The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
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.”
Massachusetts reevaluates graduation requirement without standardized testing
ICYMI: April 14 - World Language Department field trips, pollen allergies and effects of Narcan
ICYMI: April 14 – World Language Department field trips, pollen allergies and effects of Narcan
As spring begins with flowers blooming and rain coming and going, some are experiencing seasonal allergies or hay fever due to the emerging pollen in the air. However, studies have shown that the pollen count has been increasing in recent years, which could play a factor in why some are experiencing more intense allergic reactions.
The return of pollen and how it affects seasonal allergies
This April break, several students who take French and Latin will be traveling to France and Italy as part of the World Language Department field trips. Students on the France trip departed from Boston Logan Airport left on Monday, April 14, while students on the Latin trip will travel on Thursday, April 17.
World language trips take learning from the classroom to the country
ICYMI: April 7 - Inundation District, spring orchestra concert and the "Houthi PC small group" leaks
ICYMI: April 7 – Inundation District, spring orchestra concert and the “Houthi PC small group” leaks
BDBN: Amid ICE arrests, families are concerned about sending children into school
BDBN: Amid ICE arrests, families are concerned about sending children into school
Breaking Down Breaking News: Honoring the ice skaters of Flight 5342
Breaking Down Breaking News: Honoring the ice skaters of Flight 5342
BDBN: Recent aviation issues
BDBN: Recent aviation issues
BDBN: The CEO of UnitedHealthcare was fatally shot in New York
BDBN: The CEO of UnitedHealthcare was fatally shot in New York
Breaking Down Breaking News: EEE makes a comeback
Breaking Down Breaking News: EEE makes a comeback
A swastika symbol has been found on the side of the Wayland Community pool. It has since be covered up.
Breaking news: Swastika found on side of Wayland Community Pool, administration and police respond
A magnitude 3.8 earthquake originating from the coast of New Hampshire and Maine was felt in Wayland on Monday, Jan. 27.
Breaking News: 3.8 magnitude earthquake felt in Boston area
Claypit Hill students moved to high school after water main break
Claypit Hill students moved to high school after water main break
Breaking News: Wayland Middle School cancels school on Nov. 22 due to power surge
Breaking News: Wayland Middle School cancels school on Nov. 22 due to power surge
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
News Brief: Town election results
News Brief: Town election results
News Brief: Student Council officer and representative election results
News Brief: Student Council officer and representative election results
Course selection process begins at WHS
Course selection process begins at WHS
A backstage look into the creation of the Class of 2025’s Senior Show, and the connections it’s formed. “We’ve definitely gotten closer with the people in our groups,” Alongi said. “It's just really fun to rehearse with everyone.”
Class of 2025 sets the stage for the Senior Show
A swastika symbol has been found on the side of the Wayland Community pool. It has since be covered up.
Breaking news: Swastika found on side of Wayland Community Pool, administration and police respond
In the home of 2011 WHS graduate Lauren Astley’s father and founder of the Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Fund Malcom Astley sit photos of L. Astley, along with a stuffed dog. M. Astley thinks that loss is something that children should be learning how to cope with from a young age, as well as acknowledging that grief and loss doesn’t only come from human death. “Another is acknowledging the phenomenon of loss, which a breakup is,” M. Astley said. “Training early on around the silliest of things. You remember that first stuffed animal that you had, and if you lost it or left it at home when the family went on a trip and you went out of your mind as a four year old. The first goldfish that died, another pet, and the progression, which is inevitable, and we don't, we're not open about it.”
More than just a statistic: The role of education in combating domestic violence
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.
Beyond the finish line: How the Boston Marathon transforms lives
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."
250th anniversary of Battles of Lexington and Concord celebrate freedom
From left to right: Mike Bloom, Ryan Herlihy, Joshua Goodman, Matt Bloom and Jake Mitchell pose for a photo after a show. Goodman, a WHS teaching assistant, is one of five members of the band 'Gold Rush.'
Joshua Goodman takes the stage with Gold Rush
WHS introduces the new concussion testing app Sway, which can be downloaded on a smartphone and used anywhere at any time. As Sway enters the realm of WHS testing and replaces the previous ImPACT testing, athletic trainer Katie Reilly explains its significance in concussion protocol.
Sway: WHS’ new concussion testing tool
From left to right: Mike Bloom, Ryan Herlihy, Joshua Goodman, Matt Bloom and Jake Mitchell pose for a photo after a show. Goodman, a WHS teaching assistant, is one of five members of the band 'Gold Rush.'
Joshua Goodman takes the stage with Gold Rush
Wayland resident and senior Isabella Camacho recently joined the girls varsity tennis team. Camacho is enrolled in an online high school and played tennis for a private club prior to joining the WHS team. Next year, she will play tennis at Wesleyan University.
Isabella Camacho aces her way to tennis stardom
Junior Peter Caputa started PCV Detailing in his sophomore year of high school. Since then, he's looked to grow his business in a number of ways. "I'm always trying to get more customers," Caputa said. "I've even knocked on people's doors to see if they'd like a car detail."
Beyond the books: How junior Peter Caputa started his own business
The “Main Event” station is one of the varying stations that hosts different food options for students at WHS prepared by the cafeteria staff. The "Main Event" station changes each day depending on what the hot lunch is.
Behind the scenes of school lunches
Keep eyes on WHS junior Sophia Beckett in the 2025 spring softball season. Beckett is a junior captain of the varsity team.
Sophia Beckett pitches to success
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.
Beyond the finish line: How the Boston Marathon transforms lives
On Thursday, April 17, the girls varsity lacrosse team defeated Acton-Boxborough High School (AB) with a final score of 11-3. This game was Wayland's fourth win of the season, improving their record to four wins and two losses.
Game recap: Girls lacrosse defeats Acton-Boxborough
Wayland resident and senior Isabella Camacho recently joined the girls varsity tennis team. Camacho is enrolled in an online high school and played tennis for a private club prior to joining the WHS team. Next year, she will play tennis at Wesleyan University.
Isabella Camacho aces her way to tennis stardom
Keep eyes on WHS junior Sophia Beckett in the 2025 spring softball season. Beckett is a junior captain of the varsity team.
Sophia Beckett pitches to success
This year, 8th graders have been pulled up to make JV girls lacrosse and softball teams possible. “I think the group of girls on our team from the 8th grade class are really strong,” JV softball coach Mark Norton said.
Middle schoolers take the field to fill JV squads
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.
Beyond the finish line: How the Boston Marathon transforms lives
As he rows, Weston junior Andrew Cui focuses on his technique. The crew team has two competition seasons: fall and spring. "I really like crew just because I feel like it is very much a team sport," Weston sophomore Jenna Cutter said. "Especially when you're rowing because you have to be so in sync with the rest of the boat which I think creates a really tight knit team and Wayland-Weston is just a really nice community between the coaches, rowers and coxswains."
Wayland-Weston crew team glides into spring season
Competing to secure a spot in the beginning of the race, Wayland and Weston runners surge ahead at the start of the 800 meter race.
Track and field races into first away meet of the season
Preparing to swing, sophomore Ryan Frutman positions herself in a ready-stance. This stance is vital for a powerful swing and strong contact with the ball.
Softball falls to Belmont in home opener
Behind the goal, Junior Armaan Desai holds the ball in the offensive zone.
Boys lacrosse falls short to Natick
Staff reporter Joey Fay writes about what he believes are some of the biggest issues in college sports.
Opinion: College sports are a mess
WSPN's reporters Ravi Kapadia and Owen Harrington express their views on if the MLB should implement a salary cap.
Opinion: Major League Baseball should implement a salary cap
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 Editorial Board discusses their thoughts on the recent actions of the current presidential administration and the future of the first amendment.
Editorial: We fear for the future of the first amendment
WSPN's Olivia Green and Emily Wyner reflect on the Trump Administration's abuses of power.
Opinion: 2025? More like “1984”
WSPN's Annabelle Hage and Sadie Alongi reflect on the limitations of homework, and whether too much can be harmful for students.
Beyond the limit: When homework goes from helpful to harmful
WSPN's Jeffery Zhang discusses the "Houthi PC small group" leaks.
Opinion: National security isn’t a text thread
Join WSPN's Chloe Zilembo as she talks about her experience with "senioritis" and why students need to combat it.
The slippery slope of senioritis
Join WSPN’s Kate Goodman and Molly Bergeron as they talk with this month’s artist of the month: Abby Peredna.
Artist of the Month: Abby Peredna
Join WSPN's Karis Tam as she reviews Grande's extended album, "eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead."
“eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead” shines a light into Ariana Grande’s life
WSPN's Emma Zocco highlights her favorite local thrift shops as a better, sustainable alternative to fast-fashion.
Sustainable style: A guide to the best thrift shops
Join WSPN’s Vanessa Taxiarchis and Jillian Mele as they interview March’s Fashionistas of the Month: seniors Leroyal Hairston and Joel Cabral.
Fashionistas of the Month: Leroyal Hairston and Joel Cabral
Join WSPN reporters Nina Gandhi as she talks with this month’s artist of the month: Samantha Taurisano.
Artist of the Month: Samantha Taurisano
WSPN's Emma Zocco highlights her favorite local thrift shops as a better, sustainable alternative to fast-fashion.
Sustainable style: A guide to the best thrift shops
WSPN's Molly Bergeron talked to juniors at WHS about their stressful experiences finding their prom dresses.
From fittings to frustration: The stressful reality of prom dress shopping
Join WSPN’s Mischa Lee and Elyssa Grillo as they discuss the hottest trends of this year’s winter season.
Top winter fashion trends
Join WSPN reporters Emma Zocco, Edge Wheeler and Alex Evangelista as they discuss the trends of this year's winter season.
Mens Winter Fashion 2025
Join WSPN reporters Melina Barris and Caroline Kiernan as they share some of their favorite and least favorite looks of the 2025 Golden Globes.
2025 Golden Globes looks and opinions
Crossword: Valentine's Day
Crossword: Valentine’s Day
Crossword: Winter
Crossword: Winter
Crossword: Halloween
Crossword: Halloween
Crossword: Fall
Crossword: Fall
Back to school crossword
Back to school crossword
Join WSPN's Karis Tam as she reviews Grande's extended album, "eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead."
“eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead” shines a light into Ariana Grande’s life
Join WSPN’s Mischa Lee as she discusses Tate McRae’s newest album “So Close to What.”
“So Close To What”: A Tatiana takeover
Join WSPN's Ben Jackson and Bowen Morrison as they review Lil Baby's most recent album "WHAM."
“WHAM:” A bold statement from Lil Baby
Unlike any vampire film before it, Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” haunts the audience along with the characters through dark tension and sickening torture.
Nosferatu: An eerie, barbaric twist on Dracula
WSPN's Reva Datar reviews the second season of the Netflix blockbuster show "Squid Game."
“Squid Game 2” is gravely misunderstood
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.
Beyond the finish line: How the Boston Marathon transforms lives
As he rows, Weston junior Andrew Cui focuses on his technique. The crew team has two competition seasons: fall and spring. "I really like crew just because I feel like it is very much a team sport," Weston sophomore Jenna Cutter said. "Especially when you're rowing because you have to be so in sync with the rest of the boat which I think creates a really tight knit team and Wayland-Weston is just a really nice community between the coaches, rowers and coxswains."
Wayland-Weston crew team glides into spring season
Screenshot
From applications to acceptance, seniors navigate the college process
Competing to secure a spot in the beginning of the race, Wayland and Weston runners surge ahead at the start of the 800 meter race.
Track and field races into first away meet of the season
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.
WHS Orchestra harmonizes for their spring concert
A capella harmonizes during Winter Week
A capella harmonizes during Winter Week
“I’ve never seen that before”: Hypnotist Peter Gross hypnotises WHS students
“I’ve never seen that before”: Hypnotist Peter Gross hypnotises WHS students
Starbucks holiday menu review
Starbucks holiday menu review
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
Join WSPN's Emma Zocco and Mischa Lee as they take an inside look at the Wayland Depot
The Wayland Depot: Wayland’s hidden treasure
Weekly Breakdown Episode 118: Spring break festivities and the Boston Marathon
Weekly Breakdown Episode 118: Spring break festivities and the Boston Marathon
Weekly Breakdown Episode 117: WayCam night at the movies and Easter celebrations
Weekly Breakdown Episode 117: WayCam night at the movies and Easter celebrations
123
Picky Eater Picks: Crumbl Cookies Kardashian-Jenner week
Weekly Breakdown Episode 116: New library delivery service and math team advances
Weekly Breakdown Episode 116: New library delivery service and math team advances
Graham Henrich: Ready to begin his journey as a cadet at West Point
Graham Henrich: Ready to begin his journey as a cadet at West Point
Weekly Breakdown Episode 118: Spring break festivities and the Boston Marathon
Weekly Breakdown Episode 118: Spring break festivities and the Boston Marathon
Weekly Breakdown Episode 117: WayCam night at the movies and Easter celebrations
Weekly Breakdown Episode 117: WayCam night at the movies and Easter celebrations
Weekly Breakdown Episode 116: New library delivery service and math team advances
Weekly Breakdown Episode 116: New library delivery service and math team advances
Weekly Breakdown Episode 115: Ending of third quarter and new student council members
Weekly Breakdown Episode 115: Ending of third quarter and new student council members
Weekly Breakdown Episode 114: MCAS testing and the first games of spring sports
Weekly Breakdown Episode 114: MCAS testing and the first games of spring sports
123
Picky Eater Picks: Crumbl Cookies Kardashian-Jenner week
123
Picky Eater Picks: Raising Cane’s
123
Picky Eater Picks: Giacomo’s Wayland
123
Picky Eater Picks: Wayland Variety and Deli
123
Picky Eater Picks: Cava
The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
All content by Basil Halperin
Candidate supporters outside Wayland Town Hall on election day. (Credit: Basil Halperin / WSPN)

Massachusetts voters cast ballots in primaries

Basil Halperin
September 15, 2010
The economy, in perspective

The economy, in perspective

Basil Halperin
September 14, 2010
Town Meeting and the requirements of democracy

Town Meeting and the requirements of democracy

Basil Halperin
May 17, 2010
Wayland resident speaks for a motion (WSPN/ Elizabeth Doyon)

Budget debate dominates Town Meeting

Basil Halperin
May 15, 2010
Waiting for a legal immigration overhaul

Waiting for a legal immigration overhaul

Basil Halperin
May 11, 2010
For a stronger American economy

For a stronger American economy

Basil Halperin
April 28, 2010
Casinos in Massachusetts: a bad gamble

Casinos in Massachusetts: a bad gamble

Basil Halperin
April 13, 2010
An energy policy for the 21st century

An energy policy for the 21st century

Basil Halperin
March 30, 2010
Reinvigorating America and the Obama presidency

Reinvigorating America and the Obama presidency

Basil Halperin
March 23, 2010
The fruits of engagement

The fruits of engagement

Basil Halperin
March 16, 2010
Abandoning our allies

Abandoning our allies

Basil Halperin
March 11, 2010
And we all lived happily ever after?

And we all lived happily ever after?

Basil Halperin
March 2, 2010
At the end of the school year the current student parking lots and one faculty lot will close to as the land is prepped to pave the way towards a new high school building. (Credit: David Ryan/WSPN)

Tutwiler: limited parking to be available next year

Basil Halperin
February 24, 2010
The lobbyist stranglehold

The lobbyist stranglehold

Basil Halperin
February 24, 2010
Winter Week: Convicted murderer tells students to consider actions carefully

Winter Week: Convicted murderer tells students to consider actions carefully

Basil Halperin
February 10, 2010
A ridiculous policy

A ridiculous policy

Basil Halperin
February 8, 2010
Winter Week: The Daddios (9 Photos)

Winter Week: The Daddios (9 Photos)

Basil Halperin
February 4, 2010
The benefits of a single-party state

The benefits of a single-party state

Basil Halperin
January 18, 2010
School Committee announces "restore list," approves budget

School Committee announces “restore list,” approves budget

Basil Halperin
January 18, 2010
At recent School Committee meetings Wayland residents have raised concerns over some specific cuts proposed at the High School by the administration and Superintendent Gary Burton. (Credit: Kruti Vora/WSPN)

Town citizens voice concerns over school budget cuts

Basil Halperin
January 13, 2010
The future of the war on terror

The future of the war on terror

Basil Halperin
January 13, 2010
2010 in preview...

2010 in preview…

Basil Halperin
January 5, 2010
Tightening of the Wayland Public Schools' belt will be felt in the WHS English Department. (Credit: Jake Adelman/WSPN)

Budget cuts: the English department

Basil Halperin
December 22, 2009
Keep the Federal Reserve free of politics

Keep the Federal Reserve free of politics

Basil Halperin
December 15, 2009
High school students make their way across campus on a recent afternoon. (Credit: WSPN)

UPDATE: Proposed school budget cuts unveiled

Basil Halperin
December 11, 2009
Making the most of Copenhagen

Making the most of Copenhagen

Basil Halperin
December 8, 2009
Construction of the New High School begins in the Spring of 2011 on the current parking lots. (Credit: MassGIS. Commonwealth of Massachusetts EOEA).

New high school overwhelmingly approved by town

Basil Halperin
November 20, 2009
Abolishing the death penalty makes cents

Abolishing the death penalty makes cents

Basil Halperin
November 17, 2009
How are we going to reduce the national debt?

How are we going to reduce the national debt?

Basil Halperin
November 3, 2009
The dangers of a nuclear Iran

The dangers of a nuclear Iran

Basil Halperin
October 27, 2009
Barack Obama, the Nobel, and American interests

Barack Obama, the Nobel, and American interests

Basil Halperin
October 14, 2009
It's time for a political settlement in Afghanistan

It's time for a political settlement in Afghanistan

Basil Halperin
October 6, 2009
The other healthcare crisis

The other healthcare crisis

Basil Halperin
September 20, 2009

The United States is not a democracy

Basil Halperin
June 3, 2009
The case for raising the gas tax

The case for raising the gas tax

Basil Halperin
May 28, 2009

Getting tough with the Iranian regime

Basil Halperin
May 19, 2009

Is it time to ban military chaplains?

Basil Halperin
May 12, 2009

End the Cuban trade embargo

Basil Halperin
April 27, 2009

Modern day pirates challenge the U.S.

Basil Halperin
April 12, 2009

Fighting global warming in the recession

Basil Halperin
April 6, 2009

Spanish inquisition chases Bush officials

Basil Halperin
March 31, 2009

Populism, socialism, and Obama

Basil Halperin
March 22, 2009

An unfit response to genocide

Basil Halperin
March 9, 2009

Senator Burris, it's time to resign

Basil Halperin
February 26, 2009

Lucky 18 in Israel?

Basil Halperin
February 23, 2009
Load More Stories
Donate to Wayland Student Press
$1850
$2000
Contributed
Our Goal

Menu
Activate Search
Home
Basil Halperin