as a means for sparking discussion.

“The controversy over a high school-level essay contest is a result of our community’s willingness to tackle difficult and often sensitive topics in public and to celebrate the airing of different opinions in a civil and fact-based format,” Marpe said.

Unfortunately, not everyone is comfortable with considering alternative opinions and perspectives in public (or at all), so they might have a negative view of our community as a result of this contest.

Demeter compared the media excitement over the essay prompt to reporting on the debate questions before the debate even happens. “I don’t know why people are freaking out,” he said with a shrug. “It’s so open ended; no one has even given any answers yet.”

Opinions | February 16, 2017

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

Assistant Creative Directors Ellie Kravetz & Melanie Lust

Business Manager Katelyn DeAgro

Assistant Business Managers Brett Franklin & Kayla Sirlin

News Editors

Max Appell & Alice Hickson Lulu Stracher & Frenchy Truitt

Graphic by Channing Smith ’17

Opinions Editors

Emma Greenberg & Anay Simunovic Colette Lippman & Sophie Driscoll

Features Editors

Margot Mather & Alex Spadacenta Amelia Brown & Julia Rosier

Arts Editors

‘White privilege’ prompt starts fair discussion

W

hen the TEAM Diversity committee released their annual essay question, no Sports Editors one expected its use of the term ‘white Jack Beck & Sydney Kaplan Izzy Blansfield & Jonathan Kaner privilege’ to lead to unwarranted Web News Editors national controversy. As students, we Olivia Foster & Zach Horowitz believe that the given prompt was fair, Web Opinions Editors and the national coverage was skewed.

Ian Bernstein & Bailey Blaikie Ashton Dedona & Alex Reiner

Megan Doyle & Jesse Levinson

Web Features Editors

Charlie Colasurdo & Tori Lubin

Web Arts Editors Ivy Prince & Lili Roman

Web Sports Editors

Inklings

EDITORIAL

Brendan Massoud & Alexa Moro

Advisors

“In 1,000 words or less, describe how Mary Elizabeth Fulco, Joseph DelGobbo, Matthew Bohn & Brian Solomon you understand the term ‘white privCrown Finalist for Inklingsnews.com from ilege’,” the prompt read. “To what exColumbia Scholastic Press Association 2015 tent do you think this privilege exists?

Silver Crown Award for Newspaper from What impact do you think it has had in Columbia Scholastic Press Association 2014 your life — whatever your racial or ethPacemaker from National Scholastic Press Association 2013 nic identity — and in our society more broadly?”

All the opinions, news and features in this paper Within two weeks, this prompt, and 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.

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the supposed controversy became international news, covered by the Associated Press and the Daily Mail. Headlines such as “‘White privilege’ essay contest sparks controversy in ritzy Westport, Connecticut,” and “‘White privilege’ essay ruffles affluent Connecticut town” overstated the extent of the town outrage.

This news coverage was based almost entirely on the opinions of two adults, ages 60 and 72, from the Westport community. Few media outlets attempted to widen the coverage by interviewing the students, who would actually be answering the prompt and participating in the contest.

In reality, our entire Editorial Board, consisting of students from multiple grades and political affiliations, found the prompt fair. The prompt did not attempt to sway respondents towards a specific perspective, giving each student a chance to share their viewpoint.

The prompt also succeeded in starting

a crucial conversation regarding white privilege, which our Board defined as the advantages some are born with as a result of their race.

The adults who spoke out against the prompt were restricting students’ opportunity to have an honest conversation about the problems our nation faces. We, as students, are the future of this country, and we should have the chance to weigh in on relevant debates, regardless of the controversy that surrounds them.

The conversation spurred by this essay topic was a valid step towards promoting an open dialogue surrounding both white privilege and other sources of inequality, but it is not enough. If we truly want to show that we, as Westport residents, are more tolerant than the media made us out to be, we should support fair and open prompts, like TEAM Westport’s, that ignite debate.

The Editorial Board voted unanimously in favor of this opinion.

Political Cartoon

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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Graphic by Margot Mather ’17

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Opinions | February 16, 2017

The Artichoke Inklings Satire

Couple with excessively long Snapchat streak celebrates Valentine’s Day Molly Liebergall ’17 & Becca Rawiszer ’17

Claire Dinshaw ’17 Dear Donald, Over the past few years, I have become increasingly aware of the strain overpopulation has placed on our world. With the global population currently exceeding seven billion (and counting), the hunting reserves and golf courses I once used to frequent are becoming increasingly encroached upon by the smut of the world’s tired and hungry masses. Furthermore, population growth is often most rampant among demographics that threaten the dominance of individuals, including you and me, who have enjoyed our existence as Worldwide White Men (WWM).

For too long, the United States has aided in the global advancement of abortion rights, needlessly empowering women and oppressed societies. I know the United States has never directly funded abortions overseas, but it has supported nonprofits that advocate for this practice. Previously, I have remained silent, thinking these practices may be decreasing the rampant population growth occurring in the third world that threatens the dominance of WWM. However, abortion does not seem to be as anti-life as I had originally hoped.

“Ultimately, we have not seen the loss of life we desired in Africa, and we need a new plan” Senator McCullough said to me over store-bought prime ribs during a meeting in September (his wife refused to cook; McCullough thinks it’s a phase). “Rather than limit population growth, abortion access simply empowered the people who most threaten WWM’s global dominance

Graphic by Carly Mori ’18

A

nonymous sources reported Tuesday that Staples “It-Couple” Graham Wazowski ’17 and Cara Book ’17 were spotted celebrating Valentine’s Day over dinner at Bartaco.

“After spending about an hour and a half Snapchatting each other from across the dimly lit table, we decided to take a walk over to our favorite chiefing spot, the Sunny Daes parking lot,” Wazowski said. He explained that the pair have been scheming for about 432 days now, according to their Snapchat streak.

“On our 100 day anniversary on Snapchat, we made eye contact and said, ‘hey’ in the hallway, and it was so romantic,” Book said. “The moment our streak number turned into a red one hunna sign and our yellow heart turned red, I just knew it was fate.”

Allegedly, however, some classmates view the couple’s relationship much, much differently.

“It’s a good thing Snapchat doesn’t let you see people’s best friends lists anymore, because Keisha is Graham’s number two, but he’s her number one, but Graham told Cara that he ghosted on Keisha when

they started dating, but he didn’t because their streak just hit 500 days last week,” Alicia Yak ’18 said. “Snakes, man. Snakes

everywhere.”

Even adults in the school seem to agree. “I overheard that Graham doesn’t Snapchat Cara after they hang out sometimes,” English teacher Polly Syndeton said. “I even heard that he tags other girls in memes, so we are definitely going to analyze this in Lang today.”

Book’s younger sister, Taylor Book ’19, disagreed with peers, saying that she believes her older sibling’s relationship is a picturesque landscape of heartfelt emotion.

“Graham is so good to Cara; he always responds within two minutes, and he never open-boxes her,” Taylor Book said. “The one time the hourglass popped up next to her name he captioned his next snap with a three-lined apology, and he flexed with the dog-filter.”

Although Wazowski and Book aren’t perfect, their Snapchat score and their send-to-receive ratio is superb, so they will probably end up together forever.

UPDATE: As of two hours ago, Wazowski hit an all time low when he dumped Book via Snapchat message for Becky Owens ’17, who reportedly has extremely luscious hair.

today—women. We gave them choices, but $9.5 billion in international health funding. we need to be back in control.”

This initial $9.5 billion divestment should Based on the warnings of McCullough affect the death rate immediately. Women and others, a new strategy needs to be devel- will die as access to safe, legal abortion beoped. Fast. That is why I am writing to you comes limited, resulting in the deatha of today as a concerned global citizen to pro- both women and babies when unsafe pregpose the immediate adoption of an order nancies are carried to term (this is already calling for the “Depletion and Eradication the second leading cause of death among of All Threatening Humans,” or “DEATH” adolescent girls, and I have hopes that we for short. DEATH has two simple steps. can make it the first). Women will die as One, restrict all American funding from go- they are forced to utilize dangerous aboring to any global organization that provides tion remedies without the aid of a medical abortion services or counseling to patients; professional. Women will die as internatwo, maintain a hands-off approach to in- tional health organizations suffer funding ternational health issues, causing unwant- deficits. ed populaAccording to The tremendous loss of life may the liberal machine tion growth to slow as that is the World be hard for some snowflake women die.

Health OrganiAmerican citizens to stomach, zation, as soon as “It’s genius,” MeyDEATH is enactbut it will be happening in ers Wilson, ed, the back-alley sub-Saharan Africa, the a mediocre, abortion rate will plaid-wearMiddle East and Latin America. increase 2.72 times. ing man Given the decrease from Pennsylvania who is also an advi- in funding for all organizations providing sor to Republican House representative these procedures, the majority of these Rylan Paulson, said. Wilson is not en- abortions will be dangerous and illegally tirely sure what birth control is, or how it obtained, which will result in more deaths. works. “I know my wife sees a gyno-some- Additionally, about 21,700 women will die thing-or-other. Not really something I need from preventable pregnancy complicato care about when I have the welfare of the tions—an excellent advance towards our global population to consider.” Wilson then goal of population decline. immediately reiterated his positive opinion “There is no telling how many other of DEATH. deaths will result from the cuts to HIV, maSimilar versions of this strategy have laria and Zika clinics that, at this time, curbeen implemented by other American rently offer abortion services of counseling presidents, but on a limited scale, only and will thus suffer cuts under DEATH,” restricting about $600 million in interna- legislative expert Tom Phillip said. “The tional health funding. I suggest you restrict possibilities are endless. We’ll have world

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

population under control in no time.”

Sure, the tremendous loss of life may be hard for some snowflake American citizens to stomach, but it will be happening in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. These regions lack power, so who cares?

Besides, even if there is an uproar over the death toll resulting from this $9.5 billion withdrawal from international health organizations and funds, given that women are worth 77 percent of one man, the loss to the global economy will be minimal.

Thanks, Donny, for taking my suggestions under advisement.

Sincerely and God bless all life, A concerned citizen P.S. Thank you for making male opinions regarding issues such as women’s reproductive health relevant again. I think you will know what I mean when I say, politics has always been more of a man’s forte. *The above piece is a satire in the style of Jonathan Swift. It is not intended to be taken seriously. Nevertheless, the Global Gag Rule, implemented by one of Donald Trump’s first executive orders and the fictional DEATH proposal may have many of the same effects.

Now that the Global Gag Rule has been officially implemented, it is up to us as citizens to defend women everywhere, regardless of their nationality, religion or background.

Please donate to Marie Stopes International and the International Planned Parenthood Federation, two organizations that desperately need donations to replace at least some of the money they used to receive from the United States government.

Opinions | February 16, 2017

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I value life, which is why I’m pro-choice Jesse Levinson ’17

The Women’s March was more significant than critcs will admit

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Maddy Sell ’18

n Saturday, Jan. 21, an estimated 3,244,087 people participated in the Women’s March on Washington. The mass amount of participants not only made their voices heard, but they made themselves seen, leaving the comfort of their homes and their Facebook rants behind to stand up, get out and march. So, whether or not you support the feminist movement, whether or not you support President Donald Trump, it is hard to argue that this march was not legendary.

But, many conservatives have been quick to attack the Women’s March, declaring it disrespectful to our new president. They have belittled its significance, reminding everyone that, in the words of conservative political commentator Tomi Lahren, “Even

after all that marching and cardboard signs, Trump is still our president.” Well, if you are someone who supports this logic, I’m here to tell you that you have missed the point of the march entirely.

To begin, the Women’s March was not exclusively anti-Trump. While many of the messages broadcast by marchers pertained to sexist comments of Trump, that is not why this march was organized. The acceptance of sexism that has accompanied the rise of Trump made it clear that something needed to be done to combat the societal disrespect towards women. This march was not created to be anti-Trump; it was simply pro-women. While the sole purpose was not to put down Trump, it did serve as a mechanism to show that the citizens of the United States will absolutely not tolerate his anti-women remarks and attitude.

Furthermore, the right to protest is a

Photo by Becky Hoving ’17, Graphics by Channing Smith ’17 and Mariella Alderucci ’19

right protected by the First Amendment, which clearly speaks to the significance the Founding Fathers placed on it. The right to protest was not dictated just to make sure that people were free, but also to remind people that they can speak out against their government, and the Women’s March was an effective, legal way to do so.

I will not tolerate the belittling of the march’s importance. The Women’s March was the most attended protest in history. And to have a march hold that sort of monumental power, especially on the day immediately following the inauguration, and for no arrests to have been made, is something our world has never seen before. This immensely widespread activism is important, and it does mean something.

It is a huge reminder to the country that we will not accept maltreatment from anyone, even the President of the United States.

President Donald Trump’s defiant stance on abortion rights and Planned Parenthood has long been a compelling topic. Though he has praised Planned Parenthood for the help it provides women on a daily basis, he has still, according to The Washington Times, expressed his desire to defund the organization if it continues to offer abortion services.

However, pregnancy consultations and procedures are only a fraction of the services Planned Parenthood offers. In fact, the organization claims that abortions make up only 3 percent of the services it provides, while, per CNN, contraception and sexually transmitted disease screening comprise most of Planned Parenthood’s work.

Still, there are many citizens and politicians alike who want to defund the organization on the basis of their pro-life beliefs.

House Speaker Paul Ryan has even gone on record saying that Republicans will strip Planned Parenthood of federal funding which, according to Time Magazine, accounted for $553 million in 2014.

If Congress were to follow through with Ryan’s plan, Planned Parenthood would not only become severely limited in the services it could provide, but women—as well as men—would potentially lose a place of stable, professional guidance to turn to during pressing times.

It all seems so backwards.

The dominant number of conservative representatives, along with pro-life citizens in general, often speak of the “sanctity of life” when denouncing abortions and Planned Parenthood. Yet how can you say you value life, value the paramount importance of every singular individual, when you refuse to allow a woman the right to make her own choice on a matter so life-altering?

Furthermore, the fault in valuing pro-life principles extends beyond the disrespect towards women, as supporters also fail to place enough emphasis on the lives of orphaned children.

In his novel-turned-film “The Cider House Rules,” John Irving condemns the hypocrisy of pro-life supporters by writing, “These same people who profess their love of the unborn’s soul—they don’t care to make much of a contribution to the poor . . . How do they justify such a concern for the fetus and such a lack of concern for unwanted and abused children?”

As stated by a New York Times study, only half the youths who aged out of foster care at age 18 were employed by their mid-20s. Of that population, six in 10 men were later convicted of a crime.

However, Vice President Mike Pence didn’t seem to reference abhorring statistics similar to these in his speech during the Voter Values Summit. Instead, according to Elizabeth Landers of CNN Politics, he promised to “send Roe versus Wade to the ash heap of history where it belongs.”

The modern focal point for pro-life supporters ought not be to diminish abortions; rather, it should be to bolster foster care institutions and provide more care to pregnant women.

The focus should be on the lives of babies and children and adults— not the development of fetuses.

Maybe then will the necessity of Planned Parenthood, of a sanctity for medical help and counseling to anyone in need, come into focus.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

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Opinions | February 16, 2017

Make Connecticut transportation great again Jackie Sussman ’17

M

ass transportation is imperative to Connecticut’s economy.

It’s more efficient, reduces congestion on major highways, reduces urban sprawl and lessens pollution. Not to mention it’s cheaper than driving and parking in New York City.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have, and should, favor bettering mass transit for the state. However, the General Assembly of Connecticut chose to cut off $37 million from the Department of Transportation, leaving an $18 million gap in the public transit budget, money that was used to maintain obsolete bus and rail lines. To make up the difference, solutions including tolls on highways, a vehicle miles tax and raising gasoline taxes were suggested—all I support.

Yet, instead of voting on alternate solutions, Democratic lawmakers decided to first increase bus and train fares by 16.7 and 6 percent respectively, implemented this past December. This financially hurts not only the people using the transit system, but all Connecticut residents.

Some lawmakers view commuters as inelastic demand, meaning they will continue using mass transit despite indefinite fare increases. Yet there is no evidence, especially for low-income families, that this is the case. Rather, these fare increases encourage driving, which contributes to Connecticut’s air pollution.

Such a negative externality is not welcome, especially since Connecticut’s air pollution is some of the worst in the country; Southwestern Connecticut alone failed to

meet its 1997 EPA standards, according to the Connecticut Mirror.

Higher commuting costs ultimately make Connecticut a less desirable place to live. People flock to Connecticut for its suburbia and low transportation costs; that’s part of why Bridgewater, the largest U.S. hedge fund, is based in Westport. Westport itself is a desirable location because of its proximity to major transportation lines. What’s stopping people from moving to another state where commuting is cheaper? If people and businesses leave, property values and the state economy will worsen.

This is definitely not the ideal answer to the original problem. If the General Assembly raised public highway taxes, it might have encouraged people away from driving and towards using train lines, creating the positive externalities of benefiting the environment and increasing demand for living in Connecticut. Yet raising train and especially bus fares puts the entire tax burden on people who can afford the least, a sentiment contrary to Democratic ideals.

The really disappointing outcome, however, is that the revenues generated by these fares will go towards maintenance, not improvements, of existing transportation lines.

Metro North tracks cannot support high-speed trains, which are faster and greener than the M8.

It borders monetary mismanagement that raising these fares means nothing for

future improvement.

There’s an old saying that “if you don’t improve, you’re getting worse.” Every year the train system doesn’t improve is another year it worsens. What will remain when the state is bankrupt and the entire train system breaks? Disaster.

To Governor Dannel Malloy, to the Connecticut legislature: reevaluate the problems these fare increases present.

Please do the job we elected you to do and make a better Connecticut.

Photos by Zoe Barnett ’19

Women find empowerment in Emma Greenberg ’18 Controversial, abusive and erotic. Those are three common words that come to mind when someone brings up “Fifty Shades of Grey.”

With the upcoming release of the latest installment of the “Fifty Shades of Grey” franchise, those words will be heard more f re qu e nt ly. Both the films

Graphic by Mariella Alderucci ’19

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

and book series have been surrounded by contention because the way the main relationship of the story is perceived can be drastically different. While many, including myself, are a bit put off by its erotic nature, I applaud it for displaying how bad-ass women really are.

The movie sets up a toxic love story between Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.

The breakdown of the story is that Grey wants to pursue Steele, but the only way he can emotionally have a relationship with her is through BDSM (Bondage and Discipline/Sadism and Masochism). If their relationship were strictly BDSM, Grey would be dominant in bed and Steele would be his submissive; she would have to obey him.

The relationship would not stretch beyond the bedroom. This, however, is not the reality.

Grey and Steele’s relationship received criticism from people who perceived it to be abusive and saw it as displaying the female protagonist in an unjust way. I think, though, that they are not analyzing the movie enough to truly grasp the feminist themes behind it. Steele is not being forced into the relationship—she consents numerous times to being the submissive and willfully signs a written contract saying she is submitting to the relationship.

Recently, feminism has been a topic of

conversation in the news. “Her body her choice” was heard across the world on Jan. 21 during the Women’s March. “Her body her choice” means that a woman has the right to do whatever she wants with her body and nobody else has control over it, whether this be in the context of abortion, sexual activity, nutrition or anything else under the sun.

Even the actress who portrayed Steele in the movie, Dakota Johnson, has clapped back at critics for saying the movie does not further the advancement of gender rights.

“I’m proud of [the movie]. I completely disagree with people who think Ana’s weak,” Johnson said in an interview with Glamour Magazine. “I think she’s actually stronger than he is. Everything she does is her choice. And if I can be an advocate for women to do what they want to do with their bodies and not be ashamed of what they want, then I’m all for that.”

Johnson is completely just in her point because she understands the relationship between the two protagonists. Johnson reinforces the idea that the relationship is entirely Anastasia Steele’s choice and no one can stop her from pursuing the relationship. The opinion’s of others does not matter to Steele. What the character decides to do is only up to her.

Her body, her choice.

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Features | February 16, 2017

features

Nicole Dienst ’18

O’Neill plants a seed in the business world

Her terrariums range from being mini tropical forests to beaches to deserts, and she can create a terrarium to match any decor. “I have a lot different types because when I find a cool container somewhere, I just can’t resist buying it [...]. I am illary O’Neill really willing to work with someone in order to ’19 has joined the make a terrarium they really love,” O’Neill said. ranks of other Staples She has attempted to keep costs affordable student entrepreneurs while maintaining high quality. “Since and business owners my clients are mostly teenagers, I try to when she started a keep that in mind when deciding the price— terrarium business, anywhere from $6-$40—it really depends on Pebbles and Posies. the type of container, number of plants, etc.”

O’Neill began Despite the influx of interest and demand, she making terrariums is not driven solely by profits. “I would definitely when her mother’s still make them even if I wasn’t selling them. But the involvement in recent demand of my product is so great,” O’Neill said. landscape design struck a chord. She decided to These terrariums serve as a low-management combine her passions for art and gardening, and link between people and the environment. “Even with encouragement from her brother, Griffin simple projects like terrariums can connect people O’Neill ’17 and Julie Kaplan ’17, owner of Jewels by with the environment and provide them with a Jules, O’Neill transformed greater sense of nature,” her simple hobby into Michael Aitkenhead, a thriving business.

Environmental Studies “Knowing her mom and Horticulture was a landscape designer and teacher said. probably had connections Each terrarium to wholesale places, I told requires a little watering Hillary she should start a once a week, and caring business because places sell for them can help enforce [expensive] terrariums, and important life lessons. “If she can make ones that are you’re caring for the plant, just as nice for a fraction you can learn so much, -Hillary O’Neill ’19 of the price,” Kaplan said. and, for kids, it gives The terrariums them a responsibility. It’s come in different shapes, sizes and styles interesting to see how [the terrarium] grows and and are primarily sold through the [how people] learn about [the process],” O’Neill said.

Pebbles And Posies Instagram account.

O’Neill hopes to continue expanding her O’Neill works to provide her customers with business through high school and college. beautiful miniature gardens that feature their “As long as people continue to support it and favorite environmental elements. “Each [is] coming respond the way they have been, there can be a straight from me. I am putting time into them and lot in store for the future,” O’Neill said, “and I focusing on making them unique,” O’Neill said. am excited to see how my business will grow.”

h

Nicole Dienst ’18

Photo by Ellie Kravetz ’18

“If you’re caring for the plant, you can learn so much, and, for kids, it gives them a responsibility.”

REPLICATING NATURE O’Neill’s terrariums resemble tropical jungles, deserts or beaches. O’Neill accepts custom orders for gifts, decorations or themes for her customers. She sells her terrariums @pebblesandposies on Instagram and by word of mouth.

Photos contributed by Hillary O’Neill ’19

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

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Features | February 16, 2017

FILM MAKE UNIFICATI A

Izzy Ullmann ’17

s Sebastian Avila ’17 watched his film projected on a movie screen at the San Francisco Art Institute summer program, all he could do was hold his

breath.

“I got the kind of feeling you get when you’re about to drop something and don’t know if you’ll catch it,” he said.

Avila was in a room filled with hundreds of other peers and their parents who were also showcasing films, and he nervously wondered if his audience would catch his mistakes.

“The best part was at the end after all the applause, and we went around congratulating each other for all the awesome films we made,” Avila said.

Such applause and congratulation, however, is all but lost within the Staples community, Avila feels. Scattered throughout narrative film classes and T.V. production courses, student film makers have yet to form the same vibrant community here at Staples, according to Avila.

Narrative film teacher Justin Nadal also believes the culture of film at Staples still remains untouched.

“I feel as if it’s untapped in the sense that this is a

Graphic by Channing Smith ’17 Photos by Eliza Goldberg ’17, Channing Smith ’17 and Becky Hoving ’17

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

garden for studen planting the seed of it on their own we are really do However, the a stronger film c Staples Filmmaki “Making “But working to the added However, for A nominated as a qu “I didn’t ev said. “But havin really into film Despite n unification am applauded the “Recently th competitions and in,” he said. “Plu chance to show yo

w Features | February 16, 2017

13

ERS PUSH FOR ION

nts to grow in and right now they aren’t ds in here,” he said. “They’re taking care n, but our goal is to make it a place where oing awesome work in here together.” ere are efforts being made to establish community, and Avila highlighted the ing Club as a welcoming environment. films alone is nice,” Avila said. on a team is much better due addition, help and motivation.”

Antonia Sousa ’19, a student who has been uarter-finalist in the Tribeca Film Festival ven know we had a film club,” she ng a group of kids who were also m would definitely be convenient.” not currently having strong mong Staples filmmakers, Avila school’s efforts to promote it. he school has had a couple of film d shown students’ work, which I’ve been us, I think they just recently offered a our films in the library during lunch.”

Nadal noted similar goals for promoting more filmmaking at Staples. He and his co-narrative film teacher, Geno Heiter, plan to open a southern New England film festival at Staples and premiere films made by students ranging from elementary school to college.

“The point of it is to draw attention to what we’re doing here and show that we are a progressive force in this region for regional arts,” Nadal said.

Gavin Berger ’17, co-president of the Staples Filmmaking Club, attested to the topnotch programs which Nadal wishes to expand.

“The programs here are amazing, and the two new teachers this year are great as well,” he said.

“They both have a lot of experience in the real world, and it really gives the students great opportunities.”

As for Nadal, he is excited by Staples potential to further unite a community of filmmakers.

“I didn’t choose this place because I wanted to be mediocre and work in a mediocre place,” Nadal said. “I recognize that this place has an unending staircase of which we can climb because Staples has given us that freedom and support to do so.”

SHOOTING FOR THE STARS (Left) Gavin Berger ’17, co-president of the Staples Filmmaking Club, has explored film inside and outside of school. Over the summer, Berger was a second assistant director for an independant, feature-length film by two Staples alumni. (Right) After attending a summer film program at the San Francisco Art Institute, Sebastian Avila ’17 noticed a lack of unification between filmmakers at Staples, but credits T.V. production class and the Filmmaking Club as increasing the community. In T.V. prodcution, Avila made a short film called Identity, which played on the morning show. He has also made films outside of school called STUMP, Two Chaps and a Native and Man vs. Wild Parody.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

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Features | February 16, 2017

Student-run tutoring company tops the charts Lili Romann ’19 & Seby Shuken ’18

S

taples is known as a competitive academic environment. Students want to earn the best grades possible and look to tutors for help. However, the average cost of a tutor runs high. Top Hat Tutors, a tutoring company run entirely by Staples students, has created a solution to this problem.

“Tutors around here cost upwards of $150 per hour, which is insane,” a tutor, Abby Supan ’17 said. “We offer affordable tutoring by peers who know the methods teachers use to teach because we have been in their classes.”

At $40 an hour, the tutors hope to drag in students that are looking for more of a relationship with their tutor, rather than the emotional disconnect they might find with an older, professional tutor.

“I find the fact that our tutors are Staples kids allows for them to connect a lot better with the students they are tutoring,” Top Hat Tutors’ vice president, Evan Feder ’17, said. “It’s not some forty year old adult. You really feel the connection.”

Jay Mudholkar ’17, the current president of Top Hat, describes the company as a tutoring service offering a wide variety of subjects and levels at an affordable price.

“I enjoy every second of it, and the fact that the work I do helps provide students quality peer-on-peer tutoring at a reasonable rate makes it worth it for me,” Mudholkar said.

Many of Top Hat’s clients feel they receive a stronger education due to the small, or non-existent, age difference and the tutors’ flexible schedules, which allows them to meet at different times and convenient locations.

“There is something about a peerto-peer relationship that really helps cultivate a great learning environment,”

Ethan Vosper ’19, a client of Top Hat, said. “It’s better than a real tutor because other students understand Staples and your classes better than adults because they are in the middle of it.”

However, some students have contradicting views and find themselves stronger and more confident after a session with a professional, as student tutors seem less educated.

“I had one good student tutor and one who didn’t really help that much,” an anonymous source said. “I don’t think they always knew the information I was asking them about, which made my time with them pretty inefficient.”

While many teachers at Staples tutor outside of school, some had conflicting opinions regarding Top Hat’s approach to tutoring.

“I would not say peer to peer is better than teacher to student tutoring, however it is clear that most teachers know more information than students and are better at communicating the information to students,” English teacher Riley Lynch said. “Peer to peer tutoring does offer a more equal conversation than teacher to student and it builds confidence for students.”

Looking toward the future, Mudholkar and Feder have expanded the company to provide services outside the core curriculum classes and now offer tutoring in subjects like chess, basketball and violin.

“We don’t directly advertise it, but we are willing to offer sports tutoring or instrument tutoring, anything t h a t our over forty tutors here at Staples can offer,” Feder said.

Top Hat looks to continue expanding the company and providing tutoring services in order to help students get the help that they need.

“We’ve reached 41 tutors and over 120 clients. We’re now a household name in Westport,” Feder said. “The cheaper alternative to a professional tutor.”

Gr ap hic

by Me lan

ie

Lu st ’ 1

9

THE TOP TUTORS Jay Mudholkar ’17 (left), the president of Top Hat, and Evan Feder ’17 (right), the vice president, pose with a chess board, one of the lesser known topics that they tutor. They also offer tutoring in academic subjects and sports.

Voices of Protest elective explores African American identity The newly proposed Voices of Protest elective hopes to instill knowledge and appreciation for multiculturalism. The semester-long English course plans to run during the 2017-2018 school year and offers a curriculum specifically centered around the lives of African Americans and the significance of protest in making their voices heard.

Staples once offered African American Literature, which chronologically studied texts that ranged from pieces written during slavery all the way to modern day.

But the course has not run for at least the past eight years due to a lack of enrollment.

In an effort to build more interest, the course’s name was revamped and the curriculum altered so that it would link the literature to the African American resistance movement.

“We’re not starting back at day one with slave narratives anymore,” Julie Heller, the English Department Chair, said. “We need to get a sense of what is happening with the African American voice today.”

As Heller indicated, the course intends to feature a variety of current articles and nonfiction texts by critically

acclaimed African American authors like Ta-Nehisi Coates and Joy Reid.

Music, dance, popular culture, television and film will also be studied to fully understand the African American identity.

Because of its modern twist that plays into the current political climate,

many students are already interested in taking the course next year. Olivia Payne ’18 finds the course description to be fascinating and claims that the course’s appeal originates from students’ newfound passion for expression in reaction to recent political happenings.

“Exposure to literature from groups who we cannot connect with is essential for understanding the challenges of being an oppressed group in the United States.”

- Theo Koskoff ’18

by phic Gra

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

t’ us L ie lan Me

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Ian Bernstein ’18

“There are many students who care about political issues and getting their voices heard,” Payne stated. “With recent events in the country, I feel like this class has become closer to our lives.”

In relation to Payne, Theo Koskoff ’18 believes the pull of the class stems from the desire to comprehend the weight of oppression and the burden it imposes on its victims.

Considering the predominantly white makeup of the Staples student body, this course could help minimize the community’s lack of insight into African Americans’ lives.

“The most effective way to empathize with someone who you’ll never truly understand is through art,” Koskoff said.

“Exposure to literature from groups who we cannot connect with is essential for understanding the challenges of being an oppressed group in the United States.”

In turn, Heller said that Voices of Protest could prepare its students for the inevitable encounters with individuals of different races and backgrounds throughout their lives.

“There continue to be struggles[...] that have to do with race and racial identity,” Heller said. “Much of them are combatted with protest and resistance, and we need to learn how that is significant.”

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Features | February 16, 2017

A R

R A N B ETT H

A tale of two fields: Barnett excels in artistic and scientific mediums Alice Hickson ’17

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swirl of tight brown curls fell from Sarah Barnett’s ’17 ballerina bun at Pane e Bene. She had changed out of her leotard and pink tights into a sleek black dress, ready to work the Saturday night shift as a hostess. In between greeting customers and practicing her Spanish with the waiters and waitresses, she completed the weekend’s calculus homework concealed under her host stand.

This is a common routine for Barnett, who has grown accustomed to driving from Trumbull’s Performing Arts Center of Connecticut, where she tops off her weekly 15 hour rehearsal schedule, to Westport for work. But, for Barnett, the pay-off has outweighed any inconvenience.

Barnett began dancing seriously when she was in eighth grade and has now reached the highest level of dance at the Performing Arts Center by being part of the pre-professional company.

“I’d been doing silly jazz classes since I was little, but one day we were in dance ‘show and tell’ and this ballet group came in en pointe and did their dance. I remember thinking ‘That was beautiful.

I want to do that,’” Barnett said. “Since I started kind of late, I had to be in younger kids’ classes,” Barnett added. “As an eighth grader in sixth grade classes, I had to work extra hard to be where I am now.”

Before her sophomore year, Barnett moved from her home of Westchester, New York to Westport. Having never done any type of theater before, she auditioned for Staples Players’ “Hello, Dolly!” and scored a dancing role.

“I remember when Sarah asked me about Players one day and whether or not she should audition,” Zoe Samuels ’17, a close friend of Barnett’s and fellow Staples Player, said.

“We had so much fun joking around together at rehearsals. She is literally the best friend a girl could ask for.”

Now, in addition to the dancing Barnett does for her studio, she fulfills an extra 15 hours per week as the dance captain for Staples Players, a Graphic by Eliza Goldberg ’17 role she was awarded Photos contributed by Sarah Barnett ’17 her junior year.

Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18

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Moving to Staples didn’t just allow Barnett to perform more, but it also became an opportunity for her to discover her passion for science, with the help of leveled classes and the advanced science research (ASR) class. She conducted research on how to increase the prevention of colorectal cancer by changing the rating scale that physicians use to assess their colonoscopies.

Now as a senior, she no longer takes ASR but continues to complete her formal research presentations through an independent study under the guidance of science teacher Karen Thompson. “[Barnett] is driven by self motivation and personal goals,” Thompson said. “She remains focused regardless of other activities and academic strains that are being put on her.”

As the top research student in the ASR class, Barnett and one other student were selected to attend the International Science Youth Forum hosted by the Hwa Chong Institute in Singapore, joining 120 other students from across the globe. The forum aimed to “create greater awareness among the youth about the importance of broad-based knowledge, keen curiosity, relentless tenacity and a global outlook in the pursuit of scientific excellence,” according to their website.

“I met so many incredibly smart people from different cultures,” Barnett, who roomed with girls from Singapore, China and Australia while attending the forum, said. “It was one of the best experiences of my life so far.”

Barnett had the opportunity to present her research to Singaporean doctors, other students at the forum and even distinguished scientists. She also took lessons at the Nanyang Technological University and engaged in dialogue with Nobel laureates. Five students’ research made it past the preliminary round and into the semifinals, and Barnett was one of them.

“Even though she does all this amazing stuff, she’s still humble as hell and never even talks about it unless we ask,” Colin McKechnie ’17 said. “When you first meet her, you would have no idea she’s doing all these incredible things because she doesn’t want to brag.”

McKechnie and Barnett became close friends as they danced together in Staples Players and at the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut. “We spend our free periods self-choreographing on the stage and just having fun with music,” McKechnie added with a smile.

Despite being the dance captain for Staples Players’ upcoming musical “Urinetown,” Barnett will not participate in the show as she will be off on her newest endeavor: attending the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) semi-finals in Boston with her dance company. According to their website, YAGP is “the world’s largest network of dance” and is where many dancers get their start in professional companies.

“Scouts from all of the big ballet schools will be there like American Ballet Theater and the New York City Ballet,” Barnett said.

Although Barnett earned her spot at the YAGP through a selective audition within her pre-professional company, she does not foresee a future as a professional dancer.

“I don’t think I could do it because I want to go to college and then medical school. I don’t think they have doctor ballerinas,” Barnett said with a laugh. inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

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Features | February 16, 2017

A.P. Studio Art 3-D students mold their own learning

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its of tape and artwork mark the walls in Room 1008, while numerous sculptures, stools and smocks occupy the clay-stained floor and shelves. Whereas social studies and science classes may pride themselves on tidiness, the A.P. Studio Art 3-D room, which centers around several pottery wheels, embraces messy creativity.

The class is specifically constructed for “highly motivated students”—according to the course catalog—who excel in art, who have already taken Pottery at Staples and who are comfortable with self-directing instead of following a standard curriculum.

“It’s your voice coming out in the work. I’m more of a guidance in this class and am not making projects up,” art teacher Jaclyn Jeselnik said.

Although there are fewer than ten students in the class, what

Molly Liebergall ’17 & Amanda Kaplowitz ’19 they lack in numbers, they make up for in enthusiasm.

“It was, I think, my sophomore year, and I was walking [through] the hallway,” Will Lash ’17 said of his first time encountering A.P. Studio Art 3-D. “I saw someone throwing on the front wheel and I was like, ‘That absolutely looks crazy!’ because watching someone throw is literally magical [...] so I was just like, ‘I need to take the course.’”

“Throwing” is the term used to describe the act of molding the shape, thickness and size of wet clay as it spins. Maintaining its centrality on the wheel is essential to sculpting, something that Mari Sachs ’19—whose portfolio will feature pottery pieces decorated with miniature figurines—proved by presenting a pile of what could have been a vase if the slightly off-center clay had not collapsed in on itself.

Sachs took a moment to chuckle at herself before collecting the remnants and kneading them into a fresh ball of clay. “[A.P. Studio Art 3-D] is really interesting and you get to learn about sculpture,” Cullen Jacobs ’17 said as he worked the air bubbles out of a mound of clay and forcefully centered it on his wheel.

Jacobs, Lash and classmate Sam Ellis ’17 all have their own pottery

wheels at home, and Lash says he uses his almost every other day for the same reason he took the class: relaxation. He said one of his draws to pottery is that he thinks about “absolutely nothing” when he throws.

“I totally zone out,” Jeselnik added. “It is a good course to kind of leave all of the everyday stresses behind. You come in here and you have to be totally focused on what you do, so you can’t have any background noise going on.”

Not only do students devote undivided attention to their pottery once they set foot in the classroom, but many also use free periods as extra time to sculpt, demonstrating the enthusiasm they have for the unique class.

“This class is really more the last stage[...].

You’re coming here with prior knowledge and you’re making your own pieces of art,” Jeselnik said.

“It’s r e a l l y designed for the serious art student.”

Photos by Molly Liebergall ’17 and graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

SHAPING THEIR FUTURE (Top to bottom) Will Lash ’17 works on shaping his latest project, using a technique called pulling which involves pulling the clay up to get the desired shape. The class is mostly independent, so Jaclyn Jeselnik is mainly there as a mentor rather than teacher. Mari Sachs ’19 works on her wheel, using water to keep the clay from drying out and cracking while she works.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

INKLINGS | February 16, 2017

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Arts

Arin Garland ’18

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rom when it was released on Dec. 9, 2016, “La La Land” started its climb to legendary status when it earned seven Golden Globes and tied with renowned movies such as “All About Eve” and “Titanic” for a record number 14 Oscar nominations. Even though the movie came out last year, the excitement is only building as award season continues.

Anna Ehli ’18W said she really enjoyed the movie. “‘La La Land’ had a great soundtrack and a very unique, oldHollywood feel that contrasted quite nicely with its modern setting,” Ehli said. “The plot itself was not entirely unique, but it was so well-executed that this can easily be overlooked; the filming was The gorgeous, with very bright, popping colors British and aesthetically appealing choreography.” s i n g e r Ehli would “absolutely recommend” it s o ngwriter to others, but mostly to people who Ed Sheeran has like musicals, since, in her opinion, already released two the movie mimics a Broadway interrelated albums: “+” production. “The music is and “x.” This March he will great and the costumes be adding a new album, “÷,” to his perfectly compliment mathematically-themed collection. their attitudes.”

“I like his new songs a lot and Chris Hoile ’18, I’m definitely excited for his new album a member being released,” Vanessa Wynter ’18, an of Staples avid Sheeran fan, said. “I especially like ‘Castle Players on the Hill’ because it’s sort of nostalgic and it said. tells a story. I’m also excited about his upcoming tour because he’s already started releasing the dates.”

On the other hand Dia Mahesh ’17 is not too excited for the release of his album. “I just don’t like his voice, and most of his songs are slow, and I don’t like slow songs,” Mahesh said.

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The romance-filled science fiction film, “The Space Between Us” was released on Feb. 3. Starring Asa Butterfield as the protagonist Gardner Elliot, this movie tells the story of a boy born on Mars and his impossible romance with a girl born on Earth.

This movie is expected to follow the classic “Romeo & Juliet” plot, with both of them falling in love but unable to stay together because of their circumstances.

“It seems too cliche, being apart from each other and not being able to be together,” Valerie Romo ’18 said. However she is still planning to see it as she hopes it might surprise her.

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The movie “50 Shades Darker” was released on Feb. 10 along with its exciting star-studded soundtrack.

When “Fifty Shades of Grey” came out, its featured songs became an instant hit. “Earned it” by The Weeknd and “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding both landed spots in the top three on Billboard Hot 100. The same can be expected from this soundtrack that includes “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever,” sung by Taylor Swift and ZAYN, which debuted at number six on Billboard.

This new soundtrack is a step up from the old one featuring, in addition to Swift and ZAYN, Halsey, Tove Lo, John Legend, Nick Jonas and Nicki Minaj.

“The Red Turtle” upholds Studio Ghibli’s unsullied reputation Christoph Russi ’17 “The Red Turtle” is the first featurelength animated film from writer and director Michael Dudok de Wit. It was backed by some very big names, including Japanese animation giant Studio Ghibli — well known for “Grave of the Fireflies,” “Spirited Away,” and “Princess Mononoke.” I’m a huge fan of just about all of the films Ghibli has churned out since its 1985 debut, “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind,” so I have to say that I went into this one with high standards.

It did not disappoint. In fact, it absolutely blew me away. “The Red Turtle” is an hour and twenty minutes long and not a line of dialogue is spoken. Without even a phrase uttered by the three nameless characters, Dudok de Wit’s film manages to deliver a profound and resounding commentary on the nature

of mortality, identity and the cyclicality of life. What begins as a seemingly standard “man on stranded island” tale ends up flipping the tropes of that entire sub-genre on their collective heads.

Story aside, the drawing is beautiful.

The lines are simple, yet each object and setting is painstakingly textured to give each frame a truly unique feel. However, what stands out the most is the use of color throughout the film to reinforce the most essential elements of the story. The vibrant pastels of daytime against the swirling blacks and deep, dark blues of night create a palette that is quite touching.

The music in “The Red Turtle” is really important. To me, it felt as though the film was narrated by the orchestration. It meshes with the natural rhythmic ambience of the setting such that it almost becomes apart of the backdrop. I’m not remotely ashamed to admit that there were moments during the film that, even without much real narrative significance, had me tearing up solely because of the color and the music.

“The Red Turtle” is profound, simple, and beautiful. I could levy the criticism that the film is carried for a decent while just by the visuals and the soundtrack, but I personally enjoyed that the writer leaves much of the takeaway up to the audience to piece together and mull over. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of Studio Ghibli productions or someone who is sick of the dozens of 3D animated films that come out every year, I cannot recommend Dudok De Wit’s animated feature enough.

GRAPHIC BY EMERSON KOBAK ’18

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

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Arts| |February November 2016 Arts 16,22, 2017 PHOTO BY SARAH TSACOYANNIS ’17 GRAPHIC BY MELANIE LUST ’19

and her ukulele make their Soundcloud debut

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Lili Romann ’19

girl stands patiently by the door, awaiting her father’s arrival home from Hawaii. He brings her a ukulele as a souvenir from his recent trip.

She smiles and gives him a huge hug, unaware that this ukulele will become her golden ticket and most prized possession.

“Moments I remember include beginning to play flute in third grade and my dad bringing me back a ukulele from Hawaii when I was in middle school,” Katherine Weinschenk ’17 said. “I’ve always loved singing but never thought I was good at it.”

Weinschenk is Staples’ Soundcloud sensation. She dropped her first song

“New York, You’re Mine” in late December and has been releasing songs ever since.

“It’s hard to say what got me started in music. I feel like I’ve loved it for my whole life,” Weinschenk said.“What encouraged me to start songwriting was when my friends told me I was actually good at singing. I wrote my first song in October of 2016.”

A large portion of Weinschenk’s fanbase is her friends, although this passion was not a kept secret. Some of her newer friends have been aware of her talent for some time and even wondered why she didn’t come forward to produce music earlier.

“I became good friends with Katherine at the beginning of the school year,” Danny

McVaney ’17 said. “But I always knew that she could sing, mostly because she always brought her ukulele to parties and sang ‘Riptide.’” McVaney went on to say that from the first moment he heard Weinchenk sing he knew she could be a recording artist. “She’s an incredible songwriter and I’m really happy that she’s finally getting recognition for her work,” McVaney said.

Many fans, as well as Weinschenk herself, find her ukulele to be a signature part of her music.

“I think that she adds a cool spin on music and makes it different with the ukulele,” Julie Kaplan ’17 said. “Her harmonies are also really pretty and add a lot to her songs.”

Her songs, three of which are published on Soundcloud along with one cover, are based on her real life experiences.

“I try not to write about cliché subjects, like love, especially because I’m not in love nor do I have anything to say about it right now,” Weinschenk said. “I only write about things that I’m going through and have real feelings about; otherwise they end up with empty lyrics and overused phrases.”

Weinschenk looks to continue playing music as a hobby rather than trying to make a long-term career out of it.

“I don’t really have a big goal other than to continue making music just because I love it so much,” Weinschenk said.

Teacher and students share budding passion for ukulele Kit Epstein ’17 Walking past room 2028 during Period 7 on Thursdays, one might expect to find a classroom full of students taking a test or finishing up some classwork.

Instead, you’ll hear English teacher Sam Goldberg rocking out on the ukulele with some of his freshman students, playing songs like “Oasis” by Wonderwall and “Hey Soul Sister” by Train.

“We jam out in there,” Goldberg said of the weekly ukulele meeting. “It’s nice for students to just play some music and not think about school for a little bit.”

Goldberg explained he began playing the ukulele his senior year of college. He laughed when he cited a “quarter-life crisis” and a desire to find an entryway into music as his reasoning for picking up the instrument. Since then, he’s also picked up both the guitar and the piano.

“It’s a learning process, which is what I’m attracted to most,” he said.

Both Goldberg and his ukuleleplaying students take time out of their daily routines to practice the songs played at every Thursday meeting.

“Some of our favorites to play are ‘Hummingbird’ by Miss E and

‘I Don’t Know My Name’ by Grace Vanderwaal,” Emma Rosen ’20 said.

Rosen taught herself how to play the ukulele in August of 2016 and hasn’t stopped since.

“It’s one of my favorite things to do,” she said. “The idea of playing during school was a joke at first, but now I look forward to it every week.”

Alongside Rosen, you can find Lily Wallace ’20, who also picked up the ukulele over the summer after watching Grace Vanderwaal perform on “America’s Got Talent.”

“I immediately bought a ukulele and started playing shortly after,” Wallace said.

Both Rosen and Wallace explained how playing the ukulele with Goldberg serves as a time to just relax between stressful classes.

“For now this is a fun and casual way to have fun during the school day, but recently I’ve seen a lot of kids play ukulele, so I wonder if a club will ever be introduced,” Wallace said.

Whether students are experts at playing the ukulele or have never touched an instrument, anyone is welcome in room 2028 on Thursdays.

“I’ve always loved music,” Goldberg said with a smile. “It’s definitely paid off.”

PHOTOS BY MELANI LUST ’19

JAMMIN’ OUT Sam Goldberg, recently hired English teacher, keeps his ukulele in his office for impromptu jam sessions.

Goldberg also teaches ninth and tenth grade English.

PHOTOS BY BECKY HOVING ’17

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

Arts | February 16, 2017

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New York Fashion Week 2017 to rule the runways and storm the streets Renee Weisz ’17

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ll eyes look to the runway from Feb. 9 through Feb. 16 as style gurus get their biggest fashion fix: New York Fashion Week 2017. Models will strut this year’s upcoming autumn and winter ensembles from the Nicholas K show—a collection featuring an “urban nomad” aesthetic according to their brand statement—through the Skylight Clarkson Square and Industrial studios beginning 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9. The show will end at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15 with Irina Vitjaz, a collection infused with a Russian cultural touch. While major designer departures, including Maxwell Osborne and Dao Yi-Chow, have shaken this year’s schedule, the event is sure to turn heads.

Trends to follow

This year, activewear accents have swarmed the streets and likely will play a role in many collections. Even smaller names have latched onto the trend, like Polish brand MISBVH, have “a focus on female streetwear, hoodies and gothic lettering…” fashion and beauty writer, Sarah Young, wrote for The Independent, a British online newspaper.

Vintage velvet, off-the-shoulder pieces and feminine embroidery have also been prevalent styles predicted for the spotlight. “I love to see designers taking inspiration from the 70s and 80s,” Emerson Kobak ’18, style blogger and designer of her own line, Emerson Isa Designs, said. “Also, a lot of designers have been using patches and embroidery in their Expect gender work and I would love to see the innovation this season.” to embrace a whole new meaning Finally, new trends lean toward a comeback with Belgian designer Raf Simmons’ for denim, and changing seasons always call for debut of his dual men’s and women’s wear changing color palettes. “I think brighter colors show for Calvin Klein. Rag & Bone, Oscar de la will be used more than they were, [and] I think Renta, Coach and other classics are also sure to lead platform shoes will definitely be prevalent,” the shows.

Alessandra Nagar ’18, Staples fashion Nagar is especially looking forward to British brand club member, said.

Marchesa, defined by its elegant eveningwear and intricate detailing, while Peri Kessler ’18 can’t choose between 14 of her favorites, including American whimsical designer Christian Siriano and Valentino. “The designers that I love always have a fascinating inspiration for their collections, and many have powerful messages that a lot of people don’t know,” Kessler said.

Brooklyn native Rosie Assoulin, one of the leading designers in reintroducing the off-the-shoulder and statement sleeves trends, tops Anna Greenspan’s ’18 must-see list. “Her strongly IMG Models’ structured, yet seemingly soft, silhouettes are so pleasing to Gigi Hadid rose to stardom look at and, as they have been refined over the seasons, as a Victoria’s Secret angel and the now characterize her as a designer,” Greenspan said. face of Tommy Hilfiger. Her sister Bella “I foresee her incorporating fresh elements into Hadid, also signed to IMG Models and her fall collection while still maintaining her was named the 2016 winner of the Models. signature silhouettes.” com Model of the Year Industry award. Both women are expected to have a bold appearance and performance at this season’s show.

Kobak also points to American model and Victoria’s Secret angel Taylor Hill, Dutch model Imaan Hammam and American model Molly Bair as being stand outs due to their popular social media platforms.

To keep up with the shows, Kobak recommends downloading the app “Vogue Collections” for viewing designer pieces and fashion news. Kobak explained, “It is my holy grail into the fashion week world.”

Designers to watch

GRAPHICS BY EMERSON KOBAK ’18

Claire Dinshaw ’17 As the nation prepares to consider the abilities and weaknesses of Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s autobiographical book, “My Own Words,” offers the public a window into the thoughts of the already established superstar justice.

A compilation of notes, speeches and articles written by Ginsburg spanning as far back as when she was in middle school, “My Own Words” is not a flashy narrative but rather a slow moving reflection on a life in law. Ginsburg goes to great lengths to show the reader every side of her life and personality, selecting speeches and articles she wrote starting in seventh grade.

Ginsburg’s over-categorization, which chops her narrative into chunky time and topic-based components, such as “Early Years and Lighter Side” and “Women and the Law,” can be distracting and causes the book to

move unusually slowly at points. Then there is the repetitive inclusion of the several introductory speeches and opening statements that all seem to reiterate the same messages of justice.

However, it is also this excruciating detail that makes this book special. It does not seek to make the practice of law into some choose-your-own-adventure narrative. Instead, it is a breath of truth in a media landscape that seeks to glorify every aspect of the real world.

By contrasting the mundane aspects of the judicial world with the the exhilarating components of the political world, Ginsburg offers one of the most truthful, multi-faceted views behind the closed doors of Washington D.C. She also offers a well-rounded view into her own mind, the same mind that has made her one of the most prolific Supreme Court justices of all time.

Traversing every medium, from comic play to legal brief, and every topic, from a justice’s social life to the Jewish faith, “My Own Words,” has a

few chapters that stand out. In “Wiretapping: Cure Worse than Disease?,” Ginsburg discusses an article she wrote for the Cornell Daily Sun, providing a glimpse into the mind of a developing academic and lawyer. In the chapter, “Gloria Steinem,” Ginsburg goes to great lengths to tell the story of an individual she admired and respected. In “The Role of Dissenting O p i n i o n s , ” Ginsburg argues the importance of diverse viewpoints, showcasing perhaps her most important quality — empathy, an understanding and willingness to reach out across the aisle and respect the other side.

LY M O Y CAR HIC B

autobiography reveals the mundane side of American politics

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Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s

R I ’18

Models to make a mark

Ginsburg subtly argues that these qualities of control, modesty and empathy are what have made her a good justice and a good citizen.

It’s a message quietly woven into lengthy speeches and articles, but it is a powerful one, especially as the country begins to examine the soon-tobe appointed ninth justice.

“My Own Words” may not be a speed read, but even if someone just has five or 10 minutes to spare, I highly recommend picking it up and reading one or two passages. inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

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INKLINGS | February 16, 2017

21

Sports

Graphic by Channing Smith ’17

Code of conduct

Disregard of Athletic Code of Conduct ignites controversy among student athletes Daniel Harizman ’19 & Zach Horowitz ’19

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unning backs roam the halls wearing their varsity jackets, while tennis players stand tall, wrapped tightly in their warm-up tracksuits. The archetypal tri-sport athlete ventures off the field on the weekend, and the meaty “block S” letter remains fastened to his varsity jacket, as he takes a puff of a joint and a sip of his beer.

Staples athletes participate in their respective sports but are required and expected to follow a pledge of integrity and respect to the Staples’ community when they sign the agreement, stating they will abstain from using alcohol or drugs, keep a positive mentality and conform to the behavioral norms of the school. While some students feel satisfied with their expected responsibilities others believe the code is not to be taken seriously.

“The code of conduct is stupid as players are going to do whatever they please when practice is over,” an

anonymous male senior explained. “As long as it doesn’t influence [the athlete’s] play or come out as local news, coaches shouldn’t worry or make their players sign a meaningless piece of paper.”

On the other hand, there are many students who understand the value behind enforcing the code.

Staples lacrosse veteran Claire Lonergan ’17, for one supports implementing an official guideline for what will be deemed unacceptable and inappropriate behavior within athletics at Staples.

“Although I do believe it is important for athletes to abide by the rules laid out for them, some of the less fundamental rules should ultimately be left to the coaches to decide,” Lonergan said. “For instance, coaches should have the ability to decide how to handle a player’s tardiness to practice or a student who is lacking in their education.”

In a survey taken by 77 Staples students, 53 students said they signed the code of conduct for their prospective

“

sport. Of those 53 students, 19 students said they have broken the code of conduct guidelines they signed. Of those students, zero percent reported that they had been subject to any consequences.

The code of conduct is stupid as players are going to do whatever they please when practice is over.

”

- Anonymous

The progressing leniency of the Code of Conduct is recognized among members of the athletic department.

Athletic Director, Marty Lisevick, understands the wavering disregard of the Code among modern day sports teams at Staples.

= = =

19 of those 53 students have broken the code of conducts guidelines.

0 of those 19 students have been punished.

“When I first started, a violation resulted in automatic dismissal from the team. We moved quickly to change this and put in opportunities for second chances and kids to learn from their mistakes,” Lisevick explained. “I would much rather have the kid stay with their team, handle their punishment and get reinstated — that is what education — and life — is all about.”

Although not many student athletes have broken the code in the past, coaches do have a procedure in line to discipline athletes for potentially breaking the expected guidelines.

“If one of my athletes was to break the Code of Conduct, I would have a discussion with athletic director Marty Lisevick and we would take action,” Staples girls’ varsity tennis and basketball coach Paco Fabian said. “We would look at the individual situation [and] discipline the student athletes if necessary.”

However, not all coaches seem to have the same procedure to discipline their athletes when the code is violated.

“I am aware of the athletes breaking the rules on the code of conduct,” an anonymous coach said. However, he has yet to be put into a situation where he would have to punish an athlete for using drugs.

53 of the 77 students surveyed signed the code of conduct.

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10 students

=

1 student

INFOGRAPHIC BY IZZY BLANSFIELD ’18

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

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Sports | February 16, 2017

Runners stay on track for nationals Photos contributed by Staplesrunning.com

Molly Mahoney ’18

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ight minutes. For most people, this is how long it takes to make breakfast or drive to the local bank. But for Will Landowne ’18 and Ben Seiple ’18, as well as indoor track captains Brian MacCordy ’17 and Zak Ahmad ’17, this is how long it took to complete a cumulative two mile track relay.

“We thought it would be a great idea to go up to Yale and really see what we could do, and we got just the result we wanted,” MacCordy said. The relay team ran their lowest time of the season on Jan. 20 at the 34th Annual Yale Interscholastic Track Classic, held at Coxe Cage track, according to staplesrunning. com, the Staples track and field website.

The 4x800 meter race ranked the Staples boys’ indoor track relay team as third in the country and landed them a spot at the New Balance Indoor Nationals.

Ahmad, anchor of the relay, a captain of the indoor track team and AllAmerican runner in the 2016 outdoor track season, ran the 3000 meter race on Jan. 21, the second day of the Yale meet.

According to athletic.net, a national hub for athletic statistics, he placed third in the United States with a time of 8:32.11 and broke the Staples 3000 meter record just a day after running the 4x800 meter relay.

“It was really cool to do well for the school, individually and as a

“

part of the team. I think it says a lot about our program,” Ahmad said.

As the 2016-17 Staples indoor track team gears up for the championship season, they set themselves up to perform well at a heightened level of competition. “We put together our A-team,” Landowne recalled.

The relay team has been training together since the fall of 2014 and has returned to run for Laddie Lawrence every season for the past three years.

“We’ve become extremely close,” Seiple said. “We have been able to push each other and that has benefited us because we have become very motivated to succeed at all levels of running.”

The four athletes hope to shave a few more seconds off their collective time before the New Balance Indoor Nationals in March. The competition will be held at The Armory, a prominent track in New York City.

“The intention now is to better our seed time to get us into a fast heat [at Nationals], which would probably get us not only a school record, but really place us in a more respectable position. It’s really a bragging rights kind of thing,” Landowne said, laughing.

According to Seiple, if the four runners perform as well as they hope at The Armory in March, they could go All-American.

4x800 relay Yale Meet Jan. 20 8:00.36 Third in the U.S.

It was really cool to do well for the school, individually and as a part of the team. I think it says a lot about our program.

”

Ahmad’s 3000 Yale meet Jan. 21 8:32.11 Third in the U.S.

- Zak Ahmad ’17

4x800 relay

Amory Track Invitational Feb. 3 7:54.37 Improved time from Yale meet

Cheerleading flies forward after FCIAC competition Max Appell ’18 & Jack Beck ’18 The Staples cheerleading team participated in the FCIACs competition on Feb. 4 at Wilton High School.

This competition brings all Fairfield County cheerleading teams together and allows students to compete as a team against other towns.

The Staples cheerleaders were not ranked upon entering FCIACs, but the girls are determined to succeed in their upcoming competitions, one being the state tournament.

“I feel like we will definitely be extending our practices more, and we will not only be just re-running the routine over and over, but will work on section by section, so we won’t be getting any dumb deductions,” Bri Rotella ’17, co-captain said.

Though the girls did not get an award at the FCIAC competition, Aliza Dodge ’18 was named to the All-FCIAC team.

“Being named All-FCIAC really validates all the time and effort that I put into cheer and makes me want to work even harder,” Dodge said. “All-FCIAC has been one of my goals since I was a

freshman, and reaching this goal has shown me how my work can pay off.”

Coach Jeannie Holst was very impressed by how her team performed and was optimistic about the team’s improvements.

“I thought the routine itself went really well,” Holst said. “We had a few errors, but the girls looked much more confident on the mat overall and as a coach, that is one of the best transformations you get to see.”

Holst is confident that the team will be able to use the experience to help them prepare for future competitions.

“After reviewing our scores from our first two competitions, we have a much better idea on what needs work in our routine,” Holst said. “So the first step is to make some minor adjustments to the routine in some of our weaker areas to improve them and make them more consistent.”

The Danbury High School Hatters finished in first place at FCIACs, followed by Fairfield Ludlowe, Fairfield Warde, St Joe’s and Trumbull High School finishing in fifth place.

The Staples cheerleaders return to action in the state competition on March 3 and 4 at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

Photo by Max Appell ’18

CHEERING TO SUCCESS The Staples cheerleading team competes at the FCIAC competition on Feb. 4. The team returns to action on Feb. 18 for the Battle at St. Joe’s at the University of Fairfield. They will compete in states on March 4.

Sports | February 16, 2017

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Boys’ basketball clinches a state playoff berth with win vs. Ridgefield Cooper Boardman ’17 At the 5:46 mark of the second quarter, Justin Seideman ’17 strode toward his bench, stopped and turned toward the Wrecker crowd. The captain raised two arms upward and yelled, “Let’s go!”

It was an exclamation point to punctuate a 12-4 Wreckers run, an offensive flurry that would catapult them into the lead en route to a 69-55 victory over the Ridgefield Tigers last Saturday afternoon.

“We knew we had to rebound on defense and push the pace on offense. We did both of those things [...] and the kids did a great job doing that,” head coach Colin Devine said.

It was Staples’ eighth win of the 2016-17 season, solidifying the team’s second straight trip to the Class LL state tournament.

“We reached our first goal of being a state playoff basketball team.

We’ve got three games left to control our own destiny of being an FCIAC playoff basketball team,” Devine said. “It’s a great position to be in.”

The Tigers came in as the hottest team in the FCIAC, on a five game win streak with defeats of two top four teams in Wilton and Darien, but it was Seideman who set the tone early.

Photos contributed by Shelly Burger

The senior scored the first basket of the game on a running layup down the left alley, the first of his game high 22 points.

Devine touted Matty Fair ‘17 as a “leader” in practice this week, and the senior forward had his breakout performance of the year, pouring in a career high 10 points, including a three pointer in the first quarter that created a deafening noise level in the Staples Gymnasium.

“I don’t shoot much. That’s not really my job on the team [...]. Coach has been telling me ‘keep shooting’, so have my teammates, my captains, so I shot it and went from there,” Fair said.

Max Sussman ’18 added 14 points and Brendan Massoud ’17 notched a season high of eight in a game that was originally scheduled for Friday night but was postponed due to snow.

The Wreckers were back in action on Monday night against New Canaan and have their regular season bye to close the week before facing Fairfield Ludlowe and St. Joseph to close the season. It was Staples’ sixth FCIAC victory and also helped the team to remain in league playoff contention.

“We think we can beat many of the top FCIAC teams,” Fair said.

DRAINING BUCKETS Max Sussman ’18 (left) shoots a three pointer vs. Warde. Sussman has 199 points on the season as of Feb. 13. Captain Justin Seidman ’17 (right) takes the ball up the court vs. Warde. Seidman had a game high 22 points vs. Ridgefield on Saturday.

Go big or go home Staples squash expands and improves in only its second year Alexa Moro ’18 The Staples varsity squash program began its second year classified as an official team. In order to upgrade from a club status to a varsity team, players had to hire coaches, enter an official league, meet with the Board of Education and athletic directors and find prospective players.

This was all done by students, for students.

Current boys’ team captains Kion Bruno ’18, Shane Fries ’17 and former Staples student Mia Krishnamurthy ’18 started the program last year in the fall. “I wanted to introduce the amazing sport and game of squash to other high schoolers,” Krishnamurthy said.

Although the team has not been around for long, it has had no trouble competing against other teams in the area. Many nearby high schools, including Darien, New Canaan and Fairfield schools, have varsity squash teams. With a 2-4 record for the boys’ team and a 4-4 record for the girls’ team, the Wreckers feel they have improved from last year. “Last season, most people had never even stepped on a court before except for two of us on the boys’ team and one on the girls’ team,” Bruno said.

Bruno also mentioned that since the coaches, Eddie O’Rourke and Whitney Stewart, managed other Staples club teams last season, the captains had to teach the new players many of the skills and rules of the game.

Standout player Chloe Palumbo ’19 has enjoyed her time on the team.

“I’ve been playing for little over a year now and love how supportive everyone is of each other[...],” Palumbo said.

This year, the program as a whole has grown to 33 rostered players, and the coaching staff has become more stabilized. “Once the team took off, it has been really great to see a bunch of new girls trying out the sport as the program continues to grow,” Palumbo said.

With an addition of three fulltime coaches, “The season has become much more serious,” Bruno said.

This season has also seen a shift of the Wreckers’ home base from Southport Racquet Club to the new squash courts at Intensity Fitness in Norwalk. As the ownership of Southport Racquet Club was changed, the courts were knocked down.

Luckily, Intensity Fitness finished its construction of new courts in November, just in time for Staples’ winter season.

Girls’ squash team captain Alex

Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19 Photo by Amelia Brown ’18

Gold ’18 attributed some of this season’s success to the new courts.

“We’ve been able to make a lot of improvements now that we have two hours of court time everyday,” Gold said.

Both the boys’ and the girls’ teams have the same goal for the future: build the program. Gold hopes to catch up to teams

in the Fairfield County area and wants to start training earlier in order to level with some of the “more established teams.”

Bruno said he wants to “continue improving and building interest, because it’s a really cool fun sport that not enough people around here have tried playing.

“If we continue on this trend, the future seems pretty bright.” inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

24

Sports | February 16, 2017

McGillion-Moore and others qualify for the fencing Junior Olympics

A

Alex Spadacenta ’17

tap to the wrist, a jab to the chest and a hit on the foot are three of the many ways Jake McGillion-Moore ’20 takes down his opponents during his fencing bouts. And his work has paid off, as McGillion-Moore is one of the few Staples students attending the 2017 Junior Olympics (JOs) for fencing in Kansas City, Missouri from Feb.17-20.

Fairfield Fencing Academy, located in an old church in Fairfield, booms with excitement as many of its fencers are preparing for the JOs. Under the wood-beam ceiling and surrounded by stained glass windows, fencers stand on the metal strips bouting or taking private lessons with a coach. While fencing is technically an individual sport, the participants do not feel as though they are alone when in the middle of a match.

“Fencing is such a tight knit community,” Madison Lee ’18 of Fairfield Ludlowe High School said.

While Lee has attended the Junior Olympics before, she is still shaky before her matches. “It never gets any easier,” she said, laughing nervously.

It’s kind of tense. You never know McGillionMoore and Lee agree what your opponent is going to that fencing is very do, but that’s part of the fun. much a mental sport.

Unlike track, where the - Jake McGillion-Moore ’20 participants just have to be the fastest, fencing bouts require calmness and an ability to really think about their next move, Lee explained. are about 10 percent the coach and 90 “It’s kind of tense. You never know percent the kids. He attended the Junior what your opponent is going to do, but Olympics as a boy, and this year, nine of that’s part of the fun,” McGillion-Moore his fencers qualified. Roberts is excited said. “They don’t know what you’re going to that he gets to “[watch] them go through do either, so it’s kind of like physical chess.” the experiences [he] went through.”

This mental aspect of fencing might Lee is a part of the Fairfield Ludlowe make people jittery but for Delphine and Fairfield Warde combined high Devore, a homeschooled student, this part school fencing team. “When I moved of the sport is what drives her forward. to Connecticut, there were maybe two “I really like the thought that goes or three high school teams, including into everything. Setting up actions and Fairfield,” coach Chris Aher said. adjusting to how your opponent fences “There are now probably 40. It’s and how the referee[s] ref is fun. No just amazing.” Staples used to have two bouts are the same,” Devore said. a high school team; however, due to Natalie Chun ’17 has attended the lack of interest, the program was cut.

JOs before; however, she will not be McGillion-Moore feels that even making an appearance this year. “It though it can be a bit awkward when was somewhat intimidating,” she said. he tells people he fences, he enjoys the The three types of fencing students fact that it is not a very common sport. at Fairfield Fencing Academy practice are “It’s nice to know that you’re not foil, sabre and épée. The major difference going along with the crowd,” he said. between these three realms of fencing is This not-so-large crowd of the target area. For foi,l the target area Staples students attending the Junior is the metal gray vest and, for sabre, it Olympics includes McGillion-Moore, is the waist, arms and torso. However, Tori Lubin ’18 and Lucas Wetmore ’17. for épée, one can jab their opponent “When you have your team backing anywhere on the body, including the foot. you up that’s like such a cool experience as Foil fencing coach Jim Roberts well as going out there at junior olympics believes that the students fencing abilities and fencing by yourself,” Lee said.

“

”

INSIDE THE ISSUE

page 21 CODE OF CONDUCT A look into the legitimacy of the pre-season forms.

page 22 CHEER TEAM PUSHES ONWARD Staples cheer looks to bounce back after the FCIAC tournament.

page 23 BOYS’ BASKETBALL The boys’ basketball team reached eight wins, clinching a state berth.

page 23 STAPLES SQUASH A look at a newly formed team playing in their second season.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL