The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
Updates
On Dec. 6, a town meeting will occur in Wayland High School’s lecture hall to discuss teachers’ and teaching assistants contracts. “We know that we’re lucky as educators to work in Wayland, we love it here,” WTA’s president Sarah Sontag said. “We know that we have the support of so many of our families and so we’re really just looking for families to come out on Dec. 6 and vote yes.”
News Brief: Upcoming town meeting to discuss Wayland teachers’ contracts
In the weekly series, “In Case You Missed It,” News Editor Selena Liu summarizes stories from the past week with links to the corresponding WSPN articles.
ICYMI: Week of Nov. 27 – WHS winter sports preview, cross country state championship and SADD dodgeball tournament
In the weekly series, “In Case You Missed It,” News Editor Selena Liu summarizes stories from the past week with links to the corresponding WSPN articles.
ICYMI: Week of Nov. 20 – Wayland-Weston Thanksgiving game, Veterans Day and Black Friday gift guide
On Thursday, Nov. 23, Thanksgiving morning, the Wayland High School Warriors (7-3) will take on Weston High School’s Wildcats (3-6) at 10 a.m. on Wayland High School’s turf. “Coach has been motivating us about this big rivalry game and we really want to show all the work we have been putting in during this [game],” sophomore cornerback Braylen Jenkins said. “Our whole team has been putting in a lot of work and we hope it translates to this big rivalry game so we can get a win for the seniors and our town.”
News Brief: Wayland-Weston’s Thanksgiving football game
In the weekly series, “In Case You Missed It,” News Editor Selena Liu summarizes stories from the past week with links to the corresponding WSPN articles.
ICYMI: Week of Nov. 13 – Community rally against antisemitism, Liberty’s Pizza’s rebuilding efforts and WHS exchange students
Join Staff Reporter Sophia Verma as she discusses the recent resolution of the Natalee Holloway case.
BDBN: Natalee Holloway case solved after 18 years
Join Staff Reporter Sophia Verma as she discusses the recent resolution of the Natalee Holloway case.
BDBN: Israel-Hamas war in simple terms
Join Staff Reporter Sophia Verma as she discusses the recent resolution of the Natalee Holloway case.
Breaking Down Breaking News: Hurricane Lee
In the seventh edition of Breaking Down Breaking News, WSPNs Aimee Smith and Selena Liu discuss the new COVID-19 variant.
Breaking Down Breaking News: New COVID-19 information
WSPNs Emily Roberge discusses former President Donald Trumps recent legal entanglements.
Breaking Down Breaking News: The legal entanglements of Donald Trump
This morning, April 21, an anonymous member of Wayland Community Forum on Facebook published an exchange of emails betweeen School Committee candidate Dovie King and Midge Connolly, who was a candidate for Waylands acting superintendent at the time.
Community Forum publishes emails between School Committee candidate and former acting superintendent candidate
Over the past couple of weeks WSPN had the opportunity to sit down with Waylands 4 school committee candidates: Dovie King, Craig Gruber, Erin Mueller and Christina Rodrigo.
Meet the candidates for Wayland School Committee
ICYMI: Week of April 10 and April break - interim superintendent, School Committee candidates and Russia-Ukraine war one year later
ICYMI: Week of April 10 and April break – interim superintendent, School Committee candidates and Russia-Ukraine war one year later
Wayland School Committee members vote to select former Newton Superintendent David Fleishman as Waylands interim superintendent.
School Committee selects David Fleishman as interim superintendent
On Monday, March 13, and Wednesday, March 15, the Wayland School Committee met to discuss the budget for FY24, opening up time for public comment at the end of each meeting.
School Committee discusses Wayland’s FY24 budget
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
The Class of 2027 elects its officers and representatives.
Breaking News: Freshmen election results
This morning, on Monday Oct. 16, parts of Route 27 were closed due to a car hitting a telephone pole.
Breaking News: Route 27 closed
A fire starts at International Auto Body shop in Wayland at 3:52 p.m. on Oct. 3.
Breaking News: Fire breaks out at International Auto Body shop
On Thursday, Nov. 23, Thanksgiving morning, the Wayland High School Warriors (7-3) will take on Weston High School’s Wildcats (3-6) at 10 a.m. on Wayland High School’s turf. “Coach has been motivating us about this big rivalry game and we really want to show all the work we have been putting in during this [game],” sophomore cornerback Braylen Jenkins said. “Our whole team has been putting in a lot of work and we hope it translates to this big rivalry game so we can get a win for the seniors and our town.”
News Brief: Wayland-Weston’s Thanksgiving football game
On Saturday, Oct. 28, Wayland High School’s Class of 2024 will participate in the annual Progressive Dinner, in which students will commute between three different houses for different parts of the meal: appetizers, the main course and dessert. “Progressive Dinner is an excellent opportunity to bring all of the students in our grade together,” senior class treasurer Nora Edouarzin said. “We’ve been planning this event for a long time and have put in a lot of time, so we hope it will turn out really well.”
News Brief: Class of 2024’s Progressive Dinner
News Editor Selena Liu informs readers of schedule changes for this upcoming week due to a school-wide assembly.
News Brief: Schedule changes this week
Wayland High School hosts its annual Club Fair on Thursday, Sept. 21 during extended advisory.
News Brief: WHS holds annual Club Fair
News Brief
News Brief: Schedule changes this week
Join Staff Reporters Maddie Zajac and Marissa Mendoza as they interview six WHS humans on the school year so far.
Humans of WHS: Chapter one
Wellness Teacher and Science Department Head John Berry DJs for the Class of 2026s semi-formal dance. “What I love the most about DJing is when the crowd is full of joy and everyones having fun, dancing and there are no bad attitudes,” Berry said. “Its just pure joy on the dance floor. I love creating and facilitating those moments.”
John Berry: Putting smiles on faces through music
WSPN’s Sophia Verma sits down with three WHS guidance counselors, Sara Bodi, Ben Buffa and Tina Calderon to asks them how they help seniors going into the next chapter of their lives. The three counselors talked about various resources, navigating financial aid, essay writing tips and ways to cope with stress and anxiety about the future. “It’s just making yourself more available to answer questions and making sure everybody feels like they understand the process,” WHS counselor Sara Bodi said.
Guiding seniors into their next chapter
Students enter the South building of Wayland High School. According to some freshmen, the transition from high school to middle school can be anywhere from exciting to stressful depending on the level of preparation provided from the middle school. “Middle school is about learning your skills and trying to get better at understanding how you learn,” Wayland Middle School science teacher Jennifer Nichols said. “So when you get to high school and it counts, you can actually use all the skills youve figured out in middle school and apply them to your classes in high school.”
Students and teachers reflect on the transition from middle school to high school
Unlike schools in the U.K., Wayland High School does not have a fall break. Students and staff share their thoughts on fall break.
Student and staff thoughts on fall break
Join WSPN’s Jenny Shine and Annika Martins as they interview Window Director Belle Peredna.
WSPN goes clubbing: Window dance ensemble
Join WSPN’s Jenny Shine and Annika Martins as they interview MOSS leader Erin Lavelle.
WSPN goes clubbing: MOSS
Join WSPN’s Jenny Shine and Annika Martins as they interview SADD leader Giovanni Sebastianelli.
WSPN Goes Clubbing: SADD
Join WSPNs Jenny Shine and Annika Martins as they interview Best Buddies club treasurer CC Haddad.
WSPN Goes Clubbing: Best Buddies
Meet the 2023-2024 SADD leaders
Meet the 2023-2024 SADD leaders
Former Wayland High School Principal Patrick Tutwiler becomes the new secretary of education of Massachusetts under Governor Maura Healey. I really want to be a partner to the people who are experiencing education at all levels, Tutwiler said.
Patrick Tutwiler: Striving to achieve education equity
At the beginning of the year, juniors Ayush Kumar, Hallie Luo, Andrew Fang and Zack Goldstein restarted Chess Club. “I think Chess Club has grown since the beginning of the year, and now that it is at lunch, anyone can come and play a game even if they arent a regular to the club,” junior and Chess Club co-leader Ayush Kumar said. “We welcome everyone.”
Checkmate: How chess has hit the jackpot at Wayland High School
From left to right freshman Julianna McDonald, junior Sophia Verma, freshman Marissa Mendoza and sophomores Melody and Marissa Wong stand together, each grabbing a piece of dough to mold. After senior Eileen Kaewapresert made the pasta dough, the rest of the students got to create the shapes of their choice. “At first, this was only a small group to bond with two special needs students, Melody and Marissa [Wong], because they already had an interest in cooking,” Kaewprasert said.
WHS students collaborate through Cooking Club
Custodial staff at Wayland High School share their experiences working here at the school. It’s a basic job, it’s hard, we do a lot of work, WHS custodian Sean Slavin said. That’s one thing, when we get new people that we want to interview, we tell them ‘It’s not hard work, it’s a lot of work.’
Hidden heroes: The custodial staff of Wayland High School
WPSs annual Band Fest
WPS’s annual Band Fest
Meet the school nurse: Tim Bryant
Meet the school nurse: Tim Bryant
Candles Galore: Leading in revenue
Candles Galore: Leading in revenue
Katie Pralle: Sandwiches for shelters
Katie Pralle: Sandwiches for shelters
Wayland community members celebrate the life of Mike OConnor
Wayland community members celebrate the life of Mike O’Connor
Wellness Teacher and Science Department Head John Berry DJs for the Class of 2026s semi-formal dance. “What I love the most about DJing is when the crowd is full of joy and everyones having fun, dancing and there are no bad attitudes,” Berry said. “Its just pure joy on the dance floor. I love creating and facilitating those moments.”
John Berry: Putting smiles on faces through music
About three weeks before the start of the school year, senior Henrique Abecasis and junior Philipp Knecht moved to Wayland from Portugal and Germany, respectively, to begin their exchange year.
Henrique Abecasis and Philipp Knecht: Exchange students transition to WHS
Wayland resident Neha Gandhi has been blogging and posting on her platform Love Playing Dressup for over a decade. The positive impact that social media has [is that] you could share the truth about about life and truly make somebody feel less alone, Gandhi said.
Neha Gandhi: The “I” in “influencer”
WSPNs Katya Luzarraga delves into the history and behind-the-scenes process of Waylands most memorable Halloween house. You gotta walk close to everything because everything moves, Wayland resident and owner of the house Sean Flanagan said. All of the Halloween figures are animatronic so when you walk by everything, it’ll come alive.”
Decorated to the nines: An inside look at Wayland’s historic Halloween house
Junior Pari Sontha sang at the Sydney Opera House this past summer, an opportunity afforded to her through the Honors Performance Series. “I think [Sydney] was absolutely amazing because that was my first time going somewhere without my parents and living off of what I had financially,” Sontha said.
Pari Sontha: Serenading the Sydney Opera House
WSPN’s Jenny Shine and Bella Schreiber share their thoughts on Charissa Thompson and her scandal.
Opinion: Charrissa Thompson is an unethical reporter
WSPNs Natalie Greenaway discusses the WHS girls soccer banquet and the captains for the new season.
WHS girls varsity soccer introduces captains for 2024 season
WSPN shares information about every 2023-2024 winter sport, the captains and the key players to watch.
Winter sports preview
Recap and future of the Wayland freshmen football team
Recap and future of the Wayland freshmen football team
WSPNs Jeffery Zhang discusses the Nitto ATP Finals and his analysis of each athlete.
Opinion: Nitto ATP Finals athlete analysis
The Wayland boys lacrosse team stands together at the end of the game.
Boys lacrosse team hosts alumni game
The varsity football team beat Weston on Thursday, Nov. 23. The final score was 49-18. Many Wayland families, students and alumni came to cheer on the team.
Football trounces Weston at Thanksgiving game
Captain junior Arya Samaratunga (far left) runs with a group. Samaratatunga was the only girl to qualify for the meet from Wayland. In order to qualify for the MIAA Meet of Champions, a team must place in the top seven in the MIAA divisional race. If a team does not qualify, it can send individual athletes who come in the top ten outside of teams that qualify.
Cross country wraps up its season at the state championship
The Wayland varsity field hockey team beat South High Community on Thursday, Nov. 2 with a final score of 2-0. The game was a preliminary game in the MIAA Division II tournament, where Wayland was the No. 31 seed and South High was the No. 34 seed.  On Friday, Nov. 3, the team travelled to Norwood, the No. 2 seed, for the playoff round of 32, where they lost 0-9.
Field hockey secures a final win against South High Community
As a Norwell defender attempts to steal the ball, freshman Brady Babineau kicks it. The Wayland boys varsity soccer team finishes its regular season with a record of six wins, nine losses and two ties. I think we had a lot of tough losses, junior Matyas Kylberger said. Our records not great, but we played difficult teams, and I think we persevered through a bunch of games.
Boys soccer ties with Norwell on senior night
Captain senior Deirdre Brown cradles the ball as a Whitman-Hanson player defends her.
Girls lacrosse beats Whitman-Hanson in playoffs
The Wayland boys varsity soccer team celebrates its goal by running to the sidelines and embracing each other. The high intensity game went into overtime after a 2-2 tie, and it ultimately ended in a Wayland Warriors win of 3-2 against Somerville.
Game recap: Boys soccer scores a win against Somerville
The boys varsity soccer team faces Lincoln-Sudbury at home on Tuesday, Oct. 25. The game resulted in a draw, with the final score being 2-2. The team currently sits with a record of nine wins, five losses and three ties.
Game recap and gallery: Boys soccer ties with Lincoln-Sudbury
Senior Anjali Patel prepares to shoot a free throw. The entire game was full of fouls, leading to many opportunities. In the end, Wayland lost 41-28 against Bedford.
Game Recap: Wayland girls basketball loses home opener
The girls varsity soccer starters huddle together prior to the opening kickoff. They would play a hard fought game against Lincoln-Sudbury, but would fall short of the win.
Game Recap: Girls varsity soccer can’t complete comeback, lose in penalty kicks to Lincoln-Sudbury
Guest writers Hedaia Elelimy and Noreen Javed share their thoughts on Israels bombardment of Palestine over years.
Opinion: Deep dive into the Israeli occupation of Palestine since 1948
WSPN’s Jenny Shine and Bella Schreiber share their thoughts on Charissa Thompson and her scandal.
Opinion: Charrissa Thompson is an unethical reporter
WSPNs Tasha Janoff and Annika Martins share their thoughts on Mathew Perrys life.
Opinion: Behind the scenes of Matthew Perry
WSPNs Ryan Chase shares his thoughts on the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7 and how it has impacted Jews around the world.
Opinion: Hamas’ effect on Jews everywhere
WSPNs Jenny Shine shares her thoughts on the New England Patriots ongoing season.
Opinion: This Patriots season is embarrassing
In the third installment of their series, Three Takes On, WSPNs Jenny Shine, Chloe Zilembo and Ryan Chase discuss their opinions on free periods.
Opinion: Three takes on free periods
In the second installment of their opinion series, Three Takes On, Jenny Shine, Chloe Zilembo and Ryan Chase discuss their opinions on course selections.
Opinion: Three takes on course selection
WSPNs Jenny Shine, Chloe Zilembo, and Ryan Chase share their points of view on midterms from the perspective of three different grades.
Opinion: Three takes on midterms
WSPNs Jeffery Zhang discusses the Nitto ATP Finals and his analysis of each athlete.
Opinion: Novak Djokovic is the greatest tennis player of all time
WSPN’s Jeffery Zhang reflects on Daniil Medvedev’s losses at the French Open.
Opinion: Is Medvedev’s French Open loss part of a curse or a mentality?
WSPN’s Jeffery Zhang reflects on if Novak Djokovic can win the French Open.
Opinion: Can Djokovic win the French Open?
WSPN’s Jeffery Zhang reflects on if Novak Djokovic can win the French Open.
Trending on Tennis: Carlos Alcaraz is back on track to be the best player of all time
WSPN’s Jeffery Zhang reflects on Daniil Medvedev’s losses at the French Open.
Trending on Tennis: Novak Djokovic’s vaccination saga
Earlier this month, WHS students auditioned for the highly selective Eastern Senior Districts ensembles. These ensembles allow high school students to improve their own musical ability and to play with other accomplished musicians as well. I really like watching the district rehearsals, WHS band director Joe Oneschuk said. You get to see the whole creative process happen. The [auditions include] strangers coming together who have never played with each other before, [and it] goes from a kind of rough first take to a really beautiful finished product.
WHS musicians take the stage at Eastern Districts
Join WSPNs Melina Barris, Elyssa Grillo and Jessi Dretler as they review the newest addition to The Hunger Games franchise, “Hunger Games: The Ballad of the Song Birds and Snakes.
Movie Review: “Hunger Games: The Ballad of the Song Birds and Snakes”
Spirit Week takes place during the week of Thanksgiving break each year. The three-day event is put together by the WHS Student Council to provide fun in the form of games, decorations and events for students. The week kicked off with Color Blast, where students decorated the hallways in their class color. Shortly after, other after-school events took place throughout the week like the annual Spike ball Tournament and A cappella concert. To end Spirit Week, students participated in a day of games and activities on Wednesday, Nov. 22 before Thanksgiving recess began.
School spirit shenanigans: Spirit Week and its psychs
Join Staff Reporter Sophia Verma as she reviews the new horror film “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” released on Oct. 27.
Movie Review: “Five Nights at Freddy’s”
Join WSPNs Melina Barris and Makenzie Macchi as they interview the November Fashionista of the Month: Katherine Bassen.
Fashionista of the Month: November
Join WSPNs Katya Luzarraga on the first official WHS Never Have I Ever quiz.
The official WHS ‘Never Have I Ever’ quiz
Quiz: Can you guess whose pets these are?
Quiz: Can you guess whose pets these are?
Celebrate the fall season with WSPN’s crossword puzzle!
Crossword: Fall
Take this fun 10-question quiz and guess which water bottle belongs to which WHS student.
Quiz: Can you guess whose water bottles these are?
Quiz: Can you guess whose lunch boxes these are?
Quiz: Can you guess whose lunch boxes these are?
Join sisters, WSPNs Talia and Makenzie Macchi as they review Taylor Swifts latest album, 1989 (Taylors Version).
A new romantic record: “1989 (Taylor’s Version)”
Join WSPNs Emma Zocco and Mischa Lee, along with Staff Reporter Sophia Verma as they review Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” movie.
Movie review: “The Eras Tour”
Join reporter Mischa Lee as she shares her opinions on the songs of singer Madison Beers new album, “Silence Between Songs.
“Silence Between Songs:” Another Madison Beer masterpiece
WSPN’s Aimee Smith discusses Olivia Rodrigo’s newest album, “GUTS.”
Album review: “GUTS”
WSPNs Reva Datar reviews Oppenheimer by Christopher Nolan.
“Oppenheimer:” Yet another canvas for Christopher Nolan
Senior Amartya Nagesha has always been focused on improving her singing skills. After joining the Honors Concert Choir, and taking numerous years of singing lessons, Nagesha has started applying to music colleges such as Berklee College of Music.
January’s Artist of the Month: Amartya Nagesha
The image above is a piece sophomore Eunjee Kang created for her Art 1 class. I made this during our first Art 1 project: Self-Portrait in Objects: Origami Book, Kang said. I drew some objects I favored or objects I thought represented me using colored pencils.
October Artist of the Month: Eunjee Kang
The image above is one of senior Sarah Foleys AP art Projects. She played with different mediums, colors and design elements to create this piece. I like the vibrant colors and different textures,” Foley said.
September’s Artist of the Month: Sarah Foley
The image above is one of freshman Tristen Chows metalsmithing projects. Chow concluded that this was one of the hardests projects she’s done all year. “Everyone else was making something flat, like a landscape, or a medal, but I wanted to do something different, Chow said. It took time and sweat, but I had a blast.
June’s Artist of the Month: Tristen Chow
The image above is Junior Rachel Yans latest piece, a charcoal still life. Rachels piece is based on a bust statue in Ms. Latimers art room, something that students often use as a reference.The still life process is fun, its a lot of experimentation and trial and error, Yan says.
May’s Artist of the Month: Rachel Yan
Join WSPNs Mischa Lee as she interviews Octobers Fashionista of the Month.
Fashionista of the Month: October
Fashionista of the Month: April
Fashionista of the Month: April
Fashionista of the Month: January
Fashionista of the Month: January
Fashionista of the Month: September
Fashionista of the Month: September
Fashionista of the Month: May
Fashionista of the Month: May
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)
The Wayland boys lacrosse team stands together at the end of the game.
Boys lacrosse team hosts alumni game
The varsity football team beat Weston on Thursday, Nov. 23. The final score was 49-18. Many Wayland families, students and alumni came to cheer on the team.
Football trounces Weston at Thanksgiving game
Sophomore Dylan Engelhardt prepares to serve the ball to the opposing team.
Student Council’s Spikeball tournament
Junior Jack Gavron solos the song Amazing by Rex Orange County during the T-Tones performance. Gavron is one of the directors for the T-Tones.
WHS a capella takes the stage
Sophomore Dylan Engelhardt prepares to serve the ball to the opposing team.
Student Council’s Spikeball tournament
Freshman Elliot Koopersmith jukes out his opponent as he moves closer to the net. Koopersmith was on the varsity soccer team in the fall.
Boys lacrosse wins over Waltham
Megan Smith, Spanish
A blast from the past: WHS teachers who were WHS students first
Sophomore Jill Mele (right) looks for a pass as teammate freshman Mackenzie Morris (left) defends against Nipmuc players.
Girls lacrosse cradles a win against Nipmuc
Freshman Finn Bell signals to his teammate that the opponents ball is about to go out.
Boys volleyball falls to Milford
Enjoy this festive treat during Thanksgiving with your friends and family. This dessert is fun, creative and easy to make. You can whip this up in no time for whoever might feel like a little something sweet after their savory Thanksgiving meal. Be certain to make a lot of these turkeys, because they will leave your guests coming back for more!
Flavor! Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkeys
Step Ten: Scoop some fruit salsa into a bowl and enjoy with cinnamon sugar pita chips.
Flavor! Fruit salsa
Step Ten: Its time to decorate! Use icing or melted chocolate to create a face and hair. Add a bit of icing to the back of the candy eyes so they stick.
Flavor! Frankenstein Rice Krispies Treats
Step Seven: Remove muffins from the oven and let them cool on a baking tray. Enjoy!
Flavor! Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Flavor! Pumpkin Munchkins
Flavor! Pumpkin Munchkins
Friday Fast Five: EBMs Way Wallets
Friday Fast Five: EBM’s Way Wallets
Weekly Breakdown Episode 73: Holocaust survivor speaker and package theft
Weekly Breakdown Episode 73: Holocaust survivor speaker and package theft
Friday Fast Five: EBMs WayCal
Friday Fast Five: EBM’s WayCal
Weekly Breakdown Episode 72: Yawkey Project and winter sports beginning again
Weekly Breakdown Episode 72: Yawkey Project and winter sports beginning again
Weekly Breakdown Episode 71: Metrowest Health Survey and Wayland Public Library bus stop
Weekly Breakdown Episode 71: Metrowest Health Survey and Wayland Public Library bus stop
Weekly Breakdown Episode 73: Holocaust survivor speaker and package theft
Weekly Breakdown Episode 73: Holocaust survivor speaker and package theft
Weekly Breakdown Episode 72: Yawkey Project and winter sports beginning again
Weekly Breakdown Episode 72: Yawkey Project and winter sports beginning again
Weekly Breakdown Episode 71: Metrowest Health Survey and Wayland Public Library bus stop
Weekly Breakdown Episode 71: Metrowest Health Survey and Wayland Public Library bus stop
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
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
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 Picky Eater Picks Episode 14: Elis Breakfast, Burgers, & Brews
The Picky Eater Picks Episode 14: Eli’s Breakfast, Burgers, & Brews
The Picky Eater Picks Episode 13: Charles River Coffee House
The Picky Eater Picks Episode 13: Charles River Coffee House
The Picky Eater Picks Episode 12: B Sisters Cafe
The Picky Eater Picks Episode 12: B Sisters Cafe
Friday Fast Five: EBMs Way Wallets
Friday Fast Five: EBM’s Way Wallets
Friday Fast Five: EBMs WayCal
Friday Fast Five: EBM’s WayCal
Friday Fast Five: Principal Allyson Mizoguchi
Friday Fast Five: Principal Allyson Mizoguchi
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 Olivia Tawakol
On Friday, June 2, Wayland High School Principal Allyson Mizoguchi announced that the Class of 2023’s graduation will be postponed to its original rain date.

[Photo] Breaking News: Class of 2023’s graduation postponed

Selena Liu and Talia Macchi
June 2, 2023
Junior Lulu Comettant cracks a joke alongside sophomores Annabelle Roberts and Swara Metlapally. Senior Rachel Snyder wrote this 10 minute play.

Honors Dramatic Arts lights up the lecture hall

Olivia Tawakol and Tina Su
February 3, 2023
The Class of 2022s graduation takes place on Friday, June 3, 2022. This was the first time Wayland High School has held a graduation at 6 p.m. since the 1990s. After announcing each member of the classs name, the senior class executive board officers receive their diplomas.

[Photo] WSPN’s photos of 2022

Sasha Libenzon
January 13, 2023
The Science Olympiad club at Wayland High School meets in-person on Thursday, Nov. 11, with club advisors Ken Rideout and Laura Kreutter. I really like being able to learn more about science while also being a part of a team. senior captain Sophia Xie said. Its also relaxed and stress-free, which makes the meets even more fun.

Science Olympiad: Strengthening students’ skills in STEM through competitions

Olivia Tawakol
December 7, 2022
The big game: Powderpuff 2022

The big game: Powderpuff 2022

Olivia Tawakol, Charlotte Thirman, Genevieve Morrison, and Sasha Libenzon
December 1, 2022

Powderpuff highlights

Olivia Tawakol, Charlotte Thirman, and Genevieve Morrison
December 1, 2022

Wayland cheer team radiates in the rain

Olivia Tawakol and Charlotte Thirman
November 21, 2022

Hold the phone: Cell phone use at WHS (video)

Genevieve Morrison, Charlotte Thirman, and Olivia Tawakol
June 13, 2022

Green Team increases sustainability with a new composting system

Olivia Tawakol
June 11, 2022
To end the graduation ceremony, the seniors take their graduation caps off and throw them in the air to celebrate becoming official graduates.

Caps off to class of 2022!

Charlotte Thirman, Olivia Tawakol, and Penelope Biddle
June 11, 2022
Class of 2022 advisors Jennifer Reed and Scott Parseghian lead the line of seniors down the track as they enter the turf field.

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Class president Andrew Zhao gives his speech to the rest of the graduating class, teachers and family. Zhao was the first student to give a speech, followed by the other class representatives.

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Principal Allyson Mizoguchi gives her speech to the class of 2022. Mizoguchi was one of the first of the Wayland administrators to give her speech at the ceremony, following the senior class representatives.

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Principal Allyson Mizoguchi shakes senior Phoebe Greenaways hand as she gives Greenaway her diploma. Each graduate shook Superintendent Omar Easy and Mizoguchis hands when getting their diploma.

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Senior class Executive Board officers Nina Lei, Megan Chau and Garrett Spooner walk down the ramp from the podium to prepare to receive their diplomas. The Executive Board officers were the last to get their diplomas, because they were required to read off the names of the rest of the graduating seniors before getting their own diplomas.

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Senior Emily Staiti walks down the ramp from the podium after receiving her diploma. The graduates were given their diplomas based on the alphabetical order of their last name.

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Senior Katherine Kim takes a picture on the podium after receiving her diploma. Some seniors took selfies with the rest of the graduates while standing on the podium.

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Senior Lauren Grant Lubins family members hold up an image of her as she walks onto the podium to give her speech. Many families made signs with cut-out portraits of graduates to show their support.

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Senior Michael David Francis waves to his family standing on the bleachers when they cheer for him as he walks by.

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Seniors Alexa Neuman and Taylor McGuire smile together as they walk down the track with the rest of their class to take their seats. At the start of graduation, the senior class of 2022 entered from the left side of the turf and walked down the track before taking their seats in the center of the field.

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The class of 2022 officers take their positions on the podium as they watch Superintendent Omar Easy and Principal Allyson Mizoguchi walk down the aisle of graduates. Class president Andrew Zhao gave his speech after everyone took their places on the field.

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The seniors applaud the other graduates as each senior walks across the podium to receive their diploma.

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The Wayland High School honors band performs a song soon after the seniors take their seats on the turf field.

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[Photo]

Mel’s Commonwealth Cafe: A Breakfast Staple (video)

Olivia Tawakol and Sammy Johnson
April 25, 2022
Waylands favorites: A peek into popular Wayland restaurants

Wayland’s favorites: A peek into popular Wayland restaurants

Olivia Tawakol, Nadya Chase, Tina Su, and Sammy Johnson
April 25, 2022
Infographic: Free lunch at WHS

Infographic: Free lunch at WHS

Olivia Tawakol
April 12, 2022

Mia Nadal: Turning her passion into a club

Olivia Tawakol
March 24, 2022

Window Dance Ensemble performs in annual Winter Week show (video)

Olivia Tawakol
February 10, 2022
The principals of Wayland Public Schools came together to make a district-wide birthday card for teacher Mike O’Connor. O’Connor was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and has been on medical leave ever since. Principal Brian Jones, other staff, students and their families have described O’Connor to truly change the lives of everyone he met. “Certain teachers name’s continually come up, and no surprise, Mr. OConnor is one of those teachers,” fifth grade teacher Jennifer Sole-Robertson said. “Year after year, I hear parents and students say that third grade was the year that they ‘became a student, started enjoying school or started understanding math when they had not previously.”

Beyond birthday cards: Celebrating Michael O’Connor

Olivia Tawakol and Charlotte Thirman
January 26, 2022

Welcome to WSPN! (video)

Charlotte Thirman and Olivia Tawakol
December 10, 2021

Powderpuff 2021 highlights (video)

Olivia Tawakol and Charlotte Thirman
December 9, 2021
Senior Ryan MacDonald prepares to throw the ball at his opponents, moments before his team wins the game.

SADD hosts dodgeball tournament (gallery)

Olivia Tawakol
November 29, 2021
WSPNs Olivia Tawakol discusses Travis Scotts deadly Astroworld festival and the need for increased concert safety.

Opinion: Astroworld disaster stresses need for concert safety

Olivia Tawakol
November 20, 2021

Meet the Semi Dates: Class of 2024 (video)

Olivia Tawakol and Charlotte Thirman
November 5, 2021
Sophomores Ava Renneker, Belle Peredena and CC Hadad laugh together as a song ends abruptly. The class chose to hire a DJ for the event and his speaker system shined bright flashing lights to accompany each song.

Class of 2024 holds annual sophomore semi-formal

Charlotte Thirman, Olivia Tawakol, Nina Wilson, and Delia Caulfield
November 2, 2021
Seniors Alexa Neuman, Maeve Myles and Courtney Deangelis dress up in coordinating onesies. We wanted to be comfortable at school while still having a themed-costume, Neuman said.

[Photo] Class of 2022 celebrates Halloween (gallery)

WSPN Staff
October 29, 2021
As the game began, the players on the sideline held each other to show their support for their teammates. While players were not currently playing in the game, they wore a green pinnie over their uniforms.

Playing for a cause: Wayland beats Bedford 1-0 at annual Kicks for Cancer game

Olivia Tawakol and Charlotte Thirman
October 4, 2021
Senior Maeve Myles and Junior Elena Liu lead the Family Promise Club. Standing at their booth, they promote their cause to passing students. The club fair is a great way to get students to want to join our club, and also raise awareness of the homelessness issue, Liu said.

[Photo] Wayland High School hosts annual Club Fair

WSPN Staff
September 27, 2021
Student Council President Luciano Sebastianelli and Vice President Devin DiCarlo make their first day of school speech as they inform everyone on what theyre planning for the school year. The annual pep rally took place outside this year dye to COVID-19

First day of school 2021

Charlotte Thirman, Garrett Spooner, and Olivia Tawakol
September 9, 2021
The ninth-graders stand in line as everyone begins to enter the high school building for the start of orientation.

Welcome, Class of 2025! Ninth-graders come together for freshman orientation

Olivia Tawakol
September 6, 2021
The fielders all huddle together to strategize the game as they wait for the next inning to begin.

Batter up! Wayland girls softball falls to Weston

Charlotte Thirman and Olivia Tawakol
June 8, 2021

Student vs. Faculty Kickball Game concludes this year’s Student Council events (video)

Delia Caulfield and Olivia Tawakol
June 3, 2021

Hypnotist Peter Gross mystifies WHS through performance (video)

Olivia Tawakol and Charlotte Thirman
June 2, 2021
WSPN’s Olivia Tawakol discusses Biden’s call to loosen mask mandates for vaccinated people in the U.S.

Opinion: The call to ease mask mandates brings us closer to normal life

Olivia Tawakol
June 1, 2021
For many high school students trying to get their permit or license, the pandemic has made the process a lot harder. Due to the transition to a more online format, students steps to accomplish to get their permit seem more complicated than usual. “It was just way more confusing and the instructions weren’t that clear, sophomore Sarah Foley. I’m pretty sure some of the RMVs had less hours, so you had to change your schedule to go. I just wish there were more hours available for appointments on the weekend so I could have [been able to] apply earlier.”

Wheels Up: WHS students navigate drivers-ed through COVID-19

Olivia Tawakol
May 4, 2021
With the high schools academic curriculum rigors, many students feel overwhelmed and have faced mental health issues in their school career. Its okay not to be okay, and to be overwhelmed, assistant principal Laura Cole said. Its up to adults to stop telling kids [that] this is what you need to do to be successful. We need to allow kids to figure out what success is on their path and support that.

Administrators: “Developing a mental health support system is our goal”

Katherine Kim and Olivia Tawakol
April 17, 2021
Scrutinizing the mental health issue at WHS

Scrutinizing the mental health issue at WHS

Katherine Kim, Sidney O'Rourke, Emily Chafe, Bryn Curtin, Olivia Tawakol, and Jessie Feist
April 17, 2021
The players gather in the middle of the court and celebrate a point. The team has a celebratory custom in which the players imitate a blocking form when a block scores a point.

Girls volleyball smashes a win against Cambridge Ridge & Latin on Senior Night

Katherine Kim, Charlotte Thirman, and Olivia Tawakol
April 17, 2021
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