 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.  
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 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.  By Xzavian Gomez '26
The popular game “NBA 2K26” was released Sept. 5, 2025, but for some odd reason, many people had opinions that most of us were not expecting. We’ve all heard the complaints: the game "fell off," "it’s not the same anymore," or the movement is different and the "vibes" are gone. These are prime examples of people who simply can’t adjust to change. The “2K” franchise never fell off. With new settings, professional mechanics and better graphics, “2K26” is 100% worth buying.  By Sara Beaupre '26
One would think that the ability to check up on your grades whenever you want is a good thing, but is it possible that it is causing a slip in academic performance? Is it bad that students can automatically see how much their grades drop after one missed assignment? Would it be more appropriate to release a bunch of grades at the end of each week? Many students believe that it is a good thing that they can log in whenever they need to to see their grades. However, it would also be nice for students to be able to choose. There should be choices in the settings of PowerSchool to be able to choose when they want to be updated. Options could include receiving updates at the end of each week, every other week, or at the end of each month, instead of having the entire thing stuck on one updating system. Consistent access to grades is often considered a useful tool; however, when it is abused, students may begin to decide that their grade can handle a few missed assignments. The issue isn’t quite as clear-cut as it may seem. After conducting a survey among classmates, the consensus was that being able to log in whenever they need to is a good thing. This allows them to see what they need to work on and ask for help as a result. If grades didn’t update until a set time, it would be more difficult to get the help you need, as you would have no idea what you even need help with. According to the survey, one student said: “It’s very helpful for us to have constant access to our grades, so that we know what we need to improve and work towards that.” Logically, this makes sense, because if you are unable to see your grades, you will never know when you need to ask for help. On the contrary, when a student is absent, a zero is automatically placed in the assignment slot until it is complete, which in some cases tanks their grade. For example, one student said the system "causes stress, but I do like knowing what my grade is in order to know what I need to improve it.” They admit that the constant access to grades is daunting, however helpful it may be. Ultimately, students agree with having constant access to PowerSchool. As for the frequency of the updates, that is something each student should be able to decide for themselves. Whether it is a setting you can change at will or a prompt before you log on, it should be each student’s choice. However, PowerSchool isn’t only a student tool. Teachers and administrators also have their own version that could be improved. Mrs. Hasler, a WHS vice principal, stated that she thinks it would be cool to have a system that only updated at certain intervals. She mentioned that ParentSquare, a tool for parents, has settings to change the frequency of updates. It would be helpful if those settings could also be applied to PowerSchool. Even if the fix is as simple as allowing teachers to draft grades instead of them automatically being sent out, that would be beneficial for the staff. Similarly, if students were to receive their updated grades in a digest at the end of each week, it would give teachers more time to get everything done without the added stress of a constant battery of questions from kids wanting to know what they got on their last test. Being able to log onto PowerSchool whenever you want is good, but choosing when you see those updates should be an option. Perhaps it would be nice to have something you can control when it comes to grades. So, what is your opinion? Should the system be changed, or is it good enough the way it is?  By Emily Beaupre '26
Imagine needing to use the bathroom since first period, but not being able to during class because there is never time. Finally, during lunch, there is a line four deep between you and nature's calling. “People are doing things they aren’t supposed to” is all anyone says. The next day, it is the same thing. Suddenly, your only chance to relieve yourself since you got out of bed is gone. For some students, lunch is the only break in the day when they feel comfortable going to the bathroom. Those with heavier class loads might miss key lessons if they leave during instructional time. While study halls provide breaks, not all students have them in their schedules. Consequently, lunch is the only option for many. Having to wait in a line is more than an inconvenience; it is problematic. I developed two proposals to address this. First, during lunch, students in the library and music hall could use the bathrooms in the athletic wing, while students in the art and technology education hallway could use the first-floor bathroom. This would leave the cafeteria bathrooms free for students at lunch. My second proposal suggested opening the second-floor bathrooms if the cafeteria lines become too long. I spoke to Wethersfield High School Assistant Principal Tyler Webb, who explained the administrative perspective. “There’s a whole bunch of different factors as to why it is how it is," Webb said. He noted that many proposed solutions are not feasible. Staff members cannot always block off an hour and 20 minutes a day to monitor bathroom traffic. “They have stuff to do!" Webb said. Some bathrooms are also located in areas with less foot traffic, making it easier for students to engage in prohibited activities behind closed doors. Furthermore, redirecting students from the cafeteria to the first-floor bathrooms might simply create larger lines outside smaller facilities. Splitting the traffic often moves the problem to different parts of the building rather than solving it. The issue even dates back to the school's renovations. Because it was a renovation rather than a new construction project, there was limited "wiggle room" to build new bathrooms or expand existing ones. Administration members say they are as frustrated as the students. They understand the difficulties of long lines and short breaks, but they cannot easily implement changes. "It’s not as easy as we would hope it would be," Webb said. However, when asked what would happen if a feasible solution came to light, Webb said the administrative team would be open to the conversation, though there are many moving parts to consider. I went into Webb’s office with the mindset that bathroom lines are purely problematic. In response, Webb said, “It is dumb, but there is some sense behind it." I now believe he is right. There is only so much the administration can do, and currently, they are making the best of a difficult situation.  By Ashlynn Vernile '26
Seniors and juniors, prom season 2026 is officially here. We are made to feel that this event is supposed to be the “night of our lives,” but it is safe to say it has become a full-time job. As juniors prepare for a possible final dance at Glastonbury Hills on April 25 amid talk of a venue change, seniors are already locked in table wars and beach house budget disputes ahead of their June 6 night at the Aqua Turf. As fights brew, WHS juniors and seniors are left wondering: Is the excitement worth months of struggle? We spend dozens of hours staring at spreadsheets, arguing in group chats, and scrolling through dress shops, all for one night where we finally put the devices down. Juniors, this isn’t just a dance; it’s a high-pressure introduction to a high school tradition. I know April 25 stays a looming date on the calendar. This night at Glastonbury Hills is often less about the dance itself and more about surviving the "promposal" battle and gathering enough money for a ticket. "It’s a teenager’s event, yet not all kids have the money to keep up," junior Fernando Salcedo said. "I think they set it up so they can get the most money out of us, but I’m worried it’ll just be a waste of time. I'm choosing to skip the dance and just go out to eat or to the movies instead." Salcedo’s perspective shows that for many juniors, the excitement of Glastonbury Hills is not enough to outweigh the reality of a light wallet and the appeal of a stress-free night at the movies or the bowling alley. Seniors, movies have suggested for decades that this one night will make or break your high school career. Senior class president Leyna Rodriguez offered her input on the matter. "The Aqua Turf is honestly just for tradition—a ‘don’t fix what isn’t broken’ mentality—but it has become pretty broken," Rodriguez said. "We get complaints from parents saying, ‘But that is where I had my prom 20 years ago,’ while students are stuck dealing with the high costs and logistics. I tell people all the time that the ‘table wars’ don’t really matter, but the stress of the party bus and the $100 price tag is real. As much of a headache as it can be, you’re paying for the memories." Her perspective reminds us that even at the top, the "perfect night" requires an exhausting amount of finesse. It is almost impossible to go to prom alone without extra costs; the ticket price alone has made me second-guess my plans. Math teacher and junior class advisor Michael Miller provided some insight. "We're not sitting in the cafeteria or the gym," Miller said, noting that the higher price tag secures a location with views of the golf course. "That’s some of what that money’s paying for is location." To help offset these costs for older students, Miller added, "What I try to do is make the junior price a little bit more expensive so that I can make the senior less expensive. Whatever money's left over is put forth toward the senior prom." It is clear that the price tag is not just a random number; it is a reflection of how massive these productions have become. Between the clichés, drama, and dreadful costs, it can bring up the question: Is prom even worth it? Seniors and juniors of WHS are dealing with this war, but I say: Who cares! Do not feel pressured to go. "I think it's worthwhile to go to at least a dance, whether it's the prom or homecoming... just to be part of the school community," Miller said. "But if it's too expensive, it’s not the end of the world if you miss it." I promise this one night will not define your four years at WHS. However, if you want a night to dress up and feel mature—to just be teens in an era where screens have taken over—then go and enjoy every second of it.  By Janelle Trujillo '26
High school is a long journey, and junior year is often the most difficult mile. It is arguably the most stressful year in high school. You just finished your capstone, played sports all year, and joined clubs to build your college resume. Suddenly, you have to figure out your future, manage a first job, and navigate the road after finally earning a driver's license. On top of all that, you still need a social life. I understand the struggle. After managing those demands within just one school year, burnout is inevitable. The last thing you want is to make your senior year just as difficult. As a senior who has been through it, I am here to help you make your senior year a victory lap. There are many ways to ensure burnout stays in junior year. Here is how to make your senior year better: Tip 1: Create a balanced schedule Creating a schedule that sets you up for success is vital. Burnout happens when you pack too much into your day. Senior year is the last opportunity to take classes you are interested in. Prioritize quality over quantity; do not put too much on your plate. Take advantage of opportunities at WHS. "Take Mr. Danaher’s internship class. I was in a year-long internship that introduced me to so many opportunities. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing in the future; you learn valuable skills that you don’t learn in the classroom," said senior Ashlynn Vernile. Choose your classes wisely; your future self will thank you. Tip 2: Prioritize free time Make sure you have free time outside of school. Vernile emphasized the importance of finding balance. "I have to remind myself that I’m still a teenager. When you’re so stuck in schoolwork, you start to lose yourself. Give what you can give, but not all of you," Vernile said. By all means, be an active student, but ensure you have time for friends and family. Go bowling, go on a shopping date, or go roller skating. Building your college portfolio is important, but so is maintaining your sanity. Tip 3: Prepare for college applications early Preparing for college applications before the fall is a great way to lessen the load. Start your Common App, book college tours, get a head start on your essay, and apply for scholarships. Book college tours during spring break to get a true feel for the campuses. Sit down for 30 minutes a week throughout the summer to focus on your application. Applying for scholarships is also a great help, especially since some require essay submissions. Before heading out for the summer, ask teachers for letters of recommendation. Senior Elijona Avdimetaj reminds juniors: "While you're still in the heat of things, do anything college-related in the summer or at least start it. You'd be surprised by how helpful it can be." Taking these small steps before senior year starts will make the transition much easier. Create a schedule that works for you. Do not overwork yourself, take on work you are willing to complete, and do not forget to enjoy life. Set yourself up for success and end your high school journey on a peaceful note.  Source: Uintah School District By Omer Turgut '26
Living in the United States is a special experience because it is home to people from many different places. This helps everyone learn about new cultures and make new friends. However, for a student who does not speak English yet, the journey is difficult. Many feel the pressure to talk immediately to survive, even when they do not understand the words around them. Being an ELL (English Language Learner) is a significant challenge. Students must learn subjects like math and science while also learning a new language. This is where the real hard work happens. Mrs. Sanhueza, a teacher at Wethersfield High School, said, "For things like science or history, homework would take me hours to do". It is exhausting to translate everything in your head all day long. Because of this struggle, simple tasks take much more time for ELL students. Sanhueza mentioned that for some homework, she could not initially do it because she could not understand it. "It took 20 minutes to do homework for other kids. It took me four hours," Sanhueza said. She explained that she translated with a dictionary because she did not have technology. This shows the effort ELL students put in just to finish their work. In addition to schoolwork, there is also a lot of pressure to succeed for the family. "It’s not an option to give up; it's a dishonor to your family if you fail in school," Sanhueza said. To help with these challenges, schools have changed over the years. In the past, schools did not always have special classes. But now, as the number of ELL students grows, most schools have programs to help students feel comfortable. Teachers use new tools to help with the transition, but the tools are only part of the story. The most important part is the student's own effort. Even for students who speak English, subjects can be hard. For an ELL student, it is much harder because they must try to understand the subject and, as Sanhueza said, "communicate and still improve your English at the same time". By practicing every day, these students become successful and share their own traditions with others. Ultimately, these challenges help a person grow. Sanhueza said the experience gave her "confidence. I wasn’t born here, so I had to learn the language and there were other friends from so many countries and so many cultures that I could learn from". As students learn new skills, they gain more confidence. As Charlemagne, the King of the Franks, said, "To have another language is to possess a second soul".  By Milena Brodowicz '26
Do you think spirit weeks are boring? Are you wishing we had more school spirit? Students frequently express disappointment in our school spirit, but thankfully there are ways to fix this. It is important to understand the root of the problem. Class President Leyna Rodriguez said she believes the issue stems from a lack of leadership. "People are embarrassed to participate, instead of taking action and leading," Rodriguez said. She also noted, "We would do more fun spirit days if people showed that they would participate." As Rodriguez suggested, we can increase school spirit by making participation enjoyable. Peers can do better to encourage each other and make it "cool" to show spirit. It might be awkward to participate at first, but once others see you, it will encourage them to do the same. Upperclassmen can take initiative and show younger students that having school spirit is fun and brings the community closer together. Currently, WHS struggles with advertising spirit weeks. Many students do not know about the events until the week has already arrived. This is an easy fix: School social media accounts can post more frequently and share their posts so that everyone is informed. Lastly, supporting athletes at sporting events is a fun way to show school spirit. Cheering at games and meets not only helps the athletes but also increases the likelihood of other students doing the same. Senior Isabella Korzinski said she enjoys her experience as a spectator. "I've never felt more school spirit than I have at games! They're a fun and easy way to support our school," Korzinski said. We should not be afraid to show our WHS pride. Do not wait for other students; take initiative and lead others. This school has the potential to have an awesome atmosphere, so let's make it happen.  Making a choice can be overwhelming! By Alex Harrison '26
The pressure on seniors confused about their plans for next fall is stressful and nerve-wracking. Multiple factors cause these students to overthink, including cost, housing, the unknown of a new place, time management, and making new friends. That being said, there is no need to panic. Each college and avenue has advantages and disadvantages; it just depends on which pros and cons affect you most. Costs of colleges keep rising every year, meaning student loans are becoming difficult to pay off. This debt often hurts graduates for years after they receive their degrees. A possible solution for some is Connecticut State Community College. This allows Connecticut students to get their associate degree without having to pay a penny through the PACT program. Requirements include completing the FAFSA and an online application, which takes less than 30 minutes. For students pursuing a bachelor's degree, this is a viable option that can cut debt in half. The most common schools for Connecticut students include UConn Storrs, Central Connecticut State University, Sacred Heart University, Quinnipiac University, Yale University, and Southern Connecticut State University. Tuition at these schools can be expensive and may include mandatory housing and food plans, adding thousands of dollars to student debt. On top of this, acceptance rates for some schools are significantly lower than others. To get a professional opinion, I interviewed Mrs. Bryan, a counselor at Wethersfield High School. Bryan said the choice is individualized; the best pathway is what the specific student thinks will help them succeed. She also stated that the military or trades are viable options because they include good benefits. Furthermore, Bryan noted that community college is a strong choice for those who are undecided since it is state-funded, allowing students to change majors without wasting money during those two years. UConn Storrs remains one of the most popular schools in the state. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the total cost for in-state students—including tuition, fees, room, and boardnis approximately $36,110. While out-of-state students pay significantly more, over 60 percent of undergraduate students receive financial aid. Freshmen at the Storrs campus are generally required to pay for housing and a mandatory food plan. Additionally, freshman residents typically cannot have cars on campus, as resident parking permits require 54 or more credits. However, UConn has multiple regional campuses that offer cheaper options and do not mandate housing or food plans.  By Dylan Cyr '26
Within the last month, gas prices in Connecticut have surged by almost a dollar. As we reach the end of March, the average gas price in Connecticut has reached around $3.92 per gallon, with some areas like Bridgeport exceeding $4. The primary cause for the recent spike is the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran. The tension caused the cost of crude oil to rise from $70 to $115 in just over a week. With everyone hoping for an upcoming drop in cost, analysts from the EIA and Goldman Sachs believe that gas prices will remain high for a while, but could drop back down to $70 or even lower as long as the supply routes reopen. With that being said, it could take months before we see a true fall in price. To fight these costs, Connecticut lawmakers are debating whether or not to introduce a "gas tax holiday" which would give Connecticut residents a short break from the state's 25-cent-per-gallon tax. Some believe this would be a great help as it provides immediate relief. Others think sending direct rebate checks to residents would ensure people’s savings aren’t being drained by oil companies. When asked about how the rising prices are affecting him, Wethersfield High senior Wes Pavic said, "It's emptying my wallet". Pavic continued by adding, "I have to be more conscientious of where I'm driving because it costs so much". And it’s not just him. "Gas prices are crazy right now; last time I filled my tank it cost me $120," said Daniel Liu, another senior at WHS. The current volatility in Connecticut’s fuel market remains a direct reflection of global tension and the cost of crude oil. While projections suggest that prices could normalize by late 2026, the short-term effect continues to be dependent on the reopening of secure supply routes and the de-escalation of international conflict. Ultimately, a combination of state-level policy changes and a national shift towards a more fuel-efficient infrastructure may be the only things that could help prevent these types of extreme price fluctuations in the future.  By Max Lamy and Cayden Dejesus '26
With the arrival of spring, baseball season is back—and students at Wethersfield High School are already paying close attention. Many students follow Major League Baseball, making Opening Day an exciting time of year. The 2026 MLB season began March 25 with the New York Yankees defeating the San Francisco Giants 7-0. Performances like Max Fried’s strong outing—earning the win after pitching over six scoreless innings—are just one example of what fans at Wethersfield are already talking about. The back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers did not take their foot off the gas this winter. The team continued to spend heavily, eyeing a third consecutive title and looking to maintain their reign over the league. Closer to home, baseball is more than just something to watch—it’s a big part of student life at Wethersfield High School. The crack of the bat is a familiar sound, and many students and faculty closely follow the sport. The rivalry between Red Sox and Yankees fans continues to spark conversations throughout the school, especially as the season gets underway. As spring turns into summer, interest in baseball at Wethersfield only continues to grow. Students will be watching closely to see if teams like the Dodgers can be stopped, while also supporting their own school team throughout the season. Whether it’s following MLB games or attending local matchups, baseball remains an important part of the Wethersfield community. When asked about the team heading into this season, Eagles manager Jasper Langdon said: "I like all the young talent coming into the high school baseball season. Though I have only seen two scrimmages, I have already seen multiple freshman pitchers who could be possible aces in the rotation for the future high school team. I think in two to three years Wethersfield has the potential to be one of the best pitching rotations in the state." |
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