Graduation Issue May 24, 2024
Reflecting On Our Journey From Screens to Success
by Shamiso Ruende
The class of 2024 began high school navigating the complexities of an unfamiliar online world, relying on wifi signals and computers as our sole means of connection. From our tumultuous beginning in a remote environment to the eventual transition back to in-person school, resilience and adaptability have emerged as the hallmarks of our academic odyssey.
Adapting To Change
Like many others, BMIT student Aissatou Seck (‘24) was deeply affected by the erosion of authentic interpersonal connection during the pandemic. However, when she returned to in-person learning, Seck seized the opportunity to further make connections by participating in extracurricular activities such as HOSA and DECA. “I feel like I have learned how to communicate more and have been able to better connect with people,” says Seck. “Skyline has so many resources that are not used a lot, as well as ways to get involved and make friends.”
During their first year, Graham Newton (‘24) and Shane Roberts (‘24) credit the development of their athleticism and teamwork to the troubles they faced both online and on the field. Their dedication to upholding their team’s morale motivated them to go above and beyond in strengthening their camaraderie. “I definitely feel that I came out of this a better athlete,” said Newton. Roberts agreed that “when we came back, we didn’t lose any of our momentum. Actually, I would say we hit the ground running in 10th grade because of being online.”
Zaynah Fayaad (‘24) notes that despite learning it the hard way, she gained fresh insights about how she benefits from in-person learning and how to be connected to resources. “I am more of a hands-on person. I could never sit at a computer all day. I need to be constantly connected with people.”
Many in the Class of 2024 have transcended negative feelings about being robbed of a traditional first-year experience and have entered a state of acceptance and self-assurance. “For sports, it would have been valuable to have that one in-person year, but honestly, I’m now preparing myself to move onto the next level,” says Manny Weston (‘24).
Facing Uncertainty
The class of 2024 has lived through four different grading systems, as it has been continually modified to align better with Skyline’s equity values. Previously anchored in a traditional 0-100 grading scale that has been shown to perpetuate biases, the Skyline system transitioned to a new approach in 2023, with 50% serving as the new zero. Faculty study of the book Grading for Equity (Joe Feldman, 2018) informed these changes. Amidst these changes, the benchmark for mastery/exams remained at 70%, and process grades made up the remaining 20% of a students’ grade. “As soon as they brought the 50% for missing mastery work, that kinda screwed everything up,” said Zane Mustapha-Bonem (‘24). “It’s just an attempt to get kids to try, but still, you won’t find kids trying.”
This year, Skyline administration has taken steps to address potential issues of grade inflation by implementing a change in their policy: an incomplete grade when a student is missing mastery assignments.
While many seniors are highly critical of the grading system’s continual reconstruction, Mustapha-Bonem recognizes that despite imperfections, the changes have instilled valuable qualities of flexibility and tolerance which he believes will bolster his future vocational pursuits. “I would say that I am definitely more understanding and patient, and as someone who’s going into coaching, that will be beneficial.”
Valuable Lessons Learned
There are many things others can learn from how the class of 2024 navigated their challenges and embraced uncertainty.
1. Take advantage of resources. Making the most of the resources available will help you remain productive and meet your academic and personal goals.
2. Learn to advocate for yourself. The better you are at communicating your needs, the more likely you are to succeed. Be seen and be heard. Don’t wait
Skyline has 56 clubs, and all of them have done a variety of interesting things over the school year. Here’s a brief recap of what a few of them have done. For information on the other clubs, please check the web version of the Skyline Post. Aerospace Club for Engineering and Science designed and launched model rockets. They’re now working on the SunRISE project with the University of Michigan...
Playing sports in college takes a great amount of time, skill, and tenacity. These students have embodied that effort. Congratulations to those who have committed to college athletics! We asked a panel of six committed seniors about their time in high school, college plans, and points of advice.
“I’ve been playing all my life. I really enjoy athletics and team camaraderie, so I was really looking...
for your counselors and teachers to find you. Be proactive and reach out.
3. Avoid abandoning hobbies, traditions, or routines when facing a setback. Routines not only contribute to a comforting sense of normalcy during difficult times, but also promote a healthy school-life balance.
4. Communication is critical. Get comfortable writing proficient emails, which will be helpful when requesting extensions or asking for clarification. Also, focus on improving in-person communication skills.
Counselor Jacinta Nafziger, who worked closely with many students of this year’s graduating class, looks back on their journey of overcoming challenges, from online school in 9th grade to this year’s delays in the FAFSA.
Despite these obstacles, she is optimistic about the future. “The class of 2024 is a class of resilience. The uncertainty, challenges, and loss that was part of your first year of high school has left a lasting impact on how you face the world today…This gives me confidence that you will be able to face the future and all of its unknowns with this same strength.”
What to Bring to College
As summer draws nearer, and seniors make college decisions, many are excited but also nervous about college. How do you acclimate to a new environment? How do you adjust to living on your own and taking on increased responsibilities? Most college students will spend their entire first year, and possibly their second, in a dorm room. It is important to cultivate a home. “It’s fun to…come into college and...
by Kathryn Plotner
by Sylvie Bleckman, Amita Nathan
by Alexandria Mason
Who Are Our Graduation Speakers?
“A pioneer should have imagination, should be able to enjoy the idea of things more than the things themselves”
—Willa Cather, O Pioneers!
The Skyline Post grew up amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a challenging time to do anything, let alone start a newspaper. Our founding editors are gone and graduated but their mark remains. They were pioneers. They imagined something they would never see completed under their tenure. It is tricky to invest fully in something, knowing you’ll never see it, but they did, and as editor-in-chief, I have tried to too.
The class of 2024 has grown up with The Post, but just like me and my fellow graduates, The Post still has a lot more growing to do. I am the first member of The Post to see it through from freshman to senior year but will be far from the last. While the first students who took our journalism class were mostly upperclassmen, we have started to see more enthusiastic underclassmen joining and sticking with us. The journalism program is already strong but in the coming years, it will become a powerhouse, with growing readership, recognition, and enrollment. Of this, I am sure.
Graduation is the perfect time for gratitude, and there are ample people for me to thank. This, just our second print issue, was only possible with a generous grant from the Skyline Parent Teacher Student Organization and our ever-improving graphic design staff, especially Benji Davidoff (‘24) and Eda Kirca (‘26). I would be remiss if I did not thank Dr. Annie Blais, who has shepherded this program to where we are, and, personally, helped me grow immensely as a writer, leader, and person. I have to thank The Skyline Post for all it has given me; I am proud of where we have come as a newspaper and excited to see what the future holds.
Lucas Caswell (‘24)
Editor-in-chief, founding writer
2024 Print Graduation Issue Staff
The Skyline Post 2023-2024 celebrates its wins at MIPA,
Han. Credit: Elizabeth Caswell.
Nicholas Bertsos Halle Woodard
Packing List : What to Bring to College
by Alexandria Mason
As summer draws nearer, and seniors make college decisions, many are excited but also nervous about college. How do you acclimate to a new environment? How do you adjust to living on your own and taking on increased responsibilities?
Most college students will spend their entire first year, and possibly their second, in a dorm room. It is important to cultivate a home. “It’s fun to…come into college and have a space that feels like yours,” says Recent Skyline graduate Annalisa Deguzman (‘23). DeGuzman recommends bringing pictures and decorations that remind you of home.
Andrea Murray, Skyline orchestra director and University of Central Missouri graduate, suggests a lounge chair and fuzzy blanket to make the dorm more cozy. She also advises bringing a fridge, microwave, and kettle, if dorm rules allow. “The cafeteria food is not good.”
Caroline Vance (‘23), recent Skyline graduate and member of the Michigan track and cross country teams, also suggests keeping lots of snacks in your dorm.
Items and decor are one thing, but staying organized is another. Having a desk to study at is important, and so is keeping it clean. “Make sure to put everything away at night,” says DeGuzman. “That’s, like, a big thing.”
It is best to keep the rest of the dorm room clean as well, to ensure you have a good place to study and relax. “The vacuum is essential for this,” says Vance. “I vacuum like once a week. Other than that, just keeping your stuff tidy like how you normally would in your own room.”
Organization can become even more difficult for student-athletes. “I obviously don’t have as much time as other people to get things done,” says Vance. “So I have to manage time really well, and I’m a lot more tired from practice so it can be hard to stay motivated.” Using a planner or schedule, as well as setting aside time in your day for studying, is key to staying on top of things.
Skyline Class of 2024: Important and Impactful Reads
by Hana Ghani
What are the books that impacted the class of 2024 the most? The books they would reccomend to current high schoolers?
These recommendations are just a sample of the thousands of books out there that could change your life with their lessons and story. However, this fraction of them are personally recommended by the class of ‘24 with the impact they gave illustrated. Here are four favorites, ranging from self-help psychology books to striking fiction:
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking (2005) by Malcolm Gladwell follows psychological tips and explores “popular science” (science intended for a general audience). It poses the argument that intuitive thinking is based more on knowledge and training than most people think, and does so through a multitude of anecdotes. Gladwell advises on how to analyze important situations with only the most crucial information.
“It taught me to trust my intuition more and not overthink things… to be more aware of any subconscious biases I may have,” says Addie Kim (‘24). “Overall, I thought it was very insightful into the way we perceive situations, and helped to give me more confidence in my own intuition and thought processes.” This is a book that is perfect for wanting to know more about the psychology behind the decisions and how our brains handle the information thrown at them.
The Bell Jar (1963) by Sylvia Plath is a story that follows a troubled, but in some cases relatable, protagonist. Plath writes from her personal experiences, exploring how we view womanhood and the roles that women are often associated with. This is a heavier book that contains depression and darker mental health topics, but brings much needed awareness to these situations. Many people deeply connect and empathize with the characters, making it a cult classic.
“The way Plath describes the transition between girlhood and womanhood is unique, relatable, and utterly astonishing,” said Robin Sickman-Garner (‘24). “I actually wrote one of supplemental college essays on this book because I haven’t read anything else that describes a main character so comfortable in admitting her flaws… [it’s] subject matter is depressing, but that ultimately leaves the reader feeling hopeful.”
The Five People You Meet in Heaven (2003) by Mitch Albom follows Eddie, who died as a mechanic, and then reflects in heaven on five people that impacted him or were impacted by him. It really makes the reader think about the consequences of actions.
“I remember the last few chapters and their lasting impact … the final person Eddie meets is a Philippine girl named Tala, who he killed while fighting in World War II,” says Isabella Sommers (‘24). “Meeting her in Heaven gave him a new perspective on how impactful his decisions were on others’ lives,” said Sommers, who said she was shocked by how much that impacted her. “I started to think more about how I treated people and the lasting effects my actions can have.” This book undoubtedly increases self awareness.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck (2016) by Mark Manson is a self help book that explores the values people carry in their daily life. It can help develop confidence and social awareness.
“The book explained how to live your life and care about others without violating your personal boundaries and iterated the validity of having boundaries,” says Leela Aiyagari (‘24). “I attribute my ability to be social and make friends to reading this book because prior to reading it I had a hard time due to severe anxiety but the book helped me a lot,” Aiyagari reinforced. This can be especially helpful for individuals who are entering new environments. It can help prepare you to meet new people while also staying true to yourself.
Annalisa DeGuzman’s (‘23) dorm at the University of Michigan. Credit: Annalisa Deguzman.
Caroline Vance’s (‘23) dorm room at the University of Michigan. Credit: Caroline Vance.
Skyline’s Night at the Garden
By Sylvie Bleckman, Cate Howard, Nati Murrell, Amita Nathan
Setting the scene: the Michigan Stadium Field where prom-goers took pictures before the party. Credit: Amita Nathan.
Our top couple look of the night. Stunners! Credit: Amita Nathan.
Two peas in a pod: some honorable mentions for our coordinating duos. Credit: Catherine Howard, Amita Nathan.
A common theme we have found are bright colors among dresses. Caleigh Beauregard stated “I like the brighter colored dresses,” in regards to her favorite trends this prom. Credit: Amita Nathan.
Stunning in silks! Allie Deninger (right) on the increase in silk dresses: “I love the high necks. I love the open backs.”
Their elegant draping and shine make prom-goers glow in the stadium lighting. Credit: Amita Nathan.
Reporters noticed an increase in sparkles and bling, on both suits and dresses. JJ Nabors-Moore said it best: “A lot of glitter, a lot of rhinestones...everyone is looking so sparkly...I think they look like jewels.” Credit: Amita Nathan.
Finishing Strong: Spring Sports Season Wrap-Up
by Henry Remington
What Are the Plans of “Retiring” Senior Athletes?
by Maeve Kilbride, Will Pace
When you’re a high school athlete, your sport becomes a significant part of your life. You spend countless hours practicing and preparing to be the best that you can be. For a select few, this continues on into their college life. But for most, it vanishes. So, where does an athlete go from here?
Demos Vulicevic (‘24) has been playing football for about six years and all four years at Skyline. When deciding if he wanted to continue playing, he had to think about the time he had and if he could get into a school with both strong academics and sports. “I thought it was the best decision to stop playing and focus on my business major,” said Vulicevic.
Although Vulicevic is not committed to play football at a university, he would like to join an intramural or club team. Asked about one thing he wouldn’t miss, Vulicevic replied “long summers…[Football] is pretty tiring and it’s really time consuming.” While he is feeling lots of emotions with his journey coming to an end, “football has taught me a lot of important lessons especially from the losing side of it,” said Vulicevic. “It taught me how to deal with [losses] and how it feels to win. Definitely going to be chasing those wins outside of football.”
Chiara Bichakjian (‘24) completed her “full circle” field hockey career this past fall. Bichakjian has played field hockey since she was in third grade. She started the recruiting process at the same time her club teammates did, freshman year. “I did a lot of camps and a lot of visits,” said Bichakjian. “Not any of them were official visits but I got to know a lot of different kinds of coaches.” Bichakjian went through the recruiting process up until mid-way through her junior year. She felt herself turning away from her field hockey goals and towards her academic and career goals. She knew she wanted to pursue a pre-med route as well as a study abroad program.
Bichakjian was concerned that if she got injured, she wouldn’t see herself at the school without the support of a team. As she was looking at schools for field hockey as well as a pre-med program, she says “I wouldn’t necessarily go there just by myself if I wasn’t involved in field hockey.” Bichakjian is unsure if she wants to continue to play on a club or intramural team. However, she would still like to coach field hockey. Although the decision was a hard one to make, “I was really happy to end my senior field hockey season the way I did,” said Bichakjian. “It was definitely sad at first and an adjustment but now I am very at peace with it and happy with my decision.”
Sofia Nehro’s (‘24) successful soccer journey comes to an end after this spring season. Nehro has played soccer for 10 years, but as she got older, her academics became increasingly important to her: “If there wasn’t an opportunity for me to play at an institution where I could really excel in my academics then I didn’t really want to continue playing soccer.” Like many others, Nehro would like to join a club or intramural team in college. She is going to miss the community, being a part of a team, and meeting people.
Nehro is not going to miss the expectations she felt. “A lot of pressure comes with being an athlete,” said Nehro. “So just playing it for fun now will be a nice change.” Nehro is going to miss all the people she has met through soccer as well as the community. “I loved being a part of a team,” said Nehro. Nehro said it is a “bittersweet” moment.
Since he was around seven years old, Ezra Min (‘24) has been playing hockey. Having a long connection to a sport creates deep emotional ties, but Min has been preparing himself for his breakup with the sport for years.“I kind of always knew coming into high school that high school hockey was gonna be the last level of competitive play [for me],” said Min, “I still consider doing intramural or club depending on where I end up, but this is definitely the last time I play competitively.”
Despite always knowing that this would be the end of his competitive journey, Min considers his time playing as a success. “I think I learned a lot from hockey,” said Min, “like hard work, leadership, and definitely just how to overcome adversity.” Min is grateful for his time playing the sport, and appreciates all of the valuable lessons that have come from his relationship with hockey. The one thing he is ready to leave behind? “Probably the smell of the locker rooms.”
If there were a word to sum up her last three years of playing hockey, Helena Myler (‘24) would say it was successful. “I learned a lot,” said Myler. “I gained a lot of friendships through hockey, many skills as well.” This made her decision to hang up the skates after high school a really difficult one.
While her love for hockey is strong, “for me, and for my mental and physical health, [moving on] is the best thing to do,” said Myler, “especially
with the physical strain hockey puts on my body.” But like many other athletes, just because this is the end of her competitive career, it doesn’t mean there’s no place for it in her life.“I think if I want to play as a result, beer league hockey [adult casual hockey leagues] is an option,” said Myler. While stepping away was a difficult decision, she knows that graduation serves as a good spot for that exit to happen and that there are options for her future in hockey.
Even when Sophia Marrs (‘24) is out of the pool, she has always had a deep connection with swimming and water polo. She has been swimming for her entire life, and playing water polo for the entirety of her stint in high school, so moving on from the former is no easy task. “It’s going to feel really weird to just stop like that,” says Marrs, “I’ve gone all of high school with very consistent practices, both in season at school, and out of season in club.”
Routine is very important for athletes, which is part of why Marrs plans to continue athletics at the club level in college. “I’m moving on from my swimming career, but for [water] polo, I’ve learned a lot and am excited for it in the future.”
Sofia Nehro (‘24) making an incredible save. Credit: Lon Horwedel.
Demos Vulicevic (‘24) taking in his football journey. Credit: Muj Mohammadi.
Ezra Min (‘24) celebrating on the ice. Credit: Lon Horwedel
Full team picture of the Skyline womens’ water polo team. Credit: Lon Horwedel
Men’s Varsity lacrosse poses for a picture. Credit: Muj Mohammadi.
Skyline Varsity Baseball Team standing in a circle. Credit: Daniel Tomalak
Track Team Poses for a photo before Conference Championships. Credit: Melanie von Rutte.
Committed Skyline Athletes Offer Advice to the Next Generation
by Sylvie Bleckman, Amita Nathan
Playing sports in college takes a great amount of time, skill, and tenacity. These students have embodied that effort. Congratulations to those who have committed to college athletics!
We asked a panel of six committed seniors about their time in high school, college plans, and points of advice. What made you want to continue sports in college?
Cami Wiseman (‘24), Field Hockey, University of Michigan: “I’ve been playing all my life. I really enjoy athletics and team camaraderie, so I was really looking forward to being able to continue that at the University of Michigan.”
Vibhav Alokam (‘24), Golf, Villanova University: “I’ve always enjoyed the process of getting better, and growing up it was always just me and my brother, who’s also on the team at Villanova. We always used to play together and it’s been a lot of fun. I’ve grown to love it and I want to play for as long as I can.”
Coco Courtright (‘24), Field Hockey, University of North Carolina: “I wanted to create my own path and get out of Michigan. UNC has the best hockey program there is and I wanted a challenge. So, I decided, well, they’re perfect.”
Sadie Schultz (‘24), Field Hockey, Brown University: “I liked being able to work hard at something, and it was the sport I’ve been playing for the longest. I really enjoy the environment and the closeknit community, so I wanted to continue that.”
Alex Guo (‘24), Soccer, University of Chicago: “Well, I’ve been playing travel all my life, and then starting in High School, I started doing academy soccer. It’s year-round, so it’s pretty intensive, and you can’t do High School (soccer), so a lot of people that do it have intentions of playing in college or professionally. So, yeah, I feel like I just committed a lot of time to it and I like the sport enough to the point where I want to continue playing.”
Is sports something you want to pursue professionally? If so, what are the next steps to take after college? Wiseman: “No, I would love to have a successful college career and then focus on a professional job.”
Alokam: “I think it depends with golf since it’s all really individual. If you want to turn pro you could whenever, like I could turn pro right now if I wanted to, but I would weigh the options. If I get good enough to where I think I can make it professional-
ly then yeah, I think I would definitely try to pursue it. If not, then I would just go the regular route, get a job, and call it good. To go pro, you would declare yourself as a professional, you’d start playing in all of the qualifiers for professional events, and so hopefully you qualify for these. And if you do well in those tournaments, and then you get status on different tours. Through these statuses, you get to continue to play more and more tournaments, and eventually, you get a steady enough income to where you can call it a job.”
Courtright: “My dream is to play in the Olympics, so I would have to continue playing with the national team. I’m on the under-18 team right now, and the goal is to make the senior team after college, but I would want to stay in the US. ”
Schultz: “I really don’t want to do it professionally, because it’s not really a sport that’s easy to do (professionally)and it’s not enough for a living. I was focusing more on an academic school that I can commit to.. with field hockey on the side.”
Guo: “Probably not, just because my mindset when I was doing college recruiting was to try to go somewhere for academics. Obviously a mix, but I wanted to prioritize academics because I see myself working in some non-athletic profession in the future.”
Funny stories or favorite memories? Wiseman: “One time, my club team took a seven or eight-hour bus ride to St. Louis and there were obviously some funny times, like we spent seven hours crammed on a bus together, so lots of funny memories. People lost their airpods, lost their headphones, people got into fights. It was really funny, great team bonding.”
Alokam: “I’ve been hit by a golf ball like four times, and the funniest one was when I was standing behind someone and they were in the trees, and it hit the tree and bounced back into my ribs. Everything was ok and we laughed about it. We’ve also tipped a golf cart before, going around a corner.”
Courtright: “One time I got hit in the face, it was on a corner and you wear masks during corners and they didn’t have any masks and I was at a camp. And this girl, she’s like four years older than me, she winded up and hit the ball straight at my jaw and fractured my jaw, and my teeth and my lips were huge, and my teeth were pushed back. I thought I was going to quit from there. And then the day before, I broke my finger and I wanted to be done with the sport.”
Schultz: “I mean there are a lot of times when you can get pretty hurt in field hockey, like getting hit in the head and stuff. In third grade, I was playing field hockey and one of my teammates came in front of me and took the ball and hit me in the mouth with her backswing. It wasn’t funny at the time, but looking back, it is really funny because we were just so young and that’s not something you’re really supposed to do at that age anyway.”
Any coaches you would like to shout out? Wiseman: “Nikki Barrett, my Skyline coach. Nancy Cox is the head of our club and she’s been very influential for me throughout my field hockey career. And then Katie Morris helped me a lot with developing as a player and then also helped me get recruited.”
Alokam: “Ashley Mantha, Melissa Schmidt, Michael Dutro, and Aram Kushigian.”
Courtright: “My sister? I wouldn’t say she’s a coach but she truly pushed me to where I am. And then obviously, my Skyline field hockey coach Miss. Barrett and my Pinnacle coaches. Nancy Cox definitely pushed me and I would not be here without them.”
Schultz: “Probably coach Barrett from the Skyline team. She was really fun, and she made me have a good time, and then I’d say Keely Tamer. She was my club coach and the Dexter High School coach. She’s been with me since I was U12. I had a bad attitude, and she set me straight, she really helped me through my journey.”
Guo: “When I was young, I had a coach I really liked. His name was coach Tim. I don’t know his last name. We just called him Coach Tim. He sparked a passion in me, he was a really great guy. For college recruiting, my coach, (left last year) coach Mauro, had a lot of faith in me, he really liked me. I think I also like communicating with him beyond just a professional level, but very casual, he was a very chill guy. He got to know me really well.”
Any points of advice for student-athletes who are looking to commit or student-athletes in general?
Wiseman: “I would say... work hard, stay true to yourself, but at the same time, I think you need to be realistic about your goals and know what you’re capable of, what you want to do, and not try to fill the spot of someone else.”
Alokam: “I would say definitely reach out to schools unless you’re a top ten kid in the country, for golf especially. Coaches aren’t always really going to reach out to you, so send emails as often as you can and
consistently. Even if you think that you’re being annoying, they get thousands of these emails, so you’re not doing anything that’s out of the ordinary. Continue to send emails and continue to stay in touch with all of the people that you want to be around.”
Courtright: “I would say stick with it…put in the extra work because all the work behind the scenes doesn’t go unnoticed and they actually do help you in the long run. …do the stuff you don’t want to do because it will make you better.”
Schultz: “I would say keep working hard and take it into your own hands. Write emails to coaches and try to go to camps, so they can see you in person. A lot of the time, film is great, but when they get to see you and coach you, that’s when they know whether you’re an athlete they want on their team.”
Guo: “I would say obviously you need a certain GPA to be able to think about playing in college, so don’t shy away from that. And in terms of recruiting, figure out what you want early on, if you want to go professional or if you just want to go the academic route. And then, I would say it’s never too early to start. I think a lot of people think just because there’s a June 15th deadline, they should start after June 15th, but I would say start even earlier and be on top of it because I know a lot of people that regret starting late.”
Vibhav Alokam (‘24) golfs at a tournament. Credit: Northern Junior Championship.
Alex Guo (‘24) playing soccer. Credit: John Kacic Photography.
2024 Club Recap
by Kathryn Plotner
Skyline has 56 clubs, and all of them have done a variety of interesting things over the school year. Here’s a brief recap of what a few of them have done. For information on the other clubs, please check the web version of the Skyline Post.
Business Professionals of America
The Skyline Business Professionals of America chapter was founded this year, attended regionals, and sent half their members to states. “I personally have had some wonderful experiences with BPA recently at the State Leadership Conference,” said President Stephanie Wang (‘25). “There was a dance and a dinner that were super fun, and I got to meet so many cool people from all over Michigan.”
“I think the club is a great place for business-minded people who are more academic oriented or are perhaps not as confident in their presentation skills,” continued Wang. “[It’s] a competitive space in which those who are interested in the field of business can get some simulated experience in order to get more comfortable with that type of work.”
Red Cross Club
Red Cross Club ran two blood drives, collecting a total of 50 pints of blood. “We were able to save the lives of 150 people,” said Records Keeper Vikramjeet Kapoor (‘25), “thanks to the support of our club members, the American Red Cross, and all our blood donors at Skyline High School.”
“Just working with the other club members to ensure everything goes smoothly was fun by itself,” continued Kapoor. “Before joining the Red Cross Club, I had never participated in a Blood Drive. I am so glad I joined, otherwise I never would’ve had these incredible experiences during my high school career.”
Women in Science/Engineering
Women in Science/Engineering brought female speakers from a range of STEM professions, including some professors. They visited the U-M Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, sitting in on seminars and participating in a panel of female medical students and doctors.
“I especially like the club because it bolsters STEM self-efficacy,” said President Michal Kama (‘24), “and allows members to explore different parts of the STEM fields that they may have never heard of before.”
Aerospace Club for Engineering and Science
Aerospace Club for Engineering and Science designed and launched model rockets. They’re now working on the SunRISE project with the University of Michigan and NASA, collecting data on radio waves to detect solar flares.
“[We’re] a club focused on conducting hands-on projects in the areas of Space Science, Engineering, and General Sciences,” said Co-President Liana Zhou (‘25). “Our goal is to create an environment where students can apply the math and science skills learned in class to real world projects.”
Cubing Club
Cubing Club devoted itself to Rubik’s cubes, learning how to solve ever-more elaborate cubes in ever-faster times. Its members went to several competitions, including Washtenaw Winter 2023, Washtenaw Spring B 2023, Michigan Speedcubing Spring 2023, Michigan Mini 4 2023, and Washtenaw Fast ‘n Late Fall 2023.
“[We’re] a dedicated practice space, a club where you can learn how to solve puzzles in-person, and overall just a chill place to meet new people,” said President Jack DeCapua. “I care about cubing because it provides a hobby that can always be built upon. I can always work to improve at something, I can keep getting faster, and there’s always a new puzzle to learn how to solve. Also, it’s a great community and everyone in it is very friendly.”
Mock Trial
Mock Trial was able to send two teams to the Monroe County Regional High School Mock Trial competition on March 2nd. Their Blue Team placed third, moving on to the State Championship in Lansing. “It was amazing to see the amount of skill that other schools had as well as showing off our own skill,” said member Cate Howard (‘25). “I loved my role on the team. I played this character named Sandy Boone, and I got to put on a country accent in front of the whole courtroom. The judge was cracking up.”
“Mock Trial is such a great club and amazing experience,” said Captain Amelia Repp (‘24). “I love it because it teaches you so much about law and the justice system, while also improving confidence and public speaking skills! It really is so much fun to get really into the case and compete against other schools across Michigan.”
Board and Card Game Club
Board and Card Game Club met to provide students games and an opportunity to play them. “Being in [the club] has made me realize board games are more than something that you do when bored,” said member Julian Emkow (‘25).
They are “a fun experience to play with others, have friendly competition, and excuses to talk with others about even the most absurd things…I have played several games that I really liked, and even a few that I bought to play with my family outside of the club…While I sometimes think about leaving early for whatever reason, I never do, and I always get caught up in the fun.”
Neurodiversity Club
Neurodiversity Club started this year to promote neurodiversity and be a “safe space for neurodivergent students and allies to learn, bond, and hang out”, as their motto says. They planned a mural celebrating neurodiversity. They met with administrators to present at a teachers’ professional development meeting on how to support neurodivergent students. Additionally, they hosted several movie nights.
“I’ve had a great time leading the Skyline Neurodiversity Club,” said Co-President Em Rusch-Daley (‘25). “[I’m] so happy that it has provided numerous students with a safe place to make friends!”
Asian American Youth hosted an art festival. They put on the first Ann Arbor Asian American Youth Summit on April 19th with Marketing Club, the Neutral Zone, and the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, featuring catering from local Asian restaurants and an appearance by Councilwoman Linh Song. “[AAY] is a place to celebrate AAPI culture and experiences,” said Co-President Ezra Min (‘24). “The club has grown a lot this year. This is our first year doing advocacy and community outreach and initiatives. It’s overall been an awesome year!”
“[AAY] gave me a space not only to share my culture, but to also learn about other cultures,” said Co-President Nithila Balaji (‘25). “I love the community and especially the snacks and the games!”
Gender, Sexuality, and Romanticality Alliance
The Gender, Sexuality, and Romanticality Alliance hosted community events and parties, like Halloween Movie Night and the Winter Gift Exchange. They worked with the school system to edit MiPHY survey questions to be more inclusive. Additionally, they sold pins and bracelets, raising $70 for the Trevor Project. They held a Day of (NO) Silence to raise awareness of queerphobia, with students staying silent for a day. They plan to have a Skytime lesson about the history of Pride month and the LGBTQIA+ movement. “[We’re] a safe and friendly community for LGBTQIA+ and allied students,” said President Nhoa Kim (‘25). “Coming to GSRA is one of the highlights of my week.”
“Having the club is important because it lets incoming students know we are a safe school and we have a safe space for them,” said Secretary Jessica Iekel-Johnson (‘24). “[It lets] current students know we are here and fighting for them and for us.”
Asian American Youth
Cubing Club members members smile for the camera. Credit: Ashley Han.
A stand created by AAY showcasing Japanese culture. Credit: Ashley Han ACES
What is DECA and Who Are The Seniors Behind Its Success?
by Cate Howard
While Skyline has a lot of clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities, one thing is for sure: DECA has taken Skyline by storm. The business and marketing club has been around for nine years and, with the help of its senior leaders, has grown immensely.
“When I started in 2015 we had 40 members. We now have 150,” said DECA advisor and business teacher, Robert Shannon. 150 members represents about 10% of the entire school, making DECA one of Skyline’s biggest clubs. DECA is a national organization with chapters in over 2,000 high schools. DECA aims at teaching business, economic, marketing, and management fundamentals to students at the high school level.
Students first choose to compete in a career cluster: finance, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and hospitality. From there they decide whether they would
like to present a project, present a paper, or engage in a blind role-play simulation. Students also have the choice of competing solo or with a partner. Students may have the opportunity to compete in multiple levels of competitions including districts, states, and internationals.
This year, the leaders had a stronger presence with running the club. “The board was really able to effectively lead the club,”said Co-President Ezra Min (‘24). Min joined the club his sophomore year.
This year, members were able to have more say in DECA’s activities and impact. The club has increased its reach into the nearby community through a recent project with Peace Neighborhood Center. “DECA students fundraised over $2,700 to buy presents for families in need,” said Min. 15 DECA students passed out the presents to the families over winter break. Additionally, the club has also impacted the busi-
ness magnet. “I know that for the current and upcoming 10th graders, the magnet has been filled,” said Co-president, Lilly Shannon. The leaders have encouraged their members to participate in even more business opportunities beyond DECA.
Not only does DECA allow students to get a taste of business and its role in society, it also sets them up for the future. “I have learned the importance of creativity and confidence, as well as learning how to work as a team with others,” said Vice-president of Marketing Cassie Gonzales (‘24).
DECA provides an outlet to succeed in competitions regardless of how long you’ve been in the club. “I have only been a part of DECA since my junior year, but since then I have advanced to the international competition twice, both years,” said Gonzales. These competitions provide a chance for students to go
on trips that not only include competing but also a bit of fun. “There’s super cool opportunities to visit like Universal, Disneyland, and Disneyworld,” said Gonzales.
Now, as the year comes to an end, the leaders are deciding on the direction of the club’s future. “Our goals for next year are to restructure,” said Min. Even with the current executive board leaving, they have made sure that the club is in good hands.
The leaders have recently chosen the new board members, including: Ronak Ailawadi (‘25), Connor Rzeszut (‘26), Liana Zhou (‘25), Reilly Eidelman (‘25), Arjun Alva (‘25), and Stephanie Wang (‘25). “We plan to continue to recruit members while increasing our competitive event prep,” said Ajan Arora, VP of Career Development for the 24- 25 season. “We hope that members will continue to work hard on projects and roleplay prep; we’ll help them every step of the way.”
From Pirates to Clue: Skyline’s 2023-2024 Theater Roundup
by Avni Gupta
This past Fall, Skyline Theater started their year off with the comedic opera: The Pirates of Penzance, the story of a young Fredrick (Will Powers, ‘26) who is indentured to the Pirate King (Leif Tenbrink, ‘25) until his 21st birthday. On that day, Frederick sets off to explore the world, where he meets Mabel (Kaitlyn Dolan, ‘24) and they fall quickly in love. When Fredrick’s old crew meet Mabel’s Major General of a father (Claire Hurley, ‘26) in battle, everything begins to unravel.
The landscape shifts from seas to shores, courtesy of the elaborately layered set, with three different locations that help bring the comedy to life. The cast dances and sings through a whimsical story of leap years and love, doing
a bright justice to this Gilbert and Sullivan dramedy. Fish in the Sea is about a heartbroken man trying to fill the ex-girlfriend-shaped void in his heart. The comedy one act was co-written and directed by Svea von der Lith (‘24) and Benji Davidoff (‘24) and performed in the Black Box Theater this January. Starring Huck Amick (‘25) as Daniel Lurin and Mara Macanu (‘27) as Sophia, a couple that have just broken up, Fish in the Sea dives into the world of dating culture and getting over your ex. “Svea and I had written a show together before in 2020,” said co-writer Benji Davidoff (‘24).
“We started working on the [Fish in the Sea] script in August 2023, and we finished the script in November that year, so it was a four month writing process.”
“The other actors are pretty fun to work with and the directors are both great, really fun to work with, and the stage managers are very helpful,” said Ashton Woods (‘25), who played Alexander. From the fake beer bottle that Daniel smashes in the opening scene to the merry-go-round of dates shown during the dating app scene, every bit of the show was executed wonderfully.
This year’s Theater II and III combined class put on Horizon for their final project. Horizon is the story of 10 teenagers in England; Lucy (Ella Monsma, ‘24), Miles (Cass Hoffman, ‘26), Bianca (Kathryn Plotner, ‘25), Nia (Malia Moss, ‘27), Kenny (Huck Amick, ‘25), Toby (Jack Dunmire, ‘25), Alex (Z Calvachi, ‘25), Ella (Asta Danielsen, ‘24), Cressie (Jada Bruce, ‘27), and Melody (MJ Wilson, ‘27), who manifest superpowers after a mysterious borealis appears over their town.
They band together to figure out how to use their abilities: reveal their abilities to the world or stay hidden. “This was my first time stage managing and it was a lot of fun,” said Kathryn Plotner (‘25). “It was a little bit of a nightmare trying to coordinate everything and make sure everyone knew what was going on, but it was a fun sort of nightmare.” The last production of the year was the bloody straight show Clue! Based on the 1985 cult classic film, Clue brings us into Boddy Manor with the arrival of six colorful characters, each bearing a false identity and a secret. The mansion is occupied by the butler, Wadsworth (Leif Tenbrink, ‘25), the cook, (Eleanor Wing, ‘26), and Mr. Boddy (Nico Allen, ‘25), who drops dead in a flash, leaving The Doctor (Edwin Jackson), the Pimp (Lily Stewart, ‘24), the Klutz (Huck Amick, ‘25), the Colonel (Jack Dunmire, ‘25), the Widow (Claire Hurley, ‘26), and the Senator’s Wife (Gianna Falcicchio-Wall, ‘24) to solve his murder before the cops arrive. “This
has actually been a dream show and the dream role since I’ve started at Skyline Theater. I’ve been wanting to play Mrs. Peacock since sophomore year so it’s very bittersweet, my last show,” said Gia Falcicchio- Wall.
Clue was one of the most daring technical shows Skyline Theater in these past few years; from rotating rooms and flying walls, this set spins murder into comedy. With every turn a comedic tone, the set is just as much of a character as the actors. To bring the whole production of actors and technicians together, the stage managers pulled both sides together during the week of technical rehearsals. “It was really cool to learn more about the rehearsal process throughout the whole show,” said Assistant Stage Manager Maddie Clarke (‘25). “It’s given me a very different point of view compared to tech, and I’ve gotten to learn new skills.”
As the 2023-2024 year closes, the upcoming Fall Musical was announced to be The Wizard of Oz, auditions being held June 4, 2024.
Skyline DECA getting ready for competition. Credit: Robert Shannon.
Skyline Tech students raise swords before the Homecoming Parade, to advertise ‘The Pirates of Penzance’. Credit: Avni Gupta.
The Fish in the Sea cast. Credit: Will Pace.
The Skyline Post Wins Big at 2024 State Competition
by Skyline Post Staff
Congratulations to The Skyline Post staff for a new school record of 21 distinct state-level wins in the 2024 Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) Awards.
Winners include Editor-in-Chief Lucas Caswell (‘24) who was named to the MIPA Student Journalist Staff, which honors leaders whose writing and editing have been outstanding and have also contributed significantly to their school’s journalism program as a whole. Caswell was one of The Post’s founding writers and has served as an editor across multiple sections. It is safe to say that Caswell’s steady leadership and commitment are the engine behind the level of excellence we have begun to achieve.
Caswell also netted 3rd place for his breaking news coverage of Skyline’s policy change for student-generated all-school announcements as well as an honorable mention for his Personality Profile of Athletic Director Andre Criswell.
Max Feliks (‘24) was awarded first place in the Di-
versity Coverage category for his beautifully written, in-depth profile on the life of Rosa Montalvo, a local chef who immigrated to Ann Arbor from Central America.
Oliver Pung (‘24) was awarded first place for his helpful and visually engaging infographic in his review of Skyline Students’ Study Spots.
Sari Woo (‘24) was awarded first place in the Human Interest category, for her humorous feature on the Skyline Boys’ Tennis Team’s opinions on grunting. (Buh!) Woo also won third place for Bylined Opinion Article, with a comprehensive comparison of online learning platforms available to AAPS students.
Graduate Isaac Mack (‘23) took second place for an In-Depth Feature on the Skyline Cube, reporting on funding issues and how they impact equitable access to the college process.
Ashley Han (‘26) took 2nd place for News coverage in a series on Skyline’s grading policies and also for
Instagram Promotion. She also won an Honorable Mention for In-Depth Feature for her breakdown of the Skyline budget, before the current crisis. Only a sophomore, Han has shown innovative leadership over the past two years and excellence in all roles as a writer, editor, and website and layout designer. Han has been named as Editor-in-Chief for the 2024-2025 school year.
With the leadership of writer Natalia Murrell (‘25), the spring 2023 editorial board won 3rd place for its Staff Editorial on Skyline’s new grading policy.
The Spring 2023 Sports Staff – Lance Caswell (‘23), Will Pace (‘24), Ryan Rzeszut (‘23), Nate Werns (‘24) and Graham Unsworth (‘23) – took 3rd place for Alternative Story form for their innovative visual, up-to-date coverage of the March Madness 2023 tournament.
Honorable mentions went to:
• Graduates Olivia Palmos and Sara Zubieta (‘23) for their breaking news story about Basketball Coach Mike Lovelace stepping down from coaching the boys’ team
• Graduate and former Editor-in-Chief Bella Simonte (‘23) for her honest and compelling senior statement, “Why I Lied,” exploring her experience of the unique pressures faced by Ann Arbor high school college applicants
• Grace Yao (‘24) in News Analysis, for her piece on how the Skyline Orchestra rebuilt after Covid Evi Edlund (‘26) in Human Interest Feature for her very funny graduation issue article, ”I Think My Dog Has Abandonment Issues”
• Cecilia Brush for her Health article analyzing school start times and their effects on student mental health and achievement
• Will Pace for his Sports Feature on whether Major League Baseball’s new 2023 rules would be suitable for high school play
• Sarina Thomas and Diego Hurtago-Cardenas for their in-depth coverage and analysis of fashion trends at Skyline’s 2023 Prom.
Congratulations to our state-level champion writers and to the whole staff. These results are always a result of a strong team effort.
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The Post’s printer, Big Chad, stands ready to assist with picky edits. Thanks to AAPS Technology manager Chad Bertelson for Big Chad’s presence at The Post.
The Skyline Post sports team wins innovation award for new scoreboard feature on website. Credit: Elizabeth Caswell.
The Skyline Post sports team wins innovation award for new scoreboard feature on website. Credit: Elizabeth Caswell.
