![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)
![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)
Join WSPN’s Abby Bergeron as she interviews the April Fashionista of the Month: Kaitlyn Dijulia.
Grade: 9
What are your favorite stores to shop at and why?
“My favorite stores are Edikted and Urban Outfitters because they have an assortment of different styles and types of clothes. The stuff is also so unique and cute.”
Do you prefer online or in person shopping?
“I would say in person because it’s more fun to go with your friends or alone than sit on your phone looking for clothes. Also, it’s easier to tell if you will like the clothes on you.”
Where do you get your fashion inspiration from?
“I get my inspiration from Demetra on Tiktok because her outfits are cute and always coordinated.”
Do you have a favorite season to dress for?
“My favorite seasons for fashion are spring and fall because I like to style skirts and sweaters to make outfits. The weather is also perfect for most types of outfits.”
Do you have a favorite accessory?
“My favorite accessory is a headband because they are nice for tying color into outfits. [For example,] matching a headband with your shoes, shirt or pants.”
What’s your typical design time?
“It takes me about 25 minutes to put an outfit together.”
If you could describe your style in one word what would it be?
“One word to describe my style is trendy or fashionable.”
What would be one piece of fashion advice for anyone who may be struggling?
“One piece of fashion advice is that looking for inspiration is very helpful for finding new clothes and a new style. Also, matching small things like socks to a shirt, or a headband to shoes can help tie your outfit together.”
What does fashion mean to you?
“Fashion is my way of showing my personality through clothes and presenting myself in a way that I love.”
