Volume 5 Issue 5 by The Chariot

CHARIOT THE

TROY HIGH SCHOOL

TROY, MI.

“Step into other people’s shoes before you judge them.” -Daniel Schroeder

VOL. 5, ISSUE 5

“Success isn’t about being better than somebody, it’s about being better than yourself.” -Victor Zertuche

“Don’t stress about tommorow. Enjoy today.” -Nathan Feld

“It was nothing like High School Musical, but in my opinion it was way better.” -Anna Heisler

“Wait, we had a test today?” -Ken Nguyen

“Don’t hold yourself back, you’ll regret it later.” -Tarek Atasi “High school looks so much cooler on TV, but you meet cooler friends in reality.” -Mika Kohigashi

“Appreciate the years in high school you have, they might not all be good but they are all important.” -Casey Dimsdale

JUNE

“Don’t make excuses for procrastinating, own up to it. Also don’t buy drinks from the soda machine, they’re much more expensive and Dasani is not just water but basically has the chemicals of a soda.” -Matthew Kozel

“Although we are all going onto a new chapter of our lives, our previous chapter will be the best one in our books. The memories, the relationships with teachers, the friendships, and the lessons we learned will never be forgotten.” -Briana Scillion

“Go for it, and believe yourself.” -Benjamin Liu

“School and life can be hard but grab some friends and just keep swimming.” -Hannah Richard “Everyone dies, not everyone lives. You have to take risks, get out of your comfort zone because we all get old and I don’t want any regrets when I get there.” -AJ Moceri

SENIOR ISSUE

No Final Curtain Call

With the closure of school, many seniors who are avid members of the fine arts department were let down on their last events By Emma Merz // Staff Writer

The COVID-19 outbreak has affected many students. Many school programs have also been affected by it, like the fine arts. For seniors, these end of the year performances are something to look forward to and to remember about their senior year. Senior Ian Watson has been in band since the fifth grade, and has been in the Troy High band all four years of high school. Watson spent years looking forward to trips and performances that were to come during his senior year. “Well our annual trip got cancelled,” Watson said. “We were supposed to go to Ireland this year but unfortunately had to cancel that trip in order to keep students and Troy families safe. We’ve also had to cancel concerts and banquets as well, we are no longer having a spring concert or music

marathon and most likely will not have our annual band banquet that usually wraps up the year.” Watson sees how this time can be difficult. “I think this is really hard for seniors because we now have no closure of our senior year in band or our four years in band for that matter,” Watson said. Students in the fine arts department have been working hard on their different art for some time now, and it can be disappointing for the students who have dedicated a lot of time to have it all end so suddenly. Senior Katie Tenniswood was a part of the school’s musical ensemble. Tenniswood has also seen the effects of cancellations. “Everyone was crushed the day school got cancelled be-

cause we knew immediately that that meant our show was done, even if it was just officially announced a few days ago,” Tenniswood said “As everyone was leaving that last day, I just remember a few of us crying. It has been especially hard for all the seniors who won’t get a chance to perform again. We went from seeing each other everyday to not at all. We all still text, but it’s definitely hard not being around everyone.” Now that school has shifted online for the remainder of the year, there aren’t many ways these students can continue their class online while having it seem the same as it was in person. “Our director, Mr. Nutting is posting motivational videos on schoology everyday for us, and we have to respond with our thoughts on those videos,” Watson said. “But it’s different

now because we are no longer able to connect with so many able to practice music together new people. That experience is with the whole band, our only very unique, and I’m grateful option is to practice alone.” that we have such an amazing Although students have music program and such an had to leave something they amazing director leading the enjoyed behind, they still have program, ensuring that hunthe memories from their class. dreds of students are able to “My favorite part of band experience that.” by far is being part of the family,” Watson said, “The band is such an amazing group o f people that all truly care for each other, and being a part of that family really gave me a sense of belonging throughout highschool. I loved being able to see so many friends evGraphic by Emy Galustyan eryday and being

SENIOR ISSUE

CORONA

Seniors are getting used to the lows of a pandemic By Kaitlyn Piggott // Print Editor-in-Chief

Senior Supposed To’s

Photo and graphic by Kaitlyn Piggott

The class of 2020 is getting used to the supposed to’s. They were supposed to be getting all dolled up to go to a big banquet hall to dance awkwardly together, just so they could pull out those pictures twenty years from now and say how the dresses are so out of style. They were supposed to finish out the last of their spring sports and clubs, what many have been waiting for their entire high school career. They were supposed to drive around town and spray their peers with

water. They were supposed to have the ceremonious clap out, as they walked through the halls of the school they’re leaving. They were supposed to have this epic spring break with family and friends. They were supposed to finish up with all those AP classes, so they could just breathe for the rest of the year. They were supposed to all file into the O’rena to walk up those steps and beg not to trip, to have their hard-earned diploma handed to them.

Yet, just because they are supposed to, doesn’t mean they will. And really? What of this specific senior class has gone the way it was “supposed” to? The class of 2020 was born in the immediate wake of 9/11, therefore instilling the lingering fear of a terrorist attack. The year before they were supposed to go into schooling, there was the deadliest school shooting of all time, thus igniting a frequency in shootings. As they were embarking on

their final year of elementary school, there was the deadliest shooting on an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. Then, their senior year was interrupted by the fear and death of a world-wide pandemic. Every milestone this class seems to have, there is something hanging over them. All these weren’t “supposed” to happen. It doesn’t mean the class doesn’t have a right to be angry or upset about how their high school years are coming

to a close, yet they have years under their belts now. They understand they don’t have a choice about this. They wish it didn’t happen, yet perhaps they are wiser because of it. For senior Casey Dimsdale, her plan was to embrace the last couple months of her senior year, spend the last semester with friends reminiscing as well as compete with the waterpolo team. Yet, Dimsdale is trying to reframe her thinking and look forward to what is ahead of her: college.

CORONA “I have really started making connections with people I’m going to college with and that’s helped me look forward to my future instead of despairing about what I lost,” Dimsdale said. The disappointment is widespread for the class of 2020. Senior Freddrick Fan was planning to go to Ypsilanti with a couple friends during his spring break. Fan, though, is using his time home to connect with friends while playing online video games. Like many, Fan was confused and disappointed about the statewide closure of schools, but he says now that the initial feelings have changed, he is amazed by the human spirit. “As I learned the facts and learned of tragedies like family friends unfortunately passing away, I realized that the lives of our community was more important than anything,” Fan said. Although these seniors, and many others, are grappling with the pandemic and everything resulting from it, seniors are trying to stay optimistic and live in the present. Senior Sam Kneale says he is keeping

himself busy with the people he cares about. Senior Nahiyan Shirajee is focusing on his studies. Senior Hannah Richard says she is spending time with friends as if it was the last time. The class of 2020 will greatly impact this period in history, just as this period will i m pact

them. Maybe it will shape them to be empathetic and kind. Maybe it will make them crave a simpler, slower life. Maybe this is the class who has more respect to the wide-range of front line heroes and more admiration for their elders and parents. Maybe, they have already changed the narrative in place. Maybe they’ve already changed how senior students are “supposed” to be. Dimsdale wants the senior class to remember the good times of their high school years and wants them to be grateful

for what they had. “This is only a small part of our lives and yes it’s an important part but we have lots of more exciting things in store for us,” Dimsdale said. Kneale

wants to let people know that this is the time to complete goals. “It’s gonna be okay,” Kneale said. “[It] stucks right now and you can’t change it. You just have to accept where you are right now and navigate it accordingly. Use this time to be productive and do things you never had a chance to do. It’s gonna be okay and you will be

better because of it.” Shirajee knows this is out of his, and his peers’ control and he’s hopeful for a better summer. Richard wants her peers to know this will get better. Senior Caleb Watts focuses on the mental health aspect of the pandemic, and he wants h i s

peer s to know there are people who can help. “There are people willing to hear you out and talk to you about anything that may be going on with you physically, mentally, and emotionally, all you need to do is reach out,” Watts said. “It’s understandable to be scared to allow yourself to be that vulnerable, but right now, the most important thing to focus on for yourself. Whatever you’re going through, just know you’ll come out [in] the end even stronger and more secure than you were before.” Many seniors are trying to

AP Classes at Home By Gabby DeRose // Staff Writer During these uncertain times, many things are changing. From store hours to schooling efforts, adults and students alike are adjusting to new schedules and rules. Among these changes, Advanced Placement classes have been struggling to pre-

pare students for the upcoming tests in late May. For senior AP student Dana Nasereldin, the changes for classes have been somewhat drastic. “I feel like my AP classes aren’t as fast paced nor as challenging as they were pri-

Graphic by Gabby DeRose

or to quarantine,” Nasereldin said. “A struggle I’ve had to overcome is making up for the physical teacher to student interaction with the supplemental work and information provided.” Nasereldin further explains the new struggles that have become present in her classes as a result of the pandemic. “I know there are [Zoom meetings] designated on certain days, but sometimes I can’t find the time to attend, so I miss out on such interactions,” Nasereldin said. “However, I’ve managed to overcome this just by simply sending Schoology messages if I ever felt like I needed help.” Despite the hardships she has endured during this time, Nasereldin plans on moving forward with taking the final

stay optimistic, and some are attempting to focus on themselves during this period. Either way, they are surviving, they are balancing the fear of a pandemic as well as finishing up a school year strong. They are holding onto disappointements of their senior year, and looking forward to the future. They are growing and evolving. Like Watts said, even though this wasn’t “supposed” to happen, perhaps they will be stronger coming out of this; maybe, the class of 2020 already is. Maybe they were supposed to be more caring, stronger. Maybe like senior Denada Kapallni says, they will see the world in a new lense. Possibly, like Fan says, the class will have more respect and will see how precious life is. The class of 2020 will be molded by these days, and the days as they grew up. Yes, they were sabotaged of what was “supposed” to happen. One can only speculate then, the current seniors, the future leaders and members of this community, will be better than anything they were “supposed” to be.

AP students share their frustrations and struggles as the tests continue on in their homes

AP test. “I plan on taking the AP tests from home because I already paid to take them,” she said. “Honestly, I wouldn’t mind just getting them over with at home.” AP Classroom, who runs the AP tests for schools, has made a statement regarding the transfer of fees that have been paid for taking the tests. “For students who opt out of taking the 2020 AP Exams, the College Board will not charge the standard $40 cancellation fee, but will also not offer fee refunds, delegating that decision to the school,” AP Classroom said. “Schools can choose whether to refund or not refund students.” Another perspective from John Jay, who wished to go anonymous, differs from Nasereldin’s views.

“A lot of people are just going to cheat on the tests,” Jay said. “I don’t see a point in taking the tests anymore because I feel that colleges will care less about them this year due to the chance of cheating.” Jay expresses his frustration with the situation. “I know that [the pandemic’s effects] aren’t the college board’s fault, but the whole situation is a bit of a mess,” he said. “I think that they could have set up an area for students to take the tests under supervision to prevent cheating, where everyone could be six feet apart and have masks on or something. But maybe it isn’t that easy.” With the school year coming to an end, AP students are finding ways to study and prepare to finish the year off on a high note.

SENIOR ISSUE

The Hustle Never Stops Senior Maddy Holmes’ love of yearbook has already taken her far, and her skill will only help her wherever her future goes By Murryum Farqooi // Body Copy Editor After a busy day of school in the fall of 2017, Maddy Holmes, a sophomore and first-year yearbook staffer at the time, was eagerly typing

away. She was working on her first student profile ever. “I just fell in love with it,” Holmes, now a senior, said. “Giving that voice to students

Photo Courtesy of Maddy Holmes

Senior Maddy Holmes helps on a spread at deadline.

was the part that made me want to stay and love it.” Holmes continued to be a part of the yearbook class for the rest of her highschool career. After being a staffer her sophomore year, she advanced to photo editor and team leader her junior year. By the time senior year rolled around, she had landed the position of being one of the two Editors-in-Chief. Being an Editor-in-Chief meant she had to take on a new role and added pressures. “It’s kind of on you as the Editors-in-Chief to make sure that your staff gets it done and make sure that everyone is working together and working with our adviser to meet that deadline,” Holmes said. A winner of the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association All State Journalist Award, Holmes is glad to have had Yearbook Advisor Emily Rusk, former Yearbook Advisor of

two years Jayna Rumble, as well as former Editor-in-Chief Logan Smith, as mentors along the way. “I got letters of recommendation from them [Rumble and Rusk], which was really nice since they’ve been guiding me through this whole thing,” Holmes said. “[Smith’s] been a big influence in yearbook to me, I’ve always looked up to him since the beginning.” Towards the end of the year, Holmes was forced to deal with a major crisis. With schools closed due to the Coronavirus, Holmes’ workload suddenly increased tenfold. She was the only one who had the design software needed to complete the yearbook on her laptop. Yearbook Advisor Emily Rusk describes the scene in the classroom on the last day. “She didn’t even hesitate to download all of our files to about ten tiny flash drives and

essentially take weeks worth of work home with her to complete on her one computer,” Rusk said. Holmes describes finishing the 60 to 90 pages that needed to be completed as a meticulous process. “For that last week that the book was due I literally just sat in my room and finished the book,” she said. Rusk believes Holmes’ ability to deal with such a huge setback is very telling of her character. “She is not one to throw in the towel easily and that is going to make her do great things in the future,” she said. In the end, however, Holmes looks back fondly on her yearbook years as well as her experience as Editor-in-Chief. “It was so fun and although it was so stressful putting together this book I think it’s going to be worth it to see the finished product,” Holmes said.

The World of Competitive Dance

Seniors Madison Bloch and Annie Dingwall share a love of dancing, they express how it has shaped them into who they are By Jessica Geisler // Staff Writer Ever since seniors Madison Bloch and Annie Dingwall were little, their worlds have revolved around dance. It is an art they both fell in love with, and have been pursuing ever since. As an extremely time-intensive activity, dance has had both Bloch and Dingwall busy for a majority of their lives; but according to both of them, their love for the art makes every second worth it. Dingwall has been dancing at Juliart Dance Studio since she was two years old, and Bloch has been dancing there since she was three. “My favorite thing about dance is the fact that it is so multifaceted,” Dingwall said. “It requires an insane amount of strength and cardio, but also emotional vulnerability and creativity.”

Bloch admits she often views dancing as an escape from the stressors of life, and that dancing overall has taught her many things. “Dance has taught me innumerable lessons,” Bloch said. “It has taught me responsibility, time management, how to let go, how to be confident in myself, and how to be there for others.” One part of competitive dance that both Bloch and Dingwall stress is how much of a team environment this sport is. “My dance friends are my life,” Bloch said. “In college I am for sure going to miss my dance family, and the feeling of being in the studio just can’t be replicated.” Both Dingwall and Bloch are extremely sad that they

won’t be dancing with each other next year, and will miss their dance experience. “Maddie and I have been dancing together for so long, that it’s hard to imagine a time in my life that Maddie wasn’t by my side,” Dingwall said. “She is like my sister, she keeps me in line and can always make me laugh.” Bloch has no doubts that her and Dingwall will continue their friendship even after they go their separate ways. “Annie and I have been dancing together since day one, and it is going to be really hard to part ways at the end of this year,” Bloch said. “But I know that me and Annie will always be close.” As for the future, Dingwall plans to keep dancing as a primary part of her life.

“I currently plan to major in dance at Wayne State University, with a bachelor of the fine arts,” Dingwall said. Bloch hopes to keep dancing as a part of her life as well, but plans to pursue a different area of study. “I plan on doing dance club or team dance in college,”

Bloch said. “But as of now I plan to attend Michigan State University to major in biology.” Overall, dance is a sport that has impacted both Bloch and Dingwall in immense ways; although they will leave their studio, dance will forever be a part of who they are.

Photo Courtesy of Annie Dingwall and Madison Bloch

Seniors Annie Dingwall and Madison Bloch dance.

SENIOR ISSUE

Strolling Through Memory Lane As their final year is coming to a close, seniors recount memories of their high school years inside and outside of Troy Hig By Grace Johnson // Staff Writer High school in the United States consists of four years: freshman, sophomore, junior and senior. Some say high school will be the time period where one may grow, flourish and learn more about themself. Unfortunately, not only will the seniors of 2020 not be able to attend a traditional graduation or prom, but they won’t be able to continue to finish making memories for the last months of their senior year. Instead of lamenting over the memories seniors didn’t get to make because their senior year got cut short, seniors are taking a stroll back down memory lane to discuss their favorite high school memory. Sports can be a big part of the high school experience. From football, basketball, tennis and hockey, sports have a way of bringing assorted students together to cheer on and support their school teams. Many students may know senior Athena Sampson for eating, breathing and living basketball. “My favorite memory is when the Troy High girls basketball went against Troy

Athens,” Sampson said. “I remember it being super close, and my team— we just pulled through, and won the game.” Another sports fanatic, senior Francesca McBride, takes us back a few months ago, when she graduated early to continue her academic and athletic career at Mississippi State. “The day I graduated early, that’s my favorite high school memory,” McBride said. “I enjoyed that day because I felt a lot of love and support from a lot of my friends and teachers.” Of course athletes, especially the spring athletes, are dreading the current situations of life. Senior Riley Buechner talks about her favorite memory and how it has affected the remainder of her senior year. “Going to the track meets to not just run, but also cheer for my team is my favorite high school memory,” Buechner said. “ I’m sad that Corona took away the rest of my senior year, because I was really looking forward to running my favorite track event, which was the 200 meter dash.” As many seniors are taking online classes for the protection

Graphic by Rory Knauss

of themselves, their families and the environment around them, people can’t forget there are also many seniors that have taken online classes during the course of their high school career. They may have not had the everyday experience as a student who hadn’t taken online classes during their high school career, but that doesn’t exempt them from taking that stroll back down memory lane. Senior Allie Clapp, who left Troy High during October of her senior year to take online classes, talks about the sensation of relief that rushed through her at the end of sophomore year. “My favorite high school memory is my last day of sophomore year because I was new, and all the stress was finally over,” Clapp said. “I’m very sad because I feel like everything got taken away from not only me, but every 2020 senior, and it’s not fair, but it’s life.” Not only has school been fun, tiring, stressful, unifying, etc, school has also been a big distraction for many seniors. Senior Antonela Sefolli points out how the Coronavirus has

taken away that distraction from her. “I don’t have a specific memory because just hanging out with friends is my favorite high school memory because it gave me something to do,” Sefolli said. “It sucks that I can’t be around a lot of people anymore, and now I’m just working all the time with no time for myself to take a moment and relax.” From the moments seniors have at sport events, the stress they take on to ace that math test, the parties thrown on Friday nights to waking up the next morning not knowing what day it is. To the little moments seniors share with each other at lunch or even in the hallways on their way to get a drink of water or go to the bathroom, it will be the memories they cherish and appreciate the most. The Class of 2020 may not always have each other, but they will always have the memories, and that’s what’s most important. The times and moments shared may come to a bittersweet end, but the memories will never fade.

What State Universities Can’t Give You

Senior Pratham Soni, who is going to Standford in the fall, examines what makes high-ranked schools different from the rest By Bridgette Scott // Staff Writer Vanisa Kumar // Staff Writer

When applying for college, there is no wonder many students look to and think of Ivy League institutions. With their pristine campuses and high rankings, it is clear to see why Ivy Leagues get tens of thousands of applicants every year. It may be the acceptance rate of 6.8 to 8.8 percent that keeps many from seeing the great libraries of Yale or the law program of Harvard and makes those who are accepted particularly accomplished. Senior Pratham Soni has made the decision to attend Stanford this coming fall. He has not only achieved getting into one of his dream colleges,

but all of them, having also been accepted to Yale, Harvard, UC Berkeley and Johns Hopkins University. When it came to making a decision, he shares why Ivy leagues, and top schools in general, are so advantageous. “Top schools have deeper connections with companies,” Soni said. “For fields of finance and consulting, going to top schools is extremely beneficial.” An article by Student Tutor titled “The Benefits of an Elite University’’ brings a new point of interest to higher-ranked schools. The article, published in 2018, states that the mid-ca-

reer salary of those who attended Arizona State University averages $83,000, while the mid-career salary of Harvard alumni averages over $119,000. Guidance Counselor Anne Youngshares why it might be a good idea to pursue a highranked school. “People are impressed since they know how high the standards are for admission,” Young said. “They also know that to stay and graduate from an Ivy League college you would have to be bright. Then they would interview you, and the interview could change the impression of the candidates for the position”.

Yet, she also raises her concern that this isn’t always the case. “Someone else from another less selective college might impress the interviewer more,” Young said. For these reasons, it can be clear to see why many students

choose to attend higher-ranked schools. While all forms of higher education are exceptional, elite universities and colleges offer many benefits and resources that aren’t always available at state universities or community colleges.

Graphic by Rory Knauss

Mustafa Arif- “I will always remember Mr. Glynn saying ‘You People.’ [My favorite part of high school is] enthusiastic teachers. While there is no requirement for teachers to attempt to make the classroom experience enjoyable in addition to being productive, many do so anyways and the end result is a productive and pleasant environment where students can grow as scholars and people.” Tarek Atasi- “I will always remember causing a fumble and getting the fumble recovery in our first football game of senior year. [My favorite memory was] making the stage as a lead role for the first time for the musical during my sophomore year. [I want to be remebered as] the kid that was friends with everyone that was apart of everything.” Julie Armstrong- “[My favorite memory is] winning the 3rd straight district title for volleyball. We were the underdogs that game, but our team wanted it more so we fought and ended up beating Bloomfield Hills. It was at Troy High so all my friends were there to support me and I will never forget the feeling I had when we won.” Karuna Bharadwaj- “[I’ve learned] how to do 8 hours of homework in 30 minutes and how to do 30 minutes of homework in 8 hours. I will always remember how to MLA cite. I’ll also always remember Mr. Morrison’s quote, ‘We are all made of stardust.’”

Sophia Bongiovanni- “[My high school years have] taught me to be more outgoing and to enjoy every moment. [I want to be remembered] as someone who made an impact. I will always remember rushing the basketball court at the Troy High vs. Adams boys basketball game this year.” Ian Brogan- “[I’ve learned] I could’ve literally gone to college in 2016 and started my career. I will always remember the bell at 2:07.” Liana Bucaro- “My high school experience has shaped me to become a more diverse person. My favorite part of high school was going on our different orchestra trips with my friends because we got to create so many fun memories. I am glad I did orchestra because it has pushed me to become the cello player that I am today.” Chloe Buckley- “[In my high school years] I’ve become more comfortable with myself and I’m not afraid [of] what others think about me. [I’ve learned to] cherish the time you have in high school.” Varun Channasiddeswaraiah- “I will always remember late night drives with my friends. [In high school,] I met some of the best people in the world that I’ll remember forever.” Eric Chen- “I want to be remembered as a kind friend to all and someone that works hard. The legacy I’ve left at Troy High is an inspiration to

be a better musician and I hope underclassmen will look up to me as a hard-working violinist.” Hannah Cheshire- “[I want to be remembered] as a trustworthy friend who always saw the best in everyone. [My high school years have] made me a stronger person because I’m now confident in who I am and I’ve learned to not let others’ opinions shake that.” Sristi Chilla- “[My high school years have] made me into a better person. I’ve grown mentally strong and before I make a decision I really think through all the consequences.” Tomas D’Aoust“[I’ve learned to] be the best part of yourself at all times, even if there are haters, they’re always gonna be there anyways, so they really don’t matter. [My high school years have] made me grow and see the world in a different way, as well as shaping me into something that will never fit in, and I love that.” Alyssa Del Vecchio- “[I wanted to remembered] as a flautist who became a percussionist and loved it. I will always remember the THS fight song. It’s stuck in my head forever. [My favorite part of high school was] Senior year because I was in a total of 4 band classes so I was just living my best life.” Casey Dimsdale- “[I want to be remembered] as someone who was cheerful and friendly. [My high school years have] helped me navigate social situations a little better.”

Senior Quotes By Kaitlyn Piggott // Print Editor-in-Chief

Cover photo by Olivia Perron Cover design by Kaitlyn Piggott

Nathan Douglas- “The greatest lesson I learned is how close my true friends actually are. [My high school years] made me realize how much I didn’t like academics, how I can work with all kinds of people, and that I really don’t like waking up at 6 am.” Murryum Farooqi- “Life happens, fashion helps” Nathan Feld- “[I want to be remembered] as the random guy who played dnd and did theater. [My favorite memory is my] Homecoming squad. Me and a group of friends all decided to go to homecoming together. It was the first time I felt like I belonged in a friend group” Josue Garcia- “[I want to be remembered] as the one Mexican Ginger that was gifted in comedy. I will always remember having to walk ultra fast so that I could make it to my class that was on the other side of the school.” Nilay Gingade- “I will always remember how bad the school internet was. Like, actually. [My favorite part of high school was] having deep, riveting, and completely unnecessary conversations at lunch. I don’t know why, but I spent three consecutive lunches debating the heat death of the universe.” Alex Gully- “[I learned to] enjoy every moment as if it’s the last one. [My high schol years have] made me become more open and passionate about what I do.” Will Hamilton- ”I wiill always remember the time I got sent to the office for hitting Omar Ibrahim with a breadstick. [I would go back and] work harder as a freshman so I didn’t have to as an upperclassman.” Lydia Hasso- “I will always remember the feeling of coming to school each day. ‘No pressure, no diamonds.’” Anna Heisler- “I did a lot of dumb, entertaining, silly things during my four years at Troy High. I think all the memories and connections I made with my teachers and friends left an invisible legacy mark on Troy High. Never a dull moment in and out of Troy High.”

SENIOR ISSUE

Graham Howard- “I will always remember the school bathrooms. [My quote about my high school experience:] here for a great time not a long time.” Lauren Hughes- “[My high school years] have made me a better person than I was when I started. I realized some things aren’t important and some things are. Life may be challenging at times but it will always get better.” Grace Johnson- “[My greatest accomplishments are] spreading kindness to each and every human being I come in contact with. Kindness is a wonderful and beautiful thing! Also going all-state in track three years in a row, this year would have been my fourth and last year to make all-state.” Sam Kneale- “[My high school years] taught me how to grow and adapt in a social climate; [As well as] become a better person. I learned so much, I can’t wait to learn even more. I want to be remembered as a kind and helpful person who grew and and became a functional member of the student body.” Avyukt Kodwani- “[I’ve learned] to create real friendships. [I want to] go on a trip with real friends because I want to do things on that trip in the moment and you can only do that with friends.” Mika Kohigashi“[I’ve learned to] keep the people that care about you close. I will always remember pretending to pay attention during 1st hour but really look at the sunrise through the windows. [My high school years have] made me stronger and courageous.” Srujan Koneru- “I’ve successfully done two sports in the same season which almost no one does. Hopefully people know that it is very do-able now. [My high school years have] matured me and helped me develop great communication and leadership skills.” Amanda Kovacs- “I will always remember how uniquely talented everyone at Troy High is. I will forever be blown away by their talent. I have learned how I function, who I am, what I can handle, and have prepared to enter the real world. I

SENIOR ISSUE am ready to move on to bigger and better things.” Matthew Kozel- “I will always remember the times when people asked me to drive them home so I had my entire car filled. But they weren’t all friends at the start of the ride, maybe didn’t even know who each other were but sewing to them become friends afterwards. [I learned to] find friends that make you happy, not ones that make you ‘popular.’”

Dominik McPhail- “I will always remember driving to school and parking next to my friends, and talking with all my friends in my classes. [High school] taught me to not miss any opportunities.”

Sid Lakhani- ”I will always remember Phlogiston Friday’s with Mr. Moore. [My high school years have] shaped me into a young man.”

Meriam Meram- “I think I’ve grown as a person so much throughout these past 4 years. I’ve grown and matured, found new likes and interests and learned so many valuable life lessons. I’ve also definitely gained confidence, self esteem, and really just a sense of really knowing who I am now and finding my true self. I’ve never been so sure of myself than I am now after these past 4 years.”

Benjamin Liu- “I will always remember the time I stopped the rehearsal of the entire band by playing baby shark out of tempo. [I’ve learned] it doesn’t count if you don’t get caught.”

AJ Moceri- “I will always remember getting punched in the face at the football game. [I’ve learned to] take risks you’ll never know how it’ll turn out unless you try.”

Scott Liu- “[I want to be remebered as] the guy who knows how to eat. [I want to] travel the world, I have to get out there and live the life I want to live.”

Ayah Naga- “I will always remember the friends who stuck by me and my past and never judged who I became. [My high school years] shaped me mentally. I now know that being who I am will help me and only me. Being someone else by looking at their success isn’t gonna help me.”

Ankita Mahajan“One of my favorite memories of high school was made after a school club when me and a few friends were waiting for our rides home. Due to our extreme boredom, we decided to walk around the school while we waited. This somehow turned into a game of tag and the pictures that we took that day are some of my most treasured photos.” Yusra Mahmood- “[I want to be remembered] as a good friend who was always there. I’m glad I joined clubs and did a season of sport because it’s an experience that you can’t get if you just focus on schoolwork, and it’s probably different from the college experience.” Drew Malotke- “I was just the guy that had fun and didn’t care. I will always remember you can’t truly fail unless you don’t learn from the reason why you failed.” Collin McManus- “I’m glad I was willing to try different things. I stayed relatively extroverted throughout all four years so I got to meet just about everyone.”

Ken Nguyen- “I’m glad I joined track and student government because I’ve met so many wonderful people through those two activities. A lot of those people I’ve met, I’m glad to be able to call them my friends. My high school experience has made me more welcoming of new experiences and perspectives. I’m less scared of getting out of my comfort zone.” Nick O’Hanisain- “To live my life to my fullest potential [is on my bucket list.] [My high school years have] helped me learn a lot about myself and who I want to be.” Rohit Ongole- “I want to be remembered for all the jokes I made in lunch. My high school years have made me more confident in myself. They made me realize that forgiving is better than fighting back sometimes. They made me stronger as a person both physically and mentally.” Gabriel Peavey- “One of my favorite memories is when I

got to hang out in the history teachers in the morning especially with Mr. Aldinger, Mr. Flaherty, Mr. Gibbons and the other History teachers. My favorite part of high school was meeting Mr. Flaherty and Mrs. Hosner because they showed me that there is always someone even if I thought there wasn’t.” Olivia Perron- “I hope I left behind the memory of sharing photographed moments from the football games to put a smile on people’s faces. [My high school years] gave me the chance to grow in and through myself and see the true colors of people around me.” Kaitlyn Piggott“I’ve learned the inner strength in myself and found a way to buckle down to brave storms and find the rainbows in life. I’ve learned tough and strong aren’t synonyms; and fear makes you human, and courage is facing your fears, not the lack of fear.” Corey Pischel- “[My favorite part of high school was] being with my friends because I love them. [My greatest accomplishment is] making my mom proud.” Matthew Poon- “I want to be remembered as a good person. I will always remember the times I was good.” Avya Ramprasad- “My favorite part of high school was doing clubs like Read and Repeat and IASA because I made so many friends, learned so many things, and had sooo much fun! I’m glad I did the Musical in 10th grade, because even though I struggled, it taught me to keep going and never give up.” Hannah Richard- “I will always remember the people who I have shared amazing memories with and create life long bonds. [My favorite high school memoriy was] going to Europe with Mrs. Clark and other students and being in top ten for the innovation challenge and being on a stage in font off around one thousand people. [My legacy:] state champions x3.” Ronnie Roach- “I will always remember Mr. Rich’s zombie demonstration. [My quote about my high school

experience:] Don’t take it for granted.” Jonah Rozoky- “[I want to be remembered] as the guy who was always laughing. High school has shaped me to follow my dreams. I will always remember the sound of the hallways during passing time.” Nicole Ryan- “High school kind of tore me apart completely and I had to rebuild myself. I’m a much stronger person now. I’ve been able to regain confidence that I lost. I now understand that Troy High wasn’t a good place for me and that’s not my fault.” Vereena Salib“[I’ve learned] don’t wait for life to happen to you because it moves faster than you could know. Do what you want and don’t let fear get in the way for living your life. High School really showed me how powerful human connection can be.” Daniel Schroeder- “I will always remember one of my baseball coaches who asked me what I ate for lunch everyday, and it became a superstition that if I didn’t tell him what I had for lunch then I wouldn’t play well that day. [I’ve learned] you don’t have to be the biggest or strongest to be a champion, you have to be the toughest mentally and physically.” Briana Scillion- “My favorite part of high school was activist weeks and dodgeball tournaments. They brought the school together as one and made us all smile. I am glad I spoke in front of the whole school during the Ashley’s Dream dodgeball tourney. It has built my confidence and I am glad I can say I spoke in front of the whole school.” Standley Tu- “I will always remember how crowded and poor-designed the central staircase was. [My greatest accomplishment was] I got an A+ on an Algebra final.”

hard. You have to find the balance before your high school years are over. I will always remember the amazing things we’ve done together because those are the important memories that matter.” Ally VanBuhler- “I will alway remember the amazing feeling after winning districts. Meeting my friends was my favorite part of high school because it took a long time to find the right people but when I did it made high school so much more fun.” Stone Williams- “I will always remember aimlessly walking the halls sometimes. [My high school years] made me appreciate that either nobody cares what you think or everyone does depending on how stupid of an act you did and just do what you want to do.” Tucker Witz- “[I want to be remebered as] awesome. [My high school experience] was fantastic.” Alba Xhupi- “I don’t think I would change anything. All of the things I’ve done have shaped me in some way. Even though coming from another country I managed to make new friends, have good grades and be admitted to the university I liked.” Ricardo York- “[At Troy High,] I left behind my positive mind set. And a good sense of humor. I will always remember going to personal communication and playing games.” Kevin Zheng- “[I want to be remembered as] the guy that does whatever he wants. [I’ve learned to] value your teacher, the knowledge they have bestowed upon you will guide you to many opportunities.”

Angelina Uptain- “[I’ve learned to] be patient, and take pride in what you have accomplished. I’ve become more mature and responsible.”

Victor Zertuche- “[I want to be remembered] as a student with a vision on the future in mind. [My high school years have] given me the opportunity to look at different perspectives of how to see the world. I would do the same thing I did before, because that shaped me to the person I am now and I’m thankful for that.”

Jonathan Vang“[I’ve learned] to have fun with friends and family. Time flies in high school and working

The Class of 2020- We make it!

Dear Seniors,

SENIOR ISSUE

If you have ever had me in class, you’ve probably already heard me get on this soap box (along with countless others that waste time…shhh, don’t tell). Don’t let anyone tell you that your “generation” is lazy, entitled, addicted to technology, or whatever else it is people tend to say. You are quite honestly some of the most open-minded, hard-working, resilient, kind, and spirited people on Earth (and speaking of Earth, you also seem to care about that a whole lot, which is going to REALLY come in handy for the rest of us some day). So, seniors, keep it up! Keep being you…whatever type of “you” that is. I have enjoyed meeting so many of you and I really will miss you tons. However, I know that you’re leaving to go do awesome things…maybe in science, maybe in music, maybe in politics, or maybe just in video games for a few months! Come back and visit, send me a message, just don’t forget about me while you’re out in the world being a more amazing version of you! Love, Mrs. Robles

You did it! Not only did you graduate, but you did it during a pandemic! These are tough times, but you persevered and made the best of it. If I’ve had you in class before, you’ve been through the extra challenge of learning a new language and becoming comfortable in a new culture while working toward your goal of graduating high school. I’m so proud of you! I hope you know how much joy, laughter, and learning you’ve brought to me during your time in high school. I wish you peace and happiness in all of your future endeavors! Come back to say hi if you get a chance! You’re always a Colt! Best wishes, Ms. Rick

Dear 12 AP class of 2020, It seems like yesterday when I started the year with my story of climbing the 14er (twice) and my mantra: resilience: not giving up. And you haven’t. I feel the loss of the end of our year together profoundly, and yet, I am so proud of all of you for continuing in the face of anxiety, sadness, lethargy, and uncertainty. I hope you remember our time together through The Awakening, Candide, Oedipus, The Stranger, Fences, Othello, Siddhartha and Waiting for Godot with a smile. The debate, the performance, the yoga..the “suffering” of ICEs. And while everything may indeed be “all one story,” I will certainly never forget ours. Literature often raises more questions than it answers, but “have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to have love for the questions themselves…Live the questions for now” (Rilke). We don’t know what the future holds for any of us. But we can live here in this present moment knowing that true happiness is an inside job and not on the cognitive horizon. You will forever be part of this chapter of my life and for that I am grateful. My parting “advice” to you is another one from Rilke: “that you find enough patience to endure, and enough simplicity to believe; that you gain more confidence in what is difficult, and in particular your solitude. And for the rest, let life happen to you. Believe me. Life is right every time” (1904). -Mrs. Feldkamp

You are a class near and dear to my heart for many reasons. Those of you who went to Schroder, because I remember seeing you at special programs, chatting with your parents at after school pick-up, and hearing about all the ways you enriched the experience of my own daughter, who was one of you. Some of you may have noticed my eyes widen in surprise when you were checking out books at the circulation desk. The surprise was in recognizing you as [the] same person my mind remembers as an elementary student. To all of you who have worked or volunteered in the media center, know that without you, keeping the media center open and running would have been impossible. Your generosity with your time and talents made each day I spent in the library a pleasure. And to all of you who challenged me with the difficult research and citation questions, thank you for making me think, grow, and learn new skills. I believe you will make this world a better place and I am looking forward to seeing you find your way as adults. Much love, Mrs. Isaac

As I sit here alone, again, missing seeing you, missing rehearsing with you, missing performing with you, I can’t help but think about all the wonderful music experiences that you are missing this Spring: The Spring trip, the All City Concert, the Concerto Concert, even the Fiddler Auditions that the seniors were always a part of, but mostly, all those rehearsals that brightened my day every morning we were together. On the other hand, I have such wonderful memories of our time together, everything from String Camp, to the Spooktacular, to the Holiday and Gala Concerts, and to the District Festival, our last performance together. All the orchestras were absolutely outstanding at that performance, and the Symphony performance of the Pines of Rome will go down as one of the best ever by the Troy High Orchestras. I hope we get to see each other again before you take off for what I know will be stellar college careers. I just hope that you can take with you some of the pure joy of making great music together with great friends, which is exactly what we did in our short time together. Take care of yourselves, and each other, and thank you for 3 and a half great years! -Alan Macnair They say that a person’s true character is often revealed during times of crisis or while no one is watching. Us adults, we’ve been watching and it’s been hard not being able to change this situation for you. We know you are missing those you love and care about; your teammates, your friends, your (ahem) teachers; missing the social interaction and missing all of those memories you were supposed to have. I’m here to tell you, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU; proud of your adaptability and your determination to make it through this difficult time. Your time at Troy High will be remembered and YOU will be remembered by us. Think of all of the memories made! We will remember our conversations with you, the high fives, the non-stop Tik Tok videos, and how your faces would light up when offered any type of food! I hope we’ve helped build your confidence and have been a part of helping to shape the person you will become. Should you ever encounter a situation where you need advice, please remember that you have us and we will be here, always. I’ll miss your goodbye hugs, but know that I’ve cherished each one of them and each and every one of you, because as I hope to have helped shape you, I’ve taken a lesson from each one of you as well. Thank you for allowing me to be your teacher. Now, go show this world how amazing you are! With Love, Mrs. Wald

You will always have a special place in my heart, because we are graduating from Troy High together. I know most of you from class, DECA, Rise/Reach, HOSA, and Turning Point USA. I met many of you, while visiting one of my colleagues’ rooms during class or between classes. Some of you, I know by enjoying your activity in Student Government, Peer Mediation, band, orchestra, a sport, theatre, dance or cheerleading. I know a few of you, because you work where I like to dine, get ice cream or buy my groceries. No matter how I know you, I’m blessed to have been at Troy High with you these past four years. As we go on to our next adventures, may the spirit of One Troy follow us all the days of our lives. Sincerely, Mrs. Stratman

I know that your exit from Troy High is not how you envisioned it, don’t be sad, take it with a grain of salt knowing it was necessary to maintain the health of your community. Your future is much brighter than you think. I am very confident that you will all find success greater than you have ever known. Be it in college, in a profession or in your family, you are poised to do great things! To quote a poster in my classroom, always remember, “think big, spend time in the woods, eat plenty of greens, hold your head high, stay on track, keep your nose clean, and it’s O.K. to be a little wild!” Best Fishes, Mr. Zynda

Please scan this barcode to see all of the teacher letters to the class of 2020 or visit troychariot.org.

Sincerely, Your Teachers

Where Are We Headed? 11

SENIOR ISSUE

By Olivia Perron // Website Editor-in-Chief

Alabama

University of Alabama

California

California Institute of Arts University of California Berkeley University of California Los Angeles University of California Santa Barabra

Canada

University of Toronto

Florida

Full Sail University Nova Southeastern University Palm Beach Atlantic University University of Central Florida University of Southern Florida

Illinois

Loyola University Roosevelt University University of Illinois

Indianna

Purdue University

Massachusetts

Curry College Olin College of Engineering

Maryland

John Hopkins University

Michigan

Albion College Alma College Aquinas College Baker College Calvin University Central Michigan University College for Creative Studies Davenport University Eastern Michigan University Elevate Esthetician School Grand Valley State University Hillsdale College Kalamazoo College Kettering University Lawrence Technological Institute Michigan State University Northwood University Oakland Community College Oakland University Paul Mitchell The School Troy Center for Transition University of Detroit Mercy University of Michigan Wayne State University Western Michigan University

Pennsylvania

Carnegie Mellon University Duquesne University University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh

Virginia

College of New Jersey Princeton University

Rhode Island

Washington

Johnson and Wales University

University of Washington

New York

Shinjuku-city Tokyo, Japan

United State Army

Mississippi

Mississippi State University

New Jersey

Cornell University Culinary Institute of America New York University School of Visual Arts Vassar College

Ohio

Bowling Green State University Case Western Reserve University Columbus College of Art and Design Ohio State University Wittenberg University Xavier University

Liberty University University of Virginia

Kawai cramming school

United States Navy

Texas

Undecided

University of Houston University of Texas Arlington

United State Air Force Academy Vermont

University of Vermont

Work Force Sports

Victoria Grizzlies BCHL Hockey 392/489 Students were accounted for in this chart

SENIOR ISSUE Most Likely to be President Nicest Person

Harikrishan Sanil John Stabinsky

Molly Myers

Hannah Cheshire

Dream

Date G

Dream Date Girl Sophia Yee

Mr. Individuality Allen Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Aoust Ms. Individuality Nichole Ryan

Tie Best Dancer Guy Venkata Bommisetty

John Stabinsky

Next Einstein Girl Emily Wu

Nicholas

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hanisa

The Gimmees

Mr. GQ Liam Kelly

Next Einstein Guy Pratham Soni

By Olivia Perron // Website Editor-in-Chief Graphics By Emy Galustyan// Graphics Editor

Best Dancer Girl Sophia Yee

Ms. Vogue Mikala Morgan

Most Artistic Caleb Watts Kate Gendruschke Best Personality Connor Levitt Mikala Morgan Class Musician Girl Hannah Cheshire

Unsung Hero Girl Emily Estrada Manzanares

Ms. Class of 2020 Brianna Scillion

Class Musician Guy Richard Li

Unsung Hero Guy Vallabh Korivi

Girl Most likely to be an Olympian Grace Johnson

Guy Most Likely to be an Olympian Daniel Schroeder

wn Guy Class Clo eld H e n a h S

wn Girl Class Clo ers y M y Moll

Best Couple Thomas Douglas and Jamie Kropinski

Mr. Class of 2020 Ethan Alexander

Maste r Thes uy Chloe Teodo bian Girl ridis-C lark

nG Thesbia Master une r B x a M

Molly Myers Nathaniel Worrel Most Likely To Succeed

Best Friends Abigail Dangremond and Grace Schlafhauser

SENIOR ISSUE

Senior Playlist We hope this lets you take a walk down memory lane By Chloe Collins // Digital Content Editor

1. Good Old Days Macklemore, Kesha 2. Nice To Meet Ya Niall Horan 3. This Feeling The Chainsmokers 4. What Am I Why Don’t We 5. 8TEEN Khalid 6. Sunflower Post Malone, Swae Lee 7. Tongue Tied Group Love 8. Best Day Of My Life American Author 9. Good Time Owl City, Carly Rae Jepsen 10. Little Talks Of Monsters and Men 11. Classic MKTO 12. Young Blood 5 Seconds of Summer 13. Ain’t It Fun Paramore 14. Its Time Imagine Dragons 15. Tonight Tonight Hot Chelle Rae 16. 7 Years Lukas Graham

Scan this code to get the full playlist on Spotify

17. Heathens Twenty One Pilots 18. the other girl (with Halsey) Kelsea Ballerini, Halsey 19. Northern Downpour Panic! At The Disco 20. Tik Tok Kesha 21. Hall of Fame Twenty One Pilots 22. Cant Stop The Feeling! Justin Timberlake 23. Feel So Close Calvin Harris 24. XO Beyonce 25. Budapest George Ezra 26. Uptown Funk Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars 27. Year 3000 Jonas Brothers 28. Memories Maroon 5 29. ME! Taylor Swift, Brendon Urie 30. Complicated Avril Lavigne 31. Come & Get It Selena Gomez 32. Teenage Dream Katy Perry

33. Fall For You Secondhand Serenade 34. Watermelon Sugar Harry Styles 35. This Is Me Demi Lovato, Joe Jonas 36. It Girl Jason Derulo 37. Toxic Britney Spears 38. Sugar, We’re Goin Down Fall Out Boys 39. Just Dance Lady Gaga, Colby O’Donis 40. Stereo Hearts Gym Class Heroes, Adam Levine 41. Price Tag Jessie J, B.o.B 42. Only Girl (In The World) Rihanna 43. YOUTH Troye Sivan 44. The Climb Miley Cyrus 45. Grenade Bruno Mars

Graphics by Olivia Perron

SENOR ISSUE

How Was High School?

The senior class answers questions about their high school experience, past time, and the truth about their time here

By Olivia Perron // Website Editor-in-Chief

SENIOR ISSUE What did you do in high school?

SENIOR ISSUE

Best of Both Worlds

As seniors prepare housing plans for college this fall, some have the opportunity of choosing to room with their close friends By Meriam Meram // Body Copy Editor After 13 years of K-12 schooling, many of the 2020 seniors now get the opportunity to move on to the next phase of their lives: college. With the May 1 deadline to accept admission at many colleges passed, seniors living on-campus next year were shifting their gears to focus on their housing plans. Deciding to live in a dorm or apartment, which dorm hall to live in, suite or community bathrooms and other housing options can be a difficult task for many. Often, one of the most difficult tasks for incoming college freshmen is deciding who will be their roommate. While some people may choose to go in blind, either meeting their roommate on movein day or prior via social media, others stick close to home and choose to room with a friend they already know.

The latter is the case for seniors Caitlin Henning and Marisa Bladecki, who will be attending the University of Michigan this fall, although they had attempted going blind via social media. “We searched around for other roommates [via social media], and we weren’t having any luck,” they said. “We had talked about the idea of us being roommates but didn’t want to set anything in stone in case the other person found someone through Facebook. After some lazy searching, we finally decided to just be roommates with each other.” Henning and Bladecki have known each other since middle school and have many similar aspects, with one exception, so they knew rooming together would be fairly easy. “We’re both organized and we

have a lot of the same likes and dislikes concerning snacks, study habits and sleep schedules,” Henning and Bladecki said. “Although Marisa prefers the room to be cold, but Caitlin likes it to be warm, and according to the laws of thermodynamics, you can not have both.” Although they are excited to decorate their dorm based on the ideas from their Pinterest board, Henning and Bladecki are even more excited for all the activities they will get to do together as roommates. “We’re both doing MRun together, which we’re super excited for because our other cross country friends going to U of M are doing it too,” they said. “We’re also excited to watch movies in the dorm, tailgate, and meet new people.” Similar to Henning and Bladecki, seniors Abby Dangremond and

Izzy Merem are also planning to room together at the University of Michigan this fall, having a similar story to Henning and Bladecki. “At first, we planned on finding other people to room with through Facebook, but everyone just seemed the same,” Merem said. “We felt that we couldn’t truly know a person through social media. One day in ap chem we just kinda realized that we would make great roommates. I’m really excited to room with Abby.” Although they haven’t known each other for as long as Henning and Bladecki have, Dangremond and Merem know they’d make great roommates. “We are very similar, know each other super well and have always gotten along,” Merem said. “We have the same motives and personalities. We both prioritize

school but will make sure to still have fun.” Dangremond and Merem already have big plans in terms of dorm decor, opting for aesthetics and spirit. “We’re both pretty school spirited so [our dorm] will definitely have U of M themed stuff,” Dangremond said. “But overall we just want it to look cute and have a mini fridge.” Dangremond and Merem’s one fear of rooming together, though, is their friendship potentially tuning sour. “The hardest part of living together will be making sure we don’t turn into the classic example of good friends hating each other after rooming,” Dangremond said. “But since we’re both really good at communication we don’t foresee any issues that we won’t be able to talk out!”

Graphic by Olivia Perron

Future roomate Maria Bladecki and Caitlyn Hennings Photo Courtesy of Caitlyn Hennings

Future roomates Izzy Merem and Abby Dangremond Photo Courtesy of Abby Dangremond

SENIOR ISSUE

Accomplishments Worth Celebrating Seniors Jenny Fry and Bri Scillion reflect on their time as high school athletes and look to their future as signed college athletes

By Lola Pinneo // Staff Writer For a select few, senior year is the time to sign to play sports for college. Many athletes dream of this because the chances of it happening are slim. According to the NCAA, “nearly eight million students currently participate in high school athletics in the United States. More than 480,000 compete as NCAA athletes, and just a select few within each sport move on to compete at the professional or Olympic level.” To say the least, these students’ accomplishments are notable. Two seniors, Jenny Fry and Bri Scillion, signed to play sports for college.

Both athletes have put years of dedication and hard work into their sporting career to be at the point they are today. Fry was accepted to Davenport University for cheerleading and Scillion to Alma College for soccer.

dbkvdIt’s known that adversity is one of the biggest struggles in people’s lives. Scillion understands this. “A big adversity that I had ex-

perienced was in the second grade, due to my speech problems, I was bullied,” Scillion said. “[Today,] I am still cautious about my speech. Before I say anything, I make sure to pronounce it in my head so I don’t get made fun of.” Everyone faces their own struggles whether it’s in sports school or personal lives, Fry can relate to the sports aspect. “Having such a young team this year and having to rebuild it was very difficult,” Fry said. As these athletes have made a commitment to their teams, they also make a commitment to the academic aspect of their college experience. Both Fry and Scillion have expressed how they think college athletics will affect their future. Fry does not believe college athletes will greatly impact her life.

Photo Courtesy of Bri Scillion

Senior Bri Scillion signs for the womens soccer team at Alma College

“Honestly I don’t think

will affect my future that much other than I’ll get the reorganization from it that I didn’t get before in high school,” Fry said. Scillion has a differing opinion

to Fry. “Being signed to play in college will definitely affect me as a person during college,” Scillion said. “There will be good and bad situations while being a college athlete.” When someone talks to a driven athlete, in many cases it’s obvious there is an overwhelming love for their sport. Scillion is an example of this; her love for her sport goes beyond the field. “Soccer has given me a passion that nothing else has, Scillion said. “It has helped me grow into who I am today. Without it, I have no idea where I would be.” No matter if the struggles one faces are on the field, mat or in their personal lives, life is about dedication and hard work.

Photo Courtesy of Jenny Fry

Senior Jenny Fry signs for cheerleading at Davenport University

Many students have had to say their goodbyes a couple months early this year, whether these students are saying goodbye before they leave or before their friends leave to start a new life.

As the year ends, some seniors would like to give advice to friends and underclassmen. Here is what some of the seniors have to say to future seniors following in their shoes.

SENIOR ISSUE

“Enjoy every single moment as much as you possibly can.” -Kyrollos Awad “Don’t take all easy or all hard classes to have a balance to enjoy senior year. Don’t skip too much, save some for the skip days and have a good prank.” “Don’t leave any regrets behind! - Rohit Ongole Also definitely start your college “Don’t compare yourself to others, you are not living their life. apps as early as possible.” So focus on yourself and what - Jessica You “Go to a football game, go to a basyou want to do instead.” ketball game, go to homecoming, - Jessica Lai do the things that you won’t ever get “Enjoy all the memories you can gatha chance to do again. High school er from your last year of high school, “Don’t give up senior year just goes faster than you think.” and cherish it. My year was cut early, because it’s almost over. Keep - Noah Tanguay and I wished I was able to appreciate going and finish strong.” the fun times more back before the - Meera Jagan “Live in the moment and have fun with stay at home act was applied.” your friends because time goes by faster -James Kashat than you think your senior year.” - Jordan Whiting

Dear Future Seniors

Seniors were given an opportunity to give advice for future seniors in the coming years, here is what they had to say By Andy Degrand // Staff Writer

“Never be afraid to be yourself or of what other people will think of you. Live your life for yourself. Make memories for yourself. Do what will make you happy. You’re only young once, it’d be “Take it one day at a time, you never a shame to look back on your days in high school know when something so nice can be and realize you weren’t being your true self. There taken from you. And cherish every day are only so many days you’re in high school. Make and everyone you spend it with.” as many memories as you can. Even if you’re - Nick Bennett someone who just wants to leave high school and move on with your life, cherish each moment while they’re still there.” - Samantha Fisher “Take the opportunity to participate in non academic activities. Senior year isn’t just about “DON’T PROCRASTINATE!” getting into a good college it’s about making the -Masarra Al Obaidi most of the last year in high school. Make memories that will last a lifetime, these are the times you won’t forget.” - Pema O’Neill “Senior year flies by in an instant, don’t take it too seriously and enjoy it because these are the moments that you will remember forever.” - Ryan Geisler

“Go to sporting events!” - Hannah Richards “Join clubs as early as possible.” - Kevin Zhang

SENIOR ISSUE

Eight Years in the Making

Website Editor-in-Chief Olivia Perron talks about her journey in Michigan after moving from Massachusetts and her future plans for college

By Olivia Perron// Website Editor-in-Chief I don’t remember the definitive moment when my mom told me we were moving to Michigan, but I remember the exact moment it hit me that my usual life was over. I was 10 years old at my last cheer competition and we had lost, a team of ten and eleven-yearolds walking out of the stadium together all bawling our eyes out. That was the last time I walked away with my team. I couldn’t tell you the date that happened, or even the month, what I can tell you is July 16, 2012 we packed up the U-Haul and drove 13 and a half hours to Troy, MI. I was devastated. For anyone who has known me, they know I have always called Massachusetts home and Michigan my “temporary living space.” For the most part, this has always been the truth. I had been moved away from my family, friends and everything I ever knew. I had just finished fourth grade, and in Massachusetts, middle school would start the following year, so I hoped that I wouldn’t be “the new k i d . ”

To my horrible surprise, elementary school in Michigan is K-5. So I was a definite new kid. Don’t get me wrong, from the girl I met on the bus the first day at Hamilton Elementary to the girl in my class she introduced me to, it wasn’t like Michigan did not welcome me with open arms; it’s the fact that I kept my wall and made sure I didn’t get attached. I lived in Northfield Hills Townhouses, and I met my true friends there. They are the only people I met when I first moved here that I still talk to everyday. We all moved out of the townhouses, different states, towns and cities. They began the breaking of the barrier I built, a small attachment to Michigan. I met a lot of new people when we went to middle school. I went through different friends and got to know more people. In eighth grade I had my first friend group. It was nice to have a group that goes out and does stuff together, that friend group didn’t

make it past eighth grade. But high school, as always, is a whole new chapter just waiting to be read. Freshman year I met the people who are still in my life right now. They are just another piece of my barrier broken, another thing keeping me from leaving. High school, as always, is a whole new chapter just waiting to be read. Freshman year I met the people who are still in my life right now. They are just another piece of my barrier broken, another thing keeping me from leaving. Though I had built up the little attachments to Michigan, I was still fully adamant I would not be in Michigan after high school. Sophomore and junior year were filled with reasons to throw my life in Michigan away and start the next chapter as far away as possible. Nothing good came out of those two years. I had a piece of me broken through that time. I didn’t think I would become the person I wanted to be because of the things I was told. Those years severed some

of my ties. After that, I was beyond ready for senior year to fly by and for high school to be over. Until I found my job and my best friend. I never thought a job would mean so much, but my co-workers (well, really my close friends) and my managers (who were like second parents) gave me a lot of reasons not to walk away. I didn’t have many close relationships in Michigan, but my best friend became someone I could talk to and she would listen on any given day at any given moment, school and work were and are my happy place. Those people over the two years I worked there, gave me so much more than I could ever give back. Senior year gave me a reason to never walk away. Michigan sprung on me something I would have never found anywhere else: a family. It gave me an experience I would not have been given if I had stayed in Massachusetts. Though sophomore and junior year were not good, I

would not be the person I am right now if I hadnt experience that, and I am proud of it. I wouldn’t have met the friends I found here, who would have been strangers if I didn’t move. I wouldn’t have found newspaper and discovered that journalism is my future, who knows what I’d be studying if I stayed back east. So Michigan, thanks for everything, for the love and the hate, for the good times and bad, for the people you brought into my life and for the people you took out. It shaped me. So here is where I stand; is Michigan my future now? To be blatantly honest, no. But don’t take that in the wrong context. I’ve spent my eight years here growing a connection I never noticed. I’m still moving to Boston, to live out a dream of mine that has grown within me since July 16, 2012. But my years of wanting to run away and never look back have fizzled to dust. I like it here now, could even push it to say love. So, Michigan, sorry for the tough love I gave you

Senior Editor Goodbyes

Kaitlyn Piggott // Print Editor-in-Chief “The Chariot has been my life for the past four years. I started off as a closet writer who wrote novels in notebooks, and now I’m a senior whose written at least one article in every paper (except when I had hip surgery). I’ve spent hours in the lab, refreshing my email awaiting stories to edit, and endless moments staring at a blank white screen, but these memories have defined me for the better. The Chariot gave me an outlet, and taught me writing is an art.”

Murryum Farooqi // Body Copy Editor “I remember seeing an edition of The Chariot my freshman year and wanting to join because it looked so fun! These past two years, I’ve had a blast going on interviews, pitching ideas, (going disturbingly over word count), and most of all tasting and reviewing food! What made this experience so special was the constant encouragement from everyone, as well as all the great friends I’ve made along the way.”

Olivia Perron // Website Editor-in-Chief “Thank you for the past three years. Newspaper showed me to get the facts you need to dig a little deeper. The press is a powerful thing that you can’t take for granted. Newspaper made me excited to come to school. I’m very glad sophomore me decided to join the staff and start writing and photography. I miss everything about this publication. You all added so much love and joy to my life. I found my voice in newspaper and I hope you do too.”

Emy Galustyan // Graphics Editor “Senior year was my best year. I finally chose to be and express myself to its fullest. I’m gonna miss all of the friends I have, but I know that we’re all going places, and that we’re all going to meet again at the top. I’m glad newspaper gave me the chance to collaborate with writers and create art that would be shown to so many people. I’m just glad that my art has been supported by so many people for all these years, I wouldn’t be where I want to be without everyone. Thank you!”

Meriam Meram // Body Copy Editor “I originally joined newspaper junior year because my friend convinced me to, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. But through all countless hours spent at deadline and all the stress, I have made some very good friends and memories that will last a lifetime. If I had known all the fun I would have in newspaper, I would’ve joined much sooner. It’s been amazing writing for The Chariot the past two years.”

Chloe Collins // Digital Content Editor “Let’s be honest, spending the last two years in newspaper is the last thing 16-year-old me thought I would be doing. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy newspaper as much as I did, but it was kind of impossible to not enjoy it. I will say the only stories I ever really enjoyed writing were the entertainment ones. That’s it. Nothing else please! I’d like to thank Miss. Carroll for being the best first-year advisor we could have gotten. Without you who knows where we’d be.”