Black & Gold Quarterly (BGQ) - June 2023

BGQ BLACK & GOLD QUARTERLY

may 2023 // vol. one hundred and three

20:23 Friday, May 26

TIME SENSITIVE

now

Time to Graduate.

Little time left to reminisce on your high school career and see what the class of 2023 has accomplished!

MESSAGES

BGQ

now

Table of Contents

MESSAGES

BGQ

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The Black and Gold Quarterly (BGQ) is Traverse City Central High School’s student-run magazine. Since its conception in 1886, our publication has evolved with the times, frequently changing in style, format, and even name. However, one factor has remained constant—our staff’s desire to capture the story of our community, to challenge the accepted, and to open our minds to perspectives that we hadn’t previously considered through investigation, research, and inquiry. We are constantly striving to improve our content and artistic elements; after all, the BGQ is a school publication, so educating both ourselves as well as our readers remains one of our primary goals.

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20:23

Notes

Table of Contents Sport Features (pgs. 6-21): Running Back the Clock Making a Splash Taking the Final Shot Rebounding and Readjusting Par for the Course King of the Court Serve, Set, Good Ski in, Ski Out The Leadership Lineup Love the Game, Live the Game Striking Central Crossing the Finish Line A Fastball to Louisville On the Mat with Dutch Goals for the Girls Letter to Trojan Athletes - Amy Ream

General Features (pgs. 28-37): Advocating for our Community Leaving Central on a Good Note Starring: Kadia Bielaczyc The Final Bow Orchestrating her Future Looking Through the Lens Holmes: Art’s Future Programming his Future The National Guard’s Newest Member Taking a Gamble on eSports

Staff Features (pgs. 40-42): Celebrate our amazing senior staffers of the BGQ and meet the authors of the work you’ve been reading these past 4 issues.

College List (pgs. 22-25): Discover what the class of 2023 plans to do post-high school.

Quote Pages (pgs. 26-27 & 38-39): Hear about the wacky and wise opinions about high school, pets, and other miscellaneous things.

Find your graduation dress at Glik’s!

GLIKS.COM

Visit gliks.com to find your nearest location @GLIKSOFFICIAL

20:23

Black and Gold Quarterly To: Class of 2023 Cc/Bcc, From: BGQ Staff

Subject: Editor’s Note

COVER Carson Suttle

Since middle school, the class ahead of me has seemed daunting. In seventh grade, they were merely famed individuals, illustrious eighth graders, in the hall. In my mind, they had a power that was untouchable - something that I wasn’t sure if I admired or feared. Either way, I looked up to them. And, four years later, as a junior, I still do. The class of 2023 has shown me not only what it means to be a senior, but also a Trojan. Whether it be through sports teams, class interactions, or writing alongside them, this year’s seniors have set an example that I hope my class, and every class following, can achieve.

These seniors are defined by their hard work. It is inspiring to see the dedication they have put into our athletic program over these past four years.

Pages 6-21 focus on our various sports teams and the seniors that led them.

However, hard work was devoted to other areas, too. Artists, musicians, photographers, gamers, and more are highlighted throughout pages 28-37. But the hard work of each senior is displayed on the post-high school plans list on pages 22-25.

The class of 2023 also demonstrated the skills needed to take on new experiences. Not only did they learn how to navigate high school, they learned how to navigate life, and did it in a way that is inspiring to us all. The best example I have of this is the seniors in BGQ. Trinity S. and Daniel, both first year BGQ staffers, were hidden gems, and I can only wish that they had joined sooner. Trinity W., on the other hand, is a longtime staffer who has been through it all, and has learned from every trial and tribulation. Each senior staffer explains their BGQ history in more detail on page 42.

While I am sad to see the class of 2023 go, I am excited. Not because they’re leaving, but because of the amazing mark I know they will make on the world. Central has produced some of the most amazing seniors, and while it will be tough shoes to fill, I hope I can make an impression just like they did.

With that being said, this year of the BGQ was unforgettable. Let’s make this next year (my FINAL year) even better.

ADVISER Susan Roskelley

From the Pub, Elizabeth Phillips

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Elizabeth Phillips CONTENT EDITORS Samuel Elkins Eliana Hermel Kristen May Lucy Poppleton GRAPHICS Eliana Hermel Elizabeth Phillips Trinity Whiteford STAFF WRITERS Bridget Belden Sam Elkins Liam Faunce Isaiah Johnston Shelbi Merchant Evelyn Nowicki Davis Peterson Daniel Schmidt Trinity Stringer Trinity Whiteford

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Send information, advertising, and other inquiries to: Black & Gold Quarterly Central High School 1150 Milliken Drive Traverse City, MI 49686 Phone: (231) 933-6533 Email: roskellesu@tcaps.net 4 // BGQ // May 2023

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running back the clock

Reed Seabase on his path from fan to football star Photo Courtesy of MLive

Reed Seabase is an all-in athlete and individual. He puts forth his best effort in both football and baseball, but he also shows his school spirit in other things, such as going to all of Central’s sporting events, making meaningful connections with anyone, and participating in themes. “I was at most of the home basketball games, away basketball games, every volleyball game, and hockey games,” mentions Seabase. Whenever the crowd is quiet, he knows when to get everyone loud and hyped up.

Besides being everyone’s favorite cheerleader, Seabase has been playing football since second grade. During his younger years, he was trying to be like older players since he looked up to many of them for inspiration: “Just going to high school games as a kid and watching the cool high schoolers play,” explains Seabase. “Now I strive to be that role model.”

Now, Seabase has accomplished many things including making the first and second team all state in two different polls. “None of that would’ve been done without the guys next to me on the field,” says Seabase. He also was named one of Central’s top rushers of all time. He carried lessons that he portrays on and off the field

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by Evie Nowicki staff writer

and thinks about them before performing to the best of his ability. “If you treat someone with respect, then they will give you the same respect.

In return, if you put effort into your relationships with people, then they will put effort back,” states Seabase.

On the other hand, the memories that he has made in his four years of Trojan Football will forever be remembered, such as “Making it to the state championship my junior year with some of my best friends,” says Seabase. He was one of the players that contributed a lot in that game even as a junior while there were still many seniors on the team.

Seabase also enjoys the small-town aspect of football and other sports at Central. “Walking out of the locker room listening to all 15,000 people chant ‘USA’ just got the adrenaline going more than it has been before in my entire life,” he reflects. That’s also what made his decision to go to Alma College. “The coaches are super nice, and the town is super small. It is very communitybacked,” he notes. Although he’ll miss the Trojan family aspect, he’s looking forward to finding a new home within the Scots community cheering him on. //

Making A Splash Avery Bills’ successful swimming journey continues

Photo Courtesy of Traverse City Record Eagle

by Lucy Poppleton content editor

From age six to senior year and beyond, swimming has been the rock in Avery Bills’ life. “When things aren’t going as I planned in school or in relationships, I always have swimming to rely on as some sense of validation,” states Bills. “I can get through a hard practice and still be okay with everything.” She has been part of the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Breakers, a club swim team based in Traverse City, for several years and thus has grown up with the sport. “[I feel] I have matured into a person that is more happy for success besides my own,” recollects Bills.

Her last season—her senior season—was extra special because of her success and the success of a relay on her swim team, as they made it to the state championship this year. Other contributing factors were the arrival of talented freshman swimmers and a new coach. “As a team as a whole, we really flourished with the help of those people,” remembers Bills. “I think it was special because we had a new coach this year, and she was also a coach of our club team, so we [already] had this bond and connection,” explains Bills. Her favorite memory from this year was when she and her teammates went down to states together. “As we went through the season and made our way to states, we were really close, and we got to travel down in a van together and stay in the same hotel rooms, and I think it just stood out because of how fun it was,” she recalls.

When looking to continue swimming in college, Bills considered everything from places in

Michigan to bigger schools across the country.

Ultimately, Bills decided to swim at Hope College because of its environment. “I think Hope is special because of its class size and how supportive everyone is. I think everyone genuinely cares about you and your success, which is why it stood out to me,” says Bills excitedly. Looking forward to the future, Bills plans to major in either elementary education or something else entirely in a field of science, while also planning to take advantage of the opportunity to form new friendships. “I’m looking forward to meeting new people,” exclaims Bills. “I’m really excited to be on the [swim] team and make new friends.”

However, moving on to college also means leaving Traverse City behind. “I think I’ll miss the people. I think it’s really super hard to transition from being with my best friends every day and being with the amazing staff we have here, and it’ll be really different but different in a good way,” reflects Bills. She also notes that she will miss her coaches and the impact they have had on her while looking forward to participating with the swim team at Hope. For those whose senior years are quickly approaching, Bills advises people to enjoy their time while they are here because it goes by so quickly. “I don’t think people take it seriously enough to…take advantage of the time you have right now and never say ‘I wish this day’s going to be over,’ because pretty soon, everything’s going to be over,” reminisces Bills. “It’s crazy how fast time goes.” //

taking The

final shot

This year’s seniors’ perspectives on their time playing together over the years

by Kristen May content editor

Photo Courtesy of D. Hardy

The seniors of the girls basketball team started playing together in elementary school, and then some of them split when they got to middle school. However, they all reunited when they entered high school and soon got back into their old groove. “I’ve been playing for four years and it’s been really fun,” Sophie Simon remarks. “It feels like a family. We’ve all made really great connections with each other and the coach.” For Halli Warner, the best thing to do was to “keep going because a lot of the time I wanted to quit because it’s a six month sport [with] two hour practices every day but [just]…keep your head down and the only way to get through it is to charge through it,” she advises.

With all of this hard work, the team has had some big accomplishments this year. “Our first game this season was against Grand Haven, and it was a really difficult game and we haven’t beat them in like decades,” Simon recalls. “We beat them, and that was our first game. It set the tone for the season.” One of Warner’s significant memories for her was the games the team played against West and how big of an accomplishment that was when they won. “We blew them out both times, and as a team, it was just really fun,” she states.

Being a member of the girls basketball team comes with many benefits off the court, such 8 // BGQ // May 2023

as improved work ethic and lower stress levels.

“Being a part of a team who have the same goals as you and who are working to put in the same amount of work you are…[is] a really great thing to be a part of,” describes head coach Jennifer Dutmers. Simon also finds that “[being on a team has] taught me to manage my time a lot better because it’s a lot, especially during the season like managing studying and practices and especially away games where we’re gone all night,” she shares.

Above all else, the long-lasting friendships that the girls have made are the most valued aspects of being on the team, especially for this year’s seniors. “We’ve been playing together since elementary school, so we’ve been playing together for a long time,” Simon notes. “So we’re all really close, they’re some of my best friends.” For newcomers, “anyone who joins the team, we develop connections and we’re all really good friends,” she adds. This year’s girl’s basketball team members are really close and have developed very strong bonds, which is a necessary element in order for the team to succeed. For Warner, she will miss the camaraderie of the team the most as she moves on to college. “[I’ve] made my best and closest friends from playing together from such a young age and through high school together. I’m definitely really close with them,” she reflects. //

rebounding and readjusting The Trojan Boys Basketball team sticks together through a challenging start

Photos Courtesy of Traverse City Record Eagle

Throughout the winter, the gym floor squeaks as the Central boys basketball team runs in a line to the rap song “Black and Yellow.” This team is known for their great sense of Trojan pride and teamwork, and they really had to rely on those values at the start of the season because the team didn’t initially play up to their ability. They faced constant challenges that brought them down for many days. “We started out really bad, but then we bounced back to accomplish our two major goals, winning the conference and the district,” says senior Miles Smith.

All of this year’s seniors showed great leadership by taking on many different roles that made the program so successful. “I would describe myself as a secondary leader on the team, but I think a lot of guys on the team looked up to me, especially out on the court,” pronounces Landon Miller. Not only did Miller score some clutch points, but he also was a humble and aware player for the team. Similarly, Smith started throughout the season and found his way by performing in most of the games. He showed his leadership by helping the younger players to teach them the game.

“I think that over four years, it was easy for me to get a pattern of how Trojan Basketball needs to be played, so just helping people understand that more and more was my role,” states Smith.

by Evie Nowicki staff writer

Most of the guys on the team are close friends, which helps with the bonding aspect. “This year especially, it has been a great group of guys,” mentions Smith. From the stands, one could see the love for one another that they share. By constantly picking each other up, and trying to make the best out of a tough situation. “They showed good sportsmanship by working hard together and being positive with one another,” says Head Coach Ben Fischer.

This year’s team obviously accomplished something that past teams have not done in a while. “We won the conference and the district, [the] first time winning the district since 2007,” says Miller. With that, the Central community grew with so many eager fans coming together to watch this team perform.

These seniors will be well missed because of both their dedication to the sport and to each other after facing challenges in the beginning and not giving up. “The camaraderie that team sports brings out is really special, and watching them come together and achieve their goals is a lot of fun,” shares Fischer. It’s the hope of this year’s coaching staff and graduating seniors that the current team carry on the legacy and continue to bounce back in the years to come. //

par for the course Sydney Rademacher reminisces about her time on the girls golf team

by Kristen May content editor

Once Sydney Rademacher discovered golf, she never wanted to stop. She finds that “golf is really important to me, once I started…I fell in love with it.” Rademacher practices all the time, whether it’s golf season or not. “I play all the time in all these summer tournaments. I [go] and [practice] on my own in the spring and summer, and I just go out and play everyday,” she recalls.

Rademacher began playing golf during her freshman year and met many of her current best friends through the team. Her golf experiences have impacted her in many ways, and she has made wonderful memories and connections during her time on the team. “I met Evie [Nowicki] and Mackenzie [McManus], and my whole varsity team got really close,” she explains. “After my sophomore year, I started hanging out with Evie more, and we became best friends, and then Mackenzie also became one of my best friends… we would hang out all the time.”

Throughout the season, there are several tournaments; one of Rademacher’s favorites is the Lober Tournament. “We get to stay in this nice house that one of the West girls loans to us so we [can] play for two days…we really bond there and it’s really nice,” she recounts. One of the significant parts of being on the golf team is the relationships that people build with their teammates on the course. During the tournaments, Rademacher depends on her teammates, whether that 10 // BGQ // May 2023

Photo Courtesy of Traverse City Record Eagle

help comes in the form of shooting good shots if hers fall short, or just encouraging her during her time on the course. There’s a lot of pressure during these tournaments, but with the help of her team, Rademacher feels more at ease.

Rademacher may be on varsity golf, but she still has her struggles throughout the season.

“During the beginning of my season, I couldn’t hit any of my clubs right, my driver would top off of the T boxes terrible, [and] I couldn’t hit it at all,” she admits. As the season progressed and she got more practice, Rademacher made more of her shots and found that she had improved significantly. “When the end of my season came around I could hit the ball great and I was getting great scores,” Rademacher reflects.

During her time on the golf team, Rademacher has learned so much. She’s made amazing friends, but is bummed to say goodbye. “It was really sad to have my last tournament because all my sophomore and junior friends I’m leaving behind…I’ve gotten really close with them this season…my coaches too.” However, she’s looking forward to attending college at Spring Arbor, where she was offered a scholarship to play golf at a collegiate level. “I’m going to Spring Arbor to play golf because…it was one of the best fits that I found,” discloses Rademacher. //

King of the court Evan O’Connor’s evolution as a tennis player

by Sam Elkins content editor

Tennis, alongside any other sport, has its benefits: developing better hand eye coordination, strengthening mental toughness, and forming bonds both within and outside of the sport. As well as many other sports, playing with the team offers a sense of belonging. It ultimately forms an unbreakable bond from the moment you pick up the sport to wherever that takes you, whether that be to college or just playing for fun.

Evan O’Connor has played tennis two to three times a week since he moved to Traverse City: “When I moved here, my parents forced me into it,” O’Connor admits, yet he has enjoyed playing tennis since he started four years ago. O’Connor started on the JV team and then slowly moved up from there. Since then, he’s improved a lot but still claims that he has some things to work on; “I have a decent attitude, [my] forehand is pretty good, [and my] backhand’s getting there,” he reflects. Regardless of what struggles he faces, he always finds a way to power through every match.

O’Connor plans on attending Ferris State University for Professional Tennis Management.

O’Connor admits that his favorite part of being on the team isn’t just playing the sport: it’s the annual Big North Conference (BNC). It’s more

Photo Courtesy of E. O’Connor

of a bracket style tournament between different teams: “It’s us, Cadillac, Petoskey, [and] West.

We all meet at one of our places, and we play a tournament style [of] four brackets,” he explains.

O’Connor mentions that he’s claimed the victory from BNC twice. On top of this achievement, O’Connor has many other successes as well: “Two seats at regionals, three years in a row, BNC twice, I won a couple matches at states,” he lists.

“I got a scholarship, too, so that’s pretty cool.”

Overall, O’Connor believes that he’s had a pretty successful run with the boys tennis team.

His suggestion to underclassmen and incoming freshmen is to put forth your best effort in whatever you do. “[Just] do your work. It’s not that difficult,” he advises, as well as finding your place, whether that be within a sports community or outside of that realm. //

serve Set good

Central’s volleyball team looks back at their recordbreaking growth Photo Courtesy of C. Heethuis

Central vs. West: a tale as old as time. For alumni and head volleyball coach Emily Wilbert ‘00, this rivalry has its own meaning:“Before being a committed volleyball coach for Central, I was given an opportunity to coach the junior and varsity program at West for a span of five years,” Wilbert informs. After taking time off to have kids, she came back to her roots to coach Central’s volleyball teams. “This year…was a big year for us.

We won…the Big North conference for the first time since my senior year of high school,” Wilbert remarks. Besides the conference win, they made it to the regional finals this past season, the first time any Central volleyball team has made it that far.

Every sport has different coaching styles to better the chances of an experienced team. “I think praise and encouragement comes really easy for me as a coach. I want to see the girls be really successful. I believe in them,” Wilbert proclaims. “I want them to be able to believe in themselves and see that with hard work and determination, they can succeed…and improve in all areas that they put in the time and the effort.”

Wilbert also looks beyond skill to ensure they are fit to play with the team. “I love a good attitude. You can have all the skills and abilities in the world, but if your attitude doesn’t match, it’s really hard for me to not pick someone who has an all star attitude and is willing to try anything and put the team first,” Wilbert informs.

12 // BGQ // May 2023

by Trinity Stringer staff writer For many people, time management or communication are challenges when playing on a team. Kate McCrary has witnessed many changes over time with Central’s team. “I think the main challenge was the fact that we had a different coach this year. I think that switching coaches was a good switch, but it also brought its own challenges because the coach was new to the whole program,” McCrary discloses.

Beyond the successes and struggles of the team, this year’s seniors find the most valuable aspects are with the people they’ve met along the way. “I think playing volleyball has brought me a lot of friendships and people that I am still friends with now,” McCrary shares. “I would honestly say…being a part of something that is bigger than yourself is so self-rewarding, and when playing volleyball, it just feels like you are in a whole other world,” teammate Lily Briggs describes.

After the challenges faced and strong friendships made, both McCrary and Briggs plan to continue playing volleyball after they graduate.

“I’m planning on going to either Michigan or Michigan State. They have club volleyball teams there. Even after college, I’m hoping to coach either at Central, or wherever I go next,” McCrary discloses. Similarly, “I’m definitely planning on playing club in college,” Briggs shares. Because of all the hard work these girls have put in, they now set out head to head with others like them who have come a long way, too. //

Ski In, Ski Out

Central’s two senior ski captains reminisce about their humble beginnings

by Trinity Whiteford staff writer

Photo Courtesy of P. Hale

Traverse City is a drag to live in during those pesky winter months, straying away from the cold as best as we can. Whether that means staying indoors or fleeing out to somewhere with ungodly heat like Florida or California, most of us do it. For the rest of us that don’t fit into the “most of us” category, loving the cold is mandatory. People along those lines are always outside in the winter while the rest of us are dreaming of hot sand between our toes. So for those of us who 1. Love sports and 2. Would rather be outside in the winter, we pick up sports and pastimes like hockey, skiing or snowboarding. Those sports are always at the top of the “to do’’ list during the winter season. For Central seniors Pearl Hale and Luke Farella, they’ve come a long way in their respective skiing journeys.

Pearl Hale has been hitting the slopes since she was just five years old. Hale explains that although it’s a love-hate relationship with skiing, she’s stuck with it because she loves the community aspect. “I grew up with all of those kids…

We’ve been racing [together] our whole lives, so they’ve…become a family to me,” Hale expresses.

Within Central’s skiing team, they mostly cover competitive racing rather than cross country, and for Hale, this is more like her true passion, which happens to be snowboarding. Although she loves racing and skiing, Hale tends to lean more towards snowboarding for her free time activity in the winter. “I actually snowboard [a lot], so I don’t free-ski at all,” she admits. Hale recommends

skiing or snowboarding to anyone considering joining, either as a freetime sport or competitively. “It’s fun and it’s something to do in the winter, especially here where there’s nothing to do,” she encourages.

Similarly, Luke Farella also started out skiing as a toddler. He quickly joined a little league-esque team in elementary school, then got involved in a club around middle school, and started on Central’s team his senior year. He finds it’s a good freetime activity but also a good outlet if you like racing. “I think it’s a really good sport, because you can do it until you’re old. [No age restrictions] there’s no real limit to when you can stop,” he explains. More recently, he went on a trip with the Grand Traverse Ski Club outside of school to Austria. “[Experiencing] the different culture and going up into the mountains and skiing all day…was really fun, ‘’ Farella reflects. He plans on continuing his skiing career at Michigan State and racing with their club to keep his passion for skiing going.

Whether you enjoy hitting the slopes in the wintertime or participating in other sports, many of Central’s seniors this year encourage underclassmen to carry on the legacy of the team beyond their graduation. Farella recommends making the most of your high school years while you still have the chance. “Do as many things as [you] can, whether it be skiing or another club [you] like,” Farella advises. “Just try and expand your group and your friends and just have fun.” //

Photo Courtesy of E. Nowicki

The Leadership Lineup The girls softball team’s sentiments about their successes and strengths

by Trinity Stringer staff writer “Definitely being a senior, you’re expected to have a leadership position to represent what you’re like as a role model for the underclassmen,” Isabella Covert analyzes. For all of the senior softball players this year, they are determined to help the underclassmen understand how important it is to have good sportsmanship and to prepare to lead upcoming teams. “I definitely try to lead in a positive way and try to lead by example, and definitely build up the younger kids and try to help everyone that I can,” Catelyn Heethuis states. Practice pays off, and even though practice is a big part of being a team, it isn’t the only way the team bonded this year. “We stayed overnight at Twin Lakes Camp. And that’s something that we’ve never done at all for Central softball since I’ve been here,” Heethuis shares.

“So I think that brought a level of closeness that I haven’t had on a team at the school.”

As the season progresses, seniors start to feel more sentimental as they realize that their time playing softball is coming to an end. They hope to accomplish their own goals and make some unforgettable memories. “Rylea [hit] a homerun [at] the West game, which was the first one we had in the entire game. She was the fastest we’ve seen this season,” Heethuis reveals. Every senior moves through their final year of softball differently, and focusing on what keeps the energy up can create a big motivational drive. “I think with senior year, I focus on the fact that anytime we step out on the field, districts can be the last time I get to play for 14 // BGQ // May 2023

the school,” Rylea Beamish says. “That changes my mentality when I play and helps me focus on just doing the best I can and putting it all out there for my team to succeed.”

Many of these seniors have been playing with the same people all throughout high school, and the friendships that were made are so strong. “I like the friendships that I’ve made,” Beamish remarks. “There are some people on the team that I don’t think I would have ever known if I hadn’t played with them.” With friendships there are always long term experiences and trust that have been put into play. “I definitely like the camaraderie. When you get a ball hit to you, it’s very much individual. But when there’s a player with a crazy hit, our team goes absolutely insane,” Heethuis describes.

With every team, there’s always disappointment with a season ending, but especially for the seniors. “I’m definitely gonna miss all my teammates,” Covert laments. “And hopefully, I’m gonna play softball in the future, but I’m gonna miss it.”

Overall, the seniors who play softball have a unique experience that is both exciting and bittersweet. They have the opportunity to make lasting memories with their teammates and leave a legacy for future players to follow. All the hard work showed success, and many of this year’s seniors will keep softball in their hearts for years to come. //

Photo Courtesy of T. Cooper

Love The Game, Live The Game From Howe Arena to how hockey changes lives

by Evie Nowicki staff writer

Since day one, Central hockey practices start at around 6 in the morning at Howe Arena, where most players call home. From the thick air smelling of must and leather filling the players’ noses, to the last puck drop of their final season, hockey holds a special place in the hearts of many Central hockey players. These factors have especially been important to the seniors who have played on the team for all four years. “All of them are going to be difficult to replace,” mentions hockey coach Chris Givens.

Most of the senior players started playing hockey when they were very young. “One day my parents put me on the ice, and I have played the rest of my life so far,” says Koen Burkholder.

Now some tend to follow in the footsteps of their family. “It just happened. My dad and my uncles played, and I really wanted to play. It looked so fun,” pronounces Brady Faille.

From a hockey standpoint, Burkholder made significant contributions in his high school career.

He made the team in the year that Covid started, but the shortened season didn’t hold him back at all. “Even with that, he had a handful of points, and this year he had 28 goals. He also had 10 assists,” Givens beams. Burkholder kept working and eventually got the results that brought the team a ton of success. Similarly, Faille was our leading goalie, where he made many stops that made the team win several games throughout the year. “Brady played a handful of games last year behind Grant Neuhardt, but he played almost all of them this year and did an amazing job,” states

Givens.

Of the memories made over the past few years, Burkholder and Faille have many to cherish.

“Winning regionals last [year], then also this year when we won the Christmas tournament that we hosted…will stick with me for a while,” pronounces Faille. The accomplishments are very important to this year’s team, but the brotherhood that comes out of the sport is even more salient. Even when mistakes happen they have a solution to lift themselves back up to their full potential. “We just tell each other that mistakes happen, but go out there the next day and make something better. Make a difference,” asserts Burkholder.

Senior year is a lot different than other years for the boys on the team. “I feel like senior year has gone by faster than the other years, and it has felt more fun than other years,” Burkholder reflects. High school goes by in a blink of an eye, especially in your last ever Trojan sport and on senior night when all the memories start to flood in. “I just realized how fast my hockey career has gone by and how much I enjoyed it and how much I’m gonna miss it,” mentions Burkholder.

The sport of hockey has taught some of the seniors certain lessons that will not only apply on the ice but off the ice as well. “I feel like I’ve gotten more confident and grown a lot. I am a different person now than when I got here,” shares Faille. When it comes to this year’s team, Givens sees the impact of the connections they have built beyond the rink, adding, “When you have a family down the line, sports help build that foundation to those bigger things in life.” //

Striking Central

Central seniors remark on the successes of this year’s bowling teams

by Sam Elkins content editor

Photo Courtesy of TC Rick Photo

The Girl’s and Boy’s Bowling teams, headed up

by Ms. Sharon Vreeland, consist of 18 members between the two. Both groups were founded when Vreeland decided there was a gap in Central’s high school sports that the bowling teams could fill. They have dedicated themselves to growing in both members and popularity and have gained better skills over time. The members have made their homebase Lucky Jack’s, where they hold all their games and practices. Although they have won and lost, they still remain strong and charismatic.

Brady Lane enjoys the routine of their practices. “My brother used to be on the team before I joined. He introduced me and [I’ve] definitely got a lot more friends,” Lane states. “[In a normal practice], right after school, [we go] over to Lucky Jack’s. [The] first ten minutes are basically just hanging out. We then have a meeting about events and meets and such. From there on we just have fun,” he explains. Bowling is categorized as a winter sport here at Central, so their season is complete for the year, but they came away with many accolades: Big North Conference All-Conference, Great Northwest Bowling Conference Dream Team, and Great Northwest Bowling Conference All-Conference. “A lot of people have had accomplishments. Recently [a member of the team] we call JJ hit almost a 300 16 // BGQ // May 2023

game,” Lane recalls. “My [favorite part] is when it gets really loud and high up in the energy. It gets [to be] a lot of fun.”

Lane isn’t the only one; Lucia Izaguirre has had many of the same experiences in the women’s division: “I think it’s fun, and I think people should do it. It’s worth it,” she claims. Izaguirre has been a member for two years and has had countless fun experiences with her teammates. “I learned a lot of techniques and oil patterns. It’s interesting. It’s just hard for the girls’ team to get new people,” she admits.

Between the men and women’s division, bowling can be a fun sport for all. Not only does it provide a place for students to gain social interaction, it also provides a sport that’s more inclusive than other sports such as football or basketball that are high in popularity that require tryouts or a selection process in order to join. The bowling team has never cut a member, and all members have gotten in that want to. Bowling is a sport for all, and doesn’t exclude. “People are nice and it’s a welcoming group,” Lane adds. He is looking forward to pursuing bowling beyond his high school years as well. “My brother joined the Ferris team, and I probably will [join] my first year at Ferris, too,” Lane remarks. While it does cost some money for things like jerseys and your own bowling ball, it is still worthwhile to check out. //

crossing the finish line

The legacy left behind by this year’s captains of the boys cross country team

by Bridget Belden staff writer Photo Courtesy of M. Bauer

Here at Central, the boy’s cross country team is a team-dependent sport, with three captains to help lead. “The seniors, for instance, contribute to leadership and teamwork [because] they all are in charge of groups on the team, so they have responsibilities in that way,” explains head coach Bryan Burns. For the captains, making sure their teammates feel comfortable and welcome is a key aspect in their duties. “[The captains] took it amongst themselves to just make sure everybody felt like they were part of the team,” Burns states.

It’s important for members of the team to have an environment where they can push each other and themselves to break physical and mental limits, “[We worked to build] a healthy, safe space for that group of guys to work and train,” says Bauer.

With such comradery developing from a supportive environment, team members not only develop themselves as athletes, but also form strong friendships that extend outside of cross country.

“I’ve definitely made a lot of friends on the team, but also friends from other teams,” shares captain Joe Muha. “I [also] have friends that have graduated years ago that I’m still really close with.”

Bauer expresses similar sentiments when thinking about the brotherhood he formed with some of his teammates. “This year, our group…of [the] top seven guys really got close and became a strong little tribe,” he explains.

Cross country serves as a major way to grow athletically and as a person, allowing members

of the team to develop lifelong skills. For captain Kyle Roeters, those skills were “not giving up,… determination, and just pushing others [and] making sure you get the best out of everyone,” he lists. Similarly, Bauer finds that “learning to be alone is super important…it’s so easy to never be alone nowadays,” he points out. “It really allows me time to process and just understand life and who I am and who I want to be, and I think for that reason, runners are some of the most mature people I know for their age.”

Being successful at cross country is not solely dependent on running ability. “I think people should do cross country because it really helps you push your mind past what you thought you were capable of…and you don’t have to be the fastest,” Bauer observes. This year, the hard effort of the boys cross country team paid off when they won regionals and earned second place in division one states. “We really get to see all the work that we put in and how we’re able to compete,” explains Muha. Bauer’s favorite part of the past cross country season has been going to states, “when it’s go-time and you’ve got to… show everybody that you have what it takes,” he reminisces.

For this year’s seniors, the cross country team has helped them become better at something they adore. Many hope that people will enjoy the sport as much as they do, because “it just makes you feel great,” concludes Muha. //

Photo Courtesy of J. Klug

A FASTBALL TO LOUISVILLE Josh Klug’s pitching prowess gains him a speedy recruitment to a D1 college

by Lucy Poppleton content editor Josh Klug was recruited before he even threw a pitch in a high school game. Despite Klug being unable to play his freshman year due to COVID cancellations, the University of Louisville recruited him during the winter of his sophomore year.

“I was trying to get recruited for catching, and then I realized I could actually pitch pretty well, so I decided to throw some videos out there, and then colleges started reaching out,” Klug recalls.

“I went to a couple of camps, and [eventually] Louisville reached out.”

Klug has been playing baseball since he was six years old. “When I was little, I think baseball was always just a fun thing to do,” reminisces Klug, “But now…it’s more competitive, and [I have] more to focus [on].” Since then, Klug has grown to appreciate the sport and how it has impacted him. His parents and his brothers—especially his oldest brother Paul—have supported him along the journey. “[Paul] has been there since day one for me, and he’s always wanted the best for me,” says Klug. “He’s brought me to be who I am today.” Additionally, baseball has taught him skills like “patience, discipline, and teamwork,” which have played a huge role in his future as he continues his baseball journey into college.

Because the 2020 season was canceled for COVID, Klug has played for Central’s baseball team since sophomore year and has been on varsity every year since. His favorite memory?

Winning districts last season as a team. “Even though we lost the next game, it was just really fun to win with all the boys,” exclaims Klug. The friendships that Klug has formed with his baseball 18 // BGQ // May 2023

teammates—the boys—are a huge part of why he enjoys the sport.

In terms of his future, Klug has been committed to play baseball for Louisville, an NCAA Division 1 school consistently within the Top 25 rankings, since his sophomore year. Klug played travel ball for the Grand Rapids Diamonds, and Louisville found out about him through this coach. “[The recruiting process] all happened in like a span of two weeks, so it happened really fast,” explains Klug. Once he arrives, Klug will join former travel teammate and TC West alum Wyatt Danilowicz on the Louisville baseball team. “He’s been my friend for a long time. [Wyatt] and I have been super tight. I still talk to him to this day, and I’ll be talking to him next year and for the next three years,” says Klug. While at Louisville, Klug plans to major in business and is excited to play baseball at an ultra competitive level.

Beyond baseball, Klug also played varsity football for Central. Though his senior season was cut short because of an injury, Klug still had a lot of fun. His most memorable experience was when Central won the Patriot Game. “That was a really fun time because it came down to the wire,” he recalls, but Central pulled off the win. Klug is looking forward to this spring’s baseball season— his final season. “I think we [have] a great team this year. We want to make a good run in [the] playoffs, too,” concludes Klug. “I’m excited!” //

Photo Courtesy of Traverse City Central Wrestling FaceBook Page

on the mat with dutch Dutch Ballan reflects on his accomplishments and achievements on Central’s wrestling team

by Daniel Schmidt & Isaiah Johnston staff writer

Central is renowned for its outstanding wrestling program, and one of its star wrestlers is Dutch Ballan. He has been a member of the team for the past four years. When Ballan started at Central, he immediately joined because the team was known for its rigorous training, and Dutch was excited to be a part of it. He worked hard and trained every day, pushing himself to be the best wrestler he could be. “I actually got into wrestling because my older brother Damien was wrestling.

And I asked my dad if I could do it, and I was five or six years old [at the time]. He let me do it, and I fell in love with the sport and just continued it,’’ Ballan explains. His success on the wrestling team has not gone unnoticed. Ballan has won multiple scholarships to many colleges and plans to attend next fall. “Some of the colleges I plan on looking at are Cleary, Woldorf and Gannon,” he reveals.

But Ballan’s success is not just limited to the wrestling mat. He is also an excellent student, maintaining a high GPA while balancing his training schedule. The success of the wrestling program is not just limited to the athletes; the coaches and the community are also a vital part of the team’s (and Ballan’s) success.The community is passionate about wrestling, and they often show their support by attending matches, volunteering

their time, and donating to the program.

Being a wrestler does not come easily. “There’s a lot of challenges I had to overcome. Probably the most for me was my mindset,” Ballan admits.

“It’s a lot of pressure when you’re up. You just gotta have a strong mindset and not be afraid to lose and just give it your all.’’ This only gives us a glimpse of the many hardships that a wrestler like Ballan has had to face. He also explains what it means to work together and the benefits from it.

“Just being in that room together and us all working hard together, wrestling every day and pushing each other, I think that builds a brotherhood in the room, and it definitely does build a family in there,” says Ballan. “I’m just super thankful that I did choose wrestling. It came really easy to me.

And it was just definitely my passion.”

Ballan wouldn’t be who is without his wrestling experiences. “It’s made me a better person on the inside and out. I think I’ve got a lot of grit from it,” he reflects. Working hard to accomplish something is usually worth it in the end, no matter how long it takes to complete it. Overall, the Central wrestling team is a shining example of excellence, discipline, and hard work. The coaches, athletes, and community are all dedicated to achieving greatness both on and off the mat. //

Goals for the girls From club sports to school sports

by Trinity Whiteford staff writer Photo Courtesy of L. Jordan

Sports, especially in high school teams, tend to bring people together and allow them to create lifelong friendships and bonds between the team.

Within creating bonds, you also create unforgettable memories with the team and coaches.

Players like seniors Elizabeth Thaxton and Camille Rucker have put their all into the sport and are planning on finishing strong for their last season.

Both Thaxton and Rucker got their start playing soccer as kids. “I’ve been playing since I was little, and then I moved up here and played club and high school,” Thaxton recalls. Club soccer is like an All Star Team, meaning that it’s basically the “top performers” from multiple schools and multiple teams. Thaxton mentions that club soccer tends to be more competitive compared to high school soccer, “but I feel like I’ve created a closer bond with the high school team,” she reflects. Her biggest achievements are ones she shares with the team: “forming a good bond with teammates and getting good exercise,” Thaxton notes.

Much like Thaxton, Camille Rucker has also had a memorable soccer career. She has been playing since she was three years old and also started out with club soccer before moving up from there. “I played club up until I could play [in] high school,” Rucker says. “Club is definitely more time and insane dedication.” With all of her 20 // BGQ // May 2023

previous soccer experiences now under her belt, Rucker has had many personal successes and achievements, including “getting to know people better and also getting better at the sport,” she explains. “Our team really shares a special bond that I think most other teams don’t have.”

Besides bonding through team practices, Thaxton and Rucker have enjoyed triumphs over West, as well as excursions to other schools in various matches. “We just went this past weekend to Portage [and] got to stay with the team, which was really fun,” Thaxton recalls. “During club, we go all the time, but in high school, that was our first overnight [trip].”

For both teammates, joining Central’s soccer team was a no-brainer, especially with the close bonds they formed with their teammates. “I think that everybody’s really just kind and supportive, and we have a good year coming for sure,” Thaxton expresses. “It’s definitely worth joining the team because everybody’s really cool and just nice. The teams are just good.” Rucker advises newcomers or people considering joining the team to be bold and take the leap. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, and just know high school isn’t really as scary as it seems,” she elaborates. //

A Letter To Trojan Athletes To the Class of 2023 Well, you have finally made it to the end of your Senior Year! Now what?

Some of you are excited for the next chapter of your life, whether that is working, attending college, or taking a gap year to explore new things. But also remember, there are those who do not want this year to end because they are comfortable and do not like the unknown. Many of you I have seen or gotten to know well while walking the hallways, on the sports fields, or in my athletic training room for various injuries. I would not trade any of that experience. You are all important and special individuals. Each of you have talents that will carry you far in life, and you just need to make those talents shine each day.

The next chapter in your life will hold many new and exciting things - first real jobs, moving to a new town, maybe a new state, meeting new friends.

Embrace the new beginning because there is a whole world out there, and it needs new individuals with new ideas. Everyone of you will make an impact in this world in your own way. Use this opportunity to start over if you have struggled to make good choices or if you have strayed. Life after high school is a great new adventure full of exciting opportunities.

Choices will be the name of the game for the next chapter. You will choose who you want to be and what you become. For some, this is scary since you may not know what or who you want to be. That is okay; enjoy the process of figuring that out. The best roads are not always a straight path. Be the BEST YOU you can be. I am proud of you and your accomplishments.

Remember this one thing while you take your next adventure - YOU ARE A TROJAN FOR LIFE. Best of luck, CLASS of 2023!

Amy Ream - Athletic Trainer

CLASS OF 2023 POST-GRADUATION PLANS

Graphic Courtesy of: T. Whiteford

22 // BGQ // May 2023

ALMA COLLEGE

GAP YEAR

Hannah Abner Mckenzie McManus Reed Seabase

BilliJean Barnes Kadia Bielaczyc Augustus Chell Karena Feiger Cooper Norton Olivia Phillips Gavin Pilkington Adam Schroeder Ella Ulbrich

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY Marielle Brizard

BUTLER UNVERSITY Adella Bialik

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY Ethan Gould Ava Low

CLEMSON UNIVERSITY Peyton Barger Sophia Simon Claire Stachnik

COLLEGE OF THE ATLANTIC Megan Speers

COLORADO COLLEGE Amelia Werner

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY William Unger

COMPASS COLLEGE OF CINEMATIC ARTS Rebecka Bellaw

DOUGLAS J AVEDA INSTITUTE Alyssa Merchant

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Ora Arnold

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY Rylea Beamish Marin Boonstra Madison Bowman Alyssa Brien Kiley Carlton Christian Cikity-Talentino Christopher Fetty Brayden Halliday Catelyn Heethuis Lucia Izaguirre Sophia Janiga Paige LaMott Ella McCrary William Muha Abigail Null Grace Petkovsek Elijah Pszczolkowski Madalyn Sivier Isabella Zagunis

EPIPHANY ADVANCED EDUCATION ACADEMY

HAWAII PACIFIC UNIVERSITY

Abrielle Polmann

HOCKEY

EXCHANGE YEAR Mason Ulatowski

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY Julia Dean Macyn Emery Suzanne Kashata Brady Lane Evan O’Connor Joseph Rosingana

FIRE DEPARTMENT William Jackson

Ryan Stawski Koen Burkholder Owen Dawson Joaquin Del Core

HOPE COLLEGE

Avery Bills Isabella Covert Camryn Crosby Jonathan Dutmers Gabriel Seaver Lauren Stuart Phoebe Walker

KENDALL COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN Kaiden Frost

LAKE FOREST COLLEGE

NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE

Sophia Dafoe

MILITARY

Matthew Barbera Ford Brown Brendan Coffman Paul Davidson Lillian Duncan Greenly Galan Elizabeth Galbraith Grace Galbraith Isabella Gibson Isaac Gray Riley Greene Alexis Gutowski Josee Hanna Abigail Hill Nathan Hock Katie Koester Quinten Kombol Samuel Kroupa Alexandra Lewis Gabriel McBride Maximus Menchaca Isaac Miller Raelyn Miller Maren Milne Aaron Niedecken Kine Overholt Ashley Piper Elizabeth Robens Noah Send Chloe Stewart Tyrel Stott Trinity Stringer Derek Swanson Abigail Taft Elijah VanKleek Trinity Whiteford Peyton Zipser

Zachary Barnes Tyler Cooper Henry Roeters

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY Josef Meyer Scout Russell

MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY

PACE UNIVERSITY

LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE Grant Schmidt

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY Ryan Anderson Jaylen Asper Aidan Bembeneck Jack Bongiorno Cody Cox Lauren Dusseau Luke Farella Isabella Fochtman Ella Halligan Trey Harding Joe Hebert Peter Hetzel Kate McCrary Joseph Muha Meredith Nissley Cameron Peters Maya Riddle Kiley Ridenour Camille Rucker Greyson Spinniken Riley Van Horn Amara VanWagoner Kathryn Wade

MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY Spencer Cobb Carter DeBruyn Dominic Green Lucas Rodenroth Jacob Snover

Savannah Anderson Aili Brockmiller

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY Lauren Bavikatty

NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY Molly Myles 24 // BGQ // May 2023

Laurel Wade

PAUL MITCHELL THE SCHOOL SALT LAKE CITY Kaylee Kuhr

POLICE ACADEMY Grant Zelenskiy

SALT LAKE CITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Wyatt Dorman

SIENA HEIGHTS UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI

Rory Miller

Miles Smith

ST. CLAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH

Alyssa Bradt

Michael Beattie Carson Suttle

ST. MARY’S COLLEGE Ella Walter

ST. OLAF COLLEGE Anna Vollbrecht

SPRING ARBOR UNIVERSITY Sydney Rademacher

THE NEW SCHOOL Nevaeh Wharton

TRAVERSE CITY BEAUTY COLLEGE Autumn Galan

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE - ORLANDO Ashton Heath

UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT MERCY Andrew Choate Ashton Putney

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY Annahbel Ketko

UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE Josh Klug

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS BOSTON Lily Anderson

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Ethan Gerber Erin Hagerty Delaney Holmes Elizabeth Julian Amelia Naperala Reese Owens Emmet Payette Lola Reimers Lucy Smith Roger Stobert Elliot VanderRoest Kathleen Venhuizen Maci Wilcox

UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT Audrey Gollan

WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY Quinn Thomas

WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY Lily Briggs

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY Evangeline Converse Evan Endres Anastasiia Hrukach Mary Palamara Halli Warner

WORK Vanessa Bermudez-McCoy Jay Brown William Cook Aubrey Flores Johnny Gomez Youpeng Gu Adele Hilton Stephanie MacKinnon Owen Meyer Hanna Montague Breeana Ormsbee Andrew Parker Tayah Peckham Benjamin Rice Caylin Sell Kaitlin Shier Rachael Skrzypczak Xavier Sweeney Grace Verhoeven Grant Wormell

UNDECIDED Kyle Roeters Daniel Schmidt

How d deal w o you ith st ress?

“I deal with stress by taking breaks, talking to my therapist and my mom, and sometimes avoiding work.” - Evangeline Converse

“I don’t.” - Bella Gibson

uld If you co as a mal i n a y n a have ou y d l u o w pet, what ? choose

“A chinchilla.” - Molly Myles 26 // BGQ // May 2023

“Probably a monkey. Or a big lizard, like a komodo dragon.” - Greyson Spinniken

WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU DURING HIGH SCHOOL? “All the experiences put together. I feel like it [all] really helped prepare me for what’s to come in my future. The most important things are the lessons I learned, and if you try your best, you’ll get places, and you can accomplish anything if you really put your mind to it.” - Kathryn Wade

“I used to be antisocial and not wanting to talk to anyone. Walking through the hallways, whenever someone tried to talk to me or made eye contact with me, I would look down at my phone. The biggest, most important thing that happened was the change of mindset that I had. Instead of thinking, ‘No one wants to talk to me, everyone’s doing their own thing,’ I changed my mindset and just tried to be a positive light within the school. I hope a lot of people know that there’s a lot of friendly people in this school, and the only way that you’re going to meet someone is if you start to initiate conversations.” - Henry Roeters

Advocating for our Community

Photos Courtesy of W. Unger

Will Unger has been a trailblazer in mental health and youth advocacy, allowing him to unlock a passion for government and law

by Bridget Belden staff writer Throughout his last four years, Will Unger has worked to help support his peers and de-stigmatize mental illness. This year, while working on creating a mental health space in the library, Unger helped start the group Trojans Unite, with the goal of creating a mental health support group at CHS. Though he helps advocate for mental health in the We Fight Youth Action Council within the Good Works Lab, Unger finds that Trojans Unite, “is a lot more doing instead of just talking about what we should do, so it’s very direct and effective.” However, the Good Works Lab also offers him opportunities to pursue his passions. “[The] Good Works Lab has given me a connection to the broader community. I’ve made connections with people from state level mental health organizations, and I’ve gotten job offers and internships through people who I’ve met through Good Works Lab,” explains Unger. “It has allowed me to explore other areas of government as well.”

Outside of the Trojans Unite and the We Fight Movement, Unger pursues his interests in advocating for mental health in other ways like writing an op-ed for the local Record Eagle. Through this work, Unger has awakened another passion, “Good Works Lab…We Fight Movement…that kind of fostered my interest in politics and government,” expresses Unger. Besides mental health advocacy, Unger also found interest with politics and government through working with Norte. “I also got more involved with Norte as an organization, and through that, that’s what made me realize that I enjoy the governmental and advocacy side of 28 // BGQ // May 2023

things,” explains Unger.

Unger plans to attend Columbia University in New York City, where he aspires to major “in either English or human rights on a pre-law track…I want to go to law school afterwards,” Unger lists. He plans to pursue a future “in human rights or civil rights law, and then potentially transition to politics.” Unger is looking forward to the classes and traditions of Columbia campus. “I am really excited for my freshman year literature class which is…one of their most famous classes: Literature Humanities. I’m [also] really excited for the tree lighting ceremony…and then also just getting to go to concerts and stuff like that around the city,” adds Unger.

Adding on to his wide array of interests, Unger also plays percussion for the CHS jazz band and plans to continue at college. “Columbia has a jazz ensemble that I’m thinking about joining, but there’s jazz clubs all over New York City, and…they do what’s called a jam session…[that] start at midnight and end at four am, so I can just show up and play with some of the best musicians in New York,” he mentions.

As he leaves CHS, Unger feels that his largest accomplishments have been “installing the mental health space…and seeing mental health being talked about,” says Unger. Looking forward, Unger cannot wait for his college experience: “I really love New York City, just all of the music opportunities and the cultural epicenter that it is, and also just getting the best education,” reflects Unger. //

Photos Courtesy of S. Russell

Leaving Central on a Good Note How the saxophone contributes to Scout Russell’s musicality and personality

by Liam Faunce staff writer The saxophone. Most of us know of it as a single-reeded woodwind instrument with its conical body originating from jazz. But now it’s used for any genre of music, and it’s commonly used in band. Meet Scout Russell, who has played the saxophone in TCAPS bands since 6th grade. She enjoys creating her own music, as most musicians need to enjoy it if they want to master the art of music-making.

“I don’t sing much,” Russell clarifies. “But I love to make music with my friends, and I use garageband all the time and things like that. I can play any kind of saxophone…I can also sort of play the clarinet and a little piano and a little drums and a little flute,” she lists. “I would love to learn more about brass instruments in general because I don’t really know much about them and [I’m] trying to be more well-rounded.”

Playing an instrument also takes knowledge to carry around if you really want to pursue it. “[I plan to carry the knowledge of playing saxophone] as much as I can,” Russell says. “The goal is to either double major or minor in jazz studies.”

No matter what instrument you choose, you’re going to become wise about an industry that doesn’t specifically need people born with talent.

All you have to do is practice. “[The saxophone is] definitely more significant in the jazz band,” Russell explains. “Because it’s sort of a lead voice. But in terms of the band program, I would say it sort of just keeps harmonies together and provides nice

balance. [The saxophone is] definitely not [hard to play]. I think anyone can play it.” Practice doesn’t have to be taken to the extreme if needed to do other things. “I try to practice every day but that’s not really an attainable goal so I would say four to five times a week,” Russell notes.

Sometimes, listening to musicians that match the instruments you play can inspire new ways of thinking about music. “I really love Charlie Parker,” says Russell. “He’s my favorite jazz saxophone player. [Along with] Sonny Stitt and John Coltrane.”

When it comes to classical musicians, “I love to listen to Marcel Mule, who is also a famous saxophone player that I really like. I [also] think I’m more into ‘back-then’ music because I understand the art form a lot better. It’s nice to play music and…to listen to other people play it and try to emulate their sound. I just love to listen to things like that,” she gushes.

Russell finds that the hardest thing about being a senior is staying motivated. But at the same time, she advises that you don’t lose focus. “You can do it, just keep with it. Don’t give up before the end. It’s a marathon and you’re on mile 26, so don’t stop running,” she suggests. Also, there will be those final, golden moments for upcoming seniors. Russell’s was playing with the all state jazz band: “You get to bond with people in every grade all over the school,” Russell explains. “And you enter alone, but you leave with a whole group of support behind you.” //

STARRING: KADIA BIELACZYC

Kadia Bielaczyc shares her experiences on the stage

Photo Courtesy of: S. Piedmonte

by Liam Faunce staff writer

Being an actor takes certain skills. And no, it’s not just acting. Singing is one of those talents some have to develop in order to get certain roles.

As for Kadia Bielaczyc, who plays The Witch in this year’s musical Into the Woods, her choir experiences were very influential in getting the part. ZYC “[The best part of being in a choir] I’d say is the people and the family you make,” Bielaczyc explains. “Most of my best friends are in choir, and that’s how I met them, so it’s really sweet to have that connection.”

Also for Into the Woods-the show spanning a whopping two hours and 45 minutes-it took a lot of difficulty and perseverance to perform her role. “[The hardest thing to do was] probably memorizing my lines,” Bielaczyc acknowledges, “because there are quite a few of them. There [was] a lot going on.”

That being said, Bielaczyc is very flexible in the more artistic fields. “I think [art] aids a lot in self expression,” says Bielaczyc. “And also just learning about yourself in general. I think [art is] very good for figuring out who you are.”

In terms of acting and singing, “I think having a little bit of natural talent is really helpful, but most of the time, it’s just perseverance and hard work. I think anyone can sing or act. You just have to put in a lot of time and be dedicated to your craft,” she points out.

Being in these artistic roles can also help shape your future and decide how to use these skills,

30 // BGQ // April 2023

whether it be for fun or education. For Bielaczyc, it’s both. “This year for my choir, we did a combined choir performance with West High School working on a commissioned piece by Jacob Narverud, who’s a composer, and that was really a lot of fun,” she elaborates. “We did that at Interlochen, and that was a really cool experience that I think I’ll remember forever.”

Bielaczyc is thinking of pursuing acting or singing as a career.

“I’m taking a gap year this year, but I’m hoping to… go to college to pursue something in music,” she says.

When it comes to her interests and inspirations for theater, Bielaczyc has many. “I like Samara Weaving from Ready or Not. She’s really amazing,” she gushes. “I [also] love Taylor Swift because of her lyrics, they touch people, they are awesome.

I’m also a really big Pitbull fan, like if you ever need to party.” Her family is also crucial to her successes. “My parents probably inspire me the most,” says Bielaczyc. “My mom is very inspirational. Just ‘follow your dreams’ and all that.”

As she departs Central, Bielaczyc has some advice she wishes someone had told her as a freshman: “Take more advantage of the opportunities, like audition for more things, put myself out there more. I think I could have found a love for singing and acting and all that a little bit quicker, had I stepped out of my comfort zone.” //

the final bow

Simon Utterback discusses the powerful impact choir had on him during his high school years Photo Courtesy of: A. Shotwell

by Shelbi Merchant staff writer

Simon Utterback has been a crucial member of our school’s choir department for the past few years after transferring here from West during the pandemic. He has taken on many leadership roles, such as participating in the choir council, acting as a music librarian, and being the section leader for the tenors and Choral-Aires. But he wasn’t always on the top. He had to work hard just like everyone else.

During the sixth grade, Utterback switched from band to choir, where he discovered his passion for singing. Other outside influences have also inspired and fueled Utterback’s interest, including his own mother. “I hear her singing a lot,” Utterback mentions. “I’ve always wanted to sound like her.”

Utterback’s fascination in performing also sprouted from musical artists, specifically the atmosphere in which bands interact during concerts. “Seeing that in person influenced me to want to do something similar,” he describes.

One of the most memorable performances of Utterback’s career was his most recent concert in March, where he and several other choirs performed an original piece composed by Jacob Narverud titled “Peace Flows.” Central, West and the middle schools performed the song together at Interlochen Center for the Arts. Narverud wrote the piece specifically for TCAPS, and according to Utterback, this commission had been in the works for quite a long time. “He [Narverud] came to Traverse City and put his input on everything because he knew how it was supposed to sound,” Utterback comments. “I think that was the best part.”

Utterback’s performing skills have also been

proven prominent with his participation in local musicals. In freshman year, he took his theater debut as a part of the chorus for Fiddler on the Roof.

Utterback has been able to connect his experience in choir to working in musical, taking what he has learned and applying it to his role as the Narrator in Central’s production of Into The Woods this year. “Everything I’ve learned from choir needs to be used in [the] musical,” he explains. According to Utterback, stage presence has been a huge carryover between the two arts. “You don’t want your audience to know you’re nervous,” Utterback remarks. Whenever experiencing stage fright, Utterback reminds himself that he is “there for a reason and people want to see [him] perform.”

Utterback thinks anyone considering joining choir should take the jump because they will not regret it. “It gave me a sense of community when I felt like I didn’t have one,” he highlights. “The people you meet in choir are just special.” Choir helped him outside of the classroom as well, as he gained lifelong friends and learned more about teamwork and communicating with others effectively. He also recognized the struggles for newcomers and their fears of not succeeding in a way they hoped. “The skills that you grow do not happen overnight, and it’s really easy to say you want to quit,” he adds. Nonetheless, Utterback encourages anyone thinking about participating in choir to follow their heart and use the class as an opportunity to grow: “Just keep at it, [and] people will start to respect you for doing something you’re passionate about.”//

Orchestrating her Future Hannah Abner’s orchestral trek through the years

by Kristen May content editor Photo Courtesy of: T. Whiteford

Hannah Abner started to play in the orchestra during her sixth grade year. “I played the violin… [and] just kept going,” Abner describes. She has experienced so many fun memories during her time in the orchestra. Abner has also found that as time goes on, she’s really seen her own talents mature, along with her fellow string players.

“Watching my own abilities grow and everyone around me grow…it’s been really awesome,” Abner reflects.

It’s been difficult for Abner to juggle all of the different activities she has. With school, the soccer team, and orchestra, her schedule is filled to the brim. “[The question is] how am I going to manage school…and sports and practice… [and] the management of it, too. I think it’s just a time balance thing,” Abner concedes. “It’s prioritizing and knowing what has to get done in different areas of my life.” However, learning how to juggle varying activities and hobbies is a useful tool that can help people throughout their whole life.

Abner has formed so many connections with

32 // BGQ // May 2023

her fellow musicians over the years. “I’ve definitely made friendships,” she remarks. “Some of these people I’ve been playing with since sixth grade, so it’s cool, like growing as a class…it’s just something different that brings people together.” Central’s orchestra plays together every day, and it’s amazing how once the group gets in sync, the more beautiful it sounds. Abner enjoys playing a lot of different pieces but especially likes any songs that come from movies or plays, as they’re “always fun because they’re always recognizable,” she explains. There’s also the concerts to look forward to during the year. “[I] always enjoy our holiday concerts because we always play fun Christmas carols and recognizable songs,” Abner shares. “Those are always fun to do. The audience always likes them.”

Abner has learned a lot over the years and has made many memories during her time playing in Central’s orchestra. She plans to attend Alma next year to play soccer and is also going to join the school’s orchestra as well: “It’s just another aspect of who I am and what I do.” //

Looking Through the Lens Carson Suttle’s side hustle leads to success

by Sam Elkins content editor

The clicking of a camera is a sound very familiar to Carson Suttle.

He has spent most of his high school career snapping pictures all across TC. “Never delete your photos, and take way more photos than you anticipate. You never want to delete something good, and you never want to miss something great,” Suttle advises. He attended the majority of the football games too, snapping cool pictures of the team’s victories and losses. “Being in the student section with all my friends is really fun, and a good opportunity for some cool action shots,” he comments.

Suttle isn’t just a Central photographer, however; he also spends time doing outside freelance work as well. “Portraits, weddings, families, seniors, stuff like that is fun. I also love action shots, mainly of skiing,” he lists. Suttle plans to incorporate photography in his future while going to University of Utah after high school and intends to pursue a photography-based side job throughout the rest of his life. “I’ll continue my photography career through [and after] college, but it won’t be my sole career, for now it’s a great side job.” Suttle is known throughout the community as a great photographer, and throughout Central.

Suttle looks forward to photographing in the future, and reflects on his most meaningful moments in photography. “Being able to go out and capture moments of beauty and sharing it with everyone means a lot to me.” //

Photos Courtesy of: C. Suttle

HOLMES: ART’S FUTURE Central’s National Arts Honors Society president shares his biggest influences and inspirations as an artist

by Davis Peterson staff writer

Photo Courtesy of: D. Holmes

When you first see Dee Holmes, it’s not hard to tell he’s an artist, and an awesome one at that.

The artist community in Central is bustling, and that’s largely because of Holmes, who serves as the president of the National Art Honors Society.

Holmes is a senior at Central whose brilliant art captivates his thoughts, feelings, and energy into collages featuring references to not only his own life, but also to pop culture.

The National Art Honors Society has had a presence in the art community of the United States for over 40 years, but it’s just now making a splash at Central. Holmes is at the helm of the operation, with the current project being the painting of the bathrooms at Central in order to encourage a kinder environment.

Holmes has shared an affinity with the medium of painting and drawing since he was young, giving him time to master his craft. He is also experimenting with AP 3D Art this year, working with designing digitally and physically. “Drawing or painting, that’s what I’ve done most of my life, but I’m taking AP 3D Art this year, which is really fun, sculpting clay,” Holmes shares. His personality shines through his art, making it feel incredibly relatable, reminiscent of something or some feeling that you used to know.

When you talk to Holmes, you can tell he has an authentic passion for his craft. “I don’t really know what I would be without art,” Holmes ex34 // BGQ // May 2023

plains. “Some people want to go to school to get jobs that make tons of money, but that just doesn’t sound appealing to me.” Instead, “I want to focus on what I actually enjoy doing. I don’t know what I’d be doing if I wasn’t doing art.”

Holmes cites his largest inspirations as musicians David Bowie and Freddie Mercury, as “they really paved the way for creatives in the modern day,” exclaims Holmes. Much like David Bowie and Freddie Mercury, Holmes has impeccable taste, to which he credits social media and the ever growing world of internet subcultures. “[I have] a certain niche of people I look up to and follow on social media. Pinterest is a big influence, not only in my style, but just for coming up with ideas of what to draw,” he elaborates.

With the senior year coming to a close, Holmes recollects his time at Central. A fonder moment in the stress of everyday school life arises: “AP Gov. Mock Congress: I don’t know what it is about it, but I was involved last year and volunteered to help this year,” he adds. “I loved being able to do it with all my friends.” Plus, high school has really made an impact on Holmes’ artistry moving forward: “I feel like my art is really coming into its own,” he concludes. Holmes plans to enroll in the Rhode Island School of Design where he wants to continue pursuing the arts to convey his mind’s eye. //

PROGRAMMING HIS FUTURE The Raptors’ lead programmer looks back on his high school career

by Daniel Schmidt staff writer

Photo Courtesy of: G. Seaver

Central has a rich history of academic excellence, athletic success, and community involvement. It serves as a pillar of the Traverse City community, providing a high-quality education to students from all walks of life. Senior Gabriel Seaver is one of many graduates who has remained dedicated to his studies. He has maintained a 4.88 GPA throughout high school. With a passion for robotics and programming that is evident in every aspect of his life, Seaver is a shining example of what it means to be a well-rounded and accomplished young person today. But perhaps one of Seaver’s most impressive accomplishments is his scholarship for the Achievement of Excellence award that he received this year from the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation.

With all of his achievements, it is clear that Seaver is an exceptional young person who is destined for great things. As Seaver grew older, he continued to hone his skills in both programming and robotics. He has been a member of Central’s robotics team since his freshman year, and he is currently the lead programmer. “I did robotics in elementary school, but it hadn’t been on my mind for years,” Seaver admits. “I’ve been a programmer for a very long time. So, I got into robotics with the hopes of meeting other programmers and learning how to program better.” Some of his best memories at Central have been with the robotics team and competing together. “One of my favorite mo-

ments was when we won the competition at West, and then we won the chairman’s award. Another big one was going to Houston for the Worlds event,” he recalls.

Thinking back on his experiences at Central, Seaver reflects on other positive experiences as a high schooler. “I really enjoyed it. Being in high school rather than middle school for one thing....

I sat outside under a tree in the courtyard, outside the cafeteria, and I just remember thinking how grateful I was to be outside eating,” Seaver remarks. High school can be a scary thought for most incoming freshmen or current freshmen, and other schools might not prepare them for what high school is like. But hearing words from a senior might just boost their confidence when coming into freshman year. “Think about your future.

Make your decisions… it’s good to make sure that your work aligns with your goals,” Seaver adds. “It doesn’t always mean studying 20 hours a week and being the best student at school.”

As Seaver prepares to graduate from Central, he is looking forward to pursuing his future goals and study pre-med, with the eventual goal of becoming a doctor. He plans to attend Hope College. “I’m excited to graduate and move on to college. Socially and personally, I’m very nervous,” Seaver acknowledges, “and I know I’ll really miss my friends, but I think I’m about as close to being ready as I could ever be.” //

THE NATIONAL GUARD’S NEWEST MEMBER

Zach Barnes shares his beliefs and decisions leading up to enlisting

by Isaiah Johnston staff writer Not all people consider this career straight out of high school, but for Zach Barnes, he’s wanted to serve in the military for a long time. “My family has always been in the military,’’ Barnes shares. “My grandfather served in Vietnam, and he never tells his stories. He never talks about it. When I brought up the fact that I [planned to] join the military, he was like, ‘it’s your choice. You can do whatever you want to.’” Additionally, his uncle and many distant relatives also served. “ It’s pushed me to follow [in] his footsteps, in a sense, because he was an 82nd Airborne Green Beret, top of his class. He was the outstanding soldier that you were inspired to be,” Barnes elaborates.

Ultimately, Barnes chose to join the National Guard. “People like to [join] the National Guard because they’re called ‘weekend soldiers.’ They only do it one weekend a month, and I believe two weekends in the summer,” Barnes explains.

There are many similarities, though, between the National Guard and other military branches. “[The] National Guard still goes under deployments and everything. They still have to go through boot camp. It’s just different times of what you do now in active duty. You instantly get shipped off to either a military base or an overseas military base, and you’re there until either your contract expires or they decide to move you,’’ Barnes notes.

Barnes sees many benefits from being in the military. “I think one of my biggest takeaways from the military is probably the discipline that comes along with it, because that’s one thing 36 // BGQ // May 2023

Photo Courtesy of: Z. Barnes

every branch has really in common. They’re all disciplined beyond normal human civil life. If you compare a soldier to a civilian, the discipline is going to be unmatched,” says Barnes.

As someone who selected a different postsecondary plan, Barnes’ high school experiences didn’t completely influence his decision to join the military. “Most of our counselors say, ‘go to college’ or ‘go to trade school.’ And I personally don’t think that’s the only route,” Barnes asserts. “I mean, I’m going a different route because that’s what I chose.’’ When it comes to high school experiences, Barnes faced many ups and downs. “I feel like being part of a team especially is one of the really good things about high school and just being able to try sports and stuff like that,” he reflects. “I think one of my lowest points was probably junior year around the SATs. Your junior year is your hardest year, and then you get slammed with SATs on top of your exams and everything, and it’s probably one of the most difficult years.’’

Although he hasn’t graduated yet, he knows where he’s headed. “I’m going to Fort Beddings in Georgia. My first ten weeks will be straight boot camp. They’re going to push you mentally and physically just to see how far you will go and if you can push yourself that extra mile or that extra step,” Barnes remarks. He has many goals for himself moving forward, including achieving the title of army ranger. As he starts on his path towards infantry and becoming an army ranger, Barnes wants to continue following in his family’s footsteps. //

TAKING A GAMBLE ON eSPORTS Jacob Snover on making one of Central’s newest clubs from a dream to reality

by Sam Elkins content editor While traditional sports like basketball, football, and soccer have been the norm for high school students, Jacob Snover took a different path and decided to create an esports team. His passion for gaming made him realize the potential for esports could be just as competitive and rewarding as traditional sports. “[ESports] all started because we wanted to play Rocket League. It’s evolved a lot, it started with just me and a couple buddies as leadership. And now I’ve got freshmen and tons of people who are a part of it and it’s grown monumentally,” Snover states. It began when Snover and some friends were originally talking about Rocket League and watching some matches in Mr. Heethuis’ classroom. Finally, Heethuis played a few matches with Snover after school, and ESports was born. A team quickly assembled to play games and have fun in a competitive school environment, led solely by the students.

As the club evolved, so did Snover’s leadership skills. He faced challenges he wasn’t used to, because as the founder of the club, no one before him had faced the exact same issues. He had to deal with popularity, popularity decline, interest, and loss of interest all at the same time, but Snover still led the club to many victories and beating teams that were thought to be out of their league.

“I don’t know if you’re familiar with the Rockford Rams, they have a really good esports program.

They have around three dedicated ESports labs in their school and they have a good chunk of their school dedicated to ESports,” he shares. Snover led our team to a victory over Rockford. The computers they used at the time were old and not that great for gaming. Within the past month, Snover

Photo Courtesy of: M. Heethuis

was able to help update each of the desktops in the Pub to true gaming PCs and gave the ESports team the equipment they could have only dreamt of in their original founding.

The team has been a great gift for Snover too, not only with the friends made and fun had, but also for his future. “I have a tryout date for Michigan Tech’s Overwatch team, and I’ve been looking there because I’m looking for an engineering school and they are really good at that,” he shares.

Snover has already made plans to get to know some of the members when he gets up there and even has been offered a scholarship for his leadership of Centrals Esports team.

Snover’s biggest advice for Central students is to get involved. “A lot of people in the high school level get a lot caught up in the grades, and they spend a lot of their time on that. My advice would be to join a club, whether that’s esports related or not,” Snover advises. “It could be the track team, it could be, just join a community. Get yourself in a community. You’ll have people to go off probably the rest of your life.”

Although he has to leave the team behind, Snover has already trained his replacement. “It’ll give them the opportunity to do the things that I did. I don’t necessarily need my name on it, it’s not my personal project. It’s just a thing I started that I hope the community takes care of when I leave,” Snover reflects. “I was obviously able to do a lot, whether that was setting up the lab or a whole lot of things for the club. I was just a start for future success.” //

H

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT? “My heart, probably. It’s one of the organs that I have. My brain is also pretty important to me.” - Evan Stegenga

our y s i t a h W hool c s h g i h biggest ? pet peeve

“Lots of workload. No one has time for that.” - Rachael Skrzypczak 38 // BGQ // April 2023

“Unnecessary rules, especially for seniors.

It’s usually just a waste of time, like putting phones in the sleeves. I don’t use my phone during class, but it just annoys me that I have to do that just because a bunch of underclassmen use their phones in class.”

- Emmet Payette

d How woul h eac e b i r c s e you d hool c s h g i h year of d? r o w e n o in

“Freshman year: New Sophomore year: Comfortable Junior year: Developmental Senior year: Last Leg” - Ian Elder

WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE THING FROM HIGH SCHOOL? “This one bus driver I had that was horrible everyday. She would scream at people just for having their foot in the aisle, because ‘Oh, I can’t see the back window!’ when she was 70 years old and didn’t have the eyesight to see that back window anyways.”

- Jacob Liss

“Freshman year: Scary Sophomore year: Interesting Junior year: Tough Senior year: Fun” - Ethan Gould

meet the staff

Editor-in-Chief

Elizabeth Phillips ‘24

Content Editor

Content Editor

Kristen May ‘24

Lucy Poppleton ‘24

Content Editor

Graphics Editor

Sam Elkins ‘24

40 // BGQ // May 2023

Eliana Hermel ‘25

Staffer

Davis Peterson ‘24

Staffer

Staffer

Shelbi Merchant ‘26

Staffer

Isaiah Johnston ‘26

Evie Nowicki ‘24

Staffer

Staffer

Bridget Belden ‘26

Liam Faunce ‘26

2

T + D = The BGQ 2023 Seniors Dear BGQ, If I’m being honest, I’ve started writing this goodbye letter to BGQ and Central about ten times. And every time, I’ve hated it more and more because that’s not how I wanna write this. Being asked to write something specific for a class you love can be a challenge. You’d be ecstatic, but that’s probably not the bang you wanna go out with your senior year. I also didn’t want to make it the same “My favorite part of highschool was….” format, So I decided on this as a mini compromise.

That being said, high school for me started off with my parents trying to mold me into something academically fitting, someone that colleges would love. Meaning no grades below a C+ and a solid 3.0. Well, let’s just say that’s not what happened.

I was fine for maybe a year doing exactly what they asked, but soon my 3.0 went to a 2.0 to then a 1.0 and even below that. Around that time, my life started changing rapidly, but there was one thing that stayed constant the whole time: Newspaper class. It wasn’t the class that I fell in love with, but the way it was so easy to make friends and communicate with everyone in the group. The more time I spent in that class the more fun I had, but then I started not writing or interviewing anyone on time. That continued for a solid year, and I managed to put out all my stories that year, but barely.

I continued failing, and although normal teachers would basically shun you and demand their assignments to be done or they were permanent zeros, Ms. Roskelley was more than willing to give me something else to work on that would save my grade in the class. It was then I became a graphics editor for the BGQ. I loved that for a while, but once again, I started slacking and failing. Still, Ms. Roskelley continued to give me unique, sometimes out of whack stories to write because she knew it’d keep me interested.

Meeting some of the best and closest friends I still have in my senior year, and my boyfriend I met through the BGQ was the best part of those years I struggled in. This year, I decided to maybe partake in the class, and everyone was baffled at the fact that I wanted to actually do my work, Roskelley included. Now I’m trying to show everyone (lower classmen especially) that it’s not about the end result of high school: it’s about all the struggles you went through to get here. Between the academic stress and finding yourself as a person, you’re pretty much struggling to keep your head above water for most of high school. I think that’s pretty universal for most of us.

So if I had one thing to say to freshmen or future high schoolers at Central it’d be this; Don’t worry about getting accepted into a college right away; live in the moment. Don’t waste your time stressing and panicking about school or late assignments because although it’s important, it’s not worth your time in the long run. In the end, all the work you’ve done will pay off but you’ll have a lot more fun doing it that way. And lastly, as a wise man once told me; make the most of your high school years, and keep the friends you have for as long as you can because as scary as it seems once your high school career ends, if you’re one of the lucky ones, you’ll have enough friends to count each one of your fingers once.

Good luck, Trinity Whiteford 42 // BGQ // May 2023

Dear future writers, At the beginning of my senior year, I was introduced to a writing class known as the Black and Gold Quarterly. I joined the class because I was short an elective. I thought it was a normal English class, but I was mistaken. Walking into the room for the first time, I only saw a small group of students. I was welcomed by all of them, and we got right into talking about what was expected.

It is now almost the end of my senior year, and I have learned so many skills that have influenced me to become more open to what I want to do in the future. My favorite and most memorable part of this class is getting to know the talented writers who have shown me that hard work pays off. I have become more motivated and determined with my work as a writer, no matter what the topic of my article is. Before joining this class, I was never confident to share my work with my friends because they didn’t take my writing seriously. Even in a normal English class, my writing was viewed like everyone else’s. Spending almost a whole year here, every student in BGQ has a unique way of writing, and each of them share something different.

Ms. Roskelley is not like any other teacher I have ever encountered. She has a kind personality and holds a lot of patience for her students. She has helped me the most throughout this new experience and believes I can do great things with more practice. The only thing that has ever made me stressed in this class is the deadlines for finaling. We have plenty of time to finish up our articles, so the stress feels more like suspense. The flexibility and support in this class is more than deserved, and I wish I could go back in time to discover this class much sooner.

Even though writing may not be my main job in the future, I will always write and use my sources to further my professionality. I hope to study journalism abroad, tying in culture with my writing, as well as using poetry to write lyrics for my personal hobby of singing. As I count down my final days of being a part of Central, I will hold on to everything I have learned and keep close contact with the people who have made my year constructive. Thank you, BGQ, for helping me become more comfortable in what I love to do. I will share what I have learned to others I meet on my way to success.

Lots of hugs, Trinity Stringer Dear Central, Hello! Being in this class for both the first and last time this year, I can’t really write about it that much, but I can say my experience in the class has been great. During the summer before my senior year, I never really thought about the school’s magazine, but it sparked my interest. I love my fellow classmates, and I never thought I would enjoy writing articles. Something I can say is that when writing, you shouldn’t slack off, and you should always be ahead of the schedule. I’m glad I could be in this class!

Sincerely, Daniel Schmidt