 By Ashlynn Vernile '26
This freshly released single is a song I’ve “heard” a thousand times. On April 17, Olivia Rodrigo released her single “Drop Dead,” produced by Geffen Records and directed by Petra Collins. This track serves as the first taste of Rodrigo’s upcoming album, “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love” (releasing June 12). While filming the video in the Palace of Versailles allows Rodrigo to embody a “modern Marie Antoinette,” the song itself feels stuck in her 16-year-old self. After listening to this song hundreds of times, I can tell you with full confidence: This is something you have 100% heard before. Looking back at her past albums like “SOUR,” released May 21, 2021, and “GUTS,” released Sept. 8, 2023, we have seen her personal growth. And while there has certainly been progress in her music career, she seems to be stuck in her “punk princess” box, afraid to lean into the maturity expected at her age. Columnists like Sarah Neighbor have already flagged the single's lack of originality, noting, “Olivia Rodrigo’s new single ‘Drop Dead’ feels like a step down in quality and originality compared to her previous work rather than expanding them.” These limitations are prominent in her new single. “Drop Dead” relies on the same quiet-verse, loud-chorus formula she began with five years ago. Lines in this song are easily things we’ve all written in our diaries: “Oh, one night I was bored in bed / And stalked you on the internet / It's feminine intuition.” Or the lyrics, “I've been droppin' hints all night / That I'd love if you held my hand, goddamn.” I mean, come on, this is a classic angry teenage girl trope. Critics notice the "safety" of her choices, too. Anya L. Henry, a contributor for The Harvard Crimson, argued, “Rodrigo is holding back by using such a familiar sound.” The single feels less like a signature melody and more like a safety net. While it’s effective for her audience, it honestly feels like Rodrigo is repainting a room she has lived in for five years. If this is the route she continues to follow, her “relatable” aesthetic starts to feel less like a diary and more like a costume. If “Drop Dead” is a window into her next album, there is little hope for a new Rodrigo; she might have already peaked with “SOUR” and “GUTS.” As a 17-year-old girl now, I hope to have more going for me when I'm in my 20s. Rodrigo should wish the same; maybe then her music will feel more like a career rather than just a repetitive teenage dream driven by three emotions.
0 Comments
 by Sara Beaupre '27
From “Grey’s Anatomy” to “Scrubs” to “ER,” the trope of the medical drama has been done and redone 100 times over. But none of those shows dive quite as deep into the inner workings of the emergency department as HBO’s “The Pitt”. Each episode follows one hour in the Pittsburgh Medical Center, but in contrast to previous shows, “The Pitt” doesn’t revolve around the characters' personal lives interspersed with medical procedures. It is an adrenaline-filled, gritty reality of what healthcare workers go through daily. One of the major themes of this season was mental health. Healthcare workers see death, tragedy, and heartbreak every single day, and “The Pitt” proves that you can only take so much before you fall apart. Click "READ MORE" to read the rest of Sara's Piece  by Jazz-Lyn Roberts '26
A decade after the airing of the series finale, “The Vampire Diaries” remains a show I will always rewatch. It premiered in 2009 and quickly became one of the defining programs of its time, combining supernatural drama, romance and just enough insanity to keep you emotionally committed. The drama of a love triangle between "Delena" and "Stelena" (and even other "ships" like "Klaroline") is captivating. The suspense of a crumbling supernatural world and the characters’ fight to fix it is bewitching. This show lures you in before you realize it, fueled by the desire to know what happens next. Almost 10 years later, the major question remains: Is it still worth watching today? “The Vampire Diaries” thrives on its characters. Elena, Stefan and Damon are at the center of the plot. Their interactions, particularly the choice between the "hero" brother and the "villain" brother, kept fans engaged for years. Elena's undeniable chemistry with Damon creates a constant dilemma. Her timing in choosing between her love for Stefan and her love for Damon keeps viewers conflicted and fuels the suspense. What makes the show stand out even today is how emotionally charged it is. The program is not just about vampires; it explores grief, loyalty, identity and sacrifice. Even after years have passed, that emotional weight remains. However, watching it now, you can clearly feel some of the early 2010s TV tropes. The drama can be over-the-top, especially with the way characters die and are frequently brought back to life. Some plotlines become repetitious or take longer than necessary. As the seasons progress, the plot grows more sophisticated (and occasionally chaotic), particularly with the constant introduction of new adversaries and otherworldly rules. Not every season is of equal quality, and long-time fans will acknowledge there are some rough patches along the road. Despite these hurdles, the show possesses a quality that many recent series struggle to match. It is easy to fall back into the story thanks to the cast’s chemistry and the dramatic highs and lows. It’s the type of show where you promise to watch just one episode, and suddenly you’re halfway through another season. Another reason it still works is nostalgia. For those who saw it during its first run, it recalls a distinct period in television history. The different tropes, plot twists and character developments are alluring and always recapture the audience's attention. Even new viewers will find something inviting in its shameless commitment to drama and romance. It does not strive to be subtle, and that is part of its appeal. For first-time viewers, the show offers a fascinating mix of the supernatural world and the normal one. So, is “The Vampire Diaries” still worth viewing almost a decade later? If you appreciate character-driven storylines, deep relationships and a combination of supernatural and emotional storytelling, this is for you. It may not be perfect, but its connection with its audience elevates it above the typical teen drama. It’s a show that stays with you, and that alone makes it worth the watch.  by Milena Brodowicz '27
Prior to watching “The Crown,” I had no interest in the British royal family, but this drama instantly hooked me. It makes viewers feel like they are a fly on the wall at Buckingham Palace. You feel as though you are there with everyone. The music, screenplay, and moodiness of the show enchanted me. It helps viewers feel personally connected to each family member and leaves them interested in what's to come next. “The Crown” is an award-winning drama on Netflix about the British royal family. It won a Golden Globe for best television drama in 2017 and the Golden Globe for best supporting role in 2024. This show has proven its worth among other amazing dramas, and I completely agree. After watching all six seasons, I have little to no negative comments about any. Click "READ MORE" to read the rest of Milena's review By: Keyla Teixeira Moreira '26 & Joao Gabriel Garcia da Silva '26
The most remarkable and awaited night of the year is coming and expectations are high: Wethersfield High School's Senior Prom is right around the corner. On June 6th, the Senior Class will be attending The Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. If you don’t have your outfit ready yet, don't stress, we've got your back! Students are talking about where to get their dresses. Some are checking out various boutiques such as Attianas, Dynamite, David's Bridal, Mariella Creations and Macy's. We are expecting to see a variety of colors from vibrant to dark as well as different styles, textures and trends. If you want to make sure your dress is one of one, follow the WHS Senior Prom page on Instagram. View student posts for inspiration and feedback from students on the boutiques they visited. WHS Senior Chiara Gega recently purchased her dress from Dynamite Designs in Wallingford. “My experience with Dynamite was amazing. The ladies were so welcoming and nice. They helped me find the perfect dress by giving me feedback and making adjustments as needed. I felt very supported from the moment I walked in. I genuinely loved that place!” said Chiara. For students who are interested in men’s formal wear, there are several shops in the area such as Formals by Antonio in Rocky Hill, Men’s Warehouse in West Hartford, and several consignment and thrift shops that provide a variety of cost-effective selections. While tuxedos are the most traditional choice for formal wear, some choose to wear what matches their style. It is your time to stand out! In case you are experiencing financial difficulties, the school offers helpful resources. Senior Zelda Walsh runs a special, reduced-price boutique where students can look at her closet options and find the perfect dress at a very good price. Stop by the office to check out the prom clothing rack.  By Brandon Benoit '26
In the fire service, there’s a saying “Everyone runs out, we run in.” For one member of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department, running in is only the beginning. Tim Ruppar wears many uniforms. In the United States Army and the United States Air Force, he is a firefighter forged in discipline. With the Connecticut State Police (CTSP), he serves as a patrol sergeant and is an investigator for the Fire and Explosive Investigation Unit (FEIU). But in the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD), most see him as a mentor, the kind of person who proves this job is more than just work. It’s a calling. “I think it takes a certain individual,” Ruppar said. “You can learn along the way, but I think you’re born with it. It’s a calling.” Long before he ever wore a CTSP badge, Ruppar built his life in the Army. That is where he developed what firefighters call the “triple threat” skill of grit, medicine, and rescue. Even after two decades on the job, he still sees firefighting as something more than just work. “It’s a selfless service,” he explained. “You’re putting the needs of others ahead of your own. It takes a certain type of individual to step aside and realize that [the community's] needs are more important than my needs, especially when it comes to life and death situations.” From military training with the Air Force to responding to motor vehicle accidents back home on I-91, Ruppar demonstrates the importance of standing sharp under pressure and putting others first. During his time training at Goodfellow Air Force Base, he stood out among his peers and earned recognition as a Student of the Month, a sign of the work ethic and discipline that would continue to define his career. As time went on, his role shifted. He went from being the one learning the job to the one teaching it. After spending years involved in the cadet program, he now helps guide probationary firefighters who are just getting started. “I enjoy teaching younger firefighters as they move up through the ranks,” he said. “The cadet program really set me up for that.” His work with the CTSP Fire and Explosive Investigation Unit brings a different kind of intensity. It’s quieter than the fireground, but the stakes are much higher. He is the person walking into burned buildings after the flames are out, trying to figure out how it all started. He is the one walking towards the suspicious package while the world is pushed back. There is zero room for mistakes in his line of work. He also makes sure his family sees the importance of the work. “I feel like showing them the ‘why’ of why I do this is important,” Ruppar said. “It opened the door [for my son] and he saw what it meant to me.” Around the department, he is known affectionately as "Timmy.” But titles aside--soldier, investigator, firefighter--that's not what truly defines him. What defines him is simple. He shows up. He puts everyone else before himself. And he makes sure the next generation is ready to do the same. “You have to be that sponge,” he said. “You have to soak up everything around you. Learn from the most senior guys that are out there. You wanna be able to learn from the good and learn from the bad, that’s what makes a great leader.” He shows up because when the world starts to burn, someone has to stand up and put it out.  By Laura Moraes '26 and Chloey Rodriguez ‘26
April break is a highlight for many. For some people it's the thought of not having school. For others it's about hanging out with friends and family. But for a select group at Wethersfield High School, it's a break of freedom. Thirty-seven students spent their vacation exploring the vibrant culture and history of Spain and Portugal. The trip took students from the busy streets of Madrid to the quiet cobblestones of Evora. During this trip students spent time exploring the countries on their own and even with small groups. As a whole group, students toured sites spanning the cities of Lisboa, Évora, Algarve, Cape St Vincent, Sevilla, Granada, Toledo, and Madrid. They visited the small city of Evora to see the famous Capela dos Ossos where the walls and pillars are covered in thousands of real bones placed by the Franciscan monks during the 16th and 17th century. At the entrance a sign reads “Nós ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos," which translates to "We bones that are here, for yours we wait." Rather than instill fear, the chapel was built to encourage visitors to think about the value of life. For WHS students, it is a memory that they will never forget. “I thought it was very interesting to see the Chapel of Bones because it was made of real skulls. Especially when we learned that there was a butterfly made out of a human femur and a child’s skull,” said Tessa Dudek, one of the travelers on this trip. After spending days in Portugal the students crossed the border into Spain. During their time in Spain they traveled to Madrid and visited the Royal Palace of Spain. Once they arrived they stood in awe of the massive palace, with over 3,418 rooms filled with paintings. The building has over 3,418 rooms filled with gold, giant clocks, and beautiful paintings. It is one of the largest palaces in Europe and showcases the incredible power of Spain's former kings and queens. Students walked through the Throne Room and Dining Room. The grand size offered a sense of scale that is hard to find back in New England. Students appreciated this firsthand look at the wealth that built the Spanish Empire. “The Royal Palace was beautiful. It was huge and it was really cool to see how different kings and queens lived in the past. I loved the decorations of the rooms,” stated Dudek. Between the two stops students tasted local foods and saw the beauty of the Iberian countryside. They learned about the difference between the Spanish and Portuguese language, as well as how each country has its own unique style of music and art. They also listened and watched real Flamenco dancers perform. The trip was more than just a vacation. It was a chance to see the world in a new way. “I really enjoyed this trip because I got to experience a new culture. I also loved touring the cities and meeting people. Plus, I loved trying new food,” said Madisen Nieves, another student on this trip. While these travelers returned to Wethersfield with stories of gold palaces and bone chapels, they also brought back memories that will last a lifetime. The trip proved that the best way to learn history is to walk right through it. By Teagan Ardery '26
For numerous Wethersfield High school students, the world beyond the classroom has become an ultimate “living textbook.” A large population of students have decided to take their education and economic development way beyond a classroom. The classroom expands to include the “Pura Vida” lifestyle in Costa Rica to the dramatic landscapes in Iceland and the cobblestone-street history in Italy. These international trips, organized by Wethersfield High School teachers, in conjunction with EF Tours, have become a cornerstone of the high school experience. However, according to social studies teacher and one of the WHS trip leaders Mr.Carr, going to all of these international stops isn’t just for the pretty pictures and great food. It’s all about the fundamental shift in how students see themselves and the world way beyond a classroom. We call it the “living textbook” for a reason, Carr states. “You can read all about geothermal energy in a social studies book, but it won’t hit you how real it actually is until you see the steam rise from the ground at 1am in the streets of Iceland because the sun is refusing to set.” Carr highlights that these international trips were designed to create a better sense of maturity. “When you have to navigate through all the busy cities, surrounded by a language you don’t speak nor barely understand, or even have to manage your money in Euros, you learn way more and get a better understanding of how international people live than you would learn in a class for 50 minutes.” “A big proponent of experimental learning is when you are surrounded by controlled chaos. You will grow more when you’re put into an uncomfortable situation,” Carr states. The Italy trip was a lesson in the “controlled chaos,” which Carr had mentioned was important for student growth. The students had to navigate through the cobblestone streets that looked identical to each other, and were forced to adapt to a whole new foreign country. Students problem solved without having parents available to answer questions, including how to navigate the tight roads of the Amalfi Coast and budgeting euros Senior Chloey Roduigez attended the Italy trip during her junior year at Wethersfield High School. Roduigez said, "navigating through the busy cities of Rome, you had to be very aware of your surroundings. Without a parent leading the way you get put into a position where you have to learn about everything about a new country all on your own.” “Controlled chaos was surrounding us because we already knew when the flights were and which hotels had been booked, but the middle of it all is the unknown. Having to read a menu, not having a strong understanding of what they were being said, no matter how hard you try to learn that foreign language. If everything was easy, you would just be a tourist. Your brain functions better when you get put into situations to figure things out on your own.” Student success is often measured by test scores and end-of-semester grades. But for the students who have seen the 1 am sunset in the glaciers of Ireland and walked the streets of Rome at night, the true education is all measured by maturity. These international trips prove that students' growth happens then they are placed in uncomfortable situations. After the plane lands, the suitcases are unpacked, a transformative shift in perspective occurs. These students come to realize that the world reaches far beyond the classroom.  by Janelle Trujillo '26
For some people, it’s hard to find a game or show to stick with, and I’m definitely one of those people. However, “Tomodachi Life” has caught my attention and has stuck with me since the day I downloaded it. Nintendo released “Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream” on April 16, 2026. It’s available for purchase for $60 and can be played on all Nintendo Switch consoles (1, 2 and Lite). This well-anticipated game has mixed reviews from people around the world, from Australia to England to the United States. There are things I’ve heard that I agree with and a few things I disagree with; however, opinions cannot change how addicting this game has been. I cannot deny the fact that I already have over 50 hours of playtime. Creating characters—whether they’re people we personally know, characters from media or even just our original creations—and watching their interactions while rooting for friendships and relationships is what makes this game so fun.  By Leo Escudero '26 Imagine you are in 2008, hearing about a new film. It’s mixed with high tech, excellent graphics and an unconventional style. A high risk, but a high reward. If you thought of "The Dark Knight," you would be right, but there was another film that didn't get the spotlight. This week there was a 4K restoration of a 2008 film called "Speed Racer". In the past, it has been criticized because of its confusing plot, disorienting pacing and loud graphics. It was a box office failure, grossing $92 million out of an estimated $120 million budget. Even though it was a failure, the movie has a small fan base seeing it as a highly creative and beautiful film. The directors, the Wachowski sisters (also known for directing "The Matrix"), made this movie focusing on seamless transitions, colors and lightheartedness. I understand why "Speed Racer" was rated poorly, but I loved it. It had some creative decisions that were seen as conventional movie flaws, but its greatness outshines those. As a student who struggles with focusing in school and a slight car enthusiast, I related to Speed. During the flashbacks of Speed as a child, he was uninterested in school and obsessed with racing. I loved this because Speed knows what he is good at, even if it goes against the fold.  Imagine you are in 2008, hearing about a new film. It’s mixed with high tech, excellent graphics and an unconventional style. A high risk, but a high reward. If you thought of "The Dark Knight," you would be right, but there was another film that didn't get the spotlight.
This week there was a 4K restoration of a 2008 film called "Speed Racer". In the past, it has been criticized because of its confusing plot, disorienting pacing and loud graphics. It was a box office failure, grossing $92 million out of an estimated $120 million budget. Even though it was a failure, the movie has a small fan base seeing it as a highly creative and beautiful film. The directors, the Wachowski sisters (also known for directing "The Matrix"), made this movie focusing on seamless transitions, colors and lightheartedness. I understand why "Speed Racer" was rated poorly, but I loved it. It had some creative decisions that were seen as conventional movie flaws, but its greatness outshines those. As a student who struggles with focusing in school and a slight car enthusiast, I related to Speed. During the flashbacks of Speed as a child, he was uninterested in school and obsessed with racing. I loved this because Speed knows what he is good at, even if it goes against the fold.  By Alex Harrison '26
The most boring month of the year, late February 2026, had nothing going for it. We are close to the end of the school year but still far away, there are no fun holidays, and there is really nothing to look forward to. I was stuck at a tedious DECA state competition, unable to even sit comfortably in a restrictive suit and tie. The competition swallowed an entire Friday, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. While at this event (which I won, of course), I was sweating and stressing while scrolling through TikTok, when I had a sudden wave of happiness. The next “Resident Evil” game was coming out the next day. Sitting at that competition, I probably looked like a dork getting excited over videos of people playing the game early in other countries, but then I realized I was surrounded by dorks anyway. For the rest of the day, I was reading up on the new features, and it got me hyped. The game definitely lived up to the excitement, though it had parts that were absolutely horrible despite the praise they received online. On Feb. 26, 2026, the ninth “Resident Evil” installment of the main franchise was released to consoles. The game is half survival-horror and half action as you switch between characters. You play as Leon Kennedy, a D.S.O. agent tasked with stopping Umbrella (an evil version of big pharma) from creating deadly viruses and selling them to the highest bidders. You also play as Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst with a secret that builds the story's tension. Leon’s side of the story is purely action-based, while Grace’s segments are pure survival-horror. I have played a decent amount of “Resident Evil” games since I was young—specifically when my brother would force me to play them just to scare the life out of me. Because of this, every time a new game comes out, it feels nostalgic. Overall, the game does an amazing job balancing its two halves, but the action parts feel bland and rushed. Specifically, when you get to Raccoon City as Leon, you feel like you're losing your mind; you’ll likely find yourself looking up YouTube videos on how to progress after running in circles for two hours. I am even replaying the game currently with my brother, and when he was only an hour into this section, he was so annoyed he had to pause the game and walk away just to clear his head. The moral of the story: If you can get past that part without turning the console off, the game is a blast. Graphics-wise, this game is outstanding and showcases a level of animation that raises expectations for the entire industry. The combat feels more alive than any previous entry; certain attacks with short, heavily detailed animations make the experience more enjoyable. The "injured" animations are especially effective; when playing as Grace, her panic causes her to bang into walls and trip over obstacles. The story features two endings, one of which will make your jaw drop. This branching path hasn't been done in recent games and ensures you actually pay attention to the plot. While the story feels like a breath of fresh air, it does have some plot holes that will hopefully be explained in future DLC. I would give “Resident Evil Requiem” an 8/10 rating. I hate to rank it that low, but that Leon section in Raccoon City makes you want to throw your Xbox out the window and put your controller in the garbage disposal. Aside from that single segment, the horror aspect will have you terrified and yelling “RUN FASTER” at the screen the first time you play.  By Emily Beaupre '27
I sat down in front of my TV one afternoon prepared to be awed by the No. 1 movie on Netflix’s list. I watched the trailer first to make sure it was worth it. I thought it would be a good time. And boy, was I wrong. “Roommates” is a film directed by Chandler Levack and starring Devon (Sadie Sandler), a college freshman who ends up rooming with a nightmare in human form named Celeste (Chloe East). I found it on Netflix’s Top 10 list and half-expected it to be gone the next day. The entire movie is a first-hand story told by a counselor named Dr. Schilling (Sarah Sherman). She was Celeste and Devon’s RA and is now dealing with a different pair of roommates who claim to despise each other. She starts telling the story by staring out into the quad and saying, “Oh, it could be so much worse.” I feel like director Levack missed something between the script and production. This film had so much potential, but it lacked a “wow” factor to keep people thinking about it. Because in all honesty, it’s a good premise if done right. Devon is a shy girl with a loving family who becomes best friends with a fun, outgoing girl named Celeste who has a terrible family. Maybe a bit cliché, but entertaining all the same. Click "Read More" to read the rest of Emily's review  By Maya Fanelli '26 and Zach Morytko '26 Whether at Newington Arena or SDMS, the Wethersfield High School Athletic Department has celebrated a variety of wins this winter sports season across multiple teams. From ice hockey to gymnastics, many athletes have stood out among the rest by making a significant impact, helping their teams land in the winning column. Wethersfield seniors Gabby Gerardi and Lily Provost, and junior Nathan Rydecki are prime examples of athletes who have gone above and beyond to stand out among the rest while still leading the team behind them. In her 4 years as a member of the WHS Varsity Girls’ Gymnastics Team, Gabby Gerardi served as a captain in her upperclassmen years. She is also a two-time All-State and one-time All-New England recipient, which is a true showing of all the hard work she's put into the sport she's been participating in since the age of five. The senior, who captained her team along with Katherine Freitas, said, “Being a captain means being a good role model and being someone that everybody feels like they can go to for anything.” She said being a second-year captain helped her understand how to approach problems while still being someone her teammates felt comfortable talking to. “I realized that being responsible and taking more of a leadership role doesn’t have to feel like I am being mean,” said Gerardi. While leaving judges impressed with her advanced skills, one of her top priorities this season, besides focusing on her individual competition, was fostering a team environment. The WHS Gymnastics program consists of nine girls who all compete separately from one another. When asked how the team environment is kept in and out of the gym, Gerardi said, “We all are always cheering for and supporting each other during competitions. We all get excited for each other because you know how it feels to get a new skill, or make your routine. We see each other every day and because it is such a small team, we all are very close. Even outside of practice we are together all the time, whether it is at pasta dinners, brunches, or just driving around.” She will be a noticeable loss for the gymnastics team next season, considering she consistently ranked among the top gymnasts in the New England region. She plans to continue her athletic career in college because, as she stated “I just can’t picture my life without gymnastics. Seeing the results at meets and making it to New England's for high school, and regionals for clubs also makes me see that all the work does pay off.” Lily Provost, a four-year varsity player for the WHS Girls’ Basketball Team, put up impressive stats this season, averaging 6.5 points a game with a 8-12-0 team record. She also held a very important role this season, and stood alone at the top as the team's only captain and senior. “Being the only senior on my team, I wanted to include the whole team and make sure everyone was involved in making decisions for spirit days, team bonding activities and team dinners. Our team also worked together to create playlists for game days and bus rides. Also being the only senior, I wanted to make sure that everyone had rides and was included in outings to places like Panera or Dunkin. My younger sister Sarah is also on the team, so it was so fun to be able to play with her, and have a connection with the other freshmen. Overall our team had a great bond and we all supported each other throughout the whole season.” Provost described the group not just as a team, but rather a family, which is the constant they led with this season Going from having a freshman, junior-varsity, and varsity team last season, to just a combined junior-varsity and varsity team this season wasn't easy, but everyone knew their roles and they all came together when the time was right. On the court, Provost is described as a “true competitor" and as someone who “holds their head high with lots of respect for her opponents and the game itself.” She never got down on her teammates when making a mistake or challenged the refs when she didn't agree with the call. Instead, she took a deep breath and never gave up. She has an immense amount of respect for the game in the sense that she knows “the only way to win is through practice and not cheating the little things.” Nathan Rydecki is the WHS Boys’ Ice Hockey team's goalie and assistant captain. In his junior year he learned the importance of being a team leader while also being one of the most sought after goalies in the state. Being a goalie means your mistakes aren't wiped away after they happen; they show up on the scoreboard, while the other team is celebrating inches away from you. He said of being a goalie, “There is only one of me and it makes me stand out from everyone else. It also puts a lot of pressure on me to be locked in all minutes of the game. It definitely is hard mentally, too. Especially being a captain and having to take control over the team and hold everyone accountable, including myself. He also said, “I'm very hard on my teammates and I definitely push them to be the best player they can be because I know everyone's potential and what they can do with that skill.” After being told in the beginning of last season that he would not play no matter how good he was because of the two senior goalies in front of him, he used that as motivation in the off season to come back stronger, and just simply better. When asked what motivated him the most, Rydecki said, “I want to prove people wrong and keep working to eventually play at the collegiate level.” He ended the season with five shutouts and passed the career milestone of 850 saves, some games facing 40+ shots. He also found himself among elite company, being named All-conference and First Team All-State. The Eagles ended with a 11-9-0 record this year; five of those eleven wins ended with a score of 1-0. Rydecki noted that the team was able to get away with so many 1-0 wins because of the team chemistry. From the freshman to the seniors, they created a "we before me" culture and "definitely strived in pulling for each other." He looks to come back even stronger for his senior season, in hopes of getting one more run at a state championship.    By Allison Montes On May 3rd, 2026, “Baking a Difference for Chronic Pain” will raise money and awareness for chronic pain medical research. Seniors Allison Montes and Isabella Korzinski are planning this event for their National Honor Society (NHS) project. This event will take place in the Wethersfield High School cafeteria from 2-4 pm. Korzinski and Montes call for all bakers to whip something up of their choice to add to the dessert buffet. Any community member can attend to taste and vote on the array of desserts. This event is a perfect opportunity for bakers to showcase their talent and attendees to sample sweet treats. Korzinski explains, “Our event is different from the other NHS events because no one [else] is doing a pot luck. People have done bake sales and things like that but we are doing a dessert potluck. I feel like this will help the community come together more than a usual bake sale would because with a potluck everyone will be able to try each other's creations and talk about it.” NHS members must plan and implement a project to help the community. Montes and Korzinski chose to support the U.S. Pain Foundation. This nonprofit organization uses donations from people like Montes and Korzinski to offer resources, support, and information for those who are currently suffering with chronic pain. Korzinski states, “This event is very meaningful to me because I know Allison herself suffers from chronic pain and so do many of my loved ones, including my parents and grandma. It’s something that so many people have but is definitely not talked about enough.” Chronic pain impacts 51.6 million people in the United States, meaning that 20.9% of the United States population currently suffers from chronic pain. Many people may not be aware that chronic pain comes in many forms, including migraines, knee pain, foot pain, and back pain. Korzinski said, “It will mean something to the community because the hopes are that a lot of people will come together and have a good time while also learning about chronic pain and hopefully also maybe relate to one another and learn from each other, and also the resources we will provide them with the event.” Organizers are still looking for bakers to sign up for this unique event to ensure that it reaches its full potential. Those who wish to attend and access details about the event through the QR codes below.   By Brianne Davis '26
Each year, a group of seniors in the performing arts at WHS organize Cabaret for a Cause to raise money for a foundation of choice. This year, directors Maya Bartley and Brianne Davis are working hard to showcase the talent in this Cabaret to raise money for the Jimmy V Foundation. The Jimmy V Foundation is a premier nonprofit organization for cancer research, founded in 1993 by ESPN and coach Jim Valvano. The foundation focuses on accelerating research to achieve victory over cancer. “The Cabaret for a Cause is a performance put on by students, where two to three seniors raise money for a certain cause. It’s a way to give back to a cause by doing what we love most, which is performing.” Bartley said. The senior team this year is working together to create this show in less than a month. Co-Directors Bartley and Davis, with Davis also in charge of choreography, are joined by music director Sophia Scheinberg as well as student producer and advertiser Jenevieve Haggerty. Cabaret for a cause includes many musical theater and Disney songs with shows ranging from Wicked, Les Mis and The Little Mermaid to The Muppets. There will be vocally challenging songs, like One Day More; fun filled dance numbers, such as The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing; and other, all-around fantastic performances. On the night of the show, there will be many ways supporters can donate to this cause. Supporters can donate by buying tickets, concessions, and purchasing raffle tickets for the chance to win a raffle basket. The clubs of WHS have created raffle baskets to be sold on the night of the event. “Our goal is to raise around $5,000. People can donate money by buying a ticket to the event or donating through our link on our Instagram page, Cabaretforacause2026. All money that is made on the night of the event goes directly to the cause,” said Bartley. The event is on May 2nd at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 for students and seniors, $15 for general admission. You can buy tickets at the door or online at cur8.com, If you can't make it, you can make a donation here.  Photo Credit: LA Times By: Gabriel Rivera '26
Not once in my life have I heard a blend of hyperpop and rock like this, and Slayyyter executed it in the best way she could have. This album is the perfect mix between chill, emotional music that you’d listen to in bed and hardcore beats that get you moving. After a long intro, we reach the first song of the album, “DANCE.” It has pretty much what you’d expect in an album this big: good mixing, amazing vocals and overall a solid track with not much to talk about. Now, let’s get three songs out of the way real quick. “CRANK,” “YES GODDD” and “I’M ACTUALLY KINDA FAMOUS” all encapsulate the same feeling: noisy, but in a very good way. These tracks capture the essence of screamo metal in a poppy tone, with distorted, screamy vocals and heavy bass. My personal favorite of these three is “YES GODDD,” as it incorporates more rock and metal elements than the others, which is very clear when you listen to the live version. “GAS STATION” focuses more on lyrics and serves as an emotional song that, according to Slayyyter in an interview, is actually about her father and a time he left her at a gas station. This song, along with “UNKNOWN LOVERZ,” works very well as they are two of the calmer songs on the album. These two tracks make me want to relax and think about life, but also make me want to start dancing at the same time. Now, onto some of the best songs in the album. I can’t decide which one of these is my favorite. “OLD FLING$” and “$T. LOSER” both have absolutely beautiful vocals and make you feel like you’re in the clouds. “Brittany Murphy” focuses on very deep themes and, had the album not blown up the way it did, would’ve been the last song Slayyyter released and would symbolize the death of her music career. Overall, this album is a must-hear for anyone who loves loud music like metal and hyperpop. Even if that’s not your style, this album is still worth checking out for the calmer tracks.  By Jack Berube '26
The Official World Golf Ranking says Scottie Scheffler is the best player on the planet, but the leaderboards at TPC Sawgrass tell a whole different story. The golf world expected a return to the top at The Players Championship, but Scheffler spent his weekend fighting an ice cold putter and a lackluster performance everywhere else, eventually limping to a T22 finish. With the $4.5 million winner's check going to Cameron Young, the gap between Scheffler’s reputation and his 2026 reality has never looked wider. At the start of the 2026 season, things couldn't have looked better for Scottie, as he won the first tournament of the year at the American Express by a respectable margin of 4 strokes. “Clearly, Scheffler is just picking up in 2026 where he left off a few months ago. If Sunday’s win is any indication, he is gearing up for yet another dominant, historic season that nobody in the golf world seems capable of slowing down,” wrote Ryan Young, a yahoo sports reporter about Scottie’s upcoming season after his start of the season win. Next came the WM Phoenix Open, where Scheffler placed T3. Then the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (T4). And then The Genesis Invitational. While, the WM, and the Pebble Beach Pro-Am were very respectable finishes, the Genesis is where the struggle really started to pick up. The Genesis was the real first sign of the “ice-cold putter.” His ball striking remained elite, but his strokes gained putting suffered a major dip into the negatives. With positive feedback from reporters and other analysts, outlooks still were looking good for Scottie, despite his disappointing Genesis Invitational performance. He still had 3 rounds in the top 5, one of which was a win at the American Express. This was until his recent Florida drought, where he desperately struggled to make the cut during the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay hill (a course he usually eats up), and the recent Players Championship tournament. In both tournaments, he made numerous, uncharacteristic bogeys, and even played rounds where he struggled to break 70. As the Tour heads toward Augusta, the question isn't whether Scottie Scheffler is still a great golfer. His bank account and world ranking say he is. The question is whether he can still be a dominant one. In 2025, he was the gold standard of a PGA Tour golfer; in 2026, he’s just another elite player fighting a bad putter and a slow-starting engine. If he doesn't find that lost rhythm soon, the green jacket might be heading home with someone else. If you want to know how the golf world truly feels about a player, look at the sportsbooks. Following his four-stroke masterclass at the American Express in January, Scheffler was a gambler's favorite. His odds to win the 2026 Masters were at a huge +275. In a field of 90 elite professionals, that’s basically saying there was a 1-in-4 chance the The Masters tournament was already his. But after the mentioned Florida Draught, following his T22 finish at TPC Sawgrass, his odds shifted to +430. To a casual observer, that's just a small shift. But in the gambling world, that's a sign maybe not to bet on world number 1, Scottie Scheffler to take home the green jacket.  Students participating in their P.E lesson by playing a game of balloon volleyball. By Brianne Davis '26
Special education is a learning environment that implements services to offer support and tailor instruction to help those students in need to receive an equal education. Wethersfield High School has found a new way to elevate its special education this semester. A group of teachers worked together to execute a new Integrated Arts class. This class is like every other P.E., Art, and Music class. Teachers Ms. Haas (Art), Mrs. McNeal (P.E.), and Ms. Morrisroe (Music), have found a way to elevate a typical class. They have chosen a group of students to assist and be their leaders in this class. The teachers were looking for a way to integrate both typical peers and the school's special education population, in a way that would be beneficial for both groups. Integrated Arts Music teacher at WHS said, Ms. Morrisroe said, “The overall goal is for our special ed students to form positive relationships, and make them feel comfortable to form positive relationships in a smaller class size.” The student helpers are partnered with one classmate to become a close support system. The student helpers create lesson plans for each class based on their peers' needs. All of the students work together to participate in the daily activities. “Students learn ways to refine their fine motor skills and their creative side for art, their rhythm accuracy and pitch accuracy, and their collaboration for music, and for P.E. just finding things that are keeping their bodies active but also helping them learn lessons about teamwork and coordination.” Morrisroe said. The Integrated Arts class was launched in January, at the start of the second semester. Students participating in their P.E lesson by playing a game of balloon volleyball. By Dylan Cyr '26
On Wednesday, April 8, Wethersfield High School hosted its annual career fair, featuring roughly 60 businesses that set up in Gym A, ready to begin networking. Every year, Mark Danaher works diligently to reach out to different businesses and set up this incredible event. With the straight eight schedule, all four grades were given 30 minutes to meet with companies and learn about many different careers. The goal of these career fairs is to network with and learn more about different industries so that when students are ready to join the workforce, they are able to build important connections and relationships with others in the industry. Our WHS career fair does exactly that. Each featured business made an extraordinary effort to welcome students and help them feel comfortable and confident in an otherwise stressful environment. When it was my turn to explore the gym floor, I wanted to get input from different companies, asking them what their goal is and why they enjoy coming to the career fair. To start off, I first talked to Jennifer Morgenthau from Jennifer Morgenthau Architect. "Honestly our goal is to educate students about really what an architect is," Morgenthau said. She later continued, "I’m also here to tell students about the Student Design Competition that the HBRA puts on once a year". For the students who may be into architecture and had the chance to talk to her, they had the opportunity to talk face to face with one of the judges of the HBRA competition. I also had the chance to talk to a representative at SLAM Collaborative. "We really want to let people know about the profession of architecture which seems to be a little bit abstract at the high school level," they said. Later on, I asked these companies what their favorite part about being in the career fair was. Kyle Lentini from Downes Construction said, "My favorite thing is just being able to give back a little bit". My final interview was with the Construction Education Center, where a representative said, "This is one of my favorite career fairs to go to in the entire state. I love coming here and talking to the Wethersfield students because they all bring a level of energy and enthusiasm that you don’t see at every career fair". Now, even though all of my interviews are from companies related to construction or architecture, they—along with every other company that came on Wednesday—follow the same agenda: reaching out to the youth to spark inspiration and bring attention to careers they may not have thought about otherwise. The career fair is a great chance for students to explore their options while giving companies the opportunity to give back to the community. REVIEW: ‘FC 26’ Scores with Authentic Gameplay, Even if Corporate Greed Still Plays Defense4/24/2026  by Leo Najarro '26
Football isn’t just about stats and physics; it’s about the high-stakes drama that unfolds over 90 minutes. “EA Sports FC 26” manages to capture that magic better than ever, delivering a technical evolution that finally prioritizes the soul of the sport over arcade-style speed. By introducing a distinct split between authentic and competitive gameplay, the series offers a more grounded experience. Playing on "authentic" mode at World Class difficulty transforms the match into a tactical chess game where dribbling feels "sticky" and intentional. Even the goalkeepers have evolved, using new AI to study your habits and guard the net like actual world-class athletes. That said, while the action on the pitch is arguably the best it has been in years, the “off-pitch” side is more uneven. Career Mode feels more engaging thanks to Manager Live challenges and unpredictable moments like player injuries or coach delays, but the heavy push of the Season Pass into single-player modes is a distraction that is hard to ignore. If you can look past the monetization, the improved core gameplay and the new archetype system in clubs are deep enough to make it a solid upgrade, though it still feels like EA is only a small step away from getting the balance right. Unlike the repetitive “friendlies” from “FC 25,” these have players set up specific squads for short, high-intensity tournaments. The result is that the "meta" stays fresher, and you are less likely to see every team looking identical within the first month. In Career Mode, Manager Live challenges add a narrative layer that was previously missing. It is no longer just about clicking through menus; you are making real decisions that can shape the entire season (often under pressure), like handling a mid-season injury crisis or managing tension in the locker room. “EA Sports FC 26” feels like what “FC 25” should have been from the beginning. It fixes the physics “glitchiness” that too often made players trip over each other, and it introduces teammates with smarter AI who actually make creative runs. For Career Mode fans, Manager Live challenges keep things feeling less repetitive with fresh storylines to chase. Omer, a Wethersfield High School senior, says, "Whether you're under the lights at Cottone Field or playing on the world stage in ‘FC 26,’ the goal remains the same: You play for the name on the front of the jersey so they remember the name on the back. Once a Blue Eagle, always a Blue Eagle." If “FC 25” left you annoyed because it didn't feel responsive enough, then “FC 26” is a must-buy upgrade. It strikes a much better balance between being a simulation and still feeling like a fun, engaging video game. |
About UsWritten, edited, and produced by Wethersfield High School students, covering all news and events. Categories
All
Archives
May 2026
|
RSS Feed