Inklings November 2023 Issue

CONT ENTS

News

4 Ban on Smoke Shops

Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission proposed a ban to eliminate new smoke shops opening in Westport.

Opinions

6 “Thankful” has a new meaning

A heartbreaking event sparks new understanding of what it means to be thankful.

Features

8-9 Staples alum NASCAR driver

Parker Kligerman ’09 shares details about his career as an Xfinity Driver.

Arts

10-11 “The Prom”

Learn about the Staples Players production process of “The Prom.”

13 FCIAC recap

Staples boys’ golf, girls’ soccer and girls’ field hockey teams prove victorious in their FCIAC tournaments.

Front and back cover by Shivali Kanthan ’24

Front and back cover photos contributed by Parker Kligerman ’09

Inklings Staff

Editors-In-Chief

Genevieve Frucht, Paige Tighe

Paper Managing Editors

Ruby Kantor, Talia Varsano

Web Managing Editors

Jolie Gefen, Talia Moskowitz

Associate Managing Editors

Ava Cordella, Paige Miller

Associate Web Managing Editor

Samantha Sandrew

Creative Directors

Alex Gaines, Shivali Kanthan

Assistant Creative Directors

Avery Michalowski, Olivia Signorile Business Manager

Mia Kirkorsky

Assistant Business Managers

Charlotte Berner, Rylie Cordella, Caroline Zajac

Communications Coordinator

Caitlin Jacob

Social Media Managers

Ava Coyle, Poppy Harrington

Broadcast Directors

Zoe Alpert, Zoe Boxenbaum

Executive TV Show Producers

Nina Bowens, Ben Buchalter

News Editors

Caitlin Jacob, Sophia Reeves

Opinions

Editors

Angelina Matra,

Katherine Phelps, Lily Rimm, Demi Sasson

Features Editors

Mia Bomback, Zara Saliba,

Lily Hultgren, Anna Kercher

Arts Editors

Addison Coughlin, Ava Chun, Siena Petrosinelli

Sports Editors

Sophie Smith, Matthew Stashower,

Sage Cohen, Madison Mayr

Web News Editors

Ella Harrington, Rachel Olefson

Web Opinions Editors

Liora Perkins, Jack Robinson

Web Features Editor

Andi Jacobs, Ayaan Olasewere

Web Arts Editor

Alice Frascella, Olivia Saw

Web Sports Editors

Tristan Gonzalez, William Murray

Web Photostory Editor

Audrey Curtis Advisers

Joseph Delgobbo, Mary Elizabeth Fulco

More About Us

Inklings News is uncensored, unedited by administration, an does not allow for prior review.

Opinions

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.

Senior traditions fall victim to apathy, faculty must change mindset

Acancelled pep rally and tests on Senior Skip Day are evidence of Staples staff’s disappointing lack of enthusiasm. The Board calls for faculty and administrators to increase understanding, support and enthusiasm for high school traditions in order to create a stronger school spirit.

The pep rally is one of the most valued and highly-anticipated school traditions that builds throughout homecoming spirit week. After years of watching their senior teammates organize this production, the time for four-year senior athletes to lead their teams had finally arrived.

Watching the water polo team sprint across the field in their bathing suits, the cheerleaders perform intricate stunts, and the football team dance to “Party in the USA” allows the hardworking student body to laugh and embrace the spirit of the people who make up our school community. Students put a significant amount of time and effort into choreographing these routines

outside of school and spent hundreds of dollars on matching team merchandise, all to enliven the students and staff.

Due to the poor weather conditions, the event was postponed twice this year, and with no updates on plans for another makeup day, it seems students will go without any pep rally at all.

The pervasive lack of enthusiasm and harsh judgements from Staples administration and faculty towards senior traditions is disheartening.

Administrators are meant to be advocates for students, so their seeming lack of enthusiasm to reschedule the pep rally is an example of a disconnect that exists between values held by kids and the administration.

Adding insult to injury, not only will seniors go without a pep rally, but they are also being penalized by teachers for following the tradition of having a senior skip day.

Want to be published in Inklings? Scan this and submit your work!

Graphic by

Alex Gaines

Multiple senior classes gave tests on Nov. 1’s senior skip day. They were told that if seniors skipped the test, then they would be given a significantly harder test as a makeup. This punitive practice by senior teachers is unreasonable and just plain mean. Have these

teachers forgotten what it is like to be a senior in high school? What possible justification is there to insist upon giving a test on senior skip day? Who gains from this power play? And what would be so terrible if these senior teachers had an extra free period that day?

Teachers choose their profession for a reason. Usually, they like kids. Usually, they

The pervasive lack of enthusiasm and harsh judgments from Staples administrators and faculty towards senior traditions is disheartening.

Moving forward, fostering a more positive and collaborative school culture that embraces senior traditions is essential to ensure these meaningful events continue to enhance the Staples High School experience for students.

The Editorial Board voted unanimously in favor of this opinion.

’25 understand kids. That means they should be able to understand what it is like to be a senior facing the stresses that come with college applications and submitting first-quarter grades. It’s not too much to ask that they show empathy for a senior skip day.

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EDITORIAL

NEWS

Westport Planning and Zoning Committee reveals potential ban on smoke shops

Zara

Saliba ’26

Features Editor Sophie Smith ’26 Sports Editor

Several Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) members proposed a new ban to eliminate new smoke shops and signage being built in Westport, according to their discussion on Oct. 16.

Cannabis-specific establishments have different regulations than regular smoke shops: in order to be considered a smoke shop, 20% of the store’s inventory has to be related in some way to smoking or vaping. Towns are often much stricter in where cannabis establishments can be built.

“

fathered,” Dobin said. “Their signs, however, and the signs from other stores that aren’t related to smoke shops at all may not remain legal.”

According to the explanatory statement issued after the Oct. 16 meeting, the P&Z Commission discussed public health concerns associated with the smoke shops in town. The neon signage attracts attention from drivers on the road, which was one of the leading health concerns that prompted the ban.

“No new smoke shops would be allowed to open, so there’s no permitting process for something that exclusively sells inventory related to smoking,” Dobin said.

Anything related [to] smoking, vaping or paraphernalia would require a special permit.”

Most commissioners, including Commission Board Chair Danielle Dobin, requested that an amendment be passed to prohibit new smoke shops in all zoning districts. This amendment would have to modify section 31 of the Westport Planning and Zoning regulations to be successful.

- P&Z Commission Chair Danielle Dobin

The P&Z Commission has prepared to modify the rules for ex-

isting smoke shops, requiring the shops to obtain a permit from the P&Z Commission to remain in business. Additionally, because smoke shops in Westport are considered retail

here to the regulations.”

The ban on smoke shops will have no impact on other locations where tobacco and nicotine products are for sale. According to an email available on the P&Z website, the Health District has no objections regarding what this amendment seeks to accomplish at this time.

“We really try to give a fair shake to everything that comes in front of the P&Z,” Dobin said. “When we are given an application we want to articulate all the information on the record in front of everybody while it’s being televised, live streamed and recorded.”

“In the future, any store that sells anything related [to] smoking, vaping or parapher nalia, for example a drugstore, supermarket, gas station or con venience store would require a special permit,” Dobin said.

The Planning and Zon ing Commission is looking to add signage restrictions as well, including banning to bacco and nicotine adver tisements from being visible through a building’s windows.

“Any existing smoke shops that are open would be grand

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Scan here to read the rest of the article. Olivia Signilore ’25 Information from

P&Z Commission

Upcoming holiday season presents opportunity for giving back

Siena Petrosinelli ’25 Arts Editor

Homes with Hope (HWH) and the Wakeman Town Farm (WTF) are making strides this upcoming holiday season to give back to those dealing with food insecurity in Connecticut. WTF is having their Thanksgiving pie sale, and HWH is making new renovations to their facilities.

“The Farm is partnering with Earth Animal in the form of a Thanksgiving pie sale,” Nicole Gerber, WTF Committee member of Funding and Sponsorships, said. “All proceeds from the pie sale will be combined with monies raised by Earth Animal, and its other partners, to

benefit the CT Food Bank.”

WTF is raising money for CT Foodshare to help create a hunger-free community and supporting the health and wellness of the community. The Thanksgiving pie sale is open for purchasing pies until Nov. 17, including apple, blueberry and pumpkin pies.

“

I am glad more places are contributing to limit health issues that are rising in our community.”

- Lucy Barney '25

“We are preparing to undergo major renovations at our Gillespie Center and Project Return,” Paris Looney, Vice President and Chief Officer, said. “We are looking forward for Project Return to become permanent housing.”

women, ages 18 through 24.

Since WTF and HWH are attempting to limit food insecurity and homelessness, students and Westport citizens can get involved to help combat this issue.

“I am glad more places are contributing to limit health issues that are rising in our community,” Lucy Barney ’25 said. “I will be participating in upcoming charitable events and giving back this holiday season to help raise money for those in need.”

Along with WTF, HWH is aiming to improve portions of their provisions to provide more services to people who find themselves street homeless, unsheltered and anyone in need.

The Gillespie Center is improving their pantry for accommodating dietary restrictions and building a better HVAC system. Project Return consists of six single room occupancy supportive housing units that help primarily young

Scan here to donate to food pantries around ) D L U H O G & R X Q W \

Photos contributed by Homes with Hope & Wakeman Town Farm

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BREAKING GROUND The Gillepsie Center will undergo extensive renovations this upcoming year to improve permanent housing options and its food pantry. VOLUNTEER RUN Both Homes with Hope & Wakeman Town Farm are run by volunteers, including Shift Assistant Antwayn Riggs.

“Thankful”

Igot home from school on Oct. 19, 2022, and I went up to my room as usual. Two hours later, I got a call from my grandma asking if I was okay and if I had talked to my parents. Confused, I checked my parents location on Find My iPhone and saw they were at Bridgeport hospital. My parents called me and told me that my brother, my best friend, was in the hospital, struggling with his mental health. My parents hung up and I was left home alone,

sobbing, with my mind racing with questions. How did I not notice? Why didn’t I ask if he was okay? Why didn’t I check on him more often?

I had just helped move him into his college dorm a few weeks prior and now my brother, the person I have spent almost everyday with, was in the hospital and I couldn’t do anything. While he was in the hospital, I wasn’t allowed to see him. So, I would write him letters to give him updates on my life and to tell

him how much I missed him and couldn’t wait to see him.

A few weeks ago was the one-year anniversary of this horrible day. And now, with Thanksgiving coming up, being thankful has a whole new meaning. I am thankful everyday that my brother is still here. I am thankful I have been able to watch the most amazing man that I know flourish through his recovery. I am thankful for him to come to terms with the seriousness of his illness and realization that he cannot do it alone.

My brother is the strongest person I know. I’m grateful he wakes up everyday and chooses to still be here with us. He chose to recover. He chose to better himself. He chose to choose himself first.

I am thankful for him and the blessing of knowing him everyday.

Everyday I am thankful that he is still here, and so is he.

This Thanksgiving, I can’t wait to sit at the table, to look around and see my brother and to be able to laugh with him. So, check in on your loved ones. You never know what is going on with someone else, even if they seem okay. Just showing that you care can help.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact: You are not alone.

j OPINIONS | 6

has a new meaning this year I am thankful every day that my brother is still here. In-school mental health specialist: Allison Kernan akernan@westportps.org 24-Hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 Connecticut Emergency and Crisis Lifeline: 211 In the event of an emergency, always call 911

Anonymous

Beyond the dollar: tutoring provides academic impact, personal growth

Mia Bomback ’25 Features Editor

Given our own pressures to succeed academically in high school, it’s no wonder that the majority of students aren’t excited about the idea of assisting someone else in their studies.

After all, why spend your Tuesday night crouched over a distressed third grader struggling to put twoand-

two together, literally, when you have your own calculus test to study for, right? Wrong.

I am known as a sort of “essay extraordinaire” among friends. I am the go-to assistant among friends for all projects and papers. So when I got the email inviting me to apply to become a Top Hat Tutor, the decision to join was a no-brainer. What easier way was there to earn a quick buck than to become an English tutor?

Spoiler alert: there are MANY easier ways; they just aren’t as rewarding.

No doubt, tutoring is time consuming. One hour of every week soon became two or three, as I found myself having to re-read the same books as my tutee to best help her understand the material.

But since “The

Great Gatsby” is one of my favorite books anyway, spending a little extra time with it was pretty painless, and well worth the money I made doing it.

That said, I can honestly say that I don’t tutor for the money. (I don’t do it to pad my college resume, either, if that was your next guess.)

I genuinely enjoy my job as a tutor because I know that I made a difference in someone else’s life. There is no feeling more fulfilling than that of giving someone not only the knowledge, but the confidence, to earn a grade they always thought was out of reach. That feeling you get from waking up to a text that reads: “Hey, I don’t know if you’re awake yet, but my teacher put my grade in late last night and I got a 30/30 on my grammar quiz! Thank you!!”

At the risk of sounding cliché, I learn a lot from my tutees, too. For instance, thanks to helping Olivia study for her grammar test, I knew the answer to a similar question on my ACT. My affinity for tutoring makes sense. Humans, or at least those of us with a moral compass, derive at least some semblance of happiness from helping others. For me, it’s not unusual that helping my tutees ace their tests gives me greater satisfaction than doing well on my own exams. So no, being a tutor isn’t the easiest job in the world, but it sure is the most gratifying—and hey, the $43/hour doesn’t hurt either.

opinions | 7

Photo byAngelinaMatra ’25

Xfinity driver and ‘09 Staples alumnus, Parker Kligerman, races

Katherine Phelps ‘25 Opinions Editor

Whoever said that watching television was bad for you clearly didn’t know the impact that it would have on Staples alumnus Parker Kligerman ’09 and his subsequent career path. No, Kligerman didn’t go into directing, nor did he become an actor—Kligerman became a driver for the Xfinity series, National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR)’s second tier circuit, and even entered the playoffs this year.

When Kligerman was nine years old, he discovered the television channel “Speed Vision,” which broadcasted motorsports programming including auto racing. For Kligerman, it was love at first sight.

Kligerman began his racing journey at 12 years old, driving go-karts at Norwalk Karting Association. By the time he was a teenager, he was competing against some of the most talented racers in the country in famously televised events. He credits his success to hard work, determination and support from the Staples community.

“I remember the principal at the time being super cool about my racing when it came to leaving school for a racing opportunity,” Kligerman said. “I had to keep up my end of the bargain, and as long as I did well in school, I was able to continue racing and really focus on that.”

Racing, a sport more common in the south, was an almost unheard-of hobby for someone growing up in Westport. Never before had the town seen a child go from a casual

go-kart rider to one of the 12 drivers in the Xfinity series playoffs. Kligerman didn’t let the rarity of his dream prevent him from achieving it. He was destined to become a racecar driver, and would stop at nothing in order to reach his goals.

“In my mind, I just so whole-heartedly believed that I was going to get to NASCAR and the highest levels,” Kligerman said. “I knew that I was going to make it happen […] It’s amazing what anybody can achieve when they have the confidence to get there.”

During his senior year of high school, Kligerman raced for the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA). Though a less vigorous league compared to NASCAR, it wasn’t long before he made his Xfinity series debut in 2009.

Kligerman won his first

for the finish line

NASCAR race at the Talladega Superspeedway in 2012 with 15 top-ten finishes, earning fifth place in the overall final standings for that season. After taking a break from racing in 2014, he returned to NASCAR in 2023 for his first full-time season to race for Big Machine Racing. Kligerman placed within the top 12 drivers during the regular season, allowing him to reach the Xfinity series playoffs. Kligerman is looking forward to returning to the track in 2024, where he will drive the no. 48 Chevrolet Camaro.

“I think right now my goal is to win races at this level, and try to win a championship,” Kligerman said. “Whatever happens, happens, if I get to race for another 20 years, awesome […] but I’ve won in a lot of ways just by having the chance to be here.”

8 | FEATURES

READY, SET, GO! Throughout Kligerman’s life he has always wanted to be involved with cars. From when he was a child (top left), to entering his first race in 2009 (top right), entering his second race (left) and placing in a NASCAR race in 2012 (bottom), Kligerman has acheived his dreams.

features| 9

All photos contributed by Parker Kligerman ’09

Andi

Jacobs ’26 Web Features Editor

You have spent the past week running the show on repeat. Over and over. Nonstop. Your voice is sore, and you don’t remember your last full night of sleep. But you don’t care. Tonight is opening night, and your body is filled with adrenaline. You step onto the stage, look out into the crowd and hear applause. You smile. This is what it was all for.

That is what the past two weekends were like for Staples Players. They have just finished performing “The Prom,” and it was not easy to get this show perfect.

“Players has a very dedicated group of students and adults,” Players actress Ellis Maron-

ing this show look what it is.”

Players starts in the summer when actors do workshops. Then, their next 2.5 months are spent working on the show.

“The hardest part is most definitely the time commitment,” Players actress Imogen Medoff ’24 said. “However, the show makes it all worthwhile and rewarding.”

3-6 p.m. with the exception of Tuesdays. Tuesdays are reserved for crew because it is helpful to have empty space to work in.

When you’re doing what you love with great people, it’s totally worth it.”

- Grace Power '24

Rehearsals are busy; they have to take advantage of all the time they have.

“We work

the show. This means sitting at the lighting board and pausing the show to add lighting cues.

“It is constantly the actors being frozen onstage and us designing lights,” Feldman said. “It is a hoot of a time [for us], but it is boring for the actors.”

The last step is “week of wonder,” or WOW week. During this week, Players run the show every day to make sure it is perfect. This is draining, but it is worth it.

They begin with auditions on the first Thursday and Friday of school. The callback list is posted that weekend, and callbacks—round two of auditions—are the following week.

in the auditorium and the black box at the same time most days,” stage manager Tess Feldman ’24 said. “There are constantly a bunch of things happening at once.”

Tech week occurs two weeks before the show. The actors run the show while the crew “techs”

“The cast and crew spends countless hours preparing for the show,” Medoff said.

After months of hard work and preparation, Staples Players is finally ready to perform. This is the best part; it is their reward.

“When you’re doing what you love with great people,” Players actress Grace Power ’24 said, “it’s totally worth it.”

STAR OF THE SHOW Sorel Kennedy ’25 plays Dee Dee Allen.

“

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT Josy Pitaro ’24 (left) & Imogen Medoff ’24 (right) play a LGBTQ+ couple.

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Graphic by Avery Michalowski ’26

LOVE THY NEIGHBOR Ben Herrera ’24 plays Trent Oliver, one of the leads. BEHIND THE SCENES Tyler Rockwell ’24 (left) & Tess Feldman ’24 (right) have positions in the tech crew. Photos contributed by Kerry Long Photography

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Graphic by Alex Gaines ’25

SPORTS

Pequot Runners Club’s Annual Thanksgiving Day Race Builds Community

Lily Hultgren ‘25 Features Editor

It’s anksgiving morning and in a couple hours your dining room table will be taken over by tasty, mouth-watering dishes you will share with the people you care about most. But for now, you are standing at the start line, among friends and family, prepping to go on a scenic run surrounded by festive cheer that will start your anksgiving Day o with a bang.

Westport. For many years, the anksgiving Day Race has fostered community and joy while raising money for local charities.

The environment is really cool. Everyone’s dressed up in silly outﬁts. It’s just a really good time.”

- Leigh Foran ’24 “

On ursday, Nov. 23 at 8:15 a.m., the Pequot Runners Club will hold its 46th Annual Pequot Runners anksgiving Day Race. e event includes a ve mile race as well as 2.6 mile walk occurring at the same time, both with routes going through Southport and

Pequot Runners founder E. Packer Wilber rst established the race in 1978 so that he and his local runner friends could partake in a run before the anksgiving feast. Over the years, the race has gone from a few hundred participants to over 5,500. One of the goals of the race is to raise money for local charities, particularly ones that help kids and families, while also having an enjoyable race.

“It’s a lot of fun because generally we have a lot of families who come year after year,” Executive Director of Pequot Runners Je Palmer said. “And they always look forward to the bagpipe band which has been absent the past two years be-

cause of COVID, but we have a bagpipe band coming back again this year.”

Lucas Ceballos-Cala ’25 and his family have attended the race for the past several years.

“It kind of feels like it’s one of those moments where you realize you’re part of a community,” Ceballos-Cala said. “And it feels like the whole town, or the whole two towns,

are coming together and kind of doing this for each other and for a common purpose, so that’s always nice.” e anksgiving day race is Staples cross country’s community service project and every year the teams come to help with the race’s set up, registration and clean up.

On the day of the race, runners and walkers will arrive at the Wakeman Boys’ and Girls’ Club in Southport. At around 8 a.m., both groups will make their way towards their start lines. Leigh Foran ’24, an annual participant, expressed excitement for the upcoming race and also encouraged others to sign up, which you can do through the Pequot Runners website.

“I think people should come to the race because it’s just like a really chill, fun time,” Foran said. “ e environment is really cool. Everyone’s dressed up in silly out ts. It’s just a really good time.”

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Photo graphic by Alex Gaines ’25 & Shivali Kanthan ’24 Photos contributed by Peqout Runners COMING TOGETHER The Peqout Runners club has gained thousands of runners since its ﬁrst turkey trot race in 1978. Grap hic by Alex Gaines ’25

Wreckers play hard at FCIAC championships

Charlotte Berner ‘25 Assistant Business Manager

Ten Staples sports teams participated in the FCIAC tournament this year as their fall season came to a close. Many teams performed well: the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams got third and fourth place respectively, and boys’ soccer made it to the semi nal round. However, only three teams came out of FCIACs with a rst or second place win: girls’ soccer, boys’ golf and girls’ eld hockey.

Girls’ soccer

e girls’ soccer team took second place in the FCIAC championship, falling short to St. Joseph 2-1. In the semi nals, the team beat Darien 2-0 and in the quarter nals, they beat Trumbull 4-2. e team’s head coach, Barry Beattie, knows his team gave their all, although the results were not what they had hoped.

“I’m disappointed we didn’t win and feel for the players because they give everything to achieve the best result for their teammates,” Beattie said, “but I am always proud to be standing there with them as their coach.”

BOYS’ GOLF

e boys’ golf team claimed the FCIAC championship on Oct. 19, marking the second time in history that the team has won. is win served as a sense of motivation and pride for the team now and in future years.

“After winning the championship,” head coach Peter Caligiure said, “I hope it provides our team next year the condence and belief to not only contend but defend our title.”

Girls’ Field hockey

e girls’ eld hockey team also took second place in the FCIAC tournament losing 3-0 to Darien in the nal. e team defeated New Canaan 7-2 in the quarter nals and Ridge eld 3-2 in double overtime and shootouts to make it to the tournament’s nals.

Although the team put up a good ght against Darien in the nals, they are still striving to improve going forward.

“I think we were all disappointed with the outcome because we know we have what it takes to win,” captain Kathryn Asiel ’24 said. “We learned that we need to focus more on the connection from the defense to the attack.”

IN ONE (left to right) Gus Palmer ’26, Sawyer Dalzell ’25, Harrison Browne ’24, Chris Taylor ’26 and Philip Sullivan ’26 are members of the Staples boys’ golf team. Browne and Dalzell shot a 73, playing a key role in their team’s victory.

sports|13

COMING BACK Staples field hockey rebounded from their FCIAC loss, winning against Greenwich 2-1 at the CIAC semifinals on Nov. 10. HOLE Photo contributed by Kathryn Asiel ’24 Photo contributed by Harrison Browne ’24 TEAM LEARNING Staples girls’ soccer fought hard in the CIAC tournament, ultimately losing to St. Joseph on Nov. 14. in the CIAC semi-finals. Photo contributed by Gabriela de Brito ’24 Staples v. St. Joseph Photo graphics by Shivali Kanthan ’24

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Staples v. Darien 1 0