The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, the first Wayland School Committee meeting of the year took place from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m..
Three Quick Hits: School Committee meeting Sept. 10
During the 2024-25 school year, approximately 400 students came into the library every day, but since the start of this school year, attendance has dropped due to the ban on cell phone use in the library.
Library sees drop in student attendance following cellphone policy
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, a school shooting took place at Evergreen High School in Colorado, where two students were injured. The suspect fatally shot himself following the attack.
BDBN: Suspect dead after injuring two high school students at Evergreen High School
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University.
BDBN: Charlie Kirk shot and killed at Utah Valley University
The 2025 summer was filled with new trends and events. Ranging from The Summer I Turned Pretty to the signing of the 'Big Beautiful' bill, these pivotal moments not only resulted in conversation, but shifted American culture.
What’s in the news during the summer of 2025
In the Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, technology interfering with students' everyday lives is a theme that is discussed and analyzed.
How teachers and students are affected by the “Anxious Generation”
Allied Network for Neurodevelopmental Advancement, ANNA, has recently opened a center in Wayland. This center is dedicated to supporting children with autism aged 6 years old and under, along with supporting their families. The center hopes to bring awareness and support to children with autism, and reduce the large stigma surrounding all neurodevelopmental disorders.
Allied Network for Neurodevelopmental Advancement center strives to make positive change in Wayland
Local student-run businesses in Wayland -- especially those relying on imported goods -- are feeling the strain of President Trump’s new tariffs. As prices rise, young entrepreneurs are adapting by shifting to domestic products or changing their business models entirely.
The impact of tariffs on local student businesses
With summer around the corner, it's the ideal time for gardens to sprout around Wayland. Join WSPN's Katie Collett and Caroline Kiernan as they explore local gardens.
Local gardens blossom as spring comes to a close
The senior Class of 2025 reflects on this years game of Senior Assassin. Senior Assassin is a standing tradition at WHS and this year had a pool of 138 players and a remaining six winners
Targets acquired: The Class of 2025 takes on Senior Assassin
Advancing up the field, junior Melina Antun takes the ball from a Newton South player.
Field Hockey battles Newton South to a draw
There are 13 WHS sports games this week. Lets take a look at where and when they are.
WHS Fall Game Schedule: Week of 9/15
Senior captain Anna Yalli hits the ball over the net and scores a point for the team. Yalli has been on the team since her sophomore year.
Girls volleyball slams Belmont in home opener
With a Holliston opponent at his side, junior Mikey Johansson looks to achieve a third down. Johansson is this year's starting quarterback.
Football takes a loss against Holliston
Senior captain Max Walsh fights with a Dearborn opponent for the ball, taking possession and dribbling it up the field.
Boys soccer tackles the win from Dearborn
Throughout history, rat poison has been a common method of pest control, often being placed by pest companies or bought online for personal use. Times have changed though, and with a plethora of alternative options, the outdated use of this product is shooting us in the foot. Rodenticides have the power to wipe out an entire wildlife ecosystem and yet they are still commercially used in the state, which is why it’s imperative that it ends now. “I feel better in my soul, knowing that I'm taking an action to try to protect the environment," Co-founder of Save Concord Wildlife Gwendolyn Shipley said. “I would encourage anyone who is feeling a little bit overwhelmed, this could be a small step to take to help save the world.”
Opinion: Poisoning the well, the threat of rat poison
Join WSPN's Karis Tam as she navigates the controversial "one size fits all" system utilized by Brandy Melville, a popular clothing brand.
One size fits few: The controversy of Brandy Melville
Join WSPN's Karis Tam as she discusses how harmful grade comparison can be to teens.
The hidden dangers of grade comparison
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
Join WSPN's Annabel Orcutt as she discusses fashion with Ava Adelson.
Fashionista of the Month: Ava Adelson
Join WSPN's Karis Tam, Abby Bergeron and Annabel Orcutt as they talk about what to wear for Wayland High School's 2025 Homecoming.
Need a last minute dress? Here’s a straight forward ‘groovy’ dress guide for Homecoming
Join WSPN's Natalie Greenaway and Annabel Orcutt as they talk about Sabrina Carpenters new album: "Man's Best Friend."
Sweet no more, Sabrina Carpenter bites back with Man’s Best Friend
The 2025 summer was filled with new trends and events. Ranging from The Summer I Turned Pretty to the signing of the 'Big Beautiful' bill, these pivotal moments not only resulted in conversation, but shifted American culture.
What’s in the news during the summer of 2025
On Tuesday, Aug. 26, Tate McRae came to TD Garden to perform one out of the three nights in the Boston leg of her Miss Possessive World Tour.
Concert Review: Miss Possessive Tour is a Tate McRae takeover
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 Sidney O’Rourke
Screen Shot 2022-05-15 at 7.34.08 PM

[Photo] Breaking News: WHS returns to mask mandate until COVID-19 cases decrease

Emily Roberge
May 15, 2022
This year, many juniors and seniors are facing massive changes to their college selection and application processes. One significant change that has been put into place is the lack of in-person college tours. As a result, many students are participating in virtual tours to help them in their application process. “I find it hard to kind of understand the vibe of the school just because some colleges I think handle virtual tours a lot better than others and after watching some tours I’m like I didn’t like that, but then it's like questionable like if I actually liked it or not because the virtual tours are hard for me to try to evaluate my feelings,” junior Nina Price said.

Is it love at first sight: The college search process without campus visits

Delia Caulfield and Sidney O’Rourke
May 17, 2021
Infographic: Mental health data at WHS

Infographic: Mental health data at WHS

Sidney O’Rourke and Jessica Feist
April 17, 2021
Many students at WHS find the academics to be rigorous and sometimes stressful. Pressures from within the school and from families can create that environment. “I think the problem with stress is less so systemic and indicative of Wayland High School, and more so personalized and individualistic, meaning I think parents in certain households put more pressure on their kids than parents in other households for whatever reason,” senior Sam Goldstone said. “Students themselves internalize that pressure and reflect that back on themselves and on their friends.”

Students: “We feel pressured to succeed, and it’s harmful”

Sidney O’Rourke and Jessie Feist
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
Omar Easy began his role as Wayland Public Schools' new superintendent on July 1.

Behind the superintendent search: the screening process

Alexina McQuilkin and Sidney O’Rourke
March 30, 2021
The month of March has only a few days off from school, leading many students to fall into a static routine and a loss of motivation. “I have so much less motivation because I feel like everything piled up,” Donovan said. “[After] February break, I feel like it’s hard to get back into the swing of things and take things as seriously as I did at the beginning of the year.”

Out of Juice: Students’ motivation declines in March

Sidney O’Rourke
March 26, 2021
Five different acts participated in the 2021 Winter Week talent show, with talents ranging from music and dance to one-armed push-ups. COVID-19 restrictions forced the talent show to be virtual, but the Student Council members in charge and the participants still tried to make the best of the situation. "This year's talent show was different than usual in the sense that it was virtual, and that there were fewer acts this year," junior Isabelle Ma said. "Otherwise, it was still great. I enjoyed watching the other performances just as much as I did in previous years. I'm really glad that there was a talent show this year at all."

Student performers shine bright in the virtual talent show

Sidney O’Rourke and Katherine Kim
February 17, 2021
Three months into hybrid learning, students are learning how to adjust to a new style of schooling. "I think that starting hybrid was confusing like what time class ended and what classes you had because they changed everything from before," sophomore Morgen Warner said. "I think getting used to that took a little."

WHS students reflect on hybrid learning experience

Sidney O’Rourke and Tess Alongi
January 29, 2021
As COVID-19 numbers continue to rise, the coronavirus infiltrates the life of some WHS students. Junior Ryan MacDonald felt the effects first hand as he contracted the virus and had to spend almost two weeks in quarantine. "I woke up feeling awful, and I also couldn’t taste or smell anything," MacDonald said. "Right then is how we assumed we had it, and then two days later we got our test results back as positive."

WHS students share their experiences with COVID-19

Alexina McQuilkin and Sidney O’Rourke
January 21, 2021
During the holidays, many WHS students look to give back to their community. Two WHS students, sophomore Bella Boyajian and junior Lily Boyajian created a toy drive for kids in foster care. “Our goal was to fill at least five bags of toys.” Bella said. “With all of the generous donations we are now filling more than ten bags and hopefully more to come.”

WHS students give back to the community this holiday season

Sidney O’Rourke and Sophia Oppenheim
December 21, 2020
The Wayland school nurses, along with the Wayland Health Department, have worked hard to ensure a safe school environment for students and staff alike. The nurses especially have done a lot of extra work to create the most protective scenarios possible for each of the schools. "There was a lot of planning that the school admin staff had to do, and us nurses had to help plan the safety protocols for each school, such as the hand-washing stations, mask guidelines, snack and lunch guidelines," Wayland Middle School. nurse Laurie Hojlo said.

WPS nurses take leading role within schools during COVID-19

Sidney O’Rourke
December 11, 2020
With Thanksgiving just finished and many family members meeting up, returning to school in an in-person hybrid model has some students concerned. However, students like Junior Kevin Luo believes as long as everyone returning has followed the proper procedures, we can remain in a safe, hybrid model. "It was just harder to pay attention," Luo said. "We just [need to] pray that all the college students took a legitimate test and people are still respecting the rules.”

[Photo] Thanksgiving gatherings cause concern regarding COVID-19

Brasen Chi
December 5, 2020
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, WHS students had to adapt their Halloween plans to stay safe. Even under the guidelines, they still tried to find ways to celebrate the holiday. "I think that it’s definitely important to still try to make Halloween as normal as it can be, especially for the kids because Halloween is so exciting for them obviously [because of] free candy," junior Nina Price said. "I just remember being so excited to show off my new costume, and have the adults lie to me saying ‘oh my god that’s so cute what are you.’"

Reporters Sidney O'Rourke and Rebeca Kamens-Gil ask students their opinions on lunch during the hybrid model of school.

MOTS: Student reactions to hybrid lunch

Sidney O’Rourke and Rebeca Kamens-Gil
November 4, 2020
Students give their opinions and notes about the first 2020 presidential elections and hopes for the next. "[The debate] was a complete waste of my time," Smith said. "Sure, it was a good comedy, but coming from our two potential leaders, it was quite frightening."

Students react to the first 2020 presidential debate

Sidney O’Rourke
October 23, 2020
The "Lunch Bunch" group provides a chance for interactions between general education and special education students that otherwise may not have happened. Students from the group try to meet every lunch to foster a sense of community. “The main way you meet people is when you have classes with them, so it was really nice to finally meet and talk to [these students] in person and get to know them because without this club I wouldn’t know them as well, and they wouldn't know me as well,” senior Hilla Almog said.

“Lunch Bunch” program fosters new connections between WHS students

Sidney O’Rourke
October 13, 2020
Quiz: Which Netflix TV show should you binge-watch?

Quiz: Which Netflix TV show should you binge-watch?

Eliya Howard-Delman and Sidney O’Rourke
June 17, 2020
WSPN's Sidney O'Rourke describes eight activities to do in quarantine during the summer. If you're looking for something do when school's out, keep reading!

With school turning online for the rest of the year, teachers are forced to assign work via online applications like Google Classroom. "The curriculum is continuing as always, but many modifications have to be made to make it accessible online," Biology teacher Dalia Dinno said.

The Other Side: Teachers affected by online schooling

Lindsey Brown and Sidney O’Rourke
May 12, 2020
WHS graduate Kate Balicki races past her defender and down the field. Balicki is just one of many athletes whose season was cut short by COVID-19. "All spring athletes have every right to be upset about this big change, but rather than dwelling on this time off, I think that it's best to see it in a positive light and taking it as an opportunity to improve," Balicki said.

NCAA cancels college spring sports seasons, impacting Wayland alumni athletes

Sidney O’Rourke
April 21, 2020
Due to recent outbreaks with coronavirus, student travels have been greatly impacted. “I was very excited to spend a weekend away and tour schools with my friend,” junior Abby Gavron said.

Student travel plans rerouted by COVID-19

Lindsey Brown and Sidney O’Rourke
March 29, 2020
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The swim and dive team celebrates Coach Mike Foley's 500th win. This year the boy's team hit many milestones including Foley's 500th win, a fourth consecutive undefeated season and a fourth consecutive state championship win. “I think that we are a family and that we’re willing to fight for each other,” senior captain Jack Brown said. “We’re willing to hurt for each other. We’re willing to push that extra bit for each other that other teams might not be able to push.”

Boys varsity swim wins fourth state title after an undefeated season

Sidney O’Rourke
March 5, 2020
The referee holds up junior Walker Whitehouse's hand after Walker's victory in the match. The wrestling team recently won DCLs. "[Winning the dcl] is something that no one on this team has done before because the last time they won was in 2016, senior captain Cam Jones said. "It's really validating for all our hard work that we can accomplish things that we haven't done before ,so it's really good motivation that we can do pretty much anything."

Wrestling wins DCL for first time since 2016

Sidney O’Rourke and Hailey Robinson
March 3, 2020
Students from all grades taking many languages took part in the original Latin Club. The club was very popular, and in 1983, boasted 115 members. “The Latin Club, under the direction of [founder Frank] Smith, is easily one of the oldest and most popular clubs at WHS,” the WHS Reflector yearbook wrote in 1983. “For over 20 years, club members have sponsored dances, banquets, dramatic productions and other activities revolving around classical and especially Roman Themes. This year’s club ran a very profitable late summer car wash, sponsored it 22nd annual initiation ceremony, the Saturnalian Banquet, an evening of dramatic readings, a Medieval Pilgrimage and a Greek Tragedy.”

46 years in the making: the rise and fall of Latin Club

Emily Chafe and Sidney O’Rourke
February 3, 2020
Brooke Doire presents to students in the lecture hall about her grandmother’s experience in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany. Doire’s grandmother, Betty Robinson, ran and won medals in the Amsterdam Olympics in 1928 and the Berlin Olympics in 1936. “[The message of this presentation is] to be resilient and to take things that look like impossibilities and turn them into possibilities by reaching out to those people that you trust and making a plan to get there,” Doire said.

WW ‘20: Brooke Doire presents her grandmother’s Olympic success and perseverance

Hailey Robinson and Sidney O’Rourke
February 2, 2020
MOTS: Where will WHS students spend their holiday break?

MOTS: Where will WHS students spend their holiday break?

Eliya Howard-Delman and Sidney O’Rourke
December 17, 2019
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