THE DAY TIMES
THE GRAND OPENING
THE LONG AWAITED DCDS FILM STUDIO OPENS
by
WITH A DONATION from Board of Trustees member Danialle Karmanos, Detroit Country Day School was able to debut never-seen-before technology unmatched by any high school in the nation.
The Studios combines three spaces: the XR Studio, seen with the same technology as The Las Vegas Sphere; The Pod, a podcast/vodcast studio; and The Lab, a virtual reality lab. The Studios looks to provide unique and valuable opportunities to students at Detroit Country Day School.
Kerry Birmingham, Director of Communications and Strategic Marketing, has high hopes for how students can revolutionize their learning experience with this new space.
“The new technology allows film students to create projects anywhere in the world and beyond. Whether it is in the city of Paris or the bottom of the ocean, the XR studio allows students to be fully immersed in the three-dimensional experience that a regular green screen cannot accomplish,” said Birmingham.
The Studios give aspiring storytellers access to Hollywood-level technology. However, Birmingham emphasizes that this space is not limited to the film program. The Studios is a space for all students PK-3 to grade 12 to showcase their knowledge in a new and unique way.
As an example, Birmingham described the eighth grade Detroit Revolutionary Trail project. “Imagine the eighth graders being able to utilize this space to take people into the streets of Detroit as they walk through their trail,” she said.
Birmingham anticipates that this space will inspire students to engage with new technology and challenge their boundaries on how to present the knowledge they learn.
Similarly, Head of School Richard Dempsey highlights the broad ways that the new spaces could be used.
The innovation lab provides access to certain technologies that won’t be found in a typical classroom. The space features the latest in software, the latest in artificial intelligence, and data in virtual reality. With the podcast room, students can express themselves by choosing a topic that interests them and discuss it with others.
“The Karmanos family as well as the administrators at Detroit Country Day School see the vision of having a space that is current with modern technology. We hope The Studios can serve as an outlet for students to engage in their clubs and activities, while giving faculty an opportunity to encourage students to demonstrate their mastery in new and innovative ways,” said Dempsey.
Having access to updated technology is extremely important. “The world is changing, so we as a school need to evolve and change too,” said Dempsey. When asked about his hopes for students, he says he would like students to utilize this opportunity to try new things, even if it’s out of their comfort zone.
“Innovation and creativity is messy. We don’t know what the end product will look like, but that’s a quality of the space we would like to embrace. We want students and faculty to lead in with an open mind and focus on what they are passionate about, not whether or not the audience would enjoy it,” said Dempsey.
Michael Medvinsky was hired this year as the school’s creative technologist. As the creative technologist, his role is to work with students and teachers to teach them about the specific equipment within this space and how to maximize its use. Medivisky
@inquiry_instigator to learn more about the creative processes and wide possibilities capable of this new space. He believes students will enjoy “the idea of this being a technology and creativity playground. The only limitation is your imagination.”
After just a brief 10 months of construction, The Studios had its grand opening on February 7, 2025.
As the second semester takes off, the school highly encourages students and faculty to check out the new space and begin expressing their creativity.
INSIDE THE TIMES
Page 2
Phone policy Updates
Page 7
Jackets on the slopes
Page 10
An inside look at "Mean Girls"
Back page
Valentine's Day Game
SHARON CHANG SeCtiON editOR RiCK Nie SeCtiON editOR ARJUN AtWAL SeCtiON editOR
A Controversy on the Slopes
Skiing versus Snowboarding
WITH THE WINTER season coming to an end, and the snow slowing down, an important question must be asked. Do the students of Detroit Country Day prefer skiing or snowboarding?
According to a “Snow Skool” article about skiing and snowboarding, skiing is way more beginner-friendly; it’s like riding a bike. Even after years of not skiing, many people can pick it back up with ease. Second of all, skiers have poles to help with balance and help them if they get stuck.
Freshman and long-time skier Annie Way agrees, saying, “It’s easier to learn and is more fun.” Way is a member of the DCDS varsity ski team and has been skiing for most of her life.
Freshman Graham Gibson added, “The lifts are much easier to use as a skier.”
When getting onto the lifts, snowboarders have to unstrap one foot from their board and then restrap it at the top, which can take a couple of minutes.
Unlike snowboarders, skiers can simply get on and off the lift without having to remove their skis, making skiing a more convenient and appealing choice for many.
Freshman and long-time snowboarder
by NIKo HARATSARIS AND REED HUNT STAff wRITERS
Nick Lobo shared, “It’s more relaxed and less stressful, all you gotta do is go and ride. Even though it’s harder to learn because you can’t move your feet at all and they are stuck in place, it’s easier to master.”
Agreeing with Lobo, Freshman Elizabeth Simasko, who has been skiing since she was around six but recently switched to snowboarding said, “I’ve skied my whole life and I think that snowboarding is better because I just have way more fun doing it. It’s way more comfortable than skiing and even though it’s harder to pick up, I like the challenge.”
Snowboarding appeals more to those who enjoy a challenge, while skiing is typically easier to learn and more attractive to those looking for a sport that they can quickly enjoy.
For students who want to pick up the sport quickly and tackle the more difficult parts of the mountain sooner, many feel that skiing is the best place to start.
However, for those who enjoy a challenge and are willing to spend more time learning the basics, snowboarding is worth considering.
DCDS Unplugged
The Verdict on the New Phone Policy
by CAMPbELL LINDNER AND ISHANA PATEL SECTIoN EDIToRS AND STAff wRITERS
THE UPPER SCHOOL at Detroit Country Day School implemented an updated cell phone usage policy at the start of the second semester.
As outlined to the student body at a recent assembly, cell phones and headphones will no longer be allowed out of backpacks during the school day, with only a few exceptions.
There was a large process to this new policy change being implemented. Upper school director John Corrigan said, “Last year was pretty much a national discussion around independent schools with lots of research on how phones impact learning and teaching.”
Corrigan also mentioned how multiple other schools similar to DCDS are reevaluating their phone policies.
Corrigan stressed that extensive discussions led to this phone policy, stating, “We talked about it this summer, we talked about it when we got back, and we had a lot of faculty discussions on it.”
Corrigan added, “We met with the Student Council, and Honor Council, and had a couple of focus groups of students to discuss it.”
The administration has clarified that this change is not a ban.
According to an email that Upper School Director John Corrigan sent out to Upper School families, this policy change is “taking a step to ensure that students have less access to social media and fewer distractions during the school day.”
The new cell phone usage policy indicates that phones and headphones may only be used outside the student center and during the lunch period which students do not eat. Additionally, headphones will be allowed in the library.
Jonathan Porter, a long-standing history teacher at DCDS, has witnessed 33 years of different phone policies. Porter noted that he had been relatively lenient regarding phone rules until he began teaching freshmen and noticed that phones were distracting them from paying attention to instructions.
Students have had mixed reactions to this policy change.
Junior Lily Parker sees both
sides of the issue. She said, “It’s alright. I think it’s strict, but it may work in our favor eventually.”
This new policy is intended to help students realize that they do not need constant access to their phones and to prevent unauthorized photography and videography inside the school. Corrigan mentioned that some open-minded students have shared similar perspectives on the new restriction. However, not all students agree.
Sophomore and Student Council representative Adam Saad expressed a differing opinion, stating, “In the classroom, it should be up to the teacher to make their own rules, as it has been before now. Everywhere else, I believe it is up to the students to use it responsibly.”
Senior Anna Ryan and Sophomore Aleena Sattar also agree students should be responsible for their own phone usage.
“I feel like I am being treated like a child. I think if Country Day advertises itself as a college prep school, we should be treated like adults. No one in college cares if you are on your phone, it’s a personal choice how you spend your time,” said Ryan.
Sattar echoes this sentiment, stating. “If we’re being taught to learn responsibility, we should be able to manage our time well enough. If we don’t, then that’s our own fault for the missed time,” said Sattar.
I understand the administration’s perspective regarding the new policy. It has its benefits, such as encouraging students to spend their time more productively during the day rather than being on social media.
Additionally, it may limit the number of photos taken of students in their uniforms, as unauthorized photography and videography inside the school are not permitted.
However, I believe there is room for improvement.
This policy may change as time goes on, but its current state could cause students to be upset with the lack of freedom for students to learn personal responsibility with cell phone usage on their own.
New Academic Beginnings
DCDS Says Goodbye to IB Program
by LILA sALAMIN stAff wRItER
THE IB PROGRAM history is very extensive. According to history teacher and former administrator Jonathan Porter, the IB program began in Switzerland in the mid-1960s, and DCDS was the 98th school to join. As of 2025, Detroit Country Day School will no longer offer the IB program, but several other programs have been introduced to take its place.
The popularity of the IB program at DCDS has declined over the years. Academic Dean Celeste Mahabir stated that only three students over the past five years elected to participate in it.
Mahabir explained, “We’ve been able to expand to things that are different from any other school. We’ve got STAN-X coming in, we’re exploring other opportunities that are unique and fitting for Detroit Country Day. I think that’s what makes DCDS stand out.”
Detroit Country Day School is collaborating with Stanford University as a part of the Stan-X program. In this program, a small group of students take an advanced research course in molecular genetics, working alongside researchers and DCDS faculty to create transgenic fruit flies and characterize the genetic modifications with molecular analysis.
One of Stan-X’s students, Junior Lexi Berman said, “Stan-X gives me a taste of real lab experience compared to IB classes which are more theoretical. Additionally, IB classes focus on more broad subjects, while Stan-X focuses primarily on genetics, which can help students like me fulfill specific interests.”
Mahabir added, “IB is available in lots of schools. It’s very common. I think for us, we’re looking for those experiences that are unique to us with the faculty that we have, who are outstanding.”
When asked if getting rid of the IB classes would harm a student’s chances of getting into colleges, Josh Greenwald, a member of college counseling, said, “IB courses were equivalent to honors courses, and honors courses are not going away, so I don’t believe, nor would we have made a change if we thought there’d be a negative impact on college counseling.”
Many students worry that without IB courses, they might fall behind, but
Mahabir reassures them, “As we’re transitioning to removing IB, we’re very cognizant of making sure that there are tiers, right? There’s the AP, and there’s accelerated beyond AP, those advanced level classes, but then there’s also that honors level in a lot of departments, and we’re thinking about that as we move forward.”
With multiple levels of courses, students will be able to maintain the rigor of their schedules and present strong transcripts to colleges.
Even without the IB program, DCDS continues to offer various opportunities and challenging courses. With these resources, students will continue to prove that DCDS is one of the top schools in the country.
Sick of the Stress
The Stress of Falling Behing Due to Illness
by OLIVIA bERMAN stAff wRItER
AS WINTER IS in full swing, so is flu season. Over the past several months, multiple rounds of illness have spread throughout the school. The increase in both stress and sickness has raised concerns not only about the impact on students’ academic performance, but also on their overall well-being.
Students have expressed feeling overwhelmed by the workload that results from missing school due to illness or attending a doctor’s appointment. Sophomore Katelyn Cartwright said, “One day of missing school is like a million assignments you’ve missed. At least, that’s what it feels like.”
Some students have noted that being sick can significantly increase school-related stress.
Junior Alexis Berman said, “When I’m forced to miss school because of sickness or appointments, I get very overwhelmed due to the pile of missing assignments.” Berman added, “It’s hard to get back in the swing of things and readjust to the heavy workload. I usually have to stay up super late and it decreases my sleep and energy to do any work the next day.”
Several students at DCDS expressed that the biggest stressor following an absence is not necessarily the difficulty of the material but rather the sheer amount of work that needs to be made up.
Freshman Vincent Samborski said, “After missing a few days of school due to being sick, it was very hard to balance the current workload and all of the stuff I had to make up. I was very overwhelmed and my grades reflected it.”
Detroit Country Day School does provide support to help students manage the stress of missing school. Robert Messenger is the learning support consul-
tant at the upper school here at DCDS. Any student can meet with him during TAP, AE, or by appointment. Messenger explained, “When students are stressed with an overload of assignments, I will ask the students to list everything they missed and have them estimate how long it’s going to take to complete.” Messenger also recommends that students communicate with their teachers to answer questions and go over missed assignments.
Communication with faculty can go a long way. Senior, Ella Schueller said, “When I miss school, it is always hard to catch up with work, but I’m never stressed because some teachers are lenient with extensions and the teachers who aren’t as lenient give you the same amount of days you were gone to catch up.”
The stress at school can be intense, and missing school only adds to the stress. However, it is essential to prioritize your health. English teacher Matthew Sadler emphasized, “Anyone who is sick with a communicable disease should stay home so the community stays less sick. We actually did a very good job with that over Covid.”
Stressful academic pressures can lead to mental exhaustion making students more vulnerable to sickness. The key to managing both sickness and stress is knowing how to stay on top of your work. To get support, students can meet with Messenger in TAP, and attend Academic Enrichment (AE) after school to get tutoring and talk with their teachers.
Missing school can be challenging, but it also provides time to recover and complete assignments at a manageable pace. And don’t forget, there are always people here at DCDS ready to help.
a
MLK DAY OF ENGAGEMENT
NOT your AVERAGE TUESDAY
by rAQUELLA firEbErG StAff writEr And riCK niE StAff writEr
RECENTLY, DETROIT COUNTRY Day School has begun to dedicate an entire day to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by stepping out of our classrooms and into hands-on workshops and activities that truly engage with the community. This year, on Tuesday, January 29, 2025, students and faculty once again participated in a wide variety of service opportunities, making the day a great success.
“Our main goal was to have a lot of options and make sure everyone felt included,” said Nadiyah Tarver, chair of the MLK Day of Community Engagement. To achieve this, the school provided both on- and off-campus opportunities for students to give back.
Students joined the Forgotten Harvest Food Bank and Gleaners Food Bank off-campus in packaging and sorting food. Others visited West Oaks Care Center to play games with nursing home residents or created cards for lower school students. Additionally, others worked with the Detroit Agency on Aging.
On campus, students participated in a range of activities, including decorating cookies with The Cookie Girl Foundation, making blankets for the Oakland County Animal Shelter, preparing utility bags for the Neighborhood Service Organization, and crafting letters for elderly residents.
Others engaged in civil discourse, participated in a Social Advocacy Writing Workshop or discussed service opportunities after college. The day was designed to provide many service opportunities,
ensuring everyone could be involved. Teachers were impressed with the level of organization behind certain activities.
French teacher Elizabeth Lebovic praised the letter-writing initiative, saying, “The effort that went into writing letters to the elderly was especially impressive. The student in charge of the activity did a great job leading the organization, and the Zoom presentation gave valuable insight into how we can be more helpful to seniors. Something we don’t always think about.”
The collective efforts of the day had a great impact. Students decorated 144 cookies and decorated 48 cookie boxes. Students assembled 250 essential item bags for the homeless and prepared 30 bags filled with supplies for foster students heading to college.
Discussions and workshops provided meaningful ways to engage with Dr. King’s legacy. Students explored service opportunities beyond high school, shared ideas on improving the school community, and learned about the importance of civil discourse.
A panel of affinity group leaders fostered conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion, while a writing workshop encouraged students to use their voices for social change.
Creative opportunities also played a large role in the day’s events. In the new XR Studio, students worked together to create video messages inspired by Dr. King’s values. Others tested their knowledge
MODEL UN A YEAR OF SUCCESS
by JOSEPH KASSAb nEwS StAff writEr
IT’S BEEN A successful and rewarding year for the Model UN club at DCDS. The club has already attended three conferences this year and has walked away with several awards and honors from each.
Model UN most recently attended the Canadian American Security Council’s conference, earning ‘Highest Honors for Best Prepared School’, and nine individual awards. One of the award winners, sophomore Adam Saad, said, “I love the club. We have a great team, and when we go to the conferences it’s so much fun.”
in a trivia game about the Civil Rights Movement or participated in a film screening regarding the contributions of Black trailblazers.
While the day was filled with impactful moments, it didn’t come without a few challenges. Some activities, like making blankets for dogs at the Oakland County Animal Shelter, had unexpected complications.
“We had the wrong type of blankets–it was a huge mess,” said teacher Emily Corwin. “Fleece blankets worked great, but quilts and fuzzy ones? Not so much. We needed a vacuum and many brooms, but in the end, it was still a fun and meaningful activity,” said Corwin.
She hopes that next year participants will bring only fleece blankets to make the process smoother.
Despite some challenges, the event continued successfully. “We persevered,” Tarver remarked, adding that students and faculty were happy with the variety of service opportunities on and off campus. Looking ahead, she hopes to expand off-campus activities further and find ways to deepen the connection to Dr. King’s legacy.
This year’s MLK Day again brought our community together for a day full of connection, service, and teamwork. Whether packing boxes, crafting heartfelt messages, or brushing up on civil discourse, we proved that honoring Dr. King’s legacy doesn’t always involve a textbook.
While there is joy in attending these events, the club’s overall success would not have been possible without preparation and hard work. Mia Davila, a Model UN advisor, said, “They do a lot of preparation during clubs, and they compete against schools who have Model UN as a class. They do have to commit a lot of their personal time to write the position papers.”
At William and Mary, the club’s first out-of-state conference this year, the club had three individual award winners: Julia Berghea, Lara Hammoud, and Louis Kim. “The out-of-state conferences pull from all over the country… they’re usually the most challenging and require more experienced delegates,” said Davila.
Next up, the club will be off to Washington D.C. to compete at arguably their most important conference yet. The conference is known for its high-level debates and is considered a “championship” level conference among Model UN students. NAIMUN (North American Invitational Model United Nations), will be held at the prestigious Georgetown University this year.
Davila said, “I think it will end up being our most challenging conference this year.” Although the conference will be challenging, the team is up for it. “I think we’re all very excited about it. That’s a brand new focus for us and we’ve never been before,” said Davila.
Although the club has experienced great success with awards, it’s not always their first priority. Davila said, “You always want to strive for awards, but it’s not always the end goal. I really look at the character and the personal growth of everybody in the club. What brings me joy is seeing them personally grow on an individual level.”
As the Model UN club prepares for its next big challenge, they will continue to work hard and use the skills they have acquired. No matter the outcome, the club’s success up to this point is a testament to their hard work and dedication.
THE MODEL UN TEAM POSES AFTER A CONFERENCE. PHOTO COURTESy OF MIA DAVILA
PHOTOS LEFT TO RIgHT: STUDENTS TyINg bLANkETS FOR ANIMAL SHELTERS IN PERFORMINg ARTS CENTER; FACULTy MEMbER CHERRI DObbS LEADS CIVIL DISCUSSION wORkSHOP IN LIbRARy. PHOTOS COUTESy OF AbIgAIL bURDETTE
The Inauguration Inaugurating our 47th president Donald Trump
by SHARON CHANG NewS SeCtiON editOR
ON JANUARY 20, 2025, a familiar face returned to the White House. Donald J. Trump, the 45th president of the United States, took the oath for his second term.
Although the concept is rare, President Trump is not the only president to serve a split term. President Grover Cleveland also had a similar circumstance, taking a four-year interregnum between his terms in 1885 and 1893.
After losing the popular vote in 2016, President Trump won a clear victory in 2024. He surprised many political experts after seizing both the electoral and popular vote. Virginia Tech political expert Cayce Myers expected the results of the election to be slow to confirm. Ultimately, all seven swing states would be in Trump’s favor.
During the inauguration, usually the seats closest to the president are family or past presidents. However, this year, Americans noticed the appearance of billionaires Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg, some of the most popular technology CEOs. This led to speculation about the relationship between the president and major industry leaders.
On the first day of his inauguration, President Trump began his first official acts through pardons and the signing of multiple executive orders. According to Ryan J. Reilly, a justice reporter for NBC News, President Trump pardoned around 1,500 rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, claiming that the 2020 election was rigged against Trump.
One of Trump’s executive orders was the withdrawal of the US from the World Health Organization, which Trump had been discussing since his first term in 2020.
As the biggest funder and contributor to the World Health Organization, some people are frustrated by the budget that the US contributes to this organization. However, it is anticipated that removing ourselves from the WHO would pose more severe challenges.
According to Dr. Judd Walson, chair of the Department of International Health at Johns Hopkins, the removal from the already financially struggling WHO would lead to a loss in jobs, and a decreased ability to respond to issues like monitoring health threats and providing vaccines and drugs to benefit healthcare throughout the world.
Recently, Americans have also been discussing President Trump’s decision to lay off federal staff, especially within the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program. The DEI program ensured fair treatment by promoting equal wages of employees and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
According to an article written by Alexandra Olson and Zeke Miller in The Associated Press, the removal of DEI staffers was a result of an executive order signed by President Trump ordering the federal government’s diversity and inclusion programs to be dismantled. Since President Trump’s return to office, an estimated 30,000 federal employees have been fired.
The decisions of President Trump have led to worries in some Americans and content in others. Despite the rapid decisions of President Trump being made in his first few weeks as president, these issues are quite complex and sophisticated. We will stay tuned to see how the rest of Trump’s presidency continues to unfold.
You're HIred president trump's newly elected cabinet
JD Vance
Position: Vice President
Vice President Vance was a senator for two years, representing his home state of Ohio. He was elected to the Senate in 2023. According to the New York Times, early in Trump’s first term, Vance spoke out against him, but later publicly announced his support as the President’s first term went on. Vance will also become the third-youngest VP in American history.
Pam Bondi
Position: Attorney General
According to the New York Times, Pam Bondi made history as the first woman to serve as Florida’s Attorney General from 2011 to 2019. She served on President Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial.
Scott Bessent
Position: Secretary
of the Treasury
An avid Democrat supporter in the early 2000s, billionaire Scott Bessent has now been a donor and advisor for Trump’s campaign for several years. According to the New York Times, as the future manager of the nation’s finances, Bessent is a supporter of tariffs and spending cuts. When he was confirmed, Bessent made history as the first openly-LGBTQ+, Senate-confirmed, Cabinet member in a Republican administration.
Pete Hegseth
Position: Secretary of Defence
According to the New York Times, Pete Hegseth is a former Army National Guard officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. More recently, he worked as a Fox News host. Hegseth was narrowly confirmed by a 53-57 vote count.
Marco Rubio
Position: Secretary of State
According to the New York Times, Rubio served in the United States Senate from 2010 to 2024. He was the co-chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commision of China in 2020, and a strong advocate of more aggressive policies towards China. He has been involved in pushing for sanctions against Venezuela and strengthening ties with Israel.
Susie Wiles
Position: Chief of Staff
The first woman to ever hold the position, Susie Wiles becomes responsible for overseeing daily operations and policy development in the White House. According to the New York Times, she was President Trump’s co-campaign manager for the 2024 election, and Trump has credited her with helping him win both the 2016 and 2024 elections.
by iSHANA PAteL feAtuReS StAff wRiteR
CELEBRATING FAMILY TRADITIOns
THE HEART OF LUNAR NEW YEAR
AT DCDS, MANY of our students and faculty celebrate the globally recognized holiday of Lunar New Year.
This festive occasion marks the arrival of spring on the lunisolar calendar, a time to usher in luck and prosperity for the coming year, while also serving as a moment of reunion and reflection. But for many, the deeper significance of the holiday, especially within the Asian community, can often be unclear. So, what does Lunar New Year truly mean to the people who celebrate it?
For Joy Yang, Chinese teacher at DCDS, the holiday is a reminder to reconnect with her cultural roots.
She shared, “As a Chinese person, it reminds me every year to go back to the roots. Just like learning something new, you need to review it over time to truly remember it. This is a time for us to reflect on who we are, what we do, and why we do it.”
For Yang, the Lunar New Year is not just a celebration, but also a time of self-reflection. It’s a chance to pause and consider one’s cultural identity and practices.
Yang also highlighted the importance of this holiday for her family, especially in the context of her children.
She explained, “I insist that they need to be
by MICHAEL CHANG fEAturEs stAff wrItEr
home because that is the time for everybody to go home, if at all possible. I said, ‘Okay, probably you will travel during Christmas time. Probably you will not be around during Thanksgiving, but try your best to be home during Lunar New Year.’”
For Yang, this is a time for family, cultural identity, and togetherness.
Andrew Kwon, a Student Council member, highlighted similarities between Lunar New Year traditions across different cultures, noting, “I’d say they’re pretty similar because both of the cultures gift money, eat traditional food, spend a lot of time with family, and honor your family members and ancestors.”
These shared traditions highlight how family and togetherness remain a central piece of Lunar New Year, carefully connecting whole generations and cultures of different people together.
Thomas Yu, president of the Asian and Pacific Islander Student Alliance (APISA) Club, spoke about the role of family during Lunar New Year.
He noted, “The most important part of Lunar New Year is just getting together with family and celebrating together. Not necessarily like the food or the traditions at home, I think it’s just having an opportunity to see and talk to family because Chinese people don’t have many holidays that bring the whole family
together.”
Thomas emphasized that beyond the food and rituals, the holiday’s true purpose is a chance to reconnect with family all together, a rare occurrence in many Chinese households.
Yu added, “Lunar New Year for my family is a way for my family to get together because, in a lot of Asian families, you don’t celebrate a lot of traditional Chinese holidays with them. For example, we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving that much or like Christmas as much as a typical American family household.”
For Yu, Lunar New Year is more than just a cultural observance. It’s a crucial time for bonding and creating memories with loved ones.
Lunar New Year is much more than a celebration of tradition and culture; it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of family and togetherness. For many Asian Americans, it is the most significant holiday, providing an opportunity for deep connection and togetherness.
Whether it’s sharing a meal, reminiscing over the past year, or simply making a phone call to relatives, the essence of the holiday is in being together, strengthening family connections, and honoring the ties that hold us all together, no matter the background.
STEP INTO THE BURN BOOK DCDS
GRAB YOUR PINK shirts, mark your calendars, and prepare to laugh, cry, and sing along. “Mean Girls: The Musical” is taking over the Detroit Country Day stage this winter. The theater department at DCDS has been hard at work, beginning to transform the hit movie into an amazing musical.
Performances in the PAC are set for March 7-9 and March 14-16. This production, under the direction of Jim Davis and Cate Gasco and featuring choreography by Leslie Kay, promises to be one of the hottest events of the season. And yes …. you can sit with us—if you snag a ticket in time.
Mati Aviles, a member of the ensemble, shared what it’s been like to step into the halls of North Shore High School. “It’s like stepping into a whirlwind,” Aviles said. “Even though I’m in the ensemble, every character gets a moment to shine, and the energy in the room is insane.”
The cast has been rehearsing tirelessly to perfect everything from big musical numbers like “Apex Predator” to heartfelt moments that will leave you wiping away tears. With colorful costumes, larger-than-life sets, and an immensely talented cast, “Mean Girls” is shaping up to be a performance you won’t want to miss. Sloane McGuire, a member of the crew, said that “this is my fourth year on the tech crew, and from what I can see, ‘Mean Girls’ is going to be a show for the books.”
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the show carries important messages about friendship, self-acceptance, and the importance of
PERFORMS MEAN GIRLS: THE MUSICAL
by IsHA uMMADI fEAturEs stAff wrItEr
staying true to who you are. Audiences can expect a rollercoaster of emotions—from laugh-out-loud humor to touching moments of vulnerability.
Jim Davis said he, “wants to encourage everyone to come and see the show, and support your classmates and friends. The cast, crew, and pit work incredibly hard every year to put on these shows, and the support of the Upper School community really means a lot to all of us.”
Whether you’re a plastics fan, a mathlete at heart, or someone who simply loves great theater, “Mean Girls: The Musical” has something for everyone. So, get ready to relive your favorite moments from the movie, fall in love with new songs, and cheer on the incredible talent from Detroit Country Day. Be sure to grab your tickets.
photos left to right: chinatown visitor centre; plating for lunar new year dinner; and festive lunar feast photos courtesy of Michael chang, Mei Quinn and stocKcaKe is licensed under cc0 1.0 universal deed
Jacket Spotlight
SHININg THE SpOTlIgHT ON dcdS STudENT-ATHlETES
by RIcKy JEONg SpORTS SEcTION WRITER
Student-Athlete: Anna Ryan Sport: Swimming
Anna Ryan is a Senior on the women’s varsity swim team. She has not only qualified for the state competition but was also All League and All State for the past three years. She enjoyed the end of her swim career with her amazing team as she decided to not swim at the collegiate level.
Student-Athlete: Jayla Jackson
Sport: Basketball
Jayla Jackson is a junior on the Women’s Varsity Basketball team. She currently has offers from several D1 schools such as Ohio State, the University of Iowa, and Syracuse. Jackson said she hopes to “continue finding success in my high school career and build stronger chemistry with my teammates along the way.” Jackson wants to contribute her best effort in order to help her team succeed and ultimately win a state championship.
Student-Athlete: Christian Cast Sport: Basketball
Christian Cast is a sophomore on the Men’s Varsity Basketball team. He currently has an offer from Central Michigan. He said, “I hope to build team chemistry and have one last amazing season with the seniors before they leave.” His goal is “to win regionals and reach 1000 career points.”
Student-Athlete: Omar Elbashir Sport: Swimming
Omar Elbashir is a sophomore on the Men’s Varsity Swim team. His current achievements include being League Champ in the 400 Free Relay and also receiving All-State in the 400 Free Relay. He said, “I look forward to bonding with my teammates and the conditioning the team offers.” And he hopes to break the school record in the 400 Free Relay as the team was only one second off last year.
Hoop Dreams
Women's Basketball pursues state championship by
TINO HARASTARIS ANd ANdREW KWON STAff WRITERS
AFTER LAST SEASON ended in heartbreak, the DCDS Women’s Basketball team is ready to avenge their loss in the regional semifinal. Last year, the Lady Jackets had a tough schedule but managed to put up an excellent record of 19-6, with highlight wins over top-tier opponents like Haslett, Tecumseh, and Ann Arbor Prep.
After plowing through the district rounds, DCDS met the eventual state champions Detroit Edison in the regional semifinal, losing in a heart-wrenching buzzer-beater, 59-57. While the loss was devastating, Head Coach Amber Deane says, “We have learned how to be more poised in close games but more importantly, it actually brought us closer as a team.”
With six returning players from last season, Country Day is in a great position to make a run for the state championship. You can have all the pieces in the world, but without good coaching, the team won’t mesh. Luckily, the Lady Jackets are led by the strong guidance of Deane, a former college basketball player herself.
To continue the regular season’s success through the playoffs, they need to stay focused during “practices, strength and conditioning sessions, and skill workouts,” says Deane.
Deane is a mental performance coach and utilizes this to help with her team’s success. “Everything has to begin with the right mental approach. We also discuss various tools like visualization, positive self-talk, goal-setting, and deep breathing,” says Deane.
This year, the Lady Jackets have been led by their lone senior, Ari’Yana Wiggins, and top 25 nationally ranked sophomore Cece Arico, who has an offer from reigning national champion South Carolina, amongst others. Sharpshooting juniors Jayla Jackson and Naiya Krispin, who both have Division 1 offers, have also played a significant role throughout the year. These returners “have done a great job bringing our three freshmen up to speed,” says Deane and have helped make up for the loss of the seniors from last season.
Krispin, a key contributor who has been on the team since she was a freshman, said, “Our goal is to improve as a team one game at a time.” The Lady Jackets look to progress a little bit more than one game from last year, and their ultimate goal is to hoist the mitten at the end of the year.
With the abundance of future college talent on the team, as well as an influx of freshmen contributors, Deane says the Lady Jackets are looking to “compete at a championship level every day” and win their first state title since 2018.
While the regular season hasn’t finished yet, Country Day has jumped out to a fast start and blown out a multitude of teams. They have key wins against Grass Lake and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, but all eyes are on the ultimate goal.
“We are preparing for the playoffs by approaching every team with the mindset that it’s us against us,” says sophomore Sanyiah Blackwell.
The MHSAA playoffs started on March 3 and will continue over the coming weeks. The Lady Jackets will be heading into District Finals on Friday, March 7, so be sure to show up and show out to support our Lady Jackets in their quest to bring home the mitten.
Stronger on the slopes
How dcds ski United After the Loss of Their Coach
by NIKHIl dRAKE STAff WRITER
ON THE FIRST day of the new year, Detroit Country Day’s beloved ski team coach, Patty Costigan, sadly passed away. While being involved with the team for many years, Patty was known to be a very selfless, loving, and truly remarkable person, leaving an everlasting impact and legacy on Detroit Country Day’s men’s and women’s ski teams.
Patty Costigan and her husband, Dan Costigan, both worked at Country Day as coaches of the Ski Team. They coached together for a total of 23 years, becoming a dynamic duo that achieved immense success for DCDS. Patty Costigan would become the DCDS head coach after her husband’s passing in 2010, continuing their esteemed legacy
During her lifetime Patty Costigan achieved extraordinary things, even helping to create the rule book for skiing here in Michigan. At the start of this year’s season, the team had a talk regarding her loss. The skiers shared their moments and encounters they had with her, remembering the wonderful person she was. The team also added her memory into the season by having a memorial before one of their races at Pine Knob. It was here that the coaches made stickers of Dan and Patty Costigan’s initials, and a member of the team made ribbons, which were placed on team helmets in remembrance of the great Costigan legacy.
Despite the loss of their beloved coach, the DCDS men’s and women’s ski teams continued to proceed with strong determination, teamwork, and competitiveness, focusing on the ultimate goal of reaching states.
To achieve their goal, the captains of both the men’s and women’s teams strove for a high sense of camaraderie and support for one another. Women’s senior ski captain Gianna Bono said, “Having support from the other skiers on our team is very important while on the hill.” Skiing can be frustrating at times, so it is a great help when people cheer and motivate the skiers to help them perform to the best of their abilities.
Due to the passing of their head coach, the captains had more responsibilities with the team than before. Men’s ski captain Gabe Polglaze said that this year “us captains have to put more work in, and when we get a chance, give people extra coaching, or help when someone else has a question. Our coaches are really busy as just the two of them. We just pitch in where they can’t.”
Gianna Bono added that her responsibilities this year were to “lead team drills, motivate and support our skiers, help out with any questions the team may have, and to organize certain events we have.”
The DCDS ski teams have faced a hardship in their season adjusting to the loss of their adored head coach Patty Costigan. However, her legacy continued to inspire and unite them. The team’s strength only grew, as they were able to have the utmost support and care for each other through any perils they faced.
Bono emphasized the importance of maintaining the team’s morale and ability to maintain a positive mindset. “When members of our team get down on themselves, it is important to remind them to clear their mind and focus on one thing at a time,” said Bono.
Inspired by coach Patty Costigan’s legacy, accompanied by hearts filled with gratitude and appreciation, Country Day’s skiers were more determined than ever to achieve their goal of making states. While the boys finished 10th in regionals, the girl’s team had the honor of making states and finishing fifth.
Throughout the season they led with strength, focus and togetherness with a strong belief in making their goals come true.
Photos toP to bottom: anna ryan comPeting in swim meet, jayla jackson Posing for team Pictures, christian cast shooting a jumPshot, omar elbashir warming uP for swim meet Photos
courtesy of anna ryan, jayla jackson, christian cast and omar elbashir
ONE PRIDE, ALL GRIT THE DETROIT LIONS' DOMINANT SEASON
OUTSTANDING, MAGICAL, HOPEFUL, and excellent are the words students used to describe our hometown Detroit Lions’ 2024 season.
Through the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows, this season was certainly one to remember. However, one thing remained certain, the city of Detroit has benefitted from the Lions’ successes which has helped with the development of a new Detroit.
It was just 70 years ago in the 50’s when Detroit was the fourth largest and the most prosperous city in the country. Even though the city has slipped far from its peak, many projects are looking to help rebuild the beautiful city into what it once was.
The city has seen extensive improvements in recent years and one thing that has pushed the city so
by ADAM MEsLEMANI sECtION EDItOR
much is our newly dominant football team.
For years the Lions have been the laughingstock of the NFL, but things have changed. Through Dan Campbell’s revitalization, the Lions became the top dogs in the NFC.
Even after Campbell’s tragic first season in 2021, in which the Lions went 3-13, there was something different about this team.
Maybe they didn’t deserve to lose every game they lost and maybe they actually would have a chance at a playoff berth soon.
The Lions were super close the following season - just one game away from making the playoffs. In 2023, things took a drastic change. The season began with an amazing 8-2 start, finishing the season 12-5 and tying the franchise record. In the postseason, the Lions secured their first playoff win since 1991. Eventually, the Lions would go on to end their season in the NFC Championship, losing to the San Francisco 49ers.
Coming into this season, expectations were at an all-time high in Detroit. Our Lions were ready for whatever challenges they faced.
This season started out with a hard-fought overtime win against Tampa Bay. Even though the Lions would lose to the Seahawks in week two, they would go on to win 11 straight games, finishing the season 15-2. This broke their franchise record and made them one of only nine teams to have 15 or more wins in a season.
Even though the Lions had over 12 players on injury reserve, the playoffs were looking promising.
Sadly, what many thought would be a walkin-the-park game versus the Washington Commanders turned out to be the end of the Lions’ magical run.
This truly hard-fought game just went wrong for the Lions in so many ways.
When sophomore Coco Lowman was asked
about the end of the Lions’ season, she said it was “sad, but they still did amazing.”
All eyes will be on the Lions again next year. When asked if the Lions will win the Superbowl next year, sophomore Michael Howard responded, “Yes, as long as we build on what we had last year.”
The Lions look extremely promising next season and Detroit is stronger than ever. Detroit has not always had the kindest story, but football has put everybody on the same team. Now, it’s time for our wonderful city to heal and come back even better.
As Lowman said, “Detroit has always been ready to have a good team.” Whether it’s tailgates, watch parties, or people marching in the street together, nothing has brought the people of Detroit together like Lions’ football.
GLORY HUNTERS
DCDS’ TURBULENT JOURNEY TO THE PLAYOFFS
by MICHAEL HOWARD stAff WRItER
AFTER HAVING A great year going 10-6-4, the DCDS men’s hockey team was looking to return even stronger this year after losing many senior leaders on offense and defense.
New leaders emerged as the underclassmen looked for guidance to have a successful season. On and off the ice the team bonded in many ways that led us to believe that they had a promising future.
This team was looking to find light after a rough start to the season. They had a respectable showing at the tournament in Gaylord, going 1-1. However, they started the season off struggling after this game for a record 3-6.
Forward Johnny Shouneyia reflected on what it means to help your team. “I believe contributing is just as important as being good on the ice, but also being supportive when you’re not playing,” said Shouneyia.
This is key to having a strong bond between teammates which ultimately leads to more success.
Through the darkness, there has been light as new leaders emerged in the search for guidance in these tough times.
One of the emerging leaders was Ryder Novock, a senior captain for the hockey team. Ryder Novock reflected on what it means to be a leader.
“Being a captain of a young team doesn’t mean always voicing your opinion to others, but rather leading by example with your play and character. That will grab the attention of others,” said Ryder No-
vock.
Even though the team lost many games in the middle of the season, they kept all of them extremely close and competitive. Including a 1-2 overtime loss against Gibraltar Carlson. Forward Johnny Shouneyia said that coach Frank Novock taught them many things on and off the ice, including sportsmanship, having the right mindset, and preparing for hockey and the real world. The men’s hockey team was scraping for every win and they knew once they got one, they wouldn’t look back.
In a highly anticipated matchup between DCDS and rival school Lumen Christian, the teams fought for a higher seed in this year’s playoffs. Detroit Country Day narrowly edged Lumen Christian out, defeating them 2-1 in an intense overtime game.
This victory was led by their starting goalie, Bonner Upshaw, who allowed only one goal in, and was assisted by two goals by Ryder Novock and Micah Zacks. After three difficult games for the team, the team was looking to rally back to their winning ways, which they did.
Leading up to the playoffs, the men’s hockey team came in with a full head of steam, winning four out of the past five games. They had an extremely strong showing at the Trenton Showcase by going 2-0, defeating U of D Jesuit (4-3) and Grosse Pointe South (6-1).
Arguably the most impressive win of the sea-
son was against Canton High School in a hard-fought battle, defeating them on their home rink. They won in nail-biting fashion with a final score of 8-7 in overtime. Freshman goalie Noah Holtzman arrived late in the game, stopping every shot on his net, to seal the win.
For many years coach Frank Novock has pushed the hockey team to their limits to be as successful as possible. Frank Novock credits this recent success to the team’s belief in one another. “What we lack in skill, we must rely on each other to work hard, compete fearlessly, and always have a teammate’s back,” said Frank Novock. While not the most experienced team he has coached, this team’s passion and heart for the game is a big part of their success.
“At the end of the day, individual skill must be balanced with hard work,” said coach Frank Novock.
The regular season was full of ups and downs but one thing was certain, this team had the most heart and grit compared to any of their opponents. Leading into the playoffs they were projected as a three-seed and had a very realistic chance of competing for a regional and possible state championship.
Unfortunately their hard fought season came to an end on February 26 after a battle with Gabriel Richard in the regional finals. Although short of their overall goal, this team showed their tenacity all the way through to the bitter end.
Jared Goff leads the detroit lions onto the field durinG a Game at ford field in 2022. photo cooutesy of flicKr is licensed under cc By-sa 2.0
photos, left to riGht: dcds hocKeyceleBrates a Goal.; parKer hopKins sKates for the pucK; and men’s hocKey team talKs with coach novocK durinG the Game photos courtesy of shane BuchZeiGer
aidan hutchinson hypinG up the crowd phot courtesy of Joe Glorioso at all-pro reels is licensed under cc By-sa 2.0
by JacQUeLyN caLsO staff WrIter
GRAB YOUR POPCORN! This winter, DCDS students are taking full advantage of next-level technology with the production of the winter film, “Project Claire.” Thanks to the generous donation from the Karmanos family, our school is now one of the only high schools in the entire U.S. that has access to an LED wraparound screen. The screen projects realistic backgrounds, expanding our imagination, and making anything possible! Brett Salamin, co-producer of the film, says, “It’s a horror mystery thriller with a twist… and highest quality work we’ve ever done.”
For all the romance lovers, Grant and Julia, played by Liam O’Callaghan and Gianna Kyriakoza, along with Caroline and Elliot, portrayed by Tyler Rosenberg and Ella Schueller, add some teen drama to the plot. Their acting is incredible, and you’ll definitely want to see how their relationships unfold throughout the screenplay. Ella Schueller, playing Caroline, says
“I am so excited to see it in Emagine Theaters, it is such a rush to see how everything came together.” As an actor she is not able to see it until its completed so she believes it will be a “great surprise.”
This film isn’t just about the story, though, it’s about the experience. With Country Day’s new LED wraparound screen, the film department is taking visuals to a whole new level, making “Project Claire” one of the most advanced high school films out there. The students working on this project are getting hands-on experience with everything from being on camera to being behind the scenes.
Mark your calendars and get ready for the winter film premiere of “Project Claire.” With a great cast, suspenseful storyline, and advanced technology, this is one movie you definitely won’t want to miss!
Back in Action
The COMEBACK of Cameron Diaz
by OLIVIa GOLdsteIN sectION edItOr
AFTER 10 YEARS in retirement to focus on her family, award-winning actress Cameron Diaz is “Back in Action” in the new action-comedy movie on Netflix.
Released on January 17, this movie follows retired CIA operatives Matt and Emily. Matt is played by Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx, who has shared the screen with Diaz multiple times; first in 1999 on “Any Given Sunday” and more recently in the 2014 remake of “Annie”. Other well known cast members include Kyle Chandler, who starred in “Friday Night Lights” and three time Golden Globe winner, Glenn Close.
In the movie, the couple faked their deaths and went into hiding after a mission went wrong. Many years after starting a family, their secret identities are exposed and they are pulled back into espionage. This hilarious but suspenseful movie surprisingly did not have the best reviews.
On the review website “Rotten Tomatoes”, only 25% of viewers responded positively, giving it an average rating of 4.3/10. On the website’s consensus, or overall review, it states, “It’s good to have Diaz and Foxx back, but they deserve a warmer welcome than this rote action-comedy.”
Other websites such as “Radio Times” and “Metacritic” had similar responses, saying the duo deserved a more creative and challenging storyline to reintroduce the actress.
I watched the movie a couple of days after it came out. It was quick and funny, but had some suspenseful moments that kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending was predictable as it can be with these movies, but it closed the story out well. If you are lookingfor a funny but lighthearted movie, I recommend it, but if you are a fan of more complex storylines, this may not be the one for you.
The BAnning of tiktok A Temporary social media Crisis
by KyUNGWON KIM, eNtertaINMeNt sectION edItOr
SINCE 2014 WHEN “Musical.ly” was started, it has had a firm grasp on many of us. The app began as a platform used to record videos and lip sync to the music played underneath.
Students who have had phones since elementary school or through watching older siblings, may remember that this was inspired by Dubsmash which was released a few months prior.
Musical.ly was purchased by the company, ByteDance, and turned into Tiktok in 2016, because of its issues with monetization. At first some fans were
annoyed by the switch and different look of the platform, but it quickly grew to be the popular app that is loved by many today. Tiktok allows users to watch various types of content, and interact with comments, shares, and likes. Users can also create and use the app for self promotion in multiple fields such as fashion, finance, and more.
The banning of TikTok in the US, however temporary, with 170 million users across many generations, has become worrisome for many. On the evening of Saturday, Jan. 18, users had a wide range of reactions.
Many influencers were emotional, seeing the platforms they had grown from nothing disappear. While plenty of bad things have been said about social media, it has changed a lot of people’s lives, becoming a main source of income for a number of influencers.
After the app stopped working a few hours before midnight, many people moved to other social media apps including Xiaohongshu, or Red Note, to retaliate.
This sparked an interesting situation as this Chinese social networking app, with the majority of the videos in Mandarin, had a flood of US users. For a brief period of time before Tiktok was given back, this introduced different people to each other who may not have interacted otherwise.
Hours after President Trump was inaugurated, he signed an order giving a 75-day extension before the Tiktok ban has to go into effect once more. However, users who deleted it after it stopped working will not be able to redownload it.
This has caused some backlash with people on social media. Alexis Simmerman and Greta Cross, writers for USA Today, said Trump’s promise fell into a ‘gray area.’
The current date for TikTok to be banned again is set at April 4th, but only if ByteDance does not reach an agreement to sell the app to an approved company. Although this impending ban is looming again, Influencers and users across the country sigh with relief at the ability to access TikTok again.
PrOjeCT ClAIre TeAser POsTer PhOTO COurTesy Of dCds sChOOl Of fIlM
ACTRESS CAMERON DIAZ. PHOTO COURTESY OF: GOODFON IS LISCENSED
celebrating culture
How dcd honored black history month
by ALAND ALOMARI stAff wRIteR
AT DETROIT COUNTRY School, Black History Month is an important time where we celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans. This month not only highlights milestones, but a chance for everyone in our school to learn more about the contributions of Black individuals throughout history and how they’ve shaped our society today.
Black Student Alliance president Nadiyah Tarver, shared her thoughts on the importance of this month. She stated, “Throughout February, the BSA will plan various activities to acknowledge this history. We will have assemblies where guest speakers share their stories and experiences.” These assemblies gave students the opportunity to hear from people who have unique insights and experiences related to Black history.
Tarver mentioned, “Some teachers may also include lessons about significant figures and events in their classes.” This will allow students to learn about influential leaders and events, fostering a deeper understanding of their impact on history and society.
Regarding how students took an active role in celebrating Black History Month at school, BSA member Tyler Newby encouraged involvement in many activities. “Students can participate by joining the BSA, attending events, or even starting their own discussions and projects related to Black history,” Newby said.
“Even engaging with classmates about what they’re learning can make the celebration more meaningful,” Newby explained.
Newby also highlighted how celebrating Black History Month positively impacts our school. “It shows awareness and promotes a sense of community. When we learn about different cultures and histories, it helps create an environment of respect and understanding among students.”
Engagement in celebrating culture not only enriches our school culture but also prepares us to be more informed individuals in a diverse school. As we continue to take the time in our school year to recognize the contributions of those who came before us, we take a moment to pause and think about what it is all about. Celebrating culture is about learning and growing together, and it’s an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the importance of equality and respect in our community.
LEADING THE WAY A SENIOR
SPOTLIGHT ON CAROLINE NIELSEN
by JIyA GILL sectION eDItOR
MENS SANA IN Corpore Sano: the school motto we have all heard time and time again as DCDS students. Senior Caroline Nielsen exemplifies this through her contributions to the community at DCDS and beyond. Along with pursuing her interests in politics, Nielsen is an essential member of the Model UN team and a leader in Student Council, as well as captain of both the women’s swim and lacrosse teams.
Nielsen has been involved in local politics since she was a freshman.
“My freshman year, I started working for congresswoman Haley Stevens. I’ve worked with her every election season since then,” Nielsen said.
Additionally, she worked with the ONE campaign. “I was representing 30 candidates across the state, and it was one of the most important jobs I had at the time. I planned events, created relationships with voters as well as coworkers.”
Though Nielsen worked consistently on campaigns, she felt passionate about improving political civility. She noted, “Civil discourse has always been an interesting issue to me. I wanted to get involved, but because it’s such a niche topic, there was no one who really understood what it meant.
Nielsen sought connections elsewhere, adding to her LinkedIn bio that she was passionate about “political stability and bipartisanship.” As a result, she was connected with a student from San Diego who was launching a nonprofit organization called America Undivided. The organization is “an entirely youth-led lobbying group that advocates for civility in politics,” Nielsen said.
Nielsen plays a significant role in the organization as their national outreach coordinator.
“I write grants for them and I foster partnerships with other nonprofits. Over the past year, I’ve even developed an outreach program to high school counselors,” said Nielsen.
The summer of her senior year she was accepted into a summer program where she was able to work in D.C. with the Department of Education. There, she made connections and earned grants to launch a civil discourse series at DCDS.
Additionally, Nielsen is a significant contributor to the DCDS community. She ran for Student Council, becoming a member in her sophomore year. “That first year, the biggest lesson I learned was about community,” she said. Nielsen emphasized the importance of building community at DCDS through weekly assemblies, as well as holding events throughout the school year such as Winter and Fall Fest, Field Day, and the Annual DCDS Talent Show.
Neilsen’s road as a student-leader has not been smooth, as she faced hardships during the election for her junior year.
“My junior year, I wasn’t reelected, which was really hard for me. However, it taught me that there’s a lot of value in being the kid who just doesn’t quit. I didn’t let it stop me, and I continued to focus on the DCDS community through MLK Day and athletic opportunities.”
However, Nielsen didn’t stop at just being a community leader; she showed
resilience and determination, running again for the chance to be re-elected for her senior year.
“It took a lot of guts to go up to the same podium at the end of my junior year, where I didn’t get elected the year before,” said Neilsen.
Her determination proved worth it in the end. Nielsen said, “I put myself out there again and got re-elected. I’m so glad I didn’t quit, because I’m on the Student Council again. I do social media, and I love it so much.”
Nielsen also spoke about resilience in her sports, being involved as a member of the swim and lacrosse teams at DCDS.
“Swim has taught me a lot about grit. There’s nothing easy about getting in a cold outdoor pool every day after school. It’s such a physically intensive sport, and you’re literally just staring at a black line at the bottom of the pool for hours,” said Nielsen.
Despite the cold water and early mornings, she has learned a lot through being captain of the team. Nielsen said, “It taught me how to be a leader who prioritizes being there for others. At the end of the day, it’s having the part of yourself where you’re able to sit down with someone and be there for them. It’s all about being there to support the team and my teammates.”
Not only is Neilsen a leader for the swim team, she also makes an impact on the lacrosse field by fighting through obstacles. Nielsen said, “I became a starter my sophomore year, but I ended up losing my starting spot. Instead of complaining and sulking on the side, I decided that I was still going to have fun.”
During the season, Nielsen and one of her teammates created fun cheers on the sideline to bond the whole team.
“Just having a fun time on the sideline is the culture we focused on bringing to the team. It taught me that everyone has a role. Whether you’re cheering on the sidelines or scoring the goals, everyone makes an impact,” said Neilsen
Nielsen carried that sense of community to Model UN, which has also been a significant part of her high school experience.
“When I first joined the club, I knew nobody in it, but I went in every Tuesday and started to connect with the people around me. Ultimately, through all the bus rides, flights, hotel room stays, I bonded with others in Model UN and we really became a family I love,” Nielsen said.
Nielsen emphasized how the graduation requirements at Country Day create opportunities to be a part of many different things. For Nielsen, it was in Model UN, swim, Student Council, and lacrosse.
“Our motto, mens sana, is so important because you get to connect with so many different people,” said Neilsen.
Neilsen advises students to create relationships with everyone at DCDS, including teachers.
“I can assure you, if you share your interests with them, they will help you connect with new opportunities because they’re in your corner and they really want to see you succeed,” said Nielsen.
MARTIN LUTHER KING DELIVERING A SPEECH. PHoTo CoURTESy of WES CANDELA IS LICENCED UNDER CC By-NC-ND 4.0
Heartfelt Hits The Best Romance Movies to Watch
by AVA ELIA stAff wrItEr
FEBRUARY IS A month full of love. If you’re looking to dive into some heartfelt romance movies to keep up the holiday spirit, here are a few must-watches that bring both love and laughter to the screen. From classic love tales to stories with a fun twist, there are a few cult classics that have captured a large following for many years. These films each bring something special to the romance genre, so grab some popcorn and enjoy a memorable movie night with these classics.
“The Notebook,” a romantic classic released in 2004, is based on Nicholas Sparks’ best-selling novel.
This movie tells the story of two young people in love, Noah and Allie, also played by Ryan Gosling, and Academy Award winner Rachel McAdams. Noah and Allie come from completely different worlds, yet they are drawn together.
They fall in love over the summer, but as it comes to a close they don’t want to lose sight of one another. As the story continues, there are many plot twists that evoke strong emotions from many watchers. For those who love passionate stories, this is a film that never gets old.
Sophomore Sienna Nguyen stated, “‘The Notebook’ is a romance classic. It’s a mustwatch for me every year!”
“Crazy Rich Asians,” released in 2018, offers a refreshing mix of romance and humor as it follows Rachel Chu and Nick Young’s romance.
After Nick’s best friend gets married in Singapore, he brings Rachel to meet his family for the first time. However, he fails to tell her that his family is extremely wealthy, forcing Rachel to try to assimilate into this brand-new environment. The movie mixes cultural elements and hilarious moments, making it very entertaining.
Freshman Scarlett Lossia stated, “This movie is a feel-good watch!”
If you are looking for a movie that has a little more humor than romance, but still has a fairy tale ending, this is a great one to pick.
“La La Land,” released in 2016, became the movie with the most Golden Globe awards. The story takes you on a journey through the highs and lows of romance.
Set in the beautiful city of Los Angeles, “La La Land” follows Mia and Sebastian, played by award-winning actors, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, a jazz musician, are both trying to make their dreams a reality. This quality draws them together, however, it also puts their newfound relationship at risk.
“La La Land” captures the challenges and rewards of pursuing your dreams and trying to follow your heart. The movie also has a musical aspect as the characters break out in song and dance multiple times throughout the movie. The interesting dynamic of the musical-meets-movie coupled with unforgettable songs like “Mia and Sebastian Theme”, makes this movie feel artistic, heartwarming, and unforgettable.
IT ENDED US BLAKE LIVELY BATTLES JUSTIN BALDONI IN COURT
DID SOMETHING SIMILAR to what happened in the movie “It Ends With Us” happen in real life? A couple months ago we covered the controversy surrounding the new movie based on the popular book “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover.
According to Daily Mail, during that time, speculation arose around the actress, Blake Lively, who played the main character, Lily Bloom. Fans attacked her for promoting her new hair care line on the press tour instead of focusing on the issue of domestic violence and emotional abuse that was highlighted in the movie.
While those criticisms remain concerns, Lively is not facing the backlash alone anymore. Along with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, Lively is suing co-star Justin Baldoni for sexual harassment. In response, Baldoni, who played Ryle Kincaid in the film, launched a 168 page website on February 1, which features a timeline of unseen texts between himself and Lively.
The timeline begins in January of 2019 when Lively suggested him for the film and continues through this past January. Lawsuits claim that Baldoni alleged-
ly routinely made comments about her body and weight weeks before filming, less than four months after Lively had her fourth child.
In addition to her sexual harassment claims, Lively accused Baldoni and his team of putting together a PR smear campaign against her. In December 2024, Lively sued Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, his producer James Heath, his publicist Jennifer Abel, and his crisis publicist Melissa Nathan.
Baldoni, who has denied all of Lively’s claims, countersued Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist on various claims including civil extortion, defamation and false light invasion of privacy. Later on Baldoni filed a lawsuit against her claiming that Lively blew the “It Ends With Us” budget on her wardrobe while filming.
Lively and Baldoni are headed to trial on March 9, 2026. Many fans and industry insiders are eagerly awaiting the resolution as we watch once again life imitating art.
PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM: THE NOTEBOOK KISSING IN THE RAIN SCENE IS LICENSED UNDER CC BY-NC 4.0; THE FILM CRAZY RICH ASIANS COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF: 2025 FMT MEDIA SDN BHD IS LICENSED UNDER C.C. BY 4.0; PHOTO OF LA LA LAND IN NATURAL LIGHT. PHOTO IS COURTESY OF MARINA DOMÍNGUEZ SERRA AND IS LICENSED UNDER CC BY-SA 4.0.
PHOTOS LEFT TO RIGHT: ACTRESS BLAKE LIVELY PHOTO, PHOTO COURTESY OF GOODFON IS LICENSED UNDER C.C. BY 4.0; JUSTIN BALDONI SPEAKS AT TEDWOMEN 2017 LICENSED UN DER CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
by JACQUELyN CALsO stAff wrItEr
