The student news site of Brookline High School

The Cypress
The student news site of Brookline High School

The Cypress
The student news site of Brookline High School

The Cypress
Anya Rao

Anya Rao, Editor-in-Chief

Anya Rao is a senior and this is her third year on staff. She spends most of her free time in the pool, but also likes spending time with her dog Milo, playing the piano and taking naps. Anya has visited over ten countries and refused to eat anything but broccoli until she was four years old.

All content by Anya Rao
Huggins, who didnt begin competing on the track until her junior year, has found immense success in a variety of disciplines, including the hurdles, high jump, shotput and long jump. Her kindness combined with her athleticism have made her an integral part of the girls varsity track and field team.

Huggins races beyond expectations

Anya Rao, Editor-in-Chief
May 18, 2023
Letter from the Editors: our new name and the changes ahead

Letter from the Editors: our new name and the changes ahead

Anya Rao, Eleanor Bergstein, and Anisa Sharma
February 14, 2023
Mamma Mia! featured many outstanding singers and dynamic costumes and lighting, resulting in a professional-seeming performance.

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! more “Mamma Mia!”

Anya Rao and Taj Horowitz
February 7, 2023
Junior Simrah Bawa and Senior Nemeira Lal watch as Senior Krisha Grigaliunas does henna on Senior Mira Dews hand at Bollywood Movie Night.

Bollywood Movie Night celebrates South Asian culture

Anya Rao, Editor-in-Chief
February 4, 2023
After 130 years, our newspaper will be changing its name out of respect for Indigenous communities.

Letter from the Editors: the importance of our name change

Anya Rao, Eleanor Bergstein, and Anisa Sharma
January 18, 2023
The history of appropriating and disrespecting Indigenous peoples in American runs deep, as shown through the former BHS mascot, the Massachusetts state seal and the unfulfilled promises of the Treaty of New Echota. Many institutions have committed to changing their symbols and practices for a better future.

Changing mascots, seals and systems: initiatives to reconcile with history

Anya Rao, Editor-in-Chief
January 11, 2023
Party Favors, a town-wide favorite for cakes, cupcakes and party decorations, has been forced to adapt to new circumstances following the COVID-19 pandemic, as have other local businesses, such as the Brookline Booksmith and the Coolidge Corner Theater.

Local businesses rely on community during challenging times

Anya Rao and Kiran Bhatia
January 5, 2023
Letter from the Editors: how to respond to our content

Letter from the Editors: how to respond to our content

Eleanor Bergstein, Anisa Sharma, and Anya Rao
November 21, 2022
Letter from the Editors: October 2022

Letter from the Editors: October 2022

Anisa Sharma, Anya Rao, and Eleanor Bergstein
October 26, 2022
Loring Greene will serve as Interim METCO Coordinator for the remainder of the 2022-23 school year, as announced by former METCO Coordinator Malcolm Cawthorne in an email to staff on Sunday, Oct. 23.

Loring Greene steps in as Interim METCO Coordinator, taking over for Malcolm Cawthorne

Anya Rao, Editor-in-Chief
October 24, 2022
With so many options, choosing the best ice cream place can be a daunting task. To help, we tried every choice for you, and rated based on taste, ambiance and more.

We tried every ice cream place in Brookline…

Anya Rao, Jamie Leslie, and Taj Horowitz
October 20, 2022
Crystal Johnson, town resident, presented an indigenous chant at the Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Monday, Oct. 10.

Community gathers to honor Indigenous Peoples Day

Anya Rao and Anisa Sharma
October 14, 2022
Boys varsity basketball captains and volunteer support staff have worked together to maintain focus during preseason, despite uncertainty as to the future head coach of the program.

Boys varsity basketball mobilizes quickly for preseason after loss of head coach

Eleanor Bergstein and Anya Rao
October 11, 2022
Krisha Grigaliunas, recently elected president of the Asian Pacific American Club (APAC), hopes to make the space more welcoming of South Asian and Southeast Asian students.

Meet the South Asian president of APAC: Krisha Grigaliunas

Anya Rao, Editor-in-Chief
September 18, 2022
After a town-wide strike on Monday, May 16, the BSC and BEU came to an agreement during a mediation session.

BSC and BEU reach contractual agreement

Anya Rao, News Editor
May 17, 2022
Over 900 educators went on strike on Monday, May 16. This violates the injunction issued on Friday, May 13 by the Norfolk County Superior Court, which prohibits the BEU from striking.

BEU fined $50,000 in contempt of court

Anya Rao, Eleanor Bergstein, and Anisa Sharma
May 16, 2022
900 educators gathered in front of schools, demanding a fair contract. Many carried signs that read, Brookline Educators on strike, We would rather be teaching and Fair contract now!

Educators strike for fair contract

Anya Rao, Eleanor Bergstein, and Anisa Sharma
May 16, 2022
Educators gathered outside of town hall on Saturday, May 14 at 10 a.m. in protest for a fair contract following months of negotiations with the BSC.

BEU rallies at town hall as final push for a written agreement from BSC

Eleanor Bergstein, Anya Rao, and Anisa Sharma
May 14, 2022
The Brookline Educators Union (BEU) has taken several different measures to fight for a fair contract from the Brookline School Committee (BSC) and may be going on strike.

BEU extends deadline for written agreement from BSC and postpones potential strike

Anya Rao, News Editor
May 11, 2022
Amidst ongoing contract negotiations, the Brookline School Committee (BSC) and the Brookline Educators Union (BEU) have both released statements regarding the events of a mediation session on May 9.

BSC and BEU release conflicting statements regarding recent mediation session

Anya Rao, News Editor
May 10, 2022
Openly transgender University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomass victory at the NCAA championship has sparked a larger conversation about transgender athletes in sports.

Here’s what you need to know about openly transgender Division I NCAA champion Lia Thomas

Anya Rao, News Editor
March 23, 2022
This week included several important events, including a school-wide walk-out and the lifting of the mask mandate in schools.

What happened this week (3/13-3/19)

Anya Rao, News Editor
March 19, 2022
March 16 marks one year since six Asian-Americans were killed in a shooting in Atlanta, Georgia. This event is not an isolated incident of violence targeted at Asian people in the U.S.

Remembering: One year after Atlanta shooting

Anya Rao and Ava Varrell
March 16, 2022
Beginning Saturday, Mar. 12, people will no longer be required to wear a mask in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status.

Brookline Department of Public Health rescinds town-wide indoor mask mandate

Anya Rao, News Editor
March 9, 2022

Spirit Week: Photo Gallery

Anya Rao and Taj Horowitz
March 8, 2022
Though this week was generally uneventful on the high school level as students and staff enjoyed February break, there were numerous events nationally and globally including a Russian attack on Ukraine and a settlement deal closing the gender pay gap in U.S. soccer.

What happened this week? (2/20-2/26)

Anya Rao, News Editor
February 26, 2022
From Feb. 3rd to Feb. 6th BHS Performing Arts Department delivered their rendition of the smash hit Broadway Musical Legally Blonde

“Legally Blonde” is exciting and humorous despite challenges

Taj Horowitz and Anya Rao
February 12, 2022
This week was full of news, both local and national, from the reopening of the Brookline Public Library to a U.S. raid in Syria.

What happened this week? (1/30-2/5)

Anya Rao, News Editor
February 5, 2022
Far Out Ice Cream opened this Nov. on Harvard St. near Coolidge Corner. With simple ice cream bases and a variety of fruit choices, Far Out is a dynamic addition to Brooklines ice cream store options.

Far Out Ice Cream brings tastes of New Zealand to Brookline

Anya Rao, News Editor
January 28, 2022
This week was pretty eventful, from news about midyears all the way to the reopening of a popular Brookline restaurant.

What happened this week? (1/8-1/15)

Anya Rao, News Editor
January 15, 2022
Head of School Anthony Meyer announced that midyear exams will be postponed by two days in his email to students on Jan. 9.

Midyear exams postponed due to recent school closures and increased absences

Anya Rao, News Editor
January 9, 2022
Expert Advisory Panel 4: Public Health, Safety and Logistics convened virtually via Zoom on Jan. 7 at 3 p.m. to review COVID-19 public guidelines amidst a rise in cases and the Omicron variant.

Expert Advisory Panel 4 re-evaluates safety policies amidst COVID-19 Omicron variant surge

Luca Kelley Nielsen and Anya Rao
January 8, 2022
This year, teachers have been forced to juggle their personal and professional lives as the transition through the pandemic continues.

You aren’t alone; teachers are stressed too

Anya Rao and Luca Kelley Nielsen
January 7, 2022
All Public School of Brookline (PSB) schools will be closed Jan. 3 because of staffing concerns related to the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Schools closed Jan. 3 due to understaffing amidst COVID-19 concerns

Anya Rao, Max Jepsen, and Taj Horowitz
January 2, 2022
The Brookline School Commitee (BSC) responded to the Brookline Educators Unions (BEU) recent work-to-rule action via a public statement.

Brookline School Committee responds to work-to-rule action taken by Brookline Educators Union

Anya Rao, News Editor
December 19, 2021
Randee Siegel is a new social worker at the high schools ninth grade campus at the Old Lincoln School (OLS).

Q&A with social worker Randee Siegel

Anya Rao, News Editor
November 20, 2021
The Brookline Educators Union (BEU) has taken several different measures to fight for a fair contract from the Brookline School Committee (BSC) and may be going on strike.

Brookline Educators Union protests at town hall for fair contract

Anya Rao and Nate Parry Luff
November 18, 2021
Freshman students gathered in the Old Lincoln School (OLS) auditorium to view the National Book Awards Teen Press Conference.

Freshmen attend National Book Awards Teen Press Conference

Anya Rao and Taj Horowitz
November 12, 2021
For both girls varsity soccer and boys varsity soccer, being connected off of the soccer field has played a large role in their successes on the field.

GVS and BVS emphasize team bonding

Anya Rao, News Editor
October 17, 2021
Led by female coaches, girls varsity swimming has been able to achieve success in and out of the pool.

Female leadership transforms environment of swim team

Anya Rao, News Editor
October 16, 2021
Head of School Anthony Meyer called for a homework-free weekend this weekend amidst higher levels of student stress.

Administration attempts to ease student stress with homework-free weekend

Anya Rao and Luca Kelley Nielsen
October 13, 2021
Highlighted in new guidelines, the district will utilize masks, distancing and testing in order to facilitate a safe, productive environment for students in the district.

Public Schools of Brookline releases new COVID-19 policies for upcoming school year

Anya Rao, News Editor
August 27, 2021
Expert Advisory Panel 4: Public Health, Safety and Logistics convened virtually via Zoom on July 30 at 3 p.m. to review the year and discuss safety protocols for the 2021-22 school year.

Expert Advisory Panel 4 discusses potential safety measures for next year

Anya Rao, News Editor
July 10, 2021
Studying for tests can be less stressful and more successful with a concrete study plan.

Advice for assessment preparation

Anya Rao, News Editor
June 25, 2021
Expert Advisory Panel 4 convened virtually via Zoom on June 4 to discuss the future of the PSB pooled testing program and ending plans for the panel and its responsibilities in the near future.

Expert Advisory Panel 4 considers future of PSB pooled testing program and panel

Taj Horowitz and Anya Rao
June 5, 2021
The Coolidge Corner Theater, a staple of the Brookline community, recently reopened with reduced capacity for movies and other featured projections.

Coolidge Corner Theater reopening plays major role in returning to normalcy

Anya Rao and Anisa Sharma
May 31, 2021
Expert Advisory Panel 4 convened virtually on May 21 to discuss the new town masking policy and logistics of local pooled testing and vaccination efforts.

Expert Advisory Panel 4 discusses logistics of new vaccination efforts and masking policies

Anya Rao, Staff Writer
May 23, 2021
Blue Bottle is one of Chestnut Hill’s newest cafes. It offers a large assortment of unique coffee, beverages and bakery items.

Blue Bottle Coffee’s unique menu and well organized space makes for an ideal cafe

Anya Rao, Staff Writer
May 18, 2021
GSA co-presidents Erin Kosa and James Kindall

Day of Dialogue 2021

Anoushka Mallik, Phoebe Kallaher, Anya Rao, and Leehy Gertner
May 13, 2021
The Weightlifting Club helps to educate students at the high school about safety in the gym as well as nutrition.

New club provides information on nutritional and physical health for students

Anya Rao, Staff Writer
May 6, 2021
Expert Advisory Panel 4 convened virtually on April 30 to discuss the recent adjustments to the towns new mask mandate and contact tracing guidelines.

Expert Advisory Panel 4 discusses updates to social distancing and contact tracing policies

Anya Rao, Staff Writer
May 1, 2021
As the school moves away from 2-day in-person learning split into two cohorts, other important pillars of safety remain in place – and in the case of testing and ventilation, opportunities for improvement continue to surface.

Cohort merger begins as other safety measures prioritized

Anya Rao, Staff Writer
March 23, 2021
Expert Advisory Panel 4: Public Health, Safety and Logistics discussed new challenges to four day in-person learning. Personal protective equipment (PPE) played a crucial role in the discussion in what is necessary to ensure safety for students and staff.

Expert Advisory Panel 4 discusses new obstacles of four day in-person attendance

Anya Rao, Staff Writer
March 7, 2021
Convening this Friday, February the 19th, the Expert Advisory Panel 4 discussed the possibility of reopening the school to students for four day in person learning. Whilst no definitive decision was made, BSC members urged some sort of consensus for the sake of negotiations with parents and teachers.

Expert Advisory Panel 4 discusses possibility of reopening school to four day in-person attendance

Anya Rao, Staff Writer
February 21, 2021
The App Development Club has worked to create a new and more advanced version of the schedule tracker. It is scheduled to be realized by the end of February.

The App Development Club helps students to improve their coding skills while making a difference in the community.

Anya Rao, Staff Writer
February 13, 2021
The BHS Innovation Funds COVID-19 Teaching and Learning Response grant is responsible for the positive aspects of remote learning in the school environment.

The BHS Innovation Fund’s summer grant promotes wellness in remote learning model

Anya Rao, Staff Writer
January 14, 2021
World-class fencer Patrick Liu (right) fences Simon Poon (left) at the Canada Cup. He has placed 5th in the under 20 age group out of more than 50 of the world’s top fencers in the Junior World Cup.

Fencing has taught Patrick Liu valuable life lessons

Anya Rao, Staff Writer
December 5, 2020
Amid rising case counts in Brookline, concerns over hybrid learning have prompted a discussion of the necessary precautions.

Expert Advisory Panel 4 discusses best course of action for hybrid learning

Anya Rao and Anika Mayar
November 6, 2020
Kathleen Lowe

Kathleen Lowe

Anya Rao, Staff Writer
October 29, 2020
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The student news site of Brookline High School
Anya Rao