Kasey Feeley is a junior at Staples High School. She’s an executive producer for “On the Wreckord,” the very creative, extremely well crafted, and highly entertaining TV interview/news/entertainment show produced by Inklings, the school news source.
However, she says, the show may be in jeopardy.
Journalism teachers Joseph DelGobbo and Mary Elizabeth Fulco have dedicated dozens of hours of personal time to stay after school, and supervise filming in the TV studio.
Both have young children. They have decided — reluctantly — to step down, unless funding can be found.
(In addition to a stipend for the staff members, funds would also pay for recording technology for remote segments. Kasey has spent her own money on microphones, and brought equipment from home for others to ensure quality.)
The Board of Education Finance & Facilities Committee is in charge of stipends. Yet, Kasey says, it has not met since January.
“On the Wreckord” has not been recognized as a program, Kasey says, despite providing content for the student boyd and staff or years.
“The only way for us to advocate for ourselves is a committee that seemingly is in hibernation,” she adds.
“But I have never felt more driven to be civically engaged, and advocate for something.
Kasey sent this to assistant principal Christine Cincotta, and the Westport Board of Education:
Video editing has been a passion of mine since I was 8 or 9, meaning I’ve been filming and editing my own content as a dedicated hobby for almost 10 years.
After seeing “On the Wreckord” for the first time freshman year, I decided I wanted to become involved. This year I finally joined Inklings, taking Introduction to Journalism and Advanced Journalism for the chance of joining On the Wreckord.
Through dedication and showing my passion for media production, I was able to land the role of executive producer alongside sophomore Brooke Kirkham for 2025.
Kasey Feeley’s On the Wreckord graphic.
However, due to a lack of funding, it is highly likely the program will not continue next year. Not only is this devastating for me and Brooke, who share a passion for filmmaking, but it’s also disappointing for the Connections classes and teachers who enjoy watching once a month.
Through “On the Wreckord,” Staples students get a chance to look into the lives of their fellow students and see perspectives they might not otherwise see, whether that’s finding the best water fountain or hearing an interview from a teacher or student you haven’t met before.
It effectively turns Staples into an environment full of familiar faces, not just passing peers.
In the few weeks I have been in this role since I was appointed in April, and through preparing for this Thursday’s edition, I have seen the extent to which OTW connects our Staples community.
I watched people in and outside of Inklings show up for each other, each segment creator dedicating time from their personal and school lives to make quality segments.
While our program is not perfect, it is the heart of student broadcasting: connecting community.
The loss of this program would be detrimental to the Inklings community, as Brooke and I would lose our jobs, and our fellow Inklings staff members would lose a creative outlet unlike any other offered at Staples.
I am someone who has always done performing arts. I understand how terrifying putting yourself out there can be for anyone who didn’t grow up in a theatrical or musical environment.
But in my time at “On the Wreckord,” I have watched students take that leap and put themselves out there.
This program brings out a confidence in young adults unlike any other, as they present their passion for journalism to the entire student body and staff.
These are students who may otherwise not get the valuable performing experience that others get from Staples Players, rhetoric class, music classes, etc.
It also teaches segment creators how to use video editing software, an increasingly important skill in our rapidly developing technologically centered world.
The ending of “On the Wreckord” would be the end of one of Staples’ most valuable assets for student expression. I waited 3 years to be a part of this unique, dedicated community, and I’m not ready to give up on it just yet.
Kasey Feeley — shown here in the hallway outside Staples’ TV studio — has gained skills and confidence through On the Wreckord.
As someone who has taken classes like Radio 1 & 2, Theater, and Narrative Film Production, where you spend hours creating media that doesn’t typically leave your classroom, I have grown to appreciate the platform that On the Wreckord gives student producers, directors, broadcast hosts, etc.
Outside of “On the Wreckord,” there aren’t any programs at Staples that enable students to produce content that is published and shown to their peers outside of video editing or film classes.
I also see “On the Wreckord” as an opportunity to encourage other students. If Brooke or I can spend hours editing and filming to present something authentic with confidence, they can have confidence in their work as well.
Seeing “On the Wreckord” freshman year inspired me to pursue my passion for media production. I want to be that inspiration for any other students who want to find that confidence in themselves, who want to be involved in the Staples community, and connect with others over a shared passion for journalism and media.
Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein replied to Kasey: “I will ask our superintendent for information about this program/budget and get back to you.”
(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all. We especially welcome student submissions. Email 06880blog@gmail.com.)
What kind of money are we looking at here? Absent the Board’s stepping in, which is not likely, would a Go Fund Me page cover it?
Dan not only cover it exceed all expectations.
Kasey is my granddaughter and I’m very proud of her 💓
Kasey makes compelling points. I’d happily contribute to a GFM.
Dan W. This is all a community can hope for from our schools, an option that ignites a passion and provides a positive direction to our students, especially a path within the creative arts. Congratulations to Ms. Feeley on her courage and motivation. We certainly have enough media connections within our community to make something happen here. To start with perhaps you could highlight some of “On The Wreckord” productions/reports to spur interest and possible contributions? I have to believe once people see the quality and benefit of the program funding will follow. Is any funding possible through the library? They have a pretty robust media department. Save that or Town funding, does anyone know if there is an avenue to donate directly to Staples for a specific program? GoFundMe charges 2.9%+ $.30 for every donation. In addition, although last minute Ms. Feeley, perhaps a table at the Arts Show next weekend might be a good idea? Folks attending obviously support the arts already.
Kuddos to Kasey Feeley for working to save On the Wreckord! On the Wreckord was started in 2022 by Mr. DelGobbo and Ms. Fulco and a team of enterprising Staples journalism students (including my daughter, Anna Diorio, now class of 2027, Cornell) and has served as an important addition to Inklings by adding broadcast journalism to the mix provided by the award winning Inklings News. In its first year, On the Wreckord won several NFPW National Communications Contest awards as well as being included in Staples’ Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Crown Award. Inklings and all of its parts are a jewel in Staples’ crown and should not be cut back in any way, but instead supported and added to. Mr. DelGobbo and Ms. Fulco have devoted countless volunteer hours to Inklings that go well beyond any stipends they receive, but they are only two people and have lives outside of Staples. In a perfect world, another staff member should be added to the journalism program, not programs taken away. If this is not possible, perhaps there is a broadcast journalism professional in town who is willing to step up and lead these eager and talented students? At a period of time where journalism is under attack and in which all forms of broadcast journalism are growing, young people need to be trained properly and their interest and creativity encouraged. Please SAVE On the Wreckord!