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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
LRT has changed this year and is different than it was in the past. Instead of being like a study hall, LRT is more like an academic class. “There is a new lesson based system starting this year,” sophomore Frankie Zilembo said.
Navigating the shift: Changes in the LRT system
Join WSPN’s reporters Jessi Dretler and Jillian Mele as they preview the business CrossFit TILT.
Building community through fitness: The story of CrossFit TILT
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
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
Join WSPN’s reporters Jessi Dretler and Jillian Mele as they preview the business CrossFit TILT.
Building community through fitness: The story of CrossFit TILT
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
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 99: Hadestown performance and fall sports wrap up
Weekly Breakdown Episode 99: Hadestown performance and fall sports wrap up
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
Weekly Breakdown Episode 99: Hadestown performance and fall sports wrap up
Weekly Breakdown Episode 99: Hadestown performance and fall sports wrap up
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
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
Fiona Peltonen

Fiona Peltonen, Staff Reporter

Fiona Peltonen, Class of 2027, is a second year reporter for WSPN. Outside of school she volunteers at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. She enjoys going for runs, hanging out with friends and being outside.

Contact: [email protected]

All content by Fiona Peltonen
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

Fiona Peltonen
November 14, 2024
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

Melina Barris, Maddie Zajac, Fiona Peltonen, Alex Evangelista, and Emma Zocco
November 4, 2024
Seniors Marisa Soto and Kiarra Shouder smile and display their duo-costume: Princess Tiana and Lottie from the Disney's "Princess and the Frog." "I've been waiting for this since freshman year," Shouder said.

[Photo] Class of 2025 celebrates Halloween

WSPN Staff
October 31, 2024
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

Jeffery Zhang, Olivia Green, Carolina Sdoia, Elyssa Grillo, Ben Jackson, and Fiona Peltonen
October 29, 2024
Wayland is surrounded by conservation land and green space that plays an important role in the wellbeing of the town, but it experiences threats everyday. “Protecting these spaces is incredibly important,” Conservation Department Assistant Emily Cueller said. In this deep dive into the conservation land, readers will learn how we, as a community, can impact the wildlife and ecosystem in Wayland for better or for worse.

A trek through Wayland’s Conservation Land

Fiona Peltonen
September 26, 2024
Join Fiona as she discusses gardening tips from Russell’s Garden Center Employees.

Top gardening tips from Russell’s Garden Center employees

Fiona Peltonen
June 6, 2024
Junior Owen Finnegan and coach Bo Finnegan sit and watch Wayland up at bat.

Game recap: Baseball loses to Westborough

Fiona Peltonen and Maggie Buffum
May 27, 2024
Motivational speaker and former NBA player Chris Herren addresses WHS students on his experience with a substance use disorder. Herren has been speaking motivationally since 2009, and in that time his story has reached over 2 million people.

We all have a why: Former NBA player Chris Herren speaks at WHS

Fiona Peltonen, Olivia Green, Maggie Buffum, and Ainsley Jay
May 8, 2024
The entrance to the Together for Hope: Boston Addiction Conference at Roxbury community college on March 16. This conference was dedicated to increasing awareness and education about addiction, as well as calling out stigma surrounding addiction.

Together for Hope: Boston Addiction Conference and its impact across the community

Olivia Green, Fiona Peltonen, and Maggie Buffum
April 12, 2024
Join Staff Reporter Fiona Peltonen as she discusses her thoughts about the outfits worn at the 2024 Oscars.

2024 Oscars outfit review

Fiona Peltonen
March 23, 2024
The history of St. Patrick's Day

The history of St. Patrick’s Day

Olivia Green, Fiona Peltonen, and Maggie Buffum
March 21, 2024
Join WSPN's Jillian Mele and Fiona Peltonen as they share their thoughts about "tweens" shopping at Sephora.

Opinion: Sephora is not where tweens should be spending their childhood

Jillian Mele, Fiona Peltonen, and Mischa Lee
March 20, 2024
The Celebrity Scene Episode 1: The Superbowl and Grammys

The Celebrity Scene Episode 1: The Superbowl and Grammys

Maggie Buffum and Fiona Peltonen
February 20, 2024
Movie Review: "Mean Girls"

Movie Review: “Mean Girls”

Maggie Buffum and Fiona Peltonen
February 8, 2024
Wayland Cares director Jason Verhoosky led a presentation on how stigmas and stereotypes affect our judgment. The presentation included interactive games such as a card game in which students were given an identity based on the value of the playing card they received.

Wayland Cares: Breaking down stereotypes and stigmas

Abby Raftery and Fiona Peltonen
February 3, 2024
Join WSPN’s Fiona Peltonen and Olivia Green as they break down pieces from the select art gallery.

Admirable artists: Student art spotlight

Olivia Green and Fiona Peltonen
January 31, 2024
Freshman Corinne Larson, Art 1

Join WSPN’s Fiona Peltonen and Olivia Green as they break down pieces from the select art gallery.

Join WSPN's Fiona Peltonen and Maggie Buffum as they share the top 15 most popular holiday songs at WHS.

Top 15 holiday songs of 2023

Fiona Peltonen and Maggie Buffum
December 21, 2023
Join Staff Reporters Fiona Peltonen and Maggie Buffum as they interview classmates about whether they recommend certain beauty products for the holidays or not.

Save or splurge: Beauty products for the holidays

Margaret Buffum and Fiona Peltonen
December 23, 2023
Join WSPN's Fiona Peltonen, Maggie Buffum and Olivia Green as they discuss their favorite gifts for all ages.

Holiday gift guide

Margaret Buffum, Fiona Peltonen, and Olivia Green
December 9, 2023
Join WSPN's Fiona Peltonen as she outlines her typical Thanksgiving dinner as a vegetarian.

Turkey day, but without the turkey

Fiona Peltonen
November 22, 2023
Senior Ben Mohnkern demonstrates his costume outside of the school.

[Photo] WHS celebrates Halloween 2023

WSPN Staff
October 31, 2023
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Fiona Peltonen