Back To School Issue 2017 by Inklings

nklings August 31, 2017

Staples High School

Volume 86, Issue 1 inklingsnews.com

INSIDE 1 4 6 8 12

News Opinions Arts Features Sports

Join the discussion.

Unedited image

Photo by Molly Mahoney ’18

Photograph of the Aug. 21 Solar Eclipse taken through the Rolnick Observatory telescope.

Parking code changes

School survival guide

Renovated movie theaters Field hockey in Bermuda

Principal James D’Amico breaks As freshmen begin their first year Bow Tie Cinemas’ Royale 6 and The varsity field hockey team flew down the 2017-2018 parking at Staples, upperclassmen offer Regent 8 in Norwalk have been to Bermuda to train for their upcode. advice. remodeled. coming season.

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70 North Ave., Westport, Connecticut, 06880

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Inklings

NEWS

August 31, 2017

Revised parking code divides student body Yale sues from someone in the grade above, as I did tem because he can arrive to school after a Daniel Harizman ’19

ll Staples High School juniors received an email n Wednesday, Aug. 9, stating that on-campus junior parking would no longer be available for the 2017-2018 school year. “We have over 360 seniors parking at school, daily, and over 320 adults that work in this building,” James D’Amico, principal, said. According to D’Amico, at the end of the 2016-2017 school year, the administration discovered that they “were giving out too many parking passes for the number of [parking spaces] [they] had.” According to D’Amico, last spring, students and teachers requested that the administration take a look at the parking situation. The administration received constant complaints from seniors about juniors who were parking on campus without passes. These events triggered change in the parking code, and ensured that seniors, so long as they were selected in the senior lottery, had a definite parking spot at school. The revised parking code requires drivers with parking passes to park in the space that is assigned to them and to never transfer parking spots with other students. The cost for a parking pass for the 20172018 school year has also increased from $50 (in previous years) to $150. “I think [the administration] made too many changes and thus [the code] is less efficient, more complicated, and adds stress,” Nicole Arellano ’18, said. “It’s senior year. I should worry about my grades and getting into college, but no, I have to worry about parking and coughing up $150 bucks.” Grace Futterman ’19, who has had her license since the spring of 2017, was planning on transporting herself from extra-curricular activities, which would ease her parents’ afternoon schedule. Because of the policy change, this is no longer a possibility. “This year, I’m hoping to get a ride

last year before I got my license,” Futterman said. “If there are days that I can’t get a ride from a senior, I guess I will have to take the bus.” The consequences for parking on campus without a pass have a range of three offenses. On the first offense, the driver will be charged a $20 fine and a single in-school suspension; the second often results in a $40 fine and a two day in-school suspension; the third violation will result in a $50 fine and a three day inschool suspension. All violators will additionally receive an “immobilization boot” on their front driver side wheel which will only be removed once the school day has ended. “I think the punishments are too harsh for the crime,” an anonymous junior said. “It is frustrating that the administration is limiting the modes of transportation that a student can get to school with.” Benji Malowitz ’18 likes the new sys-

double free and know a spot will be available. “The truth of the matter is that this is not a pressing issue,” Malowitz said. “Students are making a much bigger deal of it than they should be; it’s a senior privilege being kept, with a few minor changes.” Despite the controversy surrounding this argument, D’Amico believes it becomes the administration’s responsibility to provide students who pay the parking pass fee a guaranteed spot when they show up to school everyday. “There are privileges to being a senior. That’s been part of high schools since high schools were opened, and this is part of them for now,” D’Amico said. “In future years, if the population of the high school goes down and we can guarantee every senior parking and some juniors, then we’ll do it. It’s not because we want to. It’s because we had to figure out how to manage the resources we had.”

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5 1 Graphic contributed by Staples High School

NEW PARKING POLICY Principal James D’Amico initiated a new parking policy for the 2017-18 school year, which assigns one space to every staff member and registered senior student. The pink outlines above indicate where staff may park. Senior parking will be restricted to other zones, including the field hockey, soccer and tennis court lots.

SafeRide app debutes at Westport Farmers Market resentative of a state agency, I cannot support any specific products.” Rownin worked on SafeRide protoSafeRide, a smartphone appli- types part-time for roughly two years becation designed to prevent distract- fore leaving his job in finance to work on ed driving, debuted at the Westport developing the technology full-time, he Farmers Market on Thursday, Aug. 3. said. At this point, Rownin realized that The app, which is available for free to the product could connect via Bluetooth Android and iPhone users, was developed rather than via physical hardware. The by Westport resident Scott Rownin. It au- fact that SafeRide is Bluetooth-based rathtomatically locks and silences a driver’s er than hardware-based differentiates it phone while the car is in motion. Music, “ from other similar products on the market. navigation and hands-free phone calls can e launched both [the Android still be accessed while the app is in use. app and the iPhone app] in Rownin, who holds both a BachMarch, and then we relaunched elor of Science in Economics and a them again with more of a media roll-out Bachelor of Science in Engineering this past July,” Rownin said. “The Westport from the University of Pennsylvania, Farmers Market was the ribbon cutting. came up with the idea to create an app We got [First Selectman] Jim Marpe to to prevent distracted driving in 2012. come do the ribbon cutting, so that kind “The actual inspiration behind this of defines our public launch, because was driving down the road, recognizing there’s an actual ribbon cut, but we had that people were using their phones, and it available for a little time earlier just to most of them gain feedback from some initial “The actual inspiration becould n’t people that we brought into it.” hind this was driving down resist the Rownin has found that adults the road, recognizing that temptation if are more reluctant than teenagers people were using their they tried,” to use SafeRide, although he bephones, and most of them he said. “I lieves that drivers of all ages are couldn’t resist the temptacould sort of affected by distracted driving. tion if they tried.” see that same Bridget Mulloy ’19 echoed -Scott Rownin this sentiment. “I think some problem in myself; if the phone rang I was gonna young people would be willing to get the look. Even if I wasn’t gonna answer it, I app because they genuinely want to be was distracted by the fact that it was there.” focused on driving and not have the disThe National Highway Traffic traction,” she said. “As for adults, I think Safety Administration reported that they will be less willing due to the fact in 2015, 3,477 people were killed and they think they have more self-control.” 391,000 were injured in motor vehiSafeRide has partnered with cle crashes involving distracted drivers. driving schools in Massachusetts, “Personally, I would recommend and Rownin hopes to work with loany app that restricts phone use while cal driving schools in the future. driving,” Swanson said. “But as a rep“We haven’t gotten through to [the

Sophie Driscoll ’19

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

Connecticut Department of Transportation] yet, but we’re trying,” Rownin said. “Oddly enough, we got to Colorado [Department of Transportation] first. They came to us, actually. They’re internally doing some research to present solutions for distracted driving, so they found us, which is great.” Rownin also sees opportunity with commercial operations. Trucking fleets can use SafeRide to ensure truck drivers avoid distractions while driving. Ten people work for SafeRide, and the company is based out of Rownin’s home in Westport. “We do a lot of virtual meetings,” he said. Rownin’s wife works fulltime as SafeRide’s Chief Sales Officer. Although the app is already on the market, Rownin would like to make improvements to it in the future. For example, currently, the app must be downloaded by users through the SafeRide website, gosaferide.com. This is something Rownin would like to change. “That’s been one of the bigger challenges of late, realizing that most people still wanna search for an app. They go to the App Store,” he said. “For us, you have to find it on Google, find our website and sign up there.” Additionally, the auto text reply feature, which allows users to set up customized automatic text replies to anyone who tries to call or text while they are driving, is only currently available to Android users. Rownin would like to offer this feature to iPhone users, as well. He owns both an iPhone and an Android in order to ensure that he has a strong understanding of the differences between the two versions of the app. “It’s never done,” Rownin said. “But it’s fully available, fully stable, works great.”

Connecticut for additional gender-neutral facilities Izzy Connors ’18

Yale University has publicly announced that they are suing the state of Connecticut after the state building code prohibited their plan to make all single-user restrooms gender-neutral. The code requires that there be a certain number of single-user restrooms that are assigned to a specific gender. In other words, to be credited towards the amount of single-occupant restrooms required under the code, the bathroom must be labeled for either men or women; gender-neutral restrooms do not count. Yale officials have stated that in order to “prevent discrimination on the basis of gender identity” the state code should be modified to allow public businesses to choose to be more progressive and accommodating for its occupants. “The proposed shift in designation to gender neutral[...]would facilitate quick access to a bathroom within the building for persons of all gender identities,” Yale asserted in the lawsuit. After Staples High School made nearly all of its single-user bathrooms unisex last year, some Staples students were shocked and confused to hear about the code in their state. “Since Yale is a private university, I think they should be allowed to do whatever they want with their single-user bathrooms,” Jamie Orsek ’19 said. “I just don’t understand why there’s a problem with gender-neutral bathrooms, especially single-user because all it means is that anyone who wants to use it can. There’s really no issue with it.” ocial studies teacher Drew Coyne also deemed the code regressive in comparison to the recent statewide changes. “Connecticut’s building codes only count male or female bathrooms, not gender-neutral ones, when determining if a building meets state standards. While I am not sure when the laws or building codes were created, the suit by Yale brings this issue to the forefront, both in front of the courts and to state legislators,” Coyne said. While the building code prevents them from being able to reduce the number of gender-designated single-occupant restrooms, the state has said that the University may build as many new gender-neutral restrooms as they want. Yale, however, has said that this solution would hinder the historic integrity of the old buildings and is unfeasible due to “programming and space constraints.” According to the lawsuit, the decision to improve access to gender-neutral bathrooms in the law school came after numerous students raised concerns about the impracticality of the current standards. Christopher Taggart, who graduated from Yale Law School in 2002, believes that “a ‘bathroom’ decision like this should be left to private institutions. who would be in the best position to know what best serves the needs of those who attend those institutions.” It is not currently known when a resolution will be reached, but Governor Dan Malloy has announced that his administration is in support of Yale’s efforts. “I assume that the courts will grant Yale the ability to count these gender-neutral bathrooms,” said Coyne. “Possibly, the state legislature will then act to modify their building codes too.”

Inklings

News

August 31, 2017

LOCAL BRIEFS

What happened this summer Nicole Dienst ’18

July 10

New Wakeman Town Farm

The opening of the new Wakeman Town Farm indoor Facility on July 10 marked a monumental change at the farm allowing for a significant increase in indoor programs, camps and activities. The kitchen, a major part of the new facility that offers programs in food preparation for adults and children, was named in honor of Tim Wormser, a Staples graduate who had a budding interest in horticulture and nurseries. With the opening of the new indoor facility, Wakeman plans to increase the number of visitors to the farm and increase efforts to get the local community involved.

July 15-16

Westport Fine Arts Festival The Westport Downtown Merchants Association hosted its 44th annual Westport Fine Arts Festival in downtown Westport on July 15 and 16. The festival featured over 140 artists of all different categories and genres. Several restaurants such as Le Penguin, Amis Trattoria and Tavern on Main served as respite areas.

July 28

CT Challenge

Photo contributed by Westport Astronomical Society

STARING AT THE SKY Director of the Westport Astronomical Society (WAS) Bob Meadows stands next to a 25 inch Obsession telescope, which was used to view the eclipse.

July 3

Fireworks The 61st annual PAL sponsored fireworks on July 3 at Compo Beach attracted a significant crowd of over 12,000 people. Sherwood Island State Park also hit full capacity at 11:15 A.M., when the park was closed to incoming visitors in order to contain numbers. The fireworks in Westport were yet again a destination for locals, residents in the tri-state and people from out of state.

The CT Challenge, a fundraising event for cancer survivors sponsored by “Mission,” began at the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport on July 28 with a barbecue bash. The bike ride festival then began on Saturday with multiple route options featuring 10 miles, 25 Miles, 50 miles, 75 miles and 100 miles. Every 10-15 miles on route, volunteers provided energy bars, drinks and bike assistance. Local police and law enforcement were also on scene to ensure that the event ran smoothly. The CT Challenge raised over $200,000 with the top individual fundraiser accumulating $50,100 for the cause.

Aug. 21

Solar Eclipse

A total solar eclipse, spanning the United States from Oregon and making its way to South Carolina, occurred on Aug. 21. The event marked the first coast-tocoast solar eclipse in 99 years, meaning that anyone in the United States was able to directly view the eclipse. Special glasses hit the market weeks prior to the event in order to protect the eyes of those who wanted to view the eclipse or for those who were concerned about possible eye damage.

Kane promises proacitve leadership to protect Westport’s values *As the 2017 town selectman election approaches, Inklings will cover each candidate’s platform and ideas. This month, we feature the Democratic candidate. Republican incumbent, Jim Marpe, will be featured in the September issue and the Independent candidate, John Suggs, will appear in the October issue.

Melanie Lust ’19

wide and in Westport as well, a lot less and we as a community need to focus on inclusivity and more incidents that as well," she said. "It will be of intolerance," she said. my job as first selectman "We can't just talk advocate for Westport about being an infamilies and children clusive communiand to support the ty, we actually super intendent need to do the and BOE and hard work of their decision making sure making for the we're incluschools." sive." She emKane phasized hopes to that national take inichange can tiative rebegin at the garding the local level, high school's and would like start time and more people to work with the be aware of the administration importance of to ease student town governments. stress. "We really need "I know that the to preserve our historic Board of Education and buildings and our character principal D'Amand our beautiful enico are really NEW LEADERSHIP vironment,” she said. focused on what Melissa Kane (above) is running for “And the first selectthey can do to to first selectman of Westport. man needs to be the alleviate some of person who makes that pressure on teens and younger kids sure that that's what's happening." Photo by Ellie Kravetz ’18

Kane's plans for Westport begin with more strongly supporting its character. "I s election season draws nearer, think it is very, very important that WestWestporters prepare to cast their port stays competitive and vibrant going ballots for the first selectman. into the future," she said. "We need peoActing as the chief executive of ple wanting to move to Westport for what Westport, the town selectman oversees we offer and who we are, so that means, all departments and offices, handles among other things, we need to have an economic issues and sets budgets and economic sustainability plan." Issues she intends to focus on inmanages the town's relationship with the clude pushing back the start time of public state of Connecticut. schools, creating tax Melissa Kane “I’ve been involved relief for seniors and entered the race in June as a Democrat in governing this town effectively minimizing traffic. Financially, and has since been for a long time,” Kane she plans to strengthen campaigning with Westport's businesses. her running mate, said. “I feel I’m ready "We need to be Rob Simmelkjaer. "I've been in- to lead it as first select- able to protect our taxpayers," she said. "We volved in govern- man.” need to reach out to our ing this town for -Melissa Kane business community, a long time," Kane said. "I feel I'm ready to lead it as first se- our commercial tax base, and make sure that we as a municipality are doing everylectman." Currently chairwoman of the West- thing we can to support them and make port Democratic Committee and mem- sure they are prospering." Kane hopes to balance this plan with a ber of the Representative Town Meeting, Westport's legislative body, her past expe- second focus that involves creating a body rience includes participation on the boards of leadership that embodies the beliefs and of the Westport Library and the Green Vil- values of the town. "I believe that there has been, nationlage Initiative.

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

Inklings

OPINIONS

August 31, 2017

Military should not cover aesthetic treatments Caroline Blevins ’18

resident Trump’s series of tweets regarding a so-called ban on transgenders participating in any capacity of the U.S. military certainly caught America’s attention, and mine. “Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming […] victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that the transgender in military would entail. Thank you,” Trump wrote. Being a Republican and a firm supporter of all military members, I felt confused by Trump’s disposition. While I believe that transgender members of the military should not be banned, I also believe that it is too much to expect the federal government to pay for the medical costs of their gender reassignments. The 2016 Research and Development Corporation report estimated that the number of transgenders currently serving in the military is between 1,320 and 6,630,

Ian & Bailey’s

and according to the National Center for Transgender Equality, those estimates may even stand closer to 15,000. That being said, I have absolutely no objection to the military enlisting or having transgender individuals who qualify. Transgender or not, we’re all American and anyone who is willing to fight for his or her country has an incredible amount of strength and my complete respect. However, President Trump is right in acknowledging the high cost of transgender treatment. Although the average medical cost for gender reassignment ranges from person to person, according to a transgender writer from Vogue, some of the most popular treatments and procedures include hormone therapy, gender reassignment surgeries, facial feminization surgeries and breast augmentation. The average cost of hormone therapy is $1,500, gender reassignment surgery is $30,000+, facial feminization surgery is $25,00-$60,000 and breast augmentations are $5,000-$10,000 each year. While the RAND Corporation estimates transgender services to total to $2.4 to $8.4 million a

year, there is no definitive price tag. Some opponents might point out that a range of $2.4 to $8.4 million is only 0.004-0.017 percent of the Defense Department’s total healthcare spending. However, whether the overall cost is considered small or large, it is wrong to spend taxpayers’ money on medications and surgeries that address body aesthetics. I would even argue that harsher restraints be placed on health coverage for all military personnel. Presently, the federal government is footing the bill for medications and medical procedures including Viagra, birth control, vasectomies, tubal ligations and more. These are not vital medications or procedures and they are costing the government millions of dollars. For instance, our military also covers the costs of sexual dysfunction in men with drugs like Viagra, Cialis amd Levitra. These have taken an even larger chunk out of military health care than transgender-related care. According to data from the Defense Health Agency, the Department of Defense spent $41.6 million on

Viagra and $82.24 million on other erectile dysfunction prescriptions in 2014. It is not our government’s job to pay for anyone’s procedures and medications that can be classified as cosmetic or non-essential. If any military member would like to improve a non-life threatening physical aspect about themselves, then it should be done on their own time and dime. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey estimated that injury-attributable medical expenditures cost as much as $117 billion in 2000, which is approximately 10 percent of total U.S medical investments. So, by restricting what the military will medically cover, our military can better focus on treating soldiers who face life-threatening injury and disease. The military’s purpose is not to discriminate nor is it to provide special treatment. There should not be a ban on anyone who is willing to risk his or her life so we can be free. However, it is unreasonable and dangerous for our federal government to cover medical costs that are aesthetic and cosmetic.

d e i school survival guide f i s s a l c e d

Ian Bernstein ’18 & Bailey Blaikie ’19 School is officially upon us, which means early wake-up times, crippling backpacks, long textbook readings and late-night facetime study calls. Returning Staples students probably have some strategies to combat these challenges; however, incoming freshmen are embarking on a new journey. Freshman year is full of new beginnings. For starters, freshmen go from the top of the school food chain to the very bottom. Apart from being the youngest, freshmen must cope with an increased workload, more extracurricular choices and more people, to name a few challenges. It’s easy for a wee minnow to get lost in the big ocean. After all, making mistakes is part of the freshman year experience. But there’s no need to fear; here are some tips that will steer your first year at Staples in the right direction:

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Be organized

In order to be successful in your classes, it’s crucial that you create a system that will keep you organized and prepared. If your papers are crumpled in your backpack, you’ll induce more stress than necessary. Instead, keep each class separate in a folder so you know which papers belong to each class. If you create and maintain an organizational system that works for you, high school will be much easier.

Understand how you learn

Many high schoolers don’t give much thought to their study habits. While many will practice the most convenient study method of using online study resources, like Quizlet, oftentimes paper flashcards promise better results. Figure out which study strategies give you the best results and stick with them.

Time management

Learning how to best manage your time is an essential skill for high school. Finding a balance between your homework, social life and extracurriculars is something many high schoolers struggle with. To keep yourself sane and on-task, don’t overload your time by taking too challenging of a schedule and/or signing up for too many extracurricular activities.

Try new things

Venturing outside of your comfort zone can be intimidating but beneficial in the end. Try practicing this by signing up for a variety of clubs to expose yourself to new people and ideas.

Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18

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August 31, 2017

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August 3

Features

Get ready to meet some of the new te A

Photos by Melanie Lust ’19, Ellie Kravetz ’18 and Charlie Colasurdo ’18

h e t o rid t e Welcom F

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31, 2017

Inklings

eachers of Staples A

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Lauren Mattera How long have you been a teacher? Two years. Where have you previously worked, what did you do there? Spanish teacher at Weston High School. What classes are you going to be teaching this year? Spanish 2B, 4A and 4B. Natalie Odierna How long have you been a teacher? Two years. Where have you previously worked, what did you do there? Worked as a social studies teacher in Fairfield and Ridgefield. What classes are you going to be teaching this year? Global Themes, Middle Eastern Studies, American Government and East Asian Studies. What is your favorite amusement park ride? Doesn’t like rollercoasters. Jessica Opotzner How long have you been a teacher? Four years. Where have you previously worked, what did you do there? Tomlinson Middle School in Fairfield. What classes are you going to be teaching this year? Study Skills and Chemistry. What is your favorite amusement park ride? “Superman” at Six Flags. Tori Wagner How long have you been a teacher? Two years. Where have you previously worked, what did you do there? Taught Physics, Chemistry, Physical Science and Environmental Science in Fairbank, Iowa. What classes are you going to be teaching this year? Physics and Astronomy. What is your favorite amusement park ride? Anything extreme. Stacey Phelan How long have you been a teacher? Seventeen years. Where have you previously worked, what did you do there? Taught art at East Haven High School. What classes are you going to be teaching this year? Digital Darkroom. What is your favorite amusement park ride? “Everest” in Disney.

Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

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Patricia Howells How long have you been a teacher? Ten years. Where have you previously worked, what did you do there? New Canaan as a school counselor. What classes are you going to be teaching this year? Will be a school counselor. What is your favorite amusement park ride? Waterslides. Alicia Potash How long have you been a teacher? More than 10 years. Where have you previously worked, what did you do there? Physical Education and Health in Salem, Connecticut. What classes are you going to be teaching this year? Ninth grade health. What is your favorite amusement park ride? Waterslides. Nicole Giuliani How long have you been a teacher? Student-taught past year, first year teaching. Where have you previously worked, what did you do there? Was an intern and student teacher at Cheshire High School. What classes are you going to be teaching this year? Algebra 1 and 2. What is your favorite amusement park ride? “Kingda Ka.” Chris Wasik How long have you been a teacher? Ten years Where have you previously worked, what did you do there? Worked as a special ed teacher in Trumbull, Naugatuck and Milford. What classes are you going to be teaching this year? Study Skills and U.S. History. What is your favorite amusement park ride? “Ali Baba.” Amy Parent How long have you been a teacher? First year teaching. Where have you previously worked, what did you do there? Worked in the medical industry. What classes are you going to be teaching this year? Chemistry and Accelerated Science. What is your favorite amusement park ride? “Gliders.” STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

10 Features

August 31, 2017 Inklings

Locals let loose at Levitt Nicole Dienst ’18 & Anay Simunovic ’18

lashing lights, an array of colorful lawn chairs, blankets sprawled across the grass and picnic baskets galore. Nearly every night of the summer, members of the Westport community and surrounding areas flock towards the Levitt Pavilion, located on the banks of the Saugatuck River in downtown Westport, to enjoy a wide variety of free music and entertainment under the stars. The non-profit, open-air summer festival has featured an array of artists from folk pop singer-songwriter and Westport native, Emma Charleston, to Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Dave Mason. Even so, many Staples students, such as, Donovan Ross ’18, have never attended a performance. “Most of the people who attend the performances are older which is why it’s not somewhere I want to go with my friends,” Ross said. However, according to Joey Bairaktaris ’16, current stage manager at the Levitt, “There’s such a wide variety,” he said. “Some nights it might not be for some people, but there is always something for someone.” Not only does the Levitt provide people with an array of musical talents, but it also serves to unite the local community. The Levitt exists to “preserve and cultivate an outdoor community destination where people of all ages and backgrounds are always welcome and encouraged to get to know the arts, nature and each other,” According to their website. Furthermore, the New York Times refers to the Levitt Pavilion as “Connecticut’s most ambitious and entertaining free summer festival.” Westport resident and frequent attendee of the Levitt, Nancy Eliz Brierre, echoed this statement. “I just think it’s a treasure of Westport.”

LEVITT IS LIT

During the summer, the Levitt Pavilion hosted its annual “50 Free Nights Under the Stars” as well as some paid ticket events. The performence of P. J. Pacifico ft. Eric Donnelly & Ian Tait of the Alternate Routes on Aug. 13 brought in big crowds (pictured). Other bands that performed this summer included John Fogherty, Caravan of Thieves and Otis and the Hurricanes. The Levitt also hosted dance performances and comedy acts. The last big event of the summer will be the ADLs “VOICES: A Concert for Unity” that takes place Sept. 10. Photos by Nicole Dienst ’18 and Anay Simunovic ’18

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

August 31, 2017

Inklings

Features

Shoshana Markel: Breaking down barriers in the pursuit of education and experience Izzy Blansfield ’18

hether it be in the lab, across the globe or right here in Westport, Shoshana Markel ’18 is constantly venturing outside of her comfort zone to experience the world and develop her individuality. Some of Markel’s main passions include: travel, education, medicine and art. As a 17-year-old girl, nothing seems to stop her. During Markel’s junior year, she spent the first semester in Israel. “I was looking for a more enriching high school experience,” Markel said. “I wanted to both explore the world, learn more about myself [and] learn more about my Judaism all while continuing on with my academic studies. Israel

was the perfect place to do all of that.” Markel ended the semester with a greater understanding of her own principles. “Israel is a place where I feel that I can truly be myself and be completely accepted for who I am,” she said. “Materialism and pettiness does not really exist in a large context there and that is very refreshing for me.” After completing the school year back in Westport, Markel decided to go back to Israel for the summer to pursue her interest in the medical field. She participated in the internship program, Next Step, where she worked with genetics in a hospital research job. Markel is intrigued by the medical field and hopes to pursue her desired interest in both an academic and professional setting. Besides traveling the world and advancing her academic interests,

Markel also serves as the vice president of Top Hat Tutors, a student run tutoring organization. As vice president, she is responsible for communicating with parents, clients and tutors, providing expansion ideas, and posting on social media, among other things. “For me, my job is much more than a way for me to make money and have an alternate academic experience,” Markel said. “My job has thus far taught me to be compassionate, understanding, confident and direct, [along with] leadership and management skills.” Additionally, in her free time Markel enjoys experimenting with the arts. She is a part of the Fairfield county youth choir and plays the guitar. Also, Markel is a part of the Israeli culture club and the math team.

Bow Tie Cinemas enhance entertainment Audrey Bernstein ’20 & Allie D’Angelo ’20 On the wake of Bow Tie Cinemas’ 115th Anniversary, the company began to innovate and expose the public to renovations in their theaters. In light of a new era of streaming technology, theaters have reinvented moviegoing in hopes of luring more viewers to the big screen. Brianna Dwyer ’20 believes that modern methods of absorbing entertainment are challenging the success of Bow Tie Cinemas. “In my opinion, the uprising success from streaming companies has caused [...] business to decline in the cinemas industry,” he said. Upon entering Bow Tie Cinemas’ recently upgraded locations, guests are greeted by not only the traditional scent of buttered popcorn, but that of an entirely new menu. Options consist of three cheese

macaroni & cheese, chicken & waffles and baked artisanal pizza. Eyes are next drawn to the newly installed touch screen ticket kiosks, which Vignesh Kareddy ’20 believes will boost the theater’s success. “This simplicity definitely increases sales for the theater as more people are able to purchase tickets with the tap of a button,” Kareddy said. Not everybody finds the kiosks useful though. “I don’t like how you have to book the seats you’re sitting in as opposed to how casual it was before when it was just walk in and sit wherever […] it’s more inconvenient,” Addie Hogue ’19 said. These renovations have replaced traditional seats with plush reclining chairs and tickets now limit access to a selection of available spots. Connecticut has welcomed the changes with open arms. Both the Royale 6 and the Regent 8 in Norwalk were the

first theaters to remodel and have since been labeled “Bow Tie Deluxe.” They feature upgraded restrooms and lobbies and each auditorium is equipped with reclining chairs and meal trays. Hand in hand with the new bar, “Movies and Mimosas” and “Insomnia” are both new programs that allow for a broadened target audience. Both events offer popular classics from comedies to horror movies on the big screen, while drinks are served. Ben Moss, CEO of Bow Tie Cinemas, describes the motivation behind the developments in an interview with the Norwalk Patch. “The busy lifestyle led by today’s entertainment consumers often forces a choice between seeing a movie and having a great meal and a cocktail [now] our valued guests can reserve a luxury recliner seat in advance [and] arrive at the theater at a convenient time

without rushing.” Bow Tie Cinemas Royale 6 manager, Dominic, who wished to be referred to only by his first name, agrees that new developments are promoting efficiency. “All our numbers have shown an increase in visitors,” he said. He also adds that he hasn’t heard any complaints about the new method to purchase tickets. “Other theaters should definitely upgrade like Bow Tie Cinemas because the updates definitely increased the quality of my experience while watching a movie,” Dwyer said.

Photo by Ellie Kravetz ’18

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

Inklings

ARTS

August 31, 2017

What we danced to and watched this summer Most anticipated summer movies

Top 10 jams Bri Zeiberg '19

ummer is a great time to sit back and listen to some new music. Summer 2017 was filled with hits that were sure to impress music lovers everywhere. While there was a variety of music displayed on the charts this summer, there was definitely a definitive top 10 (in no particular order). “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, featuring Justin Bieber, was an immediate hit this summer. The use of instruments such as the guitar definitely add to how upbeat and catchy the song is as a whole. This song has gone global and unites music lovers from all over the world. This single is the first song primarily in Spanish to reach the top of Billboard's The Hot 100 chart since “Macarena” by Los del Río in 1996. On July 7, 21 Savage released his new album titled, “Issa Album,” which is home to "Bank Account." This rap song features many different beats that appeal to music lovers who don’t even particularly listen to rap. Bieber, Quavo, DJ Khaled, Chance the Rapper and Lil Wayne collaborated in one of this summer’s top hits, “I’m the One.” The energy of the song is sure to make you want to sing along. DJ Khaled also collaborated with Rihanna and Bryson Tiller on the song “Wild Thoughts.” The powerful instrumentals and lyrics definitely make the song one of the contenders for summer song. After the release of Kendrick Lamar’s latest album titled “DAMN.,” the song

‘HUMBLE.,’ soared to the top of the charts. Lamar went on his U.S. summer 2017 tour where the opening acts featured Travis Scott and D.R.A.M. French Montana and Swae Lee collaborated to create “Unforgettable,” which was definitely a more chill song for the summer. The song appears on Montana’s album “Jungle Rules,” which was released on April 7. “Location” by Khalid is one of the mellowest hits on the charts. The calm vibes are great for the beach or a friendly get together. Khalid also was on tour this summer all over the country, with the closest location being New York City. The rising rapper A Boogie Wit da Hoodie collaborated with Kodak Black on the song “Drowning.” The collaboration was an overall hit from both the rapper’s fans and had a great energy for the summer. A Boogie Wit da Hoodie will be performing at Philadelphia's Made in America festival in early September. The single “2U” by David Guetta featuring Bieber was a memorable song that makes you want to get off your feet and jump around with friends all summer long. The electronic pop is strong competition for song of the summer. The song was released earlier in the year, but is a perfect song. Lil Uzi Vert made his debut with the hit “XO Tour Llif3.” Lil Uzi Vert was on tour throughout the country this summer performing all his hits. His newest album “Luv is Rage 2” debuted later this summer. Overall, this summer’s music scene was definitely one for the books. The beats ranged from rap to pop, and the charts recognized music lovers of all genres.

The sweltering heat of summer always drives people into the cool, over-air-conditioned movie theater. This surge of m o v ie-goers usually means studios step it up and turn out their best work during the summer months. While many say this year has been a let down in that area, here are my choices of the four most anticipated movies of this summer.

The Emoji Movie

“The Emoji Movie,” released July 28, was one of the few kid friendly movAt its original premiere during the ies this summer. Following a glitching Cannes Film Festival in France on May emoji’s journey through the inside of a 19, “Okja” got backlash for being the phone, it is reminiscent of “Inside Out.” product of a big corporation, Netflix. While the animation and dialogue is tarHowever, since its release to the U.S. geted for a young audience, the plot is Netflix on June 28, the movie’s been centered around iPhones and technoloreceived much better, even earning a gy, which can only be truly appreciated ‘fresh’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The by older viewers. It has a solid message film introduces Korean child actress about confidence and growing up, but Ahn Seo-hyun to American audiences, using Facebook, Candy Crush and Inwhile also hosting big Hollywood names stagram to convey that message makes Jake Gyllenhaal and Tilda Swinton. The it go over kids’ heads and is cringingly movie has prompted praise cliché for adults. Apparently none of for raising the thousands of people This surge of a discusworking on the movie sion about could tell the writers that movie-goers usually the factoyear-olds don’t profess means studios step it up 14 ry-farmtheir love to their crush and turn out their best ing ethics, through an email saying bringing atwork during the summer “shine bright like a diatention to mond.” That’s probably months. sustainable one of the reasons the farming. New York Times review called it, “nakedly idiotic.” Following his debut as the youngest superhero in “Captain America: Civil War,” Tom Holland once again stepped into the suit of the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” on July 7. The third incarnation of Peter Parker, Holland joins Zendaya and Robert Downey Jr. in the films all-star cast. The story picks up with Spider-Man caught in between wanting to be a normal high-schooler and wanting to be an Avenger, leading to both relatable and fantastical scenes. The movie revamps Spider-Man’s classic comic book sarcasm, which resonated well with audiences, earning the film a 92 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

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Okja

Spider-Man: Homecoming

Graphic by Melanie Lust '19

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Amelia Brown ’18

The Big Sick

Giving a new definition to rom-com this summer is “The Big Sick.” Written by and starring comedian Kumail Nanjiani, it’s about the hilarious, heartbreaking, romantic true story of him and his wife, Emily. Nanjiani plays himself, alongside Zoe Kazan as Emily and Ray Romano as Emily’s father. The awkward look into the world of both American and Pakistani dating is almost uncomfortably funny for a story centering on a mysterious illness. Because of its perfect balance between funny, serious, sad, hopeful, familiar and new, “The Big Sick” earned a rare 98 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8/10 on IMDB.

August 31, 2017

Inklings

Arts

TAKES ON WESTPORT Photo by Ellie Kravetz '18

Julia Rosier '18 [Match Burger Lobster] to open,” Jessie

Parker ’18 said. “It’s pretty amazing how a Staples graduate opened [Match Burger Lobster], and is bringing their talent back ocated on the Saugatuck River at to Westport and I definitely think it’s 580 Riverside Ave., chef Matt Storch going to be a success.” CT Bites ’95 will be stated that opening his “It’s pretty amazing Storch plans new restaurant, receiving Match Burger how a Staples graduate on his seafood, Lobster, in early September. opened [Match Burger especially t h e Storch is the l o b s t e r, Lobster], and they’re executive chef f r o m and owner bringing their talent N o r m of Match in Bloom and SoNo and The back to Westport." Sons in Chelsea located Norwalk and in Fairfield, -Jessie Parker '18 from Maine. Connecticut. Rachel Storch extended his practice as head chef at Nom-Eez Wolfe ’18 is also very excited for the opening of Match Burger and Lobster. “I restaurant in Bridgeport, Connecticut. According to CT Bites, Storch desires definitely love lobsters so I’m really excited his new restaurant to be a family-friendly for it to open,” Wolfe said. Match Burger Lobster will be located zone and the menu will feature lobster rolls as well as whole lobsters, burgers and next to Fleishers Butchery and will offer indoor seating, outdoor patio seating and local Copps Island oysters. “Personally, I am really excited for takeout.

The Match burger will be offered in both small and large sizes.

Many of the lobsters will be fresh from Maine . Graphics by Melanie Lust '19

Freezing Moo rolls into Fairfield Nicky Brown ’19 & Amanda Kaplowitz ’19

As the weather outside warmed up, local ice cream shops started to get busier. However, the classic vanilla cone seemed to be old news and the staple summer snack needed a change. Luckily, Freezing Moo, a new ice cream shop a few miles away in Fairfield, put its own twist on the delicious treat. As we walked into the shop, cheerful and friendly pictures of customers enjoying their ice cream cover the walls. The interior has a very kid friendly vibe, but also seems suitable for teens and adults. An employee greeted us, gave us a menu and explained that we could choose one of the 21 creative ice cream flavors, as well as three additional toppings from their extensive list. What makes Freezing Moo special is that it specializes in serving Thai fried ice cream rolls. These rolls are crafted through an intricate process that differs from average ice cream. The process begins as an employee lays out the ice cream ingredients onto an ice grill and pours milk over them. Then, they are chopped up and folded into the cream. The now solid ice cream is spread across the circular grill, as the employee uses his spatula to roll it out into about five separate rolls. Finally, the toppings are added. We chose to order two different flavor combinations. The first being “S'more Please,” which was vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce and a Nila Wafer. We

topped it with brownie bites, Kit Kat and a toasted marshmallow. The ice cream was tasty, however, we felt that it lacked the traditional s'mores flavor. It could be improved if the ice cream had the classic graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallow ingredients. Afterword, we selected our second flavor, “Cookie Monster,” which blended Oreo cookies and chocolate sauce into vanilla ice cream. Our toppings consisted of M&Ms, a chocolate chip cookie and a toasted marshmallow. This flavor definitely lived up to its name and tasted pretty similar to typical cookies and cream ice cream. The chocolatey toppings paired nicely with the cold and creamy ice cream and we found that eating it in one big spoonful was the way to go. Also, upon first biting into the treats, we felt that they tasted somewhat milky, however, the texture was smooth, resembling normal ice cream. Although the rolls made for an innovative way to serve the beloved dessert, we found that actually digging into them, especially with a plastic spoon, was a bit challenging. Since the rolls were hard and compact, it was difficult to break into them and actually get a substantial amount on the spoon. Each ice cream is $7.50, which is pricey, but the portion size is large and the ice cream includes a lot of components. Overall, the ice cream tasted delicious, despite a few minor flaws. We also found the rolling process to be quite impressive. Each ice cream flavor is unique and suitable for any customer since there are a wide variety of options. The shop itself is welcoming and makes for an even more enjoyable experience. Photos by Ellie Kravetz '18 & Melanie Lust '19

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

Inklings

SPORTS

August 31, 2017

McGinley and Burke row to the podium Hannah Bolandian ’19

hrough sweat, smiles and tears, rowers from Staples gave it their all training for and competing at the Junior World Rowing Championships in Trakai, Lithuania this summer. Star athletes Harry Burke ’18, a two time competitor, and Kelsey McGinley ’18 were both selected to be apart of the U.S. Junior National Rowing Team to compete in Trakai. The boys’ team came in second, behind Germany, and the girls’ team came in third, worldwide.

The national team began training for this competition on June 13. The rowers met at least twice everyday, for six hours, to work in and out of the water. “We trained at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. Here we were able to devote all of our energy to rowing without distractions. Our training had the goal of winning medals in mind, not just attending,” Burke said. Although training with the team only started less than two months before the race, the process of selecting athletes starts in the beginning of the year. Rowers must

attend identification camps held throughout the country that classify the top junior athletes. For those who move on in the process, the next step is selection camp. “Selection camp is where 50 or so of the best [rowers] get narrowed down into the 20 person team,” Burke said. Outside of training, the rowers “spent all of [their] free time during the day focusing on recovery,” said McGinley. “This allowed us to hit each practice hard and keep getting faster as a boat.” Once the races were over and the trainig came to an end, the rowers were able to reflect on the hard work they put

in this summer. Both McGinley and Burke look forward to working harder and furthering their success in rowing. “My favorite part was executing our plan and being able to see all of our hard work over the entire summer end with a solid result,” McGinley said. After seeing these rowers succeed at the national level, younger Staples rowers, like Samantha Ronca ’20 are inspired to continue their legacy. “How I intend to fulfill their legacy is to train as hard as they once did and be surrounded by rowers with similar mentalities,” Ronca said.

LITHUANIAN DREAM (left) Kelsey McGinley ’18 rowed with the U.S. Junior National Rowing Team in Lithuania over the summer, eventually earning the bronze medal. (center) Harrison Burke ’18 and his boat rowed towards the finish line at the Junior World Championship. (right) Burke is seen standing among team members from across the U.S. Together the boys ended up placing second in the world. Photos contributed by Kelsey McGinley ’18 and Harry Burke ’18

Hardwork pays off in hardware for Felcher Lili Romann ’19 Staples tennis star Evan Felcher ’18 has found himself among triumph this summer as he was awarded the Hearst Connecticut Media Boys Tennis Most Valuable Player, State Open Singles Champion and Connecticut Player of the Year. “Not many people can receive this honor so I definitely appreciate it,” Felcher said. “To see all of the hard work pay off is a very nice feeling, but I still have work to do.” Felcher has many people in his life

who he finds inspiration and motivation from on and off the court. He particularly is fond of his coaches and teammates as they keep him prepared. “The coach from my club, Brian Barker, has always supported me since I was young. He has been there with me through the ups and downs and always kept me in a good mindset,” Felcher said. “Also, my coach, Kris Hrisvoulos, and teammates here at Staples. I was a new student here last year and they really helped me adjust and brought me into the family.” Felcher was welcomed to the Staples

Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

tennis squad by Hrisvoulos after his years of practice in Southbury, Connecticut. “Evan brought a lot of match experience being a high level tournament player regionally and nationally. Also brought a different element of working hard and putting in effort for everyone else to bring up that level of energy.” The Staples tennis team is particularly proud of Felcher’s achievements and contributions to the team and feels confident labeling him as an asset. “He makes a large contribution to the team as he’s our number one singles

player, and is the favorite to win just about any match he plays,” Jake Greenwald ’19, Felcher’s teammate said. “It’s great to have someone on that level on our team because he inspires others to improve.” Felcher’s dedication to tennis began at age 12 but now, after many accomplishments, Felcher’s skill and dedication will soon carry him to the next level. “I will be playing Division One college tennis after high school, making a commitment in the next month. And after college I will see where I am at and see if I can travel on tour a bit.”

FELCHER CONNECTS Evan Feltcher ’18 became an instantly valuable member of the Staples boys’ tennis team when he joined last year. This summer he was awarded multiple high caliber awards praising his hard work on and off the court.

Inklings

August 31, 2017

Sports

Field hockey spends preseason in Bermuda Alex Reiner ’18

raveling to Bermuda is often thought of as a trip to relax and enjoy the beach, but not for the varsity girls’ field hockey team. This summer they spent five days in Bermuda training for their upcoming season. “We got back into the swing of field hockey really quickly and our stick skills improved,” Alexa Moro ’18 said. “We got used to playing with each other again.” The team not only trained as a squad but also attended clinics with the Argentina men’s national coach and played against the U21 Women’s Bermuda National Team, according to Alexis Bernard ’18. “They were much older than us but we stayed in the game,” Moro said. “It was a cool experience and a challenge, but it’s cool to see how a sport can bring together two such different groups of people.” Aside from gaining stick skills, Moro acknowledged that it helped to bond the

team. “We were doing activities other than just field hockey,” she said. “Living together for a couple of days made us closer and it was a good way to get to know some underclassmen.” However, Julia Pines ’18 added that “even though all the pictures may have seemed like we didn’t play any field hockey, we had a clinic as well as a game every day.” In past years, the team has had preseason at UMass Dartmouth where they were able to bond as a team, while also competing against high quality opponents. Bernard, Moro and Pines are all unaware if Bermuda will become a tradition but they do know that they will continue to work hard in the offseason. All of this work is to help the team get back to the FCIAC and state finals. “We’re planning on making it to the FCIAC and state finals again next year so we needed to practice,” Pines said. Official preseason began on Aug. 21 and their hunt for championships begins on Friday, Sept. 8 at Ginny Parker Field.

WORK AND PLAY The Staples girls’ field hockey team traveled to Bermuda to spend five days on Bermuda’s turf and beaches. Each day was filled with scrimmages, practicing techniques and team bonding.

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Photos contributted by the Staples Field Hockey Team

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inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

August 31, 2017

Inklings

August 31, 2017

Inklings

Sports

First day of school schedule 7:30-7:45

Homeroom

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7:50-8:40 8:45-9:45 9:50-10:40 10:45-12:25 (LUNCH) 12:30-1:20 1:25-2:15

Grade meetings in the auditorium:

Seniors – 8:00-8:15

Juniors – 8:45-9:00 Sophomores – 9:30-9:45 Freshman – 10:25-10:40

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STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

16 Sports

August 31, 2017

Inklings

FALL SPORTS Home games no superfan can miss this season

Field hockey

V.S.

Darien 10/19

Boys’ soccer

V.S.

Greenwich

9/25

Girls’ soccer

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Ridgefield

10/12 Football

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Greenwich

11/23 BACK IN SEASON (From top to bottom) After a short-lived post-season last year, boys’

soccer attempts to bounce back and make a run at the championship.The co-FCIAC champion field hockey team will try to repeat their success from last season with players like Meghan Johnson ’18. Reese Sutter ’20 will be taking upon a larger role on girls’ soccer after the team’s loss of star players, Lydia Shaw ’17 and Tia Zajec ’17. Harris Levi ’18, who rushed over 1000 yards last season as running back, will now lead the Wreckers as one of the team’s captains.

Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL