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The Swellesley Report

Since 2005: More than you really want to know about Wellesley, Mass.

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Wellesley High girls’ tennis team advances to state title match

June 13, 2025 by Bob Brown

The Wellesley High School girls’ tennis team knocked off Winchester High by a 4-1 score on Thursday to advance to the Division I state finals vs. Lexington High on Sunday, June 15 at 9am at MIT. The Raiders seek to defend their title, won last year vs. Boston Latin.

Wellesley is ranked #4 in the tournament, while Lexington is #6. Both teams are undefeated.

Wellesley won all three of its singles matches vs. Winchester, with Bella Gopen, Kimmy Tai, and Sarah Mackey securing victories. The doubles pair of Nicole Tavis and Kate Snow won as well for the Raiders.

Bella Gopen girls tennis
Bella Gopen from earlier this season

Filed Under: Sports, Wellesley High School

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Wellesley POPS Senior Profile: Abby Chen—Behind the Scenes and Beyond

June 11, 2025 by admin

Special to The Swellesley Report courtesy of the Wellesley High School Bradford and Parents of Performing Students (POPS). This is one in a series of POPS Senior Profiles we’ll be publishing.


While actors may get the spotlight and standing ovations, the real magic often happens behind the scenes—and Abby Chen (Wellesley High School ’27) is a big part of that magic.

Abby ChenEver since her sophomore year, Chen has been a dedicated member of the school’s technical crew, helping to bring shows like Something Rotten!, Mean Girls, Anything Goes, Eurydice, Happy Anniversary Angel Love Gino!, 12 Angry Jurors, and The Secret in the Wings to life. For her, theater isn’t just about the final performance; it’s also about the teamwork and effort that build up to it.

“I stay involved because I enjoy doing it—working on productions and seeing everything come together,” Chen said.

Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Last year, she received the school’s Theatrical Production and Design award. Teachers and directors alike describe Chen as a steady, essential presence backstage—someone who sees problems before they arise and handles them with calm focus.

“She’s the kind of student who sees a problem before it becomes one and calmly offers a solution,” said Tyler James, the faculty member that nominated Chen for this winning position. “Her positive attitude and eye for detail consistently lift the entire team’s performance.”

One standout moment in Chen’s theater journey was the fall 2023 production of 12 Angry Jurors, where she took on the role of lead stage manager. It was her first time in that position—and by all accounts, she excelled.

“A director is nothing without their stage manager,” James said. “Without Abby in that role, we could not have had such a sold-out and outstanding production of 12 Angry Jurors.”

Abby’s leadership isn’t loud or attention-seeking—it’s rooted in quiet excellence. “She’s helped shape a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and mutual respect in our tech crew,” a teacher said. “Her legacy will be one of quiet excellence and dependability.”

One moment that stood out to Chen was attending a theater festival during her sophomore year.

“It was really exciting to put together a play that was going to be in competition, and it was great being at the festival, seeing a bunch of people who were just as passionate about their productions as I was,” Chen said. “We spent the whole day watching other schools’ performances, and I had an amazing time.”

For Chen, experiences like these go beyond fun—they’ve helped her grow as both a technician and a leader.

“The technical directors and other tech crew members I’ve worked with have always been supportive, which is part of what drew me in. They were always willing to help or teach me things while also encouraging me to pull my own weight. I believe they’ve taught me the importance of working things out but also knowing when to go to others for help.”

Chen’s calm, collaborative nature is one reason others look to her for leadership. “It’s been incredible to watch her evolve into a student others look to for guidance,” said James. “She manages crews during tech rehearsals, communicates clearly with directors and designers, and fixes problems before they become real issues. She’s a true team player.”

Addison Kinney ’26, a fellow theater crew member, shared how Chen helps keep everything running smoothly.

“I think Abby is very good at staying organized and making sure everything runs smoothly, especially in theater,” Kinney said. “She’s also really helpful and willing to do whatever needs to be done, even if it’s not necessarily her job.”

That sense of responsibility extends across every part of her work. “She brings a calming, steady presence backstage that helps everyone else feel grounded and focused,” said James. “She thrives in environments where she can problem-solve and contribute meaningfully without needing the spotlight.”

Chen’s ability to balance multiple commitments has also stood out. “She knows her limits and becomes involved as much as she can possibly handle,” James said. “It’s clear she holds herself to a high standard in everything she does.”

Just as she helps build that sense of community, Chen commits serious time to the work itself. “It depends on the show, but usually, we have rehearsals or meetings for a couple of hours after school most days, and Abby is usually there,” Kinney said.

That time backstage has taught her more than just technical skills; it’s taught her how to think on her feet.

“There can be a lot of difficulties that happen backstage that the audience and sometimes even actors aren’t aware of,” Chen said. “I’ve learned that it’s important to always keep going and to think quickly on your feet since there can be a lot of problem-solving required. It can be challenging, but I think it’s worth it once you see the final product and how all aspects of the production come together.”

Outside of theater, Chen also plays clarinet in the school’s intensive wind ensemble. Whether it’s through music or stage work, her dedication continues to make a lasting impact—one that will keep shining even after the curtain comes down.

“She’s dependable, creative, and always thinking two steps ahead,” said James. “Abby is a real star in our technical team.”

Article written by WHS Bradford’s Solomon Jin ’27


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Filed Under: Entertainment, POPS Senior Profile, Wellesley High School

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Wellesley High Class of ’25 grads revisit their elementary schools

June 10, 2025 by Bob Brown

Wellesley High Class of ’25 students who attended elementary schools in town had the chance to go back to those buildings last week after receiving their caps and gowns. They got the clap-out treatment from current students and staff.

Upham has been shuttered since students attended, but former Principal Jef Dees (now at Hunnewell) and a few teachers went over there for the photo opp.

The tradition was formalized after years of seniors showing up in a more casual way at their former elementary schools on graduation day.

Photos from several of the elementary schools courtesy of Wellesley Public Schools.

Bates senior day
Bates senior day

Fiske senior day

Schofield senior day

Schofield senior day

Upham senior day
Upham Elementary School

See something? Send something: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com

Filed Under: Bates Elementary School, Education, Fiske Elementary School, Schofield Elementary School, Upham Elementary School, Wellesley High School

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Wellesley residents on high alert after seeing landscapers pulled over

June 10, 2025 by Bob Brown

Having seen footage and heard reports of ICE raids in recent weeks and months, residents wondered what was up Tuesday morning when they saw Wellesley police and unmarked vehicles pulling over landscaping trucks in Wellesley Hills.

We received several separate messages from readers on Tuesday about what they had seen, including the pullover of what were described as a  construction truck and landscaping truck across from the Hills Library, with multiple police cars seen in the church parking lot across the street. Another person reported seeing a landscaping truck pulled over in the Cliff Estates area, with a man in handcuffs, and police cars in front and behind the truck. “A fancy unmarked truck with blue and red flashing lights joined the scene” as well. Another resident reported seeing 5 Wellesley police cruisers at the corner of Bristol and Sagamore Roads, with officers talking to a landscaper.

“The neighborhood is rife with rumors about an ICE raid,” we were told.

police cliff
Police speak with landscaper in Cliff Estates

(I personally saw a police car, with lights flashing, pursue a landscaping vehicle on Oak Street in Natick Tuesday morning.)

We reached out to the Wellesley Police and Lt. Marie Cleary told us that the department “has been working with the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit ‘Truck Team’ from the State Police conducting commercial enforcement on Route 16/Washington St. in a truck exclusion zone. My understanding is there have been a few trucks towed due to being placed out of service for various reasons-all motor vehicle related.” The police have had complaints about trucks being in the no-truck zone, Cleary said.

“We have no knowledge of any ICE officials being in town,” she added. “They would not likely notify us ahead of time if they planned on conducting civil immigration enforcement in Wellesley. We do not have anything to do with civil immigration enforcement—we have no authority in this area… Our only response would be if we were called to a scene, would be to keep the peace .”

School communications

Separately, Wellesley Public Schools has communicated with its community regarding how changes to federal immigration policies might affect members of that community.

Last week, “following concerns about immigration enforcement activities in our area,” WPS referred people to Know Your Rights guidance from the Office of the Attorney General.

In January, Supt. Dr. David Lussier issued a memo highlighting protections for members of the school community in light of federal immigration policy enforcement initiatives:

  • We do not ask for students’ immigration records as part of our registration and enrollment process; in fact Massachusetts law does not permit us to do so.

  • We do not coordinate with federal agencies related to immigration matters, nor do we allow federal agents to access WPS facilities under any circumstances without a criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge.

  • We do not share student records or other personal information with federal agents, except in rare instances when a court order or parental/guardian consent is provided.


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Filed Under: Education, Police

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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.

whs graduation

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.

whs graduation

whs graduation

whs graduation

whs graduation

whs graduation

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


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

 

Filed Under: Wellesley High School

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Wellesley sports: Girls’ tennis & lacrosse in Final 4; Country Club a US Senior Women’s Open qualifying site

June 9, 2025 by Bob Brown

The latest Wellesley, Mass., sports news:

The Wellesley High School girls tennis and lacrosse teams remain in contention for state titles.

The No. 2 seeded lacrosse team faces No. 6 seed Westford Academy in Burlington on Tuesday, June 10 at 730pm in one of two Division I semi-final matches. The Raiders are coming off 18-7 and 19-6 wins over Andover and Needham, respectively. Wellesley has lost just 4 games this season, and Westford Academy has dropped just 3.

Girls Lacrosse will play in the MIAA Final Four on Tuesday in Burlington at 7:30pm. Opponent TBD pic.twitter.com/zRdNsHFN89

— Wellesley Raiders (@wellesleysports) June 8, 2025

The defending state champion Wellesley High girls’s tennis team, ranked No. 4 in the Division I tournament, was scheduled to face Winchester High in Lexington on Tuesday, June 10 at 4:30pm.  But due to rain, the match has been shifted to Thursday, June 12, at 3pm.

The Raiders go into the match unbeaten this season.

Girls Tennis will play in the MIAA Final Four on Tuesday in Lexington at 4:30pm vs Winchester pic.twitter.com/ForYkbkXue

— Wellesley Raiders (@wellesleysports) June 8, 2025

US Senior Women’s Open Championship qualifier coming to Wellesley

Senior women golfers seeking to qualify for the US Senior Women’s Open Championship have Wellesley Country Club as one of their options. The Championship, for women age 50-plus, is slated to run from Aug. 21-24 at San Diego Country Club at Chula Vista, Calif..

The Wellesley qualifier is set for Monday, July 28. The application deadline for players has passed.

Wellesley Country Club summer cloudy

Filed Under: Sports, Wellesley High School

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