ilhouette S
COLUMBUS SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
VOL. 61
ISSUE 1
October 2021
New Phone Policy: Phony or Fair?
Ruthie Saar, XII
Recently, some changes regarding cell phones have been made in the Upper School. Dr. Kellen Graham, Director of Upper School, announced at the beginning of the school year that phones are now not only prohibited during class, but also during lunch, morning meetings, and advisory. Why did he come to this decision? Intrigued, I asked him, and I also sought out students’ opinions on the new policy. When asked about why he implemented this rule, Dr. Graham thoughtfully explained: “I think there was this growing sense of wonder, not only for me, but also for a lot of faculty and staff [...], about what might happen if we put our phones away […]. What do we gain, and what do we lose here in school if all of us are on our phones?” Dr. Graham pointed out that CSG chose to not be a phone-free school because we want students to learn how to manage their phone use. In terms of how the policy is being enforced, Dr. Graham states that it was decided that “it’s all about collective enforcement, meaning that anyone has the right to turn to a community member [or] classmate and say, ‘Hey, put your phone
away,’ or ask, ‘Do you need to be on your phone right now?’” After pondering for a moment between bites of his granola bar, Dr. Graham continues: “In everything we do at CSG, we assume the best in people. We assume that if we call you out for being on your phone, you’ll put your phone away and moving forward, [...] be mindful.” Dr. Graham admits that even he forgets about these new guidelines. He chuckles, “My challenge is I carry my phone and my computer around almost everywhere I go, and those tools are what connects me to my calendar [...]. You’ll sometimes see me buried in my phone trying to figure out where to go next.” We’re all human, it seems. Interested in students' opinions, I interviewed three individuals about their thoughts. Carly Priest, XII, reveals, “I think more positively about [...] no phones at lunch. If I’m with all my friends, it’s not very social if people are on their phones the whole time [...] However, [...] in advisory, there are times when no one is talking or doing an activity, and in that case, [...] I think it’s okay to pull out your phone.” Some people have even been caught using their phones in
the dining room! Addie Bell, X, confesses that she notices that “at lunch, people look to see that there are no teachers around and try to sneak it.” Rhian Wallace, XI, clarifies: “I get where Dr. Graham is coming from, [...] but our new age interacts with people and our phones. It’s part of our generation; like, everything is on our phones and we use them to communicate.” Some agree with Rhian, arguing that phones are ingrained in our pop culture. They also believe that there are benefits to freedom of phone usage, such as access to calendars, instant messaging, and taking photos of class materials. CSG is not alone in changing its cell phone policies. In fact, many schools nationwide are trying their hand at this new tactic. For instance, Carroll High School, about forty-five minutes away from CSG, has a strict no-phones policy. Further away, in 2019 in California, a law was implemented that requires schools to establish a policy to limit or prohibit phone usage at school. It seems that only time will tell how this new system will work for us, but for now, remember to put your phones away.
Spotted: Dr. Graham with his phone at school! Photo courtesy of Ruthie Saar, XII.
Featured in This Issue: - The History of Scholarship Walk - Meet the New Faculty in Upper School - Starbucks Review: Is Pumpkin Spice Everything Nice? - A Guide to Surviving Freshman Year - Senior Feature: Emma Spangler
The Fall of Christopher Columbus: Indigenous Peoples' Day Ciara Latham, XI
In 2020, we saw peak interest in matters of social justice. People of color across the nation declared “enough was enough.” That June, I attended a Black Lives Matter protest outside of Columbus city hall. Hundreds of protestors, black, brown, and white alike, were crying out for an end to centuries of oppression. They marched at the feet of a gleaming, bronze statue of Christopher Columbus that towered above. The irony of this scene was horrifyingly evident and representative of the relationship between the U.S. and its communities of color. The immortalization of this controversial figure prompted me to investigate how other communities felt. Earlier this month, cities throughout the country observed another year of Columbus Day: a holiday to celebrate the famous-- or in modern interpretations, infamous-Christopher Columbus. Christopher
Columbus’ arrival to the “Americas” marked a breakthrough in exploration, despite his directional shortcomings. Simultaneously, his arrival marked the beginning of centuries of exploitation and violence against
native inhabitants. Today, we can reclaim that second Monday in October to honor those lost generations through Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Around the globe, different cultures of Indigenous people exist. A
The statue of Christopher Columbus no longer stands outside the City Hall. Photo courtesy of Ciara Latham, XI.
person indigenous to the United States may be known as Native American. Some native people may even prefer the term American Indian. On October 8th of 2021, Indigenous Peoples’ Day was declared a national holiday by President Biden. Upper School Spanish teacher, Dr. Miklos has studied the impacts of colonization on indigenous populations. She says, "The change to this holiday helps shed light on the havoc colonization wreaked on indigenous groups and their [way of life], from Central America all the way down to South America." The movement to introduce IP Day intends to offer historical truth about the conquest of the New World. Instituting Indigenous Peoples' Day nationally serves as a memoriam for not only the lost lives, but the lost stories of indigenous Americans. A large number of the CSG population lives within Columbus city limits. Columbus, Ohio is one of the many cities throughout the nation named after Christopher Columbus.
As reported by USA Today, the city of Columbus has not celebrated Columbus Day since 2018. As a result of the intensifying social climate in 2020, the country saw a push to remove offensive statues and symbols that represent outdated ideals. According to WBNS 10-TV, that very statue of Christopher Columbus from city hall was removed on July 1, 2020. Mayor Andrew Ginther called for a replacement to better highlight diversity. Still, without a new statue to stand over Broad street, many feel the city Columbus has yet to represent all its people. To start a process of reconciliation, the city needs those citizens to take action. Those who feel passionately about supporting the Indigenous population can start local by contacting government officials and representatives and demanding city-wide recognition of Indigenous peoples day. To learn more about these issues or get involved visit this list of curated sources.
2 School
Scholarship Walk Through the Years
Della Jones, X
What shapes the CSG community? Some will argue that it’s the people or the academic environment, but my theory is that it’s the traditions. Scholarship Walk, which has been in place for nearly fifty years, is one of the many traditions that makes CSG the strong community that it is. Its goal is raising money for CSG students who may need financial support. Although the purpose of the walk has not changed, aspects like the length, location, and how students deal with sore feet, have. The walk was founded in 1973 by Katie LeVeque and Debbie Sawyer, with assistance of math teacher Mr. Wong. “We were in Service Club together,
One student rubbing her feet after a grueling walk. Photo courtesy of Della Jones, X, 1987 TopKnot.
and I remember that our first walk was along Broad Street,” recalls their former classmate, Mary Jane Trapp, ‘74. Similar to today, the walk was just a wonderful way to feel good about doing good. “Sadly, both Katie and Debbie have passed, but I think of them every year at walk time,” Ms. Trapp continued. The CSG community should follow in Ms. Trapp’s footsteps and think about the wonderful tradition Katie and Debbie created, almost all by themselves. After the first walk on Broad Street, this 20 mile tradition was held in a variety of locations, from farms in Granville to hills in Canal Winchester. Jill Barnett, ‘92 always loved this annual walk: “My favorite part was walking with friends along coun-
try roads while we listened to music on our cassette tapes.” Jill made it a priority to stock up on stolen cookies from lunch before finishing the walk, which she ate while fantasizing about someone coming to drive her the rest of the way. Abby Ruebenstein, ‘93 also loved to pass the time with her friends, and she especially enjoyed the beauty of the rural scenery. I would agree that hills and trees are much better scenery than the highways and busy roads we see on the way to Kirk Campus, our current walk destination. Most people at CSG who have walked the long nine miles know that taking off their shoes feels like the best thing in the world, and most alumnae would agree. “One year I forgot my sneakers, and I walked 20
miles in saddle shoes,” remembers Wendolyn Holland, ‘87. Even with tennis shoes the walk is hard, so wearing stiff saddle shoes would be unimaginable! Unlike Wendolyn, Niki Korda, ‘86 remembered to bring comfortable shoes, but she still got blisters. “There was no escaping the sore feet by the end, and sore legs the next day,” she explains. Emily Wright, ‘86, found her own solution to the shoe dilemma: “I remember that for the last few miles, we usually took off our shoes, which our parents thought was crazy.” I guess that is one way to avoid blisters! The logistics of Scholarship Walk might change year to year, but the feeling of community and accomplishment has always remained consistent.
Senior dance party on the stairs of the Mansion before Scholarship Walk this year. Photo courtesy of Dr. Hattaway.
Two friends walking together on Scholarship Walk. Photo courtesy of Della Jones, X, 1987 TopKnot.
A group of girls resting and enjoying a warm cup of apple cider. Photo courtesy of Della Jones, X.
Block Party Recap Lauren LaRochelle, IX Block Party was a gettogether with CSG, St. Charles, and Bexley students, where everyone hung out at Guipel field. There was food and games and students went over to St. Charles and watched the football game. Some people think that it's an exciting and lively party where you can meet lots of new people in the community. “I’m excited about meeting new people from other schools!” Lila Schroder, IX re-
ported before the event. Meridian Smith, IX, and Gabriel Clarke, IX, were also excited for the pizza and partying at Guepel. I asked Mackenzie Gibson, X, about her reaction to being told they wouldn't have a block party last year and the impact it had on relationships with people outside of CSG. She explained, “Last year with covid, it was a let down since that was something all of our class was looking forward to. [...] Since we are an all girl school, getting to invite St. Charles and Bexley was a big deal for us.” Mackenzie
has helped me realize how much Block Party contributes to relationships with other highschoolers outside of CSG, espicially as a student at an all-girls school.. When students arrived at Block Party, the girl to boy ratio was absurd. There were four boys for every girl. While that made it pretty awkward to start off with, with time the awkwardness started to fade away, and around 6:45pm we walked over to St. Charles and watched the football game. Even though St. Charles lost 40-0 it was still a meaningful experience.
A lone CSG student amidst a group of St. Charles boys. Photo courtesy of Mrs. Ditty.
CSG Voices 3
The Pencil Thief
Muriel Wallace, X
History class. Third period. Five minutes before class began, and the tension was high. It was one of the dark-haired students who asked the dreaded question: “Does anyone have a free pencil?” Long, silent seconds elapsed before I reluctantly handed over my blue mechanical, hesitation in every movement. However, not a second later, the futuresumma-cum-laude asked for one, too. I froze in my tracks. Wasn’t this a bit suspicious, or was I just paranoid? “Don’t give it to her. She’ll never give it back,” someone accused with a knowing glance. My eyes bounced like tennis balls between my two classmates as if waiting for some altercation to occur, but class continued on. Looking at my lighter pencil case, I was thankful
I didn’t give away that second pencil. You see, this has been going on for years, though it’s kept under wraps. There’s a league among us who find pleasure in causing the smallest inconveniences, going by the name Pencil Thieves. No one knows who they are; if they do, they dare not tell. Each with a mischievous mindset, they enjoy irking students into madness as pencil cases slowly become barren. There’s no stopping them, for as quickly as they come, your memory of them escapes without a trace. It should be known that I’ve not caught a glimpse of that blue mechanical pencil, and I doubt I ever will. *Disclaimer: This piece is an embellishment of a true story and is purely meant for entertainment purposes
A Hero's Experience In Afghanistan Ellie Neitzel, IX With the last of the U.S troops in Afghanistan leaving after the 2020-2021 withdrawal, the Taliban began taking control of Afghanistan. This event has received a heavy amount of media attention and is affecting the people of Afghanistan as well as those in our community. Rob Neitzel, a parent of the CSG community and retired lieutenant colonel, has given Silhouette an interview about his experience while in Afghanistan. Having served for twentyone years and having been deployed to Afghanistan four times, Mr. Neitzel was able to meet many people while in Afghanistan, such as General Halik, a man with whom he worked to create an Ops center in Afghanistan. While improving Afghanistan's military force, Mr. Neitzel lived with Afghan civilians who were strangers to him in a foriegn environment. Mr. Neitzel explains, “There were no other English people other than my interpreter and I had to immerse myself in the culture. I had to immerse myself in how they did things and they invited me every eve-
ning to their communal meal where I got to know them individually.” Because of the connections Mr. Neitzel made and the time he spent working towards a better future in Afghanistan, the news of U.S troops retreating and the Taliban taking over took a high mental toll on him. When asked about the emotions he experienced, Mr. Neitzel answered: “Frustration because I couldn't help them given I am no longer in the Military. Anger that it collapsed so fast and that safeguards and conditions were not in place to make it a better transition for those who had partnered with us. Then, sadness because I do not know where the people I met are today.” While these events feel like a hopeless situation for many, there are still ways the CSG community can help. Many Afghans have been relocated to the United States and are alone, with their families still in Afghanistan. These people are in need of donations such as money or clothes. If interested in supporting Afghan refugees in Columbus, consider volunteering with organizations like USTogether.
The Freshman Survival Guide Ruthie Saar, XII
Have you ever wondered how to get through your freshman year without it completely being a disaster? If yes, then this is the article for you. Being a senior and a “lifer” at CSG, I have handcrafted the ultimate survival guide to carry you through freshman year (maybe even throughout all of high school) and boost your confidence. Find study and notetaking strategies that work best for you. Try out a bunch of different tactics and see what you like. It can be different for different subjects. For example, I use flashcards to study history, but I prefer Quizlet for foreign language classes. Note-taking, however, can vary. Many students take notes on their computer, especially if they have a need for speed, but if you’re in World History and you prefer to handwrite your notes, don’t be afraid to be the only student in class opting for the old-fashioned way.
afraid to talk to new students every once in a while, especially if you do a shared activity together, like theater. Even if they aren’t in your grade, but you’re both on Student Council, make an effort to talk to upperclassmen. Who knows? Perhaps your future BFF is waiting for you. Try new activities. Maybe you’re scared to join Silhouette or Yearbook, or you’re curious about Mock Trial, or maybe you want to try basketball for the first time. Whatever it is, go for it! You might regret it if you don’t try. And it may become your favorite extracurricular. Finally (and what I think is THE most important tip of all), don’t waste study halls. Free periods lessen the amount of homework you have at the end of the day. While it can be hard not to chat with friends or get distracted by Buzzfeed quizzes (I’m guilty), you should use your time wisely-- get your work done so that it doesn’t pile up later. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to having a fantastic freshman year!
Above, freshmen work studiously (and silently) in the Beaton Library. They fit right in! Photo courtesy of Lucie Giang, XI.
Freshmen are making use of their study hall by meeting with math teacher Ms. Weintraub. Photo courtesy of Lucie Giang, XI.
VERBATIM Sarah Alexander, X: ”Okay, I’ll draw a triangle.” *draws a square*
(From the left) Mr. Neitzel, MG Khaliq Commander of the 203rd Afghan Army Corps, and CPT Trajilo (Mr. Neitzel's officer) pictured in Bandi Sardi Ghanzi. Photo courtesy of Mr. Neitzel.
Participate in class. It may seem intimidating, but it’ll become a natural habit. One way to build up courage is to look at your notes before class starts-- that way, you’ll be prepared to answer any questions thrown at you. Offering your answers shows teachers that you’re actively listening and trying to understand their classes. If you aren’t speaking up at least three times in English class (especially with Miranda), you aren’t doing it right. Meet with teachers. If you’re struggling with a geometry problem or need clarification on the phases of mitosis, go talk to your teacher. Even if you aren’t having trouble, setting up meetings shows that you care about the class. Teachers expect you to see them: that’s why the math and writing center is always full during 4th period, and why I visit the Mistory (Math and History) office at least once a week. Legend has it that some teachers bump up students’ grades because of how often they meet… Branch out! Don’t be
Abigail Falk, XII: "Why is the best part the bun?”
Katie O'Leary, XI: *Talking existently about life* "But you won't be alive to feel the nothingness."
Grace Wong, XII: "I wish you could come over here and itch it.”
Dr. Nelson: "I REALLY like birds." Atticus Basso-Schricker, XII: "That's so valid."
4 Life ~ Pet Corner ~ Ask - It Della Jones's, X, cat. Seems like someone is looking for attention!
Bethany Spangler's, X, dog. Someone is ready to go!
Claudia Jones's, XI, cats. Looks like they got some good sleep!
Elizabeth Burgess's, X, cat. Seems peaceful and comfy.
Boula Ross's, IX, dog. Look at those puppy eyes! Photo courtesy of Veronica Ross, '20.
Ava Kessler's, X, dog. Such a sweet boy!
Fashion Within Uniform Rose McLarty, IX Fashion is a huge part of a person’s life. Even though you might not be as consumed in the fashion industry as some fanatics are, everyone wears clothes. While our plaid skirts and polos at CSG are traditional private school staples, this wardrobe might seem like it has no room to show your individuality. For example, take your favorite TV character and think about how their outfits play a role in defining them. Does their expression through fashion match who they are? Or are they a character who doesn’t value fashion and are portrayed in that way through wardrobe choices? Fashion plays a role in who each character is or aspires to be. This translates directly into the lives of many teens. You might think that CSG students' possibilities of self-expression are limited. After talking to students, however, I found that the community of CSG has found an abundance of ways to combat this issue. Students have dyed their hair, chosen their own shoes, accessories, phone cases, and, thanks to the pandemic, have worn unique masks to fulfill this desire to stand out.
Dear Ask-It, how do you meet boys? I get it, meeting boys seems pretty hard, especially when attending a school that is almost all girls. There have been many times when I have come to the harsh realization that I can count the number of my boy friends on just one hand, but obviously I am writing this to help you avoid that problem. My first tip, before I tell you how to actually meet boys, is to just be confident. I know they may seem super intimidating, but it’s not like boys are a totally different species. They are human just like you, so you shouldn’t be incredibly shy or awkward when talking to them. At CSG it’s a lot harder to become friends with a boy, but if you wanted to meet them through school, the easiest way to do that would be to attend a school dance. The two main coed CSG events are Decade Dance and Winter Formal. You could definitely try to approach and talk to some guys there (except please don’t steal someone’s date). I would also suggest finding the things that you are interested in, and potentially looking for an extracurricular activity that boys might do too. For example, if you are really interested in a certain sport, you could join a co-ed team. The reason I mention meeting boys through extracurriculars is because those are usually things that you are really passion-
ate about. Meeting boys should be natural, and you shouldn’t go too far out of your comfort zone to meet them. This is why doing something you love could be an awesome place to engage with boys. Before I end my series of awesome, incredible, and super helpful tips, I want to remind you one last thing: make sure you actually like the boys you are trying to talk to. Don’t just befriend them because they are boys, befriend them because they are good people who you genuinely want to spend time with.
What is Ask-It? Ask-It is Silhouette's anonymous advice column. If you would like to submit a question to Ask-It, please feel free to email us at silhouette@columbusschoolforgirls.org.
Fall Photo Gallery
Elise Barber IX: “ My jewelry helps to show my personality. My necklace helps to bring out the true ‘Elise Barber’ in me. The evil eyes bring me protection and keep me in touch with my spirituality.” Photo courtesy of Rose McLarty.
Sammy Kleinman, IX, got crafty in 2020 and started to make her own masks. Since then, she and her mom have made masks for her lacrosse and field hockey teams to show school spirit. Photo courtesy of Rose McLarty.
(Above) The leaves are just starting to change color. Photos courtesy of Frances Lefkowitz-Pizutti, XI.
Bradyn Cassandra IX: “I feel like you can get a better sense of who someone is from their shoes. I feel like when I have shoes with more colors on, I definitely gain more confidence and feel more myself.” Photo courtesy of Rose McLarty.
Black-eyed Susans on a foggy fall day. Mysterious! Photo courtesy of Sadie Mapes, X.
The trees stand out under a clear blue sky. Photo courtesy of Frances Lefkowitz-Pizutti, XI.
Life
5
One-Woman Show: Starring Mrs. Hartshorne!
Angelina Kofman, XII
Setting the scene: tents are put up; Mrs. Hartshorne arranges baskets on tables filled to the brim with delicious cookies; Mr. Hartshorne is in the car reading. It’s a farmer’s market. Why are we at a farmers market? To sell cookies, of course. Mrs. Hartshorne’s cookie business, Grammy’s Goodies, took off at the start of the pandemic and has only flourished. Mrs. Hartshorne, CSG’s Middle School Director, first discovered her love of baking in graduate school. She said this was probably
due to stress, but I’m sure the study group appreciated the constant flow of cookies. As a math TA at OSU, she also baked for her students: “You don’t have to like math, but I’ll at least bring you chocolate and sugar.” Her first big baking event was for the wedding of one of her study group members, for which she made “dozens and dozens of cookies.” Fast forward to the pandemic. Mrs. Hartshorne wanted to bake for student lunches and she figured if she created her business, she could donate the cookies. She baked 40 dozen cookies every week
for school lunches. It was during all this that she set up her website, grammysgoodies.me, started attending farmers markets, and, now, she’s frequently contacted about doing parties, graduations, and weddings. Mrs. Hartshorne’s business is her one-woman show. She doesn’t outsource beyond occasionally having Mr. Hartshorne use the pressure sealer to package cookies. She makes the cookies, packages them, and even created the website herself, all in her kitchen. She can make three dozen an hour including mixing, baking, and packaging the cookies.
A declicious baked goods assortment. Photo courtesy of Mrs. Hartshorne.
Cookie stand at a farmers market. Photo courtesy of Mrs. Hartshorne.
She currently has about 18 flavors to choose from. Her favorite cookie is a “brown butter, dark chocolate, toffee cookie with salt on the top of it,” where her toffee is also homemade. Among her customers, however, a different cookie takes
Vivid Dreams Mila Babamovski, IX Dreams are an expression of your deep consciousness. They are your mental concepts mixed with other thoughts. If you have ever had a dream and researched the “mystical” meaning behind it, you will learn that your dreams give a lot of insight on your state or condition. All types of dreams consist of deeper symbolism, according to Well and Good. A dream in which you are being chased means specifically that you are procrastinating or avoiding something of importance. A falling dream may mean that you are feeling disappointed by something. These dreams are so common because of the feelings they disclose. Not a single detail in your dream is random, even if you're sitting in a baby pool filled with ramen noodles that consume you like Mr. Sierzputowski, US computer science teacher. He claims that this dream was recurring and
“terrifying” for him as a child. Surprisingly not-so-serious dreams can originate from unresolved stress or fear. According to Academy Sleep Wellness, being afraid of extremely specific things is very common in young kids and these dreams likely show a consistent cause of stress. Dreams about failure in school or the workplace are very common. CSG student Ellie Neitzel, IX, claims to have had a dream about cheating on a test and failing after she was caught by the teacher. There was an assigned Biology test the day after she had this dream. PsychMechanics states that any dream about failure in education, even after you are finished with school, shows that there is an important upcoming challenge that you are stressed about. Many things can appear in your dreams in which all of them show components of your surrounding thoughts. Dreams are an unexpected representation of your consciousness and imagination.
Rainy Days. Photo courtesy of Sadie Mapes, X.
top spot each week, so you really can’t go wrong with any of them. When you’re thinking about your next birthday or gathering, check out Grammy’s Goodies under the tents at the farmers market: made to order, and made with love.
6 Arts & Culture
Revenge on Covid: An In-Person Fall Play
Madi Kim, X Everyone in the CSG community looks forward to the fall play. This year, the cast and crew are performing Revenge of the Space Pandas, written by David Mamet. Although the title seems silly, perhaps silliness is what we all need after living in a pandemic for the past year and a half. Ms. Bishara, CSG’s drama teacher, as well as the play’s director and producer, shared some insights about the upcoming production. She explained that Revenge of the Space Pandas is “a comedy that is suitable for all ages, and
[she] wanted something that our community could come together around and something that could make us laugh.” Between the cute panda costumes, beautiful sets, and comedic cast, there is something for everyone. In the play, Ms. Bishara explains, “Binky, Vivian, and Bob the sheep are unexpectedly transported into Crestview, a distant planet. There, they meet Buffy and Boots, two pandas, and a whole slew of other characters who they have to fight to get back home.” Senior Fen Lindstedt, who plays the colonel, shared that “being back in person
has a different energy. People are able to build off of each other’s energy.” In addition to this, Lindstedt stated that this was the first in-person play that combined the middle and upper school, making this truly a community bonding experience. On opening night, October 29th at 6:00pm, the designer of the sets, Edie Dinger, will be painting for a silent auction. There will also be a trick or treat night hosted by the cast and crew on the same day for people who come in costume. Seating will be limited due to Covid restrictions, so be sure to buy tickets quickly!
Offstage voices pracicing their lines... offstage! Photo courtesy of Boula Ross, IX.
Watch out for space pandas Buffy and Boots! Photo courtesy of Della Jones, X.
New News: Science Edition Kiera Rennick, XII On the early afternoon of September 15th, I sat down with Dr. Nelson to talk science. We were going two discuss impactful scientific discoveries that might have been overlooked in the past year or so (in the wake of all the science news being turned towards COVID) but shortly into our discussion things took a turn. Dr. Nelson asked to share a news article’s title (courtesy of Bob Yirka, Phys.org), word for word, and hear my thoughts on it. It was “Female Octopus Observed Throwing Stuff at Males Harassing Them,” and I couldn’t keep a smile off my face. Our conversation switched from more serious topics like diseases affecting songbirds to that which was far more likely to make us laugh.
There was a perfect gateway to this: The Ig Nobel Awards. Each year since 1991, The scientific magazine Annals of Improbable Research have had Nobel laureates award the “Igs,'' to scientific research that might make you chuckle before thinking. Dr. Nelson and I went over some of the highlights of this year’s winners, determined on September 9, 2021. First was the Transportation Prize, which went along to a group of scientists for “determining by experiment whether it is safer to transport an airborne rhinoceros upside-down”. Spoiler alert: Apparently it is. The respiratory and metabolic effects are far less when they are upsidedown, as opposed to on their sides. Another was the Peace Prize, which tested the hypothesis “that humans evolved beards to protect themselves
from punches to the face.” I have to say, however, that my favorites of this year’s awards go to the Physics and Kinetics Prize winners, who, respectively, tested “why pedestrians do not constantly collide with other pedestrians” and “why pedestrians do sometimes collide with other pedestrians.” If you’d like to read more about these award winners, and any others since 1991, you can find them here: https:// www.improbable.com/2021ceremony/winners/. The actual research papers may be paywalled, but at the very least, you can admire their overly complicated titles. A little bit of joy and comedy, especially during times we live in, can truly go a long way, even if that way is to an award which lets you know your research is entirely strange.
The main characters pose for a photo. Photo courtesy of Della Jones, X.
Promo photo day, featuring glow in the dark beach balls. Photo courtesy of Della Jones, X.
Getting the stage ready for scene one. Photo courtesy of Boula Ross, X.
A sheep and a colonel. You'll only understand if you buy tickets! Photo courtesy of Boula Ross, IX.
Actors recieving line notes from Ms. Bishara. Photo courtesy of Della Jones, X.
(Serial)ously True Crime
Kennedy Wells, IX
The podcast Serial launched in 2014, and it became the fastest podcast to reach 5 million downloads and streams in iTunes history. In 2018, more than 1.6 million print copies of true-crime books were sold, almost double the number sold in 2016, according to Time. Why are so many people intrigued by true crime, when they really should be scared? I love true crime because I enjoy the complexity of solving the crimes. I love the mystery and not knowing what to expect next. I think it is the same rea-
son people love horror movies and stories so much: people like the thrill. People tend to like it more when it actually happens. True crime gives viewers insight into the minds of the criminals who have committed these heinous crimes. Dr. Elizabeth Rutha, a licensed clinical psychologist at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, told AHC Health News that “People's fascination began when we were kids.” As kids, many people are drawn to the suspense between good and evil, and true crime expresses their interest with that dynamic. We like to figure out why
criminals do what they do. We want to figure out what drives people to this extreme act. Madigan Zieg, IX, says she finds true crime interesting: “There is something so eerie about true crime that doesn't come with fictional crime. I also feel like learning from these different stories can help me and others if we ever fall into similar situations.” Like Madigan, I will know what to do and not to do when being in a dangerous situation where I need to keep myself safe. For myself, the best way to learn about true crime are docuseries. I’ll watch them
while I do my homework or laundry. Anna Carey, X, says, “They are very intriguing. I like trying to follow the storyline and uncover the killer before the people on the show do.” Bridget Donnelly, IX, states American Murder: The Family Next Door is her favourite documentary. The film tells the story of the Watts family murders, which took place in Frederick, Colorado. It uses archival footage including social media posts, law enforcement recordings, text messages, and home video footage to depict the events that occurred. Overall, no one really
knows why they like true crime so much; it’s just a fun hobby for people to get their mind off of things, no matter how dark it may be!
Annie Wagenbrenner, XI, and Jacey Cassandra, XI, guessing the killer in their podcast. Photo courtesy of Gabi Yuan, XI.
Sports & Health 7 Soccer Gabrielle Yuan, XI Ten-year old Emma Spangler rises before the sun is up to get ready for school. Just like any other early morning, she slips on her lengthy soccer socks as smoothly as if it were a second layer of skin, puts on her knee-length soccer shorts, and ties the laces belonging to her hard-soled soccer cleats. Looking in the mirror, anyone else would have just seen an immature child whose socks seemed to swallow her calves. But to Emma, her outfit symbolized her constant desire to stay connected to soccer. Though Spangler is now a senior and one of the captains of the CSG soccer team, her affection for soccer hasn’t dimmed. She currently acts as the primary goalie of the team, constantly blocking hard shots. “Ironically, I started out really wanting to be a defender,” Emma begins, “But after being diagnosed with a heart condition in 8th grade and not moving around much for seven months, much less playing
Superstar soccer, I wasn’t prepared for intense movement.” She turned to the position of goalie and from that moment on, Emma has been able to showcase her amazing abilities in the goal. Spangler has made many fond memories as well as persevered through extremely tough moments during these last four years. “Being that it’s the sport of soccer, it goes without saying that it involves a lot of running,” Emma says. “I remember when I first joined the soccer team, we had to run 12x120’s on the field. I couldn’t even make three of them. To me, twelve truly seemed impossible.” For the next two years, Emma made an effort both on and off the field: eating nutritious food, pushing the limits during practice, and getting as much sleep as one can in high school. This year as a senior, Emma made all twelve of the sprints and, you could say, even did so with ease. She also recalls warm memories worth reminiscing over: “That feeling you get when you’re
Emma
surrounded by your teammates is surreal. We used to gather around one of the senior’s cars and just blast music to the maximum. This pregame ritual created such a chilling atmosphere, where we just vibed to the music, that it felt like we had already won the game.” The fast beat of the music playing as Emma and the team walked onto the field brought goosebumps to those watching. As the soccer season is halfway done, Emma knows that she’ll always stay connected to the sport of soccer. She hopes to play club in college or maybe even walk on. She’ll always embrace the responsibility of being an authoritative and responsible figure on the field, along with the special adrenaline rush only soccer can bring. “Results you want on the field start off the field,” Emma advises. “Be aware of where your limits are, but also maintain a strong mentality.” Emma’s words of wisdom and persistent encouragement will hold true long after she graduates next year, and they apply not
Spangler
just to soccer, but also to the work ethic of CSG. With her unfaltering positive mindset as well her lively morning soccer announcements, Emma’s presence will be greatly missed both on and off the field. E m m a S p a n g l e r, X I I , m a k i n g wicked saves. Photos court e s y o f E m m a S p a n g l e r, X I I .
Introduction to Health Disparities Isabella Luckage, XI
At CSG, many students have aspirations of a career in healthcare, including me. This field is very complicated, but an awareness of health disparities among healthcare professionals has been increasing and, according to Sandra Wexler and Valire Carr Copeland’s article “Health Disparities,” should continue. What are health disparities? Wexler and Copeland define them as “differences in health status and healthcare utilization that are influenced by complex social structural, economic, and cultural factors.” For example, studies show that racial minorities,
impoverished people, and others face many challenges to receiving quality healthcare. Wexler and Copeland showed that health disparities lead to lower quality healthcare, and less accessibility to treatments, which connects to health insurance. According to the Institute of Medicine, adults without access to insurance who also suffer from a variety of diseases (such as asthma or cancer) are significantly more likely to have to delay receiving care or a prescription than they would if they had insurance. Another major barrier to quality healthcare is language. When
a patient and their healthcare provider(s) do not speak the same language, it makes the experience challenging. Some public policy action and interventions have been put into place to combat health disparities. For instance, The
The ACA allowed adults 26 and younger to use their parents’ insurance
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) allowed adults 26 and younger to use their parents’ insurance, helped make insurance available for people with income below specific amounts, and made it easier for those with pre-existing conditions to get insurance. Copeland and Wexler also explain that in addition to those three effects, ACA also encouraged states to allow Medicare services for those up to 38% above the poverty line, although the decision to do so is up to each state’s discretion. If you are interested in learning more about health disparities and their complexities, many
different and reliable books and websites are available to help explain this complicated issue; here’s one to get you started. This will allow you to get a wide range of opinions and to understand health disparities even more fully. CSG’s foreign language requirement, science, and government classes also offer a great foundation to help you grow as a potential future healthcare provider!
Welcoming the New Field Hockey Coach Allie Salamon, X
The fierce field hockey team and their new coach. Photo courtesy of the CSG homepage.
Fall is an exciting time for CSG unicorns, especially for fall athletes. At CSG, there are seven fall sports offered: cross country, field hockey, golf, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. This season, field hockey has welcomed a new head coach: Jacque DeMarco. I talked to Sarah Alexander, X, who was on the team freshman year to see if she has noticed a difference in the team since Coach DeMarco has arrived. “At the beginning of the year, we worked a lot more on the fundamentals of field hockey compared to last year,'' Sarah noted. It was helpful
for the teammates who just joined field hockey for the first time. “Coach DeMarco is really good at keeping the intensity high by having us jog in between drills and being constructive on the sidelines,” Sarah also said. It is important to keep your team in a good mood by giving constructive criticism. Along with keeping the team in good shape and in a good mood, they also have done better with competing. “We have won twice as many games as last year and scored more goals than we had at this time last year,” Sarah reported. With field hockey about half way through their season, they
still have many more games to go and more goals to score.
A new addition: Coach DeMarco. Photo courtesy of Coach DeMarco.
8 Fall Page
Advisors
DECADE DANCE Ruthie Saar, XII
Decade Dance, CSG’s famous Halloween bash, has been a longstanding tradition, but with last year’s chaos, the Student Council wasn’t able to host one. This year, Decade Dance is made a comeback! However, it looked a little different. Speaking to Silhouette before the dance, Mrs. Miller, STUCO advisor, admitted that it had been much harder to plan Decade Dance than in the past: “[It] was kind of up in the air if we were even allowed to have a Decade Dance. We had to talk to the administration, […] the nurse, and we had to get okays and come up with a plan." With a chuckle, she adds, “It was a little chaotic.” This year, Decade
Dance was held outside in the Spirit Courtyard as opposed to the Gold Gym because of COVID protocols. While this is different from years past, Mrs. Miller believed there were benefits: “I think it’s actually going to be more fun because you have more space and you [can] show off the moves!” Because darkness and weather now have to be taken into account, the timing of Decade Dance was also changed to be earlier in the evening. Besides having to wear masks, attendees were only allowed to invite one guest. Still, Mrs. Miller believes it was relatively the same: “It’s still a costume party, [and] we still have a DJ.” Mrs. Miller confessesd that it was harder to decorate the outdoor space. She explained,
“We’re gonna use some outdoor lights, like the twinkle lights, and we still have our inflatable ghost. It may not be the same as in the past, but what matters most is being together, not the decorations on the walls.” At Decade Dance, there were appearances from some of your favorite faculty! Unfortunately, they were not wearing costumes. Mrs. Miller had already explained, “I’m going to be in strict teacher mode that day. But I do have a costume planned for Spirit Week.” I guess we’ll have to wait to see our teachers embracing their spooky-selves. Interested in what students would be wearing this year, I asked some to share their costume ideas before the dance took place. Maya Carpenter, XI,
explained with a smile, “I’m going with friends and we’ll be Scooby-Doo [characters]. I’m Daphne, [so I’ll wear a] dark purple top, light purple pants, and a light green headband.” Macy Schmelzer, XI, and her friends had not decided yet, but some ideas that they’re thinking of are 70s, butterflies, the Incredibles characters, and even Brads--the classic frat boy. In the end, they ditched all their possible ideas and went instead as doctors. Will this new rendition of Decade Dance change previous traditions? Mrs. Miller exclaimed, “We’ll see! I guess it’s gonna depend on how many people show up and the feedback we get.” I think we can all agree that we welcomed back Decade Dance with open arms.
Starbucks' Fall Drink Review Anna Carey, X
As the weather gets cold and the leaves change colors, people often find themselves craving drinks that match the fall season. In order to discover which fall drink at Starbucks is truly the best, I reviewed three selections and came to a verdict: with a cozy feel and a delicious taste that captures everything fall, the hot pumpkin spiced latte is impossible to beat. In my survey of Starbucks’ fall items, I reviewed a pumpkin spiced latte, a pumpkin cream cold brew, and an iced apple crisp macchiato with the assistance of Alysa Li, X.
Our review carefully judged all aspects of these items, from taste to aesthetics to smell. The classic PSL, or pumpkin spiced latte, kicked off our taste test, blowing us away with its perfect balance of pumpkin pie-like sweetness, subtle notes of bitter coffee, and intoxicating aroma of pumpkin spice and cinnamon. The PSL’s addicting taste paired with its soothing warmth were key factors in achieving a 9/10 score, losing only one point due to its messy appearance. After the phenomenal PSL, Alysa and I were enticed by the pumpkin cream cold brew’s
gorgeous foam that slowly cascaded into the drink below. The lightweight foam reminiscent of pumpkin pie was spectacular, but the cold brew failed to live up to our fall drink expectations. Alysa commented, “It’s too bitter for my taste,” and we both agreed that this smooth and rich coffee feels like something you could get year-round. Although a solid option for coffee lovers who need some energy, this drink’s lack of fall spirit resulted in its score of 7/10. The aesthetic of our final drink, the iced apple crisp macchiato, made it look Instagram worthy. However, a photo
is about all this drink was good for. Behind the stunning appearance and a spiced apple smell was a sickly-sweet liquid that was impossible to finish. After only two sips, I threw it away and rated it a generous 1.5/10. After a lackluster finish to our search for the best fall drink at Starbucks, Alysa and I ordered a second PSL to remind us of what a truly spooktacular fall drink should be. So the next time you are looking for the perfect drink to get you in the mood for the fall season, make your way to Starbucks to order a pumpkin spiced latte; we promise, you won’t regret it.
Dr. Hattaway Ms. Davis Editor In-Chief Ruthie Saar, XII Senior Editor Kiera Rennick, XII Junior Editor Gabrielle Yuan, XI Club Coordinator Isabella Luckage, XI Staff Angelina Kofman, XII Ciara Latham, XI Anna Carey, X Della Jones, X Ava Kessler, X Madisyn Kim, X Alysa Li, X Allison Salamon, X
The iced apple crisp macchiato. Look at those layers! The pumpkin spiced latte in all its glory. Photo Does the pumpkin cream cold brew taste as good as Photo courtesy of Anna Carey.
courtesy of Anna Carey.
OHIO HORRORS: 1898
Ciara Latham, XI,
There’s something eerie about the past, as it never truly ends. Imagine all the students, the comrades, or friendsdecades before you at the first Columbus School for Girls. Oh, so young, and unsuspecting of their changing world. During this Halloween season, a chilling tale has risen. The year to grace this school, marked in infamy by a prison. The turn
of the century called for a clean slate, and just miles away a cold-blooded criminal gained a new fate. All these and more in the twisted saga of 1898. In 1898, The Ohio State Penitentiary in Columbus became home to Morgan McSweeney after a controversial trial. McSweeney was found guilty of the murder mystery that rocked Marietta, OH. According to the Marietta Daily Leader and records by Ohiohistory.org, McSweeney was described as a
Muriel Wallace, X
it looks? Yum! Photo courtesy of Anna Carey.
“gentle giant” despite his heinous crimes. His affectionate side was expressed during years alongside his fiendish cellmates. With his noxious intrigue, McSweeney summoned an estimated 200 rats. They nested their community in the penitentiary pump room. The cold, steel pipes were their palace and McSweeney was their king. The roaming rodents had glossy beads for eyes, clumped dark fur, and slithering tails. McSweeney found harmony in the chatter of the creatures. He enticed the
rats to creep from dusty crevices into his pockets to caress them. He granted them more freedom than he would ever see. Should you ever hear creeping and scratching in the walls, be reminded of McSweeney and his companions' enthralls. Tonight you may find yourself a restless sleeper, but think not of the rats and their sinister keeper. Never fear those tales you have heard before while there are unknown horrors you have yet to explore.
Milania Babamovski, IX Lauren LaRochelle, IX Rose McLarty, IX Ellie Neitzel, IX Katherine Timcho, IX Kennedy Wells, IX
Fall Page 9
Fall (in) with New Faculty Angelina Kofman, XII Spooky season is finally here, and to welcome the new season, we have seven new faculty joining the Upper School. To keep the new faculty on their toes, I came up with the randomest on-trend fall questions. This fall in the halls of CSG, astrology has become way more mainstream, so I had to ask at least one question on zodiacs. I asked our new history teacher, Ms. Chaudry, her zodiac sign, and if she would change it. In response, she held up her wrist and showed a tattoo of the Gemini symbol. In other words, no, she would not change it. As the leaves begin to change color, a new season of special edition drinks is ushered in-- I’m looking at you, Starbucks. I asked librarian Mr. Baker: if he would describe himself as a basic drink, which would it be? At first, he chose the pink drink because he “want[s] to be exclusive,” but changed to an “oatmilk, chocolate, caramel something” on account of the pink drink “probably tast[ing] gross.”
Ms. Harrison--guidance counselor and tarot reader extrandonaire-- is an avid year-round horror movie watcher. If she were a horror movie, she would be The Conjuring, because she “tries to help people and sometimes it can be a little scary [...] but you gotta hang in there.” Choir teacher Ms. Sugerik identifies with either the bride of Frankenstein or Morticia from The Addams Family. Mostly, this is because Morticia is “so cool” and she loves her relationship with her husband. Talking to Ms. Sugerik, you get the same casual elegance vibe from Morticia: an accurate characterization, I’d say. If you start to hear the sound of ice shaking from an empty coffee cup, don’t worry; it’s just Ms. Tremper haunting you. Out of all the supernatural creatures, she’d want to be a ghost-- and apparently she decided on this years ago. She has a strict “confuse don’t abuse” policy and would be a ghost just to mess with people and “to be invisible.” Very valid reasons. On the other hand,
CSG
Molly Pawlik, XII, reads a spooky story. Eek! Photo courtesy of Angelina Kofman, XII.
(Above) Dr. Harrison showing off her unicorn pride! Photo courtesy of Angelina Kofman, XII.
(From the left) Above, Mr. Sierzputowski, Ms. Tremper, and Ms. Chaudry are serving looks! Photo courtesy of Angelina Kofman, XII.
(From the left) Above, Ms. Sugerik, Mr. Baker, and Dr. Miklos with their unique knickknacks. Photo courtesy of Angelina Kofman, XII.
Haunted
Alyssa Li, X With the spooky season arriving, now is a great time to recall past scary experiences. Mira Martin, X, thinks back to a shortcut she used to take to Ben and Jerry’s that took her under an ominous bridge. While crouching through the low and seemingly endless tunnel, she would hear heavy thuds and thundering crashes from above. She would also notice strange items lying around such as a mysterious black glove with splatters on it and a half-empty syringe. It was so dark that the shadows that whirled around her appeared alive.
if you suddenly see Mr. Sierzputowski, our computer science teacher, sparkling in the sunlight, he’s completed his transition to a vampire. Despite not seeing Twilight or Vampire Diaries, he’d still choose to be a vampire because “you’d have all these cool powers” and “time to do whatever you want,” which for him probably means video games. Addressing the “When should Halloween decorations be in stores?” controversy, Spanish teacher Dr. Miklos already bought her decorations with her son, Owen, in early September. She explained how excited Owen was-- he kept asking if it was time for Halloween-- so she was all for September sales. She put up a ghost-- not Ms. Tremper-- and, of course, pumpkins galore: metal, real, fake, you name it. Thank you to the new faculty for being such good sports. And, students, take that as a cue to bombard them with random questions as well. Also, a pro-tip from Ms. Chaudry: if you ever tattoo your zodiac, make sure you really like it first.
Sometimes, she thought she saw something watching her. Even the delicious Cherry Garcia ice cream cone at the end of the walk couldn’t shake off her chills! Sarika Soni, X, remembers a field trip she took in third grade to tour this antique house. After making the mistake of wandering too far away from the crowd, she somehow ended up getting locked in one of the bathrooms. She spent half an hour weakly pounding on the door and hoarsely crying out for help before her teacher finally found and released her. After calming down, she asked the guide how she could have gotten locked,
Ta l e s
because she didn’t close the door. The guide said he didn’t know; Sarika was in a part of the house that wasn’t supposed to be shown during the tour. For those of you who don’t have your own scary story yet, here is a retelling of a famous urban legend: Recently, my son has been begging me to tuck him into bed, which is something he’s never asked me to do before. To make things stranger, before I shut the lights, he always urges me to check under his bed. Every time I do, I find nothing. Today is the same. I tuck him into bed and he, as expected, tells me the same thing he says every night. “Mom,
check for monsters under my bed.”I look underneath the bed, as I always do, expecting to discover nothing, but my eyes widen. I see him, another him, writhing under the bed, staring at me with tearful eyes, quivering and whispering, “Mom, there’s somebody on my bed.”
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Issue #1 Quiz Final
Your Perfect Starbucks Order, via your Perfect Fall Day! Friday, September 24, 2021
1:40 PM
WHAT FALL STARBUCKS ITEM ARE YOU BASED ON YOUR PERFECT FALL DAY?
Della Jones, X
Are you spending you day inside or outside?
Outside
What are you doing?
Hiking in the woods
Iced Vanilla Coffee
My family
Apple Crisp Macchiato
Where are you going?
Picking apples
Who are you going with?
A few friends
Inside
A cozy bookstore
What are you wearing?
Just myself
Sweater and jeans
Hot Tea
A movie theater
What are you watching?
Sweatshirt and A Disney movie sweatpants
Chai Tea Latte
My bed
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Cats or dogs?
A horror movie
Hot Chocolate
Cats
Black Coffee
Dogs
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Caramel Frappuccino
Which Candy Does CSG Like Most? Katie Ann Timcho, IX
October is a time for goblins and ghouls, witches and cauldrons, eyes in the dark, and CANDY!!! This year, Silhouette surveyed Form IX students and faculty on their favorite Halloween treats. Some results were unsurprising: chocolate candy won over fruity candy by a landslide. Another unsurprising poll result was that CSG loves the combo of sweet and sour; but honestly, who likes salty and savory candy? The final question I asked, and probably the most important one, was about CSG’s favorite Halloween candy. (drum roll please)... C S G ’s F a v o r i t e C a n d y : 1. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup 2. Kit Kat’s 3. Twix and Sour Patch kids (tie) 4. SweeTarts and Snickers (tie) 5. Heath Bar
At least candy corn didn’t make the list! I hope this year seniors take this survey into consideration when they’re shopping for candy to hand out. Just no Reese’s, Snickers, or Heath Bars, please, because even if those are our favorite canNew Section 2 Page 1 dies: NO NUTS IN SCHOOL!!
SMALLER GRAPH/ PHOTO
Above: Fruity vs Chocolate. Below: CSG's Favorite Flavors. Bottom: CSG's Top Candies.
CSG’s Favorite Flavors: 1. Sweet 2. Sour 3. Salty
SMALLER GRAPH/ PHOTO
4. Savory
THIS IS WHERE I WILL PUT IN PHOTO OF DETAILED CANDY GRAPH