![After Massachusetts voted to remove the MCAS graduation requirement, policy makers are reshaping graduation standards. "The top-line understanding is that we’ve moved away from a system that we’ve known for about 24 years, which is one where every school district in Massachusetts had wide latitude to decide what their graduation requirements were in terms of coursework or other experiences, but every single student, in order to earn a diploma, needed to pass the MCAS in one English, one math and one science assessment," Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler said. "We’ve moved away from that now, by virtue of the outcome of [the MCAS] ballot question in November, to a place where communities can still decide what their graduation requirements are, but there’s no requirement for students to pass the MCAS.”](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/img_3067_720.png)
![Troy Hoyt finishes the Boston Marathon, running for the Hoyt Foundation. T. Hoyt is the son of Hoyt Foundation CEO Russ Hoyt.
“[Running a marathon] might seem like a big thing, when it’s presented to you at first, but if you break it up and just keep telling yourself, “Yes, you can,” you can start chipping away at it. And before you know it, you’ll be running the whole 26 miles, and you won’t even think twice about it.” T. Hoyt said.](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/C36E8761-1CBB-452E-9DF2-543EF7B1095E_1_105_c.jpeg)
![At 5:45 a.m. on April 19, a reenactment of the Battles of Lexington and Concord took place at Old North Bridge in Concord. The reenactment was followed by a parade, where several dignitaries, including Gov. Maura Healey, gave speeches. "This is our generation's time, standing here in this place at this moment, we must commit ourselves to defending [freedom]," Healey said. "That's what I will do, and I encourage everyone who knows our history and values our freedom to do the same."](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/93EBB942-34BA-42D3-85A5-220D17FE7E44_1_105_c.jpeg)
![From left to right, junior Ben Pyhtila, sophomores Aadith Charry and Owen Chislett play their cello instruments. Junior Jubin Kim also plays the cello and has been playing the instrument since third grade. "I think that [the cello] is a good balance between a high instrument versus a low instrument, and I just really like the rich sound that it makes," Kim said.](https://waylandstudentpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_6540-1200x800.jpg)
In a world filled with overpriced, harmful fast fashion, it’s important to watch what we buy and consider how it could affect the environment we live in. A great, affordable and sustainable option is thrifting. Shopping secondhand comes in all different variations. Keep reading to learn about some of the local hidden treasures to start your thrift journey.
Sister Thrift
A personal favorite spot that is women-owned is Sister Thrift. Sister Thrift’s first location in Framingham, MA opened in 2003, which was soon followed by a second location in Watertown that opened in 2005. Since its establishment, the thrift store has been dedicated to exclusively raising funds in support of the MetroWest Humane Society (MWHS). MWHS is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter dedicated to the well-being of cats in the MetroWest area. So not only are you buying high quality and name brand pieces, you’re getting them for a great price and donating to a worthy cause.
Savers
With over 300 locations, Savers is a popular for-profit thrift store retailer. Depending on the location, they support different causes. The local Savers in Framingham supports the Epilepsy Foundation. Compared to the small size of Sister Thrift, Savers is a big store with a wider variety of options. Additionally, when you donate clothes, they give you a 20% off your purchase coupon for your next visit.
Plato’s Closet
Plato’s Closet is a chain retailer that will buy your clothes from you. They have over 500 locations across the nation, and uniquely organize their merchandise by color. When you make an appointment, you’re allowed to bring 30 items in, and the employees will then choose the ones that are worth reselling in the store. Since each of their items are hand-picked to go on their racks, one can find a great selection, including more on-trend picks. If you want to find guaranteed name brands, Plato’s Closet is a good place to check out.
Depop/ThredUp/Vinted
If you don’t like the idea of sifting through thrifted clothes on the hunt for your “perfect piece,” online thrifting is an option too. Sites like Depop, ThredUp and Vinted all make finding specific pieces tailored to your personal easy. ThredUp gives back points when you ship them clothes to sell. These points can be used toward purchases on their website. Shopping second-hand online is still more environmentally friendly than shopping on fast-fashion sites.
Garment District
Definitely one of the most unique vintage stores in the Boston area is The Garment District. The store is 12,000 square feet, with thousands of new and used unique items. There is a large assortment of styles throughout the store. In 1981, the store moved from selling cleaning cloths to selling clothes by the pound. During the week, the store takes 850 pound bales of randomized clothing and arranges it for customers to shop. You pay by weight, only spending $2 per pound, re-enforcing their goals of staying affordable and sustainable.
