The 2024 election season is one of the most eventful in recent memory, between the upset of President Biden dropping out, Donald Trump’s felony convictions, and worries about the preservation of democracy in the United States. The results of this election will go down as one of the most important in the nation’s history.
What exactly are the policy plans of both parties? Despite the United States undertaking one of the most effective economic recoveries, with high GDP growth and the largest decrease in inflation among the G7 countries, economic worries are still the highest issue for voters.
The Harris campaign is focused on what she calls an “opportunity economy” which focuses on tax credits for young families, first time home buyers, and small businesses. She also hopes to continue Biden’s administration policies focused on
Catch This! FantasyFootballatWFS
Abby Terrell ‘27, Staff Writer
Decision 24
bringing down costs for health care and prescription medicines.
Donald Trump plans to cut taxes for American workers, specifically enacting a policy of no taxes on tips for service workers. Trump plans to implement high tariffs on imported goods, in hopes that the increased costs will encourage people to buy American-made products instead. Trump also promises to curb inflation. Both parties’ campaigns focus heavily on border policies. During his campaign, Trump has claimed that there are over 20,000,000 illegal immigrants in this country. According to a PBS fact check, border officials have reported only 10,000,000 encounters with undocumented migrants over the past four years.
During the Vice-Presidential debate, JD Vance claimed that, “about a million migrants have criminal backgrounds.” The director of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) claims that around
Every year at the end of August, people of all ages find themselves meticulously plotting out the perfect assortment of players to create a winning season in fantasy football. Fantasy football is a game where participants are the managers of their team, draft their players, create the starting lineup, and trade players. Each week a person’s team plays another team in their league. As the NFL players pass, run, sack, catch, kick field goals, and score touchdowns, the participants gain points. Whichever team has the most points wins.
Fantasy football was created in 1963. Bill Winkenbach, an owner of the Raiders, had friends over and created the first fantasy football league. After realizing how fun it was, he decided to join the Greater Oakland Professional Pigskin Prognostication League (GOPPL). Fantasy football started to gain popularity as people began using the internet.
In 1985, the Grandstand Sports Service created the first fantasy football league online. Since then fantasy football’s popularity has grown rapidly. In 1988, there were only 500,000 users. Now there are more than 60 million. Out of that 60 million, 71 percent of all players are between the ages of 18 and 39.
600,000 non-citizens have outstanding criminal charges. The Department of Homeland security reports an even lower number, claiming that out of all border crossings, only 100,000 have been flagged for a criminal record.
Kamala Harris wants to extend the border policies of the Biden administration, while also reviving the bi-partisan border security bill. This bill, which was rejected by House Republicans earlier this year, focuses on expanding the power of Homeland Security, and making the process of reviewing asylum claims easier for immigration courts.
The Democratic party has made abortion access a clear priority throughout the 2024 campaign. In the summer of 2022, the Republican dominated Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, allowing states to decide their own abortion laws.
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May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor...
Ethan Halaby ‘27 Staff Writer
It’s no secret that the teachers at Wilmington Friends School are talented in many ways beyond the subjects they teach. WFS staff is comprised of mountain climbers, Aikido masters, motorcyclists, marathon runners, and more. With so much talent and skill in the faculty, students might wonder which of their teachers might be the best survivalist. What better way to ask that question to a community full of high school students than, “Which teacher would be most successful in the Hunger Games?”
To answer this question, a poll was sent out to the upper school community, and interviews were conducted with the teachers to uncover the answer. After careful analysis, it became clear that there was only one clear answer to this exciting question.
First, we should es-
tablish what it takes to win the Hunger Games. Though some claim physical strength is the most important for success in the Hunger Games, others beg to differ.
Dr. Dagold, a 10th grade English teacher who has led an adventurous life crossing the country by motorcycle, says, “To be successful in the Hunger Games, you need to know who to trust, and most of all, be willing to do anything.”
When asked who she thinks would win the Hunger Games, library media specialist Mary Woodward says, “Sarah Woodward. She’s fierce, smart, can make connections, but can also do what needs to be done”.
Ana Niiler ‘28, who is a current member of the freshman class, agrees. She says, “Ms. Woodward has a lot of knowledge on the human body and science in general.”
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Decision ‘24
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Trump has taken credit for the strict abortion laws spreading through Republican states, as he appointed the conservative Supreme Court justices during his presidency. Vice President Harris hopes to reinstate Roe v Wade at the national level.
Democrats are critical of Project 2025. The Trump campaign has distanced itself from the policy plan written by the Heritage Foundation, a think tank that has been creating policies for Republican administrations since the 1980s. Project 25 intends to strengthen the powers of the presidency, expand the power of the FBI, and close the Department of Education. Project 2025 also supports a nationwide abortion ban, as well as restrictions on IVF and contraceptives. The plan includes limited spending on green energy, and increasing the production of fossil fuels; both of which go hand in hand with proposed tax cuts for big business.
No matter the winners of the election, results are sure to cause frustration among both party members. On January 6th, 2021, Donald Trump attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 election. For the past four years, Trump has continued to deny the results of the election. During the vice presidential debate, JD Vance said he would not stand in the way if another insurrection was attempted, as Mike Pence had. Donald Morton is the Global Politics and World Religions teacher
Fast Fashion: Friend or Foe?
Ellie McQuillan ‘28 Staff Writter
As the topic of climate change continues to resurface more frequently, scientists have found that our clothing choices play a key role in climate change. Our clothing expression or choices, specifically concerning fast fashion, are subject to change. We need to reflect on our clothing choices and how they play a key role in climate change. Our clothing expression or choices, specifically concerning fast fashion, are subject to change. Even though the clothes we wear play a pivotal role in how we express ourselves, our individuality, and our identity, the route that the fashion industry is heading is dangerous.
With social media increasing in popularity, trends form and prompt viewers to buy into fast fashion; these microtrends hurt the environment. How can we make better choices when purchasing clothing while still being able to express ourselves?
When scrolling through hundreds of videos on apps like TikTok and Instagram, many are fashion related. Whether it’s raving about the newest pair of jeans, or a haul, where the word “cute” is used in every sentence, social media has become a useful way to promote fast fashion, and consumerism in general. Payton Altland is a current senior. “I wouldn’t say I’m heavily influenced by trends,” Altland says, “That being said, I do find that I often end up following trends without intentionally trying to.”
Many people are victims of following trends, and sometimes subconsciously doing so. The newest styles and trends are also able to spread across the globe instantaneously through these apps, encouraging viewers to buy more items than needed.
Ellie Romano ‘28 frequently finds clothing in her wardrobe that she has yet to wear. “I buy clothes, thinking, ‘Hmm that’s cute,’ but I never find an occasion to wear it to – or it doesn’t fit, and I don’t get around to returning it,” Romano says. These clothes that are never worn and wasted usually end up being trashed.
According to the UN Environmental Programme, it is estimated that a truckload of textiles are discarded every second. That staggering statistic signals the direction in which the fashion industry is headed.
at WFS. When asked what issue he thought should be most important for voters, he answered with one word: “Democracy.”
In the last few weeks of the election, neither side has managed to gain a clear advantage. Both Democrats and Republicans still have possible paths to victory, and hopes and worries are high amongst all voters.
The campaigning, debates, and speeches only go so far, as most voters have already made up their minds by now. This election will be decided by those who are still sitting on the fence.
Buying into microtrends and fast fashion is only contributing more to the alarming amount of clothes that are ending up in landfills.
In contrast to the negative aspects of fast fashion, it also provides the opportunity to easily, and inexpensively express yourself through clothing. Throughout life, your style can change dramatically, and with these cheap prices, you can change with it. Expressing yourself through style has never been easier, conveying your identity and personality.
Matthew Budzyn ‘28 who describes his style as eclectic, and original says, “I think I can express my individuality, and people can get the sense that I am outgoing from the way I dress.” Additionally, a large part of growing up is finding who you are. Clothing is a way to explore more of yourself, and let others know more about you.
Creating a balance between spending habits and expressing yourself through clothing is necessary to save the planet. Becoming more conscious and aware of these effects will let us thoroughly think through the purchases we will make in the future. Instead of buying into fast fashion, purchasing clothes that aren’t necessarily a statement, but will be a part of many different outfits, and that will be worn until they don’t fit or are worn out is an alternative. Questions like, how often will I wear this item? Do I have a similar piece of clothing already? Should I buy this if I’m going to wear it for an occasion? These questions can also help us to make sure our purchase is necessary, letting us stop and think about the environmental impact of our decisions.
Come See an Un-BelleIevebly Good Show!
Julia Provo ‘28 Staff Writer
Jacob Sepehriazar ‘27, who is playing the “Tavern Master” in the musical says, “My favorite thing about the show is the story itself because it has a great message. People should come see it so that we can keep doing amazing musicals like this one.” Musical theater can give you an amazing community that could help you to build many talents, beyond singing and dancing. Many students have built a talent for public speaking as well as gained confidence. Theater can also allow you to meet some incredible friends and have a group to support you. Even if theater is new to you, joining is a great way to make friendships and experience new things. Just coming to see the musical is a good way to witness powerful stories and show support! And the Wilmington Friends cast of Beauty and the Beast would love to see you in their audience.
These performances are some you will not want to miss! Though the cast are only a short way into the practicing process, everyone is developing their skills. Our lead, Belle, is played by the amazing Piper Roskovensky ‘25! She sings as a soprano and her performance will leave a lasting impact on the audience.
Mia Davenport ‘25, a senior in the show, says, “I love
Apple Butter
- 2 ½ pounds apples, peeled and chopped (1-inch chunks)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup water
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup salted butter softened, 113 grams
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 100 grams
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed, 50 grams
- 1/3 cup pumpkin purée, 75 grams
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 210 grams
For Cookies
The Whittier Miscellany
how excited everyone is for the musical and the wide variety of people in the show!” Clearly, the cast is prepared and very excited. All the more reason to come see the show!
I am sure many of us have seen Beauty and the Beast at least once in our lives, and is it not one of the most brilliant love stories of all time? Beauty and the Beast tells a story about a beautiful girl who finds love for a Beast. The main message is “not judging a book by its cover”, or, not judging someone by the way that they look, an important lesson. Piper Roskovensky ‘25, says, “Beauty and the Beast has
Pumpkin Cookies with Apple Butter
Ani Seidl ‘26 Staff Writer
Equipment
1. Hand mixer or stand mixer
2. Cookie Sheets
3. Parchment Paper
4. Saucepan
5. Immersion Blender
For Apple Butter
1. Pour water into the bottom of a large saucepan.
2. Add all the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
3. Set the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it cook for 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
5. After 2 hours, remove the saucepan from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth.
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and pumpkin purée. Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the ingredients together until light and fluffy.
2. Add cinnamon, baking powder, and salt, then mix again until fully incorporated.
3. Gradually add in the flour, mixing on the lowest setting until just combined. Place the cookie dough in the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour.
4. After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Roll about 1 tablespoon of dough into a smooth ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Using your thumb, create an indent in the center of each dough ball. Then, gently widen the indent with your fingers to form a space for the filling.
7. Repeat until all the dough is used, making approximately 20 cookies.
8. Fill each cookie indent with a generous teaspoon of apple butter (you may have extra).
9. Bake the cookies on the middle oven rack for 18-22 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
been one of my favorite musicals. I loved watching the movie, especially when the live-action version came out. I remember I got so excited when my mom took me to see it in theaters.” Roskovensky says, “It was such a big part of my childhood and I’m very grateful to have this opportunity!” Seeing Beauty and the Beast is an amazing way to look back on your childhood, but also see this show for the true beauty it is.
There are many reasons why coming to see Beauty and the Beast here at Friends is an excellent idea! The Wilmington Friends production of Beauty and the Beast is premiering on November 15th at 10 a.m. for the in-school performance. Then the cast will perform the show once again Saturday the 16th at 7:30 and Sunday the 17th at 2:00. Your support would be greatly appreciated and funds from the show help support the school and theater program. In addition, joining either of the plays this winter and spring, or the musical next year, are amazing opportunities to make friends, build skills, and earn arts/music credits for school! Don’t be afraid to try something new. According to Roskovensky, “Theater is important because it brings people together. It’s fun to be part of a cast that becomes so close since we spend many late nights rehearsing and creating something that is important to all of us.” Piper says, “You get to meet new people from all grades and grow strong connections with the people that you already know.” After the musical concludes, there will be another article put out about how it all went, so stay tuned! Come see Wilmington Friend’s production of Beauty and
Hey, What Are You
Listening To?
Gabby Hamilton ‘27 Staff Writer
As you walk through the school in the morning, it is expected to see students wearing headphones. Despite the teachers' disapproval of these devices, people may wonder what could occupy their attention.
Music is something worth sharing with others. Artists are not just able to express themselves through their songs, but the listener can have their own unique experience. Recommending an artist can introduce someone to a new genre they've never heard of, and understanding what we listen to is an incredible way to do that. When WFS students were asked about their most listened-to genre and their top 3 favorite artists, Spotify was the most used platform, with over 79% of people in the school using it. Because of this, the data will include the most listened-to artist in school and their monthly Spotify monthly listeners.
First is the topic of genres, which is pretty straightforward. About a quarter of the school listens to pop music, with 12% saying they listen to rap, not counting answers saying hip-hop. Close to Rap is Country music, with 11% of the answers, and closing is Rock at 9.9%. Of course, some other genres and subgenres took around 5%-7% of the votes, such as Indie, Hip-Hop, and R&B. However, we also need to know what artists hold the top spots at school. With the fourth most answers is Zach Bryan, who has about 32,000,000
monthly listeners. There's a tie for third place going to Noah Kahan and Frank Ocean. Kahan has around 31,000,000 monthly listeners, and Ocean has about 36,000,000 (despite his lack of recent music). Taking the silver medal is Travis Scott. Finally, there is Taylor Swift, who has 91,000,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Of the top 5 artist responses, 21% of people put Taylor Swift as one of their top three music artists, making her the most listened-to musician of Friends.
Jordyn Moore, a junior at WFS, shared that her recent music taste consists of R&B and a bit of 50’s rock, featuring artists such as SZA, Lauren Hill, and Elvis. “I listen to most of it in the morning on my way to school, when I'm home, and in the afternoon. So basically, all the time,” says Moore. “Ever since I was in my mom’s stomach, I’ve been listening to music.” Jordyn gave the song recommendation of “The Need to Know” by Wales ft. SZA.
C huma Chukwuocha, a sophomore at Friends, told me he usually listens to rap and R&B. He enjoys listening to artists like Brent Faiyaz, Mac Miller, 21 Savage, and Lil’ Baby. Most of his music listening takes place after school, and he mentions, “It has helped calm me down in heated situations or get me ready for games.” He recommends the song “Me and You” from the Let It Shine soundtrack by Coco Jones and Tyler James Williams. As trends change and music evolves, it is difficult to predict what Friends students will be listening to in the future. However, there is certainty that WFS students will continue to enjoy lives filled with the sound of music.
Cartoon by Morgan Kim ‘27
Celebrating Hispanic and Latin American Heritage
Sofía Hasse-Mas ‘25 Staff Writer
Each year, from September 15 to October 15, people around the world come together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. It is a time to recognize and honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities, as well as a time to shed light on a community who has not always had it easy. Whether through art, music, food, or stories passed down through generations, this month is an opportunity to connect with the rich and diverse heritage that shapes so much of our world today.
At Wilmington Friends, we have a strong tradition of respecting and celebrating a diverse range of communities. Whether these communities are centered around race, ethnicity, or religion, each holds a special place at our school. Some of the ways we honor and celebrate these groups are through affinity clubs like the BSU, ASU, and the Jewish Student Union. Additionally, our school aims to educate the student body on different minority groups through different presentations, queries and discussions.
As a member of the Spanish Club, students in this group wish to celebrate and honor Hispanic and Latino Americans. Part of the reason why this community is behind in being celebrated as other groups are is because of the lack of hispanic and latino students at our school. Think about how many Hispanic and Latino students are in your grade… you probably won’t even reach five.
Rodrigo Saldaña, Spanish teacher at WFS, says "Many students don’t realize how many Latinos are out there because there are so few at our school, which makes it easy for Latino culture and its impact to go unnoticed." However, regardless of the small number of Hispanic and Latino students at our school, increasing the representation of this community is a personal goal of mine, and I hope it soon becomes one for our school as well.
Many people get confused about the difference between Hispanic and Latino. The definitions can vary for each individual, depending on what it means to them personally. However, the widely accepted definition of "Hispanic" refers to people with origins in Spanish-speaking countries, while "Latino" refers to people with origins in Latin American countries, which include Central and South America. The main difference is that "Hispanic" is tied to language, while "Latino" is tied to geographic location.
While many Hispanic people also identify as Latino, and vice versa, this is not always the case. For example, someone from Spain is considered Hispanic, as they come from a Spanish-speaking country, but they are not Latino, because Spain is not in Latin America. On the other hand, Brazilians are considered Latino, as Brazil is part of Latin America, but they are not Hispanic, since Portuguese is the language spoken in Brazil, not Spanish. This creates a very diverse community that includes people of different races (Black, Brown, and White) as well as a wide range of religions, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds.
Now that we understand who the people in this community are, we can start to properly represent and honor this community. Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as a week-long celebration, later expanding to a month in 1988. Its purpose is to honor the rich contributions of Hispanic and Latin Americans to U.S. history, culture, and society. This community represents a wide diversity of cultures, languages, and countries, from Mexico and Puerto Rico to Argentina and Spain. Rodrigo Saldña says, “Understanding Hispanic contributions is crucial to understanding American history as a whole.”
At Wilmington Friends, the Spanish Club is working to help the Hispanic community to be celebrated, despite the challenges of lack of students and faculty belonging to this community. Hispanic students and staff bring unique experiences that shape their identity, and the hope is that we can create a welcoming community for these members of our school, especially immigrant families who may have less community in a new country. Darío Robles, another Spanish teacher at WFS says, “Being an immigrant and new to a country was very difficult, but everyone helped, and I have felt very welcome.”
The underrepresentation of the Hispanic community in areas like media and politics, especially with the upcoming election, is a reminder of the importance of raising awareness. By celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, and continuing to recognize the community throughout the year, we give all students the chance to truly understand and appreciate the rich diversity that shapes our school and the world around us.
In the end, Hispanic Heritage Month is about more than just honoring history, it’s about recognizing the people, stories, and cultures that continue to shape our lives every day. At Wilmington Friends, we have a chance to take this celebration beyond the month and make it a lasting part of our school’s spirit. By learning from and celebrating the Hispanic and Latino communities, we can create a school where everyone feels seen, valued, and appreciated for who they are. My hope is that, together, we can build a future where all voices are heard, and every community is embraced, and not just during special months, but always. If you identify with the community or want to participate in the effort to represent the Hispanic and Latino community, join the Spanish club.
Micah Davenport ‘27 Staff Cartoonist
Olympics and Paralympics at Friends
Kylie Poole ’28 Staff Writer
After four years of waiting, the Olympics and Paralympics have finally come around, and better yet they played out very well in the United States’ favor. The Olympics started on July 26 and spanned until August 11th, and the Paralympics, August 26th until September 8th.
Ending with a grand total of 129 medals from the Olympics and 105 medals from the Paralympics, the United States came in first in the Olympics and third in the Paralympics out of all other countries.
The Olympics, debuting break dancing and kayak cross, was hosted in Paris from July twenty-sixth to September eleventh, the Paralympics from August twenty-eighth to september eighth. Break dancing will not be returnig to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 because of funding and because the Olympic event wasn’t executed the way that the designers intended it to be. The most watched Olympic event at WFS school was gymnastics, with swimming as a close second, which makes sense because those are also some of the most watched events globally.
The United States performance at the Olympics was generally thought of as good by the Friends community between all the sports. Maya Dobson class of ‘24 says, “I think that the US did a really good job, the mens four was expected to do the best out of all the boats but they delivered really well and fought really
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There are plenty of participants at Wilmington Friends School. Jake Mahesawari ‘27 is in a league with fellow sophomore football players. He enjoys participating in fantasy football because it is very competitive and makes you watch more football games. Mahesawari believes that there is no downside to participating in fantasy football. He believes that you still have fun even if you lose. When asked if he has ever lost he said, “No, I don’t plan on losing. I only strive for greatness.”
A well known aspect of fantasy football is the punishments that the losers have to do. Mahesawari mentioned that the loser of their league had to eat hot wings made by the other members. A punishment that went viral last year on social media had the loser be put in a dog cage. The other members could pour anything they wanted on the loser, such as eggs, sardines, ketchup, mayo, or spoiled milk. Cooper Strauss ‘26 mentioned that his league planned to make the loser dress up to go trick or treating in the middle of the summer and get 5 pieces of candy. Many hold the belief that punishments increase the competition in the fantasy football leagues.
While Mahesawari believes there are no negatives to participating in fantasy football, Rob Tattersall ‘91 and Quinn Marshall ‘27 see not only the positives, but also the downsides. Marshall is not participating in fantasy football this year, but has in pre-
The Whittier Miscellany
hard, and I’m really proud.”
In the sport of rowing, there is an event called the mens four. It is where there are four men in one of the rowing boats, without a coxswain. The USA rowing men’s four won gold after edging out New Zealand by less than a second. One of the men that was rowing with them came from Newport Rowing Club in Delaware, his name is Justin Best.
Nick Heckles, class of ‘24 says “The track and field did the best and showed the most for the country.”
The USA track and athletics team won many gold medals making it the highest medal awarded category at the
ally had a good Olympics season this year. Many countries that havent been awarded many medals in the past have had athletes score in events this summer. “I am taken back by some of the USA’s humility sometimes,” said McKenzie. The United States has been known in the past for its lack of humility which can very easily show through athletics because of the country’s highly ranked athletes.
The Paralympics this year were way less viewed than the Olympics. In WFS alone, roughly sixty three percent more students watched the Olympics than the Paralympics. The Paralympics this year was viewed as very good in all the events, yet only had about half the amount of world wide views as the Olympics did, but that didn’t stop those athletes from performing their sport to its max.
Paris Olympics for the United States.
There were also some different opinions on the performances leaning more towards the things that the United States could improve on. Mike McKenzie, the physical education teacher says, “I’m used to seeing the USA win a few more things and I don’t know if it had to do with the coverage showing more of a variety of events and not just the events that the USA is really good at.” The world outside of the United States has re-
vious years. This year Quinn Marshall ‘27 decided not to play because he did not want to worry about who to draft. When asked who would be his first pick he said either Patrick Mahomes or Christian McCaffrey. Although Cristian McCaffrey is injured he is a very dominant player, averaging 24.7 points a game. McCaffrey was the overall number-one draft pick last year. Marshall mentioned that many fantasy teams are struggling because of injuries like McCaffrey. He believes the most important player on a fantasy team is the quarterback. “Quarterbacks are the base of your team, they can gain you lots of points,” Marshall says. One reason he decided not to participate is because he believes it is hard to be a fan of a team and have a fantasy football team. “You could draft opponents from your favorite team and you could play them, and either root against your fantasy team or your favorite football team,” Marshall says.
Like Quinn Marshall ‘27, Rob Tattersall ‘91 sees both positives and negatives. Rob Tattersall is an alum who is now the head coach of the Wilmington Friends Team. Tattersall is not a participant in fantasy football, because he finds it distracting from watching football and following his favorite teams. Despite this opinion, he sees the positives; that one gets to stay connected with their friends who live far away. Majority of the users have multiple leagues to participate in with old friends and friends who live in different states. Not only does fantasy football help
“It’s just amazing to me of what humans are capable of doing even though they have some limitations, ” said McKenzie.
Some young athletes have the desire to one day be an olympian or paralympian when they are older. The sacrifices that these athletes make are unmatched.
“It would just have to be such a passion that comes from inside of you because the sacrifices I dont really understand, but I know they are substansial,” said McKenzie. These high level athletes have to risk so much of their life to compete in their desired sports so it is necessary that they are willing to fully commit to those sacrifices.
“It’s impossible until you do it,” said Maya Dobson ‘24. Training, hard work, and good health are needed in order to be one of these athletes.
friend groups with distance, but it also provides friend groups who see each other all the time with something fun and exciting to focus their energy on. Lots of friend groups gather to draft players and watch football games. Additionally, it encourages friendly banter about whose team is better. Thanks to Bill Winkenbach, almost 30 million users are able to enjoy creating the perfect football roster. Because of fantasy football’s enormous popularity, it has led to community creation for the players. Throughout the season their football team will experience wins and losses, but each player will take away fun experiences, and a newfound understanding for the game of football.
South Asian History Curriculum Implemented at Friends
Anya Agarwal ‘25 Editor in Chief
As a child, I often listened to my great-grandmother recount the story of her wedding. She described how my great-grandfather boldly lifted the thick veil that hid her face, defying societal norms. These stories connected me deeply to my heritage, but outside of my family, I noticed something was missing. Despite South Asia’s rich history and its global impact, I rarely encountered these narratives in my school curriculum.
With the support of WFS 6th grade social studies teacher, Tara Agne, who shared my vision for a more inclusive and diverse education, I worked to co-create a curriculum that brings these stories to life in the classroom. Starting in spring 2025, Wilmington Friends School will introduce a dedicated South Asian history unit in middle school social studies.
Why is this curriculum needed? Simply put, South Asia plays an increasingly important role in the world today.
“As I started to teach ancient civilizations last year in 6th grade, I began to wonder why the focus was on those particular civilizations over others in the middle and far east and Africa,” says Agne. “I came to realize that while this study is important, ancient South Asian civilization has also had significant influences on us today in science, medicine, and religion, to name a few areas, and I think it’s important to recognize this influence equally with the other civilizations we study.”
Home to nearly 2 billion people, South Asia is a region of immense cultural diversity, growing economic power, and significant political influence. From India’s booming tech industry to its space exploration achievements, this region is shaping the global future in many ways.
The curriculum I developed with Agne highlights the significant contributions of South Asia to our world. India was once called the “Golden Bird” due to its wealth and prosperity before British rule. The game of chess, which many of us enjoy, originated in India over 1,500 years ago. The rise of veganism is linked to the traditional Indian diet and the number zero was invented in India. South Asians played a pivotal role in the global struggle for independence, with leaders like Gandhi inspiring figures from Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States to Nelson Mandela in South Africa.
While developing this curriculum, we faced many challenges along the way.
“The biggest challenge was that the time period was so long and the civilization went through several phases with lots of interesting information,” says Agne. “It’s also important to give students a variety of different types of instruction and ways to demonstrate learning, so we had to develop assignments that went beyond merely reading, writing and watching videos, like making posters about the teachings of the major religions and learning some Sanskrit through doing yoga.”
Despite these challenges, our goal was to create an engaging and immersive
experience for students, sparking curiosity and a deeper understanding of South Asian history. We hope this approach will help students connect more personally
Trick-or-Treating: How
Old is too Old?
Aubrey Ashman ‘26 Staff Writter
Halloween entails various renowned seasonal activities, like scary stories, pumpkin carving, and costume parties. However, the most memorable is trick-or-treating. As we get older, we start to ask ourselves: how many of us still do it?
When kids go into high school, many realize that they don’t have as much fun doing childhood activities like trick-or-treating. Although, when they get closer to adulthood, some want to relive those experiences, so they can hold on to those last moments of youth.
with the material and appreciate its significance.
“I think it fits with our school’s diversity goals to bring other non-western perspectives into our learning,” says Agne. “In high school, students take world religions, and the middle school can more closely align with the high school curriculum by giving students exposure to religions that originated in South Asia earlier in their academic journey.”
At Friends, we are always striving to make the community a more diverse space. By integrating these perspectives into our education, we hope to empower students to become more informed and empathetic individuals.
of freshmen voted for “ages 16-17”, and the majority of sophomores voted for “ages 13-15”. When asked about these statistics, Ryan Hill, a member of the senior class, said, “We may be 17 or 18 years old, but we still have fun!”
A poll regarding the age limit for trick-or-treating was sent out to WFS high school students, of whom 90 responded. The two most popular answers were “ages 13-15,” with 24.4% votes, and “no limit,” with 32.2%.
The majority of juniors and seniors voted for the “no limit” option, whereas the majority
As kids grow up, many trickle out of the trick-or-treating tradition. They start to discover new festive activities they like to do instead. When asked about her views on the subject, Ellie Romano ‘28 said, “I find it more fun just hanging out with my friends and passing out candy instead of actually trick-ortreating.”
Some also begin feeling childish. Lucy White ‘27, who believes that kids should stop trick-or-treating around ages 13-14, said, “I feel like I got too old.” Although she went trick-or-treating last year, this year she plans to just spend time with friends.
Nevertheless, there are always those who will be avid trick-or-treaters for as long as they can. When asked about her favorite part of Halloween, Layli Katirai ‘26 said, “Getting candy! I always trick-or-treat for at least an hour.” She strives to collect as much candy as possible so that it lasts for months on end.
Additionally, many people view trick-or-treating as a perfect opportunity to bond with friends. Kellen Ryan ‘26 said, “I’ve always gone to my cousin’s neighborhood for trick-ortreating, and it’s really nice to spend time with him.”
People enjoy Halloween in different ways. Based on the results, however, younger high school students show more embarrassment and disinterest towards trick-or-treating, and older ones are more enthusiastic about holding onto those childhood traditions. Strictly speaking, while some communities may have age limits for trick-or-treating, the state of Delaware does not. So it’s up to you!
When asked who she thinks would win the Hunger Games, library media specialist Mary Woodward says, “Sarah Woodward. She’s fierce, smart, can make connections, but can also do what needs to be done”.
Ana Niiler ‘28, who is a current member of the freshman class, agrees. She says, “Ms. Woodward has a lot of knowledge on the human body and science in general.”
Mary Robertson is an upper school art teacher with a creative and resourceful mind. When asked her opinion about which teacher would come out on top, she stated, “Ms. Miller. She’s strong-willed. She does her own thing and does what she thinks is right. Plus, she has survived traveling in Europe with a bunch of students, which is no small task. But most of all, she likes to win”. Physical abilities aren’t the only aspects that matter to students and faculty, but mental capability as well.
Even though physical strength might not be the defining factor of victory, it sure doesn’t hurt, according to students. Decker Reitemeyer ‘27 is a member of the sophomore class. He agreed with this sentiment, stating that he believes Mr. Childers would win the Hunger Games because, “He was a running-back and gets up at 4:30 am every morning to run”.
One anonymous 12th-grade student says they believe upper school History teacher Mr. Morton would be most successful, saying, “he has the strength and the mindset to win due to his football and wrestling background”. Kayla Turman ‘26, a current member of the j junior class, agrees, saying, “He’s definitely the most resourceful.”
Cafeteria Food Review
Zoë Mooney-Doyle ‘27 Staff Writter
Picture this: a student walks into Wilmington Friends School cafeteria in the morning and their stomach growling louder than ever before. They start to walk around the store, and their mind starts racing, wondering what they should get today. Well, it happens to everyone, but here are a few things to note for the next time a student take a trip there.
According to a survey sent out to all WFS upper schoolers, 56.9% of students mainly go to the cafeteria for snacks. Some snacks may include chips, muffins, fruit, and other baked goods such as donuts, croissants, and scones.
While writing this article an interview with Stephanie from the Culinart kitchen staff was conducted. To show the previous point even further, during our interview, she said, “Muffins actually sell out the fastest.”
Owen Strauss is a sophomore at Wilmington Friends School and he enjoys grabbing lunch from the cafeteria on days he doesn’t bring
Henry Duckworth ‘28 is a member of the fresh men class who shared his take on the question. “Mr. Schropp is physically strong, is a good coach, and makes good decisions.” Duckworth went on to convey how he believes Mr. Schropp has both the mindset and the physical ability to do well in the game.
Along with the poll sent out to students, the
teachers themselves were also interviewed, and asked how they thought they would perform in the Hunger Games. Mrs. Kenney is a 9th grade English teacher who had a strong opinion regarding her own capabilities. “I can sit still and read without food or water for days. If I found a good spot, no one would find me,” says Kenney.
his own lunch. He also will stop by for a quick snack sometimes. According to him, he said he has “never bought a chocolate chip muffin”. Although snacks are very popular, the next favorite item is the hot main meal. Accord-
ing to the survey, 41.3% of students at this school normally go for the main meals. Typically, a big line comes from the cafeteria at lunch, and now we know why. They provide many different cuisines for the students to enjoy.
Dr. Dagold, the 10th grade English teacher, says “I know how to make a fire. When I moved from the East Coast to Seattle, Washington on my motorcycle, I camped the whole way in the wilderness”. Clearly, there is more to our teachers than what we see in the classroom, judging by these fascinating responses.
Now for the big question. After all the polls, interviews, and data collection, which teacher is most likely to win the Hunger Games?
In third place, upper school dean of students Mrs. Miller wins the bronze medal. The general consensus among teachers and students was that her persistent attitude and ability to problem solve efficiently and effectively would bring her the title. One WFS student says, “I think Mrs. Miller would win mainly because she’s a strategic thinker”.
The teacher who came in second place was upper school History teacher, Mr. Childers. When asked his opinion on why he was so highly ranked in the polls, he responded, “I do wake up at 4:30 am every morning. I have completed and finished 100 and 50-mile races, Ultra marathon distance, and I did play football in high school.” He then went on to say “Maybe students think I’d be successful because of my no-nonsense demeanor in class.”
In first place, the projected winner of the Hunger Games is upper school History teacher, Mr. Schropp! According to student responses, Mr. Schropp would be the most successful due to his coaching experience. Many students claim that he is a talented planner, and that his football coaching experience must have taught him how to keep a calm mind under pressure; each of these reasons making him most likely to win the game.
The personal talent present among WFS staff is rarely showcased firsthand. Not only are students lucky enough to learn from these people through formal instruction, but if they pay extra attention, students might be able to learn a lesson or two to help them in the real world.
Stephanie agrees that the main meal is the best option, hers being a chicken quesadilla.
A common misconception is that the cafeteria desserts would sell out the quickest, but that’s not the case. The survey showed that only 13.8% of students go for a yummy dessert. What sells the least? According to Stephanie, hard boiled eggs sell out the least; they never get sold. Let’s just say they don’t look that appealing. Owen Strauss noted, “He has never and will never buy hard boiled eggs.” So it sounds like many people probably don’t and have never gotten them since they sell out the least. Hard-boiled eggs selling relates to the survey again; the last thing students go to the cafeteria for is breakfast, which makes sense because so many people can get their breakfast from home. When a student goes to the cafeteria, they may want to look for some good fresh baked goods, maybe for breakfast or snacks, before they are all gone. Then, during lunch, if the line isn’t too long, get in line for the main meal if the student enjoy what they have on the menu for that day.
The Impact of Music on Studying Efficiency
Annie Rosenthal ‘27 Staff Writer
Does Music Affect Your mood? The short answer is yes. Music totally affects your mood, no matter who you are, music will impact your mood. Music has many benefits no matter what you’re listening to or what you’re doing while listening. Most would argue that music is one of the most important things in life and has helped them in many ways. It can be healing, reasuring, meditative and more. Music can change a person and has impactful effects.
Most people take the opportunity to listen to music in the car, at the gym, or while doing work. According to Statista 79% of people listen to music in the car. This comes as no surprise considering this is when people have a moment away from the anxieties of life and can truly take it in.
Anxiety and stress are a constant factor in any person’s daily life especially when it comes to school work. Different types of music can help this. Every person has their own preference on what helps them but there are also studies that show that classical music helps the most.
According to Fastweb, “Listening to Classical music is known to be both peaceful and harmonious, creating a calm and serene study environment.”
Danielle Litterelle, the School Counselor, offers valuable insights on the effects of music on focus and motivation. “Mozart is great! There is scientific evidence that shows that classical music calms you down cognitively and helps with motivation and focus,” Litterelle says. Classical music being a great tool to use when studying comes as a surprise to many.
Lucy White a sophomore at Wilmington Friends, has heard of the interesting use of Classical Music. “I do know about classical music because my dad tends to listen to Classical Music when he is working,” White says. “This makes sense because it is calming and doesn’t have any words which makes it easier to focus on the words in front of you.” She later shares that she doesn’t use it when studying and usually tends to listen to pop music. Music puts you in a focussing mindset and has many benefits when coming to completing work and putting you in that focussing mood.
The difference between classical music and the average music of today is that it is a 60 beats per minute genre of music. Other genres tend to be 100 and 40 beat per minute music. This music usually is played when on a run or a workout.
Mrs. Litterelle likes to listen to music while running and says, “It helps me with exercising and helps motivate me.” Literelle tells me how she utilizes 60 beats per minute(classical) in her practice. When a student has a tough time focusing she uses a website that offers meditative music that calms them down. All of these are 60 beats per minute music. “Classical music is a tool I use that helps calm someone and even slow your heart rate,” says Litterelle. 60 beats per minute music has many advantages and can take a student a long way in their work.
The impact of music on studying efficiency varies from person to person. While some individuals find that music can enhance concentration, improve mood, and make studying more enjoyable, others may find it distracting. Ultimately, it is essential to understand your own preferences and experiment with different types of music to determine what works best for you. By finding the right balance music can become a great tool to boost your study sessions and improve overall academic performance.
Editors-in-Chief(s) - Anya Agarwal ‘25
Lucy Cericola ‘25
Managing Editor - Emma Larsen ‘25
Sports Editor - Cora Lohkamp ‘26
Arts & Culture Editor - Scarlett Murphy ‘27
Science & Tech. Editor - Olivia Agne ‘27
News Editor - Gianna Cottone ‘26
Community Editor - Emma Lavelle ‘26
The Tesla Cyber Truck
Liza Geen ‘27 Staff Writer
Have you seen the Tesla Cyber Truck cruising around your neighborhood? The Cyber Truck is an increasingly popular, easily noticeable car
. Released in November of 2023, some argue that the Cyber Truck is full of flaws.
“It’s just ugly”, Says sophomore Sylvia Green when asked what she thought about the design.
Many students when asked said that the car looks too modern to be driven in 2024. The inspiration for this design, according to Elon Musk, is the 1982 sci-fi film Blade Runner. Some find this to be a cool concept for a car; however, the controversial design deters many buyers from considering this car.
Consumer Reports rates Tesla’s reliability the 27th worst out of 28.
Sophomore Jake Maheshwari says that “The Cyber Truck looks cheap, but in reality is very expensive.” The Cyber Truck pricing starts at $79,990, the highest starting price of all the Tesla models. Another flaw Tesla cars have in general is the sustainability of Tesla Battery production. 5,291 and 35,273 pounds of CO2 emissions are generated upon the making of just one battery.
Cyber Truck is an efficient, high functioning vehicle. While its starting price is rather expensive, owning an electric car can save you money in the long run. The average cost to power a gas powered vehicle is $1,117 a year, according to the NRDC. fueling an electric car costs around $485 on average per year.
Regarding the high carbon emissions of battery production, Tesla has stated that they are taking initiative and have acknowledged the problem. They plan to move forward with that in mind, and reduce the amounts of greenhouse gasses produced throughout the battery manufacturing process. You may have heard of these batteries catching fire or exploding. These issues are rare and usually due to user error.
It is understood that the Tesla products in general have their flaws. However, being an efficient electric car, the Cyber Truck could be a good option if you are considering a car with an interesting and unique design. Would you drive the Tesla Cyber Truck?
