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Inklings News
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
Powerschool allows parental control for attendance through their “Attendance Monitor.”
Staples adopts PowerSchool for attendance in attempts to replace phone call system
ParentSquare messages will appear on the text messaging app, but they will be monitored. Direct messages never display real phone numbers in the text app. Screenshot by Audrey Curtis ’25
New contacting policy shifts communication to ParentSquare app
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
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
At Lachat Town Farm, the METEOR halloween experience is about a mysterious meteor that had haunting effects on the farm.
Weston’s Lachat Town Farm brings Halloween Thrills with METEOR Event
Fargeat’s “The Substance” proved to be an intense watch, with audience feedback generally being horrified delight.
“The Substance” reveals womanhood on tape
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
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
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
Retreat Sweets has a wide variety of mochi donut flavors that vary every week.
Retreat Sweets Contributes to Westport desert scene
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
This was the girls’ eighth straight game against Ridgefield ending in a tie.
Staples battles Ridgefield in girls’ soccer
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
Retreat Sweets has a wide variety of mochi donut flavors that vary every week.
Retreat Sweets Contributes to Westport desert scene
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
This was the girls’ eighth straight game against Ridgefield ending in a tie.
Staples battles Ridgefield in girls’ soccer
This year, several distinct costumes have gained popularity, prompting students to make predictions about which ones will be the most popular.
Students predict Halloween costume trends
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
Lily Hultgren ’25

Lily Hultgren ’25, Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief Lily Hultgren ’25 isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. When she first joined Advanced Journalism, she knew it would push her out of her comfort zone, yet she welcomed the opportunity. 

“I’ve learned to embrace fear,” Hultgren said. “Taking risks has helped me see my worth and recognise my potential to grow more.” 

For Hultgren, this mindset extends beyond journalism. She’s discovered new passions by facing her fears head-on.

“I used to be scared of the woods, but I’ve gotten really into backpacking,” Hultgren said. “In the future, I want to explore more of nature.”

All content by Lily Hultgren ’25

What happened to Sushi Monday? An Inklings investigation

Mia Bomback ’25 and Lily Hultgren ’25
October 21, 2024
The 2024 Panorama Education Westport Public Schools Survey, conducted in the spring of 2024, showed improvements in four of its categories for students in grades 6-12: school safety, belonging, school climate and teacher-student relationships. However, student engagement went down.

Recent School Climate Survey prompts re-evaluation of survey questions, new school initiatives

Lily Hultgren ’25, Editor-in-Chief
October 11, 2024
Riley Kosakowski ’25 (left), Thea Hinson ’25 (right) and Molly Whittle ’25 (not pictured) are this year’s new field hockey managers.

Team Builders: Meet the new field hockey managers

Lily Hultgren ’25, Editor-in-Chief
September 24, 2024
On Feb. 27, gathered on North Avenue across from Staples High School and Bedford Middle School to peacefully protest against racism and discrimination in Westport Public Schools. The protest lasted from 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Westport Public Schools face accusations of racism

Lily Hultgren '25 and Zoe Alpert ’25
April 23, 2024

Girls’ indoor track races through Adidas Nationals

Lily Hultgren ’25, Editor-in-Chief
March 27, 2024
Superintendent of Westport Public Schools Thomas Scarice was one of the administrators that spoke at the event.

Community reacts to event addressing antisemitism, racism, bias in Westport Public Schools

Lily Hultgren ’25, Editor-in-Chief
March 21, 2024
By regularly following the news, teens are able to stay more informed with what is going on in the world. Today, teens can have access to the news even on their phones, where they are able to view news articles, broadcasts and more from a variety of different publications.

Why teens should make an effort to follow the news

Lily Hultgren '25, Paper Features Editor
February 6, 2024

Holiday surprises: students share most unique holiday gifts

Ayaan Olasewere ’25 and Lily Hultgren ’25
December 20, 2023
Art teacher Stephanie Sileo’s Printmaking and Studio Art Foundations classes created printmaking pieces using LEGOs.

New projects, recently added classes, independent exploration: art department welcomes variety of creative opportunities

Lily Hultgren '25, Staff Writer
December 18, 2023

Students reflect on first quarter of school year

Lily Hultgren ’25, Editor-in-Chief
October 24, 2023
Many attendees at the American Parkinson Disease (APDA) Connecticut Chapter’s Optimism Walk come to support friends or family members of theirs who have Parkinson’s disease.

American Parkinson Disease Association Optimism Walk celebrates community

Lily Hultgren '25, Paper Features Editor
October 10, 2023
Captain Deneil Betfarhard ’24 prepares for their game on Oct. 14. at Hopkins. Contributed by Deneil Betfarhad ‘24

New year, new season: fall sports teams kick of season, set goals, build bonds

Lily Hultgren ’25 and Ayaan Olasewere '25
September 26, 2023
Even though I am half Thai, I often feel like I don’t have a right to say I am as I am not “Asian enough.” I don’t speak Thai, I don’t know that much about the culture and I was born and raised in the U.S. These reasons make me feel as if I am an imposter when I say that I am biracial.

Embracing biracial identity involves conversation, acceptance

Lily Hultgren '25, Paper Features Editor
June 14, 2023
Fairfield County offers many different hiking locations. The ones I reccommend are all family and beginner friendly hikes that offer opportunities to explore nature such as the hikes at Wilton Town Forest (pictures above) in Wilton, Connecticut.

Exploring Fairfield County: Five family-friendly destinations to hike

Lily Hultgren ’25, Editor-in-Chief
June 2, 2023

Librarians share summer reading recommendations

Lily Hultgren ’25, Editor-in-Chief
May 20, 2023
The girls’ tennis team comes together for a pre-match team huddle at home.

Girls’ tennis bounces back, bonds as team

Lily Hultgren ’25, Editor-in-Chief
May 16, 2023
In 2022, 183 seniors received the Seal of Biliteracy. An additional 117 juniors were also qualified to earn the Seal. The Class of 2018 were the first Staples students to obtain the Seal of Biliteracy after Governor Dannel Malloy signed Public Act 17-29 on June 6, 2017, which established the Connecticut Seal of Biliteracy. Graphic by Lily Hultgren '25.

Seal of Biliteracy assessment approaches, teachers, students reflect

Lily Hultgren ’25, Editor-in-Chief
February 16, 2023
I was finally given a phone right before I started high school. It definitely comes in handy when it comes to texting my mom when to pick me up from after school activities or using it to help scan documents to submit for school work. But these are all uses that I didn’t require in middle school. The time my mom had to pick me up from after school activities was always consistent and my schoolwork never required a phone for assistance. Although I complained about not having a phone, now that I can take a step back and look rationally at my middle school experience, I never really needed one. It honestly benefited me more to not have one that it harmed me, if it even harmed me at all.

Why I’m happy I was forced to wait until high school to get a phone

Lily Hultgren ’25, Editor-in-Chief
February 7, 2023
The Asian Students Association attend their second meeting of the year on Dec. 2 in room 2064. The Asian affinity group discusses their lives as a part of the Asian American community, as well as what some possible future goals of the group should be.

Asian Students Association establishes community, raises awareness

Lily Hultgren ’25, Editor-in-Chief
December 14, 2022
I have done ballet for a total of eight or so years. In middle school I started learning to dance with pointe shoes which was both painful and a good experience. I also did theater which I still love to this day even though I don’t participate in it anymore. I always did every school play and while I was far from having the talent of a lead I just enjoyed being in the ensemble and performing on the stage.

Lack of extracurriculars triggers isolation

Lily Hultgren ’25, Editor-in-Chief
November 16, 2022
Jack Marshall ’24 diligently works on his assignments outside of the school’s auditorium.

Different strategies prove effective for completing school work, managing schedules

Lily Hultgren '25, Paper Features Editor
October 4, 2022
PE offers many activities, but not everyone enjoys all of them. There are some activities students would want to do more often, some they don’t want to do at all and some that haven't even been done yet. However, for the most part, PE is limited to the activities specific to whatever course we are required to take.

PE class requires more opportunities

Lily Hultgren '25, Staff Writer
September 16, 2022
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