turn to page 9 to see what iconic movie poster your favorite teachers are recreating
Media
Behind the Scenes
6-7 Two Weeks 'Til...
Staples Players gears up to perform "James and the Giant Peach," while the basketball team reflects on their 2023-24 season.
8 Take 5: Staples' Ways to De-stress
Students share five ways they decompress after a stressful school day.
In the Spotlight
10-11 Westport on the Silver Screen
Take a cinematic tour through four Hollywood films set or shot in Westport and neighboring towns.
12 Staples' Rising Stars
Actor Cameron Mann ’24 and filmmaker Will Stout ’26 share their experiences in the film industry.
Not Like the Movies
14 High School: Expectations v. Reality
Ava Chun '25 compares her experience as a Staples student to Hollywood's portrayal of high school.
16 Paige's Picks: High School Movies
Paige Tighe '24 recommends three movies to watch before graduating high school.
Photo by Mia Bomback
Live from 70 North Ave: it's WWPT and STV
Caroline Zajac'25 Assistant Business Manager
It all starts with, “Welcome to the studios of 70 North Ave.” In the bustling halls of Staples High School, something incredible is brewing behind closed doors.
Behind the scenes of Staples, lies a hub of creativity within the student body – Staples' very own radio and TV production studio, which has been widely regarded as one of the best high school productions in the country. e mastermind of it all?
Radio and television production teacher Geno Heiter.
Since coming to Staples nine years ago, one of Heiter’s main goals for these classes has been to push kids to step outside of their comfort zone and enhance student learning and engagement.
“Mr. Heiter is the perfect teacher for these classes because he helps you build a foundation where you feel con dent enough to start speaking to everyone around you,” Elise Eisenberger ’24 said. ese classes give students the opportunity to improvepublic speaking ability and get comfortable in the spotlight.
gories in a nation-wide award show in Naperville, Illinois. e 2023 Drury Broadcaster of the Year, Charlie Scott ’24, believes that the radio and TV classes at Staples bring people together.
The station and the classes and Heiter himself bring a lot of people together.”
“Stepping outside of your comfort zone in radio or TV production class has changed the Staples’ environment because it goes hand-in-hand with ‘student voice,'" Heiter said.
And their e orts have been rewarded. 70 North’s radio and TV shows have been nominated for 16 Drury awards in 2023, and won three cate-
- Charlie Scott'24
“If it weren't for the radio station I would never talk to people like Elise Eisenberger or Aidan Parnes [seniors who are part of the Clean-up Crew], yet they’re some of my best friends now,” Scott said. “ e station and the classes and Heiter himself bring a lot of people together.”
One of the lead broadcasters on Clean-Up Crew for STV, Eisenberger has been heavily involved in TV production for one year and radio for three.
“You have no idea how many things you will learn and how much you will grow by trying something new,” she said. “So do it. Step out of your comfort zone.”
After all, there is no WWPT or STV without the student body.
According to Heiter, “It’s you guys [the students] who make it special.”
IN THE STUDIO
Students work together in order to produce the radio show.
PREP WORK
Students get the chance to work with radio teacher Geno Heiter before they go on air.
Infographic by Catie Campagnino'26
Photos by Zoe Boxenbaum'25
Calling Action?
Meet the crew: get to know our administration
Ava
Coyle '25
Social Media Manager
Atop the director’s chair sits Principal Stafford W. Thomas Jr., calling the shots for the entire Staples High School cast and crew. The producers: Assistant Principals James Farnen for the class of 2027, Christine Cincotta for the class of 2026, Patrick Micinilio for the class of 2025 and Micah Lawrence for the class of 2024 help Thomas maintain production quality. While on the track to becoming a doctor, Thomas decided that path was no longer for him.
"I went pre-med into college, but I couldn’t stand the classes. I found out quite early that that wasn’t something that I wanted to do ultimately,” Thomas said. “But, I got into administration through my masters program and working in schools. It was something that I felt naturally was always kind of a fit.”
cotta and Micinilio knew they wanted to work in a school. Cincotta’s mother, a teacher, influenced her love for school , which ultimately led to her becoming an A.P. For Micinilio, his seventh grade science teacher was the one who opened his eyes to the world of teaching.
"He was a great teacher, but he was also a human being,” Micinilio said. “That was the first time I saw a teacher who cared about me and cared about his students. Not that my earlier teachers didn’t, but there was a special connection with him.”
- Christine Cincotta “
We always have to be prepared for the unexpected.”
No one day looks exactly the same for Thomas and his production crew. However, there is some semblance of routine to their day: Farnen and Thomas start each morning off by greeting the students at the drop off door.
they are not greeting students or sitting through a slew of meetings, their days are a bit less predictable. They might find themselves meeting with a student, a teacher or attending a 504/IEP meeting.
"We always have to be prepared for the unexpected,” Cincotta said. “Your day is never what it looks like on the calen- dar. You might know some predictable things but there is always something else.”
Thomas' next task will be finalizing the plan for March’s standardized testing. This will consist of him meeting with the various committees and seeking advice or assistance from his colleagues. The teams' goal is to be well prepared, planning events months in advance. Their main goal is to make sure the students get the most benefit out of the experience as possible. Schedules for the class of 2029 may seem in the very far future to us, but not this play's director.
As for a couple assistant principals, working in the education sector was always the plan. Growing up, both Cin-
The producers also have two weekly meetings. On Monday mornings, the team meets in Thomas’ conference room to plan for the upcoming week. Friday morning meetings are more student-centered, focusing on what's happening in every grade. When
"We’ve already planned the day for the incoming freshman to visit Staples in late May," Thomas said. “Even now,[...] we’re getting ready
Principal Stafford W. Thomas Jr. originally went premed before deciding to pursue a career in education.
Photoby CaitlinJacob'24
BEHIND THE SCENES
2WEEKS
The Show
Andi Jacobs ’26 Web Features Editor
Two months of rehearsals. Five days per week. Three hours per day. Three months became two; two months became one; four weeks became three; three weeks became two. With only 14 days until Opening Night, the show is finally taking shape. In these last, crucial hours of rehearsal, members of Staples Players go above and beyond to make sure everything is perfect. With only two weeks until showtime, Players’cast and crew-members complete tech week. They add finishing touches to lighting, and pause the scenes whenever the crew needs to make adjustments.
“[I love] being able to see each scene and each dance number come to life [during tech week],” Catherine Betit ’26 said. The next week is called the Week of Wonder (WOW). Formerly known as “hell week,” these days are crunch time for Players; students
sometimes leave school early to set up, and each rehearsal lasts until 8 or 9 p.m. As they include smaller details such as microphones and hair and makeup for the first time.
“
“It’s mentally, physically and time consuming, but it’s all worth it in the end, and honestly one of my favorite parts of the process,” Sorel Kennedy ’25 said. “I can make up school work but nothing could really replace the feeling of WOW.”
honey, using a personal sinus steam inhaler and avoiding certain foods, in the weeks leading up to a performance such as caffeine and dairy are bad for vocals, so it is smart to not eat these in the weeks leading up to a performance.
The cast and crew develop a nice sense of community."
- Kaya Arava '24
To make WOW a little less intense, the Players engage in a tradition that they call “buddies.” Each member of the company is randomly assigned another person to anonymously give gifts to every day of the week. This tradition helps them form bonds with one another.
“We are spending a lot of time with each other so the cast and crew develop a nice sense of community,” Kaya Arava ’24 said. “With the tradition of buddies and the upcoming shows, there is always something to look forward to.”
It is also important for each individual to feel ready for their role. During the weeks leading up to the show, actors prepare by taking naps, drinking tea and
“During the performances, I find myself doing a lot of these ‘rituals’ to prepare,” Kennedy said. “I don’t know if they really do help all that much, but if it helps me to get in the right headspace, that’s all that matters.”
Minutes before the curtain opens, every cast member meets in the black box, a mini theater used for smaller productions. They complete tongue twisters that help them focus and annunciate their lines. Their other rituals, led by the seniors, help the group feed off of each other’s energy. They do some breathing exercises and generally try to support their friends.
“I feel a lot of adrenaline and excitement in the hours before,” Kennedy said, “but by the time curtains open, I’ve gotten really focused, and that adrenaline becomes concentrated in my performance.”
Photos contributed by Kerry Long & Harry McLaughlin ’26
WEEKS TILL... The
Game
Storey Ahl ’25 Staff Writer
Lights. Camera. Tipoff.
For the Staples boys’ basketball team, the sport they spend their winter playing is more than just a game. The team essentially spends the entire year gearing up for the season, and it all begins with their mentalities and the community that they have built.
Throughout the spring and summer, the team’s offseason coach holds open gym sessions for an hour before school, twice a week, for anyone to show up and play. There are clinics to attend on Friday nights. The team also plays in summer and fall leagues against other teams in the area. The Staples boys’ varsity basketball head coach, David Goldshore, leads off-season training sessions for any and all players.
the junior varsity and varsity teams went away for a weekend at the beginning of the season in December to Camp Arrow Wood in the Berkshires, Massachusetts for team bonding. They spent time practicing together for the upcoming season.
“[The camp] allows us to build stronger relationships with each other and become more than just teammates,” team captain Adam Udell ’25 said.
As soon as the season began, the team went into full force with intense practices in preparation for game days.
to one another, whether it's coaches to players, or players to coaches and coaches to coaches and players to players.”
Team chemistry is the most important factor when it comes to truly being succssful
“When two teams are the same skill level, it’s usually the intangibles that are the
We focus a lot on bringing energy and intensity each and every day."
“Officially, the season starts on Dec. 1,” Goldshore said. “But our goal is to really provide an environment where people can improve and player development can occur 365 days a year.”
- Adam Udell '25 “
“We focus a lot on bringing energy and intensity each and every day,” Udell said. “We always use the saying ‘a quiet gym is a losing gym’ which forces us to bring intensity into each drill. This motivates everyone on the court to work their hardest during practice which sets us up for success in the game.”
Throughout the season, the team talks a lot about their core values.
Last year, the program started a tradition where both
“We work on our intensity and [make] sure that one of the core values is accountability,” Goldshore said, “so making sure that we’re all accountable
that got us this far.”
Photos contributed by Mark Sikorski
take
5 What students do to destress
Alexis Jacobs ‘26 Staff Writer
Kate Rodriguez 25
Dance is a mix between physical stress of a sport and emotional expression of art. Kate Rodriguez dances two hours a day for five days a week. She finds that having dedication to dance is great for her mental health. It distracts her mind from stressors such as school, and forces her to be present in the moment. In addition, because dance requires a lot of athletic skill and dedication, she finds that the exercise aspect of dance puts her in a better mood overall. “It’s a fun way to let out some energy,” Rodriguez said.
Nora Ismael ’27
Nora Ismael enjoys making oil paintings, playing both classical and jazz saxophone and piano. Art is a way to make her ideas tangible. She says it is challenging work, but a great way to distract her mind. She practices her instruments everyday after school, and works on her paintings on the weekends. In the last six months, she has created a few big oil paintings. Her inspiration typically comes from negative emotion. “Art often allows me to get closure on experiences that I’m not able to get closure on in real life,” Ismael said.
Thomas Feeley ’26
Thomas Feeley enjoys playing video games as a way of relaxing. He thinks this form of relaxation is better than watching TV or play ing on your phone because it actually takes strate- gy. In addition, video games can be social; Feeley often plays with his friends. Video games actually take large amounts of focus, which distracts your mind from negative stress in your life, and can be seen as a mindful activity. “It’s fun and distracts from the world around you without frying your brain as much as TikTok,” Feeley said.
Kate Bulkeley ’26
Kate Bulkeley finds that devoting time to her religion is a great way to put her stress into perspective. Bulkeley also enjoys writing her prayers in a journal and reading the Bible at night, allowing her to reflect on her day and feelings. As the president of Bible Club at Staples, she finds a community through her religious dedication. “When I pray or read my Bible, I can find comfort in knowing somebody is listening to me, and somebody is there for me,” Bulkeley said.
Tucker Peters
’24
Tucker Peters enjoys hanging out with his sailing teammates and community. In addition, he finds that when he trains physically, he is more productive and motivated, making school less stressful. Peters is also in numerous volunteer organizations such as SLOBS, and attends meetings with the entrepreneurship community in town. He finds that volunteering for the community has allowed him to meet new people. “Sports and a good community are critical to your mental health,” Peters said.
Photocontributedby
Tucker Peters ’24
Photoby Ale xis Jacobs ’ 26
Photo contributed by Kate Bulkeley ’26
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
From Compo to Main:
Zoe Boxenbaum ’25 Broadcast Director
Is Westport the new Hol-
the ideal location to capture the timeless charm of a quintessential New England town. Not only do filmmakers rely
“Caravan” is an upcoming film shot primarily in Weston. It follows a diabetic named Greg who makes his way from Brooklyn to Toronto in search of affordable insulin alongside his ex-fiance and 20 other diabetics seeking the same life-savin 2025. “Caravan” features scenes shot at Old Bluebird Garage and Olde Blue Bird Inn in Easton as well as several private residences in Weston.
million dollars,” lead produc er and “Caravan” star Sharina Martin said, “having people welcome us with open arms in Weston has been so wonderful.”
Graphic by
Graphics by
AlexGaines '
Westport, Fairfield County captivates the silver screen
3. "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" (2008)
“The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2” follows four childhood friends, bonded by a pair of “perfect” jeans. The film was shot at Compo Beach, Main Street and the Westport Country Playhouse (WCP),
among other Connecticut locations in the summer of 2007.
Warner Bros. Pictures transformed WCP’s historic barn into fictional “Village Theater Arts’’ in Somerset, Vermont.
“More than 100 artists –
cast members, directors, designers, camera men, plus props, scenic, lighting and sound crews – brought a different kind of creative energy to [WCP’s] campus,” WCP Archivist Bruce Miller said.
Photo by Mishi Khamish'28
Will Stout '26
discovered his love for film editing during basketball season. After receiving a camera and lens for his 15th birthday he started attending and filming the games. Aside from filming basketball highlights that are featured on his Instagram page, @wsprodz, Stout enjoys filming for football and lacrosse and hopes to include baseball this spring.
“My favorite sport to edit definitely depends on how each team is doing,” Stout said. “But if I had to choose, it would probably be basketball to film and then football to edit.”
Stout has also filmed for local stores and companies including clothing store Rhone, THC cannabis drink Cann, local AAU girls’ basketball clubs, Norwalk sports facility The Sports Haus and the Stamford Police Department.
Stout credits a lot of his success to Staples classes like Advanced Video Editing.
“Mr. Heiter shaped my organizational skills when it came to editing,” Stout said. “He improved my work ethic and he was and is still a very supportive person regarding my editing.”
Rising Stars Unveiled:
Meet Staples’ talented actors and filmmakers
Madison Mayr ’24
Sports Editor
Cameron Mann '24
began his acting career when he was 8 years old at community theater Center Stage in Westport. Since then, Mann starred in his first film in 2017 and played roles for television companies such as Lifetime, Netflix, NBC, ABC and HBO. Most recently, Mann acted in episode of “Law & Order: SVU” that aired in February.
Mann also has an active role in Staples Players. “Players has also prepared me very well for my professional acting career,” he said. “I’ve learned to be a lot more comfortable performing in front of people and I’ve also gained experience working behind the scenes as I am now a senior manager of the props crew."
by Storey Ahl ’25
Actor Cameron Mann ’24 and filmmaker Will Stout ’26 share their passion and experience in the entertainment industry.
Photos
Photo dramatization by Alex Gaines ’25
NOT LIKE THE MOVIES
Movies vs real life: debunking Hollywood's flawed“reality”
Ava Chun ’25
Arts Editor
As I dream about speeding across the city in my dad’s red 1961 Ferrari with my two best friends, ditching school, I think about sneaking onto a parade oat as I star in a musical number. But in reality, I’m stuck in Ferris Bueller’s classroom—“Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?”—while my teacher drones on and on about some formula. Which one? Couldn’t tell you.
I grew up watching the classics: “Ferris Bueller’s Day O ,” “Clueless,” “High School Musical,” “Mean Girls,” “Back to the Future” and of course “ e Breakfast Club.” I watched Ferris cut school without a problem, Cher and Dionne sport the most extravagant and expensive out ts to school everyday and the Plastics bully their way to the top of the food chain.So, my expectations for high school had been fully formed by Hollywood misrepresentations.
thought of studying was never to be seen. e Plastics were far more concerned about wearing coordinated out ts than they were about studying for the SAT. And yet, in my Staples reality, every day there is more homework, more tests and more drama…and not enough “We Wear Pink” Wednesdays (right, Regina George?).
But just because high school isn’t exactly like the films I saw on my TV as a child, it doesn’t mean that I can’t make the most of it.
- Ava Chun '25
I was absolutely thrilled about the idea of breaking into song at lunch everyday. But seeing as I’m sitting in the cafeteria and the only thing remotely close to singing and dancing is people making TikToks, I’d say that this is not at all what 11-year-old Ava had imagined.
In “Mean Girls,” the
But of course, I still make time to party and go out late on school nights… in my dreams. Instead, I'm sitting in my room studying until 3 a.m. From school, to tutoring to dance classes, there’s barely any time to sleep, let alone hang out with my friends. If only I could be more like Cher and her e ortless picture-perfect mornings. She would get up at 4 a.m and run for an e ortless ve miles without breaking a sweat. en she would hop in the shower before enjoying a 5-course breakfast, while still managing to get her makeup and out t together in just two minutes. I, on the other hand, wake up at 7:15 a.m., barely have enough time to grab a granola bar for the road and run around forever trying to pick out the most comfortable out t.
In the movies, every makeover montage ends with the invisible, nerdy teen girl
hardest years of our lives. You can use movies for inspiration, but don’t be afraid to go o script and nd your own happy ending rmly rooted in reality.
blossoming into a beautiful and con dent woman just because she takes her hair out of her ponytail and replaces her glasses with contacts. I ditched my Invisalign and switched to contacts, but I’m still feeling invisible. So where is my “Cinderella” story complete with Chad Micheal Murray? I would really like to know! But just because high school isn’t exactly like the lms I saw on my TV as a child, it doesn’t mean that I can’t make the most of it. So, instead of being the queen bee of high school, I can just be myself while doing my best to manage school and other obstacles that life brings me. And instead of longing for our perfect high school fantasies, we can all learn to love ourselves as we embark on the
we embark on the
Graphics by
Angelina Matra '25 and
Storey
Ahl '25
Paige Tighe ’24 Editor-in-Chief
3 movies that got me through high school :)
As I approach my final months at Staples, I find myself reminiscent of all of the memories I made and hardships I overcame. Movies have served as steadfast companions through every high and low of my high school experience. Thus, I have curated a list of my top threecoming-of-age films that I believe embody real aspects of my teen experience.
he erks f eing a allflower (2012)
Based on the novel by Stephen Chbosky, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” follows the story of an introverted high school freshman, Charlie, navigating the complexities of adolescence. Through poignant letters to an anonymous friend, he explores themes of friendship, mental health and self-discovery, offering a raw portrayal of the challenges and joys of growing up. Like Charlie, I faced my own battles with mental health throughout high school. Witnessing Charlie eventually reach out for help reassured me that I could overcome my own challenges. Whether they’re family, friends, mentors or even a pet, everyone has someone that cares for them. This movie serves as a reminder that none of us have to face our struggles alone.
erris ueller’s ay ff (1986)
In “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” the cunning high school senior, Ferris Bueller, orchestrates an elaborate scheme to skip school, leading to a whirlwind day of unexpected adventures with his friends. Throughout their day, they outwit his school’s principal and revel in a day of freedom. This witty film serves as a reminder to teenagers about the importance of embracing spontaneity, friendship and the pursuit of joy amidst the pressure of academic life. This movie inspired me to find a balance between my academic commitments and my personal endeavors. Establishing this balance, allowed me to embrace the joy of being 17. After all, “life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
he dge f eventeen (2016)
“The Edge of Seventeen” follows the turbulent life of high school junior Nadine as she explores the complexities of adolescence, grappling with friendship, family dynamics and romantic relationships. Throughout high school, a particular quote from this movie has resonated deeply with me: “the worst part about being a teenager is everything feels like the end of the world.” At Staples, the pressure to excel academically and in extracurriculars has always been palpable. But recalling Nadine’s quote, I realized this feeling was common among teens. We often fear failure and see every setback as catastrophic. It was only when I shifted my mindset to embrace failure and learn from mistakes that I began to overcome the paralyzing feeling of impending doom that had plagued me throughout high school.
Graphics by Katie Hannon ‘25 & Olivia Signorile ‘25
SUPPLEMENT STAFF
Editors-In-Chief
Genevieve Frucht, Paige Tighe Paper Managing Editors
Mia Bomback, Nina Bowens, Katherine Phelps Creative Directors
Catie Campagnino, Hannah Salpeter Behind the Scenes Editors
Jack Robinson, Demi Sasson In the Spotlight Editor
Lily Hultgren
Not Like the Movies Editors
Storey Ahl, Zoe Boxenbaum Advisers
Joseph Delgobbo, Mary Elizabeth Fulco
CREDITS:
More About Us
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Guess the Movie Poster
pg. 5 = Home Alone pg. 9 = The Breakfast Club pg. 13 = The Hangover pg. 17 = Mean Girls
Photos and graphics by Nina Bowens '25 and Mia Bomback '25
Professional training to make your ACTING AND FILMMAKING career begin.
BRAVO TO NINA BOWENS AND THE ENTIRE WINTER SUPPLEMENT TEAM!
Join The Acting Gym Summer Film Program
• Over four weeks, we will produce a feature film and over a dozen short films
• Learn about every aspect of filmmaking in front of and behind the camera
• Work with young artists from California, New York, Connecticut, and more
• Participate in the short films program (for one week or two weeks), the feature film program (two weeks), or both
• In the last four years we have produced 27 short films and four feature films
• Our films have received over sixty film festival selections or honors
• With our films in their portfolios, our students have been accepted to the top acting and film schools, including NYU, USC, Chapman, Emerson, UCLA, LMU, Berkeley, Pace, UT, DePaul, CCM, and many more
• Through our industry resources, our students serve as production assistants on professional films and intern at NYC theatres and talent agencies
This is a rigorous professional training program; all participants must interview prior to acceptance. Email classes@theactinggym.com to set up your interview.
SHORT FILMS PROGRAM
Week One Filming Dates: July 15 – 20
Week Two Filming Dates: July 22-27
Guided by a professional crew, our college and high school directors will bring over a dozen of their own scripts or the scripts of our middle school writers to life, starring our elementary and middle actors.
FEATURE FILM PROGRAM
Filming Dates July 29-August 11 (all dates mandatory)
Participate in every aspect of filmmaking, with the core experience being the filming of the film conceived and written by the participants alongside professional writers, directors, and crew. Pre-production commitments for writing and rehearsals.
