The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
ICYMI: Nov. 11 - Sophomore semi-formal, boys varsity football and soccer score wins
ICYMI: Nov. 11 – Sophomore semi-formal, boys varsity football and soccer score wins
In the weekly series, “In Case You Missed It,” News Editor Marissa Mendoza summarizes stories from the past week with links to the corresponding WSPN article.
ICYMI: Nov. 4 – David Fleishman, election live updates and progressive dinner
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
Harris supporter Jillian Kohl and her mother come together for a photo while Trump supporters stand in the background.
Engaging the community: Political activity around Wayland
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
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
The boys varsity soccer team's Kicks for Cancer game against Westford Academy at Concord-Carlisle High School was rescheduled due to a high risk of EEE.
Breaking News: Kicks for Cancer rescheduled due to a high risk of EEE
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
On Sunday, Oct. 6, the Eliza J. Norton Foundation will be hosting the Celebrate with Heart Community Festival from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m at Cochituate Ball Field.
News Brief: Eliza J. Norton Celebrate with Heart Community Festival
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
The Human Relation Service (HRS) is a non-profit therapy organization that offers their services to Weston, Wayland and Wellesley. “It's a very unique thing to have an agency like HRS supporting three communities,” HRS Director of Development Donna Portesky said.
The Human Relations Service: Making mental health treatment more accessible
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
WSPN's Maddie Zajac and Marissa Mendoza begin their second year of Humans of WHS as they interview six people about their school year so far.
Humans of WHS: Chapter one
Reporters Melina Barris and Emma Zocco learn more about Ryan McCormack’s small businesses.
Ryan McCormack: Mastering entrepreneurial success one haircut at a time
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
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
Zippity-Do-Dog is a hot dog stand that was founded in 2007. This food trolley is currently under the ownership of Roland Houle. It is located on Speen Street in Framingham, Massachusetts. “I took over the stand and have been running the stand since 2019,” Houle said. “I enjoy making hot dogs and providing a quick and easy meal for people on the go.” Houle, working through COVID, made an impact on the Framingham community with his outdoor trolley.
Zippity Do Dog: Beyond the bun
Dr. Erin Civetti poses near the front desk of New England Family Eye. Civetti is an optometrist for a local optometry practice in the Wayland Town Center.
Eye spy New England Family Eye
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
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
With the 2024 election coming up in November, the country is buzzing with political opinions. While social media can be a good outlet for these thoughts, it doesn’t come without consequences.
Digital democracy: Social media shaping politics
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
While poet, book writer and musician Charles Coe reads a poem, he briefly looks up from his book to survey the crowd. Join Co-Multimedia Editor Sofia Ciciarelli as she covers the impact of Coe's poetry, the significance of Arts Wayland for the community and the response of the residents of Wayland after hearing Coe's poetry.
Charles Coe: Impacting Wayland through poetry
Crossword: Halloween
Crossword: Halloween
After bringing an audience member up to the stage and performing with them, the Blue Men and audience member raise their arms up in celebration.
The Blue Man Group: An explosion of color and meaning
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?
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
Join WSPN reporter Jillian Mele as she reviews Tate McRae's latest new single, "It's ok I'm ok."
Tate McRae drops another hit: “It’s ok I’m ok”
Join WSPN A&E editor Mischa Lee as she reviews Sabrina Carpenter's new album, "Short n' Sweet."
Sabrina Carpenter’s sensational “Short n’ Sweet” steals the show
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 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
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 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
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
Patriots Talk: Episode 5
Patriots Talk: Episode 5
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
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
Join Carolina Sdoia, Jessi Dretler and Ben Jackson for this weeks updates.
Weekly Breakdown Episode 94: New police dog and domestic violence awareness raffle
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

Wandering Backpack: Olivia Zhao

Martin Narciso
December 13, 2013
Wandering Backpack asks what you would bring if you had 10 minutes to pack a bag with your most treasured items, knowing you wouldn’t be back for years.

Camera: So I can capture all the moments of my journey.

Picture of my family: To remind me that they will always be there and I will always love them.

Sketch book and pencils: Because I love art.

Phone: So I can communicate with people through social media.

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More in WSPN
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
Zoe Garcia poses with one of her new hoodies. Garcia started Blondi during March of 2024.
Zoe Garcia: A teen building a business
In the weekly series, “In Case You Missed It,” News Editor Marissa Mendoza summarizes stories from the past week with links to the corresponding WSPN article.
ICYMI: Nov. 4 - David Fleishman, election live updates and progressive dinner
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
WSPN's Bowen Morrison highlights new Wayland-Weston crew coach Beatrice Sims.
Wayland-Weston Rowing Association welcomes its new program director
From left to right: seniors Salma Dwidar, Mischa Lee, Nina Eyerman, Jackie Rainville and Elyssa Grillo lounge at the Lappin's house for dinner. "Honestly I loved spending time with people I normally wouldn't spend time with," Dwidar said. "I reflected on the progressing that has been done over the course of my high school career at Wayland."
Class of 2025 hosts annual progressive dinner
Donate to Wayland Student Press
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$1500
Contributed
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Wandering Backpack: Olivia Zhao