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Bernstein (left) receives her Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame award.
Building more than toys: Melissa Bernstein inducted into the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame
Gas prices in the state of Connecticut have been going down penny by penny to drop the average gas price in Connecticut below the national average.
Connecticut gas prices lower penny by penny, falling below national average
Fire danger at Sherwood Island State Park is currently rated as extreme, with officials urging the public to take precautions to prevent forest fires.
Brush fire risks rise as high temperatures, lack of rain persists
Incumbent Democrat Jonathan Steinberg and challenger Republican John Bolton debate at Greens Farms Academy on Oct. 17.
Beyond the ballot: Steinberg, Bolton debate for chance to represent 136th district
Fatal narcotic distribution is a big issue (United States Drug Enforcement Adminstration).
Fatal drug crisis: Bridgeport trafficker sentenced as overdose deaths surge across Connecticut
While Kamala Harris’ Gen-Z-oriented campaigning has reached a wide audience, it’s not immune to criticism.
Harris’ Gen Z campaign strategy: captivating politics or cringe pop culture?
Unfortunately I no longer have as many gray hairs as I did in the past because I tried so many methods to get rid of them.
Accepting my silver hair rewarded me with gold
With the 2024 election coming up, many are examining the role Gen Z voters will have, given that the demographic of young voters tends to vote less than older generations. This raises the question: how will the new strategy of consuming political information on candidates through podcasts play a role?
Politicians are embracing new media; we should too
Income inequality is at record levels in Westport.
Westport’s Housing Market Reflects Growing Income Inequality
The long awaited senior year is not living up to the expectations I have held onto for the past three years. With school work, college applications and essays, it is hard to find a minute of true peace to enjoy myself. Missing out on certain cliche experiences all because of the enormous workload we are given.
Senior year is not living up to the hype
The Westport Library Book Sale, started 25 years ago, raises money for the Westport Library. In the 2023-24 fiscal year they were able to raise $70,000. The Westport Book Shop, created five years ago, further supports the library’s mission by raising essential funds and providing employment opportunities for individuals with differing abilities.
More than just books: Westport Library Book Sale impacts community
Reported weapon threats and concerning comments at CT schools as of Oct. 16.
CT faces school threats, local teams work to ensure student safety
Staples High School has over 1700 students and 200 faculty members, each with interesting facts about them, from playing six sports, to dreaming about going to space, to having held a Guiness World Record.
Discovering Interesting Facts At Staples
Kali Knesich ’25 turned 18 in June and is registered to vote in the 2024 presidential election for the very first time on Nov. 5.
Coming of age: students reflect on being able to vote
Adil Chokairy, the owner of Choupette, officially opened his third crêperie location on Oct. 16. There are two other Choupette locations, in New Haven and Darien.
Bienvenue: New Crêperie and Wine Bar brings French cuisine to downtown Westport
The Big Y has rows and rows of produce, and even sells some exotic fruits such as prickly pears, persimmons and mini guavas.
Big Y grocery store: here’s what you should try
This election cycle, political content has dominated the feeds of millions of Americans, encouraging younger Americans to vote, but simultaneously raising questions about misinformation, one edit at a time. Kasey Feeley ’26 is featured in the photo.
Chronically online politics: how TikTok can change the course of elections
Between scenes and snowflakes – finding warmth in shared moments.
‘Elf the Musical’ takes the stage: Staples Players embraces the holiday spirit
Enjoying the warm embrace of mid-July in Santa Barbara, where 85 degrees and sunny skies create the perfect backdrop for a mood boost.
Why warm weather saves lives
This fall, Staples Players is bringing the holiday spirit to life with the captivating production of “Elf the Musical.” From Nov. 14 -17 and Nov. 21-23, the Staples community can enjoy a glimpse of Buddy the elf’s whimsical world through his ventures outside the north pole in search of his biological dad. With cast lists already released, suspense and anticipation have been running high around the school as the Players prepare for a festive adventure. Pictured right, Seamus Brannigan '26 as Buddy the Elf struts across stage to greet Beck Fipp '27
Staples spreads holiday cheer with Elf: The Musical
Staples fell to New Canaan by a score of 2-0 in the girls’ soccer FCIAC semi finals; after falling out of FCIACs, the Wreckers will look to bounce back in the state tournament. (Photo by William Murray '25)
Girls’ soccer bows out of FCIAC tournament, focus shifts to states
Many student-athletes are forced to choose one path: Staples teams or club teams.
Pressure to prioritize: the challenge between choosing high school or club sports
Staples football sporting their normal helmets. Many professional players and high school athletes feel that wearing a guardian cap during practice will ensure better safety for the players during the real games. (Photo by Katherine Phelps '25)
Guardian caps: can they keep football players safe?
The Saint Joseph Cadets handed the Staples girls’ soccer team their first loss of the season in a 4-1 contest. (Graphic by William Murray '25)
St. Joseph hands girls’ soccer first loss of season
Bar selection in Staples Cafeteria with limited Clif Builder's Bars alongside an expansive amount of granola bars.
Ditch the Clif: Staples students deserve better protein bars in the cafeteria
Chef Lewandowski talks about his vision for his newest restaurant The Bridge. He is also the Chef at Townhouse in Greenwich, Connecticut.
“The Bridge” brings flavor and flare to community
The Yankees and Dodgers matchup will mark the 12th World Series between the teams. It has been 43 years since they last met for a championship.
Yankees, Dodgers renew rivalry in highly anticipated World Series
The fall foliage, the best part of fall!
We need to admit that fall is the best season
At Staples girls’ lacrosse Election Day clinic, everyone puts their sticks in the middle to end the clinic with a “one, two, three, Westport!”
Athletic teams hold Election Day clinics for young players
This fall, Staples Players is bringing the holiday spirit to life with the captivating production of “Elf the Musical.” From Nov. 14 -17 and Nov. 21-23, the Staples community can enjoy a glimpse of Buddy the elf’s whimsical world through his ventures outside the north pole in search of his biological dad. With cast lists already released, suspense and anticipation have been running high around the school as the Players prepare for a festive adventure. Pictured right, Seamus Brannigan '26 as Buddy the Elf struts across stage to greet Beck Fipp '27
Staples spreads holiday cheer with Elf: The Musical
Chef Lewandowski talks about his vision for his newest restaurant The Bridge. He is also the Chef at Townhouse in Greenwich, Connecticut.
“The Bridge” brings flavor and flare to community
The Yankees and Dodgers matchup will mark the 12th World Series between the teams. It has been 43 years since they last met for a championship.
Yankees, Dodgers renew rivalry in highly anticipated World Series
The fall foliage, the best part of fall!
We need to admit that fall is the best season
At Staples girls’ lacrosse Election Day clinic, everyone puts their sticks in the middle to end the clinic with a “one, two, three, Westport!”
Athletic teams hold Election Day clinics for young players
This sandwich has turkey, fresh mozzarella, spinach, onions and oil and vinegar toasted on multigrain bread. It is Andi Jacobs ’26’s daily sandwich order.
The Sandwich Coordinator, a new position at Staples, adds menus to the Sandwich line
This fall, Staples Players is bringing the holiday spirit to life with the captivating production of “Elf the Musical.” From Nov. 14 -17 and Nov. 21-23, the Staples community can enjoy a glimpse of Buddy the elf’s whimsical world through his ventures outside the north pole in search of his biological dad. With cast lists already released, suspense and anticipation have been running high around the school as the Players prepare for a festive adventure. Pictured right, Seamus Brannigan '26 as Buddy the Elf struts across stage to greet Beck Fipp '27
Staples spreads holiday cheer with Elf: The Musical
These cute mutts compete for the place as cutest pup at the fair.
Top 10 cutest dogs at the Westport Dog Festival
My hand, clutching the smoothie, freezes as I anticipate sunset. Finally, as the clock strikes 7:30 p.m., I can finally indulge in this long- awaited beverage.
A Ramadan Temptation: Indulge in an Avocado Smoothie
The bulk ferment is when the yeast fully developed through rest. The dough should nearly double in size and get bubbly. The warmer the environment, the faster the dough will ferment. If you leave the dough on the counter it will take about eight to 10 hours. For a more sour dough, leave it in the fridge for up to three days for a slower fermentation.
Sourdough: A simple but challenging craft
On Sunday, March 17, the 4 by 800m relay competed. From left to right, Sarah Bogdan '26, Leigh Foran '24, Emma Morris '24 and Avery Kalter '27 were on the relay. They finished with a time of 10:17. Though their season record was 10:06, they finished in the top eight overall.
Girls’ Track travels to Adidas Nationals
On the Wreckord - Episode Nineteen
On the Wreckord – Episode Nineteen
On the Wreckord - Episode Eighteen
On the Wreckord – Episode Eighteen
On the Wreckord - Episode Seventeen
On the Wreckord – Episode Seventeen
On the Wreckord - Episode Sixteen
On the Wreckord – Episode Sixteen
On the Wreckord - Episode Fifteen
On the Wreckord – Episode Fifteen
Reported weapon threats and concerning comments at CT schools as of Oct. 16.
CT faces school threats, local teams work to ensure student safety
Many student-athletes are forced to choose one path: Staples teams or club teams.
Pressure to prioritize: the challenge between choosing high school or club sports
Mel Stanger '23 at New York Fashion Week, modeling the red suit that shows women’s empowerment.
Strutting into style: Mel Stanger ’23 takes on New York Fashion Week
Numerous spotted lanternflies are infesting Westport. They are commonly found on wood surfaces, like this one is, or other hard surfaces. Lanternflies should be killed when sighted.
Spotted lanternfly infestation spreads, Staples environmentalists express concern
At a powerlifting competition in April, Abe Lobsenz ’25 broke three state records for his weight class. 102.5kg for bench, 155 kg for squat and 195kg for deadlift.
Powerlifters pursue national records, co-found club
Inklings' Wordle 11/13/24
Inklings’ Wordle 11/13/24
Inklings' Wordle 3/15/23
Inklings’ Wordle 3/15/23
Inklings Wordle 3/7/23
Inklings Wordle 3/7/23
Inklings' Wordle 3/3/23
Inklings’ Wordle 3/3/23
Inklings' Wordle 2/17/23
Inklings’ Wordle 2/17/23
Join the discussion.

Inklings News
Join the discussion.

Inklings News
Rachel Olefson ’25

Rachel Olefson ’25, Web Managing Editor

Web Managing Editor Rachel Olefson ’25 loves the freedom and creativity that Inklings has to offer. Olefson has been a member of Inklings for three years and wants her younger sister to join.

   “I really love just listening to music and going for a drive with my little sister,” Olefson said. “I’m trying to get her to do Inklings in the future.”

Olefson likes the personalization of journalism through writing, but she also enjoys the social opportunities Inklings has.

“I really value friendship and genuine connection,” Olefson said. “I find I get a lot of that through taking Advanced Journalism.”

 

All content by Rachel Olefson ’25
Connecticut’s minimum wage has increased rapidly throughout the last 20 years.

Connecticut minimum wage set to increase Jan. 1

Rachel Olefson '25, Web Managing Editor
October 7, 2024
Although I have a lot of opinions of the “Dancing with the Stars” opening night performances, the placements above depict the non-subjective results of the season premiere. Graphic by Rachel Olefson ’25.

“Dancing with the Stars” premiere brings new faces and old controversies

Rachel Olefson ’25, Web Managing Editor
September 23, 2024
Wreckers Wealth Management team members Andrew Rebello ’25, Alex Sod ’25, Srish Popuri ’25 and Mack Haymond ’25 pose with their second place awards from the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition.

Everyone’s Investing in Wreckers Wealth Management

Rachel Olefson '25 and Alex Gaines '25
May 20, 2024
Despite the fact that many juniors complain about their walk to the unofficial junior parking lot, Wakeman Field, the past year of parking there has taught me numerous invaluable life lessons and granted me many social and health benefits.

It’s really not that bad: an ode to my walk to Wakeman

Rachel Olefson '25, Web Managing Editor
May 10, 2024
Anthropology, a social studies course, will be offered as an Early College Experience (ECE) course for the 2024-2025 school year. Students can sign up for a more challenging version of the course that offers benefits such as earning college credit at a discounted rate that can transfer to 87% of secondary institutions.

[Photo] Anthropology ECE class approved in time for course selections

Rachel Olefson, Web News Editor
March 7, 2024
Since the events of Oct. 7, 2023, many Jewish students have become uncomfortable with others knowing about their Jewish identities, as well as with discussing the conflict between Hamas and Israel.

Jewish students navigate college campus safety concerns

Rachel Olefson '25, Web News Editor
January 8, 2024
With the end of the four-month long actors strike came the above terms, which the AMPTP agreed to after actors and crew members alike walked picket lines outside major film and television studios throughout the duration of the strike.

SAG-AFTRA actors vote to end four-month long strike

Rachel Olefson ’25, Web Managing Editor
December 6, 2023

Meet the new teachers: Tracy Soffa

Storey Ahl ’25 and Rachel Olefson ’25
November 10, 2023
Recently, as conflicts in Israel have made celebrating my Jewish faith more dangerous, my Hebrew name necklace has served as a reminder to keep my religious values close to my heart.

My Hebrew necklace: what Judaism means to me

Rachel Olefson ’25, Web Managing Editor
November 3, 2023
BBYO members make bracelets that were sold. The profit of said donations were donated to Israel organizations

[Photo] What is Westport Doing to Support Israel?

Alexis Jacobs '26
October 27, 2023
On “Dancing with the Stars”, contestants compete for the Len Goodman mirrorball trophy, named after the show’s Head Judge who recently passed away. My top picks for the winners of this year’s trophy are Ariana Madix and Jason Mraz, whose partners are professional dancers Pasha Pashkov and Daniella Karagach, respectively.

‘Dancing with the Stars’ exhibits promise in season premiere, excites audiences

Rachel Olefson ’25, Web Managing Editor
October 4, 2023
One step includes roughly chopping parsnips ("white carrots") and celery. These will be taken out later and discarded, so a rough chop will do. Then, place them into a soup sock and tie the bag off.

It’s not your mother’s chicken soup (because it’s mine)

Rachel Olefson ’25, Web Managing Editor
September 21, 2023

Students share favorite ways to prepare for final exams

Rachel Olefson ’25, Web Managing Editor
June 12, 2023

Lab lunch begone!: Students, teachers share ideas for new 2024-25 schedule

Rachel Olefson ’25 and Demi Sasson ’25
June 4, 2023
As a result of coursework from AP and Honors curriculum being mixed, Honors level classes have become frustrating as a result of doing the same work as AP students, but not receiving the same weight in their GPAs. (Graphic by Rachel Olefson ’25)

Blurred lines between honors, AP classes cause frustration

Rachel Olefson ’25, Web Managing Editor
April 30, 2023
As a result of the removal of the bridge furniture on the second floor earlier this year, Staples' library has become more crowded, yielding noise complaints and leaving both students and faculty to wonder when (or if) the furniture will be brought back. Graphic by Rachel Olefson '25.

No movement on reinstating bridge furniture, study halls being considered

Rachel Olefson ’25, Web Managing Editor
March 27, 2023
The Grammy awards continue to reward performers who audiences agree shouldn’t have won their respective trophies. Additionally, the voting system for this award show is elusive and many people are starting to question if the unknown judges are qualified to make these decisions on music’s biggest night.

Grammy awards prove ineffective, fail to reward true success

Rachel Olefson ’25, Web Managing Editor
February 17, 2023
As a result of going through experiences before any younger siblings, eldest siblings often suffer from anticipatory anxiety about being unsure of things like the college application process, what classes to take, and general life advice, putting them at a disadvantage in comparison to their peers who fall in a different spot in their family’s birth order.

Make it stop!: Eldest children face excessive and unnecessary pressures, anxiety

Rachel Olefson ’25, Web Managing Editor
January 16, 2023
As the winter sports season at Staples begins to pick up, individual teams are starting to hold tryouts and go through preseason in their own ways. All are hopeful that they will be successful this season.

Winter sports teams launch into tryouts, strive for success

Rachel Olefson ’25, Web Managing Editor
December 9, 2022
Even though we’re not even halfway through the second quarter of the school year, many students are already burnt out by the large workload and lack of a break that is offered in between the first and second quarters of the school year. However, there are multiple ways to avoid, or at least decrease burnout and stress overall.

Epidemic of early-onset burnout ravages Staples: tips from a suffering sophomore

Rachel Olefson ’25, Web Managing Editor
November 21, 2022
Ben Lorenz ’24 runs in a cross country race at Wickham Park. (Photo contributed by Ben Lorenz ’24).

Lorenz breaks longstanding cross country record, sets new bar for runners

Rachel Olefson '25, Staff Writer
October 21, 2022
Satire image describing many viewers’ thoughts on the upcoming season of Disney's “Dancing with the Stars” Graphic by Rachel Olefson ’25

‘Dancing with the Stars’ premiere leaves audiences with mixed reactions

Rachel Olefson ’25, Web Managing Editor
September 29, 2022
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