The Spectrum

    Contact Us
    Leads, Questions, and Concerns

Five Ways to Recover From A College Rejection Letter
BY ETHAN KUANG '24
Here is my guide—not to help you cope, but instead to tell you what you should be doing instead.
Percy Jackson on Disney+
BY ANUSHA NAIK '26
Read on to revisit this beloved series and exciting new show!

OUR SPONSORS: ​thank you so much!
Male Vulnerability
​BY LUCIA SABATELLI '26
“Man up”. “Real men don’t cry”. “Don’t be so soft”. Traditional gender roles have stigmatized vulnerability in men, limiting an open expression of emotions
Vulnerability in Social Media—Does Social Media Take Away from Authenticity?
​BY MAHIMA RAMESH '26
The global phenomenon of social media has taken the world by storm, and in turn, it has increasingly pushed everyone toward the molds of societal expectations and the inauthentic personas they create. Does social media prevent people from embracing their true self?
Are Zoos Ethical?
BY TINA LI '27
Zoos may seem great for hanging out with friends or bonding with family, but behind closed doors, they are immoral and fail to protect animals.
The "So Close,Yet So Far" Bruins
BY ERIC ZHAO '25
The Bruins have come so close to winning their seventh Stanley Cup, but after each missed opportunity, fans are left wondering about the team’s future.

WINTER 2023

Standardized Humanties? 
BY TIFFANY VALKOVA '25
With discrepancies between grading in sections of the same course throughout the humanities department, students, educators, and guardians are questioning whether or not grading needs to be standardized. Read to find out why standardization is the only way to increase fairness…
OP-ED 2023
Derailed: The History of the Green Line Extension Project (GLX)
BY DANIEL JIANG '25
A year ago, on December 12th, 2022, the MBTA’s Green Line Extension Project (abb. GLX) had a ribbon-cutting ceremony and was officially declared open for service for the public. Read on for more!
NEWS 2023
The Ultimate List of Rom-Coms
BY ANUSHA NAIK '26
Rom-coms are some of the best movies out there. This list picks out the best of the best for you. Add these ultimately amazing Rom-Coms to your watch list!​
OFF-TOPIC 2023

FALL 2023

Getting the Show on the Road: Behind the Scenes of The Music Man
BY LUKE DROESE '24
Go behind the scenes of the AB Fall Musical and see what goes into putting on a one-of-a-kind production.​
NEWS 2023
How ONE PIECE (2023) Raised The Bar For Adaptations
BY ETHAN KUANG '24
The cult-classic anime captivates audiences worldwide with its iconic live action Netflix series.​
OFF-TOPIC 2023
The Curse of November Albums
BY LIAM NELSON '24
November albums are cursed and always face disappointment.​
OP-ED 2023
Contamination of PFAs in Acton
BY KATARINA SPASOJEVIC  '24
Read to find out more about the dangerous chemicals that are in your tap water.​
NEWS 2023
Tradwives: Refreshing or Outdated?
BY MEENA ADUSUMILLI '27
Does the rise of TikTok “tradwives” push the feminist movement back or ultimately promote the goals of the movement?​
OP-ED 2023
Stoicism in the Digital Age: An Oxymoron?
BY AUSTIN KIM '25
An ancient Greek philosophy has been having a meteoric rise in recent years. What are its benefits and contradictions in the 21st century?​
MORALITY 2023
TikTok & Attention Spans
BY ISABELLA HILL '25
Worldwide, attention spans are at an all-time low. Here’s why TikTok is the cause.​
OP-ED 2023
Teacher Interview: Mr. Mathieu
BY DHRUVIKA DEEKONDA '24
Did you have Mr. Mathieu for biology? Read this article to learn more about his story and teaching philosophy!​
NEWS 2023
Fashionable Fall Trends
BY OLIVIA BAYTARIAN '25
Pieces, styles, and shopping advice to boost your fall wardrobe!​
OFF-TOPIC 2023
The School to Prison Pipeline
BY LUCIA SABATELLI '26
Here are the problems surrounding the harsh punishments towards minority students.
MORALITY 2023

BACK-TO-SCHOOL 2023

New Year, New You!
BY ISABELLA HILL '25
Want to feel better prepared for this year of high school? Well, you’re in the right place!​
Back-To-School 2023
The Status of Russia and Ukraine’s Longstanding War
BY ZACH HOLBROOK '25 & RIAN JOSEPH '25
The latest updates on the situation in Ukraine​
NEWS 2023
Why You Should Stan Taylor Swift
BY ELSA LEWIS '25
An in-depth explanation on why you should stan Taylor Swift!​
OFF-TOPIC 2023
AP Courses Approaching Freshmen
BY TINGHAN WANG '24
Why is AB now allowing freshmen to take college-level material? Is this a good decision?​
NEWS 2023
Patriots Season Preview
BY ERIC ZHAO '25
What does the future of the Patriots look like? Read to learn more about the 2023 season.​
OP-ED 2023
The Conflict Surrounding Consumerism
BY SHREE JAYAKRISHNA '25
As online shopping becomes more mainstream, what are the implications on the environment? On our stress? On our bank accounts?​
OP-ED 2023
Starbucks v. Dunkin' Donuts
BY DIKSHA MHATRE '26
This article will solve the dilemma that occurs every time you go on a coffee run and can’t make the dreaded decision between Starbucks and Dunkin’.​
OFF-TOPIC 2023
Affirmative Action Overruled
BY VAISHNAVI MURTHY '24
After decades of debates, affirmative action in colleges is now banned for good. Let’s talk about the implications…​
NEWS 2023
Differing Inner Worlds
BY TIFFANY VALKOVA '25
Do you find yourself resonating more with visual or verbal thinkers? And what is the difference between the two? Are you more logical or abstract? Read to find out which you are!​
OP-ED 2023
Fun and Local Nature Activities
BY LUCIA SABATELLI '26
In Acton, Boxborough, and beyond, a variety of outdoor activities await—read this bucket list to do it all!​
OFF-TOPIC 2023

GRADUATION 2023

The Spectrum, From Our Perspectives
BY SENIOR CHIEF STAFF 2022-2023
Howdy, dear readers! We have done lots of reflecting this past school year. We have reflected on who we are as we prepare to leave AB, and we’ve all found both a place and purpose at The Spectrum. We also know that the journeys to our roles now have been unique to our individual selves, so we’d like to give you all a peek into how we grew. Welcome to The Spectrum, from our perspectives.
​​GRADUATION 2023
Representation in Award Shows is (Slowly) Improving
BY TIFFANY VALKOVA '25
After a tireless past of underrepresenting minorities in award shows, the Academies have finally started to champion inclusivity and promote historically marginalized voices.
​OP-ED 2023
Dystopian Media and the Modern World
BY ELSA LEWIS '25
Were you a The Hunger Games or Divergent kid growing up? Read about the many types of your favorite childhood genre!
​OFF-TOPIC 2023
Summer 2023 Media 
BY MADDY BROWN '25 & TIFFANY VALKOVA '25
Read this for perfect movie and book recommendations to fill your summer days!
​OFF-TOPIC 2023
Why Your Favorite Celebrity Probably Doesn’t Know Your Name
BY LUCIA SABATELLI '26
It’s an indescribable feeling when you find someone you can truly relate to. But what if that person is behind a screen? What if admiration consumes your life?
​OP-ED 2023
Makeup for Dummies
BY KÉRA MATTHEWS '25
Are you dipping your toes into the makeup world but don’t know where to begin? Fear not, and read this for a quick beginner’s guide!
​OFF-TOPIC 2023
Why the T stands for 'Terrible'
BY EDDY ZHAO '25
Why is the Boston subway so old, late, and erupting in flames all the time? Read to find out why the MBTA needs improvement!
​OP-ED 2023

SPRING 2023

Picture
The Destiny of Girl Groups
BY AVNI MISHRA '23
From Little Mix to the Runaways, girl groups have always met a similar destiny in the music industry.
DESTINY 2023
Mall Culture Gets Hit by a Bus
BY CATHERINE LITCHFIELD '23
What is the future of shopping? Hopefully, not online.
​OP-ED 2023
A Look into AB’s Quiz Bowl
BY ADI RAMAN '23
AB’s Quiz Bowl has qualified for High School Quiz Show, but the club has faced more than a few challenges on its road to success.
NEWS 2023
The Liberal Arts Are Overhated
BY ISABELLA HILL '25
Why is there such an emphasis on STEM-related fields while the humanities influence all careers and every aspect of life? Both subjects complement each other, so the humanities should not be devalued.
OP-ED 2023
Predeterminism in Socioeconomic Disparities In America
BY ANUSHA SENAPATI '24
A look at the effect of predeterminism on the cycle of socioeconomic disparities in America.  ​
DESTINY 2023
Dessert Morning Routines
BY NOUSHI JOSHI '26
Be transported to another realm of possibilities by seeing how desserts would live their lives!
OFF-TOPIC 2023
Picture
BeReal… or Fake?
BY SAHASRA CHAVALI '26 & VANI MITTAL '26 
Social media: apps, pictures, videos, reels, posts. The ideas that encompass almost everything about our lives. We wake up, open Instagram, and scroll through TikTok on the bus. During the school day, we constantly check to see how many snaps we got. What new app is destined to become the trend now?
OP-ED 2023
Thoughts on New England Homes
BY N. RAZBAN '23
Do you wish you had the words to describe why certain buildings give you the ick, while others spark joy? Look no further.
OFF-TOPIC 2023
Academic Destiny Determined Since Elementary School
BY ISABELLA HILL '25
Ever wonder if your academic journey is predetermined? Well, read this article to learn more about how academic destiny is decided in elementary school, where success is dependent upon validation from teachers and placement tests.
DESTINY 2023
Matching Songs to Books in the English Curriculum
BY KERA MATTHEWS '24
Distract yourself from the bore of assigned reading and listen to these spicy songs instead!
OFF-TOPIC 2023

WINTER 2022

Artsy Aesthetics & You
BY ANUSHA SENAPATI '24
Caught yourself contemplating the meaning of life upon the realization that you may never find your true aesthetic? Take a deep breath, have a seat, and allow me to make your life a tad bit easier
OFF-TOPIC 2023
Youth Voices in Voting
BY AVNI MISHRA '23
Millennial and Gen-Z voter turnout is on the rise, and with it, the possibility of a new era of American politics
YOUTH 2023
Spell Inclusivity: World Language
BY N. RAZBAN '23
How French and Spanish classes are taught at AB, as seen through the eyes of students and the world language department
NEWS 2023
What Happens When You Get Your Driver’s License
BY GEORGE JI '23
I'm on the verge of tears by the time we arrive back at the RMV parking lot, since I'm positive I won’t pass. But I do, and relief washes over me in an awesome wave.
OFF-TOPIC 2023
Barbie: Feminist or Total Phony?
BY ISABELLA HILL '25
Does Barbie empower girls or push the feminist movement back?
OP-ED 2023
Picture
Nepotism: The Hollywood Disease
BY LUCIA SABATELLI '26
From your favorite actors and directors to the highest grossing films in the film industry, nepotism continues to blight Hollywood. But its powerful (and damaging) influence reaches far beyond one’s name, bleeding into the opportunities Hollywood offers
OP-ED 2023
AURORA & Moyka: Underrated Norwegian Pop Artists
BY ANNA LI '26
AURORA. Moyka. Both are native Norwegians, both of them are pop artists, and most importantly, both are grossly underrated.
OP-ED 2022
Fluff, Angst, and Spice: Ranking All The Literary Tropes
BY KERA MATTHEWS '24
Are you a fan of bookish angst and drama? Check out my ranking for an in-depth analysis of all your favorite tropes!
OFF-TOPIC 2022
Handy Advice for Back-to-School
BY JULIA LIU '23
Each year, upperclassmen come back from a much-needed summer break—only to be met with underclassmen clueless of high school’s de facto rules.
​OFF-TOPIC 2022
Bandari Music: Breaking Boundaries with Bagpipes
BY GRACE CHAI '23
Welcome back to the latest edition of Forte, where I delve into different minorities’ artistry and describe how music unites us all. 
OP-ED 2022
The Anti-LGBTQ Bills
​BY AVNI MISHRA '23
As the pride flag waves over ABRHS’s front entrance, it is important to understand why LGBTQ+ youth in America are in danger with the passage of these harmful laws.
OP-ED 2022
Pandemic Tech Stress
BY EMILY XU ’23
How online resources have created a culture of never-ending schoolwork
ADAPTATIONS 2022
Local Library Review
BY MARIA PAUNESCU ’24
A ranking of local libraries and their vibes
OFF-TOPIC 2022
Should NHS Students Be Recognized at Graduation?
BY NOSARA MAXWELL ’23
What does the recognition of achievements at graduation mean to the Acton-Boxborough community? Follow the ongoing conversation about celebrating academic success at ABRHS.
NEWS 2022
Spirit Animals, Get Mashed: What Is Your Spirit Potato?
BY GRACE CHAI '23
Step aside, spirit animals: spirit potatoes are in town.
OFF-TOPIC 2022
“Yolanda”
BY ADI RAMAN ’23
A brief journey through time concerning quite the polarizing name.
OFF-TOPIC 2022
Wall Street is Too White and Too Male
BY EMMA XIANG '23
It’s time to pop Wall Street’s bubble of rich, white male executives.
BOUNDARIES 2022
Spirit at ABRHS: Dress-Up Day and Hoco 
BY SOPHIA SAGHIR '24
The past month has ushered in a renewed sense of school spirit at ABRHS.
BITS 2022
Cozy Up With TJ's Fall Favorites
BY ELSA LEWIS '25 & SHREE JAYAKRISHNA '25
Your #1 guide to autumnal snacking.
OFF-TOPIC 2022
In Pursuit of the American Dream
BY AVNI MISHRA '23
Most peoples’ ideal futures default to Ivy league colleges, 9-5 jobs, and suburban living. But if we examine the effect of this ideal on the society at large, is it time to leave the American Dream behind?
OP-ED 2022
Love Doc: A Back-to-School Addition
BY ALICIA GU '23
Welcome back, readers! The Back-to-School season has finally arrived, which means study dates, requesting seat changes
OFF-TOPIC 2022
The Hot Seat Under B. Belichick
BY ERIC ZHAO '25
It’s late May, and you just got a C- on your test…again. With a 68% average, your chances of passing are slim. 
OP-ED 2022
On Staying Partial, not Impartial: A Reflection
BY REBECCA ZHANG '22
I tiptoed into The Spectrum as a wee little frosh, terrified of news—and the EICs. Four years later, I’m proud to announce: I no longer tremble at the sight of a stray Jasmine. News writing, on the other hand, required much more convincing.
GRADUATION 2022
Advice From '28 to '22
BY GRACE CHAI ’23, N. RAZBAN '23, & EMILY XU '23 
Advice from the wisest and experienced
GRADUATION 2022
Reviewing Everything
BY GEORGE JI ‘23
My new column.
OFF-TOPIC 2022
Adapting Habits: Good and Bad
BY ADI RAMAN ’23
How can we fight habits when they are all we know?
ADAPTATIONS 2022
The 2021 Patriots Season: Debriefing a Success
BY ERIC ZHAO ’25
The end of an era or the start of something new?
​OP-ED 2022
Unwrapping Your Spotify Wrapped
BY EMILY XU ’23
A brief exploration of you, based on your music tastes.
OFF-TOPIC 2022
Dreams Come True: Disney Remakes Represent
BY KÉRA MATTHEWS '24
It’s completely valid to feel nostalgic over your comfort movies. But what happens when that nostalgia is masking your prejudice?
LEGACY 2022
The Nightmare on Snail Street
BY N. RAZBAN '23
Keep your windows shut tight or It will find you, trialing behind it a slime trail worthy of your worst nightmares.
OFF-TOPIC 2022
In Praise of Ingenious Writing
BY MEI SHAO '25
Words are powerful: as a universal concept, whether it be a poet musing over a rhyme or a reporter jotting down the latest headline,
OP-ED 2022
English Curriculum Review
BY OLIVIA HU ’22
From Gatsby’s grand parties to Romeo’s kisses, AB’s English curriculum has had its hits and misses. And don’t even get me started on the poetry unit.
OFF-TOPIC 2022
Neon Nudity: A Euphoria Paradox
​BY ALICIA GU ’23
An in-depth analysis of everything wrong with Euphoria.
OP-ED 2022
Marie Antoinette / Joan of Arc: Francophobic Dichotomy
BY ADI RAMAN ‘23
​There’s a certain je ne sais quoi about these two icons that demands a closer look.
OFF-TOPIC 2022
The Most Superior Milk: Rating All the Non-Dairy Milks
BY SHREE JAYAKRISHNA & ELSA LEWIS ’25
​Dairy Alternatives: A Guide to Living Life Without Cows
OFF-TOPIC 2022
Seasonal Snacks...Worth It?
BY PORTIA LI '23 & MICHAEL HE '23
Could a pumpkin-flavored Oreo be the next best thing in your life?
OP-ED 2021
Meeting Principal Dean
BY SANJANA RAO '22 & NOSARA MAXWELL '23
Principal Dean shares her background, experience, and ambitions to grow the AB community.
NEWS 2021
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Many Stereotypes
BY MILENA ZHU '22
Disney's latest Asian marketing ploy is better than Mulan, but is it enough?
OP-ED 2021
A Return to Normalcy: The Dropping Schedule
​BY EMILY XU '23
The dropping schedule has returned. What let to the decision and how does it benefit our school?
NEWS 2021
Tom's Return Home: Why Did Tom Brady Leave the Patriots?
BY ERIC ZHAO '25
​Love him or hate him, the GOAT leaves Foxborough with one last win.
OP-ED 2021
Back-To-School Bops 
BY N. RAZBAN '23
Your Back-To-School experience but make it ~spicy~ tunes.
BTS 2021 

Guide to Getting Things Done
BY TINGHAN WANG '24
No more lazing about, school has started. Never fear, disorganized procrastinators: I’ve got you!
OFF-TOPIC  2021
Acton Climate Coalition Announces: Building with Clean Energy
The Acton Climate Coalition announces its next initiative: a campaign to encourage passage of two warrant articles at the 2021 Acton Town Meeting on June 21 at 6pm. Dubbed “Building with Clean Energy,” the articles would...
​
SEE FLYER AND A STATEMENT FROM SENATOR ELDRIDGE FOR MORE INFO
What Pet Should You Get?
BY TINGHAN WANG '24
Discover which pet best suits your personality and lifestyle in this fun quiz!
OFF-TOPIC 2021
Conquer Back-To-School 2021 with Main Character Energy!
BY GRACE CHAI ‘23
Own Back-To-School like the main character you are with these tips.
BTS 2021
Classical Music for Dummies
BY GEORGE JI '23
Interested in classical music but don’t know where to start? Here is the perfect guide for you
OFF-TOPIC 2021
Acton Boxborough's Response to Acts of Hate​
BY NOSARA MAXWELL '23
​On Saturday, March 6, at 7 PM, students at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School received an email from Principal Larry Dorey. The email outlined two acts of hate that had taken place at the high school...
NEWS 2021
In Defense of Crusty White Dogs
BY N. RAZBAN '23
In Crustiness We Trust.
OFF-TOPIC 2021
A Silenced Narrative—Legacy of the Indigenous in New England
BY REPORTING TEAM
A look into the Indigenous legacy in Massachusetts.
Love Doc: BTS Season
BY JULIA KUANG '22
Need love? Get your yearly physical with Dr. Kuang
OFF-TOPIC 2021
Introduction to Sikh Music
BY GRACE CHAI ‘23
Delve into the intricacies of Punjabi Sikh music with this guide!
OP-ED 2021
How the Chinese Women's Volleyball Team "Dug" China a New Future
BY MILENA ZHU '22
Over seventy percent of China’s population tuned in to watch the Chinese women’s volleyball team during the 2016 Rio Olympics, double the viewership of the most-watched China Central Television (CCTV) program...
OP-ED 2021
Raising Awareness: The Growing Normalization of Hate Crimes
BY ANUSHA SENAPATI '24
How do we address desensitization due to the recent volume of hate crimes?
NORMALCY 2021
Test-Optional Schools?
BY MAY HONG '22
This article delves into the systemic disadvantages minorities face in standardized testing systems.
​OP-ED 2021
What is The Spectrum?
BY OLIVIA HU '22, JASMINE WU '22, & REBECCA ZHANG '22
Who are you? Who are we? We're The Spectrum! Join us!
BTS 2021
Saying Goodbye to Mr. Dorey after 27 Years at AB
 BY SOPHIE ZHANG ’22
While passing through the hallway or finding a seat for lunch, you can usually catch a glimpse of ABRHS Principal Larry Dorey in his signature suspenders and scally cap. Mr. Dorey has been a welcoming presence for many at  school...
NEWS 2021​
Letter from the New EICS
​BY JASMINE WU '22 & REBECCA ZHANG '22
It’s Jasmine and Rebecca here! Fun fact: the second we...
GRADUATION 2021
Letter from the Old EICs
​BY MICHELLE GONG '21 & ANUSHKA WANI '21
​June 3rd rapidly approaches in the eyes of us seniors...
GRADUATION 2021
Who is the Queen and Things of That? Nicki Minaj
BY ALICIA GU '23 & EMMA XIANG '23
This article is for the boys with the booming system, top down, AC with the cooler system. She dominates your Spotify throwback playlists, TikTok sounds on your For You page, and Gen Z slang: she’s Nicki Minaj...
OP-ED 2021
Children’s Movies: Dangerous Tropes and Expectations
BY MEGHAN LAWSON '23
Because of our constantly evolving society, many children’s movies have not stood the test of time. As we become more socially aware, we have come to recognize the disgusting themes and standards placed in early children’s movies. Yet, the film industry still continues to incorporate...
OFF-TOPIC 2021
Covid Conspiracies
BY MAYENLI COMFORT '23
Conspiracy theories are like gossip—we claim we don’t care, but we secretly indulge in them when no one’s looking. I personally have a soft spot for conspiracy theories.
By conspiracy theories, I mean harmless ones, not the antisemitic and anti-government propaganda that circulates in the Facebook...
OFF-TOPIC 2021
Top Petty Moments in U.S History
BY MAYENLI COMFORT '23
The United States of America is many things. We are a military superpower and an arrogant and self-centered country that *apparently* spans an entire continent. We created today’s entertainment industry and pioneered cutting-edge technology. However, despite how good we are at it, we...
OFF-TOPIC 2021
What's Up With Kmart?​
BY ANTHONY ZERVOGLOS '22​
Until about two years ago when the nationwide chain began closing its locations’ doors, the Acton Kmart was a town fixture. Last year, the local hub of after-school activity was officially shuttered and closed, remaining dormant ever since. While Kmart’s fate is sealed, what will come next is undecided...
NEW 2021
The Model Minority Myth Only Benefits White America
BY EMMA XIANG '23
In 2011, Amy Chua published Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, documenting her strict method of  “Chinese” parenting. Chua dubbed herself a “tiger mom”: a mother focused on preparing her children for success through extensive math practice, rigorous piano sessions, and a no-tolerance policy. The novel concept of tiger parenting buzzed among American parents...
EXPECTATIONS 2021
Lessons of Expectation Management from Pixar’s Soul
BY MILENA ZHU '22
This past Christmas, with nothing to do, I watched the new Pixar movie, Soul. While it did not elicit an embarrassing breakdown like Coco did, its characters were relatable, authentic, and much more mature than those of a typical Pixar movie. Through its realistic characters and moving plot, Soul teaches us that fixating on a dream can...
EXPECTATIONS 2021
A Look Inside Interior Chinatown: an Exploration on Asian-American Identity
BY SOPHIE ZHANG '22
Willis Wu is inside Chinatown. Specifically, he is in the Golden Palace Restaurant—the setting for “Black and White,” a cop show that Willis performs in. He longs to be “Kung Fu Guy” on screens worldwide but instead remains stuck with roles such as “Background Oriental Male” and “Generic Asian Man Number Three/ Delivery Guy.”...
OP-ED 2021
Picture
The Cooking Show Craze
BY ADI RAMAN '23
​Nowadays, sizzling pans and beeping timers have become familiar sounds from the living room television. That is because, one way or another, watching others cook and eat has become an integral part of daily life. This obsession with cooking shows may appear to stem from their entertainment value or recipes inspiration, but other factors subconsciously drive the popularity of this widespread genre. Cooking shows have grown globally popular because they display idealistic elements that viewers want to replicate in their own lives...
OP-ED 2021
Letter from the EICs
BY MICHELLE GONG '21 & ANUSHKA WANI '21
This month marks the anniversary of several major events: our publication going fully online, our remote school situation, and, of course, Dr. Fauci’s rise to fame. And as we all know, we have COVID to thank... 
EXPECTATIONS 2021
Letter from A World of Difference
​BY ADL PEER LEADERS
Dear Acton-Boxborough Community Members,
In light of the hurtful, insensitive, and racist attacks that occurred at the past two school committee meetings, we, A World of Difference peer leaders, stand with Evelyn Abaayah-Issah, Kyra Cook, and all Black members of our community....
The Avatar: The Last Airbender to Anime Pipeline & Five Ways to Fall Down It
BY EMILY XU '23
During back-to-school season, I was surprised—albeit pleasantly—to see an influx of anime profile pictures among my classmates. It was like ComicCon everywhere I looked, whether it was TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, or even on Zoom. For many, lockdown meant that there were more genres of television to explore. If you've been in the know about popular culture over the past year, you'll know that Avatar: The Last Airbender had a great surge in popularity during Summer 2020...
OFF-TOPIC 2021
Our Expectations Are Skewed by Internet Algorithms
BY SYDNEY PASCAL '22
With more news, social interactions, and opinions dominating the internet, we must evaluate the validity of the information we see now more than...
​EXPECTATIONS 2021
Letter from the EICs
BY MICHELLE GONG '21 & ANUSHKA WANI '21
As we leave behind the train-wreck that was 2020, we’re eager for a fresh start. Though we know January 1st doesn’t magically hit a reset button and erase our health, political, and social justice struggles, we see the new year as an opportunity to transition...
TRANSITIONS 2020
The Expectations We Hold for Our Country
BY ERIN TOBIN
On January 6th, 2021, an act of domestic terrorism occurred in our nation's Capitol Building. This horrific display of violence resulted in arrests, deaths, and traumatizing...
EXPECTATIONS 2021
Acton-Boxborough Community Striving for More Diverse Staff in Schools
BY NOSARA MAXWELL '23
Most Acton-Boxborough students graduate without having a single teacher of color throughout their thirteen years in the district. Currently, minority educators make up less than 6 percent of Acton-Boxborough Regional School District’s (ABRSD) staff. However, students and administration are working...
NEWS 2020
The Depreciating Effect of a Teenage Girl’s Love: Why Society Doesn’t Let Girls Be Girls 
BY MILENA ZHU '22
When boy bands like the Beatles and One Direction are compared today, they could not seem more different. One Direction is perceived as a passing—or passed—fad while the Beatles are known as one of the most legendary musical acts. However, at the height of their popularity, the Beatles were in fact quite...
TRANSITIONS 2020
The Second Epidemic: Social Isolation and its Effects
BY OLIVIA HU '22
"Loneliness is a discrepancy between what you want and what you have [in your relationships].” - Stephanie Cacioppo, neuroscientist at UChicago
As we round the corner on a new year and the ninth month mark of the coronavirus pandemic, quarantine becomes a heavier burden than ever before, restricting us from our traditional holiday celebrations and New Year festivities. Since the beginning of the pandemic, American adults living alone (around 28% of all households) have been deprived of physical connection. National unemployment rates have climbed as high as 16%, leaving over 14 million citizens without a...
OP-ED 2020
2020 Meme Review
BY RIYA SHAH '22
Ever since the start of Miss Rona’s tyrannical rule, I have become completely (and embarrassingly) in touch with memes. If I’m not studying or watching Netflix, I am probably scrolling through Instagram, hunting for good memes. And I’d like to think that the ones this year truly represent our mentality during this unprecedented time: complete insanity...
OFF-TOPIC 2020
​Online shopping vs. Shopping out: Which is Better?
BY KERA MATTHEWS '24
I’m sure we can all agree that, undoubtedly, 2020 has been a whirlwind. Not only have jobs suffered, but some forms of entertainment have too!  I’m sure that my introverts are doing just fine, but what about my retail therapy peeps? Shopping out has been less lively lately due to closed...
OFF-TOPIC 2020
Discordant: Racism in Classical Music
BY GRACE CHAI '23
Music is a curious thing. Having shadowed humanity since the beginning, it is woven into our lives, culture, and history. Listen, and you will hear it: human hearts that thump, thump, thump in unison, faster and faster, spiraling into oblivion, in one multicultural, multilingual, transcendent...
OP-ED 2020
Political Polarization
BY SOPHIE ZHANG '22
When we were kids, our parents taught us to be kind unconditionally. Take the higher road, and treat others how you would like to be treated. However, in our increasingly polarized culture, let’s just say, “It’s complicated.” On October 9, 2019, Ellen Degeneres was caught laughing with George W. Bush at a football game. The internet became outraged. To many, Bush ran a...
DUALITY 2020
Picture
What Would Remote Learning Look Like Ten Years Ago?
BY KERA MATHEWS '24 & SOPHIA SAGHIR '24
As a society, we have come a long way technologically. In just a decade, the public has been introduced to a new generation of innovative ideas, such as electronics, social media platforms, and online services, to make our lives more convenient. These technological advancements have become essential to our daily lives, especially for those enrolled in remote learning programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, students rely heavily on technology to learn, which begs the question: what would the Remote Learning Program look like ten years ago? 
Not long ago, students had to go to a specific room called the “computer lab,” which only had desktop computers. These...
NEWS 2020
Indigenous Communities and Wildfires
BY BELLE HU '22
While COVID-19 wreaked havoc behind the scenes, the 2020 California wildfires took center stage, upsetting the lives of many on the West Coast and ravaging over four million acres. And though we all acted as if everything was perfectly normal and returned to our everyday lives, it was rather hard to ignore a glaring problem: California’s ineffective wildfire policy. In fact, the US’s traditional method of putting out fires has actually created a self-defeating cycle. While the last century’s fire...
​OP-ED 2020
The Purple Diary (An Among Us Narrative)
BY ALICIA GU '23
January 21
It was still warm, still June, when the eight of us boarded that ship. We cast aside our faces, our names, and our grief for thick suits of urethane-coated nylon and the title of saviors. 

​Find a new planet to inhabit...
OFF-TOPIC 2020
Picture
If a vaccine for COVID-19 was released at the end of 2020, would you be willing to receive it?
BY ERIN TOBIN '23
Since March, developing a working vaccine has become a necessity as coronavirus cases increase daily. However, if a vaccine was administered by the end of 2020, would the American public trust enough to take it?
This September, in a study by Pew Research Center, 51% of adults said they would be willing to receive a coronavirus vaccine. Why are these numbers so low? Well, 77% of American adults think...
OP-ED 2020
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice
BY JOE MAFFA '21​
Ahh autumn… everyone’s favorite season. Look around! Hoodies, sweatpants, beanies, maybe the occasional scarf? Fiery, murky, vibrant foliage littering streets and backyards alike. And in the air: crisp, chilly...
OFF-TOPIC 2020
WAP: Women Are Powerful or Wet uh…
BY REBECCA ZHANG '22
The first time I watched “WAP” was for this article. So, yes, I’m blaming YOU for the permanent scarring this music video has caused. Before my own enlightenment, of course, Cardi B’s “WAP” wholly stormed in and demanded attention from anyone...
DUALITY 2020
 Picture
The Drawbridge Mentality—Exclusion and Escapism in Acton Massachusetts
BY THE REPORTING TEAM
It's a wintry Thursday in the last week of January, in a grand room on the second floor of Town Hall. Posters are spaced evenly around the brightly-lit room, featuring colorful charts paired with questions such as “What demographic trends surprised you?” or “Where should new housing be built?” Staffers direct each attendee to pick up a pen and a stack of sticky notes, creating an English class-like atmosphere....
NEWS 2020
The 2020 Election: An Impending Crisis
BY BELLE HU '22
He put down the microphone and paused to survey the lively audience. Each individual proudly sported a red hat with bold, capital letters: Make America Great Again. Applause erupted, accompanied by hoots and whistles...
NEWS 2020
Financial Impact of COVID-19 on AB Schools
BY ADI RAMAN '23
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, the battle against COVID-19 persists, forcing ABRSD to continuously adapt. Thus, in May, the district reduced the 2020-2021 budget by around $550K to account for economic uncertainty and to further support student education and school operations...
​NEWS 2020
 Time Management Advice 
BY N. RAZBAN '23
As a sophomore, I can confidently say that time management was not my forte last year. I struggled to finish long term projects, was constantly stressed by homework, and failed to turn in my best work. The mere thought of writing a paper would bring so much disquietude that I couldn’t even start, leading to a last-minute cram session...
BACK-TO-SCHOOL 2020
Letter from the EICs
BY MICHELLE GONG '21 & ANUSHKA WANI '21
A message from our Editors-in-Chief...
​BACK-TO-SCHOOL 2020
What is The Spectrum?
BY SYDNEY PASCAL '22
It may be difficult to find the perfect club to join, but look no further! ABRHS’ student-run...
​BACK-TO-SCHOOL 2020
Love Doc: Quarantine Edition 🧚
BY JULIA KUANG '22
Helloooo everyone...THE LOVE DOC IS BACK!!!!! To my beloved (and probably nonexistent) readers, I hope you’re ready for the GREATEST edition of Love Doc yet! But first, let me find my eye drops and script for a Youtube-worthy apology: Guys, I am so incredibly *sniff* sorry that I didn’t write last issue….I had a lot going on...and I’ll never do it again. I promise *dramatic tear slides down face.* I’m sure you all suffered...
OFF TOPIC 2020
Avatar: The Last Airbender​ Review
BY DIVYASRI KRISHNAN '21
Say you just got a Netflix account, and you’re looking for something to watch. There’s Riverdale, but you’ve had your share of horror stories. Sierra Burgess is a Loser? Yikes, you’re not into manipulative protagonists. 13 Reasons Why… who decided romanticizing suicide was...
​OP-ED 2020
Photo from v1rp1t