English teacher and South Asian Student Association (SASA) club advisor Rashmi Kumar has been working at WA since 2002 and has brought her goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion, (DEI) to the WA community throughout her entire teaching career. When Kumar joined WA's staff over twenty years ago,...

Westford's Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee worked to organize the first ever Indigenous Peoples Day Observance on Monday, Oct. 14 at the First Parish Church, marking the second year the holiday has been officially recognized in Westford. The location was promptly switched from the Town...

The feeling of belonging -- whether it be while sharing a laugh with friends or connecting with people over shared cultural experiences -- is a vital part of one's happiness and well-being at school. For some WA students, however, finding a community where they can truly express all aspects of their...

During the Westford School Committee meeting on Nov. 20, committee members acknowledged the Academic Excellence Recipients of the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), reviewed the benefits of the special education program, and discussed future policy changes. Academic Excellence Award Recipients To start the...

The WA South Asian Student Association (SASA) will be hosting their second-ever annual Darba celebration on Friday, Nov. 17 from 6-10 p.m. Darba, an event that combines Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, and garba dancing, will include refreshments and feature a variety of South Asian traditions,...

The rhythm of drums carries through the room and two lions appear, one golden, the other red. Swiftly, they make their way around the tables of dining people, playfully sticking their noses into their food and dropping oranges in their path, a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. The...

The WA cafeteria is nearly unrecognizable. Bright orange garlands wrap the staircase railings and hang from the ceiling. Multi-colored streamers spread across the ceiling and disco lights transform the cafeteria into a South Asian party. But, in the middle of the room, five glow-in-the-dark letters spell...

The design for the WA mascot was chosen after a student vote on Wednesday, Sept. 28 during a special school committee meeting. The new design draws the focus away from the gray hood and black face of the previous mascot, the Grey Ghost, and instead is now called the Westford Academy Ghost. This decision...

Westford Academy is a diverse community; there is no doubt about that. Going to school means seeing students of all cultures, races, religions, and ethnicities, as well as walking under banners in the halls promoting diversity and inclusion. That's why it is a little odd to see that of the three years...

When navigating life in a melting pot such as the US, it can be difficult for students to feel culturally understood, to feel truly comfortable embracing the rich customs that come along with their unique identity. Nonetheless, celebrating these differences is vital towards building a welcoming and inclusive...

Thumping Bollywood music sounds through the cafeteria as every object in the room vibrates to the synths. Students jump and dance to the music, singing the lyrics. In a corner, people stand in long lines at the henna and vendor tables, excited to get mehndi designs on their hands. This is the kind...

WA’s Human Rights Club will be hosting an event called Chaat Masala at WA on May 13 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. This event will be a night filled with Indian food, music, and dancing. Tickets for students cost 20 dollars and tickets for the general public cost 25 dollars. All proceeds will be donated to...