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Traditions Tested by Task Force Ruthie Saar, XII This academic year, a DEI committee was formed to reevaluate CSG’s traditions to make them more inclusive. Since the committee is rather new, I decided to ask students taking the DEI course about what traditions they think should be modified. Dr. Nelson, Upper School science teacher and member of the DEI committee, explains that every year, faculty members are asked to choose a “working group” to improve school life. At the end of last year, Dr. Nelson and twenty-five other staff members chose to work on this committee with the goal of “looking at traditions through a DEI lens but also with an eye for anti-racism.” Maya Gonela, XII, suggests, “I think that there should be a land acknowledgement at the beginning of Thanksgiving Program because a lot of our programs at CSG are Euro-centric. Although the program is lighthearted with [PYC] singing, we should incorporate more about indigenous people.” Another addition Maya wants to make is related to her role as the president of the Indian Culture Club: “Faculty members [have] come up to me [and] said there are Indian students that feel underrepre-
sented, and that broke my heart. As the leader of [the] Indian Culture Club, it’s my job to make people feel less alone.” In an effort to make students feel more welcome, Maya pitches the idea that an Asian appreciation assembly should be held. “The main idea would be to make people feel [...] represented in their community.” Kayden Edwards, XII, president of the Beauty of African American Culture Club (BAACC), spoke about the Martin Luther King Jr. Program: “In the past, me and others have felt that [the] MLK Program doesn’t really embody a rich representation of the Black church [...] At a Black church, it’s very lively: there’s dancing, [...] singing, clapping--they’re very interactive. At [the] MLK Program, it’s not very interactive. We’re hoping that this year, BAACC will make it [...] represent MLK and the Black church well.” Kayden encourages people to get up out of their seats rather than sit and listen “because the MLK program this year will have more interactive pieces.” Furthermore, Kayden adds, “People aren’t learning after the program that there are still things that need to be done for the Black community and minorities in general [...] It needs to represent how Black culture has grown.” Inaya Hussain, XII, explains
the problems with “Meditations of the Heart,” CSG’s book of services. She confesses, “I know we’ve used [‘Meditations of the Heart’] for a lot of assemblies. It contains references to multiple religions, but some people are still weirded out that we’re using samples of religious texts.” She suggests that rather than using it to pray, CSG should instead look at the book from a philosophical standpoint, arguing that “looking at different perspectives on life is really interesting.” Finally, Saba Rehan, XII, discusses her opinions on the newlyformed committee. While she likes the idea, she “would like to see more students involved,” and is “concerned about where to draw the line between keeping tradition and changing it completely because [she] thinks some traditions are important but [she doesn’t] want them to be hurtful.” Regarding her own experiences, Saba reminds us about the importance of being an ally: “I think a lot of [advocating for myself] has to do with being an ally [...] Just because you’re an ally, it doesn’t mean you can speak on someone’s behalf. You have to speak from the ‘I’ perspective, and I think that’s something we all have to learn.” While CSG has its work cut out for it, progress seems to be taking place.
ISSUE 2
December 2021
Featured in This Issue: - Mock Trial - The Life of a Foreign Exchange Student - The Scoop on Sage Dining - In the Works: Winter Formal - Insider's Look at Teachers' Wish Lists - VERBATIM
Pride in Personal Pronouns Kiera Rennick, XII In the fall, Silhouette received a question in our Ask-It submission form asking why someone would change their pronouns to they/ them. The editors thought that the best way to approach answering this question was not in an advice column response, but rather with a look into the use of gendered pronouns in the English Language, as well as how they relate to our CSG community. On a very basic level, someone might go by they/them pronouns because they experience gender outside of the binary that is commonly stated and expected within our society. Because we live in a society where the binary of being only male or female and respectively using she/her or he/him pronouns is seen
as the “norm,” some people never question their experience of gender. However, there are some people who do. The biological sex you are born with and the gender you identify with can be very different because gender is generally understood as socially constructed characteristics, norms, and interactions. Some people feel like the binary idea of male or female doesn’t suit them; the experience is something else, and it can be hard to put into words. For some people, this other experience may fall within that binary but on a spectrum, and they may be comfortable using she/ her or he/him pronouns as well, but for others, they may feel like they exist outside that binary, or they don’t have a gender at all. In that case, they also might use they/them pronouns. They also might use what
are known as neopronouns, which are essentially more variations of pronouns that are non-gendered, like ze/zem/zeir, xe/xem/xyr, and others. Having an experience outside of the gender binary is something that has been around throughout history and cultures. In South Asia, for example, there has historically been a presence of a third gender outside of male or female. In 2014, The Supreme Court of India recognized the presence of a third gender in law (See: HERE), and in Iceland, since 2019, a person can legally change their last name to one of non-gendered connotations (See: HERE). There is also strong evidence that the gender binary we now know today in the Americas was something enforced by European colonizers (See: HERE and HERE). In the end, though, pro-
nouns are just words, and they don’t necessarily have to reflect a person’s experience with gender. Cisgender people have also been known to use non-gendered pronouns. If a person who uses they/them pronouns (or any pronouns outside of she/her or he/him, for that matter) seems open to talking about their experience and why they use them, then go ahead and ask (in my experience, I actually enjoy talking to people about my gender!). If they don’t seem open to talking about it, though, then it’s not one’s place to make assumptions. In the end, it’s all about respecting people. At CSG, you may notice more and more people using nongendered pronouns, and this is not some sort of trend that is going to come and go. Because of the active hard work of PRIDE Club and Rain-
bow Alliance and the advocacy and representation they bring to the table, more people now know that nongendered pronouns are an option that is equally valid and fine for all people. More people are using non-gendered pronouns because more people are coming into their own experiences with gender and realizing that how they experience it is not necessarily within that binary. It can be scary, but thinking about how you interact with other people and how you experience your own gender can also be a very powerful personal experience. It is also always fine if what you find is that you are perfectly comfortable with your gender identity as it is. If anyone has more questions, or wants to learn more about the queer experience, PRIDE Club is a wonderful place to do so!
2 School Advisors Dr. Hattaway Ms. Davis Editor In-Chief Ruthie Saar, XII Senior Editor Kiera Rennick, XII Junior Editor Gabrielle Yuan, XI Club Coordinators Isabella Luckage, XI
Everything Mock Trial Della Jones, X Order in the court! As the cold months of winter roll around, the Mock Trial season does too. Every year, team members eagerly await what the year’s court case will entail. The case usually relates to a constitutional issue, and each member on the team is assigned to play an attorney role, a witness role, or, if they are feeling particularly ambitious, both. Peyton Readler, XI, joined the team her freshman year, and she is now one of the team captains. “I want to be a lawyer, and I thought Mock Trial would be a good way to get experience doing law-related
things,” she explained. Currently, Peyton plays the role of an attorney for the prosecution. “This year’s case is about a restaurant that closed during the pandemic, which they are saying is because the public health orders were too harsh.” She admits that she doesn’t fully agree with her side, but that is something an attorney has to deal with, even in the real world of law. Someone has to play devil’s advocate. The other captain of the team, Angelina Kofman, XII, explains that while they may be a bit nerve-wracking, most of her favorite Mock Trial moments happened at the competitions the team prepares for all season. She is an opening
attorney, which means her statement is one of the first things the judges hear during the trial. One of Angelina’s favorite memories was at the Granville Courthouse during her sophomore year. She was so excited to talk about this moment that she stood up from her seat to reenact it: “There was this guy, probably about 6’4, who delivered his opening statement, looked at me, and then winked because he thought he had crushed me.” Angelina did not seem to find him threatening since she ended up being the one to crush him, 5’1 and all. One of the biggest things that surprises people about Mock Trial is that Dr. D isn’t actually the coach. Instead, a
lawyer named Coach Tuttle comes to lead practices twice a week. “I started at CSG in 2014,” she began. “I love watching students try new things and develop more confidence.” Coach Tuttle encourages any Upper School student to join the team because it helps with skills outside the realm of law, such as critical thinking, and they get to form relationships with people across grade levels. Her biggest tip is to just show up ready to be actively engaged. She also stresses constructive criticism and honesty: “I am all about that brave space!” The Mock Trial team is looking forward to a spectacular season. Get excited to watch where this year takes them!
Gabrielle Yuan, XI Staff Angelina Kofman, XII Ciara Latham, XI Anna Carey, X Della Jones, X Ava Kessler, X Madisyn Kim, X Alysa Li, X Allison Salamon, X Muriel Wallace, X Milania Babamovski, IX
Mock Trial's first invitational of the 2021-2022 season! The invitational took place in the Franklin County Courthouse, and it was against Upper Arlington High School and West Jefferson High School. Photo courtesy of the CSG Mock Trial Team.
Lauren LaRochelle, IX Rose McLarty, IX Ellie Neitzel, IX Katie Ann Timcho, IX Club Lizzy Bruening, XI Lucie Giang, XI Mary McDavid, XI Ella Peddicord, XI Sadie Mapes, X
CSG Homework Load Ellie Neitzel, IX
Homework has always been a heavily discussed topic at CSG. It’s no secret that students would prefer to have no homework no matter the class, but the real question is what the teachers think. Is the CSG faculty trying their best to limit the amount of time students spend on schoolwork, or do they secretly thrive on students' stress levels increasing as their days get busier? Ms. Wu, the Middle and Upper School Mandarin teacher, Mrs. Gullet, an Upper School science teacher, and Ms. Chaudry, an Upper School history teacher, have all taken
the time to do an interview to answer these questions. Every class's homework load is different depending on both the subject and the teacher. Ms. Wu says, “If I assign homework that takes more than 30 minutes, they can stop.” She also tries to make sure that the homework is necessary, interesting, and meaningful to avoid busy work. Diving into History, Ms. Chaudry, has a heavier workload compared to other teachers. Ms. Chaudry's homework is to gather background information on the topics students will learn about in class as an efficient time saver. Ideally, the time it takes for students to complete their homework is 45 minutes, but
it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on each student's skill set. While Ms. Chaudry's homework might be more difficult compared to other classes, it focuses on fundamental skills that students will need both in and outside of class. Mrs. Gullet has been teaching Biology and Chemistry at CSG for eight years and has a very unique homework style. While her chemistry class is assigned several questions for homework after every lesson, her biology classes practice Evidence of Study or, EOS. EOS consists of a variety of learning games, worksheets, and questions students can complete for “points.” Every student has to
earn a certain amount of points by the end of each unit and should take 90-120 minutes. For Mrs. Gullet, the fair amount of homework varies for each of her classes because she focuses on whether or not the students understand the material learned in class through homework. Despite students' speculation, through these interviews, it is unjust to say that teachers enjoy assigning heavy amounts of homework. As we get more into the school year and time management becomes more and more difficult, it is important to remember that our teachers are working hard as well and have their students' best interests at heart.
School
Our Queen Ms. King Angelina Kofman, XII Have you ever wondered how CSG stays organized? How Dr. Graham stays on top of his meetings? Or who keeps track of your coming and going? The one and only Ms. King! But the real question isn’t what Ms. King, US Administrative Assistant, does at CSG-- we all know she’s the glue-but what does she do outside of it? Are you obsessed with the Great British Bake Off? Well, guess what, so is Ms. King. A seasoned baker herself, she not only bakes regularly at home-- pies are her jam because “cake is way too fussy” -- but she was even a professional baker before she started working at CSG. She worked at Blystone Farm in Canal Winchester where she “got to do all the fun stuff” and “bake all day.” One time, a pig invaded her bakery: “I’m just getting the sinks ready and I see [the pig] peek
around the corner.” She informed the manager that they “have someone wandering through [...] that probably shouldn’t be wandering through.” Other than the occasional odd experience, it was “the greatest job ever.” Not one to limit herself to just delicious goodies, she’s also a talented artist. Seriously, ask to see some of her works; she has pictures of them “in case [her] house ever burns down.” She draws and paints large scale super realistic animals; one of her “babies” is an elephant that took several weeks to complete. Petition to make Ms. King our second art teacher-- yes, she’s that good. Keeping on trend with a British theme, Ms. King self-describes as an Anglophile. She visited England during her honeymoon and “it felt like home.” One day, she’d love to live there and possibly open a little shop with the tagline, “Get your scones, your scarves, and your paintings” here. It would basically a
Madi Kim, X
Trees blanketed with snow on a cold winter day. Photo courtesy of Isabella Luckage, XI.
P E T
Ms. Tremper's cat Tucker tucked in for a nice nap. He looks cozy! Photo courtesy of Ms. Tremper.
A delicious-looking lemon pie. Photo courtesy of Ms. King.
A turtle brought to life by artistic talent and pastels. Photo courtesy of Ms. King.
An extremely realistic tiger drawing! Photo courtesy of Ms. King.
Ms. King happily posing at her desk. Phtoto courtesy of Della Jones, X.
Forming Winter Formal
BREAKING NEWS On November 17th, 2021, the CSG community received an email from Ms. Ciccarelli, CSG’s Head of School. Effective June 30th, 2022, Dr. Graham will be resigning from his position as our Director of Upper School in pursuit of a new and unique opportunity in Arkansas. Dr. Graham was not shy in revealing his dedication to CSG. In an email he sent to the Upper School students and faculty, he explains: “I am committed to supporting you, our faculty and staff, and our program for the rest of this school year. When the time comes, I look forward to helping the next US Director successfully transition into the role.” He admits that the decision was hard for him and his wife, but they’re excited for what lies ahead. While this news was abrupt, we wish Dr. Graham the best of luck!
shop fully stocked from all her hobbies. She’s got basically all the boxes ticked to be a contestant on the next series for the Great British Bake Off. If you thought you couldn’t like Ms. King more, she’s also a “big Marvel fan.” So much so that she named her “14 lb terror” -- also known as her dog -- after Black Widow -- Natasha, despite them not sharing much of a resemblance. She’s seen each Marvel movie “at least five times,” and her favorite Avenger is, you guessed it, Captain America. But really, who doesn’t love Chris Evans? Next time you head to the office to sign in or out, cry to the college counselors, or bother Dr. Graham, ask Ms. King about her Funko Pop collection. Get her opinion on Dr. Who or which The Office version is better (Brit or American-- you have one guess what her answer is). But whatever you do, do not ask her to make you a raisin pie. Ask about the story at your own risk.
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The Spangler's dog Kami hanging with her new best friend: our very own Profe! Photo courtesy of Emma Spangler, XII.
Whether you’re a senior who went to a half-empty prom in 2020 or a sophomore whose last formal dance was Friday Night Association in sixth grade, I think we’re all due for a night where we can get dressed up and have fun. The Winter Formal, CSG’s annual winter dance, is back this year, and it’s an event you definitely won’t want to miss. From the snowy weather and twinkling lights to the opportunity to take that perfect Instagram picture you’ve always wanted, school dances provide memories like no other. But who is the mastermind behind it all? The planning for a dance, especially one so momentous to CSG students, is anything but quick and easy. Ms. Forest, co-head of the Parents’ Association, stated that
“[they] have been together planning for about eight weeks--and working through the past chairs’ notes all summer.” Considering the dance isn’t until early February, you can assume just how much work really goes into the planning process. In terms of the venue, it still remains a mystery. But, Ms. Forest shared with us that they “visited different venues and [were] looking for something new,” and that the venue that was chosen is “a very large space and [they] decided on it due to Covid.” Another highly anticipated mystery that attendees look forward to is the theme. Though this too is kept under wraps, students can think along the lines of energetic music and lots of dancing. But before they can even think about decorating the venue, the Parents’ Association members
must create a budget that will cover the rental and the safety needs in the space, as well as the parking, with special considerations due to Covid. In addition to this, they must manage the money wisely to cover the decorations and furniture, such as chairs and tables, snacks and beverages, and a DJ. Ms. Forest hinted that “[they] have a couple of surprises” that students will be sure to look forward to! There is much excitement for this dance, not only because it's one step closer to normal, but also because it is an opportunity to create long lasting memories. Through extensive planning, the Parents’ Association has created a wonderful night for all students to enjoy. With the hope of many attendees, gorgeous outfits, and perhaps a bit of snow, this Winter Formal will be one for the books.
C O R N E R
A stray cat the soccer team found at Kirk Campus. She's offically a unicorn! Photo courtesy of Bethany Spangler, X.
Madeline Hansen's, X, horse Daybue making his debut in Silhouette. Photo courtesy of Madeline Hansen, X.
Dr. Miklos's cats Tiny and Herbert taking a bath with... no water? Photo courtesy of Dr. Miklos.
4 CSG Voices Zodiacs: Nonsense or Fate? Lizzy Bruening, XI Do you ever wonder if your horoscope is actually going to come true? Or maybe you don’t believe in all this astrology nonsense. Well, let me tell you a little story of myself and some friends of mine whose horoscopes definitely did come true. We begin with Aries. The Aries horoscope predicts that your year is going to start out in a positive tone, with little stress or upset. You may face some challenges with your work or school. Be mindful to keep your friends and loved ones close, for they are more important than anything. Let's see if Gabi Yuan's year has lined up with her horoscope. In an exclusive interview, I asked
Gabi some very essential questions. “Yes, I have had struggles this year with school,” Gabi exclaimed after I read her the blurb. We later discussed the fact that through her challenges, she became a stronger person and learned a lot of lessons. Gabi also thinks that she has had a positive year so far, from crushing her swimming meets, seeing her brother at college, and hanging out with family and friends. Next I asked a fellow Virgo whether her year had matched just as well as Gabi’s. This year, the Virgo horoscope outlined creative developments, changes, and taking advantage of opportunities. Isabella Luckage, XI, has had some creative developments in her life, such
as starting the Spanish newspaper. She has taken advantage of new opportunities by trying her best and always being willing to ask questions (students in Dr. Sweeney’s class will know what I mean). Lastly, Bella has started to read more for fun; for example; she read The Fairy Tale Detectives and Infinite Country. She also started teaching sailing this summer at Hoover Sailing Club. So are you convinced yet? Horoscopes are totally real, totally cool, and totally not predictable! If you want to have a sneak peak into what your 2022 might entail, look no further than your astrological sign horoscope!
Ask-It Dear Ask-It, "How should I get better about not procrastinating?" Procrastination is something that many kids and even adults struggle with. The familiar experience of leaving assignments unfinished until the last minute is stressful, but not uncommon. Nor is the agony of realizing you have a test the next period that you haven't studied for. Lucky for you, we have some tips to help you get out of the habit of procrastination. As someone who has struggled with procrastination in the past, I have three tips for those who want to minimize procrastination. The first tip is to set timers for yourself. Setting timers can be a great way to keep yourself on schedule. For example, if you need to get a math assignment finished before Friday, set yourself a timer so that each day you remember to do a little bit of math until the day it is due. Timers can also be helpful for taking breaks
because, trust me, no one can do math for two hours straight. Set yourself a timer for a five to ten minute break to reset your mind and body, then get back to work! My second tip is to hold yourself accountable. Most people procrastinate simply because they do not want to do the assignment or task. If this is the case, make sure that when you find yourself drifting into the zone of not wanting to do work, remind yourself that the faster you get it done correctly, the more time you will have for your interests, hobbies, and extra curriculars. My final tip on how to get better at procrastination is to push yourself and make tangible goals. If you find that you are beginning to procrastinate, make it a challenge for yourself to achieve certain tasks that you would normally procrastinate on. Since it takes about two weeks for a habit to form and to go away, staying away from procrastination for two weeks will do you wonders.
What is Ask-It?
New School, New Country, New Memories Gabrielle Yuan, XI Moving 7,143 miles from home can be a difficult goodbye to stomach. The thought of leaving behind 6:00 AM morning markets, bustling city nightlife, and lifelong friendships was daunting to Sheryl Sui, IX. But, the prospect of something fresh and unfamiliar made the journey much more worthwhile when she arrived to peaceful Ohio.
Sheryl moved from Xi’an, China two years ago for what she sees as a more suitable US education. “Even from China, everyone had heard of the different educational opportunities than we had over there,” Sheryl begins. “Everyone knows that the schooling is much more relaxed in the US and allows the students to have more personality and individual growth.” Compared to her old schedule
Sheryl performing with her class. Photo courtesy of Sheryl Sui, IX.
of rising to go to school at 6:30 AM to getting let out at 7:30 in the evening, Sheryl has more free time to spend on activities that she enjoys, such as drawing. Along with the shorter school days, the class size is much smaller than before. Before, Sheryl was part of a class of 60 students, and this group of classmates would stick together until the end of high school, going through both the highs and lows of the next three years. However, Sheryl’s class in China was one of 20 others, adding up to a total of 1,200 students per grade. CSG’s population amounts to less than Sheryl’s single grade in China. “I enjoy this more oneon-one type of attention” Sheryl says, “In art class, I’m able to focus really well and form personal relationships with teachers like Ms. O’Connor while getting to know students in other grades as well.” Here, Sheryl is able to nurture the hobbies and interests she’s passionate about, such as
Ask-It is Silhouette's anonymous advice column. If you would like to submit a question to Ask It, please feel free to email us at silhouette@columbusschoolforgirls.org
Sheryl's class photo. Photo courtesy of Sheryl Sui, IX.
joining the golf team and attending various clubs that weren’t available at her old school. Yet, Sheryl misses the parts of China nightlife that can only belong to living in the heart of the city. She reminisces over the melodic square-dances that take place in the center of the marketplace, where music could be heard drifting well into midnight. She misses the res-
taurants and boutiques that open after the sun has set, where the only source of light is the flashing neon signs of the store front. Though Sheryl is homesick from time to time, hoping for one more bite of , Chinese fried doughnuts, she keeps these memories tucked in close to her, ready to create new moments to share with those back home.
Life & Arts
5
Holiday Dinner Fashion Throughout the Years Mila Babamovski, IX
A tradition in the CSG community that has been ongoing for decades consists of stunning dresses and immaculate food during a night full of excitement. At the end of first semester and the start of winter break, Holiday Dinner is a night that many CSG students look forward to. This event involves seniors dressing extravagantly, and the lower forms dress less formally. The fashion, with each person flaunting their personalities, causes the dinner to be exhilarating to attend. As the dinner has been ongoing since 1902, it is fascinating to observe the changes in style over the years. In general, fashion is constantly evolving. Something that is in trend at one point in time may be considered a fad a few years later. Similarities and differences can be seen in old outfits worn at the holiday dinners. From as early as 1950, people were still wearing satin and lace, as they were very popular in elegant dressing. In the pictures, there are intricate patterns of lace woven onto high fashion pieces, lace sewn onto the chests of dresses, and fully satin dresses. Although lace and satin are still seen in today’s fashion, there is a much wider range of things in style right now. There are also mesh sleeves in the photo, which were also in style. Today,
mesh fabrics are seen in overshirts with smaller tops worn underneath. The 1980s were an era of fun and bold articles of clothing. As they were very different from the 50s--being much less conservative-there were more patterns seen in clothing. In the photo from Holiday Dinner, 1986, there are many blacks and reds. As there were some plain colors, the style of clothing made up for the blandness. One dress in the photo is simply a black dress; however, the brightly colored sparkles on the chest make it more exciting (bottom left). Another dress that embodied the eighties is the lightly colored pink dress with a striking figure. This dress has poofy sleeves and scrunches at the torso, causing it to be very eye-catching (center). More recently, the pictures from the 2010s are on the more casual side. Although they are still very formal, they do not match up to the ones in the 50s or the 80s. Current day fashion is very basic as many of the dresses consist simply of solid color fabrics. In the photo from 2017, there are very minimal looks that contain patterns of any sort. Each dress has an uncomplex outline and is not very bold. Looking at the pictures, the dresses’ styles have changed drastically since the 50s. The transition from extreme elegance to pretty, casual dresses shows. It is so interesting to analyze
these changes to see what ways we have changed as a society. Fashion is changing constantly, and just by looking at pictures like these you can physically see large differences.
Guests enjoying Holiday Dinner in 1950. Photo courtesy of Topknot.. 1950 Holiday Dinner. Photo courtsey of Topknot.
2017 Holiday Dinner. Photo courtsey of
Students enjoying Holiday Dinner in the 1980's. Photo courtesy of
Topknot..
Topknot..
What Are Students Listening To? 11/18/21, 8:57 AM
Allie Salamon, X “ I, I, I, shake it off, I shake it off” was playing as I was leaving my car this morning, and while I walked into school, I was wondering what I should listen to next. I decided to ask my peers for their opinion. What genres, songs, and artists I should be listening to? Sammy Morris, IX, described her music taste as “basic” and what you hear on the radio in the car. “I listen to Taylor Swift, Glass Animals, and Lizzo. They are my favorite artists as of now,” Sammy explained. She loves Taylor Swift, specifically the song “Love Story, Taylor’s Version.” From Glass Animals, she likes the song “Heat Waves” and from Lizzo, she enjoys the song “Rumor.” Sophia Uselman, X, also happens to be a Taylor Swift fan. “I like her songs because of the lyrics [...] and how her music progresses,” Sophia mentioned. She also likes how Taylor Swift
has multiple albums that can fit your different moods. Sophia recommends “Right Where You Left Me,” “Ivy,” and “Sparks Fly.” Gabby Clarke, IX, listens to many genres, but enjoys K-pop the most. She likes the song “Q and A” by Seventeen and Ailee. Gabby noted, “This song is upbeat and fun to listen to.” She also enjoys the song “Salty” by The Boyz. She mentioned how the song was unique with cool patterns and “ an interesting sound that I haven't heard in a song before.” Gabby states that she also likes the song “Then, Now, and Forever” by CNBLUE. She mentions how this song is “pretty sad” but soothing to listen to. Finally, Eva Merkoziaj, XI, typically listens to the art-pop genre. She mentions this includes “70s-90s.” Eva says her favorite songs are “Hello Earth” by Kate Bush, “Joga” by Björk, and “Sleep to Dream” by Fiona Apple. Eva states “I love the lyrical and sonic beauty of the first two songs.” Her favorite band is the Cocteau Twins. Eva en-
Student listening to music
joys their tender, intense, and angsty songs. “Frankly I will never get sick of hearing their discography,” Eva stated. If you are looking for a podcast about music, Eva recommends “Switched on Pop.” Overall, CSG students enjoy a variety of music genres, artists, and podcasts. The songs and artists above are a great start to branching out of your favorite music genre. If you are interested in listening to a new music genre, just ask your peers for some suggestions; you’ll never know what you find.
Sophia Uselman shows off her Taylor Swift album, evermore. Photo courtesy of Sophia Uselman, X.
Juno jams out to their playlist! Photo courtesy of Jayden Clarett, XII.
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6 Life & Arts The Powers of After Hours Ruthie Saar, XII When I was in Lower School, I begged my parents to pick me up late from school so that I could go to After Hours. I’d see my friends having a blast while I waited in the carline. When my parents were late, I would be gleeful. I haven’t returned to After Hours since my Lower School days, but this year, I’ve come back to work as an Upper School assistant. I was interested in the changes in the program, and needed to know: what actually happens after hours, in After Hours? At 3:35 p.m., the high schoolers hurry from class to the Innovation Lab in the Lower School to greet and play with the students. Before going outside to the playground, the kids can make crafts, play board games, color, and eat a snack while waiting for any stragglers from carline to join. After cleaning up their materials, the girls begin to line up by the door to the playground. Many of them bounce up and down, ready to go outside to play freeze tag, hide and seek, or
another fan favorite, night at the museum. As soon as the doors open, they rush out, bombarding the upper schoolers with requests. “Can you watch us do the monkey bars?” and “Can you play with us?” are popular demands. Before leaving, we bring them inside to pack their belongings and offer them a “crunchy” snack for the ride home. Mrs. Resch, the Director of the After Hours Program, has been working at CSG for twenty-seven years. Originally, Mrs. Resch was unsure about the job because she was afraid her daughter Sarah, ’00, a middle schooler at the time, would be embarrassed by her. “The next day, I picked Sarah up from lacrosse practice and she [came] running across Kirk Campus field and [said], ‘Mom, I told everyone that you were working at After Hours!’” Mrs.Resch laughed as she recalled that she hadn’t even accepted the job yet, but took the position that day. Even now, Mrs. Resch loves her job: “From the first day I stepped into this position, I loved it [...] I always said I would leave once Sarah
graduated, but [once she did,] I thought, ‘Why would I leave?’” Mrs. Resch’s favorite parts of her job are working with students in differing grades, their parents, and with Upper Schoolers that she had years ago in After Hours. Mrs. Resch has also initiated change within the After Hours program, including adding Middle and Upper School options. Even Lower School After Hours has changed dramatically. Years ago, there were activities that the kids could sign up for, but after Unicorn Sports were established, fewer kids would come to After Hours. Mrs. Resch states, “It’s interesting how the students’ interests have changed. Now they come to socialize with friends and [...] have an informal time where they decide what they want to do.” Mrs. Resch believes it’s better this way because it gives the children more freedom. Although After Hours may be different from what I remember, it’s still familiar and nostalgic. The program is continually evolving and adapting to CSG’s needs.
A wild game of GaGa! Photo courtesy of Casey Sussman, XII.
Girls gliding down monkey bars Photo courtesy of Casey Sussman, XII
Emergency! Emergency! Juniors let loose in Cleveland! Gabrielle Yuan XI Although this year’s juniors weren’t able to travel to Stratford, Ontario, they visited the next best destination: Cleveland, Ohio. However, it wasn’t just any trip to Northeast Ohio. The two days were packed with activities from shopping through the West Side Market to admiring the Renaissance portraits in the Cleveland Museum of Art. Although the
pretzels and pierogies served at Hofbrauhaus Restaurant were delicious and fulfilling, the showing of The Tempest was the highlight of the evening. With the creative costumes and stellar acting of each character, every junior had their eyes glued to the stage. After seeing Cleveland’s highlights, it was time to head back. The only sound on the bus ride home was the soft snoring of some tired juniors.
This Winter's Fireside Reads Ciara Latham, XI
Winter break is the perfect time to snuggle up with some blankets and a good book. With all that’s going on this time of year, it’s hard to find time to browse shelves at bookstores. Light the yule logs and choose one of these winter reads to fall in love with.
The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer
Photos snapped of the wild Juniors courtesy of Dr. Hattaway
Hallmark-style holiday stories are a guilty pleasure. But the romantic comedy novels we’ve learned to love can seem to follow the same tropes. Well, your sweet release from this cyclic genre has arrived all thanks to Jean Meltzer’s The Matzah Ball: A Novel. This cozy read is a burning enemies-to-lovers story with a unique perspective. Main character, Rachel, finds herself revisiting childhood fears and foes in the midst of Hanukkah.
L i t t l e Wo m e n b y Louisa May Alcott
Whil e n o t wi n t e rthemed, this book’s famous Christmas scene brings a familiar comfort that makes it per-
fect for this time of year. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a story of the bonds that cannot be broken and the driving forces in life. With the perfect amount of heartbreak, hope, and romance this book will run you through the motions. This classic calls for hot cocoa and tears.
The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah
If you're looking for a heart-warming story, this is not the book for you. Sista Souljah’s The Coldest Winter Ever is a riveting tale of self-destruction as cold and harsh as the winter. Set in the streets of New York City, this novel follows a fierce young woman named Winter Santiaga. It’s a tumultuous snowstorm featuring all the gritty details of the big city unfiltered. Souljah’s writing is not family-friendly and inherently unapologetic, like Winter. What better way to spend your winter than to escape into a wonderland of literature? Save the browsing and pick up one of these books while the snow’s still falling!
Seasonal
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CSG's Holiday Traditions Anna Carey, X As the weather gets colder and the smell of peppermint fills the air, students and teachers alike look forward to Winter Break and all the festivities it holds. With holidays such as Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa approaching, we are faced with the age old question: what really makes this time of year so special? The unique traditions students have across the community are what really make the season. Sophia Uselman, X, shares one of her many Christmas traditions. She explains how each member of her family secretly buys an ornament, hangs it on their tree, and when Christmas morning arrives,
everyone guesses whose ornament is whose. “There is something special in having that sense of every Christmas being a little bit similar,” Sophia explains. She also highlights how the nostalgia that comes with this tradition is an irreplaceable part of her holiday experience. Another student who values making traditions with family is Claire Lewis, X, who loves praying with her family as they light their own candles on the menorah each night of Hanukkah. She shares that when small gifts are given out each night, she makes sure her two dogs get their own. After all, your pets are just as much a part of the family as your siblings! For Evelyn McCarthy, XII,
whose birthday is on Christmas Eve, the holidays are a hectic time filled with unmatched fun, lots of presents, and just a touch of chaos. She celebrates her birthday and goes to Christmas Eve Mass all on the same day before hurrying off to Cleveland for Christmas day. This season might be busy for Evelyn, but it sure is filled with fun festivities! As Hanukkah approaches, excitement builds for Della Jones, X, as she anticipates gathering with her family around the menorah passed down from her great aunt. Although she clarifies that she anticipates Hanukkah for more than the presents, Della recognizes that one of her favorite traditions is eating sufganiyot, a type of jelly-filled doughnut, on the
first night of Hanukkah each year. She explained that oil-fried foods are a wonderful way to celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah, in which one cruse of oil kept the menorah lit for eight days. Della’s tradition of eating these scrumptious, sweet doughnuts is the perfect combination of meanPrintout ingful and incredibly delicious! Finally, Mira Martin, X, shares how her family’s traditions for Christmas and Kwanzaa bring a sense of comfort and joy to her year after year without fail. Starting on November 1st, her family blasts “All I Want For Christmas Is You'' on the speakers and decorates the entire house, inside and out, finished with an 80s-themed tree with colorful lights, uncoordi-
Thursday, November 18, 2021
nated ornaments, and a disco star. Simultaneously, she celebrates Kwanzaa, cherishing the moments spent with family as her grandma leads the observance each night. The holidays are an opportunity to spend time with loved ones, find joy in small moments, and soak up the holiday spirit. As Mira says, “[...] Anyone celebrating any holiday should just make it as fun, unique, and wacky as it can be.” So, this holiday season, go crazy! Make new memories, start a new tradition, and most importantly, have a happy holiday season!
1:57 PM
Snow, Skis, and the Alps, if You Please! Muriel Wallace, X Fall is coming to a close, and as the clouds start closing in, people are getting ready for the winter activities that come with the snow. Whether you’re snowboarding or sledding, the feeling of flying down a slope with the cold wind burning at your cheeks never gets old. Skiing also happens to be one of the popular winter activities among the students at CSG, as there’s even a ski club in the middle school. However, as residents of Ohio, we see more bunny hills than we do mountains. As a result, I interviewed a couple of students in the hopes of gaining insight on the best places to ski. First on the list of interviewees was Cynthia Alexander, XII, Student Council president and a former member of the ski club.
According to her, Snowmass in Aspen, Colorado is one of the best places to hit the slopes. “I really like it because I love how big it is, and I love how long the runs are. You can be skiing for more than half an hour without needing to take another lift,” Alexander said. However, Alta Ski Area in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah is also at the top of her list. “It’s less crowded, and [...] it’s just really
pretty,” she explained thoughtfully. As someone who’s been skiing since she was just a toddler, I think that we can take her word for it. Nevertheless, it’s not just Cynthia who enjoys spending her winters in Utah. Gillian Spangler, IX, also has a penchant for the mountainous state. Although she’s only been skiing for two years, her review of the experience was just as compli-
mentary. “I like how they have really long slopes, since those are the better ones to do,” she commented. But au contraire, Addy Osgood, X, prefers Colorado’s Steamboat Springs Resort. When asked what made it her favorite, she replied, “Because of the variety of trails, beautiful scenes, and the great community.” Now, if that isn’t convincing, I don’t know what is!
However, one thing that all three skiers agreed on was their desire to ski in the French Alps. Addy noted that it’s the largest ski area with the best snow; Gillian became interested when she saw a friend ski there; and Cynthia just thought it would be an awesome experience. But seriously, who could object to any of those reasons? So grab your coat and skis, and let’s hit the slopes!
Snowy Alta in Park City, Utah. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Alexander, XII.
Hitting the slopes! Photo courtesy of Gillian Spangler, IX.
The beautiful rocky ridges of Snowmass in Aspen, Colorado. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Alexander, XII.
Quick Notes Page 1
V e r b at i m Inaya Hussain, XII: “Kermit the Frog will never die.”
Gillian Spangler, IX: “I’m going to Dr. Sweeney’s room. I like his loose-leaf paper--it has a nice touch to it.”
Atticus Basso-Schricker, XII: "Mrs. Becker, I’m literally falling apart." Mrs. Becker: “Let the cello piece you back together.”
Madi Kim, X: “I just counted, and I have 14 colonies.” Sarah Alexander, X: “List them.” Madi Kim, X: “Florida.”
C.C. McLarty, XI: “Are blood types like zodiac signs?”
Grace Wong, XII: "I'm gonna tear up I'm so hungry." Dr. D: "That would be fun to see."
8 Seasonal Beyond the Lunch Line With the Sage Kitchen Staff Rose McLarty, IX From 11 am to 12 pm the buzz in the hallway gets a little louder as students rush out of class to flood the lunch line. For many in the CSG community, lunch is the highlight of the day. The team responsible for this joy is Vanessa Landrum (Director of Food Service), Patrick Ramsden (Executive Chef), Sandy Eaton, Candie Bowers, Patrice Osendott, Debbie Wildermuth (on-call team member), and Levi Hein. From talking to them, I got a 360 view of all that they do for the CSG community. When the sun is still sleeping, the SAGE team is wide awake. Patrick gets to work first at 5 am to meet the delivery trucks. By 6 am, the
entire team is here, ready to go. From chopping fruits to unpacking boxes, the mornings get pretty hectic. The SAGE team makes everything they can from scratch, which requires lots of hard work. The team agreed the chicken enchiladas were by far the hardest to make and were so time-consuming they had to get rid of them. Avocado tacos and strawberry shortcakes take the second place medal for the hardest dishes to make. When I asked what the easiest thing to make was, Patrick comedically responded: “String cheese.” Has anyone else been wondering where the hummus is? When will we have Goldfish for snack again? Or why is there never alfredo sauce? The SAGE team explained their frustration
with the food delivery. Covid really hampered their ability to make some fan-favorite lunches and snacks. The hardest part about their job has definitely been working during the pandemic. The team is longing for a day where they can stop pre-packaging the food and go back to self-service salad and soup bars. I couldn’t leave this interview without asking about the iconic Thanksgiving lunch. This meal is a whole different story than a normal lunch: prep starts the day before and all the tasks seem to double. They make the stuffing from scratch and have to make sure the onions and celery are all cut up and that the bread is ordered in advance. Patrice says, “It’s a lot of having to think ahead.” Because of
the turkey shortage, the SAGE team ordered the Thanksgiving turkey in late September. “Even the vegetarians eat the [Thanksgiving] turkey,” Ms. Landrum jokes about the high demand. All I could feel when talking with the CSG SAGE team was how much of a family they really are. They are all truly passionate and care so much about the students of CSG and each other. “We’re happy when [the students] are happy,” Sandy shares. Ms. Landrum says, “We’re like a dysfunctional family,” when speaking about the team. Despite their hectic schedules and jam-packed days, the team manages to find pockets of peace and happiness. Sometimes on Fridays, the team has a “Coffee Talk” where they all catch up
with each other and drink coffee while Ms. Landrum’s girls, Lauren ’29 and Harper ’33, entertain them. Ms. Landrum brings donuts, and they all agree this is one of their favorite ways to start the day. They also used to color mandalas in the morning and call it their “morning meditation.” Thanksgiving and the end of the year is traditionally the time to give extra thanks to those who you are grateful for and to recognize those who do so much for you. Remember to thank the SAGE staff this holiday season and every day for the amount of effort, hard work and dedication they pour into their job daily.
Featured above: Our fantastic kitchen staff, whose eminence is just too great to put into words! Photo courtesy of Muriel Wallace, X.
C S G ' s Te a c h e r W i s h L i s t Lauren LaRochelle, IX It was Christmas morning. I ran downstairs to see our big green tree, covering tons of presents! I woke my siblings and parents, and we sat on the couches. We started to hand each other presents. I tore mine right open and saw a new LEGO® car set— I was so happy I almost screamed. I had gotten the present I wanted most! I have looked forward to this day ever since I can remember. It's strange to imagine our teachers feeling this excitement around the holidays, but it's reality: our teachers have wish lists too. Mrs. Abell says that this year she wants a new pillow, “You know the ones with the cooling gel? I probably sound like a nerd!” When she was younger, she wanted “the hot pink convertible Barbie car that you could sit in and drive.” She was mad
because her brother got a Batman one, but she didn't get hers! Castro says that this year, “[she] really [wants] a new set of pots and pans!” I asked her what other things are on her list: “Probably just like the pans cause there’s eight in the set. You know you're an adult when you're all stoked about pots and pans.” Castro remembers being in elementary school and only wanting “a stereo, not like a boombox, like a stereo with multiple CDs in it.” She must have had pretty good music taste! Ms.Wu doesn't have as much free time to cook or listen to music like Castro because she’s preoccupied with her own plans. Ms.Wu was planning a trip to China two years ago, but it got canceled due to COVID-19, so a trip to China with all of her students would be an amazing present. That was just the first of her three wishes. She said
when she was younger, “[she] always wanted good tasting fruits; [she] was stuck with apples and wanted different fruits.” J u s t l i k e M s . Wu , Mrs.O'Connor wants to get a gift not only for her but for her students as well. Mrs. O'Connor talked to me about how long her wish list is this year: “Oh boy! Art is a very expensive subject, so my wishlist could go on for days…” Her biggest wish is “to constantly be able to inspire [her] students.” This year Mrs. O’Connor is in need of “TIME!” If she had more time she would help inspire students to create even more beautiful masterpieces. From pink Barbie cars to pots and pans, our teachers have come a long way. While some have changed their wishes, others haven't. Did these wishes surprise you as much as they surprised me?
Featured above: Mrs. O'Connor thinking that there are just too many paints to picture! Image courtesy of Ellie Neitzal, IX, and Muriel Wallace, X.
9 Sports & Health
A Day in the Life of Lauren Sloan, XII Alysa Li, X
Above and Below: Candid shots of Lauren Sloan, XII, as she plays basketball. Photos courtesy of Lauren Sloan, XII.
Thuds from a pounding ball and squeaking from swift feet echo throughout the court as everyone holds their breath. Her opponents can only helplessly chase after her as the number 21 glares at them. Suddenly, she halts at the threepoint line, squares her shoulders, and expertly plants her feet apart. Knees slightly bent and back leaning towards the basket, she raises her arms and releases the ball with her fingertips. It soars in the air, catches the rim, and swishes into the net. The crowd roars. Moments such as the one above seem to come normally to basketball player Lauren Sloan, XII. They definitely don’t just appear out of thin air, though. Sloan’s weekends are pretty busy due to having to wake up early for practice or a game every Saturday. Additionally, Sloan belongs to a gym outside of school with a basketball court that she’ll sometimes
use. Practicing her shots in the gym takes up a lot of her time. Having a little amount of freetime doesn’t faze Sloan, though. This is because, in addition to basketball, Sloan also runs cross country in the fall and track and field in the spring, so she’s used to having little amounts of time. You would think that this would get overwhelming, but Sloan actually likes being busy. She says that she feels “more productive when [she has] a routine,” so even though she has less free time, she’s more efficient with the time that she does have. Sloan also changes some behaviors depending on the sports season. She says that she “tries to eat really clean when [she’s] running so that [she] [...] doesn’t cramp up during a race [...], but in basketball, it’s more just like getting as many calories as possible.” Rather than paying attention to what she’s eating, when playing basketball, she’s more focused on how much
she’s eating. Furthermore, Sloan aims “to get at least six [hours of sleep] every night, especially when [she has] a scrimmage or game the next day.” This is because Sloan thinks basketball is really “mental and [...] you always have to be on your guard and ready. If you’re tired, you won’t perform well.” Sloan does a lot of work to get ready for the basketball season. Whether that’s practicing on the court, doing some drills, changing her diet, or making sure to get enough sleep, all of it is for the same reason: to make her season the best it can be. This year, Sloan is in her last high school season of basketball. Because it’s her last, she really wants to make it count and go as far as she can with her team before it ends. She hopes that when the crowd roars, her coach will also jump, and her team’s supporters will storm the court, because it will mean that it was her team who made the winning shot.
Rounding up the Last of Fall Sports Gabrielle Yuan, XI The weather forecast says the temperature outside has reached a new low of 29 degrees, much too frigid for fall sports to continue at Kirk Campus. Before long, snow will be lazily drifting down to the ground, symbolizing the start of winter sports. Before we move on to the next sports season, let’s take one last look back on the many highlights that belong to fall sports. Both soccer and golf had groundbreaking accomplishments that hadn’t been reached in years. For the first time in recent history, the soccer team made it to the tournament district semi-finals, beating both Bishop Ready and Madison Plains. Ending the season with a tough battle in overtime, the soccer team not only had consistent
team effort, but maintained an overall GPA of 3.92. Likewise, the CSG golf team never failed to dominate the course, placing third in Districts, where Kristina Ma, IX, advanced to States individually and placed third. Who knows where the next three years will take her? It’s hard to forget about CSG’s tennis and volleyball team after their exciting wins highlighted at morning announcements. The tennis team had a record of 5-2 in the MSL conference, along with Lanie Klatt, XI, and Elizabeth Burgess, X, named MSL first team all-league. The team was able to end their season with their very own first doubles team, Becca Hoffman, XI, and Burgess advancing to districts and playing doubles against strong competition. Like tennis,
both JV and Varsity volleyball played tough sets, where a memorable moment included JV beating Whitehall Yearling in five consecutive sets, ending with a win in a close game. Finally, we have cross country and field hockey, the sports that always keeps us wanting one more race and game. The cross country team had endless wins, including the races at the Eric Nance Classic and the Farmbanks Panther Invitational, and they scored 4th place in the MSL championships. Cross country’s very own star sophomore Mira Martin ran through districts and regionals, landing a spot at States where she ran a PR. Field Hockey had similar accomplishments as well, winning against competitive teams like Hilliard, as well as close wins
against Columbus Academy and Dublin Jerome. Their Instagram page always has important information about upcoming games, as well as creative posts covering their game-winning scores and senior features. Though the wins of each sport are celebrated with high energy and enthusiasm, the hidden moments in each team’s bonding through team dinners and games will forever be highlighted in the team members’ memories.
Left Below: CSG's Golf Team at Districts. Below: Kristina Ma, IX, and Emma Kim, XI, after Districts, Photos courtesy of Mary McDavid, XI.
10 Sports & Health CSG Soccer: A Story of Success Isabella Luckage, XI
This fall, CSG history was made by the very people you go to school with every day. The Upper School Varsity Soccer team made it to the OHSAA District Semi-Finals for the first time in years. This incredible feat can only be accomplished by a special group of players led by amazing coaches. Fortunately, we have both. In case you weren't able to keep track with all the wins they were earning, the team beat Madison Plains in Sectionals, then beat Bishop Ready 3-0 in the Sectional Finals, and barely fell in a nail-biter against Fairbanks (who was the 2nd seed) in the District Semi-Finals! Team members cite a few traits that made them so successful: unity, hard work, and trust in each other. As stated by Coach Castro, “They genuinely love each other and want to be
at practice [...] It makes such a difference when you actually have that team atmosphere without any toxic drama.” In this same vein, captain Annie Wagenbrenner, XI, described her favorite part of the season as, “getting to spend time with [her] friends [...] [They] have fun together, so [she’s] never like ‘ugh, practice.’” Carly Priest, XII, co-captain, believes that being close “helped on the field, because [she] felt connected with the other people, and [they] were all friends, so you wanted to work hard [for them].” The soccer players played not for themselves, but for each other and their coaches, which is a recipe for success. After a devastating loss to Columbus Academy during the 2020 season, the team’s hard work allowed them to “sink the ship” this year. Although, as Gillain Spangler, IX, puts it, the team is “definitely funny [and]
doesn’t take things too seriously,” they also know how to get the job done, as is evident by their wins in the tournament. Lastly, trust is essential to this team's success. Because many of the players were on the team last year, Wagenbrenner explained they already “knew how [they] play together and how [they] flow,” and by the end of the season, Coach Castro observed that “they put full trust in their teammates to do what they needed to do.” Not only did the players depend on each other, but they were also able to depend on their amazing coaches, who Spangler described as “really supportive [...] and approachable.” Despite the team’s heartbreaking loss to end the season, you can certainly tell that their success was well earned. Be sure to watch out for what is sure to be another amazing season in 2022.
CSG's Upper School Soccer Team. Photo courtesy of Coach Castro.
The soccer team getting ready to play against Fairbanks. Photo courtesy of CSG's soccer team on picture day. Photo courtesy of Allie Salamon, X.
Bethany Spangler, X.
Winter Activities Outside of CSG
Katie Ann Timcho, IX
Silhouette always features CSG’s own activities and sports, but let’s not forget about the students who take part in activities outside of CSG. Thanks to Dr. Graham’s morning meeting announcements, I found and interviewed four different students, including myself, who do an activity outside of school, from competitive cheer and dance to rowing and water polo. From my own experiences, I have found that there are ups and downs when you participate in an activity. My favorite part of playing water polo is the amazing team members who really encourage me to play my best, but my low point is when I don’t get put in to play. For Sarika Soni, X, a dancer since she was three, her “up” is when “they turn on good music because when you dance the music matters.” For Seeley Mazur, IX, who started rowing this spring, seeing her progress over time is the best part. Other rowers include Ella Peddicord, XI, and Maddy Wood, X. Another student, Addie Bell, X, who has been competing in cheer for
six years, thinks the best part is tumbling, “a form of gymnastics in which you flip your body in many ways such as front flips, backflips, etc”. Addie enjoys it because “it is always fun to learn new skills.” Every activity has its downsides though: for Addie, the worst part is “the drama from crazy cheer moms complaining about how their kid does not have a certain spot in a routine.” For Seeley and Sarika, it’s how much time their activity takes and balancing the homework load. I also find balancing academics and sport to be difficult, so I asked all of them how they did it. Seeley and Sarika advised using your study hall and Addie recommends planning ahead. To end on a high note, let’s highlight some of these students’ accomplishments. Just this season Seeley and her team have won two gold medals. Finally, Addie won a national competition in Orlando Florida called "Summit," one of the biggest cheer competitions there is. So let’s give a round of applause to all the students competing and dreaming outside of CSG!
Ella Peddicord, XI, in the water during a race! Photo courtesy of Ella Peddicord.
Maddy Wood, X, rowing with her teammates. Photo courtesy of Maddy Wood.
Back Page 11
Oh No! You've been magically turned into a Turkey! What do you do? Ella Peddicord, XI & Mary McDavid, XI
Have a Safe and Happy Winter Break! -From, The Silhouette Staff