Silhouette Spring 2021

ilhouette S

COLUMBUS SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

VOL. 60

ISSUE 3

March 2021

Meet Ms. Smith: A Deep Dive With CSG's Chief Equity Officer Angelina Kofman, XI Do you think Betty White is better than sliced bread? Is Swiss cheese your favorite because of how it looks? Are you a Gemini? Congrats, you are now besties with our new Chief Equity Officer, Ms. Leisan Smith!

Ms. Smith found out about CSG when she toured it as a possible school option for her five year old daughter. She “really liked it” and “strongly considered sending” her daughter to CSG, but ultimately decided to send her daughter to a different school. However, when she found out about CSG’s call for someone to lead our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work, she said she “wanted to be a part of this community and do this work.” She believes that conversations centered around race and racial justice are a high priority for both our country and our school community. She has already started working with Dr. Graham on issues pertain-

ing to the LGBTQ+ community. They are working on ways to better support students in their “gender, gender identity, [and] expression” as well as supporting “our trans and nonbinary students” through exploring “policy, procedure, [and] training for staff, students, and faculty.” Ms. Smith has also had experience with creating a Trans Policy for Bexley City Schools.

At her previous job, Ms. Smith did a lot of “professional development with staff and faculty [...] around DEI issues,” a topic that she believes is important for everyone to be trained in, especially educators.

Regarding increasing inclusion in our student body, Ms. Smith believes that there “needs to be some level of continued conversation” outside of spaces like affinity groups and clubs.

She said there need to be expectations set in place, which firstly includes making sure students are aware of the expectations, and in the event that the expectations are not upheld, students will be held accountable and will use

Featured In This Issue • Senior Feature: Natalie Tangeman (page 2) • Physics Photos (page 3) and Pet Pics (page 5)

it as a learning opportunity for growth.

Ms. Smith’s office is located on the first floor right before the ramp leading to the mansion. She wants the students to know where she’s located and to “see [her] as a resource, and a person [we] can come to talk, vent, and/or ask questions.”

And now, everyone’s favorite part of interviews: fun facts!

Ms. Smith’s go-to ice cream flavor? Anything with dark chocolate.

Least favorite high school class?

Probably math. Favorite Disney movie? Growing up: Aladdin. Now: Moana and Coco. Choir Section? Soprano.

Now that Ms. Smith has had some time to settle in, make sure you drop in to her office and say hi! And if you too share a deep love for Golden Girls, ask her about her opinions on Betty White and her favorite Golden Girls character. Ms. Smith also loves color so (hint hint), if you wanted to drop off some artwork from class and liven up the office walls, she would not say no. :)

Featured above: Ms. Smith's CSG portrait, photo courtesy of Mr. Simon. "Come to talk, vent, or ask questions," she says!

Breakthrough or Bust: New Year's Resolutions McKenna Merriman, XII

Oh, New Year’s resolutions. Some believe in tradition-that creating challenges for yourself is a healthy way to start the year.

Others argue that the idea of New Year's as a whole is useless. How do CSG community members feel?

And will those who have failed to

keep their resolutions try to stop this article from being published?

I asked students and faculty if they made any resolutions. Some answers will not surprise you: “To eat better;” “to get more sleep.” Others were geared towards achieving specific goals, such as Zia Lamaze, XI, who wants to finish a “thing I’m writ-

ing” by 2022. Those not in support of New Year’s resolutions also shared their views. The national average for people who do follow through with a New Year’s resolution is only 10%, according to the Western Connecticut Health Network. Did CSG members match these odds?Watch Silhouette’s FIRST EVER video to find out...

• How To Get Politically Active (page 4) • Setting Boundaries (page 6) • Changes in College Counseling (page 8) • Harry Potter Quiz (backpage)

Click HERE to watch Silhouette's FIRST VIDEO! Hear about CSG 's take on resolutions!

Recorded and edited by McKenna Merriman, XII.

2 School

The Unmatched Feeling of Performance Gabrielle Yuan, X

As the recital draws to an end, all of the Irish dancers line up in a long row across the stage, soaking in the applause for their marvelous performance.

In the center of the line stands Natalie Tangeman, breathless after a demanding show. The bright lights shine down on her beaming face.

She watches the awed gazes from the crowd, feels the fast thumping of her heart, all while being surrounded by her second family. It is 2016, and Natalie hopes to remember this cherished feeling forever -- the adrenaline of discovering her passion for performance.

Fast forward to the present, five years later: Natalie is planning to attend Northwestern University for theatre. The same thrill of opening her acceptance letter to her dream school causes her to reminisce about that notable moment as well as the many steps that led to such an accomplished goal.

Natalie credits her mom, who was originally involved in theatre, with starting her at a young age: “She really helped expose me to this type of environment and took me to a lot of different shows.” From the experience of these early performances as well as Irish dance lessons and acting classes, Natalie has worked in many different plays and musicals, her favorite being Romeo and Juliet, where she played the lovesick lead, Juliet.

“In 2019 at Actor’s Theatre, I was able to play the role of Juliet where the entire cast was extremely talented

and full of experienced adults,” Natalie explains, “The moment was surreal, as it gave me the chance to work in a professional company and collaborate with a large team.” The dedication and hard work she witnessed during those performances showed her firsthand what her bright future could hold.

As Natalie approaches her last semester as a senior here at CSG, she’s thankful for the times of carefree laughter as well as the team bonding with the other actors at school.

Natalie recalls, “My favorite memory I have of CSG theatre has to be during Squirrel Girls and Superheroes, where everyone was practicing the dramatic ‘squirrel moment.’ The indescribable energy all around with working and having fun at the same time just brings a smile to my face everytime I think of old times like those.”

Though Natalie’s last play at CSG will be virtual, she feels confident that The Wizard of Oz will be just as spectacular as if all the cast and crew were sitting in the dressing room, rushing to get their costumes ready, while memorizing their lines for the last time.

“To add one more thing,” Natalie says excitedly, “For those who are afraid to try out for theatre, whether you’re afraid of embarrassing yourself or for whatever reason it may be, please. Please try out for the play, for the musical, for that role you’ve always been wanting.

When you give your best effort, give the performance all you have, you’ll only feel happier and the play will only be greater.”

Natalie Tangeman performing live. Photo courtesy of Natalie Tangeman, XII.

Uniform Transformations Fabi Corso, IX

White or blue polo? Which one should I wear? Let’s go with white. Next, I need my skirt.

Alrighty, roll the skirt once, roll the skirt twice, and we’re good.

Now, let’s get my blue sweatshirt and slide it over my head. Lastly, I need my socks. I grab my long white socks and slide them over my legs. Phew, now I’m all ready.

That may be the thought process about our current uniform as we know it today, but that’s not how it always was. I started investigating by searching Silhouette archives from 1966 through 2017 so that I could write this article. I saw different uniforms worn within the same years, and I became very confused. I then decided to consult some faculty that I knew had taught at CSG for a long time. Mrs. Hartshorne, Middle School Division Director and former math teacher, explained that when she started sixteen years ago, the shoe requirements

were much more strict; shoes had to be brown and have a certain number of eyelets. When looking through the 1988 Silhouette issues, I too noticed that all the girls were wearing brown dress shoes that resembled the shoes Mr. Niemi wears today!

The shoes are not the only thing that has changed; the skirts and socks also changed depending on the season. The lighter skirts and white socks were worn from in fall and spring while darker skirts and blue socks were worn during the winter months, from Thanksgiving to Spring Break. Dr. Sweeney is not only a CSG science teacher but also a CSG dad, and from his parent perspective, he is happy that the uniform is more simple In years past, it also seemed like all girls wore the white polo shirts instead of both blue and some white. That is thanks to the uniform review that happened a few years ago.

The uniform review decided

that students may wear a blue or white polo, wear shorts on official uniform days, and wear tennis shoes on non-official days.

The uniforms have changed over the years into the more modern and simple dress code that we have today, which is greatly appreciated by students and families alike. If you would like, you can check out even older photos of the old CSG uniforms in the Alumnae Hall! Imagine wearing a high necked blouse and ankle-length thick skirts everyday!

CSG students w o r e p l a i d and saddle shoes in 1983.

P h o t o from Silhouette archives.

Class of 1937 taking their senior photo on the mansion steps.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Hattaway.

Students in 1908 sitting on the mansion steps. Photo courtesy of Dr. Hattaway.

Isabella Luckage, X

kind to yourself,” especially during these unprecedented times.

Ms. Farnham has been part of the CSG community since 2019, and she is currently serving as an English proctor and long term substitute. Ms. Farnham’s kind personality is unmatched, making her very approachable.

Before her time at CSG, she was a director of communications and marketing at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Bexley, for many years, after already having pursued her interest in journalism.

Growing up, her family always got the daily newspaper, and she was “intrigued by news, world events, and current events,” sparking her interest in journalism while in high school. During this time, she was even able to get global exposure through a foreign exchange program, and later studied journalism at Ohio University. Before her time at Trinity, Ms. Farnham worked for more than ten years at the Toledo Blade

Meet the Newest Additions to CSG Doctora Miklos joins CSG as a long-term Spanish substitute teacher with a passion for speaking and teaching the Spanish language. Both funny and a music lover, she fits right in at CSG. She already loves Bomba Estereo, a favorite of CSG students, and she enjoys learning about new Spanish singers, like Maluma.

Doctora Miklos started falling in love with Spanish language and culture during her sophomore year at Ohio University. She then studied in Ecuador and other Latin American countries, her favorite being Nicaragua. She found that she loved the interaction and community of exploring a new language, inspiring her to become a teacher.

Her studies focus on gender equality and women’s rights, especially in Central America, which she enjoys exploring with her students. She believes it is very important to “always be

as a reporter and feature writer.

Both Dra. Miklos and Ms. Farnham will be amazing additions to the CSG community, and they look forward to spending the rest of the semester with their students.

Ms. Farnham, on the left, and Dr. Miklos, on the right, the two new long-term subs Photo courtesy of Isabella Luckage, X.

An Author of CSG: Olivia Clarke Alyssa Canowitz, XII

Picture: you’re scrolling through Amazon’s Best Sellers list when you stumble upon the name “Olivia V-G Clarke.” For anyone who knows Olivia Clarke, Form XII, this should not be a surprise.

Black Girl, White School; Thriving, Surviving, and "No, You Can’t Touch My Hair" has positively impacted our bookshelves since its release last Spring, just when the Black Lives Matter protests began, and I decided to speak with the author about this incredible book.

“I got the idea during the middle of my sophomore year,” Olivia Clarke said. “I noticed how there were no ‘how to guides’ to help Black girls in PWI (predominantly white institutions).”

The anthology Black Girl, White School; Thriving, Surviving and “No, You Can’t Touch My Hair,” is comprised of anecdotes, poems, and entries written by Black girls and women who are either currently in a PWI or have been in a PWI in the past. Olivia went on to explain that the title is exactly what it is about: being a Black girl in a white school. The “thriving

and surviving” part came from her inspiration to write the book as a “how to guide'' for other black girls. “No, you can’t touch my hair,” comes from an experience shared with many Black girls and other girls of color who often find a hand on their hair because their hair appears different from that of other students in a PWI. This anthology had two purposes. One, to provide a safe space for Black girls and two, to give insight into how other students, faculty, and parents can see what it is like to be a Black girl in a PWI. Olivia also told me that because the purpose of the book is to provide this insight, she hopes that “non-Black allies take this book, read it, and take it as a point of listening, and focus on what they didn’t know and shift that into a learning moment for how to better their allyship.” In addition to this anthology, Olivia has also released two journals. One journal is Black Girl White School: The Journal, and it is a tool for Black girls to reflect about things that have happened to them in PWIs and also celebrate their joys

and triumphs. The second journal is Black Girl White School: The Ally Journal, which is a place for non-Black allies to learn how to be better allies for the Black community. It offers points of reflection on their allyship and research prompts to utilize.

You can buy Black Girl, White School; Thriving, Surviving, and “No, You Can’t Touch My Hair,” along with both journals on Amazon today!

Arts 3 Shoutout to...

Mr. Simon, Thank you so much for meeting with Silhouette Staff! We appreciate all your support and your help. You make our paper better!

-Silhouette Staff

Olivia Clarke, XII, is the rising author of Black Girl, White School: Thriving, Surviving, and No, You Can't Touch My Hair.

Junior's Physics Photo Gallery

Above: Emma Hardy, XI, took a photo of her dog, Lexi, being refracted in the orb. Photo courtesy of Emma Hardy, XI.

Above: An icicle is hangs from Anja Fleege's, XI, car. Photo courtesy of Anja Fleege, XI.

Below: Cynthia Alexander, XI, had a photo-op of her dog mid-jump. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Alexander, XI.

Below: Titled "Aaron's Truck," J. Gammons, XI, snapped a picture of Aaron's UPS truck. Photo courtesy of J. Gammons, XI.

4 Life Keys to Making Real Change: Politics Edition Snow Day: Scenes and Snaps Ciara Latham, X Over the past year, you may have heard the term “slacktivism,” or more formally, performative activism. This is when an individual appears to push a social or political issue without bringing about real change. Not everyone can be the next Malala. But everyone can be an activist and a factor in bringing about change. Here’s how: Find your passion What gets you talking when you’re watching the news? Whether it’s women’s rights, police brutality, or healthcare for all, figure that out then visit trusted sources. When researching, it’s important to find several outlets and confirm they are unbiased. For example, news outlets such as CNN and Fox News tend to let politics influence their reporting. That’s not to say they are factually in-

correct. Be sure to listen to the facts provided over the personal anecdotes of journalists.

Identify where you fit in the picture Most social or political causes involve a marginalized group. For example, in terms of sex, women are the minority. Similarly, in terms of race, African-Americans (as well as various other groups of color) are the minority. Determine whether you are a part of that group or if you are an ally.

The most effective way to be an ally is to support and help amplify (not speak over) the voice of the cause. An example of this would be helping to share the story of someone that has been personally affected by this issue since you do not have that experience.

Pick and plan your strategy Do you enjoy bold social media posts, or would you rather be a part of an ener-

getic protest at the Statehouse?

This is the fun part where you incorporate your talents into the greater good of humanity. For example, use your photography skills to take photos of how a particular issue directly affects your community. Consistency is fundamental in activism. You may have posted once on your Snapchat or attended a rally two years ago. An effective activist is constantly pushing for their cause no matter the circumstances. This could mean publishing a gallery of photos every few months.

That’s everything you need to know to promote effective activism. It’s important to remember your journey all starts with passion. Strive to do good, put in the work, and the rest will follow. It won’t be easy but nothing ever is.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “It seems impossible until it’s done.”

V e r b at i m

Showcased

Sadie Mapes's, IX, mom with their beloved dog. Photo courtesy of Sadie Mapes, IX.

Wonderful winter scenery! Photo courtesy of Frances Lefkowitz-Pizutti, X.

"Eyebrows look like sperm whales." -Maya Carpenter, X "Is it illegal to sell your own kidney?" -Mr. Hartshorne

"There isn't enough time for me to exist." -Maddie Keglewitsch, X "Do your fingers also get really large in the morning?" -Lauren Sloan, XI "If it doesn't have salmonella, I don't want it." -Tyree Walton, X *Over Zoom, Bethany Spangler, IX, sneezes while muted* "Bless you! I assume you just sneezed... Or were you dabbing?!" -Dr. Sweeney

On our snow day, Sadie Mapes, IX, made a snow angel to get in the mood.

Photo courtesy of Sadie Mapes, IX.

"Wait, Profe isn't his last name?" -Grace Wong, XI

Hope on the Horizon: Vaccine Distribution Abigail Falk, XI

The CSG faculty and staff have just received their second COVID-19 vaccine, sparking curiosities on the actual distribution of the vaccines, as well as what precautions we need to follow.

Though many fear that the quality of the vaccines have been compromised due to the rapidity of their release, according to the CDC’s website, they have undergone the “most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history.” Currently, the authorized vaccines include the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and more recently, Johnson &

Johnson vaccines. Though these vaccines have gone through numerous testings, a few unknowns remain. One of the main questions that has yet to be answered is whether or not one can spread COVID to others once they have received the vaccine, a phenomenon known as “asymptomatic infection.” It occurs when someone becomes a carrier for a disease while they are not experiencing the illness themselves. Until there is an answer, the CDC is still recommending those who have received the vaccine continue wearing masks and social distancing.

The first vaccine to be administered occurred on

December 14th. Since then, the CDC has reported that all 50 states have vaccinated over 0.1% of their population. In other words, each state has administered a minimum of 20,000 total vaccines per every hundred thousand residents.

There are currently only 5 states that have vaccinated over 20% of their population. According to the Ohio Department of Health, a little over 15% of Ohio residents have begun the vaccination process, adding to almost 2 million vaccines.

While there is much left unknown, it is clear we have begun moving towards ending the spread of COVID.

While on a winter walk, Frances Lefkowitz-Pizutti snapped a photo of the trees. Photo courtesy of Frances Lefkowitz-Pizutti, X.

Life and Opinion 5 Jazz Up Your Jewelry: Earring Edition!

Angelina Kofman, XI

Have you worn the same studs you got for your birthday four years ago? Do the Justice spiky earrings no longer fit your aesthetic? I have the solution for you! Whether you want cutesy charms, simple studs, or something sleek and chic, the perfect pair is out there. As an avid earring wearer, finding an inexpensive pair of earrings is paramount. For under $20, you can jazz up your earring collection AND support small businesses: a win-win!

If you want to go the cutesy route, I suggest NikkisEarringShop on Etsy. They have glass, bead, and resin earrings. My personal favorite: their glass mushroom earrings that come in 15 different colors!

This shop has the perfect pieces to fit all your eccentric earring needs.

If you want a more “casual sophistication” vibe, check out the shop Orihana on Etsy. They use Japanese paper to create their handmade origami earrings that come with a reusable earring box. Bonus: shipping is free on all earrings!

If you want to knock the proverbial socks off someone (hi Profe!), then Benevolence LA has the most stylish and elegant jewelry designs. Not only do they have the most classy earrings, but they also give back to charities with every purchase. My favorite earrings from them are the Opal Dagger Drop earrings (nickel-free and hypoallergenic!) that support the Water Mission to bring clean water to those in need. This shop also has the Dagger Drop in stud form, if you’re not a fan of threader earrings. You can find this shop on Amazon, or go to

Battling the Double Standard Ava Kessler, IX Double standards are rules and principles which are unfairly applied in different ways to different people or groups. Double standards are a big issue in our world today, though some may be more easy to spot than others. At CSG, we need to look out for the double standards that women face. However, people of all genders, races, and religions, just to name a few identifiers, are being affected by double standards.

Double standards are as prevalent today as they were in 1963 when Congress passed the Equal Pay Act, signed by president John F. Kennedy on June 10, 1963. This Act was one of the first anti-discrimination laws passed that focused on the wage difference of men and women, and it made it illegal to pay a male worker more than his female counterpart.

However, although this Act was passed nearly 60 years ago, we still see unequal pay for women in businesses. According to statistics published by the National Partnership for Women and Families, women continue to earn 80 cents to the dollar that men make for the same area of work; this gap is even wider for women of color.

Because of this, on January 29, 2009 President Barack Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. This Act was a means of renewal for the original Equal Pay Act of 1963.

Furthermore, women are objectified in the media and in person, whereas men are not always subject to the same criticism. For instance, a man can walk outside shirtless or in tight clothes and often not be judged for it. However, if a woman

were to do the same thing, it could be seen as inappropriate or suggestive, and not just by men but women as well. This is because of the way both men and women have historically been taught to think about female bodies.

When talking about cultural identity, typically the first thought is “discrimination” and not “double standard.” However, when it comes to women, it is referred to more often as a double standard.

Many are aware of the struggles of women and how throughout much of history and in many societies they have been looked down upon and seen as weaker or inferior to men. Yet we continue to call what they face a double standard rather than discrimination. Society now is so used to double standards that we often minimize it or don’t notice it at all but a double standard is just another way of saying discrimination. So when talking about gender we should address it for what it is: discrimination.

"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish" - Michelle Obama

their website benevolencela.com.

If you want earrings that won’t tangle in your mask, ear crawlers are the way to go! The shop MilysDesign on Etsy has stunning minimalist ear crawlers. They are nickel-free and come with the option for wire or post backs, depending on your preference.

Don’t have your ears pierced at all? don't fear: SJMStudios on Etsy makes clip-ons that look and feel just the same. They have charm clip-ons, like butterflies, but also gold hoop huggies and pearl drop earrings. Whatever you want, they’ve got it!

Whether you desperately need to update your inventory, or just want to treat yourself, Etsy has lots of great options. I may have purchased new ear crawlers while writing this.

Earrings from Orihana, BenevolenceLA, and NikkisEarringShop (left to right)

Photo by Angelina Kofman

CSG Pet Pictures

Caroline Kromalic's (XII) new <1 year old puppy, Jax, in

Annahita Riazi's (X) pomeranian, Scarlett. Don't worry, the

one of his more restful moments.

stove is off... or so she says...

Ms. Schultz's dog... or baby... PJ!

Ally Schuster's (XII) 2,000 pound dog that definitely isn't a horse, Harry

Welcome to the Pet Corner! Your submissions will be featured throughout our future issues. Email Silhouette@columbusschoolforgirls.org to submit!

Sports and Health 6 Setting Boundaries

McKenna Merriman, XII

As students enrolling in AP classes, piling on thousands of extracurriculars, and feeling added pressures of being a teenager, it is essential that we remember to set boundaries. To set boundaries means to create guidelines, rules, or limits to identify reasonable, safe, and permissible ways for other people to behave towards you. And while social media commonly applies this concept to romantic relationships, you can set boundaries with your workload, friends, discussions, and more. Ever wonder why your teachers don’t respond to emails after 8:00 PM? Ever been at a sleepover and take a long bathroom break to avoid an uncomfortable situation? Do you always have to tell your parents that college-talk is not an every-mealof-the-day discussion topic? These examples show basic boundary practice, and by implementing boundaries, you are caring for yourself and, in turn, caring for your relationships.

How to set boundaries: Make a list of things with which you are not comfortable. Don’t

want to talk about Bridgerton with your mom? Need to get eight hours of sleep to function? Don’t like guava? Write it all down! Having a tangible list of things that, when avoided, make you a healthier and happier person, it is easier to pinpoint when a boundary is crossed and when you need to act on it.

It's natural to feel that boundaries and being respectful towards those around you cannot coexist. But this is not true. For example, if you need to go to sleep by 11:00 to be well rested, but your best friend is asking you to FaceTime, no need to respond with a blunt “no.” Try saying something like, “Hey, now isn’t a great time, but can I call you first thing tomorrow before school?”

Of course, this takes practice. And many times, you will be balancing a more serious situation than guava. But I challenge you to practice at least once this week to implement a boundary. If you do not feel relief after doing so, then be my guest and throw this paper out.

After taking the Harry Potter quiz, that is.

Alleviation Through Meditation Wellness Committee We get it: This year looks different, stress is flowing in and out of every open door, and it’s an unprecedented time because of the pandemic. This is nothing new to you, and by this point if you hear another recommendation to just “get more sleep!” or “take a break!” you WILL go insane. With this being said, there are many people who have claimed that there is one thing that got them through this year, in some cases simply through life, and I’m not talking about Netflix or the ability to lock doors. Meditation, a craft of many colors, is what many claim to be an integral part of their life. Here I will give you three different kinds of meditation, and you have free range to pick one out and use it to your advantage.

1. Guided Meditation. This is also known to be "beginners meditation," and can be accessed through apps such as Headspace or Calm, or just look up "guided meditation" and see what YouTube has to offer. In this kind of meditation, you are (usually) sitting down and are listening to someone guide you through breath-

ing exercises, visualisation exercises such as watching waves crash, or are telling you how to incorrperate these calming methods into your life.

2. To take a quick turn, let's question life for a second.

Vipassana meditation is a practice of looking deeply into your own existence, and trying different insights into your own reality. To some people this might not sound calming and simply sound scary, but thats the great thing about meditation: there are so many options.

3. Zen meditation. This is commonly what people think of when they hear "meditation" because of popular Hollywood portrayal. It is a Buddhist tradition of sitting upright with the eyes closed, and simply letting your mind flow.

Many also start at guided medidation and find they can move to Zen meditation easily from there.

Lastly, there are so many more options. And you may even invent your own, such as simply noting peace. Meditation is seemingly intimidating, but with the right kind, can change your life.

Acknowledging Our Off-Campus Athletes!

Ruthie Saar, XI

For CSG sports, wearing red on game days and supporting friends gets adrenaline pumping. But for many in our community, athletic achievements are made outside of school. Intrigued, I asked some of our off-campus athletes about their experiences: what is it like to be off-site?

Charlotte Owen, IX, is a dedicated dancer. She explains that when she was little, her parents signed her up for ballet lessons: “I realized when I was ten or eleven that it was something I really enjoyed, and I became more serious about it.” She shyly admits, “I haven’t really ever been super interested in the ‘normal’ sports.” Her favorite style of dance is jazz, but she still admires ballet. In order to

be an off-campus athlete, CSG has requirements to fulfill. To meet hers, Charlotte has lessons at 4:30pm every day, practicing ballet for an hour and a half and either jazz or modern dance for 40 minutes. Thankfully, she gets a break on Sundays.

On a side note, there are athletes who simply do their sport for fun, not for P.E. credits. Maya Lang, XI, is a horseback rider. She reveals that “being able to [...] focus on the fun aspect takes off the pressure.” She was introduced to riding at nine years old after attending horse camp during the summer.

She asked her mom for lessons immediately. Now, she practices once a week and competes in shows.

Finally, I interviewed fencing fanatic, Ella Feinberg, XII, who appreciates the flexibility off-

campus sports offer: “If I wasn’t an off-campus athlete, I wouldn’t be able to have a job or be captain of [the CSG] robotics [team].” While Ella used to be on the Middle School soccer team, she thought that fencing was more unique. She elaborates, “Fencing was something that really captivated me on an intellectual level and an athletic level.” When asked about meeting athletic requirements, she emphasizes, “I haven’t met [...] an off-site athlete who isn’t dedicated to their sport. I [...] think they [...] meet the requirements because they’re choosing to do it. They found this sport and, presumably, enjoy it.”

However, there are downsides to off-site athletics. Ella admits, “You do miss out on the [school] community. Nobody knows your achievements unless you tell them,

and you can’t be Athlete of the Week. But [...] I wouldn’t be able to fence in school otherwise.” She also describes how club can be intimidating at first: “If you’re in sports at school, you’ll see your teammates in the hallway and there’s an instant connection. It’s scary to not know anyone from school, but [...] you get to know these people and create really tight bonds.” Ella plans to do club fencing in college. She says, “[Fencing] is a sport you can do at all ages. At my club, there are seventy year-olds still practicing.

I can do it through my adult life.”

While on-site athletics are something to take pride in, we should also celebrate our off-campus athletes. They work too hard to let their talents go unnoticed!

Staff Box Advisor Dr. Hattaway

Editor-in-Chief McKenna Merriman, XII

Junior Editors Kiera Rennick, XI Ruthie Saar, XI

Staff Ciara Latham, X Allie Salamon, IX Ava Kessler, IX Angelina Kofman, XI

Club Coordinators Gabrielle Yuan, X Isabella Luckage, X

Club Writers and Photographers Alyssa Canowitz, XII Abigail Falk, XI Gia Noel Manokas, XI Fabi Corso, IX Della Jones, IX Sadie Mapes, IX

Above, ballerina Charlotte Owen, IX, poses gracefully. Look at that pointe!

Frances Lefkowitz-Pizutti, X Pictured: Ella Feinberg, XII, battles fiercely with her opponent! Photo Credits to Ella Feinberg.

Spring Best Senior Day Themes Allie Salamon, IX

Senior Day is a favorite tradition to many at CSG, and it is perhaps the perfect way to go into Spring Break. I talked to Cynthia Alexander, XI, Annie Wagenbrenner, X, as well as Elizabeth Burgess, IX, to figure out what their favorite Senior Day themes have been.

Cynthia loved Senior day in 2020 with its theme of Mon-

states how she enjoyed the Senior Skit, another Senior Day tradition.

Annie Wagenbrenner, X, said that her favorite Senior Day was in 2017. The jungle was her favorite because “the decorations were awesome,” and she specifically enjoyed the paper vines on the win-dows and the trees hung on the walls. Along with the vines and trees, she loved the monkeys hanging from the ceilings: “They had cardboard cut-outs of different

The Class of 2016 celebrate senior day with a sweet sixteen theme and lots of pink!

Photo courtesy of CSG Facebook Page.

ster’s Inc. She notes, “It has been my favorite because now in high school, we get to have senior day activities all day long instead of a couple of hours like in middle/lower school.” Cynthia also

animals that made noises when you walked by them.” One of Annie’s favorite parts of Senior Day was the snow cone ma-chine that was Hawaii/tiki themed.

Elizabeth Burgess, IX,

says her favorite Senior Day took in 2018, when the theme was Star Wars. Elizabeth mentioned how she liked the decorations of black paper from floor to ceiling to make it look as if you were traveling through space. Along with the decorations, she also enjoyed “playing games with her big sis class,” another fun tradition for most at CSG. Senior Day has a surprise theme every year, which is thought

Seniors recreated the Millenium Falcon for this Star Wars themed day in 2018.

Photo courtesy of CSG Facebook Page.

of by the Senior Class. Who knows what this year's senior day will be, but it is bound to become someone’s new favorite memory.

7

Spring Break Staycation

Ciara Latham, X

Congratulations! You’ve been selected for an all-expensepaid trip around the world. Just kidding, but you might want to grab your debit card for this “world tour” in and around Columbus. By staying home you’re protecting others, and for that, you deserve to be rewarded. With imagination as your pilot, please remain seated and prepare for a nonstop flight to the best staycation of your dreams.

First stop: Paris, France The city of love, fashion, and pick-pocketing. Start your day by visiting the local bakery. La Chatelaine French Bistro offers a delicious breakfast. An alternative option for the realist is purchasing a pack of croissants from Costco.

Next, venture to the Columbus Museum of Art while whispering your affirmations. Repeat “I am in the Louvre. Oui.” Finish the day with a sunset at the Eiffel Tower. If you find yourself in Ohio, (which you will) drive up near a cell tower and squint intensely. You can take scenic pictures and have excellent reception. C’est la vie!

Next stop: Bribri, Costa Rica It’s the time when nature springs back to life. Take a morning hike up to the Volio waterfall. You might be wondering why it’s 50° F

during the Costa Rican dry season.

You also might be wondering why it looks exactly like Indian Run Falls in Dublin, Ohio (which is where you’ll want to visit). That's okay, detach from reality as you see fit.

L a s t S t o p : To k y o , J a p a n At this point, you may be questioning the authenticity of this trip, which only means you’re not convincing yourself hard enough.

What better way to finish the trip than to visit an international food market with all the Japanese cooking essentials? Saraga has several locations, so choose one closest to your “hotel” (also known as your house).

Arrive back in time for your cooking class with a Chef from Cozymeal. com to learn the essentials of sushi rolling. If sushi isn’t your thing, or you don’t want to be subject to your own cooking, you can never go wrong with Benihana.

Bringing the Magical Land of Oz to CSG

Della Jones, IX

Everyone eagerly awaits for the time of year when posters fill the halls advertising the Upper School spring musical; except this year, things look a little different. For one, the global pandemic prevents the rehearsals and performances to be in person, and this year’s musical is a combined production with both the Middle and Upper School.

This year’s musical is The Wizard of Oz, the classic story of a tornado that carries a young girl, Dorothy, off to the magical land of Oz. I spoke with Reece Kessler, VI, who is playing the role of Dorothy, and Gabriella Cain, XII, President of Thespian Club, and cast member playing the Cowardly Lion, to hear their thoughts on the musical.

The pandemic has challenged everyone, including those of the hardworking people involved in keeping CSG’s theatre program alive and thriving. Gabriella said that it has been challenging having everyone online. “The biggest differ-

ence is that everything is on Zoom, which lags and means that we can’t sing live as a group,” she reports. She describes the upcoming production as more similar to a movie than a stage musical because they have to lip sync to pre-recorded music, and all of the scenes are edited together.

Reece also describes this year as “hard,” especially since it is her first year participating in the CSG drama program, commenting that a lot of the work has to be done on their own. “Since we can’t sing on Zoom, we have to record ourselves practicing and then send it in to our director, Mrs. Bishara,” Reece explains. “We have rehearsals five times a week for two hours each, and they are all on Zoom.”

Two hours straight is a long time to sit in front of a computer, something we all know to be true from personal experience with online school.

Another change in the theatre program is the combination of the two divisions. Instead of having two separate spring musicals (one in Middle School and one in Upper

School), there will only be one big show this year. Gabriella is excited for the Upper Schoolers to get to know the Middle Schoolers, especially the eighth graders who will be in high school next year. “One of my favorite things about CSG theatre is the strong community that we have,” she reports. “I am excited to get to know the Middle Schoolers. We have a chance to close the gap between the grade levels and to have bonding experiences.” When I interviewed Reece, she said that she too is excited to have a much bigger show: “The high schoolers have done many shows, and I am excited to learn from them.”

Hopefully, everyone in the CSG community was able to see all the hard work put into this show by the cast and crew when it was streamed in March! This year was exceptionally difficult with everything going on, but with the talent and skill of the hardworking students, CSG was still able to put on an awesome show.

Pictured below is the Cowardly Lion played

by Gabriella Cain during a virtual rehearsal. Photo courtesy of Gabriella Cain, XII.

Check out those costumes! The cast rehearses over Zoom. Photo courtesy of Gabriella Cain, XII.

8 CSG Voices Twin Telepathy to the Test Gabrielle Yuan, X As someone who grew up watching and memorizing lines from The Suite Life of Zach and Cody, I always pondered whether Dylan and Cole Sprouse were able to read each other’s mind or even feel each other’s pain. These are all common clues of the so-called theory, Twin Telepathy. My own hypothesis, backed up with facts from the internet, is that twins may share a special connection beyond ordinary siblings, even touching the lines of understanding co-twin’s emotional state.

H o w e v e r, t h e r e i s no scientific proof backing up the existence of Twin Telepathy. Fortunately, I asked two of CSG’s very own, Khushi Chabria, XII, and Isha Chabria, XII, to help me test out this infamous unproven theory.

Starting out with simple questions just to see how well they really knew each other, I asked them to answer questions about the other sister’s favorite fruit, food, and school subject (which they passed with flying colors).

After the little warm up, we moved onto the real test,

where I would say a word, count down from three to one, and then the both of them would say the first word that came into their mind that was associated with the other word. We started out simple, using the word “avocado.”

Counting down from three, both Khushi and Isha blurted out unanimously, “Guacamole!” Though we all agreed that they said the same word based on their limitless love for guac, we tested out other words such as “candle,” “math,” and “Wisconsin” -- where they both said the same word time after time.

“Although we said the same words, I don’t necessarily believe that we have Twin Telepathy,” Isha began. “I knew what Khushi would say based on how well I know her, considering how much time we spend together.”

Laughing, Khushi agreed: “I feel like I know Isha better than she knows herself.

There have been many instances where I know what Isha will say before she says anything. We even say the same phrases at the same time.”

Based on their interpretation of Twin Telepathy, I decided to interview Clau-

dia Jones, X, and Jacey Cassandra, X, who share more than a decade-long friendship, though are in no way twins.

Beginning with the same warm up I did with the Chabrias again, both Jacey and Claudia scored a 100%. As I finished the experiment with the word association game, besides the words “candle” and “math,” they too had said the same words at the same time -- pure coincidence.

With the information gathered, it seems to be unanimous that we still have no scientific proof on the concept of Twin Telepathy. Though Khushi and Isha are siblings, both pairs of friends share one thing in common. They all have a special bond and the understanding of true friendship with one another. Spending years and creating memories together causes minds to think alike.

Twin Telepathy can truly exist between any two people, no matter the blood relation, just based purely on the closeness of friendship.

Dear Curious George, The chocolate in chocolate milk is usually something we have to actually make. If you’ve ever tried just pure chocolate, you’d be surprised at how bitter it is! So, I know some people genuinely believe that brown cows make chocolate milk, but that simply isn’t possible because it would mean that somewhere in the udder of a cow was a secret cocoa bean input, and that just doesn’t seem right.

Tik Tok tells me that side parts and skinny jeans are not cool and that means that I am old... what is your take on this?

-Possibly Old Teacher Dear Possibly Old Teacher, Honestly, go with your heart. If Tik Tok says that side parts and skinny jeans aren’t

cool, then too bad for Tik Tok. Live your life, even if it’s some strange alternate reality of the 2008 internet. Just don’t subject yourself to emo fringe. Don’t do it. It’s not worth the pain.

Hello Ask-It! There has been a lot of drama in my friend group, and I was wondering if you had any tips on how to deal with the ups and downs as they come, or how to deal with all of this drama in general. I love my friends, but sometimes it gets tough. I just want everyone to get along-- but why does there have to be so much drama?? I don’t know what to do. Please help! Xo -Drama Llama Dear

Drama Llama, Well, you do seem to have a bit of a predicament. In my own personal case, I just stopped paying attention to the drama, but it caused me to grow slightly distant from my friends, and I can tell that for you that might not be the desired end

The Changes of College Counseling Ruthie Saar, XI

A s k - i t !

W h y d o n ' t b ro w n c o w s make chocolate milk?

-Curious George

Khushi and Isha Chabria, XII, pictured together. Photo courtesy of Khushi and Isha Chabria.

result. So instead, I put together three steps/tips you could take to make your life just a little bit easier. One: if you have a group chat where there tends to be a large amount of drama, try muting it every so often, or setting up times for yourself when you won’t check it, because of course boundaries are always important. Two: if someone asks your opinion on some piece of drama, simply give your honest opinion and leave it at that. Becoming a constant mediator trying to bring the sides of conflicts together is definitely not going to be good for your mental health. Lastly, if someone asks you if you want an update, you can actually say no. It really is up to you. If it is important to you that you are staying on top of the drama, then by all means accept, but if you’re trying to distance yourself a bit or take a small break, no one will be mad at you for simply declining.

I know it’s easier said than done when dealing with these problems, but hopefully I could help.

Recently, colleges and universities all over the country have made changes in their application process.

What are these changes? Has CSG been affected by them?

To start, I spoke with Mrs. Priest, one of CSG’s college counselors. She explains that both she and Ms. Schultz (her co-college counselor) have had to be more flexible than in years past due to the modified policies. Mrs. Priest describes how most schools went test-optional and closed campus to visitors, “so many seniors haven’t been able to visit the colleges they’ve applied to.” Mrs. Priest admits that with all the new revisions, predictions can be challenging.

Even CSG has adapted: college reps were hosted on Zoom rather than in-person. Furthermore, the College Counseling class has been tweaked. Mrs. Priest states, “In the past, there have been six or seven sections, teaching during the students’ free periods. Now we have students meeting all together [in a shortened time].” Needless to say, adjustments are common.

Sydney Anderson, XII, reveals her experiences of going through this shift. Although stressed and overwhelmed throughout, she

felt relieved to be finished, and acknowledges how meticulous the process can be: “It’s more tedious than you think it’s going to be because you have so many different aspects of yourself that you have to put in the application.” Sydney personally was disappointed that her standardized testing scores did not seem to hold the same weight as in the past and that campuses were closed: “I had to apply to a couple of schools where I couldn’t visit the college campus, so it’s like, ‘What if I go there and hate it?’

[I think seniors were] not feeling as prepared to commit to schools as seniors in the past have been.”

Sydney also reflects, “It seemed that more colleges were putting an emphasis on supplementals and interviews if they had them, which can be a good thing for students who love to talk, like me, but I know a lot of people where that makes them very nervous.”

When asked about the Common Application, Sydney remarks, “By the time you’re done, you feel like your life has been simplified into this eighteen-page document, and you realize these colleges [will] know more about yourself than you do.” Sydney recommends making mini due dates, and shares this wisdom: “Sometimes, something is not meant to be. You have to find the open window and move on. You can’t sit in it too long.”

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9

Board Games to Break Boredom Kiera Rennick, XI When’s the last time you played a board game? I know that in my case, before I endeavored in writing this article, I hadn’t touched one of them in years. It just seems like there is so much else you could do: finish homework, scroll social media, go for a run. I’ve found in the past couple days that board games

It’s all in the luck of the draw regarding how fast you move around, so there are many times where the person who has all their pieces on the board first can end up last.

Another game I’ve been playing a lot is Pictionary. This game entails teaming up with friends and racing two teams across a board where progression is based on guessing words drawn in pictures by your teammates. It’s one of those games where you can use

can actually be the perfect break from work! Here are just a couple of the boredomquenching board games I’ve been playing recently.

First off is Sorry!

There can be up to four players corresponding with the respective colors: blue, red, green, and yellow. Each player gets four pieces of their color and races them around a board to reach a home base. It’s a very fast-paced game and it’s pretty hard to predict who will win.

inside jokes and crazy references to win, making teams of close friends pretty hard to beat. For instance, my ten-year old cousin and I were able to win purely with phonetic references to shows we watch together, like Gravity Falls.

Regardless, that’s not even the top of the stack when it comes to board games.

There are a ridiculous amount of others that are just as fun: Monopoly, Risk, Clue, and Scrabble are just a couple

more. The nostalgia of pulling out a board game was not something I expected to have when I began to play, but it certainly wasn’t unwelcome.

It has to be said that there is something heartwarming about retracing the old steps and finding new ones as well. Whether you’re sitting down for a break or making a whole evening out of it, picking up a board game and breaking out the nostalgia is de initely worth every second.

Which Harry Potter Character Are You Ava Kessler and Allie Salamon, IX Thursday, January 21, 2021

9:47 AM

CHOOSE A COLOR

RED

GRYFFINDOR

BLUE

RAVENCLAW

PHOENIX RAT NARGLE

TRANSFIGURATION

GOBLET OF FIRE

DEATHLY HALLOWS

BROOM FLIGHT CLASS

OWL

POTIONS

HALF-BLOOD PRINCE

GINNY HERMIONE VOLDEMORT RON WEASLEY WEASLEY GRANGER

YELLOW

SORTING HAT

HUFFLEPUFF

TOAD FLUFFY

CHARMS

SORCERER'S STONE

HARRY POTTER

GREEN

HISTORY OF MAGIC

SLYTHERIN

RAT

HERBOLOGY

PRISONER OF AZKABAN

HAGRID

BASILISK

DEFENSE AGAINST THE DARK ARTS

CHAMBER OF SECRETS

NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM

PROFESSOR SNAPE

ORDER OF THE PHOENIX

DRACO MALFOY

LUNA ALBUS LOVEGOOD DUMBLEDORE