V25 I3 - February 25, 2025

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Ink to impact

The Student Newspaper of Greenhills School

Volume 25, Issue 3

Discovering the power of poetry to inspire and teach SIRINA BERY ‘28 Lifestyles Staff English Department Chair Monica Lewis has been weaving words together for as long as she can remember.

“I have a memory of being really little and sitting on my floor in my bedroom with the door closed, sitting by the vent writing in my notebook,” said Lewis.

Writing has remained something personal for Lewis. It is a way for her to process the world around her, to observe and to find the story. But it wasn’t until middle school that she realized her words have the power to connect people.

“There was a class where I turned a poem in as a response to an assignment, and the teacher copied it and put it on everybody’s desk,” said Lewis. “I came into the room, and I was published.”

That moment has stuck with her. It wasn’t just a recognition of her talent but a shift in her perspective. Writing was still personal, but it had become something that could reach other people. Writing was something that mattered beyond the pages of her notebook. Lewis’s love for poetry hasn’t faded.

“I’ve been writing poetry forever, the one piece that I’ve published out in the world is a poem,” said Lewis. “There have been years of my life when I’ve written more, and years of my life when I’ve written less.”

Even as the number of poems or short stories Lewis wrote fluctuated, she always came back to the process. The words on the pages all had a connection, they were written by Lewis.

“I’ve always had it in mind that it would be nice to collect some of the poetry into a collection. It’s been a work in progress for my whole life,” said Lewis.

This poetry collection is a way to capture Lewis’s journey in writing and throughout life. Her journey is explored in her ongoing project: a poetry collection.

“Many of the poems are about staying checked into life when it’s hard to,” said Lewis. “I want people to feel like they’re not alone and that the world is a beautiful place. It’s terrible and beautiful.”

The poetry collection is not only about finding beauty in the world, but also about discovery.

“Writing for me is about discovery. It’s not about trying

to create something perfect, it’s about exploring and revisiting Smith and Ross Gay, who thoughts and emotions,” said Lewis. have the same ethos that I do” To Lewis, the process of writing is complex and has Motivation for writing comes to Lewis because she many meanings and importances. wants the best for her students. Her journey as a writer has greatly “It’s not about getting it right the first time but allowimpacted her journey as a teacher. ing yourself the “I’m a writing space to grow,” teacher,” said Lewis. “So I said Lewis. “I want to be practicing what I handwrite first in preach. I want to be involved a journal, mess in writing if I’m going to with it on the teach it. So if I was a pottery page there a few teacher , ‘Verdant’ would be times, and then I my pot.” type it, and then Lewis’s belief in the I will redo them power of words to explore, and redo them.” connect and grow is promiD i s nent, and it impacts her stucovery, beauty dents. and growing all “The one thing that tie in to the overI really appreciated out of the arching theme of class is that we had a space her collection. to be creative,” said Hannah The title reflects Behringer ‘25. “We were this, “Verdant.” given the chance to realize Verdant means that we are all connected to green and groweach other.” ing. The collecRebekah Warren Photo by Sirina Bery ‘28 tion is a reflec- MORE THAN JUST WORDS ‘25 was another student of Lewis challenges students to engage deeption of the way ly with their writing. “It’s not about getting it right the first time,” said Lewis. “It’s Lewis’. In the classroom she Lewis sees her about the process of thinking, revising, and discovering what you really want to say.” said not only did she learn work as an onabout poetry ,but also how to going journey, where each poem contributes to a larger story of express themselves. self-exploration. Writing is therapeutic for Lewis, it’s not some“Ms. Lewis’ poetry course has changed my interpretation thing she forces. of creative, poetic expression and allowed myself and others to “Sometimes it starts with the place that I am curious effectively use our voice in creative writing freely,” said Warren. about what has happened in that place,” said Lewis. “It’s storyThe idea that words have the power to bridge experienctelling that starts with inspiration, imagination and a place or an es, to foster understanding and to remind us of our shared humanexperience.” ity is at the center of Lewis’s work.

Inspiration for Lewis’s poems also comes from other “It feels very cool to think that I’m gonna give it to whopeople,their stories ,emotion and their experiences. ever I want to. Then maybe it will pass from one person’s hands to “Some of the poems are really inspired by my family,” another, and that feels like a revolution.” said Lewis. “I am also inspired by poets Clint

New courses, revised names announced for 2025-2026 EVA BERNSTEIN Editor in Chief

AP Art Portfolio Department: Fine and Performing Arts Grades offered: 10-12 with teacher recommendation “There are a lot of really talented artists at Greenhills, and they deserve to have a higher level class where they can get into creating a portfolio of work that can serve them in getting into art school if they so desire, but in the very least, it’ll give them an opportunity to really do a sustained investigation in a particular area of interest,” Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair Liz Wilson-Hill said. “It’s a year-long course, and we’ve only ever had semester courses for the visual arts. After an initial quarter of teacher-led exploration, students can pick their specialty and develop an inquiry question around it. They can do research and just go deeper than they’ve ever been able to before, simply because of the course length and that the teachers are able to guide them through that and a more focused way. This is a dedicated space and time for students who really want to take their art to that next level.

It is strictly visual arts, but within that, they can do graphic design, ceramics, painting, drawing, and photography.”

Astrophysics and Cosmology (last ran during the 2019-2020 school year) Department: Science Grades offered: 11-12 with Earth, Solar System, and Universe prerequisite or teacher recommendation “We will go beyond the solar system as we look at some of the big questions, like, ‘Can we do interplanetary space travel?’,” Science Teacher Deano Smith said. “There are some really cool ideas about that, like maybe our solar system was visited by something from another civilization, so we’ll talk about that a good bit. Then we will go out and look at bigger structures, like, what is the Milky Way Galaxy? How do we even know what it looks like since we’re inside of it? What are galaxies like? What are black holes and where do they form and how do they form?

There are black holes at the center of almost every galaxy, so we’ll talk about black holes and if you can time travel through them. [We will also discuss] the ultimate fate of the universe.

What’s happening? The universe is expanding, expanding, expanding. Is it going to collapse back on itself?”

Civic Engagement Solar and Planetary Astronomy Department: History and Social Sciences (last ran during the 2019-2020 Grades offered: 9-12 school year) “Students will be investigating what it means Department: Science to be engaged in your community,” History Grades offered: 11-12 with Earth, and Social Sciences Department Chair Karin Solar System, and Universe prereqScott said. “I would argue that when you look uisite or teacher recommendation at the mission of Greenhills, this is a central “It’s a super fun course if you’re inquestion that we are trying to impose on stu- terested in astronomy,” Deano Smith dents during their time here. It will be an op- said. “It focuses on both solar and portunity for students to look at the history of planetary, meaning that we look at social activism and combine it with their own planets in the solar system. [This class social justice interests, ultimately finding a is great for you] if you’re wondering civic action project that they can craft and how we explore different planets, how work on throughout the semester, while also we design and send a spacecraft out, engaging with the different organizations that and all the cool stuff that we’ve learned we already have relationships with from our about planets.”

Service Learning Program.”

Graphics by Megan Peng ‘25

Producing a Show Department: Fine and Performing Arts Grades offered: 9-12 “I’m excited for Gary to bring this class to students because it gives students who haven’t seen themselves as an actor or performing an opportunity to still get involved in theater,” Liz Wilson-Hill said. “Students will either choose an already existing play or develop one of their own to produce and present. They’ll do research into lighting, sound, costume, budget, and venues, so it’s project-based learning. They don’t have to act in it if they don’t want to, so they can find actors for it and they can direct it. So it’s meant to appeal to a wider range of students who maybe are not interested in acting, but still interested in the experience of being a producer of something and seeing it go from an idea on paper to coming to life. It’s an exciting new way to think about theater and I hope that it appeals to a bunch of kids who wouldn’t have otherwise taken a theater course.”

Graphic by Violet Weizer ‘25

Hugh’s halfs

Legacy in print

BY ELEANA ZHUANG ‘25

BY SIRINA BERY ‘28

Scan here for more @theghalcove View these stories exlusively online at https://greenhillsalcove.com

PAGE 2

FEB. 25, 2025

One + two + three + four

Four students excel in the American Mathematics Competitions

ELEANA ZHUANG ‘25 so about 50 practice tests,” said Mei. Lifestyles Staff “I’ve been preparing for six months.”

Many students enjoy missing class, but

But, in recent years, there has been an what about missing class to take a math test? Jason issue. People have leaked problems ahead of time Shen ‘25, Sunny Rong ‘26, Alison Choi ‘27, and on online platforms. Because there are students Nathan Mei ‘29 competed in the American Mathwho take the AMC in different time zones, some ematics Competitions (AMC) in early November. will memorize the questions and post them online Out of eight participants, these four students exemfor other people to see before they take it. This plified an outstanding performance. heavily impacted Mei last year.

“The AMC is a bunch of math problems

“The leaked problems was a pretty that involve problems that are a bit harder than what horrible situation,” said Mei. “Last year during the you would normally see in a math class,” said Math AMC 8, the cutoff was 93.5. That year I got 101.5. teacher Ben Russell. “It’s fun for kids who want to I thought I was home free. Turns out, after the probexplore a little bit more math without needing deeplems got leaked, the cutoff went up ten, to 103.5.” er material they haven’t seen yet.”

Despite these challenges, students conThe AMC is a 25-question, 75-minute tinue to take the AMC every year for their own enmultiple-choice examination. There are two difjoyment. ferent tests, AMC 10, focused on math up to the “When I was solving the problems I tenth-grade level, and AMC 12, focused on up to was very immersed and liked finding if I could find the twelfth-grade level. Students who do well on the a solution,” said Choi. “It took me a long time, but AMC qualify for the American Invitational Mathwhen I finally got some of the harder questions, I ematics Examination (AIME), another challenging felt rewarded.” exam. In previous years, only one person has qualiShen previously took the exam to strengthen fied. This year, four students qualified. his college applications. Doing well on the AIME “Four is a lot for when I have been here,” gives a chance to qualify for the USA Mathematical said Russell. “ In the past, only Jason has qualified Olympiad, another competition. Qualifying for the for the AIME.” AIME for the last three years, Shen has fallen short The AMC is an opportunity for students to each year. But as a senior, he has decided to take think beyond the classroom, something that Rong a different approach to this test than in previous looks forward to every year. years.

“I’ve been taking the AMC every year “I’ve already reaped what I’ve sown,” said from freshman year to now,” said Rong. “I like that Shen. “My goal is just to have fun. I don’t need to it isn’t the typical math you would do at school. It’s take the test anymore, I’m just doing it for the love very creative and requires flexible thinking.” of the game.”

Out of the four students who qualified, one Russell serves as the proctor for the AMC at is only in eighth grade. Because there isn’t an age Greenhills. He also took the AMC in high school qualification for the AMC 10, Mei was able to take but didn’t enjoy the style of math it gave. Regardadvantage of this rule and take the exam this year. less, now, he finds joy in seeing his students thrive Although he is younger than all of the participants, in a competitive environment. there is no doubt that he is familiar with the AMC. “It’s really fun to see the kids who do take it He has taken the AMC 8, the exam designated for get excited about how they do,” said Russell. “Once middle schoolers, every year since fourth grade. the competition is done they start talking about the “In seventh grade, I missed the cutoff by problems and I have to urge them to leave and go a little,” said Mei. “So this year I really wanted to home. They all go to the whiteboards explaining Photo courtesy of Jason Shen ‘25 what they did and usually I get stuck at the board make the cutoff. I thought it was going to be pretty hard, but it was easier than last year. Maybe it’s be- FOOD FOR THOUGHT Jason Shen ‘25 takes the AMC exam this past November. “I usually bring a lot of thinking about it too.” cause I improved.”

Choi participated in this exam as a way to chalsnacks because it takes so much brain power,” says Shen. “I’ve qualified for AIME every year, but haven’t All four students did some sort of prepara- gotten past it. My knowledge of math doesn’t go as deep as the latter half of AIME needs it to be.” lenge herself. Like most, she felt anxious during tion before going into the exam, but all in different the test, and the outcome took her by surprise. She ways. Shen has found math to be an extracurricular recommends other students take the exam too.

30 to 40 problems every week. This has prepared me the most for activity.

“I think it challenges beyond the concepts you learn at the AMC.” “I’ve been taking lessons from an outside teacher since Greenhills and applies them to word problems where you have to On the other hand, Mei has a more individual approach, fourth grade,” said Shen. “I just do a lot of math for an average utilizing online resources. really think,” said Choi. “It’s a really good way to challenge yourperson I’d say. For example, I do one problem set which is about “I think I ran through every AMC 10 before this one, self.”

A new direction

Main Street is a staple at Greenhills. It connects the various classrooms through a central hallway, leading all the way down from the Borders Center for the Athletics to the Campbell Center for the Performing Arts. It serves as not only the main route through the building but also as a tool to navigate our winding hallways. However, that is the only help we receive in being guided throughout the school, since room numbers have become increasingly irrelevant and are confusing in general. Our solution: create more manageable room numbers and straightforward hallway names.

The primary issue with the school’s current layout is that it lacks any organization beyond Main Street. Despite the smaller size of the school, it can still be incredibly confusing at times. The numbering o f rooms doesn’t follow a predictable pattern and room numbers are ignored altogether. Instead, an informal naming system has been created by the student body, with room names based on the room’s teacher. This system works great for older students who have had these teachers before in their time at Greenhills, but it can still be a challenge for new students, such as incoming 6th and 9th graders, and guests to the building. This is something that could create problems for prospective families touring the school and visitors coming in for events. During Gryphon Ambassador events, visiting families are confused by the room numbers, with student ambassadors attempting to use maps and give confusing directions.

Our first solution is to create more hallway names. Naming additional hallways can help give students a clearer picture of how the school fits together. It would help grow school spirit, with students grouped into memorable areas instead of meaningless spaces, and would also help with communication and navigation. Another idea would be to format room numbers in clusters,

Why hallway name changes are needed

just like the locker number system. For example, classrooms near the 6th-grade forum could be labeled 6-1, 6-2, and so on, while those around the 7th-grade forum could follow the same pattern, going 7-1, 7-2, etc. This could help people navigate the hallways, as even if they don’t know the actual room, they would know the direction and area where it is located.

Recently, we have taken steps in the right direction by adding more signs throughout the school, which would mainly help visitors. However, these signs are not the solution, but the start of something bigger. More signs could go handin-hand with new hallway names.

T h e s e c h a n g es would benefit everyone, but on a day-to-day basis would make students’ lives much easier. Students would have an easier time finding classrooms, especially middle schoolers who have to travel all over the building for some electives, venturing into some areas that they have never actually seen before.

Naming the hallways can be fun as well. We could hold a vote for some names or allow them to be named after influential members of the Greenhills community who we want to embed into the school culture. Another option would be to auction the hallways off to raise money for the school. If people would be willing to pay, it could help fund future endeavors and increase school spirit in one fell swoop.

While all of these changes sound great in theory, do we actually need them? For some, it might make the school even more confusing and provide little improvement in navigating the hallways. The real value of this change in our system is building our community.

These changes would make it stronger and bring us closer together. Greenhills prides itself on being different from the pack. Creating shared memories and a collective culture will bolster our tight-knit community in ways that are different from the normal school. Our community is what makes our school truly “one of a kind”, so let’s find ways to grow

our shared spirit and make new memories.

As the school continues to grow and expand, these changes are more crucial than ever. We need to find ways of updating our system and how we do things, instead of just sticking with whatever confusing systems we currently have in place. We want the school to be a welcoming place for everyone, not a place that confuses those who enter for the first time, and we hope that these changes will guide every visitor, student, and faculty member as they make their way down Main Street.

Graphic by Megan Peng ‘25

What practical change would you make to Greenhills?

“They should open up more scheduling choices for freshman and sophomores because a lot of people try to cram electives into their last two years, and I think Fresh class is kind of unnecessary.”

Jessica Shi ‘25

“I think we could use a little more couch space, and more places to sit. I always find myself awkwardly standing around cubbies inside of the forum, so having more areas to relax and lounge would be nice.”

Lander Whelan ‘27

“Fix the bathroom doors in the sophomore forum. They [open on] different sides and they should both just be going in instead of out, because I’ve ran into people opening the doors.”

Briefs compiled and photos by Eva

Anri Haglund ‘27 Bernstein‘25 and Billy Rozelle ‘27

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor, Print Managing Editor, Online Art and Design Editor Editor-at-Large School Editor School Staff School Staff School Staff Opinion Editor Lifestyles Editor Lifestyles Staff Lifestyles Staff Lifestyles Staff Lifestyles Staff Sports Editor Sports Staff Sports Staff Sports Staff Sports Staff Advisor

Eva Bernstein ‘25 Izzy Baru ‘25 Dhruv Nallamothu ‘25 Megan Peng ‘25 William Englesbe ‘28 Lauren Ye ‘26 Kriti Gupta ‘26 Connor Groat ‘26 Arya Prabhakar ‘28 Billy Rozelle ‘27 Violet Weizer ‘25 Sirina Bery ‘28 Caterina DaSilva ‘26 Eleana Zhuang ‘25 Ayaan Ahmed ‘25 Teddy Staebler ‘25 Cate Alumkal ‘27 Dylan Shear ‘26 Janaan Rehman ‘26 Charlie Rich ‘26 John Lund

Alcove is a newspaper written by students, for the students of Greenhills School. All opinions, views, and statements reflect those of the students working on Alcove and not necessarily the faculty and staff of Greenhills. Alcove is written to inform, encourage, and expand upon the curiosity of the students that Greenhills strives to cultivate. Providing a forum for students to express their individuality, the Alcove reminds you to always read the pine print.

FEB. 25, 2025

PAGE 3

Workout warriors

Middle school physical education teacher encourages faculty to attend wellness class JANAAN REHMAN ‘26 “I walked in and joined in on some badminton for a while then they more motivated to put more effort into their workouts when the Sports Staff got to their workout portion.” teachers were there.

Chaotic and loud are two words that are often used to describe Benke plans on making a routine of attending their gym “Some of the teachers are like ‘I don’t believe they did all middle school gym classes. And yet, when presented with the op- classes when possible. While he was there, he participated in vari- those pushups that fast’, and other teachers are like ‘I’m exhausted portunity, several faculty members lept at the chance to join a gym ous bodyweight exercises alongside his students. from this workout the kids do,’” said Oestriech. “The students are class to workout alongside their students. Middle school gym teach“It was a good workout and I’m always in search of some- more amazed like ‘Oh, this is my French teacher here. Why are er Steven “Steve O” thing good and different,” said Benke. they working out?’ or ‘Oh, they’re my math teacher. Why are they Oestreich recently “I think our wellness and athletics playing badminton?’ And so they’re really stunned by that. I think invited teachers to departments do a good job of guid- it forces the kids to up their game a little bit too.” attend his middle ing kids through good workouts and Seeing teachers in different settings outside of the classschool gym classes teaching the sports that they do to set room offers a new perspective to students. to improve connecthem up for a future of working out.”

“I think it’s one thing to see a teacher teaching their class tions between them Students were excited about the op- in a more authority role,” said Bussell. “But when they then get and their students. portunity to workout alongside their invited to a gym class to do the workout with them, it’s like they’re “I wantteachers. peers in a sense. They’re not ed the students to just teaching the kid at that workout with teach“I defitime and I think it can help ers so that they nitely build those connections becould inspire each enjoyed tween teachers and students.” other,” said Oesit more The project is meant to fatreich. “They see than a cilitate deeper connections their teachers as a regubetween the teachers and stumath teacher but lar gym dents. they don’t see them c l a s s “Any time they can see you in working out, and when the a different light it’s good,” said the teachers see teachers Benke. “I know when we take them as students NEW CLASSMATES Math teacher Scott Benke and science teacher Brandon Groff c a m e , ” students to Washington, D.C., but they don’t see join a seventh-grade gym class on a Monday afternoon. “The kids come out of the lock- s a i d on retreats, or as a coach, stuer room and then they get a few minutes of choice time to get a ball or talk with their them working out. friends until everybody’s out of the locker room,” said Oestreich. “Then the whistle R o y a dents get an opportunity to see I wanted them to blows and we get started with instructions for the workout and the activity of the day.” H a e r i a n a different side of their teachbe able to come to‘31. “We er. I think it’s always good for gether and do that and inspire one another.” still did the same workouts and then them to know that you’re huOestreich began the project two weeks ago as a part of they ended up leaving after the workman rather than someone who the three-year faculty program with the theme of “Inspire.” Ten out, but just the fact that they were sleeps in their classroom.” teachers and faculty have already joined a gym class at least once, there and they came made it more Oestreich plans to continue including Scott Benke, Madeline Patramanis, Owen Barton, Ruth- fun.” this program throughout the ann Thorne, Sarah Longcore, Andy Lammers, Natalie Caramagno, Oftentimes students have a year. He teaches B, D, E, and Evan Jackson, Brandon Groff, and Jarrett Bussell. one-sided view of their teachers and F periods and encourages “I think it’s a really positive way to keep the students and getting the chance to connect with TIPS AND TRICKS Math teacher Scott Benke was invited to the gym class anyone to join in if they have the teachers involved,” said middle school gym teacher Bussell. them in a different environment made by his son and other students to join them in their workout. While there, he time. receives helpful tips on his workout forms to use when he works out on his “It’s important for the students to see adults in the building staying an impact.

“If any student wants own. “You have to keep moving no matter what your age,” said Benke. “I know active and living a healthy lifestyle.”

“I really enjoyed how they in middle school when I was in gym class, I didn’t know it was preparing me to drop in at the start and do Teachers received an email from Oestreich explaining the were able to do the same workouts as for a future of working out and it’s good for students to build their repertoire.” a workout it would be more idea and students were then able to invite various teachers to attend us even though they’re older,” said than welcome,” said Oestretheir gym class for the workout portion. The students specified it Sylvia Beamish ‘31. “It was nice being able to see them outside of ich. “You’re an inspiration to the young ones, that’s for sure.” would be when they had class at the end of the day. the classroom and be able to just talk to them.”

“They said they usually do the workout at the beginning Oestreich said that the teachers had mixed reactions but Photos by Janaan Rehman ‘26 so I just showed up then,” said middle school math teacher Benke. enjoyed it just as much as the students did overall. Students felt

Behind the screens: Inside the communications office

MIRA JAYARAMAN‘26 science experiments and other remote learning moments.” communication strategy as well. If something involves words or Contributing Editor As Bielicki takes photos of several projects and events, graphics, we’re involved.”

Every Thursday at 5 p.m., as students finish their last it’s the high-energy moments that keep her on her toes.

Bielicki’s day might include writing alumni emails, postclasses and faculty wrap up their days, a familiar notification lights “I love photographing spirit weeks, assemblies - there’s ing more on the school’s Instagram, or wandering campus with her up hundreds of screens across the Greenhills community: the so much buzz everywhere,” said Bielicki. “Things are constantly camera. She learns about photo opportunities in three main ways: weekly eForum has arrived, bringing snapshots of science an internal events request system, impromptu hallway conexperiments, sports victories, and artistic achievements to versations with teachers, and her explorations around camthe community’s fingertips. pus.

These frequent images and updates come from “Sometimes a teacher might pass me in the hallway and an office consisting of Advancement, Communications, say, ‘Hey, I’m going to be doing this cool chemistry lab if and Marketing Assistant Director Rachel Bielicki and Diyou want to swing by,’” said Bielicki. “Other times, I know rector of Communications and Marketing Michael Shaw. we need content for social media or the eForum, and I just “We make sure students and parents in the greatwalk around and try to find those things.” er Greenhills community know what’s going on here and For students like Camille Clem ‘27, the department’s efhave all the information they need,” said Shaw. “We’re forts create a vital connection to school life. reminding current parents why it was a great decision to “The eForum has been so consistent every week that I have their kids here while showing prospective families honestly don’t remember ever not reading it,” said Clem. the kind of learning and experiences students have when “It’s fun to see what my other classmates are doing throughthey come here.” out the day. I don’t normally know what people in other For Bielicki, the school’s primary photographer grades do in their classes, so that’s interesting to see in the and communications specialist, capturing those expeInstagram posts and eForum.” riences meant learning on the job – literally. She joined Looking ahead, the communications team isn’t standing Greenhills in March 2020 with minimal photography exstill. They’re currently undertaking their biggest project yet: perience, having previously worked in digital marketing at a complete overhaul of the school’s website, set to launch Detroit PBS. next summer.

“Everything I’ve done has just been through “For prospective families, that’s their first foray into Photo by Mira Jayaraman ‘26 learning and evolving my skills as I’ve been here,” said FRAME BY FRAME Advancement, Communications, and Marketing Assistant Director RaGreenhills,” said Shaw. “We want to make that a great Bielicki. “I started shooting mostly on auto, and then I chel Bielicki edits photos that will be sent out to students, parents, and faculty. “I like read- storytelling experience and help them understand what it’s started to pick up on different settings. Now I know which ing the eForum a lot,” said Camille Clem ‘27. “Sometimes we don’t know everything that’s go- like here. We’re rethinking the whole navigation, with new ing on with the middle school and faculty, so seeing Instagram posts and updates is helpful.” events I need to use certain settings for. It’s really just photography and pictures. It’ll be a brand new site.” from practice and getting out there.”

The project exemplifies the team’s broader mission: creThat practice was put to the test during her first year, as moving and changing. It can be challenging to capture all those ating meaningful connections within the Greenhills community COVID-19 forced most learning online. Instead of roaming hall- moments and really show people what that event was all about.” while showcasing the school’s unique environment. ways with her camera, Bieicki found herself helping classrooms in For Shaw and Bieicki, no two days look alike. While BieAs Shaw and Bieicki continue their behind-the-scenes a different way. icki manages social media, photography, and digital communica- work, their impact resonates through every Thursday afternoon “During COVID, I really had to rely on teachers to let tions like the eForum, Shaw handles graphic design, writing, and eForum notification, every Instagram post, and every captured mome know when they were doing cool things,” said Bielicki. “There communication strategy. ment of student life - keeping the Greenhills community connectwasn’t much I could do with a physical camera on Zoom, so in“If you see any signage around the building, we’re usually ed, one image at a time. stead, I taught the teachers how to take Zoom screenshots of virtual doing that,” said Shaw. “We take care of any advertising, and

Linda

Smith

FAST FACTS YEARS AT GREENHILLS: I started in 2024.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND HER: All over the school.

POSITION: Facilities team member

Memorable GH moment?

Walking on the outside of the building to make sure that the building is secure and almost having a deer hit me. It just came out of nowhere.

Favorite A2 thing?

Bandemer Park because I love to hike. Usually my boyfriend and I will start in Bandemer Park and we hike quite a distance.

We will almost go beyond Fuller Park.

What is your go to actvity to relax?

What is your favorite place you have traveled to?

Swimming. I was a competitive swimmer since I was five-years-old, and I swam all throughout high school.

Currently, I am a lifeguard for the Saline Rec Center. On Saturday mornings from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., I lifeguard. It’s fun.

I’ve been to Europe and I loved it. England was one of my favorites. One of my other memorable vacations was to St. John Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is a national park, but you can still go there for vacation.

PAGE 4

FEB. 25, 2025

From Greenhills to the Grammys

FEB. 25, 2025

A conversation with Grammy Award-winning alumnus EVA BERNSTEIN ‘25 Editor-in-Chief Tenor and five-time Grammy nominee Nicholas Phan ‘97 took home his first win at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards for his work on “Saariaho: Adriana Mater,” which won Best Opera Recording. He was also nominated in the Best Classical Solo Vocal Album category for his album “A Change Is Gonna Come.” I spoke with Phan about his journey from Greenhills to the Grammys, his advice for students who want to pursue careers in the arts, and what he has been listening to recently.

EB: “You said that you were interested in classical music, which, at least in my experience, most kids are more interested in pop and rock, and forming bands in those genres. Do you think that you found that passion for classical music because of your experience in orchestra?

What drew you to classical music?

NP: “I don’t really know. I’d grown up playing it as a kid because that’s what you study when you’re studying the violin, and my parents played it a lot. My dad in particular played a lot of classical music around the house. He

practice your craft, and there are all sorts of things that go alongside that, but the most important thing at the end of the day, especially to have a sustainable career in the arts, is being an expert at your craft, whatever that craft is. If you’re a writer, you’ve got to keep writing every day, if you’re a musician, you have to practice every day. That’s always really the thing that has to come first, because without it, you don’t really have much of a foundation, and that can be a really anxiety-inducing existence.”

Eva Bernstein: “How did your time at Greenhills foster your passion for the arts?”

Nicholas Phan ‘97: “I was at Greenhills from sixth through 12th-grade, so all seven years. I started out playing in the orchestra as a violinist in sixth grade and that’s when I realized I wanted to be a musician. I didn’t really like playing the violin so much before then, but my parents made me join orchestra, and then I was like, ‘oh, wow, this is really cool.’. It sort of gave me a path that really resonated, and I just got bitten by the bug. I played in orchestra through middle school, and I think I sang in choir one year of those middle school years. Then, when I was a freshman, I auditioned for the spring musical, which was ‘The Music Man’ that year. I didn’t know what that was going to be like, but they needed a tenor who could sing really high notes and I had those naturally, which I didn’t realize was a special thing. I got cast in the spring musical and then that ignited a passion for theater in me. I sang in choir and played in orchestra after that at Greenhills, and I started playing in youth orchestras and do summer programs, like MPulse, which used to be at Interlochen when I was a teenager. I found out about all of these programs through the orchestra and choir programs at Greenhills because they would put their posters on the wall. The theater teacher, the orchestra Photo courtesy of Nicholas Phan ‘97 conductor, and the choir conductor were all really, really AND THE GRAMMY GOES TO... Nicholas Phan ‘97 accepts the Best Opera Recording award at the 67th Annusupportive of my passion for music and theater. I did a cou- al Grammy Awards. “He was just starting out with performing when I was teaching him, so it has been wonderful to watch his caple of summers as a musical theater major at Interlochen in reer deveope,” said history teacher Bruce Zellers. “I’ve gotten to see him on stage a number of times, and that’s been a thrill.” high school, and during those summers is when I decided that I would be a singer rather than a player, because it was was a huge classical music fan. There was a jazz band back EB: “Are there any things or lessons that you took away really obvious to me that singing was the path forward, but then, but it just didn’t involve the instrument that I played. from those times in orchestra or in the musicals that you I loved classical music, so I pursued that instead of musical I didn’t play the guitar, I didn’t play piano, I didn’t play the still carry with you today?” theater. I did all the musicals when I was there [at Green- sax. I was a string player, so I think that’s part of it. I love NP: “I think the biggest thing that I took away from Greenhills], I would do the fall plays, I played in the orches- pop music, but it [classical music] just felt like the thing hills was bringing an intellectual curiosity to every single tra, and I sang in choir. I also did the Metropolitan Youth that was for me.” thing that I do. I always want to sort of unpack the layers of Symphony out in Birmingham, played in the University of why we’re doing the things that we’re doing, like ‘why are Michigan Youth Symphony, and sang in the University of EB: “In addition to being a former student at Green- we singing whatever songs we’re singing?’ The othMichigan Youth Choir. All of these programs were things er thing that I’ve taken away from it is from the comthat I found out about through my teachmunity service ers at Greenhills.”

hills, you’re also an educator now. What advice do you have for current students who are interested in pursuing a career in the arts after school?

NP: “When pursuing any career in the arts, you’ve got to

requirement. Part of the thing that I really took away from that time was that to whom much is given, much is required. As a performing musician, I really feel strongly that

my job is an act of service. The arts have the power to bring communities together and to bring comfort and to bridge divides. I view all of my art making as an act of service, and that’s something that I really think comes from my time at Greenhills and those values that were instilled in me when I was there.”

EB: “Now, to shift to what you’ve been up to recently with your Grammy nominations and your big win, did you have any highlights from that experience and a favorite performance from the night?”

NP: “I’ve got to say, I thought that Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars were great singing ‘California Dreaming.’ Because our category was announced at the end of the premier ceremony, which was before the telecast, I ended up backstage for the first hour, so I missed a big portion of the ceremony, doing press interviews and getting official portraits taken, which was cool. This year was my fourth and fifth nominations and the second time I’ve been to the awards and it’s a really incredible experience. I feel really lucky to have been able to go. When you’re nominated, you’re so happy just to be nominated, and you have no idea how the voters are going to vote, no matter how hard you try and campaign, so I was just really grateful. In terms of the opera album, it’s really meaningful because the composer who wrote the opera died a week before we recorded it, so the win feels like a really important tribute to remember her.”

EB: “Do you have any music recommendations, or what have you been listening to?”

NP: “One thing I would recommend everybody have a listen to is the John Elliot Gardiner recording of Bach’s ‘Mass in B minor,’ just for some classical music. Also, Peter Yarrow died a few weeks ago, so I’ve actually been listening to Peter, Paul and Mary a fair amount. Also some John Baez.

I think the political climate has me listening to protest music, and in that spirit, I would recommend everybody listen to my album that was nominated. It’s called ‘A Change Is Gonna Come,’ and it’s all about protest music, and con-

sidering the times in which we live, I feel like it’s worth a listen.”

PAGE 5

The DJ behind the PA

ARYA PRABHAKAR ‘26 School Staff

Every morning, as students and staff walk through the school’s front doors, they are greeted with a warm smile and a cheerful welcome from Front Office Attendant Leslie Gangwere. While many know her as the friendly face at the front office, few realize that outside of school, she has spent over 25 years behind a microphone singing, DJing, and hosting karaoke nights.

Gangwere’s career began unexpectedly in the late 1990s at a bar owned by a friend’s parents in Ypsilanti. One night, the scheduled DJ didn’t show up, and her friend dared her to step in.

“I thought, ‘I’ll take that dare.’ And then she said, ‘Oh, and it’s karaoke too.’ That’s when I realized what I

had gotten myself into,” said Gangwere. “But I quickly learned the mechanics, and soon, I was running the show.”

At first, Gangwere was hesitant to sing in public; she was very new to DJing as well as hosting karaoke.”

“I enjoyed singing, but never publicly,” said Gangwere. “But after I got into karaoke and purchased my own equipment, I quickly learned how to carry a

tune and realized how fun it can be.”

What started as a part-time gig soon became a passion. Over the years,

she has performed at numerous venues, including the University of Michigan, where she once hosted an event for over 3,000 incoming freshmen.

“It was overwhelming, but a lot of fun, and I knew at that point, I wanted to continue DJing and doing karaoke.” said Gangwere “The actual music and seeing people smile before, during, and after singing, or even getting up and dancing with some of their friends was amazing seeing how much fun it brings to someone.

Music is the universal commu-

Twarog. “But it became such a hit that it turned into a weekly tradition. She made Tuesday nights something to look forward to.”

Twarog also recalls the joy Gangwere brought along with the fun moments they shared on stage.

“She’d always get me to sing ‘Rainbow Connection’ in a Kermit the Frog voice,” said Twarog. “She brought so much joy to that place.”

Facilities staff Sam Cash, who worked as a waiter at one of Gangwere’s karaoke venues, also remembers her impact.

“She w a s a l ways

nicator. It brings people together.”

For over 11 years, she was a staple at The Aut Bar in Ann Arbor, where she became well known for her lively performances and ability to create a welcoming atmo-

doing rock songs, hyping up the crowd, and making sure everyone felt included,” said Cash. “At the end of the night, we’d always do ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ as a group, and that was our signal that the night was coming to an end. It w a s

s p h e r e .

Building Services Manager, Bill Twarog, a longtime friend and coworker, remembers those nights.

“Leslie proposed the idea of karaoke to the owners, and at first, it was just a once-a-month event,” said

“I had to step away from it when I started working full-time,” said Gangwere. “But if I ever had the chance, I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Music is always changing, and I love staying on top of it to bring people joy. You have to be in tune and updated with all the music because there’s so much changing. I quit DJing in 2016, so the amount of music between then and 2025 is a lot.”

Being longtime friends when the opening at Greenhills came up, Twarog called her up one day to take the job. Now, her focus is on her work at the front office, where she brings the same energy t h a t

made her a DJ. “I may not be on stage every night anymore, but I still get to connect with people every day,” said Gangwere. “Sometimes I wish I could turn back the clock and relive those nights all over again.”

s u c h great energy.”

Though she no longer DJs fulltime, Gangwere still holds onto her love for music.

Williams’ and Ward’s Winners

Film is Literature teachers Kelly Williams and Tom Ward share complete guide to their favorite films Top picks from both: “The Matrix” (1999) Williams: “I think the film holds up, because it was the originator of so many different visual effects that are the norm now. And thinking in terms of transgender identity, because the creators are transgender women who weren’t out at the time, so there’s this allegory about trans identity subtly hidden within ‘The Matrix.’”

Ward: “It [‘The Matrix’] came out right when the Internet was still pretty fresh and everyone didn’t have cell phones yet. You just had like email and chat rooms, so people were starting to get connected, but now everything is linked and maybe ‘The Matrix’ predicted that because it is literally about AI and technology.”

“Ladybird” (2017) Williams: “Greta Gerwig is an incredibly thoughtful and interesting director. In film class, I like to refer to her as our best friend Greta, and I think stylistically she can do something really small, focused and beautiful about daily relationships between people.”

Ward: “When we teach the film [‘Ladybird’], very few people like it, and yet as teachers and people watching the film later in our lives, we can see that this is a young person that is just going through some stuff and trying to figure it out, so it’s easier for us to find empathy.”

“Challengers” (2024) Williams: “‘Challengers’ is just so fun, it’s like putting three, combustible things together and letting them go. Zendaya is so cunning in the film, and she just toys with these two boys so easily, it’s quite funny.”

Ward: “I also thought that the actors, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor, were great and they’re dynamic together even when they’re on their own and Zendaya’s not in the picture. Just any combination of three of them put together is amazing.”

International film: “Parasite” (2019) Ward: “Parasite is almost a very modern ‘Hitchcock’, I would say there’s a very thoughtful direction to the film. There’s literally ‘Hitchcock’ easter eggs that the director Bong Joon-ho puts into the film to keep the audience on their toes.”

Williams: “The film also draws from the idea that everything in our life today is a heavy examination of class and social structure, and how that affects the cinematography is stunning, like the way that light is used in the film, it has to be my favorite thing.”

Released before 1990: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986) Ward: “It’s the perfect movie, not an amazing work of art, but a perfect movie. It’s doing exactly what it is trying to do at an insanely high level, and I think that’s very special.

Williams: “It’s also really deep with the whole side story about mental health. I didn’t quite get it when I saw it when I was 10, but now I can sort of read between the lines. I just love it, love it, love it.”

Ward’s top picks:

Williams’ top picks: “Anora” (2024) Ward: “What I loved about ‘Anora’ is that it’s graphic, but not with violence. It’s also so funny, nonstop and high energy, but that’s all I can say without spoiling it.”

Released in the last five years: “Barbarian” (2022) Ward: “So, here’s my sleeper pick, and you have to be cool with a little bit of horror but not a lot, ‘Barbarian’, which is actually set and shot in Detroit. It’s twisty, but in very unexpected ways, and when I say unexpected, I don’t mean like ‘gotcha!’, I mean on the slightly scary side.”

Released before 1990: “Network” (1976) Ward: “Any of our students would really enjoy this and they probably haven’t heard about it and wouldn’t normally pick it off a shelf, if it just popped up. ‘Network’ is a Sidney Lumet film and it’s also similar to ‘The Matrix,’ except not about the Internet, but TV. The film has some impressive acting but it also pokes fun at itself at times too.”

Released in the last five years: “Black Widow” (2021) Williams: “It’s totally relevant with the focus on thinking about, ‘how are women manipulated and controlled by larger forces?’ But ‘Black Widow’ is really well done with Florence Pugh and Scarlett Johansen and Rachel Weisz, I’m always in the mood to watch this film.”

“A Quiet Place” (2018) Ward: “It matters so much what silence does in comparison to little injections of noise to create suspense.

This film is very original, because it relies so much on the sound design, and in turn really puts you into their world.”

“Little Women” (2019) Williams: “I love Gerwig’s ‘Little Women’ because it has a realness to it. I did a lot of my undergraduate honors thesis work on Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, so I’ve been a long time fan and I think this film is a great representation of the story. And I think when you have a mostly women oriented space, interesting things can happen.”

Released before 1990: “Do the Right Thing” (1989) Williams: “It’s an incredible movie. Spike Lee wrote it, directed it, and stars in it.

It’s about this one block in Brooklyn and all of the relationships and interactions between different parts of the community there, but it’s set over the course of a long summer’s day.”

“Fight Club” (1999) Williams: “‘Fight club’ is a great critique of consumer culture and masculinity. It’s Helena Bonham Carter’s character, Marla, who is a sort of interloper into this masculine world, which makes us think about the significance of the role of gender in our lives.”

Briefs compiled by Violet Weizer ‘25, Graphics by Megan Peng ‘25, Images aquired from Google Images

FEB. 25, 2025

PAGE 6

Rookie rises to the rim

Freshman makes an impact on basketball team JANAAN REHMAN ‘26 something new about myself and about her team also tries to balance fun on the court.

School Staff as the season goes on,” said Parker. “Some“I think that we are a better team Stepping onto the court as a fresh- thing about Quinn is that she hates to lose with her,” said Behringer. “And I think that man, Quinn Maldonado ‘28 has quickly more than she loves to win which is some- we can grow with her just like she can grow made a name for herself as a powerful play- thing that I felt as a player.” with us.” er. Maldonado is a new member of the VarThis competitive spirit is someEven the best athletes often still sity Girls Basketball team and has already thing that Maldonado has felt since she was have more to learn, whether it’s from their begun to receive recognition for the talent young, whether she was playing soccer, bas- coach or even their teammates. she brings to the court by her teammates and ketball, or any other sport.

“I used to be super strict about my others.

“What got me into basketball was pre-game rituals,” said Maldonado. “I didn’t “Quinn really brings hard work and my love to win,” Maldonado said. “I always have any fun, I didn’t listen to music, and I a lot of passay it might not have been bas- didn’t hang out with anyone before games. sion for basketball in another life, but I’ve I was super stoic. But if I hang out with my ketball,” said always loved to win.” teammates before and we’re laughing, or Varsity Girls Maldonado has been play- just joking and watching reels on the bus, Basketball ing basketball for over seven then I definitely feel calmer and I can do betcaptain Hanyears. Currently, she is part of ter in the game.” nah Behringer the Amateur Athletic Union or Success is never overnight. One ‘25. “She realAAU Basketball team, in addi- must dedicate time and effort into any activly cares about tion to the Varsity Girls Basket- ity if they wish to improve, which is somethe game and ball team. thing Maldonado does consistently with her I think that we “On my club team, my fo- basketball training. should be incus is to improve,” said Maldo“I spend an hour on my own every spired by her nado. “I’m always chasing the day playing basketball and then we have two love for bastop girls in my club. I’m chas- hours of practice after school,” said Maldoketball.” ing them in sprints, literally, nado. “And then I go home and lift on my With and I’m trying to be as good as own for an hour, stretch for 30 minutes eva 6-7 season, them in drills. ery day, and the team has I watch their then I wake already surgames and up and do it Photo by Janaan Rehman ‘26 passed the I just try to again.” number of MUSCLE MEMORY Maldonado shoots a free copy them. I M a l wins achieved throw after being fouled at the home basket- always notice donado was ball game against Ypsilanti Community School. from last sea- “When I take my free throws I don’t think,” said how hard they named one of son.

Addi- Maldonado. “I just follow my routine and make work outside the Top Ann tionally, they sure I dribble twice before making my shot.” of practice A r b o r- a r e a won two conand I try to girls basketference games. In the past two years, they internalize that.” ball players hadn’t won any.

The emphasis to watch for “I knew that we had a lot of good on fun while playing for 2024-25 seakids coming into the program before the the Greenhills team was son as well season started,” said Varsity Girls Basket- a surprise to Maldonado. as MLive ball Head Coach Taylor Parker. “I knew au- She quickly adapted to the Athlete of tomatically that we were going to improve differences between the the Week the this year and have more talent on the team, dynamics of her AAU club week of Jan. and so far, that’s been proven true.” team and the Greenhills 20. She plans Maldonado’s dedication to the team. to continue sport and her team has made her a key play“Going into the to improve as er. She sets the tone with her work ethic and season, I had expected a player and pushes herself, as well as her teammates, to that everyone on the team teammate. work hard. was gonna be super se“ M y Photo by Janaan Rehman ‘26 “Quinn wants herself and the peo- rious, super focused on goal for evple around her to improve,” said Parker. basketball and we would HUDDLE UP The team does their pre-game huddle to raise ery season is “She wants the team to be able to eventually take things super serious- spirits, led by Parker. “We always clap it up in a huddle to to add to the get excited,” said Behringer. “Then, Taylor goes through have a winning record and play in the post- ly,” said Maldonado. “But placard on the game plan with us and what plays we want to run.” season.” as the season went on, I’ve the wall in the The determination Maldonado has noticed that we do a lot better when we have gym,” said Maldonado. “This year I would as a player is a characteristic that her coach fun with each other.” like to be even with our wins and losses and recognizes as a key trait in skilled athletes.

Behringer agrees that although focus on having fun.”

“While coaching Quinn, I learn they do work hard at games and practice, the

Ironwoman

Wellness teacher recalls time as competitive athlete CATE ALUMKAL ‘27 experience, and more importantly a three Sports Staff year break from Ironmans.

“Eat. Breathe. Sleep. Train. Re“I had foot pain, I couldn’t keep peat.” down nutrition, I kept getting really sick,” That is how committed Katie Sims said Sims.

‘11 described her preparation for her first Throughout her career she has been forfull Ironman in 2017. At the time she was tunate her only injury suffered has been a in college at Ohio Northern University and stress fracture in an unforgiving sport where had to find ways to balance the demanding some people are one and done. training, proper nutrition, getting enough “I have been really, really thankful sleep, and attending classes for her bachelor that, outside of some discomfort here and of science in exercise physiology. there, there’s been no significant injury,” “I was very for t u- n a t e said Sims. being in an exercise physiology Ment al program where I had training faroadblocks can cilities open to me,” said Sims. be even hard“So I had a pool, I had a gym and er to overcome where I went to school in Ohio it than physical was very flat so I could go running challenges in for hours.” training because To prepare the h u m a n they require self body both physically and mentally awareness and for an Ironman where competitors resilience to are moving for on average fifteen push through. hours straight, requires many “Even months of hardwork and dedicaif I’m not having tion, oftentimes more than once a the best training day. day, at least I “I would always train for know I’m going eight to nine months,” said Sims. to feel better afPhoto courtesy of Katie Sims ‘11 “I would spend in my peak days, terward,” said six to seven hours training. It’s SWIMMING, BIKING, AND RUNNING TO Sims. “I try to five hours on the bike, and then VICTORY Sims’ 11 seen post race at USAT remind myself you’re going out and running up Nationals in 2013 where she qualified for that I’m not a both sprint & olympic distances at only 20 p r o f e s s i o n a l to a half marathon.” years old with a time of 2:55. The Olympic Training with a friend triathlete, I’m distance is 1.5 kilometer swim, 40 kilometer or a group of friends is something bike, and 10 kilometer run. “Coming off the going out there Sims did often to make the lengthy bike you’re trying to do all these calcula- to have fun and distances more enjoyable. tions of like how much time your run has to beat myself.”

“In college we had a tri- take,” said Sims. “I’m doing a half Ironman Ironathlon club so that was nice to this summer so I am looking forward to that.” mans consist of a have a group to train with,” Sims 2.4 mile swim, a said. “It’s kind of a lonely sport when you 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run. Like think about it so when you can find a good a true Michigander, the swim is where Sims group that can be helpful.” feels most comfortable, which she attributes In 2017 though, Sims unknowing- to growing up spending hours at the lake. ly trained and raced with a stress-fractured “The swim is really one of the only foot, which led to a less than enjoyable race times where you can really lock in and let

the distractions around you float away,” said Sims. “It’s not everyone’s favorite, so for me to say that it’s my favorite I feel like I have a little bit of confidence and power in that” At Greenhills, Sims participated in four sports: cross country, soccer, softball, and basketball and she has always been an active and competitive person.

“I am someone who will try anything at least once,” said Sims.

One of her fellow teachers and Junior Varsity Girls Basketball coach at Greenhills is Caitlyn O’Neal. Both started teaching at Greenhills in 2022 and Sims has helped O’Neal with preparing for her half marathon and other fitness-related topics.

“I asked her for advice on what kind of road bikes to buy because that’s part of the Ironman,” said O’Neal. “I just have so much respect for her, she’s an incredible athlete.”

Sims’s dream is to qualify for the Ironman World championships in Kona, Hawaii, but it can be difficult for her age range, 30-40 which is very competitive.

“I might not qualify until I’m like 50,” said Sims. “I will do it (Ironmans) as long as my body will carry me, one way or another we’ll hopefully get there (Kona).”

Libby Schuster ‘27 has been on the Varsity Cross Country team and Varsity Girls Basketball team with Sims for two years and also competed in a sprint triathlon this summer with Sims’s assistance.

“She offered me a couple of tips on training and fueling,” said Schuster. “She also offered me some of her triathlon gear.”

Sims has done three half Ironmans with her best time being 7:15 and three full Ironmans with her best time being 15:36.

She is also willing to offer valuable advice to beginners who are unsure about signing up for their first Ironman.

“You can do more than you believe that you can,” says Sims. “At some point, your body shuts off and your mind just kicks on, and if you’re really passionate or really wanting to do something, you’re going to do it.”

Juniors run new track club CHARLIE RICH ‘26 Sports Staff Students who enjoy running and staying fit have a new, community-oriented option thanks to Zohabe Uzzaman ‘26 and Lucas Aalderink ‘26’s new Red Valley Track Club.

The club trains on weekends at Lincoln Athletic Building (LAB) located at Lincoln High School. The facility includes an 80-yard turf field, a 300-meter track, and an indoor fitness center. The club first started meeting in early December with five participants. Besides weekends at LAB, the club meets after school to get some practice in. Members of the Track and Field team know that participation isn’t mandatory, but it still has participation because of the buy-in of current Greenhills Boys Track Team members.

“We go there, it’s unaffiliated with Greenhills and student-run; we’re like an athletic nationals team,” said Henry Beck ‘26. “It’s just a group who happens to attend Greenhills and likes to train together, and then sometimes we race together on Saturdays at the Lincoln LAB, and we’ll do relays and stuff and we’ll hang out there all day, and race. It’s pretty fun.”

While the running club is not officially associated with Greenhills, students use it as a training opportunity for the upcoming track season.

“It’s called Red Valley Track,” said Beck. “It’s the opposite of Greenhills, we just race a couple weekends and then it’s just to get prepped up for track.”

The Red Valley Track Club allows for a winter opportunity to train for the upcoming spring track and field season.

“It’s a great feeling to train with my track and field friends that have the same goals as me,” said Royal Seale ‘26. “We not only practice our sport, we improve our bond.”

Seale has also found that the club helps with maintaining motivation in the off season.

“My teammates keep me accountable,” said Seale.

The Greenhills Boys Track Team’s 2024 season moved to a new region introducing fresh competition.

The team came in second place at last year’s Catholic High School League (CHSL) championship coming in second place. A relay made up of four people qualified for states during the 2024 season. The year before, the team won the CHSL championship.

“We wanted all the students at Greenhills to have a place to improve and get faster for the season,” said Uzzaman. “We also do it for the seniors, last year we lost a devastating CHSL championship and we as a team feel we owe it to the seniors to get them their CHSL championship.”

Uzzaman and Aalderink have put a lot of work into growing it with the first meeting only having a handful of participants. They worked with their contact at Lincoln Consolidated School District to secure somewhere for the club to train indoors during the off-season.

They reached out to current Greenhills Track and Field teammates to see who would be interested in joining them on the weekends and after school.

“It was hard to recruit people to join the club,” said Uzzaman. “Me and my co-captain Lucas really wanted this team to form so it was down to when we were going to form this club, not if.”

Nico Aagesen ‘26 also started spending his Saturdays running with the Red Valley Track Club. He’s been on the cross-country team for the past three seasons, and has felt the bonding time in the offseason helps foster the team’s culture when spring rolls around.

“We’re building a culture for the track and field team,” said Aagesen. “It feels like we’re a family.”

The club has created ways for the team to train despite Michigan’s winters. The club continues to grow each weekend with new members from the Greenhills Track and Field team. Aagesen has been enjoying his time with the club. The group regularly gets anywhere from two to eight runners participating each time.

“This is going to be a super memorable experience as I look back on my time here,” said Aagesen. “I’m hoping to improve my times thanks to the work I’ve been putting in in the off season with the Red Valley Track Club.”

Photo by Charlie Rich ‘26

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Jonah Kaplan ‘26 and Henry Beck ‘26 training for their upcoming indoor track season. “Practice like you play,” said Kaplan as he finished the pre-meet run.

FEB. 25, 2025

PAGE 7

Winning minds, winning goals

Softball steps it up

Two student-athletes receive state-wide recognition DYLAN SHEAR ‘26 ways comes first before my sports, so I try tournaments or helping other kids out Sports Staff my hardest to not take breaks from sports. actually meant something rather than me 180 schools. More than 18,000 ath- That means I need to finish my schoolwork just tiring myself out,” said Lee. letes, only 32 winners. That’s the number before anything.”

H e r of people who are awarded the prestigious Zhuang’s committeammates Michigan High School Athletic Association ment has extended past her have also (MHSAA) Scholar-Athlete Award. Senior personal achievements on and taken note varsity athletes who have excelled in athlet- off the field. Teammates and of her selfics and academics are selected from a com- coaches praise her as a leader lessness petitive pool of applicants across Michigan. who uplifts everyone’s spirits. and dediOut of the 32 recipients in the state, two call “[Eleana] wants not cation on Greenhills home: Hannah Lee ‘25, and Elea- only to succeed on her own, and off na Zhuang ‘25. but others to succeed alongthe course.

Zhuang is a three-sport athlete. She side her,” said varsity track Te a m plays volleyball in the fall, basketball in the and field coach Dylan Madm a t e s winter, and track and field in the spring. den. praised “Juggling school and athletics is Zhuang’s leadership her inalways a challenge. And so the fact that this qualities have left a lasting dividual award also represents how hard I’ve worked impression on the volleyball success in school as well along with my athletic team making her not just a but also achievements,” said Zhuang. role model, but also a source recogZhuang, being a student athlete, balances of support for her teammates. nized how the demands of her course load along with “Eleana is a driven Lee celher commitment to athletics, which she said and caring athlete who gets ebrated she has cherished since a young age. along well with her teamher team“Time management has been a thing for me mates,” said Sabine Zebib Photo courtesy of Jungshim Won m a t e s ’ since I was ‘25. “Being TEE OFF Hannah Lee ‘25 lines up for the tee shot. One success. very little, on a team person she credits her success to is Dave Kendall, her just because with her for private golf coach. “He actually decided to, rather than “ S h e ’ s I was inso long, it’s just push me with golf, to teach me how to be a good like the volved in been great to athlete, a leader, and a good competitor.” said Lee. mom of such a highsee her grow the team,” ly-comas a leader.” said Saaya Doshi ‘26. “I’d say she cares m i t t e d Hannah Lee, Greenhills’ for everyone. You can tell that she has a sport [since other winner of the MHSAA really big and whole heart.” then],” said Scholar-Athlete Award, said Golf coach Michael Karr said Zhuang. “I that balancing academics Lee has exceptional drive and motivation kind of just with a sport like golf requires to maintain a strong work ethic between carried that many hours off campus for golf and academics. “She wants to do well skill onto tournaments and practices. at everything that she wants to do,” said high school.

Lee spends at least 20 hours Karr. “She has an exceptional balance beI’ve learned a week mastering her craft. tween the academics, the extracurricular how to Lee embraces the challenge activities, and the sport of golf. I don’t manage and said she ensures that her think anybody’s done that better than [she my classes, academics continue to stay has].”

I’ve learned strong. how to figFor Lee, the ure out what award represents Photo courtesy of JD Stock years of perseverschoolwork TIP-OFF Eleana Zhuang ‘25 takes the opening tip-off against ance.

I need to Roeper School. “I love all of my teams. From gymnastics all finish first “[This award] the way to Greenhills athletics. I can speak highly of every and what single one of my teams, so I think that’s what brings me back. shows that all comes first. Even if I’m not necessarily really liking the sport at the mo- the very exhaustMy school- ment, I will always go back for the team,” said Zhuang ‘25. ing days going to work alschool after golf

From tackling to teaching

Thomas Husson’s time as a semi-pro rugby player CATE ALUMKAL ‘27 Sports Staff Before Thomas Husson became Monsieur Husson he played for a semipro rugby team in his hometown of Tours, France. In 2008 though Husson decided to pack his bags and leave behind his hometown to attend Bowling Green State University (BGSU) to pursue a master’s degree in French Studies. When he arrived in Ohio he was faced with a decision: to continue playing rugby or leave it in France.

Husson never imagined playing rugby as a young boy growing up in Tours, France, a suburb southwest of Paris whose Michigan comparison is Ann Arbor to Detroit.

“Seven to eleven years old I was doing dance, just dance,” said Husson. “I played three weeks of soccer when I was 12 years old. I went to three practices and that was it.”

Soccer is the most popular sport in France but it didn’t seem to fit Husson, so at the age of 13 years old Husson’s parents decided he needed to toughen up and join Rugby School.

“That was three practices a week and you learn to play rugby,” said Husson. “ I played blind side flanker which is number 6 on a rugby team.”

Flankers are found in the center of the field and are known as the bridge between the defense and offense. Specifically, the blind side flanker is tasked with covering the opposite side of the scrum which is where players from both teams lock heads and push against each other to get the ball.

“I just love that you could get physical,” said Husson. “A lot of sports like basketball, handball or soccer are extremely

physical, but at the same time, being physical is not allowed.”

Rugby is played without pads or helmets so learning techniques to make contact with opponents such as using the arms or shoulders is very important.

“I was so excited and I was running along the sideline and I thought I was super fast, but no, I was not,” said Husson. “In total I got my nose broken and fractured seven times.”

William Pearce ‘27 has been a student of Husson for two years and was surprised t o hear about h i s se m i-pro rugby career. “ I t came as a lit tle b i t

of a shock ,” said

Pearce.

“I know it’s a very physical sport which I can imagine from a man of his background because he talks about his history in the military.”

The life of a semi-pro rugby player included a demanding training and game schedule which Husson had to balance with a

different type of training.

“I was in the military,” said Husson. “So I could not go every time, but I had training in the military, so I was excused from some practices.”

US Tours, Husson’s club played in the fourth division of French Club Rugby.

“First and second division, everybody can be a pro on the team,” said Husson. “Then in division three and four we were getting $150 if we won a game.”

Husson’s fellow french teacher Madam Novak has known Husson since he came to Greenhills and is familiar with the game and can attest to its popularity in France.

“My husband played rugby and I have a young friend who plays rugby very, very well in the South of France,” said Novak. “I knew that he [Husson] played rugby at some level but I didn’t know that it was semi-pro.”

In 2008, when Husson came to BGSU their rugby team had won twenty six consecutive Mid-American Conference championships.

“One American student studied in Tours at the university and played for the BGSU team,” said Husson. “He told the coach, ‘Hey, one of the French guys is coming to do his master’s and so they offered me a tryout for the team.”

Husson was offered a spot on the Division 1 program but declined to follow his other passions. Since rugby became a professional sport in 1995, the game has evolved to be more competitive and physical.

“People like me, six feet tall, 185 pounds, used to be able to play at the high level,” said Husson. “Now I would be just hurt or injured, I would be murdered on a rugby field.”

Spring sport returns for second season

WILLIAM ENGLESBE ‘28 Editor-at-Large Last year, the girls softball team played two games. Kinsley Romero ’27 was only able to play in one of those games, due to an injury. In her only game of the season, Romero played in front of stands populated only by parents. This year, head softball coach Caitlyn O’Neal hopes to change that, in a complete rebuild of the structure of high school softball.

“We are coming from a year where we were building, and our first ever softball team in about 10 years of just Greenhills students,” said O’Neal. “This year, we’re hopefully going to have a bit more people involved. But It’s hard to tell.”

O’Neal hopes that a combination of more student interest and a revised schedule will result in a more successful season.

“We have eight games scheduled so far, and we’re working on getting about 12 or 13 scheduled,” said O’Neal. “And we’ll be playing in the districts this year.

So I’m really excited. It’s going to be a fun spring.”

O’Neal aspires to create a better season and environment for members of the softball team; some players were unsatisfied with last year’s experience.

“I’m actually pretty happy about these changes, because last year, it wasn’t really going so well, and our team was falling apart,” said Lea Aghssa ’25.

“But now that there’s more people, We’re a lot happier, and now we can actually grow as a group and a sport.”

O’Neal has spent the off-season pushing for this change. She wants to build a new community where everyone can succeed.

“I was advocating for our team,” said O’Neal.

“I know what it’s like to be on a team where everyone is committed and everyone is all in and that’s what I wanted for our team. It was hard for our team last year to be practicing all year and then only have two games.

So I hope that this year, you know, they will understand all that hard work this past year has led to this year.”

The team has multiple goals this year. Right now, they are centered around growth and development of the sport.

“We’re really about expansion right now, trying to get more people to do softball and become interested in it,” said Peyton Hudson ’27. “We’re also just working on building a tighter and closer team dynamic.”

O’Neal also has goals for her team.

She wants to build a community for the players and help her players improve.

“My goal for our team this year is to build a culture where everyone wants to be there,” said O’Neal. “It would be great if we won one game. But, as long as the players are able to learn more about softball by the time they’re done with the season, that means I’ve done my job. And if they happen to also be better people, that’s the most important thing.”

The team will have an influx of freshmen this year. While they had less than 10 players last year, there are more than 20 players signed up for the softball team’s info season on Feb 7.

“I’m happy about it. I actually really like the sport,” said Aghssa. “I’ve played since freshman year, and when I started, we were paired with FGR (Father Gabriel Richard), but they disbanded my sophomore year.

I’m pretty much happy about it, that more people want to play the sport, and it gets acknowledged by our school.

And this year, we won’t have to worry about any penalties for having one less player which is always nice.”

Romero also thinks that the club fair has been key in the broader interest in the softball team.

“Nobody really showed up to our games except probably parents, but I feel like this year more people will show up,” said Romero. “And I think what definitely helped with that was the club fair. There were a lot more people signing up for softball, and that was really helpful.”

O’Neal is very passionate about softball. She hopes that this year, her coaching will help her players to improve and that she will continue to grow the sport of softball at Greenhills.

“I would love to have anyone that’s interested join us,” said O’Neal. “I think softball is one of the most team-oriented sports. It’s a sport that honestly you could play at any stage of your life. It’s a great way to connect with people and learn how to be a good teammate.”

Photo courtesy of JD Scott

HITTING HOME Peyton Hudson’26 swings at a ball while softball coach Caityln O’Neal watches from the sideline. “I’m really glad that more freshmen are joining this year because we have a lot more people to rely on,” said Hudson. “And I’ll actually get time to rest. Last season it was full go for the whole game, no breaks.”

PAGE 8

FEB. 25, 2025

Making Waves

Club standout joins school’s squad, smashes team records TEDDY STAEBLER ‘25 Sports Editor Graphic by Teddy Staebler ‘25

For most of his swimming career, Christopher Gregg ‘26 had competed individuallycollecting medals, flying all over the country for tournaments, and setting new personal recordsall with his club, Club Wolverine. This year, however, Gregg has decided to dive into something new and join Greenhills’ swim team for his junior season. It wasn’t going to be an easy transition; after all, Gregg would now be racing for team points and school pride, alongside his personal goals and records. Despite the change of scenery, Gregg has immediately made an impact on the program, in the pool as a talented competitor, and from the sidelines, cheering on his teammates.

Making the decision to ultimately compete for Greenhills after not competing for the last two years was evidently a tough one, but luckily for Gregg, a familiar face would be coaching him.

“I decided to join the team this year because of the coach, Katie Capelli,” said Gregg.

She’s one of my coaches at Club Wolverine as well. She’s awesome. I have full faith and confidence in her to give me the necessary training to compete at the next level.”

Over the years, Capelli has coached hundreds of swimmers, many of them highly talented, but she believes Gregg stands out.

“I think his work ethic and his willingness to be uncomfortable at practice set Chris apart,” said Capelli.”You’re not going to get faster if you aren’t willing to work hard and push yourself to your limits, and I can always count on him to do that. That’s what makes him so good and what helps him continue to improve.”

In club swimming, athletes are rewarded with week-long breaks after meets to recover and replenish their energy. In high school swimming, however, meets occur twice a week, leaving little time for recovery.

“The hardest part about high school swimming is definitely the dual meets every single week,” said Gregg. In club swim, you race maybe once every couple of weeks, but you’re going weeks at a time without having to get up and race. During the high school season, you have dual meets on Tuesdays or Thursdays. It’s been tough to get used to because I am usually fully rested and prepared, so it kind of throws me off a

little.”

Among the many highlights of Gregg’s first year on the team, helping Greenhills defeat Cranbrook for the first time ever takes the cake.

“We beat Cranbrook for the first time in school history, winning 94-82. There were a lot of great races at that meet, and it was a big upset and a huge milestone for our program,” said Gregg.

“Coach Katie actually jumped in the pool fully clothed after that, so that was pretty awesome.”

him so easy to teach.

“Chris is great to coach because he knows a lot about the sport, and that makes it a lot easier,” said Capelli. “I don’t have to explain a lot of things. He’s also willing to do whatever I say, and he trusts the process, knowing that there is always room to improve. Chris is a distance swimmer, so we work together to ensure he’s doing practices that suit him. He gives me feedback on what he thinks he needs, which is great. He also responds to criticism or any feedback really well and tries to implement any changes I suggest.

He’s the kind of athlete every coach wants.”

After the Even though historic it’s only his first dual meet year on the team, win over Gregg isn’t letting Cranbrook, that stop him from qualifying being a strong exswimmers ample and supportcompeted at ive teammate to the the MISCA younger, less expePhoto by Teddy Staebler ‘25 (Michigan READY TO SPRING Christopher Gregg ‘26 getting ready to start rienced swimmers.

Interscho- a race in a practice this winter. “I always just try to set a good ex“I can offer lastic Swim ample in practice,” said Gregg. I just want to go out there work up more technique C o a c h e s my hardest, and make sure everyone knows what’s going on.” tips as I’m older A s s o c i a - tion) meet, where school records and also help them out in racing situations too,” were shattered across the board—including five said Gregg. “I’ve been through a lot more races

by Gregg. He also broke the 500-freestyle record and a lot more situations than the younger kids by an astounding nine seconds. have, so it’s good to really pass along and real“This was the most records we’ve ever ly just mentor them so that they’re ready to take broken in one meet,” said Capelli. “By a mile. over and do the same thing in a couple of years It feels like everyone has raised their level in re- too.” sponse to Chris being here. They all want to chase Captain Nico Dettling ‘25 has been part him, and that has definitely been a key reason for of successful teams for the past three years, but he our success.” says this season feels more competitive than ever.

“He’s the fastest swimmer I’ve ever Capelli believes that Gregg’s ability to seen, and I feel like it motivates all of us,” said accept feedback and his desire to improve make Dettling. “We all want to catch him [Gregg] and

Skating around the world

try to keep up with him.”

While Dettling and the upperclassmen appreciate Gregg’s incredible speed, underclassmen like Freddie Kibble ‘28 view him as a mentor.

“It’s great to have someone like him [Gregg] to look out for me and help me grow as a swimmer in my first year on the team,” said Kibble. “He always gives me advice and cheers me on when I’m competing, and of course, he’s insanely fast and super fun to watch.”

As for individual goals, Gregg hopes to earn some of the most prestigious awards in junior swimming and finish his best event, the 500m-fr, on a high note.

“We’ll have to see what we can do with individuals at states. At the bare minimum, I want to be top three on the podium for the 500m, but ideally, I want to be first,” said Gregg. “Maybe I or someone else on the team can get All-American, but it’s tricky—it’s based on the top 100 times in the country.”

One unique aspect of Greenhills swimming is that the team consists of athletes from multiple schools, Greenhills and Whitmore Lake.

While this could create discontinuity within a team, Gregg believes it gives the Gryphons an edge.

“Having multiple schools on our team really brings us together,” said Gregg. “That’s something a lot of communities don’t have— they’re just one school. It brings a lot of diversity and perspective to our program.”

Swimming requires immense commitment and hours of dedication, but Gregg still manages to excel in school and stay on top of his coursework.

“Honestly, just having docs and spreadsheets to plan things out helps,” said Gregg.

“Lately, I have been utilizing my calendar a lot, just making sure in advance that I’m organized for everything. I also try to get my work done as soon as possible. I don’t push things off or procrastinate—I stay on it.”

So far, with each race, Gregg continues to set a high bar, not just for himself, but for the entire Greenhills program.

“I’ve had an amazing time this season, and I just want to keep pushing myself and my teammates to be the best we can be,” said Gregg.

“We’re making history, and I’m excited to see what happens next.”

Syncronized skaters to represent team USA in Budapest LAUREN YE ‘26 kind of thing, like all the time together. They’re School Editor what keeps me staying at synchro because they’re Sean Kay. Angela Yang. Alexandr Kir- my best friends.” sanov. These people were among those killed The team consists of 18 junior skaters in the crash of American Airlines Flight 5342. aged 1 Being a synchronized skater comes with The story was heard around the world, but what a demanding schedule. Ramcharan and Hanauer some people are unaware of, is that it affected practice three times a week with their team, as a smaller community much more. Among the well as individual practices with private coachpassengers were young ice skaters, coaches, and es. This adds up to five to six days a week at the family members traveling from a national devel- rink for an average of four hours per practice. On opment camp for the best skaters in the country. weekends, they can be at the rink for up to nine For Chloe Ramcharan ‘26, this tragedy hits on a hours. personal level. Ramcharan competed against Kay “It’s definitely hard because we also in multiple skating competitions, and ev- have to miss a lot of school,” Hanauer said. “But eryone she knows seems t o it’s really about communicating with teachers and have some connection to finding out what works for you in terms the crash. of getting work done. Like, The skating commumaybe you have to do things nity is small and tight-knit comon the bus rides instead of pared to other sports. Competitive talking to your friends and skaters know and compete against it’s taught me how to manage skaters from all over the country on my time really well.” a regular basis. Ramcharan has been However, aside from the skatimmersed in this community since beers, the team’s success is also fore she could remember, and she has been attributed to the coaches Photo courtesy of Shira Hanauer ‘25 skating with the same teamwho work with every PURE PERFECTION Shira Hanauer ‘25, pictured skater. The Ann Arbor mates for over ten years.

“It’s just really dev- here second from the left, performs the short pro- Hockettes Junior Team astating because of all the gram at the Illinois Synchro competition. Every com- is coached by Lindsay pure talent that was on that ponent of these moves must be perfected to receive Clark. Clark has been flight and everyone was just the highest amount of points, from straight legs to involved in the synchro so young,” Ramcharan said. level arms. “You have to make different shapes and world for her entire life “I think it’s really important based on how well you make the shapes or inter- and she has coached that the media is publicizing sect through each other or express your body, you the Junior Team for the our community a lot because get higher points for the better it is,” Hanauer said. past five years. it’s just so tragic and these “I really like to work skaters were some of the best, youngest talent in with juniors because they’re still developing their the country.” skills,” Clark said. “So it’s a challenge, but I also Ramcharan has made lifelong friends really enjoy the fact that we’re working together from the sport, including Shira Hanauer ‘25. They and trying to help them to reach their goals and, skate together on the junior team of the Hockettes I think it’s a little bit easier to train a new skill at the Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club. than it is to teach an old one. But I think this sport “My favorite part [of synchro] is my teaches them as well as myself how to work with teammates,” Ramcharan said. “It’s genuinely everyone.” such a strong, like bond we have because we’re The past fall, the Hockettes team comtogether for so long. We’re practicing peted in the Boston Classic in Boston, Mass., and together, late nights and early t h e Fall Classic in Irvine, Calif. These mornings and that competitions are some of the big-

gest of the season, and the team must pass a cer- as Nationals. In the past few years, the number tain score threshold to be considered for Team of teams in their division has dwindled, as teams USA. Then, the International Selection Pool de- drop to lower divisions to hopefully obtain a termines which competition the Hockettes of Ann championship in that division. The Ann Arbor Arbor will represent Team USA in. Since there Hockettes have remained, and as one of the top are so many international competitions, the ISP teams in the junior division, they are looking to selects multiple teams that each travel to their as- place in the top five in the country. signed competition.

“I think nationals, this year, I really want After the Boston Classic and the Fall the team to just focus on themselves and what Classic in the fall of 2024, the Hockettes of Ann they’re capable of, because truly anything could Arbor were selected to compete in the Budapest happen at nationals,” Clark said. ‘I think someCup in Budapest, Hungary in March, where they times we put too much pressure on ourselves and will practice for the better part of a week and then that does affect the outcome of the skate. So compete for the remainthis year in particular, I reing two days of their trip. ally want them to just enjoy An obstacle for synchroit and I want them to go out nized skating, though, and skate the skates they is funding. Every skater know how to do and focus that represents the US is on that.” responsible for their own After the team comtravel and equipment petes in Budapest, they have fees. Although the ISP a quick turnaround. Tryouts does not cover fees, they for next season start this organize the schedule March, days after they reand prepare to send each turn from competing interteam overseas. nationally. As a high school “We have to senior, Hanauer will not repay for all the travel turn to the team, but Ramfees,” Ramcharan said. charan is looking forward to “The ISP wants every the next season. team to be there for a “One thing about week and they want us Chloe and Shira is, it’s reto be able to explore the ally clear that they both country and have fun really love what they do,” in that place, while still Photo courtesy of Chloe Ramcharan‘26 Clark said. “They perform properly representing the beautifully, which is really FANTASTIC FLIPPING Chloe Ramcharan ‘26 per- fun to watch. As a spectator US. They’re very strict about representing the forms a solo component as a part of the routine. Ann watching the team, those are US properly, like how Arbor Junior Hockettes Coach Lindsay Clark is respon- two people that are always you carry yourself, when sible for including certain components in the routine. gonna stand out to me and you’re just like at din- “Every single year the rules change,” Clark said. “So I pull me into the story and ner and how you talk to have to go through the rules and understand, how do make me feel something. people and that kind of I choreograph the program to get the highest marks.” and that doesn’t come from thing.” anything but a real true love But, before Budapest, the team will first for the sport.” compete in, arguably, a more important competition: the Junior Synchronized Skating Championships, better known in the synchro world