Skip to Main Content
Join the discussion.

Inklings News

Join the discussion.

Inklings News

Join the discussion.

Inklings News

Eliza Llewellyn

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor

Eliza Llewellyn ’14 is driven and well-rounded. Now that it’s her third year on Inklings, she’s ready to take the lead. As web managing editor, Eliza is excited to advance the Inklings website with innovations in media and graphics. It’s not going to be easy, and fortunately her

experience as co-captain of the Staples JV tennis team has taught her the valuable leadership skills necessary for the job. Not only this, but her position on the yearbook committee and her commitment to playing piano constantly puts her time management skills to the test. While her

job on Inklings may also be extremely time-consuming, she puts it above all else.

“If I’m doing homework at 10:30 p.m. and a new e-mail pops up with an article, I stop what I’m doing to read it,” said Eliza. “It’s one of my first priorities.”

When Eliza isn’t editing articles, she’s writing them. Last year she wrote a news story, “Legacies: Investigating a College Application Controversy,” which she considers one of her best works.

“It felt good to talk to guidance counselors and college admissions officers because I was finding information that people would not get otherwise,” said Eliza.

This year she hopes to pursue writing in-depth and research-based articles, as well as find a good balance among all her extracurriculars. With her dedication and drive, there’s no doubt Eliza will go above and beyond.

All content by Eliza Llewellyn
How I reached the endzone

How I reached the endzone

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor June 20, 2014

It’s 12:30 a.m., and the only thing I’m running on is the throaty, soulful voice of Eric Thomas, the self-named “hip hop preacher” talking about success. The video showcases running back Giovanni...

10276298_779227295422718_23579479_n

[Photo] Rest in peace simple Snapchat

Claudia Chen, Features Editor May 4, 2014

Wealth causes division in Westport

Wealth causes division in Westport

Hannah Foley and Eliza Llewellyn April 25, 2014

The “wealth gap” has received plenty of attention recently, including being featured in President Obama’s State of the Union address this year: one percent of the US population owns 40 percent of...

SAT format to change drastically in 2016

SAT format to change drastically in 2016

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor March 28, 2014

Abjure, abrogate, adumbrate, anathema. For years, the words have endured in prep books and online Quizlet notecards and have been mainstays on high school vocabulary tests. But the terms may soon fall...

Board of Finance approves proposed BOE budget

Board of Finance approves proposed BOE budget

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor March 21, 2014

Thursday night’s Board of Finance meeting sparked debate and discussion, but ultimately resulted in the approval of the BOE’s proposed budget in a 4-3 vote. The budget proposal, a 4.82 percent increase...

BOE members unanimously approved recommendations about teacher evaluations and a request for proposal for interior door locks.

BOE discusses teacher evaluations, security

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor March 13, 2014

At Monday night’s BOE meeting, school board members tackled topics from teacher evaluations to security. After announcements, an acceptance of gifts, and the approval of administrators’ contracts,...

Compo will have to wait another day as April vacation is pushed back.

April 14 to be school day, no longer devoted to April vacation

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor March 10, 2014

Though recent rumors have swirled that the Board of Education would not open schools for the Monday of April vacation, at tonight's meeting, Superintendent Elliott Landon said that Monday, April 14 will...

Board of Education debates budget proposals for next year

Board of Education debates budget proposals for next year

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor February 28, 2014

The Board of Education (BOE) has proposed a 2014-2015 budget that reflects an increase of nearly six or barely five percent, depending on whether or not the finance board votes to help reduce a recently-discovered...

Superintendent Elliot Landon, far right, sits with the Board of Education during Monday night's meeting which determined the school budget.

Board of Education approves cuts to 2014-2015 school budget

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor February 11, 2014

At the Board of Education’s meeting on Monday, Feb. 10, BOE members approved a 2014-2015 school budget to be submitted to the Board of Finance. The BOE’s budget would represent a 5.89 percent increase...

1.Yep, that’s right; Queen B wins the crown again. Whether it be her music, her beauty, her family, or her epic fashion, it seems as though Beyoncé can’t lose. Beyoncé enticed viewers at the Grammys in a gorgeous, skin hugging Michael Costello dress. Beyoncé was able to make a somewhat sultry dress a respectable work of art.
Word to describe her look: Masterpiece
http://www.ibtimes.com/grammy-red-carpet-photos-2014-recap-all-fashion-during-grammys-arrivals-pictures-1547798

[Photo] Best dressed of the Grammys

Claire Lewin, Associate Managing Editor February 1, 2014

1.Yep, that’s right; Queen B wins the crown again. Whether it be her music, her beauty, her family, or her epic fashion, it seems as though Beyoncé can’t lose. Beyoncé enticed viewers at the Grammys...

Blame, solutions swirl around $2 mill shortfall

Blame, solutions swirl around $2 mill shortfall

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor January 31, 2014

At the Dec. 11 Board of Finance meeting, news of a shortfall of roughly $1.9 million shook the board. Since then, questions have revolved around who’s to blame and how to make up the deficit. “I was...

The BOE members assemble before the meeting begins.

BOE meeting tackles security, elementary curriculum

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor December 18, 2013

Under the hot cafeteria lights and rows of repurposed cafeteria tables, issues on the Board of Education’s agenda often take more than their allotted time. But when it comes to the topics covered in...

School security under scrutiny: (from left) Michael Kashel and Roy Parks, Senior Associates at Kroll, visit Staples to continue the audit.

Staples redraws school security after Sandy Hook

Bailey Ethier and Eliza Llewellyn December 2, 2013

The echoes of shots have died away, news coverage has quieted, the stony shock has thawed. Almost a year after Adam Lanza shot and killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School, a memorial...

jdflkkk copy

[Photo] Remembering JFK

Katie Cion, Editor-in-Chief November 19, 2013

Here's the scoop on Shmoop

Here’s the scoop on Shmoop

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor November 4, 2013

It’s a site that combines Victor Frankenstein with a hipster, refers to George Orwell “ROFL-ing” and suggests that Lady Macbeth try a little hydrogen peroxide for her damned spot. Shmoop, an online...

wrist copy

[Photo] The Time Crunch

Caroline Rossi, Web Features Editor October 23, 2013

2fantastysdfldjaflksdjf

[Photo] A Team of Their Own

Jack Zeldes, Staff Writer October 15, 2013

Some Staples students visit siblings in college on Family Weekend, getting a first-hand look at the school and a taste of campus life.

[Photo] Family Week(does it have to)end

Julie Bender, Web Opinions Editor October 11, 2013

Some Staples students visit siblings in college on Family Weekend, getting a first-hand look at the school and a taste of campus life.

Diners enjoy the reduced price menus at Acqua on Main Street, one of the restaurants participating in Restaurant Week.

2013 Westport-Weston Restaurant Week is a recipe for new business

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor October 10, 2013

The clink of glasses and murmurs of conversation drift out on Main Street. Diners at Acqua and Cru sit under outdoor lighting as hot plates whisk between kitchen and table. All around Westport, restaurants...

Sick students sometimes come in to school, prioritizing attending class over their health.

[Photo] Students feel pressured to attend school when sick

Talia Hendel, Web Managing Editor October 6, 2013

Sick students sometimes come in to school, prioritizing attending class over their health.

EDM subculture is a sensory overload

EDM subculture is a sensory overload

Ellie Gavin and Eliza Llewellyn October 4, 2013

The music is loud. The beat shakes the floor, and you feel it vibrating inside your body as if it is coming from within you.  It’s hot. Uncomfortably hot, even, but you barely notice. You’re sweating,...

Although some players must take ACTs the day after homecoming , they will remain focused on the game and prepare for the tests with a good night's sleep.

[Photo] Football Players Tackle the ACT… The Morning After Homecoming

Taylor Harrington, Breaking News Managing Editor September 21, 2013

Although some players must take ACTs the day after homecoming , they will remain focused on the game and prepare for the tests with a good night's sleep.

Rep. Jim Himes addresses a speaker from the audience at Sunday’s public meeting on Syria.

Himes and Blumenthal Discuss Syria at Public Meeting

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor September 9, 2013

People packed into the auditorium at the Darien library on Sunday, Sept. 8, filling chairs, aisles, and even crowding behind the library in order to listen and speak at a public meeting on Syria. Rep....

Schorr and Cody were the only two Westport students representing the United States among 13 other coutnries at the Hwa Chong Insitute.

Staples Goes Global

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor August 27, 2013

In a country 9,500 miles, 22 hours, and an ocean away, two Staples students spent ten days meeting students who represented 13 countries. Jack Cody ’14 and Warren Schorr ’14 traveled to the Hwa Chong...

Aced It: Reaching the Top

Aced It: Reaching the Top

Eliza Llewellyn and Cadence Neenan June 21, 2013

Madeline Seidman Under the hot Black Box lights, Madeline Seidman ’13 laments ruination and commits suicide. A  change of costumes and seasons, she is a frock-clad dilettante and delivers punch lines....

The Cicadapocalypse

The Cicadapocalypse

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor June 3, 2013

It’s a harsh, mechanical drone, a motorized, whirring soundtrack of summer, a grating advertisement for a mate. It’s the familiar noise of a cicada, but this year, it will be amplified a million-fold. Dubbed...

A child watches his model car rush down the track at the Nerdy Derby, a booth with a wooden race track.

It Makes the Day: The Mini Maker Faire

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor April 27, 2013

As robots roll, hula hoops spin, racecars launch and 3-D printers whir back and forth, assembling layers of plastic, visitors to Westport’s second Mini Maker Faire experience innovation in motion. The...

The school has a specific procedure to prevent violence or self harm that may stem from  mental instability.

The Threat from Within

Eliza Llewellyn and Hannah Foley April 12, 2013

Whether it’s a parent phone call to the Assistant Principal’s office, a hushed referral to a guidance counselor, or a blip on an administrator’s walkie-talkie, an alertness lingers in the wake of...

Wi-Fi Network Briefly Crashes

Wi-Fi Network Briefly Crashes

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor April 3, 2013

Every morning, students come in armed with Macbooks and iPhones, which depend on the school’s wireless network. However, Tuesday morning, April 2, an issue with the guest network prevented students from...

Although Jeremy Schaap most recently received attention for his interview with Manti Te'o, he has also covered events like the World Cup and the Olympics, as well as in-depth investigative sports journalism pieces.

Beyond Manti Te’o: A Conversation with Jeremy Schaap

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor March 20, 2013

“I’ve covered the Olympics, the World Cup, the Superbowl, even Boxing Championship fights,” Jeremy Schaap says, his voice casual and easily recognizable from ESPN’s E60, Sports Center, and Outside...

This year's budget reflects another year of tight cuts. Although the budget increased by 3.95 percent, a 4.44 percent increase would be required to maintain the current expenditures due to increased enrollment and inflation.

BOE Proposes 2013-2014 School Budget

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor March 15, 2013

The Board of Education’s $104.2 million 2013-2014 school budget represents a 3.95 percent increase over this year’s budget. Changed points in this year’s proposal include the middle school STEM...

Although Westport did not lend equipment or crews following the storm, there is a system in place for mutual aid which sorts requests based on region.

After the Storm: Investigating Mutual Aid Post-Nemo

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor March 12, 2013

“It’s what we refer to as a ‘piece of cake,’” said Westport’s Director of Public Works Steve Edwards, classifying the snowstorm Nemo as a weather event involving only snow, not wind. But although...

Weston High School was evacuated Wed. afternoon due to a threatening note. State police conducted a bomb sweep in and around the building.

[Photo] Weston High School Evacuated Following Threatening Note

Sophia Hampton, News Editor February 27, 2013

Weston High School was evacuated Wed. afternoon due to a threatening note. State police conducted a bomb sweep in and around the building.

An ambulance and fire engine arrived in response to an accident in the parking lot. The one-car accident reportedly involved English teacher Jesse Bauks.

[Photo] English Teacher Involved in Accident in Staples Parking Lot

Cheyenne Haslett, Web Managing Editor February 24, 2013

An ambulance and fire engine arrived in response to an accident in the parking lot. The one-car accident reportedly involved English teacher Jesse Bauks.

Three Cheers: Staples Cheerleaders Place 6 in FCIACs, Three Earn All FCIAC Honors

Three Cheers: Staples Cheerleaders Place 6 in FCIACs, Three Earn All FCIAC Honors

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor February 9, 2013

Under the bright, hot lights of the Fairfield Warde gym, pop music blared, cameras flashed, and moms jockeyed for seats in the packed bleachers at the 2013 Cheerleading FCIACs on Saturday, Feb. 2. 12 schools...

Reflecting on School Response to Sandy Hook Tragedy

Reflecting on School Response to Sandy Hook Tragedy

Ryder Chasin and Eliza Llewellyn January 14, 2013

One month ago, on Fri., Dec. 14, crisis befell Newtown, Conn. in the form of what’s now only euphemistically known as the tragedy, the disaster—the shooting. That afternoon, Bedford Middle School...

Protect Palestine

Protect Palestine

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor January 14, 2013

In America, the word “Palestine” is frequently linked with other terms: Hamas, terrorism, intifada.  But most residents of the country are not bloodthirsty caricatures of terrorists, but refugees...

RTM Votes to Support Gun Control Petition

RTM Votes to Support Gun Control Petition

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor January 9, 2013

On Jan. 8, the Representative Town Meeting voted to support a petition calling for stricter gun control. In a 27-1-3 vote, it was decided to symbolically support the petition, requesting that President...

5 Ways To Seem More Athletic (Without Really Trying)

5 Ways To Seem More Athletic (Without Really Trying)

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor January 1, 2013

There are some among us who would rather run from a ball than catch it, look lumpy in spandex and take 15 minute bathroom breaks in gym. But at Staples, where the majority of freshmen seem to be tri-season...

Following the Sandy Hook shooting, staff at Staples were reminded of their role not only as teachers, administrators, or support staff, but as protectors of their students.

The Other Side of the Job: Educators, School employees discuss their obligation to protect students

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor December 21, 2012

On Friday Dec. 14, staff began the school day grading exploratory essays, patrolling the parking lot, or handing out passes to students who had slept through period three. Later, they left school knowing...

Cans for Candlelight, a drive organized by the National Honors Society, will be collecting nonperishable food items the week prior to the Candlelight Concert.

Cans for Candlelight Donation to be Held Dec. 10-14

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor December 9, 2012

As the holidays approach, donation boxes begin to line the front hallway of Staples. The week prior to the annual Candlelight Concert, from Dec. 10-14, collection bins will be set up for the Cans for Candlelight...

Although the  turn out of Staples onto North Avenue seems terrifying to many staff and students, it has not caused a significant number of accidents in recent years.

[Photo] How Dangerous is the Left Turn out of Main Entrance of Staples?

Zoe Brown, Editor-in-Chief December 5, 2012

Although the turn out of Staples onto North Avenue seems terrifying to many staff and students, it has not caused a significant number of accidents in recent years.

Nov. 28, 2012 | Teaching Tolerance

Nov. 28, 2012 | Teaching Tolerance

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor November 28, 2012

9:25 a.m. Marc Elliot gave an assembly to all students during Period Three this morning. Elliot, who was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, promotes tolerance and a "live and let live" attitude. Elliot's...

Students have mixed reaction to the Fisher vs. Texas case, which may uphold, modify, or strike down affirmative action.

Affirmative Action: How might the Supreme Court Decision Affect Staples Students?

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor November 26, 2012

Sometime within the next year, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether or not affirmative action is constitutional. At Staples, although perspectives vary, many students feel that the policy needs reform...

Nov. 3, 2012 | "SAT"-urday No More

Nov. 3, 2012 | “SAT”-urday No More

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor November 3, 2012

11:00 a.m. - Students scheduled to take the SATs on Saturday, Nov. 3 have received a reprieve and some extra time to cram. Due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy, the tests have been postponed at the Staples...

Having a parent or relative who attended a college may give applicants an advantage at that school. However, the effect of legacy status varies by school.

Legacies: Investigating a College Application Controversy

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor October 26, 2012

College alumni sport their school’s colors, cheer for familiar mascots, and attend reunions, all to maintainin a connection with their alma mater. But for the children of these graduates, the school...

THE CHOICE: Fries or Salad? Sandwich or Pizza?

THE CHOICE: Fries or Salad? Sandwich or Pizza?

Arguably the most important daily choices we have are about the food we eat. Fries or salad? Sandwich or pizza? In Westport and at Staples, the choices are ultimately ours.   With Chartwells,...

Staples Teacher Facing Misdemeanor Charges, Not Currently Teaching

Eliza Llewellyn and Bailey Ethier August 28, 2012

UPDATED: Both misdemeanor charges against a Staples High School science teacher for allegedly filing a false police report have been dismissed, according to police. A science teacher has not returned...

Top Scholars: Silver and Chen Lead Balanced, Diverse Lives

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor June 19, 2012

Every year, the titles of Valedictorian and Salutatorian are earned by two graduating seniors, and this year the honors were earned by Matt Silver ‘12 and Carolyn Chen ‘12 respectively. But these two...

Westport DUI Rates Decline Since 2008 Study

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor June 17, 2012

Ten years ago, a traffic fatality involving drunk driving occurred every 30 minutes. This year, the frequency had dropped to one fatal accident every 48 minutes, according to Chris Lemone, Outreach Counselor...

Underage Drinking Remains Concern in Fairfield County

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor June 17, 2012

Although drinking and driving has decreased in the time since a 2008 study showing accident rates to be high, Ingrid Gillespie, director of the Lower Fairfield County Regional Action Council, asserts that...

June 5, 2012 | Boxed Books

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor June 5, 2012

11:04 a.m. Boxes of  2011-2012 yearbooks, which arrived at school on Monday afternoon,  are ready to opened. The books will be distributed throughout the school day on June 5, 6, and 7.

May 23, 2012 | An Afternoon Snack

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor May 23, 2012

2:30 p.m.  Making a feast out of goldfish crackers, cheetos, and tater tots, ants devoured food left by the window seats. Although food is supposed to be confined to the cafeteria, the window seats are ...

Westport Police Locate Runaway Student

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor May 7, 2012

Lisa Martins ’14 was located on May 3 in Ansonia, Conn., according to Captain Samuel Arciola of the Westport Police. “She is fine, and we are making arrangements to have her reunited with the family,”...

Open Choice Program Rumors Dispelled

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor April 14, 2012

Despite a tight budget and a Westport News article forecasting a decrease in the Open Choice Program, which transports students from Bridgeport to schools in Westport and other surrounding districts, the...

March 30, 2012 | Spring Sports in Full Swing

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor March 30, 2012

Mild Winter Weather Impacts Westport Spending

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor March 22, 2012

Thanks to the distinct lack of snow this past winter, Westport has spent considerably less on snow removal this year as compared to last year. The howling winds and snow canyons of the past winter have...

$100.23 Million Budget Passed for 2012-2013 School Year

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor February 28, 2012

On Feb. 6, the Board of Education submitted a $100.23 million budget, making significant changes to the budget proposed by Superintendent Elliot Landon. According to Donald O’Day, Chairman of the...

Night School

Night School

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor February 21, 2012

When most students are rushing from class to class and working on tests and quizzes, Sam Tavarnesi ’12 is working a job. Tavarnesi balances a position at a Yacht Club and Pottery Barn with attending...

Lost Dogs in Westport: The Effort to Bring Andy and Ozzy Home

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor February 11, 2012

The faces of Andy and Ozzy, two missing dogs, are plastered on telephone poles and windows throughout Westport and Fairfield County and can even be seen reposted on blogs and Facebook pages. Jordina...

Spotlight on New Board of Education Members

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor December 21, 2011

Behind the prestigious awards, advanced technology, and sophisticated budgeting of the Westport Public Schools is the town’s Board of Education, which consists of seven members. On Nov. 21, two new members,...

Key Club Fundraises to Eradicate Tetanus

Key Club Fundraises to Eradicate Tetanus

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor December 9, 2011

The Key Club has begun fundraising for the “Eliminate Project,” an initiative to globally eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus, a disease that causes convulsions and death in newborns in developing...

Black Friday: A Consumer’s Dilemma

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor December 8, 2011

If there’s anything that can stir anarchy, violence, and greed, it’s a sale: make it 50% off, limited time only, or even better—“buy one, get one free.” To consumers, the concept of a bargain...

When Parents Attack: Extreme parents cause stress on teachers

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor November 18, 2011

Eliza Llewellyn ‘14 Staff Writer The telltale message light on the phone blares red. As an unsuspecting teacher sets down a stack of homework, she does not know the ambush that awaits. The message...

Staples Graduate Starts Clothing Company to Save Wildlife

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor November 9, 2011

It all started when Jeremy Dreyfuss ‘11 bought a sewing machine. “I thought it would be cool to mess around with,” said Dreyfuss. “Because how many people our age can successfully use a sewing...

Connection, Competition, Support: Freshmen and Senior Siblings at Staples

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor November 6, 2011

As one sibling saunters down the hallways sporting a senior sweatshirt and dangling car keys, another rushes from class to class lugging a giant backpack, branded as a lowly freshman. In Staples, there...

Nov. 2, 2011 | Cans for a Cause

Nov. 2, 2011 | Cans for a Cause

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor November 2, 2011

7:25 a.m.: Sarah Fox '14 donates a bag of canned goods and pasta to the Mercy Learning Center donation box. The food drive lasts through Nov 11. Students can donate nonperishable food products and household...

Westporter Receives Nobel Posthumously

Westporter Receives Nobel Posthumously

Eliza Llewellyn, Web Managing Editor October 28, 2011

Westport, a small suburban town with a modest population of 25,000, is home to a spectrum of residents, from young families, to businessmen, to retirees. Thanks to its excellent schools,Westportwas also...

Load More Stories