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COLUMBUS SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
VOL. 68
ISSUE 1
October 2023
The Un-Affirming of Affirmative Action Della Jones, XII On the daily, my inbox is flooded with emails from colleges and universities advertising their school. The subject is usually something about why they are the perfect place for me or opportunities to visit, and they almost always go straight to trash. But on June 29, 2023, when the content of the emails shifted from lively to solemn, I knew something had changed. The inevitable had become the reality: the Supreme Court ended affirmative action in colleges, which is the practice of race-conscious admission. The court had ruled in favor of Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA), an organization that was arguing that
affirmative action had discriminated against and ultimately been the cause of rejection for two white students, one at Harvard University and the other at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (one private school, one public school). Immediately the question arose: how will it impact college admissions as we know it? “[Race-conscious admission] didn’t have a goal, so there was no end date or a way to measure success,” said Upper School Director of College Counseling, Ms. McAndrew. This was one of the causes for the ruling, in addition to the court’s belief that the use of affirmative action actually leads to stereotyping. McAndrew continued: “They argued that for colleges to make assumptions about
a student based on race, for good or for bad, is not a fair practice.” Many colleges and universities are not in favor of this ruling. In fact, the National Association for College Admission Counseling offered their insight to the court through an amicus brief where they attempted to persuade the court to keep the practice of affirmative action in place. “The voice of the admission profession was disappointed,” remarked Ms. McAndrew. Luckily, schools can still find ways to create diverse campus environments. Since the overturning of race-based admissions has been anticipated for so long, colleges and universities have been able to find some loopholes in the complex
Keeping Up with the Leadership Center Madi Kim, XII “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” For over a year, CSG students have heard this quote from Shirley Chisholm frequently as a result of the work of the Leadership Center. For students, the quote is mostly associated with the Day of the Girl project that we participated in last year— decorating our own folding chair that represents our passions and interests. Although we might not be painting chairs anymore, the quote is still very apparent in the Leadership Center’s newest endeavors: the second annual Summit and creating a podcast. Sammy Morris, XI, is a new member of the Leadership Fellows
A chat with Judge Beatty Blunt. Photo courtesy of @colsschforgirls
team and helped orgnaize the Summit. “The Summit is an event [...] that allows students to present on issues that they are passionate about,” she describes. Compared to last year’s, there was service work, networking, and public speaking activities in the afternoon. This programming is “something new for students to get engaged with so they can make connections for their futures.” This year’s Summit, which took place on October 10, displayed posters on mental health, dangers women of color face in the medical field, screentime for teens, Latinx heritage month, and the history of Black women in the media. Not only does the Summit give students a chance to step out of their comfort zone, but, as Sammy says,
A summit poster presentation. Photo courtesy of @colsschforgirls
they can “learn from other students, form their own opinions, and find new passions.” The second project, the podcast, is brand new to CSG and is called “Get (All Girls) Schooled”. Olivia Graham, XII, has been working hard the past couple months for its release. She says, “The purpose of the podcast is to uplift girls and young women’s voices in prevalent issues that they care about in society.” She hopes younger listeners will be able to find their own passions, and older listeners “get a better sense of what girls our age care about, and not what they think we care about.” Some topics that will be discussed are good and bad representation in the media, period and birth control misconceptions, and the polarization of politics. Olivia looks forward to dropping the first episode at the end of October, and reminds the community that the podcast is for everyone, so be sure to give it a listen! The Leadership Center is making great efforts to get students involved and ready to pursue anything they are passionate about. The CSG community looks forward to all they have in store for many years to come.
43-page decision: “Colleges have realized that they can have programs for students who are the first in their family to go to college or programs that target students through the opportunities available at their high school,” Ms. McAndrew explained. These programs are not race-based, and therefore permitted given the parameters of the court case. This decision has not only impacted how schools are adjusting their admissions process, but it has also impacted how students of color approach their applications. “In my essay, I made it very clear that I am Black and that my mom is from South Africa,” stated Asanda Ransier, XII. Her race is something that is incredibly important and influential to her,
so she wanted to make sure that she included it somewhere. Asanda too is unhappy with the ruling. “Affirmative action really helped my grandparents get to where they are, and I am hopeful that I can still get those opportunities,” she explained. Asanda is optimistic that the outcome of this case will not negatively affect both her chances of getting into a good school and her path after college. In the wake of both stress for seniors regarding college applications and the uncertainties regarding how this decision will affect the upcoming application cycle, CSG community members can make an effort to educate themselves on this practice and support those around them.
Featured in this Issue: New Peer Tutor Programs in Upper School The Barbie Movie and the CSG Community Students' Summer Experiences Born to Act: A One-on-One with a Star of CSG Senior Feature Quiz: What Should You Do This Fall?
An Exclusive Interview with Ms. Kamaya Thompson
School 1 New Club Alert: Model UN
Maddie Metzbower, X Mira Martin, XII Coming to us all the way from Brooklyn, New York, Ms. Kamaya Thompson is eager to be a part of the CSG community as the new Assistant Head of School and an English teacher. Already, Ms. Thompson has inspired complex thinking, illuminated classroom discussions, and has sought to know the students at CSG. As a student in her Contemporary Criticisms & Contemporary Texts class, I have observed her deep appreciation for literature (she loves Jane Eyre and Toni Morrison), curiosity, and learning, and thought the school should get to know Ms. Thompson as well. The culture of excellence, enthusiasm, and support for girls and young women at CSG is initially what attracted Ms. Thompson to the school, and when asked how she plans to contribute as Assistant Head of School she told me “My job is to be here—to get to know all the voices, all the students… as many as I can, the division directors—-to help bridge the gaps [from the administrative level to students].” Her role as Assistant Head of School is an integral, sup-
portive one in which she joins CSG and Mrs. Seals in their aspirations for expansion of the school’s legacy. Ms. Thompson’s role as an administrator and a teacher puts her in a unique position to more closely interact with the student body. She described her favorite part of teaching as learning from the students. In our discussion she laughed and told me she, “is always intrigued by the moments when students share something new and inspiring.” As a teacher she has meaningful encounters with CSG students and aims to not answer questions, but to ask the questions that students may answer for themselves. She believes the classroom is a place of joy and that “a text connects us with people that we never thought we’d be connected to [...] across time, across cultures.” These philosophies have welcomed the world into our learning spaces. Ms. Thompson sees CSG from multiple angles and intends to see more. She inquired about school traditions and athletic events to make acquaintances with other students. I hope the CSG community shares my enthusiasm in welcoming Ms. Thompson to campus. We look forward to getting to know her!
Ms. Kamaya Thompson smiling and enjoying her first Big/Little. Photos courtesy of www.columbusschoolforgirls.org/ and CSG's Instagram.
Too often in life things go away and don’t come back; at CSG, things and programs come back better than ever. Model UN has been away for a few years and is now back and ready to thrive with this new generation of upper school students. Model UN is a global competition in which clubs from schools all over get together to discuss diplomacy and practice real world problem-solving while furthering their understanding of real United Nations. Students play the role of representatives from certain countries and work to find peace treaties and negotiate with one another. Dr. Tremper and Dr. Esser will be running Model UN this year. In a sit down with Dr. Tremper, she explained how her high school did not have opportunities like this, and she wants to provide that for this generation and future generations at CSG. Tremper went on to state, “You can not truly understand history without talking about current events and looking at the whole world.” When students learn about American history, they also need European history, Mexican history and more to gain a better overall understanding. With the brand new Institute for Innovation and Leadership and, specifically, the Center for Global Studies and Citizenship,
now seemed a better time than any to restart Model UN at CSG. CSG is on a path to provide even more global education and awareness which will benefit all students. Model UN will allow students to talk more about current events, work on problem solving, and further develop research and communication skills. Overall, CSG students are very excited about Model UNs infamous return. Though it has been away for a while, Dr. Tremper exclaimed that Model UN and the Global Center will only grow and there will more to look forward to in the years to come!
Katie Ann Timcho signing up for Model UN. Photo courtesy of Dr. Hattaway.
Summer Reading: Time to Get Creative Abigail Gugle, IX Why would a student go back to school over the summer? They might be in their summer reading book clubs! This year Upper School students were placed into eighteen different book clubs for their summer reading assignment. Each book club met before the end of last school year to discuss which book they would be reading. There was a wide selection of book genres so that everyone could find a book they like, including realistic fiction, historical fiction, mystery, and nonfiction. During the summer, each book club met on Zoom, at the school, or at different places around Columbus, such as Kitties Cakes or Zen Cha. In these meetings, the groups discussed what happened in the book, what they enjoyed and disliked in the story line, and what they would do for the assignment when they got back to school. On September 7, all of the book clubs met again
to make a jackdaw. A jackdaw is a collection of artifacts that symbolize your book. Some of these included a murder board for A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, cooking supplies for Lessons in Chemistry, sand and a Bene Gesserit box for Dune, and toy planes for Code Name Verity. After the jackdaws were made, the whole Upper School met to present the projects. In the assembly, they played trivia, presented the jackdaws, and ended with cupcakes made by our very own Mrs. Ruefle! Students had mixed opinions about the new style of summer reading. Most people liked that they could choose between the different books to find one they enjoyed. Other people felt like there could have been better communication between the faculty and students during the summer months. Even though there were some flaws, many students would prefer the book clubs over traditional summer reading. Sage Fullen, IX, said “I would rather discuss the books than write
about them.” Upper School students are very interested in how summer reading will be done next year.
Code Name Verity's creative presentation!
Students hard at work, cutting up paper and having fun!
Cupcakes decorated with the summer reading book titles!
What's better than Mrs. Ruefle's cup-cakes?
Students participating in an exhilerating game of summer reading trivia.
Let Your Mind Run's creation. All photos courtesy of Dr. Hattaway.
2 School Mr. Parsons: He's Here to Stay! Sarah Alexander, XII He’s back for year two! Going into his second year as the Upper School Division Director, Mr. Parsons is ready to face the 2023-2024 school year head on. In our recent interview, he reported that he is feeling relaxed and prepared to complete this next year on the job. Having his first year at CSG under his belt, Mr. Parsons feels good now that he has a sense of familiarity at our school. Last year was a time for him to appreciate things and really come to understand our community. With that foundation, he knows he is well prepared for this year. We all know that starting something new can be challenging. Mr. Parson’s largest challenge last year was dealing with the damages and repercussions of Covid during our first normal school year since the
pandemic. At the beginning of last year, he wasn't expecting people to trust him as fast as they did. “After so much change, why would anybody trust me?” he recalled thinking. The sense of trust and community at CSG is stronger than in most places, which helped him feel welcomed and get to work right away. Now, Mr. Parsons has several goals for this school year, including fostering more vibrancy and reestablishing a sense of stability at our school. To accomplish these goals, he hopes to invite guest speakers for the students to “bring the world to our campus.” He also plans to help support the Institute for Innovation and Leadership so that students can develop real life skills to prepare them for when they graduate from CSG. Our community is lucky to have a director like Mr. Parsons who is here to stay!
Dr. Hattaway Editors In-Chief: Della Jones, XII Allie Salamon, XII Junior Editors: Rose McLarty, XI Club Coordinators: Anna Carey, XII Alysa Li, XII Mr. Parsons, cheesing for a picture. Photo courtesy of CSG website.
Perky Peer Tutors! Zella Lamaze, XII
If you’re like me and tend to shed a tear when attempting to complete my math homework, you should be aware of our fantastic peer tutoring program as we continue the 2023-2024 school year! We have our dependable English tutors as well as our new and enthusiastic STEM tutors. And, as the school year progresses, students should be excited to have access to classmates willing to lend a helping hand when it comes to tests, quizzes, staying on top of their assignments, or anything else they believe could benefit from a second pair of eyes.
The Writing Center, which is located just outside the Beaton Library, is accessible almost every hour of the school day. English tutors Madi Kim, Katie Ann Timcho, Della Jones, and Charlotte Owen are available for assistance and guidance if needed. These tutors met weekly during the spring last year to learn how to successfully support each and every upper-school student with their writing needs. The Writing Center's window displays each tutor's availability. So, if you need help with any writing assignments, such as essays, poems, or analyses, be sure to stop by.
And if you happen to be a person who dreads math like me, you should be happy to know the exciting new STEM tutors are currently in training to ensure that they are able to assist students to the best of their abilities. Dr. Lewis, US Math faculty, has worked with nearly 26 students, teaching them "how to provide thoughtful strategies without giving away answers" and collaborating with them on a regular basis. According to Dr. Lewis, these STEM tutors will be readily available the second week of October, so mark your calendars and collect your physics corrections.
Cleveland. Photos courtesy of Dr. Hattaway.
Isabella McIntyre & Delaney Woods, X
This past month 10th grade students traveled to Cleveland to bond with their classmates and learn more about the arts. Their first destination was the Cleveland Museum of Art, where students enjoyed an interactive tour and observed modern and classical works of art. Next, they visited Severance Music Center, one of the best Music Halls in the world, and learned the fascinating story of its establishment. To finish the day, the 10th graders ate at the
Hofbrauhaus Cleveland, where they were served authentic German food, and an impromptu trip to Shake Shack closed out the night. The next morning, the class went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where students learned about the history and culture surrounding music throughout the decades. After that, students visited the West Side Market and chose from their variety of cuisines for lunch. Some favorites were the spring rolls, pizza bagels, and tarts. Finally, students and teachers dressed up and visited Sever-
Staff: Abigail Gugle, IX Vivian Lamendola, IX Olivia Malloy, X Isabella McIntyre, X Maddie Metzbower, X Delaney Woods, X Lauren LaRochelle, XI
Math tutors hard at work. Photo
Sarah Alexander, XII
courtesy of Dr. Lewis.
C l eve l a n d Re c a p Form X students living it up in
Advisor:
ance Hall again for a Q&A with Carolyn Warner, the Violin and Keyboardist for the Cleveland Orchestra. This was followed by Tchaikovsky’s Second, a beautiful symphony performed by the Cleveland Orchestra. To cap off the trip the class bonded in each other's hotel rooms by playing board games, and enjoying treats bought at the West Side Market. The next morning students were reunited with their parents with a new sense of appreciation for both the arts and the new friendships formed with classmates.
Madeline Hansen, XII Lilly Kern, XII Ava Kessler, XII Madi Kim, XII Zella Lamaze, XII Mira Martin, XII Club: Eva Schindler, XII
School 3 BTS: Actor Extraordinaire In The Making Is Homecoming the New Tradition? Allie Salamon, XII Lights, Camera, Action! Boula Ross, XI, was born to be on stage. She tried soccer and ballet like most kids when they were younger but nothing stuck. “I’ve been performing since the minute I was born but [my] true theater awakening was in first grade,” Boula says. Boula first watched her brother in the musical All Shook Up, and it inspired her to begin performing: “I was absolutely obsessed with the choreography, the singing, and of course, the acting … I was sold.” Having been acting for ten years, Boula has been in twenty-three plays, and going on her twenty-fourth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. When asked about her favorite play, Boula was enthusi-
astic about The Sound of Music. She explained it was her favorite because “[she] was Liesl and [she] never got to play girly ingenue characters.” A theme that Boula seems to enjoy is playing characters out of her comfort zone. It is a challenge that she excels at! With the upcoming play, Boula has a routine before performing that she has down to a science. If you know Boula, then it might be surprising to learn that she has stage fright. Due to this, her routine is a process that helps her control her nerves and perform to the best of her ability. She starts by going home to eat something. Boula then sits in her room to try to calm herself down. If it’s the time of year for the musical, Boula will “listen to [her] solo to make sure [she doesn’t] mess it up.” When it’s
call time, she puts on her “I’m not nervous face” and paces back and forth in her costume going over her lines a million times in preparation for “the best performance ever.” When asked about superstitions within the theater, Boula gave a firm response. “I [fully] believe in not saying the name of the ‘Scottish play’ in the theater,” she said. In her experience, it has only brought bad luck of people forgetting lines and the entire show getting messed up. She also mentioned, “It's really normal to be superstitious in theater and I am a prime example of it.” This fall, make sure to remember the hard work, preparation, and fear of superstitions that go into a play. Also, be sure to support your fellow thespians this year by going to the show this fall, as well as to the spring musical!
Lauren LaRochelle, XI This year is CSG’s 125th anniversary and there is a need to celebrate! One way we celebrated is by starting a new tradition, a homecoming social! There were carnival games, a food truck, the OSU football game, and more. Prior to the social, I decided to go around the school to get a feel for how many students were attending. Almost everyone I interviewed said they were going and a lot of them said they were excited for the carnival games! During the social, the students looked like they were having a great time, from the inflatable axe-throwing games to the impromptu game of football everyone found something they could enjoy! There were more than 100 people there, mostly freshmen, but students ranged from every grade. There were also students from
multiple different schools including some from St. Charles whom we are building partnerships for other socials in the future. From my angle, it seemed as though everyone was having fun whether they were playing games or bonding with friends. During homecoming, I asked Athalia Muhirwa, X, how she felt about the new tradition and she said “It was really fun and [she] loved sitting around eating tacos with [her] friends.” After, Audrey Norris, XI, told me she “loved the bonfire because it had a beautiful aroma and was so relaxing and pretty.” Overall, the Homecoming social was a great way for the high schoolers to get to know each other better and could help make our community stronger. It was also a great way to help welcome the class of 2027 into high school! With all of that being said, one question remains: should we continue this tradition next year?
Boula Ross, XI, performing in the 2022 Spring Musical, Nunsense. Photo Courtesy
Young Boula as Troy Bolton. Photo
CSG seniors enjoying the new HoCo tradition. Photo courtesy of the Upper School
of @ColsSchoolForGirls.
courtesy of Boula Ross, XI.
Instagram.
CSG Students: Out of School Experiences Ava Kessler, XII I think we can all agree that summer is a great time to explore new interests and evolve old and current ones. This summer, four CSG students packed their summer with a punch and chose to immerse themselves into new summer experiences! Anna Carey, Alysa Li, Maddy Wood, and Pilar Walton used their summers to gain new experiences through lab work and cultural adventures. Anna, Alysa, and Maddy, all Form XII, spent their summers interning at The Ohio State University, working in labs and collecting research on their respective topics. During this time, these three students did initial research, collected data, and put together a final presentation for their colleagues and visitors. During Anna’s internship, she spent her time working with semiconductors and using the Hall Effect Measurement System, which is described by Anna as a “system that you use to characterize the electrical properties of semiconducters and then from there you can determine how they can
be used in devices.” Anna studied under advisor Professor Hongping Zhao in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Anna would recommend this program “if you're interested in some form of science based field, even if it’s not specifically engineering.” While Anna’s work included a lot of independent computer research, Alysa spent her time working under Professor Len Brillson to study solid-state batteries. She explained that many of the batteries we use today are liquid-state batteries because they are easy to manufacture. Alysa says her two biggest takeaways from her experience were that “it’s okay not to be an expert in everything you do and it's okay to make mistakes and ask for help.” Maddy, on the other hand, spent her internship rotating through four projects focused around automotive and mechanical engineering at the Center for Automotive Research. Each project had its own unique focus. Her favorite was Buckeye Current, which Maddy describes as, “a student-led motorcycle competition group who builds electric Motorcycles from scratch.” Maddy says the
biggest thing she learned from this experience was “that it takes a lot of people to work on different projects and that groups are important for different points of view and expertise.” Now jumping to the other side of the world, Pilar, XI, took her summer experience to the next level and traveled abroad with Student Diplomacy Corps to Baja California Sur, Mexico. Here Pilar spent her time “camping on pristine beaches under the beautiful starry night sky, swimming next to dolphins and sharks, and hiking till [her] feet hurt.” She says the best part of her trip was “staying with a host family that lives in Loreto.” She further explains, “Initially, I was extremely nervous to join a family for 9 days, but they were extremely welcoming and understanding.” Ultimately, when asked if she would recommend this experience to other CSG students she said, “I encourage all students to reach outside their comfort zones and travel the world!” CSG out-of-school experiences await you at every corner. Take a look at the opportunities around you and ask yourself what will I do next summer?
Anna Carey, XII, Aylsa Li, XII, and Maddy Wood, XII at their summer internships. Photo courtesy of the Upper School Instagram.
Pilar Walton, XI, arriving in Baja California Sur, Mexico as part of the Student Diplomacy Corps. Photo courtesy of Pilar Walton, XI.
4 Arts and Culture These Barbies Are CSG Unicorns! Olivia Malloy, IX Barbie shattered records, becoming the first 1 billion dollar grossing movie with a solo female director, the highest-earning film of 2023, and the most successful release in Warner Brother’s history. Even at CSG, it has made an impact, being selected for the locker name tag theme this school year. The Barbie movie details the journey of Barbie as she crosses over into the harsh realities of the human world only knowing the blissful, diverse, and accepting utopia of Barbie's land. However, this film has far more meaningful commentary, mirroring the struggles of a real woman learning the reality of the patriarchy and growing out of childhood. Altogether, the movie has a sentimental tone that highlights the beauty of girlhood, motherhood, sisterhood, and womanhood. This film focuses on
similar themes that have been explored since my childhood starting my CSG journey early on in PYC. CSG really does feel as close as it gets to Barbie Land in the real world. Our community constantly strives to create a safe space for a diverse group of women and girls to explore their passions and challenge themselves academically. CSG creates a lifelong sisterhood between alums, teachers, students, and CSG families. I feel safe and excited that in the future there are many in the community who can have my back. Adriana Massimiani, IX, whom I saw the movie with, reported her thoughts on the “bittersweet” movie saying, “I thought the metaphor for the patriarchy was very eye-opening to those who haven’t had those experiences. I think it will be a great way to open the conversation on feminist topics.” Mrs. Smeeding, Upper School History Teacher, shared
that she saw the movie with Mrs. Abell and Mrs. Miller of the Math Department. When near the theater for a pre-film meal she saw, “so many groups of women of all ages in pink gathered together for a meal before the movie!” One of her favorite parts was how, “this movie presented women with such an opportunity to come together, bond, laugh and (if you're like me) cry!” Mrs. Abell also described their experiences saying, “ I liked the movie, specifically Ryan Gosling's portail of Ken. It was so over the top I couldn't stop laughing.” Although the film is not without flaws, she shared a critique saying, “One thing I did not like was how anti-men it felt. While I obviously support women's rights and women having more power, I did find myself wishing the Kens and Barbies could have found a compromise to model how we can all work together to find a better balance in the real world.”
Even our head of school, Mrs. Seals, described her experience of going to see the film with her family saying, “I was so moved by the monologue performed by America Ferrara-it resonated so much with my experience of womanhood and the idea that so often we feel like we've got to be able to do it all and to be it all; that there is no room for failure or mistake.” This was also one of my favorite parts of the film. I found it summerized the themes of the movie and the struggles of being a woman perfectly. She connected this to the CSG community similarly to how I did saying, “What I love about CSG is that we are a school where we get to untie the knots that Ferrarra talks about in her monologue.” If you didn’t see the movie in the theatre, I still strongly encourage you to watch this movie with the women in your life who you love now that it is on streaming services!
Picture of Mrs. Seals and family at the Barbie movie Photo courtesy of Mrs. Seals.
Ms. Bouschard goes to view the Barbie movie! Photo courtesy of Mrs. Bouschard.
Raving Reviews: Olivia Rodrigo and Zach Bryan
Jimmy Buffett: It’s Five O'clock Somewhere
Lilly Kern, XII
Lilly Kern, XII
As we settle into fall, there is no better way to set the tone than by listening to new music! Olivia Rodrigo, this generation's rising popstar, and Zach Bryan, a country singer who bounces between love, heartbreak, and loss, both released new albums, reaching millions of new listeners. I asked two CSG community members, Mr. Parsons and Camryn French, XI, what they thought about the new albums, and their reviews were intriguing. Olivia Rodrigo’s sophomore album, GUTS, launched on September 8, debuting at number 1 on the Billboard 200. Mr. Parsons, a certified music fanatic, “like[s]” Olivia’s new album “a lot.” Though her last album was great, Mr. Parsons, “likes Guts way more” and believes her to have really “evolved as a songwriter,” becoming a “more established” artist. When asked about his favorite song on the album, Mr. Parsons explained that for him, “the first six tracks are TERRIFIC” but specifically the first three songs, comparing them to the basketball move the Euro step, when the player takes a step one way, then the opposite, but ends up
right back on the same side they started at. The songs, according to Parsons, “feel like one kind of song, then BOOM aggressive, then back to soft.” Mr. Parsons appreciates how Olivia’s lyrics are “sharp and self-aware” and how she plays around with, “the stupid social stereotypes that people have about young women.” Overall, Mr. Parsons thinks GUTS is a “really really really good album,” giving it an overall rating of 4 out of 5. Zach Bryan, an upcoming country singer, released a new album titled, Zach Bryan with 16 songs, all with the purpose of reminding listeners to stay, “humble, hungry, and human” his personal motto for life. When asked her opinion on the new album, country music fan Camryn French, XI, said she absolutely, “loves it!” Her favorite song on the album is “Overtime,” which expresses Bryan’s desire for love and connection, and his determination to work tirelessly, or “overtime,” to prove doubters wrong. In her own words, “Overtime”, “really gets [her] going” with its fast and upbeat tempo. In fact, Cam, “like[s] belting to that song.” Overall, from Cam French, this album gets a rating of 4.2 out of 5.
Zach Bryan's new album Zach Bryan is a smash hit. Photo courtesy of Google.
Mr. Parsons poses with his record
Jimmy Buffet, a true national treasure, peacefully passed away on the night of September first. Rather than dwelling upon the loss of a beautiful life, let's celebrate the legacy he left behind. Jimmy, often associated with a lifestyle described as “island escapism,” promoted enjoying life and following passions. Those who grew up listening to Buffett, including my parents, expressed great surprise at his death. In my dad, Ben’s words, “he was still performing, so I thought he was in good
player, a proud feature of his office! He hopes to get an Oliva Rodrigo album soon! Photo Courtesy of Madeline Hansen, XII.
Olivia Rodrigo's newest album,
Jimmy Buffett will be dearly missed
Guts, is a popular one amoung the
by the music community and his
CSG community! Photo courtesy of
name will go down in history! Photo
Wikipedia.
courtesy of ABC News.
shape.” Though the thought of Jimmy Buffett induced numerous great memories in the minds of many, the main quality of Jimmy Buffett and his music is that you could “turn on his songs at a backyard barbeque, and people would know them”, says my stepmom, Juli, who’s relationships were made stronger through bonding over knowledge of Buffett’s songs at gatherings. Though not a huge follower of all things Buffett, Dr. Sweeney, Upper School Physics teacher, expressed that Jimmy, “left us too soon.” He described Jimmy Buffett as, “an amazing performer who was always there with us.” In the future, Sweeney revealed, it will be “hard to imagine a world without Jimmy Buffett.” To fans of Jimmy Buffett, and those who only knew the famous “Margaritaville,” Jimmy Buffett’s legacy has been celebrated. All about enjoying life, Jimmy believed having fun was crucial to the human condition, an important lesson for the studious students of CSG. Though he is no longer with us, the biggest and smallest fans alike hope that Jimmy Buffett is now wastin’ away, somewhere in Margaritaville.
Global & Current Events 5 Hollywood Writers' Strike Hawaii Wildfires Isabella McIntyre, X As fall approaches, you may have noticed a lack of new television releases and show announcements. This is due to the Writers Strike, an ongoing protest starting this past spring. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is an American labor union that represents the joint efforts and intentions of representing writers in films, radio, television, and media. They have demanded increased payments and compensation, staffing necessities, protection from AI job interference, and a larger share of long-term payments. After attempting negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers (AMPTP) and failing, the strike began on May second. More than 11,000 WGA members were going on strike for the first time since 2007. This event immediately started impacting popular shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Saturday Night Live, Stranger Things, Bunk’d, and Jeopardy.
Then, on July 11, The Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), another labor union representing 160,000 professionals in the firm industry, joined the WGA and went on strike. This led to even more films being indefinitely delayed, including Mission Impossible :Dead Reckoning Part 2, Gladiator 2, Deadpool 3, and Disney’s live-action Lilo and Stitch. Similarly, social media influencers would be banned from the SAG-AFTRA if they participate in streaming or studios that do not support the strike. On August 9, the WGA strike officially reached its one-hundredth day, and although negotiations were attempted, there was no end in sight. As of the time of this writing, the strike continues with numerous protests and parades, and although negotiations continue to be tried, a resolution has not been reached. Even though the Writers Strike primarily impacts Hollywood and those in the film business, at CSG, the effects of the writer’s strike have primarily
led to rewatches of shows this fall season. Since many movies and shows have been indefinitely suspended, students and teachers have been looking for old shows to watch this fall. “Gilmore Girls is a comforting show that you can watch as many times as you want, without it getting old,” said Meridian Smith, XI. Senior Olivia Graham suggested, “Gossip Girl is a great show to watch because of the fashion of the Upper East Side. I love Serena Vanderwoodson and Blake Lively in general!” Although the Writers Strike’s effects o n C SG might be small, they will be present when picking what movies and shows you will be watching this fall. More importantly, however, the Writers Strike is continuing today, and it is changing the way Hollywood operates as well as impacting the jobs of many writers. With the ambiguity of when it will end and the long-term effects, both Hollywood and the CSG community are waiting to see what comes next. Click here see sources and to learn more.
Anna Birkental: A New Face in the Community Anna Carey, XII
We all know CSG students come from across Columbus, but who knew they could come from across the world? This fall, CSG had the pleasure of welcoming Anna Birkental, XI, all the way from Munich, Germany! Inspired by her older sister’s experience abroad in Denver, Anna was delighted to find out this past May that she had been selected to attend CSG for the year. Although she has only been here for a few months now, Anna has lots to share about her experience thus far. One of the largest adjustments she’s faced has been speaking English full-time. Although Anna has been taking English in school since fifth grade, she admitted, “I thought the adjustment would be easier than it actually was.” While she’s getting used to taking in all the words in her day-to-day life, she still finds herself saying German words occasionally when she’s playing soccer or zoning out. A big help in her transition has
been her host family, the Bergmanns. Sophie, X, and Stella, IX, are always there to assist her, and Mr. Bergmann, who is initially from Anna’s hometown, is able to help her translate whenever she needs support! As Anna embraces her inner Unicorn through her involvement in choir and the soccer team, she has noticed some differences between her school in Germany and CSG. “In Germany, we as students don’t choose our classes”, she explained. “You just stay with the same twenty people for the whole school day and take all your classes together.” While the school day structure may be different between the schools, she noted how similar the curriculum was between CSG and her German school. Even across oceans and languages, our education is largely consistent! When I asked Anna what her favorite thing about CSG has been so far, she was quick to share how much she loves the personal relationships students have with their teach-
ers and faculty: “Because there are not that many teachers, you really get to know them and they are all really nice!” She also mentioned her surprise at the friendliness and approachability of our Division and School Heads. “In Germany, the Heads of the School are really intimidating, but here, Mrs. Seals and Mr. Parsons are so nice and will even sit with you at lunch.” As Anna reflected on her experience abroad so far, she left us with some great advice: “I recommend everyone to spend a long time abroad [...] I haven’t been here for that long but I feel like you learn so much about yourself and you grow so much as a person. You learn [...] about your new culture but also you start to appreciate so much about your own family and culture.” Regardless of whether you’re a high school student thinking about studying abroad in college or an adult planning your next big trip, consider taking the chance on somewhere new: you never know what you might find!
Zella Lamaze, XII There have been numerous wildfires around the world in 2023 alone, but the Maui flames have proven to be one of the most deadly and catastrophic wildfires of the year, leaving entire cities in ashes. Fires raged across West Maui from August 8th through 11th, taking at least ninety-seven lives and with just roughly sixty-three fatalities identified. Many people have been reported missing, and while assistance is still being provided, residents of Hawaii are finding it difficult to remain hopeful. The fires were likely caused by a combination of the collapse of multiple electrical power lines across the state, which sparked fire that spread readily due to dry conditions, and strong wind speeds brought in by Hurricane Dora. A shocking ten square miles across the state were damaged, including Lahaina Town in Maui, West Maui, Inland, Mountainous Region, and Kohala Ranch on the Big Island. The destruction of the historical town of Lahaina, the previous capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, was a particularly disastrous result of the fires. It was home to both vital relics that connected people to
the island’s Indigenous history and a downtown of island-chic art shops and restaurants with astonishing views. Lahaina contained significant antiquities that connected people to the island's Indigenous heritage and stunning views and memories treasured by the island's 13000 occupants. Encompassing more than sixty historical sites, the town fell to the loss of about 2,200 structures, with an estimated 5.5 billion dollars needed to restore the beautiful culturefilled site. As many residents are still affected by the fires, with contaminated drinking water and some areas still without power, we can only hope to learn more about the disaster so that we can support them in any manner that we are able. Those who are seeking to support those in Hawaii should donate to the Maui Fire and Disaster Relief Donation Page if they are able. Others who want to understand more about this tragic occurrence should go to the Honolulu Civil Beat website, which has answers and insight into a variety of aspects of the chain of events. Sources: NYtimes.com CNN.com CBSnews.com
Juniors Travel to Canada!
The junior class went on a three day trip to Stratford, Ontario, Canada for the first time in four years! Photo courtesy of @csgupperschool
6 Seasonal Yay or Nay? A Review on Perez's perfect Pumpkin Spice Lattes Fall Fashion Allie Salamon, XII It’s that time of year. Leaves are changing, Halloween movies are on TV, and pumpkin spice is in the air. In the fall spirit, I set out to find which coffee store– Dunkin’ Donuts, Tim Hortons, or Starbucks– has the best pumpkin spice latte. First, we will start with my least favorite pumpkin spice latte, which is from Tim Hortons. This coffee receives a sad 6/10. Considering I am an avid Tim Horton’s drinker, it truly hurt me to put it in last place. With that being said, the flavor of pumpkin spice was lacking to non-existent. It tasted more like black coffee, not my typical cup of tea– or in this case, coffee. However, I still recommend Tim Hortons for an everyday coffee, just not for a pumpkin spice latte. In second, we have Dunkin’ Donuts coming in with a solid 7.8/10. I was pained to rank it above Tim Hortons, for I really dislike Dunkin’, but you cannot disagree with science— by science I mean the best-tasting coffee. Unlike Tim Hortons, Dunkin’s pumpkin spice latte did include the delicious flavor of pumpkin spice!
On top of that, the flavor was not too strong, meaning I did not feel like I drank a spoonful of spices. Congratulations to Dunkin’ Donuts for putting the pumpkin spice in pumpkin spice latte! In first place, with an unfortunate price tag, is Starbucks, coming in with a whopping 9/10. To me, this coffee tasted like a million bucks, considering that is how much it cost. The pumpkin spice flavor really came through, but was the perfect balance with the coffee. What made it the best for me, even though it was an extra two dollars, was the whipped cream with a sprinkle of their so-called “pumpkin spice topping”, whatever that means, on top. Starbucks takes the cake! To come to a conclusion, I am very disappointed with Tim Hortons and wish for them to step it up. Dunkin’ surprised me, and now I don’t know how to feel about my negative feelings towards them. I am just as upset that Starbucks won, as I am that Tim Horton’s did not. With that being said, if you want the best Pumpkin Spice Latte, go to Starbucks, but don’t let this change your feelings about Dunkin or Tim Horton’s, because it hasn’t changed mine!
Delaney Woods, X
Photos courtesy of Allie Salomon, XII
LAST MINUTE LOOKS:HALLOWEN Rose McLarty, XI With Halloween just around the corner, now is the time to find your costume! This holiday is a chance to let your imagination run wild and show up as whoever you want. The possibilities of costumes are truly endless. Although this freedom is liberating, it can also be stressful, so if you have no idea where to start or are simply out of ideas, do not fear, you have come to the right place! There are a few questions you need to ask yourself when trying to find your perfect costume. What type of look are you going for? Are you going with a group? Do you want to be scary or sweet? Do you want
a costume that will be easy to dance in or one that is so bulky no one knows who you are? I hope these ideas will spark some inspiration for whatever costume you are looking for. If you want to scare everyone around town, you can’t go wrong with dressing up as some of these terrifying pop culture characters. Consider Pennywise from It, the twins from The Shining, or Coraline. You could dress in all black with the ghost face mask from Scream, be a vampire from Twilight, or you and two of your friends could be the witches from Hocus Pocus. Or, you could just be a Halloween classic, such as a ghost, a skeleton, or a zombie. On the other hand, if
you're looking for something a little more lighthearted, you and your friends could be Donna and the Dynamos, Barbies, Toy Story characters, Scooby Doo's crew, or the Cheetah Girls. Channel your inner celebrity and come to the dance dressed as Brittany Spears from her Baby One More Time video or Taylor Swift in her iconic “Junior Jewels” shirt. You could take the celebrity idea one step further and put stickers all over your face to be Olivia Rodrigo from her Sour album, or you could purchase a bald cap and show up as Pitbull. No matter what you decide to dress up as you are guaranteed to have a blast on Halloween on October 31st. We can’t wait to see your costumes!
As the Summer months come to a close and we make our way to the cooler months, I find that it can be hard to transition when it comes to clothing, especially in Ohio when some days it can be cold in the mornings and feel like June in the afternoon. With fluctuating temperatures like these, it's crucial to know how to dress comfortably to enjoy the beautiful Autumn season. Many of us know her as the person who edits our essays in the Writing Center and teaches us the proper use of commas in English class, but you may not know that she is also someone with an exceptional fashion sense. Whether seeking help with a comma splice or the perfect outfit for a Fall day, Ms. Perez has got you covered with helpful ideas you can carry on into the Autumn season. When asked what inspires her style, Ms. Perez responded with a myriad of answers, stating two key things she keeps in mind: colors and accessories. For colors, she usually goes for peaches, yel-
lows, and reds, saying that she chooses her outfit based on the color she wants to wear, not the article of clothing. Her favorite ways to accessorize are through jewelry and makeup: “I like statement earrings, and winged eyeliner, with a warm lipstick.” After hearing about her general approach to fashion, I then asked her what her perfect fall outfit would entail, and she said a midi skirt, with either long sleeves or an “old thrifted graphic tee” layered on top. It would also have a heeled boot, paired with an old denim jacket in case it gets chilly. Having selected a perfect Fall outfit, Mrs. Perez enjoys a stroll through a park and admiring the leaves changing colors. If you're looking to mimic her fabulous style, Perez says she loves to shop at Express, Banana Republic, and Zara. For her vintage jeans and tee-shirts, she mentioned that “[she] loves Ohio Thrift and Volunteers of America.” It was wonderful to talk to Ms. Perez about her Fall fashion interest. My conversation with her confirmed that she's a wonderful English teacher, and she’s also someone with great style!
Fresh fall fashion! Photo courtesy of Delaney Woods, X
Sports 7
CSG Fall Sports Recap
Dating or Not: Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce
Madeline Hansen, XII
Alysa Li, XII
The arrival of a new school year means students are back in their classrooms and fall athletes are back in sports! Fall sports kicked off for Upper School on August 1st in full swing. Each player has been working diligently to be the best athlete they can be. You can find the CSG Cross Country team running around Bexley and dominating their races! They placed 2nd out of 21 teams at their Pickerington North meet. Naomi Adler, XII, offers her remarks on the season: “It’s going great; the team is getting super close and running really well.” Out on Kirk’s courts, the tennis team has been killing it this season. Their big 4-1 win over Wellington has been a
highlight of their season. With every year there is a new team dynamic and the tennis team has worked hard to create an awesome team environment.“Since we have a really young team, it took a while to get into the swing of things, but in the past few weeks, we have really improved our support of each other heading into the postseason,” Elizabeth Burgess, XII, comments. Also when at Kirk, you can find the CSG Field Hockey team! They started off with a great win to begin their season against Bishop Hartley. Similarly, the CSG Soccer team is back out on the pitch. They had great team wins over Reynoldsburg, 4-0, and Tree of Life, 3-0. Additionally, the CSG Golf team has been back out on the course. They were runner-up out of 11 teams in the Worthing-
ton Christian Invitational! The team also scored a team-low of 156 strokes, earning the win by 85 strokes! Keep up the fantastic work! Back in the Gold Gym, CGS’s Volleyball season is fully underway with their season. Despite a 3-2 loss against rival Columbus Academy, the team played extremely well and is looking forward to facing CA again for the Senior Night game. Captain Sammy Morris, XI remarks, “We have been getting better as the season has gone on and working really well as a team. We are finding a great balance between fun and focus.” Keep it up, Unies! We are so proud of these teams. Check out our athletics calendar to see when you can come to support our fall athletes! As always, go Unies!
Volleyball scores a point. Photo
Team huddle before a game. Photo
Madi Kim, XII, on the course. Photo
courtesy of @csgathletics.
courtesy of Allie Salamon, XII
courtesy of @csgathletics.
Senior Feature: Double the Trouble Della Jones, XII
“Runners, on your marks,” shouts the official into the crisp autumn air. The stampede of cross country runners prepare with one foot in front of the other behind the spraypainted white line. The gun shoots off with a loud boom, and they’re out, each runner sprinting to stay ahead of the crowd. For twins Ella and Grace Chomic, XII, these cross country meets have become routine over the past seven years. “We started running in fourth grade with Unicorn Run Club,” recalled Ella. Running started as a fun way to participate in a sport that didn’t require much coordination, but it evolved into an outlet for them both. Grace explains that she can’t imagine her life without it: “After a long day of school, it is something that really helps me de-stress.” Sometimes, though, the de-stresser can turn into a bit of a competition between the sisters. “It was really surprising
because we both ended up at the same pace,” remarked Ella. This became the case starting in middle school, and Ella and Grace have been running side by side ever since. “It has been something that is like a comfort thing where we can push each other.” The two are usually neck and neck in meets, and it is a game to see who will place higher. “We want to beat each other, so it becomes sort of fun,” said Grace. The “fun little game” of seeing who runs faster has its benefits. The two have seen their own individual times and techniques improve as a result of their constant racing. Running is an integral part of Ella and Grace’s lives, but so is being a twin. That poses a question: is having a built-in best friend as cool as it sounds? “I like it, but it does get really competitive after a while,” states Grace. The constant questions from people can get a little annoying, too. They both acknowledge that having someone there for them is also really
comforting. “I really like that we always know what each other is going through,” explained Ella. In addition to having each other on the cross country team, Ella and Grace see the whole team as family. “I really like being able to celebrate each other’s successes,” Grace remarked. She described the team as very supportive of each other, and she loves seeing everyone do well. Similarly, Ella has learned a lot from her teammates. “I think it is important to be comfortable for the uncomfortable,” she said, an ideology that is emphasized through the collaborative team environment. The team leans on each other for support. Even on long runs, they find ways to have meaningful moments together, like through blasting pump-up music. As Ella and Grace plan to go their separate ways for college, they are savoring every cross country team dinner, all of the sacred senior traditions, and, most importantly, the time they spend together.
with Kelce. However, the story continues. After the game, the two were spotted leaving together. This was because Kelce rented out a restaurant for Swift and the Chiefs for a private party following the team’s win. Sources observed that the two were very affectionate with one another. Football fans are taking these rumors very differently. On one hand, fans are complaining about how Swift is taking over the NFL. They believe that such behavior coming from swifties should stay out of the NFL so that it can remain a sports-only space. Additionally, these fans despise how people are claiming that Swift made Kelce famous. To them, he’s always been one of the greats in football. On the other hand, football fans are urging everyone to take advantage of this opportunity. Since the blow up surrounding Swift and Kelce, lots of swifties have become Chiefs fans, bringing the team a lot more hype, coverage, and support. That’s the scoop on what has happened between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. And just to be clear, nothing has been 100% confirmed about the details of their relationship. But what do you think? Do all the facts point to them dating, or are fans just being delusional?
Whether you’re a swiftie or hater of Taylor Swift songs, everyone has heard about her extensive past in dating. From John Mayer (yikes…) to Taylor Lautner (slay!), Taylor Swift has had a variety of men in her life. This, however, might be the first time she’s dated a NFL star. So, here’s all you need to know about the speculations behind Taylor Swift’s and Travis Kelce’s relationship. It all started on Twitter (now known as X). Kelce confirmed to fans that he made contact with Swift and invited her to one of his games. Then, on game day, it was revealed that Swift accepted this invite, as she was seen at that Chiefs game. This could have been seen as Swift just being a big Chiefs fan if it wasn’t for the fact that Swift was also sitting next to Kelce’s Mom, Donna Kelce. Swift’s reactions during the game were recorded by fans. She celebrated when Kelce scored a touchdown by jumping wildly, clapping loudly, and screaming passionately . This could have been the end of it. The reason Swift showed up to this Chiefs game could have had nothing to do
Verbatim “You’re so smart Sahana.” - Boula Ross, XI “I am.” - Dr. Lewis “The scantron won't be able to read my calc exam because there will be too many tears on it.” - Della Jones, XII “Let’s just be real, it’s the end of the day. We aren’t going to remember anything so don’t waste your breath.” - Eva Schindler, XII “You guys can have fun for a few minutes as long as you’re not mean to me.” - Ms. Brewer
Ella, XII, and Grace, XII, before a race. Photo courtesy of Ella Chomic, XII.
Battle of the Bottles : Stanley vs Hydroßask
Mira's Matcha Review
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M , XII For many community members at CSG, fall means pumpkin spice lattes, chai lattes, various coffees, and cider, but I am reminded of another drink common at cafes: the (iced) matcha latte. Since returning from the CSG cultural immersion trip to Japan, I have searched Columbus’s cafes, grocery stores, and markets for the best matcha. While nothing is quite like the matcha bought in Japanese vending machines, I am happy to report there are a few solid choices for getting a matcha in Columbus. The
list and ratings are as follows: Starbucks at 2450 E. Main St.: This matcha is good for convenience. Starbucks is everywhere. This matcha sometimes taste watery. 7/10. Freedom a La Cart at 123 E. Spring St: This m a t c h a w as s mo o t h a nd tasted cozy. Perfect matcha powder to milk ratio. 9/10 DADA Matcha Bar: Unique and carefully crafted. Expected cherry blossom sweetener, though. 8/10 Créme de la Créme at 5311 Westpointe Plaza Dr: A tad disappointing. Wouldn’t really recommend. The matcha powder was clumpy. 3/10 Th e B rewed L eaf at 809 Bethel Rd: Crisp fall drink. Perfect for any season honestly. Solid Matcha! 8.5/10 I enjoyed driving around Columbus searching for the best matcha. If you’re looking for something other than pumpkin spice, I suggest trying a matcha!
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At CSG, over the past few years, water bottles have become a way for students and faculty to express themselves. This year, two water bottles have become extremely prominent in the CSG community. The first to arise was the Hydroflask, which grew in popularity a few years ago. “They don’t spill, are perfect for school, and actually keep your ice cold,” explains Kiersten Cahill, X. Students love to decorate their Hydroflasks with stickers, and because there are many different colors and models, you can really see individuals’ personalities shine through.
Although Hydroflasks are still a prominent water bottle at CSG, this past year, Stanleys have become popular across the nation and at CSG. They are similarly priced to Hydroflasks and are also loved by students, “They’re so cute, I love that there are so many colors; they hold tons of liquid, have a straw, and the handle is fabulous,” said Sammy Morris, XI. The real question presented by these two competing water bottles is which is the best for school and extracurriculars. While arguing for Hydroflask’s superiority, Anna Carey XII stated, “They don’t spill and
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have a variety of shapes and sizes.” Eva Schindler, XII, has a different view: “Stanleys just taste better, and they don’t dent like Hydroflasks do.” Even teachers have strong opinions on this topic, with Dr. K stating, “After getting a Stanley, I will never go back.” Even though students might disagree about which water bottle is superior both Stanleys and Hydroflasks are favored by the student body and teachers. The overall best water bottle is yet to be decided, but both are highly suggested for school, home, and sports water bottles.
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