CHASING the dream

Captain Camila Sandaal planned to continue her soccer career through college, and hoped to keep playing even after graduating.

CELEBRATING, senior Emma van den Dijssel and sophomore Kaira Krippendorff embrace junior Luciana Hornstein with open arms. Hornstein, the attacking mid-field player, scored her first goal of the season in this game. “I felt so happy that I could be contributing to the team by changing the scoreboard. I know it is still important to be on the field making plays, but nothing beats the pride I feel after making a goal,” Hornstein said.

KICKIN’ IT, sophomore Samantha Ehrenreich takes a corner kick. Ehrenreich had taken 4 shots prior to this kick, when it finally made it in the goal . “I knew the goal was going to come one way or another. I kept taking shots and shots anywhere I had the chance until it finally went in,” Ehrenreich said.

Being captain this year was a change from senior Camila Sandaal’s usual routine. With all of the challenges the team faced, being captain signified putting up a strong face to hold the team together. “In the beginning, being captain felt like a lot of responsibility. I knew I needed to step up to the plate for my team. This season was difficult, as we lost a lot of the seniors from last year, so we had to work hard to keep up,” Sandaal said. Going off to Bard College this fall, Sandaal prepared herself for college-level games. “Before leaving, I intend to train more and polish my game skills, but I am very excited, since this has been my dream for a while now,” Sandaal said. Photo by Andreina Figueroa

Smoky, savory scents filled the air, luring everyone to the atrium on a sunny afternoon on Feb.15.

Sweet and spicy ribs, grilled chicken wings, and creamy macaroni and cheese filled the tables as students gathered to celebrate. Organized by the Black Student Union, the barbecue offered a tasty addition to celebrations surrounding Black History Month. Black Student Union’s club sponsor Madame Veronique Sumbu explained that the club hoped to focus on the celebration of Black culture, through engaging performances and good eats.

“In the past, when African-American families would come together to celebrate in the South, they would typically prepare cookouts or barbecues, with the typical American food platter, called “soul food,” Sumbu said.

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion organized an impactful assembly on Feb. 1 to commemorate Black excellence in today’s time.

Through poetry readings and a guest speaker, the assembly centered on the theme that Black history is not something from the past but is continuous and ongoing.

At the assembly, freshman Lena Ross recited a powerful poem by Maya Angelou, which took the assembly to another level. The poem, “And Still I Rise,” spoke about rising above oppression through confidence and grace.

“I can resonate with the poem, as I have gone through the same experiences that I assume Maya once faced,” said Ross.

Through these events, Black History Month was a huge success on campus. Black Student Union president senior Jordan Bankston felt great about how the month turned out.

“I feel like when someone thinks of Black culture, their mind goes straight to a sad, violent history, but for me, I want to change that narrative and focus more on the present,” Bankston said.

fun, realizing that so many of their favorite songs are Black-made,” Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Don Lawrence

SMILING THEIR WAY THROUGH THE BARBECUE, senior Jeremy me feel honored, and it felt great,” sophomore Walker Allen

SHARING TRADITIONS. Senior Jordan Bankston places a slice of corn bread on junior Jackson Mansfield’s plate during the Black History Month barbecue celebration on Feb. 15. The packed event took place after school, and was planned by members of the Black Student Union. “I was extremely happy with the turnout; it was cool to see so many others enjoy some of my favorite foods,” sophomore Caden Roberts said. The foods ranged from saucy chicken wings to sweet cornbread and lemon poppyseed cake for dessert.