Silhouette Winter 2022

Silhouette

Nelson's Past was a Blast!

Yuan, XII

Ms. Nelson is my natural caffeine in the morning. Her bubbly personality wakes me up immediately and after a few seconds, I find myself laughing about her weekend stories or carefully reading her meaningful words of advice on the daily attendance sheet. With so many words to describe Ms. Nelson, some that immediately come to mind are exceptionally charitable, dashingly humorous, and superbly qualified for any task.

Before working at CSG, Ms. Nelson was a bartender at Mojoe Lounge, working night shifts while taking care of her children during the day. “I absolutely loved it,” she begins, “It’s taught me a lot of the same skills that I use here at school.”

Through both bartending and working at school, both tasks require “excellent customer service” and “patience.” Ms. Nelson emphasizes that she can make a mean espresso martini.

Ms. Nelson also worked at

the Arts and Preparatory Academy (ACPA) for ten years, acting as the transportation coordinator, child nutrition director, attendance officer, and administrative assistant. With so many important responsibilities, she also took in an ACPA student named Kylie. “Though it was a couple of years ago, I took care of her for a while as a kid of my own,” she remembers. Ms. Nelson really enjoyed being with Kylie who is now 25 years old, out of college, and pursuing her career.

Ms. Nelson is also a huge pet lover, having just adopted an “amazing German Shepherd named Nara” a couple of months ago. With Nara, she loves going to metroparks and soaking in the sun on long walks and hikes. Not to mention, she also has a three-legged cat named Poly, who has been in the family since 2012.

Through this, we can tell how big of a heart Ms. Nelson has, caring in ways that put others first.

After a couple of months at CSG, Ms. Nelson appreciates the students the most. “The seniors are some

of the nicest people I’ve ever met,” Ms. Nelson begins, “I really enjoy how kind and caring they are, while being extremely service-oriented, which I truly appreciate.” Through communicating with so many students every day, Ms. Nelson understands the stress and wants to make even one person’s job easier.

Through all that Ms. Nelson does for CSG, we should be sure to not only thank her for the endless supply of candy and stomach-hurting jokes, but also for her management in everything that keeps our school running smoothly. For me, Ms. Nelson’s love for each and every student shows how she’s made the atmosphere of the US office feel like a safe space, a place I come whenever I’m looking for someone to cheer me up or a helping hand for any of my struggles. I know that whenever I walk into the office and see Ms. Nelson’s signature bun, her Gucci glasses, and her eager grin, I’ll leave happier and ready to make someone else’s day, just as she did mine.

Traditions

We all anticipate the end of the semester. We look forward to the end of exams and getting out of school for the holidays. But what do students and faculty members do once they leave for winter break? CSG students and faculty have many unique traditions.

Becca Hoffman, XII, celebrates Hanukkah with her family. She does a big gift exchange on her dad’s side and her family lights the Menorah every night of Hanukkah. However, the most unique tradition involves a small animatronic figure named Latke Larry. This was passed down from her grandfather to her family. This figure sings a song when you press its foot. During the holidays they eat a lot of fried food like latkes, which are fried potato pancakes, and jelly donuts.

Sammy Kleiman, X, along with her sister Cammie, XII, help make latkes, and on Hanukkah she enjoys dinner with her grandparents on her mom’s side. Sammy and her

cousins from Florida also do a white elephant gift exchange on Thanksgiving.

Katie Ann Timcho, X, celebrates a traditional Slovakian Christmas. Her family makes traditional pierogies, which are “nothing like the [ones the] school serves,” as well as bobalki (fried dough balls), lekvar (bitter prune jam), and sauerkraut soup. Do your traditions include superstitions? Anabanel Anne, IX, has never had cranberries because her mom believes they are bad luck. Do you enjoy watching movies with your family? Koyuki Yagi, X, watches A Charlie Brown Christmas every year and Justice Johnson, XI, enjoys eating chocolate boom-chicka pop while watching The Nightmare Before Christmas.

At the O’Leary and Miranda household, they make iced orange cookies for their family gathering each year. Mrs. Miranda said she had to “marry into the O’Leary family to gain access to the recipe”. She always gets the icing recipe wrong, and it’s a joint effort to perfect these cookies.

Mrs. Miranda bakes the “sponge-like cookies,” and her husband makes the orange icing.

Mr. Parsons stays up until 2 am watching It’s a Wonderful Life, crying his way through the ending scenes. His extended family does Thanksgiving on Saturday, “beginning the day watching the OSU-Michigan game.” He is looking forward to that happening again this year. The holidays bring fun activities and traditions. Whether that’s decorating a Christmas tree, lighting the Menorah, baking, or traveling, we all have fun holiday activities we can’t wait to do.

COLUMBUS SCHOOL FOR GIRLS VOL. 65 ISSUE 2December 2022

Gabrielle

Pilar

Ms. Nelson pictured in her element. Photo courtesy of Lilly Kern, XI. Latke Larry. Photo courtesy of Becca Hofman, XII.

PARSONS' TAKE ON HOT TAKES

Della Jones, XI

“Uncrustables are a gourmet food,” Mr. Parsons confidently stated. Round, crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? Really? Perhaps a controversial standpoint in the eyes of a chef or a food critic, Mr. Parsons stands by his position.

The appalling stance on Uncrustables wasn’t even his hottest take: Mr. Parsons thinks that hot takes themselves contribute to a toxic culture. “They cause a lot of

problems to society,” he explained.

To be fair, the definition of hot takes is commentary aimed at getting attention. People are meant to see the world differently. After all, it’s how we broaden our viewpoints. “I think we do a lot better when we trust our hearts instead of our minds,” Mr. Parsons added, suggesting that whatever hot takes we have should stem from deep within us, not from outside of us. Sometimes it seems like we have to be different and provocative to stand out in society - hence the creation of hot takes - but Mr. Par-

sons offered an alternative solution. “The quarantine period was when I would wake up in the morning, have a toaster strudel, drink some coffee, and play “Animal Crossing” for like 45 minutes,” he said. “I would just sit in my little Animal Crossing home by the fire and have a nice contemplative start to my morning.” This was a way Mr. Parsons could slow down and ground himself before facing the stress of society. It’s important to take time for reflection to both do what we enjoy and to take time to really get to know ourselves. In school, work, and our

day to day lives, we strive for a sense of belonging. Mr. Parsons has his own tactics for achieving this natural human goal: “Instead of delivering a divisive and clever hot take, I’d rather approach life with my heart open and full.” So, we can let our hearts guide us towards the thing in our life that we find to be most important. That might be love, independence, or understanding. Together, we can build a strong community through supporting one another, even when our opinions might differ. Mr. Parsons said it best: “Hot takes are not in.”

THANKSGIVNG TRADITIONS AT CSG

Madi Kim, XI

The sounds of crunching orange leaves and the smell of pumpkin spice signifies the true start of autumn, and with the season comes some of CSG’s longstanding Thanksgiving traditions.

Probably the most anticipated CSG lunch of the year is the Thanksgiving lunch, where our dining staff provides a delicious standard Thanksgiving meal. Prepped

days in advance, this lunch includes roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, stuffing, rolls, and gravy to complete it all. Finally, for dessert, students and faculty can decide between apple or pumpkin pie, dolloped with whipped cream on top. This ornate meal is certainly a resounding reminder of all the kitchen staff does for us, and as Finley Moffet ‘23 says, “the Thanksgiving lunch is an essential tradition in the CSG community.”

Ro(BOSS)tics: Lina Jeffers

begins, “I also collaborate with the mechanical team, working to control and test the systems they build.”

In accordance with the circulating theme around this time of year, gratuity is the main subject of the Thanksgiving Program. It is a time for the community to come together out of our busy lives and pause to reflect on what we appreciate in life. Considering that this is the first in-person program in several years, we were able to gather in the Red Gym and participate in a traditional CSG program with some of our long-established hymns and

readings. The community is then able to hear the perspectives of students ranging in ages as speeches are given on what they are thankful for. This year, Peyton Readler ‘23, the senior-class president, closed the program with a speech on gratitude where she addressed her fellow seniors as well as the entire community. In addition to the speeches, Lower Schoolers performed the “Turkey Song,” and our select string ensemble and the choir each per-

formed a piece. Arguably the most memorable part of this program, is the performance given by the PYC students and their rendition of Over The River and Through the Woods.

All in all, the time around Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to reflect upon what we appreciate in every aspect of our lives. Whether that’s the kitchen staff and our school community or home life and pets, gratitude is a subject that’s not limited to a season.

Lina Jeffers has been going to CSG for 12 years, and during this time, she’s exerted a large impact on our community. Not only is she Vice President of the senior class, Lina is also involved in the theater lights crew, Gold Key and freshman ambassador, and not to forget, robotics.

Lina has made her way up as senior captain of the robotics team, along with Kayla Kirby, XII, and Ophelia Lonzo, X. She still remembers when she first joined robotics her freshman year and the feeling of being extremely intimidated. “I was glad that I didn’t feel pressured in any way to join and everyone was super nice,” she explains. Now, Lina is extremely thankful to her team for the chance to meet so many different people in all grades that she never would have met otherwise.

Lina is part of the coding team, where she programs the robot to respond to input from the controller. “I help the robot perform during the autonomous period,” she

Robotics has played a large role in Lina first becoming interested in the STEM field, nurturing her to become involved with coding, while also beginning to find it enjoyable. In college, Lina hopes to pursue a major relating to STEM in either computer science or some kind of engineering.

As Lina nears graduation, she reminisces on the most special moments in her four years with robotics. “We pulled an allnighter once, believe or not,” Lina says, “It was extremely stressful and the night before competition. The chaotic energy was unreal. Though the outcome was ok, the bonding experience was amazing.”

For those considering joining robotics, Lina believes that you shouldn’t be afraid to put yourself out there, give yourself a chance, and find a new skill. “More importantly, there’s nothing better than robotics. Quit everything…and commit your life to robotics.” As always, Lina says it best.

Gabrielle Yuan, XII

CSG Thanksgiving lunch! Photo courtesy of Allie Salamon, XI.

Head of school, Mrs. Seals, giving her Thanksgiving program speech. Phtoto courtesy of the CSG Instagram.

Above is a picture of Mr. Parsons. Photo courtesy of Della Jones, XI.

The PYC girls taking part in the tradition of singing "Over the River." Photo cour-tesy of the CSG Instagram.

Pictured above: Lina Jeffers at a robotics competition. Photo courtesy of Lina Jeffers, XII.

Boxing Up the Canned Food Drive

Music blasted from a loudspeaker from the admissions hallway. People danced to the sound of “Dancing Queen” and “Party in the USA”. While this description would usually be attributed to a rager, it was the sound of Upper School students loading a truck with cans from CSG’s annual canned food drive. Boxes of canned green beans, ramen, and Kraft mac n’ cheese drifted through a chain of students, eventually landing on a truck headed to the Vinton County Food Pantry.

The dancing and music were well rewarded after

three weeks of planning, stacking, and collecting cans. Kayla Kirby, XII—canned food drive coordinator—explained the process of getting the drive up and running. “To be very honest, the planning at the beginning was very chaotic, but we began by talking to each division head about their plans for how they were going to collect and track cans,” she said.

The planning was the first step, but Kayla explained the next critical part: “After everything was sorted out via more emailing, it was mainly about getting people to bring in cans.” CSG’s whole school goal was 10,000 cans, so it was important to make sure

each division collectively met this objective. “Luckily, both Lower and Middle Schools had set goals and a plan,” Kayla said.

Service Club co-president Peyton Readler, XII, reflected on the significance of the canned food drive.

“The drive serves the Vinton County Food Pantry, which is unfortunately out of the Mid-Ohio Food Collective’s reach,” she stated. Since the county has high poverty rates and unemployment rates, a food crisis has arisen. “It’s really important that we help out so that no one has to wonder where their next meal is coming from,” Peyton added.

The drive will hopefully last residents through the winter. There are a lot of different ways service can be achieved, all of which Peyton finds important. “I think service is a core value of CSG and something that we should continue to demonstrate,” she explained. Whether that means planning a holiday toy drive or volunteering at a local garden, CSG can continue to show up for the greater good.

By the end of the canned food drive, the 10,000 can goal was surpassed by over 2,000 cans, illustrating just how much CSG can achieve when we work together as a community.

Advisor: Dr. Miklos

Editors In-Chief:

Ciara Latham, XII

Gabrielle Yuan, XII

Junior Editors: Della Jones, XI Allie Salamon, XI

Club Coordinators: Anna Carey, XI Alysa Li, XI

Isabella Luckage, XII

Celebrating the Seniors: Holiday Dinner

Allie Salamon, XI

Holiday dinner is a long-standing tradition for CSG. It is a time for underclassmen to appreciate their seniors and learn more about their experiences at CSG. For seniors, they get to spend time with their class and experience their hand at Holiday Dinner senior traditions. I talked to seniors Claudia Jones and Annie Wagenbrenner to find out their favorite traditions

at Holiday Dinner.

Claudia Jones, XII, has gone to Holiday Dinner since her freshman year. When asked about her favorite tradition for the seniors, she struggled to pick one. “I enjoy seeing all the senior families gathered together, as well as dressing up,” Claudia said. Watching the CSG Upper School community join as one to celebrate the senior class puts a smile on Claudia’s face. She also mentioned being

able to dress up and seeing everyone’s outfits as an enjoyable part of Holiday dinner, for each student's unique personality can be seen in their outfits.

Along with Claudia, Annie Wagenbrenner, XII, has been at CSG almost her whole life and has been to many Holiday Dinners. Annie mentioned “I love watching the senior video. Even as a freshman when I barely knew the senior class, the video made me so sentimental.”

She tears up watching the classes grow up from their baby pictures to their senior year photos. While seniors watch the senior video it is a time for them to reminisce on their lives at CSG. With Holiday Dinner approaching, not just seniors are excited. It will be fun to see everyone’s outfits, the senior video, and, lastly, the CSG Upper School community together as a whole to congratulate and honor the senior class of 2023!

The Paris of the Midwest

Isabella Luckage, XII

As freshmen and seniors walked the halls during the first week of November, many noted that it seemed much less crowded. While the Sophomores were in D.C., the juniors braved Cleveland, a.k.a. the “Paris of the Midwest.” They saw everything from shows to Taylor Swift’s famous cardigan at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

Reading “Romeo and Juliet” in Dr. Hattaway’s British Literature courses brought Form XI to the Hanna Theatre for a live performance. It was full of surprises, from the appearance of a ghost of Tybalt to Mercutio

leaving a plant on Ms. Castro’s lap for the duration of a scene. Ms. Castro states, “After being traumatized as a kid while watching “CATS”, and now getting a plant thrown at me, I think I am done sitting in the aisle at shows!”

However, arguably the most noteworthy part of the trip was the performance of “CATS”. While Yori O’Neal, XI, said “CATS” lacked substance despite amazing singing and dancing, others felt differently. Sophia Uselman, XI, admitted that although “CATS” “started off rough,” the thrilling second act sent “chills down [her] spine.” Similarly, “CATS” changed [Del-

la Jones’, XI] life.” In fact, a student (unnamed) whispered to Dr. Hattaway during the performance asking: “Is this a fever dream?”

“CATS” and “Romeo and Juliet” were not only educational, they also brought the class of 2024 together. Dr. Hattaway put it perfectly, saying: “There's nothing that builds community more than all being horrified by dancing cats.” In all seriousness, Dr. Hattaway reflected on how “when you are together 24/7, you tend to let your guard down,” as she observed students’ eagerness to spend time with classmates they may not know well. Yori said she felt “[they] all really came together.”

Staff: Sarah Alexander, XI Elise Barber, X Lilly Kern, XI Madi Kim, XI

Zella Lamaze, XI

Vivian Lamendola, IX

Lauren LaRochelle, X

Frances Lefkowitz-Pizzuti, XII

Isabella McIntyre, IX

Rose McLarty, X

Madeline Metzbower, IX

Sheryl Sui, X

Pilar Walton, X

Delaney Woods, IX

Club: Ava Kessler, XI

Ellie Neitzel, X

Eva Schindler, XI

A cat-like pose before "CATS" (top), and a full Junior class photo. Photos courtesy of Dr. Hattaway.

Della Jones, XI

Students loading up the truck headed to Vinton County. Photo Courtesy of Allie Salamon, XI.

Getting the gains with canned green beans. Photo courtesy of Dr. Hattaway.

A chain of Kraft boxes making their way through the Upper School. Photo courtesy of Dr. Hattaway.

The drive leaders posing in front of a truck stuffed with cans! Photo courtesy of Dr. Hattaway

The Pressure of "Pretty"

R M L ,X

In the ‘80s it was an athletic build, in the ‘90s it was all the rage to be extremely thin, and in the 2020s an hourglass body was deemed “ideal”. The standards of beauty shift from decade to decade and are exhaustingtokeep up with. Despite the time period, girls continuetothinknegativelyoftheirbody and compare themselves to others.

With social media being accessible at any time, it's hard to escapethesestandardsofbeauty.The relationshipbetweenbodyimageand socialmediawasrecentlybroughtup duringtheleadershipsummitsearlier this year. Lilly Kern, XI, and Madi Kim’s,XI,“BodyImageandSocial Media” board really resonated with many, and it was a popular conversationtopicamongstudents.“It'san important issue that a lot of young women and girls struggle with [...] Because we are an all-girl [school], it'sanissuethatisveryprevalent[in] our[community],”Madisaid,when explainingherideaaboutherposter.

The effects of social media are reflected within our own CSG community. Madigan Zieg, X, described how frustrating social expectations of beauty online can be: “On social media, there is a constant flow of “beautiful people”

who meet [“beauty”] standards, [which] can be really hardongirls' mental health.”Although Madigan agreesthattheworldisgettingmore accepting of different body types, she, along with many other teen girls, has felt pressure to alter her appearance. These views correlate withstatisticsfromKingsUniversity that recorded that “87% of women compare their bodies to images they consume on social media”.

The pressure tolive up to beauty standards has plagued our society for far too long, and it can seemlikeunattainablestandardsare heretostay.Theproblemwiththese standardsisnotthepeoplequestioningtheirbeauty,itisthesystem.Lili Reinhart,actressandbodypositivity activist, describes her views on the topic,“It’spainfultothinkhundreds ofmillionsofusareconcernedwith what our bodies look like.” Reinhartencouragesus alltonormalize speaking about body image and to “empathize with others [and] show compassion and kindness.” Until society becomes more accepting, youcanbethechange.Beconscious aboutthemediayouareconsuming and normalize conversations about bodyimage.

Unicorn Uniform

SinceCSG’sestablishment in 1898, our uniforms have come a long way. Now, students have many options–from which color polo to wear to what shoes to put on. Also, thanks to our new head of school, Mrs. Seals, we can now wear CSG spirit outerwear any day of the week! With all these options, it may be hard to pick the perfect combination in the morning, so I willbesharingsomeofmyfavorites.

Ago-toformewouldhave tobethebasicnavycrewneckwitha white short sleeve polo underneath. As the weather is getting colder, it's always nice to have a comfy sweatshirt on in case you have a chillyclassinoneoftheinfamously cold science labs. The contrast of the white and the navy makes for the perfect basic, yet sleek, look.

For those playing a sport thisyear,don'tbeafraidtorockthat redpoloonyourgamedays!Iparticularlylikethewaytheredpolosadd apopofcolortothehallways.Also, if you see someone wearing one, don’tforgettowishthemgoodluck!

Another great option for winter is wearing your favorite athleticspiritwear. IknowIcanget to knowsomeone just bywhatkind of activity is listed on their shirt. Finally,myfavoriteuniformcombo is the white polo with the v-neck sweater over it. In my opinion, it

hastheperfectamountofclassyand comfy in one outfit. Whether it be Red/GoldteamsorUnicornsUnited merch,theCSGonlineunicornerhas gotyoucovered.

Peanut shells scattered on the ground, neon signs light up the room, taxidermy everywhere, but a one hour wait for a table at Texas Roadhouse. Recently, the countrywestern themed steakhouse has becomeincreasinglypopularonsocial mediaplatforms,specificallyTikTok. This brings the question to mind: is it really that good? Well I gave it a tryalongwithafewco-foodcritics, and I’m here to tell you if Texas Roadhouseisreallyworththehype. Fromtheminuteyouwalk inthedoor,theatmosphereisanabsoluteshowstopper,especiallyifyou areacowboy. Thetaxidermyhangingfromthewalls,thedimlighting,

andthecountrymusicblastingfrom thespeakersallplayapartinthefantasticrestaurants’atmosphere.There isalsosomethingsosatisfyingabout beingabletopickupapeanutfrom a3foottallbarrel,eatit,andthrow theshellonthefloorwithoutgetting anydirtylooks.Theatmosphere,at least, makes dining atTexas Roadhouse the experience of a lifetime. Then it was time for the food. Starting out strong with the appetizers, we ordered the cactus blossomandthefriedpickles.While the cactus blossom’s presentation was absolutely stunning, its flavor resembledthatof abadonionring. Ontheotherhand,thefriedpickles

werethebestfoodI’veeverhadthe pleasure of indulging in. The main coursefinallyarrived,whichwasa6 ozsirloinsteakwithaloadedbaked potatoandthehousesalad.Thesteak and salad were delicious, however the baked potato was slightly dry. Now for the best part of themeal:therolls.Theywereeverending,warm,soft,andfluffy,served with a sweet cinnamon butter. The rolls set the whole meal over the top, and definitely made the Texas Roadhouse hype understandable. Howlongwouldyouwaitforatable atTexasRoadhouse?

Find Your Perfect Podcast

We have all been in situations where we are bored with the music on our playlist but still need something to listen to. If this ever happens to you, a great alternative are podcasts. When I met with Victoria Dizon,IX,shesaidoneofherfavorite podcasts is “Anything Goes” by EmmaChamberlain,anAmericaninternetpersonalitybestknownforher success on YouTube. Victoria said she likesAnything Goes because it “allows[her]tounderstand[herself] by connecting with someone else.”

Other upper school studentsIspokewithhadotherreasons for listening to different podcasts. Lilly Kern, XI, said she liked listening to podcasts when she either gets bored of her music or wants to learn something new. One of the podcastsshelikesbestis,“TheMoments Podcast” with Lexi Hidalgo. Hidalgo is popular on social media because she is well known for her Tik Tok presence. This podcast is advice-based,withdifferentsubjects each week. Lilly says she likes this

Kayla

Mr.

podcast because Hidalgo touches on important topics, and “It’s nice to know that someone famous struggleswiththesametopicsIface too.”AnotherpodcastLillyenjoysis Suburb Talks by Nick Grajeda and his friends. Each week, Nick and hisfriends sit downas a group and talkaboutadifferenttopic,ranging from relationship advice to their personal experiences. Lilly likes listening to this podcast because it's“Funnyandgivesgoodadvice.” These two podcasts are great options if you ever need guidance on what to do in a situation or just need something to laugh about. When I talked with Madeline Hansen, XI, she had similar taste as Victoria’s, preferencing EmmaChamberlain'spodcast,Anything Goes. In addition, she loves listening to true crime podcasts, with her favorite being Unsolved Murders:TrueCrimeStoriesbyParcast.Herfavoriteepisodesarewhen theycoverhistoricaldeathsandspin them into murder mysteries. For example, Alexander Hamilton was

Verbatim

her favorite. Madeline likes true crimebecause“Theykeepmesuper intrigued and interested the whole time!” Both of these podcasts have a vast variety of topics each week andareexcellentoptionstolistento. Podcasts give us an alternativetomusicorreading,andthere arepodcastsforeveryinterest.There are some excellent recommendationsforanyonewhowantstokick offlisteningtopodcasts,courtesyof theupperschoolstudentsIspoketo.

Lanie

Form X students rocking their uniforms!PhotoscourtesyofEliseBarber.

Audrey

Sammy Morris, X : "I cry and then call my mom"

PopCulture

Taylor Swift's Midnights

The Record Breaking Album

Taylor Swift, the renowned singer-songwriter, released her tenth and most successful album on Oct. 21. The album, entitled “Midnights,” was her first album dropped since 2020. “Midnights” occupied the top 10 spots on the Billboard Hot 100, with Swift’s album being the first to do so. The album also had the most weekly streams this year and the third most ever, with 357 million streams. On Spotify, it was also the most streamed album in a day, and Taylor Swift became the most streamed artist in a single day. Besides breaking records, “Midnights” was widely raved about by Taylor Swift fans, especially in CSG, “I love all her albums, and “Midnights” is

a great mash-up of all of them, so I especially loved it,” Adriana Massimiani, IX, stated when asked about the new album.

“Midnights” includes

Spotify Unwrapped

nine days after the groundbreaking release, Taylor Swift announced her upcoming tour, The Eras Tour. There will be 26 concerts in 20 cities in the U.S.,

thirteen tracks and seven bonus tracks released three hours later, called the “3am addition”. Critics had many different opinions on the album, and so did CSG students. “Taylor Swift is a Mastermind,” said Sammy Morris, X.

with several well-known openers, including Girl in Red, Gracie Abrams, and Phoebe Bridgers. These statistics show that Taylor Swift and “Midnights” affect not only the music industry globally, but also CSG students.

X

From Taylor Swift to Kendrick Lamar, our music genres can clash or connect, but no matter the genre, they make up a portion of our identity. Spotify-wrapped comes out in early December, showing you your most listened-to song, artist, genre, and more. It shows you how your taste in music contributes to your individuality. First of all, if your Spotify-wrapped has at least one song from Taylor Swift's new album: Midnights, you must be a die-hard fan, or maybe just a swiftie. But still, there is no way somebody could listen to a song so much that it becomes their number one song in just ten days. For those of

The Spectacle of Kanye West

A CAse study of entertAinment And politiCs

Ciara Latham, XII

Kanye West’s outlandish, often offensive behavior is far from new. In fact, he has long been outspoken about his beliefs, political or otherwise. Additionally, West has been very public about his diagnosis with bipolar disorder, especially highlighting his experience on the self-titled album, Ye (2018). While there is conflicting discourse surrounding whether Ye’s struggles with mental health justify his problematic actions and statements throughout his career, Kanye West is an undeniable example of America’s toxic relationship with entertainment media and sociopolitical media messaging.

When looking at the case of Kanye West, it’s impossible not to acknowledge the racial factor. Historically, Black artists were iced out of the entertainment industry and replaced with minstrelsy or steeply offensive appropriation, leaving an entire demographic of creativity ignored. As a result, there is an underlying expectation for Black artists and performers to present a carefully curated image. However, the hyperbolic celebrity of Kanye West challenges entertainment norms for Black artists with his unapologetic presentation of self. So should we applaud West for rising to stardom in a system foundationally against

his success as a Black man?

However, it’s hard to argue that the racial factor was any impediment to Kanye’s success, when the artist himself claimed “racism is a dated concept” in 2015 during an interview with Clique TV-- insinuating it doesn’t really exist anymore. Many feel that West was able to spew anti-Black sentiment without consequence and his actions were brushed off merely because of his own blackness. But West faced swift condemnation following his recent string of antisemitic remarks. It was announced in October that Adidas would ter-

minate its partnership with West, despite the commercial success of the “Yeezy” line. Kanye West has yet to issue a proper apology for his remarks, instead opting to defend his hate speech. So, in the case of Kanye West is it possible to separate the art from the artist? There seems to be a growing phrase on TikTok where users comment: “But he made Graduation”-- referring to his critically acclaimed third studio album. In this, fans acknowledge the controversy surrounding West’s image, yet seek to redirect attention to his artistry. However, this

only emphasizes the paradoxical relationship between West’s music (particularly his early works) and his celebrity. Ye’s music often highlighted the lack of social welfare for disadvantaged communities, but now spouts more conservative ideals.

The list of reasons for Kanye West to be stripped of his platform gets longer every few weeks. Yet, he still manages to make headlines and garner the attention of the masses. Whether the basis is infamy or not, the spectacle of Kanye West is a trainwreck and the public just can’t pull their eyes away.

you who have Frank Ocean as your number-one artist, you are one of the few who actually see the meaning behind the lyrics of each song and understand the pain he has experienced.

If Beyoncé is in your top five, you are a party person. You are one of the people who are just here to flow with the music and are super chill. If one of your top 5 genres is Indie, you are the person who wants to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.

Lastly, if you have Hip-Hop in your top five, you are the one who is regularly cool and composed. So remember, it doesn’t matter what you are listening to, music is a fun and surprising way to define yourself.

Only

Isabella McIntyre, IX

Lauren LaRochelle,

Data Collected by Frances Lefkowitz-Pizzutti, XII

Kanye West, 2024 Presidential hopeful, continues to stir up more controversy following his split from Adidas. Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

Apple Music was runner-up with a little under one-third of students subscribed. The smallest minority of those surveyed say they use both Spotify and Apple Music!

Poster art for Swift's The Eras Tour set to start in 2023. Photo courtesy of Republic Records.

Teacher TradiTions

Maddie Metzbower, IX

“StarWars”onChristmas?Dr.Miklosandherfamily absolutelylove“StarWars”and love Christmas, so why not bringthemtogether?Alloftheir Christmas sweaters and stockings are “Star Wars” themed, and they all watch the “Star Wars” series as a family tradition. But she and her husband still stick to the classics and would have to say “Die Hard” is their favorite Christmas movie.

However since her son is not old enough to experience “Die Hard”, Dr. Miklos loves to spend time with him playing with toys he gets for Christmas and doing puzzles on Christmas day. “It was something I loved as a child but did less of growing up,soIamhappyIget todothiswithmysonnowand bringbackold memories,” said Miklos. In addition to doing puzzles, her family loves to decorate for the holiday, they start the day after Thanksgiving! They get a tree, ornaments, hot cocoa, a movie, and enjoy quality time together. Dr. Miklos and her husband take turns going to different parents' houses each year. When Dr. Miklos gets to see her grand-mother, her family gets to dine on Hungarianroastduck.

household, Mrs.Smeeding, her husband and new baby, Eleanor, love to decorate too. Mrs.Smeedingwouldevensay decoratingthetreeisherfavorite tradition. However, she is competitive; on Christmas day there is a well known tradition of deciding who gets to open the first present by hiding a pickleornamentonthetreeand whoever finds it wins. Usually it is a life size pickle, only plastic. But in the Smeeding houseitgetsintense. The pickle is miniature and well hidden, inside orna-ments, deep in the tree, even at the very bottom! While the pickle is an adult favorite for little Eleanor, Christmas is a brand new time of wonder. Mrs. Smeeding said “My biggest goal is to keep the Christmas magic alive as long as possible.” She hopes to enjoy her precious years with Eleanor for a long while.

Though both teachers have very different families, traditions, and ways about the holidays, they are both loving Motherswhowant nothingmorethantoenjoywith their children and bring back memories from their childhood. From “Star Wars” to pickles, much like our school itself our teachers, holidays, and families are rich intradition.

An Eight-Day Miracle: The History of Hanukkah

Each winter, Jewish families gather to light a candelabra, known as the Menorah, and spend eight nights celebrating family and faith. This holiday is known as Hanukkah, the Hebrew word for “dedication”, and is also known as the "Festival of Lights". This tradition's name can be traced back to the second century BC in Jerusalem. Despite being in their ancestral homeland, the Jews were subject to the Seleucid Greek empire. With the exception of taxes, they were mainly free to worship and work under Antiochus III's rule., however Hhis successor, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, however, desired to assimilate the Jews. Epiphanes outlawed Jewish religious rites and traditions, and desecrated the Temple of Jerusalem. A small army of Jews known as the Maccabees rebelled against the vastly superior Seleucid army to escape this religious persecution. Though the three year revolt was a battle against the odds, the Maccabees prevailed. In 165 BC, the Maccabees reclaimed control of the Temple of Jerusalem in order to promptly resume Jewish practices. They proceeded to light the Temple’`s Menorah,

one of the most important ritual objects, but only found enough oil to last for one day. However, as time passed, the Menorah miraculously stayed alight for eight straight days. This is why the Menorah is such a powerful symbol of the indomitable faith of the Jewish people. The Menorah contains eight candles, with a ninth in the center used to light the other candles each night. Fellow member of the CSG community, Sophomore Sammy Klienman, explained how she and her family “make latkes”, which are potato pancakes, and “watch movies and get gifts to celebrate the first night”. Accordingly, there are numerous ways to celebrate Hannukah. And while gifts aren't typically associated with Hanukkah, due to its proximity to Christmas, parents often give their children gifts on one or all of the eight nights. Hanukkah is a joyful time to reflect on the strength and spiritual resolve of the Jewish people. It commemorates the recovery of the Temple in Jerusalem in the second century BCE and is a celebration of the victory over religious persecution and of the miracle that kept the Mmenorah lit for eight days. It is a day to rejoice and be thankful for family and the dignity of the Macabees.

Winter Formal

With winter well on its way, it is time to get ready to start thinking about Winter Formal! Winter Formal is an extraordinary event to look forward to as a fun excuse to dress up with your classmates during the long weeks between winter and spring break. There will be dancing, food, and most importantly, a theme that will be revealed during the days leading up to the dance. Last year’s theme was Miami Nights, and there were balloons, tropical fruits, and even hats for students to wear. It is especially exciting to find out the theme of this year’s dance, because of the stunning venue.

This Winter Formal will be held at Strongwater, which is a popular event space in Franklinton. It is a super fun and hip place with a great ambiance and rustic character. This year’s dance promises to be the best in several years, not only because of the great venue, but also because it will be the first Winter Formal where masks are not required. People are encouraged to bring dates and friends along with them, and it is a great chance for students to meet people from other schools. So if you are ready for a night full of fun, get out your dancing shoes and come to Winter Formal for a night you won’t forget!

Sarah Alexander, XI

Photo courtesy of Mrs. Smeeding.

Zella Lamaze, XI

Photo courtesy of Sammy Kleinman, X.

Photo courtesy of Sammy Kleinman, X.

Photo courtesy of Sammy Kleinman, X.

Above is a festive winter drawing made by Sheryl Sui, X.

Teens Without Caffeine

Lilly Kern, XI

According to students at CSG, caffeine is a very important part of their lives. Personally, I can’t wait until senior year, when I can use the coffee bar. Many Upper-schoolers at CSG drink coffee everyday, sometimes even more than once a day.

Eva Schindler, XI, a former caffeine addict, fit into this category. It all started with a Celsius. This turned into another, then another, and eventually, Eva was hooked. Eva described that in the past, she drank about 400mg of caffeine a day. After a while, if she did not have a Celsius (or two) a day, Eva said that she, “would be shaking,

and get a headache.” Finally, after an especially intense migraine, Eva decided it was time to stop her addiction to Celsius’. Personally, I have been in Eva’s shoes. If my younger self knew the amount of caffeine I drank per week, she would be severely disappointed. I, along with my peers, can most likely say that caffeine has had both negative and positive effects on us physically and mentally. But, caffeine in moderation is actually a good thing.

For a lot of us, the transition from middle school to high school, or from Covid to now, has caused a lot of stress. Caffeine has been a constant in the ever changing world. It’s helped us stay alert, and kept us awake after late nights of studying. Though caffeine carries negative effects, there are ways to escape them. Avoiding caffeine later in the day, eating something before drinking caffeine, and knowing your limits (though it is hard) are all ways to practice healthy caffeine consumption.

Dive Team Is on the Rise

Ellie Neitzel X

As the cold weather creeps in, many athletes are returning to their beloved winter sports. Typically, teams can anticipate the gain or loss of a few students. For the dive team, this is no typical year. Last year, Mackenzie Gibson, form XI, braved the boards alone making up the entire dive team! Luckily for her, six students from various grades have decided to dive head first into dive!

The expansion of the team has sparked curiosity among the school…What caused the sudden increase in members? Was it a spontaneous decision, or did freshmen and formerly lone diver convince students to join? Divers Kiersten Cahill, IX and Kennedy Wells, X, shed light on the mystery of the 2022-2023 dive team.

On behalf of the freshmen divers, Kiersten stated, “I thought the dive team would only be freshmen.” This year's freshmen are seasoned div -

ers that competed in Middle school. Because of this, no last minute final forms were filled out as all the freshmen already decided to compete. However, the first year diver Kennedy Wells tells a different story. Kennedy explains that she always liked watching diving on the television and with other students joining the team this year, it felt like a good opportunity to start something new.

With this information, it’s safe to say that last minute decisions and attempts at recruitment are not what expanded the dive team. The support of others sparked courage among many of our students to try something new or to continue to build their prior skills. That being said, it looks like this year's dive team is taking community building to heart!

Pet Corner

Delaney Wood's IX, Dog Frank Dressed as Chucky for Halloween

Elise Barber's X, Dog Compost Going for a Swim With Rubber Duckies!

Ciara Latham's XII Dog Storm Snacking on Some Delicious Dog Food!

Gillian Spangler's X Dog Kammi Balling out in Their Kitchen

Claudia Jones' XII Cat Sprawling Out on the Couch

Seeley Mazur's X Dog Echo Slumped After Going for a Midday Run

Colleen Hernon's IX Dog Sully Pondering his Life Golas

Audrey Norris' X Cat Ricky Doing the Laundry

A Teen Found Caffeine deprived and Tired in her Natural Habitat.

The Dive Team Chilling Togther in the Infamous "Hot Tub." Photo Courtesy of Kennedy Wells X

CIVIL DISCOURSE:

Affirmative Action in Admissions

Ciara Latham, XII

Arguments For

“When I reflect on what affirmative action means in college admissions, currently, it is opening the door to students who have traditionally been kept from achieving and attaining the best education possible,” said Upper School college counselor Ms. Brewer. Affirmative action abides by the belief that students of color-- primarily those of Black, Latino, or Native descent-have faced systemic barriers. Accordingly, institutions like colleges and universities enact policies that consider race and ethnicity to introduce diversity.

Brewer added, “a more diverse student body helps create a more knowledgeable citizenry.”

Affirmative action policies seek to level the playing field by increasing opportunities for underrepresented demographics. Not only is the practice supported by a large number of the general public,

as Ms. Brewer explained: “It’s been judged constitutionally acceptable to use [affirmative action policies] in the designation of race and background in college admission.” Ms. Brewer noted that she was in admissions when the Supreme Court decided in the Grutter v. Bollinger (2003) case, which protected the practice. When it comes to college admissions: affirmative action is the great equalizer and without it, specific groups are excluded from pursuing higher education.

Arguments Against Recently, the Supreme Court heard cases against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina’s use of race-conscious admissions.

Opponents of these policies assert that the use of affirmative action violates the 14th amendment’s equal protection clause.

Conservative justices are ready to discontinue its use; given their majority in the court, now is the time. In fact, holistic admissions is rooted in antisemi-

tism. Ms. Brewer provided that Harvard University made the decision to holistically review applicants as a way to block the admission of more Jewish students. Chief Justice John Roberts points to the practice’s discriminatory basis, since it’s not about an applicant’s life

ONGOING PROTESTS IN IRAN

Vivian Lamendola, IX

On Sept. 16, 2022, Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, died in the custody of Iran's Guidance Patrol, also known as the morality police. Amini was arrested for not wearing her hijab correctly and she was reportedly beaten in a police van. However, the government has claimed her death was due to a heart attack. Amini's death has ignited protests all over Iran. At her funeral, women defiantly took off their hijabs.

Since then, the Iranians have been engaging in predominantly non-violent protests. Threatened by the antigovernment uprisings, the Iranian regime has called in multiple security forces to crack down violently on the dissent. Several videos have shown the security forces brutally beating protestors and opening fire on unarmed crowds. Lawmakers support these actions. The government has taken the additional step of blocking internet access to quell the protests. Recently, a piece of false information claimed that 15,000 people had been

arrested and sentenced to death for their role in the protests. In reality, approximately 14,000 men, women, and children have been arrested, and 326 people have been killed, 25 of whom were children. 2,000 people have been officially convicted and five sentenced to crimes ranging from “Moharabeh” (enmity against God), “Efsad Fil-Arz” (corruption on earth), to “Baghy” (armed revolt). All of these crimes could result in a death sentence according to the Islamic Republic. Human

rights experts are concerned about “hasty executions” of the convicted, due to Iran’s high execution rate, with approximately 6,558 people executed since 2010. Before Amini, there was simmering resentment against the government. Her death was not the cause but the boiling point for people to openly hold the Iranian government accountable. Even with the high number of casualties and the risk of death, Iranians have continued to protest the existing regime.

experience but rather the past Despite being a politically charged topic, many find gray areas within the issue and even “proponents” can identify flaws in affirmative action policies. Tyree Walton, XII, posed the question: “Is it actually helpful in practice?” As an

active college applicant, Walton has become increasingly aware of the relationship, if any, between her racial identity and her educational opportunities. She went on to say, “In theory, you should be able to have a diverse body of students without having to seek out minorities.”

Nuclear War oN the horizoN?

Ava Kessler, XI

History is currently unfolding with a new threat: nuclear war. President Biden has recently declared this to be one of the highest threats of nuclear war since the Cuban Missile Crisis. “We have not faced the prospect of Armageddon since Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis,” The President told the crowd at a fundraiser. According to The New York Times, Biden’s reference to Armageddon was very unusual, suggesting the grimness of the situation. His warning implied that a tactical nuclear strike in Ukraine would not be uncommon. This sent analysts in Washington on a search to figure out Putin's true intentions, such as whether this strike would be to make up for his military losses in Ukraine. In addition to a potential nuclear attack, Ukraine is facing many threats from Russia as t tries to officially

join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO. According to Business Insider, this would either provoke more attacks from Russia or limit when and how it strikes. Additionally, they suggest that Ukraine may not be able to join NATO for another ten years due to uncertainty from European NATO countries that are fearful of kindling aggression from Moscow.

While still unsure if the U.S. will continue down the path of war with Russia, President Biden has made a public statement about his intentions to hold Russia fully responsible and accountable for the needless attacks on Ukraine. According to Biden and whitehouse.gov, the U.S. and its NATO allies will make certain a forceful and unified stance is taken in response to these attacks. President Biden stated, “The world will hold Russia accountable.”

At a session on December 7th, the US History department teachers outlined the context, events, and worldwide response to the Iranian protests, as well as opportunities to get involed.

Photo courtesy of Frances Lefkowitz-Pizzuti, XII.

A college counseling class hard at work, headed by Ms. Brewer. Photo courtesy of Ms. Sarah Sole.

Romantic Reading Recommandations

Allie Salamon, XI

As someone who in the past has found it difficult to pick up a book and read through the whole thing, that all changed when I found books under the genre of romance. These book recommendations are fairly quick reads that pull you into the characters and will leave you wanting to read more.

My first author recommendation is Colleen Hoover. Hoover without a doubt has been on the hots of book-tok for her quick-read romance books. There are more than plenty of books to choose from Colleen Hoover. “It Ends With Us” blew up all over Tik Tok and it was well deserved. If you are interested in the plot of a small-town girl leaving town and falling in love with a surgeon, It Ends With Us is the book for you.

Secondly, I recommend Jenny Han’s works.

“The Summer I Turned Pretty” became popular this past summer, you can stream for free on amazon prime video, but most have not read the series of books the show is based on.

“The Summer I Turned Pretty” is a trilogy about two families who go to a summer house every year, when the daughter of one family and the two sons of the other find themselves in a difficult situation. When Belly develops feelings for each boy or finds feelings she has always had, the plot thickens. Before the next season comes out on TV, I recommend you read this trilogy.

Now that you have a few authors to get your reading journey started, I hope you enjoy these books and explore some more. Whether it is from Colleen Hoover, Jenny Han, or any other romance author, take the time to read and appreciate the book you pick up!

Legally Inspired

female characters of the 2000s.

Whether you watch TV nightly or once a week, the characters you watch on screen influence the way in which you view yourself and your world. I was recently watching “Legally Blonde,” and although I’ve seen this movie countless times, I have never taken the time to think about the message the main character sends to teenage girls.

mentioned. Coutesy of Canva.

Elle Woods from “Legally Blonde” is arguably one of the most influential

Elle is a bubbly blonde and proud member of her sorority Delta Nu. Her days consist of getting her nails done, shopping, and taking care of her dog, Bruiser. Her life changes when she decides she wants to go to Harvard Law School. Elle does not fit the traditional “Harvard student persona”, and her journey to earn respect is a difficult one. Through all the sexism and judgment she faces, Elle remains true to her authentic self and never alters her personality or style for others. Elle shows that women do

not have to sacrifice any parts of themselves to reach success. Elle’s independence, determination, and knowledge of her own self-worth is reflected in this quote, “If I’m going to be a partner in a law firm by the time I’m 30, I’m gonna need a boyfriend who’s not such a bonehead.”

Elle Woods is an inspiration to many women, as she encourages one to stay true to their authentic self. When slowing down to take a dive into your favorite films, you might just be surprised by what the characters can teach you.

New Year, New You

Frances LefkowitzPizzuti, XII

With each New Year’s celebration also comes a renewal of mind and spirit. Each year, we make promises to ourselves and others with the intention of improving an aspect of our lives in some way. If you are searching for inspiration this New Year’s, look no further. Here are three captivating, beautifully written novels that are sure to inspire your 2023 aspirations.

In his number one New York Times bestseller “Atomic Habits”, James Clear says, “the quality of our lives often depends on the quality of our habits.” Clear gives his readers

concrete, evidence-based strategies to form more meaningful, lasting habits. Upon purchase of this book, Clear also gives every reader access to a companion reading guide, habit tracker, and more on his website.

Mr . Parsons glowingly endorsed “The Book of Delights” by Ohio native Ross Gay, saying: “10/10 I recommend that book, it’s amazing!” This fascinating collection of Gay’s daily mini-essays about things that bring him happiness is sure to uplift its readers as well.

Recently on Nov. 29, an event hosted at the King Arts Complex will presented Gay’s insights in conversation with nationally acclaimed poet, essayist, and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib.

Mari e Kondo’s novel “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” has sold over 9 million copies and is even displayed in a Netflix series that introduces her revolutionary approach to cleaning up and how this can “spark joy”. Align your mind and spirit this holiday season with a fresh perspective and renewed sense of productivity!

The covers of the books

Elle Woods studying for the LSAT. Courtesy of Pintrest.

2001 Legally Blonde poster. Courtesy of IMDB. Elle Woods in her first court case. Courtesy of ABA Journal.

Rose McLarty, X

Atomic Habits, one of the books mentioned, being read. Courtesy of Project Emily

Delaney Woods, IX

Wonderful Winter Recipes

Upper School Students Share Their Favorite Treats and Dishes to Make Over the Holidays

As spooky Halloween passes, the holiday spirit rushes in to take its place. The festivity brings gatherings with friends, scouring for presents, spicing up the house, and witnessing the first snow. Of course, it’s impossible to leave out spending time with family - specifically through baking and making!

Sophia Uselman, XI, is known for her family’s baking habits. “Baking gets really intense in my house on the holidays,” she stresses, “[and] We’re the designated cookie side of the family.” The entire experience is extremely special to her. Her sister would be running the show, commanding her and her mom to mix, roll, and

frost dough for at least 3 hours every day during winter break. It doesn’t help that one of Sophia’s favorite cookies is buckeyesthe hardest one in her family to make. However, Sophia finds this long and tiring process to be 100% worth it, as “We make hundreds of cookies, share them with friends and family, and [then] have enough [left over] to gorge on as many as we want!”

Caz Lonzo, XI, has a dish that they make every time Thanksgiving comes. It’s called cranberry relish, and it’s made with just three ingredients: cranberries, orange zest, and sugar. Despite its simplicity though, its origin takes on a deeper meaning: “My grandma taught me how to make [cranberry relish] when I was a kid,” they

explain. “[Unfortunately,] She passed [away] when I was… ten.” Fueled by the heartwarming memories, Caz now cooks up cranberry relish for their family every Thanksgiving as a way to honor their grandma.

From these CSG students’ traditions, it can definitely be said that cooking and baking perfectly embody the holiday spirit. Not only do they end with tasty snacks to munch on, they also carry positive feelings and create fun memories for everyone. Therefore, this holiday season, do a test run and make something! Whether it be with friends or family, trust these CSG students' words: It’s going to turn out fun and meaningful.

Alysa Li, XI

Cozy chocolate cookies are perfect for the holidays! Photo courtesy of Unsplash.