November Issue 2017 by Inklings

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Staples High School

November 13, 2017

Volume 86, Issue 3 inklingsnews.com

INSIDE 1 7 11 17 21

News Opinions Features Arts Sports

Join the discussion.

Hollywood sexual harassment lawsuits spotlight issue Daniel Harizman ’19

oth motion picture industry icon Harvey Weinstein and film director James Toback have been publicly accused of sexual harassment by dozens of women since Oct. 5, 2017. Weinstein, part time Westport resident and co-founder/former Chief Executive Officer of Miramax film company, has had over 80 women make allegations of rape, harassment or sexual assault against him. Similarly, more than 30 women have come out against Toback, according to Newsweek and the New York Times. “[The Harvey Weinstein scandal] is a serious reminder that sexual harassment/ assault still persists as a part of American culture. It’s disheartening to realize

how many women stay silent after being harassed,” Peri Kessler ’18 said. “I really hope our society will move towards making women and men feel more supported by pressing charges on their harassers/ assailants in the wake of this scandal.” Approximately 54 percent of American women have had “experiences of unwanted sexual advances,” according to a recent study conducted by ABC News and the Washington Post. Of those, about 23 percent said the advances came from an individual who had control over their employment situation. The social media campaign, #metoo, originally created by Tarana Burke in 1997, was revived by victims of sexual harassment as more women came forward with harassment accusations against Weinstein. “I think the [#metoo campaign] is so

important because it really brings awareness stating that men are usually the to this overlooked issue that needs to be individuals in control within heterosexual addressed,” Emerson Kobak ’18, a student relationships at Staples High School. who posted in support of the campaign, said. “A lot of learned behavior of how to “Many people do not act in relationships comes from even know that they “We haven’t taken media and the things we see on have been sexually or online,” Maisonet away the stigma television harassed or assaulted said. “Girls need to be held at because such same respect as boys and from sexual abuse the behavior has become biased and sexist standards need so normalized.” and harassment.” to be abolished. There needs to The Weinstein be more education on what is and Toback acceptable behavior as well as -Edward Milton scandals have creating an environment where generated a discussion among members girls and boys alike can flourish.” of the community at Staples, exploring the Maisonet is one of the presidents reality of sexual relationships involving of Survivors to Thrivers, a Staples students. Maria Maisonet ’19 believes “it’s club that “focuses on educating the a lot more common for girls to be victim community on healthy relationships to rumors or harassment,” additionally and behaviors as well as providing support and aide to those going through harassment or abuse,” Maisonet said. At Staples, along with any other school that receives government funding, sexual harassment is covered under Title IX, an education law which is part of the United States Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX extends further than gender equality between female and male sports; much of its focus surrounds sexual harassment of any form. In the 2016-2017 academic school year at Staples, Assistant Principal Richard Franzis dealt with eight reported cases of sexual harassment. “My job is not to determine whether or not a person is guilty under the law; my job is to try and ascertain what happened, piece it together and prevent any further harassment here at school,” Franzis said. “Coming forward is a hard thing. There are a wide range of emotions with coming forward. It’s very personal.” According to a study conducted by the United States Department of Education and the United States Department of Justice, approximately one in 10 women will have been physically forced to have sexual intercourse by their high school graduation. “[Sexual harassment] is a culture that has existed from the beginning of time. The cliché, the casting couch where the young actress would come in and the powerful producer would take total advantage of them, was just something that existed,” a well-renowned Westport male psychologist, who requested not to be named, said. “Everybody now has a voice, a voice that can reach a lot of people. That’s what has changed things significantly.” As the Staples community pushes forward in the 2017-2018 academic school year, student outreach counselor, Edward Milton, hopes substantial change can be made with regard to the issue of sexual harassment. “We haven’t taken away the stigma from sexual abuse and harassment,” Milton said. “It’s about power and control. Once the stigma begins to disappear, I think people will be able Photos by Charlie Colasurdo ’18 and graphic by Melanie Lust ’19 to address the issue on a larger scale.”

Cribari Bridge undergoes Connecticut Department of Transportation assessment Sophie Driscoll ’19 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is currently conducting an Environmental Assessment of The William F. Cribari Memorial Bridge, which carries

Route 136 over the Saugatuck River. “This analysis will examine a range of alternatives that address the purpose and need of maintaining a safe and operable bridge,” Priti S. Bhardwaj, Project Manager for the Cribari Bridge Project, said. According to Bhardwaj, the

70 North Ave., Westport, Connecticut, 06880

Environmental Assessment will most likely take more than a year to complete, and no construction plans for the bridge will be formulated until completion. The Cribari Bridge Project was first initiated by CTDOT on May 20, 2015. “The original reason for all this was

some concerns that the piers–the things that the bridge sits on–were deteriorating, and they need to be repaired,” Jim Marpe, Westport First Selectman, said. *Continued on page two

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November 13, 2017

News

Cribari Bridge undergoes CTDOT assessment *Continued from page one Students have expressed concern surrounding the bridge being altered or replaced. “I would hate to lose it,” Tabby Burke ’19 said. “It’s part of the fabric of our community, and has been for generations.” This past August, Marpe and fellow members of the the South Western Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (SWRMPO) declined approximately $42 million in federal and state funding, effectively removing projects pertaining to Cribari Bridge from the CTDOT’s 20182021 Transportation Improvement Program. Marpe believes that this gave Westport more control of the fate of the bridge. As a result, rehabi l it at ion efforts will not

happen as immediately as they would have if the SWRMPO had accepted funding. “It’s, at a minimum, to delay the process until we have a better understanding of what the Department of Transportation would like to construct and how that looks,” Marpe said. “To reintroduce those projects to the region requires regional approval.” According to Connecticut State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, people assume that if SWRMPO had accepted federal funding, the bridge would be raised in order to meet federal standards. Raising the bridge would allow 18-wheel trucks to use the bridge.

“I don’t think it’s necessarily a guarantee, because the state could do it on its own money,” Steinberg said. Ultimately, Marpe and Steinberg, as well as Representative Town Meeting member and Downtown Plan Implementation Committee Co-Chair Melissa Kane, hope to make the bridge safer while preserving its look and feel. All three of them believe that the bridge should not be opened up to 18-wheel trucks. “I think [the Cribari Bridge is] emblematic of Westport, and it’s historic and special, and the look of it should definitely not change,” Kane

said. “Beyond that, I completely agree that there’s no way we can let 18-wheel trucks access that road, use that bridge and add more traffic to Saugatuck.” Kane stated that, although renovations to the bridge alone cannot solve the problem of traffic in the Saugatuck area, widening the bridge slightly may help reduce it. “The bridge is part of a larger issue with traffic in Saugatuck, and even doing any work to the bridge is not going to solve the traffic problems in Saugatuck, but it can certainly help a little bit,” she said. Steinberg also noted that the structure of the bridge has changed slightly over t i m e . For example, its opening mecha n ism,,or ig i na l ly hand-operated,,is now,motorized. “ I t ’s , m o r e symbolic,” Steinberg said. “It’s more the character of the bridge and of Saugatuck in general that people want to preserve.”

Graphic by Kathryn Howard ’19

Connecticut candidates test the waters for gubernatorial race Layla Wofsy ’19

overnor Dannel Malloy announced in April 2017 that he is not seeking reelection for a third term in 2018. This caused many next generation politicians to explore potential gubernatorial runs. Here is a breakdown of the primary Democrat and Republican candidates running as of November 2017.

1.Dave Walker (R) Walker is a Bridgeport resident and former Comptroller General of the United States and CEO of the Government Accountability Office, the legislative agency that ensures the fiscal and managerial accountability of the national government. If elected, Walker plans to take steps to increase economic growth and get the state’s finances in order. “I was recruited to run for Governor by a number of business, professional and community leaders in Connecticut who are very concerned about the current state of our state,” Walker said. Walker collected $72,156 in his first quarter of fundraising.

2. Steve Obsitnik (R) Westport resident Obsitnik is a U.S. Navy veteran and has been an entrepreneur and CEO of multiple technology companies. According to Obsitnik’s campaign website, his “goal is for Connecticut to be a real option for our children to want to choose to stay here to earn a living and raise their families as we have done. […] This should be the vision in front of us to enact a turnaround for Connecticut.” As of Sept. 30 Obsitnik’s exploratory committee raised $265,363.

4. Mark Lauretti (R) Lauretti has served as the mayor of Shelton since 1991. As mayor, Lauretti has helped Shelton achieve economic growth. After seeing this success in Shelton, Lauretti hopes to take it to the state level. His primary goal is to improve Connecticut’s financial health. According to Lauretti’s campaign website, he believes, “We need to keep taxes in check and make our state more friendly to businesses so they can come to depend upon a stable economic environment that is consistent and predictable.” He raised about $145,000 in his first months as a candidate.

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Photos Contributed by Each Campaign

3. Jacey Wyatt (D) Wyatt is a transgender businesswoman from Branford, Connecticut. Wyatt is not pleased with what she sees happening in the State of Connecticut and believes a political outsider can bring a new perspective and fresh ideas. According to Wyatt’s campaign website, she believes, “Our State’s current economy is and has not been working for everyone. With costs of living spiraling out of control and getting higher by the day, government needs to resist the urge to continue to impose more taxes, and our focus needs to be our budget.”

3 5. Prasad Srinivasan (R) Srinivasan has been a resident of Glastonbury, Connecticut for 36 years and has been a practicing doctor in the area for more than 30 years. Srinivasan is also an Assistant Republican Leader and member of the Public Health Committee in the Connecticut General Assembly. Srinivasan believes that Connecticut is in need of a stable foundation for economic growth. According to Srinivasan’s campaign website, he believes, “Our businesses tell us repeatedly that our regulations are choking growth, that our business climate is unpredictable and that we are taxed to the point that it is difficult to compete.” Srinivasan has raised $255,000 in individual donations of no more than $100 each.

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

6. Tim Herbst (R)

7. Dan Drew (D)

Herbst has spent the past eight years serving as Trumbull’s First Selectman, and according to his campaign website, he “brought Trumbull from a town on the brink of financial ruin to one of the most prosperous, well-managed municipalities in the state.” Herbst has raised $148,590 since January.

Drew has been the Mayor of Middletown, Connecticut since 2011. He was an EMT when he was 18 years old, and after graduating from UConn, he became a journalist. According to his campaign website, Drew is running because “he wants to work towards creating economic opportunity for Connecticut residents that mirrors Middletown’s success.” As of June, his campaign had raised more than $177,000, pushing him ahead of numerous candidates.

Inklings

News News

November 13, 2017

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LOCAL BRIEFS

3 Emily Stone ’20

October 31- November 19

November 22

Westport Country Playhouse Production

Alumni College Panel

Experience one of Shakespeare’s most loved productions, “Romeo and Juliet”, put on by a full 20 actor cast. Tickets cost between $30.00 and $50.00. Tickets and additional information can be found on the WCP website.

On Nov. 22 there will be a Staples High School Alumni College Panel. The panel will begin at 11:30 a.m. and end around 12:30 p.m. Newly-graduated Staples alumni will return to share their college experiences with students.

November 23

December 15

Annual Turkey Trot

Staples High School Candlelight Concert

The 40th Annual Pequot Runners Thanksgiving Day Race will take place in Southport, Conn. on Nov. 23 at 8:30 a.m. Runners can register for the race on the Pequot Runner’s website. The Pequot Runners Club has been meeting since the summer of 1977, with an original member number of four. Today the club gets an annual number of over 5,000 participants.

The 77th annual Candlelight Concert will take place on Dec. 15 and 16 at 8:00 p.m. The Staples Candlelight Concerts are a long lasting community tradition of over 75 years. There is no charge for Candlelight tickets, however, donations to the Staples Music Department are accepted.

Photo 1 Labeled for Reuse Under Creative Commons License, Photo 2 Contributed by Dan Woog/06880 Blog, Photo 3 Contributed by Staples Music Department and Photo 4 Contributed by WestportNow.com

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November 13, 2017

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November 13, 2017

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Municipal elections result in second term for Marpe, Democratic majority in other offices

Sophie Driscoll ’19

n Tuesday, Nov. 7, Westport constituents cast their votes for First Selectman and Second Selectman, Board of Finance, Board of Education, Board of Assessment Appeals, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Representative Town Districts.

First Selectman & Selectman

Graphic by Sarah Maybruck ’18

Jim Marpe (R) and Jennifer Tooker (R) were elected First Selectman and Second Selectman, respectively. Photo Contributed by Marpe Campaign

State considers legalizing black bear hunting for population control

Board of Finance

Isabella Bullock ’19 Lee Caney (D), Andrea Moore (R) and Brian Stern (D) were elected to the Board of Finance.

Board of Education Karen Kleine (R), Candi Savin (D), Jeannie Smith (R) and Elaine Whitney (D) were elected to the Board of Education.

Board of Assessment Appeals Elaine Arnow (D) and Joseph Sledge (R) were elected to the Board of Assessment Appeals.

Planning & Zoning Commission

Michael Cammeyer (D), Danielle Dobin (D) and Greg Rutstein (D) were elected to the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Zoning Board of Appeals Bernard Deverin (D) and Victoria Gouletas (D) were elected to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Black bear hunting has always been illegal in the state of Connecticut, but due to a recent increase in the black bear population, officials are considering legalizing it. According to The Hartford Courant, there are over 700 black bears in Connecticut today, with a rising population of 10 percent each year. Julie Raigosa ’19 said her family spotted a black bear at her mother’s house in Avon, Connecticut. “My mom walked outside and saw it [the bear] across the yard aimlessly walking around,” Raigosa said. The areas with the most bear sightings have been in northern Connecticut, along the Massachusetts border. Bear hunting is legal in Massachusetts, and those who are pro-hunting believe the bears fear the people there, whereas in Connecticut, the humans fear the bears. Those who are against black bear hunting believe there is nothing that could be gained by creating a hunting season, but there are many drawbacks. “Certainly the death of one or two bears is not going to necessarily affect an entire ecosystem,” environmental teacher Christine Kaszanek said. “[But] if there was a spike in bear hunting, and we started killing off a lot of the black bear population in Connecticut, it could certainly affect a lot of other organisms and disrupt the ecosystem and biodiversity in the area.” Those who are for black bear hunting believe something very different, and that by hunting black bears, it will make for a healthier environment. Travis Gaffey, owner of Bear Essentials Firearms in Granby, Connecticut, believes that by manipulating the food web it will help the rest of the organisms, because if not manipulated, the population could become more out of hand than it already is. “The deer population is being hurt because bears are starting to kill fawns for food,” Gaffey said. “What’s happening is the animals are running out of natural food, and with population control, i.e. hunting [...] it helps keep animals healthy.” Kaszanek explained what people could do instead of hunting the bears to regulate the rise in the population. “If people are concerned about it, they should take precautions on their own to not attract the bears to their area,” she said. Kaszanek suggests taking down birdfeeders and leaving out garbage only on garbage days as opposed to the night before.

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November 13, 2017

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OPINIONS

November 13, 2017 Editors-in-Chief Amelia Brown & Anay Simunovic

7 Join the discussion.

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Max Appell & Ian Bernstein

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News Editors

Jack Beck & Zach Horowitz Sophie Driscoll & Dan Harizman

Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

Opinions Editors

Izzy Connors & Alexandra Sprouls Kaya Leitner & Layla Wofsy

Features Editors Bailey Blaikie & Lili Romann Jonathan Kaner & Liv Ronca

Arts Editors

Allie D’Angelo & Olivia Foster Audrey Bernstein & Anna Rhoads

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Advisors

Mary Elizabeth Fulco, Joseph DelGobbo, & Matthew Bohn Crown Finalist for Inklingsnews.com from Columbia Scholastic Press Association 2015 Silver Crown Award for Newspaper from Columbia Scholastic Press Association 2014 Pacemaker from National Scholastic Press Association 2013 All the opinions, news and features in this paper are those of Staples High School students. Inklings, a curricular and extracurricular publication, has a circulation of 1,800 and is uncensored. All letters to the editor must be signed. The editorial board reserves the right not to publish letters and to edit all submissions as it sees fit. The editorial board determines all editorial opinions, which are authored faithfully by the Editors-in-Chief. Inklings reserves the right to not publish advertisements that promote products that could be harmful to student health. The paper is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association 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.

Talk about the tough stuff: Sexual harassment ambiguity keeps topic taboo

exual harassment is a difficult issue to talk about and rectify. The easiest part seems to be agreeing on a definition. According to the student handbook, sexual harassment is unwanted behavior that is “insulting and demeaning to the victim.” The confusing part is determining what constitutes “insulting and demeaning.”

Inklings

EDITORIAL The truth is, physical and verbal actions are interpreted and internalized differently by everyone. In high school, especially, what is and isn’t sexual

harassment is often difficult to decipher. The ‘scheme’ culture that we live in has created an environment in which persistent sexual pursuits have become the norm. Whereas some men may not think twice about putting their arm around the waist of a woman at a party, she may perceive this to be inappropriate conduct. Whereas some women may not think twice about shouting “looking good” to a man walking across the street, he may perceive this to be a patronizing expression. Furthermore, the common teenage relationship is riddled with sexual pressures and uncertainties as we are just figuring out dating for the first time. With all the ambiguity surrounding sexual harassment, it’s important to demystify and discuss it in classes. And yet, when Harvey Weinstein was all over the news, no one on our Editorial

[INKLINATIONS]

Tomaso Scotti ’20 “It happens so often that I think people should talk about it as normally as they talk about anything else.”

Board said they had discussed the accusations in any of their classes. This “sweeping under the rug” of the issue keeps it a taboo topic that people are less likely to confront. Exposing sexual harassment when it happens will allow us to understand its prevalence and how we will be able to work towards diminishing it. So, call out the boy at the party for non-consensual touching. Call out the girl on the street for uncomfortable catcalling. It’s easier to stay silent than to speak up, but make the effort. Our school community needs to become more comfortable teaching and talking about sexual harassment. Creating an environment where everyone understands and looks out for instances of sexual harassment will diminish its prevalence and support survivors.

HARRASSMENT?

Bridget Groves ’19 “The administration and teachers should step up a little even though it’s an uncomfortable issue.”

SEXUAL Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18

Morgan Sell ’20 “Instead of teaching people that ‘no’ means ‘no,’ teach them that ‘yes’ means ‘yes.’”

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8 Opinions

November 13, 2017

Inklings

The Artichoke Inklings Satire * Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

Enough is enough: A vendetta to end pet peeves

* Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

Emma Greenberg ’18

Amelia Brown ’18

veryone knows the stereotypical high school cliques featured in movies: the jocks, the nerds, the populars, the outcasts, the music geeks, the bad boys. Staples, however, is above all that. We are so forward thinking and progressive that we have eliminated all those baseless groups. Instead, we have simplified to just three categories: Inklings, Players, Teen Awareness Group (TAG). But the age-old question remains: which group rules the school? One must tip their hat to TAG for drawing inspiration from the circus: much like having 50 clowns packed into one, small clown-car, TAG crams every member (past, present and future) into the Student Outreach room across from the cafeteria every single period. While the body contortions required for the group to fit in the room is impressive, how could they possibly rule the school if they are contained to only one square foot of it? Unfortunately, this factor effectively eliminates TAG from the running of most popular. Sorry, TAG; you’re not it. And then there were two. The newspaper or the Newsies? As we know, Staples loves nerds. And

what is nerdier than volunteering to sign up for a second English class where you read and write non-fiction non-stop for no English credit? That puts Inklings at the head of the nerd-train. Inklings also has a magical ability endowed to them 86 years ago by the ghost of Horace Staples himself: to morph together into a brick wall, as they shout and force every poor soul walking through the front doors to take the newspaper each month. That takes some passionate teamwork, and is quite effective. Bravo, Inklings. However, Inklings does have some flaws. There was an incident years ago, a poor freshman suffered from a heart attack when an Inklings member scared him by jumping out from behind the third-floor honor box to snap a “candid” photo of student life. More recently, social studies teacher, Dan Heaphy’s phone lines were jammed and his email flooded with requests from 10 different Inklings

reporters, all asking for comment on the Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief fundraiser. Outgoing? Yeah. Sure. But irritating as hell. And then there are the Players, who sing “Hamilton” as they high-kick and sashay their way through the hallways to every class like it is “High School Musical 2.” There is no need to listen to songs on Spotify when you can march your way to class listening to the sweet rhythm of “New York, New York,” sung in harmony by the Players ensemble. In addition, Players not only grab attention, but they also are the administration’s Chosen People. Players, do you have a Calculus test during period 2? No worries. Mr. D’Amico has pardoned you and will give you all an A if the show sells out. Afterall, you are all destined to be winners of “The Voice” so you can forget about classes and get to rehearsal. Keep up the good work. Better yet, break a leg. After all of this, who rules the school is probably quite clear. The group that is the most prominent, most important, most talented is — you guessed it! — the football team, obviously.

Staples, however, is above all that [cliques]. We are so forward thinking and progressive that we have eliminated all those baseless groups.

Graphic by Evie Dockray ’20

inklingsnews.com | STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL

Pet peeves are those annoying habits others possess that drive you crazy. These peeves can range from person to person, depending on

whom you ask. Pet peeves can be as big as the girl next to you in science class chewing her gum too loud, to your neighbor who plays their bagpipes too loud at four in the morning (I’m talking about you Mr. Burrows). But if we unite ourselves we can put an end to these pet peeves once and for all. First things first, we have to get rid of the gum chewers of the world. I know I am in the minority when it comes to people who hate gum, but if we all came together, as a united force, we can finally put an end to the endless popping and incessant chewing. I recommend we all contact our state senator and have them draft up a bill that outlaws gum. Yep, we should just eradicate the problem all together. And for anyone who does break the new law, they should have to sit in a room and listen to a person loudly chew gum. Give them a taste of their own medicine. The worst thing in the world is when you’re late to class and you know that if you run you can make it there on time, but when you’re so close to making it, you get stuck behind one of those slow walkers. An ignorant, insensitive, downtempo, slow-walkingwalker. You can imagine the stress and frustration. I don’t care if you like to walk slowly because you want to take in the day and “smell the roses.” News flash: you’re in school. There are no metaphoric “roses,” only the yellow florescent lights and mud colored tiles. I propose two solutions to the end the slow walker phenomenon. One, we can implant real lava into the floors to motivate people to walk fast or get burned. Second, we make a roadway in the hallway, one side for fast walkers and the other for slow ones. The slow walkers can make each other suffer; spare everyone else. These are just a few of the pet peeves I find annoying. We are in need of a catalyst to finally put these monstrosities to an end. Join me and many others in creating a movement to end these terrible pet peeves.

First things first, we have to get rid of the gum chewers of the world.

Opinions

November 13, 2017

Inklings

Las Vegas shooting changed my opinion on gun control Adam Wenkoff ’18

or most of my life, I’ve believed in our unadulterated right to own a gun. But after Stephen Paddock killed 59 people and injured 546 more last month in Las Vegas, my feelings toward the Second Amendment have changed. I do understand why people insist on their rights to owning a gun, and there are multiple fair reasons for that argument. For instance, a majority of gun owners own their guns because they have a desire to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. In fact, according to Pew Research, 67 percent of gun owners cite protection as a major reason they own a gun. Advocates of the Second Amendment also believe in owning a gun so they can fight a tyrannical government, if one potentially formed. This was the main reason that our founding fathers created the Second Amendment, after successfully rebelling against King Henry III’s tyrannical rule with guns of their own. I understand the arguments for protecting gun ownership because I,

myself, held those opinions for many years. However, after the events in Las Vegas last month, I’ve changed my mind. The truth is, I would rather forfeit my right to use a gun to protect myself than live in fear of getting killed every time I go to Gov Ball. Or Bowtie Cinemas. Or a concert at Terminal 5. T h i s tragedy could have happened anywhere, to anybody. We’re just lucky that it didn’t happen to us. Being lucky shouldn’t be a prerequisite in deter m i n i ng whether we get to live. We shouldn’t have Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19 to live our lives in a constant state of fear. Owning a gun should be a privilege, not a right. I’m now in favor of a policy that completely removes guns from the United States of America. We could implement a system where the government actually paid its people to return firearms. Australia followed such

13,175 gun-related deaths in the U.S. so far in 2017.

a system with great success and Japan is another example of a country that has a remarkably low rate of gun violence after it prohibited all guns in 1958. Yes, it’s extreme, but it’s a policy that has worked. According to the Gun Violence Archive, over 15,000 people were killed by gun violence in the United States in 2016. In cont ra st, USA Today reported that last year in G r e a t Britain, where all firearms are illegal, roughly 60 people were killed by gun violence. The numbers speak for themselves. We need such a strict recall of guns because less restrictive gun control just won’t work. Take the Las Vegas shooter as an example: Stephen Paddock bought all of his guns legally. He had no mental illnesses, no criminal record. In the eyes of

Amercians are killed every day due to guns on average.

the law, Paddock was a normal American. In fact, Paddock arose, “No red flags, went through the entire background check, all different safety checks were checked off, FBI passed him off through the system,” Chris Michel, the owner of the Utah firearms store from which Paddock purchased a shotgun, said. So, if someone who appears normal can buy a gun and use that gun to hurt hundreds of innocent people, then we need to take more drastic action. Guns need to be rounded up, and access to guns needs to be severely restricted. Granted, it’s no secret that our country is radically different than Great Britain, Australia and Japan, and that replicating their success with gun violence may not be achievable. After all, our population is 15 times bigger than Australia’s, five times bigger than Great Britain’s and twice as big as Japan’s. Not to mention the fact that the United States is geographically larger than all of those countries combined. So it very well may be more difficult to implement a gun ban in the U.S. than it has been for other countries. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Even if the hypothetical gun ban worked a fraction as well as it worked in other countries, America would become a safer country. So, let’s trash our broken system, and start over.

America’s gun homicide rate is 25 times the average other high-income countries. Information from Gun Violence Archive and Everytown

Put down the razor, support cancer awareness Zach Feinstein ’18 No Shave November is an annual trend that hopes to grow awareness by embracing a long beard, or any type of hair, which many cancer patients lose during chemotherapy. According to the Matthew Hill Foundation, No Shave November is a non-profit organization devoted to growing cancer awareness and raising funds to support cancer prevention, research and education. You may be asking how this all began. According to the razor brand, 99 razor, “No Shave November started after a father in Chicago passed away from colon cancer. His 8 sons and daughters started this campaign in 2009 in honor of their father.” This event is something that is really important for me because people in my family have personally battled cancer. My mom had pancreatic cancer, and my grandma passed away from lung cancer. Since this issue was something that I felt so passionately about, I wanted to give it a try out of respect for cancer patients, and as a personal challenge to see if I could make it an entire month without shaving. On Oct. 20 in the middle of the afternoon, I started my one month long journey. I started this challenge early for the sake of writing this article. I put on the shaving cream and I said goodbye to my two day long beard, and started the month with a clean shave. Through the first week I did not find it hard because I did not grow enough facial hair that it would be uncomfortable for me. I’m used to having some facial hair. After a few days I always

grow a small beard, and people recognize me with it. At this point in the process I was feeling very optimistic, and I believed that the rest of the journey was going to be as easy as the first week. During the second week I finally connected my moustache to my beard. I was very itchy but Staples faculty member Andrew Carroll gave me some advice. “Shampoo and condition your beard because it will help with the overall texture of it and prevent you from getting overly itchy,” Carroll said. I took his advice and I found that my beard felt much better than I thought it would after two weeks. This was the point where it started to get very long and frustrating, but I knew I needed to power through the discomfort for a couple days because soon the agonizing itch would fade. At the start of the third week I could not even recognize who I was. My beard connected, and I had more hair on my face than I had ever had before. My parents barely recognized me as well, and at the end of the month will probably be extremely upset with me because they normally like me clean shaven after three days. I am currently enjoying my beard’s growth: I thought I would quit early because I have never grown out my beard for longer than a week and a half. There are other Staples students and adults who participate in No Shave November. “I’m doing it for fun, and to prove to myself that I can follow through with this challenge,” Declan Harding ’18 said. Everyone has a different reason for doing this challenge and some people may take this challenge more seriously than other people. “It causes no harm and it is for a good cause so I thought to myself why not,” Uri Cattan ’18 said.

Some people grow their beards to support family members who have battled cancer, while others just want to see how long and crazy their beard can be. “I’m lazy and I do not want to shave; I want

to see what I can actually grow after a month,” Will Hotch ’18 said. I am going to continue No Shave November for the next two weeks because I believe in the cause of spreading awareness for cancer. Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

At the start of the third week I could not even recognize who I was.

Photo by Ellie Kravetz ’18

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

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Inklings

November 13, 2017

Motive behind Saudi Arabia’s driving ban lift solidifies deeply flawed national ideology Melanie Lust ’19

audi Arabian monarch Salman bin Abdulaziz signed a decree on Sept. 26 to finally allow women to drive by June 2018 — a landmark decision for the kingdom that hasn’t tolerated so much as a bare female limb since 1932. Although, symbolically, this new legislation could be thought of as a great turning point for women’s rights in the Middle East, it is hardly representative of any sign of leniency from the Saudi Arabian government. The Islamic nation has unrelentingly battered the concept of women’s rights to a pulp for decades, and its unresponsiveness to heinous sexist crimes have earned it a reputation as one of the worst human rights violators in the world. Sharia, the strict form of Islam under which Saudi Arabia abides, has no explicit driving re s t r ic t ion s

for women. However, Sharia law also encourages domestic violence against “disobedient” women, enforces death by stoning for adulterers, allows child marriages and heavily inconveniences women in virtually all court situations — all overtly detailed in the text of the Quran itself. The most frustrating part about all this is that such an unexpected step forward for women was the

direct product of an attempt to remain fundamentalist: to keep Sharia alive. Activists call it progress for women and Islam, as well they should; but the Saudi Arabian government frames it in a radically different context in order to further maintain their ultra-conservative political dogma. Sheik Mohammed Al-Issa, secretarygeneral of the World Muslim League, said himself that the driving

decision was made in order to be more compatible with Sharia. “The Islamic and universal consensus gave this positive step their blessings,” he said, “because the royal decree applied Sharia Law, which is keen on granting women their rights in every possible way — not only by allowing them to drive.” It is preposterous to use what should be a feminist victory as evidence that Sharia, of all things, is a supportive system for women’s rights. Such a statement should be condemned by all the same countries that have been condemning the driving ban since it was created. Ultimately, the lifting of the driving ban exposed some staggeringly low standards for women’s rights in the Middle East and around the world. Is it really something deserving of immense praise if women are no longer considered objects enough to be allowed to drive, or is that a standard every government on the world stage should be expected to meet and exceed? It has taken Saudi Arabia far too long, and with the enforcement of the Sharia system leaning against women’s rights activism like a coffin lid, there is still so much work to do before women will be considered equal in Islamic countries.

Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

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Inklings

FEATURES

November 13, 2017

Chloe Adda: inspiring change through writing Emma Rojas ’18

if I so wished,” Adda said. She admitted it can be nerve-racking to think about all of those who

rom accumulating over five million reads for her online novellas to leading multiple school clubs, Chloe Adda’s ’18 passion for writing and politics has already attracted international attention. Adda has been writing nearly every day after school since she was in the fourth grade. “I have written three novellas, all of which I have posted anonymously online,” Adda said. Her writing, which has reached viewers as far as Madagascar and Australia, focuses on stories that many might shy away from, including mental illness, abuse and sexual assault. She writes about such heavy topics based off of some personal experiences and the experiences of some of her friends and family. “I got into writing upon the realization that I had the capacity to produce a work of art

have read her work. But, when she that moment, she said, all her hard work receives fan mail, she said she is reminded “becomes 100 percent worth it.” that she “changed someone’s life.” In Adda is also involved in several clubs at Staples ranging from philanthropy to history. For starters, she is the president of the Wreckers Charity club. “It is a club meant to aid the less fortunate,” Adda said. “We tend to host events for fundraising such as our Wes Anderson movie night.” Any money that the club raises is donated to Hope for Haiti. On top of this, she is the vice president of the Staples High School Model U.N. club. The club goes to conferences that are held at schools like Yale and Brown where they participate in UN-inspired simulations . Finally, Adda is the historian and committee overseer for the Keystone club, which is a branch of the Boys and Girls Club of America. Adda has planned and executed many events including the national event, “Peace with Police” that deals with easing the tensions between teens and police. Adda said she wouldn’t be the student or writer she is today without “the academics as well as the academic support at Staples.” She also mentioned that, “Staples has shaped me in an odd way [...] I have seen the bad in people and their ’19 Lust Melanie by Graphic actions and I seek to change it.” Photo by Ellie Kravetz ’18

Snap Map: the precise way to find friends Izzy Blansfield ’18

Graphic by Melanie Lust ’19

With a quick press of a screen, Snapchat users have immediate access to the whereabouts, and actions of others, thanks to the new Snapchat feature, Snap Map. Snap Map allows users to share their current location with others and even provides additional detailed information such as exact addresses, and whether friends are driving, listening to music or playing tennis. But despite some of its benefits, some think the app could be dangerous. “I don’t see the point of using Snap Map. It just seems creepy to stalk people and see where they are,” Alejandro Perez Elorza ’18 said. Elorza is not alone in having this concern, but Snapchat does provide users the option of “Ghost Mode,” where the location of users will be kept private. Additionally, users may specifically select who they want to see their location. Given these privacy provisions, some users feel safer. “I do not think it is dangerous because if you do not like the idea of Snap Map, you are able to remove yourself and control who can see you,” Paige O’Brien ’18 said.

However, these privacy settings must be enabled -- a feature that some criticize. Michael Simons ’18 believes this to be one of the major downsides to Snap Map. He thinks that when users initially join, they may not know that their location is automatica l ly accessible to an unrestricted public and they may not know h o w

to make their status private. As a solution, the country are up to.” Snap Map also may hold potential Simon said that the privacy setting should benefits in be set as “Snap Map allows me to see locating default. where my friends are and who’s m i s s i n g ns. Nevertheless, free. This makes it easier to make p“Ite r s ocould some users plans. Plus, I think it’s fun to see be used as find more good in Snap what my friends from all over the a positive if someone Map than bad. country are up to.” you know “ S n a p gets lost so Map allows me -Paige O’Brien ’18 that you are to see where able to see my friends their exact are and who’s free. This makes it easier to make plans,” O’Brien said. “Plus I think location,” Efe Elden ’18 said. Another unique feature of Snap Map it’s fun to see what my friends from all over is its ability to act as a breaking news feed. According to CNBC.com, Snap Map enables users to “pan around the world to see what people are doing in real time. In addition to showing where friends are, the map shows hot spots, or red areas where crowds are gathering.” Amanda Neckritz ’18 takes advantage of this feature. “It allows me to inform myself,” Neckritz said, “and get the news in a quick and convenient way.”

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

12 Features

November

Community Maddie Phelps ’19 & Hannah Bolandian ’19

ith pounding rain blinding their paths, racing hearts pumping and adrenalin rushing through their veins, soldiers in combat trudge through the muddy battlefield. Loud, violent booms explode all around them, forcing them to present the utmost alertness. Often weighed down by heavy equipment that they carry on their backs for miles and miles on end, running on little or no sleep, these soldiers have seen it all. Staples’ Assistant Principal, Richard Franzis, enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1981. Prior to enlisting, Franzis spent many years in the reserve until he volunteered to serve in the war in Iraq. Franzis said his experiences in combat were positive. “For me it was a great experience, but a lot people don't have that same kind of experience; they come back with all kind of emotional and physical wounds,” Franzis said. “I got to meet some of the best people

IN UNIFORM Richard Franzis, Staples’ Assistant Principal, was in the Army Reserve for numerous years prior to serving with the U.S. Army in the Iraq War.

Photos contributed by Richard Franzis & Julie Heller Graphics by Melanie Lust ’19

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

13, 2017

Inklings

celebrates ties to Armed Forces I’ve ever met, I got to deal with diverse military background. people that I would never have gotten the “I always felt that it has been a part opportunity to deal with, people from of me, and that’s what I’m meant to do, to every state in the union, all different serve the country,” Marone said. “You are socioeconomic groups, all different races, fighting for what you believe, fighting to religions and creeds.” protect those to your left and right, those The head of the English department back home and for your loved ones.” at Staples, Julie Heller, served in the Marone plans to join a military school U.S. Air Force as a young adult after after graduating Staples, and aspires to graduating from high be a Navy officer. school a year early. Heller “I always felt that Later, he hopes described her experiences as to join the Naval it has been a part Special Warfare positive and life changing, saying, “I interacted with of me, and that’s community and people from all walks of life, become part of the what I’m meant people of different races and Sea, Air and Land to do, to serve the Team (SEAL) or religions. This really shaped me into a more open-minded, Special Warfare country.” understanding individual.” Combatant-Dylan Marone ’18 Craft Crewmen Heller has a true devotion to the military and believes that (SWCC) operator. “every young person in this “A b s o l u t e l y country should have to serve nothing is holding me back from joining,” before going to college, much like they do Marone explained. “The only concern I in Israel.” have is will I be a good officer.” In addition to faculty, Staples is filled Ida Nevstad ’19 doesn’t come from with students aspiring to serve their a military family, but she is keeping country and follow in footsteps similar her mind open to serving the country. to Franzis. Dylan Marone ’18 is just one Originally from England, Nevstad moved student who has dreamed of serving ever to the States just last year. Nevertheless, since he was in Kindergarten. He said he joining the United States military has was influenced by his family who has a crossed her mind. “I mainly want to get

my U.S. citizenship so that I will be able to join the army after college,” Nevstad said. Other Staples students say that they appreciate and respect their fellow Americans who serve and sacrifice their lives for their country, but don’t believe the military is the right path for them. Kevin Greer ’19 said it would be difficult for him to adjust to the rigorous, intense military lifestyle. “I completely respect and admire those who serve our country, but I don’t think joining the military would really be for me,” Greer said. Westport mom of two Staples students, Susan Arrow, doesn’t serve in the military, but she volunteers her time to show appreciation for the troops. For the past eight years, she and her family collect unwanted Halloween candy from locals, and then sends it to an organization called Operation Gratitude that distributes the candy to deployed troops. Soldiers may eat the candy, or choose to share it with the local kids they encounter. “I had heard about the idea of donating Halloween candy many years before I had kids, and it always stayed in the back of my mind,” Arrow said. “To me, it's a very small gesture to say ‘thank you’ to the men and women who allow us to live the safe, free lives that we do.”

(left to righ

STAPLES SERVES (left to right) In order to

serve in the U.S. Air Force, Julie Heller, Staples English Department Head, as well as her peers, needed photo validation that they recieved proper vaccinations. Franzis poses with his fellow soldiers with whom he served in Operation Iraqui Freedom. Heller began her time in the Air Force when she was 17 years old as she graduated high school one year early.

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

14 Features

November 13, 2017

Inklings

When dollar bills can fly: future of monetary exchanges revolutionized Kaya Leitner ’19

“D

on’t worry about paying me back tomorrow! Just Venmo me $10.” “Thanks for covering me. I’ll Venmo you half.” “If I lose the bet, I’ll Venmo you $5.” In the new era of monetary transactions, Venmo, an app that allows users to electronically transfer funds to friends, is now commonly utilized as a verb. N o checks a r e w rit ten. No tactile c a s h e xc ha nge d . The Venmo app connects to an individual’s credit card information, allowing transactions to be made directly from a smartphone. “Venmo has changed so much for me.

I use it easily everyday. It’s so easy because pose a plethora of advantages, Luke Welch I never have cash on me. Venmo is hooked ’19 has concerns. “Living in an affluent town like up to my personal account so it is money Westport, an I’ve earned my s e l f,” “But a lot of people use their app like Venmo can be pretty W i l l parents money and that’s a d a n g e r o u s . ,” Rosenthal Welch said. ’19 said. bad habit to fall into. Kids are “But a lot Access is so immediate so hooked up of people to their use their people don’t realize how parents parents much they are spending.” information, money ometimes a n d - Will Rosenthal ’19 seven without that’s a them knowing, bad habit and they are to fall into. Access is so immediate so people don’t blowing through money. People are losing the concept of money.” realize how much they are spending.” Another red flag potentially Lexy Barlow ’18, nicknamed “Venmo,” anticipates the app being associated with the popularity of Venmo is the ability for transactions to be calculated beneficial for college. “My senior shirt name was literally to the last cent. This preciseness is often Venmo,” Barlow said. “I’m notorious for compromised in person-to-person cash being the first name on everyone’s Venmo exchanges, as it may be cumbersome to list. It’s just so much easier. I rarely have count out $17.34 when you conveniently cash on me so it’s going to be helpful for have a twenty dollar bill. Some even fear Venmo will foster a college too.” While Venmo’s easy access seems to less charitable and gracious society. Mia

Kobylinski ’19 expressed this concern. “I guess you could say that Venmo makes people very calculated and when it comes to giving tips or transactions that are supposed to be philanthropic, people could potentially lose sight in the value of being g e n e r ou s ,” Koby l i n s k i s a i d . “However people do get to save money.” Sa ma nt ha Pacilio ’19 demonstrates distrust regarding Venmo because she is familiar with circumstances where users personal information was compromised as a result of the app. “My sisters friend had her account hacked and thousands of dollars were stolen,” Pacilio said. “People have to keep user safety in mind before obsessing over the app’s convenience. It can be really dangerous if people aren’t cautious.” Graphics by Liv Pines ’20 & Catherine Graham ’19

Support staff implements ‘Zen Den,’ fostering mindfulness social worker Katie Mahoney said. The den accomplishes this through its restriction of technology. Additionally, it houses many hands-on and mind activities such as puzzles, coloring and yoga. Additionally, this space was designed Feeling stressed? Swamped with to foster interaction and connection work? Need a quick break from the nonbetween students, teachers, counselors, stop grind of school? Enter the Zen Den. psychologists and social workers. In their In the past, if students wanted to proposal, the creators of the Zen Den had escape the dread of their school work, they the goal of “[increasing] the visibility of the might opt for a visit to the cafeteria, the school support staff […] and [decreasing] library or the crevices in the stairwells. the stigma sometimes associated with However, while these locations might accessing emotional support.” provide a temporary escape from a Carla Eichler, a Staples art teacher, has classroom setting, none of them stimulate taken advantage of the new opportunity. mindfulness or promote emotional “You can come in, you can sit, you can awareness. have a cup of tea, you can play with some Now, students Play-Doh have a new way to “You can come in, you can sit, and then unwind: the Zen Den, you can have a cup of tea, you can a technology-free go on you can play with some Playroom located within your way,” Doh and then you can go on the nurse’s office. Eichler While the guidance your way.” said. suite is compatible - Carla Eichler, art teacher Wit h for dealing with a “softemotional and anxiety opening,” as Eichler described it, the Zen discomfort, the Zen Den was specifically Den’s popularity across the school has crafted for the entire scope of the Staples spread. Mahoney reported there have community. No reservations are necessary been “over 100 visits from students and and students and staff are encouraged to staff in the first few weeks.” stop by anytime they may be in need of a quick cool down. School psychologists and social workers collaboratively worked to make RELAXATION (top to bottom) Evie Dockray ’20 is an avid Zen Den visitor, visiting up to three times a week. the Zen Den a reality. Their work was made Positive messages can be found scattered throughout the den. Students Alex Watzman ’21 and possible as a result of a grant from the PTA. Jamie Mann ’21 de-stress by partaking in kinesthetic activities. The Zen Den has many bean The Zen Den’s objective is to “provide a bags to accomodate comfortable seating. calm, mindful space for students and staff to take a break from the rush of daily life,” Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18 & Ben Pearl ’18

Ben Pearl ’18

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

Inklings

Features

November 13, 2017

Henna Club ‘hopes’ for an impact Nicole Shapiro ’18

“I saw an opportunity to create a club where students could learn how to explore their artistic abilities in the form of body art, and make a strong profit to donate from selling these services to the many consumers around Westport.”- Monique Prior ’19

(above) Henna is a customary temporary tattoo which originated in India and is worn typically on hands and feet at weddings and special events. (below) Artists use a paste in a tube to create the designs of their choice. Chloe Hankey ’19 shows off her original henna design on her hand.

(above) Members of the club are instructed on how to create their own henna designs like this one. (below) Group members including Sarah Sherts ’18, create their own designs on themselves.

Photos by Nicole Shapiro ’18

(above) President of Henna for Hope, Prior, uses henna ink to make a design on Sophie Betar ’18. Prior teaches the students how to become experts at creating henna either on themselves or on others. The club raises money by working at birthday parties around Fairfield County, so all their profits go towards supplies for the club and charities helping impoverished Indian communities.

Westport families employ individualized Thanksgiving customs Julia Lombardo ’20 & Ava Simunovic ’20

“The game gets really intense,” Gonzalez said. “My dad splits us all up on different teams, and we play small sided hanksgiving celebrations are games. Considering that we are all Spanish just around the corner. This and soccer obsessed, you can imagine the historical holiday welcomes forced atmosphere.” V i g n e s h conversations and inevitable hugs and ’20 kisses from that uncle that never washes his Kareddy clothes. It’s a time when many pay thanks also celebrates to the loved ones around them and indulge T h a n k s g i v i n g before their ever waiting “diet” begins. with a twist. family But most importantly, this time gives way His i n c o r p o rates to appreciating their surroundings and Indian traditions. family bonding. “ During To most American families, T h a nksgiving, Thanksgiving is a time for family, turkey, football and giving thanks, but Mia my family eats an Gonzalez ’20 has a more unconventional Indian dish called Biryani,” Kareddy celebration. “Being 50 percent Hispanic, my said. “It is a spicy rice family has always worked to incorporate with chicken that is the Spanish aspect of our lives within our marinated in a mixture c u l t u r e as American citizens,” of different spices.” Kareddy explains Gon z a lez he said. “Being 50 percent Hispanic, that and his T h e Gonzalez’s my family has always worked family value their Indian r e p l a c e to incorporate the Spanish heritage, and mashed p o t a t o e s aspect of our lives within our eating this meal on on their culture as American citizens.” such a special holiday makes them feel more dinner - Mia Gonzalez ’20 connected to their table with roots. manchego Other students cheese, tend to spend this uniquely American and instead of every family’s annual holiday traveling. Mathilda Arvidsson football game, they have a fútbol game.

’18, for one, said Thanksgiving is simply just a time to vacation with her family. “We either go somewhere in America, or we go back to Sweden, which we have done multiple times,” Arvidsson said. The Staples Community embodies a wide range of Thanksgiving celebrations. Each tradition, meal or activity that

students have is special to their families and themselves specifically. “I love the fact that my Thanksgiving is unique to my family and I,” Gonzalez said. “It makes it all the more sentimental to my family’s history.”

Graphic by Kathryn Howard ’19

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

Features

Inklings

November 13, 2017

Megan Laney cultures students, adults by sharing Syrian study abroad experiences Photo by Ellie Kravetz ’18

Daniel Harizman ’19

When Laney returned to the United States after her four-month journey, she found herself eager to share the experiences and struggles of the Syrian people. Since then, she has led public he initial signs of danger came in lectures at churches and senior citizen the form of protests and political homes, as well as discussions for many of demonstrations, as citizens revolted Staples students. Social studies teacher, against decades of regime rule in Muslim- Cathy Schager, has even invited Laney to dominated countries. As the Arab spring speak in class. advanced into the northern sectors of “[Laney] is actually perhaps the best the Middle East, developed cities were presenter I have ever had, even when decimated, societal order was erased, and she was 20. She knows how to impart ultimately, lives information to an were ravaged. audience,” Schager said. For Staples High “It is so powerful to see School alumni these images that she Megan Laney shows us and to talk ’09, this uprising about the fact that these symbolized the people were basically end of her studies her but in Syria. It’s abroad in Syria, very poignant.” and led her back Schager praises home to the Laney for “stepping safety of United outside of her States soil. boundaries.” She “I think -Megan Laney ’09 hopes that through the a lot of people presentations Laney who have never provides, students will been to the Middle East or have understand the importance of connecting never studied anything about Arabic with individuals who are different than culture, don’t understand what has been themselves as they do, in fact, share much happening,” Laney said. “We’re very quick in common. to judge the Middle East in general. I “The presentation was extremely don’t think people recognize all the small impactful. Hearing her stories was also negative outcomes of the war.” really empowering,” Ella de Bruijn ’18 Studying Arabic as a foreign language said. “[Laney] did something outside of at Middlebury College, Laney found her her comfort zone and learned so much passion for language and culture at a very from it. The people there and her fellow young age. Subsequently, Laney decided students were so warm and welcoming to study abroad in Syria for a semester, and their lives are/have been in danger for primarily because of its lack of American a while now.” cultural influence. Her journey began on Laney held a public presentation at the Jan. 25, 2011 but was cut short due to the Westport Center for Senior Activities on spread of the revolution. She returned Friday, Oct. 27 and will be holding lectures home in early April 2011. in Schager’s Contemporary World Studies “Even though I was only there for a classes again this upcoming academic couple months, I’m really glad that I was year. there at that time,” Laney said. “To be able “It’s important to talk about the to see it from the beginning, and to be normal people who are literally just trying able to live with people who broke out of to survive amidst all this chaos,” Laney their fear and started protesting was really said. “I just try to get the word out as much amazing. It’s an experience that doesn't get as possible, because even now, you don’t reported on the news.” really hear about Syria anymore.”

It’s an experience that doesn’t get reported on the news.”

LANEY’S JOURNEY (above) Megan Laney ’09 studied abroad in Syria to further her Arabic studies. (left) The inside of Aleppo’s Citadel overlooks the city. Laney studied here to explore its lack of American cultural influence.

(above) Laney made many friends from her time in Syria. One of her friend’s family was murdered last year when a bomb was dropped on their home by the Syrian military. (left) Laney and her friends got involved in many protests in rallies while in Syria. One included a pro-government rally. Photos contributed by Megan Laney ’09

STAPLES HIGH SCHOOL | inklingsnews.com

Inklings

November 13, 2017

Sports

Family, regional ties foster fan loyalty

Jack Caldwell ’18

ames Dolan. Woody Johnson. Fred Wilpon. These are a few of the many bad local sports team owners who run dysfunctional organizations such as the New York Knicks, Jets and Mets. However, despite these teams’ woes, some say that they’ve never been more popular. According to Forbes, the Knicks are the NBA’s most valuable team. Tickets to see the Jets and Mets are some of the most expensive in their leagues, and their apparel is always a top seller. So why do we as fans root for these miserable teams, none of which have won a championship since 1986? Why do we choose to put up with the dysfunction and heartbreak? Above everything else, city loyalty is the most important reason why I, like many

fans, stick with awful sports teams. Hometown pride brings family, friends and fans together. According to the New York Times, “The only thing we control as fans is the object and ardor of our devotion. And this unilateral covenant, however absurd, constitutes a vital expression of who we really are.” A home region creates an identity, and sticking with that sports team is part of how we identify ourselves. When I attended my first Knicks game at Madison Square Garden in 2010, I was forever sold. Already a fan, feeling New York’s heartbeat pounce throughout a singular arena that night was an experience like no other. The unforgettable joy the Knickerbockers brought me when I was young makes it impossible to switch. As a basketball fan growing up just outside of New York, rooting for the Knicks is just impossible to avoid. City loyalty is not the only

my family’s team since their inception thing that brings fans back to bad sports in the early-60’s, and that’s a sense of teams each season. For many, it’s family family tradition that can’t be abandoned. heritage. “My Mets family goes back to Sports have been integrated into my grandpa, who was a New York Giants America’s society unlike anything else, fan until they moved [to San Francisco and the passion and history only grows in 1958],” Cole Devine ’18, one of many each year. So maybe I am wasting suffering Mets fans, said. “One time when my money when I buy a Knicks or a I was younger, I cried and asked my dad Jets jersey. I could why we had to be “When I was younger, I cried switch, especially in Mets fans. But I football, with better never considered and asked my dad why we options nearby. But s w it ch i ng.” had to be Mets fans. But I the hometown pride, I don’t never considered switching.” childhood memories know when I - Cole Devine ’18 and family history that watched my come with rooting for first Jets game, my teams is indescribable and will always but it was around 2005. In those 12-plus be a part of me. So when the Knicks seasons of football since, only about two win 20 games this year, and the Jets are remembered joyously. But of course, I continue their incompetent ways, there’s will never switch to the crosstown nothing I will do about it. Like most fans, Giants, who have been far more rooting for these teams is just who I am. successful. The Jets have been

Graphic by Evie Dockray ’20

Team spirit unites players as they head into postseason Camryn Ragland ’18

Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18

At the end of the last football practice before the homecoming game, AJ Konstanty ’20 was putting his cleats in his bag and taking off his helmet when the captains told the team that they had to shave their heads into mohawks over the weekend. That Saturday, Konstanty went to his barbershop to brand himself with a mohawk and a Staples block “S” signifying his loyalty to the team. Being on a sports team brings students together with the goal of victory, but it also creates an atmosphere of comradery. As teams progress in their seasons, some unify with traditions. Like the football team, boys’ and girls’ soccer, girls’ and boys’ lacrosse, as well as girls’ track and field also embrace crazy hairstyles for the FCIAC and state tournaments. “Shaving our heads brings the team together because the players themselves shave each other’s hair making it a bonding experience,” Chris Martenson ’18, boys’ soccer co-captain, said. “And it makes us more united since we all get mohawks together, something that most players would not get otherwise.” This tradition for the boys’ soccer team has been in place for many years. “Our coach, who played for Staples years ago, remembers the same tradition,” Timmy Liles ’18, boys’ soccer player, said. The girls’ soccer team started a tradition of getting their hair braided into cornrows in 2014 right before the beginning

of the FCIAC tournament. That year, the team won the FCIAC championship and credited their success to the cornrows. This tradition has been in place ever since. “We’ve had this tradition since my freshman year, and we hope to win another medal with cornrows on our heads,” Anna Sivinski ’18, girls’ soccer co-captain said. Though many teams do have long standing traditions, the ones that don’t often wish that they did. Henry Haas ’19, cross country runner, loves these traditions and wants to see them find a place in his team’s postseason. “The varsity cross country runners are all very close, but it would be good to have a way to integrate upperclassmen and underclassmen,” Haas said. “I feel like having a team bonding tradition like mohawks would be a good way of doing this.” The girls’ volleyball team takes a different route in their postseason traditions by showing spirit in their socks. “For postseason games, our team likes to wear really fun socks,” Carlie Darefsky ’18, girls’ volleyball captain, said. “Although it might seem like a small thing, it’s a great way to lighten the pressure of these really big and stressful FCIAC/state matches.” Whatever the teams decide to do, the student body certainly enjoys the display of the athletes donning their latest team bonding creation before the big games. “I think it’s cool that teams come together by getting mohawks or cornrows,” Logan Varsano ’19 said. “It shows how good our sports teams are for making it into the postseason and how close they are.”

SPIRITED HAIR (clockwise from top left) Christopher Martenson ’18, Marlo Von der Ahe ’20, Brendan Lynch ’20 and Sami Levin ’19 show off their new hairstyles. The girls’ soccer team got cornrows heading into FCIACs, while the boys’ soccer team dyed their hair blonde. Even Levin, the teams’ manager, engages in the post-season festivities.

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Inklings

November 13, 2017

Girls’ soccer falls in FCIAC championship

Isa Didio ’18

he Wreckers fell 1-0 to St. Joe’s in the FCIAC championship game, which took place on Friday, Nov. 3 at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. The game ended frantically, with the Wreckers initially believing that they had scored in the final seconds off a corner kick from Julia Lombardo ’20, but the referee ruled that the ball hit the football field-goal crossbar, which is considered out of play. Many of the Wreckers, including goalie Anna Sivinski ’18, were initially unaware of the game’s results.

“I was a bit confused as to what after tying St. Joe’s in the last game of the referee was calling because I didn’t the regular season. In the quarterfinal initially see the play. After hearing the call, round of the FCIAC tournament, Staples I felt extremely defeated d e f l a t e d , ” “After hearing the call, I felt Wilton 2-0 Sivinski said. extremely deflated. However, at home. Five “However, I days later, am extremely I am extremely proud of the they beat proud of the team and all the hard work R idgef ield team and all 1-0 in the the hard work they put in.” sem i-f i nal they put in.” round. - Anna Sivinski ’18 T h e Despite Wreckers earned the number one seed in the the loss, attacker Ashley Wright ’19 FCIAC tournament by way of a tiebreaker believes the Wreckers are prepared

to bounce back and take on the state tournament as the number four seed. “We are preparing for every state’s game like any other game,” Wright said. “We know we have to work hard and play our game in order to win and we are hoping to finish the season with a state championship.” Attacker Arianna Gerig ’20 believes that the loss will serve as a motivation for the team to succeed. “The loss only makes us want to win states even more,” Gerig said. “The team is going to come out with more fire to win.”

Photos contributed by Staples girls’ soccer

A. The Wreckers huddle before their 1-0 win in the semi-finals against Ridgefield. B. Captain Anna Sivinski ’18 punts the ball and protects her goal in the FCIAC final against St. Joe’s.

C. Captain Sally McGee ’18 looks to clear the ball to secure the team’s win. D. Ashely Wright ’19 scored the lone goal against Ridgefield in the FCIAC semi-final.

Hockey team aims for a comeback season

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Lu st ’ ie cb yM ela n Gr ap hi

The Wreckers will be benefitted by the growth of head coach Chris Avena The Staples boys’ hockey team, in his second season. Players like Bloom only two seasons removed from believe that having a year under his competing in a state championship belt will be beneficial for the program. game, is hungry for more. “He's much more confident in his In the 2015-2016 season, the coaching ability this year,” Bloom said. Wreckers played the state championship Many believed last season to be game at Yale’s Hockey stadium, otherwise a rebuilding year for the Wreckers. known as “The Whale.” The Wreckers “Last year we had a lot of guys trying hope to get back there this season. out new positions in order to recover “The team expectation is nothing from the loss of the seniors from the short of winning a ring,” captain year before,” Casten Ernberg ’18 said. Sam New ’18 said. “We've got a taste Gray echoed the growing pains the of what a state championship game Wreckers dealt with last year. “I think last is like [and] now we've got the feast.” year taught us that we can’t be complacent,” This season Gray said. “It “We’ve got a taste of will be different for reminded us of the Wreckers; they what a state championthe huge amount will return back ship game is like [and] now of work that goes to the Division III into getting to the conference after we’ve got the feast.” Whale like we did a year playing two years ago.” - Sam New ’18 in Division The team is II. This will be an adjustment for engaging in rigorous off-season training the Wreckers who were unable to to make it back to the playoffs. “We’re in qualify for playoffs in Division II. the gym two times a week,” Bloom said. While this switch may seem beneficial “Everyone is far more focused than last year.” for the Wreckers, captain Brian Gray ’18 While the Wreckers believe they will recognizes that they still have to work rebound this season, Gray admits there is hard. “We are still going to play many still work to be done. “There’s a lot of stuff we of the same teams we played last year,” can improve upon,” Gray said. “The biggest Gray said. “We still need to play at a very areas are probably our defensive zone high level if we want to be successful.” coverage and getting quality shots on goal.” The Wreckers will no longer have Ernberg seconded the need for a Co-Op with Weston and Shelton, due a better defense. “Now that our guys to an increase in Staples players. With are more seasoned and experienced the loss of so many Weston and Shelton in high school game situations, we are players from last year, the Wreckers are looking to load up our defense with two working hard on their team comradery or three strong lines,” Ernberg said. this offseason. “A lot of us are playing on While the Wreckers aim to get back to a club team together to build chemistry the glory of “The Whale” at Yale University, and get ready to play together this season,” one thing is for sure in Bloom’s eyes: “This Zack Bloom ’18, the captain goalie, said. is a very big season for Staples Hockey.”

Jackson Daignault ’18

Inklings

Sports

November 13, 2017

Pines looks to squash opponents in final season Alex Reiner ’18 & Liv Ronca ’18

eading into her senior season, Julia Pines ’18 will rep a C on her squash jersey. However, the road leading to her captainship was not pretty.

Prior to her initial season, she had never picked up a squash racket before. She began playing the sport when her friend, former Staples student and squash captain, Mia Krishnamurthy, who is now a junior at Choate Rosemary Hall, convinced her to play during the team’s inaugural season. Pines was a tennis player and felt the skills she had acquired in that sport would translate, but originally they didn’t. Her inexperience showed, Pines admitted, during her first ever match when she was a sophomore. She described the match as “terrible.” Pines had difficulty making solid contact and even hitting the ball back to her opponent. “I lost so badly. I was so overwhelmed and the girls were so intense. It was overall a mess,” Pines said. Pines has come a long way since her embarrassing first match. She is now one of Staples’ top players, according to co-captain, Alex Gold ’18. “I think she’ll perform well,” Gold said. “Right now she’s in the top three and will have some good matches.” Coach Whitney Stewart also had nothing but praise for Pines as both a player and a captain. “Julia is dedicated,” she said. “She showed up to nearly everything possible during

Photos by Charles Colasurdo ’18

the season and without prompting was there early and always present mentally. You can’t teach that.” Her teammates echoed this praise and believe she can live up to her potential. “I know that Julia has been practicing year round so she will definitely be high on “She showed up the ladder and to nearly everything be a tough c o m p e t i t o r possible during the to beat this season and withyear,” Leigha out prompting was Dear ’19 said. there early and H e r always present success is no coi ncidence. mentally. You can’t “Julia is a teach that.” determined - Coach and committed Whitney Stewart s q u a s h athlete,” Gold said. “She’s been playing a lot recently and improving her technique and strategy.” All of this hard work and dedication to the sport will hopefully pay off for Pines with a successful senior season, for both her and the team. “We look good. We have a lot of new people and a lot of new freshmen who are really athletic who are already picking up the game,” Pines said. Pines said the team had a successful season last year, and said Greens Farms Academy (GFA) was their most exciting match. In their beginning years, the Wreckers were unable to beat GFA; however, the Wreckers were able to put an end to this tradition last season. When asked which match the team and herself were looking forward to playing most this season, Pines said the date circled on their calendars is Rye High School. “[They] are our biggest rival because we’ve played them every year and everyone’s had really close matches against them,” she said. All of the hard work, dedication and leadership will be put to the test when Pines and the rest of the varsity squad take on Rye High School for their first match of the season on Nov. 29.

TEARING UP THE COURT A. Julia Pines ’18 poses for a picture with co-captain Alex Gold ’18. The pair have been playing together for three years. B. Pines ’18, third on the varsity ladder for girls’ squash, prepares to backhand swing the ball. She started squash as a sophomore and has risen through the ranks to become varsity captain.

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November 13, 2017

Sports

Inklings

The girls’ volleyball team ended their regular season with a 10-6 record. They lost in the FCIAC quarter finals 3-2 on Nov. 1 against Ridgefield. This placed them 15th in the state tournament which began on Nov. 6. Vanessa Eng ’18 made first team all FCIAC and Eng, Amanda Troelstra ’18 and Anastasija Perri ’18 were invited to play in an FCIAC senior all-star game. Photos by Ellie Kravetz ’18

HUDDLE UP

Staples’ starting lineup includes Carlie Darefsky ’18 who, despite a torn ACL, played the first few seconds of the game.

STAPLES SERVES Outside hitter Mackenzie Lesher ’18 serves the ball. In the first round of the FCIAC, she tallied eight kills.

READY, SET

Perri sets the ball to middle hitter Troelstra to prepare for a spike.

WINDING UP

Helena Knoll ’18 tosses the ball in preparation for a serve. The team has an overall record, playoffs included, of 12-7.

ASSIST

Eng and Legg ’20 cover for Troelstra after an assist from Perri. COVER AND COOPERATE

Back row Mallory Legg ’20 prepares to cover for Troelstra, who had one block.

SENIOR SPIRIT

(pictured from left to right) Emily Bass ’18, Vanessa Eng ’18, Amanda Troelstra ’18, Helena Knoll ’18, Anastaija Perri ’18, Mackenzie Lesher ’18 and Carlie Darefsky ’18 participate in Senior Day festivities before their 3-0 loss to St. Joe’s.

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