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Wayland Student Press
Following the ceremony, the class of 2024 threw their graduation caps into the air to celebrate.
News Brief: Class of 2025 graduation *rescheduled*
Last Wednesday, the Wayland School Committee gathered to discuss a number of topics regarding the health curriculum and Innovation Career Pathway course. Another large topic of conversation was the ways to potentially mitigate distracting cell phone usage. "These [phones] are going to distract your learning and social relationships," Superintendent David Fleishman said. "That's concrete right there."
Three Quick Hits: School committee meeting May 28
BDBN: The Trump Administration loses its first court case against Harvard University
BDBN: The Trump Administration loses its first court case against Harvard University
On Thursday, May 29, English Teacher John Keene announced the officer positions for the Class of 2026, 2027 and 2028. The officer positions for the Class of 2027 all ran unopposed. Additionally, E-board representatives for the Class of 2028 were revealed on Sunday, June 1, and the Class of 2026's were announced on Monday, June 2.
Breaking news: Student Council officer and representative election results
ICYMI: May 26 - Spring sports playoffs, Window Dance Ensemble and Dubai chocolate
ICYMI: May 26 – Spring sports playoffs, Window Dance Ensemble and Dubai chocolate
BDBN: The Trump Administration loses its first court case against Harvard University
BDBN: The Trump Administration loses its first court case against Harvard University
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
On Thursday, May 29, English Teacher John Keene announced the officer positions for the Class of 2026, 2027 and 2028. The officer positions for the Class of 2027 all ran unopposed. Additionally, E-board representatives for the Class of 2028 were revealed on Sunday, June 1, and the Class of 2026's were announced on Monday, June 2.
Breaking news: Student Council officer and representative election results
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
Following the ceremony, the class of 2024 threw their graduation caps into the air to celebrate.
News Brief: Class of 2025 graduation *rescheduled*
News Brief: WHS hosts W Day lacrosse event
News Brief: WHS hosts W Day lacrosse event
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
On her floor routine, Sawyer Whitcher poses as part of her choreographed routine. Sawyer is a gymnast for both her club and the school team.
Gymnast Sawyer Whitcher makes leaps and bounds in her gymnastics career
The books that Wayland High School students read in English class are determined solely by the english department. This gives WHS english teachers the responsibility of deciding when it’s time for an outdated book to be replaced, raising the question: how does one determine the death of a novel?
A novel death
Sophomore Frankie Zilembo moves around the goal looking for a pass to a teammate to clear the ball. Zilembo was also on varsity her freshman year.
Sophomore Frankie Zilembo earns her place on the 2025 American Select team
Fresh Cuts, the student-run landscaping business founded by freshman Maxwell Tharpe, is a locally focused group that does lawn care for homes across Wayland.
FRESH CUTS: “The Best and Nothing Less”
In response to hateful events in Wayland, WHS staff and administration do their best to involve the community in counter-efforts. From making METCO students feel welcome to fighting antisemitism, see how Wayland fights hate.
How Wayland fights hate
On her floor routine, Sawyer Whitcher poses as part of her choreographed routine. Sawyer is a gymnast for both her club and the school team.
Gymnast Sawyer Whitcher makes leaps and bounds in her gymnastics career
Sophomore Frankie Zilembo moves around the goal looking for a pass to a teammate to clear the ball. Zilembo was also on varsity her freshman year.
Sophomore Frankie Zilembo earns her place on the 2025 American Select team
Fresh Cuts, the student-run landscaping business founded by freshman Maxwell Tharpe, is a locally focused group that does lawn care for homes across Wayland.
FRESH CUTS: “The Best and Nothing Less”
Wisdom for Wisdom is a student run non-profit organization that offers technological support to elders. Started by Wayland High School juniors Ryan Chase and Kalena Imura, the organization relies on local high school volunteers to make an impact in senior citizen communities. “Service is enjoyable to me when I know that I'm making a difference, and I truly believe Wisdom for Wisdom does,” Imura said.
Local students click into connection by bridging the generational gap
Senior Tristen Chow committed to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) after learning to cook when she was seven. Chow had to make the tough decision of choosing between the CIA or her dream school: California Polytechnic State University.
Tristen Chow: Choosing passion over prestige in college decisions
Junior captain Finn Bell and junior Max Walsh jump up to try and block the ball. Bell and Walsh had a combined 25 kills.
Boys volleyball defeats Greater Lowell Tech to advance to the Elite Eight
Game Recap: Girls lacrosse cruises past Chicopee in the first round of playoffs
Game Recap: Girls lacrosse cruises past Chicopee in the first round of playoffs
WSPN's Cesar Campos-Belussi and Owen Harrington outline the playoff schedule for WHS spring sports.
Spring sports playoff schedule
The boys varsity volleyball team has a record of 12-5 going into their final three regular season games. "Things are going in the right direction," head coach Philip George said.
Boys volleyball update: Team looks to continue a successful season into the playoffs
Freshman and New England Futbol Club (NEFC) soccer player Heather Maddocks kicks the ball down a turf field. New Englands Premier Soccer Club is one of many club sports teams. Club sports teams can benefit athletes greatly. However, some are very costly to families.
The cost of club sports, affecting athletes both financially and emotionally
Swinging her arms, senior captain Jillian Mele shoots the ball into the goal. Mele scored six goals during the game.
Girls lacrosse celebrates senior night with a win
Running the 800 meter race, freshman Junyi Frenzel leads a pack of runners. Frenzel got a PR with a 2:42.4, earning 13th place out of 19 runners. "I look forward to hopefully breaking 2:40 in the 800," Frenzel said.
The track teams runs another loss
At this years "W Day," young lacrosse players gather around to meet professional lacrosse players who visited the fields on Sunday, May 4.
The Wayland youth lacrosse community comes together for “W-Day”
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
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
Join WSPN's Mack Young as she discusses the stressful nature of certain Snapchat features.
The snapping point: How Snapchat’s features harm teens
WSPN’s Melina Barris reflects on her time spent as a senior in high school.
The bittersweet feeling of senior year
WSPN’s Kate Goodman reflects on the importance of Holocaust education within schools.
Teaching history, shaping the future: The role of holocaust education
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”
Join WSPN's A&E editor Karis Tam as she talks to June's artist of the month: Sophia Wan.
Artist of the month: Sophia Wan
Join WSPN’s Mack Young, Abby Bergeron and Grace Zocco as they break down the annual music festival, Boston Calling, which took place May 23 to May 25.
Three days, one city: 2025’s Boston Calling unpacked
Dubai Chocolate has risen to fame within the past few years. It can be found at many chain stores, and the chocolate is typically not cheap.
The rise to stardom: the Dubai Chocolate Bar
Join WSPN's Edge Wheeler as he interviews May's Fashionista of the Month: Colin Moleux.
Fashionista of the Month: Colin Moleux
Join WSPN's Kyle Zhang as he talks with this month's artist, Sophie Chen.
Artist of the month: Sophie Chen
WSPN's Mischa Lee and Elyssa Grillo layout the best ways to find your style, while also providing some outfit inspiration.
WSPN Fashion Magazine: Spring edition
WSPN’s Melina Barris and Annabel Orcutt review Met Gala looks and share their opinions.
2025 Met Gala review
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
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 Mack Young, Abby Bergeron and Grace Zocco as they break down the annual music festival, Boston Calling, which took place May 23 to May 25.
Three days, one city: 2025’s Boston Calling unpacked
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
Class of 2025 Senior President Armaan Chaudhry welcomes guests into the auditorium with a speech. "We are quite literally celebrating our achievements together over the past 4 years," Chaudhry said.
Seniors come together for Senior Awards Night
Junior captain Finn Bell and junior Max Walsh jump up to try and block the ball. Bell and Walsh had a combined 25 kills.
Boys volleyball defeats Greater Lowell Tech to advance to the Elite Eight
Game Recap: Girls lacrosse cruises past Chicopee in the first round of playoffs
Game Recap: Girls lacrosse cruises past Chicopee in the first round of playoffs
Senior Annabelle Roberts uses an art piece to reflect aspects of mental health. "I realized that I had a strong desire to put more of myself into the pieces," Roberts wrote in her artist's statement. "I felt that my pieces would not only have more of an impact on my audience, but also myself."
CAPA hosts fine arts awards night to celebrate WHS students’ artistic endeavors
Senior directors Elyssa Grillo and Anna Varney stand together and bow after the end of the show.
Window Dance Ensemble performs for the final time this year
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 120: Graduation week and round two of playoffs
Weekly Breakdown Episode 120: Graduation week and round two of playoffs
Join WSPN’s Mack Young, Abby Bergeron and Grace Zocco as they break down the annual music festival, Boston Calling, which took place May 23 to May 25.
Three days, one city: 2025’s Boston Calling unpacked
Picky Eaters Pick: Chick Fil-A vs. Raising Cane's
Picky Eaters Pick: Chick Fil-A vs. Raising Cane’s
Weekly Breakdown Episode 119: Final a cappella concert and Paws at the Park event
Weekly Breakdown Episode 119: Final a cappella concert and Paws at the Park event
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 120: Graduation week and round two of playoffs
Weekly Breakdown Episode 120: Graduation week and round two of playoffs
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
Picky Eaters Pick: Chick Fil-A vs. Raising Cane's
Picky Eaters Pick: Chick Fil-A vs. Raising Cane’s
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Picky Eater Picks: Crumbl Cookies Kardashian-Jenner week
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Picky Eater Picks: Raising Cane’s
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Picky Eater Picks: Giacomo’s Wayland
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Picky Eater Picks: Wayland Variety and Deli
The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
Kate Clifford

Kate Clifford, Staff Reporter

All content by Kate Clifford

Committed senior athletes celebrate at annual signing day (video)

Kaitlyn Mabe and Kate Clifford
May 26, 2021
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[Photo] Infographic: Lunch at Wayland High School

Katherine Clifford
May 13, 2021
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[Photo] Tune in: the boys varsity soccer team

Haley Melvin
November 1, 2020
Football falls to Cambridge Rindge and Latin

Football falls to Cambridge Rindge and Latin

Kate Clifford and Kaitlyn Mabe
April 29, 2021
Students walk into the building as school starts. Today marked the first day of both cohorts returning to school.

WHS finds joy in reuniting after 411 days apart (video)

Remmi Shaw, Kaitlyn Mabe, and Kate Clifford
April 27, 2021
North Quincy breaks through Wayland's defense, while senior quarterback Luke Tacelli gets rid of the ball. His teammates ran the play up the field, but Tacelli made a rushed pass due to a break in the offensive line.

Football maintains winning streak with a victory against North Quincy

Kate Clifford, Kaitlyn Mabe, and Emily Staiti
April 7, 2021
WSPN sent a survey to WHS students to question them on their morning routines. These students answered questions about their typical morning routine on a school day. 114 students responded to this survey, and below are the results.

Infographic: Morning routines at WHS

Kate Clifford
March 18, 2021
Senior Dahlak Amanuel defends a Weston player as he dribbles the ball up the court. Despite the circumstances, the Wayland boys basketball team was able to rise above and have great success this season. “I'm really thankful that I was able to end my career on a high note playing at a high level,” Amanuel said.

[Photo] WHS recognizes winter sports DCL All-Stars

Gabe Likerman
March 12, 2021
Senior Nate Cheribum dives into the water and continues his team's relay. The relays consisted of four swimmers, all swimming the same distance.

Boys swim team finishes the season with a league title

Kate Clifford and Emily Staiti
February 24, 2021
Seniors Remmi Shaw, Juliette Smith, Sophia Midgley, Elizabeth Hiebert, Isabella Cvrk, Joni Thomas and Elizabeth Strehle social distance in front of their senior posters to commemorate one of their last times racing for Wayland High School.

Girls swim and dive splashes into Senior Night

Kaitlyn Mabe and Kate Clifford
February 13, 2021
Students work in the commons while keeping social distance and wearing masks. The WHS staff and students have been maintaining COVID-19 guidelines to keep everyone safe.

Students’ feelings on growing COVID-19 cases

Kate Clifford
February 8, 2021
Senior captains Porter Moody and Noah Lee celebrate a shot made by Moody. Both players have been a strong addition to the team for multiple years.

Photo of The Week

Kate Clifford
January 27, 2021
Senior captain Abby Gavron protects the ball from a Bedford defender and quickly passes the ball, so she isn't called for a double dribble. Gavron utilized her speed whenever she had to bring the ball up the court to create opportunities for her team.

Girls basketball falls to Bedford 34-38

Kate Clifford and Emily Staiti
January 23, 2021
Senior captains Porter Moody and Noah Lee celebrate a shot made by Moody. Both players have been a strong addition to the team for multiple years.

Boys varsity basketball starts the season with a win

Kate Clifford
January 12, 2021
25 Day Holiday Countdown! Day 23: Holiday Sweaters

25 Day Holiday Countdown! Day 23: Holiday Sweaters

Kaitlyn Mabe and Kate Clifford
December 23, 2020
As the holiday season is just around the corner, many people are scrambling to find gifts. Here are a few last minute gift ideas that are perfect for loved ones and friends. “I had a hard time Christmas shopping this year because of COVID-19 so I heavily relied on easy DIY gifts from home,” freshman Maggie Clifford said.

25 Day Holiday Countdown! Day 20: Last Minute Gift Ideas

Kate Clifford
December 20, 2020
These eight easy holiday gifts and activities are perfect as we get closer to winter break!

25 Day Holiday Countdown! Day 13: Top 8 DIY Holiday Gifts

Kaitlyn Mabe and Kate Clifford
December 13, 2020
Students thoughts on COVID-19 winter sports season

Students thoughts on COVID-19 winter sports season

Kate Clifford
December 10, 2020
At the Stone Wall Zoo, they have set up a path to walk through the exhibits. Throughout the walk, there are light displays which makes it a perfect holiday activity that makes for an enjoyable outdoor experience.

25 Day Holiday Countdown! Day 5: Winter Activities

Kaitlyn Mabe and Kate Clifford
December 5, 2020
Junior Eliya Howard-Delman takes a kick as her teammates prepare to receive the ball. "This was a rebuilding year in the girl's soccer program," Howard-Delman said. "More than half of the team was new. We worked really hard to figure out how to play together as a team, and we improved so much over the season. We definitely had some obstacles to overcome with injuries and quarantining, but everyone stepped up. "

Girls soccer falls to Weston 3-2 in their last game

Sammy Johnson, Haley Melvin, and Kate Clifford
November 14, 2020
Adrenaline and high hopes come into this special game. The starting line up for the Wayland boys team huddles before kick-off to make sure the intensity and excitement levels were high. "Kicks for Cancer is way more than just another game in our season," junior captain Ben Chen said. "It's about sharing stories of strength and representing our loved ones. It hurts to lose in a game that means so much, but I couldn't be more proud of the guys. We got unlucky in some ways, but we fought for the entire 80 minutes and the guys gave it there all. That's all we can ever ask for."

Wayland falls to Bedford in the annual Kicks for Cancer game

Kaitlyn Mabe and Kate Clifford
November 11, 2020
Head varsity football coach Scott Parseghian leads his players through a conditioning drill at practice. The team is happy to be back at practice and looking forward to games starting in February.

Wayland Football practices despite the pushback of their season

Kaitlyn Mabe and Kate Clifford
November 3, 2020
The boys start the game at kickoff with senior Ryan Murdock taking the kick. Murdock is the team manager and has been for the last four years.

Boys soccer defeated on Senior Night vs Concord Carlisle (11 Photos)

Kate Clifford
October 27, 2020
Senior defender Eric Zhang lunges for the ball, as he tries to prevent a scoring chance for Weston. Zhang was pivotal in limiting Weston's scoring opportunities.

Boys soccer defeats Weston 2-0 (11 Photos)

Kate Clifford
October 7, 2020
During the COVID-19 stay at home orders, WSPN’s Max Brande and Kate Clifford experienced a Q&A session with politician Beto O’Rourke. “[Trump] has really pitted some people against others.”

Opinion: Beto O’Rourke: “[Trump] hasn’t helped, he’s only divided”

Max Brande and Kate Clifford
June 16, 2020
Take 60 seconds out of your day to relax with some nature.

60 Second Nature Relaxation (video)

Kate Clifford
May 27, 2020
Get creative with minimal ingredients, save some money and use what you have. Try out new recipes and find your favorite dessert over this break!

10 easy desserts to make with minimal ingredients

Julia Raymond and Kate Clifford
March 30, 2020
Squirrel Girl performs on Thursday and Friday, February 26th and 27th. Sophomore Sammy Janoff, one of the performers, has participated in the METG drama festival before. "I think that the drama festival excites students in the theater who haven't ever done it before because it is a very different experience than most are used to," Janoff said.

Squirrel Girl Goes to College takes on WHS Drama Festival

Kate Clifford and Julia Raymond
March 4, 2020
The class of 2019 gathers to take a class picture at the progressive dinner. The progressive dinner is one of the many events the seniors get to partake in during their last year at Wayland. History teacher Mr. Gavron believes that there is a sudden drop in effort among the senior class. “There are some students who cut back on doing homework [altogether] or doing homework in a timely manner. They will [either] pass it in late, or not do it at all,” Gavron said.

Senioritis plagues the class of 2020

Julia Raymond and Kate Clifford
February 21, 2020
Speaker Ryley Coplans presents to WHS about the meaning of one’s “sex assigned at birth”. “It is important [to be in PFLAG] because you can’t make assumptions about people and you never know who you are going to encounter, so you need to make an inclusive and representing space,” Copans said.

WW’ 20: PFLAG hosts panel for sophomores and juniors

Aiden Chitkara, Christina Taxiarchis, and Kate Clifford
January 29, 2020
Nose deep into his work, sophomore Taylor Hsu finishes his final assignments to wrap up the first quarter. Like Hsu, many students are learning how to adapt to the upcoming year. “[Quarter one] was different than all the other years because as a senior, [it] means a lot more than any other grade,” senior Kyle Mabe said.

[Photo] Students wrap up quarter one

Katherine Clifford and Kaitlyn Mabe
November 20, 2019
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