Senior friends take on the fabulous art of crochet (pg 10-11)
Staples High School
70 North Avenue
Westport, CT 06880
4 Banned Books
The Board of Education met to discuss the possible removal of books in the Staples Library.
5 Animal Shelter
The SPCA of Connecticut in Monroe urges people to adopt all animals before it shuts its doors on May 6.
6-7 Bathrooms ranked Lucy Dockter ’23 gives her ranking of the best and worst Staples bathrooms.
8 Willow Project pro/con Henry Watson ’25 and Caitlin Jacob ’24 respond to the recent approval of the Willow Project.
9 Q&A with Allison Kernan Staples welcomes a new Recovery Support Specialist, Allison Kernan, as a resource for students
10-11 Girls who crochet
Seniors Abby Baldwin, Christina Meehan, Morgan Han-Lemus, Dani Garcia and friends take on crocheting.
12-13 Trending Makeup
Cruelty-free makeup products surface the internet and become popular among teens.
14 Artwork for Ukraine
Bedford students make cards and artwork dedicated to Ukrainian children to lift their spirits.
16 Sailing team
The Staples sailing team starts the season with a new coach and freshmen members.
17 Chirping in the stands
Phoebe Miller ’23 comments on the disrespectful student behavior at sports games.
Editors-In-Chief
Lucy Dockter, Julia Herlyn
Creative Directors
Maya Hruskar, Lily Klau, Lilly Weisz
Paper Managing Editors
Mishael Gill, Ella Shi
Web Managing Editors
Hannah Conn, Toby Goldfarb
Associate Managing Editors
Kiswa Khan, Phoebe Miller Business Directors
Meg Enquist, Allie Gillman, Mia Kirkorsky
Photography Director
Camille Vynerib
Asst. Creative Directors
Shivali Kanthan
Public Relations Director
Emily Goldstein
Social Media Manager
Alix Glickman
Audience Engagement Manager
Margot Richlin
Broadcast Directors
Anna Diorio, Abby Nevin
TV Show Producers
Zach Brody, Finnegan Courtney
Asst. Business Managers
Indie Ahl, Julia Leitner
Breaking News Editor
Audrey Kercher News Editors
Genevieve Frucht, Paige Miller, Mia Bomback, Henry Watson Opinions Editors
Addison Coughlin, Ava Coyle, Ava Cordella, Katherine Phelps Features Editors
Caitlin Jacob, Lily Hultgren, Nina Bowens, Paige Tighe Arts Editors
Ava Chun, Talia Varsano, Alexandra Gaines, Ruby Kantor Sports Editors
Gabi Gerig, Madison Mayr, Demi Sasson, Matthew Stashower Web News Editors
Jolie Gefen, Rachel Olefson
Web Opinions Editors
Siena Petrosinelli, Aidan Sprouls Web Features Editors
Audrey Curtis, Samantha Sandrew Web Arts Editors
Liora Perkins, Matthew Saw Web Sports Editors
Talia Moskowitz, William Murray Web Photostory Editors
Karlie Saed Advisors
Joseph DelGobbo, Mary Elizabeth Fulco
More About Us
Inklings News is uncensored, unedited by administration, and does not allow for prior review.
The Editorial Board determines editorial opinions that are authored by the Editors-in-Chief. Inklings News serves as an open forum for the public and welcomes letters to the editor and other submissions. Send signed letters to inklingsnews@westportps.org. Submissions will not be edited prior to publication.
Inklings News reserves the right to not publish advertisements that promote products that could be harmful to student health.
Inklings News is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association and supports the Student Press Law Center.
The decisions of Inklings News 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.
@inklingsnews
Students form an extended line both inside and outside of the door to the Assessment Center. Inside, two teachers manage a group of 20 students all taking different tests for different subjects for different durations of time. Timers go off almost every minute. Every seat—including the ledge next to the window— is occupied. And of course, this all depends on whether the Assessment Center is even open (members of the Editorial Board have reported that they have visited the Assessment Center and learned that it is closed only upon arriving to the empty room).
Although the Board of Education (BOE) voted to increase the budget by 5.24% (approximately $6.9 million) for the 2023-24 school year, the number of paraprofessionals within the district has been reduced. Paraprofessionals’ responsibilities span across the school: they often help in the library, work with students one-on-one or monitor specific areas in the building.
Up until a couple years ago, there was a paraprofessional employed to run the Assessment Center along with sets of teachers each period who assisted as part of their duty obligation. Since then, the Assessment Center para position was cut and the responsibility to supervise tests has fallen
solely on teachers during their duty periods, resulting in disorganization and frustration.
Members of the Editorial Board have reported that they are unable to complete their assessments in one period because of delayed start times, especially if they have extra time accommodations. Delays are a result of the fact that teachers come from class, and so they often arrive at the Assessment Center after a line of students has already been formed. Additionally, because teachers leave at the bell to go to their next class, students who are taking tests over two backto-back periods are forced to pause their assessment, leave the room and wait for the next teacher to arrive to resume.
Stationing a designated paraprofessional to remain on duty throughout the day ensured there were no issues with transitioning between periods. In addition, this would ensure that there are no unexpected closings during the day.
Currently, students without free periods face real challenges to make up assessments since teachers aren’t expected to monitor the Assessment Center after 2:45. Although the Assessment Center is open sometimes during the week, it is not open on a daily basis. With a paraprofessional in this position, the Assessment Center would be able to be open before and after school every day, making
it easier for students without free periods to make up exams without sacrificing class time or even their lunch.
Additionally, especially towards the end of a quarter, there will often be lines of 30 students out the door of the Assessment Center, waiting to get in to take their tests. is waiting eats away at students’ time to take a test, and puts them at a disadvantage to their classmates.
e Assessment Center is one of the smaller classrooms in the school, thus exacerbating this issue because there aren’t enough seats to accommodate students taking tests.
exac-
e small Assessment Center is presently accommodating more students than some larger classrooms. So, the Editorial Board proposes the Assessment Center swaps rooms with a larger room that is generally less occupied throughout the day.
Finally, there is no reliable way for students to tell whether the Assessment Center is open or not. During the school day, students are not notified of unexpected closings in case a teacher on duty is absent. Additionally, before and after school, students must consult the schedule posted only on the door of the Assessment Cen-
ter to schedule their makeup tests. erefore, the Editorial Board suggests that the schedule for the Assessment Center should be posted on the Staples website. at way, students could check when it is open at any point and plan their own schedules accordingly.
In summary, the Editorial Board proposes the addition of paraprofessionals to address many of the above issues, though other improvements could also be made by administrators in the meantime.
The Editorial Board proposes the addition of paraprofessionals to address many of the above issues, though other improvements could also be made by administrators in the meantime.Graphic by Lilly Weisz ’23
The Superintendent’s Review Committee (SRC) heard a request to review and remove three books from the Staples library in a public hearing on March 22. The complaint was initiated by town resident Tara McLaughlin against “This Book is Gay” and two graphic novels, “Genderqueer” and “Flamer.”
McLaughlin claimed that explicit content in the books violates the Westport Public Schools district policy against pornography, and that the language in the books encourages inappropriate stereotypes of the LGBTQ+ community as “sex fiends.” She argued that the content could take away students’ “safe space.”
“If a kid is sitting behind someone reading some of these books where there’s quite large pictures and the words are very easy to see from nearby,” she said, “[...] that’s subjecting them to harassment.”
McLaughlin indicated specific sections of the books she found inappropriate, reading aloud and arguing against explicit scenes from contested books. In replacement of the challenged books, McLaughlin suggested those recommended in an Inklings News
article as alternative, more “high quality media” with LGBTQ+ representation.
The administration—represented by Principal Stafford W. Thomas Jr. and library media specialists Jennifer Cirino and Nicole Moeller—briefly responded with educational qualifications the Staples library used to approve the books under Board of Education (BOE) policy 6161.
The complaint was first filed after an October BOE meeting discussing the Staples library Banned Books Week display. Since then, Superintendent Thomas Scarice discussed with librarians
April 13
The Westport Museum will host a chocolate tart workshop led by executive director Ramin Ganeshram. Guests will have the opportunity to make their own special chocolate treats. Tickets range between $35-$45.
changing the name of the display to “freedom to read” week.
“The focus of this event each year will center on the ‘freedom to read’ part of this annual recognition,” Scarice wrote, “not just which books are most challenged and banned. That is the spirit of this annual event and we will honor that spirit going forward,” Scarice said.
McLaughlin stated relief at the hearing that the Banned Books Week display would no longer exist at Staples.
“From my phone call with Mr. Scarice, he said that their librarians are no lon-
ger going to do the banned book displays. So that’s a plus. That’s step one in progress,” she said in the hearing.
No decisions have been officialy made on whether challenged books will be put on display next year. Staples has put up the display annually since 2005.
McLaughlin had originally filed complaints against eight books, but ultimately decided to follow through with three. She hopes that all the challenged books will eventually be replaced with books of similar educational value without explicit content.
“[Reducing the number of complaints] was a strategy because I feel like these have to go; they’re the worst,” she said. “And if these are gonna go, then I think the rest should go, too.”
The SRC is set to take majority votes on wheth-
April 22
The Westport Library will hold a book launch for Michael Friedman’s book, “Exposed,” that recounts Friedman’s 50 years of experiences as a music manager and producer. The event will take place from 7-10 p.m.
April 27
The ALS Association is hosting a tribute, honoring Sean Keating and the supporters of finding a cure for ALS. The event will be held at the Inn at Longshore from 5:30-7:30 p.m. A $50 donation is suggested for attendees.
Each year will center on the ‘freedom to read’ part...not just which books are most challenged.”
- Thomas Scarice, SuperintendentBOOK HEARING Tara McLaughlin argues that certain explicit books in the Staples library pose potential harm to students and hold little educational value.
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Connecticut, a Fair eld county animal shelter, announced that every animal will be adopted or placed in a no-kill shelter prior to its closing on May 6 due to nancial challenges.
Located in Monroe, and operating for over 20 years, the shelter has helped to save hundreds of animals. SPCA had 20 dogs and 13 cats when it announced it would close; now, only seven dogs and three cats remain. e remaining animals are set to go home with adopters, volunteers or transferred to another no-kill shelter.
“ e closing has nothing to do with the animals speci cally or the volunteers because everyone works so hard and is amazing,” SPCA volunteer Kate Compton said. “ e property has
been under foreclosure for quite awhile and the process has just been pushed back a lot because of COVID.”
Since the announcement of the shelter’s closure, the organization has received an immense amount of support from the community to help the animals be rehoused.
“Many dogs end up in shelters after going through hardships beyond their control,”
Alice Anderson ’24 said.
“By rescuing these dogs we can give them a second chance at life and provide them with the love, care and attention they need.”
Compton explained that the shelter has received almost 1000 adoption applications, as well as countless voicemails and emails. While the shelter has various
procedures to assess applicants, the animal gets the nal say.
“We let the dogs pick the people,” Compton said. “Once we vet check, we make sure it’s a good home and a safe place. en, we do a meet and greet to see how the animals react to each person. We had a couple people ghting over the same dog, but all in all, we are just so happy that the dogs are getting adopted. People were sad it wasn’t them, but happy that they [will be] cared for and [are] going to a good home.”
Stella St. Andrè ’25, a volunteer at Westport Animal Shelter Advocates (WASA), an organization for homeless dogs in Fair eld County, emphasizes adopting, not shopping. Although WASA has not been in touch with SPCA, the team is
impressed and relieved that almost all animals were adopted.
“ ere are so many amazing adoptable dogs who have so much love to give,” St. Andrè said. “Getting a home experience for dogs is so important because that’s such a di erent atmosphere than a shelter.”
To help with the fees and vet bills, the shelter started a GoFundMe page. Interested donors can call 475-290-8525 or email spcaofctmonroe@ gmail.com. e shelter is located at 359 Spring Hill Road in Monroe, and the property is up for auction on May 6.
“You know a lot of people have said to me ‘oh my god how sad that it’s closing’ and I can’t necessarily say that because these dogs and cats were what we call the lifers,” Compton said. “I think if we hadn’t had the publicity and outpouring of support and we stayed open, they may have just lived out their days at the shelter.”
We are just so happy that the dogs are getting adopted.”
- Kate Compton
Lucy Dockter
Editor-in-Chief
Now that I’m a senior, I will share my secret rankings of some of the most important spaces in Staples–our bathrooms. I have been trapped as a student in
this building for five years (remember 8th Grade Academy?) and I know a bathroom or two because I’ve seen a bathroom or two. Over time and experience, I’ve come to develop preferences. I rate the bathrooms based on cleanliness, lighting, odor (lack thereof), crowdedness, likelihood of encountering vapers and overall vibe.
Overall score:
3.5/5
Floor: 1st
Wing: culinary/tech ed
Room #: 192
This is another out-of-the-way bathroom, with fewer classes in its vicinity, which makes it one of the quietest. Better yet, it has the least smell. On the other hand, there is zero natural light, making the room a bit grim. What’s even more special about this bathroom is that it is the only multi-occupant amenity with a manual flush, eliminating the risk of the toilet unceremoniously flushing without warning.
Overall score:
4.5/5
Floor: 3rd
Wing: Science
Room #: 3071
This bathroom has it all. It is among the cleanest and least crowded facilities because of its out-of-the-way location. Unpleasant encounters with fruit fumes or overbearing adults are unlikely here. But what makes this bathroom truly shine—literally—is the wall of windows which allows a flood of natural light. Added bonus: a nice ledge to sit on, allowing the user a relaxing break.
Overall score:
0/5
Floor: 1st Wing: art Room #: 1012
This is definitely the mustiest bathroom. It is heavily populated at all times of day by crowds of girls chatting, eating and doing whatever they do on the floor of the handicap stall. It consistently smells awful, and people generally leave quite a mess. I have found entire trays of food in the stalls, and pads and tampons are often strewn about the floor.
(of the two i’ve been to)
Overall score:
4.5/5
Floor: 1st Wing: music Room #: 451
Everything is backwards. WHY IS EVERYTHING BACKWARDS?! IT’S ALL WRONG, AND NOTHING MAKES SENSE.WHY ARE THERE SO FEW STALLS! This is ludicrous.
Overall score:
3.5/5
Floor: 1st Wing: Art Room #: 1012
Contrary to how awful its neighbor is, the unisex bathroom on the first floor is one of the nicest. Despite its relatively small size, this bathroom is less used than its counterparts and thus cleaner. The unisex bathrooms are already superior due to their paper towel dispensers which are an essential part of adequately cleaning hands, according to the Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Unisex bathrooms have the unbeatable advantage of being single occupant, so afford the only time during the day that a student can catch a minute alone.
approval comes with a law that prohibits new gas and oil leasing in the region.
In 2020 Joe Biden’s Democratic primary campaign announced a new idea— his administration would ensure “no more drilling on federal land. Period.” Biden has backtracked on that promise by approving the Willow Project, an oil drilling proposal on federal land in Alaska. Many warn of the project’s risks. Greenpeace asserted that Willow is
a “carbon bomb,” but this is overstated. According to CNN, Willow’s emissions would only increase American emissions by 0.2%.
increase American emissions by 0.2%.
Willow’s benefits have also been overlooked. After Russia slashed oil exports, Europe, previously reliant on Russian gas, needs alternative sources but is still at risk of an energy crisis. Willow would be able to help by single-handedly replacing 12.5% of Russia’s exports. Americans have realized, through the rising costs at the gas station, how susceptible our energy supply is. Much can be attributed to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which controls 45% of the world’s oil production and 80% of global reserves, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
The West has pleaded for OPEC to increase oil production after Russia’s gas cuts. Instead, OPEC decided to reduce output by 2 million barrels a day and drive prices even higher.
Willow’s pro de democ
The Willow Project would erode OPEC’s dominance in oil by making American energy more competitive. It would free Western democracies from the will of oil-rich dictatorships.
Caitlin Jacobs ‘24 Features Editor
If you’ve been on social media recently, you’ve probably seen videos discussing the Willow Project: the recently approved drilling location in the Arctic of Alaska. One of President Biden’s campaign promises was to begin the transition away from fossil fuels and balance the amount of emitted and absorbed carbon. The project is expected to produce 300 million barrels of oil within the next 30 years, destroying a carbon neutral future. Every U.S. citizen should feel betrayed and angered by the Willow Project’s contribution to our climate crisis. Older politicians have difficulty foreseeing the distant future while Gen-Zers are well aware that the con sequences will directly affect their lives. Many young vot ers have been turning out in elections primarily due to widespread concerns about the climate crisis. Per a recent report
from the United Nations, if significant efforts to reduce climate emissions are not achieved, the world will face “irreversible” damage by 2030. By producing a new “carbon bomb” in the Arctic, also known as the largest area of wildlife, the U.S. is bypassing an opportunity to invest in a larger concentration of technology focusing on renewable energy.
Even if the U.S. is still dependent on oil, approving a massive drilling process sends a dangerous message regarding the environment and carbon emissions to millions of young voters in the U.S..
It is up to young voters to voice their concerns regarding the Willow Project before climate catastrophe becomes the irreversible
Willow’s emissions would only
If signficant efforts to reduce climate emissions are not achieved, the world will face “irreversible” damage by 2030.
Paige Miller ’24 News Editor
Contact Information
Number: (475) - 333 - 4131
The Staples community is welcoming a new on-site community-based counseling resource. Recovery support specialist Ally Kernan will provide one-on-one confidential counseling sessions to support Staples students who may want to reduce their use of or abstain from substances. Facilitated through Liberation Programs, students can also be connected with outside resources for individual and family support.
Email: akernan@westportps.org
Office: In the Nurses Suite
Office Hours: Wednesdays & Thursdays (8 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.)
“Providing services through Liberation Programs allows students to feel comfortable sharing information with me because there is often a hesitation with self-disclosure. Students fear judgment, stigma and consequences that could arise by sharing information such as substance use. Although collaboration is important, being a guest agency in the school helps create a safe space of support.”
“After experiencing my own challenges and witnessing my peers and loved ones struggle, I felt drawn to helping others. I have had the privilege of experiencing the benefits of what recovery and healing can do. I’ve made it my life’s purpose to give hope and help to anyone that crosses my path. When connection happens, stigma is slayed and hope is ignited.”
“My goal is to create a safe space for students to come to find empathy, advocacy, encouragement, and connection. When I meet with a student, I want to hear from them who they are and how I can support them that day. Lastly, my goal is to help students that are struggling to find their inner strength and resiliency and help them help themself in their healing journey.”
NEW SUPPORT Having struggled with mental health and addiction, Ally Kernan will be providing Staples with knowledgeable guidance as the new recovery support specialist at Staples and as the new co-adivsor of TAG.
Slip stitch. Skip stitch. Single crochet stitch. This isn’t just a fun tongue twister to say 10 times fast. These are all basic stitches in the artform, crochet.
Dani Garcia ’23, Abby Baldwin ’23 and a few of their friends began crocheting to-
gether during their free period at the beginning of the year. It all started when Garcia was pressed for time finishing a project for one of her friends’ birthdays, so she brought it to finish during the school day. After that, the girls decided to add this new activity to their free time agenda.
“I got into crocheting in November since I saw my friends crocheting and was inspired by what they were able to make,” Baldwin said. “It’s something that you can pick up anywhere and it’s always nice to finish a project.”
The girls started
their crocheting journey with the basics: first with granny squares, then progressing to animal figurines, and now they are making full blown fashionable outfits. These outfits include sweaters, hats and much more. While many stores sell machine-made crochet clothes, there is something special about being able to make your own unique articles of clothing.
“It feels kind of cool when I see someone wearing something that I made because it’s like, oh, I made that, and there’s nothing else like it that exists in the world,” Garcia said.
Although there is no crocheting club at Staples, the girls decided they would form their own group outside of school to all crochet together in addition to their time during the free period.
“We’re friends and it’s something that’s nice to do in a group,” Baldwin said. “After school we will get together to just hangout and crochet.”
In the hopes of spreading their love for the hobby, the girls are looking to expand their group, especially to those who have never done it before. But there is a bit of a learning curve when first starting. Garcia said how there is a certain rhythm and fluidity a crocheter needs to achieve between the hook, yarn, and their hands.
“As long as people are ready to not be amazing the first time they do it,” Garcia said, “then yeah, it would be fun to get more people to crochet with us.”
The girls are adamant that once you get the hang of it, you will begin crocheting just about anything under the sun.
“It’s a really cool thing to learn because you can just make whatever you want,” Garcia said. “I don’t think people realize how much you can make with yarn and a hook.”
All photos by Elle Vail ’23
Graphic by Anna Diorio ’23
“I don’t think people realize how much you can make with yarn and a hook.”
- Dani Garcia '23
Insert the hook into the next stitch. Put the tip of the hook under both of the loops at the top of the stitch.
Bring the yarn over the hook, from back to front, and pull a loop of yarn through the stitch.
Pull that same loop through the loop on the hook. The slip stitch is complete. You will now have one loop left on the hook.
HOBBY Parker Pretty ’23 (above) and Christina Meehan ’23 (right) often crochet in school during their free periods, but will sometimes work on projects—such as hats and bags—outside of school as well.
Graphics by Shivali Kanthan ’24
Graphics Lily Klau ’23
1. 2. 3.
Photo by Cami Vynerib ’23
Everyone loves a beautiful glowy makeup look! Here’s a look at are our favorite trending cruelty-free makeup products.
at sought after glowy look can be achieved by using a glow booster underneath your makeup.
Elf Halo Glow
$14
Whether you want to cover up a blemish or brighten your complexion, concealer is a great way to bring life back to your face. Also, it comes in handy when the dark undereye bags appear from staying up all night studying.
Hourglass Airbrush Concealer
$36
Bronzer is great to sculpt your face and bring dimension. is product is primarily used on the nose, cheekbones, and jawline to emphasize bone structure.
Too Faced
Chocolate
Soliel Matte Bronzer $35
As glossy lips come back into style, lip oil is the best way to achieve this look. is product is thinner and more moisturizing than standard lip gloss and nitely a more comfortable wear.
Elf Baked Highlighter
$4
Rare Beauty
Soft Pinch
Liquid Blush
$23
Blush is necessary for adding color back to your face, whether you go for a more reddish-pink shade or a brownish-orange one.
Covergirl Lash Blast Clean
Mascara is great for adding volume and length to your eyelashes. Although rst product people experiment with, it remains one of the most transforming steps.
students residing in Lyman.
The Westport Board of Selectwomen made a statement on Jan. 11 that solidified bonds of support and friendly relations with Lyman, Ukraine in the Donetsk region.
According to the Westport Journal, Selectwomen Jen Tooker, Candace Savin and Andrea Moore joined a Zoom call with Dan Woog and the mayor of Lyman – Alexander Victoravich Zuravlov – to discuss how Westport could assist Lyman.
“[It’s] a community-to-community partnership,” Tooker said in a virtual call with the leaders of the non-profit Ukraine Aid International.
Two former Westporters, Brian and Marshall Mayer, started Ukraine Aid International and created a goal of finding a town similar in size to Westport, especially one that had not received much support.
When leaders of the Bedford Spirit & Leadership Team, a co-curricular club, learned of Ukraine Aid International, they wished to help. The leading teachers Dan Barbiero, Don Savage and Sara Harding gathered all seventh graders to lift the spirits of young
“This is not the first time a country has sent letters and artwork to a country experiencing hardship,” Barbiero said. “The effect of personal letters is tremendous and long lasting.”
The seventh graders began to draw hundreds of pictures of hearts, flags and friendly handshakes between the American and Ukrainian flag.
The artwork consisted of heartfelt messages like, “You are not alone,” “Stay strong” and “Sending love.” Yellow and blue filled the pages, whether it was drawn in colored pencil or folded into origami.
The town of Lyman is in desperate need of attention and help. The full-scale Russian invasion has resulted in deaths, collapsed buildings and scattered ammunition in streets still occupied by Russian armored vehicles.
According to The Guardian, “Once a place of about 27,000 people–many of whom worked on the railways–only hundreds remain, moving around the ruined streets by bicycle or on foot.”
In addition to sending thoughtful messages to Ukraine, according to Woog, this winter Westport raised $252,000 for Lyman.
“It's not only about money,” Woog said. “It’s important to make personal connections too.”
FROM WESTPORT TO LYMAN Bedford seventh graders, led by the Bedford Spirit & Leadership Club, used paper, markers and other art supplies to make cards to send to Ukranians.
Caroline Zajac ’24 Staff Writer
The effect of personal letters is tremendous and long lasting.”
- Dan BarbieroPhotos contributed by Dan Woog (06680danwoog.com) Ava Chun ’25 Arts Editor
Check out this month’s new albums, documentaries on fan favorite artist Lewis Capaldi and none other than Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour.”
music spotlight
Bebe Rexha announced that her third studio album, “BEBE,” will be released April 28. Rexha’s last album was “Better Mistakes,” released in 2021. Fans had high hopes for “Better Mistakes” but, in reality, the album fell short. Now fans hold their breath in suspense, hoping for better than her past mistakes.
“Though I’m not the biggest fan of Bebe Rexha, I have super low expectations for this album because of what happened with the last one,” Nina Katz ’26 said.
Singer Lewis Capaldi’s new documentary, “TITLE,” arrives on Netflix on April 5. This documentary follows Capaldi’s life as he struggles with many health issues, including Tourette’s Syndrome. The documentary also dives into the pressures of being an artist and how the additional stress of the music industry affects his health.
Ainsley Kugel ’ 24
“I think Lewis Capaldi is really brave for coming out and telling everyone about his tough experiences and facing everyone out there who have different opinions,” Ainsley Kugel ’24 said.
Taylor Swift’s greatest hits are now all compiled into one tour. After a five year concert hiatus, Swift has returned to the stage for “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour.” The tour will feature openers from Paramore, beabadoobee, Phoebe Bridgers, girl in red, MUNA, HAIM, Gayle, Gracie Abrams and OWENN.
Ryder Levine ’ 25
“I’ve been a huge fan of Taylor for as long as I remember so I can’t wait to finally see her in person after all these years,” Ryder Levine ’25 said.
Benjamin Buchalter
Staff Writer
The boat was, quite literally, at a 90-degree angle. Water lapped at the sides and threatened to ll in the concave body of the ship as the sailors threw themselves to the other side, rocking the boat back upright. Seconds later, the boom snapped over to the other side as the sails caught the wind once more. If the sailors on board had fallen short at any step along the way, they could have been violently thrown out to sea.
All of this took place in under ve seconds with each action showing rehearsal, grace and familiarity.
e Staples sailing team has
seen some changes going into their spring season. eir new coach, Gavin Meese, previously sailed for the Brien McMahon Senators and was brought on this year to instruct Staples’ sailors after the departure of their previous coach.
“This season, I hope to make the team as competitive as possible,” Messe said. “I was a previous competitive sailor and I want my sailors to be competing.”
Sailing requires a high level of skill and mastery of controlling a seaborne vessel, while also relying on chance for fa-
vorable winds and fair weather. One wrong move and the boat could turn on its side—or worse, end up totally ipped over. Naturally, this sport demands signi cant experience and dedication.
“I’ve been sailing for 10 years of my life,” Mark Adipietro ’25 said. “I started just as I was getting into elementary school.”
e intense dedication and commitment demanded by sailing combined with its relatively small notoriety with respect to other spring sports means that the in ux of new sailors is generally rather low, with most of
the team comprising of sophomores and juniors. New to the team this year is Zachary Gillman ’26, who has also been sailing since elementary school.
“I don’t know much [about the team] so far,” Gillman said, “but I like our new coach, Gavin, and I’m looking forward to practice.”
In addition to the new coach and new sailors, the sailing team also has acquired a van which will make transportation from Staples to Cedar Point much faster and substantially easier. In all, the winds of change are blowing for the sailing team, but whether or not those winds will ll their sails is yet to be seen.
“We’ve got a lot of experienced sailors out there; there are a few who are still learning the ropes,” Meese said. “I think we’ve got a pretty great group.”
“I was a previous competitive sailor and I want my sailors to be competing.”
- Gavin Meese Sailing Coach’25
Iwatched a cheerleader on the opposing team do several back handsprings across the basketball court in her uniform. As she finished, her skirt flipped up, exposing her spandex shorts underneath. In response, several male classmates chanted: “Diiirty. Diiirty. Diiirty.”
It was the FCIAC basketball championships and the Staples boys’ basketball team had made it for the first time in several years. Like my classmates, I was ecstatic to see our school have the chance to win a championship, but listening to the comments put a damper on my excitement.
Laughs and shouts followed the derogatory comments while the basketball game contin-
ued. I looked around in disgust, but it felt as if I was the only one who had noticed. This was just one of the instances during this athletic season where I observed offensive comments being made in order to “rattle” the other team.
Damaging remarks by fan sections during sporting events have been an issue throughout CIAC schools all season long. Consequently, the ‘No names & No numbers’ policy was instituted Aug. 24 after an agreement by FCIAC Student/Athlete leadership after they found that “fans’ negative comments directed to opposing players was above and beyond the expectations of our schools,” according to fciac.net. While this was a
step in the right direction, I’ve found that the rule hasn’t always been followed or enforced.
ples, along with other schools, have toed a line time and time again that shouldn’t be crossed.
At the FCIAC basketball game, I heard insults from both student sections ranging from comments on wealth status to calling out a player’s number, saying he was overweight and needed to go to the gym. Teachers and parents occupied a different section of bleachers and likely couldn’t hear many of the comments.
I know some people reading this will probably say I’m being dramatic or overthinking things. But I am a fan of sports. I’m an athlete myself, and I know how electric and involved games can be when you really want your team to win. But Sta-
Commenting on a player’s weight, where they live or other extenuating circumstances that they can’t always control does nothing to help a fan’s home team win the game. Yes, shouting or whistling while the opposing team shoots a free throw can make them miss. However, throwing out the types of insults that were being made at past games this season is extreme. The comments I heard were insulting to a degree that could affect a person’s mental health outside of their athletics. This is when it becomes much bigger than simply shouting to interrupt someone’s concentration. There are other ways to support teams, such as coming up with chants for your own team or making signs or posters. Bringing down another team shouldn’t be the strategy to win.
be the stategy to
Scan the QR code to the left to play the crossword online and check your answers!
Alas, our crossword creating saga has come to an end for this Inklings staff. Thank you to all our solvers throughout the year and thanks to Inkings as well— we’ve loved making these for you all and we’ve learned so much on the way. Keep solving!
1. Tale’s head?
5. Heart
8. 1s and 0s
12. Hardly any
13. Palindromic time travel movie
15. Like an onion, it (he?) has layers
16. Heaviest fencing blade
17. Loud, as a crowd
18. This puzzle’s “Once,” for short
19. “Neck-tie” bone
21. International travel headache
23. Point (in two ways!)
24. Handlebars and horseshoes, e.g.
26. Squeezing snake
27. A:alpha::Z:___
29. Slangy dissent
30. Hermit home
32. Home of Lake Titicaca
33. YOUR favorite (Inklings) crossword maker?
35. Very many
36. Strong connection (to)
39. City of the Red Square
42. Sand units
46. Long-____
48. Remote’s control
49. Slangy assent
50. Many an Asimov character
52. What might make a meal happy
53. Org. for many doctors
56. Sound from a pound
57. Two thirds of Earth’s freshwater
59. Narrow band of leather
61. ___ Paolo, Brazil
62. Comics with spoilers in the beginning
65. What a good therapist does
66. Nail
67. Butts
68. Jerk
69. __ De Armas
70. Greek prefix for half
1. Efficient type of shopping
2. Popular extracurricular for second semester seniors
3. Minecraft boomer
4. Ogler
5. Spanish siblings
6. One from Spain?
7. Shade provider during summer vacation
8. Italy-shaped shoe
9. Parodic prize for publishing papers on preposterous empirical hypotheses
10. Eerie, “shimmering,” orchestral technique
11. Condiment under scrutiny for microplastics
13. Drawn tight
14. 1, in computer science
20. Org. whistleblowed by Snowden
22. Concerning sound from a tire
25. Where you might find a bear
28. Big name in expensive status symbols
31. 3rd most popular twitch streamer, with a political skew
33. Dominate, with “over”
34. Bedtime benchmark for babies
37. Parking spot?
38. Definitive period
39. The only month no U.S. president has ever died in
40. Be short
41. Related to the world’s largest hot desert
43. What camping is, as the joke goes
44. “The Matrix” protagonist
45. Foxy
47. Lab cleaner?
48. Pandemic issue?
51. YOUR preferred skill set for Survivor?
54. YOUR favorite kind of chocolate?
55 Classes with 4.66 GPA potential
57 “__ Barbie Girl”
58 YOUR prefered method of payment?
59. (Just) short
60. Beverage meant to be spilled
63. Ring topper, generally
64. “Do __ say...”
