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What’s new with crew: Senior rowers weigh in

SANDRA FU PHOTO EDITOR

What are you looking forward to this season?

I am really excited to get to know so many new teammates. I think about half of the varsity girls are in their first varsity season so it’s exciting to get the opportunity to get to know more people. — Eliza VanEve, 12

I’m looking forward to see how competitive we can be this season, because in years past we haven’t finished as well as we hoped, so I’m looking forward to seeing if we can do well as it is a final ride for me and all the other seniors. — Simon Shavit, 12 What’s your favorite part about rowing?

I think my favorite part about rowing is winning a race and feeling like my hard work everyday at practice was worth it. — Abby Meggison, 12

My favorite part about rowing is definitely the people. In my first few seasons, I kind of just didn’t talk to anyone, came to practice, and left, which made me dread coming to practice. Now, I’ve made friends with the other rowers and have fun messing around with them or having inside jokes at practice. — Simon Shavit, 12 What’s the hardest part about rowing?

The hardest part about rowing is definitely the erg pieces. Especially when you don’t PR. — Leylan Kazi, 12

The hardest part about rowing is the amount of time and effort you have to put into it in order to succeed. Two hour practices all week and whole day regattas every Saturday mean you have to sacrifice lots of free time to be on the team. People who take on this challenging sport have so much love and passion for it that it makes everything worth it. — Eliza VanEe, 12 During my novice season at states, we had to stop half way through the race because of a kayaker in the course. We were in first place and all super upset because we would have to re-race it later in the day when it was extremely hot. We ended up re-racing it and getting second place. We had a ton of support from the whole team and it was nice to know that we had that many people who really cared about us! — Abby Meggison, 12

What is your favorite crew memory?

Samaha | FROM PAGE ONE

There’s no plans on changing the principles of The Huron Way without Samaha, just led in a new way. Zach Desprez, boys Freshman coach and a former Huron student and Varsity basketball player is just one example of what “The Huron Way” represents. “It has been a dream of mine going back to when I played for Huron to come back and give back to the community and program that helped me grow to be the man I am today. I have so much love, pride and respect for what Coach Samaha, the rest of the staff, and incredible young men that have put on a Huron jersey have built this program into. One of the most competitive and high character programs in the State on a year to year basis. It’s almost impossible for me to put into words how much I value and appreciate all the time, love and mentorship I have been lucky enough to receive from the entire coaching staff. I have so much gratitude for all the lessons, resilience, and grit that being a member of this program and coaching staff has brought me.” said Desprez. Samaha taking a step back this summer allowed the program’s transition plan to take place after it was communicated to the team that Samaha would not be returning as head coach and allowing coach Mo Kasham to be the voice for the team to hear. “Leading into the future Coach Mo and myself have done what we do best, help our current players get better,” Desprez said. “The day to day grind of working out, building the culture for next year, and developing the leadership of the guys that are going into their senior year this season is what I live for. I walk into the gym every day with the intent of helping out young men become the best versions of themselves. The future is so bright for the incredible young men that will have the privilege to carry the torch for this program this season.” Samaha will now be the head coach of the basketball team at LEAD Prep Academy in Brighton, MI. “Coach Samaha has left an impact on the program entirely,” senior varsity basketball player Bruce Williams said. “Even without him being in the program, his teachings and philosophies are carried by the new coaches and team as well as the past athletes and staff. We will expect to continue being one of the best programs in the state, year in and out using the principles and values that Coach has instilled within the program. He has built a

Samaha watches a play unfold in a home game against Bedford in February 2022 PHOTO

BY JACKSON POLLARD

special culture here where we are family and play for each other and handle ourselves.” “The coaching world is kind of taking me in a different direction,” Samaha said. “But I love the work that I do at school and I love the people I’ve worked with and serving our students is definitely a priority in my life.”

MEET THE NEW STAFF

Hello! My name is Ms. Lizzie Williamson and I am thrilled to join the Huron English Department. This past May, I graduated from my family’s alma mater, the University of Michigan. During my time in the School of Education, I worked at Community High School and Pioneer High School in the English Departments. What job will you have at Huron/what classes will you teach?

This year I will be teaching 9th grade English, African American Literature, and Academic Literacy. I will also help facilitate Huron’s Book Club and wish to be involved with many other clubs/organizations throughout the year. What are you excited about as a new member of Huron?

For me, becoming a part of the community extends beyond the walls of my classroom and I am excited to be ensconced in the Huron experience and all of the wonderful opportunities for staff and students.

Hi everyone, my name is Joys Kapali. I graduated from the University of Michigan and I was a teaching intern at

Scarlett, Huron, and

Skyline. I was born and raised in Dhaka,

Bangladesh but moved to Niles, MI during 6th grade.

So if you hear me mispronounce a word here and there, you’ll know it’s because English is my 2nd language. What job will you have at Huron/what classes will you teach?

I will be teaching Psychology, Psychology DP SL, and Applied Psychology. I will also be facilitating a section of MYP Personal Project this fall! What are you excited about as a new member of Huron?

I am really excited for getting to know all of the students! They’re pretty funny and say unhinged things (especially in the psychology classroom) so we have fun talking about everything related to human behavior.

I grew up in Ann Arbor, graduated from Gabriel Richard, then went to Arizona State for college where I graduated with a Political Science degree.

What job will you have at Huron/what classes will you teach?

I’ll be working in the General Office. How did you get into the education system? Is this something you have always thought of doing?

I was fortunate to be home with my kids for the majority of their childhood. When I started thinking about going back to work, I knew I needed something that would still allow me to be present for all their activities. Working at a school was perfect.

Why did you choose to work at Huron?

When I started working for AAPS, I had worked at Burns Park, then Tappan so I figured I’d add a high school to my resume.

My first teaching job was in a town near Madison, Wisconsin. When I moved home to Michigan, I taught at Ypsilanti High

School. After that I worked in Plymouth Canton Community Schools as the curriculum coordinator for visual and performing arts, and then as an building administrator. When I started in Ann Arbor, I was the Assistant Dean at Community High School followed by Principal at Ann Arbor Open.

Why did you choose to work at Huron?

I am excited about joining the Huron team because I have missed the high school environment, and I am very interested in learning more about IB World Schools.

What job will you have at Huron/what classes will you teach?

I’m the 9th Grade Dean. I’ll be helping to support 9th graders, and helping 9th graders learn about the IB and about all the other amazing opportunities that Huron offers to students as a provider of free, public education.

What are you excited about as a new member of Huron?

There are so many talented and creative educators and students to learn from.