First letter of last name:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

B

Leah Bitsky

Staff Writer

Leah Bitsky is a sophomore at Staples High School and a staff writer for “Inklings”.

She has a twin brother, named William, who, together, “make the perfect person. I’m good at English and social studies and he’s good at math and science so we help each other with school a lot,” she said.

Bitsky’s goal for her writing is simply to change someone’s opinion on something. She likes to write as a way to express herself. She is a fan of the Twilight series and playing sports like lacrosse and field hockey.

“I enjoy being part of a team and having something to do after school,” she said.

Bitsky, like many other Staples students, procrastinates her work until the very last minute. For her however, this isn’t a curse, seeing as she believes her best ideas come to her when she’s putting something off.

Her mind is, “always racing” making it sometimes hard to sleep, but easy to be the creative and innovative person that she is.

Ashley Bonett

Graphics Editor

Although she will not be primarily writing for “Inklings,” Ashley Bonett ’10 has a lot to offer the paper as Graphics Editor for the 2009–10 year.

“I would love to see the graphics stand out,” Bonett said. She believes that distributing interesting graphics among the pages of each issue will make the paper more visually attractive.

And though Bonett will be without a co–editor this year, she feels ready for the demanding work required of her.

After all, Bonett is no stranger to graphic design. After experimenting with classes such as Oil Painting and Watercolor as an underclassman, the naturally artistic senior found her niche in the graphic design classes.

Bonett’s impressive résumé includes winning a scholastic award for a photograph she developed in Digital Darkroom, as well as a Staples department award for her graphic design in the Design and Tech class. Last May, she helped Club Green with EcoFest, designing both the t–shirts and fliers.

Bonett sees Inklings as her next endeavor, and she hopes to learn more about layout design. But look for her name in bylines, as well as graphic credits. Bonett hopes that by the end of the year, she’ll be writing articles too.

Rebecca Bobrow

Staff Writer

“She’s the new Ben Klaff,” said Annie Nelson ’11.

By this, she means that the two are not strikingly similar in appearance, but both share a love for journalism and rowing.

Unable to play on the soccer team after getting a concussion during the summer of 2006, and having had three more since then, Becca Bobrow ’11 needed to find a new calling.

Bobrow gave rowing a shot and knew she had found her fit; it would be very difficult to get another concussion from an oar.

And of course nothing goes better with rowing than journalism. Bobrow completed Introduction to Journalism her sophomore year, and soon after she signed up for a spot in the advanced class.

“I figured that since I enjoy reading the world news everyday in the New York Times, I would enjoy writing about the world news in ‘Inklings’,” said Bobrow.

The newcomer hopes to try all aspects of journalism that she hasn’t experienced before. “At this point,” she added, “That’s everything.”

“I’m ready to be molded into a great journalist,” concluded Bobrow.

C

Rachel Chernok

A&E Editor

With her favorite class being English, and her favorite hobby writing, Rachel Chernok was born to be a member of the Inklings team. It all started for her in middle school, when Rachel was an avid reader of Inklings. Once Rachel got into high school, she wanted to “be a part of the behind the scenes process.” Last year, Rachel was Sports Editor, however this year she moved on to be an editor of the Arts and Entertainment section. Compared to A+E, Rachel liked being a Sports Editor better “because there was more excitement, and it was more current.” This year, Rachel is striving to create some interesting layouts to make the A+E section stand out.

Constance Chien

Features Editor

An fervent student and writer with a self-proclaimed “idiosyncratic” voice, Staples senior Constance Chien is energized about this year’s Advanced Journalism class.

“I’m excited for Journalism! Inklings is a lovely organization full of hardworking kids who write really well,” said Chien.

She plans to focus on being “a good team worker.” She also hopes to write interesting pieces. Last year, she wrote a memorable piece on psychotherapy that she found exciting because it had “an element of danger to it, as I used an anonymous source, a friend who had gone through psychotherapy.” She hopes to feel that sort of thrill in writing again.

Chien is also enthused about other subjects besides Advanced Journalism. She is currently taking an impressive four Advanced Placement Courses. A member of the Philosophy Club, she hopes to someday get her PhD, and teasingly admits to enjoying “weird books” on the topic. She also has several unique interests, including Impressionistic art, French poetry and lighthouses, which she plans to continue to invest in.

In general, Chien wants to enjoy her senior year. She has not decided where she is going to go to college as of yet, but she should have no fear. With such a strong work ethic and many interests to pursue, any college would be lucky to have her.

J.J. Clarke

A&E Editor

Involved in a variety of activities, and going into his second year of journalism, JJ Clarke ’12 has what it takes to be an engaging writer for “Inklings.”

A hopeful member of the varsity Baseball Team, JJ had a 4-1 record with a breathtaking 2.24 ERA on the freshman squad last year. JJ is also on the Toquet hall governing board. He is responsible for booking names like Boston Jolly Pirates, Jimmy Robbins, and Taber Onthank, giving him a wide range of expertise.

JJ has loved journalism since the first day he walked into Staples, and had a copy of “Inklings” put into his hand, seeing the newspaper’s sophistication. Struggled with stubborn interviewees in the past JJ is ready this year to coax people into getting them to say what he wants.

Now with a year of experience, JJ hopes to take his writing to the next level this year, writing “provocative pieces [that] make people want to do something to benefit the school.”

Emily Cooper

Business Manager

In the modern world of print journalism need for funding is great; Emily Cooper ’11 makes it her job to get those funds.

Attracted to the position of Business Manager by the many aspects which it entails, she works with local business to persuade them into advertising with Inklings or into subscribing to the paper.

One part of the job, which she is enthusiastic about, is designing ads. Cooper states that she is a very creative person and she likes to use that creativity when it comes to composing the ads.

Ambitious as she is creative, Cooper hopes to broaden her job to the web by bringing advertisements online to “www.inklingsnews.com.”

The hardest part of her job is dealing with disorganized clients, selling enough ads and keeping advertisers interested during these dismal economic times which require patience and persistence.

Cooper though still wants to pursue farther in her job at Inklings and strives to be a much more active writer this year.

D

Dustin Dobbs

Sports Editor

The excitement and intensity of a sports game is what engages aspiring journalist Dustin Dobbs in writing an action packed sports article.

His passion for sports writing is derived from his main hobbies—playing on the Staples varsity football and basketball teams. You can find him on the field as a wide receiver, and on the court playing the forward position. Dustin’s ultimate goal is to bring his basketball skills up to par with Cavalier LeBron James, but for now he just considers him as a role model.

He hopes that sports writing can bring him face to face with stars like James someday.

Although journalism is one of his favorite academic subjects, Dustin says he sometimes struggles with “interviewing and getting the specific information that [he] needs from people to write a story.”

However, he feels that since his freshman year, his journalistic skills have progressively improved.

With an extremely athletic lifestyle, Dustin can easily relate to a variety of sports, and hopes that this can help him throughout his last year on Inklings before he says goodbye to Staples.

Haris Durrani

Opinions Editor

Haris Durrani ‘11 has been writing for “Inklings” since his freshman year, and recently received the position as Opinions Editor.

Durrani was inspired to join “Inklings” after a Continuing Ed writing course he took the summer before his first year at Staples.

Durrani’s most intriguing piece so far, in his own opinion, is his rebuttal to an article written about the necessity of a white history month published in the Darien student newspaper, the Neirad. The piece inspired Durrani to write his own article on the subject. Durrani’s pivotal point, was that people don’t really recognize black history month, so why should there be a white history month.

Through his writing, Durrani is determined to give a voice to the minorities throughout Staples and the community. “Minorities needed a voice, and “Inklings” was one way I could give them one” said Durrani who is part Muslim and Spanish, and sometimes integrates those ideals into his columns.

Durrani’s biggest interest though is Sci-Fi.

“This year I really want to incorporate lots of Sci-Fi topics into my columns, I don’t think “Inklings” has enough of it” said the eager Durrani.

Durrani is ready for another exciting two years as a part of the “Inklings” staff. Before he graduates, he wants to make an impact on Staples and the Westport community through his columns and articles.

E

Joy Eisenberg

Sports Editor

She may joke around a lot, but behind all the humor, Joy Eisenberg, Sports Editor, is a dedicated journalist. After taking Intro to Journalism as a sophomore, she took the leap into Advanced Journalism last year as a junior. Led by a passion for creative writing, Eisenberg initially thought she would go in to journalism as a field. She has since realized that this would not be the best fit, and now, she says, is “just in it for the fun of it.”

After writing an article for almost every section in “Inklings” last year, including Features, Opinion, Sports and A&E, Eisenberg hopes to get the opportunity to write a news piece this year. She also plans on “becoming a master at InDesign,” the layout software.

Eisenberg says “Inklings” has inspired her to do many things, such as taking the Penguin Plunge and dancing on stage at the Latin dance performance last year. Eisenberg explains that the most memorable part of her “Inklings” experience was doing the prom-spread feature. Of the article she says, “that was a challenge, but I enjoyed it.” And enjoying the challenges of journalism will aide Eisenberg in continued success at “Inklings”.

Lila Epstein

Editor-in-Chief

It was luck that the editor-and-chief of “Inklings,” Lila Epstein, got highly involved in the paper.

After taking introduction to journalism her freshman year, Epstein got called in to cover for the absent sports editors during the summer. When someone quit the position, she was asked to be sports editor her sophomore year without an application. This spontaneous event is what got her really interested in editing.

So the girl who was thought to have had a learning disability when she was in first grade, due to her quietness and bad handwriting, spoke up, and worked her way to the leading position on the paper.

“I was always shy, but now I have to be loud and there are other loud voices but I know I need to get my ideas out,” said Lila.

Lila thinks that one of the hardest things about being a student journalist is approaching peers for interviews; sometimes this can be awkward since reporters cannot ask their friends.

However, she loves writing articles with a variety of sources and numerous quotes because the article can go in an interesting way. Epstein especially enjoys finding something new and interesting out of an interview she thought would be boring and basic.

Lila’s thoughts about journalism define the objective of any reporter: the need to seek truth and report it.

“I’m very curious, I need to know,” said Lila, and her exciting and unique story angles show it.

F

Jonathan Foster

Staff Writer

Jonathan Foster ‘10 is a graphic designer looking to enhance the already image of Inklings with his proficiency.

He says that he “got interested in graphic design and followed up with some classes.” Jonathan wanted to find a way he could further work with graphic design. He became interested in Inklings when he heard about the position available for graphic design and immediately did what he could to join.

“Even though I don’t really know what goes on around here, I hope to be an active member of Inklings and contribute to the paper,” said Jonathan.

Foster is also a captain for Staples’ Cross-Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track. Some of his more impressive times are 4:43 for the 1600m, and 2:05.6 for the 800m.

Jonathan doesn’t plan to write, but does want to continue his work with graphics for the paper to change the look of it better.

Sam Freeman

Web A&E Editor

After enjoying the journalism for publication class her sophomore year, Sam Freeman ’11 joined the “Inklings” editorial staff in 2009 when she became the Web A&E Editor.

As the Web A&E Editor, Freeman hopes to include stories about high school bands. Freeman recalls that last year she read a similar type of article which she enjoyed. This year, Freeman hopes “to interview someone who has an interesting story to tell.”

Freeman loves journalism because of its different style of writing compared to that of English class. She enjoys straying away from the basic essay and venturing into the numerous types of writing that journalism has to offer.

In addition to writing different styles of journalism, Freeman hopes to refine her writing as a member of “Inklings” this year as she is a believer that there is always room for improvement.

G

Natasha Gabbay

Web Managing Editor

After writing her very first article for “Inklings” freshman year, on recycling at Staples, Natasha Gabbay ’10 developed an immediate interest in journalism.

Shortly after that, with a few more articles under her belt, she was encouraged to join the advanced journalism class. During her junior year, Gabbay became the Opinions Editor of the paper. Now in her final year she is the Managing Editor of the up and coming “Inklings” website.

Gabbay hopes that “the website will grow into a well-known and utilized site, someday becoming as popular as the print version of “Inklings”.”

In the past the paper has been the main focus, but, she believes that with the new website up and running as well as some hard work, Inklingsnews.com can finally make a name for itself.

Over the last few years Gabbay has grown tremendously as a journalist, with improvements in her writing, editing, as well as interviewing skills. When she leaves Staples, she plans on continuing journalism, whether working on her college paper or at a local publication.

Emily Goldberg

Web Sports Editor

Emily Goldberg ’12 began her career as a journalist in eighth grade, when she began covering local sports games for the Westport News. Both an avid writer and athlete, Goldberg found a way to combine her two passions through sports journalism.

She plays both soccer and lacrosse, and also manages the boys’ hockey team during the winter. Goldberg has channeled her sports knowledge into her position as Web Sports Editor for InklingsNews.com. However, she is also interested in broadening her range of subjects and writing columns.

Goldberg loves to travel and aspires to become a travel journalist. Her dream is to be able to travel the world (for free, of course) while writing about her adventures.

Ross Gordon

News Editor

His love for teen journalism and passion for writing is what got Ross Gordon ’11 involved in “Inklings” his sophomore year of high school.

“I love to write and I thought that the different styles of writing that journalism has to offer was very appealing,” he said.

Gordon, who wrote for the sports section last year, hopes one of his articles will be on the front page this year. His latest position as news editor should help him achieve his goal.

As sports editor, Gordon was able to interview Jim Nantz, a sports broadcaster on CBS.

“I especially enjoyed writing the Jim Nantz Q&A as it was a huge honor for me to talk with this sports broadcasting giant,” he said.

Through experiences like this one, he was able to improve his journalism skills while combining various journalistic styles.

While Gordon does not see himself pursuing journalism as a career in the future, his forte in writing is a wonderful addition to the “Inklings” crew.

H

Eliza Hamburger

Opinions Editor

Opinions Editor Eliza Hamburger, full of new and fun ideas, is excited for a new year on the “Inklings” Paper.

“All I want to do is make people laugh” Hamburger said, explaining her goal as an “Inklings” writer.

Having joined the staff with the encouragement of her older sister, who was also on the paper, Hamburger has since written many articles for “Inklings.” Her favorite to date is an article titled “Survival Guide to Staples,” which gave advice to incoming freshman.

Along with the paper, Hamburger is also involved in the Paper Hearts Club where she and other club members make cards and sell them, giving the profits to Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.

Using her uncanny creativity and ability to make people laugh, she will continue to write more hilarious columns. So Hamburger fans get ready to eat up her upcoming articles.

Lucas Hammerman

News Editor

Lucas Hammerman ‘10, an energetic and enthusiastic News Editor, came to Staples before junior year and immediately became involved “Inklings.” “The welcoming environment of Inklings just resonated with me,” Lucas recalls.

Starting as a Staff Writer, Lucas quickly climbed the ranks at Inklings to become a News Editor.

Attaining this position has been a goal of Lucas’s because he finds writing news articles to be the most fulfilling. “I feel very strongly about making an impact on the community through writing” Hammerman exclaims.

Specifically, some of Lucas’s favorite articles such as “College: Rejected then Accepted” and “Hateful Vandalism on Bathroom Walls” he felt, shed light on issues which were pertinent to the entire Staples population. While writing the vandalism piece Lucas learned the importance of objectivity, shedding his bias despite the fact that the article affected him on a religious level.

Besides being passionate about Inklings, Lucas is an avid blue shark fisherman, once catching an impressive 260-pound Mako fish. In addition, Lucas is currently teaching himself Arabic.

Considering the future, Hammerman does not intend for his interest in journalism to end with Inklings; he hopes to pursue this interest at the college and professional level.

Madeline Hardy

Photo Editor

Photographs are essential to a newspaper. Madeline Hardy ’11, as photo-editor for Inklings, ensures that the paper is more than just text. Her job entails constant communication with all section editors, finding out what articles need photos and when. Assigning different photographers to different events takes people skills and patience. However being photo-editor is not a desk job. Hardy takes photographs herself, sometimes to supplement a story other times for a photo essay.

The most difficult part of Hardy’s job is when the section editors do not give her enough notice ahead of time of a photo they need. Hardy uses a Nikon D60 and loves to take portraits because the emotion they can capture. She is heavily influenced by Dorthea Lang’s photography, who is best known for her photo’s of the dustbowl.

Sammie Hardy

Staff Writer

Although it’s her first year on the paper, Sammie Hardy is really excited to expand her writing style as a staff writer for Inklings.

Hardy originally sparked an interest for journalism because she loves to express herself through writing.

“You can be yourself,” Hardy said.

She is yet to be published in Inklings, but over the summer Hardy gained experience writing for a paper in upstate New York, about the controversies of ‘High Heels vs. Flats.’

This year as apart of Inklings Hardy hopes to gain new writing perspective, however she finds it slightly difficult to pick article topics, seeing as everything is limited when writing for a school newspaper.

Over the summer Hardy spent her time in Cape Cod as a camp counselor, and is excited for the benefits of being an upperclassman this upcoming school year, such as attending prom.

Matt Hawes

Staff Writer

Matt Hawes joins the “Inklings” staff as a senior writer this year, bringing experience and insight to a young group of journalists.

A self-described “athlete,” Matt has played just about every sport available to him. He continues his athletic pursuits with cross country in the fall, basketball in the winter, and golf in the spring.

In describing Matt as an individual, determination and perseverance are two traits that immediately come to mind. After two consecutive unsuccessful attempts to make the golf team as a freshman and sophomore, he persisted and earned a spot on the team last year. In addition, despite his troublesome asthma, Matt continues to play a large role on both the basketball and cross country teams.

“I look up to Phil Mickelson in many ways. Even after all the obstacles he has had to face with his wife and mother diagnosed with cancer, Phil comes out and challenges the field, Tiger in particular, day in and day out. I admire that,” Matt said.

Hawes will look to push the limits this year in the form of controversial articles that receive large amounts of feedback, positive and negative alike.

Pippa Hazlewood

Opinions Editor

Taking a few photojournalism classes at Oxford was all it took to get Pippa Hazlewood, Junior, ’11, interested in the field of journalism. Now, an upperclassman in high school, Pippa is not only excited for the upcoming proms, but her development inside Inklings.

Hazelwood’s strong opinion pieces put her in the position of Co-Opinions Manager, but this year she hopes to become an active member of the paper, moving an editor of Inklings, and she says, “it’s always nice to get good grades.”

After a long adventurous summer of backpacking in Utah, Hazlewood is ready to work on her journalistic writing. Specifically, how to keep the audience interested, picking stories relevant to Staples, and moving forward in Inklings.

While she was not involved with the paper this summer, she traveled to San Francisco to visit some friends and relaxed at her home in Westport.

Hazlewood has a lot to offer to Inklings and there are only good things to come from her this year.

Liv Heil

Features Editor

In the past two years, staff writer Liv Heil ’10 has battled pneumonia, undergone sinus surgery, and had her tonsils removed: in her words, she is “always sick.” And although Heil lost academic credit in her junior year due to her extended medical absences from school, she’s still found time to balance homework with playing on the Staples swim, ski, and track teams (fortunately, Heil said that her strength lies in her time management skills).

In addition to being an athlete, Heil is a dedicated staff writer at Inklings. After all, journalism runs in the Heil family—her aunt, who was a reporter in the White House, has inspired her, she said. The Ohio-born, California-raised Heil most enjoys writing features on “all different topics,” but her true passions are in layout and design, she said. Heil, who has taken two photo courses at Staples, is also a photographer, and she enjoys taking pictures for Inklings.

Despite the demands of her extracurricular activities and schoolwork, Heil said that her journalistic goal for the year is straightforward. She simply wants to write “a piece I’m really proud of.”

Jack Hennessy

Web Sports Editor

Confidence is not a weakness for the young athlete and talented writer, Jack Hennessy. He is not afraid to push the limits, and his main goal is to inspire controversy in everything he writes.

Hennessy, who has lived all around the world, has found comfort at Staples participating in the journalism program.

Inspired by his mom, a former worker for “Sports Illustrated,” Hennessy has always had a passion for writing sports. He has written many fascinating pieces and has stated, “Pay to Play” is his favorite.

“I like the competition and I love to win but I always strive to reach the high level of integrity that I know my mom expects,” Hennessy said.

Hennessy’s leadership as a captain of soccer, track and baseball gives him an insightful and unique perspective as a writer for “Inklings.”

In journalism, as in sports, Hennessy thrives to produce the best results while under pressure.

Jesse Heussner

Features Editor

Jesse Heussner ’11 has been involved in Inklings since entering Staples High School as a freshman. Now in his junior year, Jesse is presently a features editor, after being a sports editor last year. Although he enjoys both sections, he found he had more success with writing features than with sports articles.

Jesse has always loved writing, and his enthusiasm for journalism has only increased since he joined Inklings. This summer he attended a journalism course at Georgetown University, and he gained invaluable experience from his time there.

Before graduating, Jesse aims to improve in journalism by writing more in-depth and challenging articles. He currently regards his feature on buffalo wings (May 2009 issue) as his most successful piece of work.

Outside of journalism, Jesse is a member of the varsity tennis team at Staples. He also enjoys playing and watching basketball and watching his favorite TV show, Entourage.

Ed Hickson

Staff Writer

Hailing from London, England, junior Ed Hickson ’11 is excited for the opportunity to join the Inklings staff in 2009-’10.

Hickson, who moved to Westport when he was eight, found a growing interest in journalism when he entered Staples, and took the Introduction to Journalism class Sophomore year.

“I always wondered who was behind the paper, and this year I want to be apart of that,” Hickson said. “I think it will be a good learning experience.”

While Hickson was proud of the Fantasy Football article he wrote in the intro class last year, his main goal for this upcoming year is to improve as a writer.

Despite a particular interest in writing columns, Hickson is open to any type of writing, as he is looking forward to the variety that Inklings allows writers to have.

In addition to writing, he will also be a valuable addition to the Inklings staff in the graphics department. Hickson loves to draw, and supplemented that interest by taking a drawing class last year and a design and tech class this year.

Besides his interest in journalism, Hickson is a big sports fan. He is a member of Staples’ Rugby team and enjoys watching soccer.

Victor Hollenberg

Editor-in-Chief

Victor Hollenberg ‘10 doesn’t mind the countless hours that Inklings has consumed over the past three years. He is never bothered by the thought of un-edited articles or un-formatted layouts, and he never thought twice about quitting the SHS sailing team after his sophomore year in order to invest himself in journalism. His attitude towards the subject can be narrowed down to four words: Victor Hollenberg loves journalism.

“I love the ability it has to tell peoples’ stories…and its importance to the community,” said Hollenberg.

As editor-in-chief, he is most concerned about making sure “Inklings” is the same enjoyable and welcoming environment that accepted him as a young journalist.

In his senior year, Hollenberg is interested in making “Inklings” part of the multimedia platform that has swept over journalism by expanding its web presence and looking into a video broadcasting section. He also hopes to be a part of stories that surprise and interest all “Inklings” readers, while making the paper, “an increasingly more relevant presence in students’ lives.”

Phil Huber

Staff Writer

It may be easy to mistake Phil Huber ’11 as an ordinary, laid-back student, but his passion for music and the environment set him apart from the Staples norm.

Huber’s fervor directed him to journalism, a field where he can “tell the truth” and be an honest, accurate reporter who double-checks sources to collect what he thinks is the most accurate display of news.

Being a student journalist is not easy; it poses obstacles for Huber. Huber said that his laid back nature will challenge him during interviews.

Outside of journalism, Huber enjoys writing short essays. He is currently writing an essay on the problems associated with “conceptualizing” life. Huber is still finalizing this essay, which he considers his best piece of writing to date.

Huber is excited to be a staff writer this year, and his enthusiasm, he believes, will help him fit well into the staff of “Inklings.”

I

J

K

Stevie Klein

Web Features Editor

When Stevie Klein ’12 was younger she was not the loud, talkative, opinionated girl she is today.

“I was really, really quiet when I was younger,” Klein said. “All I ever said was ‘why’. I wouldn’t talk until I knew how to say almost everything and then I burst out.”

Now Klein is expressive and energetic and uses her social personality to interview people for stories and to run the features section on the web.

“I want to work on both the paper and the web,” Klein said. She enjoys having the access to her web section at home, but also wants to work on the print section.

Klein enjoys playing tennis. She describes herself as being very competetive. Sometimes she will even throw her racket if she gets frustrated.

“I get really into the game. I’m even competetive in gym class,” Klein said.

Klein is also an avid reader. When she was younger she had to read everything her sister, who is three years older, would read.

Klein also realizes that her intense personality makes it difficult for people to understand her at first. She remarks that she must put in extra effort to earn the respect of her teachers.

“I try so hard to show them the intellectual side of me because they think ‘this girl is a nut’,” said Klein. “They think I’m crazy, I’m a complicated person. “

Suzanne Kleine

Features Editor

Suzanne Kleine, ’11, is a ball of energy, always telling stories. She admitted that she has never been to a concert and is a vegetarian. She was an inquisitive child who wrote “ridiculous emo stories” before coming to Inklings and was “always questioning.”

Her travels have brought her to Tanzania, where a lion touched her Jeep and her group was feet away from death.

“I almost died because I was so excited,” she added. “Everyone else was just scared.”

Her easily excitable nature adds to the vivacity of her writing, though sometimes she can be quiet. She describes herself as a girl who opens all her windows when it’s raining while reading and talking to friends.

This year, she hopes to be a writer who “is at least interesting” to read. As a sophomore, her favorite article of her own was about career tests, the type of test that spits out results like “lumberjack,” which was both hilarious and informative.

Zaza, as a select few call her, said, “Journalism just fit my personality.”

Inklings is proud to call her Opinions Editor (this year, Features Editor) as well as “awful play review” writer her freshman year.

Emily Kowal

A&E Editor

The enthusiasm and optimism that Web A&E editor Emily Kowal brings with her to the Advanced Journalism class is what she hopes will help her to raise InklingsNews.com to the next level of excellence.

“I think being positive and optimistic will help motivate other journalists and keep the moral up when Inklings writers are going through a tough layout, meeting demanding deadlines, or having technical difficulties with the web.”

Kowal brings this upbeat attitude to journalism from her other passion, acting, which she believes provides her with a set of skills that makes interviewing and forming relationships with sources an easier feat.

Being a new student to the Advanced Journalism class, Kowal hopes to write for each section of the paper so that she can be exposed to and become comfortable with writing all types of articles. From what she has experienced in her journalism career so far, she finds herself drawn to feature writing.

“I find it most enjoyable to write features because you get to be creative. You can take a single story in 10 different directions.”

Kowal’s eagerness to motivate others and explore the field of journalism will help her to continually innovate the website’s A&E section and to find fascinating angles for each article she writes.

L

Kelsey Landauer

Staff Writer

As one of “Inklings many staff writers, sophomore Kelsey Landauer aspires to have an article on the front page of the school paper.

Landauer leads an active life. She not only goes to camp for seven weeks every summer in the Adirondacks, but also plays a key role on the Staples tennis team.

In addition to tennis, she also runs cross-country in the fall to stay in good shape.

Landauer’s favorite subject is Spanish, and she dreams of going to UCLA to possibly study law.

Landauer, who has lived in Westport her whole life, believes that the hardest part about journalism is reaching out to people she might not know. She also finds it hard to follow every rule of the AP Style Book.

She likes writing, especially journalism, because it gives her the opportunity to be creative, while using her own voice/style.

Before she was in high school, her older brother got her interested in joining “Inklings”.

Landauer, a promising young sophomore has a bright future ahead of her as she begins her career on the “Inklings” staff, covering, reporting and writing the news.

Farrel Levenson

Opinions Editor

In a word, Farrel Levenson is ambitious.

She knows her passions, and follows through on every commitment she makes. Levenson is particularly interested in tennis, and has excelled at the sport since she was six years old.

Even while leading the Staples varsity tennis team as a captain this year, Levenson makes time in her schedule for tennis related charity work. Through the Staples High School Grassroots program, she is able to provide tennis-based mentoring and group instruction for children in the projects.

“It’s amazing how a neighboring town can be so much less privileged,” Levenson said. “Participating in the program is a very humbling experience, and I plan to continue it through high school.”

Levenson’s goals carry over to her life off the courts as well. This year, as the Opinions Editor on the “Inklings” staff, she is determined to promote the paper to new readers, and improve her writing technique.

“I’d like to write a hard-hitting article that interests students, and be proud of the style in which it is written,” Levenson said.

With her determination, passion, and ability to lead and aid successfully, Levenson will be a vital asset to the staff this year.

Jon Loeb

News Editor

Born in Manhattan, Jon Loeb would later make his way 47 miles north to Westport, Connecticut in hopes of making a permanent dent in this small town’s music scene.

Throughout life, Loeb has always felt an emotional connection to music. He can play two types of saxophone, bass, and the guitar. His favorite bands include Radiohead and My Bloody Valentine. His dream interview would be with My Bloody Valentine’s reclusive guitarist/singer Kevin Shields.

A few years ago, Loeb began to post music reviews on random websites and blogs. He then decided that he wanted to reach a wider audience so he began sharing his thoughts in “Inklings.” This kicked off with a music column that was perfectly titled “Loeb’s Lowdown.”

Loeb doesn’t have any life defining moments, nor can he decide what his favorite music genre is. But one thing is certain: he hopes to be remembered as a great music reviewer and a professional in an amateur world.

Alicia Lourekas

Staff Writer

Alicia Lourekas has always dreamed of becoming a reporter.

Having completed the Introductory to Journalism class with Stephen Rexford, Alicia is now enrolled in advanced journalism where she will look to take advantage of the time used to plan for the paper.

Inspired by watching TV news anchors and reading the “New York Times”, she wants to translate her passion for the field into feature writing.

“I have always dreamed of the day when I can look at the paper and say I wrote that article,” Lourekas said.

Alicia will be a sophomore this year and has proved her dedication to her interests through activities such as the Staples swim team and competitive dance. Being a twin, Alicia knows all about competition and acknowledges how tough making her dreams come true will be.

“I know that this process wont be easy, but if I continue to stick with it I believe I can be successful”.

The future looks bright for Alicia and her budding career as a journalist.

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Cole Manley

News Editor

Since the minute Cole Manley ‘11 was born in San Francisco, he has had a great passion for current events.

His parents inspired him to become interested in what is going on in the world and what he could do to help.

Manley also has a passion for giving back to society. Over the past two summers, Cole tutored and taught tennis to under-privileged kids of Norwalk. “If I were to pursue a career as a journalist, I would focus on giving everybody a voice.”

Manley became interested in journalism when he realized that if he spoke his mind, people would listen.

In addition to current events and giving back, Manley enjoys being a critic. Over this passed summer, Manley wrote a review for the summer play Grease here at Staples. “I really liked critiquing because it was a great way to express my opinion.”

When asked to sum up himself in three words, Manley simply answers; “Hard-working, passionate and respectful.”

Kate McNee

Head Copy Editor

A curious writer with a budding interest in journalism and a tendency to write papers for class that some teachers deem to be “too complicated” and literarily playful, head copy editor Kate McNee ’11 is new to the Advanced Journalism class this year. But she is certainly not new to Inklings.

In fact, McNee already contributed to the Mahackeno YMCA debate last year with a perceptive article on the very complex issue.

“I provided a lot of insight and background on the information,” McNee said. “I worked really hard on it.”

Journalism, she says, is an exploration of her already strong interest in writing.

“I’ve always been interested in writing, and I thought I might as well try this writing, see if it interests me,” McNee said.

In addition to writing, McNee is interested in different cultures, and she enjoys traveling abroad.

“I like going to different countries and noticing different things,” she said.

McNee also takes an interest to the human body and genetics, and she is taking the Anatomy and Physiology class at Staples to pursue this interest.

In her free time, McNee takes voice lessons and plays tennis for the Staples JV team. Her favorite food is chocolate cake, and she greatly enjoys visiting art museums. And, of course, she writes for Inklings.

Petey Menz

News Editor

Born and raised in New York City, Petey Menz writes with an attitude and style unique amongst the inklings staff. He was born in the NYC, and moved to Westport when he was eight.

Menz, currently a junior entered into intro to Journalism, first semester of freshman year, he began writing for the paper that year, and has been hooked ever since. He officially joined the paper during his sophomore year, and plans to continue for the rest of his high school career.

He loves Inklings and enjoys writing song and movie reviews the most, though believes his best piece was his “Bro Feature.” Menz has issues with sports features because he is unable to lock on to exactly what is and isn’t important.

He hopes to improve his news writing skills by making them clear and direct, and strongly believes in the ideal that it’s the newspapers job to inform the community.

After graduation, Petey Menz plans to join his college newspaper, though he has not yet said whether or not he wishes to pursue journalism as a professional career.

Melanie Mignucci

Video Editor

Melanie Mignucci, ’12, has sneakers covered in sequins. “I like sparkly things,” Mignucci said, “I got these a few years ago and I love them.” This is typical Mignucci. A new student at Staples High School, moving from Greens Farms Academy, she’s independent and creative.

A self-described “camera nerd,” Mignucci has always seen her surroundings differently. “See, right now, I’m noticing that chair, and how it’s kind of parallel to the steel columns and trash can,” Mignucci said, of an ordinary-looking chair sitting a few feet away. “I can work it out to be really cool.”

Mignucci’s interest in arts extends to her work on the paper. “I’d like to start a photo essay about life here,” she said.

An eternal optimist, Mignucci admits she can be shy sometimes, especially in a new school. “I don’t know a lot of kids in my classes,” she said, “but it’s only been two days.”

Shannon Moss

Staff Writer

Shannon Moss has never been one to take the easy way out.

Varsity soccer player, enthusiastic artist, and now, budding journalist, Moss manages to maintain a careful balance in her daily routine while still preserving the independent voice she prides herself on.

Despite her time-consuming commitment to soccer— having started in kindergarten, Moss now plays both for Staples and Beachside Premier— she discovered a passion for journalism after publishing her first editorial last year in Brian Tippy’s intro course.

And she hasn’t looked back since.

Attributing her interest in opinion writing to the opportunities it provides for personal expression, Moss values the ability it gives its writer to combine creativity and fact. By her own admission, Moss loves having her own voice come out in her writing; she looks forward to having her own column in “Inklings” this year.

While Moss is unsure of the career she might pursue— she would prefer to leave her options open— she currently plans to study communications at college.

Monica Mula

Opinions Editor

Standing out amidst the materialistic teenagers of America is seventeen-year-old Monica Mula ’10. She loves running, enjoys reading, writes for “Inklings,” the school paper, and works at Vineyard Vines. However, Mula’s most distinctive activity is her community service.

Since freshman year, Mula has been a part of the club Students Supporting Special Athletes [SSAA]. It provides a chance for kids with special needs to participate in athletic events and bond with their peers.

“I feel a connection with the students,” Mula said.

Mula has also participated on mission trips through her church, Greens Farms Congregational Church. Last year, she dedicated a few weeks of her summer to helping out on a Native American reservation in South Dakota.

The idea that there could be a “culture change within our own country” surprised Mula, as she witnessed the prevalence of alcoholism and unemployment on the reservation.

“It was a pretty inspiring trip,” said Mula.

In a more local range, Mula also finds time to mentor an elementary school-aged girl.

“I do enjoy talking through her problems with her,” said Mula. “[I] help her to point herself in the right direction.”

After high school, Mula hopes to keep volunteering a part of her life.

“I definitely don’t want to lose sight of community service,” said Mula.

Naveen Murali

Business Manager

Known simply as “the machine” to many, Naveen Murali is one of the most important, yet unheralded members of the Inklings staff.

As one of Business Managers of the paper, Murali’s primary goal is to sell ads and subscriptions to anyone who is interested. While all of his behind the scenes work may be unnoticed, Inklings would not be able to survive without it, as Naveen and the rest of the business staff have provided Inklings with the resources to keep printing every two weeks.

He may not have a byline in every issue, but Murali finds his work fulfilling nonetheless.

“It’s a good feeling to know that your contributions can help a team like Inklings,” Murali said.

Despite his heavy contributions to the paper, Murali still finds the time for various clubs and outside activities. Naveen has decided to play in the Rec Basketball league for the first time this year and is looking to add a Rec Basketball championship to the list of his other achievements.

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Alix Neenan

Staff Writer

Alix Neenan ’12 is a newcomer to the Inklings staff, having come to Staples in mid-October in sophomore year.

In her previous school, Trumbull High School, she had taken an introduction to journalism class which led her to being Features Editor on the school paper, “The Eagle’s Eye.”

She, describing herself, “really [does] like writing.” Although she is a staff writer for “Inklings” at this point, she wishes to become a page editor. However, she does not have any preferences.

“I think that everything has its own advantage,” said Neenan. Even though she was the Features Editor at her previous school, any section will suit her desires.

Outside of Inklings, Neenan participates in multiple activities, including debating in Junior State of America and playing piano.

She also likes to design; she enjoys working in the programs Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign.

Overall, Neenan is an aspiring writer who wishes to make use of her talents while working on “Inklings.”

Annie Nelson

Features Editor

With a position in Graphics as well as writing articles for Inklings, Staples High School junior Annie Nelson has many fresh ideas to change the way students interact with their school newspaper.

“I think there needs to be a bigger dialogue between the students and the paper. This year I would like to write a hard-hitting piece that draws attention to the students-one that will provoke them to go as far as writing a letter to the editor.”

After primarily writing for the paper, she now works in several different fields such as graphics, photography, and writing. Nelson occasionally finds it challenging to balance her time and energy in all three components of the paper. However, being a dedicated member of the paper, she manages not only to contribute interesting pieces and interviews, but also graphics that are visually attractive to its readers.

Nelson’s biggest accomplishment was a sports feature on the boys swim team, because not only was she able to write the article, but she was also able to utilize her photography skills as she took underwater pictures to compliment the article.

Nelson’s ability to overcome several different obstacles such as setting up interviews during the day with limited time, and finishing them all in a timely manner, is what makes her such a valuable member of Inklings.

Alex Nitkin

Managing Editor

With a scholastic career that has miraculously bridged Boy Scouts with a managerial position on the Inklings staff, Alex Nitkin ’10 is all about leadership.

Nitkin first became involved with Inklings in his sophomore year at Staples when he took introductory journalism. Since then, he has continually found new positions in the staff beginning with copy editor and promotions ending in managing editor.

Nitkin enjoys working with Inklings because of the profound effect journalism has on its readers. “My greatest energy is derived from when readers are moved into action by what they read,” said Nitkin.

Nitkin’s preferred element of journalism is harsh criticism of the establishment. “You can call it complaining, malcontent, whatever- nothing gets changed until it is criticized,” stated Nitkin.

In spite of being a self-described “70-year-old man,” with hobbies of “knitting and complaining, alternately,” Nitkin devotes much time to the outdoors.

Nitkin is very actively involved with Boy Scouts of America, a program that Nitkin believes offers both a break from everyday schoolwork and an opportunity to gain new experiences pertaining to the world around him.

Nitkin’s exploits with the Scouts have taken him to the likes of Switzerland, Scotland, and Central America.

As a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster and a managing editor of Inklings, Nitkin sees common ground in the idea that “both of my jobs involve motivating people to accomplish work they never thought possible.”

Michael Nussbaum

Sports Editor

Even though Michael Nussbaum ’11 has only been a member of Inklings for one year, you would never guess that upon meeting with him.

“People think I act like I’ve been here forever,” Nussbaum said.

Nussbaum’s confidence and utter passion toward journalism has earned him the spot as one of Inklings’ sports editors. He enjoys writing about sports most, because unlike most, sports always has “a definite audience.”

Besides writing and editing for Inklings, Nussbaum is also an active member of WWPT; acting as a DJ, a newsman, and a sportscaster.

Despite the fact that Nussbaum has garnered the nickname “Mini,” there’s one thing he wants everyone to know: “There’s nothing Mini about me.”

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Ian Phillips

A&E Editor

In 2003, on a whim, Ian Phillips ’10 decided to buy Kill Bill Vol.1.

After viewing the film, the young and exuberant Phillips thought “this is for me.” Phillips continued to voraciously view films. Later he began to write reviews on them, fashioning himself a “movie critic.”

Now it is 2009, and a 17-year-old Phillips has completed his journey, straight to an Arts and Entertainment editor position on one of America’s prize winning student newspapers, Inklings.

Phillips’s first goal in Inklings was to become a reviewer; in the beginning he had little interest in being a journalist. Phillips said he had a “horribly sick obsession with movies” and he needed a megaphone to voice his opinions on them.

Though after establishing himself as “Inklings’s first film critic,” Phillips is looking to do more, “I’m really interested in expanding my horizons especially, in features.”

Phillips used to just be the typical kid who loved to watch movies, but after many years of hard work he has blossomed into a journalistic talent.

Lexi Preiser

Web Editor-in-Chief

Staples senior and “Inklings” Web Editor-in-Chief, Lexi Preiser, is full of new and exciting ideas.

Preiser made the switch from Opinions Editor in the print version of the paper, to the web this year in hopes she could make improvements to “Inklings’” new web page. “The web edition needed some work and I like to try new things or find new ways to do old thing,” said Preiser.

Preiser enjoys showing her innovativeness through creative and humorous columns rather than writing structured five paragraph essays or news articles.

Recalling past articles she has written, Preiser decided her favorite was an opinion piece where she spent a Saturdaty night at Sherwood diner, observing teenage life at this popular spot.

When she’s not writing for “Inklings” Preiser enjoys her other hobbies such as tennis, traveling and reading. She is also very active in her community, as she volunteers for Safe Rides and Save the Children.

Preiser’s background in community service along with the insight gained while traveling to destinations such as South Africa, Israel and Tanzania has helped her gained perspective, which she uses in her writing.

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Dana Rappaport

Opinions Editor

Journalism had already appealed to Dana Rappaport ’11 before she visited the Newseum in Washington D.C. But it wasn’t until after this visit that Rappaport knew she wanted to become a member of the “Inklings” staff.

“I thought it was interesting to see how journalism can change the way people do things,” she said.

She plans to write about controversial issues that will attract readers and encompass various opinions. This is part of the reason she holds a position as an opinions web editor for “Inklings.”

“I like seeing different views, even if I don’t agree,” she said.

Rappaport, who is also interested in politics and international affairs, hopes to learn from her work as a journalist at Staples.

“I want to have a good experience,” she said. “I want to take away what I learned and apply it, as cliché as it sounds.”

Logan Rosen

Webmaster and Technology Editor

Logan Rosen ’12 knows a lot about the current website of Inklings.  He should—he created it.

The project first came to Rosen when he was a freshman last year in his Introduction to Journalism class.

He said that the old website needed work, and the teacher of his journalism class, Stephen Rexford, wanted someone to redesign it.

Using a program called WordPress, Rosen made www.inklingsnews.com. “I taught myself” how to use the program, he said.

In addition to being Webmaster and Technology Editor of Inklings, Logan is also head of the Technology Club. He also likes writing articles for the newspaper and web.

“I really love writing,” Rosen said. He also says he expects to work on Inklings throughout high school.

One of Rosen’s goals is to “make the web a substantial part of Inklings.”

“It’s not really as focused on as is the paper,” he said. He hopes to “integrate it with the paper” and make the website more useful for students.

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Carlie Schwaeber

Web News Editor

With a passion for sharing her outlook on the world through journalism, aspiring columnist Carlie Schwaeber ’12, is exited to learn all that she can this year as one of “Inklings’” avid members.

After living in Westport for about 13 years, she feels as if she knows this town inside and out. “It’s important to let our community know what is happening around the school,” explained Schwaeber. However, she admits to always learning new things about her surroundings through her writing.

Schwaeber relishes in expressing her own outlooks through editorials and columns; these make her feel independent.

“Opinion pieces allow people to look at situations from a different point of view, but the best part is when I can change someone’s mind,” she shared.

Even though Schwaeber prides herself on her creativity level, she still shows much interest in promoting newsworthy stories to the public. She is a determined worker, and is definitely a primary aspect to the “Inklings” staff this year.

Grace Shay

Managing Editor

After a short, simple conversation with her, it is easy to say that Grace Shay ’10 is more than your average high school newspaper managing editor.

Grace Shay’s passion for journalism began when she happened to take intro to journalism with a couple of friends her freshman year. Obviously something between Shay and journalism clicked, for following this intro course she began writing for “Inklings” and soon after became managing editor.

Calling herself “more artsy than science or math oriented,” Grace Shay is passionate about singing and dancing in addition to journalism. Shay received the PTA Reflection Award for dance during her junior year at Staples, and I’m sure that everyone remembers her heart-filled renditions of “Part of Your World” and “New Soul” during the ’07 and ’08 talent shows, respectively.

Since achieving the position of “Inklings’” Managing Editor, Shay would love to expand the readership of “Inklings” beyond the walls of Staples, which would serve as a means of communication between parents and their high school children; bettering the sense of community in Westport.

As for herself, Shay would love to connect her love of the arts with her journalism in the future, whether it be writing reviews of the arts, etc.

DJ Sixsmith

Sports Editor

1,2,3…strikes your out! Journalist DJ Sixsmith’s passion for sports had turned into a career path.

He began his love of sport’s commentary by watching sports as a child.

“ I want people to associate my name with sports”

Sixsmith wants to pursue his understanding of sports journalism when he attends college. This interest has helped the high school junior in his search for colleges.

Journalism isn’t the only field that interests Sixsmith. He also does radio, where he broadcasts sports events over our own Staples radio WWPT 90.3 FM.

Being involved with radio has had other benefits. Sixsmith and his broadcasting peers were nominated as one of the best high school radio station in the country!

“At 9 years old I fell in love with sports broadcasting from watching ESPN and wanting to try it myself”

Sixsmith went to a 2-week college course that focused on sports communication and broadcasting this past summer that turned his desires into reality.

Devin Skolnick

Features Editor

Devin Skolnick ’11 entered advanced journalism as a sophomore with her mind set on goals to accomplish. This year, she intends on doing the same.

During her sophomore year, Skolnick was very proud of her article about the Safe Rides program. This year she is excited to improve on gathering sources, points of view, polls, and stats. She hopes to incorporate these improvements in her writing to create tasteful and exciting current event issues and features.

Although Skolnick enjoys journalism, she is also interested in other aspects of life.

“I love to play tennis, I like to cook, and I do work out classes,” she said.

Besides for Inklings and other after school activities, Skolnick makes room to help others in her free time.

“I work for the Rebecca Chusid toy drive and I also did Builders Beyond Boarders,” Skolnick said.

Skolnick is ready to start the year strong and share her talents with “Inklings” once again.

Isaac Stein

Staff Writer

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Sammy Warshaw

Staff Writer

Since Sammy Warshaw ’12 was young, he has always been a music and movie buff. This year he is taking his passion for the arts to “Inklings,” where he will be a staff writer.

“Around my friends, I always like to be the critic, and I’ve combined that with my love of music reviews,” Warshaw said.

Lauded journalists Peter Travers of “Rolling Stone” magazine, A.O. Scott of the “New York Times” and the late Hunter S. Thompson of “Rolling Stone” are three of Warshaw’s role models.

In fact, he keeps a collection of music and movie reviews next to his bed for inspiration.

In the future, Warshaw is unsure whether his passion for the arts will lead to a reviewing career, but he hopes he “can have some impact, small or large, on society.”

For now, he just wants his voice to be heard in “anything related to entertainment.”

John Watson

Staff Writer

Most journalists chose their career because they were enthralled with the idea of chasing down a big story and getting the scoop. Inklings staff writer John Watson ‘12, on the other hand, understands the journalistic importance of the opinions section.

“I love writing columns because that’s where you can actually talk to the reader,” Watson said.

Watson acknowledges the fact that straight news articles will contain more facts than a column or an editorial, but prefers the personal aspect of opinion writing.

“Columns are the most fun, but editorials are good too,” Watson said.

Though Watson would like to have a regular column appear in the paper, he hopes to work on all aspects of his writing.

“Last time I wrote a real feature, I didn’t do very well,” Watson admitted. “I want to improve my formal writing.”

Possible topics for Watson’s future columns include weird items on eBay, such as “Leonard Nimoy’s left femur”, as well as “things that entertain” him.

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