Staff Profile
Ellie Gavin –– Staff Writer
Most people would not compare journalism to sailing.
At first glance, the two activities could not be less similar: one involves being in a boat, while the other involves thinking of creative headlines. For Ellie Gavin ’14, however, it’s a different story.
Gavin has been sailing for as long as she can remember, she tells me one sunny afternoon in August. When Gavin speaks, her hands mirror the bright tone of her voice, with animated gesticulations aplenty.
Gavin explains that she loves the decision-making aspect of sailing, and anticipates bringing some of these skills to Inklings. Like any good journalist, Gavin has an angle – she hopes to expose the truth and make people think, and she’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in.
When I ask her if she’s nervous about being a brand-new member of Inklings, she pauses for the first time in our conversation.
“A few years ago, I was sailing, nowhere near land, and there was a big storm,” Gavin said. “To get through something scary, the worst thing you can do is back down. Keep doing what you’d be doing if you were in a more comfortable situation.”
Be it a storm or a tough interview, Gavin’s going to keep on sailing.
An International Partnership: Westport and Singapore
Ellie Gavin, Staff Writer
May 2, 2013
Filed under News
This past week, Staples High School was ranked the seventh best high school in Connecticut by U.S. News and World Report. Obviously, this was not good enough. Staples has found yet another new way to improve, this time by enlisting an international ally. So, on Wednesday, May 1, Staples hosted five... Read more »
Man’s Best Friend: An Update on Andy the Lost Corgi
Ellie Gavin, Staff Writer
April 13, 2013
Filed under News
They say a dog is man’s best friend, but no one knows it better than Jordina Thorp Ghiggeri, who lost her eleven-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Andy, over a year ago. Originally from Plymouth, Mass., Ghiggeri and her tan-and-white canine were visiting friends in Westport for New Year's Eve 2012... Read more »
Coleytown Company’s Production of Peter Pan Flies High
Ellie Gavin , Staff Writer
April 9, 2013
Filed under A&E
Before the curtain even rose for Coleytown Company’s production of Peter Pan, director Ben Frimmer found a way to impress the audience. Among the usual pre show banter -- such as scolding the audience about cell phones, fussy babies and flash photography -- Frimmer casually mentioned that two former... Read more »
No Interim Progress Reports for 2013-2014 School Year
Ellie Gavin, Staff Writer
April 4, 2013
Filed under News
On Monday April 1, Staples Principal John Dodig announced there will not be Interim Progress Reports sent home to Westport students starting for the 2013-2014 school year. Since the second semester of the current school year marks the transition period for all teachers to post their class’s grades... Read more »
Any Given Game Day
Sophia Hampton and Ellie Gavin
February 15, 2013
Filed under Sports
“We’re in hell right now gentlemen, believe me, and we can stay here get the **** kicked out of us or we can fight our way back to the light we can climb outta hell… one inch at a time.” Even sitting on your couch at home watching “Any Given Sunday,” you can feel the intensity building... Read more »
The Madness of Midterms: Why Exams Are Ineffective
Ellie Gavin, Staff Writer
January 14, 2013
Filed under Opinions
Fact: nobody likes midterms or finals. They’re stressful. The stakes are crazy high. The only bright side for Staples students during this hellish week is the shortened day. A traditional midterm or final exam consists of a multiple choice section and maybe an essay, or in the case of math and... Read more »
Safety Precautions to be Reviewed in Wake of Sandy Hook Shooting
Ellie Gavin, Staff Writer
December 15, 2012
Filed under Breaking News, News
Superintendent Elliot Landon says that Westport Public Schools' current security precautions will be “reviewed” in light of yesterday’s horrific attack on Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., which took place just 22 miles from Westport. “The safety and well-being of our children... Read more »
The Slingshot Bros: Student Entrepreneurs Take Their Business to the Shops
Ellie Gavin, Staff Writer
December 11, 2012
Filed under Features
Many Staples students shop at stores like Dovecote and Down Under, but how many of them can say that they actually sell a product there? The answer is two. Hamilton Kovtun ’15 and Robert Gordon ’16 decided to forgo the usual route of babysitting and part-time gigs, opting to make... Read more »
John Morello’s “Dirt” Touches Upperclassmen
Ellie Gavin, Staff Writer
December 6, 2012
Filed under News
No one knew what to expect on Tues. Dec. 4, when actor John Morello stepped on stage to begin his one-man show, “Dirt,” but by the time he was finished 80 minutes later, the junior and senior classes of Staples were in awe. “Dirt” is the fictional story of five very different characters who... Read more »
Tough Musical with Edgy Themes
Ellie Gavin, Staff Writer
October 26, 2012
Filed under A&E
When it comes to producing great theater, Staples Players has been hitting all the right notes for the past five decades. But sometimes a good production is an edgy production. How do the Players handle it when a show’s topics get tough? Throughout their history, the Players have done... Read more »
Bus Drivers’ Union and Dattco Officials Reach Settlement
Ellie Gavin, Staff Writer
October 9, 2012
Filed under News
For those who were clinging to the hope that there would indeed be a bus strike, this is bad news. There has been a settlement. This past weekend, negotiations came to a close as both the drivers union and officials at Dattco agreed upon a contract. According to a Dattco press release, the drivers... Read more »
Teachers Required to Post Grades in Online System
Ellie Gavin, Staff Writer
October 5, 2012
Filed under News
For the 2012-2013 school year, Staples teachers will be trying a new grading system that will require teachers to post scores on a regular basis using eSchool electronic grade book to aid in communication between parents, students, and teachers as well as helping students stay on top of their work. Likewise,... Read more »
Dattco Drivers At Odds
Ellie Gavin and Aaron Hendel
October 5, 2012
Filed under News
It isn’t over yet. While the bus strike announced Sunday may have been averted (at least as of Oct. 2), sources say the drivers and the bus company, Dattco, are far from an agreement. While both sides say they remain generally optimistic that they will reach an agreement, some drivers say they... Read more »
Bus Strike To Begin Monday, Oct. 1
Ellie Gavin, Staff Writer
September 30, 2012
Filed under News
A bus drivers’ strike announced today means thousands of Westport students will be scrambling for rides to school tomorrow morning. Westport school bus drivers rejected a contract agreed on by management and the drivers’ union leaders, Superintendent Elliott Landon informed parents and students... Read more »
9-11 Birthdays: Finding Hope on a Somber Day
Ellie Gavin, Staff Writer
September 18, 2012
Filed under Features
When most people think of their birthday, they think of parties, presents, and one day a year that they get to be just a little self-centered and take some time to celebrate themselves and life itself. But for some, their special day falls on one of the most somber days in America: September Eleventh. Emma... Read more »