The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
ICYMI: Nov. 25 - Color Blast, powderpuff mic'd up and Wayland Boosters
ICYMI: Nov. 25 – Color Blast, powderpuff mic’d up and Wayland Boosters
Sophomores created a banner promoting sustainability to help the Earth. This years Color Blast event strived to use more sustainable materials in displays to reduce WHS’s eco-footprint “It’s important to be thoughtful about what you're throwing away at the end, so that we can make this event really fun and a community driven event while reducing the amount of waste we're creating,” Student Council advisor John Keene said.
Color Blast 2024: Balancing fun and sustainability
WaylandCAN, a nonprofit focused on building community in Wayland held an event on Tuesday Nov. 19 at Loker Elementary School. “I've never seen a community come together and be vulnerable like that in front of [others] where people were not only sharing, but getting emotional and the respect was incredible,” Wayland resident Stuti Bhargava said.
Creating space for change: WaylandCAN hosts conversation for a stronger, more inclusive community
ICYMI: Nov.18 - Power surge closes Middle School, powderpuff and changes in LRT
ICYMI: Nov.18 – Power surge closes Middle School, powderpuff and changes in LRT
Seniors participating in the powderpuff game gather around in a huddle during a powderpuff practice. "My favorite part about Powderpuff has definitely been how lots of different people have gotten to come together and create memories together while we enjoy the competition," Weston High School senior Anika Groff said.
Powderpuff to take place at high school but not as school-sanctioned game
Breaking Down Breaking News: EEE makes a comeback
Breaking Down Breaking News: EEE makes a comeback
BDBN: Commuter rail accident in Natick
BDBN: Commuter rail accident in Natick
BDBN: Producer Harvey Weinstein's conviction overturned
BDBN: Producer Harvey Weinstein’s conviction overturned
BDBN: College campuses face protests
BDBN: College campuses face protests
BDBN: Baltimore Key Bridge collapse
BDBN: Baltimore Key Bridge collapse
Breaking News: Wayland Middle School cancels school on Nov. 22 due to power surge
Breaking News: Wayland Middle School cancels school on Nov. 22 due to power surge
Anticipation heightens as Nov. 5 draws closer. The tension-filled race between Vice-President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump comes to a close with the final day for U.S. citizens to vote. Check back for live updates.
LIVE UPDATES: Presidential election of 2024
The Wayland School Committee appoints Interim Superintendent David Fleishman as the permanent superintendent of Wayland Public Schools.
Breaking News: Wayland School Committee appoints David Fleishman as permanent superintendent
A Wayland resident's home was reported with smoke at approximately 12:25 p.m., today, Oct. 30.
Breaking News: House on fire behind the middle school
The Kicks for Cancer game has been moved back to Concord-Carlisle High School. "For me, its been super important because I get to play with my grandma’s name on my back," senior Alex Crawford said. "All the other boys get to play with someone who is related to them, who has experience cancer."
Breaking news: Annual Kicks for Cancer game moved back to Concord after reduced risk of EEE
Seniors participating in the powderpuff game gather around in a huddle during a powderpuff practice. "My favorite part about Powderpuff has definitely been how lots of different people have gotten to come together and create memories together while we enjoy the competition," Weston High School senior Anika Groff said.
Powderpuff to take place at high school but not as school-sanctioned game
Breaking News: Wayland Middle School cancels school on Nov. 22 due to power surge
Breaking News: Wayland Middle School cancels school on Nov. 22 due to power surge
The Wayland School Committee appoints Interim Superintendent David Fleishman as the permanent superintendent of Wayland Public Schools.
Breaking News: Wayland School Committee appoints David Fleishman as permanent superintendent
Tri-M Music Honor Society to host trunk or treat
Tri-M Music Honor Society to host trunk or treat
News Brief: Freshman election results
News Brief: Freshman election results
In a tiny building off of Post Road in Wayland, Jolene Palumbo runs her own flower shop dedicated to making floral arrangements and bouquets for Wayland residents, or anyone who comes by her small business. "It can be really busy at times," Palumbo said. "The phone will be ringing and many people will be coming in while other days are pretty quiet, so I can do extra things like cleaning and getting ready for the next day."
Post Road Flowers: A blooming business
Senior Cate Ellenbogen snaps a picture of senior Jillian Mele and her family to document her commitment to the University of Vermont. Every year, Wayland Boosters organizes multiple different signings for the seniors committed to Division I, II and III sports. Join WSPN’s Sofia Ciciarelli as she covers Wayland Boosters, and how they’ve made an impact on high school athletes.
Wayland Boosters: Supporting WHS athletes with their athletic endeavors
WSPNs Fiona Peltonen spotlights the Wayland Fire Department and their efforts to support the town in this abnormally dry and dangerous season. This year, the area is experiencing an extreme drought and high winds that put the county at incredibly high risk of wildfires.“I've been in the fire service for over 30 years, and I've honestly never seen a year like this in terms of being this dry so late in the fall,” Wayland Fire Chief Neil McPherson said.
Burnt out: An abnormally dry season strains the Wayland Fire Department
WSPN's Fiona Peltonen, Alex Evangelista and Jessie Dretler unwrap the story behind a chocolate factory in Sudbury. When you enter the store, the mural of the Sky Bar can be seen painted on the walls. When the original owners of Sky Bar went out of business, the Mawhinneys took over the product and the Sky Bar come back began. “I don't know any other food item that is so beloved,” L. Mawhinney said.
The Sky Bar comeback: How one family revived a classic candy
LRT has changed this year and is different than it was in the past. Instead of being like a study hall, LRT is more like an academic class. “There is a new lesson based system starting this year,” sophomore Frankie Zilembo said.
Navigating the shift: Changes in the LRT system
In the 14th edition of WSPN goes clubbing, WSPN’s Annika Martins and Jenny Shine interview senior Badminton Club leader Annabelle Zhang.
WSPN goes Clubbing: Badminton Club
Join Staff Reporter Annika Martins as she interviews Red Cross Cub Leaders Manahil Faisal and Lilian Amer.
WSPN goes clubbing: Red Cross Club
Join Staff Reporter Annika Martins as she interviews Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) leader Anshuman Parulekar.
WSPN Goes Clubbing: Future Business Leaders of America
Join Staff Reporter Annika Martins and WSPN's Jenny Shine as they interview Water Warriors co-leader Zach Rainville.
WSPN Goes Clubbing: Water Warriors
Join Guest Writer Joey Fay as he interviews Student Advocacy Committee leader Zack Goldstein.
WSPN Goes Clubbing: Student Advocacy Committee
Senior Cate Ellenbogen snaps a picture of senior Jillian Mele and her family to document her commitment to the University of Vermont. Every year, Wayland Boosters organizes multiple different signings for the seniors committed to Division I, II and III sports. Join WSPN’s Sofia Ciciarelli as she covers Wayland Boosters, and how they’ve made an impact on high school athletes.
Wayland Boosters: Supporting WHS athletes with their athletic endeavors
Join WSPN’s reporters Jessi Dretler and Jillian Mele as they preview the business CrossFit TILT.
Building community through fitness: The story of CrossFit TILT
Zoe Garcia poses with one of her new hoodies. Garcia started Blondi during March of 2024.
Zoe Garcia: A teen building a business
WSPN's Bowen Morrison highlights new Wayland-Weston crew coach Beatrice Sims.
Wayland-Weston Rowing Association welcomes its new program director
Reporters Melina Barris and Emma Zocco learn more about Ryan McCormack’s small businesses.
Ryan McCormack: Mastering entrepreneurial success one haircut at a time
WHS guidance counselor Jim Girard is now coaching Wayland football after stepping down from being Lincoln Sudbury's head coach. “I stepped down as the head coach at LS following the 2023 season so that I could spend more time with and care for my ailing parents who live out of state,” Girard said.
Jim Girard: From enemy lines to home turf
Three Wayland High School (WHS) teams are still in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association playoffs. On Nov. 6, the girls volleyball team swept Greater New Bedford 3-0 and are now in the Elite 8 and hosting Bishop Fenwick on Friday Nov. 8. Boys soccer is playing Marblehead at the WHS turf on Nov. 7. Football is playing no.7 Burlington on Friday Nov. 8 away.
Sports update: Fall playoffs 2024
Seniors prepare for their senior night on Nov. 1. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. under the WHS turf lights. The psych for the game will be “USA.”
Game preview: Football looks to defeat Newton South on senior night
Wayland High School Class of 2019 alum Devin Wong is the new assistant coach of Harvard University Nordic Ski Team. "I’m excited to be a part of a new team and coaching staff am motivated to learn from [head coach] Cate Brams and grow as a coach and wax tech," Wong said.
WHS alum Devin Wong skis into coaching position at Harvard University
As the WHS field hockey team wraps up the 2024 season, WSPN recognizes the entirely new coaching staff.
A new era begins: Field hockey’s new coaching staff
A Marblehead defender crashes into senior captain Lucas Yemin. Yemin plays for the club team Real Boston FC during the off-season.
Boys soccer scores a win in overtime against Marblehead
The captains from both Wayland and Westfield come together at the center of the field for a coin toss to determine who will start with the ball in overtime.
Girls soccer loses the battle to Westfield in double overtime
After the game concludes, head coach Scott Parseghian congratulates the players and awards the "Gladiator Helmet" to senior captain Owen Finnegan. "These seniors have been in our program for five years so it is going to feel strange without them next year in our program," Parseghian said. "Along with some great memories of playing football, we have also had some great laughs and a lot of fun with these seniors. They set a high standard for everyone that is coming up in the Wayland football program."
The Warriors prevail over Newton-South on senior night
Seniors prepare for their senior night on Nov. 1. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. under the WHS turf lights. The psych for the game will be “USA.”
Game preview: Football looks to defeat Newton South on senior night
The rowers in the boys first varsity eight boat finish their last set of the workout before cooling down. In the fall, crew races are typically five kilometers long, while in the spring, races are two kilometers long.
Wayland-Weston crew team rows towards Head Of The Fish Regatta
WSPN's Reva Datar shares a personal reflection detailing her experience on the wrestling team.
Opinion: A reflection on wrestling with myself
Staff Reporter Ben Jackson discusses his thoughts on the Boston Celtics's ongoing season.
Opinion: The Celtics will win the 2024 NBA Finals
WSPN's Bella Schreiber and Jenny Shine discuss opinions on Bill Belichick's future in the National Football League (NFL).
Opinion: It’s time for Bill Belichick to retire from the NFL
WSPN's Jayden Taylor & Ravi Kapadia discuss who is the better athlete between Lebron James and Michael Jordan.
Opinion: Lebron or Jordan for the matchup of greatness?
WSPN's Chloe Zilembo gives her opinion on Erin Matson's impact on both field hockey and women's sports.
Erin Matson: Bringing field hockey and women’s sports to center stage
WSPN's Olivia Green reflects on the negative effects of pop culture figures in politics.
Opinion: Bringing in pop culture figures to political rallies is problematic
Join WSPN’s Jane Tardif and Jillian Mele as they talk about the importance of having strong youth sports programs.
Opinion: Youth sports programs benefit high school teams
WSPN's Jeffery Zhang weighs in on expectations and the idea of letting people down.
The weight of expectations: Letting go and letting down
As the 2024 presidential election inches closer, WSPN’s Fiona Peltonen and Maddie Zajac share their thoughts on the importance of youth voting. While there are numerous reasons that youth voting has taken the backseat for many years, it is time that younger generations get more politically involved. “If you want to fix a problem, you've got to commit yourself to doing it,” Fay said. “And one easy way to do it is to vote.”
The importance of youth voting
WSPN's Bella Schreiber discusses the financial strain of applying to college.
Opinion: The cost of college applications is too much
WSPN's Alex Evangelista and Edge Wheeler rank the songs and discuss the community impact on Lil Uzi Vert's new album "Eternal Atake 2"
“Eternal Atake 2”: Eternally disappointing
Senior and November Artist of the Month John Chausse used his artistic ability to create this drawing of a car. This is one of Chausse's favorite creations.
Artist of the Month: John Chausse
Tyler, The Creator released his new album “CHROMAKOPIA,” which is based off of Chroma the Great from the novel “The Phantom Tollbooth” written by Norton Juster.
“Chromakopia”: A chronicle of self-discovery
Join WSPN’s Alex Evangelista as he reviews the first part of season four of "Outer Banks."
Treasure, mystery, friendship: A dive into the new “Outer Banks” season
As the 2024 presidential election inches closer, WSPN’s Fiona Peltonen and Maddie Zajac share their thoughts on the importance of youth voting. While there are numerous reasons that youth voting has taken the backseat for many years, it is time that younger generations get more politically involved. “If you want to fix a problem, you've got to commit yourself to doing it,” Fay said. “And one easy way to do it is to vote.”
The importance of youth voting
Join WSPN's Elyssa Grillo and Mischa Lee in an analysis of the new and recurring fall trends for 2024, and the best way to wear these items.
Top fashion trends for fall 2024
Old Money is an aesthetic that has always been popular, however it has really taken over the internet these past few years.
Old Money: An old style resurfaced
Here are some costume ideas to make your Halloween fun, chic and unique.
Halloween costume ideas
A guide to new trends and traditional fashion for men this fall.
Top mens fall fashion trends
Join WSPN reporter Melina Barris as she discusses store options to find the perfect dress for Homecoming
Trying to find the perfect dress for Homecoming? Look no further
Crossword: Halloween
Crossword: Halloween
Crossword: Fall
Crossword: Fall
Back to school crossword
Back to school crossword
Celebrate April with WSPN's Talia and Makenzie Macchi's crossword.
Crossword: April
Quiz: Can you guess the handwriting?
Quiz: Can you guess the handwriting?
WSPN's Alex Evangelista and Edge Wheeler rank the songs and discuss the community impact on Lil Uzi Vert's new album "Eternal Atake 2"
“Eternal Atake 2”: Eternally disappointing
Tyler, The Creator released his new album “CHROMAKOPIA,” which is based off of Chroma the Great from the novel “The Phantom Tollbooth” written by Norton Juster.
“Chromakopia”: A chronicle of self-discovery
Join WSPN’s Alex Evangelista as he reviews the first part of season four of "Outer Banks."
Treasure, mystery, friendship: A dive into the new “Outer Banks” season
Join WSPN’s Carolina Sdoia as she reviews the new series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez story.”
Bloodlines and betrayal: The Menendez brothers in ‘Monsters’
"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" continues the story of the classic halloween movie, "Beetlejuice" in which the main character, Lydia Deetz, is all grown up, but the same ghost is around to haunt and pester her decades later. This sequel not only adds to the spooky tale, but has exhilarated in its bizarre characters, plot points and special effects.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Double the madness
Junior Benjamin Hammond solos "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles as part of the T-Tones performance. "[Twist and Shout] is one of my favorite songs, and with the amount of vocal harmony it has I figured it would be good for A Capella," Hammond said. "[Twist and Shout] has pretty simple rhythms and awesome energy, which fits the vibe of the T-Tones. I arranged the song basically identical to how it is written, because I think the guitar riff, bass riff and the harmonies are all excellent as well as easy to sing."
WHS A Cappella sings powerfully at first performance of the year
WSPN's Fiona Peltonen, Alex Evangelista and Jessie Dretler unwrap the story behind a chocolate factory in Sudbury. When you enter the store, the mural of the Sky Bar can be seen painted on the walls. When the original owners of Sky Bar went out of business, the Mawhinneys took over the product and the Sky Bar come back began. “I don't know any other food item that is so beloved,” L. Mawhinney said.
The Sky Bar comeback: How one family revived a classic candy
Sophomores Max Berkowitz (left) and Noah Horne (right) clap their hands together as they dance to the music playing.
Class of 2027 attends semi-formal dance
Junior Kordell Shouder and senior Jaden Kaufman yell in excitement as junior Michael Caulfield receives the 'Gladiator Helmet' represented to Wayland's player of the game, chosen by head coach Scott Parseghian after each game.
Football shuts down Burlington in first round of playoffs
A Marblehead defender crashes into senior captain Lucas Yemin. Yemin plays for the club team Real Boston FC during the off-season.
Boys soccer scores a win in overtime against Marblehead
The Wayland Cultural Council through the utility box project
The Wayland Cultural Council through the utility box project
Join Melina Barris and Makenzie Macchi as they learn more about the Connect Program and innovation courses with special education teacher Jeff Blue and innovation teacher teacher Hayes.
Eye-catching classes: The Connect Program and innovation courses
Join WSPN's Tina Su, Kally Proctor and Emma Zocco as they spotlight the WHS Genius Bar.
The works of the WHS Genius Bar
Saxonville Burrito Company: Preserving authenticity through food
Saxonville Burrito Company: Preserving authenticity through food
WPS's annual Band Fest
WPS’s annual Band Fest
Weekly Breakdown Episode 101: Class of 2026 fundraiser and start of winter sports season
Weekly Breakdown Episode 101: Class of 2026 fundraiser and start of winter sports season
Mic'd Up: Powderpuff practice
Mic’d Up: Powderpuff practice
Wayland Sports Chat Episode 1: Fall sports recap
Wayland Sports Chat Episode 1: Fall sports recap
Weekly Breakdown Episode 100: Thanksgiving events and Christmas tree shopping
Weekly Breakdown Episode 100: Thanksgiving events and Christmas tree shopping
Weekly Breakdown Episode 99: Hadestown performance and fall sports wrap up
Weekly Breakdown Episode 99: Hadestown performance and fall sports wrap up
Weekly Breakdown Episode 101: Class of 2026 fundraiser and start of winter sports season
Weekly Breakdown Episode 101: Class of 2026 fundraiser and start of winter sports season
Weekly Breakdown Episode 100: Thanksgiving events and Christmas tree shopping
Weekly Breakdown Episode 100: Thanksgiving events and Christmas tree shopping
Weekly Breakdown Episode 99: Hadestown performance and fall sports wrap up
Weekly Breakdown Episode 99: Hadestown performance and fall sports wrap up
Weekly Breakdown Episode 98: Super wednesday and final fall playoff games
Weekly Breakdown Episode 98: Super wednesday and final fall playoff games
Weekly Breakdown Episode 97: Sophomore semi and start of quarter two
Weekly Breakdown Episode 97: Sophomore semi and start of quarter two
The Picky Eater Picks: Wayland Variety and Deli
The Picky Eater Picks: Wayland Variety and Deli
Picky Eaters Pick: Cava
Picky Eaters Pick: Cava
The Picky Eater Picks: Heirloom
The Picky Eater Picks: Heirloom
The Picky Eater Picks: Dairy Joy
The Picky Eater Picks: Dairy Joy
The Picky Eater Picks: Oath Pizza
The Picky Eater Picks: Oath Pizza
The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press

Weekly Breakdown Episode 101: Class of 2026 fundraiser and start of winter sports season

Jessi Dretler, Melina Barris, and Jillian Mele
December 3, 2024

In this weekly podcast, WSPN reporters will break down each week’s Wayland news in a timely manner to keep you in the know. This week, editors Melina Barris and Staff Reporters Jessi Dretler and Jillian Mele break down the news.

0:00 – Intro

0:20 – School news

0:37– Sports

0:45 – Local news

1:08 – Outro

View Story Comments
Print this Story
Donate to Wayland Student Press
$285
$1500
Contributed
Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of Wayland High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment, cover our annual website hosting costs and sponsor admission and traveling costs for the annual JEA journalism convention.

More to Discover
More in Broadcast
Mic'd Up: Powderpuff practice
Mic'd Up: Powderpuff practice
Wayland Sports Chat Episode 1: Fall sports recap
Wayland Sports Chat Episode 1: Fall sports recap
Weekly Breakdown Episode 100: Thanksgiving events and Christmas tree shopping
Weekly Breakdown Episode 100: Thanksgiving events and Christmas tree shopping
Weekly Breakdown Episode 99: Hadestown performance and fall sports wrap up
Weekly Breakdown Episode 99: Hadestown performance and fall sports wrap up
Weekly Breakdown Episode 98: Super wednesday and final fall playoff games
Weekly Breakdown Episode 98: Super wednesday and final fall playoff games
The Picky Eater Picks: Wayland Variety and Deli
The Picky Eater Picks: Wayland Variety and Deli
More in Podcasts
Field Hockey Family: Sisters on the same sports team
Field Hockey Family: Sisters on the same sports team
Weekly Breakdown Episode 97: Sophomore semi and start of quarter two
Weekly Breakdown Episode 97: Sophomore semi and start of quarter two
Weekly Breakdown Episode 96: Progressive dinner and football senior night
Weekly Breakdown Episode 96: Progressive dinner and football senior night
Join Carolina Sdoia, Jessi Dretler and Ben Jackson for this weeks updates.
Weekly Breakdown Episode 95: Picture day make up's and voting registration
Patriots Talk: Episode 4
Patriots Talk: Episode 4
Join Carolina Sdoia, Jessi Dretler and Ben Jackson for this weeks updates.
Weekly Breakdown Episode 94: New police dog and domestic violence awareness raffle
More in Showcase
Junior Benjamin Hammond solos "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles as part of the T-Tones performance. "[Twist and Shout] is one of my favorite songs, and with the amount of vocal harmony it has I figured it would be good for A Capella," Hammond said. "[Twist and Shout] has pretty simple rhythms and awesome energy, which fits the vibe of the T-Tones. I arranged the song basically identical to how it is written, because I think the guitar riff, bass riff and the harmonies are all excellent as well as easy to sing."
WHS A Cappella sings powerfully at first performance of the year
In a tiny building off of Post Road in Wayland, Jolene Palumbo runs her own flower shop dedicated to making floral arrangements and bouquets for Wayland residents, or anyone who comes by her small business. "It can be really busy at times," Palumbo said. "The phone will be ringing and many people will be coming in while other days are pretty quiet, so I can do extra things like cleaning and getting ready for the next day."
Post Road Flowers: A blooming business
ICYMI: Nov. 25 - Color Blast, powderpuff mic'd up and Wayland Boosters
ICYMI: Nov. 25 - Color Blast, powderpuff mic'd up and Wayland Boosters
Sophomores created a banner promoting sustainability to help the Earth. This years Color Blast event strived to use more sustainable materials in displays to reduce WHS’s eco-footprint “It’s important to be thoughtful about what you're throwing away at the end, so that we can make this event really fun and a community driven event while reducing the amount of waste we're creating,” Student Council advisor John Keene said.
Color Blast 2024: Balancing fun and sustainability
WaylandCAN, a nonprofit focused on building community in Wayland held an event on Tuesday Nov. 19 at Loker Elementary School. “I've never seen a community come together and be vulnerable like that in front of [others] where people were not only sharing, but getting emotional and the respect was incredible,” Wayland resident Stuti Bhargava said.
Creating space for change: WaylandCAN hosts conversation for a stronger, more inclusive community
Senior Cate Ellenbogen snaps a picture of senior Jillian Mele and her family to document her commitment to the University of Vermont. Every year, Wayland Boosters organizes multiple different signings for the seniors committed to Division I, II and III sports. Join WSPN’s Sofia Ciciarelli as she covers Wayland Boosters, and how they’ve made an impact on high school athletes.
Wayland Boosters: Supporting WHS athletes with their athletic endeavors
About the Contributors
Jessi Dretler
Jessi Dretler, Staff Reporter
Jessi Dretler, Class of 2025, is a third year reporter for WSPN. She is a member of the varsity field hockey team and the dive team. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and traveling. Contact: [email protected]
Melina Barris
Melina Barris, Copy Editor and Co-Graphics Editor
Melina Barris, Class of 2025, is a third year reporter, copy editor for broadcast and sports and co-graphics editor. She is a member of the varsity field hockey team and a member of Window Dance Ensemble. Outside of school, sports and dance, Melina enjoys seeing friends, traveling and drawing. Contact: [email protected]
Jillian Mele
Jillian Mele, Staff Reporter
Jillian Mele, Class of 2025, is a second year reporter for WSPN. She plays varsity lacrosse and soccer here at the WHS. Outside of school, she loves to spend time with family and friends and listen to music. Contact: [email protected]
Donate to Wayland Student Press
$285
$1500
Contributed
Our Goal