And the average American consumes up to 1,000 microplastic particles from bottled water — every week.
51 trillion tons of microplastics float in our oceans. Together they weigh over 234,000 tons — and pollute even the deepest parts of our marine ecosystems.
Microplastic particles reduce photosynthesis in crops like wheat, rice and corn by up to 14%. That puts up 400 million people at risk of starvation, over the next 20 years.
A minuscule amount of the world’s plastic water bottles.
Those frightening statistics come from Sienna Schwartz.
But the young Westporter does more than just warn people about our wasteful ways, and our planet’s grim future.
She’s doing something about it.
Move over, Greta Thunberg. Make way for Sienna Schwartz.
Sienna Schwartz
The Staples High School rising junior has created a superb website and Instagram.
Speckless — whose tagline is “Everyday Choices. Extraordinary Impact” — is well-designed, and wide-ranging.
It raises awareness of the dangers of microplastics. It offers simple actions anyone can take. And it provides links to practical alternatives to plastic products.
Speckless is the antidote to 2 constant complaints: We’re destroying our environment. And young people don’t care about anyone except themselves.
Sienna is passionate about both human and envornmental health. When she realized the extent of microplastics — they’re in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe — she was equally stunned by how few people realize the dangers.
Her research began while writing a proposal for a study she plans to conduct this year. It focuses on how microplastics affect C. elegans worms under different bacterial environments.
After spending hours each day diving into scientific papers, she realized the wide spread of microplastic pollution.
That led to #MicroplasticMonday posts. She searched online for practical, high-impact swaps, which turned into #SustainableSwapFriday series.
She found dozens of microplastic-free products too: bottles, mugs, cast iron skillets, ceramic mixing bowls, glass spice jars, shampoos and conditioners, shorts, baseball caps, windbreakers, and much more.
Three of Speckless’ many microplastics-free products.
Feedback has been great, Sienna says. Readers are often shocked to learn the extent — and danger — of microplastic particles.
Her hope of course is that people then take action: reducing use, finding alternatives, educating others.
Microplastics are tiny. Individual actions are, too.
But Sienna Schwartz knows that, together, we can make an impact on our soil, our oceans, our air.
They washed, polished exteriors, and scrubbed interiors (including steam cleaning, and shampooing carpets and seats, among many other services).
They used a foam cannon and pressure washer — not a hose — and earned raves from customers.
They still do all that — and much more. Since that story ran, they’ve gone into overdrive.
Christian Rinaldi (right) and Kyle Dulak, showing off their work. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Christian — who founded CK Mobile Car Detailings — has upped their game by training with Steven Vitaliani of Fairfield’s Auto Spa. He has taken his mentor’s generous help to heart.
(Steven just wants to help young people, Christian says. And, he points out, the Auto Spa is on-site in Southport, while Christian and Kyle travel to customers’ homes.)
Christian and Kyle now offer 3 packages: Bronze, Diamond and F1 (click here for details).
Add-on options include engine bay, black trim and/or leather restoration, and paint correction.
The pair have an extensive checklist. They double-check every item, making sure nothing is missed.
“I’ve learned a lot of business skills by communicating with customers,” Christian says.
It shows. When he came to my condo — wearing his CK-branded shirt — he handed me his business card, clearly explained the process, and asked if I had any questions.
I know many Westport companies that could hire Christian to teach employees about customer service.
A customer recently asked, “Can you just make it look nice?”
Of course, Christian replied. But, he said, he and Kyle are committed to cleaning every crevice.
Christian works on the interior of my car …
Christian knows that his prices are higher than some car washes, which also offer detailing.
But, he says, he has invested thousands of dollars in equipment.
In addition, he notes, “they don’t maintain their materials.” He handwashes every thing — including buckets — with hot water and soap, every night. He uses a special detergent for his towels.
Christian refills all his chemicals regularly. He says he has learned a lot about math, working with dilutions.
He uses top-grade products for everything — and eco-friendly, safe cleaning solutions.
… and the exterior. When he was done, he got rid of all the soapy water.
Customers are delighted with CK’s services. “They really like and respect our work,” Christian says. “That means a lot.”
He and Kyle are hustling. They work hard for their money. They pour some of it back into their company. Materials are expensive, and Christian recently bought a large crate that keeps everything organized.
Some of Christian’s earnings may go toward his next business venture: his own wrapping and tinting shop.
But for now, it’s all detailing, all the time.
No job is too big, or too small. Every one gets the same professional attention, from very professional teenagers Christian Rinaldi and Kyle Dulak.
Yesterday’s power outage at Post Road East and Myrtle Avenue seemed to come out of the blue.
But there was a good reason for it. A retired former Connecticut Light & Power director explains: “A little wind — actually just over 40 mph — but the real culprit is the very tall trees growing above the 3-phase primary.
“The company has been trimming its circuits on 4-year cycles for many decades, and patrolling all backbone primary circuits each of the 3 interim years between major cycle trims, looking for signs of trouble in any of the trees growing above the circuits.
“But in most parts of the country the utility trims all branches that are above these circuits, so there is nothing but blue sky above when standing beneath the circuits and looking up.
“Unfortunately, Westport historically denied trimming to that extent. So when a strong wind takes an overhanging tree limb, or sometimes an entire tree is uprooted, you get a major outage as occurred there Friday — keeping 597 customers out of power for hours.
“This brings back memories of major storm-related outages in town: Isaias (early August, 2020 when 97% of customers lost power, some for nearly 2 weeks!), Super Storm Sandy (October 2012), Snowtober Storm (Halloween 2011), Storm Irene (August 2011), March nor’easter (March 2010), Winter Double Nor’easter (mid-January 2006), “Perfect Storm” (late fall 1991), Hurricane Bob (August 1991), Hurricane Gloria (October 1985) … all had strong winds and with its tree cover, Westport was usually one of the worst towns in the state as measured by percentage of customers out of power at the peak of the storm.”
Eversource crews working on the outage (with tree cover above). (Photo/Mark Mathias)
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Speaking of the environment: We’re #1!
At least. Westport and Weston are in terms of electric vehicle ownership.
CT Mirror reports today that while just 2.7% of all vehicles in the state are electric, the figures are 10.4% and 10.1% respectively, for our 2 towns.
Every Thursday, the Imperial Avenue parking lot teems with vendors offering fresh ways to prepare fresh food (and not just produce — there’s meat, baked goods and more). Musicians perform. It’s fun, funky and alive.
There’s a lot to do, and see. It’s a photographer’s paradise too.
Which is why, for nearly a decade, the WFM has run Young Shoots: a digital photography competition for students ages 5-18.
Local artists will judge the entries, by age group. There’s a show on August 20 at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center. Winners will be announced (and receive cash prizes).
New this year: Every week, a new photo will be featured on “06880” (and displayed at the Imperial Avenue market).
Take it from Miggs Burroughs, noted local artist and Young Shoots co-chair: “Not only does this contest give young talent an opportunity to shine like ripe tomatoes, but it nourishes the community with a feast of photographic goodness!”
Click here for details. The deadline is August 8. The contest is a partnership between the Westport Farmers’ Market, the Artists Collective of Westport, and the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center.
There were honors galore, at the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s 101st annual meeting this week. They include:
Lee J. Edelstein Volunteer of the Year: Kristin McKinney
Allen Raymond Legacy & Impact Award: Rosemary Halstead
Edward T. Bedford Outstanding Youth Award, Dani Schwartz, Grant Slippen
Star Employee Recognition Awards:
Paul I. Becker Employee of the Year: Patrick Freeman
Above & Beyond: Victoria Walters
Commitment to Mission: Brian Ference
Relationship Champion: Alison Ligi
Rookie of the Year: Miles Grinnell
The event concluded with US Paralympic athlete Matthew Torres’ surprise appearance to present competitive swimming director Ellen Johnston with the Order of Ikkos. The prestigious honor is awarded by Olympic and Paralympic medalists to the coach or mentor who most influenced their success.
Ellen Johnston receives her Order of Ikkos from Matthew Torres. (Photo/Emily MacDaniel)
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Congratulations to Michael Ances!
The Staples High School graduate — and longtime Monroe Public Schools music teacher — is the district’s Teacher of the Year.
Ances — now serving as Masuk High band director — has taught in nearly every school in Monroe.
He goot his start as a 5th grade trumpet player, under the tutelage of Nick Mariconda at Saugatuck Elementary School.
Ances — who also serves as musical director and pit band conductor of the annual high school musical, and the district’s performing arts coordinator — has never forgotten his Westport roots.
In a long story in the Monroe Sun, Ances recalls playing at Radio City Music Hall with the Staples band.
And when Mariconda — who went on to lead the SHS band — retired, Ances and fellow trumpeters Andrew Wilmott and Jon Owens celebrated him with “Bugler’s Holiday, at the annual Westport Pops Concert.
One character tells another that there is a hierarchy of humanity: “#1 Lesbians; #2 Gay Men.”
Then he says: “Imagine a world without us. Clothing, interior design, hair, makeup, choreography, art, theatre, food, topiary. Basically, you’d be left with the gray, ugly world of Eastern Europe during the Cold War or, worse, the soul-searching blandness of, say, greater Westport, Connecticut.”
Despite — or perhaps because of — lines like that, it’s got a 4.6 rating on Amazon. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)
Barn swallows fly quickly, in and out of the parking garage at the Riverside Avenue medical office complex. Every year, they nest above the lights.
Johanna Keyser Rossi caught one of the birds, in a rare still moment, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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And finally … Lou Christie died Wednesday, at his Pittsburgh home. The falsetto singer was 82.
Best known for his #1 song “Lightnin’ Strikes,” he had several other hits. His follow-up to “Lightin'” — “Rhapsody in the Rain” — was banned by many stations, due to its explicit lyrics about “making love in a storm.” (“And in this car, our love went much too far …”) You get the idea.
(It’s a hot weekend in Westport. But whatever the weather, “06880” is here — 24/7/365. If you appreciate our hyper-local coverage of our town, please click here to support our work. Thanks!
For nearly a century, the Yankee Doodle Fair has marked the beginning of summer.
Every June as the school year ends, the Westport Woman’s Club fundraiser has thrilled and entertained generations of kids.
Young ones go for the rides, the food, the chance to win (possibly rigged) games.
Teenagers go to strut, to flirt, to see and be seen.
Older folks enjoy the Yankee Doodle Fair too, for its raffles, bake sales, and chance to relive their childhoods with their children (until middle school, when they scoot off with friends).
“06880”‘s rock star photographer, Staples High junior Ryan Allen, was at the Imperial Avenue fairground, capturing the colorful sights.
He nailed it, as these great photos show.
To enjoy the sounds and smells though, you have to go yourself. It’s on today (Saturday) from 1 to 10 p.m., and tomorrow (Sunday) from 1 to 5 p.m.
From COVID to climate change to an uncertain new world order, life has not been easy for the Class of 2025.
But the weather was perfect last night, for Staples High School’s 138th graduation ceremony.
The sky was blue. So too were the robes worn by the 430-plus graduates.
The air was warm. So were the smiles of the seniors (and their relatives, friends and teachers).
Principal Stafford Thomas remembered Max Harper — the young man who died in an accident last fall — as a “ray of light.”
Staples principal Stafford Thomas.
Thomas also spoke about the seniors’ “shared voyage through the most competitive high school in Connecticut.” But, he noted, “you didn’t just chase excellence. You built community.” And, he assured them, “this harbor will always be home.”
Choral members repeated that theme, with a stirring rendition of “The Road Home.”
Choralaires and senior choral members, conducted by Lauren Pine.
Valedictorian Abe Lobsenz and salutatorian Matty Guadarrama spoke both personally, and to the class as a whole. Luca Caniato and Alexandra Hackett led the turning of the tassel.
Valedictorian Abe Lobsenz
And then – like 137 classes before them — the Staples seniors became Staples graduates, ready to take their place in the world.
“06880” photographer (and Staples sophomore) Ryan Allen captured the joy of the day.
From left: Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, assistant principal Patrick Micinilio and principal Stafford Thomas lead the processional.
Principal Thomas acknowledged 2 graduates who will join the armed forces: Morgan Samuel (Coast Guard, above) and Alessandro Alderucci (Boston College ROTC).
Head football coach Matty Jacowleff, helping out on the stage.
A fist bump for the principal.
Two joyful graduates …
… and a third.
Luca Caniato and Alexandra Hackett prepare to turn the tassels.
Celebrating with friends …
… and family.
A job well done, Class of 2025! (All photos/Ryan Allen)
For 48 hours, the Staples High music department scrambled.
Moving the Westport Pops concert — a beloved Levitt Pavilion tradition — into the school’s auditorium, due to the threat of thunderstorms, was a mammoth task.
But they did it. Arranging a new sound system, re-staging the show, feeding the 200 musicians and many more attendees — all went flawlessly, thanks to the staff, many helpers, and the Staples Music Parents Association.
The result was another spectacular performance. Vocal groups large and small; the Symphonic Band and Orchestra; the Jazz Ensemble — all wowed the crowd.
In the end, there were no thunderstorms outside.
But indoors, Staples musicians captured lightning in a bottle.
Sara Stanley and Will McCrea warm up the crowd, with “My Green Light.”
Andrew Maskoff (keyboard) and Seamus Brannigan (drums) entertain before the show.
Ian Green solos on “Song For My Father.”
Cat Betit belts out “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”
As pre-show acts play, and the orchestra takes their seats, the audience settles in …
… and the choral groups get ready.
Tony Award-winning actor Jim Naughton emcees …
… and his grandson, Owen Naughton, plays keyboard.
Kevin Mazzarella leads the Jazz Ensemble.
Multi-talented Andrew Maskoff wows the crowd with “Sway.”
Wreckapellas have fun with “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”
Coldplay’s “VIva La Vida” gets the string treatment from Kendra Cheng, Luca Caniato and Zach Gillman.
Choralaires perform “When You Wish Upon a Star.”
Eva Slossberg and Mia Zibly join the orchestra for “Skyfall.”
Music teachers who make it all happen: Lauren Pine, Jeri Brima, Carrie Mascaro, Kevin Mazzarella. Not pictured: Caitlin Serpliss, Mary Gardner. (All photos/Dan Woog)
(“06880” covers many outstanding events in Westport schools. If you enjoy our spotlights on a wide variety activities, please click here to support our work. Thank you!
Tucked near the basketball courts at Compo Beach sits a park that for years has served as a haven for Westport’s skaters.
But today, cracks are showing — literally and figuratively.
Wooden ramps are rotting. Nails come loose. And while the energy of the local skate community remains strong, the park itself struggles to keep up.
Skate park ramp …
Seamus Brannigan, a Staples High School junior, has enjoyed skating for years. Yet he recognizes the park’s issues.
“It’s gotten to a point where it is barely skateable,” he says. “The wooden ramps are falling apart, and the whole park needs to be replaced.”
For Brannigan and many others, skating is more than a sport. He also feels part of a strong group.
That sense of camaraderie might now be in danger.
“I love skating because it’s a place and a community where I can meet people with interests like mine. It’s a place where all people are welcome,” Brannigan says.
His solution: “a full concrete park like the one in Norwalk. It would last for decades.”
… and a wider view. (Photos/Katherine Phelps)
The idea of rebuilding the Compo skate park is not new. There’s already some funding in the Parks & Recreation Department budget for repairs. It’s about $10,000 annually, which does not stretch far.
Jesse Bauks, an English teacher at Staples and longtime advisor to the school’s Skate Club, has seen the park’s decline first hand. He too believes it’s time for a change.
“The skate park is falling apart — rotten wood, loose screws and nails — really just due to age and exposure to the elements,” Bauks says.
“There is a group of pickleball folks looking to expand their space, and the current location of the skate park makes for a good place for that to happen. So the future of this space as a skate park seems to be up in the air.”
Last year, Parks & Rec removed and rebuilt one of the large ramps with help from parks supervisor Mike West, thanks in part to $1,200 from student-led fundraisers.
However, Bauks says a more significant investment is necessary.
“To really rebuild the park — like they did in Norwalk — could cost anywhere from $250,000 to $1 million, depending on whether it’s done in wood or poured concrete,” he explains.
The Compo Beach skate park, in 2021.
Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri, who started in March, is aware of the skate park’s condition. He is open to conversations about its future.
While still settling into his role, Barbieri has already earned a reputation for listening, and understanding the importance of youth spaces.
While nothing definitive is yet planned, skaters are taking initiative by organizing, raising awareness, and pushing for change.
“A concrete park could serve Westport’s youth for decades,” Brannigan says.
“This is more than just a park — it’s our community.”
(“06880” covers issues of concern to Westporters of all ages. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Our skaters and our staffers thank you!)
They teach goal-setting. Perseverance. Dealing with disappointment. Learning to win with class, and lose without being a jerk.
Working as a team. Working with different personalities. Pushing your body. Having fun. The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat.
Youth sports are also so bad, on so many levels.
There are parental pressures, and unrealistic expectations. Coaches’ pressures, with their own unrealistic expectations. The high cost of “pay to play.” Specialization. Burnout.
Misplaced values. Time. Traveling each weekend to play “showcase” tournaments (which really aren’t), against teams from the next town.
The other night, “06880” teamed up with young adult author Tommy Greenwald, to present a special panel.
“Fair Play and Foul Behavior: Issues Facing Youth Sports in Today’s World” focused on many of the issues noted above.
It was an expert group. They hit it out of the park.
Panelists included:
Tommy Greenwald: former Staples High School soccer state champion captain; father of 3 athletes; author of several books highlight the pressures and joys of youth sports
VJ Sarullo, Staples athletic director
Dave Smith, father of 4 athletes who writes frequently on youth sports topics
Caleb Smith, former Staples quarterback, basketball and All-American lacrosse star, who played football and club lacrosse this year at the University of Connecticut
Heather Talbott, PAL girls lacrosse co-president and basketball organizer; former lacrosse player at Lehigh University
Mark Pressman, longtime football and softball official.
If you missed the panel — perhaps you were picking up your kids from practice, or coaching a team yourself — we’ve got you covered.
(Panels like this one are one more service of “06880.” If you enjoy the many ways we cover — and educate — our community, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Staples High teachers Jim Honeycutt and Mike Zito spent many years running the school’s Media Lab.
Jim Honeycutt
They’re retired now, but have followed the radio and TV productions — and more — with great interest. In response to Sunday’s “06880” Opinion piece about the “On the Wreckord” show, they write:
We support Kasey Feeley and her passionate advocacy for “On the Wreckord.”
We started the Staples TV program “Good Morning Staples” around 2011. We had so much support from the Staples administration that our teaching load was reduced to 4 classes, to allow us the time to produce the show twice a week with our TV Production classes.
The 2 TV classes had 4 periods each week to produce a 20-minute “Good Morning Staples” show. We worked frantically, but managed for each class to get a show out each week.
The first “Good Morning Staples” show (including yours truly) …
Jim’s motto for the show was “Building Community Through Communication.” Twice a week during the school’s “Communication Time,” it was shown throughout the school. Everything stopped, in every classroom.
Our last “GMS” aired June 2016, the year we retired.
Unfortunately, the show was not sustained. The media program is still very successful, but went in a different direction.
Years later English instructor Mary Elizabeth Fulco contacted Jim for help. Inklings — the school paper — was interested in broadcasting a show similar to “GMS.”
Both of us helped. We worked with one student, and made some suggestions.
We watched the shows get better and better as time went by. They were well on their way.
Mike Zito, in the Staples Media Lab.
It would be more than a shame for “On the Wreckord” to go the way of “GMS.”
“On the Wreckord” will be a key to many students’ future college and career paths. We have had incredibly talented students over the years grace our TV shows. Eric Gallanty, DJ Sixsmith and Cooper Boardman are 3 who come immediately to mind. They are now broadcast professionals.
Jon Karmen went on to make the hit Netflix movie “Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admission Scandal.” While at Staples, he and Jake Andrews created the RubyDog 189 channel on YouTube. “Mentos: The Fresh Maker” had over 3 million views.
Many other students have gone on to careers, in a variety of media roles.
We told our students that more video is being shot now than ever before in world history. There are many jobs and careers out there.
A 4-part “Good Morning Staples” series starred TV Production student Charlie Greenwald (right) and Spanish teacher Horacio Ballesteros. Greenwald went on to study communications at Emerson College.
I am sure Kasey Feeley will find her place in that world as well. Keeping “On the Wreckord” supported is not only the right thing to do; it is something that should be supported and expanded.
We implore the Staples administration and Board of Education to support the development of media programs like “On the Wreckord” and “Good Morning Staples.” These programs build school community, and allow students to develop media skills that they can continue into college and careers beyond.
(NOTE: All “Good Morning Staples” shows can be found on YouTube.)
(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email 06880blog@gmail.com.)
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 upfor 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.)
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Sienna is passionate about both human and envornmental health. When she realized the extent of microplastics — they’re in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe — she was equally stunned by how few people realize the dangers.
