The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
ICYMI: April 28 - AP exam schedule, "W Day" and April's Fashionista of the Month
ICYMI: April 28 – AP exam schedule, “W Day” and April’s Fashionista of the Month
News Brief: WHS hosts W Day lacrosse event
News Brief: WHS hosts W Day lacrosse event
Wayland High School students begin taking AP exams on May 5.
AP Exam Schedule
ICYMI: April 21 - The Boston Marathon, college application process and the new concussion testing app Sway
ICYMI: April 21 – The Boston Marathon, college application process and the new concussion testing app Sway
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
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: 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
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
Gambling is all around you. Whether you notice it or not, there is a very good chance that you have seen an advertisement that has promoted gambling in some form or another. Partly due to this, the national trend of gambling is increasing and can be seen making its mark in Massachusetts.
Betting away the future: The surge in teen sports betting and its consequences
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
With changing circadian rhythms and increasing homework, high school can create the perfect environment for imperfect sleep. Managing these factors, along with this, and knowledge of how screen time affects sleep, some students may be better able to regulate their sleep.
Beyond tired: The real impact of sleep deprivation in teenagers
From cigarettes to electronic vapes, electronic vapes to disposable vapes, and now disposable vapes to nicotine pouches, nicotine has been a constant throughout the history of our country. But when people started smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, medical professionals claimed they were healthy. When that was proven untrue, vapes were the next best thing. So are ZYNs really the key to quitting smoking, or are they a new epidemic in disguise?
From vapes to ZYNs: How a new nicotine trend targets teens through social media
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
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
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
The class of 2025 is sending 24 student-athletes to compete at universities and colleges throughout the country.
Class of 2025 committed student-athletes
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
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 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”
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 Abby Bergeron as she interviews the April Fashionista of the Month: Kaitlyn Dijulia.
Fashionista of the Month: Kaitlyn Dijulia
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
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 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 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
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 Matt Karle
Wayland High School is planning to alter the procedures they administer final examinations to students. Traditional exams for a few of the major academic subjects will be scratched for "exhibition days."

News Brief: Final Examinations at WHS

Matt Karle and Kevin Wang
June 15, 2017
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is a visually impressive sequel, but it suffers somewhat from predictable plot and repetitive gags. Rate: 3.5/5

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2

Matt Karle
June 14, 2017
WSPN's reporters and editors have come together to share their studying techniques and experiences with the SAT, ACT, and the biology, chemistry, and US history SAT II.

Guides to the SAT, ACT, and SAT II

Matt Karle, Naomi Lathan, Olivia Waldron, Lucy Hughes, Isabel Gitten, Janani Gandhi, and Nandita Subbiah
June 1, 2017
Many students take the Biology SAT subject test in early June, and for most, it's the first subject test they've ever taken. As a result, it is important that students focus their efforts by becoming prepared well in advance through utilization of proper resources.

Guide to the biology SAT II

Matt Karle
June 1, 2017
Pictured above is WHS' student council from the 2016-2017 school year. Students voted for student council officers on May 10, and for class officials on May 23. It is crucial that students understand the roles which they have voted their peers into.

Examining the roles and responsibilities of student government officers

Matt Karle and Kevin Wang
May 25, 2017
WHS inductees are sworn in at the Spanish National Honor Society induction ceremony. “We’re hoping that [the inductees] promote throughout the school the idea of the importance of learning another language," adviser and Spanish teacher Melissa Bryant said.

WHS Spanish National Honor Society holds induction ceremony

Matt Karle and Andrew D’Amico
April 4, 2017
Pictured above is the Wayland Town Building. WSPN's Charlie Moore and Jay Abdella summarize the WPS Superintendent of Schools search process.

School Committee holds FY18 budget hearing

Matt Karle
March 24, 2017
The Seal of the President of the United States.

Trump’s Cabinet: Part Three

Matt Karle and Kevin Wang
March 5, 2017
Pictured above is the cabinet room in the White House, where Trump's cabinet will meet as a group with the president. WSPN's Kevin Wang and Matt Karle give a brief overview of each of Trump's nominees. In this edition, they discuss Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and White House Chief of Staffs Reince Priebus.

Trump’s Cabinet: Part Two

Kevin Wang and Matt Karle
February 16, 2017
Pictured above are speakers from PFLAG. WHS sophomores attended a mandatory assembly from PFLAG last Friday as a part of the organization's program with high schools across Greater Boston. “I really liked how it was entertaining, which captivated people,” sophomore Michael Fujita said.

WW ’17: WHS sophomores attend PFLAG presentation

Nathan Zhao and Matt Karle
February 7, 2017
Wayland High School is planning to alter the procedures they administer final examinations to students. Traditional exams for a few of the major academic subjects will be scratched for "exhibition days."

Wayland High School’s ranking by the numbers

Matt Karle and Kyle Chen
February 2, 2017
Finals will run non-consecutively this year, with the math final taking place on Wednesday, June 20 and the science final taking place on Friday, June 22.

Survival Guide: Honors biology

Matt Karle
January 23, 2017
How to survive midterms and second semester

How to survive midterms and second semester

Naomi Lathan, Matt Karle, Janani Gandhi, Jackie Stoller, Jay Abdella, Wendy Wang, and Meg Trogolo
January 23, 2017
Winter Sports Preview

Winter Sports Preview

Andrew D’Amico, Hannah Rice, Abby Mitty, Kyle Chen, Matt Karle, Duncan Stephenson, and
December 19, 2016
Hillary Clinton's stance on the economy

Hillary Clinton’s stance on the economy

Matt Karle
November 7, 2016

Hillary Clinton’s stance on domestic policy

Matt Karle
November 6, 2016
Pictured above are flags of member nations flying at the United Nations Headquarters.

Hillary Clinton’s stance on foreign policy

Matt Karle
November 2, 2016
Pictured above is the Cuban flag. WHS will be bringing students to the Caribbean nation for the first time this coming April.

WHS students to travel to Cuba

Matt Karle and Masha Yakhkind
October 25, 2016
Pictured above are the new solar panels installed at WHS.

Hillary Clinton’s stance on energy and climate change

Matt Karle
October 23, 2016
WHS students will see a new system of paper balloting run by the AP Government classes when they vote for student council officers later this week.

Presidential candidates on the issues

Kevin Wang and Matt Karle
October 23, 2016
Pictured above is a map of the United States with the electoral college votes of each state. The electoral college is the system, outlined in the constitution, of choosing, or electing, the President of the United States. Many Americans believe this process is unfair, and it has come under intense controversy in recent years.

Explaining the electoral college

Nathan Zhao and Matt Karle
October 17, 2016
Hillary Clinton's stance on education

Hillary Clinton’s stance on education

Matt Karle
October 14, 2016
Above is a picture of vacation in the dictionary. WSPN interviews various teachers and students to see if they think vacation days are disruptive or not. “I think it will be a benefit because it’s a nice mind break from all the quizzes and tests and homeworks that have been coming in rapidly,” freshman Mallory Leonard said.

Students and staff discuss schoolwork assigned over vacation

Matt Karle and Kevin Wang
October 14, 2016
Load More Stories
Donate to Wayland Student Press
$1900
$2000
Contributed
Our Goal

Menu
Activate Search
Home
Matt Karle