December 2017

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nklings

Staples High School

January 18, 2018

Volume 86, Issue 5 inklingsnews.com

INSIDE 1 6 11 17 21

News Opinions Features Arts Sports

Join the discussion.

Implementation of Student Assembly’s proposed exam block schedule delayed Alex Reiner ’18

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espite earlier discussions to change the midterm schedule, it will remain as originally scheduled. On Nov. 30, Student Assembly provided students with two midterm schedules and asked them to vote for the one they would prefer. One was a normal “C day” schedule and the other would have been a block schedule of four periods broken up into two days. There were roughly 700 votes and 60 percent of the students voted in favor of changing to the block schedule, according to Student Assembly president Alyssa Hyman ’18.

“We decided that it wasn’t a big enough majority to take action,” Hyman said, “so Collaborative Team had a vote.”

Collaborative Team consists of a group of teachers, administrators and students who meet once-a-week to make administrative decisions.

According to D’Amico, Collaborative Team did not reach the 80 percent in-favor vote that’s required for an order to be passed.

“I think [the proposed block schedule] definitely changed the minds of a lot of the people on Collaborative Team, maybe not enough to change it now,” D’Amico said. “But in general, I think there was support for the idea, and it’s something that we could consider again in the future.”

Students were disappointed that the new schedule was not implemented. “I thought the break between the midterm days was a great idea,” Liv Ekholdt ’18 said. “It takes stress away from having to study for the second two days of midterms early on.”

D’Amico acknowledged that stress was the motive to think of a new schedule and they will reconsider it for finals. However, not all students thought the breakup would make midterms less stressful.

“I like how it’s just four straight days to get it over with,” Harry Azadian ’18 said. “It’s better not to drag it out when midterms are so stressful.”

Midterm dates, as of Jan. 11, is to have

Photo by Ellie Kravetz ’18

Photo by Ellie Kravetz ’18

FACES BEHIND THE DECISION (from left, top right, bottom

right) Principle James D’Amico worked with presidents of Student Assembly Alyssa Hyman ’18, Jackson Delgado ’18 and advisor Jamie Pacuk during the process of proposing a new midterm schedule.

periods 1 and 4 on Jan. 19, 2 and 3 on Jan. 22, 6 and 7 on the Jan. 23 and periods 5 and 8 on Jan. 24. Midterm makeup day will be on Jan. 25 but all of these dates are subject to change if there are additional snow days.

While the schedule did not change for midterms, it is still plausible for the end of year final exam schedule to be altered.

“I don’t think [a new schedule] is out of the question,” D’Amico said. “A lot of it this time around was probably the timing.”

Classroom temperature variations disrupt instruction Anay Simunovic ’18 & Ben Pearl ’18 As students returned to school from winter break, the last thing they expected was to be met by low temperatures in their classroom and in some cases, have to seek refuge from the cold in the library. According to a report by the Office of Legislative Research, occupied offices

INSIDE THE ISSUE

page 7 TIME: The Silence Breakers

Photo by Charlie Colasurdo ’18

or places of business in Connecticut must have a temperature of at least 65 degrees.

However, one measurement in the art hallway recorded 58.6 degrees fahrenheit.

“I walked in, it was really cold, put on the hood to my jacket, I just wondered where the heat was,” Amanda Neckritz ’18 said about her Spanish classroom.

Starting on Jan. 2, classrooms in the ‘H-Wing’ (art, English and science halls) Continued on page 2

page 11 Jamie Orseck: STEM enthusiast

TIME magazine honors the women Humans of Staples takes a look into who came out against sexual assault. Jamie Orseck’s life and interests.

70 North Ave., Westport, Connecticut, 06880

page 18 50’s Diner food challenge

A 50’s themed diner offers a six patty hamburger challenge.

page 21 10th grade girls’ rec baskeball

For the first time ever, there will be a rec basketball league for girls.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

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January 18, 2018

News

Aquarion introduces water conservation plan Sophie Driscoll ’19

Therefore, Aquarion sees an op- at 63-67 North Avenue with two identiportunity for significant conservation. cal 2.5 million gallon water tanks. This Aquarion implemented twice-weekly ir- would ensure that there is an adequate rigation limits in Darien, Greenwich, New water supply to meet future town growth.

However, if Aquarion water conservation estport customers use an Canaan and Stamford last spring and saved average of 124 gallons of water 860 million gallons of water. The company efforts are successful, they may allow for a per day, while customers across expects to introduce similar restrictions to reduction in the size of the proposed tanks, Aquarion’s 51-town service area use an their entire service area in coming years. in accordance with a plan approved by the “I definitely see how Connecticut Department of Public Health. average of “So many people are protesting the big 83 gallons Photos contributed by the Aquarion it could be inconvenient, for water tanks,” Water Company Facebook Page especially of water per people with big Mulloy said. day. Aquarion yards,” Bridget “If we can just W a t e r Mulloy ’19 said. do something Company “At the same as little as reintends to time, the staducing our introduce a tistics do show water use that permanent that, on average, could lead to two-day per Westport uses smaller water week water more water than tanks, I think consumption the average town, a lot of people limit on so I think that will be for that.” the use of some regulations B e g i n n i ng in-ground need to be put in in January, irrigation place to fix that.”

Aquarion will systems and B i o l o g y publicly presabove groundteacher Karent informasprinklers en Thompson tion to Westin Westport is also in favor port residents during the SAVE MORE WATER! The Aquarion of water conregarding 2018 watering Water Company is planning on sumption limits. CHARLES V. FIRLOTTE the water season.

As introducing a water consumption “Based on President and CEO of Aquarion consumpa result of that hopes to reduce the water by 20 how the popula- Water Company stands with tion limits. this plan, percent. winner after environmental tion is continuing award “Let’s see Aquarion event where they introduced the to grow, water new plans for the water reduction. the water proexpects to see jection cala 20 percent reduction in water utilization [...] needs to be conserved and not used for extraneous usage culations so in Westport.

According to the Town of Westport such as watering your lawn and what have we are all informed and prepared to do website, “While the Town of Westport will you,” she said. “I think it’s a really important what it takes as a community to maintain be supportive of the water conservation ef- issue from an environmental standpoint.” the optimal amount of water and water Additionally, Aquarion has proposed pressure necessary for the Town of Westforts, Aquarion will be responsible to communicate and enforce these restrictions.” replacing the 1.5 million gallon water tank port,” First Selectman Jim Marpe said.

W

Inklings Continued from page 1

and world language hallway have been interrupted and relocated due to low temperatures. After speaking with the maintenance department, Principal Jame D’Amico explained the issue with the heat. “There is a flow issue with the valve which means that either a valve has seized or there is some other maintenance work that was done,” D’Amico said. “It was partially closed because there’s pressure but there’s not enough flow to actually heat the rooms effectively.”

Additionally, section 10-231e of Connecticut state law states that each “board of education shall ensure that its heating [...] is operated continuously during the hours in which students or school personnel occupy school facilities, except during scheduled maintenance and emergency repairs.”

Due to the “uncomfortable” and sometimes even “impossible” conditions, as described by Design & Technology and Animation teacher Carla Eichler, staff and students have relocated. For many, the library became a safe haven.

“The administration did not reach out to us. We had individual teachers who came to us and asked about whether there was space available,” librarian Tamara Weinberg said. “We mostly did have space but it was kind of first come first serve.”

Some teachers, like Eichler, have noticed drawbacks in students leaving their traditional classrooms.

“Some of the other classrooms, especially where they’re working with pottery and the cold clay, it’s impossible, and they’ve had to go to the community room or the library which means you can’t really be productive,” Eichler said.

On Jan. 8, Principal James D’Amico sent an email to staff members specifying actions to take. He advised staff to clear all vents and keep classrooms open for increased heat flow. “For now we’re just hoping that everyone is dressing in layers,” D’Amico said.

National Awareness Day sheds a new light on age-old issue of human trafficking Lily Kane ’20 & Julia Lombardo ’20 National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed annually in the United States on Jan. 11. The senate first made a resolution to establish this day in 2007, which was followed by President Barack Obama proclaiming January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in 2010.

Although slavery was abolished by the 13th amendment in December of 1895, the cruelty of slavery is now seen in a more modern way -- human trafficking. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, “[Human trafficking] is commonly regarded as one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time.”

In the past year alone, there has been more than 4,400 cases reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Social studies teacher Cathy Schager feels strongly about teaching people how to prevent human trafficking.

“There is a lot of progressive stuff that is happening,” Schager said. “Not only is it important to teach you so you are not victims of it, but also so that you could potentially be innovators and help stop it.”

Human trafficking is a major issue around the world, despite not being recognized by many millenials.

“Thousands of men, women and children fall into the hands of traffickers, in their own countries and abroad,” The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime wrote on their website. “Almost every country in the world is affected by trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims.”

Despite this issue being common in many countries, there are a lot of people who are uneducated on the matter. Even though Staples has various classes that are

dedicated to the history of both the United # Hu m a nTr a f f i c k i n g Aw a re n e s s D ay.

States and other countries, many students “I think this day is extremely importthink that the issue of human traffick- ant,” Alec O’Donnell ’18 said. “It brings ing is not spoken about in these classes. awareness to an issue many people choose “We don’t talk about to ignore.”

“It brings awareness to it enough in school […]

While I think it is a prevalent isthis day, an issue many people sue that must be addressed devoted to choose to ignore.” at Staples,” Timmy Liles bringing ’18, a student in an AP awareness World History class said. human -Alec O’Donnell ’18 to In order to spread trafficking, awareness regarding this is unknown issue, to most, on Jan. 11 people many Staples students have strong around the world opinions on this topic being talkposted on Twitter ed about more in the classroom. with the hashtag, “The only reason I know about

Graphic by Katie Howard ’19

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

human trafficking is from a project freshman year,” Isabel Honda ’19 said. “It is barely taught, not even in health class which is ridiculous to me. Human trafficking awareness should be brought up and taught about so we can stop this horrid deed.”

Jan. 11 helped get the word out about the issue and provided ways for victims to find justice. Yet according to many of these sources, recognizing the issue is only the beginning. Proposition 35, a law in California, states that “Human trafficking is punishable under state law by a prison sentence of up to five years or, if the victim is under the age of 18, by a state prison sentence of up to eight years.”

This day only highlights this global issue, so many strongly believe that the perpetrators must be punished more severely.

Schager emphasizes that in order for this issue to come to end, the human traffickers must be charged with a greater sentence than what is currently given. “There has to be more advocacy,” Schager said.

“There isn’t great punishment for it, so a lot of people that are responsible for the trafficking are barely ever convicted.”

Inklings

News News

January 18, 2018

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LOCAL BRIEFS

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3 Kevin Ludy ’19

January 18-24

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Staples Midterm Exams

January 20

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The County Assembly Charity Ball

Midterms for Staples High School start on Jan. 19. Although there was a chance to change the exam layout, the collaborative team voted to keep the previous schedule, as the reaction to a new schedule was mixed. The tests take place over five days, with a weekend in between to study and one make up day. Exams one and four are on the 19th, two and three are on the 22nd, six and seven are on the 23rd and five and eight are on the 24th. There are wellness opportunities in between exams such as therapy dogs, which will be throughout the school on exam days.

The County Assembly Charity Ball takes place on Jan. 20 for Staples juniors.

Changing tradition from the past, the six towns who participate in the event will attend on different nights. Easton, Fairfield and Redding will have theirs on Jan. 19, with Westport, Wilton and Weston having theirs on the 20th. Both events start at 7:30 p.m., and tickets (per pair) cost $125. All proceeds from this dance go to local charities throughout Fairfield County.

January 20

January 23

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Performance by the Juilliard String Quartet

Westport Public School Jazz Band Concert

One of America’s most distinguished orchestral groups, the Juilliard String Quartet, will perform at the Westport Arts Center on Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. The concert will feature pieces by Beethoven and other prominent composers. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased in advance or at the door.

The Coleytown Middle School and Staples High School Jazz bands will put on a concert at Staples on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. This concert features advanced students who audition for their part in the jazz band. It is one of many jazz band concerts throughout the school year, with the next one being on June 4.

Photo 1 by Zach Horowitz ’19, Photo 2 contributed by Izzy Blansfield ’18, Photo 3 by labeled for reuse, Photo 4 contributed by the Staples High School music department

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

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January 18, 2018

News

Inklings

Library connects with military through 'Support Our Troops' Roxy Augeri '20 & Audrey Bernstein '20

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he Westport Library took initiative to connect the community with American soldiers on Jan. 13. In collaboration with non-profit organization Support Our Troops, it raised money to promote Wi-Fi signals abroad and offer an opportunity to send letters to those on the battlefield.

The fundraiser took inspiration from the novel “Regeneration” by Pat Barker, which deals with topics such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and isolation. Many veterans face PTSD after fighting overseas.

Reference librarian and co-chair of WestportREADS Mary Brown helped organize the event to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I and soldiers in the community.

“For those who are not personally linked to the military, our programming will provide a poignant view into history and the human condition,” Brown said.

Not only were attendees able to write to servicemen and women overseas, but donations were accepted in the form of gift cards. The money will be used to purchase Wi-Fi and allow for communication with the soldiers and their loved ones.

Alexa Frost ’20 emphasized the importance of Wi-Fi for troops. “The men and women who serve overseas, or anywhere for that matter, can feel disconnected from society,” she said. “If they don’t have contact from family or friends, they can feel as if

they have been forgotten or don’t matter.”

Frost is president of the Catch A Lift club at Staples, which provides a rehabilitation through exercise for struggling veterans.

While the library is making efforts to recognize those that serve, Cole Devine ’18, president of Operation Care Package for veterans at Staples, does not believe the community’s willingness to support the troops is a common theme.

“Not many people in the country

are eager to aid the troops,” he said. “I honestly think that we could be doing a lot more for them instead of the other things that our government funds.”

The Support Our Troops organization aids soldiers in manners aside from sending letters, including donating care packages to American troops serving in war internationally. The charity fosters participance from people worldwide. “[Support Our Troops] stands as a

MARY BROWN As the Co-chair of WestportREADS, Mary Brown helped organize the event to commemorate World War I veterans.

permanent living testament to the affection, gratitude and loyalty good Americans hold for those who daily do so much to protect all of us,” Chairman Martin C. Boire wrote on the association’s website.

According to Brown, the project is an extension of WestportREADS, which works towards bridging the gap between reading about veterans and aiding them.

Devine believes in the importance of spreading awareness of the troops’ situations with projects such as these. “[Soldiers] protect our values and our freedoms from the evils around the world,” Devine said.

“Even if we can just make a small sacrifice, even with our time, I think it’s worth it.”

Photo by Charlie Colasurdo ’18

Stuck in Traffic: Tempers boil over proposed water tank construction Charlie Colasurdo ’18 & Olivia Ronca ’18 Aquarion Water Company is poised to construct two massive water storage tanks off of North Avenue. The tanks, proposed to hold a capacity of five million gallons of water combined, have drawn the support of key town officials who approved the construction, along with criticism from neighbors and local politicians.

Westport requires over three million gallons of water each day to support its population of 26,391. Piped in from reservoirs upstate, the town of Westport stores the

majority of its water in a 1.5 million gallon tank located at 63-67 North Avenue, adjacent to Staples High School. Aquarion, citing the “aging nature and increased demand for water,” has sought permission to build a pair of newly constructed tanks onsite. The proposal has led to public outcry, citing the increased traffic congestion that would occur as a result of a multi-year construction project on one of Westport’s main roads.

“I think it is a really bad idea because my house is on Colony, so I have all the Staples traffic already backed up in front of my house,” Millie Brown ’20 said. “If they build [the water towers] there is going to be so much con-

struction which will cause more traffic.”

Often cited as having an overpopulation of vehicles, Westport’s residents are airing their worries regarding the amounts of traffic this construction may cause. Westport’s Dan Woog’s blog “06880,” became a public forum for the outcry on this looming traffic problem.

“Construction activity will severely exacerbate traffic conditions on North Avenue which already suffers from chronic traffic backups and congestion due to the daily volume of cars and school buses traveling to and from Bedford Middle School and Staples High School,” a petition by North Avenue residents said in

Photos by Charlie Colasurdo ’18

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

a recent “06680” post. “This will make travel to and from the schools virtually impossible for both staff and students, and guaranteed to result in school delays.”

Within the Staples community, many students and teachers find their way to school each day on North Avenue, where Aquarion Water Company intends to set up construction.

The construction of the proposed 39foot water tanks will take two years, according to Aquarion. However, it is speculated that the development may take longer to complete based on the length of time it took Aquarion to previously produce its pump station. The building of this pump station was predicted to take a total of six months when, in reality, it took 18 months to complete the project.

In an attempt to allay fears of decreased property values as a result of the tanks, Westport-based architect Peter Wormser submitted plans for barn-like structures that would cover both tanks, a recent 06880danwoog.com article reports.

If the tanks’ construction plan goes through, Westport’s water supply will increase by 186 percent.

“The traffic is already awful getting to and from school,” Bridget Mulloy ’19 said. “As someone who hates sitting in traffic, I would not enjoy it getting worse.”

Aquarion is set to begin construction in spring of 2018.

SIGN OF THE TIMES Multiple protest signs were posted consecutively along North Avenue. The signs are a result of the communities’ displeasure with the proposed construction of water tanks.

Inklings

January 18, 2018

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Inklings

OPINIONS

6 Editors-in-Chief Amelia Brown & Anay Simunovic

Managing Editors

Max Appell & Ian Bernstein

January 18, 2018

Inklings’ 2017 Word of the Year: Truth

Web Managing Editors Megan Doyle & Tori Lubin

Business Director Brett Franklin

Creative Director Melanie Lust

Breaking News Managing Editors

Emma Greenberg & Julia Rosier

Associate Managing Editors Izzy Blansfield & Alex Reiner

Assistant Public Relations Manager Cate Casparius

Assistant Creative Directors Charlie Colasurdo & Ellie Kravetz

Broadcast Directors Jack Caldwell & Jonathan Kaner

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Hannah Bolandian & Bri Zeiberg

Assistant Business Manager Zach Feinstein

Subscription Managers Clay Crouch & Ben Klau

Advertising Managers Caroline Donahue & Emily Stone

News Editors

Jack Beck & Zach Horowitz Sophie Driscoll & Dan Harizman

Opinions Editors

Izzy Connors & Alexandra Sprouls Kaya Leitner & Layla Wofsy

Features Editors Bailey Blaikie & Lili Romann Audrey Bernstein & Liv Ronca

Arts Editors

Allie D’Angelo & Olivia Foster Nicky Brown & Anna Rhoads

Sports Editors

Kaela Dockray & Erin Lynch Jackson Daignault & Amanda Kaplowitz

Web News Editors

Nicole Dienst & Adam Wenkoff

Web Opinions Editors Arin Garland & Siri Kanter

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Chelsea Fox & Sasha Narang

Web Arts Editors Molly Mahoney & Maddie Phelps

Web Sports Editors Elliot Kaufman & Ben Pearl

Advisers

Matthew Bohn, Joseph DelGobbo, & Mary Elizabeth Fulco Gold Medal for Columbia Scholastic Crown Finalist for Columbia Scholastic

Hybrid News from Press Association 2017 Inklingsnews.com from Press Association 2015

Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

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housands of events can happen in a single year. A dozen months, hundreds of days, thousands of minutes. It’s hard to explain all that has taken place in 2017 throughout the world.

But Inklings has attempted to pick the word that best sums up the year at Staples.

We’ve had many practical changes this past year, from a new schedule to a new parking system. But the most dramatic changes were less tangible: we began to acknowledge the formidable truth.

Inklings

EDITORIAL Let’s face it, most of us are aware that issues such as bullying, white privilege and sexual harassment exist, to some degree, in our community. Yet, this past year was when we finally began to speak up about them.

2017 started off rocky; hate messages, ranging from swastikas to slurs, were graffitied across bathroom stalls in the middle of last school year. While bullying remains an issue in our school, Staples has opened a dialogue to address the issue.

In early March, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) spoke to sophomores and juniors about tolerance, working to tell the truth about the prevalence of bullying. Even more recently, Kool 2 Be Kind continued the conversation through Facebook posts and posters around the school promoting kindness.

As the year progressed, Staples made national headlines with TEAM Westport’s annual essay contest asking students to talk about ‘white privilege’ in our community.

With media attention from the New York Times and the New York Post, many students saw the truth of their existence in the ‘Westport bubble’ and its lack of diversity.

Following in the footsteps of #MeToo, the truth about the prevalence of sexual harassment in our community was also exposed. Students led this movement

[INKLINATIONS]

through their attempt to organize a school protest. Although the protest didn’t pan out as expected, the resulting panel and assembly further brought the issue into the spotlight. Members of the administration allowed students to take the lead and supported our desire for change.

The Staples community has taken the first step of unearthing the truth for staff and students to recognize. Topics that have been too taboo to even talk about in the halls were discussed openly in class this year. We should all be proud of this. Yet, there is still more progress to be made.

In 2018, we must continue to face the truth and then take it one step further. Now that the issues are at the forefront of our community, we can take action to make tangible change.

Join the discussion.

Have an opinion about an Inklings article? Write a letter to the editor at inklingsnews@westportps.org.

MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE

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.

Peter Clanton ’18

Jesulene Aurelus ’21

Sebastian Fiffer ’20

“The administration made a good effort to make personal connections with students to discuss sexual assault in light of the recent events in the country.”

“I think the feminism wall really brought to light the fact that there is a general lack of awareness among students.”

“Sexual assault is an issue that was really addressed.

It’s good that the school has been wiling to discuss an uncomfortable issue.”

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

Opinions

January 18, 2018

Inklings

7

‘The Silence Breakers’ represent monumental time in history Layla Wofsy ’19

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exual assault and harassment dominated the headlines of 2017.

Starting with President Trump’s Access Hollywood tape that captured him bragging about grabbing women by the “pussy,” the incidents of harassment and assault accumulated with each passing month.

It has been about four months since the

New York Times story revealed allegations about Harvey Weinstein sexually harassing and abusing women.

Since then, many men in the entertainment business have been held accountable for their crimes because of women who spoke out against them. These women are now referred to as ‘The Silence Breakers.’

As a result, it is very appropriate for TIME Magazine to award the Person of the Year to this movement and the powerful group of women (and some men) who came forward to share their expe-

st ’19 nie Lu y Mela b ic h p Gra

riences with sexual harassment and assault.

This year, pop singer Taylor Swift, actress Ashley Judd, former Uber employee Susan Fowler, a strawberry picker from Mexico named Isabel Pascual and Adama Iwu, a lobbyist from Sacramento, appear on the cover of the issue as representatives of ‘The Silence Breakers.’

These women represent the millions of others who share similar stories.

Swift sued and won her suit against David Mueller, a Denver radio DJ, after he reached under her skirt and touched her inappropriately.

Swift only sued Mueller for one dollar, showing that coming out was not about the money, instead it was about her standing up against sexual assault.

Earlier this year, Judd went on the record to the New York Times about Harvey Weinstein attempting to get her into

bed. While Weinstein claimed that he had “never laid a glove” on her, Judd’s public allegations encouraged many other woman to speak out about Weinstein as well.

Iwu was shocked when none of her co-workers intervened when she was publicly groped at the workplace. In an effort to raise awareness and have her voice be heard, she brought many women together to sign an open letter exposing the sexual harassment occurring in the California government.

Fowler and Pascual were also victims of sexual harassment. Fowler’s experience led her to leave her job while Pascal spoke out using a pseudonym in order to protect herself and her family.

The most powerful subject featured on the cover doesn’t portray a face at all. In the lower right-hand corner of the cover, the image shows part of an arm belonging to an anonymous sexual harassment victim from Texas, who does not want her identity to cause issues for her family. The woman’s appearance on the cover represents the victims who are not yet able to come forward about their experiences with sexual assault.

Many women (and men as well) struggle with the impossible standards society places on sexual assault victims. Whether they are accused of being too sexy, or too conservative or even if they look upset or happy after the assault, the public constantly judges the victims, which makes it difficult for many to open up.

I believe that those who are worried about coming out should be inspired by the other women featured on the cover who have already spoken out.

The Silence Breakers give a voice to those who may be too afraid to speak out on their own, and by doing so they encourage us all to stop letting sexual assault go on without putting up a fight.

Stop stigmas against shrinks

Cognative Behavioral Therapy deserves respect and appreciation Megan Doyle ’18

Dealing with depression feels as though you are trying to trudge through waist-high mud. Every single step, every movement, is tiring. Sometimes, to get through the seemingly never-ending struggle, a therapist can act as a rope to pull you out.

According to Time Magazine, 3 million adolescents ranging in ages from 12 to 17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in the past year, and 6.3 million teens ranging in ages from 13 to 18 have had an anxiety disorder.

The issue is prevalent and relevant at Staples, too, but it’s not discussed enough. Going to therapy shouldn’t be anything to be embarrassed about, and the best way to eradicate the stigmas associated with therapy is to talk about it.

The editors who pitched the topic for this article originally gave the angle that depressed individuals are opting out of talking to their friends and family and are instead relying solely on therapists. Although this might be true for some people, the angle of the pitch slightly offended me because it ignored the majority of depressed individuals, such as myself. The pitch was just another indicator that students are unclear about mental health treatments.

So, since there are a lot of discrepancies and taboos surrounding mental illness, I’m here to dispel the rumors and lay out some facts.

I can’t speak for all students struggling with mental health issues, but I can tell my side of the story.

I decided to go to therapy about a year

ago because I cried every single day about basically nothing. Everything affected (and still affects) me so deeply. My friends couldn’t come to dinner? That obviously warranted a twohour moping session.

But just because I talk to a therapist doesn’t mean I don’t talk to my friends and family. Yes, they’re extremely supportive, but they’re not professionals. My therapist is a trained resource I can rely on.

Mental illnesses are difficult to treat because they’re not as apparent as, say, breaking your arm. But working with a therapist is similar to physical therapy;

it takes hard work in and out of sessions.

An hour-long session with my therapist doesn’t merely consist of a rant session (although we do go off on tangents). She gives me coping mechanisms, advice on how to approach a particularly stressful situation and things to work on myself.

I do Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which, according to Psychology Today, is a form of psychotherapy. It treats problems and boosts happiness by modifying dysfunc-

Sometimes, to get through the seemingly never-ending struggle, a therapist can act as a rope to pull you out.

li yA ic b

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tional emotions, behaviors and thoughts.

CBT focuses on solutions, encouraging patients to challenge distorted cognitions and change destructive patterns of behavior.

Basically, I’m trying my best to change the negative voice inside my head and the way I perceive the world around me.

That definitely isn’t the easiest thing ever.

There are many other ways a patient can approach their mental disorder, but all of them take a significant amount of effort.

I’m not going to make this into a complete success story because it isn’t. My melancholy mood hasn’t disappeared, but I’m working hard and I have faith in myself. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with this.

Other students struggling with a mental illness at Staples should feel this way too, and our environment should foster discussion and support.

’20

ph Gra

*

53% say stigma surrounding mental health exists

97%

*

think mental health is imporant

* 91%

would consult a therapist if they or a family member had a problem

*out of 1000 random people

Information from American Psychological Association

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

8 Opinions

Inklings

January 18, 2018

Trump’s overt action paves way for future change Daniel Harizman ’19

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resident Donald T r u m p ’ s declaration of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel was merely a reinstitution of a concrete belief that stands among Israelis and Jews around the world. The significance of this declaration, however, demonstrates how the United States, now more than in recent years, stands with Israel in a growing period of unrest in the Middle East.

I would like to clarify that I have been frustrated with many of Trump’s policies during his first year of presidency. Despite the fact that this act is looked at as controversial with respect to foreign policy, I agree with Trump’s decision which solidifies the idea that Jerusalem will be the capital of Israel in any future peace agreement.

Since Israel declared its independence in 1948, Jerusalem has been its capital. When any international dignitaries visit the Jewish state, the visit to Jerusalem is typically the climax of the trip. President Barack Obama, and even Trump for that matter in his visit earlier this year, both visited Jerusalem within the first day of their stay. Even so, the bulk of the international community is reluctant to recognize the holy city as Israel’s capital, as every embassy is located in Israel’s second largest city, Tel-Aviv.

Why is this? Well, having an embassy located in Jerusalem recognizes the city as the capital of Israel, and that’s exactly what foreign leaders want to avoid.

The declaration of Jerusalem as part of Israel would state that the international community does not see a future conflict resolution in which Palestine retains the holy city as its capital. This would infuriate the Palestinian community, and damage hopes of keeping a neutral position on one of the most volatile foreign conflicts at the moment. This fear of involvement has hindered the discussion of peace in the region, keeping it, in many places, a hostile, dangerous living environment.

When looking at the Israel-Palestine conflict, the declaration of Jerusalem as a capital to either state has always been seen as the end game. Since the old city holds a great deal of religious and historical importance to Christians, Jews and Muslims, declaring the territory as the direct capital of Jerusalem sends a message to Palestinians that the territory will not be a part of their country under a notorious “two-state solution.” If any other country was to move its embassy to the holy city, they would indirectly be declaring it Israel’s capital, by other means ‘ending the movement towards peace” in the region.

While

many view Trump’s decision as an ignorant foreign policy move, it has simply stirred the pot in a stationary conflict. The reluctance of other countries to involve themselves in a possible solution has put the issue on the back burner, and Trump’s decision has subsequently encouraged nations to follow in his footsteps. For example, following the statement made by President Trump, the Czech Republic followed American lead and declared that they, too, are considering moving their embassy to Jerusalem in the near future.

The fact that the President’s act was followed by even a single country illustrates the growing support the global community has placed in the matter of solidifying Jerusalem as a capital of the Jewish state.

The public is still trying to measure the magnitude of this decision, though it appears to be a masterful strategy in bringing parties to the table to discuss peace.

It is my hope, that in the near future, Trump’s overt action will dictate a resolution to the unrest in the Middle East.

Through his forward nature, the President has taken the first substantial action towards any sort of agreement. A step of this enormity is unprecedented. Acknowledging the 3 thousand year old capital of a religious faith is definitely the start to a bigger endgame — creating peace in one of the most sacred regions of the world.

Jews have continuously lived in Jerusalem for more than

3,000 years Information from CJP.org

Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

Trump’s recent declaration proves disastrous for region Madison Sell ’18 On Dec. 4, President Trump stated that he is planning on recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, claiming, “We cannot solve our problems by making the same failed assumptions and repeating the same failed strategies of the past,” as “we are no closer to a lasting peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.”

Not only is this extremely pretentious and pompous, but it is also ignorant of all the problems that this choice could create.

Many people are wondering what gives the President of the United States the right to decide the capital city of another territory. If Donald Trump decided that he wanted the capital of France to be Nice instead of Paris, would we just accept that as fact?

But this thought process doesn’t consider the problems caused by Trump’s decision. Most people are belittling the significance of this action because people do not understand how this would actually affect anything. So, why exactly is declaring

Jerusalem the capital of Israel a problem?

To begin, Jerusalem is “a city that houses many of the world’s holiest sites,” according to the Las Vegas Sun. These sites are not just important to Judaic religion, but also Islam and Christianity.

Trump claims that because Israel is a sovereign nation, they have the right to choose their own capital city. This is true, but Jerusalem is a city of importance to many religions, and Jerusalem has been deemed a “designated international city” by the United Nations because of this widespread religious significance to people of many faiths.

Also, by declaring that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, it indicates authority of one religion over land that is sacred to many religions, invalidating the others.

Secondly, with the current and long lasting problems present between Israel and Palestine, Trump’s recognition and decision to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem disturbs the path towards peace in the region.

Palestinians and Palestinian leaders were outraged with Trump’s choice, and could very potentially cause more tension between not only them and Israel, but within their own people.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, that “Trump’s shift serves extremist groups that want religious war and signals U.S. withdrawal from being a peace mediator.”

Also, the United States has, in all of its previous foreign policy choices, chosen not to pick sides amidst the Israel-Palestine conflict, and to remain a peacemaker in whatever way would please the region. Many Information from CJP.org other nations have agreed on this approach as well.

However, the choice President Trump made goes against this neutral mediator approach, and could very likely cause “a heated reaction from U.S. allies in the Muslim world and, potentially, protests and unrest,” according to BBC. Also, because many other countries have taken the neutral approach, this choice could cause tensions between worldwide U.S. allies, the United Nations, and people of faiths other than Judaism.

Simply, this choice has caused, can cause and will cause worldwide tensions over an issue that has had a very difficult time reaching a peaceful resolution — a peaceful resolution that everyone wants to see succeed.

More than 100 battles have been fought for control of Jerusalem over the course of its history

Inklings

Opinions

January 18, 2018

9

The Artichoke *Inklings Satire

*5 stages of awkwardness: How to survive those uncomfortable days Photo by Ellie Kravetz ’18 Graphic by Sarah Maybruck ’18

Jarod Ferguson ’18

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wkward moments happen to everyone. Whether you are Left Shark at Super Bowl 49 or Jennifer Lawrence falling at the Oscars in 2013, you are susceptible to these moments.

However, like American Hero Rocky Balboa said, “To not become awkward, it’s not about avoiding awkward moments, it’s about being in those awkward situations and knowing how to rise above them.”

Wait, that’s not the quote. Oops, that’s awkward. Anyway, here is the list of stages of awkwardness with some tips to help you out the next time you find yourself in a possibly embarrassing situation.

First Stage: Denial Falling on ice in front of your crush hurts both figuratively and literally. But embarrassment is a state of mind. If you deny the embarrassment, you can repackage it as pride. Granted, you have to think fast and creatively. “I should have known that Sperrys would be no match for that huge piece

of ice in front of the school,” S e y mour Butz said. “But being the fashion-conscience connoisseur I am, I couldn’t help but wear them. Of course, I slipped almost immediately, and worried that I would look like a fool in front of my crush, Isabelle Ringing.

So, I quickly devised a way to make my fall look like a new dance move.

I might have still slipped on ice, but I wasn’t embarrassed.

My crush was impressed by my moves, and she got a good look at my kicks.”

Second Stage: Anger Nobody likes having a friend snub you in the halls.

“My friend is the biggest jerk of all time for not saying ‘hi’ back,” Hugh Jazz said. “Why would they embarrass me like that? Now I’m definitely

not Venmo-ing him that 20 dollars I owe them.”

However, Jazz should take a chill pill. Before really getting mad at them, take note of t h e apple earbuds in their ears. They couldn’t hear ya, homie.

Third Stage: Bargaining Even I, the most studious student at Staples, have days when I doze off in class and get in trouble with the teacher. But if you have to go through a negotiation process, why not make it work twofold and bargain to have an even sweeter deal?

“Lord, I swear I’ll never

daydream again during a lesson if I never get called out in class by Mr. Moe Ron ever again,” Jackie Becky said. “And while we are at it, I promise I’ll never daydream again if you make the Eagles win the Super Bowl.

Actually let’s just make the Eagles win the Super Bowl. That’ll solve a lot of problems.”

Fourth Stage: Depression Some days you rush out of the house and you don’t shower as long as you usually do. It can be really depressing when people refuse to sit with you at lunch because you smell today. But don’t underestimate the power of AXE. “Man, my friends don’t like me anymore!” Anita Bath said. “They didn’t save me a seat! I’m a loser! A failure.

Wait. I know what will fix this. I’ll spray on even more AXE. Yeah, AXE fixes anything.”

Fifth Stage: Acceptance I don’t miss the bus because I hate walking. Sorry (not sorry). But there is something to be said for accepting your position and making the best out of it.

Take Lee V. Mediately for example. “It’s whatever. I missed the bus,” Mediately said. “Wasn’t planning to add an extra 1 million steps to my pedometer while walking uphill both ways in the snow, and ice, and wind, and hail, but it’s all good.”

above and beyond what is normally classified as senioritis. I’m not going to just show up to class halfway through, I’m not going to show up to class at all. When a teacher asks me why I didn’t do my homework, I’m not going to give the regular excuse of “I forgot,”-- no, not anymore. I’m just going to tell my teacher that it got left behind. “Left behind where?” they may ask.

And I’ll say “left behind in first semester.”

My teachers are going to have to adjust to my new work ethic, or lack thereof. Who are they to try to assign me work when they very well know that I am going through my second semester sabbatical. Where do they get off thinking that their class is more important than my psyche? To all my teachers--I expect apology letters in the mail and an ‘A’ for the rest of the

year as compensation for the unnecessary stresses your classes caused me to endure.

Now people may question my lack of motivation as a sign of me slacking off — it’s quite the contrary, actually. My lack of motivation is actually my new motivation to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Instead of cramming all night for a test, or spending my free period completing homework, I am now going to actually enjoy the time I have.

I’m going to for real go to the movie theater for once instead of just watching the movie on some third party website, or maybe I’ll take the time during my free period to admire the $9,000 marble ‘S’ we have in the foyer. After all it is former principal John Dodig’s biggest legacy.

To all my fellow seniors who have contracted senioritis, hang in there. We’re almost out of this place.

Seniors succumb to senioritis Emma Greenberg ’18

All my life there has been one goal: get into college. But now you see, I am faced with the dilemma of having achieved my goal too young. Now that I am in college, I have nothing to work towards. What will I do now with my nights? Go to bed at a reasonable time? I heard that it’s actually really cool to not feel tired all the time, so may-

be I’ll try it. Aside from that, I am now in this grace period where I am trying to find my next goal. Maybe end world hunger?

Right now, though, I am going to enjoy this vacation time known as ‘second semester senior year,’ during which I plan on contracting a huge case of senioritis. The street definition of senioritis defines it as a crippling disease that strikes high school seniors with laziness and a generally dismissive attitude.

Now, I plan on using my time off to the fullest. This means that I am going to go

Graphic by Henry Koskoff ’19

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

10 Opinions

January 18, 2018

Inklings

Letters to the Editor

Submit a letter to Inklings at inklingsnews@westportps.org

Eddie Kiev ’20 Visit the submissions tab at inklingsnews.com to view all student submissions.

Decision to install the LEDs proves wise

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any students have noticed the new light bulbs around the school.

While students complain about the overly bright lights, the community should be excited. The Westport school system is making a well-informed decision by using LEDs because they will save money for the Westport school system as well as help students perform in school.

At the beginning of 2017, the Westport Public Schools Board of Education decided to eliminate $1.7 million of funding from the town wide budget, according to WestportNow. Saving money for the school district is critical in making improvements to the town. Tax money will be freed up to improve things such as infrastructure. Savings from switching to LEDs has already been well documented. For instance, Rome reported this summer that they saved a total of 48 million euros (about 52 million American dollars) in city electricity bills according to a New York Times article by Elisabetta Povoledo, the Italy correspon-

dent at the NYT. If Staples received even a fraction of those savings it would be worth the switch. As seen in a study conducted

by Harvard University, LED light bulbs and the blue light that they emit help human beings wake up faster in the morning and increase awareness throughout the day. According to National Geographic, the blue light that shines from the LED lights excites the cells in our retinas, releasing melanopsin, waking us up. LED light bulbs will help students wake up in the morning, and pay more attention in class.

This finding is significant because if these new LED bulbs are used throughout the school, teachers will see more alert, attentive students. Alert students lead to more learning, and more learning means a higher ranking for the Westport Public Schools.

Since Westport Public Schools has purchased and began to implement LED bulbs throughout the school, they will get what they want. The schools will save astronomical amounts of money and will get better, more attentive students.

In her opinion piece in the Dec. 21 issue of Inklings, Ava Simunovic ’20 suggests she needed to eat a pretzel in the library to avoid eating a pencil. She seems to think eating in the library is a right (although school administrative policy does not allow students to eat anywhere but the cafeteria), calls our policies arbitrary (without explaining which policies she’s referring to), claims we contrive new policies (although we have not changed policies in over three years), calls other students obnoxiously loud (although we require voices be regulated throughout the library), misrepresented our ‘work out’ policy and uses direct quotes around words we doubt anyone on the library staff would ever say.

While we understand Simunovic may have chosen to exaggerate in an effort to be humorous, we ask that she please not misrepresent what we do in the library in order to get a laugh.

At the same time, we appreciate Simunovic’s recognition of “all the work that the librarians do for this school.” The library rules are designed to give students options in our large space for silent study, group work and quiet conversation. Since Staples does not have a student lounge, we have created one with comfortable seating, have invested in numerous phone charging stations, loan out laptop chargers and try to accommodate students who need to get work done, as well as students who just want a place to chat with their friends.

We host fun events every Friday to reduce stress and start the weekend with a positive attitude, and we organize many programs that we feel benefit the entire school.

We invite Simunovic or any other student who questions the library’s policies to please share their concerns and give us an opportunity to outline our library management philosophy.

Tamara Weinberg Colin Neenan

Dear present and future victims of sexual assault, as well as their loved ones: We write to you as high school students hoping to raise awareness about an issue all too prevalent in our school and in our world: sexual assault and harassment.

You may not think this letter is written to you, but at least one in four women and one in 33 men fall victim to sexual assault and harassment every year. All these people have loved ones and family. At some point, we will all be affected by these issues.

Sexual assault and harassment have been taking place globally, as well as within our community. According to Mr. Franzis, who is designated as the Staples Title IX Compliance Officer, by November of the 2017-2018 school year, there have already been three instances where accusations of sexual harassment and assault have been reported in comparison to the four during the entire 2016-2017 school year. Recently, our school has reinforced that it recognizes the need for students to feel secure by having a panel and allowing students to organize an optional assembly.

Now, it is time to take this one step further.

It is time for us to come together as one: to unite, and to prevent further instances of sexual harassment and assault in our community.

It is time for the school to implement a mandatory, school-wide assembly to educate students and raise awareness of the effects of sexual assault, just as we do to educate students and raise awareness of the effects of drunk driving.

A professional speaker’s story of survival is an authentic and engaging way to inform students of better ways to understand, identify, and evaluate the implications and consequences of both sexual harassment and assault on the victim and perpetrator.

This speaker will be evaluating the resources they had, and what resources they wish were available to them. This will further increase the importance of our school’s resources, and why they need to be understood by students within this assembly.

As students, we also recognize this way of presenting material to students may be a trigger to some who have been affected by the trauma of sexual violence. This assembly needs to go beyond sharing a survivor’s story; this event must also provide valuable information to educate students on support and resources available within the school, their community and beyond. Because the feedback from the open assembly was so positive, we believe a student representative should collaboratively share resources available within our school for support, and introduce Mr. Franzis and his role within the building regarding sexual harassment and assault.

By showing students the effects sexual harassment and assault, and sharing local information, students will be able to identify undesirable behaviors, be provided resources for support, and be able to prevent future assaults. Involving local resources from our community in this assembly, like Rosie Enyart from The Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling and Education, would expand the pool of information, defining terms and providing outlets of support. We could even enlist the group “Stop Sexual Assault in Schools,” which travels to schools to provide awareness, action plans, and definitions to educate students and schools about their rights.

If just one student walks away having learned something, this assembly will be a success, and will educate our student body for the purpose of prevention in ways that will help them feel empowered and confident.

Our hope now is that we can bring this widespread conversation to our own community, which starts with further education for each and every one of us. Every voice is significant, and if we work together, every person in our community can make a change.

Mrs. Herzog’s Period 5 Students; “Gender, Sex & Identity: The Analysis of the Self ”

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

Inklings

January 18, 2018

FEATURES

11

Orseck contributes to community through experiments and protest University. She also contributed to the math and science olympiad teams at Staples.

Through these teams, Orseck has met many new fter a people. Anlong day gela Ji ’19 is of STEM on both the work, Jamie Orseck math team ’19 hangs up her and science lab coat and heads olympiad off to a passionate with Ordebate about the seck. “[Jalatest controversial mie is] one social or political of the more issue. d e d i c ate d From a young members,” age, Orseck develJi said. oped interests in “She adds political and social a dash of issues and espepersonality cially in the STEM and talks field. “I like STEM,” to many Orseck said, “so different I take a lot of adp e o p l e .” vanced math and In adscience classes in dition to school and the clubs STEM-rethat offer that.” lated exShe has ded- ORSECK’S ENDEAVORS (left to right) Jamie Orseck ’19 tracuricated much of enjoys participating in experiments centralizing around ricular her free time and science, technology, engineering and mathmatics. She is activities, effort to pursue an avid member in STEM related extracurriculars and is Orseck is her interest in politically active. a contribSTEM. Over this past summer, Orseck took chemistry and utor to the Junior State of America (JSA), a computer programming courses at Cornell debate club at Staples. She attends the con-

Hannah Bolandian ’19

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ventions as the designated photographer for the chapters in the Northeast, so she gets to experience all the debates and take pictures.

Orseck is also described as a huge activist when it comes to social and political issues. “Jamie’s involvement in social activism is really admirable; she’s so invested and truly loves it,” Sally McGee ’18 said.

Orseck is a passionate member of the social activism club at Staples and has also put in a large amount of volunteer hours inworking on an array of political campaigns.

Over the past few years, Orseck has worke d on Melissa Kane’s first selectman c amp ai g n , Chris Murphy’s senator campaign and Hillary

Clinton’s presidential campaign. “Jamie works so hard,” McGee said. “Once she has a goal, she works tirelessly and puts in all effort until her objective is achieved.”

Orseck plans to continue her STEM career through college and stay involved in clubs relating to her other interests.

“I’m really a STEM person,” Orseck said, “and will focus on it in the future.”

Photos by Melanie Lust ’19 and graphics by Cat Graham ’19

ranks first in Merriam-Webster’s top ten words of the year

Melanie Lust ’19

ed. “Even though I do support the feminist The Merriam-Webster online dictio- movement, I think nary recently announced its 2017 Word that Webster’s deof the Year to be “feminism” after a 70 cision [...] enhances percent increase in searches based off a a movement that is bestring of events concerning women’s rights. coming increasingly out“Feminism” was chosen along with spoken and could actually nine other highly-searched words, many lead to even more social unrest of which related to politics. The top ten than there currently is,” she said.

Among the runners-up in this list is annually compiled as a quantitative measure of public interest in certain words. year’s top ten list are “complicit,” “recuse” P e t e r and “emSokolows“I think it’s really amazing p a t h y .” ki, edithat Webster’s dictionary at “Their tor-at-large, decision cited key least noticed that the world is speaks developt o ments such changing.” how as world- Julie Raigosa ’19 our wide womsoen’s marchcies and dozens of recent sexual assault allegations as coinciding with ma- ety is making a valiant effort jor spikes in searches for the word. to leave gender discrimiJulie Raigosa ’19 is in fa- nation in the past,” Chad vor of the dictionary’s decision. Knight ’19 said. “How“I think it’s really amazing that Webster’s ever, I think ‘empathy’ dictionary at least noticed that the world is would be a more approchanging,” she said. “It’ll help people notice priate word to describe that feminism is important, and at least this movement... our have somewhat of an idea that women do generation has a unique opportunity exist and we should be equal to others.” to lead the way to a prejudice-free future, A female student who wishes to remain and that starts with everyone being conanonymous believes the choice is misguid- scious of each others’ feelings and issues.”

Graphics by Poppy Livingstone ’21 and Melanie Lust ’19

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

12 Features

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

January

y 18, 2018

Inklings

13

Scan for more information about marijuana in high school

Inklings News: “Community Reconsiders Health Education PostMarijuana Legalization”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Marijuana Use in Teens”

New York Times: “Marijuana Use in High School”

Compact cannabis vaporizer facilitates marijuana use and the smoke goes away quickly, so people are definitely smoking in school or in public places they normally wouldn’t.”

In an anonymous survey Inklings conducted, 17.1 percent of students ad*Names have been changed mitted to smoking weed via electronic dab pens several times a month.

“If there were no pens,” Max* ’19 ecent technological developments of compact, electronic, cannabis said, “I wouldn’t be getting high on vaporizers referred to as “dab pens” the weekends on my own regards.”

According to drugabuse.gov, marijuahave, according to Matthew * ’19, made smoking “so easy.” Unlike other means na is the most used illicit drug. As of 2017, major of consumption, such known as bongs, bowls and “With things like dab pens, hort joints, the lessened they are after the big bucks. sterm-efscent of the dab pen They will glorify them all the fects of is also short lived. marijuawhile putting in chemicals “I started smokna use ing five years ago,” that can kill you.” included Matthew said. “If dab changes pens would’ve been - Ed Milton, Student in mood, available back then, i m [my friends and I] Outreach Counselor paired would have absob o d y lutely used them.”

The devices are compact, transportable, movement and difficulty with probinessentially odorless, making them almost lem solving. Long- term effects completely disguisable. As a result of these clude negative impacts on overall brain researchers presumed advantages, the dab pens make development, and now smoking convenient for students, remov- are recognizing these long term effects.

“I think these big [smoking industries] ing past restriction factors such as fear of getting caught by administrators or parents. know what they are doing,” Ed Milton, Stu“I would never keep actual weed in dent Outreach Counselor, said. “They lost my house, but I do have a cartridge in a generation there for a long time. These my night table,” Trevor* ’18 said. “Dab huge companies lost a market but they are pens don’t smell as much as dry herb, regaining it by the second, and I don’t think

Daniel Harizman ’19 & Kaya Leitner ’19

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15.7 %

of people reported that they use a dab pen a couple times a week.

65.9 %

of people report they’ve seen dab pen usage in school hours.

anyone has a clue how they are targeting young people,” Milton continued. “With things like dab pens, they are after the big bucks. They will glorify them all the while putting in chemicals that can kill you.”

According to a 2017 study published by drugabuse.gov, teens now use illegal substances less than in previous years, down 8.5 percent among 12th graders since 2001.

Nevertheless, the convenient marketing and concealed nature of Dab Pens have some speculating that the decline will be shortlived, resulting in potential repercussions.

“The more accessible marijuana is to teens,” Summer Hutchison ’19 said, “the more likely they’re going to make a harmful mistake, like driving under the influence.”

Not only do dab pens make smoking marijuana more accessible, but it’s often considered to be more acceptable as well.

“People think [dab pens] are different than actual weed,” Rachel said.

“They try to justify [dab pens] because [they are] not as standard. Smoking weed equals pothead, whereas dab pen equals a regular high school kid.”

But no matter how one consumes marijuana, either through traditional methods or more modern ways, the effects of the substance remain the same on the body.

“Whether I dab or smoke a blunt I always end up feeling the same kind of way,” Keith* ’19 said. “At the end of the day, there really is no difference between the two. Using a dab pen puts you in the same danger as smoking a blunt.”

26.2 %

of people have used a dab pen before but do not own one.

*of 252 responses from an anonymous Inklings survey

Graphics by Melanie Lust ’19 Photo by Ellie Kravetz ’18

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

14 Features

January 18, 2018

Inklings

Bridgeport-based organizations connect communities everyone needs to buy into diversity.”

One of the three programs available to young adults at Connect-Us is the Youth ith Martin Luther King day Leadership Team. This program teaches approaching, some will reflect leadership and communication skills that on his famous ‘I Have a Dream’ prepare members for public speaking expespeech that connected a segregated riences and future responsibilities. The secnation. Certain organizations take King’s ond program, Connect-Us Academy, prespeech to heart pares youth and make it by offering their goal to internships bring people and workof different shops in the b a c k g r ou nd s finance, law, together. advertising, One orretail and ganization, education C o n n e c t - Us , administrais based in tion fields.

Bridgeport Finally, C-U and works to Onstage! is bring people a program from suburban where stuand urban ardents work eas together. together to According to create and connectusct. produce org, their goal a perforis to, “[...] immance and, prove the qualin turn, ity of outcomes build a for young peocommunity. ple living in Accordc om mu n it i e s ing to conof concentratnectus.org, ed poverty.” “[these programs] are Social studdesigned to ies teacher reach the Daniel Heaphy bottom 90% was inspired HELPING HAND Jordan Cutler ’18 helps the students at by the mis- Black Rock Elementary school in Bridgeport with counting, of inner-city sion of Con- sight words and testing them on reading and spelling. youth who may not be nect-Us and as accomtheir goal of bringing people together. “I like that plished or motivated, and provide opporthey want the suburban voice along with tunities to make them more successful.” the urban voice,” Heaphy said. “I think Heaphy was inspired by Con-

Chelsea Fox ’19 & Amanda Kaplowitz ’19

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nect-Us’ mission and wanted his stu- make a change in Connecticut commudents to get involved. Every US History nities by allowing young adults from difHonors student will be writing an essay ferent areas to interact with one another. about social issues, ranging from single These organizations are representing King’s parent families to mass incarceration. message of acceptance and connection.

Heaphy’s class will also reference MLK Founder and executive director of Conby including their dreams for the future. nect-Us, Pam Lewis, advocates for increas“I’m hoping to get some good essays ing integration. “We must connect with peoback and to get some students who are ple who are different from us,” Lewis said. interested in sending it out and getting in “[People] who have less, who have more, contact with [Connect-Us],” Heaphy said. who have or need something different.”

Along with Heaphy, many students are inspired by organizations that want to bring kids from different backgrounds together.

Jordan Cutler ’18 volunteers with a program similar to Connect-Us, called School Volunteer Association of Bridgeport, and believes in the significance of helping others.

“It is super important to have [...] programs in lower income areas,” Cutler said.“These children are so, so vulnerable to dropping out or failing out as they get older and some really need [someone] guiding them.”

Kate Miller ’19 also values volunteerism and works at the Cardinal Shehan Center in Bridgeport. “I think SNACK TIME Cutler works closely with Maria Hernandez’s it is important to exclass. She brings them to gym and art class pose kids from devel- kindergarten and spends time with them throughout their school day. oped areas to different parts of life,” Miller said.

All of these organiPhotos contributed by Jordan Cutler ’18 zations are working to

Contemporary American Literature classes take on the role of playwrite Emma Rojas ’18

“Jesus Hopped the A-Train” is based off of four characters, but to make it easOn Jan. 10, students from Ann Neary ier for the students, their scripts followed and Brian Tippy’s Contemporary Ameri- a two-character framework. “It follows can Literature classes got the opportunity thematically whatever the themes were in to be the audience for a play they wrote, the play we saw [...] This semester we are which was performed in the Black Box by talking about forgiveness, redemption and professional actors from New York. This culpability as our big themes,” Neary said. is the second year that Contemporary Lana Whittleton ’18, a current memAmerican Literature classes worked with ber in Neary’s class, described the writing Emmy-award-winning screenwriter Judy process. “Our process was to first create Tate, who came to their class once a week character and dramatic action profiles to to help them. “This experience is offered plan what we wanted to write about and to several high schools in New York, but as to choose characters,” Whittleton said. far as I know, we’re the only school in Con- “After this we wrote monologues. Then, necticut that has been offered a spot,” Tip- we workshopped both of these in mini py said. “This is a rare opportunity for high groups with the class and with Judy.” school students. When do you get to live Professional actors Turna Mete, Michael with a working television writer who helps Paul Smith and David McElwee performed teach you how to write plays and stories?” eight of the plays that were selected by Tate, Tate, who works Neary and “I have a bevy of actors at with the school Tippy. through an arts proMany of this point who are interested gram, enjoys workthe actors ing with students. in working with students,” have per“I come through formed - Judy Tate, screenwriter an arts and eduon Broadcation program way or — Theater Debeen feavelopment Funds.” Tate said. “I come tured in TV shows. as a teaching artist into the classroom “I have a bevy of actors at this point to facilitate play writing workshops.” who are interested in working with stuNeary and Tate ran a similar project dents,” Tate said. “The students get a prowhile Neary was teaching in New York. fessional reading of their own work.”

The students wrote 10 to 12-minute Mia Fraas ’19, another member of plays with a partner surrounding specif- Neary’s class, really enjoyed seeing her play ic themes. The plays were influenced by brought to life. “It was cool to hear our the Off-Broadway play “Jesus Hopped the plays read out loud for the first time,” Fraas A-Train,” which they saw on a field trip. said. “The actors did a really good job.”

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION (top) Actors Turna Mete, David McElwee, Judy Tate and Michael Paul Smith performed plays written by Anna Greenspan ’18, Isabelle Grosgogeat ’18, Alessandra Nagar ’18, Charlie Zuckerman ’18, Tilly Yacenda ’19, Libby Murray ’19 and Jake Watzman ’18.

CENTER STAGE (top) Mete and McElwee were brought in by Tate. They switched off performing each play. (right) These actors had not read these plays prior to their performance.

Photos by Bailey Blaikie ’19

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

January 18, 2018

Inklings

Features

15

Lust, Teltser tout birdwatching expertise Anay Simunovic ’18

W

hile roaming Sherwood Island State Park during the fall of 2016, Preston Lust ’19 noticed a small, brown, striped bird in the distance. He adjusted the lenses of his binoculars to get a better view and was able to identify a Sprague’s pipit, a rare and declining songbird of the northern prairie.

Lust, along with six other members, make up the Connecticut Young Birders Club which is a group committed to providing a safe environment for young birders from across Connecticut and other states.

While they may be young, many members of the club help to contribute to the conservation movement in major ways.

One of the ways that they do so is through the use of EBird, a public database that, according to Lust, is “one of the most successful platforms of citizen science.”

“Essentially it gives private individuals the ability to submit observations of birds they’ve seen either incidentally or going out of their way,” Lust said. “It’s perhaps one of the most invaluable tools we have seen so far for being able to understand bird vagrancy, bird population, general trends and bird movement.”

Jory Teltser ’19, who has been birding since the age of nine and is now the president of the club, believes that the preservation of local, national and global wildlife communities is very important.

“I think the birding community is very active in trying to preserve wildlife habitats, especially locally but throughout the whole country and world,” Teltser said. “I think birding is a very good way for people to get involved in nature and to want to understand it and then to want to preserve it,” Lust added.

In a recent interview conducted by the Young Birders Network, Laura Guerard, the Education Director of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory and a coordinator of the Young Birders Network, described the connection between conservation and education.

“Research, conservation, and education are very strongly linked and together help environmental organizations carry out their missions to conserve and protect habitats and the species that reside in them,” Guerard said.

Both Lust and Teltser also notice the connection. In fact, they describe how their years of birding have provided them with an enhanced knowledge of biology.

“It’s definitely given me a greater incite into biology in terms of taxonomy and in general, the genetic aspect of birding,” Lust said.

Photo contributed by Connecticut Young Birders Club

While some members of the club may not want to pursue a career related to birding, many will continue to partake in the activity for years to come.

For members like, Teltser, birding holds a special place in their heart.

“Anywhere in the world, no matter where you are, you will see a bird. It’s something that you’re always connected with,” Teltser said. “There are loving things all around us, but these things can fly and they are beautiful and there are thousands of them all over the world.”

EYES ON THE PRIZE (left to right) Brendan Murtha of Bowdoin College, Jory Teltser ’19, Preston Lust ’19, Will Schenck of Greenwich and Aidan Kiley of St. Joe’s actively birdwatch by Lake Zoar in Southbury, Connecticut.

BIRDWATCHER Lust has been competitively birdwatching for about five years.

Photo and graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

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16 Features

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Jamuary 18, 2018

Inklings

Inklings

ARTS

January 18, 2018

17

Local coffee company competes with popular chain cafes

Molly Mahoney ’18

S

prinkled with a fine balance of playful and rustic decor, Candlewood Market: Coffee and Tea Emporium is now open for business. The cafe, which opened on Dec. 22, is located at 85 Mill Plain Road in Fairfield, Connecticut as part of the Sportsplex and boasts a lofty space for lounging.

Upon entering, patrons can browse the assortment of off-brand, generally healthy and hip products, ranging from snacks to mugs and other trinkets. On the right, a bar is repurposed to serve hot and cold coffee and tea, kombucha on tap, soups, salads, sandwiches and various pastries.

Although the baristas seemed rather bored and tired, they efficiently prepared the dishes I ordered. As I waited, I noticed the bright section of the shop, complete with a chalkboard wall, coloring tables and a comfy rug where kids can happily play while parents get work done or catch up with other adults over brunch.

Seated at the barstools, I tasted my first item: the nitro-brew iced coffee. As a daily drinker of black coffee, I was surprised to find the drink to be too bitter. I ended up fixing the drink with sugar and milk.

Next, I grabbed a spoon and scooped up a bite of tomato gnocchi soup. Full of vibrant tomato flavor, but not overpowered with salt or spices, and interspersed with soft pieces of the pasta, I was pleased by the simple soup.

I also opted to taste the chai latte. With a rich and interesting assortment of blended, warm flavors, I was more than satisfied.

Overall, I would return to Candlewood Market. The dishes served are satisfying, flavorful and cheaper than those found in chain cafe competitors. Plus, if you’re looking for a quiet place to get focused or catch up with friends, the spacious atmosphere and smaller crowds at Candlewood make it an ideal spot.

Photo dramatization by Molly Mahoney ’18 Contributed photos by Candlewood Market

EXCLUSIVE DEAL Candlewood Market is holding

an offer for students who bring in a clipping of this article to the store to get 10 percent off any item on the “On Tap” menu until March 31. This menu includes cold brew coffee, tea and kombucha.

FRESH ROAST

Scones and other pastries line the counter of Candlewood Market. Candlewood is a family owned business that has been roasting coffee for 12 years. They roast fresh coffee everyday near Candlewood Lake in Brookfield, Connecticut.

Food & Drink Atmosphere Price

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

18 Arts

Inklings

January 18, 2018

‘House of Cards’ finds new lead after firing Kevin Spacey Zach Strober ’19

A

cutting Spacey from the show,” he added.

Netflix has announced that they will reduce the number of episodes from 13 to eight. Whether or not the show’s final season will air in 2018 is unknown, but the reduction in episodes will make it easier for the producers to have the

show

ready

in the coming year.

“The final season will bring closure to the show for fans and bring back to work some 2,000 people in the Baltimore area whose livelihoods depend on the show, Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said.

20

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fter recent sexual assault and harassment allegations, Netflix fired lead actor, Kevin Spacey, from their hit political show “House of Cards” in November.

“Netflix will not be involved with any further production of ‘House of Cards’ that includes Kevin Spacey,” a Netflix spokesperson said in a statement.

“House of Cards” will continue for one final season. Spacey’s character, Francis Underwood, will be written off and replaced by the character’s wife, Claire Underwood, played by Robin Wright.

Ollie Lindenbaum ’19 is pleased with the decision, and recognizes that the decision to make Claire Underwood the lead is in keeping with the shows story arc. “The show was going towards [Claire Underwood] anyways and she was the one in power at the end of season five,” Lindenbaum said.

Although he believes that Netflix made the right decision in cutting Spacey, Lindenbaum thinks the change may have a drastic impact on the quality of the show.

“The show won’t be as good as it was because Spacey was an important and unique character who was annually getting nominated for Emmys and Golden Globes,” Lindenbaum said. “But I believe that Netflix made the right decision in

Famous 50’s Diner burger challenge proves too grueling for participants Max Appell ’18

Famous 50’s Diner, located at 472 Huntington Turnpike in Bridgeport, is home to one of the most monstrous food challenges in Fairfield county. Participants have to eat six burger patties, pulled pork, mac n’ cheese, onion rings, fries and a hot dog in under 30 minutes.

After hearing about this challenge, I knew this challenge had to be taken on.

Though I played with the idea of taking on this challenge myself, I knew I needed to call in some help so my stomach could recpver from the Mecca Pho Challenge back in November. So I thought, who better than the person that asks me to get food on a regular basis, Jack Beck ’18. A lean man Beck is, but that doesn’t stop him for taking in some major amounts of calories.

We walked in blind to the challenge,

unsure of what trials this burger would put Beck’s stomach through, but he seemed determined to come out victorious.

The diner was very inviting and friendly, so much so that when Beck asked to take the challenge, he was laughed at. Though faced with judgement due to his slenderness, Beck was only ignited with a fire to prevail.

The owner told us to take any booth we’d like and “prepare” for what was to come. The chef even came out and greeted us. It didn’t seem like people often tried this challenge.

Beck’s courage created a crowd of viewers while the food was being prepared, and he fielded advice from previous challenge competitors and waiters at the diner. They even went as far as to live stream the entire 30 minutes.

Then, there it was: a burger suited to feed a village. The burger was carried out by two people, towering from their chest to their head. There were so many ingredients oozing from every side of the cre-

ation, and Beck looked at me and questioned what he had just gotten into. The challenge seemed nearly impossible, like a circus game. If Beck was able to somehow complete this, the $30 meal would be free and they would reward him with a shirt.

As the countdown began, the pressure became palpable, but Beck is not one to leave a crowd unimpressed. Right out of the gate he went for the hotdog, explaining that leaving the burger for last would put him in the best situation to triumph. Though that was merely a dent in the challenge, it made quite an impact on Beck’s once empty stomach as he let out a belch. Then came the burger.

An employee and previous challenger sat near us and instructed Beck to deconstruct the burger and use a second plate to make it seem less intimidating. He quickly separated the patties from the mac n’ cheese and pulled pork. After swallowing two patties, it seemed as if a minor food coma hit

him as he slumped back to take a breath.

As entertaining as he was to the people cheering him on, I knew at this point he would need to find a second wind in order to continue eating. The timer hit 15 minutes and Beck had much more than half way to go.

The next five minutes were slow.

Beck complained about his jaw hurting from all the chewing and his bites got much smaller. With around 10 minutes remaining, he threw in the towel.

He finished with 2 patties, a large amount of mac n’ cheese, some pulled pork, the burger bun and a small portion of fries left on the plate.

I credited Beck for his efforts, but it seems that I picked the wrong friend to trust on such a heroic journey. Next time, I know it must be me, and only me, who takes on such a challenge because no one else has the motivation I do to complete these dangerous tasks.

Use this QR code to watch the video online at Inklingsnews.com.

SERVES UP The Famous 50’s Diner serves up a burger challenge composed of six burger patties, pulled pork, mac n’ cheese, onion rings, fries and a hot dog. The entire meal must be eaten in under 30 minutes in order to win a free burger and a t-shirt.

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

Photo by Max Appell ’18 Contributed photo by Famous 50’s Diner

Inklings

January 18, 2018

Arts

19

The 2018 Grammy Awards

Tough competition adds suspense for upcoming awards

T

DAMN. Kendrick Lamar is nominated for seven Grammy Awards this year for his album “DAMN.” He currently has seven Grammy Awards and has been nominated 29 times.

Mars will also be looking to win at least one of his six nominations. Mars witnessed instant success after releasing his hit album “24K Magic.” Mars’ popular song “That’s What I Like” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and received three Grammy nominations. “[Bruno Mars] makes songs that people don’t get tired of hearing,” Summer Hutchison ’19 said. “Especially in his most recent album.”

An interesting category to keep an eye out for is the Best New Artist. This year Alessia Cara, Khalid, Lil Uzi Vert, Julia Michaels and SZA earned nominations.

“I’m excited for the Grammys,” Lucas Basich ’21 said. “It is really cool to see all of the new artists and all of the famous people that will be attending this exciting show.”

4:44 Jay-Z received the most Grammy nominations with eight in total, after releasing his hit album “4:44,” this year. Overall, he has won a total of 21 Grammy Awards; he won his first award in 1998.

’21 ne e sto eus ing or r Liv d f py ele op lab y P tos ic b Pho aph Gr

unlike other rappers’ songs and albums,” Theo Gabor ’19 said. “His album and songs tell a story about his life and career.”

Kendrick Lamar is another name that jumps out on the Grammy nominahe Grammy Awards are a prestigious tions list. Lamar’s hit track “HUMBLE.” award show that recognize earned four Grammy nominations: Reachievement in the music industry. cord of the Year, Best Rap Song, Best On Jan. 28, the show will be hosted by Rap Performance and Best Music VidJames Corden at Madison Square Garden. eo. “HUMBLE.” is featured on Lamar’s Here is a preview of some artists, songs fourth studio album “DAMN.” which is and albums that could be taking home also nominated for Album of the Year.

“He hardware this writes for year. “[Kendrick Lamar] writes his home Jay-Z received for his home of Compton of Compthe most nomito show them that anyton,” Jake nations including, T h a w but not limited thing is possible. He’s the ’20 said, to, Album of the most influential rapper in “to show Year, Song of the the game.” them that Year and Record a ny t h i n g of the Year. Jay-Z - Jake Thaw ’20 is possireleased his hit ble. He’s album “4:44” with popular songs “Family Feud” and “The Story the most influential rapper in the game.”

After taking home Artist of the Year of O.J.” which are all nominated for awards. “‘4:44’ actually has meaning behind it at the American Music Awards, Bruno

Jack Shapiro ’19

24K MAGIC Bruno Mars is nominated for six Grammy Awards this year, after releasing his album “24K Magic.”

He hopes to add another award to his current five Grammy’s; he has been nominated 27 times.

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

20 Arts

January 18, 2018

Inklings

‘The Greatest Showman’ fails to connect with audience Nicky Brown ’19

his skills as a director and became the creator of his own circus. The movie ended before I even got the chance to find out.

I was excited to see Zendaya’s performance as the trapezist in the circus. I expected her to be a main character after seeing her on the movie posters, but I was irected by Michael Gracey, “The let down when she barely had any lines.

Greatest Showman” completely Ultimately, I found it difficult to conundermined my expectations. nect with any of the characters because Going into the theater, I was excited to I really never got to learn anything about see a movie that showcased the stunts and them. Besides Jackman’s and Efron’s charprocess of the P.T. acters, the secondary Barnum Circus; Ultimately, I found characters were just the however, the film members in the circus. it difficult to connot only lacked Not a lot of informacharacter develoption about them was nect with any of ment but a captigiven besides what their the characters vating plot as well. act was in the circus.

The cast, conAside from the disbecause I really sisting of Hugh appointing characters never got to learn and plot, the music was Jackman as P.T. Barnum, Zac excellent. It was written anything about Efron as Phillip

by Tony award-winning, them.

Carlyle and ZeOscar award-winning ndaya as Anne and former Staples gradWheeler, provided familiar faces on uate Justin Paul ’06, whose credits include the screen that I have usually en- the music for the hit Broadway show, “Dear joyed watching in the past. However, Evan Hansen” and the movie “La La Land.” they all missed the mark on this film.

I think that out of five stars, I would The plot centered solely around P.T. give this movie three. The film lacked Barnum, as he struggled to get enough the attention-grabbing plot and scenes money to run the circus and keep his that a movie needs in order to capture name relevant. However, I was interest- its audience; however, the music will ed in knowing more about how he honed keep viewers watching and listening.

D

CIRCUS ACT “The Greatest Showman” follows the story of P.T. Barnum, played by Hugh Jackman, as he builds his circus. Zac Efron plays Phillip Carlyle, who sets his sights on Anne Wheeler, played by Zendaya. Historically, P.T. Barnum was the mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut prior to founding the circus.

By the Numbers 8/10

Released on

Dec. 20

IMDb Rating

$8.8 Million

Opening weekend

3.5/4

Roger Ebert Rating

53 percent

Rotten Tomatoes

Graphic by Sarah Maybruck ’18 Photos labeled for reuse

2017 releases an abundance of controversial movies Anna Rhoads ’19 A controversial movie features contentious issues like sexism or racism, challenges social norms or prompts change and discussion. Every year, filmmakers try to incorporate societal issues in their movies. For instance, 2016’s top controversial movies were “Split” and “Moonlight” as they explored topics like mental illnesses and sexual orientation.

2017 was no exception to the trend for controversy. Here are last year’s most controversial films.

“Get out” premiered on Feb. 24 and follows Chris, played by Daniel Kaluuya, as he meets his girlfriend’s family for the first time. Race plays a central role in the film as Chris is black, his girlfriend is white and his girlfriend’s family exhibits odd behaviors towards people of color.

According to the movie’s director, Jason Peele, “By the time the movie came out, people were ready to engage in thinking about [racism].”

“Get Out” brought out a discussion on racism, making it controversial.

“I think that this movie was an amazing way to portray modern day racism,” Charlotte Tirola ’20 said. “After seeing this movie, I think it is clear that this topic needs to be discussed.”

“Detroit” which premiered on

Aug. 4, is another film that prompted discussion. It follows the rioting and civil unrest during the summer of 1967 in the motor

Graphic by Angela Ji ’19 and Melanie Lust ’19

city and specifically focuses on an incident at the Algiers Motel. The movie explores racism and police brutality, while also in-

forming movie goers of Detroit’s history.

Another controversial movie from this past year was “Battle of the Sexes.” This film was released on Sept. 22 and is based off of the buildup to the 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King, played by Emma Stone, and Bobby Riggs, played by Steve Carell. The movie is set during the second wave feminist movement and follows King and Riggs’s complicated lives. Riggs had an addiction to gambling and King was coming to terms with her sexuality, while trying to fight discrimination because of her gender on both the tennis court and in society.

“I believe the movie ‘Battle of the Sexes’ could be considered controversial as it certainly challenges gender roles and the accepted idea that men are superior to women,” Kathleen Konkos ’19 said. “When Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs, it not only disproved this societal philosophy, but stood up for the rights of women everywhere and advocated for the strength and skill us women possess.”

The last of the most controversial movies of 2017 is “Patti Cake$.”

This film premiered on Aug. 25 and is about Patti Dombrowski, played by Danielle Macdonald, a plus-sized teenager who is trying to make it as a rapper. The film sheds light on the difficulties of being a plus-sized woman not only in society, but also in the music industry.

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Inklings

January 18, 2018

SPORTS

Sports

21

Wreckers eager to get back on track Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18

Jonathan Kaner ’18

Neckritz ’17 and Katherine Coogan ’17, the Wreckers hope that this year’s squad can continue their hard work.

“The senior leadership has been really good so far,” Zarah Ahmad ’19 said.

“The captains have done a lot to try to get s the FCIAC tournament drew everybody integrated into the team.”

The girls began preparing for the to a close a year ago, the girls’ winter track team saw their season with two practices a week. season end abruptly in misfortune. This preseason consisted of practicNow, a year later, the Wreckers have ing handoffs during relays, something one main goal in mind: to redeem the team struggled with a year ago.

In addition, the work-outs have gotthemselves.

“We’re really excited for this sea- ten progressively harder as the season,” Alexa Chinitz ’19 said. “We have a son begins to get underway quickly.

“We’ve been working hard in the great group of girls and we’re all trying to bounce back from FCIACs last year.” preseason to have success this season,” Chinitz said.

In last year’s FCI“I think we have a “We’re now looking AC tournament, the chance this year. forward to the beginWreckers saw themWe’re all coming ning of the season.” selves on the tailend together and working The Wreckers will of the final standings, hard to try to be suc- participate in four finishing lower in the cessful.”

FCIAC qualifiers rankings than they - Zarah Ahmad ’19 over the duration of would have prefered. the season before However, the team the championship is confident that they can bounce back from last year with the events later in the winter, accordhelp of more intense practices, team ing to the Staples Running website.

Staples is excited to get a chance integration and strong leadership.

“One goal this season is to have to face the Danbury Hatters and the stronger athletes in individu- Greenwich Cardinals again this season. al events,” captain Amanda Neck- Both schools have ranked above Staples ritz ’18 said. “We have a really in the past few years, and Danbury curgood group of underclassmen that rently holds the FCIAC crown. “Danwe hope will step up this season.” bury is usually our biggest competitor,” According to Elysse McCambley captain Leah Robins ’18 said. “We’re ’19, a member of the team, there are looking forward to going up against an influx of new faces that are looking them and seeing what we can do.”

As the beginning of the indoor track to further strengthen the Wreckers.

“We had a bunch of soccer players join season nears, the Wreckers are ready who are pretty speedy and we have a to go at it and redeem themselves.

“I think we have a chance this year,” big freshman class as well,” she said.

However, with the loss of last year’s Ahmad said. “We’re all coming together seniors such as Ivy Prince ’17, Sarah and working hard to try to be successful.”

A

SENIOR SPIRIT(from left to right) Captains India Fernandez ’18, Amanda Neckritz’18, Leah Robins ’18 and Molly Mahoney ’18 prepare for their Yale Invitational which will take place Jan. 19.

RUNNING ‘ROUND (from left to right) Elizabeth Lomanto ’18, Olivia Bollo ’21, Chloe Matteson ’21, Anna Seiple ’21 and Olivia Beck ’21 warm up. Staples placed fourth last year in FCIACS.

WRECKERS WARM UP Kate Enquist ’20 stretches before practice.

TRIPLE THREAT (from left to right) Zarah Ahmad ’19, Tori Greenberg ’20 and Aly Murray ’19 return to indoor track after running cross country this past fall.

The wait is over: girls’ rec basketball comes to Staples Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18

Graphic by Sarah Maybruck ‘18

Jackson Daignault ’18

WRECKERS TAKE ON REC (clockwise from top left): Tamikah Boyer ’20 warms up before the game where she later made a layup. (From left to right) Evie Dockray ’20, Lily Kane ’20, Amanda Braverman ’20, Zoe Julien ’20, Cailyn Lesher ’20 and Sam Ronca ’20 smile despite their teams’ loss. Liv Pines ’20 helps her team earn a victory of 22-20. Ronca ’20 signals she is open for a pass during the game that took place Jan. 7.

shared the same sentiments as Tirola. “I’m terrible at the sport, but [...] it’s purely just for fun. You aren’t judged by your abilities,” Doran For the first time ever, Westport said.“It’s just something that brings Parks and Recreation will have a high the community together and expands school girls rec basketball league. boundaries. It makes it so the sport The league was pioneered by Char- of basketball isn’t just limited to lotte Tirola ’20 and Emma Gold- the kids who play PAL or premier. ” stein ’20. “Lots of girls wanted to Jane van Arsdale ’20, on the other play basketball but there was no way hand, simply did not have enough free to beyond the Staples teams,” Ti- time to play for the Staples team. “The rola said. “Some girls had this the- Staples basketball team couldn’t fit in oretical idea but it was Emma and to my schedule,” van Arsdale said. “I I who decided to make it happen.” knew I wanted to play and I knew othThe games will be played on Sun- er people were in the same position as I day afternoons at Saugatuck Elemen- am or didn’t make the team that wanttary School. ed to play.”

There are five “I want to make this Regardless teams with sevof the reasonen to 10 play- league a place where ing for joiners on each. girls can have fun.” ing the newly Currently, the stablished -Charlotte Tirola ’20 eleague, league is limplayited to sophers such as Alomore girls. exa Frost ’20 “I think that this should have hap- have high aspirations for the season. pened a long time ago,” Goldstein said. “I played rec basketball through eighth “I [...] think being able to do something [grade] and loved it. It was a relaxed like this as girls really stands out because atmosphere that was just about having the boys have always gotten to have a fun and being with your teammates,” rec league and I never found that fair.” Frost said. “So when my friend asked Tirola and Goldstein always shared me if I wanted to play in the league, I a love for the sport, but had hopes immediately jumped at the chance.” of playing in a less intense environDespite the competitive nature of ment. “There is a Staples girls’ team rec basketball, the league is all about which is serious [...]” Tirola said. “I the girls getting together and enjoying do not want to make this league a themselves, according to Tirola. “Yes joke, but I want to make this league we play to win,” she said, “but at the a place where girls can have fun.” end of the day, what the league really is Players such as Ellie Doran ’20 about is having fun playing basketball.”

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22 Sports

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January 18, 2018

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Sports

January 18, 2018

23

Off-season fosters lack of motivation, promoting laziness Nicole Dienst ’18

A

h, the beloved off-season; hailed upon as a time for rest, relaxation and revitalization.

While an athlete’s muscles may be able to recover from long months of strain, for most, the amount of free time one has during the off-season can be overwhelming.

With large chunks of newly found time, nothing scheduled and a minimized amount of stress, one may imagine the offseason as a dream; however, for me personally, as a two sport athlete, the off-season is a nightmare.

First, the transition to the off-season is very abrupt. My schedule goes from having daily three hour practices, additional workouts, pasta dinners and volunteer coaching events to basically having nothing. Many athletes thrive under pressure as sports are intense, stressful and require hard work and motivation, so these chunks of unscheduled time are unstructured, and therefore require a different kind of motivation.

I have found the off-season to be kind of like second semester senior

year. There is no longer immense pressure to maintain strong grades or get high standardized test scores as most students have already been accepted into college. Second semester senior year is often referred to as a “slump”, and for many athletes the off-season is the same. I don’t have to prove myself on the field anymore, perform to my utmost in games, or necessarily maintain the best physical shape. Due to the lack of pressure I have in the offseason, I find myself much less motivated to work out and continue training. There are minimal goals left to strive for other than uncontested, clouded hopes for next season or a seemingly distant future.

I’ve found ways to combat this slump and keep my game at a high level.

I have m a n aged to continue playing both basketball and lacrosse (my two sports) in the fall, which is my off-season.

There are always pick-up leagues available, clinics or camps. I will shoot with my teammates or siblings for at least 30 minutes a week.

For lacrosse, I’ll try to do a wall ball workout or run twice a week. These seemingly minimal activities make coming back to the sport easier, and coming out of the season easier, too.

All in all, the off-season should be relaxing, but I’ve had to work to make sure it doesn’t become my “off-season slump.”

Due to the lack of pressure I have in the off-season, I find myself much less motivated to work out and continue training.

Graphic by Tomaso Scotti ’20 Photo by Charlie Colasurdo ’18

Freshman Luke Murphy shoots and scores spot on varsity

Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18 Graphics by Melanie Lust’ 19

MURPHY MAKES A SHOT Murphy ’21 scored seven points on Jan. 9 against Wilton High School

Celia Block ’20 & Maya Brodows ’20

As the boys’ varsity basketball team gears up for another season, the Wreckers have taken in a new addition: Luke Murphy ’21. Despite being only 15 years old, Murphy has proven to be an asset to the team thus far.

However, being the only freshman on a team mostly comprised of upperclassmen does come with its challenges. “It’s a little nerve racking playing with juniors and seniors, but it’s still fun,” Murphy said.

Though Murphy may have some reservations, teammate Jake Thaw ’20 has every confidence in Murphy.

“He’s kind of coming into his own.

He’s not playing nervous. He’s out there just like any other upperclassmen would be,” Thaw said. “He’s really smart with the basketball, but at the

same time, he’s a really great shooter.”

While having a freshman on varsity may be uncommon, it is viable.

Thaw was the only freshman who made varsity basketball during the 2016-2017 season. The year before, there were no freshman on the team.

Murphy was not the first of his family to harness a love for basketball. “My dad was a basketball player when he was in high school, so I guess I started playing because of him,” Murphy said.

“He kind of pushed me into doing it, but I love it, so I’m not mad. It’s just kind of always been there. As I grew up, I started liking it more and more.”

Murphy had no shortage of opponents in his early childhood. A middle child, he and his two brothers practiced the sport nearly ev-

ery day. With a basketball-oriented family and a court behind the house, Murphy quickly sharpened his skills and became the player he is today.

Varsity coach Colin Devine is proud to have Murphy on the team. “He and the other players have taken thousands and thousands of shots in preparation for this basketball season, which really proves his work ethic is tremendous,” Devine continued. “For as good of a basketball player he is, he’s an even better teammate.”

Devine is not the only one who has taken note of Murphy’s contributions.

“He can create his own shot, he can come off straights for shots, he’s really an all around player,” Thaw said. “I’m excited to watch him for the next four years.”

“The basketball team doesn’t look at him necessarily as a freshman. We look at him as part of the team.”

-Max Sussman ’18

Captain Max Sussman ’18 affirms Murphy’s success not only as a player, but as a role model and leader. “He’s really came in and done a good job doing his part as a leader for his grade and for other kids on the team,” Sussman said. “The basketball team doesn’t look at him necessarily as a freshman,.

We look at him as part of the team.”

Contributing 11 points in the first game alone, Murphy played a key role in the Wreckers’ Dec. 20 victory.

Murphy believes that his team’s tight bond is the reason behind the win. “I hang out with a lot of my teammates off the floor so that helps to get the chemistry up,” Murphy said.

Murphy will look to form bondswith his teammates throughout the season, and the rest of the Wrecker’s are happy to have him. “As a freshman, it’s really unbelievable to see someone that can look at the score, find an open man and create a shot for himself,” Sussman said. “He will be an excellent addition to the team this year.”

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

24 Sports

Inklings

January 18, 2018

Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18 Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

Gymnastics team leaps into new season Amelia Brown’18

E

ighteen girls in shimmering blue leotards walk delicately out onto the blue mat in a straight line. They pause, standing with their hands over their hearts as the national anthem rings out. After the song ends, they circle up, cutting through the quiet air by shouting a Wreckers cheer before quickly preparing to begin the competition.

For the Staples gymnastics team, this ritual has become a common occurrence as they get into the heart of their season, with recent matches against Greenwich, Westhill and New Canaan. Led by captains Alexis Bernard ’18, Mary Fitton ’18, Isabella Offrir ’18 and Abby Turner ’18, the team is looking forward to a season full of flips, turns and lots of bonding.

“It’s just great to be a part of a close team like this and do the sport we love,” Sarah Allen ’21 said.

“It’s a bit challenging adjusting to the schedule with practices about four days a week, but it’s worth it.”

After losing four seniors last year, Fitton is still excited about the promise of the underclassmen who have recently joined the team. “It’s definitely a different dynamic than in years past since half of our team are freshmen,” Fitton said, “but it’s so fun teaching all the freshmen everything there is about high school gymnastics.”

Head coach Kelsey Martin also noticed the comradery between the teammates. “We have a lot of talented girls this year,” Martin said. “The girls are really pushing each other to improve because they all want to compete.”

While the “specialized sport,” as Fitton calls it, of gymnastics is what draws many of the girls to the team, the friendships and relationships they form is a big part of the appeal.

“My favorite parts of the last gymnastics season was definitely the pasta dinners, the bus rides to the competitions, the fun gymnastics practices and the sleepover we had,” Soleil Molesworth ’20 said.

After experiencing FCIACs last year where they placed sixth, the returning team members are excited to return this year in mid February.

“I am looking forward to FCIACs as it is hands down our biggest meet of the year,” Fitton said. “[It’s] what we’re always working towards, and it’s always so exciting to see how we perform at that meet.”

TEAM TUMBLES The Wreckers smile for a team photo, hoping to come back from their loss to Greenwhich in their season opener.

Greenwhich outscored Staples 142.85-125.2.

Last year they placed sixth in FCIACS. The team consists of ten freshmen.

(from left to right) Three of the four captains, Abby Turner ’18, Alexis Bernard ’18 and Mary Fitton ’18, lead their team in preparation for the meet at Wilton High School that will take place Jan. 23.

CAPTAIN HUDDLE

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com