Wellesley High’s upcoming production of ‘Legally Blonde: The Musical’ promotes confidence through entertainment

December 3, 2025 by Maya Hazarika

Legally Blonde: The Musical, Wellesley High — All photos by Declan Kashou

Wellesley High School students on Dec. 4-6 will present “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” a high-energy show that promises lots of laughs. The musical is inspired by the 2001 hit film, which tells the story of Elle Woods, a bubbly student navigating law school at Harvard.

In the musical, Elle (played by Samantha Hirschey) eagerly hopes her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III (played by Oliver Zinggeler), will propose to her. When he decides she is too “blonde” for him and seeks someone more serious, Elle uses her intelligence and charm to prove that her personality is an asset, not a liability. Along the way, she meets several memorable characters: Paulette (Anay Ayala), a shy but lovable manicurist; Emmett Richmond (Jack White), a charming teaching assistant; and Vivienne Kensington (Callie Pillsbury), Warner’s polished new girlfriend.

This is the second Wellesley High School musical directed by Mr. Skylar Grossman, whose philosophy focuses on alternating between contemporary and classics. He believes the show is unique for students to perform because it uses an entertaining medium to confront misogyny and promote self-discovery. He also emphasizes the importance of teamwork, encouraging students to support and learn from each other during rehearsals. Ultimately, he wants the production to teach students about different styles of musical theater.

Legally Blonde is known for its upbeat and poppy soundtrack, featuring plenty of belting and exciting dance numbers. One standout, “Whipped into Shape,” is based on Brooke Wyndham’s (Lucy Gandler) workout tape. This sequence takes place in a prison, with the ensemble jumproping while singing. “While physically demanding, it will be incredibly exciting for the audience to watch!” students in the number say.

The musical also includes slow numbers, like “Serious,” sung by Warner and Elle, who humorously walk the audience through their dinner breakup. Musical director Brandon Santini works closely with the cast to convey the depth of these moments through guided practice and encouraging students to engage with the music independently. These songs provide contrast to the show’s high-energy numbers, allowing the audience to connect more deeply with the characters’ journeys.

Tech week for Legally Blonde runs from Nov. 24 through Dec. 3. During this time, the cast and crew have been spending up to eight hours a day refining choreography, music, and stagecraft. All the challenges of producing a show of this caliber culminate in four final performances. The production’s ultimate goal is to inspire audiences with its message: setbacks can be turned into advantages, and hard work and determination can lead to success. It also serves to showcase the talent and dedication of Wellesley High’s Drama Society.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door via cash or check if any remain.

Performances:

Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7pm
Friday, Dec. 5 at 7pm
Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2pm & 7pm

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Wellesley High School Club Fair showcases nearly 70 student engagement organizations

September 29, 2025 by Maya Hazarika

WHS club fair — WHS Club Fair (photo by Maya Hazarika)

Wellesley High’s annual Club Fair took place last Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 24 and 25, during lunch periods and before and after school. With 68 clubs and organizations on display, the fair offered students a broad range of extracurricular opportunities, reflecting the school’s commitment to student involvement beyond the classroom.

Club fairs often serve as a gauge of school culture, capturing the interests, ideas, and passions of its students. At Wellesley High, clubs encourage students to connect with peers, explore new interests, and feel a stronger sense of belonging within the school community.

WHS Math Club — WHS Math Team (photo by Maya Hazarika)

The event is planned and organized by Assistant Principal Colin Shattuck, in collaboration with Student Congress, one of the many participating clubs. Student Congress handles the layout of the cafeteria and coordinates logistics, including where each club is positioned, which ensures a smooth flow of students between booths.

Student Congress members Alex Budson McQuilkin and Vibha Thirumale, pictured below, were among the many helping hands behind the scenes.

whs student congress club — (photo by Maya Hazarika)

By reflecting student interests, the Club Fair also mirrors broader trends within the school community. The club landscape at Wellesley High School remains dynamic, with approximately ten new organizations forming each year while about ten others end as senior leadership graduates.

This year’s fair introduced several new clubs, including HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), Philosophy Club, and Dream Journal Club.

HOSA club president Fatima Bangash — HOSA President Fatima Bangash (photo by Maya Hazarika)

This natural cycle of new and concluding clubs ensures a steady flow of fresh perspectives while preserving institutional knowledge. Meeting schedules vary to accommodate student availability and preferences. Some clubs meet after school, others in the evenings or on weekends, with many offering flexible combinations.

According to Alex Budson McQuilkin, one of the Student Congress organizers, club leaders are consistently cooperative and easy to work with throughout the fair’s planning and setup.

The fair operates on a simple but effective model: each participating club brings sign-up sheets, eye-catching posters, and often candy or other small incentives to draw in potential members. Every club and activity is free to join, and each is supported by a faculty advisor who helps supervise and guide the organization.

key club poster — (photo by Maya Hazarika)

Students often describe the event as a chance to explore what their peers care about and, in many cases, to form friendships.

“Finding someone who shares a unique passion helps others feel as if they belong,” one participant said.

Notable Clubs

Translation Club

Supporting the wider Wellesley community, this club translates documents from English into Spanish, Chinese, Korean, French, and Turkish. Students apply their language skills in practical ways, translating flyers, event notices, and public announcements.

Science Olympiad

Competing in monthly meets through the Western Suburban Science League, the Science Team participates in 23 events covering five academic categories, from Earth Science to Engineering. The team emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and inclusion, welcoming all students in grades 9–12.

Model United Nations

MUN encourages students to consider complex global issues through the lens of diplomacy and international relations. Members attend one to two conferences per year and collaborate with peers from across the region to address timely challenges.

Wellesley Academic Decathlon

Open to students of all GPA levels, this academic team studies a broad set of subjects tied to a central theme each year. Weekly meetings prepare students for local and state competitions that include exams, speeches, and interviews, fostering both content mastery and public speaking.

Academic Decathlon booth (photo by Maya Hazarika)

Wellesley High Club Fair participants

Mental Health Awareness Club	Bridge Club
SUP	Christianity Club
The Art and Coloring Club	Bright Futures Club
Sports Media Club	Translation Club
Helping Cure Cancer Club	Real Estate Club
Dungeons & Dragons Club	Red Ink
Jewish Student Union	Mentoring Club
Innov8tion Club	Clay Club
HOSA	Current Affairs Club
Filmmaking Club	GLOW
Greek Culture Club	Math Team
Wellesley Sports History Club	Science Olympiad
Debate Club	Team Ultraviolet
Friends Forever/Best Buddies	Mock Trial
Photo Club	Chinese Culture Club
DEI Council & Diversity Club	Pawsitive Action
Y.E.S. Young Ethnic Scholars	Pickleball Club
Food Waste Reduction Club	StuCo
Philanthropy Club	Connecting Canvases
Pharmacy and Research Club	Cookies for a Cause
Quiz Bowl	Psychology Club
Badminton Club	Medicine Club
The Birthday Club	Art Club
Model UN Club	Climate Action Club
French Club	DreamFar
The Spectra: STEM Journal	BotBall Club
No Better Love	Women in STEM
Girls to Leaders	Asian Student Union
Musical Theater Club	Rock Climbing Club
Toys and Tales for Tomorrow	Wellesley Ultimate Frisbee
Philosophy and Ethics Club	Academic Decathlon
Red Cross Club	Key Club
Art History Club	DECA
Economics Club	Girls Who Code

Article written by Maya Hazarika, Wellesley High Class of 2028

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24 Hours of Barefoot soccer in Wellesley raises funds for nonprofit

August 27, 2025 by Maya Hazarika

From noon on Saturday, August 23, to noon on Sunday, August 24, Wellesley High School soccer players and community members gathered for the 15th annual 24 Hours of Barefoot Soccer. Over the course of the day and night, players of all ages and skill levels rotated through scrimmages on Reidy Field, raising money for the nonprofit Soccer Without Borders.

The weather added to the event’s energy, with clear skies and temperatures in the mid-80s on Saturday afternoon, cooling into the 60s overnight before warming again into the low 80s Sunday morning.

Participation required a $25 donation. Food and snacks, including chips and soda, kept attendees refreshed. Around 5 p.m. Saturday, roughly 20 to 40 people gathered under the event tent, chatting and eating, while others played on the field.

The fundraiser stands out for its unique format: soccer played barefoot for a full 24 hours. The choice to go without shoes honors African players who often practice barefoot, while also symbolizing solidarity with children who may not have access to equipment. Unlike a tournament, the atmosphere is casual, designed for fun, camaraderie, and shared purpose.

Caroline Keyes, a senior and member of the WHS Girls Soccer team, was one of the main organizers of the event. To her, the “most rewarding parts” were “that it brings [their] team together for a fun bonding experience while also supporting such an important cause.”

Specifically this year, the team’s former assistant coach had worked with Soccer Without Borders. Keyes added this “connection really inspired [them] to put in a lot of effort and make a difference”.

The tradition began in 2010, when Wellesley High sophomore Owen Diana, inspired by the Côte d’Ivoire team in the 2010 World Cup, collaborated with his father to organize the inaugural event. More than 150 people participated that first year, with proceeds going to Grassroots Soccer, a nonprofit founded by Survivor winner Ethan Zohn.

Today, the funds support Soccer Without Borders, an American nonprofit founded in 2006 that uses soccer as a tool for community development and youth empowerment. The organization now serves more than 8,000 participants in 73 countries. Its Massachusetts branch, founded in 2012, runs year-round programs in Chelsea, East Boston, and Somerville, reaching over 500 young people annually (You can register to volunteer with the group online).

Please send tips, photos, ideas to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Willy Wonka KIDS at Wellesley Theatre Project: A spirited summer show

July 23, 2025 by Maya Hazarika

The first performances of Wellesley Theatre Project’s summer production of Willy Wonka KIDS ran July 17 and 18 at the Sorenson Center for the Arts at Babson College. I attended the 7:30pm performance on July 17, which featured the Golden Cast. For a production put together in just two weeks, it was organized, well paced, and impressively executed.

The show is a short version of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and runs about 35 minutes. It features students in grades 2 through 8, many of whom brought energy and individuality to their roles.

Sarah Benson played Charlie Bucket with honesty and steady focus. One memorable scene took place in the Bucket Shack, when Charlie learned he’d found the golden ticket. Sarah Benson’s expression shifted from disbelief to awe, effectively capturing the moment.

willy wonka kids — Photos by Maya Hazarika

Casie Skarwitz, in the role ofWilly Wonka, stayed fully in character, moving with intention and delivering her lines with theatrical flair. In the factory entrance scene, set to “At the Gates (Pure Imagination),” Skarwitz led the group confidently.

The cast also brought enthusiasm to the early ensemble number “(I’ve Got A) Golden Ticket,” which helped to introduce the world of the show.

The ensemble stayed engaged even in background moments, adding character to the imaginary world. The group playing the other Golden Ticket winners kept their scenes moving with good timing and expression. The Oompa Loompa numbers were well-rehearsed and visually strong, especially in the group choreography sections where spacing and rhythm were consistent.

Direction by Lydia Jane Furlong kept the story moving at a steady pace. Assistant Director Clara Robinson helped build specific character choices across the cast. Music Director Amber Crossman ensured that vocals stayed on pitch and on time. Choreographer Kennedy VanCleve created movement that matched the cast’s ability level and kept the visual flow of the show strong. The choreography worked especially well during ensemble songs where many cast members were on stage at once.

The production featured colorful sets and creative costumes that brought the world of the chocolate factory to life. Bright lighting and clear sound cues enhanced each scene, and transitions were cleverly handled by the Oompa Loompas.

Willy Wonka KIDS was an example of how WTP gives young performers real experience in how a show comes together. From learning lines and music to understanding stage movement and timing, students had the chance to go through the full process. The final result was a performance that reflected their work and the consistent support of the creative team.

Upcoming Performances of Willy Wonka KIDS

New casts will perform on:

August 7 at 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM
August 8 at 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM

All shows take place at the Sorenson Center for the Arts, 19 Babson College Dr., Wellesley

Runtime: 35 minutes

Rated G

Tickets and info available at wellesleytheatreproject.org or by emailing info@wellesleytheatreproject.org

Other Upcoming WTP Shows at Sorenson Center for the Arts:

James and the Giant Peach JR

July 24 and 25 at 5:00 PM
July 26 at 2:00 PM
August 14 and 15 at 5:00 PM
August 16 at 2:00 PM

Rated PG

Runtime: 65 minutes

Spring Awakening

July 24-26 at 8:00 PM

Rated R

Runtime: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Beetlejuice JR

August 14 and 15 at 8:00 PM
August 16 at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM
August 17 at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM

Please send tips, photos, ideas to theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

‘Good Trouble Lives On’ Rally in Wellesley honors John Lewis

July 20, 2025 by Maya Hazarika

On July 17 community members gathered outside Wellesley Town Hall to remember Congressman John Lewis and his lifelong work for civil rights and nonviolent protest. The event, part of the nationwide Good Trouble Lives On day of action, marked five years since Lewis’s passing and reinforced his message about peaceful protest and civic participation.

good trouble rally — Photos by Maya Hazarika

The rally ran from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at 525 Washington Street. Attendees brought signs, flags, and messages of hope, showing support along the town green. Organized partly by the League of Women Voters, the event reflected Lewis’s belief in the power of collective nonviolent action to challenge injustice and protect civil rights.

Chants reminded the crowd of Lewis’s role not just as a Congressman but as a frontline civil rights activist. They highlighted the ongoing fight to protect voting rights and democracy, especially as concerns about voter suppression continue.

This event was not limited to Wellesley. Good Trouble Lives On events took place across the country on July 17 in courthouses, town squares, and community spaces. The phrase “good trouble,” coined by Lewis, has become a call for peaceful resistance and civic responsibility. Organizers stressed the importance of staying peaceful and lawful even when faced with opposition.

The Wellesley rally brought together a mix of residents, families, students, and activists showing the town’s ongoing commitment to civic engagement and social justice. As the event ended, participants were reminded that honoring Lewis means not just remembering the past but continuing the work he started.

Wellesley Media has also shared a recording of the event.

For more information on future events, visit Good Trouble Lives On or contact the League of Women Voters of Wellesley.

Seniors Reflect at Wellesley High School’s 156th Graduation

June 9, 2025 by Maya Hazarika

After a week of closely watching weather forecasts, Wellesley High School’s 156th graduation ceremony went ahead outdoors on Friday, June 6. The evening sky cleared just in time for 328 seniors to graduate under the newly installed lights at Hunnewell Field, surrounded by family, friends, and faculty.

whs graduation — Photos courtesy of Wellesley Public Schools

The WHS chorus performed “A Million Dreams” from “The Greatest Showman,” offering a musical interlude that was warmly received by the crowd.

Senior Class Officer Emily Hinderliter opened the ceremony by urging her classmates to stay grounded in the present, despite the pressure to constantly look ahead. She shared how personal challenges and her four years of forward-focused thinking taught her the importance of being present.

English teacher David Charlesworth delivered the Faculty Message, reminding students that they are capable of far more than they often believe. He encouraged graduates to trust in their own human potential, even in a world increasingly shaped by efficient machines.

Student speaker and Senior Class Officer Asia Foland addressed the crowd with a heartfelt speech about imposter syndrome and inclusion. She acknowledged the difficulty many students face in feeling like they belong and encouraged her peers to embrace discomfort, try new things, and support others who may feel out of place. She spoke from experience, citing her three years of involvement with the Prison Book Program.

Valedictorian Elizabeth Hoerter was honored for her outstanding academic achievements throughout her high school career.

Senior Class Officer Edward Su presented the Class Gift: New benches for the school courtyard, designed to create a welcoming space for future students to gather and connect.

Several honors were presented during the evening:

Senior Cup Winners: Asia Foland and Kendrick Tamo Nkam
Wellesley High School Excellence in Teaching Award: Presented by student and Senior Class officer Grace Hill to math teacher Nicholas Miller

These recognitions celebrated leadership, academic excellence, and lasting contributions and impact to the school community.

While indoor backup plans were in place, the weather ultimately cooperated, allowing for a memorable outdoor celebration. Families, teachers, and mentors gathered in support of the graduates, marking not just the end of high school, but the beginning of a new part of their lives.

(Thanks to Wellesley Media for its recording of the ceremony.)

More: WHS Class of ’25 grads revisit their elementary schools

Wellesley shows off Town Hall’s upgraded insides at Wonderful Weekend open house

May 19, 2025 by Maya Hazarika

With so many people doing their town business online these days, not everyone has the chance or need to actually visit Wellesley Town Hall. But Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend presented a good opportunity for people to check out the latest interior renovations that had kept the 142-year-old building off limits for about 18 months to employees and the public, until it reopened in late December.

The Wellesley Select Board and Permanent Building Committee on Saturday, May 17 hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house to celebrate the newly renovated Wellesley Town Hall at 525 Washington St.

Guests had the opportunity to tour the improved Town Hall, which now features improved accessibility, modernized systems, and enhanced interior spaces while preserving the building’s history.

Some upgrades are an accessible entry with a ramp, new heating and cooling systems, a reconfigured Juliani Room with updated AV technology, and a modern fire-rated vault for secure document storage. The building also houses new workspaces, a redesigned Great Hall upstairs for meetings, and sustainable systems such as air source heat pumps.

a future select board member at town hall? — Wielding the gavel in the Juliani Room: A future Select Board member?

town hall open house — Re-enactors from nearby military encampment check out Town Hall

In the entryway, a refurbished weights and measures display case greets visitors. You can try out the historic scale from the early 1900s (just don’t let go of the handle too suddenly!). Natural Resources Commission Chair Michael D’Ortenzio, Jr., and Select Board member Beth Sullivan Woods explain further in this video clip.

Before the ribbon cutting at the open house, Town officials including Select Board member Tom Ulfelder and the Permanent Building Committee’s Michael Tauer spoke about the renovation process and results. The project was completed without impacting taxpayers and balanced modern civic needs with historic preservation, they said. (Watch a Wellesley Media video about the renovation.)

(left to right) Town volunteers and leaders Colette Aufranc, Michael Tauer, Marjorie Freiman, Beth Sullivan Woods, Tom Ulfelder, Meghan Jop, Kenny Largess (photo by Maya Hazarika)

The event featured giveaways, such as cookies and pins.

Bob Brown contributed to this post.

Wellesley’s Pups in the Park raises funds for animal welfare

May 18, 2025 by Maya Hazarika

The Rotary Club of Wellesley on Saturday afternoon hosted its annual Pups in the Park event on Hunnewell Field as part of Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend.

Participants paid $20 per dog to enter their pets into a series of dog contents, with categories such as “Cutest Pup.” “Biggest Ears,” and “Best Kisser.” All proceeds benefited International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) animal welfare efforts.

Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including a pup parade, live music, face painting, and food from local vendors. There were prizes for the best-dressed dogs, and plenty of treats for both pets and their owners. Local businesses and organizations also joined the event, offering a chance for the community to connect while supporting a good cause.

The Rotary Club’s commitment to improving lives both locally and globally was evident in the event’s focus on animal welfare. The funds raised will help support IFAW’s work in providing care for animals affected by disasters and conflict worldwide.

Separately, the Rotary Club is hosting Taste of Wellesley on May 21 (6:30-9pm) at Wellesley Country Club. Tickets are available at Roche Bros., The Windsor Press and online.

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