Vol. 21, Issue 3

staff

CONTACT US

(770) 497-3828

nhsmessenger@gmail.com

10625 Parsons Rd Johns Creek, GA 30097 nhsmessenger.org

PUBLICATION

The Messenger is a student publication published for and distributed to the Northview community. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the entire staff or those of Northview High School, its students, faculty, staff, or administration. Content is edited and controlled by staff editors. The staff will publish only legally protected speech, adhering to the legal definitions of libel, obscenity, and the invasion of privacy.

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

The Messenger staff welcomes letters to the editors but reserves the right to edit all submissions for length, grammar, libel, obscenity, and invasion of privacy.

ADVERTISING

The Messenger publishes ads with signed contracts provided that they are deemed appropriate by the staff for the intended audience. For more information about advertising with The Messenger, please contact the business manager.

IN THIS ISSUE

Cover design:

Disha Kumar

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

Disha Kumar

Manasa Premanand

COPY/MULTIMEDIA EDITORS

Megan Serfontein

Kevin Xiang

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Mekayla Upton

NEWS EDITOR

Krystal Wu

FEATURES EDITOR

Sydney Mulford

SPORTS EDITOR

Carter Willis

OPINIONS EDITOR

Ria Dubey

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Banee Chadha

ADVISER

Meredith Evans

STAFF

Hritvi Ahuja

Anya Biswas

Natalie Damer-Salas

Elizabeth Leffew

Milly Miao

Eowynn Miller

Remi Munye

Nethra Pai

McKenna Ryan

Hamilton Sule

Casey Wong

Katelyn Wu

The Messenger would also like to thank Northview's senior class council for sponsoring this issue!

week.

EDITOR

Senior Sofia Mang sings a Vietnamese song at Northview’s International Night.

EDITOR

gallery

Seniors shower the stands with baby powder at the white out football game.

BANEE CHADHA, PHOTOGRAPHY

Seniors Aashna Raj, Divya Mathew, Sanjh Mahatme, and Poorvi Iyer perform karaoke during homecoming spirit

BANEE CHADHA, PHOTOGRAPHY

GAVIN CHEN, SPECIAL

Seniors Audrey Jiang and Kaylyn Zhong share Dippin’ Dots during senior treats. DISHA KUMAR, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Note from Neuhaus

Dear Northview Class of 2023, I

’m so proud of you! You have accomplished so much in your high school years, and I am honored to have been a part of your journey. I still remember many of you from our days together in elementary school, where you were full of curiosity, enthusiasm and joy (love that Shark Bump!) You were eager to learn and explore with your classmates. You made me smile every day. Over the years, you have shown resilience, creativity, and compassion. You have made lasting friendships, learned new skills, and discovered new interests. You have grown into remarkable young adults, full of life and ready to take on the world! You are talented, passionate, and most importantly, you are kind. You make me proud every day.

As you embark on your next adventure, whatever that may be, I want you to know that I am always here for you. I will always remember you as the wonderful young adults that you are. I will always applaud you as you pursue your dreams. I will always support you as you overcome obstacles and seize opportunities. You have a bright future ahead of you. You have the ability to achieve anything you set your mind to. You have the confidence to face any challenge and the humility to learn from any mistake.

My wish for each of you is to embrace the uniqueness that is you—to love yourself and let your light shine! One of my favorite readings is “The Book of Joy,” which outlines three simple rules to live a joyful life that I’d like to share with you.

First, be grateful. Each of you is enough exactly as you are. Be grateful for who you are, the people in your life, and all that you have.

Second, to live a joyful life, have a positive attitude. Things are going to happen to us that we don’t like or want. That’s part of life, and how we handle the ups and downs makes all the difference. Look for the good in the world and in all your experiences. It’s there, sometimes hard to find, but, the more you look for it, the more you will find it.

Third, to live a joyful life, do kind things for others. When you encourage others, you are lifting up yourself as well. Helping others makes the world a better place and is a noble endeavor. One of my favorite Martin Luther King Jr. quotes is, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is—What are you doing for others?”

Remember that, wherever your journey takes you, you are not alone. You have a network of people who care about you and who will always be there for you. You have your family, your friends, your teachers, and me. I am cheering for you to make the world a

Northview principal Martin Neuhaus poses with a framed photo from Shakerag Elementary School students.

SYDNEY MULFORD, FEATURES EDITOR

SportsinReview

Northview sports teams celebrate successful seasons

CARTER WILLIS, SPORTS EDITOR

ELIZABETH LEFFEW, STAFF WRITER

DESIGN: KATELYN WU, STAFF WRITER

BASEBALL

Northview baseball ended its season with a 4-20 record, winning games against Johns Creek, Chattahoochee, and Cambridge High School. Northview baseball ranked sixth in the region and plans to participate in Dunwoody Fall Ball as a way to practice for next year’s season.

“Our most successful moment this year was beating Cambridge, even though we did not beat some teams we should have,” senior David Simmons said.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Northview boys’ basketball was led by its new coach this year, Vince Carter. Carter and the team hope to improve from this season to have even better seasons in the future. The team will have to rely on underclassmen next year with several starting seniors departing.

“Coach Carter coaches in a way [where] every day needs to be the same,” senior Tanner Owens said. “[Carter] always talks about routine and tempo. If it’s the day before the game, we always walk through our plays.”

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

The girls’ basketball team finished sixth in the region. The team’s biggest wins came over Fellowship Christian and North

Springs High School. The team as a whole— including both players and coaches—sees potential for next season and hopes to work hard to continue to get better.

“I appreciate my basketball coaches’ dedication,” freshman Kelly Reynolds said. “We will continue to work hard and grow. Next year, I want to see more confidence from our team.”

CHEER

Northview cheer had to persevere through many setbacks this year. Despite these challenges, Northview cheer was still on Northview’s sidelines at every game. Looking towards the future, Northview cheer hopes to have better time management and commitment so that as many people as possible can experience the sport.

“I think the most successful moment for my team this year was cheering at the last game of the year despite a lot of setbacks during the season,” junior Nadia Yang said. “The team bond that we were able to form was really special because of the hardships we endured, so being surrounded by a group hug with my teammates after the game ended was a really rewarding experience.”

BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY

Although the boys’ cross country team did not meet its season goal of making state, it still had a successful season. The high point of the season came when the team placed third at the Pickens Invitational. Throughout the season, the team stayed competitive and emphasized supporting each other and encouraging students to attend meets.

“It is one of the best experiences at Northview,” senior Luke Marshall said. “It’s so much more than just a sport; it’s a community in which you’ll feel at home no matter where you come from or if you’ve ever run before.”

Girls’ varsity cross country wins the Region 6 AAAAA championship. NORTHVIEW CROSS COUNTRY, SPECIAL

GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY

The girls’ cross country team had a successful year winning in its region and competing at state. Cross country runners worked on their endurance by practicing four times a week. Looking to next year, the team hopes to communicate with the student body more to have more people join the team.

“It was one of the best experiences I have ever had in sports,” freshman Kinley Olivio said. “I went in not knowing many people and close to nothing about running but left with close friends and a newfound love for the sport.”

ESPORTS

The Northview esports team competed in both the fall and spring. The team was able to make the state finals in both seasons, finishing as the state runner-up in both. The video game that the team was playing to make it to the state finals was “League of Legends,” but the team acknowledges that it is a dying game. In the future, the team is considering putting its best players behind the controller for “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” instead.

BANEE CHADHA, PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Girls’ varsity basketball huddles to strategize during a game.

“I’m going to miss the legacy we leave behind here in the “League of Legends” esports team since I can confidently say there will be no other team to replace the records we have set over the years we’ve played together,” junior and varsity “League of Legends” player David Suh said. “This is hands down the best and most memorable experience I will ever have in any school related activity.”

FLAG FOOTBALL

The Northview flag football program started just last year. This year, the team already showed signs of improvement, especially with its win against Johns Creek. The team was just one touchdown away from making the playoffs, and looking toward next year, the team’s goal is to make the playoffs that it just barely missed this year.

“I’m proud of our team and am grateful that we played flag football together,” senior Elena Andrade said. “The sport is rapidly growing and the future of football will include women.”

FOOTBALL

Northview football finished the season with a 1-9 record. Aside from the team’s six conference games, the team also played three out-of-conference games. In its first outof-region game, Northview beat McNair High School 23-12. With the conference switch this year to 5A Region 6, the team faced tougher opponents. The players hope to improve during off-season workouts to compete and win more games next year.

“The best part [of our season] was during the first game against McNair when our whole team came out with fire and played with purpose,” junior quarterback Coda Woolstenhulme said. “As a whole, our team can improve on our speed.”

BOYS’ GOLF

Northview boys’ golf had a rebuilding year. Currently, the team expects to place at least fourth in the region tournament and compete in area tournaments against high schools such as Chattahoochee and Centennial. Players also hope to be able to compete in the sectional tournament.

“This year has been very fun and competitive. I think we can get competitive, but that’s not really a bad thing. It is actually a good thing helping each other improve,” junior Dylan Sulka said.

GIRLS’ GOLF

Northview girls’ golf is headed to state after winning the Region Championship and Area 4 Tournament. The team has also placed at invitational tournaments and won individual awards such as the Low Medalist title. Next year, players look forward to refining their technique through frequent practice sessions.

“It was a really good team this year,” junior Shaylen Brown said. “It was a good experience for me because golf is very different from other sports, and I have definitely learned a lot. I loved being able to experience new things while also doing something that I enjoy.”

BOYS’ LACROSSE

Northview boys’ lacrosse finished with a 2-10 record, placing fifth in the region. With high hopes for next year, Northview boys’ lacrosse players are planning to improve their skills by practicing during their free time in an effort to increase the number of wins.

“I think we’re more successful than [we were] last year, and we’re setting ourselves up well for next year,” junior Dylan Sulka said. “Overall, it has been a very, very fun experience, and I just hope we can get everyone out earlier before the season and get some groundwork going in. Then, we should be really good next year.”

GIRLS’ LACROSSE

Northview girls’ lacrosse finished with a 3-14 record. Winning against Woodward Academy in one of its three region games, Northview girls’ lacrosse placed third in the region. Next year, the team hopes to win more regional games.

“I would describe this season as chaotic,” junior Lauren Caylor said.“We had a lot of ups and downs this year, and I’m just proud of everyone for not quitting on each other. We had

a few problems in different parts of the team, but we stuck together, and we made it through the season. Respect off the field creates respect on the field, which creates trust both on and off the field.”

BOYS’ SOCCER

Northview boys’ soccer ended its season with five wins, eight losses, and two ties, winning against schools like Wesleyan, Cross Keys, North Gwinnett, North Springs, and Kell High School. Northview boys’ soccer won two of its six region games, placing sixth in the region. The players plan to increase their winnings next year with more practice.

“Being on this year’s team was very meaningful to me,” senior Peter Mun said. “I enjoyed every second playing on the pitch as a senior. This year’s team has felt like a family because we could rely on one another and have team dinners or train during the weekends at Shakerag fields.”

GIRLS’ SOCCER

Northview girls’ soccer ended the season with a 10-5 record, including wins against South Forsyth, Wesleyan, Johns Creek, Chattahoochee, and Peachtree Ridge High School. Winning five of the six region games, the team placed second in this year’s region. To continue its six-win streak, Northview girls’ soccer plans to practice outside of school during the off-season.

“We definitely had a lot of potential at the beginning of the year, and we have grown from that,” senior Jenna Sapong said. “I am excited to see how the team does next year. We had a lot of people grow individually, and the team has gotten stronger and more well-rounded.”

GAVIN CHEN, SPECIAL

Senior David Deller runs with the football.

Senior Sydney Craig gets ready to catch the ball.

KUSH SANTOSH, SPECIAL

SOFTBALL

Northview softball had a year of growth and reformation. The softball team won nine games, becoming more consistent in winning later in the season with key wins against St. Francis and Lithonia High School. Now, as it heads into the offseason, the team prepares to take the field this fall.

“We improved this season even though we lost five seniors,” junior Shadi Karimifard said. “Personally, I have seen progress by going to the gym and learning new pitches. I hope to take that progress into the next season.”

SWIM

Northview’s coed swim team ended the season by winning the state championship.

Swimmers excelled in their events, and, as a result, they won the individual 200-yard freestyle swim. With a majority of the team being comprised of freshmen, Northview swimmers plan to practice over the summer in an effort to improve their skills.

“It was a fantastic senior year,” senior Aira Dani said. “I’m really glad I got to spend it with teammates that I love and am sad to be leaving everything behind. Especially after spending four years together practicing, working hard, and helping each other during meets and morning practices, leaving will be a very bittersweet moment.”

BOYS’ TENNIS

Northview boys’ tennis finished the season with a score of 3-12. Winning against North Springs, Kell, and Riverwood High School, Northview boys’ tennis placed eighth in the region. In an effort to improve, the players plan to continue practicing over the summer.

“This year was sensational,” senior Akhil Mujumdar said. “There is no such thing as a least successful moment on this team. We either succeeded or failed. Holding ourselves to these rigorous and tight standards motivated us to give our all in everything we did. When we didn’t win, we acknowledged our losses as failures, and when we won, we celebrated our successes.”

GIRLS’ TENNIS

Northview girls’ tennis finished the season with a 2-0 score. Winning against Decatur and Kell, this year’s Northview girls’ tennis team had a large win season. Next year, the players hope to continue their winning streak by continuing to practice and improve their form.

“This year was definitely successful,” senior Poorvi Iyer said. “This year’s team was like a family because we all knew each other really well and worked well together. Everyone worked really hard during tournaments and during practice. I am excited to see how the team plays next year.”

BOYS’ TRACK

Northview boys’ track and field finished the season with a final score of 177, with multiple athletes ranking nationally and placing in the top 50 in the state. This year, al-

most every runner set a new personal record in their events. Runners excelled in the boys’ high jump, long jump, and 400-meter dash events.

“I would encourage people to try new sports and step out of their comfort zone,” junior Gabriel Alemayehu said. “Last year, one of my friends told me to try out for track, and I laughed because I thought that I would never run for fun. But, after I went to tryouts and made the team, I stuck to it and am glad that I did.”

GIRLS’ TRACK

Northview girls’ track finished the season with a final score of 209, taking home the third-place title in the Fulton County Track and Field Championship. Multiple athletes ranked within the top 50 in the state and nationally. Runners excelled in the girls’ shot put, long jump, and 1600-meter run events, setting new personal records in many of these events.

“I loved track and field this year,” sophomore Naomi Johnson said. “It’s very addicting because of the adrenaline rush you get when

[you are] on the line before your race and want to have a bunch of medals to show off. Everyone was so supportive and helpful. I know that no matter what the circumstance is, there will always be laughter and an abundance of joy. ”

VOLLEYBALL

The Northview volleyball team placed fourth in the region this year. Throughout the season, the team secured key wins against North Springs and Cambridge. Preparing for the upcoming fall season, the team hopes to improve communication on the court in order to win future games.

“After we learned that we were on a little undefeated streak during the region playoffs, it honestly fueled us for the next couple of games, and we worked so well together as a team,” junior Srilakshmi Koya said.

WRESTLING

Northview wrestling ended its season 1-1. It beat Greater Atlanta Christian School by a landslide victory, finishing with a score of 60-15. Having won its region game and placing eighth, Northview wrestling plans to improve by training over the summer and the beginning of next year in an effort to increase its win streak.

“For me, personally, this year was a roller coaster,” senior Ansh Misra said. “We had a lot of freshmen, so there was some goofing off, but they always knew when to stop joking and focus. They were a very hardworking group; they always came to the workouts, the runs, and the practices.”

Northview senior Nikhil Thinesh uses a backhand to return the ball.

GAVIN CHEN, SPECIAL

Northview senior Nina Nwigwe highfives a teammate during a volleyball game.

GAVIN CHEN, SPECIAL

SIGNING DAY

Two Northview athletes sign with universities

MEKAYLA UPTON, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER DESIGN: NATALIE DAMER-SALAS, STAFF WRITER & NETHRA

As the school year comes to a close, seniors must decide their plans after high school. This year, seniors Jenna Sapong and Sydney Craig celebrate their athletic achievements with friends and family after having signed with universities where they will continue to play their respective sports.

Girls’ soccer captain Jenna Sapong has been playing soccer since she was 6 and chose to continue her soccer career at Auburn University in Alabama. In her first year at Northview, Sapong did not play soccer for the school.

“I wasn’t able to play my freshman year [at Northview] because of the club soccer [team] I played for,” Sapong said. “However, I was team manager that year, and I have played [varsity soccer] for Northview since sophomore year.”

Since her sophomore year, Sapong has worked hard to become the captain of the team. As a goalie, Sapong often talks to her team on and off the field about soccer tactics,

which helped her transition to the role of captain smoothly.

“[Sapong] is great; she makes everyone feel welcomed,” girls’ varsity soccer coach, Sonia Fields said. “She works hard and practices what she preaches. [Sapong] is so kind and leads by example.”

On March 29, 2023, Sapong officially announced her decision to continue her athletic career at Auburn University. On, April 13, 2023, Sapong signed to Auburn, surrounded by family and friends.

“I had regularly applied [to Auburn], and then, after getting accepted, I emailed the coaches, and we talked,” Sapong said. “They got a chance to watch me play, and they really liked me. I went on a tour, and I really liked the school and its soccer program. At Auburn, I am most excited to meet new people from all over the world, play soccer, and know that I am getting a good education.”

Lacrosse captain Sydney Craig chose to continue her lacrosse career at Young Harris College in Georgia. Craig has been playing lacrosse since the age of 5 and has been playing for Northview during all four years of high school. She also played lacrosse for the club Outlaws.

“My sister’s best friend went to Young Harris, and she convinced me to go,” Craig said. “I visited during my freshman and junior years.”

Growing up, Craig participated in lacrosse, soccer, and summer swimming. Before high school, though, Craig decided to focus on lacrosse.

SYDNEY CRAIG

“Lacrosse has always been with all of my family and friends,” Craig said. “My brother and sister played, so I thought, ‘why not?’ Then, I ended up really loving [lacrosse.]”

On May 7, 2022, Craig officially signed

JENNA SAPONG

with Young Harris College. On, April 13, 2023, Craig signed with Young Harris College, surrounded by her coaches and teammates.

“[Craig] recently started going to training once a week, and it’s helped her improve a lot,” co-captain and senior Emmie Lampel said. “She is pretty quiet on the field, and she just wants to help the team out and get work done.”

Lampel and Craig are best friends and have played lacrosse together since fifth grade. This year, they are captains together on the Northview varsity girls’ lacrosse team.

“[Craig] is a good captain. She tries to help out the youngest girls and teach them ways to get better,” Lampel said. “She [shows] her dominance so everyone stays focused in games and practices, which helps us.”

PAI, STAFF WRITER

Sapong signs with Auburn University. MILLY MIAO, STAFF WRITER

Craig signs with Young Harris College. MILLY MIAO, STAFF WRITER

senior superlatives

PHOTOS: BANEE CHADHA, PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

DESIGN: SYDNEY MULFORD, FEATURES EDITOR

Hellie Chen Luke Marshall

I got fired from my job at the bank yesterday, a lady asked me to check her balance and I pushed her over.

David Simmons

I am a funny guy frl I like to make people smile.

Northview is the real “best all around.”

Thanks for letting me wob MML, run chizzom moves, buy baguettes, wear a cutoff, Parthiban pace to HMart, Byun freestyle, feed Aahil, blast (phoneless) EDM, bunbury, BOTD, email Mark, sign the blazer, hear Shetty speak, drive a corvette, sing the entire national anthem, and so much more. You guys are truly the best.

best all-around

Mikey Kwan class clown

Need to brighten your day with humor? I’m your guy!

Jason Cho and Joon Kwon

While most are resting in their rooms after a long day of competitions we find ourselves meeting anyone and everyone from early mornings to late night curfews. Outside of that though were always together at lifetime, calling each other up for moves, and doing dumb sh*t together.

Carissa Park Rohan Vish

This is a recognition that I’ve grown into my own; thank you to all the friends and peers who allowed me to do that. To all of the underclassmen that want this superlative, here’s my advice to you: dress for the moment & allow yourself to be crazy. Don’t have regrets, and don’t dress for anyone’s gaze!!

Redeemed myself for not winning in middle school. I’d like to thank Pinterest, GoodWill, Cider, and last but certainly least Shein.

best dressed

Kaylyn Zhong Frank Liu

I trust Frank to speak for the both of us. Art is like a fart. If you force it, it’s probably crap.

most artistic

Chase Davenport-Mills Reilly Baker

Thank you to all who VOTED for me! I’ve come a long way in my athletic career and there’s definitely more to come!

I would like to dedicate this award to Crunch. Best $10 I ever spent.

most athletic

Disha Kumar

I can’t even vote yet…

Rishi Subramanian

…Neither can I!

future president

Revin Jun

Grace Yang

I swear I’m not an egirl.

pro gamer

Aahil Akbarali Ronish George

I drive. Speed limits are just a recommendation.

worst driver

Nathan Ware

If I was on Drag Race, I’d win. If I was on Big Brother, I’d win. If I was on The Circle, I’d win. I probably wouldn’t win Survivor... but if Total Drama was real, I’d win that too.

Ella Schuman

See you on Love Island!!

MOST LIKELY TO STAR ON A REALITY TV SHOW

Sujana Vangala Shriya Mahakala

The people of color always die first anyways. I mean I couldn’t even survive junior prom, so I don’t really know what I was expecting.

least likely to survive a zombie

I didn’t know he existed until junior year, but I do know that I now like ranch with my Jet’s pizza and playing pickleball or basketball and going on evening walks. Maybe I know that I like him too.

Krystal Wu and Jason Cho class couple

Met her last year but now I know how to do skincare, plan for events (actually in advance not last min), and cook steak (ish). We enjoy going to the gym and coming back to hangout together I guess I could say she’s pretty cute too lol.

Simran Balakrishnan Grace Chawla

So you guys all think I’m dramatic??

I’ll miss my friends, teachers, and peers. Above all else, I’ll miss the horde of rats that live under the auditorium’s stage.

MOST LIKELY TO STAR ON BROADWAY

Sofia Chen Reena Thangamani

Stick stick stick, let hit hit hit, stick stick stick, let hit hit hit, stick stick stick, let hit hit hit.

My blickyyyy up on the dressaaaa, my blickyyyy up in the truuuunk.

MOST LIKELY TO BECOME TIKTOK FAMOUS

Casey Wong

Zeenia Charania

Hey, at least I showed up for this picture. I don’t know why no one else participated in senior skip year. but as president truant I had a reputation to uphold.

Messenger seniors share parting words of wisdom

PHOTOS: BANEE CHADHA, PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

DESIGN: MEGAN SERFONTEIN, COPY/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

If you have to choose between your grades and anything else, choose the other thing. Trust me, the grades aren’t worth it.

College: Georgia State University

Major: Political Science

Leave class 30 seconds before the bell rings to get the good Menchies flavors.

Oh, and follow us on Instagram @nhsmessenger

College: Emory University

Major: Economics

I joined the Messenger my senior year, and it’s the best decision I’ve made! High school has been like an emotional rollercoaster, but writing it out got me through it.

College: Georgia State University

Major: Journalism

Ria Remi

Disha

Do not sign up for the College Board college search emails. Trust me on this.

College: University of Georgia Major: Undecided

Cherish the moments you have with those around you because you will be hundreds of miles away before you know it. Tell them you love them every chance you get.

College: University of Georgia Major: Mechanical Engineering

Good friends will make high school bearable, so find some people you love, and you will get through this!

College: Agnes Scott College

Major: English- Creative Writing

Manasa

McKenna

Megan

Always expect the unexpected. Don’t be fazed when things don’t go according to plan.

College: Georgia State University

Major: Finance

Go to class.

University: Undecided Major: Political Science

Try to do everything at least once. Go to a football game, watch a play, and participate in dress up days.

University: Georgia Institute of Technology

Major: Mathematics

Hamilton

Casey

Krystal

Seniors Going Places

Seniors Going Places

Seniors taking unconventional paths after high school share their postgraduate plans

KATELYN WU, STAFF WRITER

KRYSTAL WU, NEWS EDITOR

NATALIE DAMER-SALAS, STAFF WRITER

PHOTOS: BANEE CHADHA, PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

DESIGN: ANYA BISWAS, STAFF WRITER & ELIZABETH LEFFEW, STAFF WRITER

GGoing into his final year of high school, senior Jamin Poczontek questioned what to do after he graduates from high school. After going back and forth, he decided to take a gap year to recollect and focus on himself.

“I want to take some time to myself, and I don’t think I’m ready to go to college,” Poczontek said.

To Poczontek, school is a place he can go to meet new friends, hang out, and form bonds with teachers. His best friend, senior Tri Cao, met Poczontek in their freshman year at Northview. The two bonded over their love for video games and a similar sense of humor.

“He changed my life by being my first friend at Northview,” Cao said. “He has always been my number one and only supportive friend.”

Since freshman year, Poczontek and Cao have been inseparable. Despite not having classes together this year, the two find time to hang out. When Poczontek and Cao are not playing video games, they bond over meals that Cao cooks.

“He’s a funny guy. He’s chill and maybe sometimes a little bit silly,” Cao said. “[Our

friendship is] kind of like a mutual relationship between us. [Sometimes,] I cook a meal for him, and he loves it, but I’m still waiting for him to cook for me.”

However, after graduating from high school, the two will take separate paths for their futures. Cao will head to college in the fall, but Poczontek will spend the next year of his life balancing work, swim, and self-reflection. However, his plans for the future do not stop there.

Poczontek plans to join the summer swim league he participates in every summer, but he hopes to find a year-round swim team to join as well. Swim holds a special place in his heart, from the friendships formed to the excitement of competition.

“During junior year, I got hurt in the middle of the [swim] tryout, and I didn’t expect him to care about it,” Orelia Thottam, a friend of Poczontek’s, said. “But, he actually was worried, and he texted me later and asked me if I was fine.”

Combined with his easygoing attitude, Poczontek believes his character improved as a teacher’s assistant for the special needs

students at Northview through the program called Mentorship.

“The fact that it’s my last period just helps me relieve all my stress, simply by being in the class. It’s just so much fun,” Poczontek said.

As a teacher’s assistant for the Mentorship program, Poczontek goes on field trips with the class, and he believes he has changed into a more patient and understanding person that can de-stress and bond with these children.

“We went bowling, and when one of the kids got a strike, it was such a cool moment,” Poczontek said. “We also went to the Special Olympics recently where [the students] went around and participated in different activities.”

After spending time at school with special needs students, Poczontek returns home to take care of his 8-year-old autistic brother. During his gap year, he plans to continue helping students with special needs by spending time with his brother and finding new community opportunities to be involved in.

“He doesn’t let things trouble him easily, and he’s very open-minded,” Thottam said. “He has an idea of what he wants to do because of how seriously he takes his future.”

Jamin Poczontek Jamin Poczontek

Senior Jamin Poczontek gets ready to embark on his journey afte r high school. BANEE CHADHA, PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Elena & Kat Andrade Elena & Kat Andrade

SSeniors Katarina (Kat) and Elena Andrade began playing the close-contact sport of rugby at 6 years old but did not decide to pursue it after high school until they caught multiple D1 colleges’ attention at tournaments.

“We were considering Harvard University, Lindenwood, Davenport, West Point Academy, and St. Mary’s College,” Katarina Andrade said.

After touring the lush green campus hugged by mountains and located next to the Hudson River, the two girls knew that West Point Academy was the place for them. However, the picturesque location was only one of the many factors that contributed to their decision to commit to the military institution.

“The coaches were a big factor as well,” Katarina Andrade said. “We automatically knew that [West Point] was what we wanted after speaking to the coaches,” Elena Andrade said, finishing her sister’s thought.

The coaches were equally excited to host the twins. The head coach of the women’s rugby team at West Point, Bill Leclerc, took charge of the women’s program at West Point in 2012.

“[Katarina and Elena] came up to camp and they were awesome,” Leclerc said. “[They were] excited about every day regardless of how tough it was. I just got great energy and attitude from the pair of them, and that’s going to

be the thing that will make them successful.”

Leclerc emphasized the intense commitment and work necessary to succeed at the academy. Chase Davenport-Mills, a close friend of the twins since sixth grade, believes that both of them will handle the pressure well.

“There are similarities between us; we are very focused and determined to get what we want,” Davenport-Mills said. “Our head is on our shoulders and we are very goal-driven.”

Service influenced the twin’s college decision as well. Both of their parents were part of the army, which inspired the girls to pursue the same path. They always knew they wanted to serve and are looking forward to the ways rugby will assist them in the army and vice versa.

“I think playing rugby at a service academy will make us stronger officers in the army,” Elena Andrade said. “The sport is really rough, and there are a lot of mental and physical abilities you need to succeed in both.”

Elena Andrade’s athleticism does not stop there; in addition to rugby, she has played basketball, lacrosse, wrestling, competition cheer, flag football, and nearly every other sport. Junior Alexis Joyner has been on the flag football team with Elena Andrade for two years and has made many unforgettable memories with her.

“We would be on the bus listening to mu-

sic, dancing, and cheering. It was such a great time,” Joyner said.

Joyner met the twins at the Experimental Aircraft Association summer volunteering program, where they built model airplanes they plan to one day practice flying. Katarina and Elena Andrade’s father attended flight school and, through his storytelling, inspired them to fly at a young age; the girls have been passionate about it ever since.

In the future, the twins plan to continue their passion for aviation by studying aerospace engineering at West Point. However, both girls’ aviation dreams are distinct. While Katarina Andrade hopes to be a parachutist, Elena Andrade has the goal of one day flying beyond the ozone layer.

“I want to be able to go to space and maybe even be part of the Space Force,” Elena Andrade said. “I know it’s going to take a lot to get there, but I would love to become an astronaut.”

Both girls plan to further their journey in rugby and hope to eventually form part of the National Women’s rugby team to represent the U.S. at the Olympics.

“Through the Olympics, I want to inspire younger girls who are looking for a sport that will give them grit and confidence on and off the field,” Katarina Andrade said.

Seniors Elena and Katarina Andrade pack their bags for West Poi nt Academy. BANEE CHADHA, PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Izzy Bambakakis Izzy Bambakakis

MMost high school students struggle to balance academics and extracurriculars, but Izzy Bambakakis does it all while working a full-time job. During the day, she attends Northview, but, at night, she works as a concert photographer for LiveNation, one of the biggest entertainment companies in the U.S.

Bambakakis has been interested in music since she was little. She plays a multitude of instruments, including the guitar, ukulele, bass, keyboard, and drums. Furthermore, she has been attending concerts and following artists like Twenty One Pilots since middle school. Then, when her best friend submitted a recommendation for her at LiveNation, she got her first job during her freshman year.

“Music has always been something that I associate with [Bambakakis],” Mahi Maulik, a close friend of Bambakakis, said. “She’s always listening to something, talking about some artist, or going to some concert. Music is a pretty big part of her life.”

Additionally, Bambakakis has always had an interest in photography. While she learned a lot of camera skills on her own, she has been taking photo classes at Northview since her

freshman year. She is part of the audiovisual (AV) technology club, run by Sujana Vangala, one of her close childhood friends.

“[Bambakakis] helps us with a lot of cinematography aspects,” Vangala said. “She has this huge collection of camera equipment, and it’s just insane to watch her work.”

Being a concert photographer requires many unique skills. Though the scene can be very stressful, friends of Bambakakis say that she is always able to handle the chaos and appear to know what she is doing.

“[Bambakakis is] very goal oriented. She knows what she wants, and she works in a way that will accomplish those goals,” Vangala said. “She projects confidence in her abilities and talents.”

A typical day as a concert photographer starts an hour before the door opens. Bambakakis goes straight from school to the venue to set up her cameras. As the concert begins, she and the other photographers stay at the front to shoot a few songs, and then they move to the back to continue taking photos. The job usually ends at midnight, but, through the years, Bambakakis has gotten used to the long hours.

Part of what makes the job so enjoyable for Bambakakis is the people she gets to work with at a concert. The number of camera operators working on a tour depends on how big the artist is and the venue size, so the number of workers on set could range from just her to 100 others. This means that Bambakakis has made many close friends working in this career.

“We all got to eat together, we hang out 24/7, and we’ve all gotten super close,” Bambakakis said.

Recently, Bambakakis has been working with Mod Sun, known for his work as a hiphop and punk artist. She accompanied him across the country on the first headlining tour for his new album, “God Save the Teen.” While getting to know him better, Mod Sun’s words on mental health strongly impacted Bambakakis.

“Mod [Sun] was a big inspiration for me because he talks a lot about making sure that you’re okay and that your friends are okay and to know that it’s okay to sometimes not feel well. That was just a big thing in my life,” Bambakakis said.

Although Bambakakis is pursuing a nontraditional path after high school, she feels confident in her abilities and pride in her work. She is taking a gap year but wants to work as a photographer for as long as possible.

“Everything we do [at Northview] is specifically so you can go to college, and I like that she doesn’t hesitate to go against that,” Maulik said.

For those interested in music careers, Bambakakis recommends starting with any job since doing so is a good way to learn the ropes of any position and discover personal preferences. She also believes that it helps to gain experience in different aspects of the music industry. However, what she finds the most important is finding and choosing what to do as a lifelong career.

“[Being a concert photographer is] the most exhilarating experience of your life,” Bambakakis said.

MUSEUM NORTHVIEW HIGH

of messages

A farewell from Northview staff to the class of 2023 DESIGN: MILLY MIAO, STAFF WRITER

Years from now, when I remember your class, I will smile, perhaps laugh out loud, at the fun memories we’ve shared. You are such an ambitious class, an involved class, and, most of all, a kind class. Hugs were easy to give and to get. So here’s one big hug from me, but it’s not goodbye. Shine on you crazy diamonds. [I]can’t wait to see what you become, and if you’re the first female or first Asian president of the U.S., don’t forget [about] me. I want an invite!

Tania Pope

-

2023 was a special year with all of you, and, remember, “life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” Thanks for being great!!

- Malcolm Delgado

Congratulationswe are so proud of you! Go out and chase your dreams, be kind, and keep reading!

Congratulationswe are so proud of you! Go out and chase your dreams, be kind, and keep reading!

- Ashley

Ulrich

- Ashley Ulrich

Congratulations! I wish you all the very best of luck [in] your future endeavors! It’s been amazing getting to know some of you!

Scan

-

Heather Postier

"I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance; never settle for the path of least resistance; [and] livin’ might mean takin’ chances, but they’re worth takin’."

“I hope you dance.”

Congratulations Seniors ’23

- Stephanie McCall

NORTHVIEW’S BOTANICAL

Iconic student-teacher duos share their favorite high school me mories

MANASA PREMANAND, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DESIGN: MANASA PREMANAND, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ERIC LIU

Senior Eric Liu is currently a student in Latin teacher Garrett Yeats’ AP Latin class. Having been taught by Yeats for four years, Liu and Yeats developed a friendly relationship through bonding over their shared sense of humor and unique interests. While their similar personalities allowed for the two to grow closer, Liu credits Yeats’ amicable and considerate nature as one of the primary reasons they bonded as a student and teacher duo.

“The best mental health resource Northview has to offer is taking Latin because Yeats is always there for his students,” Liu said. “My high school journey has been very stressful and full of ups and downs, but I know that as long as I’m taking Latin, there’s at least one period where I can come in, and it’s not going to be just pain and suffering.”

When reminiscing on his memories with Yeats, Liu notes attending Latin Convention together as his favorite experience with him.

“He took the time out of his weekend [to attend the convention with us], and he was the awards chair for that, so he really put a lot of effort into helping organize the event,” Liu said. “It was a lot of fun seeing all the Latin classes he taught come together and celebrate the classics.”

Liu thanks Yeats for his unconditional support for his students and cherishes the memories he made in Latin class.

“Thank you for really always being there both inside and outside of the classroom, being a supportive friend that always looks out for everyone, and being the best teacher I could ask for,” Liu said.

GARRETT YEATS

Student Teacher

Northview Latin teacher Garrett Yeats has had Senior Eric Liu as a student for four years. Having known Liu for the entirety of his high school career has allowed Yeats and Eric to develop a unique, friendly bond over their hobbies.

“It’s weird how many interests he and I have in common,” Yeats said. “We do a lot of joking around and finding out we have shared interests.”

Through realizing his similarities with Liu, Yeats was able to improve his relationships with other students as well.

“Having a student that I shared so many similarities with has been a lot of fun, and one of the things it has helped to do is work more to find those common interests that I have with my other students,” Yeats said. “I would definitely say Eric has helped me become a better teacher.”

Liu and Yeats have grown in tandem as student and teacher. This year, Liu was nominated as Fulton County’s Star Student after scoring exceptionally well on his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Liu then nominated Yeats as his Star Teacher, and the two of them attended a banquet together as a student-teacher pair.

“That whole process has been a lot of fun, and I feel like I’m closer to Eric than I have been with a lot of my other students,” Yeats said.

As Liu prepares for graduation, Yeats leaves behind a message for his student to hear.

“Keep finding those weird, interesting things,” Yeats said. They are really nerdy and not always the most useful, but pursuing those random bits of knowledge and curiosity is totally worth it.”

ERIC LIU, SPECIAL

CADY STUDIOS, SPECIAL

GARDEN OF MEMORIES

SHRIYA MAHAKALA

As president of Northview’s Beta Club, senior Shriya Mahakala has built a strong relationship with the club’s sponsor, Megan Hart. The two often work together to schedule events and organize club meetings, and, through this collaboration, they have grown to respect and appreciate each other’s presence.

“[Hart] is someone who, if I have any questions, I’m comfortable going to,” Mahakala said. “A lot of other clubs are scared of their sponsors, or their sponsors do absolutely nothing to help, but Ms. Hart’s perfect in the way that she implements my ideas but also gives recommendations on how to improve them.”

Hart’s guidance has helped Mahakala develop important leadership skills and conduct herself professionally in various settings.

“She’s definitely helped me grow as a [club] president and as a student,” Mahakala said. “I’ve developed a lot of crucial leadership skills because of [Hart].”

As club president and sponsor, Mahakala and Hart have experienced various circumstances together. At this year’s beta convention, the pair dealt with a difficult issue regarding Northview’s Beta Club and grew much closer as a result.

After having weathered an eventful year together, Mahakala thanks Hart for her constant assistance and guidance.

“Ms. Hart, thank you so much for helping me grow as a person this year,” Mahakala said. “I’m really going to miss you, and I can’t thank you enough for the skills you’ve helped me develop.”

Student Sponsor MEGAN HART

As Beta Club’s sponsor, Megan Hart has witnessed senior Shriya Mahakala’s transformation from a novice president into a capable leader. The two of them became a friendly duo after getting to know one another as part of the Beta leadership board. Hart admires Mahakala’s dedication and reliability as a leader and considers her an extremely capable club president.

“This year, Shriya has helped lead the club to make sure that we were getting back into the community now that things have opened back up,” Hart said. “She’s always been very reliable and helpful in making sure that Beta was getting things done.”

A primary reason that Hart and Mahakala were able to grow so close was due to the pair overcoming various hurdles together as the Beta Club sponsor and president. During this year’s Beta Convention, the club faced unforeseen challenges, but Hart and Mahakala worked together to mitigate the situation.

“It was an overblown incident…but [dealing with the situation] brought us together,” Hart said.

Having witnessed Mahakala’s growth as a leader, Hart is very excited to see her flourish in college as well.

“You told me you wouldn’t meet me for dinner in New York, but we’re going to have that dinner in New York because we’re going to have to catch up,” Hart said. “I’m going to have to see how fashion has changed. I need to know which professors you’re hanging out with, and I am so widely excited for you and will miss you very much.”

SHRIYA MAHAKALA, SPECIAL

CADY STUDIOS, SPECIAL

DESIGN: DISHA KUMAR, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & KEVIN XIANG, COPY/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Alabama

Alabama

Auburn University

Adiva Puttnam

Benedict Virtucio

Jenna Sapong

Rachel Everett

University of Alabama

Gavin Ward

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Dhruv Krishnam

Sarah Cato

Troy University

Eli Hankinson Arizona

Arizona State University

Diya Shrivastava

University of Arizona

Paris Hale

District of Columbia

George Washington University

Sabrina Yeh

Florida

Jacksonville University

Charlaya Jones

Cherahkei Jones

University of Miami

Fife Akande

University of Tampa

Ella Skinner

Natalie Paulsen

Georgia

Agnes Scott College

Megan Serfontein

Augusta University

Sophia Ying

Usman Nazir

Emory University

Carissa Park

Coco Lu

Disha Kumar

Grace Yang

Samantha Perry

Rhea Sharma

Samaira Chahal

Sara Hsu

Vidhi Tiwary

Georgia College and State University

Drew Bates

Morning Miller

Sydney Clement

Georgia Institute of Technology

Aarav Gupta

Advay Pampattiwar

Aesha Shah

Allen You

Ansh Misra

Anusha Kumar

Anushree Rawal

Ateendra Subramanian

Christie Peng

Claire Wu

Daveh Day

Deborah Zhang

Eileen Chen

Eric Liu

Henry Tang

Jahnavi Ratnapu

Jensen Zhang

Krystal Wu

Luke Marshall

Natesan Rajesh

Nikita Rao

Nitika Varadh

Richard Xu

Sanjh Mahatme

Soham Shetty

Sruthi Yerraguntla

Sujana Vangala

Vidhi Tiwary

Vishnu Reddy

Vivek Vishwanath

Georgia State University

Aniketh Peruri

Artur Le

Aryan Afre

Aryan Praveen

Atlas Li

Brittney Nnamchi

Carmelo Claiborne

Christina Yi

Cyrus Yong

David Park

Eric Xing

Holden Glass

Ishaan Gupta

Joshua Samraj

Kunyu Chung

Maryam Shah

Mike Kwan

Mya Byrd

Naomi Ikegwuonu

Neal Shah

Noah Leslie

Peter Mun

Remi Munye

Ria Dubey

Ronish George

Sanjana Menon

Sanjay Ramjee

Shivan Desai

Shruthi Balachander

Sofia Chen

Sophia Lee

Srinidhi Kaarthigeyen

Tamia Moorer

Yamen Survery

Herzing University

Beverly Martinez-Munoz

Kennesaw State University

Albert Leopoldi-Nichols

Arainia Pinnow

Cameron Williams

Carlos Sandoval

Ceejay Raut

Charlie Carlson

Grace Lee

John Do

Joseph Halab

Keira McCarthy

Layla Garth

Lucas Cardona

Lucian McCarley

Maddox Davidson

Natalie Mostacero

Parker McKinney

Sarah Otaluka

Sariah Williams

Victor Chavez-Ferreira

Victoria Gorham

Mercer University

Aditya Vayalapalli

Atusa Mesbahi

Ezekiel Charles

Julia Olmedo

Mukhtaar Giwa

Nikhil Thinesh

Nina Nwigwe

Olivia Landry

Tammy Akinrinola

Tyler Salva

Oglethorpe University

Isabella Kelly-Stewart

Kate Wilson

Perimeter College

Jillian Anderson

Piedmont University

Derick Bombard

Savannah College of Art and Design

Huy Cao

Urja Atre

University of Georgia

Aarav Sehgal

Aashna Raj

Aashna Shah

Akhil Mujumdar

Alicia Li

Alina Lin

Aparna Shivkumar

Divya Mathew

Falih Faizal

Ishaan Chitre

Jayden Mistry

Jensi Perng

Jordyn Paige

Kahaan Patel

Kaivalya Somayajula

Laasya Koganti

Lakshmi Potturu

Lia Mathews

Manasa Premanand

McKenna Ryan

Megha Nair

Nathan Ware

Navi Jha

Nishanth Giridharan

Poorvi Iyer

Reena Thangamani

Sarah Rosen

Sathvik Chilagani

Shravan Kothapeta

Sid Yalavarthi

Steven Menetre

Sweeya Boorla

Terri Gan

University of North Georgia

Allison Torres

Caroline Crenshaw

Donnie Hermes

Scotty Colcord

Illinois

University of Illinois

Urbana-Champaign

Pradyun Chandramouli

Indiana

Indiana University

Reilly Baker

Purdue University

Aahil Akbarali

Randall Sinckler

Kansas

Kansas State University

Jayne Siebold

Louisiana

Louisiana State University

Jordan Calvin

Tyesha Hicken

Ursula Chindia

Massachusetts

Harvard University

Revin Jun

Northeastern University

Joline Tran

Orelia Thottam

Tufts University

Sofia Mang

Michigan

University of Michigan

Bob Wei

Delisa Troupe

New Jersey

Princeton University

Rishi Subramanian

New York Columbia University

Shriya Mahakala

Cornell University

Jason Cho

Jiyin You

Rensselaer

Polytechnic Institute

Jimin Kwak

The New School

Claire Godreau

North Carolina

Duke University

Kaylyn Zhong

Lenoir-Rhyne University

Jack Turcotte

Ohio

Baldwin Wallace University

Benjamin Schmid

Pennsylvania

Carnegie Mellon University

Frank Liu

Joon Kwon

Lux Beattie

Sameeksha Agarwal

Penn State University

Aiden Fetters

University of Pennsylvania

Roy Lee

Rhode Island

Brown University

Hellie Chen

Rhode Island

Schoolof Design

Audrey Jiang

South Carolina

University of South

Carolina

Emillie Lampel

Julia Badircu

Tennessee

Belmont University

Ella Schuman

Samuel Bradley

Rhodes College

Sey Neuringer

University of

Tennessee, Knoxville

Karis Yi

Sasha Cole

Vanderbilt University

Abhiram Chilakamarri

Saketh Nallagatla

Texas

Rice University

Jaivon Warner

University of Texas at Austin

Alisa Adkins

Virginia

Shenandoah University

Bryn Milder

Virginia Tech

Rahul Doejode

Zhunying Xu

Interna-

tional

University of Toronto

Yu-An Chen

Other/ undecided

Aaron Emmanuel

Cole Bigsby

Coral Brito

David Deller

Jeah Lee

Joey Hosseini

Prejae Williams

Samuel Bradley

Victoria Ngo

Military Service

Christopher Bell

Temerian Gresham

Attendance Distribution

1-2 students 6-8 students

3-5 students >8 students

Of the students going to college...

58.7% will pursue STEM

24% will pursue the humanities

17.4% are undecided/will pursue another field

87.5% of students are receiving money in the form of merit scholarships (including HOPE/Zell Miller)

27.4% of students are receiving needbased aid

26.4% of students will attend a private university

73.6% of students will attend a public university

What are students’ plans after graduation?

96.4% will attend a 4-year college/university

1.6% will attend a 2-year college/ university

1.2% will pursue military service

0.4% will take a gap year

All data are based on survey responses collected from 247 Northview students. The Messenger cannot account for those who did not offer information.

Around ATL in 80 days

- summer edition -

MCKENNA RYAN, STAFF WRITER

DESIGN: MILLY MIAO, STAFF WRITER

Art Gone Wild Artist Market

Saturday, June 17, from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. at Zoo Atlanta

Alpharetta Food Truck Alley

Saturday, June 22, from 5 p.M. to 9 P.M. at Old Rosewell Street

Saturday, July 1, All Day

At Centennial Olympic Park

Look Up Atlanta Atlanta Ice Cream Festival

Saturday, July 22, from 11 A.M. to 6 P.M. At Piedmont Park

The Atlanta Summer Street Wear

Saturday, July 22, from 1 P.M. to 9 P.M.

Sunday, July 23, From 1 P.m. to 9 P.M. AT ATLANTA EXPO

Say Goodbye to Summer

Friday, Aug. 4 ,from 2 P.M. to 9 P.m. At Avalon

Students celebrate welcome week with sweet treats.

gallery

BANEE CHADHA, PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Senior Coco Lu paints her parking space at the start of the school year. GAVIN CHEN, SPECIAL

Seniors Kahaan Patel, Sid Yalavarthi, and Ateendra Subramanian enjoy the view during the senior sunrise. GAVIN CHEN, SPECIAL

Senior Lucas Cardona embraces teammate and junior Brad Chuo at the baseball senior night game.

KEVIN XIANG, COPY/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dolce far niente

My crumpled bag of Dunkin’ munchkins hanging from my pinky and iced caramel macchiato resting on my palm make for quite the balancing act as I snap a BeReal of my friends in the bleachers. Then I circle around to the next set of friends, shuffling past huddles of white dresses and jerseys. Wait, I left my car keys a few rows back. Clambering over rows of bleachers again, I exchange hellos with faces I last saw in May and share summer stories. Oh man, it’s 8:10 a.m. already—I rush to my car to collect my backpack before my first period. As I make my way up the steps of the parking lot, though, I glimpse back at the view. Golden rays dawn over the horizon. The “senior sunrise,” they call it. For a moment, time stands still as I soak in the moment. Dolce far niente: sweet idleness.

It’s easy to feel like a granule of rice in the Instant Pot that is Northview. It’s easy to get lost in the culture of resume chasing and constant competition—to always be doing something. As I write this leditor, the fact that I am graduating in mere weeks hasn’t sunk in. Perhaps it’s the juggle of homework, extracurriculars, and everything in between that keeps me from truly experiencing senioritis during the home stretch.

Or the constant reminders from Cady Studios to purchase my senior portraits. If I had to impart some final words of wisdom, however, they would be to just sit back and enjoy the view.

My favorite memories are the ones I would never have anticipated creating upon entering high school. They are photographing powder-dusted bleachers at football games, calling up friends to go on H Mart shopping sprees, embracing mock trial teammates at the end of a season, and all the other things that make Northview our Northview. Over the past three years, room 507 has become a second home; from laughs about a certain staffer’s rendition of a certain sports player to esoteric scribbles of spreads on the whiteboard during deadline nights, The Messenger has allowed me to learn lifelong lessons and forge unforgettable friendships.

Manasa, my Messenger partner in crime, and I attempted to capture some of these quintessential Northview moments in what is the finale of our era of editorial expression. So, as you sift through these 36 pages filled with memories from senior trips, Ronish holding up those car keys I mentioned earlier, and the setting sun sweetly casting golden rays upon Victory Hill, we hope that you, too, cherish the view.

Disha Kumar, Editor-in-Chief Disha Kumar

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Bubble tea

There’s a plethora of topics I could discuss in my final letter as editor-in-chief, like the bittersweetness of graduation, a recap of this year and all its atrocities, etc. But, honestly, as I write this leditor, all I can think about is bubble tea and how glad I am that I committed to a college that has decent bubble tea stores nearby.

If you know me, you know that I’m a bubble tea gal. Every Friday, I stop by one of the many bubble tea stores near Northview to purchase a cup of sugary tapioca goodness. As a freshman, I assumed every high school had at least two or three bubble tea stores near it because of how much of a fixture the beverage had become in my high school life. However, after a mind-opening conversation with a friend from Cobb County, I realized this was not the case.

My friend, bless her soul, had a whopping total of zero bubble tea places within the vicinity of her school or her home. Thankfully, due to the generous East Asian population in Johns Creek, Ga., I didn’t have to worry about being in her predicament for the next three years. However,

when the time came to apply to colleges, I was struck with a sudden sense of impending doom. What if the college that I went to didn’t have any boba tea stores nearby? What would I do then?

To me, and likely to many other Northview students, the culture of drinking boba tea after school with friends is crucial. Those cafes were where I would have gossip sessions with friends, study for my SAT, or even laze around while people-watching. So, despite how trivial it seems to be so fixated on having a bubble tea cafe near me in college, come admissions season, I was hoping and praying that, in whichever college I would commit to, there would be at least one bubble tea store nearby.

Thankfully, by some stroke of luck, I ended up committing to the University of Georgia and, from what I’ve heard, Athens, Ga., boasts a decent amount of bubble tea stores in the city. While I can’t guarantee whether those stores’ teas are on par with what we have here at Johns Creek, Ga., I look forward to forging unforgettable memories alongside my favorite drinks.

Manasa Premanand, Editor-in-Chief