• August 29WHS to begin classes Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021
  • October 16Wayland High School to offer free lunches for all students for the entire 2021-2022 school year
The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
As the pandemic reaches its one-year mark, people are becoming more eager to find the light at the end of the tunnel by receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. But, as the Town is no longer receiving vaccine doses, it may become difficult for residents to get be inoculated. “A lot of people thought ‘I don’t care, I will go anywhere.’ I would’ve gone at two o’clock in the morning to get vaccinated,” math teacher Hannah Marton said. “I just wanted to get vaccinated and a lot of people are the same way.”
News Brief: Wayland Health Department suspends COVID-19 vaccinations
In a survey sent out to Wayland High School students, students thought of one word or phrase that describes or commemorates the past year. Among the most common words were unprecedented, Zoom and social distancing.
COVID-19: One year later
Three months into hybrid learning, students are learning how to adjust to a new style of schooling. I think that starting hybrid was confusing like what time class ended and what classes you had because they changed everything from before, sophomore Morgen Warner said. I think getting used to that took a little.
WHS students reflect on hybrid learning experience
As COVID-19 numbers continue to rise, the coronavirus infiltrates the life of some WHS students. Junior Ryan MacDonald felt the effects first hand as he contracted the virus and had to spend almost two weeks in quarantine. I woke up feeling awful, and I also couldn’t taste or smell anything, MacDonald said. Right then is how we assumed we had it, and then two days later we got our test results back as positive.
WHS students share their experiences with COVID-19
An emergency town meeting between the Board of Health, Board of Selectmen, school committee, town administrator, and other public health officials was held today to discuss how Wayland Public Schools would return to school on Jan. 4. After several hours of discussion, each board suggested to superintendent Arthur Unobskey that WPS should remain in hybrid format unless the school does not have sufficient medical coverage. All schools except the middle school, which will be remote, will hold in person classes on Monday.
All schools but the middle school to be hybrid on Monday, Jan. 4
Wayland High School gets ready to host its first slate of Sunday Wayland Youth Basketball games after over a year and a half off. “I am thrilled we have the opportunity to offer [basketball] to the youth of Wayland again,” WYBA president Leanne Mason said.
Wayland Youth Basketball returns from year-long hiatus
Weekly Breakdown Episode 36: Coach Grill Turkey Trouble and Anonymous Instagram Accounts
Weekly Breakdown Episode 36: Coach Grill Turkey Trouble and Anonymous Instagram Accounts
In the weekly series, “In Case You Missed It,” News Editor Tess Alongi summarizes stories from the past week with links to the corresponding WSPN articles.
ICYMI: Week of November 29 – Wayland water issue, color blast and “Red”
On Friday, Nov. 5, Wayland High Schools senior class, Connect, hosted its first ever Pumpkin Smash. Students gathered during their lunches in the visitor parking lot ready to demolish some pumpkins. “I think the next class should host another Pumpkin Smash next year since it was a positive environment and helped students with stress.” junior Billy Burke said.
Connect smashes their first 2021 event
Due to the abnormally high amount of PFAS in Wayland’s water, students are unable to use the normal water fountains at school. As a result, piles of the water bottles overflow from the recycling bins outside of Wayland High School’s fitness room, causing some students and staff to feel concerned about the amount of single-use plastic being used. “If we could all just be personally responsible for the number of single-use water bottles we’re using, I think that would help enormously,” Wayland High School Principal Allyson Mizoguchi said. “Every person matters in this situation, just like with every environmental issue.”
The Wayland Water Issue: Problems and Solutions
In the weekly series, “In Case You Missed It,” News Editor Tess Alongi summarizes stories from the past week with links to the corresponding WSPN articles.
ICYMI: Week of November 29 – Wayland water issue, color blast and “Red”
In the weekly series, “In Case You Missed It,” News Editor Tess Alongi summarizes stories from the past week with links to the corresponding WSPN articles.
ICYMI: Week of November 22 – Spirit Week, Stress and Legally Blonde rehearsal
In the weekly series, “In Case You Missed It,” News Editor Tess Alongi summarizes stories from the past week with links to the corresponding WSPN articles.
ICYMI: Week of November 15 – End of quarter one, Legally Blonde and meet the semi dates
In the weekly series, “In Case You Missed It,” News Editor Tess Alongi summarizes stories from the past week with links to the corresponding WSPN articles.
ICYMI: Week of November 8 – Lauren Astley Foundation, football senior night and Class of 2023’s semiformal
In the weekly series, “In Case You Missed It,” News Editor Tess Alongi summarizes stories from the past week with links to the corresponding WSPN articles.
ICYMI: Week of November 1 – Sophomore semiformal, masquerade concert and meet the semi dates
Weekly Breakdown Episode 36: Coach Grill Turkey Trouble and Anonymous Instagram Accounts
Weekly Breakdown Episode 36: Coach Grill Turkey Trouble and Anonymous Instagram Accounts
Weekly Breakdown Episode 35: Winter Sports Begin and Wayland Depots Holiday Opening
Weekly Breakdown Episode 35: Winter Sports Begin and Wayland Depot’s Holiday Opening
Weekly Breakdown Episode 34: Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving Football
Weekly Breakdown Episode 34: Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving Football
Weekly Breakdown Episode 33: Preseason Sports and SADD Dodgeball Tournament
Weekly Breakdown Episode 33: Preseason Sports and SADD Dodgeball Tournament
Weekly Breakdown Episode 32: MIAA State Tournament and Policing in Wayland
Weekly Breakdown Episode 32: MIAA State Tournament and Policing in Wayland
As WHS works through its 2021-2022 school year, students have experienced a large amount of stress while balancing classwork and after school activities. The stress students have been dealing with has been affecting students physical and mental health. “I havent found a permanent way to deal with the stress from school and as things progress, I find myself needing to find that permanent solution soon, sophomore Anjali Tandon said. “Some teachers dont have any regard for the stress that students are under, completely forgetting that students have other classes.”
The Stress Epidemic at WHS
Recently delivered dodgeballs wait to be inflated for the SADD tournament on Saturday evening. The annual event was disrupted due to COVID-19, but it has returned after two years. “Our goal for the dodgeball tournament is to raise money for our club so we have the ability to do fun events later in the year,” senior Haley Melvin said.
SADD to host first dodgeball tournament fundraiser since 2018
Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven, Wayland High School grad class of 2006, at a rally for state house transparency in June 2021. Uyterhoeven serves in the Massachusetts legislature. Uyterhoeven was inaugurated on Jan. 6 2021. I firmly believe its not just about electing me and then i just do whatever I want, Uyterhoeven said. I work hand in hand with constituents. Credit: Joanna Barrow
WHS Grad Erika Uyterhoeven fights for equity in the MA legislature
Freshman Alex Irwin (back left), sophomore Bethany Foreman (back middle), sophomore Ben Monhkern (back right), junior Eva Marobella (front left), senior Sammy Janoff (front right) and dog Penny Panzano rehearse a college scene for Legally Blonde. Legally Blonde is the first WHSTE production that will include live animals as part of the cast. Penny Panzano plays the lead character Elles beloved Chihuahua, Bruiser, and bulldog Mo Martins plays character Paulette Bonafontés dog Rufus. “If the dog does something unexpected, Im very into that,” WHSTE Director Aidan O’Hara said. “As long as the humans dont break character, I think its all in fun, and I think that’s what makes live theater really interesting.”
WHSTE’s ‘Legally Blonde’: Casting Canines
The Lauren Dunne Astley memorial mosaic at Wayland High School, which can be found in the courtyard adjoining the Commons. Designed by Astley’s close friends and teachers, the mosaic contains small details that represent Astley to them, like the Starbucks symbol hidden in the green glass on the left. “I think of Lauren often, especially when I walk past that glittering Wayland High School mosaic her friends and teacher collectively crafted in her memory,” retired WHS history teacher Kevin Delaney said during the 10 year anniversary remembrance for Astley that was held over the summer. “As I walk through the courtyard and see that sunshine daisy radiating over a blue horizon, I remember the bright fin loving and inquisitive student arriving late to my US history class bearing a sheepish grin and an extra large coffee in hand.” This past July marks the ten year anniversary of Laurens death and the memorial funds creation.
Ten years later, the Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Fund keeps Lauren’s legacy alive
Healthy Living Episode 18: Interview Recap
Healthy Living Episode 18: Interview Recap
The Social Media Epidemic
The Social Media Epidemic
Healthy Living Episode 17: Athlete Interview with Kate Balicki
Healthy Living Episode 17: Athlete Interview with Kate Balicki
Healthy Living Episode 16: Athlete Interview with Kyle Mabe
Healthy Living Episode 16: Athlete Interview with Kyle Mabe
Healthy Living Episode 15: Athlete Interview with Emma Kiernan
Healthy Living Episode 15: Athlete Interview with Emma Kiernan
Healthy Living Episode 18: Interview Recap
Healthy Living Episode 18: Interview Recap
Healthy Living Episode 17: Athlete Interview with Kate Balicki
Healthy Living Episode 17: Athlete Interview with Kate Balicki
Healthy Living Episode 16: Athlete Interview with Kyle Mabe
Healthy Living Episode 16: Athlete Interview with Kyle Mabe
Healthy Living Episode 15: Athlete Interview with Emma Kiernan
Healthy Living Episode 15: Athlete Interview with Emma Kiernan
Healthy Living Episode 14: Athlete Interview with Julia Pak
Healthy Living Episode 14: Athlete Interview with Julia Pak
Wayland Sports Chat: S4E2
Wayland Sports Chat: S4E2
WSPNs Gabe Likerman discusses the three NFL teams who have the possibility of making a push into the NFL playoffs.
Warrior Weekly: NFL teams that can sneak into the playoffs
Wayland High Schools varsity swim team stands together after the announcement of the boys team’s state and sectional meet win in Feb. 2020. Since then, WHSs swimming and diving teams have not competed in-person at a state or sectional meet due to the pandemic, and they participated in virtual events throughout the last season. “We feel confident that we’ll have them ready regardless of what the state tells us to do or when we can do it,” swim and dive coach Michael Foley said. “We’re going to be prepared.”
WHS’s swim and dive teams face uncertainty
This year, the Wayland High School hockey team opted to participate in a JV league rather than the usual varsity league. The biggest motivating factor behind this decision is the lack of upperclassmen on the team, with roughly half the team being freshmen. “It’s just such a young team, so the decision was made to cancel all of our varsity level hockey games in the DCL, and we entered into a JV level league running out of the Marlborough rink,” junior Ryan Desmond said.
The WHS hockey program skates away from the varsity league
WSPNs Emily Roberge discusses the inequalities of female athletes in their sponsorships with Nike.
Just Do it: Athletes need equal representation when sponsoring with Nike
The girls varsity soccer starters huddle together prior to the opening kickoff. They would play a hard fought game against Lincoln-Sudbury, but would fall short of the win.
Game Recap: Girls varsity soccer can’t complete comeback, lose in penalty kicks to Lincoln-Sudbury
Game Recap: Wayland football destroyed by Lincoln-Sudbury in domestic violence awareness game
Game Recap: Wayland football destroyed by Lincoln-Sudbury in domestic violence awareness game
Wayland girls varsity soccer gathers together to discuss the game against Boston Latin. Wayland would lose a disappointing game 2-1, before recovering against Waltham in a 1-0 win.
Game Recap: Wayland girls soccer falls to Boston Latin at home
The Wayland Warriors celebrate together after an amazing performance on their senior night. Wayland defeated Westford Academy 2-1.
Game Recap: boys varsity soccer wins on senior night against Westford Academy
Wayland girls varsity soccer faces the flag ahead of their senior night game against Waltham. They would win 2-0, a welcome victory after losing three games in a row, which included their game against Lincoln-Sudbury.
Game Recap: girls soccer comes up short against Lincoln-Sudbury
Senior captain Adam Goodfellow celebrates as he scores a touchdown in the Warriors game against Newton South. Goodfellow went on to score five touchdowns in the 39-6 win. Everything went just as planned and everyone showed up to play, Goodfellow said.
Athlete of the Month: Adam Goodfellow
Senior football captain Nick Dresens readies himself for his opponents next play. For the past three years, Dresens has been a largely unstoppable defensive force for the Warriors. I see my greatest strength as being well-rounded, Dresens said. I’m able to defend in the run game as well as drop back into pass coverage and cover receivers and running backs.
Athlete of the Month: Nick Dresens
Senior Luke Tacelli prepares for the upcoming season. The football season was pushed back due to COVID-19. I am really excited for this upcoming football season because I have worked really hard for it and been waiting for a long time, Tacelli said.
Athlete of the Month: Luke Tacelli
Senior Eric Zhang attempts to overtake the attacking player without violating the COVID-19 restrictions. Zhang was a starting center back, a position which he has played for only two years. “When I moved to varsity, I moved from a midfielder to a defender,” Zhang said. “It was probably due to a shortage of defenders and an abundance of midfielders. No one wants to play center-back. You simply dont get a lot of recognition and you missout on being able to dribble, shoot, and the other more fun aspects of soccer. So getting into the mindset that I had to do my job and could only do my job was hard at first.”
Athlete of the Month: Eric Zhang
Sophomore Jason Shu watches an ongoing meet before it’s his turn to race.
Jason Shu: Another set toward success
WSPNs Gabe Likerman discusses the three NFL teams who have the possibility of making a push into the NFL playoffs.
Warrior Weekly: NFL teams that can sneak into the playoffs
WSPNs Dante Coppola discusses the MLBs top free agents heading into the offseason and predicts potential new locations for them.
Warrior Weekly: top MLB free agents and potential landing spots
WSPNs Garrett Spooner discusses the the NFL teams that are overperforming their expectations, and those that are underperforming.
Warrior Weekly: NFL overperforming and underperforming teams
WSPNs Aditya Weling dives into the MLB World Series matchup between the Astros and the Braves.
Warrior Weekly: MLB World Series matchup
WSPNs Aditya Weling previews the NBA season and his two favorites for this years championship
Warrior Weekly: season predictions for NBA championship favorites
The girls line up to shake hands with the other team at the end of the game. Each player had their last name and 22 on the back of their jersey. The 22 was displayed since this years seniors are the Class of 2022.
Wayland girls Powderpuff team falls to Weston in a highly anticipated game
Per tradition, every Spirit Day the cheerleaders invite senior football players to cheer with them. This year, we saw two football players were set as flyers, the ones who are thrown in the air. This is always a student-wide favortie part of Spirit Day
Come with us to Spirit Day 2021!
Seniors Madeeha Syeda and Marie Popov place orange hand prints on their no trespa22ing sign. The seniors got very creative with incorporating 22 into their signs and posters.
Preparing for Spirit Day: Color Blast 2021
Senior Ryan MacDonald prepares to throw the ball at his opponents, moments before his team wins the game.
SADD hosts dodgeball tournament (gallery)
Performance preparation: WHSTEs Legally Blonde rehearses
Performance preparation: WHSTE’s Legally Blonde rehearses
The girls line up to shake hands with the other team at the end of the game. Each player had their last name and 22 on the back of their jersey. The 22 was displayed since this years seniors are the Class of 2022.
Wayland girls Powderpuff team falls to Weston in a highly anticipated game
Senior Will Ruland lines up in anticipation waiting for the ball to be snapped. Ruland is a defensive lineman for the warriors, and he also snaps the ball as the center on offense.
Wayland loses in a hard fought battle to Tewksbury
Senior captain Luciano Sebastianelli stands with his family as he is celebrated for his commitment to the Wayland football program. His two siblings also attend Wayland High School.
Wayland football falls to Westford Academy on Senior Night
Junior Colin Brown watches his teammates anxiously from the sidelines of the field.
More than a game: Wayland football raises awareness for domestic abuse at Lincoln-Sudbury game
Senior captain Phoebe Greenaway hits the ball over the net. A player on the other team tries to block it and all of the other players look up to watch the ball.
Wayland girls volleyball falls to Westford Academy 1-3
With an endless amount of characters to choose from, and a vast lore already built, Arcane still pieced together the perfect plot without forcing too much information. Great for casual viewers and perfect for players, so what more could you ask for?
TV Show Review: “Arcane”
Katya Luzarraga and Tina Su discuss the positive and negative aspects of the new Marvel movie Eternals, despite the varied reviews flooding in.
Marvel’s Eternals: Movie Review
Join Sports Editor Dante Coppola as he reviews the latest and most popular in music albums.
Dante’s Discography: Faces
Join sophomores Hallie Luo and Talia Macchi in their review of Taylor Swifts latest album, Red (Taylors Version).
Album Review: “Red (Taylor’s Version)”
In the latest installment of “Bryn’s Books,” junior guest writer Bryn Leonard reviews “Educated” and details the most prominent factors of the memoir.
Bryn’s Books: “Educated”
Artist of the Month: Amelie Martin
Artist of the Month: Amelie Martin
Artist of the Month: Katherine Lambert
Artist of the Month: Katherine Lambert
Artist of the Month: Nadia Calder
Artist of the Month: Nadia Calder
Artist of the Month: Jasmin Wong
Artist of the Month: Jasmin Wong
Junior Jett Peter initially grew an interest in art when he was in elementary school, but he developed a much better understanding after taking art classes at the high school for three years. My favorite type of art is definitely drawing, I really enjoy sketching other people, said Peter.
Artist of the month: Jett Peter
Guest writers seniors Sophia Mastrangelo and Maria Perdomo discuss ABC’s “The Bachelor” and give the inside scoop on departures and new arrivals.
The Bachelor Rewind: And then there were three
Guest writers seniors Sophia Mastrangelo and Maria Perdomo discuss ABC’s “The Bachelor” and give the inside scoop on departures and new arrivals.
The Bachelor Rewind: The craziness has started
Guest writers seniors Sophia Mastrangelo and Maria Perdomo discuss ABC’s “The Bachelor” and give the inside scoop on departures and new arrivals.
The Bachelor Rewind: New season, new drama
Guest writers seniors Sophia Mastrangelo and Maria Perdomo discuss ABC’s “The Bachelor” and give the inside scoop on departures and new arrivals.
The Bachelor Rewind: The finale
Guest writers seniors Sophia Mastrangelo and Maria Perdomo discuss ABC’s “The Bachelor” and give the inside scoop on departures and new arrivals.
The Bachelor Rewind: who is still standing?
Fashionistas of the Month: Katie Schouten and Jack McCahan
Fashionistas of the Month: Katie Schouten and Jack McCahan
Fashionistas of the Month: Lilly O’Driscoll and Jett Peter
Fashionistas of the Month: Lilly O’Driscoll and Jett Peter
The Fashionistas of the Month for November are juniors Ryan MaCdonald and Sofia Barris. They both encourage others to use fashion as a way to express themselves. “My best fashion advice is to not worry about what other people think and to have confidence in what you wear,” Barris said.
Fashionistas of the Month: Ryan MacDonald and Sofia Barris
Junior Ava Tang dresses in New Balance, Levis and thrifted clothing. Tangs favorite piece of clothing to dress in are sweaters. I think there [are] a lot of different patterns you can find or different bright colors with different fabrics and stuff,” Tang said
Ava Tang
Junior Sarah Davis dresses in Brandy Melville, Nike and thrifted clothing. However, Daviss favorite store is Urban Outfitters. They have a lot of different kind of clothes in my opinion, just a good mixture,” Davis said.
Sarah Davis
In the latest installment of Jonathans Journal, WSPNs Jonathan Zhang discusses the importance of gratitude in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jonathan’s Journal: I’m grateful…
WSPNs Genevieve Morrison discusses the importance of holiday family traditions.
Opinion: “Crafting Day,” and the power of made-up holidays
WSPNs Katya Luzarraga talks the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse and the verdict that has become a talking piece amongst Americans.
Kyle Rittenhouse verdict: Our nation’s polarized politics put on trial
WSPNs Gabe Likerman discusses the three NFL teams who have the possibility of making a push into the NFL playoffs.
Warrior Weekly: NFL teams that can sneak into the playoffs
WSPN’s Emily Roberge discusses the aftermath of US journalist Danny Fenster’s imprisonment in Myanmar and what it means for the safety of journalists.
The pen is mightier than the sword: How journalism is at an all time threat
Editorial: Weighted GPAs need to stay
Editorial: Weighted GPAs need to stay
Editorial: WSPN stands with Parkland students
Editorial: WSPN stands with Parkland students
In the latest installment of ABC: American Born Chinese, reporter Jonathan Zhang discusses the importance of food to his family.
ABC: The language of food
In the latest installment of ABC: American Born Chinese, reporter Jonathan Zhang addresses the rise in attacks on Asians and the importance of continuing to talk about the unjust treatment towards Asians.
ABC: An American just like you
In the latest installment of ABC: American Born Chinese, reporter Jonathan Zhang talks about the struggles of being an average Asian.
ABC: An average Asian
In the latest installment of ABC: American Born Chinese, reporter Jonathan Zhang talks about Chinese school and his regrets about quitting.
ABC: Why I should’ve stuck with Chinese school
In the latest installment of ABC: American Born Chinese, reporter Jonathan Zhang talks about what its like having two names and what a name means to him.
ABC: What’s my name?
Wayland Sports Chat: S4E2
Wayland Sports Chat: S4E2
Weekly Breakdown Episode 36: Coach Grill Turkey Trouble and Anonymous Instagram Accounts
Weekly Breakdown Episode 36: Coach Grill Turkey Trouble and Anonymous Instagram Accounts
Coming soon: December 4th SATs
Weekly Breakdown Episode 35: Winter Sports Begin and Wayland Depots Holiday Opening
Weekly Breakdown Episode 35: Winter Sports Begin and Wayland Depot’s Holiday Opening
Weekly Breakdown Episode 34: Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving Football
Weekly Breakdown Episode 34: Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving Football
Wayland Sports Chat: S4E2
Wayland Sports Chat: S4E2
Half Hour Hook S3E1: NBA opening night overreactions with Sony Lateef
Half Hour Hook S3E1: NBA opening night overreactions with Sony Lateef
Wayland Sports Chat: S4E1
Wayland Sports Chat: S4E1
Half Hour Hook In-between Episode: NBA Free Agency Recap, Season Predictions
Half Hour Hook In-between Episode: NBA Free Agency Recap, Season Predictions
Half Hour Hook S2E10: The Playoffs
Half Hour Hook S2E10: The Playoffs
The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
Abby Raftery

Abby Raftery, Staff Reporter

Abby Raftery, Class of 2024, is a first year reporter for WSPN. She plays soccer and is a part of the SADD club at Wayland High School. Outside of school she likes to travel, spend time with friends and family, go to the beach and bake.

Contact: [email protected]

All content by Abby Raftery
Weekly Breakdown Episode 36: Coach Grill Turkey Trouble and Anonymous Instagram Accounts

Weekly Breakdown Episode 36: Coach Grill Turkey Trouble and Anonymous Instagram Accounts

December 7, 2021
Weekly Breakdown Episode 35: Winter Sports Begin and Wayland Depots Holiday Opening

Weekly Breakdown Episode 35: Winter Sports Begin and Wayland Depot’s Holiday Opening

November 30, 2021
Weekly Breakdown Episode 34: Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving Football

Weekly Breakdown Episode 34: Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving Football

November 23, 2021
Weekly Breakdown Episode 33: Preseason Sports and SADD Dodgeball Tournament

Weekly Breakdown Episode 33: Preseason Sports and SADD Dodgeball Tournament

November 16, 2021
Weekly Breakdown Episode 32: MIAA State Tournament and Policing in Wayland

Weekly Breakdown Episode 32: MIAA State Tournament and Policing in Wayland

November 9, 2021
The Wayland offensive line huddles before the play. They strategize about how they are going to score.

Tick Tock: Wayland barely loses to Ashland Clockers

October 5, 2021
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Wayland Student Press

The student news site of Wayland High School
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