![Gap years are an uncommon alternative for high school graduates, in which graduates take a year or more off from schooling and pursue something separate from college until they are ready to return to their education or something else. Wayland High School psychology teacher David Schmirer believes that college is a good route for many high school graduates, however, he also says that its best to keep an open mind when thinking about gap years. “I think the vast majority of our students are going to be fine with [going to college] and [are] ready to go, but for those students who are having [gap years] be a more visible choice I think [it] is a good thing both for physical and mental health,” Schmirer said.](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/xZ9lq7i7NbhVXpa2kT21s3Wz8PHl5Df0bATRSq6x-1200x800.png)
![In previous years, New England ski mountains have left eager skiers unsatisfied because of the sub-par and icy conditions on the slopes. Despite this situation, veteran skiers, and WHS sophomores Tobias Kyleber, Mathew Moscoffian and Colin Moleux provide some insight on why some mountains have a higher level quality than others, in their eyes. “[Two of my favorite mountains in New England] are Mount Stow and Mount Cannon,” Moscoffian said. “These mountains are better because they have the best quality of snow and have the most trails open, usually.”](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Untitled-design-6-1200x800.png)
![On Tuesday, Jan. 28, Wayland Cares director J Verhoosky led a presentation on the importance of choosing to be vulnerable in conversations. Through various activities and experiments, the audience was instructed to confront how they approach risk taking and their comfort zones. “[My biggest takeaway was] make yourself available for other people and share things you might not share with other people to make them feel like they're in a safe environment,” junior Addison Voight said.](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/JLb1q3m4ZHvNAKYzv7c60kyyrrafzS8pJlYoJcoj.png)
Standing at 6 feet and 4 inches tall, senior captain Ido Geffen completes a layup during a Friday night boys varsity basketball game in the field house. Geffen’s athleticism along with his height and wingspan makes it difficult for defenders to guard him. Early into his high school career, Geffen had an injury that resulted in him being out for multiple seasons.
Geffen has had numerous injuries that have resulted in him being out for long periods of time. One of which was a torn meniscus towards the end of his freshman year.
“At the end of my freshman year I was playing AAU basketball, and during a game a player ran into me from behind, and I tore my meniscus,” Geffen said. “At the time, I had no idea that I tore my meniscus so I played on it for three months, and this made the injury become worse and worse. When I finally went to check it out, the doctor told me I had to get surgery for it because it was really badly torn. I was unable to play basketball for a year and a half.”
For athletes, recovering from an injury can be a very long process. Some athletes have to go to facilities in order to help them recover.
“I did physical therapy two to three times a week, and was also in the weight room a lot,” Geffen said. “In the weight room I would use the bicycle, and do exercises to help strengthen my meniscus. I slowly got back to shooting hoops, and practicing basketball. Early into my junior year season, I was fully healthy and ready to play again.”
Boys varsity basketball senior co-captain Ridley Keegan feels that Geffen has made a big contribution to the WHS team. He especially emphasized Geffen’s work ethic and leadership.
“This year he came into the season in the best shape of his life,” Keegan said. “His work ethic this past offseason has been amazing. I think he was getting up shots every day and was doing sprints. He has also taken great strides in being a leader. Last year he was kind of quiet and reserved, but this year he has become a lot more vocal and assertive. I love to see this progress in him and I’m proud to call him my teammate.”
