The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
Updates
ICYMI: Week of April 8 – WSPN’s success at Kansas City, Student Corps’ book drive and Wayland Arts search for new storage space
ICYMI: Week of April 8 – WSPN’s success at Kansas City, Student Corps’ book drive and Wayland Arts’ search for new storage space
The first group of adults runs into the cold water during the seventh annual ice plunge for Elodie Kubik. Some wore swim caps in pink, which is Elodies favorite color. Some also wore caps that said Plunge for Elodie.
Wellesley holds its seventh annual ice plunge for Elodie Kubik
From Wednesday, March 27 to Friday, April 12, the Wayland High School Student Corps is collecting books to donate to prisoners. Students can donate their books at a box located outside of the main office.
WHS Student Corps holds book drive for prisoners
BDBN: Baltimore Key Bridge collapse
BDBN: Baltimore Key Bridge collapse
On Tuesday, March 19, equity and inclusion speaker Danika Manso-Brown (far left) spoke about how to discuss the topic of discrimination with middle and high school age students. The event was organized by Wayland Can.
Equity and inclusion speaker Danika Manso-Brown speaks at WaylandCAN event
BDBN: Baltimore Key Bridge collapse
BDBN: Baltimore Key Bridge collapse
Breaking Down Breaking News: Possible TikTok ban
Breaking Down Breaking News: Possible TikTok ban
BDBN: Supreme Court ruling on immigration law in Texas
BDBN: Supreme Court ruling on immigration law in Texas
BDBN: University of Florida fires all DEI employees
BDBN: University of Florida fires all DEI employees
BDBN: Chlormequat found in Quaker products
BDBN: Chlormequat found in Quaker products
News Brief: Mondays solar eclipse may cause sports cancellations
News Brief: Monday’s solar eclipse may cause sports cancellations
On Wednesday, March 13, former Wayland Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Omar Easy filed a lawsuit against the town of Wayland, former School Committee Chair Chris Ryan and School Committee member Ellen Grieco.
Former Superintendent Dr. Omar Easy files lawsuit against Wayland
The Wayland School Committee votes to hire current Interim Assistant Superintendent Betsy Gavron as the Wayland Public Schools assistant superintendent.
Breaking News: Wayland School Committee hires Betsy Gavron as assistant superintendent
On Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 8:50 a.m., Wayland Police Department responded to antisemitic graffiti on Rice Road.
Breaking News: Wayland police respond to antisemitic vandalism
The Wayland School Committee announces Acting Superintendent David Fleishman as the interim superindent for the 2024-2025 school year.
Breaking News: Wayland School Committee reappoints David Fleishman as interim superintendent
News Brief: Tuesdays schedule change
News Brief: Tuesday’s schedule change
News Brief: Mondays solar eclipse may cause sports cancellations
News Brief: Monday’s solar eclipse may cause sports cancellations
News Brief: Schedule changes this week
News Brief: Schedule changes this week
News Brief: Wayland Connect Program holds Spring Fling
News Brief: Wayland Connect Program holds Spring Fling
News Brief: WHS Class of 2024 holds annual Senior Show
News Brief: WHS Class of 2024 holds annual Senior Show
Join WSPN’s Addison Voight as she speaks to students and teachers of Wayland High School to discuss their mental health and how it has progressed over the year.
Mental health Q&A
WSPN’s Annika Martins and Maddie Zajac explore the athletic life of senior Annabelle Zhang through her badminton career. “This [photo] is me and my former partner after we won the 2022 junior nationals mixed doubles category,” Zhang said.
Annabelle Zhang: A lifetime devotion to badminton
Join Staff Reporter Vanessa Taxiarchis as she interviews the 2024-2025 Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) leaders.
Meet the 2024-2025 SADD leaders
Join WSPNs Sophia Verma as she discusses the significance of group dynamics within the Boston-based band Steeples and Satellites and how the bands music has impacted their fans.
Steeples and Satellites: Banding people together through music
Farmers markets contribute fresh food to towns and help to support small local businesses while connecting shoppers to unique vendors, nature and the community. I really enjoy how everything at the farmers market is locally sourced, Sudbury resident Jai Honda said. Ive discovered a lot of small businesses through it.
Farmers markets of our community and their impact
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 WSPNs 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 Annika Martins and Jenny Shine as they interview Open Mic club leader Kanmani Sekhar.
WSPN Goes Clubbing: Open Mic
WSPN’s Annika Martins and Maddie Zajac explore the athletic life of senior Annabelle Zhang through her badminton career. “This [photo] is me and my former partner after we won the 2022 junior nationals mixed doubles category,” Zhang said.
Annabelle Zhang: A lifetime devotion to badminton
Join WSPNs Sophia Verma as she discusses the significance of group dynamics within the Boston-based band Steeples and Satellites and how the bands music has impacted their fans.
Steeples and Satellites: Banding people together through music
WHS baseball coach and wellness teacher Chris Fay coaches his athletes and teaches them skills that he believes they will be able carry with them throughout their daily lives.
Chris Fay: Swinging for success this baseball season
Venezia Sebastianelli: Meet WHSs new Student Council president
Venezia Sebastianelli: Meet WHS’s new Student Council president
Lincoln-Sudbury sophomore Alex Taylor glides down a hill during a biathlon race in the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in South Korea. “The coaches were amazing and I learned so much while over there,” Taylor said. “Biathlon has such a large focus on the process of racing and the things that you can learn from each session, and I feel like I was able to grow as an athlete.
Lincoln-Sudbury’s Alex Taylor skis to the Youth Olympics and shoots to the World Championships
WSPNs Edge Wheeler and Jessi Dretler discuss the underlying stress of trying out for school sports.
Tryouts: The hidden stress of high school sports
Join WSPNs Bowen Morrison as he shares his predictions for who will be drafted in the first round of the NFL draft.
NFL Mock Draft 2024
WHS baseball coach and wellness teacher Chris Fay coaches his athletes and teaches them skills that he believes they will be able carry with them throughout their daily lives.
Chris Fay: Swinging for success this baseball season
WSPNs Vanessa Taxiarchis discusses the importance of captains practice at WHS and their impact on student athletes.
The benefits of captain’s practices at WHS
Join WSPN’s Bella Schreiber, Tina Su and Hallie Luo as they discuss the gap between women’s and men’s sports at the professional, college and Wayland High School level.
Fair play or foul? Uncovering the gap between women’s and men’s sports
Sophomore Ethan Alves wins his heat of the 100 meter dash. Due to rain, the first dual meet against Bedford was postponed to a later date, so the meet against Weston was the first meet for the team.
Track and field falls to Weston
Sophomore Max Walsh and senior captain Joey Burke block the ball.
Boys volleyball sets the season with a win
Junior Jillian Mele sets up for the draw. The draw takes place after each goal. During the draw, three midfielders from each team surround the circle while one from each team flicks the ball into the air to start the play.
Girls lacrosse scores on “Play Day”
White team captain senior Finn Bumstead talks strategy with his team during a time-out. The white team led the scoreboard early on against the pink team.
IBL’s white team clinches championship victory against pink team
Weston freshman Niall Cahalane strides past the opposing defense on her way to the net.
Wayland-Weston girls hockey defeats Concord-Carlisle on senior night
WSPNs 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 Celticss ongoing season.
Opinion: The Celtics will win the 2024 NBA Finals
WSPNs Bella Schreiber and Jenny Shine discuss opinions on Bill Belichicks future in the National Football League (NFL).
Opinion: It’s time for Bill Belichick to retire from the NFL
WSPNs 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?
WSPNs Chloe Zilembo gives her opinion on Erin Matsons impact on both field hockey and womens sports.
Erin Matson: Bringing field hockey and women’s sports to center stage
WSPNs Edge Wheeler and Alex Evangelista discuss their thoughts on the MCAS graduation requirement.
Opinion: MCAS exams should not be required to graduate
WSPN’s Maddie Zajac breaks down her thoughts about the effects of sleep deprivation on students.
Opinion: The overlooked consequences of sleep deprivation on students everywhere
WSPNs Chloe Zilembo shares her thoughts on the difficulty of her junior year of high school.
Opinion: Junior year is the hardest of your high school career
WSPNs Editorial Board shares their thoughts on the effects of the academic culture at Wayland High School.
Editorial: Great expectations bring about a silent struggle
WSPNs Reva Datar shares a personal reflection detailing her experience on the wrestling team.
Opinion: A reflection on wrestling with myself
Join WSPNs Torryn Carlson as she reviews the newly released Netflix movie, Damsel.
Movie review: “Damsel”
Join WSPNs Sophia Verma as she discusses the significance of group dynamics within the Boston-based band Steeples and Satellites and how the bands music has impacted their fans.
Steeples and Satellites: Banding people together through music
The Wayland Cultural Council through the utility box project
The Wayland Cultural Council through the utility box project
Infographic: Flowers in April
Infographic: Flowers in April
Celebrate April with WSPNs Talia and Makenzie Macchis crossword.
Crossword: April
Fashionista of the Month: March
Fashionista of the Month: March
Join Staff Reporter Fiona Peltonen as she discusses her thoughts about the outfits worn at the 2024 Oscars.
2024 Oscars outfit review
Join WSPN’s Melina Barris and Ben Jackson as they summarize their thoughts and feelings about the looks shown at the 2024 Grammys.
Grammy’s lookbook
Join reporters Mischa Lee and Elyssa Grillo as they discuss their fashion predictions for 2024.
Fashion predictions for 2024
From left to right, juniors and Passion 4 Fashion club leaders Elyssa Grillo, Nina Eyerman and Mischa Lee pose for a photo during the makeshift thrift store event.
Passion 4 Fashion club hosts makeshift thrift store during Winter Week
Celebrate April with WSPNs Talia and Makenzie Macchis crossword.
Crossword: April
Quiz: Can you guess the handwriting?
Quiz: Can you guess the handwriting?
Join Staff Reporters Melina Barris and Makenzie Macchi as they share a quiz on new words that were recently added to the dictionary.
Quiz: Can you guess which words were newly added to the dictionary?
Crossword: St. Patricks Day
Crossword: St. Patrick’s Day
Join Staff Reporter Jillian Mele as she puts a spring inspired spin on the popular New York Times puzzle, “Wordle.”
WSPN “Wordle”
Join WSPNs Chloe Zilembo and Jillian Mele as the review Ariana Grandes latest album eternal sunshine.
Ariana Grande’s “eternal sunshine” packs an emotional punch
Join Staff Reporter Fiona Peltonen as she discusses her thoughts about the outfits worn at the 2024 Oscars.
2024 Oscars outfit review
Join Staff Reporters Alex Evangelista and Edge Wheeler as they review Ye and Ty Dolla $igns new album, Vultures 1.
Album review: “Vultures 1”
Join WSPN’s Kally Proctor as she reviews Broadway musical “Moulin Rouge.” The show played at the Citizens Bank Opera House in Boston for three weeks from Jan. 16 to Feb. 4.
Moulin Rouge: A dazzling spectacle
21 Savage performs his new songs at a concert at Florida International University.
“american dream:” 21 Savage’s legendary album
Sophomore Nathan Hartunian points and laughs at junior Jaden Kaufman while playing musical chairs. WHS Field Night took place in the WHS Field House on Thursday, April 11 from 7:30 p.m. until 9 p.m..
WHS Student Council hosts Field Night for students
Sophomore Ethan Alves wins his heat of the 100 meter dash. Due to rain, the first dual meet against Bedford was postponed to a later date, so the meet against Weston was the first meet for the team.
Track and field falls to Weston
The Wayland Cultural Council through the utility box project
The Wayland Cultural Council through the utility box project
Sophomore Max Walsh and senior captain Joey Burke block the ball.
Boys volleyball sets the season with a win
Junior Jillian Mele sets up for the draw. The draw takes place after each goal. During the draw, three midfielders from each team surround the circle while one from each team flicks the ball into the air to start the play.
Girls lacrosse scores on “Play Day”
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 WSPNs 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
WPSs annual Band Fest
WPS’s annual Band Fest
Weekly Breakdown Episode 82: Green Team celebrates Earth Day and CAPA bottle and can drive
Weekly Breakdown Episode 82: Green Team celebrates Earth Day and CAPA bottle and can drive
Weekly Breakdown Episode 81: Speaker Chris Herren and warm spring weather
Weekly Breakdown Episode 81: Speaker Chris Herren and warm spring weather
A deeper look into the Wayland Town Center
A deeper look into the Wayland Town Center
Revealing the royal familys internet controversies
Revealing the royal family’s internet controversies
Weekly Breakdown Episode 80: End of quarter three, spring sports games and showing of documentary
Weekly Breakdown Episode 80: End of quarter three, spring sports games and showing of documentary
Weekly Breakdown Episode 82: Green Team celebrates Earth Day and CAPA bottle and can drive
Weekly Breakdown Episode 82: Green Team celebrates Earth Day and CAPA bottle and can drive
Weekly Breakdown Episode 81: Speaker Chris Herren and warm spring weather
Weekly Breakdown Episode 81: Speaker Chris Herren and warm spring weather
Weekly Breakdown Episode 80: End of quarter three, spring sports games and showing of documentary
Weekly Breakdown Episode 80: End of quarter three, spring sports games and showing of documentary
Weekly Breakdown Episode 79: MCAS, spring sports and poetry workshop
Weekly Breakdown Episode 79: MCAS, spring sports and poetry workshop
Weekly Breakdown Episode 78: The Connect Classs Spring Fling and first week of spring sports
Weekly Breakdown Episode 78: The Connect Class’s Spring Fling and first week of spring sports
The Picky Eater Picks Episode 20: Playa Bowls
The Picky Eater Picks Episode 20: Playa Bowls
The Picky Eater Picks Episode 19: Yogurt Beach
The Picky Eater Picks Episode 19: Yogurt Beach
The Picky Eater Picks Episode 18: Crumbl Cookies
The Picky Eater Picks Episode 18: Crumbl Cookies
The Picky Eater Picks Episode 16: Weston Provisions
The Picky Eater Picks Episode 16: Weston Provisions
The Picky Eater Picks Episode 15: Saxonville Burritos
The Picky Eater Picks Episode 15: Saxonville Burritos
The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
Jillian Mele

Jillian Mele, Staff Reporter

Jillian Mele, Class of 2025, is a first year reporter for WSPN. She plays on the high school’s varisty lacrosse and soccer teams. Outside of school she enjoys shopping, listening to music and spending time with her friends and family.
Contact: [email protected]

All content by Jillian Mele
Farmers markets contribute fresh food to towns and help to support small local businesses while connecting shoppers to unique vendors, nature and the community. I really enjoy how everything at the farmers market is locally sourced, Sudbury resident Jai Honda said. Ive discovered a lot of small businesses through it.

Farmers markets of our community and their impact

Elyssa Grillo, Jillian Mele, Jessi Dretler, and Carolina Sdoia
April 22, 2024
Infographic: Flowers in April

Infographic: Flowers in April

Jillian Mele
April 1, 2024
Join WSPNs Chloe Zilembo and Jillian Mele as the review Ariana Grandes latest album eternal sunshine.

Ariana Grande’s “eternal sunshine” packs an emotional punch

Jillian Mele and Chloe Zilembo
March 27, 2024
Join WSPNs 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
Join Staff Reporter Jillian Mele as she puts a spring inspired spin on the popular New York Times puzzle, “Wordle.”

WSPN “Wordle”

Jillian Mele
March 13, 2024
After four years at WHS the seniors will be saying their goodbyes in just a few months. Join WSPN’s Jillian Mele outline the final months of the seniors’ time at WHS.

Infographic: Senior Spring timeline for Class of 2024

Jillian Mele
March 4, 2024
Friday Fast Five: History teacher Timothy Glavin

Friday Fast Five: History teacher Timothy Glavin

Jane Tardif and Jillian Mele
March 1, 2024
English teacher Sara Pourghasemi and junior Brady Spencer work on a History paper about immigration. Pourghasemi assists me with my history and English essays, and helps me edit my work, Spencer said. She is very approachable and nice. I was glad to have her last year.

A day in the life at WHS: January

Jillian Mele and Elyssa Grillo
February 10, 2024
Friday Fast Five: Teaching assistant Joel Mode

Friday Fast Five: Teaching assistant Joel Mode

Jane Tardif and Jillian Mele
February 9, 2024
An image captured from the short film called “This Girl Named Lucy” is shown in the WHS theater. This movie portrays a tragic love story between two friends.

Beyond the frame: Script to Screen class presents student-made films

Reva Datar and Jillian Mele
February 2, 2024
Staff Reporter Jillian Mele discusses her opinion on super Wednesdays at Wayland High School.

Opinion: Are Super Wednesdays really super?

Jillian Mele
January 9, 2024
Seniors Charlie Lieb, Brendan Shen and junior Josh Fiest pose together as the creators of their new tutoring business in Wayland. “[My goal is] really just to help [students] achieve what they can and want to achieve,” Fiest said.

WayTutors: A student-powered success

Jillian Mele and Elyssa Grillo
January 3, 2024
Join WSPNs Elyssa Grillo, Jillian Mele, and Jessi Dretler as they break down the most popular music at the Wayland High School from 100 poll responses.

Wayland High School Wrapped

Elyssa Grillo, Jessi Dretler, and Jillian Mele
December 21, 2023
Junior Henry Han (far left) watches a chess match between junior Josh Proctor (left) and senior Andrew Fang (right).

November day in the life (gallery)

Jillian Mele and Elyssa Grillo
December 7, 2023
On Saturday, Oct. 28, The Class of 2024 participated in Waylands eighth annual Progressive Dinner, and the first Progressive Dinner to be school-affiliated.

Class of 2024 takes on a changed Progressive Dinner (gallery included)

Jessi Dretler, Elyssa Grillo, Jillian Mele, and Sasha Libenzon
November 14, 2023
In this weekly podcast, WSPN reporters will break down each week’s Wayland news in a timely manner to keep you in the know. This week, editor Abby Raftery joins reporters Jillian Mele and Jessi Dretler to break down the news.

Weekly Breakdown Episode 70: End of quarter one and girls varsity volleyball playoff game

Abby Raftery, Jessi Dretler, and Jillian Mele
November 7, 2023
In this weekly podcast, WSPN reporters will break down each week’s Wayland news in a timely manner to keep you in the know. This week, editor Abby Raftery joins reporters Jillian Mele and Jessi Dretler to break down the news.

Weekly Breakdown Episode 69: Start of fall playoffs and town book groups

Abby Raftery, Jillian Mele, and Jessi Dretler
November 1, 2023
Seniors (left to right) Talia Macchi, Maggie Melander, Lily Mele, Abby Raftery and Lilly ODriscoll dress up as the The Barden Bellas from the movie Pitch Perfect. We picked this costume because Pitch Perfect is our favorite movie and soundtrack, Melander said.

[Photo] WHS celebrates Halloween 2023

WSPN Staff
October 31, 2023
In this weekly podcast, WSPN reporters will break down each week’s Wayland news in a timely manner to keep you in the know. This week, editor Abby Raftery joins reporters Jillian Mele and Jessi Dretler to break down the news.

Weekly Breakdown Episode 68: Connect Haunted House and pumpkin carving

Abby Raftery, Jessi Dretler, and Jillian Mele
October 25, 2023
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Jillian Mele