The Pioneer Press June 10, 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Opinion Feature

Sports

Adviser

Mike Schmitt

-Editors-in-chiefs-

Hadeel Antar & Aidan Oakley

News Editor

Alyssa O’sada

Feature Editor

Husayn Hamoud

Opinion Editor

Zain Zaindani

Sports Editor

Carter Peet

Ad Editor

Angela Chehade

Photo Editor

Mohammed Alali

Website Editor

Hussein Baiz

Media Editor

Manar Alsarraf & Marissa

Kenrick

Staff Writers

Samantha Clark

Sophie Caldarona

Mohammed Rammal

Hadi Alaouie

Semih Yasarlar

Wilson Inyang

Hassan Sareini

Zahraa Zreik

Julia Chehade

Zainab Berro

Dearborn High School’s principal connects with students in an upcoming collaboration

Zain Zindani, Mariam Baiz OpinionEditor,StaffWriter

During the second semester of the 2022-23 school year, (DHS) junior Thomas Besek proposed the addition of a Principal Student Advisory Committee to DHS Principal Zeina Jebril.

The PSAC’s goal is to attain total student representation across DHS. An equal number of students from each grade level will be selected to attend and communicate regularly with Jebril about issues and controversies that require attention from DHS administration, such as a student fight or a flawed policy.

Besek said he took inspiration from the Superintendent Student Advisory Council (SSAC).

“The superintendent has his own student advisory council, so I thought that extending that to the specific high school level would be beneficial,” Besek said.

DHS Principal Zeina Jebril received Besek’s proposal and decided that having a Student Advisory Committee would be beneficial for DHS. Jebril said she thought the idea was great due to many other educators’ inspiration from the SSAC, and in turn creating a Student Advisory Committee for their schools.

“Then it branched down to the Executive Directors doing their own advisory committee at

the middle school level, and there’s another high school that does this,” Jebril said. “So that’s why I thought it would be a good idea when it was proposed to me.”

Superintendent for Dearborn Public Schools, Dr. Glenn Maleyko has managed the SSAC. Maleyko said that during his initial hire as superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools, he wanted to expand the voice of students.

“[The SSAC] has had a tremendous impact. When I got hired as superintendent in 2015, I told Board [Of Education] that we need to increase student voice, and I wanted to bring in the council. Now, we’re completing our eighth year,” Maleyko said.

Maleyko said he was proud of the students associated with the SSAC that had achieved substantial results within the community and even state-wide.

“Our group has been really far-reaching. They do a lot of charitable work in the community. [I’m] very proud. We had our students Tiya Berry and Miryam El-Saghir present at the national school board conference. It’s one of the biggest conferences in the nation for education, and they did a great job,” Maleyko said.

Superintendent for Dearborn Pblic Schools Dr. Glenn Maleyko and the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council wrap up another productive school year with their final meeting at DHS. Students on the council represent all high schools and meetings are held at different locations through out the year.

Courtesy of Communications Department

Curtain Calls

Seniorsvocalizetheirfarewells

said. “I leave it to the younger kids who have been there to kind of take over, they pretty much take control of the class.”

DHS sophomore Neveen Zein said the seniors in her class were exemplary leaders and role models.

“I look up to the seniors in many ways, they help me get ready for the upcoming years and give me a lot of good advice. They also teach me new things all the time,” Zein said.

Senior Ayah Naimi said she appreciates the group’s unwavering dedication to choral singing and is appreciative of the class as a whole.

“I was so proud of the group, I know they had been working so hard and being able to join them felt so ethereal. I think I pretended to shrug it off though, as if I expected it, which honestly, I don't know why I would expect anything less from our group,” Naimi said. “I love being in the Woman's Ensemble, it's my escape from school life and the stress of the real world.”

Senior Aris Williams has been a member for the past two years and credits her teacher, Jennifer Pegouske, for her positive influence and backing.

“My relationship with Pegouske is a nice, respectful relationship. She listens, she's understanding, and supportive,” Williams said. Pegouske said she ensures that the classroom balances a lighthearted and serious nature.

News Editor Staff Editor

They’vearticulated their experiences in harmony, but will no longer share the same tempo. On May 24, 2023, the Theatre and Choir Awards Night was held. Graduating seniors and underclassmen of Dearborn High School’s Women’s Ensemble had to cherish one final event together before they inevitably parted ways.

The Dearborn High School Women’s Ensemble performed at the State Choral Festival on April 15, 2023. They had their members in either a solo or a group performance, sometimes both, for an award. The members never scored below a 2 on a 1-4 scale, 1 being the best and 4 being the worst. Members who won first or seconddivision awards include DHS seniors Charlotte Karoub, Savannah Capote, Myiah Whitworth, Abier Saad; juniors Eliana Quesada and Alyssa Galas; sophomores Adam Makled and Julius Owens.

Earlier this year, Women’s Ensemble won a 1st division rating at the MSVMA District Choral Festival on March 28, 2023. The Women’s Ensemble class is an honors choir, meaning it’s a higherranking choir. To join it, an individual has to be well versed in choral singing and then audition.

DHS senior Savannah Capote joined the group her freshman year as a means of pursuing her enduring love for music.

“I love singing and I’ve always had a passion for musicals,” Capote said. “I wanted to focus my vocal knowledge to higher areas.”

Capote said she enjoyed advising the underclassmen and is confident in their abilities to govern themselves once she departs from the program.

“I love the underclassmen. They’re so great; a lot of the time I try to help them on the right path and make sure they don’t get into trouble,” Capote

“We have an open relationship as far as we like, work hard together and I try to push them to excel. We kind of have a playful yet serious classroom environment,” Pegouske said.

Pegouske said she wishes the best for the graduating seniors and endorses a decision to continue music.

“I’m hopeful that the seniors who are leaving are just going to go out into the world and be good citizens and hopefully still sing music,” Pegouske said.

Alyssa O’sada

Mohamad Rammal

DHS senior Savannah Capote eagerly accepts her Women’s Ensemble letter as well as her 1st Division Rating award from the MSVMA District Choral Festival on May 24, 2023, inside the DHS auditorium from DHS Women’s Ensemble teacher Jennifer Pegouske.

“I love being in the Woman’s Ensemble, it’s my escape from school life and the stress of the real world”

-Ayah Naimi

Photo: Mariam Baiz

DHS Women’s Ensemble teacher, Jennifer Pegouske instructs her class to practice vocal exercises on May 11, 2023.

Photo: Mariam Baiz

DHS Quiz Bowl Team Sets DHS Wins and Sets Record Against Crestwood High School at the Southern Wayne Conference Division Championship The Team With All“The Buzz”

Marissa Kenrick Social Media Editor

Aidan Oakley Editor in Chief

OnMarch 8, 2023, Dearborn High School’s varsity Quiz Bowl team won the Southern Wayne Conference Division Championship against Crestwood High School. With a 9-1 record, the 2022-23 season is the best record that DHS has seen in many years. All of this success came behind fourth year head coach and DHS social studies teacher John Forster, who put the context of the teams’ accomplishments in simple terms.

“We had our best year since I’ve been coaching the team,” Forster said.

The team was led by Senior MVPs Peter Schondorf and Zack Krol, Forster said this duo was key to their success and commented on their abilities.

“Peter and Zack were probably two of the strongest players in the entire league,” Forster said. “They both had a great amount of knowledge and array of knowledge. They knew more information about a wide range of topics than just about any player in the league.”

The duo helped guide team practices, honing in on key weaknesses that could be improved upon to benefit the team.

“During our practice sessions, me and Peter would each lead a scrimmage team to recognize which subjects we were behind in to know what we needed for the actual match,” Krol said.

For training, the team engages in simulation practices that are designed to act like the actual matches. But Forster said that one of the best ways to increase knowledge on the quiz bowl questions is to simply watch a popular TV game show.

“Another thing I asked them to do is watch Jeopardy and play along with jeopardy because it’s a similar format, except we play as a team, they play as individuals on Jeopardy,” he said.

Outside of training, the members were able to bond as a small, tight-knit team, only needing around six members to participate in the competitions. DHS Senior Sukayna Bazzi said team bonding and communication was a

crucial part for succeeding in matches.

“We usually go to lunch after our matches and that’s where we spend the most time together and where we get to bond the most,” Bazzi said. “Knowing each other better and our strengths we are better able to know who can answer what question and therefore not risk losing any questions we can get.”

In the final four of the league tournament, the team finally was handed their first loss against Carlson High School by only one question, making them ineligible for the state competition.

“Even though we weren’t able to make states, the success of our team has shown that we have the potential to win,” Krol said. “We only lost by one question, and with more practice and refining of the team’s strategy, I’m sure future DHS quiz bowl teams will be able to go to states and perhaps even win.”

Photo: John Forster

“We had our best year since I’ve been coaching the team.”

-John Forster

DHS Varsity Quiz Bowl team poses for a picture with their new award from the Southern Wayne Quiz Bowl competition on March 8, 2023.

DHS seniors, Peter Schondorf and Zack Krol hold the newly won award for the Varsity Quiz Bowl team. They then went on to compete one last time in hopes of going to the states level, but unfortunately getting out in the 4th round.

Photo: John Forster

Photo: John Forster

Superintendent’s Honors Night Q&A

Mohammed Alali Manar Alsarraf

Sara Sabbagh

QHow do you feel about being Nominated for the superintendent’s honors night?

A“Personally, I think being invited for honors night is the best part of my year. To have a student who thinks enough of the job you do to honor you in that way is so humbling and motivating to me. Relationships that matter with students that encourage student achievement have always been a goal of mine and to see success in that means the world.”

QIn what way do you think you inspired your students?

A“As much as I would love to take credit for ‘inspiring’ my students, it is more so that I strive to support their growth, both inside and outside the classroom. My students know that I am invested in them as a whole person - and that makes a difference in the kind of relationships I am able to build with them.”

QHow would you describe your relationship with Sally Hammoud?

A“I met Sally when she was in eighth grade, before she was my student. Her sister Dena was my student at that time. Sally, Dena, and their mother traveled to Spain with me on our school trip. I feel so fortunate that I had the opportunity to travel with the amazing woman who raised these two outstanding students. As her Spanish teacher for two years and Link Crew Coordinator, I have watched Sally grow as an incredible student and kind person.”

QWhy did you choose this teacher/what made them stand out from other teachers?

A“I nominated Mr. Radcliffe. Many times teachers think that to make an impact on a student they must perfect their lesson plan or solidify the teaching of a concept. But what students truly appreciate are the teachers who make their time in school better and take the time to connect with them on a personal level. Mr. Radcliffe cares for all students in the building separate from their academic achievements and that makes his impact so strong; hence why I nominated him.”

QWhy did you choose this teacher/what made them stand out from other teachers?

A“I had Mx. Sabbagh this year for AP Lit and what really made her stand out to me is that she is not just an amazing educator but also an amazing person and mentor to me. She gave me so much help during the first semester like during the college application and she was always there able to help me not just with stuff in her class but also with stuff outside of school like with my personal life, she was able to help with that kind of stuff. She is also a very thoughtful person and she is able to provide me guidance on how to be a better thinker and person and analyzer.”

QWhy did you choose this teacher/what made them stand out from other teachers?

A“I chose Mrs. Sbeity because I had the pleasure of her being my Spanish teacher for 2 years. My sister was also a student of hers. I have known Ms. Sbeity for several years now, as the first time I met her was on a trip to Spain in 8th grade. She is kind hearted and I really enjoyed having her as a high school teacher. Her ability to make an effort and make me feel welcome the first time I met her made me realize that I would want her to be my teacher in the future. I feel she has taught me a lot and has improved my high school experience. All of this makes her stand out from others.”

Fatimah Hamka

Fatima Altamimi

Douglas Radcliffe

Photo: Mohammed Alali

Photo: Mohammed Alali

Photo: Samantha Clark

Photo: Mohammed Alali

Photo: Mohammed Alali

Sally Hammoud

Ann Sbeity

BPA

DHS’s BPA Chapter attends National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California

Dearborn High School’s Business Professionals of America chapter (BPA) attended the National Leadership Conference from April 26, 2023 to April 30, 2023 in Anaheim, California after placing at least second place within the BPA Regional Leadership Conference. The few select members competed in a series of events administering their business passions and career routes that include marketing, accounting, interviewing, etc. They participated in regional, state, and national levels where they presented individual/group presentations among a panel of judges. They had to place in the top five to advance to States, and then had to place in the top two to advance to Nationals.

This year’s National Leadership Conference was represented by 14 DHS students, eight seniors and six juniors. The seniors include Adam Fakhoury, Fatimah Hamka, Mira Fayad, Haddel Antar, MIa Farias, Ahmad Ayoub, Dina Ali, and Sally Hammoud. The juniors include Rami Fakih, Ali Elghoul, Ryan Elhasan, Hani Habib, Jad Elhinnawi, Zain Mohamad.

DHS Biology teacher and BPA advisor Sara Jaber said BPA is a great way for students to not only build business skills, but help improve social skills and confidence within its members.

“Students gained confidence, developed valuable skills, and built lasting friendships through the course of the year,” Jaber said.

Jaber also said that the process of becoming a BPA advisor was easier with BPA president Adam Fakhoury by her side.

“This is my first year as an advisor to BPA,” Jaber said. “It has been very enjoyable and more so because the chapter had an incredible president Adam Fakhoury who patiently showed me the ropes.”

Fakhoury said that he’s pleased with all of BPA’s work within his two years of participation and looks forward to the work ethic carrying on into future years.

“BPA gives students a sense of belonging, gives staff a feeling of achievement, and our school a sense of pride,” Fakhoury said. “I am so proud that we were able to facilitate BPA at our school this year, and I hope that it continues on for many years to come.”

Fakhoury said that there is more to BPA than just a regular Dearborn High School club, such as going to fascinating places and meeting new people.

“While BPA is a good resume builder, you also meet people from across the country, even from other countries like China or Puerto Rico, and you build everlasting bonds and connections with

Angela Chehade and Hadi Alaouie Ad/OpinionEditorandStaffWriter

people you most likely would have never met if you hadn’t done BPA,” Fakhoury said.

BPA Vice President Fatimah Hamka said that BPA is beneficial because it offers many opportunities and events that students will ultimately learn from in the real world.

“Whether you enjoy computer based individual projects, medical majored routes, or speaking on the spot, BPA has an event for you,” Hamka said. “Once you find what that event is and put in some time, you’ll find the outcome to be an amazing reward of hard work,” Hamka said.

Hamka said a simple BPA event helped improve her speaking skills and allowed her to have a passion for BPA within all her four years of participation.

“It was the start of my BPA journey and really rooted my passion for speaking. I placed first in my individual prepared speech event as a freshman,” Hamka said. “Since then, I’ve taken on challenges with new events including a couple of team events that have increased my speaking skills and presenting techniques.”

Hamka said that besides business benefits, BPA held a special place in her heart as it allowed her to connect with other members on a more personal level that isn’t achievable anywhere else. “Aside from the benefits BPA has on students that I have touched on, it improves bonds among students,” Hamka said. “With BPA, we all grew closer together and connected with a bond stronger than most kids our age because an intellectual string tied us together. We worked professionally with each other but also we were able to share laughs and late nights of being young kids.”

BPA national qualifier Rami Fakih said that Fakoury and Hamka’s assistance has allowed the club and the connections within it to exceptionally flourish.

“Adam and Fatimah have been amazing to the club within the past year,” Fakih said. “Not only have they helped within our specific events, but they’ve also allowed us to build connections and friendships that are truly worth millions.”

Dearborn Highschools BPA team at Anaheim Claifornia, attending the BPA National Conference. vv“We went to Disneyland, we hiked and saw the Hollywood sign, we went to the beach“ DHS Senior and BPA president Adam Fakhourly said.

The College Application Process

Hadeel Antar Editor-in-chief

The one thing that every senior looks forward to– college. Whether close, far, Ivy League, or community college, a large majority of seniors are ready to leave high school and enter a new environment. However, applying and getting into college is not only a difficult decision but a difficult process as well. As a high-achieving student, I aimed high. I applied to multiple colleges and universities, 12 in total, across the nation, ranging from state colleges to universities in the Ivy League.

The college application process begins before the school year even starts. The Common Application, an application that allows students to apply to multiple undergraduate colleges in one place, opened on Aug. 1, 2023. This means that students have the ability to view what each college they hope to apply

Bleached Black

Mohammad Rammal Staff Writer

to requires and the prompts for the multiple supplemental essays that would need to be written. At this time, I started drafting my personal essay. This essay centers around “what you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores” (Common Application). The personal essay holds great importance, as it’s one of the only opportunities students have to show admissions counselors you–not your academic abilities, but you. To take full advantage of this chance, you must start writing early to give yourself time to review, edit, and fix anything.

Afterward, I started researching the colleges I desired to attend to make a final choice on applying for early or regular admission. Early action allows you to hear back from colleges earlier, although the due date for your application is earlier. However, depending on your academic standpoint and your character, you might want to or not want to apply early action. I decided on applying early to one university, as the other schools I applied to were much more competitive. CLARIFY. Then comes the writing. Although not all, most colleges, especially high-ranked schools, required one or more supplemental essays. These are questions or prompts provided by certain schools and vary across the

board. I got questions such as “List the titles of the books, essays, poetry, short stories or plays you read outside of academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school” from Columbia, “You are teaching a new Yale course. What’s it called?” from Yale, and “Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?” from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. I had a total of 38 essays to write, excluding my personal statement. This took time. Throughout the first semester of senior year, my nights were long, consisting of writing and reviewing previously written paragraphs.

No matter the outcome, it’s important to remember that your college commitment decision doesn’t reflect who you are as a person. Whether you end up at the college of your dreams or not, you will end up right where you need to be and it’s crucial to understand that. If you worked incredibly hard in high school and didn’t get into a high-ranked college, it’s okay– your efforts did not go to waste. It created a hard-working student that could achieve anything they set their mind to.

“Was it a mosquito again?” I consider the possibility just as I tuck myself properly in bed. In that instant, I didn’t feel the warmth of any covering apart from my thick, fuzzy shirt. I open one of my eyes gently only to catch the break of day in my iris. “6 A.M. already?” I uttered as my energy levels leaped from the shock. This was just one of my many confrontations with the sun in our frustrating relationship, but did I have a choice?

For all my life, I was socially inept. Asking for help, let alone approaching someone was a chore. If I were to succeed, what then? How would I maintain the conversation? What about the one after that? And the next? In synergy,

my mind and body would come to a complete halt. I barred any opportunity for help and relied on my abilities for my own sake. I found great comfort in my self-sufficiency and to say I felt invincible is an understatement. That, however, I couldn’t prove to anyone but my teachers. When the doors to middle school opened, there was a heightened emphasis on group work. My social anxiety prompted me to work alone. Combining that with my fixation on earning perfect marks, my self-proclaimed “self-sufficiency” was put to the test. With a laptop, notebook, and pens in my arsenal, I swept through each task effortlessly. “Done, done, and done,” I said as I reviewed my work with pride. To my dismay, however, I couldn’t preserve the momentum I had hoped to maintain.

Then came high school, and as the years stacked on top of the last, so did the intensity of the labor. I persevered, but perseverance wasn’t enough. Time and time again, I found myself in a staredown with my laptop and an endurance contest with my alarm clock and it was the sun that would greet me first at the start of a new day. While its lustrous aura

was often seen as something reassuring, I saw something sinister. It served as a grave reminder of my inability to keep pace and progress socially. Dwelling on it, I realized it was taking a mental and physical toll on me but without self-actualization and initiative, that revelation was in vain.

So, what did I do? I just pushed myself and accepted the inevitable, as simple as that. I befriended people on a whim and though I was reluctant at first, I grew fond of having company and conversing with others on even the most random of things. Some of these friendships never evolved past greetings; however, I developed others that were much more sophisticated and personal. I rose above my social anxiety and from then on my studylife balance improved immensely. I accepted the help of others and returned their generosity when they needed it and I became a happier and healthier person overall.

No longer was I being taunted by the handicaps I placed on myself. The only regret I have was not acting sooner, but like all regrets, they fade into obscurity in the presence of newer and blissful memories.

The benefits of an open minded approach

Aidan Oakley Editor-in-chief

Nobody has a clear vision of everything they want to achieve during high school. Most of us come into high school with an rough idea, a guess at what we can accomplish, and we leave with different interests and as a different person overall. From freshman to senior year, we meet new people, engage in new perspectives, and have new experiences. Making the transition to high school, I often limited myself to only pursuing activities that seemed comfortable to me, something I was familiar with or had some sort of prior experience. I made a line, pushing new ideas to the other side while keeping my prior experiences with me on my side. Still, getting involved in a plethora of various clubs is key to discovering what impact we want to leave on our high school. In high school, there are high reward, low risk opportunities we have

High School Expectations vs. Reality

Zahraa Zreik Staff Writer

“Thank you for your order,” my computer screen read as it took me a minute to register what I had done. As I had finally placed my graduation cap and gown order, it seemed that high school flew by me instantaneously. Getting ready to leave high school behind, it seems like only yesterday that I was a geeky, anxious freshman trying to find my way through the never-ending halls. When I reflect on my time in high school, I realize it was not at all what I had anticipated. There was no plot, no punchline, and it was nowhere near as entertaining as it was advertised in shows or movies. Would I wish that it had happened differently, though? Not in the slightest. Disney and Nickelodeon instilled the image of high school as a dramatic battleground where everyone gets backstabbed and falls in love. I was conditioned to expect a specific order

to try new things and open ourselves up to new perspectives. By trying a new club or a new sport there is a chance to identify a new passion. A passion that might’ve been initially hidden.

At freshman orientation, I was forced into signing up for cross country by a friend. I initially saw this as a burden. Running 3.1 miles every race seemed too challenging compared to the shorter track races in middle school. During the summer practices, I started to tell myself that there was no way I would stick around for the season. Little did I know that this decision would completely change my high school experience. Cross country allowed me to improve myself athletically, and I was also able to form bonds with teammates over my whole high school tenure. This gave me a breath of fresh air in between the busy school schedule of challenging courses and turning in assignments. During my senior year, I was also able to serve as captain of the team while qualifying for the state finals and earning academic all-state.

Joining the journalism class, I again initially limited myself to what I could and couldn’t accomplish. My self-efficacy was low, Participating in the school newspaper opened

for crowds and how they should behave (for example, geeks, jocks, and cheerleaders). With just about every show and movie taking place in a high school, I had been looking forward to the experience virtually all my life. My freshman to junior year was such a letdown for me, as my expectations for the eventful nature of high school were nothing more than a place to learn and keep to myself and my friend group. It was so surprising that there were no surprises. I experienced so much boredom because every day was the same routine; wake up, work, eat lunch, do more work, then go home. Beyond that, friend groups were not exclusive to one another. I befriended anybody I “clicked with’, rather than whoever looked or acted similar to me, and so did everyone else.Ultimately, there was no organization, storyline, and plot. Sadly, it was just a merry go round of confusing repetition. Reflecting on my high school experience, I recognize it was a lesson in managing expectations. While it did not live up to the standards I had created in my mind, it was no disappointment. Just because something does not match our expectations does not mean that it is not valuable or worth experiencing. High school was a crucial part of my growth

many doors for me to demonstrate leadership, and was a big factor in my acceptance to the University of Michigan as well as my acquisition of scholarships. I had a personal interest in joining journalism, but I didn’t think it would initially lead to the impact it ended up having on me. Through journalism, I was able to pick up very important leadership skills being editorin-chief while also earning multiple state-wide awards for journalism.

These leadership qualities that I was able to pick up during my four years of high school eventually led me to accomplishing my childhood dream of being accepted into the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. If I had stayed content with not putting myself out there, I wouldn’t have had the experiences. Even looking back, there’s so much more I would’ve done differently had I got the chance to go back to freshman year, such as producing music, photography, and more community service. Still, the past is behind us and the future is open to . Don’t sit back and watch wonder what could’ve been. Face that new fear, conquer that challenge you’ve been avoiding, start that new hobby that you’ve always been interested in.

as a person, and it provided me with vital life lessons that I will carry with me for years to come. Most prominently, high school taught me the importance of being true to myself because surrendering my sense of worth to impress others leads to an uncomfortable and phony life. My first years were spent attempting to impress others to avoid loneliness and keep myself occupied. The COVID-19 pandemic provided me with an adequate opportunity to reflect on how I should have approached independence. Clinging to others is even more degrading than being alone. High school taught me independence.

In conclusion, high school may not have been what it seemed, but that does not diminish its significance. While the media may portray high school as a new, carefree experience, the reality is no movie. High school can be challenging, tedious, and stressful but can also be a time of significant growth and development. It is essential to manage our expectations and understand that just because something does not match our preconceived notions does not mean it is not worth experiencing. High school taught me that life is not always what we expect it to be, but that does not mean it is any less valuable.

Hurdling Through High School

Carter Peet SportsEditor

Navigating Virtual Learning

Hussein Baiz Website Editor

Middle school. Back then it was so much easier I would get used to the way it runs and functions. Sports are easier, classes aren’t too difficult and there is less responsibility put on everyone. It’s hard though to go from the big guys on campus back to the freshman. Everything as a freshman can be hard whether it is trying to fit in or trying to make new friends or meet people when you know nothing about them. However, nothing is truly as hard as the transition from middle school to high school sports. Practices are harder, longer and have more competition. This is especially true of high school Track and Field. The switch and adjustment it took me to switch from middle school to high school hurdles was a long and painful process that some people just don’t want to do.

When I entered my freshman season at DHS, it came as a surprise to me that hurdles was one of the few races that was modified and made harder for the athletes. In middle school the only hurdle races were the 55 meter hurdles and the 100 meter hurdles. Looking back, those would have been the easiest races of my life. The lowest setting for the hurdles is the skill and knowledge I gained from all the coaching I got. Going into high school though made it harder by adding the 110 and 300 meter hurdles. The distance took time getting

As a graduating senior who spent their freshman and sophomore years attending school virtually, I can attest to the unique challenges that Covid-19 has presented to students like myself. While the pandemic has affected all seniors in some way, those of us who were virtual during our early high school years have faced additional obstacles and hurdles.

One of the most significant impacts of the pandemic on virtual students has been the loss of socialization opportunities. I can say that it was often difficult to connect with my peers and teachers on a meaningful level. While I was able to communicate with them virtually, it was not the same as being in the same room and having face-to-face interactions. This lack of socialization can have long-term effects on mental health and overall well-being.

Another challenge that virtual students have faced is a lack of access to resources and support. In-person students have access to various resources such as guidance counselors, extracurricular activities, and hands-on learning experiences that virtual students may not have.

used to. Being a sprinter who only ran about 155 meters a race. To that being only half way done in the 300. The adjustment was hard and the 400’s become your best friend to get your mind and body ready for this race. The other issue came with the raising of the height. The height was increased from 33 to 39. Only 6 inches, not that big of a deal it’s not that hard. Not until you run it, and it smacks you in the face or you just give up completely. The transition was hard and took about my whole sophomore year to get used to. Now though I can’t imagine running anything else. After a while you get used to the distance. Exposing yourself to distances longer than the 300 opened the door to make that race 10 times easier.

Now moving on to college is going to bring a whole new set of challenges. More transitioning and having to get used to the new but same issues. An increase in height and an increase in distance. In college track the 110 meter hurdles move up to the highest height and the 300 becomes the 400 hurdles. It will take time to get used to it and you’re gonna have to work twice as hard to overcome these hurdles. I did it once in the transition from middle school to high school and I will do it again from high school to college.

This lack of support can put virtual students at a disadvantage when it comes to college admissions and future job opportunities. Despite these challenges, virtual students have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. We have had to learn to navigate virtual learning platforms and adjust to a new way of attending school. We have also found creative ways to connect with our peers and teachers, such as organizing virtual study groups and participating in online extracurricular activities.

As we approach the end of our senior year, it is important to recognize the unique challenges that virtual students have faced and overcome. We have proven that we are capable of adapting to change and thriving in uncertain circumstances. While the pandemic has presented us with numerous obstacles, we have shown that we are more than capable of rising to the occasion and achieving success in the face of adversity.

Beyond The Duo

DHS Seniors Hassan and Hussein Al-Maliki Win Four National student production NATAS Student Production Awards for their new film, Beyond the Darkness

Brothers who are also twin brothers directors, and writers.”

WDHS adviser Adam Rauscher said that the twins’ talent did not go unnoticed.

“Hassan and Hussein are the whole package. It’s possible I have had students who are better at camera, editing, or sound, but I have never had any students who could do it all at this level. They are the ultimate craftsmen and masters of every department,” Rauscher said. “It’s hard to talk about the Al-Malikis separately. As a parent of twins, I try hard to make them work separately, but they won’t. Who cares? They do amazing work together. The Coen brothers make their movies together and they are among the best filmmakers working today.”

Rauscher said that the Al-Malikis’ influence on WDHS will be everlasting.

“They are also great mentors. Jacob Head won [a NATAS award] for the camera with them and Adam Garbie won for sound with them. Both students took a big step forward after working with the Almalikis and I can’t wait to see what they do on their own,” Rauscher said. “Our program thrives on students teaching students and it will be difficult to replace Hassan and Hussein as teachers.”

DHS Sophomore and director of photography for Beyond the Darkness Jacob Head said that the twins without a doubt deserve all the recognition they’ve received for their movie.

“Hassan and Hussein have brought WDHS one of the best projects they have had in years and they have the awards to back it up, “ Head said. “Beyond the Darkness wasn’t even finished when they submitted it for NATAS and they still won four.”

As it is the twins’ last year in high school, Beyond the Darkness will be the lasting mark that they leave on our school. To see Beyond the Darkness, its trailer, and all the other published work by the twins, it’s all available to watch on their youtube channel, Malik Productions.

OnApril 23, 2023 executive producers, directors, writers, twins, and DHS seniors Hassan and Hussein Al-Maliki won first place in NATAS Student Production awards for Best Director, Best Editor, Best Audio/Sound, and Best Fiction-Long form for their new film, Beyond the Darkness.

The twins and the rest of their crew started production for the film in Nov. 2022 and was, just like any other WDHS productions film, given only a $500 production budget.

Twin Hassan Al-Maliki said that being able to work with his brother on Beyond The Darkness fueled his passion for the movie. “Working with my brother was nothing new for me. Ever since we’ve shared an interest in making movies we’ve done them together,” Hassan said. “With Beyond The Darkness, we wrote it together, making it is only right to direct it as we both have the strongest and clearest vision for this project.

And helping each other made this passion project come to life.”

Twin Hussein Al-Maliki said he wants to keep growing and improving as a filmmaker alongside his brother.

“Filmmaking was always something we enjoyed doing ever since we were young teens. As we got older we learned that making films was the best way for us to show our creativity and do something that is unique,” Hussein said. “With film making, it gives us a chance to be able to story tell which is something we want to get better at as well.”

Hussein also said that him and his brother don’t plan to end their career in film anytime soon.

“To be able to see your vision come to life is one the most rewarding feelings you ever gonna get,” Hussein said. “In the future, we hope to professionally become Writers and Directors and a big part of our inspiration comes from the Duffer

Hussein and Hassan Al-Maliki posing with WDHS adviser Adam Rauscher at the WDHS Film Festival on May 26, 2023. Held in the festival was the first-ever screening of Beyond the Darkness.

Scene from Beyond the Darkness Featuring Ali Alabidi (left) and Haider Almakhzumy.

Scene from Beyond the Darkness Featuring Jacob Head and Mohammed Alemarah.

Pictured: Hassan Al-Maliki (Left), Hussein Al-Maliki (right)

Husayn Hamoud Feature Editor

Zeinab Berro Staff Writer

They are the ultimate craftsmen and masters of every department

Photo: Jacob Head

Photo: Husayn Hamoud Photo: Husayn Hamoud

Crossing State Lines

Angela Chehade, Semih Yasarlar, and Hussein Balaghi Ad/OpinionEditor,AdEditor,andStaffWriter

Sam Roberts - Purdue University

What made you decide on Perdue as your college?

“I picked this college because it seemed to be the best fit for me. I’ve always been a hobbyist engineer and Purdue’s powerhouse of an engineering program supports that.”

Any advice for students looking to go out of state for college?

“Consider your education and enviornment first. Enviornment is important, you don’t want to end up in a place far from home that could make you depressed/burnt out, especially if there are schools instate where you’ll be happy.”

Carter Peet - University of Wisconsin (Parkside)

What made you decide on U of W Parkside as your college?

“I decided to go to parkside because I liked the coaching staff, they had the major I really wanted to go into and pursue. They also gave me the opporunity to do track in college which was something I really wanted to do.”

Any advice for students looking to go out of state for college?

“Persue your passions no matter where it is in the world.”

Dalal Harajli - New York University

What made you decide on NYU as your college?

“I love New York City. It was always a dream of mine to live there. New York University is a great school and I know that whatever I major in, they will have a good program for it.”

Any advice for students looking to go out of state for college?

“Don’t overwhelm yourself. I feel like a lot of people think that getting into prestigous schools means you have to be in every single sport, club, etc. Find one or two things you enjoy and stick to it.”

Savannah Capote - US Air Force

Why did you want to join the Air Force?

“I want to help people. My family’s been in the Air Force for a while, a few decades actually so I have a very long history with the military and me, I’ve looked into every possibility and this is the only thing I want to do.”

Any advice for students looking to go out of state for college?

“Don’t let other people change your opinion. They don’t matter, it’s only what you think and what you want in life.”

2023 Senior Artists Q&A

Husayn Hamoud Feature Editor Julia Chehade Staff Writer

DHS Seniors Sofia Ghannam and Caitlin Milligan Win Dearborn Public School’s 2023 Annual Senior Art Show

What does art mean to you?

“I like all forms of art because I just like to create. art is a form of therapy and expression for me, and its helped me find beauty in the most mundane of things. This has helped me overcome a lot and given me an outlet.”

“

How has art impacted your life? Do you plan to make art your career in the future?

I’m not really sure what I want to do in the future but I know I’ll always make art whether its in my job or not (however I was thinking of art therapy or literature but its not for sure).”

What separates you and Caitlin from each other as artists?

“I don’t think Caitlin and I are very different in the way we are just both artists showing self expression through our pieces, but I think I might be a bit more intricate than her when creating. Again though, its just how we express ourselves differently in art. “

What’s the biggest challenge you face when finishing an art piece, how do you get over it?

“Challenges I face while making art is usually just it not looking how I want it to, but the good thing is my ideas usually evolve and change throughout the process so that it doesn’t need to look exactly how I pictured at the start. Mistakes while creating art is human so I usually just accentuate them in a way it looks intentional and no one will know but me. This usually works in my favor.”

DHS senior Sofia Ghannam Posing for a picture in the courtyard outside the DHS office on May 23, 2023.

What’s your favorite artpiece of yours?

“This is my favorite painting of mine because I grew up with my grandfather’s cabin that he built 50 years ago. its always been a place of peace for me, so I wanted to replicate that in a painting since once my grandma passes the house will be sold. though this painting will never give me the same contentment that the house has given me as its been my safe place since I was little, it still makes me feel a bit of solace.”

Photo: Husayn Hamoud

Photo: Sofia Ghannam

DHS senior Caitlin Milligan getting her picture taken in the DHS courtyard on May 23, 2023.

Caitlin Milligan

What does art mean to you?

Art is terrifying, it’s impossible to do the whole of art as it’s in a constant state of change and evolution, however embracing art embracing the unknown has helped me embrace the world as a unknown, I’m excited for people I’ve never met and places I’ve never been, art has made me fall in love with possibilities, it’s something I will be doing for the rest of my life. I plan to do art as a career right now I’m leaning towards photography however that could easily change as I discover more.

How has art impacted your life? Do you plan to make art your career in the future?

Art means a great deal to me, it’s a freedom I feel not enough people take advantage of, and for some people it can even become a necessity. When I was younger me and my family lived in a abusive home due to my mother’s husband at the time, something that has since then been resolved luckily, however me and the other women in the house especially struggled as we were being monitored and isolated by the abuser. During that time both me and my elder sister took up art, it was one of the few ways we were able to express ourselves to keep a claim to who we were it was something that couldn’t be exploited and something private to ourselves, and quickly it became the way we survived.

What separates you and Caitlin from each other as artists?

As I said art reflects the person, so there are no better ways to tell differences than someone’s work. Me and her worked on a colab peice for the senior artist showcase, where Sofia chose darker colors, I used pastels, and with Sofia using the smallest brush for details her face an inch from the paper at some points for accuracy, I disregarded my brush a few minutes in in favor of using my hands to make large spirls. Neither way of our methods were wrong, however I have spoken to some of my friends for hours and never got as much of a understanding of them as a person as I did with Sofia making art with her. Me and Sofia are now both wonderful friends we even hang out outside of school now . But if you want to know the differences between two people ask them to both draw the same thing and watch carefully at how they display themselves for you.

What’s the biggest challenge you face when finishing an art piece, how do you get over it?

When I’m struggling to finish a art peice I put it down, alot of the time I’ll be able to return to it with vigar and grit, like stopping at a hurdle to back up for a running start. Sometimes I’m able to complete it other times it never gets completed and that’s ok. Art is about making things that allow you to express yourself, if what your making no longer allows you to do that then it’s already served it’s purpose, it’s best to let it go and move on to another project that fulfills you and not let it hold you back, and who knows sometimes your surprised and find yourself at that project again after you thought you were done with a whole new head of ideas. Don’t pressure yourself with your art it will happen when it’s ready.

Caitlin Milligans’ side of the senior artist display that sat in the DHS front art display.

Photo: Husayn Hamoud

Photo: Husayn Hamoud

Meet Some of DHS’s High Achieving Students

Hadeel Antar Editor-in-chief

Ava Faraj: Biochemistry at Univerity of Michigan Dearborn

Who’s your favorite teacher and why?

Mrs. Saleh is my favorite teacher, she has the purest and sweetest heart and is one of the most intellectually and emotionally intelligent people I’ve ever met. She’s my school-mom and was always there for me even when nobody else was.

Any advice to incoming seniors?

Stay present. You’re always going to be saying “I’m so excited for” and “I can’t wait to” and “only this many days until” and thinking about college and graduating and you forget to stay in the moment you’re actually living. I swear I remember thinking in November how slowly it was going and how I had so much time and I blinked and now it’s May.

Mark Struman: Computer Science at University of Michigan School of Engineering

What was your favorite moment in high school?

My favorite moment in high school has got to be listening to “Off the Review” by Yung Wesson (Aidan Oakley) in 11th grade AP United States Government class.

What do you want to study in college and why?

I want to study computer science for the prospects it holds in equity. Educating millions of people to disseminate between the real and the fake to empower our democracy, streamlining scientific processes in order to progress civilization, and empowering those who lack representation in our expansive, technologically reliant society. I hope, by studying computer science, I can apply my knowledge and my experience to ensure that technology is made for everyone.

Mohamed Hossein: Molecular Biology at University of Michigan

Who’s your favorite teacher and why?

I’ve had many amazing teachers in my life and my favorite one would have to be my freshman biology teacher Mrs. Jaber. She taught me how to drive and stay hungry for more. This has helped me so much thought life and I know it will continue to help.

Any advice to incoming seniors?

For incoming seniors, as well as any one, to stay thankful for what they have and be thankful for the present moment. I am a huge advocate for chasing the impossible, but if you are never thankful for what you have done you won’t find anything fulfilling.

Sally Hammoud: Biochemistry at Wayne State University

What was your favorite moment in high school?

My favorite high school moment was meeting the friends that I hope to keep in touch with throughout the rest of my life.

What do you want to study in college and why?

I want to major in biochemistry because I have always wanted to help people. I plan to become a sports medicine physician, and I feel that going into this will allow me to achieve these goals. I have always had an interest in both sports and the field of medicine, which were what inspired me to pursue this career .

Pushin’ P, Pushin’ Purdue DHS Senior Sam Roberts signs with Purdue University to run Track and Cross Country

Hadeel Antar and Hassan Sareini Editor-in-chiefandSportsEditor

You’ve undoubtedly seen the same runner across all four seasons, his lengthy strides taking him throughout the streets of West Dearborn. From Dearborn High School, to Ford Field, to Henry Ford College, DHS senior Samuel Roberts is frequently training to be the best possible runner he can be. As a fourtime cross country state qualifier, outdoor track state qualifier, and two time indoor track state qualifier, Roberts has accomplished feats that label him as one of the elite runners in DHS history.

With passion being found from the third grade, Roberts aims to continue his running career even post high school after signing his letter of intent with Purdue University on March 24, 2023. In West Lafayette, Indiana, Roberts will run track and cross country in the Big Ten Conference and plans to redshirt to extend his athletic career. Roberts journey started due to inspiration from his friends that were runners as well, but Roberts did not initially dominate the competition.

“My best friend, DHS alumni and D1 runner Charlie Frank, joined the Dearborn Track Club and I joined to hang out with him,” Roberts said. “I was terrible at first, we’d do a half-mile warm up and I’d take all of practice to walk/jog it. I ended up staying only because of my friends but I’m glad I did.”

Charlie Frank, cross country and track athlete at the University of California - San Diego, recounts his relationship and training with Roberts from when they were kids. “Me and Sam are super close, he was right up the street from me so we were always hanging out and having fun, and then we both got

On July 14, 2022, Sam Roberts rounds the curve at the DHS track in his Dearborn Track Club jersey. Roberts has been an athlete of the Dearborn Track Club for many years, joining in elementary to competing for the club in his recent indoor track seasons. “Dearborn track club was a game changer. I started in 3rd grade and the coaches were committed to getting young dedicated athletes a fun experience,” Roberts said.

into running at the same time,” Frank said. “It was great because we were training partners and we were able to work together just to become better at the sport and we both loved it.”

Roberts’ love for running, however, also stemmed from simply playing on the playground.

“But my motive to run came from the feeling of being on the playground chasing friends at recess,” Roberts said. “Distance running seemed to break down fun recess games on the playground into its purest form. To this day that’s still my favorite thing about running.”

As this interest turned into a hobby, Roberts started to pick up intense habits that would eventually lead to success in running.

“During the fall of third grade, my coach had a talk with me, he convinced me that stopping during a run was quitting so from that point on I never stopped or walked,” Roberts said.

Roberts quickly became obsessed with getting in the best shape he possibly could to run his fastest.

“I started running every day of the year; it got to the point where I’d feel guilty if I didn’t go on a run, and today running every day isn’t an option or choice it’s just something that happens regardless of weather or holidays,” Roberts said.

Boys cross country and track coach Philip Mahar was of great assistance when it came to perfecting Roberts’ running career.

“I’m lucky to have Coach Mahar who introduced me to the idea that there’s a science to training and that showed me how to tangibly pave the way to any running goal,” Roberts said. “But in spite of all that intense

Photo Credit: Yearbook

stuff, it’s still fun.”

Mahar, Roberts coach for all four years of high school, commented on the significance of Purdue not only for athletics, but for academics as well.

“I am very proud that Sam will be going to Purdue next year,” Mahar said. “They have an excellent engineering school and track team and Sam has worked very hard for this opportunity.”

Mahar also said Sam continued to shed more and more time off records he had before coming to DHS.

“Sam came to Dearborn High with some very nice accomplishments and he still has seen great improvement,” Mahar said. “His top end speed is much higher and he has improved his endurance. His time in the 1600 meters has improved over 35 seconds.”

Purdue Head Cross Country Coach John Oliver said upon meeting with Roberts, he immediately seemed to fit Purdue’s needs and the overall direction of the team.

“Sam from the beginning when we started recruiting him last fall, he brought a lot of high energy,” Oliver said. “We talked a lot about the process and team culture we were looking to build and add to. That stuff seemed to resonate with him.”

Oliver said Sam’s personality, work ethic, and dedication was factored into consideration. “He understood that getting better is not something that happens over night. It’s a process that takes initial actions over a long period of time,” Oliver said. “From his background, we felt there was a lot of perseverance which we value.”

As an experienced collegiate runner himself, Frank is looking forward to seeing how Roberts can benefit from the extra opportunities at Purdue.

“I’m really excited to see what he’s going to be able to do once he’s there and able to just do running in school and pour his heart into it because that’s what he did in high school,” Frank said. “So it’s going to be super cool to see what he can do at a collegiate level where the competition is so much more elevated and you have crazy teams and training and access to so many more resources.”

Despite the results, Roberts wants to see how far his work ethic can take him.

“Right now I don’t care if I end up doing anything crazy like winning national titles or the Olympics,” Roberts said. “But I want to work as hard as an Olympian just to see what happens, and I know I’ll have fun with it regardless of the outcome.”

Roberts races in the MHSAA Division One Finals on Nov. 5, 2022 after qualifying individually. Roberts earned 32nd place in a meet that was one of the windiest races ever ran by Sam. “It was a tough race fighting that wind, but you have to be prepared for any conditions in cross country,” Roberts said.

Photo Credit: Yearbook

Double Time at Adrian

DHS Senior Ty Cornett Recieves Scholarship to Play Both Hockey and Baseball at Adrian College

Samantha Clark Staff Writer

In 2008, DHS Senior Ty Cornett, three years old at the time, decided to pick up a hockey stick and a baseball bat. Soon enough, he had fallen in love with both sports. After years of dedication and challenges, things got serious when Adrian College’s head baseball coach Craig Rainey gave Cornett a call on Feb. 18, 2023, to discuss his future. Rainey had decided he wanted Ty to play baseball for the Bulldogs.

This happened after Cornett’s visit to Adrian for hockey where he ended up getting recruited for both the sports he loved.

Cornett was going to live his dream and this was a vital step: “If I hadn’t taken it [scholarship] I would not have been able to live knowing I could have played both sports I’ve loved since I was little,

I’ve been playing my whole life,” Cornett said. Along with a $44,000 scholarship, as soon as Cornett knew he could play both of his favorite sports within his higher-level education, the decision was made– Cornett was going to attend Adrian College. Cornett viewed this opportunity as a symbol of his success.

“I was excited to get the offer and I felt like my hard work finally paid off, all of my effort and drive meant something. I want to make a difference in the leagues,” Cornett said.

Cornett is a well-renowned athlete at Dearborn High School. He played hockey and baseball varsity all four years, and he was captain on both teams for his last two years at DHS. Downriver Unified’s hockey coach Rick Butler had nothing but

good things to say about his athleticism and sportsmanship. He said Cornett’s abilities to do whatever he needed in the moment made him a great leader.

“He always got the team ready to go. He leads by example,” Butler said. “I’m not surprised at all, he is a tremendous athlete. Adrian is lucky to have him.”

In addition to being named captain of both teams, Cornett won League Most Valuable Player as well as All-State and All Downriver for hockey. The award was given to the best hockey players in not only the league, but in the state of Michigan.

DHS head baseball coach Aaron Loconsole said that Ty has been a valuable asset.

“Ty is a good leader for us,” Lonconsole said. “He holds his teammates accountable and tries to lead in a positive way. His best quality is his ability to inspire his teammates.”

One of Cornett’s teammates on the DHS baseball team, junior Kyle Pumer, said Cornett knows how to take control and taught everyone how to get the game going, keeping a positive attitude even if things got tense.

“He’s comedic relief, but also when it comes down to it, he’s always on point,” Pumer said. “He knows how to get the team up [when] coming from a bad spot.”

Cornett said his goal is to keep pushing and possibly make it to the NHL or MLB, no matter the path he takes,

“I thought about how I could make my mark for the black community, to follow my footsteps to be the next up,” Cornett said. “I’m the first black hockey player for Adrian, that’s very special to me. There’s not a lot of diversity so it’s a start. I’ve always wanted to play college sports and this is my shot.”

Ty Cornett sitting in the dugout watching and waiting to bat as his team plays John Glenn High School on May 10, 2023. The game condluded with DHS beating them with a score of 6-5.

Ty Cornett celebrating after scoring a goal against SMCC High School during a hockey game.

Photo: Samantha Clark

Photo: Jennifer Deckert

THANK YOU & GOOD BYE

Wilson Inyang & Zohor Alhajifaraj Website Editor & Staff writer

“It was a great four years and I hope to see you in the future because your that guy.”

Anastin Poulos (Baseball)

“My cross-country and track coach. He was a great coach, he taught me a lot of things. Always pushed me to be my best, and to work my hardest. He got me into the position I am in right now and the position I will be in college.”

Carter Peet (Track)

“I want to thank Coach Mahar for being the most dedicated coach out there, and pushing us to be the best version of ourselves that we can be, both athletically and personally.”

Aiden Oakley (Track)

“I’m grateful for everything he’s taught me, I learned some really valuable life lessons that I would be most definitely going to be using. His lessons made me more developed as a man, it really help me focus on what’s important. He’s one hell of a coach”

Gabe Sabah (Football)

“I would like to the baseball staff for introducing me to the toughest competition I had seen all of my life, and for opening an endless amount of gates for the improvement of my game and character. You all will be missed dearly.”

Hadi Harb (Baseball)

Photo Credits: Zohor Alhajifaraj, and Mohammed Alali

I wanna thank you for giving me the opportunity to play with him and I really enjoyed the opportunity to play for him.”

Noah Elhassan (football)

“I want to thank my coach for teaching me discipline, and hard work.”

Issa Makky (football)

“I wanna thank my coaches for all the time and effort they put into making sure we have a good season and training our best.”

DeKoning, Sophie (Track & swimming)

“ I’d like to tell coach thank you for being there for me and being a fantastic coach and great mentor. Words don’t do what he’s done for me justice, he’s a great guy. I would also ask if it was okay for me to come to summer training before I leave for college.”

Samuel Roberts (Track)

“I want to say to my coach that it’s been a privilege to have been coached by him, and I feel like a better person and wrestler after having been taught by him.”

Khazaal Yoseph (Wrestling)

“To both of my coaches, thank you for trusting, respecting, and pushing us.”

Chamas Nora (Tennis)

MORE GOODBYES

● Samuel Roberts (track)

“Thank you so much for having me on the team and letting me play basically, I am just glad to have this experience more than anything”

Roman Furchia (Baseball)

“Thank you, I know you’ll miss me. Thank you for teaching me new things and helping me develop.

Brenna Thorpe”

(Field hockey & Softball)

“My wrestling Coach I want to thank you for the time and effort you invested in me, you were able to put me into shape even though even though I started playing the sport as a senior.”

Nehme Sajed (Wresteling)

“I want to say thank you to my coach for being an incredible mentor to me, providing me with valuable lessons not only about golf but also about life in general. His guidance and support made the season truly enjoyable and enriched my overall experience.”

Aya Salame (Golf)

“To my football coaches, I want to say nothing more than thanks, you all have put so much of your own stuff aside so that we could have such a beautiful experience at this school, like nothing but my gratitude.”

Cameron Smalley (football)

“I want to thank him for everything he’s done for me. He is a very supportive, very hardworking coach, he wants the best out of all of us, and even if we have a bad game and we struggle he’s always there to keep on.”

Daniel Elder (Soccer)

Acing The Competition

MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Award finds its place with DHS Senior after a decade of vacancy

Shehab Yacoobi, Sireen Bazzi Staff Writers

Two percent. What might seem like small odds to many, were the same odds that DHS senior Nora Chamas beat. Earning the MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Award, Chamas was one of the 32 out of 1440 applicants, part of the two percent, to earn the $2,000 across the state of Michigan.

The MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Award is a scholarship presented to candidates based on their leadership and performance in both academics and athletics. Chamas, who excelled in both tennis and cross country, also maintained a high GPA, as well as many extracurriculars, including being president of the National Honors Society at Dearborn High School. Chamas also wrapped up her athletic tenure by winning DHS Female Athlete of the Year, announced at the DHS Honors Night. It has been 10 years since a DHS student has won the MHSAA Scholar-Athlete award, and DHS Athletic Director Jeff Conway speaks on how difficult this scholarship truly is to attain.

“Our last winner from DHS was Lara Fawaz in 2012-2013, and we’ve had many students apply for it each year between then and now, which illustrates how difficult it is to win,” Conway said. “Hundreds of the best senior student-athletes from across the state apply every year, so to be recognized as one of the winners is very prestigious.”

Chamas said her family was initially skeptical, even when she was named a finalist, because she had to beat the odds a second time to earn the scholarship.

“When I actually won, they were very proud, relieved, and they felt like, you know, I actually had it under control.

For the essay portion of the scholarship, a portion that determined the majority of the application, Chamas chose to write about tennis for the scholarship as it held a significant impact on her personally.

“Even though I do cross country, tennis is definitely a bigger part of my life,” Chamas said. “And I, you know, dedicate more time and more effort, and just even more thinking about it. And I just know the game more in and out.”

Chamas, in her leadership essay, talked about how her experience through tennis in Dubai stuck with her as she made the move to the U.S. in 2019.

“I briefly mentioned my transition of moving here from Dubai and the way that shaped

Nora Chamas leaps to hit the ball over the net to her opponent in a match against Livonia Churchilll High School.“Even though I do cross country, tennis is definitely a bigger part of my life,” Chamas said. The DHS girls varsity tennis team made it to the MHSAA Division One State Finals following a second place finish at the regional tournament.

me as a person and my love for the sport, because I started playing tennis there and then I brought it into America,” Chamas said. “It felt very comforting to have that one thing where I could bring it to this completely new life of mine, grow it as a hobby, and find myself in it.”

Chamas’s sister, Donna Chamas, spoke about her happiness and excitement for her sister’s achievement.

“I was confused at first, as I didn’t know what the scholarship was for,” Donna said. “But when hearing that she was the only Dearborn High student to get it, I was so unbelievably proud of her.”

$cholarships earned by

Chamas

- MHSAA

Scholar-Athlete

- Robert Cipriano Scholarship

- U of M HAIL Scholarship - Metzler Scholarship

Donna said that the scholarship will be beneficial to her sister’s college journey and was a surprise to behold.

“I’m sure the money will help her in college, and in her future career,” she said. “My family was shocked that she was able to earn such a prestigious scholarship, and we are all grateful that Nora was selected.”

After graduating, Chamas will continue on her journey to the University of Michigan with a Hail scholarship. Here, she plans to major in biology, leading to the ultimate goal of attending medical school.

Abadi Hussein

Abbas Ali

Abdallah Nour

Abdelbaki Nuh

Abdelfattah Ahlaam

Abdelkarim Homhoma

Abdouny Ahmed

Abdullah Marya

Abdulraida Mohamed

Abdulroda Mohamad

Aboraihan Shimaa

AbouGhaida Mohammad

Abraham Dahlia

Abubaker Abdulnasser

Abubaker Maha

Abuelenain Mohammed

Accad Aubrey

Adam Saba

Adamczyk Charles

Ahmad Hussein

Ahmed Ahmed

Ahmed Alexander

Ahmed Dyazan

Ahmed Heba

Ahmed Qasem

Akhdar Malak

Alabdulrahman Shahed

Aladani Abdulrahman

AlAli Ali

Alamiri Saif

Alashkar Mona

AlAubeidy Sarah

AlawarNaime Waleed

Alawieh Noah

Albabbili Zaina

Albahiya Lujain

Albonajim Rowan

Albrehi Mustafa

Aldahan Hadi

Aldalali Mohaned

Aldhaibani Hadeel

Aldubaily Ahmed

Alemara Zainab

Alemarah Mohamad

Alfadhli Karrar

Algalham Amjid

Alganzwi Rakia

Alghurairi Issa

Algubani Ahmed

Algubani Fatima

Alhajifaraj Majda

Alhamadani Jaafar

AlHarithy Mohammed

AlHassan Safa

Alhilfy Nada

Alhyari Rama

Ali Amasi

Ali Ayman

Ali Dina

Ali Mariya

Ali Mina

Alibrahimi Mariam

AlJabur Fatemah

AlKafaji Mohmmed

Alkhafagi Zahra

Alkhafaji Salah

Alkhalil Mariam

Alkohali Aseel

Allaf Noor

Allahham Ahmad

Almachy Huda

Almahdi Wiam

Almaiahi Fatima

Almaleki Danea

Almaliki Hassan

Almaliki Hussein

Almaweri Eead

Almaweri Malak

Almawla Haidar

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Almohsini Mohamad

Almosawi Ali

Almurisi Yaseen

Almusawi Hussein

Almusawi Zainab

Almussa Amna

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Alramahy Hassan

Alrifaie Salma

Alrofo Ehab

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Alsaady Malak

Alsabhan May

Alsaedi Hamad

Alsafi Zeinab

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Alsaleh Abdallah

Alsayed Raghad

AlsayedAhmad Ali

Alshawish Maleka

Alshumary Yousef

Alsoofi Nawal

Altalb Bayan

Altamimi Ali

Altamimi Fatima

Althalemi Reham

Altamimi Haider

Alubaidy Marwa

Alwashah Hussein

Alyasiry Mohmad

Alzandani Shokri

Alzeidawi Mostafa

AlZoubi Ghozlan

Alzubi Rayan

Amin Natalia

AndersonRuth

Andrews Avery

Ankouni Abbas

Antar Hadeel

Aoude Zaynab

Bair Jacob

Baiz Hussein

Bajjey Aya

Ballouk Rayan

Barakat Hasan

Baydoun Hayat

Baydoun Liliana

Bayram Nadine

Bazzi Ali

Bazzi Celine

Bazzi Elayna

Bazzi Hassan

Bazzi Reem

Bazzi Sukayna

Bazzoun Ghinwa

Bazzy Ali

Bazzy Malek

Beatty Georgia

Beauchamp Erin

Chamas Nora

Chamas Reem

Chami Mohamed

Chamoun Chadi

Chehab Batul

Choucair Joelle

Choucair Lilyan

Chubb Alexander

Cline Olivia

Cornett Ty

Cosgro Brendan

Cox Haley

Dahbour Dana

Daher Ali

Daher Jawad

Dakdouk Haidar

Dakka Ali

Dakka Hussein

Dakroub Jad

Darwich Maha

Darwich Younis

Darwiche Reem

Deebajah Katia

DeKoning Sophie

Devlin Brooklyn

Dobert Luke

Dobert Noah

Dourra Zaharaa

Droubi Serine

Droubi Yasmine

Duhl Ethan

Eades Damian

Eid Wael

Elachkar Hadi

Fakhoury Adam

Fakhreldine Adam

Fakih Alyssa

Fakih Fatima

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Faraj Ava

Faraj Mohamad

Faraj Mohamed

Fardaus Nejme

Farhat Abdulkarim

Farhat Aya

Farhat Hannan

Farhat Layal

Farhat Mehdi

Farhat Zena

Farias Mia

Fatteh Hisham

Fawaz Hussein

Fawaz Rema

Fayad Mira

Fazio Jack

Furchi Roman

Furwan Moheeb

Gabrish Luka

Galindez Natalia

Gattyan Emily

Ghaddar Rama

Ghaleb Saba

Ghamlouche Kassem

Ghannam Sofia

Ghasham Reem

Ghazali Hadi

Gomez Tamara

Aoun Ahmad

Aoun Ali

Aoun Mohammed

Arafat Zaid

Arafat Zaina

Asfour Jenna

Askar Askar

Assad Laith

Assi Mina

Aun Saba

Awada Hadi

Awada Raneen

Awadi Mohammed

Awali Ali

Awali Ruba

Ayoub Ahmad

Ayoub Ahmed

Badreddine Sadek

Baidoun Lana

BerroAdam

Berro Reann

Berry Ali

Besek Emma

Beydoun Hassan

Beydoun Ibrahim

Beydoun Jamal

Beydoun Jena

Beydoun Jenna

Beydoun Malak

Beydoun Selene

Bouhachem May

Boussi Nadia

Bradley Adam

Brown Thomas

Bubakr Ammar

Capote Savannah

Carter Jaylen

Chaaban David

Chamas Hassan

Elayan Mohamad

Elayyan Zaid

Elbaba Sadine

Elboraii Mahassen

Elder Ahmed

Elder Daniel

Elder Zaid

Elhadi Ali

Elhady Anfaal

Elharake Hussein

Elharake Hussein

Elhasan Noah

Elhellani Mohamed

Elkodssi Sharifa

ElrawajihElbgoom Jad

Elrez Layal

Elsabeh Ayah

Elzaghir Reem

Fahs Rawan

Gothro Nathan

Grimley Ethan

Habhab Ava

Hadous Adam

Haidar Aiden

Haidar Ali

Haidar Fatima

Haidar Moussa

Haidarahmad Hadi

HaidarAhmad Hussein

Hamade Hadi

Hamade Julian

Hamdan Laila

Hamid Layla

Hamka Fatimah

Hamka Rawan

Hammoud Adam

Hammoud Ahmad

Hammoud Ali

Hammoud Ava

Hammoud Ayah

Hammoud Hassan

Hammoud Iya

Hammoud Mohamed

Hammoud Sally

Hammoud Yoseph

Hamood Mya

Hanoun Rafiq

Harajli Amanda

Harajli Dalal

Harb Hadi

Hardecki Noah

Harfouche Nour

Harrison Nicholas

Hassan Ahmed

Hassan Maya

Hazamy Yasmeen

Heins Kayla

Hojeije Youseph

Holota Marcus

Hossein Emma

Hossein Mohamed

Hreich Zahraa

Hussein Adam

Ibrahim Ali

Ibrahim Nasma

Idriss Suhan

Irick Jacob

Islim Fady

Jaafar Ahmad

Jaafari Zachery

Jabbar Karar

Jabbour Xavier

Jaber Giselle

Jaber Mohamed

Jaber Zaynab

Jaffal AhmadHussien

Jakubowicz Natalie

Jaratli Yusuf

Jawad Aya

Jouney Adam

Jouni Fatma

Kadaf Jameel

Kain Mouhammad Ali

Karoub Charlotte

Karout Hawraa

Karout Issa

Kassem Mersal

Kassem Sara

KassemMoussa Mirna

Kassir Hadi

Kennedy Ian

Kenney Joseph

Khalife Mahdi

Kharsa Jana

Khazaal Yoseph

Khazendar Yazan

Khrayzat Olivia

Khreizat Musa

Koubise Fatameh

Koussan Hawraa

Koussan Michael

Krol Adam

Krol Zachary

Lahay Madison

Lara Sydnie

Lemuz Elisett

Lindow Madison

Luckey Madelyn

Mackie Dania

Mackie Julia

Maddox Orlando

Majeska Kathleen

Makki Alayna

Makki Sydney

Makky Issa

Makled Deena

Makled Hussain

Mallah Hala

Mandouh Hussein

Mashhour Aaliyah

Mashhour Dunia

Matar Fatima

Mauri Ameer

Mazloum Hayat

Mekled Latifa

Metas Samantha

Mhanna Ahmad

Mihtar Malak

Miller Owen

Milligan Caitlin

Mitchell Lilliana

Mkalled Ali

Mohieddine Leah

Montano Yerick

Moukalled Mohamad

Mourtada Mohamed

Moussa Sammy

Mrad Abbas

Mrad Mariam

Mroue Nadia

Mshiek Lea

Munasar Hadarah

Muqbel Edrees

Naimi Ayah

Naji Aya

Nakib Omar

Naser Abdulqader

Nasrallah Aya

Nasrallah Mohamma-

dAli

Nasreddine Aya

Nassar Fatima

Nasser Muna

Nasser Sarah

Nasser Wijdan

Nehme Sajed

Noriega Isaac

Nowak Evan

Oakley Aidan

Obeid Yousef

Omar Ahmed

Omar Ayah

Rechlin Samantha

Roberts Samuel

Robinson Alayjah

Romo Giselle

Saad Abier

Saad Aya

Saad Fatima

Saad Hanadi

Sabah Gabriele

Said Kassem

Said Suzanne

Salame Aya

Salame Aya

Salame Kareem

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Saleh Adam

Saleh Amani

Saleh Fatima

Saleh Hawraa

Shatila Tarik

Shiri Lynn

Skazalski Calder

Slanec Alexandra

Smaili Ayah

Smalley Cameron

Smith Gabrielle

Smith Sydney

Sobh Mohamed

Sobh Neveen

Sobh Zainab

Soueid Hassan

Soweidan Mohamad

Staton Sydney

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Sufyan Shaima

Taha Adib

Takach Haissam

Taleb Jad

Tamer Hadeel

Tanana Adam

Tawil Deena

Tawil Hicham

Thorpe Brenna

Tiba Michael

Towfeeq Sarah

Turfah Liliana

Turki AliElhadi

Vansen Caleb

Ventura Alyssa

Victor Mackenzie

Wazne Shereen

Westfall Jason

Whitworth Myiah

Omar Fouad

Osseiran Mohamed

Page Darren

Peet Alexander

Peet Carter

Pegouske Kathryn

Platz Henry

Polk Mitchell

Poulos Anastin

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Quick Ashley

Rahal Fatima

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Rahal Yasmina

Raichouni Hussein

Ramadan Hussein

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Rammal Mohamad

Ramouni Medina

Saleh Mohamad

Saleh Rowaa

Salih Deyar

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Sayed Fatima

Sayed Zeinab

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Schimizzi Adriana

Schobert Connor

Schoen Julia

Schondorf Peter

Schroeder Julie

Seif Ahmad

Seklawi Nadeen

Serhane Fatima

Shaheri Hyla

Shaheri Mohamed

Shahzad Tyra

Shatawi Hadee

Williams Aris

Wojtowicz Sadie

Yaghmour Amneh

Yassine Ali

Yassine Fatima

Younis Hussein

Younis Mohamad

Youssef Houda

Zahr Lina

Zahr Sarah

Zahwi Heba

Zeid Haneen

Zeidan Ezadean

Zein Fadel

Zein Jad

Zeytoun Hannah

Zorkot Mariam

Zreik Zahraa