Inklings May 2016 Issue

I

INKLINGS INKLINGS

May 6, 20169 Vol. 86, Issue

May 6, 2016

INSIDE page 15

Robotics Rocks Worlds

The Staples robotics team went to the world competition and was one of four teams nominated for the Inspire Award.

page 20

Laifer Drops Beats

Remy Laifer ’17 uses synthetic music in his new song on Soundcloud.

1 7 11 17 21

News Opinions Features Arts Sports

D’AMICO’S PLANS FOR:

Photo by Ellie Kravetz ’18

OPEN CAMPUS “One of the big concerns is liability; we have a lot of students and we are responsible for them[…]. I think right now it would be a stretch to think we could implement it anytime soon.”

WIFI

D’Amico brings community and change to principal’s office Marguax MacColl ’16 & Sarah Sommer ’16

N

ext year, Staples High School will undergo a change. The principal’s office will have a new occupant, and Staples students will have a new leader guiding their school: James D’Amico.

“I can’t wait to get back into the school and to be able to call a place home at work,” D’Amico, who is currently working at Town Hall as Director of Secondary Education, said.

D’Amico began his career as a social studies teacher in 2001 at Staples, until he became the department chair in 2005. In 2009, he became the grade six through 12 social studies department chair, and last year he was Director of Secondary Education.

With his administrative background, D’Amico has big plans for the school, first and foremost establishing better communication.

“Something I would like to see happen over time is that whenever we have those big decisions to make,” D’Amico said, “we make sure it’s really inclusive.”

A potential way D’Amico might do this is by implementing an advisory period (a time students can share their ideas) or by putting out an “open call” to ask student opinions.

Morgan Rizy ’18 is in favor of these changes and believes that the major-

ity of communication with the principal should be dedicated to creating a more inclusive, open community.

“It’s important to address social issues. I think people here kind of push them under the rug, but I think maybe addressing them would be better for the environment here,” Rizy said.

Assistant Principal Richard Franzis believes D’Amico has the credentials to complete this change. “He is a good listener as well as a good leader,” Franzis said. “He has experience as both a teacher and department chair here at Staples, so he is well-versed in the culture that is fairly unique to Staples High School.”

Another possible change would be to the grading system. While he didn’t name specific solutions, D’Amico expressed concern over Staples’ stressful environment and a desire to make modifications.

“I would look at [grading] from what are our grading policies and do they match what we think about learning. Do we put some students at a disadvantage because of the way we weight grades?”

D’Amico’s overall goal with reforms is to create a school more geared toward students’ interests.

“I love what we do in school and it’s so important, but I think we also have to acknowledge that what we do outside of

school, to students, I know, is just as important,” D’Amico said. “That’s where a lot of students feel like they’re doing their real learning. It’s what we teach you in school that allows you to be successful in that arena.”

Franzis also expressed his faith in any decisions that D’Amico chooses to make.

“I think, like any good leader, Mr. D’Amico will take his time in making quick decisions when first assuming his role as principal and not make changes merely for the sake of making changes,” he said.

While D’Amico has plans for change, there are some things he intends to keep the same.

Outside of school, D’Amico’s time is still dedicated to children. “A lot of my life is driven by what my kids are doing. When I’m not here, I’m probably coaching soccer or baseball; I’m Cub Scout leader,” he laughed.

“Those are the things that occupy me now.”

No matter what, D’Amico is looking forward to the rewarding position as principal. He explained that working in administration is often difficult because the effects of new policies are often not obvious immediately after the fact. However, he has faith in his ability to make positive, long-term changes to Staples High School.

“You really have to believe,” he said, “that something you can do will have an impact on more than just your class.”

Sophie Driscoll ’19

partment chair Julie Heller said.

Accordingly, guidance counselors have noted that problems often arise when students override into difficult classes.

“Most of the time, when students override into courses, they struggle,” Denise Honeycutt, one of the ninth grade guidance counselors, said. “Many times, they end up changing levels.”

Furthermore, the Staples High School website warns parents of potential issues which may result from overriding a teacher’s recommendation.

Override rate skyrockets 126 students reported overriding out of 323.

Infographic by Melanie Lust ’19

At the beginning of the third marking period, teachers recommended which courses their students should take the following year. Despite warnings from teachers and guidance counselors, many students decided to override their course recommendations in order to add more challenging classes to their schedules. In particular, a significant number of students overrode recommendations in English and math, as reported by the department chairs.

“There has been an increase in the number of overrides,” English de-

Continued on page 2

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

“Some sites get preference in terms of when students access them in the network[…]; as of right now there are no plans [to block websites].”

STANDARDIZED TESTING “Measurement is necessary[...]. We have tried not to emphasize standardized tests, but the SAT now serves a dual purpose[… ].We are trying to work with the state to make sure that the inschool SAT is as useful as possible.”

B LEVEL CLASSES “I think we need to examine our B level classes to look at how effective they are. One of my big concerns with B level classes is tied to GPA. If a student takes a B level class because it is the most appropriate place for them they actually get a lower GPA for being successful in that class.”

Contested convention proves possible

Sophie Call ’16 & Claudia Chen ’16

The Republican National Convention may be holding its first contested convention since 1976 from July 18 to 21. A contested convention occurs when no single nominee has obtained the necessary number of delegates in order to secure the nomination. According to Politico, the Republican nominee would need 1,237 delegates for nomination, and with only 882 delegates left up for grabs, even frontrunner Donald Trump may not meet the threshold.

Continued on page 5

inklingsnews.com

2

News | May 6, 2016

Photo via Wikipedia under the creative commons license

Local students relay for those affected by cancer Justin Schwebel ’16

S

taples and Weston High School students will be helping the fight against cancer on May 7 at Relay For Life on the Staples track from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event, according to student organizers, is a fun way to have a big impact on those affected by cancer.

Students are especially looking forward to this year’s event, because it is the first time Relay For Life is being held at Staples after being held at Weston High School for the previous five years.

“It’s a great opportunity for the Westport community to be involved with an event that has never previously been associated with Staples,” Emily Rogers ’16, a member of the event planning committee, said. “Cancer has touched the Staples community in so many ways, so I think it’s incredible that Staples has the opportunity to have an impact together.”

For the students who organize and participate in the event, it is more than just an afternoon of fun.

“I think it’s really important to understand that while Relay is a lot of fun, it should still serve as a reminder—especially as people walk around the track— that cancer never sleeps,” Sofia Bara ’18, a student at Weston High School said. “Our world goes beyond our classrooms, our homes, and our towns so even if you haven’t been impacted directly by this disease, there are still millions of people suffering

and undergoing arduous treatment as they fight with all that they have left to survive.”

In previous years, at Weston Relay For Life, it was an overnight event. However, this year, the event will end at 8 p.m.

“There are restrictions and rules we need to respectfully follow due to sound and lighting, which give us a maximum 6 hour time frame for the event, with an end time of 8 p.m.,” Debra Pinals, a leader of the Event Planning Committee, said.

Relay is especially important to students like Jason Pinals ’18 who personally understand the impact cancer has on society and the power an event like Relay For Life can have.

“I Relay for my Grandma Susie,” Pinals said, a student at Weston High School.

“Relay For Life event is a life-changing experience that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease.”

As a member of the event planning committee, Pinals has helped to plan many of the night’s events.

“Teams set up and decorate campsites, host onsite fundraisers, and participants take turns walking the track for the fight against cancer. Local cancer survivors begin the Relay with a Survivors’ Celebration Lap,” Pinals said.

Participants at the event will also have the opportunity to take part in many side activities, including hamster ball races, Zumba, face painting and live music.

F o o d will be provided by popular local food trucks such Photo via Flikr under the as Melt Mocreative commons license bile and College Creamery.

In addition to these activities, students will also hear first hand accounts from those affected by cancer.

Proceeds raised by teams will benefit The American Cancer Society, the largest voluntary health society in the United States, providing programs and services to those affected by cancer. As of April 28, teams have already raised close to $18,000.

learning and grade which they consider satisfactory despite their best efforts.”

While school staff warns against overriding course recommendations, many students believe that overriding a recommendation can be the right decision.

“I’ve overridden and been really successful in the class,” Lilly Howes ’17 said. “If you think you can do it, you probably can.”

There are multiple explanations as to why a student might choose to take a more difficult course than the one they were recommended for. For instance, some students feel as though taking certain courses will improve their chances of being accepted into a particular college. “‘Honors definitely looks better than A [on a transcript],” Joe Xiang ’19, who has overridden course recommendations in the past, said.

However, other students may override because they feel pressure from their parents or peers to take more challenging courses.

“Staples is such a competitive academic environment that students often put pressure on each other to take the hardest courses,” Mikayla Czizik ’17 said.

According to social studies teach-

er Daniel Heaphy, when overriding course recommendations, it is important that students are confident that they are well suited for success in whatever class they are choosing to take.

“I think problems arise when students take bad advice and listen to rumors from their peers,” Heaphy said. “You only want to [override] for the right reasons.”

A male 11th grade student who wishes to remain anonymous agrees with Heaphy’s statements.

“Many of those who do override do so for the wrong reasons. Not because they like a class, but because they need the

BY THE NUMBERS

33TEAMS

186

PARTICIPANTS

$25,016 RAISED

INFORMATION FROM THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

Infographic by Alice Hickson ’17

Students override recommendations despite warnings Sophie Driscoll ’19 Continued from page 1

Infographic by Melanie Lust ’19

“The pace of the course may be too rigorous and inappropriate for your child; the level of content and workload may be too difficult,” the website says. “It may be impossible for your child to change to a different course, course level or revert back to the original teacher recommended course [...] your child may not acquire the

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

GPA, and in most cases, the wrong motivation will lead to a rather disappointing end,” he said. “Colleges would likely prefer [a] high grade in an A level course [to a low grade in a more difficult course].”

Czizik notes that whether or not a student should override a course recommendation is circumstantial, as each student faces a unique situation. She suggests that students meet with a teacher if they are unsure of whether or not to override.

“Teachers are here to help students,” Czizik said, “and in my experience will be more than willing to give students some insight on courses.”

BUSINESS CARD

News | May 6, 2016

LOCAL BRIEFS Jane Schutte ’16

3

May 14 Greenday Photo via Wikipedia under the creative commons license

May 7 Race for the Cure

T

he fourth annual 5k run and walk will be held at the Sherwood Island State Park Connector. People of all ages are welcome, and all proceeds go toward funding community grants and research in the county’s fight against breast cancer. The race begins at seven a.m. For more information visit: transaction. komenct.org.

May 7 Westport Arts Center Gala: Club Havana

Each year the Westport Arts Center holds an annual gala, and this year’s theme is Club Havana. The chairman for the event aims to celebrate the unique culture of Cuba, enriching the evening with traditional arts, food and drinks. Admittance is by tickets only, and the event will be held on the Vespa green and the National Hall Campus downtown at five-thirty p.m.

This day has become an annual celebration throughout Westport in the spring, aiming to influence sustainability throughout the community. Rather than just one singular event, this day features community wide events such as volunteering at a beach clean up, volunteering at Wakeman Town Farm or listening to speakers at the library such as social entrepreneur and Westporter Peter Boyd who will talk about Westport’s new opportunities to enhance sustainability in the town.

May 14 Junior Prom

As usual, the junior prom will be held in the Staples High School courtyard. Following the last week of AP exams, the prom will be a nice celebration for juniors. The prom starts at seven p.m. and will go until 10:00 p.m.

May 16

First Day of Internships Seniors will have completed their time at Westport Public School , and with colleges and post high school plans secured for most of them, they will head off on internships for the last five weeks of school. Popular internships include Longshore Sailing School, SHE3 and The 203.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

4

News | May 6, 2016

A.P. Assassination remains despite recent gun violence Amelia Brown ’18 & Julia Rosier ’18

liza G Photo by E

oldberg ’17

A

lot has changed since 1999.

Chalkboards are now smartboards and textbooks are websites on tablets. But, A.P. Assassination remains.

Not only that, but its popularity amongst students has grown from just 35 student participants in 1999 to over 130 participants in 2016, despite concerns of its appropriateness.

A.P. Assassination is a game open to

seniors who are enrolled in any AP level course, but is not affiliated with Staples, meaning the game is organized solely by students and played completely outside of school. The game requires all participants to acquire a Nerf blaster, strategize and plan out a way to shoot their assigned targets and then execute their strikes anywhere other than on the Staples campus,

Nerf gun black; in the past, police have drawn guns on participants whose Nerf blasters closely resemble real weapons.”

However, not all people are concerned and many attest to the game being a good experience. Alex Palumbo ’15 made it into the final round of last year’s game, winning part of the winner’s pot because of a deal made with the other two students left. “One person can’t describe the joy in shooting someone with a nerf gun for money, so definitely consider playing,” Palumbo said. Palumbo also went on to say that he felt no reservations about using Nerf guns. “It kind of felt like a prerequisite to flexing my second amendment around town,” he said.

Anna Eichhorn ’16 is also excited about playing in the game. “I’m looking forward to creating intricate plans to get my person out,” Eichhorn said. “I don’t know if I would consider it appropriate or not with gun control issues, but it’s a senior tradition and I’ve never heard of anyone acting too violent.”

Still, while Morgan fully trusts her senior class, she would prefer an alternative way for the A.P. students to have some fun.

“You can play tag, you can race around the beach or something,” Morgan said.

at internships or inside the target’s house.

“A.P. Assassination has been around for years mainly due to it’s ability to help students discover unconventional problem-solving methods,” Jonas Piekara ’16, this year’s A.P. Assassination co-organizer with Quinn Hughes ’16, said. “You can’t learn any of the games’ strategies in the classroom, so Staples students have always had fun with the game because it develops independent critical thinking skills that are not applicable in the classroom environment.”

Despite the fun intentions of the game, A.P. Assassination has come under scrutiny given the recent gun violence throughout the country, and some question whether it is appropriate to have a game that puts fake weapons in the hands of the students.

“I hate anything with the word ‘assassination’ in it. I hate anything to do with guns,” Karyn Morgan, 12th grade assistant principal, said.

Morgan is not alone in having these concerns. In the 2013 rules document, it clearly warns students to, “not paint your

WORLD BRIEFS

Photo via Wikipedia under the creative commons license

Britain and the European Union

Caroline O’Kane ’16

Mediterranean shipwreck

The United Kingdom European Union membership referendum, also known as the EU referendum, is scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom and Gibraltar on June 23, 2016. The European Union is a hybrid system where the 28 member states are all involved in intergovernmental decision-making. The United Kingdom is considering leaving the EU, but president Barack Obama insisted that whatever happened, the “special relationship” between Britain and the US would continue.

Over 100 people drowned April 29 and 30 after two migrant vessels went down in the Mediterranean Sea. The two ships sunk within hours of each other after departing from Libya on April 29.

An Italian cargo ship rescued 27 survivors, bringing them to a hospital on the Italian island of Lampedusa. More than 350,000 people fleeing wars, conflict and poverty have successfully reached Italian shores from Libya since the start of 2014. More than 1,260 people have already died or gone missing trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe this year.

GOV

ERN

moves closer to legalizing marijuana

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

T

Iraq

protesters take over Parliament

Mexico

On Thursday, April 21, after President Enrique Peña Nieto sent a bill to Mexico’s Congress asking legislators to reform the health code, Mexico moved closer to legalizing medical marijuana and allowing up to one ounce for personal use. If it is approved, the bill will free people on trial or in prison for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and increase the limit of decriminalized marijuana for personal use from less than one-fifth of an ounce to one Infogr aph ic by ounce. The bill will also allow the import of medicine containing E

MEN

liza

Gol

dbe rg

On Saturday April 30 in Baghdad, thousands of protesters ran freely around the Green Zone, a normally off-limits area housing government buildings and foreign embassies, in response to a Shiite cleric’s speech about government inaction and corruption. The chao occurred several hours before Iraqi party leaders met in the Presidential Palace within the Green Zone. The furious protesters then stormed Parliament where they waved Iraqi flags, ransacked rooms, chanted, gestured for cameras and sat at lawmakers’ desks. ’17

News | May 6, 2016

5

Grim Reaper Day Teen Awareness Group breaks tradition for this year’s Grim Reaper Day Katelyn DeAgro ’17

Photos by Caroline O’Kane ’16

T

he Teen Awareness Group (TAG) will put on their 13th annual Grim Reaper Day on May 12 to inform students of the dangers of driving under the influence; though this year, it will look a bit different.

In the past, the most noticeable trademark of Grim Reaper Day was the dozens of students made up to look as though they themselves have been in a collision.

These Grim Reaper participants would be pulled out of their classes while their classmates were informed of the nature of their “deaths” by a police officer. However, this aspect along with the student obituaries on the walls will not be a part of the set up this year.

“I think it’s really important that we are both sensitive and considerate of the trauma that Staples has gone through this year, and the fact that we don’t want to trigger any previous feelings,” Gracyn Levenson ’16 said. “The day will still have its intended meaning, but there will definitely be less blood and gore.”

CLASSROOM

The student obituaries CONVERSATIONS (TOP) and the tradition of pulling Last year, Officer Batlin the students from class will and EMT Deputy Director, be replaced with fun activi- Marc Hartog, went to ties and stations. These sta- classrooms with TAG members talking about tions will be about using posihow their classmates tive methods to handle stress. have ‘died.’ This will not According to Jack Nor- be the case this year. man ’17, TAG treasurer, these lighter stations are meant to counteract some of the “morbidity” of the regular assembly that will remain similar to what it has been in years past.

“It’s not a day about sadness,” Norman ’17, said. “At the end of the day, it’s about not drinking and driving or getting in a car with a drunk driver.”

This message has hit cords with many students within Staples High School, including Taylor Rochlin ’18, who lost her brother in an accident involving a drunk driver in 2009.

“I believe that Grim Reaper Day is a really great day,” Rochlin said. “Last year’s Grim Reapers Day was about my family, and I think it touched a lot of people to know that it can happen to anyone in the community [and] it felt really good to tell my story and make people aware.”

PAINTING FACES (ABOVE) Last year, students had their faces painted white and red to symbolize their ‘death.’

This year, students will be wearing shirts that say, “I could be a victim.”

A DARK SYMBOL (LEFT) Last year, each ‘dead’ victim carried around a black rose, representing the loss of a young life.

Possibility of contested convention looms for GOP Sophie Call ’16 & Claudia Chen ’16 Continued from page 1

“I think a contested convention would shake the Republican Party at its foundation,” Nicole Kiker ’17 said. “No matter which candidate was nominated, it would create a fractured constituency for the [party] because a large proportion of voters would be disappointed with the outcome.”

In the event that none of the nominees reach 1,237 delegates, a contested convention will take place in Cleveland, Ohio. Delegates will vote by secret ballot and will continue to do so until a candidate wins a majority of delegates.

Between rounds, candidates and their supporters will be busy trying to win votes.

Since Ted Cruz’s wins in Wisconsin and Utah, which put him at 517 delegates compared to Trump’s 743, the possibility of a contested convention has increased. However, not all Staples students believe that it will occur.

“Trump is rather moderate compared to Cruz, so I do believe he will

win nearly all of the Northern states,” David Qiu ’16 said. “The chances of a contested convention are very slim.”

Qiu is one of Trump’s supporters who does not want to see a contested convention take place. He sees Trump’s nomination as a way for the Republican Party to “fall in line,” fixing the splinters that he sees in the party.

Harrison King ’16 supports this view as well, as he sees Trump as the people’s candidate. ”Due to his anti-establishment campaign, [he has pulled] millions of voters out of the shadows,” King said. “I think you are going to see some pissed off people if Trump does not get the nomination.”

Even those who don’t support Trump have reservations about a contested convention, as they believe that it undermines the democratic process.

“I think it’s super ironic as far as Republicans go because they keep screaming that Obama shouldn’t elect a judge because the people’s voice is important,” Jeffrey Shepard ’18 said. “But then in a contested convention, Republican leaders basically deny the voice of the people and choose who the contestant is going to be themselves.”

Even if the GOP goes to a contested convention, there is still a barrier in the way

for some of the candidates. The 2012 Re- ly think that Hillary Clinton is gonna publican National Convention introduced end up winning in the end of all of it.” a rule, referred to as the “eight state rule,” Update: Ted Cruz has dropped out of the which requires presidential candidates to presidential primary race. win a majority of delegates in at least eight states in order to receive the nomination.

“Therefore, candidates like John Kasich, or talked about Paul Ryan, cannot be a nominee,” King said.

Whether or not a contested convention occurs, many believe that the GOP candidate’s outcome in the general election looks particularly grim.

“Overall, I’m a little disappointed how this election has reached an immaturity level so low,” Drew Cohen ’16 said.

“I am a RepubliGraphic by Channing Smith ’17 can, but I definiteinklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

6

Advertisement | May 6, 2016

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

opinions

Inklings

7

INKLINGS | May 6, 2016

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

Drawing by Channing Smith ’17

Eliza Goldberg

Assistant Creative Directors Ellie Kravetz & Melanie Lust

Business Manager Katelyn DeAgro

Assistant Business Managers Brett Franklin & Josiah Tarrant & Kayla Sirlin

News Editors Max Appell & Alice Hickson Lulu Stracher & Frenchie Truitt

Opinions Editors

Emma Greenberg & Anay Simunovic Sophie Driscoll & Colette Lippman

Features Editors

Margot Mather & Alex Spadacenta Amelia Brown & Julia Rosier

Arts Editors

Ian Bernstein & Bailey Blaikie Ashton Dedona & Alex Reiner

Sports Editors

Jack Beck & Sydney Kaplan Izzy Blansfield & Jonathan Kaner

Web News Editors

Olivia Foster & Anders Hovstavious

Web Opinions Editors Megan Doyle & Jesse Levinson

Web Features Editors

Charlie Colasurdo & Tori Lubin

Web Arts Editors Ivy Prince & Christoph Russi

Web Sports Editors

Brendan Massoud & Alexa Moro

Advisors

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

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

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

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

I

In tolerance we trust

Being informed on issues will promote mass acceptance over mass prejudice

I

n 2015, an all new reality TV show premiered across America: the presidential primaries. This primetime hit may have provided us with an all-we-can-eat buffet of embarrassment, idiocy and bitterness, but it has also inspired record political participation.

Total Democratic voter turnout has rivaled numbers from 2008, and Republican primary turnout is at an all-time high.

However, this mass participation is not enough.

Inklings

EDITORIAL Modern political dialogue, hampered by a special kind of closedmindedness that leads to exchanges of misinformation and political intolerance has become tantamount to

religion—something people are both uncomfortable talking about and even more uncomfortable reconsidering.

Trump has been characterized as an egotistical racist. But when was the last time a debate dissected his viewpoints, such as his policies on price transparency in the healthcare industry, instead of attacking his personality?

Clinton has been labeled a detached liar. But when was the last time her past accomplishment in negotiating the Iran sanctions was considered before her candidacy was rapidly dismissed with a bout of name-calling?

This closed-minded stereotyping and prejudice applies to more than just the front-runners. Bernie Sanders’ supporters are “young weed-smoking hippies” and Kasich’s backers are teased for having “thrown away their vote.”

If we truly want an educated and tolerant electorate that desires more than fist-fighting and uninformed accusations, we must work to change the current political environment that is both ripe with prejudice and unconducive to true conversation.

As teenagers, we are America’s

Inklinations

benefactors. We will inherit its problems, innovations and political culture. We may not be the sole cause of our broken political climate, but it certainly will become our problem to fix.

It may partially be our teacher’s responsibility to lead policy-oriented, election based discussions in class, whether that class be American Government or English. But as citizens ourselves, it is also our task to work to move away from our mob mentality voting behavior.

Our generation can take steps to create an environment in which policies, and not stereotypes, are the first thoughts that come to mind when a political candidate is mentioned. By doing so, we can create a world where people feel comfortable both sharing their political beliefs and keeping an open mind to opposing perspectives.

It is our responsibility as future voters to engage in a balanced political dialogue that promotes the type of educated voting we all, as Americans, desire.

It is our responsibility to listen as much as we speak and to consider as much as we dismiss.

“No, people are mean.”

Can you freely express your political views at Staples?

-Dominic Arciola ’18

“Yes, people are open.”

“Yes, people are accepting.”

-Calli Caplan ’18

-Aniruddha Murali ’19

“No it gets too heated.”

-Jackie Hornung ’16

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

8

Opinions | May 6, 2016

Letter to the Editor: “Prejudice against disabilities”

T

o whom this may concern.

Hello. My name is Maria Maisonet (Class of 2019) and I am disabled. [When] I received the [April] issue of your newspaper, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the stigma against disabled people was being addressed. I began the article with high hopes that this article would be insightful and informative for the Staples community. To be fair, the article did inform the reader about the plight of Fabian. However, Fabian’s story does not represent all of those afflicted with physical and/or cognitive handicaps. This isn’t to say that it was wrong on Inklings part to share his story, but I strongly feel that the disabled community as a whole was not given fair representation. Your newspaper chose to include all of the ‘juicy’ details of how Fabian came to be in a wheelchair. To be frank, the section read like a sob story, a ploy to hook readers by making them feel pity or guilt. Yet, at no point in this article did the author discuss who Fabian is as a person. When I finished this article, I had no idea who Fabian is as a person. All the article told me was that he is a boy in a wheelchair This is certainly unfair to only focus in on the medical aspects of

his life, as if his wheelchair defines him. He was your mascot for your cause. This article fails to represent the diversity of disability.

I have been involved in school newspapers and I remember Mr. Rexford, your former supervisor, constantly telling us to get all the different perspectives. This is a lesson you clearly did not pay attention to.

I feel that if one is going to write about the ignorance disabled people face, one should not be apart of that group of ignorant people. I’m sure Inklings had fond intentions while writing this article, however fond intentions don’t add up to much when Inklings is publishing an article that furthers the stigma against disabled people, especially if this article will be at the hands of the entire building.

The author also attempted to discuss Best Buddies, a wonderful club that provides those with disabilities an outlet and safe space to socialize. I would like to stress that this club is not for all disabled students.

By making such general statements implies that all disabled students have trouble making friends. This is most certainly not true.

I, personally, have a great group of friends and have no more trouble than any of my able-bodied peers when it comes to making

friends. I have had many people ask me if I’m in Best Buddies because they are making the assumption that I must have difficulty making friends since I use a walker. I am offended that people would make such broad generalizations and your articles is certainly not helping to alleviate this stigma.

Why doesn’t Inklings talk about what type of people we are? I, personally (please note this is only one perspective and that I do not represent all disabled people), am an honors student. I’m learning to speak Italian. I love to paint and draw. I play percussion in the freshman band and also play drums outside of school. Last year I and my partner were fifth best at Anatomy and Fossils in the state of Connecticut. I am very outgoing and funny.

These are the sort of qualities that should be included instead of talking about only a person’s disability. Yes, I do have a disease that inhibits me from walking independently, but it does not define who I am and should not define your article.

The message I took away from this article was that all the ‘normal’ kids need to help us disabled kids because we are left so utterly helpless. This is what gnawed away at the back of mind all day

before I composed this email. I couldn’t and still can’t shake that bothered feeling your newspaper left me with. I don’t want anyone’s pity. I don’t want to be treated differently because of my disease. I’m no different than anyone else in this school and deserve to be treated that way. I’m not just this sad girl who can’t walk. I’ve worked very hard to come as far as I am today and I certainly don’t need anyone taking that away from me. All I ask is that I and all the disabled kids to be treated and seen as equal and I want to be fairly portrayed.

Instead of spreading this stigma, Inklings should be informing their readers.

There are many things in day to day life that are much harder for those with disabilities. Why doesn’t Inklings work on informing their readers on what being disabled truly means? It is only through knowledge that we can truly gain acceptance for one another. We are not your sad after school special. We are people, just like you, and deserve to be treated like such.

Inklings is supposed to be an award winning newspaper. Articles like this most certainly do not deserve any form of award.

-Maria Maisonet ’19 Graphic by Christina Dear ’17

Feminism: It’s not just for girls

Why I’m not afraid to call myself a feminist Jesse Levinson ’17 This is going to sound strange to you, but I’m going to say it anyway. My name is Jesse Levinson, I am a member of the male population and, not-so-incidentally, I am a feminist.

I have decided to create this article in hopes of severing the stereotypical connotations attached to the term “feminism.”

According to a 2013 poll by YouGov, only 18 percent of men identified as feminists before knowing the true definition of the term. However, after they received the definition, that number rose to 27 percent.

Contrary to typical belief, being a feminist does not mean I shave my legs and straighten my hair before I go to bed each night. Sure, I would enjoy a nice quinoa salad over a slab of meat, but that is besides the point.

The concept of feminism is simple: if you believe that men and women have equal rights, then you are, in fact, a feminist.

However, it’s not difficult to uncover why so many people feel reluctant to pronounce that they are feminists.

Over the years, dubbed “feminazis” have attempted to transform feminism into a radical attack against men, making it difficult for many people—men especially—to sign off on the concept. Yet,

in reality, feminazis are not representative of the feminist movement, and men not only have just as much to gain from feminism as women do, but they also play a key role in instrumenting change.

According to US socialist Kris Macomber, men are “members of the dominant group; they have access to social and institutional power that women lack.”

Owen Jones, a writer for The Guardian, furthers Macomber’s claim by citing a 2012 study that found 78 percent of all front page articles were written by men, and 84 percent of those mentioned or quoted in lead pieces were men.

Basically, men possess the influential means necessary to influence modern society’s perception of the feminist movement.

And in reality, resolving feminist issues usually goes hand-inhand with the interests of men.

For example, one of the major issues facing feminism today includes the United States’ dismal maternity leave system.

Prior to giving his 2015 State of the Union Address, President Obama told Congress, “Today, we’re the only advanced country on Earth that doesn’t guarantee paid maternity leave to our workers.”

Addressing and changing this shameful fact will benefit men in a number of ways. For one, any father should support

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

the idea of his child getting to spend as much time as possible with his or her mother. Also, a more fitting maternity leave policy could open the doors to enacting paternity leave as well. Considering that only 14 percent of employers offer a form of paid paternity leave, men should be outspoken in their support.

Additionally, although resolving social stigmas is typically considered beneficial for solely women, it has a resounding impact on men as well.

In his article “Men and Feminism,” John Crow writes, “By challenging traditional conceptions of masculinity, [feminism] provides an opportunity for men to adopt alternative social roles.”

I’ll admit it: when I grow up, I would

rather not be the sole provider for my family, and I would rather not be obligated to act brawny in difficult situations.

Honestly, why would anyone? As social roles evolve into a more equal playing field for men and women and social stigmas begin to fade away, we no longer need to feel restricted by stereotypes With that being said, today I’m going to workout with resistance bands, then I might even do some yoga. After that, I’m going to skip the raw egg protein shake and eat a blueberry Luna bar because, let’s face it, we all know that’s the better tasting option.

So don’t succumb to the abrasive stereotypes that have become associated with feminism. If you believe in equal gender rights, then you are, by definition, a feminist.

Opinions | May 6, 2016

9

Should the second amendment be under fire?

Gun violence: the disease we refuse to cure unman massacres 20 children at school in Connecticut;” “Gunman kills 12 in Colorado Movie Theater;” “14 dead in California in mass shooting.” These headlines have appeared far too often in our newspapers and on our televisions, and we’ve unfortunately grown far too accustomed to hearing about the tragic killing of innocent friends and family at businesses, colleges and elementary schools.

The use of guns in these abominable murders is often ignored, with many saying that military-grade weapons—designed with the sole purpose of killing humans— are not the problem. Many of our fellow citizens insist that, “guns don’t kill people, people kill people,” but this argument is misleading, because many violent crimes would be harder to commit or could be prevented entirely if the people who had guns could not obtain them in the first place. It’s for this reason that a ban on all assault-style weapons and an end to the “gun show loophole,” which allows for unmarked and fluid transactions of guns, needs to be implemented in our nation.

As residents of Westport, all of us are familiar with the heinous crimes of the Newtown massacre. The assault weapons used to take 20 children and six staff members lives were legally obtained by the shooter’s mother. We all know there is no reason for anyone in Connecticut to own a war-waging weapon. Newtown is one of the safest cities in the state, and it’s impossible to even think of a reason why someone would need a weapon designed to kill if that’s not their intention.

After Sep. 11, our society was prepared to take all actions to ensure that such a tragic event never happen again within our borders, so what makes these gun murders any different?

Following instances of terrible gun violence, steps are often taken to treat the symptoms rather than the root cause. Take Staples, for example. During the summer of 2014, the glass on the ground floors was reinforced, and automatically locking door handles were installed on all the doors. These security measures will aid in slowing the progress of a shooter should that day ever happen, but they won’t help to prevent one. Just as a good doctor treats the issue from which all major problems stem, we need to attack guns at their root instead of helping to reduce the severity of the problems which result from them. The cure for the disease of gun violence is comprehensive legislation which bars assault weapons and closes the gun show loophole.

Many people buy their weapons at gun shows as these are one of the most facile and utilized ways to obtain weapons. At gun shows, no background check is required; buyers do not need to give their full names.

Guns are paid for in cash, and oftentimes there is no receipt of the transaction. Anyone in attendance could buy a weapon, even one as deadly as a military-grade assault

c by M elanie Lust ’1 9

G

“

rifle. This process is akin to the old days of the Wild West whereby unnecessary and entirely preventable violence will continue to ruin the lives of thousands of victims of shootings, and to continue to allow guns to be bought and sold this easily is a gross slap-in-theface to people who are the victims of gun violence.

Assault weapons were designed for soldiers to fight wars, not for private citizens to own. And worse, we allow people to buy and sell these death machines in Connecticut with little supervision, limits or regulation.

The argument is correct—people do kill people—but let us take this opportunity to stop making it so easy for them to do so.

Jackie Sussman ’17 Fear. A four-letter word to articulate a sense of dread. We endure varying magnitudes of fear every day. Car crashes. Domestic terrorism.

Guns.

But before we react in fear, it is important, to evaluate any situation objectively. So, before we lacerate the Bill of Rights, I appeal to you to omit any sense of fear you may have about guns and impartially appraise the issue of gun control.

The fundamental truths of the United States are that its government derives its power from the consent of the governed and that the role of government— large or miniscule—is to safeguard

fundamental rights. And so, I cannot overemphasize the importance and care needed to assess rolling back a right that our founders deemed critical enough to put in the Bill of Rights for the purpose of limiting a central authority’s power over its citizens.

I am not in favor of completely unregulated gun carry. No one should be able to walk around with an AK-47 or other assault rifles without astonishingly stringent background checks. Likewise, I also concede that it is ridiculous for conservatives to ignore the original military purpose of the second amendment.

Nevertheless, it is equally ridiculous to believe that the second amendment is anything other than an individual right—a civil liberty—guaranteed to the people.

As late Justice Antonin Scalia reasoned in the landmark Supreme Court decision D.C. v. Heller, yes, the intended purpose of the second amendment was to be for individuals involved in state militias. With that being said, militias were spontaneously organized and consisted of any male old enough to participate in acts of war; militias were legally considered a subset of the people, and the right to bear arms must be considered an individual right.

The gun control dissension thus raises a broader philosophical question: can a just government regulate an individual right, even if that right is arguably dangerous? Yes and no. While the actions of individuals are under the jurisdiction of society and therefore the government, the rights of individuals are not. If a government feels that an individual right is antipathetic to upholding the constitutional purpose of “promoting the general welfare,” then of course I support regulation; yet such regulations must be held to the strictest of scrutinies in determining how that right should be regulated. And that is why I cannot support the Democratic Party’s current stance on gun control. Establishment Democrats do not even pretend to respect the significance and importance of the second amendment through their incessant attempt to debase and expunge it, which is a blatant disregard for the sanctity of civil liberties.

It is unfair, unjust and un-American to attempt to regulate a fundamental right by devaluing it, destroying it and establishing background-check laws that further violate civil liberties (namely, the right to privacy). I understand this is a very emotional subject; even so, don’t let pathos arguments that may undermine the very foundations of the United States obstruct objective, logical thinking.

Graph i

Andrew Vester ’17

Don’t devalue the second amendment

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

10

Opinions | May 6, 2016

“Junioritis” prevails: peace of mind increases proficiency Jesse Levinson ’17

I’m currently in the clutches of what is said to be the most stressful and workheavy year of high school, but it doesn’t really seem that way to me.

As a junior, I’m expected to slave over my desk each night and spend every waking moment of my free time preparing for any upcoming tests. No relaxing, no spending a weeknight with friends, no Netflix and chill—just studying. Sounds fun, right?

Of course not, but there is an alternative, and it’s referred to as “junioritis.” Although this term has negative connotations and is commonly intertwined with senioritis—the lack of motivation seniors experience after being accepted into college—it actually represents a positive step forward for juniors. Junioritis is simply a junior’s realization that stress is often a selfimposed, unnecessary burden. Every assignment does not require laborious effort, and every test does not require hours of studying. I can honestly say that, as someone who has embraced this philosophy, I have been met with steady grades and early bedtimes.

Even as I’m writing this article, I’m

aware that I still have some math problems to do and an essay to read, but I’m not concerned. The fact that it’s already 10:00 p.m. on a Thursday doesn’t worry me either. I simply don’t feel the need to overburden myself and stay awake any later than 11:00 p.m., no matter how difficult my A.P. English Language homework may be (sometimes I think it’s A.P. Chinese Language).

Of course, to the hard-wired study maniac, this probably sounds ridiculous.

But I urge you to hear me out. There truly can be light at the end of your dark tunnel of sleep-deprived nights and crushed Red Bull cans.

Furthermore, my spending a limited time on homework tonight is not representative of slacking off.

By now, we juniors have pretty much seen all there is to see with regards to the “high school experience,” whether it be

“Junioritis is simply a junior’s realization that stress is often a selfimposed, unnecessary burden.”

relationship drama, friendship drama, family drama or schoolwork drama (basically, high school is just a lot of drama). It’s only logical that, with our three years of experience, we develop more efficient methods of doing our schoolwork.

For example, I will not cause myself undue stress tonight by spending a lot of time on math problems that, to me, look like calligraphy.

Instead, I will go into class tomorrow attentive to my teacher’s explanation.

So, to my junior s t u d y maniacs, it isn’t too late to embrace the junioritis lifestyle. I know you think that staying awake all night is the only way to ensure good grades, but you’re wrong.

Just try and go to sleep earlier tonight.

You won’t regret it.

Gra phi c

by E

liza

Go ldb

erg

’17

Pre-College summer programs generate superiority complexes Kit Epstein ’17 “What are you doing this summer?”

It seems like a simple question.

Unfortunately, at Staples High School, the answer to this question usually results in a laundry list of summer pre-college programs.

These programs, which aim to prepare high school students for college by offering a range of different courses for students to take, have become somewhat of a social norm- even a right of passage.

That would be fine, except for the fact that nowadays, students walk around gloating about the programs that they’ve signed up for, as if the program will actually help kids get into college. Newsflash, they don’t.

According to Bev Taylor, the founder of ivycoach.com, a website that offers Ivy League university admissions guidance, “These often super expensive college summer programs don’t say to admissions officers what so many parents and students think they say. In many ways, attending these expensive summer programs is no different from attending a fancy sleepaway camp or going on a teen tour.”

Furthermore, these programs are ridiculously expensive. Take the pre-college program at the Ivy League and highly prestigious Brown University. According to the University’s website, a one week pre-college program costs a whopping $2,541. Four weeks? That’ll be $6,424.

For that price tag, you’d think an attendee of a Brown University pre-college summer program would be one step away from getting their Bachelor degree. But, according to a PBS Newshour interview with Jim Miller, Brown University’s Dean of Admissions, taking a summer college program holds “zero” weight when it comes to admissions decisions.

Truth be told, I’ve attended a one week summer college program at Columbia University which covered journalism leadership. Yet, I don’t walk around acting as though I had to do more than sign up and write a check- everybody who applied and could pay got in. I don’t talk about the program as if it puts me above my peers in terms of the college admissions process. The program was for fun, not to prove my academic superiority.

So, have fun at your summer precollege programs—just quit the attitude. inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

Israeli emissary connects cultures and inspires understanding T Renee Weisz ’17

hough her hometown may be 5,600 miles away, 19 year old Israeli emissary, Gaya Kessler, has made Westport her home since her arrival last August.

Kessler’s bubbly personality and infectious energy has lent itself to her role as an emissary, a diplomatic representative, during her year long gap between high school and required military service in the Israeli army.

Despite her new experience as an emissary in America, Kessler is seasoned as an Israeli representative for multiple international conferences. “When I heard of this program, representing Israel and bringing Israel to America, it connected to what I’ve done up until now,” Kessler said. “It was bringing yourself but also bringing your country and your culture, exploring other cultures and letting other people explore your culture.”

Prior to her arrival in the States, Kessler and the other New England-area emissaries trained for their roles as the

Graphic by Eliza Goldberg ’17

face of Israel amidst a non-Israeli society. They learned the tools for public speaking, interacting with youth and informing the community of the Israeli lifestyle in a way relatable for Americans.

“We discuss how we can bring our Israeli lifestyle into the community but also how we can live the American lifestyle,” Kessler said. “The program is we give to the community but the community also gives back to us.”

The program mainly involves lessons in Hebrew schools about Israeli music, food, culture and society with the goal of providing a connection to Israel. However, beyond their professional roles, the emissaries also experience a more personal homestay with a host family.

“As an emissary, Gaya is really dedicated to the programs that she makes, and I think her biggest hope is that they will make a lasting impact,” Abi Genser ’18, Kessler’s former host sister, said. “But as a member of our household she honestly brought my family so much closer together.”

These personal connections are what Kessler believes truly affect the c o m m u n i t y.

“You do bring Israel into their home and their families, but you don’t have to be an emissary, you’re just a person,” Kessler said of the host family experience.

G e n s er agrees that these personal moments

build the connection that will last a lifetime. “The best moments with Gaya were spent every day after school when she would come jump in my bed, and we would just talk about our day,” she said.

Along with providing American society insight into the Israeli lifestyle, Kessler and the emissaries have learned just as much about American society.

“She came here trying to teach our community more about her life and Israeli culture, but I think in the end she actually learned more about our life and things that she never would have expected,” Kyle Ratner ’16 said. Ratner has helped integrate Kessler into the American social scene, hanging out with her at social events and even including her in one of the most traditional American high school experiences: prom.

Through both her professional and personal experiences, Kessler has learned the different social codes, customs and norms of America. “If you say America to people in Israel, you would get all the stereotypes like burgers and Donald Trump, but I feel like living here helped me realize how big America is,” Kessler said.

One of the biggest social differences Kessler noted is the prominence of sports in the United States. Recently, she traveled to North Carolina for her host brother’s hockey game, expecting a small turnout and only a smattering of fans for a youth hockey league. To her surprise, she said, “It was so different for me to see how when people go to sports games they go crazy. You see all the parents sitting on the stadium and every time something happens, they react so dramatically.”

Along with these cultural surprises are the awkward and embarrassing moments of adjusting to a different country. “This one time I went to the movies with my host family and I got up to go to the bath-

Photo Molly Mahoney ’18

room in the middle of the movies,” Kessler said blushing. “Then when the movie ended, my host brother was like Gaya I hate to say this but in the American culture, it’s rude to get up and go to the restroom in the middle of a movie’ and then I felt so bad. But then he was like ‘JK it’s not even rude,’ but I totally bought it.”

Even though she has many more months as an emissary, Kessler already feels she has made her mark on America and America has made its mark on her.

“I just got back from a vacation in Israel, and I kinda missed Westport, because I have a lot of friends here and my host families, and I love being here,” she said. “It made me feel like ‘Oh my God, this isn’t okay because I’m from Israel; I shouldn’t miss America.’ But after a lot of thinking, I realized that being here makes me love Israel even more, but it also gives me the feeling that away from my homeland I have another home.”

Unusual pets ruffle Staples’ feathers Jackson Livingstone ’16 & Jesse Greenspun ’16 The day starts out for Matt Johnson ’16 much like it does for many Staples students. He wakes up, takes a shower and proceeds to finish a few menial chores before leaving the house for school.

Shaking off the grogginess of sleep, he quickly makes his bed and throws dirty laundry into the hamper before finally reaching into his pantry for petfood, the final step in his morning routine.

However, it is at this moment that his morning routine diverges from the norm: unlike many other Staples students, Johnson doesn’t have a traditional cat or dog. He has a tank full of piranhas.

“It kind of started out as a joke, but after a few weeks of research and a lot of hours of trying to convince my parents, I had finally gotten an entire tank of piranhas,” Johnson said.

Joe Pravder ’16 purchased a small flock of chickens a little over a year ago and quickly learned that the effort of owning an unusual pet can hold great material benefits.

The Pravders particularly enjoy eating their chickens’ eggs. “It’s really became a staple of my familys’ diet, and I’m sure my mom is happy not to have to pay for eggs every time she goes shopping,” Pravder said.

When confronted with the idea of eating the chickens themselves, Pravder rebuked the idea.

“My chickens are friends,” Pravder said.

“Not food.”

Griffin O’Neill ’17 agrees. “We use the eggs for lots of different things, whether it’s cooking food for ourselves, donating them to a homeless shelter or giving them as gifts to friends,” O’Neill said.

In a town that is at times known for conformity, a select few Staples students, including Johnson, stand out from the rest by rejecting the usual cat and dog status quo and choosing to own animals that contrast typical expectations, whether it be for practical purposes or otherwise.

Harry Garber ’16 takes great pride in his unusual pet, a formerly stray lizard that he domesticated and adopted as his own. “I found Treecko when I was a little kid and took care of him for thirteen years,” Garber said. “It added a whole new meaning to being a pet owner since I found him and taught him how to live in the house; it almost made me feel like a parent since I literally potty trained him.”

For some individuals who take pet ownership to the extreme, however, balancing the thrill of the exotic with the cost of ownership is difficult to manage.

“It sucked because you have to find special stuff for unusual pets that are usually expensive and out of the way. It’s much easier to have a dog,” Johnson said.

Despite this, some Staples students have learned that exotic pets can be not only enjoyable but even profitable for the owner’s family.

CHICK MAGNET Griffin O’Neill ’17 shows off his favorite chicken, Buffy, one out of the flock he has housed on his property for the past three years.

Photos by Channing Smith ’17

PECKING AWAY The O’Neills make sure their chickens receive lots of care, including cleaning their coop, refilling their water and checking that they are healthy.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

11 features

Features | May 6, 2016

12 Features | May 6, 2016

*Names have been changed ulie’s* eyes wandered along the edges of the scale. They darted back and forth from one end to the next, settling on a spot along the middle. “I guess I’m here?” she announced. A few seconds of silence passed. She bent the corner of the scale back and forth, a perfect triangle forming on the edge of the page. “Well, I mean, I don’t know,” she said. “I haven’t had enough experience.”

The scale Julie was asked to place herself on is the Kinsey Scale, a common method of categorizing one’s sexuality at a given time. It uses a rating system from 0 to 6, where 0 is exclusively heterosexual and 6 is exclusively homosexual. An additional anonymous survey that reached 305 students showed that 57.5 percent of Staples students chose a 0 or 6, whereas the others identified somewhere in the middle.

Amanda Gesselman, a social psychologist at Indiana University’s Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction explained that beyond the fluidity of sexual orientation itself, the scale is rooted in complex psychology.

“The psychology behind the spectrum is simply feelings of identity and whether or not that fits what’s considered normal in society,” Gesselman said. “The concept of these issues on a spectrum was developed because people’s feelings of identity don’t fit those strict societal understandings.”

As research about sexuality emerges, so has questioning about the concept of sexuality itself. An anonymous Staples junior has identified her own reasoning for why such “black and white” categories aren’t realistic when it comes to sexuality. “I believe that everyone is born bisexual. I like boys because society told me that I am a girl, so I must like boys,” she said. “But in reality, if someone gives you love and affection, you

Graphic by Ellie Kravetz ’18

J

Izzy Ullmann ’17 & Becky Hoving ’17

love them cording to Quincy Cuthbertson ’17, who b a c k . ” identifies as heterosexual, the idea of a “sexual Chris Fray, the advisor for the Gay spectrum” is not something many students Straight Alliance club, also acknowl- come in contact with on a day-to-day basis. edged that such “feelings of iden“This was my first time seeing the scale, tity” play a large role in sexuality. but now that I have, I can see how it is relat“Even though people may not act on able and could be accepted,” she said. “Sure, certain sexual thoughts, feelings and fan- when people first heard of bisexuality they tasies, it doesn’t mean that they don’t have were a little confused, but now they aren’t. them,” he said. “There are such a variety That could easily be the case for this scale.” of ways in life to express one’s sexuality, However, the Kinsey Scale still faces and it isn’t always about a variety acting out sexually. A of “There are such a variety of r e g a rissues lot of it is about what ding people think in their sexual idenways in life to express one’s innermost thoughts.” ication, sexuality, and it isn’t always tif For Amanda Cubana despite the ’17, a pansexual student about acting out sexually. A p s y c h o l o at Trumbull High School, gy behind lot of it is about what peothe Kinsey Scale is logical it.

Many for her representation. students ple think in their inner “I am definitely a take issue most thoughts.” believer in the Kinsey with its - Chris Fray, World Language linear nascale becauses sexuality isn’t just black or white; Teacher ture, since there’s so much gray matit is unter,” she said. “I believe that pansexuality is able to represent various sexualities that a flat three on the scale; we love men, wom- are not as categorical as a six prong scale. en and everything in between,” she said.

“Sexuality, if it had to be compared to Though it is evident that many students any physical thing, is more of an ether than have an understanding of the scale, it is a spectrum,” Halley Jonas ’16, who identifies not widely known in the community. Ac- as bisexual, said. “It is possible for a person

0

Exclusively heterosexual behavior inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

to exist anywhere within that open space rather than fitting along a predetermined set of locations with boundaries.”

Jonas also went on to explain that the idea of sexuality being represented as a liquid allows people to identify as anything other than heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual.

Similarly, Douglas Ragiosa ’16, who identifies as sexually fluid, believes that the Kinsey Scale is not a beneficial method to label sexualities.

“The Kinsey Scale completely disregards being romantic,” he said. “An example is someone who is bisexual homoromantic, which is someone who is sexually attracted to males and females but exclusively romantic with people of their own gender,” he said.

Garrett Burchill ’18, a heterosexual, on the other hand, pointed to a different fallacy with the scale. “People know what they are, and it doesn’t need to be charted on a scale,” he said, looking quizzically at the scale’s descriptions.

Though people may very well “know what they are,” as Burchill noted, that doesn’t mean that all sexualities are widely accepted.

While Ragiosa explained that it was personally easy for him to come out as non-straight at Staples, he also acknowledged that the Staples environment isn’t always accepting to sexual diversity.

“The term sexuality fluid seems to be something new to Staples students,” Ragiosa said. “People can’t really grasp the idea that your sexuality can change from day to day, but it’s a real thing.”

However, Aishah Avidu ’17, a heterosexual, seemed hopeful about how the societal implications of sexual fluidity have evolved and will continue to evolve in the Staples community. “I think sexuality is something fluid and complex,” she said. “Seeing how far we have come in terms of acceptance, I do believe humankind can embrace sexuality’s diversity.”

1

Incidental homosexual behavior

2

More tha incidenta homosexu behavior

13

Graphic by Channing Smith ’17

The sexual attraction between people of the same sex. This would be a female to a female, or a male to a male.

The sexual attraction to people no matter the gender. Pansexuals are often referred to as “gender blind,” meaning they do not see gender.

The sexual attraction between people of the opposite sex. This would be a female to male, or a male to a female.

3

4

The sexual attraction to both males and females. The attraction to each gender is equal when using this term.

5

Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19 & Eliza Goldberg ’17

an Equal amount More than Incidental al of homo and incidental ual hetero sexual heterosexual heterosexual behavior r behavior behavior

6

Exclusively homosexual behavior inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

14 Features | May 6, 2016

Graphics by Channing Smith ’17 Photos by Katherine Weinschenk ’17

Wong explores art and culture through travel Jack Zapfel ’16

B

efore Katie Wong ’16 moved to Westport for the start of her sophomore year of high school, she lived more than 20 hours away in Singapore. Despite describing the two places as “complete opposites,” she was able to transition without much difficulty.

“Singapore is definitely different from Westport because it’s a lot more stereotypically Asian,” Wong said.

Wong laughed as she discussed the differences in environment and people between her former country and Westport.

She said the biggest difference between the

two places was the amount of diversity.

“Singapore prides itself on lots of diversity and intercultural mixing. Westport is a small New England town in which all of the people are basically white,” Wong said.

Aside from diversity, Wong thinks Singapore is an overall much stricter place. She mentioned how people aren’t allowed to chew gum because it’s against the law, and how she had to wear a uniform to school. Since attending Staples, she has enjoyed wearing whatever she wants to school, sporting fashion styles inspired from magazines, movies/tv but mostly from her friends and Instagram.

Wong didn’t have many difficulties adjusting to her new, divergent town when

she began at Staples for her Sophomore year. She partly credited her smooth transition to an American International School she attended back in Singapore. She also acknowledged Staples students for helping her adjust to a new environment. “I made a lot of friends early on, who were nice enough to show me around and take me places and explain things. Certain things like homecoming, football games and snow were all very new to me,” Wong said.

“A lot of teachers and students ask me weird questions, like if I speak English or if Dr. Wong is my dad. While I think it’s funny, it was totally unexpected coming from a place where I would have never been asked if I spoke English

because I’m Asian,” Wong said laughing.

Wong has a great interest in history, art and fashion and has made the most of her opportunities to pursue her passions at her new school. Since coming to Staples, Wong has enrolled herself in AP Art and various AP History classes.

Although she doesn’t plan on pursuing a career in art, Wong plans on pursuing a minor in art next year at American University. Wong also plans on studying social studies and international affairs.

“I find it really interesting to look back and just see what things were like.

I think it’s fun to look at how past events influence things today and [look at] what started different events,” she said smiling.

Mob mentality and anonymity triggers belligerence at open house parties Molly Liebergall ’17

Two hundred pairs of stumbling feet stagger through the house with a nameless host. A once pristine home is now littered with half empty Solo cups, shattered glass and bits of drywall. As red and blue lights flood through cracked windows, 199 pairs of feet dash out the door; only one remains to grapple with the aftermath of his or her open house party.

The moment sirens begin to wail, many students react instinctually.

“When the cops show up, it’s just run and get away, find your friends and get to someone’s house,” an anonymous senior boy said. What he describes is more commonly known as the “fight or flight” response.

During this split-second risk assessment, the brain releases stress hormones from the adrenal cortex, which is located along the adrenal glands that line the kidneys.

Long before the police arrive, however, the brain is constantly reacting to the surplus of stimuli that the open house environment offers.

Faced with the chaos of an overcrowded party, teens tend to succumb to a “mob mentality,” a psychological phenomenon causing their already underdeveloped adolescent brains to exercise even worse judgement. According to the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), the prefrontal cortex, which is the area of the brain responsible for judgement, decision-making and impulse control, is not fully matured until between the age of 25 to 30.

However, until development is complete, the brain must learn from the repercussions of trial and error.

“Teenagehood is a time of experimentation anyway, but you combine that with no supervision and a group mentality and

for their actions. [...] you get the perfect storm,” Staples damaging outcome is much different when bility Rider University professor of psycholschool psychologist Alycia Dadd said. the crowd is smaller and more intimate.

“If people know the host, destruction ogy, John Suler, refers to this phenomenon Within this “perfect storm” is the as the “online disinhibition efcombination of an adolescent brain’s lesser judge- “When the cops show up, it’s just run and get fect,” which explains that online anonymity causes people to feel ment and the illicit “savagery,” as Keiran Simunovic away, find your friends and get to someone’s less inclined to act like themselves, or to respect the feelings ’16 phrased it, found at house.”

-Anonymous senior boy of others. This theory has the open house parties. Consesame application to open house quently, the mind becomes parties, explaining why Garber psychologically clouded. “[The scene] becomes pandemo- of the home dramatically decreases be- has witnessed partygoers punch holes in nium because the energy is building cause they’d have to face more consequenc- walls, smash beer bottles and steal food.

However, this type of miscon[...] and that’s when people sort of lose es,” Harry Garber ’16 said. Partying among sight of not just who they are as peo- 200 students, only a handful of whom were duct at parties occurs less frequently ple and as individuals, but they also originally invited to the host’s house, teens than the generally respectful behavkind of forget that empathetic edge that are cloaked in the anonymity of the crowd. ior that Staples instills in its students.

Yet this is not the first time Staples Dadd acknowledged that in Westport they have,” Jackson Daignault ’18 said.

At various house parties, Simunovic students have experienced the detrimental and said “There’s a lot of good kids, but has witnessed actions similar in nature effects of the ability to hide one’s identity. it only takes one person to start it. Once As previously evidenced by how some someone does it, it can spread like wildfire.” to those Daignault described, includThe solution to this, Daiging the consumption of a pet goldfish teens used popular apps such as Yik nault believes, is a morand the destruction of a kitchen sink. Yak or Whatsgoodly, anoal that most people However, one gender may be more nymity often enables learn early on in predisposed to acting physically belliger- people to behave childhood: treat ent at house parties than the other. Dadd differently than others the way explained that the reason for this is sim- they normalwould, you wish to ilar to the reason that car insurance rates ly be treated. tend to be higher for boys than for girls. b e c a u s e “We have “[At a party,] girls might be more ver- they do not to keep teachbally impulsive,” Dadd said. “You might see have to take ing each other girls say things that maybe they wouldn’t r e s p o n s i empathy and otherwise say [...] whereas it might be more thinking about overt, physical impulsivity with boys.”

Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19 what it’s like Since cars can be totalled by physto be in someical actions, but not by verbal acbody else’s shoes,” tions, “that’s why [boys’] car insurDaignault said. “Take ance rates are high,” Dadd concluded. somebody else’s perUnfortunately, party hosts rely on spective before a different type of insurance once the acting and doing crowd grows and “people start doing something that’s things they might not normally do,” as d e s t r u c t i v e .”

Jack Schenck ’16 put it. However, the

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

15

Features | May 6, 2016

Staples robotics team takes on worlds

I

Megan Doyle ’18

t’s the end of a three day competition on March 18, and the robotics team, i2r, anxiously waits for their name to be called. They’re at East Super Regionals and have been nominated for six awards.

In order to qualify for Worlds, they need to win at least one.

Finally, the judges announce the winners of the last and most prestigious award, the Inspire Award. i2r is called, and nine robotics students are ecstatic.

They have advanced to the World Championship for the third year in a row.

“We all were so excited to have qualified and can’t wait to go and compete with amazing teams from all over the world,” Luke Sauer ’18, a builder on the team, said.

Out of the 4,000 teams worldwide, only 128 have qualified for Worlds.

Ninety-eight of these teams are from the US, while the remaining 32 are from various countries, including Russia, Australia, China and France.

“I was extremely proud of the team,” coach Terry Sauer said.

“They’ve worked incredibly hard this year.”

i2r currently works with FIRST, a non-profit organization created specifically to motivate students to become more interested in science and technology.

“I have always been interested in computer science and engineering, and when my brother [Peter Sauer] and I got a lego robotics kit we got hooked,” Luke said. “After some research, we found FIRST, the organization that runs our current program.”

The team started in middle school as a FIRST Lego League (FLL) team, and then graduated to high school where it became a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team.

However, building robots isn’t the only focus for teams associated with FIRST. Earlier this year, on Halloween, the robotics team hosted a competition and fundraiser at Staples that raised over $3,000 for the less fortunate Haiti team that would not have been able to compete in Worlds without financial assistance.

“Our team is extremely grateful to have made it to Worlds, and we are very excited to compete with the top teams from around the

world,” co-captain Julia Schorr said. “We especially look forward to connecting with the FLL team from Haiti.” i2r created a team in Bridgeport by working with the assistant principal of Bassick High School, Kathy Silver.

They were able to raise $7,000 to get the Bridgeport team, named The Tech Lions, started.

“Witnessing their suc-

’19

19 le e ’ ie l e M is s Mcu cuMar r a M by cess as a rookie byhic c hi rap team has been an p a G Gr incredibly reward-

ing experience, and we have learned a lot from them as well Schorr said.

Even as i2r continues to win competitions around the country, they are grounded by their awareness and appreciation of friendship.

“One of the things that makes our team successful is that we are all genuinely friends and are not hesitant to bounce ideas off of one another and collaborate,” Schorr said. “We all understand that the real purpose of robotics is to learn, have fun and teach and support other students in the areas of S T E M .”

2r

os ot Ph

e ut rib t n co

d

i by

GAME FACES i2r was one of four teams nominated for the Inspire Award, a prestigious award given to teams who best serve as role models for other teams. The team was also one of six finalists for the PTC Design Award for industrial design, along with the THINK Award for their engineering notebook.

16

Features | May 6, 2016 Graphics by Channing Smith ’17

When in doubt, rely on intuition My experience beyond the crystal ball

F

Maialie Fitzpatrick ’16

orget about fearing rejection by colleges; my biggest fear in the midst of writing this article was being rejected by yet another psychic.

I went to five different psychics within Fairfield County in the span of three days for this article. Five. Whenever I mentioned I was writing a narrative about psychics for my school newspaper, I was usually shut down right away. One psychic even went as far as to tell me she was attending a “spiritual retreat” at the end of the month, so she needed to “cleanse her soul” beforehand and not read anyone until then [...] including me.

However, a man by the name of George Eli was my lucky sixth shot in the psychic hunt and agreed to read me. George owns Clairvoyant Consultant, a spiritual life coaching business located right here in Westport on Wilton Road.

I arrived at his quaint house alongside the Merritt Parkway at 7 p.m. on a Tuesday night. Beside his door was a sign that read, “Faith makes things possible […] not easy.” The sun was start-

ing to set, and my nerves were acting up.

I walked into his house and went up a narrow staircase. With each step, the wood beneath my beat-up Converse creaked. I tightened my grasp on the railing.

After passing a bedroom and a bathroom, I then entered what seemed to have been the second bedroom in the house, which had been converted into a spiritual guidance room.

A curtain separated the room into two parts. On one side, there was a spiritual haven with plush white pillows for visitors who were seeking what George called, “spiritual life coaching.” On my side of the curtain, a round table with two wooden chairs sat in the moon’s light, which cast through a nearby window. In the middle of the table sat a deck of tarot cards.

“You should shuffle them so they can become familiar with you,” George

said to me, easing back into his chair. I shuffled the tarot cards between my fingers, their worn corners gracing my skin.

He made sure to emphasize that he was not only a psychic but a spiritual life coach and clairvoyant. “My work is different [...] there’s more insight in it,” George clarified to me.

“Most psychics are just carnival and they do a flat reading […] they put the cards down for weekly or daily readings, which are fun but not very insightful.”

Before attending my session with George, I had learned that psychics are most known for what’s called a “cold reading.” Cold readings are used when the psychic has no information or knowledge on a first-time client. Instead, they use body language cues to help derive information from their client without the client even knowing. Clairvoyants, on the other hand, have the ability to quickly and intuitively know information that isn’t visible to the eye. Instead of relying on a more faith-based knowledge, like psychics do, clairvoyants use two realms for their predictions: spiritual and logic.

“We’re going to break this down into past, present and future. Now, the tarot

card reading gives you a projection of the future. Meaning it’s not prophecy, it’s prediction. So you have the power to change it.”

George spoke with a calm voice that put me at ease. “Now let’s start your reading.”

I handed the deck of cards over to George and he separated them into three equal piles face down: one for my past, one for my present and one for my future. He gently lifted my past from the table and laid four cards in a row face up in front of me, each uniquely beautiful with intricate and colorful drawings. George read each drawing on each card as if the four of them created the first sentence in the book of my life. Forty minutes later, at the end of the session, George looked me in the eyes and his voice shifted to a more serious tone. “Every human being, Maialie, that is born in this world, has the ability to see beyond normal human vision,” he said. “You have a better chance to have insight than to have sight.”

Staples’ “lost” might never be “found”

Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

students are caught stealing. “If we see someone taking a coat from the cafeteria that doesn’t belong to them, the first *Names have been changed thing we try to do is make sure the Strewn about the Staples cafeteria is an coat goes back to the rightful owner,” overwhelming border made up of clothes Assistant Principal Patrick Miand accessories. Everything from rag- cinilio said. “If it’s a first time ofgedy gym shirts to Vineyard Vines quar- fense, it’s a one day suspension. ter zips can be found abandoned in this After that it gets more severe.” elephant’s graveyard of clothes known as While the punishments the lost and found. For some, the lost and for thieves are clear, stealfound is a savior, as it is a place for reunit- ing does not seem to bothing distressed owners with their favorite er Mark*. “Honestly, if they missing hats, coats, scarves and shoes. wanted the clothes, they But for others, the lost and found is some- wouldn’t have left them thing different—something more sinister. behind,” he said with a The former hopeful beacon for students subtle chuckle. “I don’t has developed into a new entity for thieves. feel bad. These clothes have “It’s the free store,” serial thief Jamie* said. been here for a while[...]. I “It’s sort of like one of those stores where usually don’t take clothes if the clothes are dropped everywhere.” they have only been there However, there are penalties in place if for a day or two —only the inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

Adam Kaplan ’16

clothes that are left for a while.”

Jonathan Maragos ’16 had a different perspective on people who target the lost and found. “I like to think that I can trust other kids not to take my clothes if I forget them,” Maragos said. “It’s just so stupid to think that you won’t get caught if you steal.”

According to Jamie, stealing from the lost and found was a gradual evolution. “I started taking clothes from the lost and found freshman year, usually just when I needed something and it was in front of me.” Since then he admits that he takes clothes without reason. “If you wanted me to add up how much I’ve taken, it’s probably upwards of a grand,” Jamie said.

In fact, when calculated, the

amount taken by Jamie ends up being approximately $1,100 based on retail prices via Amazon. His collection includes a Northface rain jacket, which retailed at $120, a pair of Sperry topsiders and a Staples boys’ lacrosse pinny bearing the number of a varsity player. Jamie attests that he does not wear the pinny in school.

For students who don’t steal from the lost and found, the concept seems very foreign. “I don’t get how you can walk around school with someone’s sweatshirt. What if you see them? What do you say?” Katherine Coogan ’17 curiously questioned.

While the lost and found divides opinions between those who take and those who don’t, it is undeniable that an area which was once a sliver of hope for kids who were separated from their clothes has evolved into a sadistic mini-mall for moochers. “Honestly,” Mark concluded, “I wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t so easy.”

Terrain Garden Cafe provides aesthetically pleasing dining environment with the sweet and salty poppy seed butter, this bread might have been the n a little enclave separated from the rest best bread I’ve ever had at a restaurant. of the garden and outdoor living supply Despite the tasty precursor to the meal, store, Terrain, is its own restaurant, I was underwhelmed by the farmer’s marthe Terrain Garden Cafe. A wide panel of windows looks out to the lush plants and ket gnocchi. At first bite, the creamy sauce trees, making customers feel as though seemed to compliment the crisp cauliflowthey have been transported to their own er and fresh peas, but the gnocchi itself tasted more like bits of fried mashed posecret garden.

Trellises with vibrant green leaves tato rather than the traditional chewy pohang against the wall, and canopies with tato pasta. After a few forkfuls, the sauce stringed lights are draped from a chan- became rather bland with the fresh mint delier in the center of the ceiling. Light- being the only ingredient to spice it up.

After the gnocchi, I sampled some of ly-colored wooden tables and metal chairs create a comfortable vibe, and the Terrain’s desserts. First up was the chocolate mason jar glasses in place of traditional pot de creme, which arrived in a small glass water glasses are the ultimate hipster es- jar decorated with shards of white chocosential to complete the outdoorsy decor. late. The creamy, semi-sweet chocolate had a smoky quality to While the dinner it, and it was paired The food may be overmenu wasn’t as diwith a deliverse as I had hoped priced, but Terrain’s Gar- nicely cate rose-flavored it would be, there den Cafe is a great place whipped cream. were some tempting up was (though quite pricey) to escape into an other- the Next skillet brownie, options including the which was still hot in wordly environment. fried chicken sandits own mini cast iron wich, the Terrain burger, and the spice-braised beef short ribs. I pan. A scoop of vanilla ice cream and a pool eventually decided on the farmer’s mar- of caramel were dolloped onto the brownket gnocchi, a dish more suited to the ie, which was perfectly chewy with crispy farmer’s market-esque environment. edges, just the way a brownie should be.

Although the quality of the entree Before the main course, a ceramic gardener’s pot was brought to the ta- didn’t quite match its price, the aesthetble with a petite loaf of bread baked into ic of the restaurant certainly made up for it. The A+ creative offering matched its it. The food may be overpriced, but Terquality; the crust was perfectly crispy, rain’s Garden Cafe is a great place to esand the inside was soft and warm. Paired cape into an otherworldly environment.

Jen Gouchoe ’16

I

17

Photos by Jen Gouchoe ’16 and Graphic by Channing Smith ’17

I

Arts 17 arts

INKLINGS | May 6, 2016

FOOD WITH A VIEW (from top to bottom) Terrain Garden Cafe, tucked inside the unique garden store, has one of the best quinoa salads in Westport and is known for the warm and delicious brownie skillet.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

18

Arts | May 6, 2016

Governors Ball weekend features new trends to catch the millennial eye Julia Greenspan ’16 & Jane Levy ’16

O

n June 3, Randall’s Island Park, home to the annual Governors Ball (Gov Ball) Music Festival, will be bumping with beats dropped by M83 and Galantis, ringing with raps delivered by Kanye West and vibrating with guitar solos from Of Monsters and Men. But what should you wear when crowd surfing to The Killers? Screaming the lyrics to Two Door Cinema Club? Only the latest street style trends that everyone will be talking about. Here is your day-by-day guide to mastering the 2016 Gov Ball trends:

Boho Flare Sunday is the best for chilling on the grass or hitting up the food trucks one last time. So, to channel all the vibes of Chet Faker, Cold War Kids and Kanye, rock your best boho look.

The quintessential boho look is a crochet top with faded Levi’s jean shorts, which Taylor Githens ’17 predicts will be huge this Gov Ball.

Boho icon Lilly Howes ’17 can only go Sunday, but she’s ready to give Gov Ball fashion her all.

“I think I’ll put paint on my face or something,” Lilly Howes ’17 said. “I really want to wear a two piece shorts and crop top set because I saw my friend wear it to Lollapalooza, and it was so cute.”

So whether you’re going for one day or all three, the Governors Ball Music Festival in New York City will be the place to be for foodies, concert groupies and above all, fashionistas.

Summer Chic The day has finally come for festival season to hit New York City. Because it’s summer, rompers or halter tops are a must for girls. For guys, tanks and shorts are the go-to.

Benji Malowitz ’18, a first time Gov-Baller, is planning to try out some cool prints and designs on t-shirts, such as tie-dye.

“I really don’t know what to expect,” Malowitz said, “but am looking forward to finding out.”

Calm, Cool & Collected Saturday holds alternative acts ranging from Haim to Miike Snow, which means you have to be prepared to dress in your favorite band tee-shirt and cutest ripped jean shorts.

A unique pair of sunglasses will also add to the cool factor.

“Illesteva sunglasses are popular all of a sudden,” Julia Kaplowitz ’16 noticed. “I don’t think many people had them last year.”

Also, don’t forget to layer your best beads. “Gov Ball is a place where people appreciate fashion experimentation,” Sonia Klein ’16 said. “I doubt I would ever wear four different necklaces at school, but at music festivals like this one, everyone’s fashion is so out there that you can go over the top and have fun with it.”

Graphics by Channing Smith ’17

Chelsea Handler strides on to Netflix with a four part documentary William Dumke ’16 After creating a successful talk show, starring in a series of stand up comedy shows and writing several books, Chelsea Handler has come to Netflix in a four part documentary exploring current events around the world called, “Chelsea Does.”

Seeing a middle-aged blonde woman do drugs in one episode then talk about racism in another makes this an unsual TV show, but it has become popular.

Netflix has boasted a variety of original TV shows, vivid documentaries and blockbuster movies, but this new mini-documentary, released on Jan. 22, follows Handler around the world as she brings light to topics such as marriage, racism, Silicon Valley and drugs. With a wide range of hilarious and heartwarming stories, the mini-documentary has revolutionized the documentary genre.

Rebecca Barr ’17 is one Staples student who was fond of Handler’s talk show, “Chelsea Lately.”

“I really like her talk show and I hope the same qualities are in her new Netflix show,” Barr said. “Her big sense of humor and popular topics made it so enjoyable to watch.”

Although the show focuses around a woman’s journey, some Staples boys have become fond of the hilarious show.

Daniel Brill ’16 is one Staples student who has enjoyed Handler’s new Netflix documentary “I’ve seen a few clips from her new show and it seems awesome,” Brill said. “She’s very funny, and it is a great show to watch when you have free time.”

However, given the fact that there areonly four episodes, students like Olivia Wood ’17 would like to see more.

“The documentary has been really fun to watch because I like Chelsea Handler,” Wood said. “However, I think she should make more episodes or anoth-

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

er season because it seemed too short.”

With a growing popularity, “Chelsea Does” will surely have a footprint on the Staples community.

I

“Her big sense of humor and popular topics made it so enjoyable to watch.”

-Rebecca Barr ’17

Graphic by Channing Smith ’17

Arts | May 6, 2016

19

“The Laramie Project” sequel sets out to hit the black box stage S

Erin McGroarty ’18

taples Players will be producing the spring black box show, “The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later,” with a small cast of just 18 students. The production will feature a select group of actors and actresses performing in an intimate setting to continue the story of Matthew Shepard and his murder that shook the LGBT community and the nation.

After staging “The Laramie Project” last year, co-directors David Roth and Kerry Long decided to have Staples Players continue with the second chapter of the trilogy not only because the play is a challenge but because performing the play would place Staples among a select handful of high schools who have perfomed the Laramie Project cycle.

The plays tell the story of a young gay man’s death, and the after effects on the people of the town of Laramie, Wyoming.

According to the website thelaramieproject.org, Matthew Shepard was savagely beaten, tied to a fence and left to die in the frigid night. Characterized as a hate crime, the murder became a watershed historical moment in civil rights in America.”

“We feel the messages are huge,” Roth said. “The first play examined a town’s un-

raveling and dealt with how and why people HATE. The second play deals with change and complacency,” Roth continued. “How do we affect change when we forget important issues that are not in the forefront?”

The concept of the show taking place 10 years afer the murder is intended to demonstrate how tragedy can shape a town and how reactions and opinions evolve as time progresses.

Jackie Rhoads ’18, an actress in the show, saidthe purpose of the show is to teach tolerance, a necessary continuation of the tragic event. “It teaches and discusses the importance of serious issues in our society and how people’s outlooks can change so drastically over time,” Rhoads said.

Kayla Bilotti ’18, assistant director of “The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later” describes the importance and differentiation of the sequel. “The people of Laramie struggle with how to measure change,” Bilotti said.“It allows the audience to see the importance in keeping his story alive.”

Staples Players hopes the upcoming show encourages society to accept and establish unwavering civil rights for those of all races, genders, and sexualities. In the words of David Roth himself, “The story itself is riveting… [it] will blow your mind!”

Players seniors leave behind legacy and community Becca Rawiszer ’17

ty is something I’ve learned to love.”

Two to three times a week, Namasivayam will be found in his own rehearsals with the actors. He aspires to be a producer and Players has assisted him in coming closer to this goal.

Aaron Samuels ’16 has participated in Players since freshman year and noted that throughout his four years, his most memorable moment was during the show “Avenue Q.” “A few upperclassmen were messing around backstage with the puppets used in the show in addition to a plastic, footlong, toy horse,” Samuels said. “I won’t go into details, but the idea of having so much secret fun literally 10 feet behind some of

our peers entertaining a packed Staples auditorium was (and still is) awesome to me.”

However, Samuels explains that, had any noise been made and audience members distracted, he would have a very different memory of the event.

Though the high school Curtain is closing for the senior Staples Players, their plans for future productions is just getting started. Namasivayam will be pursuing theater studies at Yale University and Didelot will be continuing acting. Samuels is going into college open minded and unsure of whether he will be continuing acting or not, however, something he is certain of is that “a whole lot of skills [he] learned on the stage, like a willingness to make bold choices and

a strong work ethic, will stick with [him].”

David Roth, the director of Staples Players, has been working with these students for years now and explained that he has noticed enormous growth in them.

“The classes ahead of them were very strong, and I was originally afraid that they would have difficulty emerging from their shadow, but they came through with enormous success,” Roth said. “They have exceeded my expectations, and I have loved watching them mature into mature artists.”

“I’m going to miss how fun it is to put on a show with some of your closest friends,” Didelot said. “Being in an organization like Staples Players is something you can never really forget.”

On the weekends of May 20 and June 2, the majority of Staples Players’ seniors will perform in their final high school production. Some seniors will perform in “The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later” directed by David Roth, others will perform in “Harvey” directed by Vig Namasivayam ’16, and a few will perform in both productions. As these seniors approach their final performance, many have taken a moment to pause and reflect on their theatrical experiences.

“Players definitely helps you find yourself and build up your confidence,” Caroline Didelot ’16 said. “It takes a lot of guts to go Photo by Caroline O’Kane ’16 on stage in front of hundreds of people and sing/dance/act. I think Players [has] helped me become comfortable in my own skin and happy with who I am/have become.”

Didelot has been acting and performing since middle school and loved it so much that she knew she wanted to continue it throughout high school.

Didelot explained that she will be majoring in musical theatre next year and couldn’t have done it without her experience in Players.

Namasivayam has a slightly different role, as assistant director and president of Staples Players. He sits in Graphic by on rehearsals and takes notes, Melanie Lust ’19 writes down blocking and Caroline O’Kane ’16 and Ellie offers his own perspective on Kravetz ’18 scenes. “I think I’ve learned about my abilities as a leader,” GRADUATING ON A HIGH NOTE (From left) Aaron Samuels ’16 has been an active member of Players since his freshman year, and he plans to attend Namasivayam said. “I also think Dartmouth College. Caroline Didelot ’16 prepares to graduate with memories from the many shows she starred in at Staples and is excited for colthat sense of being a communi- lege. Vig Namasivayam ’16, who is currently the president of Players, is also looking forward to continuing his passion for directing at Yale University.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

20

Arts | May 6, 2016

Laifer marches to the beat of his own synthetic drum Jack Zapfel ’16

A

ttention all Soundcloud users: there is a new jam you have to add to your tracks, playlists or reposts. Remy Laifer ’17, Staples Players actor and vocalist, has released three songs on Soundcloud and has shown that his talents stretch even further than his singing, dancing and acting abilities.

On Sunday, March 28, Laifer displayed s o m e very impre ss ive DJ talent on his latest song release, “C u m u lus.” He categorizes his new track as down tempo electronica. He created the rhythm as well as the beats and sounds for the song.

His brother, Ellis Laifer ’15, has been making music longer, so he helped him produce the song by fixing up the electric piano solo in the bridge and a few drum problems.

“Remy takes everything in stride and has so much pride in his work. He is a fantastic actor, a great vocalist and a solid dancer. I really like his new song;

he’s got it all,” Vignesh Namasivayam ’16, president of Staples Players, said.

“To make the beats and sounds I used a keyboard, connected it to Garage Band and started playing. It is hard to think of a starting rhythm, but once you have it, it becomes much easier,” Laifer said.

The song starts off slow with basic beats for the first minute. Then around 50 seconds into the track, Laifer sings the chorus. After the chorus, the bass drops, and the beat gets really uptempo and intense for 40 seconds. Then the tempo and the beat change completely back to a slower rhythm, composing sounds similar to a s axophone and a piano.

This slower rhythm ends up getting gradually faster until the song revisits the beat, playing when the bass drops earlier in the song.

The only lyric in “Cumulus” is, “I don’t really know where this is going, all I can tell you is it’s going someplace new.”

According to Laifer, he doesn’t know where making music can take him or if it ever will take him some place, but he enjoys doing it and it is all new for him.

“I have always wanted to make music

Photo and Graphic by Channing Smith ’17

ever since I saw my brother do it. So I guess in a way he was my inspiration,” Laifer said.

Ellis is a very talented singer and guitar player; he sung “Stop this Train” by John Mayer with Noa Wind ’15 at last year’s Bachelorette. Ellis is currently in an acappella group at Bowdoin College, and his ultimate dream is to perform his music in front of a sold out venue somewhere. He also released a really cool acoustic song on Soundcloud called “Waves” three days before his brother’s most recent song.

“I think I inspire my brother to make

his music, and he inspires me,” Ellis said.

With no real musical background in the family, both brothers credit their musical abilities to their mother enrolling them in instrument lessons.

Remy wants to go to college and study theater, but he is also entertaining the idea of taking music classes depending on what opportunities his future college will offer.

“In a dream world, I’d love to be acting on Broadway and producing music,” Remy said. “But I will be the first to tell you that that is a hard proposition.”

Two documentaries paint the life and death of Kurt Cobain in different colors Colette Lippman ’17

Even if you haven’t heard of “Nirvana,” you’ve heard of the name Kurt Cobain. At the young age of 27, Cobain, the lead singer and guitarist of the famous rock band Nirvana, committed suicide.

As his death is still romanticized in the news today, many documentaries have been made in regards to not only his life, but the circumstances of his suicide.

“Soaked In Bleach” and “Montage of Heck” are both documentaries based on the life and death of Kurt Cobain; however, they could not be more different.

Released within a month of each other in May and June 2015, “Soaked In Bleach” is through the perspective of Tom Grant, the private investigator hired by Cobain’s wife, Courtney Love, shortly before his death, when Cobain suddenly went missing. Grant claims that there is sufficient evidence to prove that Cobain’s wife actually murdered him, and staged his death as a suicide. “Soaked In Bleach,” takes a murder mystery angle, raising serious concerns and questions by his fans.

“This woman’s (Love’s) husband had just been found dead and there didn’t seem to be any sadness (expressed by love) whatsoever,” Grant said. “It’s not very often that a private investigator accuses his client of committing a crime.”

However, “Montage of Heck” documents Cobain’s life and his success with “Nirvana,” only touching on his death at the very end of the film. Cobain’s only daughter, Frances Bean, was a coexecutive producer on the film. This documentary is used to emphasize the struggles Cobain went through in order to finally achieve success, not to focus entirely on the ruling of Cobain’s death.

According to Rolling Stone, Frances Bean Cobain described “Montage of Heck” as “emotional journalism.”

“It’s the closest thing to having Kurt tell his own story in his own words – by his own aesthetic, his own perception of the world,” Bean Cobain said. “It paints a portrait of a man attempting to cope with being a human.”

Yet, Nirvana fans have very mixed emotions on both of the documentaries.

Long time “Nirvana” fan Anais Kermoal ’19 stated that, “For some [Nirvana fans], ‘ S o a k e d in Bleach’ can’t persuade them at all, but for some it can change their opi n ion s right away,” Kermoal said.

“Same for ‘Montage of Heck,’ although it’s not trying to get a certain point across like the death of Kurt, it makes them believe he was just troubled.”

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

Graphic by Alex Spadacenta ’17

21 sports

INKLINGS | May 6, 2016

Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18

PETER LACROSSE CAPTAINS (FROM LEFT)

BURGER ’16, MICHAEL REALE ’16,

DBERG ’16.

MATT JOHNSON ’16 AND ROSS GOL

in w ff o y la p C IA C F t rs fi n o ts Boys’ lacrosse sets sigh

S

Jack Zeldes ’16

taples boys’ lacrosse hasn’t always been the winning program that it is today. With little to no hardware won in the past, the lacrosse team is hungry for a revival under head coach Paul McNulty. Following backto-back State Championship games and a deep state playoff run last year, the Wreckers have high expectations for the 2016 season.

“Our senior class made it very clear the expectation is to end this season

with rings. We want states and FCIACs. We expect nothing less,” Matt Johnson ’16, team captain said.

However, winning won’t be easy in the lacrosse hotbed that is Fairfield County. With national top 15 teams like Darien and New Canaan and powerhouses like Greenwich and Ridgefield, the FCIAC is one of the most competitive conferences in the country.

This year, however, the Wreckers will play confidently and hope to advance

in the FCIAC tournament, something the program has never accomplished .

“Obviously an FCIAC playoff win is a huge goal for this team. Every year we talk about doing something Staples has never done before, and that’s one of the few things left,” Ross Goldberg ’16, captain said.

With 12 college commits and more to come, the Wreckers boast talent all across the field. With Peter Berger ’16 in goal, Sam Ahlgrim ’16

and Josh Willis ’16 on defense, Ben Schwaeber ’16 taking faceoffs and the high powered attacker Connor Chamberlin ’16, the Wreckers show depth that will come in handy with a late tournament run in the cards.

For now, the Wreckers want to take one game at a time with all aims pointed towards the state championship.

“The program no longer has moral victories,” said Michael Reale 16’. “We’re here to win.”

Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18 Graphic by Eliza Goldberg ’17

Team ready to improve after an off season Aileen Coyne ’16 While many think the Staples’ pool is empty after swim season in the winter, they are wrong. The girls’ water polo team takes over the pool, vigorously sprinting back and forth and working on passing and shooting drills.

Girls’ water polo is just one of two girls’ water polo teams in the FCIAC; the other is Greenwich. Staples had their first game of the season against Greenwich on April 8 and lost 24-8.

Last year the team had a difficult season and ended up without any wins. “The team was in a transition year. We lost a lot of good seniors, and we had to make up for that with juniors,” Caroline Gray ’17, team captain, said. “We didn’t do very well, but I think that this year is going to be great. The upperclassmen have really stepped up, and

the younger girls are learning really quickly.”

Since most public schools don’t have water polo teams, Staples games are primarily played against private school teams, which gives their opponents an advantage in recruiting and having generally superior facilities. Their schedule this year includes games against Choate Rosemary Hall, Suffield Academy, Hopkins and Hotchkiss.

Even with this difficult schedule, the players remain optimistic and willing to work hard. “I think we have a great shot [at winning] this year. We are strong, prepared and determined to win and do our best,” Kristina Wasserman ’17 said.

With a new head coach, Danilo Giraldo, the girls are ready to make changes for this season. “I’m trying to give them all my knowledge of waterpolo,” Giraldo said. “There’s a lot they have to learn but if they follow every step and pay attention they can learn pretty well.”

AFTER PRACTICE SMILES Co-captains Maia Cattan ’16 and Caroline Gray ’17 smile for the camera and express exciement for the rest of the season. The team is going to take on Hopkins, a long-time rival, on May 7 at Hopkins at 3 p.m. The following week, on May 14, the team will have its senior day.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

22

Sports | May 6, 2016

REECE SCHACHNE

Aims to shatter school record Photo by Caroline O’Kane ’16

Alix Sommers ’16

R

eece Schachne ’16 has been competing in javelin for over three seasons on the Staples High School girls’ track and field team, her commitment and focus are the keys to her success on the field.

Standing at 6’1’’ and with a personal best throw of 127’ 2”, Schachne has made it to New England Championships and New Balance Outdoor Nationals, among other invitationals throughout her high school career.

“I tried [javelin] at one random dual meet freshman year,” Schachne said. “It was really late into the season, so I couldn’t really progress much, but I really liked it and I started working on it a little bit over the summer so that I would be able to excel at it my sophomore season in the spring.”

Since Schachne commits close to 20 hours a week to javelin and is a captain of the track team, balancing school work can be a challenge. “I get home from practice and, depending on the day, it’s 5:15 and I have to shower and eat dinner, so I’m not starting my work until pretty late at night.

I also train with an outside coach every Sunday during season, so I’m technically training seven days a week.”

Girls’ track and field co-captain Angie Parmar ’16, linked Schachne’s success to her dedication. “Reece is a hard worker...her strong work ethic sets a good example for the younger girls on the team, and she truly deserves all of her accomplishments.”

Ever since Schachne picked up a jave-

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

lin, she’s been fully committed to the sport.

“At the end of my junior season, I wasn’t too happy with where my mark was at—how far I had thrown—so I extended it through the summer and competed in a bunch of [USA track and field] and Junior Olympic m e e t s ,” she said.

“I ended my summer season in Jacksonville at Junior Olympic Nationals.”

Girls’ track and field coach Jesse McCray commends her success. “She’s had an outstanding career here. Very physically gifted and has done what it takes to be the best

“[I’m] definitely looking to get the school record.

I think that that’s definitely within my range.”

-Reece Schachne ’16

by making sacrifices to improve her skill.”

Once Schachne competes in her last meet as a Staples student, her days as a javelin thrower will be brought to another level. She will be attending Princeton University where she will be on their track and field team, throwing javelin.

Schachne has high expectations for herself for finishing with a strong final season as a Staples javelin thrower.

“This season I’m looking to excel at my best possible level, definitely looking to get the school record, I think that that’s definitely within my range, and hopefully be All State and All New England.”

Schachne is a key part of the team and must have a good season in order for Staples to succeed in the playoffs. “[Her goals] are definitely attainable,” McCray said, “If she has a great year, we’re gonna have a great year.”

Sports | May 6, 2016

23

Staples rugby earns formidable reputation

Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

Ari McCoy ’17

Frenchie Truitt ’17

W

hile some students like to get a workout playing on a Staples sports team or spinning at the gym, others opt for a different approach.

Gyms in Westport and surrounding towns; such as TITLE Boxing Club, The Edge, Westport Boxing & MMA, offer kickboxing classes that many students take both to break a sweat and even learn some self defense skills.

Kickboxing is a popular workout for students who have extracurriculars outside of sports. Maya Namasivayam ’18 plays viola in Norwalk Youth Symphony as well as Staples Chamber orchestra, but she finds the time to kickbox at TITLE Boxing Club in Norwalk about three to four times a week.

Namasivayam prefers kickboxing to other workouts because “it’s just so much more fun, and [it’s]

such a great stress reliever,” she said.

Alison Partner ’18 is on the Staples track and cross country teams, but she finds herself at TITLE Boxing Club about twice a week for kickboxing classes.

“It’s an individual sport where you only compete against yourself,” Partner said, “which I personally prefer

“It’s an individual sport where you only compete against yourself.”

-Alison Partner ’18

more than being compared to others.”

Although she originally started in order to get a good workout, Namasivayam also recognized the real-world applicability of kickboxing.

“I didn’t start it because I wanted to defend myself,” she said. “But it’s definitely a good skill that [kickboxing] teaches you.”

This mix between exercise and real-world skills was also what attracted Megan Hines ’17 to the sport.

“I’ve used these skills in the past to defend myself,” Hines said. “I think it’s a better method of exercise because not only are you learning an important skill, but it’s a full body workout.”

Partner found confidence in knowing she could defend herself if needed.

“I don’t see myself using the techniques for self defense,” Partner said, “but if I were in a position where it was necessary, I would.”

Staples rugby has become one of the school’s top-tier teams. After going undefeated in the preseason, they started their season 3-0, including a close win over Aspetuck and a dominant 54-0 win over Darien. But this is not their first year of high- caliber play. “We have been pretty good the past few seasons,” team captain Mike Jennings ’17 said. “We beat Fairfield Prep for the first time ever, and we are undefeated so far this season.”

After losing a number of seniors last year, this year’s team will rely a lot more on its younger players. Even with an unusually young team dominated by sophomores and juniors, expectations are still high. “After a great start to the season, we have four really tough games this year, including Fairfield Ludlowe, who is ranked 10th in the country,” Ben Van Der Merwe ’18 said. “However, I think we can win at least three of our four remaining games this year and make a splash in the playoffs.”

The increasing popularity of the sport has also had a significant impact on the Staples team. “It is bringing a new caliber of talent to the team” Van Der Merwe said.

“If we continue to win, we could bring in some legitimate athletes onto the team”.

While having more athletes is always helpful, the team already has a few high quality players. According to head coach David Lyme, some players to watch include Tom Jones ’16, Mike Jennings ’17, Michael Overton ’17, and Ben Van Der Merwe ’18.

Even though it is a varsity sport, Staples rugby may not receive the same attention of other spring sports like baseball or lacrosse. But with a high-powered offense and sturdy defense, this year’s Wreckers are looking to turn a few heads on their run to the state championship.

A Better Chance of Westport sponsors community basketball event Brendan Massoud ’17 If playing competitive three-on-three basketball and raising money for a good cause sounds like a good time, Staples students will be able to do both come Friday, May 20. On that day, the Junior Board for the A Better Chance House, an organization entirely run

by Staples students, will host a fundraiser basketball tournament for A Better Chance of Westport. A Better Chance of Westport is an organization which, according to its website, looks to provide “young men of color with the opportunity to live… and to study” in Westport.

The event will take place in the Staples gymnasium between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. In addition to the admission fee for the games themselves, the Board will be selling wristbands embroidered with “Staples” on one side and the House’s logo on the other.

Greg Preiser ’17, founder of the Junior Board for the A Better Chance House, was approached by a member of the ABC House’s executive board to create a way for Staples students to get more involved in helping the House. Preiser was addressed because of his role as president of the Staples club ABCs of the Stock Market, which combines philanthropy and investing.

“The Junior Board was created with the vision of helping not only raise money for the A Better Chance House,” Preiser said, “but to also raise awareness about the House.”

The money raised from the fundraiser will go towards purchasing everyday supplies and services for the students residing in the House. “As a house with eight boys,

Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

we need a lot of different things,” Ali Sanoh ’18, a student in his second year of the program, said. “We do not have parents making us food and doing our laundry everyday… so we go through these things rapidly.”

In addition to the funds, members of

the A Better Chance House are looking forward to the event because it will inform the community about their lives in Westport. “It helps get the word out that there’s a house of kids trying to make it in a wealthy community… It shows we like to have fun, too, and we’re just normal kids,” Sam Larkin ’17, who is now in his third year of living at the House, said.

The Junior Board, in cooperation with the members of the House, decided on a basketball fundraiser after witnessing the popularity of rec basketball and events like Dodge-A-Cop at Staples.

“Providing a fun, sports-related activity is a great way to get high school kids involved in supporting a great cause,” Lindsey Felner ’17, Junior Board member, said.

Despite high expectations for the event, members of the Junior Board are not quite sure exactly how many teams will show up, and as a result, they do not know how much money the tournament will bring in. “We don’t really have a target amount. We are just trying to have something this year and try to raise as much as we can,” Preiser said.

However, uncertainty in terms of numbers is not deterring the confidence of those who helped to plan it. “It seems that all the guys get really into the whole basketball thing, so I don’t see why people wouldn’t sign up,” Carly Chaskin ’17, another Junior Board member, said.

For many Staples students, this will certainly be an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a wide audience. For Sanoh, it’s about providing the community a chance to witness something great. “I think not taking my talents to this tournament would be an injustice to Westport,” Sanoh said.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

24

Sports | May 6, 2016

MIDSEASON UPDATE JUMPING FOR JOY Captains Michael Reale ’16 and Matt Johnson ’16 celebrate goal during last Friday’s Sticks for Soldiers game against Ridgefield High School.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY SHELLEY BURGER

Spring sports teams look for playoff push Cooper Boardman ’17

BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ LACROSSE

BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ GOLF

fter getting off to an 8-0 start, boys’ lacrosse vaulted to a number four state ranking. The Wreckers fell to number two New Canaan, but rebounded by knocking off FCIAC power Trumbull and third-ranked Ridgefield, thanks to late goals from Dobson Cooper ’18 and Michael Reale ’16. The girls’ have been locked in multiple tight games, with two of the team’s first four games decided on overtime. Lafayette College commit Colleen Bannon ’17 has led the Wreckers in the scoring department, including a five-goal performance versus Newtown.

After the loss of Villanova-bound Peter Richards ’15, the boys’ golf team reloaded for its 2016 season. Led a 25-shot performance by Dan Cozzi ’16, the Wreckers opened their season with a win over Fairfield Warde. The team looks for a strong finish, with the Chappa Tournament and state tournament still on its slate. Girls’ golf picked up a huge victory over defending state champion Greenwich with wins in the number two through four spots in the lineup.

Anelise Brown ’16 shot a 37, while Erika MacDonald managed a 48 in the win.

BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ TENNIS

BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ TRACK

The boys’ had a 46-match win streak that dated back to 2013 snapped by Greenwich during the regular season, but the team bounced back with victories versus St. Joseph and Brien McMahon thanks to the play of Will Andrews ‘16 and Jay Mudholkar ‘17, who picked up victories in each match. The girls’ have rolled through their first 10 games, winning each match with the closest margin of victory being five points. The team has notched five shutouts in part due to quality performances from the top doubles team Megan Brown ’17 and Kristen Butler ’18.

Last spring, the boys’ outdoor track squad placed fourth at the State Open Championships. Despite losses in the field area, the Wreckers return Yale commit James Lewis ’16 and Zak Ahmad ’17. The girls’ look to defend their Class LL title led by Stanford commit Hannah DeBalsi ’16 and Susie Martin ’16, an event where each runner placed first and seventh respectively in the 1600m. Still on the docket for both the boys’ and girls’ are the Loucks Games, Middletown Invitational and FCIAC Championships, where each team will look for top finishes.

BASEBALL

SOFTBALL

Baseball came in ranked number two in the state in the Gametime CT/New Haven Register poll but faltered out of the gate, falling to top ten-ranked Amity Regional, and Montville, with the team holding a 4-7 record through its first 11 games. Injuries to captain Nathan Panzer ’16 and Michael Fanning ’17 made some question Staples’ status as a top team, but younger players on the team were able to effectively fill the holes left in the lineup. A series of strong pitching performances from key players and the sizzling bat of Chad Knight ’19 have allowed the team to jump back into the playoff race, with the team recently defeating Brien McMahon, Fairfield Ludlowe and Norwalk High Schools.

On the girls’ side of the diamond, softball won three of six games, including a 23-6 trouncing of Greenwich on the road and a home comeback victory against Ludlowe. Cat Connell ’19 has been a significant addition to the team with her strike-out pitching ability helping to lead the team to several recent victories. In fact, after a difficult start to the season, the team has had a remarkable comeback and is now on a winning streak. They recently took on 2015 FCIAC champion Saint Joe’s, putting up a very good fight against the powerhouse team. The team hopes that they can improve their play for the rest of the season.

BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL

BOYS’ RUGBY

Staples boys’ volleyball began its 2016 campaign with one of the toughest schedules in the state, with Class LL powers Southington and Ridgefield on the team’s slate. While the Wreckers suffered early season losses to each of these teams, the team rattled off four straight victories in FCIAC play, led by the play of Jared Himmel ’16 (10 kills vs. St. Joseph) and Kenny Brill ’17 (33 assists vs. St. Joseph).

With an 8-3 record so far, they hope to continue their success into the playoffs.

Staples boys’ rugby made significant strides last season, including the program’s first-ever victory over state power Fairfield Prep (after a 12 year drought).

The team opened this season with a thrilling 22-21 victory over border rival Aspetuck, and with All-American captain Michael Jennings ’17, the Wreckers have a chance to make a deep run in the state playoffs. They recently took on 2015 FCIAC champion Saint Joe’s, putting up a very good fight against the powerhouse team.

A

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL