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Wayland Student Press
During the WHS club fair, senior Molly Bergeron is watching a student sign up for her club, Eliza J. Norton Foundation. In this club, students meet every week and come up with ideas to spread the message. "[This club] really touches a lot of people in the town," Bergeron said.
The annual club fair spotlights school spirit
On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Congress failed to pass the federal funding budget, shutting down the U.S. government until a deal is made between the Democratic and Republican parties.
BDBN: The U.S. has shutdown, cutting off millions of federal workers’ paychecks
Playing music for the celebration, from left to right, Vagabond seniors Ben Hammond, Ori Kohl, junior Brennan Smith and senior Atticus DeGrenier play music ranging from 90's to today's hits.
The Eliza J. Norton Foundation ‘Celebrates With Heart’ at their annual festival
Have you been a regular reader of WSPN content? Test your knowledge with WSPN's new column: News Quizzes. The first being the "September News Quiz" highlighting key information WSPN stories have covered during the month of September. The answer key can be found at the bottom of the quiz.
Are you keeping up with WSPN? Find out in this September news quiz
Students crowd around in a circle as junior Max Curbelo dances and spins on the floor.
Students dance their hearts out at homecoming
From ceramics to forensics, Wayland High School hosts a wide variety of courses for students, allowing for student to grow their distinct interests. In this first issue of Interesting Electives, WSPN's Fiona Peltonen explores the senior Astronomy class, diving deep into its creation, purpose and activities.
Unique electives: A universal interest
"The Compatriots" hometown premiere was followed by a Q & A with the audience. From left to right, the Q & A included Producer Alberto Sayan, Director Spencer Cohen and lead actor Rafael Silvia.
His childhood friend faced deportation, so he made a movie about it
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
Sophomore Alex Pearlmen and senior captain Dylan Engelhardt celebrate after Pearlman scores his first of two touchdowns of the game. "I love seeing our underclassmen giving everything they got and proving themselves," Engelhardt said.
Wayland falls to Bedford during Domestic Violence Awareness Game
There are 13 WHS sports games this week. Lets take a look at where and when they are.
WHS Fall Game Schedule: Week of 10/6
The Wayland student section cheers and pops confetti poppers following Wayland's first goal of the game.
Boys soccer ties Westford Academy in the annual Kicks for Cancer game
There are 11 Wayland High School sports games this week. Lets take a look at where and when they are.
WHS Fall Game Schedule: Week of 9/29
Boys basketball head coach Dennis Doherty will not be returning to the sideline this winter as he announced his resignation earlier this month. Doherty has been the head coach for 17 years and played for the Wayland varsity team during his high school days.
Coach Doherty steps down after 17 seasons at Wayland
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 Karis Tam as she interviews senior Rachel Lei.
Musician of the month: Rachel Lei
Join WSPN's Karis Tam as she reviews the new Marylou's located in Framingham.
A new cup of coffee: Marylou’s
Join WSPN's Mack Young as she discusses singer and song writer Lorde's Ultrasound World Tour.
Lorde sets the tone with Ultrasound World Tour
In Wayland, there are several events for residents during the month of October. Join WSPN's Karis Tam as she lists out the activities.
Events in Wayland throughout October
Join WSPN's Karis Tam as she does a book versus TV show analysis on Jenny Han's "The Summer I Turned Pretty."
Did “The Summer I Turned Pretty” TV show stay true to the books?
The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press
Vanessa Taxiarchis

Vanessa Taxiarchis, Multimedia Editor

Vanessa Taxiarchis, Class of 2026, is co-multimedia editor for WSPN. Outside of school, Vanessa loves taking photos for her friends and sports, going to fun events, walking her dogs and traveling.
 

All content by Vanessa Taxiarchis
During the WHS club fair, senior Molly Bergeron is watching a student sign up for her club, Eliza J. Norton Foundation. In this club, students meet every week and come up with ideas to spread the message. "[This club] really touches a lot of people in the town," Bergeron said.

The annual club fair spotlights school spirit

Maddie Zajac, Vanessa Taxiarchis, and WSPN Staff
October 8, 2025
Students crowd around in a circle as junior Max Curbelo dances and spins on the floor.

Students dance their hearts out at homecoming

Natalie Greenaway, Vanessa Taxiarchis, Marissa Mendoza, Cordia Wang, and Grace Zocco
September 26, 2025
Advancing up the field, junior Melina Antun takes the ball from a Newton South player.

Field Hockey battles Newton South to a draw

Vanessa Taxiarchis and Ainsley Jay
September 16, 2025
Advancing up the field, junior Melina Antun takes the ball from a Newton South player.

Field Hockey battles Newton South to a draw

Vanessa Taxiarchis
September 16, 2025
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

Vanessa Taxiarchis, Maddie Zajac, Olivia Green, and Mack Young
September 11, 2025
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

Sofia Ciciarelli, Joey Fay, and Vanessa Taxiarchis
September 10, 2025
Freshman Sloane Diroberto passes her defenders after getting the ball from Iyer. Diroberto is the only freshman on varsity.

Girls soccer falls short to Nipmuc

Vanessa Taxiarchis and Karis Tam
September 5, 2025
The girls volleyball team is looking to build off of their 2024 final four berth. The team opens their season on Friday, Sept. 5 with an away game at Newton South.

[Photo] Preseason Preview: Girls volleyball

Joey Fay and Grace Zocco
September 4, 2025
Senior captain Kiera Hines drives down the field. The varsity field hockey team opens up their season on Friday, Sept. 5 with a home game against Arlington Catholic High School.

[Photo] Preseason Preview: Field hockey

Joey Fay and Grace Zocco
September 3, 2025
IMG_9468

[Photo] Postcards from WSPN

Ainsley Jay and Annabelle Hage
September 2, 2025
Smiling as she walks off the stage, senior Salma Dwidar celebrates graduating high school.

The Class of 2025 crosses their final stage

Vanessa Taxiarchis and Edge Wheeler
June 11, 2025
Junior Dylan Engelhardt spikes the ball to the other side of the net during the second set. This is Engelhardt's third year on varsity.

Boys volleyball strikes against Marlborough, advancing them into the Final Four

Vanessa Taxiarchis
June 10, 2025
Junior Sofia Dicarlo shops for a sweatshirt right before the pop up opened. The pop up was open for 12-3p.m..

"Blondi" branded cookies on display table near the register. Junior Zoe Garcia's family members helped make over 150 cookies for the pop up.

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

Vanessa Taxiarchis, Sofia Ciciarelli, Marissa Mendoza, and Bella Schreiber
April 25, 2025
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

Vanessa Taxiarchis and Jillian Mele
March 28, 2025
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

Reva Datar and Vanessa Taxiarchis
March 5, 2025
WSPN's Vanessa Taxiarchis explores B-Tone Fitness and its business in the Wayland Town Center.

BTONE: A workout for all levels, ages, every body, every day

Vanessa Taxiarchis, Reporter
March 5, 2025
Sophomore Maereg Million sings during her duet with senior Isa Fuentes singing "Wings" by Little Mix. Million has been a Muse since her freshman year.

WHS Muses gives a dazzling performance at the annual Ice Cappella

Vanessa Taxiarchis and Jillian Mele
February 10, 2025
Screenshot 2025-02-07 at 10.39.50 PM

[Photo] Window Dance Ensemble spreads love from the stage

Edge Wheeler, Mack Young, and Ravi Kapadia
February 8, 2025
Members of the Honors Wind Ensemble play various songs from the James Bond movies.

Honors Wind Ensemble and Sinfonia Orchestra serenade the stage

Melina Antun and Vanessa Taxiarchis
January 31, 2025
Senior Brady Foley comes up for air as he swims his way through his race.

Athlete of the month: Brady Foley

Vanessa Taxiarchis, Reporter
January 29, 2025
The Supreme Court has stated that the social media app TikTok ban will officially go into effect on Jan. 19. "My favorite part of tiktok was the organic algorithm that gave everyone a chance to succeed, along with the community it brang, other apps haven’t been able to replicate it for a reason," social media influencer and junior Zoey Garcia said. "It’s different and super special to not just creators but so many users.”

TikTok is on the clock

Olivia Green, Karis Tam, Mack Young, and Vanessa Taxiarchis
January 18, 2025
Sophomore Josh Grossman brings the ball up the court after getting a defensive rebound for the Warriors. This is Grossman's first year on varsity.

Boys basketball falls to Bedford

Vanessa Taxiarchis, Jillian Mele, and Mischa Lee
January 16, 2025
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Vanessa Taxiarchis