Vol. 9, Issue 3

THE CHARIOT

THE CHARIOT STAFF

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ria “Reza” Gupta

GRAPHICS EDITOR

Bushra Mohammed

PUBLIC RELATIONS

EDITORS

Ainsley Giorio, Michelle Baik and Laith Hermiz

BUSINESS EDITOR

Michelle Baik

BODY COPY EDITORS

Ashley Park and Grace Haugk

ADVISER

Morgan Clark

STAFF REPORTERS

Eddie Angers Patrick Mahoney

Kate Bullock Henry McBrien

Lindsay Burke Maya Nagy

Robin Han Jiwoo Park

Mehereeen Kaur Aanya Shah

Nidhi Kuchulakantihhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

COVER BY

Bushra Mohammed

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The Chariot is a student-produced news publication that publishes information relevant to the times as well as material that is essential to the overall well-being of its readers.  It is The Chariot’s responsibility to cover school, city, state, national and international events and issues that affect the concerns of the campus, its students and its readers.

The Chariot operates as a designated public forum for student expression. The Editorial Board, consisting of student editors, is the sole decision-making and policy-setting body of The Chariot and has final say over all content decisions.

Opinions expressed in letters to the editors represent those of the author.  Letters to the editors should be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s name, signature and class or position.  Names of individuals may be withheld upon request, pending a vote of the Editorial Board. Letters may be submitted via email at troychariot@ gmail.com.  All letters are subject to review by the Editorial Board.  Letters will not be edited except to fix space limitations.  Should the Editorial Board deem a letter to be potentially libelous or containing content inappropriate for publication, it will be returned to the author with an opportunity for corrections.  The Editorial Board is solely responsible for these decisions.

The Chariot’s purpose is to be the voice of the school. Its purpose is to shed light on groups and people that are not often discussed while bringing news that is important to the community.

THE VOICE OF TROY HIGH.  WE SEE YOU. WE HEAR YOU. WE GET YOU.

Senior Crossword

Down

1. “Rejection is _________.”

2. Commonly read book in the freshman English classes, by John Steinbeck

4. Cap and _____

5. University of Michigan colors: _____ and blue

6. Name of the Safe-Ed who plays the bagpipes

9. Our cafeteria serves: _______ tacos

10. A Troy High School sports team that placed first in states this year, shortened

11. TSDTR

13. Graduation date: June _____

14. Last name of the teacher with taxidermy on his classroom walls

16. Junior girls vs senior girls in flag football

19. Number of floors at Troy High School

Across

3. What does the library sell?

7. First dance of the year

8. Troy High School’s version of senior assassin using water guns

12. Popular senior spring break location, outside of the US

15. Popular study spot outside of school, also where to borrow books, abbreviated

17. First official senior event of the year, morning

18. The year the class of 2024 entered high school

20. University with the Spartan as their mascot, abbreviated

Senior Playlist

Songs that represent the class of 2024. Laith Hermiz // Public Relations Editor

Laith Listens

Lovesick by Laufey: You’re all such a sad bunch of people. Why are you sad about love? You’re all in your teens, go to a party and find somebody else, let Bryce or David or whatever his name is go away. Besides that, this song is a banger. The chorus is so intensely heavenly and the verse reminds me of Hawaiian classical music. Even more reason that when you listen to this song, you should not be thinking of Bryce or David. Wait until you have a relationship that lasts longer than homecoming spirit week and take another listen. 4/5 for the Icelandic queen herself, Laufey. In the Aeroplane Over the Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel: I love this song. I’m so glad somebody recommended it. It is essential to every teenager that they have a song like this. Roll the windows of your car down when it’s so cold you can see your breath and belt out every word with your friends. This song is hopeful, and it should make you feel unstoppable. On your way to college, this song should be in your playlist. Neutral Milk Hotel, thank you for showing the class of 2024 something I couldn’t. Thank you for showing them hope. 5/5.

Carnival by Kanye West: This song is so bad. It is the worst song I’ve ever reviewed. This is the most manufactured attempt at a stadium hit I’ve ever heard, and you all may be stupid enough to fall for it. Do NOT fall for it. The corny beat being sung is enough to make a man fall to an early death. The rapping sounds like a constipated 13-year-old making his first playground diss track. Kanye, you aren’t a genius, and you fell off the moment you disrespected Taylor Swift at the 2009 VMA’s. -5/5.

Scan this QR code to listen to the senior playlist!

Tracy Chapman

Cello Concierto in B Minor Dvorak

Duvet Boa

Slow Dancing in the Dark Joji

Rich Baby Daddy Drake

Detroit Rock City Kiss New Magic Wand

N E R

TE’S

A review of the Class of 2024 Senior Bookshelf.

Kathryn Bullock // Staff Reporter

SEN IOR BOOKSHELF

Graphics by Grace Haugk // Body Copy Editor

Anna Karenina Pride and Prejudice A Game of Thrones

The Perfect Child

Twilight

The Song of Achilles A Thousand Splendid Suns Little Fires Everywhere The Picture of Dorian Gray

“Little Women” by Louisa May Allcott Wow. Okay. This was so good, but I was so confused. While it may seem confusing in the first few chapters, as there is not a real “storyline” in the first chapters as much as other books. Slowly, you get used to the characters, style, etc. Only thing is, some of the plot points are a bit strange, but overall, really good. I personally think that this is probably best for young girls and feminists. I really loved Meg’s character and she even reminded me of myself. Anyway, this book was fantastic and fun to read. It was confusing at times but I loved reading it.

“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald WOW. I mean… WOW. I was actually quite shocked reading this because I was dreading reading it, but it was downright magical. The romance, the history and don’t forget the sarcastic wittiness of the main character, Jay Gatsby. I honestly loved how the book ended. It made my heart happy along with the love interest and how they both pursued each other. It was wholesome and cute to read. Anyway, this book was super cute and historically accurate with romance touches everywhere, making this book one of my new favorites. It’s totally up there in my top ten.

Scan to see the full senior bookshelf!

One of Us is Lying The DaVinci Code

The Silent Patient The Catcher in the Rye

The Write Way

The Lightning Thief

“The

Organs in Me”

By Sara Demiraj

Sara Demiraj self-published her book, “The Organs in Me,” an illustrated children’s book that covers the seven major organs in the human body. Demiraj not only wrote but also illustrated the book. Demiraj states that the illustra -

tions “were the most time-consuming part,” due to the fact that she created all her own characters. She emphasized that organs are extremely detailed, so her drawings had to reflect that.

Demiraj was inspired to write this book because of her love for anatomy. “Writing about the body and how it works has always been one of my passions.”

Demiraj had a certain person in mind while writing: her little brother. She says, “He was a huge inspiration. Not only was it a good gift to give him, but also it was a way to share my passion with him in a way he could understand.”

“The Organs in Me” is currently available for purchase on Amazon.

Scan to read more Kate’s Korner!

“Mathe-

matics for Studying Abroad”

By Miyabi Shinki

Miyabi Shinki co-published an SAT and ACT preparation book. The book is specifically intended to prepare Japanese high school students for the math section of the ACT and SAT.

Born a Crime

The Goldfinch

The Hunger Games

The Invisible Life of Addie Larue

Some of Troy High School’s published seniors. Ainsley Giorio // Lead Public Relations Editor

“Barriers

to Accessibilities in the Field of Competitive Youth Robotics”

By Joshua Eapen

Joshua Eapen has spent the past four years working on a research project in partnership with the Avondale School District called “Barriers to Accessibilities in the Field of Competitive Robotics.” His research shows how a multitude of barriers translate to certain kids from various backgrounds being unable to engage in STEM fields and activities.

Eapen states that through his research, he was able to identify three main barriers, which include “money, mentors and space.”

A multitude of incredible things have come from Eapens research, including the program receiving 80,000 dollars in funding from the Michigan

English standardized exams is major. Shinki said, “Language is such a big barrier to smart students who are in Japan. A lot of students know the basics of math, but they don’t know the [English] math words.”

The need for resources for Japanese students who planned to study abroad but have to take

State Legislature, the Avondale School District supplying free bus transportation to various robotics locations, starting a free program for students interested in robotics and the program now being able to offer roughly 50 million dollars worth of various scholarships to students.

Eapen states the research and the results were extremely important to him because “I used to be that kid who didn’t have that ability and didn’t have the re sources, and here I am giv ing this opportu nity to someone else.”

Shinki explained her process for creating the selected problems and translation: “I wrote some code to find out common keywords that are in math problems on the SAT and ACT. Then I translated those, and I just used my own knowledge for that. I also wrote myself some example sentences using those words. My co-publisher helped me come up with math problems using the concepts of those words.”

Currently, this book is available on Japanese and American Amazon. However, Shinki and her co-publisher are working on publishing paper copies of the book.

Senior Survey

The results of the 2024 Troy High School senior survey.

All percentages are out of 120 anonymous respondents

8.5%

Bushra Mohammed // Graphics Editor 60% pooped in school vaped in school have fallen asleep in class

91% participated in spirit week

had a significant other 24% called a teacher “mom,” “dad,” etc.

read the chariot have been to a school dance

The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far

What it’s really like having your parent work at Troy High School.

Senior Erica Didocha, henceforth known as “Lil’ Didocha” for the purposes of this article, says having a parent in the same school as her can sometimes be a little weird. “Sometimes a teacher will come up to me saying that they know me and I have no clue who they are.” Lil’ Didocha also says that, even though her mom has a room in the school, she doesn’t visit all that often. “I definitely have gone to her room a few times when I got bored in class.”

However, her mom Karly Didocha says Lil’ Didocha and her friends try to get passes to class. “I have been asked to write passes be cause they were run ning late, either get ting here late or too long for lunch or some-

Lindsay Burke // Staff Reporter

ASC superhero Didocha explains how much she enjoys working at the same school her daughter attends. “Even though I never had them in class, I could see them or they could stop in and see me and I always knew what was going on and I could stay involved.”

Sometimes, having a teacher as your parent is a little more shocking. Senior Ben Dannug says sometimes people just can’t believe that Christopher Dannug is his dad. “Sometimes there’ll be times where people are like, ‘Woah you’re Mr. Dannug’s son?!’”

Although Lil’ Dannug really doesn’t find having his dad teach in the same school he attends that much of a social embarrassment, there still are some awkward times. Physics and astronomy legend Dannug, however, disagrees. “Sometimes it can be a little awkward, but it’s mostly fun.”

Senior Sarah House finds having her dad only a short walk away during the school day to be very nice. “It’s really helpful. When I have questions about school or need something during the

school day, I can just go talk to my dad.”

Assistant Principal Dan House says he has enjoyed Lil’ House and all of his past kids attending the school because he liked them always being close by. All of the pranks he and his fellow admin get to play is just a bonus. “Some teachers have pulled some pranks on them, with me being the assistant principal, and I’ve actually pulled some pranks on them as well.”

Having an Assistant Principal for a dad seems like it would get you out of class often. However, that’s not the case. According to AP House, “Sarah knows better.”

Lil’ House agrees. “He would get mad at me for skipping class if it wasn’t for anything important.”

Senior Alianna Kannu, whose mom works in the school cafeteria, says it was a little uncomfortable at first, but now she loves having her mom around. “At first I was definitely a little nervous about it because I totally thought she would embarrass me somehow, but now I love it.”

Her mom, cafeteria aficionado Nada Paulus, says she has loved it from the start. “I love to work at the same school as both of my children because I can keep an eye on them. It makes my job as a mom a lot easier.”

Lil’ Kannu says that sometimes her mom will hear gossip about Lil’ Kannu’s friends and judge her for it. “She might hear something bad about someone I know and criticize me for being around them.”

Cafeteria aficionado Paulus says she rarely hears things about her own kids. “I don’t hear much about my own children, but I do hear things about people they know.”

Thank you, Teachers!

Students show their graditude to their favorite teachers. Robin Han // Staff Reporter, Graphics by Maya Nagy // Staff Reporter

Hi Mr. Prowse!

I would like to say that you had a significant learning impact for math, I used to hate math, but I was able to master my skills. Thank you. From, Gaurav Vasudevan

Hey Mrs. Recchia, Thank you for everything and making your class so fun. I enjoyed your classes alot.

From, Kailash Raghavendra

Dear Mrs. Slankster, Thank you for always taking a chance on me, I will never forget the kindness you have shown me.

From, Hajra Ahmed

Dear Mr. Nutting, Thank you for making all my 4 years in band fun, I’d change nothing about it. Thanks to the program I got to go to San Antonio and Orlando.

From, Vincent Jung

2 SENIOR SENIOR

Life advice from senior citizens to Troy High School Seniors. Grace Haugk // Body Copy Editor

Never feel like you are bothering anybody with your curiosity. Talk to people and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Try to find joy in all things. Do not be afraid of those who look and feel and think differently

Now is the time in your life to explore your dreams.

The next four years are going to be your opportunity to figure out your passions and what you wanna do. Take on different internship opportunities to weed out those career choices you don’t want.

Be more invested in experiences than material possessions. In the long run, it’s the interesting places you’ve been and things you’ve done that have given you much more pleasure than acquisition of stuff. Think long and hard before you react.

Beauty fades, dumb is forever, so better yourself.

Start saving for retirement now. That day will be here before you know it. Find a job you love and do it as long as you can, all the while putting away or investing money.

Be open-minded to changes to your plans. The best situations can come when you least expect them and not something you asked for.

Set small goals. Stay focused. Be creative. Listen to experienced people. Keep your head up to see the future.

The next four years are your opportunity to figure out your passions and what you wanna do. Take on different internship opportunities to weed out those career choices you don’t want.

Bring back skinny jeans.

Character is based on the choices you will make with no one watching. Stay strong in character and your life and opportunities will turn out different and better than anything you could’ve dreamed up yourself.

It’s ok not to know what you want. Give yourself some time to figure it out and leave all options open. Don’t get down on yourself when your friends think they have it all figured out. Chances are, their plans will change

Your life will be as adventurous as you make it.

Remember that your folks [parents] who have always been there for you will still be there for whatever you need. Talk to them about both the good things as well as the problems that happen.

Any job that you have, do your best with a smile and doors will open. Also, find or create enjoyment in any job that you do.

Communication! Have fun and learn well. Meet new friends and you should do very well. Enjoy!

Always save for your future.

SENIOR TIMELINE

World events during the class of 2024’s high school career. Grace Haugk // Body Copy Editor

Relationships with people (friends, relatives, significant others) is an important investment. To have a healthy and satisfying relationship, it takes understanding, patience, and the investment of time.

Keywords to live by would be empathy, kindness and integrity.

Don’t leave a piece of raw chicken in your pocket.

Material things are not everything. Experiences in life are so rewarding.

Follow your heart. Do what makes you happy!

Work towards a good education in the trade schools or colleges.

Make your ideals your reality and always speak the truth.

“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” - “The Help”

Election of President Joe Biden

Britney Spears freed from conservatorship

“Storming of the Capitol” Insurrection

invasion of Ukraine Roe v. Wade overturned Queen Elizabeth II dies at 96

Swift debuts the Eras Tour

The Regnant Reza Gupta

Michelle Baik // Business Editor, Public Relations Editor

Senior Ria “Reza” Gupta made her way up the newspaper ladder beginning as a Business Editor, then a Body Copy Editor, and finally the Edi- Throughout her time at Troy High School, Gupta has kept herself busy with a variety of activities and memories being the president of Writers’ League, a member of the Troy High Girls Swim team for four years and the Troy High Synchronized Swimming team for two years.

As much as Gupta seems like the perfect model student, don’t fret. She’s had her fair share of embarrassing moments as well. One time, her ex-partner performed an ‘I want you back’ poem at the poetry slam that her club hosted in front of forty people. Yikes. She would also like to thank newspaper adviser Morgan Clark for “having faith in me after my catastrophe of a freshman year and letting me do what I like to do in this class.” Gupta would like to continue to be a journalist as she plans to study journalism with a minor in history “at some college” and maybe get an MBA. Then, she plans to work for a Condé Nast publication and work her way up the corporate ladder.

As her final message before she heads off, she says, “I wish I had more time to do the things I

But, as a more important final message, she says, “To all my haters, you won.”

The Altruistic Ashley Park

Grace Haugk // Body Copy Editor

Ashley Park, senior and third-year Body Copy Editor for The Chariot, didn’t even want to join the class originally. However, she says, “I think it’s one of the best choices that my parents have made for me.”

Last year, Park was awarded third place for the Diversity Coverage for the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association Awards for her work with the newspaper. She explains that it felt good to have her work recognized and validated. Through The Chariot, Park has grown as a writer and reporter, but especially as a communicator.

Her teamwork isn’t confined to The Chariot, though. Park loves volunteering and even started her own string quartet that performs for the residents at Brookdale Senior Living. “We’re not the best musicians ever, yet there were people shedding tears when we peered over our music stands.”

Park has consistently won the President’s Volunteer Service Award since middle school. She doesn’t place much value on awards like this, though. Rather, the experiences hold much great er value to her. “It’s nice receiving recognition for it, but it’s more than that. There are so many things you can learn from working with others or even simply talking to them.”

When the work’s done, Park likes to turn down the lights and curl up with a movie and her latest crochet project, “Of course, all the while I’m munching on snacks.” She especially loves mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Her advice for future reporters with The Chariot is, “There will always be people around you who will be willing to help you out, so don’t be afraid to ask.” More generally, she says that “it is what it is,” and “nothing is that big of a deal.” She encourages future Troy High School students to spend “more time in the ‘now’” and “let life take you wherever you need to be.”

The Masterful Michelle Baik

Ainsley Giorio // Lead Public Relations Editor

One day you will see senior Michelle Baik’s name in lights, but before she accumulates her fame and fortune, we must remember her humble beginnings.

Baik is a simple woman committed to her community, and she has generously involved herself in many aspects of it. When asked where she has chosen to allocate her precious time while in high school, Baik stated, “Tennis. I’m also president of Spanish club, sorry, co-presidente lo siento Alaya, y yo soy co-vice presidente del club de Korean.”

Humbly, Baik also admits that, “I won a state champ[ionship].”

Baik also makes it clear that she is in Division I. She warns that all should be careful of people saying they’ve won state championships. Baik is not easily scammed by falsities, as seen with those trying to deceive her with their Division II and III titles. This is exactly why she is The Chariot’s Business Editor.

Baik possesses further talents that allow her to excel at her second position as a Public Relations Editor. Baik is so incredible at her Public Relations position, which includes posting lots of TikToks. She explains her proficiency: “I would be a great influencer. I would never get canceled. For sure, I would be there forever. People would be like, ‘Who is an influencer who is perfect?’ and you would think

While Baik’s high school experience has been modest, she has big plans for the future. She will be attending the University of Mich igan, where she plans to study business. From there, she plans to make loads of money and invest in lip fillers.

Baik’s final message to Troy High School before she moves on to her lucrative future is this: “To all my haters, watch your backs. I will get you one day, and when you see me again, I’m going to be rich and gorgeous and you are going to be jealous.”

Flipping The Script

As a rule, The Chariot’s reporters aren’t allowed to be mentioned in the newspaper’s articles, but, as a final farewell, The Chariot’s senior editors all get their own mini features.

The Chariot’s Senior Editorial Board

The Gauntless Grace Haugk

Ria Gupta // Editor-in-Chief

As one of the Body Copy Editors for The Chariot, Grace Haugk holds the pulse of the newspaper in their hands. They plan on majoring in English Writing at the University of Pittsburgh where they’ll undoubtedly find themselves in the theater department.

Outside of school productions, the actor finds themselves in shows as part of the Ridgedale Players in Troy. With the Troy Theatre Ensemble, Haugk played their first major lead role in “Little Women” as Jo March, a character they connected to instantly.

“I felt very represented by her and to be able to bring that story to life on stage was healing.” They continued, “But also kind of painful to be like, oh, this is something someone’s going through that I’ve also gone through and now I have to portray it as if it’s not me.”

They’ve also performed in may other shows, including “Footloose,”“Grease,” “Mamma Mia” and a play produced by their theatre class in eighth grade.

“Twice As Murdered” was Haugk’s pitch and the performance of a lifetime for a certain group of Smith Middle School students. What started out as a seventh grade short story quickly became the tale of an abandoned British girl stranded in a mansion during a snowstorm in the midst of a murder. They thank Eden Wilson specifically for making the play funny when Haugk didn’t know how.

Seeing the play come to life, as well as playing the leading role, helped Haugk understand the story they’d been writing. “It was really cool to see characters that I’d only thought of in my head come to life and to be one of them. I never thought of myself as this character, never thought I could be like this character.”

The only experience that comes close to having their piece performed onstage would be when Creative Writing teacher Joseph Verhelle used one of Haugk’s poems as part of his class’s curriculum. They look forward to the flurry of texts after that lesson every semester once their peers have read the poem.

However, as an aspiring author, Haugk claims that the praise is nice, but ultimately, “I want to write characters so other people can have their own Jo March.”

The Adroit Ainsley Giorio

Ashley Park // Body Copy Editor

Senior Ainsley Giorio never planned on being a runner. Yet, four years later, she’s made the most out of an unexpected opportunity and has since been a scholar athlete and was the Captain of the Troy Colts Cross Country team this past fall. “I cannot begin to describe how grateful I was for the opportunity. I felt as if this was truly my chance to help continue a great legacy of all the wonderful girls who have come before me,” she says. “On top of that, this team has done so much for me and has allowed me to meet some of my best friends. It truly has pushed me to do things that, at the beginning of high school, I could have never imagined.”

Along with an unplanned running career came much more for Giorio. She explains that the best things that happened to her in high school was when she pushed past her comfort zone. One of these was the Troy Theatre Ensemble. “One of the best things that I think I ever chose to be involved in was hair and makeup for [the Troy Theatre Ensemble].” She says. “I met two of my closest friends there and I will forever be grateful for them.”

Amid the running and theatre productions, she had another passion: physics. Giorio plans on attending Oakland University next fall possibly going into engineering. As the end of her time at Troy High School approaches, she gives advice to the underclassmen. “There is so much opportunity here: make sure to capture it. Even if things are out of your comfort zone, I implore you to try them. This is the time to discover yourself and these opportunities may never come again.”

Giorio emphasizes, “If not now, then when? High school is too short not to enjoy it. Take as many opportunities as you can and learn and grow from them as much as you can.”

Yearbook Stars

This year’s yearbook champions.

Henry McBrien // Staff Reporter

The Troy Gladiator Yearbook: the very yearbook that brings back memories to alumni and students alike. But how does the intricate quilt of the yearbook work? With photos, stories, supplements and everything in between, what keeps this symphony together? The answer is editors. The backbone of any publication, they are the unsung stars that oil the boilers and keep the fire stoked. Some of these editors are graduating. These are their stories.

Alex Bos is a Design Editor for The Gladiator, the Troy High School Yearbook. She has been with the yearbook for 2 years. She is also a Group Leader, helping out her fellow “yerds.” “Being a Group Leader is special, I get to see my group grow, and get to work next to one of my closest friends, Miya.”

Miya Hashem, like Bos, is a Design Editor and also leads a group of other staff members. She said the highlight of her yearbook career was the journalism conference. “I loved going and actually seeing all the speakers, and loved being with yearbook and newspaper staff.”

Hashem also offers valuable insight into the inner workings of the yearbook. “We work on two to three spreads per deadlines, and we have six or seven deadlines per book.”

To those looking to join yearbook, she also offers advice: “Try it out. It’s super nerve-racking in the beginning, but once you get it figured out, it’s really fun.”

She leaves with a note: “There is a sense of community. You make friends and you make memories. If I could, I would have everyone take it.”

Owen Cai is a Photo Editor and has been with yearbook for two years. He also supervises a group of yearbook staff members. The highlight of his yearbook career was, “the journalism conference last year. Anyone with the option should go. It was really interesting meeting with people from the industry.”

He also offered some advice for prospective yearbook staff: “Be open. When I joined, I was really closed off, and you have to learn to communicate. It’s a valuable class that teaches you to do that. Be involved. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and be confident.”

Cai’s advice to new yearbook students is also insightful. “You’ve got to have communication skills to make the book look good.” He continues, “This isn’t a blow off class, and don’t go into it thinking it’s a blow off class. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s also really fun. You make friends and learn a lot.”

Graceanne Fentress is a Mod Editor for the yearbook. She had some interesting things to say about the class’ perception as a whole. “Some people say that yearbook isn’t a real journalism class, that it’s just a collection of pictures, but it is a history book, capturing moments of our students throughout the year.”

When asked to give advice to new yearbook staff, she responded, “It’s stressful. I’ve cried, but it has taught me lessons I wouldn’t have learned otherwise.”

Sierra Sarsfield is a CoEditor-In-Chief. She has a lot of responsibility, but with it comes an experience like no other. She does a lot, from deciding the overall theme of the yearbook to picking the specific colors to cover design.

She also plays a big lead-

ership role in the actual class. “From helping other staffers to actually teaching, it is a student-led publication, no doubt,” she said with a chuckle.

But what wisdom comes from this position? In her own words, “The payoff of actually getting and holding the book is worth it. Watching something come together is worth all the stress. I’m happy with it.” It also impacted her business and social skills, stating, “I learned to be more extroverted, and how to actually talk in a professional setting. Take the class.” It cannot be emphasized in text how much she wants others to take the class.

Next time you pick up a yearbook, think back to what made it happen. Think about the people that made it possible. Think about all the stress and planning that went into it, and think about what memories that yearbook holds, both on it’s pages and when it was made. Good luck, seniors!

Photos by Eddie Angers

Turing to Face the Unknown

Timothy Mathew

and his journey with math and computer science.

Eddie Angers // Staff Reporter

Although to many it seems like an abstract obligation, senior Timothy Mathew, throughout his entire life, has seen mathematics as a subject of genuine interest. When asked how his focus on it began, his answer was simple: “Just from playing with numbers when I was really small.”

By third grade, Mathew began to broaden his scope of interest and started to dabble in computer science. Mathew said his journey began with, “making some games, working with some JavaScript and from there I built on that.”

By ninth and tenth grade, Mathew’s understanding of computer science expanded to machine learning and theoretical computer science, thanks in part to his interest in math. He explained that “once I explored more and more math, I realized how there’s a lot of theoretical computer science that can be explained by math.”

He described the unex-

plored regions of computer science as “the type of stuff that really interests me and something I want to pursue going forward.”

With a passion for computer science and math, there are a plethora of choices for Mathew to pursue. With all the options before him, it’s only natural that, “at this point, I’m a little unsure of what specifi cally I want to do.”

Mathew’s interest in the unknown side of math and computer science seems to lead him to research work, but Mathew expressed another, more familiar interest as well: “I learned recently that I really enjoy teaching.”

As the president of four clubs and the coach of the Boulan Park Mid dle School math team, Mathew has had am ple opportunities to lead and guide his peers and see the merits of teaching.

He says that a job as a professor is not out of the question.

“Maybe not immediately after college, but sometime down the line, I might want to pursue being a professor.”

When Mathew isn’t coach

Senior Kush Parikh has dedicated himself to helping people. He’s invested his time and hard work into Science Olympiad, the Technology Student Association and HOSA. He’s the president of all these organizations at Troy High School. He’s also in the nonprofit Key 2 Finesse, where he has helped raise 100,000 dollars. He’s planning on following a pre-medical track for his undergraduate degree.

Parikh feels confident in his choice to pursue a pre-medical track. “For me, it’s always been medicine. I feel like I could go into other fields but medicine is where I could make a direct impact on somebody’s life.”

Parikh has made his life goal to directly help others. To him, a pre-medical track will

games. Mathew explains that piano is one of his bigger hobbies. “I’ve done a lot of work with both playing and teaching [piano].”

Throughout all of his varied achievements and hobbies, Mathew was always supported. When asked who supported him the most, Mathew replied, “I think definitely my parents.”

Mathew also explained that another person who supported him was “my older brother. He’s just been there for advice if I need it or just to encourage

As Mathew prepares for graduation and to start the next chapter of his life at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology this September, he reflects, “Just looking back on the journey I’ve had so far, it’s definitely something where each day it’s all just the small little things you’re doing.”

Mathew’s final advice is to keep “to the habits

Dose of Dedication

prepare him best for this. He continues, “When you meet a patient and you see them get better, that’s a very immediate direct impact.”

Parikh has also prepared himself very well for the pre-medical track he will be pursuing with his participa tion in scientific and medical clubs like HOSA and Science Olympiad.

Rebecca Brewer, Parikh’s Advanced Placement Biolo gy teacher, described him as, “your ideal student and then some.”

She said that, unlike oth er students, “He genuinely enjoys the process of learn ing, being challenged; the journey is very important to him.”

Brewer also described

Parikh as, “a student that always helped others,” and now, it is his life’s mission to help others.

He explained that he’s most

people,” he said. “It’s great to be passionate about the things that you care about but that passion doesn’t mean anything if you can’t translate it to impact for other people.”

Parikh’s passion for science and helping others has been very impactful, and he’s been recognized for The Bryan Impact Scholarship, only given to 15 students in the country and also winning first place internationally in his HOSA event: Biomedical Laboratory

Now, he’s taking a break.

His plans for this summer include, “going to India, meeting family and relaxing. I’ve been busy these past four years.”

In college, he plans on keeping in touch with

of the small things you’re doing each day and at the same time realize that your hard work, even if you don’t see it immediately, eventually will pay off.”

his culture, religion and of course, joining healthcare clubs.

Whether it’s through non-profit organizations, HOSA or the medical field, Parikh knows what he wants to do: his passion lies in helping people.

How a Troy High School senior plans to help his peers and his patients. Laith Hermiz // Public Relations Editor

In Double Time

Senior Emily Baek talks about her high school experiences as she heads to Brown University.

As the end of the 20232024 school year approaches, senior Emily Baek looks back on embarrassing memories from freshmen year.

“I still have a sticky note

Ashley Park // Body Copy Editor

orchestra as a cellist really defined my four years of high school for me. Running back and forth to manage them simultaneously was a lot at times, but in the end, ities so sweet and formative beyond anything I could’ve ever possibly imagined. In fact, I had never imagined anything, yet it has given me everything and more.”

also decently interested in cognitive science and math. I still have time to discover and decide. I’m not too worried. I’ll figure it out somewhere and sometime along the way.”

Baek, while excited to go to Brown University, says that it wasn’t her dream school; she doesn’t believe in having them.

“I think the culture surrounding college admissions has distorted the point of college, that being for learning. I’m excited to go to Brown, obviously, but I know I’d love being at any other school, too. I’m grateful to even have the opportunity to pursue higher education in the first place.”

Before she sets off to the next step of her path, Baek shares her plans for the fu-

“My goal for the summer

before [college] is to just hold onto the present as long as it lasts, as trite as it sounds. To savor the fleeting feelings.” Baek continues, “As for college and beyond, I just hope that I don’t lose sight of who I am, to remain grounded and not get too wrapped up in work and all the worldly things.”

As Baek leaves Troy High School, she also leaves behind words of wisdom.

“Simple kindness goes a much, much farther way than you might expect, or even realize.” She continues, “Know your limits. It’s not embarrassing to ask for help. Nothing is ever that serious.”

On Air and Onward

During high school, students juggle around different career options, experimenting, every day getting closer to the day they feel that they should decide. Even with careers decided, individuals go through complicated processes of investing in activities that will help with their success. Seniors Alexis “Lexie” Newman and Jayla Turner have taken this as their mission to inspire Troy High School kids.

The “Dream Job Podcast,” hosted by Newman and Leah Cerulli, Troy Athens High School senior, “highlights students in the Troy School District and what they’re doing to reach their goals and learn about what they want to do in life,” according to Turner.

“We’re a part of the Creative Guild where it’s a lot of different kids from different schools who have gotten the platform to share their artwork, talent, music and anything of the sort,” Turner said. The Guild

is run by Thomas Butcher, who produces the podcast by setting up equipment and recording.

“A lot of people are unsure of what they want to do [in the future],” Newman said, “so [the Dream Job Podcast] could give others inspiration, and it could show that Troy High School has resources [for you] to be able to do what you want when you’re older.”

Newman and Cerulli have brought Turner into the “Dream Job Podcast” numerous times. The three’s collaborative work stemmed from years of friendship. Turner commented, “I’ve been friends with both Lexie and Leah since we were kids.”

The recording process usually consists of various elements. Beforehand, the hosts, Newman and Cerulli, prepare questions to ask their chosen person. Turner said, “When I’m being invited, I ask for the questions beforehand in case they ask me statis-

tics or how I feel about [something].”

Also to prepare for the “Dream Job Podcast”, Newman said, “We map out the questions we want to ask [and] we prepare our guests with the ques tions so they at least know ahead of time.”

When Turner is the one host ing a podcast, she expresses that it is important to know the person she interviews beforehand. “I study who I’m asking the questions to because you want to know the audi ence [and] the person you’re talking to if you want to create that flow.”

Newman states the most difficult aspect of mak ing a podcast is

Senior Ayushi Gupta’s involvement in the Troy High School community has been nothing short of remarkable. During her four years as a Colt, Gupta has involved herself in a breadth of passions that span academic subjects.

Gupta joined the DECA team as a freshman during the COVID-19 pan demic. Since becom ing a part of the club in 2020, Gup ta has found signif icant success. Gupta shares, “This year, I serve as the club’s president.” She continues, “I’ve qualified for internationals all four years, and placed in

The Best of Both Worlds

Senior Ayushi Gupta shares her experiences as President of HOSA and DECA. Patrick Mahoney // Staff Reporter

internationals my freshman year.” Gupta’s list of accomplishments in DECA is anything but short. She also notes, “Last year I was on the executive council, and at almost every conference, I’ve received a test medal, a finalist medal and the roleplay

When asked what attracts her to the field of business, Gupta shares, “The thing about business that attracts me to it is the creative aspect. I’ve always been somebody who’s had new and in novative ideas, and business is so broad that I can explore my creativity.”

Gupta has proven herself to be quite multifaceted in her four years at Troy High School. In addition to DECA, she also serves as Presi dent of the school’s HOSA chapter. Gupta explains the origin of her interest in the medical field:, “Growing up, I’ve always had my eyes set on medicine. I consider myself a perfectionist, and I love working with my hands, so medicine has always been a major option for me.”

Though the fields of business and medicine

may seem different, Gupta has found a way to synthesize her interests. Gupta notes, “In DECA, there are events that focus on the medical aspects of ventures and workplaces, and having

business in the future.

“Though I committed to Ross [School of Business] for the next four years, I’m planning to do a dual major. I will also be studying on a pre-med track through the

Seniors Alexis “Lexie” Newman and Jayla Turner talk about their experience with the “Dream Job Podcast.” Jiwoo Park // Staff Reporter

that “sometimes it’s choppy, so we stop and talk about what we need to improve or what we need to continue to talk about if it’s getting off course. We cut off those

Both Newman and Turner take great interest in broadcasting, and it is beyond a hobby to them.

“I love everything about it,”

Turner said. “It is what I’m truly passionate about.”

Turner feels that “everybody’s voice should

be heard,” and that her purpose on not only the podcast but in her life is to “bring a different angle to the table and put positivity out into the world because [she] receives so much of it.” As an aspiring sports broadcaster, she works toward being “a role model and example for people who want to do things like [herself].”

Newman has a similar perspective. “I hope to have a podcast when I’m in college based on social issues or personal things. Obviously I don’t have all the recording equipment, but I know more about it because of the Creative Guild,” she said.

Their talent is evident in a recent award given to them. “We just won an award at the MAB, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. We submitted our podcast to the talk show category, and we won first place,” Newman said.

Not only is the podcast a way for these two seniors to follow their passions, but it

also gives them the opportunity to build new relationships with others. “It creates friendships, bonds and connections that you’ll probably have forever because it creates a team,” Turner stated.

Turner explains why others less interested in broadcasting would still benefit from listening and talks about the podcast’s multifaceted audience: “Even if you’re not passionate about it, maybe it will get you excited about what your passion is, bring out a spark in you [and] maybe teach you something.”

As their senior year comes to a close, Newman and Turner get to leave high school knowing the constructive impact the podcast has had on students and ponder about the future. She also stated that the podcast will be passed down to upcoming seniors, allowing for them to inspire even more students and people everywhere.

Season in Pause

The perspective of student-athletes at Troy High School who suffered injuries during their senior year.

Aanya Shah // Staff Reporter

Senior year is a year full of choices and decisions; many students attend college or trade school, join the military or enter the workforce. A few students, however, commit to college for sports through an extensive recruiting process that requires an immense amount of time, dedication and passion for their sport. Troy High School boasts a number of student-athletes who have committed to colleges to continue excelling at athletics.

While some student-athletes commit to college for a sport, others continue to play recreationally in college through joining school intramural teams, community leagues and sports clubs. Sports are a major part of life for many students, and for some, a possible career. So what happens when a student-athlete suffers a sports injury?

According to The Chariot’s annual senior survey, at least

bone and was out from mid-September to December. When asked about his football career in college in regards to his injury, Brandenburg says, “It definitely made me want to play that sport even more in college.” He reasons, “I want to give it another shot because I felt like I didn’t leave on my own terms. That’s part of the reason I’m playing at the next level is because if I want to give up football, I want to be able to give it up on my own, instead of being forced to.”

His injury flipped his perspective and motivated him to move through the season with a sense of gratitude. “I always knew not to take [the ability to play] for granted, but the injury cemented not taking every season or any moment I have with my team for granted.”

Brandenburg finds this applicable to his life outside of sports as well. “You can’t just wake up every day thinking tomorrow’s guaranteed because,

ship role and try to be a coach to guys who needed it.”

Fortunately, Brandenburg was able to play at the last Athens game. “My doctor let me put pads on and go in for the last play, so I was still pretty active.” Brandenburg looks forward to playing football at Elmhurst University after graduating Troy High School and is excited to take the next step into his career.

Justine Perakis, senior and Captain of the Varsity Girls Basketball Team, shares her perspective of a student-athlete who, while not committed to a college for a sport, was injured throughout her final basketball season. Perakis suffered a knee dislocation before the start of the season and worked hard to recover from her injury throughout. While in college, Perakis “was planning on joining a club team in college” but notes that she’s “worried about it now because I don’t want to get an injury when I’m in college that could

learned the importance of finding ways to support the rest of her teammates. She expresses, “Once I hurt my knee and I was on the bench myself, I really realized how I can be part of the team, cheering them on, even though I’m not physically playing. It just really gave me a whole other perspective, and I could see how things were working and weren’t working from on the bench.”

Team morale is important to Perakis, so she was more than happy to “cheer them on, give them ideas, help run plays and explain drills to people that missed practice.”

While Perakis was frustrated by her injury at first, she gained much more: a new perspective on basketball, the importance of supporting her teammates and a determination to contribute to her team in whichever way she could.

Similarly, senior Ben Sumnar says that having an injury while playing sports has “made practices and games a little bit

intense events that require an extensive range of motion and physical fitness.

Sumnar adds that the demands of his track and field events contribute to him getting “re-injured over and over again in lacrosse.” Although his injury has added a significant challenge to senior year, he maintains a positive attitude, and says that he “supports [his team] whenever I can.” He admires how “everyone on the team is supportive” of his recovery. Sumnar attends all the games to support his team both on and off the field. While the injuries of these athletes are different and all pose different challenges in many ways, the athletes themselves have one thing in common: they emerge as leaders through supporting their team off the field while still maintaining a steadfast passion for their respective sports.

Running Out of Records

What started off as stumbling over his own feet on the soccer field has turned to sprinting towards success on the track.

Maya Nagy // Staff Reporter

It all started in first grade on a soccer field when current senior Vishvaa Ravishankar’s had one foot fumble too much. As time went on, something other than his poor soccer skills became apparent. “The one thing my dad and l noticed was that I had a lot of endurance in general,” Ravishankar remembered. Taking these below-average soccer skills and the ability to run around for hours into account, he swapped his soccer cleats for running shoes without looking back. After some consideration, Ravishankar’s father, who in his prime also excelled in track and college sprints, made the decision to enroll him in local races and marathons.

His running career blossomed in middle school, where he was introduced to the track and field team and his first taste of victory. With speed propelling his feet and, an ever growing love for running, Ravishankar charged into high school, driven by the desire to leave his mark on the record books.

school records. Some people find their escape in reading or sleeping, but Ravishankar’s coping takes a more athletic approach. “Going out on run is a way to forget about everything and the stress I have in the real world,” admits Ravishankar. Family, friends, school and life in general can be a stressful endeavor, but Ravishankar finds peace in this athletic form of zen.

To add to his list of achievements, Ravishankar earned the title of track captain. He guides other athletes, offering them his reassurance and inspiration, especially to those exploring the new or unfamiliar of high school athletics.

While Ravishankar remains undecided about his college destination, he aspires to continue his running journey at institutions like the University of Michigan or Michigan State University. With dreams of pursuing a career in physical therapy or sports injuries, he sees his future intertwined with both medicine and athletics.

His advice to aspiring record-break-

Flipping Into Success

A spotlight on Genevieve Clark’s experience as a part of Troy United Gymnastics.

Mehereen Kaur // Staff Reporter

Senior Genevieve Clark first joined the Troy United Gymnastics team in her sophomore year. She’s been doing the sport for 10 years after being introduced to it by her mom and grandma. She began her gymnastics career “at GTC [Gymnastics Training Center], where my mom started gymnastics and grandma was always into it as well. Doing that as an eight-year-old, it was so fun and the coaches loved me ‘cause I was short and bendable.”

Clark’s first year was her favorite year of high school gymnastics, but she’s loved it her whole life. Her first gymnastics coaches put a lot of faith in her from a young age. Because of this, she was able to progress very quickly with their coaching.

Gymnastics isn’t just about balance beams and backflips, though. Clark explains that she has learned a lot about professionalism and how she has to present herself to the judges. “First impressions are the only thing you get. They just see your name on the sheet.”

times, they even ask her for advice. Clark adds, “I think that it really taught me life lessons about how being a role model can really impact people and give them the confidence to go for skills better.”

Her hard work paid off in other ways, too. She was the only person from Troy High School who qualified for states, which brought about its own challenges. The day Clark competed at the state gymnastics meet, she was also performing in the school musical, which caused some inconvenient stress due to the conflicting schedules. Clark pulled through, though, staying focused all the while and managing to score well despite her busy schedule. “All day I would eat healthy food and stretch and get warm. I only had to compete with a few skills, and I got a good score. It was consistent.”

What motivated Clark a lot through the sport were her teammates. If Clark

ly, train hard and believe in kar. His story stands as a reminder that greatness

Clark’s advice is that, even if you are scared to do something, you should do it. “I faced a lot of mental struggles with being scared to do something, and feel like once I have done it, I feel better and I have learned from these

Though Clark will not be competing in the sport in college, she plans on judging high school gymnastics and coaching in the

24 Things for the Class of

Senior Confessions

I stole a laptop from the library in freshman year and it’s still sitting on my desk. No one ever asked for it back, so I’m not giving it back.

I messed around with the Safe Ed’s by not listening to them and running from them.

Left school without anyone knowing.

Cheated my way through French 2.

I cheated on every single test in Japanese 3 and 4.

I have footage of people doing unholy things in the stairwell.

I spilled a whole bottle of expensive ink on the floor in the art teacher’s room and just cleaned it up. She still doesn’t know.

Arson.

I was inside the bathroom stall, I was getting ready to squat on the toilet. I just really had to go so I let it out on the floor. The poop was all on the floor so I picked it up and put it inside the toilet. There were still little smears of poop on the floor but I didn’t have anything I could use to sanitize the floor so I just left it there. I did wipe and I was clean, but the floor was not.

Tried to get my foot run over by a car in a Target plaza so I didn’t have to go to work after I went shopping.