Silhouette March 2023

Silhouette

Mapping Out The Journey to Medicine

ISABELLA LUCKAGE, XII

As seniors enter their final month of high school, they are often feeling a myriad of emotions: sadness and excitement as they prepare to leave the nest, but also joy as they spend these fleeting moments with one another. However, what you may not know is that the seniors’ final three weeks of school do not actually include the stress of final exams. Rather, the seniors are offered the opportunity to immerse themselves in their deepest passions during their Senior May Program (SMP), an opportunity that is incredibly rare and “fantastic” according to SMP coordinator Dr. Emily Krichbaum. Even more exciting, this year’s seniors have been offered a brand new path for SMP that many students can’t wait to pursue:

baum and Dr. Marya Cassandra, a CSG alum, my dermatologist, and parent to Jacey Cassandra, XII, are the fearless leaders of this track and are determined to give the participants an unmatched experience. While it is certainly still an option to shadow a single doctor or nurse for your SMP, this program will, according to Dr. Cassandra, “expose seniors to different specialties and more specifics about what is relatable to them at this point in time in their education.”

Participants will not only shadow doctors; they will also speak with a panel of current CSG alums in medical school and residency, learn about becoming a nurse, physician’s assistant, MD and DO, do patient simulations, and even learn to suture! This SMP will offer a comprehensive look at the field of medicine, allowing students to expand their horizons beyond the most well known medical professions.

In This Issue

Kick Off Spring Cleaning

Bakers of CSG: Mrs. Hartshorne and Mrs. Smeeding

POLL Clogs vs Uggs

Uniform Update: Blazers

What's Happening in Middle School?

Get to Know Ms. Skaggs

Additionally, one of the greatest benefits of participating in this program is the many mentors

thatstudents will have following theprogram. Dr. Cassandra put it perfectly;“the more mentors that you

are possibly exposed to, the more [likely] you are to connect with one of those people [...] that you could identify with or have a longer term relationship with.” Additionally, by building these valuable relationships and exploring the field of medicine as a whole, students will have a unique opportunity to truly decide if medicine is the field for them before hitting the ground running in college.

So, how is this actually going to work? Seniors will each be given their own rotation schedule of the various professionals, all affiliated with CSG, they will be shadowing, including the opportunity to explore dermatology, pediatrics, orthopedics, and more. The students who participate will undoubtedly have a life changing experience with these many opportunities, and underclassmen should get excited for more tracks like these during your senior year.

Independent Studies Inspire Exploration

CIARA LATHAM, XII

Often at CSG, many of us find ourselves in an academic slump chained to a cycle of scholastic achievement: learn, test, repeat. So easily we write off the idea that education caters to our curiosities and what inspires us most. Yet when we do cater to our individual intellectual hunger, it is revealed that the pursuit of knowledge is just as great as knowledge itself-- and a few students have already discovered this.

Duringmyjunioryear,Itook Introduction to Modern Black Studies. Every “B” day morning, I would head to Dr K’s office and canvass readings by Du Bois, Washington, Hughes, Hurston, and so many more.

To my surprise, Dr. K had collections of annotated works from her graduate study along with endless amounts of knowledge to share. My study of classic Black works left a lasting impact on me-- I find myself returningtothemoverandoveragain. Though it’s something not everyone can admit, I have a genuine love for learning, experiences like independent studies remind me of that.

America”, with chief equity officer and DEI coordinator Ms. Smith. “Mixed in America” was a social study course on Biracial identity in the United States. As Maya wrote in her comprehensive paper: “I knew how I had been treated as a multiracial person in society. Did my experiences support or contradict others? Are there underlying reasons? I wanted to know.” Maya also detailed that her interest was not unprovoked. The portrayal of a mixed-race figure in Netflix’s Self Made (a limited series about early African-American millionaire Madam CJ Walker) sparked immense curiosity. During her study, Maya delved into “Black-White multiracial

populations in America.” The outcomes were deeply rewarding which Maya credits in part to the close alignment with her own identity. “I learned some of my experiences were supported through scientific evidence and surveys of other Black-White multiracial individuals,” she explained.

MayaHoward,XII,reflected on her independent study, “Mixed in Netflix's historical miniseries, Self Made.

As I began my final semester in high school, I felt the need to return to my academic areas of interest. Once again, I approached Dr. Krichbaum about coordinating another independent study. I knew that if my current experience was even half as illuminating as my first independent study, the work would be worth it. I encourage anyone with a interest or passionate to begin your pursuit now. It’s never too late to start learning.

COLUMBUS

These seniors are all smiling with excitement to explore the vast field of medicine this May. Photo courtesy of Isabella Luckage, XII.

Readings related to Black feminism.

Photo courtesy of Ciara Latham.

T he Woman Behind the Scenes The Big Debate: Clogs or Uggs

Ellie Neitzel, X

The weather is finally warming up, but during the winter season, everyone was searching for the perfect way to stay warm. Luckily for us, the students at CSG seem to have found just the item… or items. This winter there appears to be a schoolwide footwear trend. When looking around the halls everyone's shoes are more similar to each other than our own uniforms! The most common shoe choice is tied between the Birkenstock’s boston clogs and Uggs Tasman slippers. Aligned with our school's competitive nature, there have been many debates over which of these shoes are the top winter win-ner.

Amongthetwelvestudents

six people voted for Uggs while five peoplevoted for clogs. Thetwelfth vote is reserved for Sammy Kleinmen, X, who opted to vote for sneakers after firmly stating, “I hate how clogs andUggs look.” Aside from Sammy’s thoughtful insight, there are still many people who confidentlysupportonesideovertheother. Those who preferred Uggs came to the consensus that clogs are simply nonfunctional. Due to the heel exposure, many think that clogs are uncomfortable and hard to walk in. Lila Schroeder, X, expressed her concern over the dangers of having an exposed heel. What if you need to get somewhere fast and your shoe falls off? Even Ms. McDonnell, the middle school science teacher,owns a pair of Uggs and gave clogs the finger of shame explaining that she “is not too enamored with clogs.”

But what do the people on team clogs have to say about their choiceofshoe?YoriMorgan,XI,had no doubt that clogs were the superior choice.Sheclaimsthatshestartedthe clog trend, and so far there’s nothing to disprove that statement. Additionally, Yori and Anna Carey, XI, stated thatclogsaresomethingyoucanwear year-round while Uggs are seasonal. In a uniform school, the most important votes come down to the faculty OuroneandonlyMs.Nelson loves both options but favors clogs. Our high school Spanish teacher ProfeMillerwasalsoinfavorofclogs stating: “It’s fashion, man.” As fashion trends are constantly changing, it's important to remember to wear what you like the most rather than wearing what a poll says is the best.

Recently, some Upper School students might have noticed an email from Elise Skaggs pop up in their inbox. In that email, activities or meetings were explained, exact times were told, and specific loca-tions were shared. Now, just who in the world is Ms. Skaggs, and why is she suddenly appearing in students' emails? Ms. Skaggs came to CSG in the fall of 2019 as the Middle School administrative assistant. In the Janu-ary of 2022 though, she moved over to her current position and now acts as Ms. Seals' executive assistant. Ms. Skaggs describes her reasoning for switching roles saying, “It was a chance to kind of expand my role… I loved working with the teachers and the students, [and] I really liked the strategical,

As Ms. Seals' Executive Assistant Ms. Skaggs works with the Operations Team on the allschool internal calendar. This means that it is her responsibility to make sure that all of the events happening at CSG are on that calendar so that everybody knows what spaces are available to host other events. Ms. Skaggs also helps Ms. Seals manage her time. “Ms. Seals is a very busy woman… and part of what I do is make sure that she can get from one meeting to the other and keep to her schedule,” Ms. Skaggs explains, “If any other student ever needed to meet with her, they could just talk to me and I would make sure to find a time.” Another thing Ms. Skaggs sorted out recently was the logistics for the Big-Little Sis activity in the fall. “There was a team meeting where everybody’s ideas were brought to the table, [and] I kind of implemented them to make sure that everything actually happened.” Right now, Ms. Skaggs is focused on mapping out the 2023-24 school year calendar and getting all of the event dates for that whole school year set up.

Ms. Skaggs’ role in the com-munity is extremely vital to CSG’s stability. Imagine all of the chaos that would occur if nobody ever knew what was going on, when certain activities were happening, and where some occasions were taking place! There would for sure be a bunch of overlap-ping events that would cause a lot of conflicts. So appreciate Ms. Skaggs for what she does, because she’s the one keeping CSG’s schedule afloat.

Making of the Next Musical Prodigies

With all of the new and exciting courses being offered next year, musicians and music lovers alike should be excited for the new and improved piano class. Mrs. Sugerik's classroom can now accommodate up to eight students thanks to funding from The Parent's Association and the addition of six new Yamaha electric pianos. Each piano also has its own set of headphones, allowing for a more personalized and comfortable learning experience. From playing songs like Jingle Bells to Hedwig's theme from Harry Potter, this class will enhance your musical ability while providing you with long-lasting capabilities.

While many people may be hesitant to try to learn a new instrument, Mrs. Sugerik believes that "Piano is universal," and that anyone who possesses the dedication, and is given the opportunity, is able to learn it. Pianos can be found almost anywhere, and learning the piano makes it possible for you to create beautiful sounds wherever you go. Mrs. Sugerik hopes that by creating this learning

environment for students, “a whole new group of young people will fall in love with music and gain a new skill that they’ll be able to carry with them forever.” She accomplishes this by spending time with each student and guiding them through challenging areas so that no one feels left behind. And, with individual headphones having the ability to listen, play, record, and collaborate, you are able to control your own pace and genuinely enjoy your learning experience.

If you're looking for a fun new course to take next year you should consider trying out piano. It is truly a wonderful and long-lasting experience that can be carried with you throughout your life. If you are feeling overwhelmed, the course includes an informational book that you can take home and study, or practice if you have a piano available to you. This course will be a cool experience and a means to develop your musicality while giving you the opportunity to perform great music throughout the school day thanks to the innovative technology that has been added to the classroom.

Zella Lamaze, XI

Alysa Li, XI

Uggs take the victory, the people have spoken. Image courtesy of Ellie Neitzel, X

Ms. Skaggs' official school photo.

New and improved piano equipment. Photo Courtesy of Zella Lamaze, XI

Maddie Keglewitsch: A One Woman Show

DELLA JONES, XI

The years that Maddie Keglewitsch has spent at CSG can be counted on one hand, but the impact she has had on our community is immeasurable. In just four years at CSG, Maddie has managed to secure an active role in all aspects of the theater community. Across her high school career, Maddie has participated in three different sports. Therein lies the pressing question: what doesn’t she do?

“At my old school, we didn’t really have a theater program, so I would have to write myownplaysthatwewouldperform in the gym,” Maddie said. She has been a lover of acting eversinceshewatchedtheHarry Pottermovies(andthebloopers), so when Maddie saw that there was no theater program at her previous school, she created one.

But when she came to CSG, she took advantage of her opportunities. “I wanted to be involved in all the parts of [CSG theater],” she said. This goal was certainly achieved, as Maddieactsineachoftheshows, participatesinsetcrew,andisthe president of our school’s chapter

of the International Thespian Society. “ Even as a [new] freshman, I found a really good community,” she explained. Theater hastaughtMaddieimportantlessons, too: “Theater is a lot about empathizing with other people andlearninghowtointeractwith and talk to differentgroups of people.”

Maddiehasalsoplayed on the lacrosse team since her freshman year, and up until this year, she played on a competitive ice hockey team. However, this year she decided to jump into a new sport. “Last summer, I decided to coach for the team I used to swim on, so I decided thatmaybeIshouldtryoutswimming,” she recalled. In her first season as a swimmer, Maddie hasdroppedasignificantamount of time in each of her events, and she also made it to the State Championships on a relay team. “Ithinksportsarereallygoodfor mental health because it’s a lot of running out all the energy and calmingyourselfdown,”Maddie said.

“I like to be busy mostly because you get really good experiences out of it,” she remarked. Maddie now has

UPDATESFROMTHE MIDDLESCHOOL

SARAH ALEXANDER, XI

Middle School students are on the move with exciting activities planned for winter. I spokewithMiddleSchoolstudent council president Lailah Lomax about their social plans and the sentiments of the students about their middle school experience.

“CSG is well liked by middle school,” says Lailah, stating that CSG students love middle school, especially the traditions.

A classic middle school tradition is decorating lockers. After years of using cubbies in lower school, the chance to decorate lockers is a long awaited moment for Form VI students, Lailah explained. First semester was an adjustment, but Form VI students are feeling more adapted to middle school life. Form VI Game Night, a new event the student council planned for February in place of a dance for these students, was a fun night of friendly competition.

Form VII and VIII students are looking forward to themiddleschooldances.Lailah says that “In the student council, we got a committee started up for the seventh and eighth grade dance, ” which also takes place in February. The dances are a great opportunity to meet people from other schools and to bond with their classmates.

While the middle schoolhasalotoffuneventsand traditions,theseventhandeighth graders also feel stress in their daily lives. From suddenly going from lower school to getting a ton of homework every night, it becomes difficult to balance school work and fun. “The jump from seventh grade to eighth grade is taxing, and it's a common gripe to have here,” Lailah continued. Getting prepared for upperschoolcanbechallenging, which the seventh and eighth graders are currently experiencing, but we are excited for them to join us and we know they will be ready!

insight on a myriad of different things, like the importance of teamwork and creating a balance between school and doing what she enjoys.

As Maddie embarks on her next chapter of her life, she looks back on the lessons she’s learned: “Now I can go into college and build a bed if I needed to.”

Comfy Classrooms

MADELINE HANSEN, XI

Classrooms are where students are meant to feel the most comfortable so they can learn to their greatest potential. When asking Upper School students about their top three favorite classrooms, there were some clear winners.

Coming in first, winning the most votes among students was our health and PE teacher, Castro's room! When asking Castro about her favorite things in her classroom she responded, “Windows! I love that I almost never have to turn on the overhead lights because of all of the natural light that comes in.”

In the words of Jameson Pillifant, XI, “ I like the smallness of it and how there is a lot of light. I like the vibe it gives off.” Whether it is the heaters that she keeps on constantly or the adorable decorations scattered around, Castro's room is definitely a favorite of many.

The second room that students seemed to enjoy was history teacher Mrs. Smeeding’s room! When asking Mrs. Smeeding about how she designed her room, she noted that “When I

was envisioning our classroom vibe I wanted to make sure it was a place where each student feels at home and relaxed.” To Mrs. Smeeding, the best feature of her room, besides the students of course, is the large photo wall filled with pictures that her students sent in to remind them of a happy time!

Lastly, the final room that entered the top three was the art room. Classes taught by Ms. O’Connor happen here and it is well used by many students. Ms. O’Connor noted that her favorite parts of her room are her windows and her vintage street sign that she inherited from her predecessor with both the names of Broad Street and Columbia Avenue on it. She remarks that “while I never had a clear vision of how I wanted to decorate my room, the one thing I definitely wanted was to make sure that all felt welcome and comfortable in that space.” The art room is a very peaceful space, perfect for students to let their creative juices flow.

We appreciate all our teachers for creating spaces like this for students to enjoy time at school!

Common Opinions about the Upper School Commons

ROSE MCLARTY, X

Theupperschoolcommonsisaplaceeveryoneknows, but not all may love it. The purpose is to be a space that is comfortable for students, but also a place to get homework done. Most can agree that it is in needofamakeover.Asmoreand more students are spending less and less time in the commons it is clear that the current space is not living up to these expectations nor embodying the spirit of the Upper School. Teachers and students alike are craving a new, reimagined commons. A running theme for upper school this year has been “community” and the commons needtoencouragethissentiment.

I asked some students working in the commons what they thought could improve the space and was met with a plethora of ideas. The majority of students want more comfortable seating, like couches and soft chairs. Other students would like more desks and tables.

Even Mrs. Abell agrees that the space is lackluster and “sad.” Abell suggests we should include some current student art to decorate the walls. I think we should hang string lights and garlands to add some personality to the space. Adding some lamps to tables could make the commons feel homier while increasing the lighting.

While there are many suggestions to improve the com-

mons it is also crucial to note the aspects that students like. The out cove space in the back of the commons is where some juniors prefer to sit during their study halls. When asked about this space, students told me that they liked the whiteboards, the string of LED lights, and the long family-like style table where they can all collaborate.

It is clear that the upper school is craving a new and updated version of the commons. When it comes time to redo this space, I hope those in charge will take into consideration the ideas of the student body to create what aligns best with our needs. Given all the changes CSG has undergone this year, an updated commons is long overdue.

The current state of the Upper School commons. Photo courtesy of Rose McLarty, X.

Juniors taking advantage of the big table in the commons. Photo Courtesy of Rose McLarty, X.

A new and improved vision for the commons. Picture drawn by Audrey Norris, X.

Maddie cruising through the water in her 100 yard butterfly. Photo courtesy of Danielle Knight, XII.

A proud post-show pose with her fellow cast members. Photo courtesy of Maddie Keglewistch, XII.

Blazing in With Blazers

MURIEL WALLACE, XI

Once upon a time, Sperrys were all the rage with only the occasional penny loafer seen in the crowd. We could only choose from a small assortment of sweaters to wear that mirrored the dreary Ohio weather in their navy and gray colors. In the last couple of years, however, the school has made several changes to the school uniform. Now,weseeshoesofallkindsranging from high tops to ugg boots, and students are now brandishing CSG outerwear with the pride only a true unicorn could have—all thanks to Head of School Ms. Seals. Still, our newadministrationseemstobeagift that just keeps on giving.

Thestartofthenextschool year will mark the beginning of a

new tradition—one that the class of 2023 will unfortunately miss out on. As a present from the school, the rising senior class will receive personally fitted blazers to wear as part of the uniform. You might have even seen some juniors checking themselves out in Ms. Nelson’s office as they tried them on.

Nevertheless, one can’t help but wonder if there could be something more behind all these accommodations that have only recently come around. Is the school trying to compensate for something? Or perhaps, is a guilty conscience holding them hostage?

Well, conspiracy theories aside, the new blazers have gathered a fair sense of morale among the current junior class. “They were quite comfortable,” commented Jordan

Verbatim

Clara Dye, IX: "I’d rather be killed by a kangaroo... than face a bat "

Mr.Hartshorne:“PeoplekeepaskingmewhyIhateyouand now I finally have an answer "

Summer Williams, XI: “I’m reading a book ” Ms. McDonnell: “I’m going to fall over and drop of shock ”

Lauren Hansen, IX: “Gabi, have a stroke!”

Elizabeth Burgess, XI: "Your tongue is too long you don't belong here "

Justice Johnson, XI: *Talking about chapstick* "Some people just walk around here all dry..." Dr. D: "Justice, are you coming at me?"

Westin, XI, the first to model the pieces. “I like the fit; they’re a nice addition to the uniform.” Similarly, Lilly Kern, XI, also expressed her approval of taking on a Serena Van Der Woodsen look, and she even suggested that a tie might pull the whole ensemble together. So, perhaps this stylish piece might just become a new reason for upper schoolers to look forward to their senior year.

Clothes make the person, and as students of a school that emphasizes the importance of great leadership and having the willingness to affect change, it’s an important fact to note. As Mark Twain so eloquently put it, “Naked people have little or no influence on society.” Surely, then, only great things can arise from these new blazers.

Things Only CSG Students Would Understand

ELISE BARBER, X

As we all know, Columbus School for Girls has some pretty unconventional traditions and traits that students from other schools probably wouldn't understand. Many people have seen the “things that would send a victorian era child into a coma” TikTok trend that explains things that are normal to us today but would surprise a Victorian era child. So I decided to put a spin on it and ask around for people's opinions on CSG’s unique characteristics. The most common remark mentioned by people outside theCSGcommunityisourtradition

Craft or Trash? Opinion on

of wearing white dresses at graduation. Some do not understand why the graduates wear, “wedding dresses”. It isn't the customary cap and gown but it is something that distinguishes the CSG legacy. Sammy Morris, X, made a note of how we wear skirts year-round despite the weather. Most people are super surprised to hear this but I always tell them that my legs have adapted to the cold.

Another aspect that sets us apart from other schools is that our mascot is a unicorn! There are under 10 schools with unicorn mascots in the world and we just so happen to be one of them. Plus, it is always exciting to spot Eunice

at a community or athletic event!

Ms. Nelson explained that when she came to our school she was surprised to hear that the principal lives on campus. This tradition originated in 1962 when a new wing was added to the school by the headmaster Dr. Arleigh D. Richardson III. Ms. Nelson also pointed out that the mansion itself is another special aspect of CSG. The mansion is such a distinctive part of CSG as it shows so much of the school’s history. Some may think CSG’s individuality is “strange” but our school’s traditions are what strengthen our community and differentiate us from other establishments.

Five Minute Crafts

ALLIE SALAMON, XI

When you are in a hurry and can’t find the one thing you need or something broke that you need, there is a Youtube channel that has just the solution for you‒ or not so much. 5-Minute Crafts has been around for a while and usually their crafts don’t work out. I put the practicality of their glue gun crafts to the test.

I tried their craft instructions for making a hair tie out of hot glue. You just need a hot glue gun, hot glue, and a pencil. I watched the video carefully and started wrapping the hot glue around the pencil, as seen in the picture, to recreate a Teletie hair tie. After letting it dry, the first problem that came up was

when removing the glue from the pencil, not only did the glue take off the paint on the pencil, but the supposed hair tie lost its shape. To make this craft even more of a flop, the “hair tie” broke while I was trying to put it in my hair. If you need a hair tie and cannot find one, you are better off using a rubber band. Which is painful in itself, but still less painful than using this five-minute craft.

5-Minute Crafts have some crafts that work out as well as some that don’t work out at all. I tried one that doesn’t work so well, but that doesn’t mean they don’t work at all. If you take anything from this, you should try some crafts out on your own. They may work; you never know. Unfortunately, I had bad luck, but I wish all the luck to you!

Isabella and Jayden, XII, striking a pose in the new blazers. Photo courtesy of Maddie Metzbower, IX.

How crafty! Allie Salamon tries her hand at a five minute craft. Photo courtesy of Allie Salamon, XI.

Advisor:

Mr. Parsons

Editor In-Chief:

Ciara Latham, XII

Junior Editors:

Della Jones, XI

Allie Salamon, XI

Club Coordinators:

Anna Carey, XI

Alysa Li, XI

Isabella Luckage, XII

Staff:

Sarah Alexander, XI

Elise Barber, X

Madeline Hansen, XI

Lilly Kern, XI

Madi Kim, XI

Zella Lamaze, XI

Vivian Lamendola, IX

Lauren LaRochelle, X

Frances Lefkowitz-Pizzuti, XII

Isabella McIntyre, IX

Rose McLarty, X

Madeline Metzbower, IX

Ellie Neitzel, X

Sheryl Sui, X

Pilar Walton, X

Delaney Woods, IX

Gabrielle Yuan, XII

Club:

Ava Kessler, XI

Eva Schindler, XI

The Sound of Music

ANNA CAREY, XI

Everyyear,CSGUpperSchool and Middle School come together to put on a spectacular performance, but what does it take to put on such a wellknown story as The Sound of Music? The Sound of Music, based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family singers, became a classic in many homes following the 1965 film version starring Julie Andrews. In order to bring such a beloved musical to life, the Middle and Upper School Cast and Crew worked harder than ever.

Alysa Li, XI, gave a glimpse into the work Set Crew did to create the elaborate set for this show. Upper School Set Crew meets on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays weekly to build the set from the ground up while the Middle School Set Crew diligently works on the paintingforthepieces.Thisyear UpperSchoolSettackledavarietyofpiecesfromhills,towindows, to a bed. Alysa explained

how The Sound of Music’s set was very different than the stationary set of Upper School’s Fall Show Mousetrap. After all, asAlysaexplained,inTheSound of Music “you’re in the abbey, then the house, and then the hills” with many scene changes. She was most excited to see how the hills turn out since they are both an important element of the story and “will be especially pretty” with sprouting lowers. While the Set Crew brought the environment to life, actors were hard at work on the stage to bring this show to frui-

tion. Cammie Kleinman, XII, dedicates all of her afternoons preparing to play Maria Von Trapp in this show. She explained how the cast contains “so many different age ranges from Seniors like [herself] all the way to PYC” and how this dynamic can be both stressful and a lot of fun! Her ‘favorite things’ about working with the youngest cast members include frequent barrel hugs and being presented stickers after every rehearsal. These lightheardted moments help balance out the cast’s hard work to learn music, blocking,

and even dance numbers for this two and a half hour long show. Ultimately, Cammie was thrilled to share the cast and crew’s hard work and she couldn't wait for the audience to see a story loved by many on stage with “new songs, sets, costumes, and technical elements” that blew everyone away!

Teachers Have Lives, Too

MADI KIM, XI

CSG teachers balance so much in school when it comes to teaching classes, so I sat down with Mr Sierzputowski and Dr Lewis to find out whatendeavorstheydevotetheir time to outside the classroom. Besides teaching AP Computer Science and Cyber Security, Mr Sierz says “I play video games and board games, I work out, and I cook.” Recently, though, he has been “playing a lot of Stellaris, which is like a strategy game,” and is very antishooter games like Call of Duty. Additionally, he has a weekly Dungeons and Dragons group

on Fridays, but his favorite, more traditional, board game is Sith or Catan. Mr. Sierz also shared “I like to cook pretty much anything. I’ve been trying recently how to make a baguette at home,” which is pretty hard to do! On the weekends, he spends his Saturdays doing his work so that he has Sundays free. In those free Sundays, he spends time with his two cats, watches some college football, and sees his family.

Dr. Lewis’ weekends look slightly different than Mr. Sierzputowski’s, as big part of it goes into spending time with his three children as well as some “me-time.” Recently, he says “one of our excursions is going

shopping at Target,” as well as bowling. He and his family enjoy Italian food, going to Red Robin, or Texas Roadhouse. In the evenings, once the kids have gone to bed, he likes to watch TV with his wife. His favorite personal hobby, however, is painting miniatures for a Marvel superhero game for a tournament in Chicago. “I’ve never considered myself as someone who is artistic, but miniature painting is something I can see myself getting better at,” Dr. Lewis comments. All in all, the lives of teachers can prove to be quite entertaining with all of the hobbies they do outside the classroom!

Incoming Freshmen: Upper School Expectations

MADDIE METZBOWER, IX

With Form VIII transitioning into upper school, they are very excited about the freedom but nervous they'll slack off not being monitored. They will have the great power to roam around the school during community time and break but, with this privilege, they need the responsibility to keep themselves on track and not procrastinate.

Sydney Poindexter,VII, Tessa Steere,VII, and Sabine Kivland-Stackhouse,VII, all agreed that

they are most looking forward tothefreedomsofUpperSchool. Sydneyiseagerfornewclasses and clubs, and while Sabine was interested in social opportunities such as winter formal, Holiday dinner,and Decadedance.While Tessa is a bit nervous for upper school, guidancefromanoldersibling helps. However,even with all the excitement, there were a lot of questions. Such as are midterms and inals hard? How easy is scheduling

and how nice are the teachers? And of course, what is it like being at the bottom again? The transition from middle school to upper school can be difficult and is often downplayed. When it comes to high school, there are a lot of standards and middle schoolers really don't know what to expect; which movies got it right? When asked what came to mind when I said upper school, Finn replied: “Dumb movies. I see all these things in movies and I know people don’t break

into song and dance like High School Musical, but what is it really like? I think I'm scared of upper school because I really don't know what to expect.” We have all been there: not knowing what comes next and what to anticipate. But, the excited and confused middle schoolers were assured they will be joining a wonderful upper school community who will welcome and help them in any way possible.

The little kids warming up, photos courtesy of the CSG Instagram.

Set Crew Hard at Work!

Dr. Lewis and Mr. Sierz posing together! Photo courtesy of Lauren LaRochelle X

The Secret Lives of CSG Students Spring Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Besides getting bubble tea at First Corner, doing homework, and grading assignments, what do students and faculty do off-campus?Off-campusactivities canbeagreatwaytoconnectwith peopleoutsideofschool.Whether that’sthroughsports,artsormusic manymembers of the CSG communityhaveavarietyofinterests.

Ella Pedicord, XII, has shared that she is a coxswain for theUpperArlingtonrowingteam. She has been a part of this team sincehersophomoreyear.WhenI askedherhowshefeelsabouttime management she explained that, “Beingapartofthesporthelpsme better manage my time because I ammotivatedtogetthingsdone.” Ella feels that it is important to get homework done in order to relax during practice. She concludes by saying that “rowing is super duper fun and I encourage everyoneinterestedtotryitout!”

Ms. Nelson has shared

that she works at a biscuit shop and as a florist part-time. She enjoys selling “delicious biscuits and breakfast items” to hungry customers.As a florist, she cleans up after weddings, this involves “arriving when the wedding is ending and taking the vases and floral arrangements”.When she is notbusyservingbiscuits,working as a florist, or being an amazing upper school administrative assistant she enjoys going out on walks in Columbus Metro Parks and hiking with her dog.

Chloe Brooks, X, participates in competitive piano auditions every year. In addition toregularlessonsandrecitals,she auditionsforPianoGuildeachyear.

Piano Guild is where musicians playavarietyofpiecesandscales, to be awarded on the regional, state, or even national level. She spends “many months preparing piecesandscalestoplayforajudge who grades the performance”.

Chloe has received a national recognition twice! Although she

feels that it can get challenging to balance school, extracurriculars, and practicing, in the end, she feels it's all worth it because she loves playing the piano.

When Mr. Hartshorne is not busy with work or family, he enjoys practicing Taekwondo. He began in college and has been practicing Taekwondo for 35 years! He shares that, “It's tremendously fun, great exercise, and a fantastic stress reliever.”

With all the work CSG faculty and students do on and off -campus, it is helpful to have fun activities to look forward to after school. Off-campus activities are a fun way to engage in activities beyond the classroom.

Unicorn Affirmation Card

D J XI

Words of a ffirmation can transform into heartfelt consola-tions. They have the power to assuage feelings of anxieties that can become quite overwhelming in our day-to-day lives, especially with the 10,000 other tasks we have to complete. Could drawing a card from the deck of "Unicorn Affirmators!" be the solution to our stress? Maybe, maybe not. But comforting words can at least bring in a new perspective for the day, which we can pass on to oth-ers that we love and care about.

For Silhouette’s third issue, the card is “care”. Drawn by a staffmember with a specific process (close your eyes, mix up the cards like a two-year-old would, and pick), the card starts offwith a power statement: “I care about feelings--both my own and everyone else’s”. There is a healthy balance that exists between valuing ourselves

and looking out for others. On the one hand, we don’t want to spend all our time consumed in a selfcentered bubble, but on the other, we can’t completely devote ourselves to others to the point we don’t validate our own emotions.

To care for ourselves can mean curling up with a good book, going for a run, petting a cat, or any action that seems to truly bring joy. It is important to set boundaries. It’s okay to turn in a homework assignment late. It’s okay to say no to plans with friends. It’s okay to take time for yourself.

Caring for others can mean shooting a stranger a smile, complimenting a friend, making sure they are doing well, or doing something as simple as keeping someone company to remind them that they are not alone. At CSG, we strive to be leaders, so let’s lead the broader community by example through spreading easy acts of kindness.

With the shift into warm weather coming soon, there's no betterwaytoembracespringthan by organizing your room. These tips and tricks can help make organizing painless and efficient. Thefirststepyoushould take is blocking off a couple of hours or devoting a day to reorganizeandcleaning,soyoudon't rush.Alwayshavesomethingonto listento,personallyIlikewatching GossipGirl,butanypodcast,show, ormusicwilldo.Onlyletyourself listentothatspecificshow/podcast whileyoucleanatogiveyourself some extra motivation. The next stepismakingyoubed,thishelps to make a room look less cluttered and more calm. Now, you can choose one of the following methods,thepilesmethod,thesectionmethod,orthetimermethod. Thepilesmethodinvolvesmaking pilesbycolororcategoryandputting things away pile by pile. For

example, making a pile of all thingsred,thenapileofallthings orange etc. The next method is sectioning;divideyourroominto sections like closet, around your bed, dresser, etc., then clean by section, giving yourself a break inbetween.Thelastmethodisthe timer method. This involves setting a timer and cleaning until it goesoff,ortimingyourselfusing a stopwatch to see how fast you canclean.Alongwiththosemethods,herearealsosomegreatextra tips that I would recommend. First off, give yourself inspirationforwhatyourendgoal is.ThiscouldbeaPinterestboard orpicturesofyourroomwhenit's clean. When organizing clothes, don't bother putting away things youdon'twear,insteaddonateit. Makesurethatyouhaveahamper for dirty clothes, and a trash bin to eliminate things ending up on thefloor.

Part-Time Jobs

L -P XII

F

CSG students are dedicated, diligent, and accomplished individuals. As the spring semester begins, and classes are ramping up, many students also engage with their communities by working part-time jobs.

Asanda Ransier, XI, works in theAfter Hours program. Shefondlyremembers“lookingup to the older girls at After Hours”, so she “wanted to be a role model for the younger girls”. The After Hours program was a welcomed change in pace from her previous position working at Donatos Pizza.Asanda says that a vital part of her job is working to come to resolutions, in both big and small ways. She loves that her After Hoursexperiencehashelpedherto become more patient and she has

theopportunitytoconnectwiththe younger students when she passes them and waves in the hallways. Sophomore Madigan ZiegenjoysherjobatTheLearning Express. Originally, she had “just wantedasummerjob”,butshe“decidedtokeepthejoballyearlong”. She decided to continue into the school year because of how much shelovedherboss,herexperience, and the independence of spending her own income. She is proud of her handwriting skills as a gift wrapper, and says she genuinely looksforwardtocomingintowork. Forthesestudents,thelife lessonslearnedandinsightsgained from their part-time positions will extend far beyond their time at CSG.

WORLD CUP WITH CASTRO

LILLY KERN, XI

Flashback to 1930, Uruguaycelebratingwinningthe first-ever world cup. Now, flash forward almost 100 years later, to Qatar, where the 2022 World Cup took place. This world cup wasfullofupsanddowns,many people switching their favorite teams throughout the duration of the cup, not knowing where their loyalties lay. The world cup is the most watched sporting event internationally. It is projected that over five billion people globally watch the world cup. Students at CSG raved over the world cup, especially the US national team’s very own

Christian Pulisic describing him as the national team’s very own, “Captain America.” Other fan favorite players include Neymar, and Jude Bellingham, who play for Brazil and England. Though students here at CSG loved watching the world cup, they were not the only ones. I interviewed CSG’s very own soccer coach, coach Castro. After all, who would know better than her? Castro exclaimed that her favorite player was Messi, describing him as “the people’s champion” and “the best player period.” Many can agree with this statement. Though Messi is Castro’s favorite player, she

initially wanted Brazil to win the World cup. After this loss, Castro immediately knew it was now Messi’s world cup. Castro, like the rest of us, is very excited for the next world cup, already being in the lottery for tickets. She explained that the US National team is,”young and has a lot of potential.” With all the excitement over this year's World Cup, I cannot imagine the buzz that will occur for the 2026 World Cup. The World Cup is a celebration of soccer, the game so many love. As Castro says, “come correct” and be ready to celebrate soccer in the next World Cup.

The Superbowl

ALLIE SALAMON, XI

The Superbowl, where you eat lots of greasy food, watch football, maybe, or if you are like me, watch it only for the halftime show. Rihanna's performance at the Superbowl was iconic, and exciting for many reasons. Having yet to do a live performance since 2018, this show was highly anticipated. Being the icon that Rihanna is, she not only performed the show sixty feet in the air but also revealed she was pregnant, which almost broke the internet. While singing some of her most popular songs, she also had time to promote her makeup brand Fenty Beuty. Rihanna did it all during this performance and it will be one to remember.

Inside Scoop: CSG Student-Athletes

morning swim practices to afternoon weight room sessions, the time spent at school often outnumbers her time at home.

The responsibilities of a student-athlete are often underestimated Whether it's spending long hours in the pool or continuously running new volleyball plays, the notion of finishing homework and other activities after can be daunting. To gauge how CSG athletes master the art of balance, I interviewed students on their after-school routines. Maddy Wood, XI, is not only part of the swim team, but she also rows for Upper Arlington High School. From

“During the swim season, I usually only have time to do homework before I’m exhausted and need sleep.” The cycle continues from the weekdays until the weekend, along with long swim meets on Saturday. Although Maddy doesn’t have a lot of balance in her routine, she enjoys a busy schedule noting that she “needs the structure.”

I also talked to Emma Kim, XII, who played golf during the fall while also balancing homework and college applications. Her after-school

routine is similar to Maddy’s -- with only time to practice, eatdinner,andfinishhomework before going to sleep. Planning ahead, Emma knows that if she has a fun event on the weekend or a big test coming up, she’ll use her study halls productively: frequently meeting with teachers to not stress out about homework later that evening.

“Don’tgetmewrong,” Emmasayswhilelaughing,“I’ve hadsleeplessnightsoverschoolwork, while having so many other things going on.” Emma’s advice is to use free time at school well while meeting with teach-ers will set you up for success. When asking others

about a strong example of a student-athlete, several mentioned Yori O’Neal, XI, for her dedication as a three-sport athlete while also being a top student in the classroom. When asked about her routine, Yori says after coming home from practice, she doesn’t need to do any homework.

“Usually, I’m efficient enough during the day, utilizing my time at school to get most of my work done.” For example, when Yori has an important history test coming up, she’ll listen to a history-related podcast on her way to school, while also reviewing any last-minute notes.

“Just to be clear,” Yori begins, “I haven’t always been

this productive. My wake-up call from procrastination was my PCA class, where I left everything to the last minute.” Since then, she’s learned to plan, not procrastinate, through making a to-do list with online app Notion. Now, Yori even has time to hang out with her friends at least once during the weekend. Through these three different examples of studentathletes, you can see that every person has a unique routine. The most successful balancing acts are when students can find schedules that work best for them, whether that’s maneuvering a hectic schedule or planning ahead at school.

The Success Of The Indoor State Track Meet

CIARA LATHAM, XII

Last month, CSG’s upper school track and field team sent a talented group of athletes to compete in the Division 2 and Division 3 Indoor State Championship Meet. Pilar Walton, Jameson Pillifant, Mira Martin, Grace Chapman, Ella Chomic, and Grace Chomic had exceptional performances at the district meet, which qualified them to compete at states. Undoubtedly, this talented team is impressive as demonstrated by their fast times, high, and long jumps. But, these girls have a gritty sportsmanship that cannot solely be expressed by scores.

On the field, the team canlooktoJamesonPillifant,XI, and Pilar Walton, X, to show up and show out. Walton took her coachesandteammatesbystorm, with remarkable feats in high jump last outdoor season— and

it should be emphasized it was her freshman year. As evidenced by her indoor performance and preseason training, Walton’s habit of constant improvement will carry over into the current outdoor season. At the indoor state meet, Walton placed 17th in high jump matching her indoor season personal record of 4’10”. On the other side of the field, spectators can find junior Jameson Pillifiant dropping jaws at the long jump pit. Pillifant’s performance can only be described as skillful and precise. In addition to her unbelievable athleticism, Pillifant trains with a sharpness and intention that only enhances her performance. During the state meets, she placed 14th in long jump. Pillifant also qualified individually for the 60-meter dash where she made a new personal record and later played a key role in the 4x400-meter relay.

The 4x400-meter relay

has an important stake across the Track and Field team. Routinely the final event at a track meet, runners are tasked with maintaining their energy and cultivating a successful team dynamic. In the first leg, Mira Martin, XI, undertook the vital lead-off role. Dependable and diligent, Martin’s teammates could rest assured that they were off to a strong start. What makes Martin so capable in this position is likely her competitive focus. As a key player, she is well acquainted with her own skills and speed— and she won’t let any opponent challenge that. The baton was then passed off to Lila Schroeder, X. Like Walton, Schroeder also joined with a remarkable performance last season. Still an underclassman, Schroeder continues to come out on top which can be attributed to her willingness to endure. Grace Chapman, IX,

assumed the tricky position of third leg once again proving that despite being a freshman, there is nothing “junior varsity” about her. Chapman has all the makings to be rookie of the year already establishing herself as a key player. Chapman finished a speedy 400-meter run passing off the baton to anchor Jameson Pillifant. Running as the last leg, the team can count on Pillifant

to wrap things up with a bow. Overall, the team came in 11th in their division out of 24 teams. With significant accomplishments from the indoor season, this group is heading into the spring season with intensity. As they tackle these next few weeks of training and practice, these athletes will be well-prepared for their first meet on April 4 at Kirk Campus.

GABRIELLE YUAN, XII

Rihanna showing off her baby bump. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Up above are the athletes that competed in the State track meet. Photo courtesy of Coach Jennifer Bunker.

Bake off: Smeeding vS HartSHorne

MADI KIM, XI

From brownies and cakes to cookies and banana bread, baked goods are not only delicious, but fun to make and share with others. While CSG students enjoy eating baked goods from bake sales, clubs, and lunch, we can also recognize the art of baking and the experience that goes into perfecting the chocolate chip cookie.

Mrs. Hartshorne, the director of Middle School, is a well-known

name at CSG when it comes to baking. She is an experienced baker, starting with her first job as a math teacher in which she would bake cookies for test days. She wanted to open her own bakery, but then she had kids, so she baked for them instead. During Covid, her baking career took a turn when she was baking a lot, yet there were few people to eat her treats.

So, she made 40 dozen cookies for her friend’s public school because “lunch isn't any good without a cookie!” After that, she explored

18 different kinds of cookies and it got to the point that she didn’t even need to reference a recipe. The following year, she started up “Grammy’s Goodies,” applied to a farmers market, and began selling her cookies at a couple coffee shops. Mrs. Hartshorne is clearly very experienced, and she advises amateur bakers to be willing to try something new, embrace failure, and dedicate time to perfecting a recipe.

Mrs. Smeeding, on the other hand, has a different experi-

ence when it comes to baking and focuses on cakes rather than cookies. She began her baking journey in college for stress relief, and shared her treats with friends who were also stressed. While she took a little break from baking after college, she says “I re-got into it when I had Elenor because I wanted to make her first birthday cake.” Right now, she loves to decorate cakes because there are infinite possibilities for design and always new techniques to learn. She gets many tips and tricks from

cool bakers on social media who post special features for the season, which pushes her to try new things. A controversial tip that she has found is “if you make something and it turns out disgusting, throw it away!” She defends this, though, because if you eat your gross creation, you’ll want to stop baking.

In the end, baking is about having fun and don’t be too hard on yourself if something doesn’t turn out. In the wise words of Mrs. Smeeding, “remember the joy of an easy-bake oven.”

These biscuiTs are anyThing buT basic

DELLA JONES, XI

Imaginethis:youwalkinto a magnificent cafe where you are greeted by the smell of warm, fresh biscuits and hot coffee. This could be your perfect weekend morning if you go to Basic Biscuits, Kindness, andCoffee,whichisalocally-owned business located in Grandview Heights.

Despite the name, Basic Biscuits is pretty special. The shop is hidden on Goodale Street, but it can be distinctly noticed by the bright yellow lawn chairs outside. The owner had a vision of creating abeethemethroughoutthebreakfast restaurant, so she continued the yellow and black theme inside, along with honeycomb-shaped tiles and free bee stickers at the cash register.

Even the hexagonal biscuits look like they were made in a hive!

But here is where the real magic is: in the food. They offer biscuit sandwiches, which are a simple egg and cheese served on a buttermilk biscuit with your choice of meat. If that doesn’t sound appealing, there is a wide variety of mini biscuits to choose from. They all can be served upon request with a hearty, made-by-your-grandmaesque sausage gravy. Everything is made from a simple biscuit dough. Even the ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls and the flaky quiche crust are made from the same dough, which is something deliciously unique to this charming breakfast gem.

Basic Biscuits is a local, woman-owned business that aims to support other local businesses. The

meat for the sandwiches, the jam for the occasional special, and even the coffee that holds a special place in the name of the Basic Biscuit, Kindness, and Coffee are sourced from other businesses that play an integral part in the Columbus community. So if you’re looking for the perfect breakfast spot to grab a tasty biscuit (or two, they are quite addictive), arguably the best cinnamon roll in the city, or you just want to show support to the Columbus community, Basic Biscuits, Kindness, and Coffee is your perfect destination! You might even see CSG’s very own Ms. Nelson working behind the counter.

Pictured right: Welcome to Basic Biscuits. Photo courtesy of breakfastwithnick.com

Spring into April with this Tasty Vingarette!

DELLA JONES, XI

Looking for a light, tasty springtime salad dressing? This parsley and maple vinaigrette tinted with hints of sweetness might be for you! It is paired well with crisp greens and crunchy veggies.Are you hooked yet?

Here is the recipe:

• 1 medium shallot, minced

• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

(optional)

• ¼ cup flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped

•

½ tablespoon sugar

• ⅛ cup maple syrup

• ¼ cup dijon mustard

• ⅛ cup red wine vinegar

• ⅛ cup white balsamic vinegar

• 1 ¼ cup olive oil

Directions:

1. Combine minced shallots, parsley, and optional garlic in a food processor/blender with mustard and sugar

2. With machine running, add vinegars followed by maple syrup

3. Add olive oil in a slow stream

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste!

This recipe makes about a pint (16 oz). Adjust the measurements as needed. and enjoy!

Ms. Nelson ready to serve a warm smile and biscuits. Photo courtesy of Della Jones, XI.

All photos courtesy of Ms. Smeeding and Mrs.Hartshorne

One of the famous Basic Biscuits.

Photo courtesy of Della Jones, XI.

Keep Or KicK?

ThOughTs

On Kim Kardashian

ALLIE SALAMON, XI

The household name of the Kardashians had to start with one person and one person only. Kris Jenner is a mom and manager, and if you combine that she calls herself a “momager.”Whilesheisamotherto someofthemostfamouspeople intheworldwhenitcomesdown to it, most people have a favorite KarJenner. Asanda Ransier chose Kris as her favorite, and brought attention to how “Kris started the empire, she's a girl boss, and all the children have a successful business because of Kris.” Now it might be hard to choose a favorite due to how you follow them through everyday life. Whether that includes watching their TV show, seeing them in magazines, following their tik-toks (and wishing you could read the comment section), or purchasing from their brands, most haveafavoritefortheirreasons.

When interviewing some Upper School students andteacherstherewasapopular opinionofwhowasthefavorite.

Kim Kardashian once said “[I] havesomanytalentsIcan’teven begin to name them” as some of the upper school students pointed out when explaining why Kim is their favorite. Justice Johnson, XI, chose Kim as her favorite. “Definitely Kim,” Justice remarked, “because of her tik-toks with North.” She also felt that due to Kim’s clothing line, Skims, there was no doubt thatKimwasherfavorite Elizabeth Burgess, XI, agreed with Justice about @KimandNorth Tik-Tok. She then explained

“after watching that episode of Kim on David Letterman’s show, I respect her.” Kim has been a successful businesswoman and as Sophia Uselman, XI, had mentioned “she knows her worth,” making it clear that Kim Kardashian is a popular choice for a favorite Kardashian.

Other Upper School students and faculty took a different approach to who is their favorite. Kourtney is known for her avocado pudding and humor on the show for saying things like: “You got smarter since hanging out with me.” Eva Schindler, XI, pointed out how Kourtney is her favorite because “[in] every clip she is in she looks kinda moody” which she finds adds to the show and makes it more fun. Dr. Hattaway felt Kourtney was her favorite due to them both being the eldest sibling. While Kim and Kourtney seem to be crowd favorites, Kendall got a vote as well. Kendall Jenner is famous for modeling and scarily cutting a cucumber. Isabella Luckage, XII, had felt Kendall “was the nicest and the most genuine.”

While Kris, Kim, Kourtney, and Kendall were fan favorites, let’s not forget about Khloe and Kylie and all the amazing things they do—oh, and can’t forget Rob. From momager’s to boss ladies the Kardashian/Jenner family is one that people will remember forever, but it’s ok to have a favorite. No one could put it into words better than Kim herself: “There’s a lot of baggage that comes with us, but it’s like Louis Vuitton baggage; you always want it.”

Japanese Anime Movie Recommendations

SHERYL SUI, X

Letter to Momo is a movie about Momo's father passing away, he left only a letter with three words "To Momo", which puzzled her. After that, her mother took her to move from her former residence in Tokyo to the Seto Sea, but Momo was lonely because she couldn't adapt to the new environment.At this time, she accidentally found an old book in the compartment on the top floor of her new home, and a series of incredible things began to happen around her. The story of the film takes place on a small island. The beautiful scenery and simple folk customs on the small island make people fascinated and intoxicated after watching it. This animation brings us vivid character relationships and delicate character emotions. More importantly, it is closer to life than the heroic animations that are becoming more and more thematic today There is a simple and tidy small shrine on the island hill.Although it is not tall, it stands firmlyon the lush jungle and soil. Whenever I see it, I realize that such beautiful and peaceful scenery is the best. It can soothe people's hearts.The film cleverly borrows several monster characters from Japanese Shintoism, bringing a touch of surreal animation feeling to this realistic work, and also brings a sense of humor to this serious topic about depression and liberation, growth and search.

These monsters have ferocious faces,buttheyarewarm-hearted. They are affectionateand righteous, and know how to give. It is not the first time that these monsters have been portrayed in this way in Japanese animation. These elves, which were originally used to scare people, have become new symbols. Theirencounters,acquaintances, mutualhelp,andseparationwith humanbeingsoftenbecomenew stories.This filmis set thousands of years later, after the world's industrialcivilizationreachedits peak. The world was destroyed in a war called "Seven Days of Fire". The world is covered by a new ecosystem called Sea of Corruption, which is composed of fungi. Only giant insects can adapt to it, and humans live on the only small area of land left. In the face of giant insects and thereleaseofmiasmaSeaofCorruption is a story of aggressive survivalunderthethreatofsiege.

If you want to watch this movie, it is recommended to read its original manga first. Compared with the comics, the movie simplifies or even omits many characters and plots in the original comics, making the movie slightly thinner in terms of character image, but it is still a good movie worth watching. The film as a whole adoptsthenarrativetechniqueof interludes,andtherhythmofthe storyisdelicateandjustright,so that people will not have doubts whenwatchingthefilm.Inaddition,thepaintingstyleofthefilm is Hayao Miyazaki's consistent style: beautiful and exquisite, and the portrayal of nature is shocking and refreshing. In addition, if you prefer grand and spectacularscenes,thenyouwill absolutely love the storyboarding of this movie, which has a lot of overhead and bird's-eye views. And for those who love art:Whetheritisinsects,humans or machines in this movie, their dynamicsareperfect,whichhas extremely high reference and copying value.

Ava Kessler: Superstar On The Rise

DELANEY WOODS, IX

AvaKessler,XI,while being a high school student like the rest of us, spends her time producing songs and performing her original songs.Ava says she’s been singing and songwriting her whole life, though she just started taking music seriously about a year ago. She said that her songs are usually about emotions but only sometimesherown.Theyexpressthe stories and feelings of people she knows. When she starts creatingasong,theyoftencome together quickly, sometimes in just twenty to thirty minutes!

As a junior, Ava has been at CSG for fourteen years.

Since her high school career is coming to an end, I asked her where she sees herself in the future. She stated, “I don’t know yet what I will do in the future; I want to see where my music takes me”. Ava has been interviewed by local podcasts and radio stations, produced four songs, and describes her style as soul-pop, with her biggest influences being Adele and Alessia Cara.

Ava is following her dreams by recording music and making music videos, which she said was “super cool!” and performing live. Her live performances included the July 4th festivities here in Bexley, the Southern Theatre, and local venues around Columbus.

CSG has many talentedstudentswithawiderangeof pursuits,butitwasgreattolearn a little bit more about Ava— otherwise known as Ellery Ray. Listen to her songs “Portrait”, “L.O.V.E.”, “Peter Pan”, and “Too Young” on all streaming services.

Poster: Letter to MOMO

Screenshot from @kimandnorth

Photo courtesy of Page Six.

Poster from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

Stream Ellery Ray. Photo courtesy of Ava Kessler, XI.

GABRIELLE YUAN, XII

Mrs. Abell's pooch, George, takes in some sun rays with his toy.

Photo courtesy of Mrs. Abell.

How photogenic! Ms. Garcia's furry friend strikes a dashing pose. Photo courtesy of Ms. Garcia.

Missing winter? Reminisce with Sadie Mapes pup, Georgia. Photo courtest of Sadie Mapes, XI.

Kitty

Jones cat is wide-eyed and playful. Photo courtesy of Claudia Jones, XII.

Castro's cat, Berkeley, lays down and enjoys the view. Photo courtesy of Ms. Castro.