The Day Times May 2025 by The Day Times

THE DAY TIMES

Unmasking the Night A Peek into Prom

by MEI QUINN fEatUrEs sEctIoN EdItor

AS THE END of the school year approaches, students look forward to an all-time favorite event: prom. Students, parents, and even faculty are engaged in this celebration and a night full of glamour. Prom is more than just a dance. It is a night filled with tradition that commemorates important friendships and signifies the senior class’s last bash together. It’s no easy feat to plan an event that has such high expectations. The junior class board spent hours planning and ensuring the event is memorable for everyone.

“This year, after thoughtful consideration, we decided on a masquerade theme, which we have never done before,” said junior Class Board President Alexis Berman.

Prom took place at M1 Concourse, similar to last year, but was indoors at the event hall. This differs from last year, when it took place outside.

The junior Class Board booked the same amenities as last year.

“We decided to go back to M1 and we got the same

taco truck as last year because of good feedback. A bunch of people enjoyed the vendors from last year, so we wanted to replicate that as best as possible, said junior Class Board secretary Katie Lin. “ In addition, we got an ice cream sandwich truck because we believe it will be a crowd pleaser.”

Lin recounts the biggest challenge of planning the prom. “It’s definitely being able to afford everything that we want to get. We have to make sure that we are under our budget, but still able to include the vendors and DJs, which require raising money.”

The biggest change this year from previous years is the process of ordering tickets. In past years, the Junior Class Board would sell tickets in person and give out physical tickets.

“We switched to an online system through Veracross to make it easier when taking attendance. It can be slightly confusing at first, like if you get a single ticket or a double ticket,” said Berman.

Nevertheless, each prom is special and carries

its own memories. Lexi Berman and her team spent hours making sure the “Masquerade Prom” was unforgettable, despite the challenges of staying under budget and changing the ticket ordering process.

“My favorite part about Prom was the whole dance floor and DJ. I enjoyed how we were allowed to get up on the stage and sing songs right next to the DJ. This was definitely the highlight of Prom,” said junior Class Board member Derrick Williams.

The dance floor and DJ seemed to be a big hit.

“Seeing everyone at the dance and having a good time singing and dancing with my friends was my favorite part”, said junior Ethan Hu. “The only downside was how hot it got inside with everyone dancing”, said Hu.

As the school year comes to an end and we give the seniors a final farewell, students had a night of fun and honoring these memories—making this final celebration one to remember.

photos clockwise from top left: students on the dance floor; student tries his hand a being a dj; a group of students gets the prom hype; students posing as a group; students raise their hands in the air during a song; students dance with beverly hannet; students grab ice cream sand whiches from the food track; and

THE DAY TIMES

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor-in-Chief:

achyut reddy

ella jeup

Art Director: abigail burdette

Managing Editors:

alex eby naomi zakalik

nell stover

Content Editor: maddy rocchi

Digital Director: nathan maibach

Section Editors:

arjun atwal sharon chang

jiya gill

olivia goldstein

elise kim

campbell lindner

adam meslemani

mathew metrose

rick nie

ishana patel mei quinn

Staff Writers:

aarna patel

adam khan

addison grebinski

aland alomari andrew kwon

ava elia

grace kalkanis

isha ummadi

jacquelyn calso

jenny sun

joseph kassab

kayna gaidhane

krishna gudapati

lance kukes

lila salamin

lj lanier

luke hourani

michael howard

nikhil dhake

niko haratsaris

olivia berman

omar elbashir

raquella fireberg

reed hunt

reilly groves

richard jeong

river scott

tino haratsaris

Beyond the Block Schedule politics in the classroom

IT’S NO SECRET that the political landscape of the United States is growing increasingly divided. Consequently, more and more people are forming strong opinions on U.S. politics, including high schoolers, some of whom are first-time voters.

However, discussions regarding politics in schools have long been seen as a “forbidden” subject, and they have been labeled as “too controversial,” “too extreme,” and “not appropriate for children.” Despite this, many members of the Detroit Country Day community have said that these conversations are difficult but necessary. At DCDS, we emphasize the need to prepare students for college and life beyond school; politics are undoubtedly a part of adulthood. So, should politics have a place at Detroit Country Day School?

Many students and faculty members alike have expressed the need for these conversations, especially in recent times. Brett Sidle, an AP government teacher at DCDS, stated, “We live in politically divisive times. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have difficult conversations.” Sidle explains that having civil discussions with peers, especially those with differing viewpoints, is an essential life skill.

Junior Kennedy Perkins adds on to this, stating, “It’s important for high

schoolers to know what’s going on in the world. In a few years, some of these students will face the real world.” Perkins continues, explaining, “Politics may cause some tension because it is a sensitive topic, but it still needs to be talked about.”

Like many students, Perkins acknowledges the potential discomfort, but sees it as a necessary trade-off for DCDS education.

Senior Caroline Nielson, has been involved in political discussions since she was a freshman through Model Un and working on local politctical campaigns. She empashizes the importance of politics in school.

“I believe that it is Detroit Country Day’s responsibility to teach students about current politics,” said Nielsen. “These conversations are going to be had no matter what. We should be finding a way to do this responsibly.” Nielson highlighted that ignoring difficult conversations is not going to make them disappear.

In response to this, Upper School Director John Corrigan, along with Nielson, Sidle, and several other students and faculty members, have worked to create Civil Discourse Forums within our school. Corrigan described these as “a safe space for students to learn, talk, and voice their opinions in a student generated arena.” Corrigan also emphasized that these forums are for understanding and not win-

ning, stating, “The foundational premise of this whole thing is that everyone has to come in with an open mind. These are not debates. That is not what we’re doing.”

Students raise concern regarding how open a space like this can be.

“I understand the need to be educated about politics, but the conversations should be optional. People can feel uncomfortable easily, and not everyone wants to share their beliefs,” said sophomore Sphia Leija.

Myra Parsons, a junior at Detroit Country Day, confirms Leija’s belief. She says that being informed is important, but, “Sometimes I feel awkward when people have very far-leaning political beliefs, because it feels like their party’s ideologies have shifted from strictly governmental policies to certain groups’ rights.”

Sophomore Remy Cicotte adds on stating, “Politics are usually confidential and haven’t influenced my learning environment, so I don’t think these conversations need to be held at school.”

Both sides provide strong arguments to debate whether political discussions should be had at school. I believe that despite the challenges, these conversations need to be had in school.

One of DCD’s strongest assets is preparing students for when they go to college and beyond, where conversations

I'm Just a Girl A dOuble-edged sword

“I’M JUST A GIRL” was a part of a popular song called “Just A Girl” recorded by No Doubt, written by Gwen Steffani in 1995. The song’s message is that women are judged for everything they do, and they should not be critiqued as harshly. The phrase is used differently today than it was in 1995. It originally gained popularity in 2022 as a response to the phrase “Boys will be boys.” It has changed to women using it as an excuse or as a means to explain their lack of intellect or their lack of agency in life. Is the phrase “I’m just a girl” a harmless silly joke or is it detrimental to women’s self esteem?

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“I think it’s demeaning towards women; it infantilizes women and makes it seem as if men are the only capable and competent members of society, while women are children who need to be looked after,” said senior Maja Uzieblo.

The phrase implies that being a girl is an excuse to be dumb or not put in effort, or that you’re “just” a girl implies that being a girl is lesser than being a man. The phrase is also used commonly to dodge blame in any situation. For example, if a girl hits a curb, someone might say, “Oh it’s okay. You’re just a girl.”

“I think that a lot of people try to downplay the impact of their own actions because they are a woman,” said, senior Brendan O’Calloghan. “It stems from an unhappiness with how women are treated, but it shouldn’t be used to excuse poor behavior.”

Mckenzie Randolph, a junior at Detroit Country Day, also believes the phrase is quite harmful.

“At first I thought it was cute, like when women were saying ‘I’m just a 23-year-old teenage girl,’ but it devolved into this idea where being a girl means that you can’t do math, drive, or know how to work with money because ‘I’m just a girl.’ That is super misogynistic,” said Randolph.

The idea that women cannot do basic life skills is demeaning and can be super hurtful to the women who see or hear the phrase as a reasoning for lack of intellect or motivation.

People also argue that the phrase is harmless fun. Women are under so much pressure to be perfect, and having a fun perspective can simply bring joy. The idea that you are ‘just a girl’ can be relieving and decrease stress if you accept a smaller role or less responsibility in your life.

Sophomore Skye Dukas believes that it can be both harmless and harmful. She stated, “It seems harmless because it’s just

a fun trend, but it can also be used as an excuse for not being responsible. In my view, as long as you’re using it for silly things, and not as an excuse to be incompetent, it’s okay.”

The phrase can be fun if it is used in a lighthearted way that isn’t inherently demeaning, but when the phrase is used to imply women are incompetent, that’s when the line is crossed.

“It’s funny, but also the joke is using being a girl as a crutch or a reasoning for doing whatever you want, or ignoring basic societal rules,” said Emily Corwin, the advisor for the Female Student Alliance club.

When it comes down to it, I think the phrase can be cute and a way to feel less stress in a world that can put so much pressure on women to be perfect, but it can also be used as an excuse or a way to demean women and our intellect and undermine our competence.

I do not find the phrase completely evil, or completely harmless. I can find it fun if it’s used in the right way as a joke, but when it’s used as an excuse for people’s harmful behavior or as a way to undermine women, I find it distasteful and problematic.

A STUDENT COMPLETING HER FRENCH HOMEWORK. PHOTO by ISHANA PATEL

by ishana patel opinions section editor

by lila salamin opinions staff writer

STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN A CIVIL DISCUSSION. PHOTOS by ISHANA PATEL

Reimagining the Magic

Pros and cons of Disney's live action remakes

by oLIVIA bERMAN oPINIoNs stAff wRItER

FOR A CENTURY, Disney movies have held a special place in people’s hearts, evoking nostalgia and capturing the magic of childhood. Over the years, Disney has made a bold move by making their animated classics into live-action movies.

The original Disney princess movie “Snow White” just recently was made into a live-action remake. Disney film makers released “The Little Mermaid” when starting the process of making “Snow White.” As the studio continues to rapidly release these reboots, we ask the question: Are Disney live-action renditions a smart idea or just money grabs?

The debate thickens, exploring Disney’s decision to make these live-action films, and whether these movies are a true artistic innovation or just another way to profit off of their past.

Students have differing opinions about whether or not Disney live-action films are a smart idea.

“Disney live actions are a smart idea because they bring some of my favorite Disney movies to life. It brings the childhood excitement back when watching them years after the original movie came out,” said freshman Gianna Lagina.

Disney

movies are releasing at a fascinating rate.

Recently, Disney has made live-action renditions of Disney cartoons like “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin.” The classic and first Disney Princess movie “Snow White” was just recently turned into a live-action film and many fans think it was done because Disney needed more money.

“Disney live actions are made just for money,” said sophomore Mati Aviles. “Instead of creating new movie ideas to attract people, Disney is scared to use their well- earned time and money to release new content that may be hated so they abbreviate very well-liked classics that made a lot of money expecting to rely on the established popularity of these characters and stories. Disney worries about money more than they do entertainment and creativity.”

Faculty members also agree with live-action remakes being a poor substituition for the originals and ultimately a cash grab.

“I believe the live-action remakes are hollow and unnecessary echoes of already great films. I am always going to be biased towards the animated originals,” said Disney fan and DCDS english teacher Emily Corwin. “Some effects, especially the more fantastic or magical elements just work better in an animated world; the use of CGI to replicate these effects often creates uncanny and disturbing visuals. There are certainly talented people who work on these remakes, and Disney is clearly trying hard to entertain us with spectacle.”

Another faculty member and Disney fan, Jim Davis, said, “Most things Disney does is to make money, it’s not just for fun but redoing the movies is good from the standpoint of reintroducing the classics to a more modern audience.”

I believe that Disney live-action films are a smart idea because they attract more people who love the original films. In addition, kids can see their dreams come to life with human characters. It also gives Disney a chance to add more songs and improve character development.

While people have differing opinions on Disney live-action renditions of animated classics, Disney’s focus on capitalizing on nostalgia has raised more questions and concerns about these films. Whether these adaptations achieve lasting impact or fade into obscurity remains to be seen. Nevertheless, they add a new layer to the evolving landscape of cinematic storytelling.

A.I. Is Everywhere FOR

better or worse, it's changing everything

by CAMPbELL LINDNER oPINIoNs sECtIoN EDItoR

THE WORLD OF technology has been changing for hundreds of years and continues to change every day. Now we are seeing innovation in artificital inteligence (AI). The most recent advancements include things like Chat GPT, AI being used in healthcare, AI in cybersecurity, and many more. AI can change the way we think and learn, but AI can also cause problems. Whether it is being misused or it simply breaks down, there are upsides and downsides to AI. As the world of technology progresses, students become more and more reliant on it, and some are beginning to ask, does AI affect people’s ability to do their jobs?

Communications teacher Ruth Kay has been working in education for 27 years and sees some value in AI.

“I think it can take care of a lot of tasks that take up people’s time. I think it can help make everything more efficient, but I don’t think it will ever replace critical thinking because AI basically synthesizes information that already exists,” said Kay.

AI can also leade to people becominge more lazy with their work effort.

“If people let AI do everything for them and they do nothing beyond it, AI can make people lazy in their jobs,” said Kay. “I would say I am for AI in the workplace, but it has to be used properly. You cannot just supplant it for whatever you are doing, you have to use it as a tool to help you do your job more efficiently.”

For some, there are concerns over AI providing an unfair advantage to people.

“I think that it is unfair for students to use it to do their assignments. We are all student athletes, and we all have the same amount of time in the day. Certain students getting a lead because of work that AI did for them is unfair to those doing their own work,” said junior Shannon McGregor. “We go to a very rigorous school, and getting admitted to a medical school because of work that the student didn’t do on their own will only hurt them and their possible future patients in the long run.”

Creative Technologist, Michael Medvinsky, uses AI withing his job and expresses the imporance of understanding how to use AI as a tool. AI, like anything, has its good parts and its bad parts, and that it is up to the user, to use it properly.

“I think that AI is going to or has already affected pretty much everybody. For me, it is a tool that automizes some of the more mundane tasks that I need to do. There are parts of AI that I stay away from. AI doesn’t know the students in my classroom or our precious experiences,” said Medivinsky. “I would be a hypocrite to say that I am against it, I believe that I have experienced a boost in creativity, because I use AI as a thought partner as well as an idea amplifier.”

Junior Kayna Gaidhane has an interest in going into pre-med.

When asked about the fairness of AI in medical related majors, she said, “You could chat GPT a medical procedure, even now they are doing surgeries with robots, the surgeon is in the room making sure nothing is going wrong, but the robot is doing the actual surgery. If you are using it to do your homework in med school, obviously that is a problem, and not what AI is meant for.”

Branching off into other fields of medicine, Gaidhane said, “They are using AI to determine cancer and other diseases. People use AI in physical therapy.

Overall, I would say AI has a spot in the professional world.”

THe use of AI in academics and work seems to have mixed opinions across the board.

“If students do not use AI effectively, or use it incorrectly, it will have a negative impact,” said director of education technology Dean Haratsaris. “AI can make tasks easier, but that doesn’t automatically make someone lazy. It really depends on how it’s used. It is already playing a role in many professions and if not used correctly, it can lead to bias, errors, or privacy issues. Human oversight and appropriate use are key.”

As a student with no free block and a rigorous schedule, I do think that AI has its ups and downs. When students use it to give themselves an unfair advantage in the classroom, it reflects negatively on AI all together. Every student deserves equal opportunity based on their own knowledge, not what AI knows.

A STUDENT OPENS CHAT GPT ON HER LAPTOP. PHOTO by ISHANA PATEL

live-action

SNOW WHITE LIVE ACTION POSTER. PHOTO COURTESy Of IMbD

Reflecting on the past

The 25th anniversry of The Seligman Performing Arts Center

by JOSEPH KASSAb StAff writEr

ONE OF THE most-used and recognizable facilities at Detroit Country Day, the Seligman Performing Arts Center (commonly referred to as the PAC), is celebrating 25 years. The center, used weekly for assemblies and throughout the year for various concerts and shows, is a staple within the Detroit Country Day community. It features 700 seats and state-of-the-art light and sound systems.

“For years, we had our concerts in the student center. As the music and theater departments grew, we needed a space to showcase our students’ talents,” said Upper School Director of Bands Alan Oliphant as he reflected on the PAC’s history and origins.

“My father, Jim Oliphant, the original Mr. O, was the band director at the time. Ms. Jackie Coleman taught orchestra, and Ms. Kerry Price taught choir. Those three incredible individuals made it clear to then Head of School Jerry Hansen that something had to be done.”

After nearly five years of planning and a large fundraising effort, the center officially opened its doors in the fall of 1999. After opening, the center greatly impacted both Country Day and the surrounding community.

“It led to the implementation of theater classes, which we’d never had before. It allowed students to build sets for plays and musicals, and also allowed our bands, orchestras, and choir to be heard in the proper acoustics,” said Oliphant. “Having organizations such as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Music Society of Detroit perform in our space regularly has brought many new eyes to our amazing facility.”

Many may not realize what goes on behind the scenes of running the PAC, as it requires much maintenance and attention to ensure everything runs smoothly. Danielle Fulton, the technical director of the PAC, is in charge of running lights and sound for assemblies, concerts, outside rentals, guest speakers, and more.

“It is more than a full-time job running our PAC,” said Oliphant.

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the PAC, the band, orchestra, and choir performed a combined piece at Celebrate the Arts, held on April 27. The piece, titled “Galileo’s Telescope,” was commissioned by the school specifically for this event and written by local composer Brooke Pierson.

“I think it’s really cool that the orchestra, band, and choir got to come together to play a piece. Practicing it was extremely fun; we had a great atmosphere, and everyone was so passionate about it. It took me a while to get used to the piece, but I am really happy with the result,” said sophomore orchestra student Michael Howard.

About preparing a piece of this scale, Oliphant said, “It is stressful, yet rewarding. Hearing this vision come together on stage with 65 musicians is an incredible treat for me as an arts educator.”

Given that Celebrate the Arts is the most attended event of the school year, many ears got to hear this new piece’s debut. As the PAC continues to be a widely used facility, many new developments and productions will surely follow.

RUN IT BACK DCDS WOMEN'S TENNIS SEEKS CHAMPIONSHIP REPEAT

by ADAM MESLEMANi SEctiON EDitOr AND ricKy JEONG StAff writEr

AFTER CLAIMING THE title in the 2024 season, the women’s tennis team is back, hungrier than ever, looking to raise the trophy once again.

Although losing six experienced seniors from their roster, the team was introduced to six gifted freshmen ready to step up and fill their spots.

“ I truly believe these girls can deal some real damage and bring us home another title this season.,” said head women’s tennis coach Nick Fiashchetti.

Sophomore Quinn Norlander added, “I think they’ll definitely play an integral role in our team’s success this season.”

Despite the major roster shift, the team’s chemistry never lost its strength. Returning players have made it a priority to help the newcomers on and off the court, creating a welcoming environment where everyone pushes each other to be their best. With exceptional leadership from the upperclassmen and the fresh energy from the underclassmen, the team dynamic has become not just competitive but uplifting.

Whether it’s 6 a.m. practices or late workouts in the gym, the team has clearly expressed their determination to win the state title and, most importantly, take down their biggest rival, Cranbrook. These early mornings and long days have helped develop discipline throughout the team.

Although their first few matches were rescheduled due to bad weather, the girls decided that no amount of snow or rain could stop them from an opportunity to improve each day.

After the weather finally permitted outdoor play, the girls headed over to Mercy High School to take on both Mercy and Midland Dow. The Jackets were able to take down both Division 2 teams, 7-1 and 5-3, respectively. These matches served as a strong start to the season, allowing the team to showcase their depth and versatility across all flights.

These wins were not only confidence boosters, but they were proof that their hard work was finally starting to pay off.

In their final season with the team, Captains Katie Han and Sophia Grzesiak share their goals, which are to have fun, win states, and beat Cranbrook.

Both players have been instrumental in fostering a focused and resilient mindset throughout the team.

To set the tone for the season, Coach Fiaschetti decided to take on the Cranes in their third match of the season.

Both captains acknowledge that Cranbrook also has many strong players, but Han states, “Our hard work and good teamwork is what sets us apart from them and will bring us the state title.”

The two rivals had a very close battle to say the least, where Katie Han and Quinn Norlander were able to close out their match, pulling the final score to 4-4.

While a tie may have felt inconclusive, it has only added fuel to the team’s competitive fire. The close contest proved that the girls are capable of going toe-to-toe with some of the best programs. The team walked away from the match not only with new lessons but with new motivation to do even better at regionals and beyond.

Being left on a cliffhanger from the regular season, the team saw Cranbrook again in the regional tournament where they fell shy by two points.

Although the regular season battles have come to an end, the race to the title has only just begun. Sharing her thoughts before the tournament, Sienna Nguyen declared, “Our team will come out on top if we come into our matches strong and stay competitive at every flight.”

PHOTOS FROM THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER IN 1999 photo courtesy of ALAN oLIphANt

KyrA ZAchArIAs ANd MArGAuX KohN wALKING out to theIr MAtch; ANd chLoe coNNIff prepAres to swING, photos courtesy of coco LowMAN

NEW COURSE CHANGES UPDATES TO THE SCHEDULE

by ARJUN ATWAL SECTION EDITOR

FOR THE 2025-26 school year, several new classes have been added and others have been renamed. More specific information can be found in the course catalog and schedule sheet, but here are some of the highlights:

Due to the increasing popularity of filmmaking and the new resources within The Studios complex, two one-semester screenwriting courses have been added. They fall under the umbrella of the English department, but do not count toward the four-year English requirement. Irish Literature and Science Fiction are also new English department offerings. Broadcasting is now an additional option for meeting the communications requirement.

A French immersion class on Quebec culture returns to the World Language department next year. Computer science has added two one-semester courses: Data Mining and Machine Learning.

The History department brought back the semester-long Entrepreneurial Problem Solving course and the History of Detroit class. They also opened a long-awaited AP Research Research course for students currently taking AP Seminar.

The Math department is adding Applications in Calculus and Statistics, a year-long class that will spend one semester on Calculus and one semester on Stats. According to Math Department Head Renee Zacks, the course is aimed at students who want to learn Calculus and Statistics but not use two blocks of their schedule.

The biggest changes occurred in the Science department. They added two environmental courses that are less challenging than AP Environmental Science, a pair of pre-engineering courses, a conceptual physics course taught through an athletic lens, and Modern Physics, a post AP course. The final additions are four research courses. Once AP Seminar is completed, eligibility can be gained to take a STEM-based AP Research class instead of Humanities AP Research, an Advanced research program, and two semester-long research courses.

Upper School Academic Dean Celeste Mahabir spoke about the changes made by the Science department. “I think that’s [the two environmental courses] a really good class for students who want to learn a little bit more about the life science world and some of the economic and political challenges. Think of a student who might be interested in business school. These would be a really good landing place to kind of get a sense of the impact of business in those classes.”

There is another type of class that Mahabir believes students will find beneficial. “I also think the pre-engineering classes would be really good for students who are interested in business because of the production and the process. A lot of times people think, ‘I study business, then I just study this abstract concept.’ The reality is you need to learn how systems work and you need to learn how production works and the thinking of that production so that you can actually make decisions at the business level.”

LIFE OF AN AP STUDENT

SPOTLIGHT ON AN AP STUDENT BALANCING A BUSY LIFE

by JENNy SUN STAFF WRITER

HAVING TO SPEND a whole year taking AP classes is a demanding task. With AP Exams coming up, let’s put things into perspective and look at the daily life of an AP student on exam day. Meet Ada Gong, an AP student at Detroit Country Day School. She is taking four AP exams this year.

7:00 AM- Gong wakes up. She sits on the bed and declutters the doubts of the day. Today is the day - an AP Exam awaits! She makes her way out of bed as she gets ready for the day.

7:10 AM- Gong goes to the bathroom, washes her face, changes into her uniform, and tries to shake off the anxiety. She has a small breakfast before going to school.

8:55 AM- Gong arrives at school a few minutes early to prepare herself for the day. She hangs out in her advisory before class begins.

9:00AM- Gong’s school day has begun. Her first class of the day is Linear Algebra, where she is learning about vector spaces.

10:15 AM- Gong goes to her advisory where she enjoys a moment of relaxation and talks to her friends.

10:25 AM- Off to her second class of the day, Honors Spanish 4- another class that Gong enjoys. Still, her brain buzzes with thoughts of the exam.

11:40 AM- Her Spanish class just ended, which means just over an hour left until test time! Gong flips through her notes for one last time, trying to take in everything she can- facts, diagrams, anything that might help. Only 30 minutes left, she goes to eat lunch. She’s not that hungry, but she knows she has to eat something before the exam.

12:00 PM- Gong sits for her AP Exam. The exam is long and she is tired but she fights the best she can.

3:45 PM- Finally, the exam is over! Her head is spinning. Her eyes are full of relief.

4:00 PM- Gong gets back home after a long day at school.

4:35 PM- She takes a 30-minute nap. She believes that napping helps her maintain her concentration in the following hours of studying and homework.

5:05 PM- She wakes up and goes to take a 15-minute shower and does her skin care.

5:20 PM- After showering, she starts planning her schedule and the tasks she needs to complete to keep her on track and stay productive.

5:35 PM- She starts doing her homework. She doesn’t follow a schedule, but goes “by the feel.” She tries to study as much as possible, and when she feels tired, she takes a break based on how long she has studied. For today, refreshed from the shower and the nap, she starts with her hardest subject, AP Physics, because it “requires lots of critical thinking.”

6:40 PM- After doing physics homework, her mom calls her for dinner.

7:00 PM- After she eats her dinner, she comes back to grind. She finishes her Physics homework and decides on her next task. She then studies for her next AP Exam - APUSH, which is in a couple of days.

9:30 PM- She finishes studying for APUSH for the day, and she starts looking at her phone as a break. She pets her cat, Lily, before going back to studying.

bRETT SALAMIN AND ELLA ScHUELLER wORk INSIDE “THE STUDIOS“ AND INSIDE OF THE ENGINEERING LAb PHOTO cOURTESY OF STEPHANIE TRAUTMAN AND SHARON cHANG

AN UNFORGETTABLE EXCHANGE DCDS SPANISH exchange

by GRACE KALKANIS fEAtuRES StAff wRItER

BIENVENIDOS ESTUDIANTES!!! In the past few years, Country Day has connected with our sister school in Spain, Colegio mare de Déu del Carme, prompting the Spanish exchange trip for groups of students from each school. Over mid-winter break, students from Country Day visited Spain, and in the week of March 13-19th, the Spanish students came to the U.S and spent time with Country Day students.

At the end of February, Country Day students were able to meet their exchange students face-to-face for the first time. The group flew into Barcelona, and they were able to learn all about Spanish culture and the city’s rich history. “In Spain, we visited all sorts of places, from the mountains to the beach. Every place we went was beautiful, and we were in amazing company,” said junior Sarayu Kolli.

DCDS students spent time practicing their Spanish and bonding with their exchange student and their exchange student’s family.

“I think people are apprehensive about the trip because they don’t enjoy the idea of living with a family that’s not theirs, and going to a school that they don’t attend. But the families work their hardest to make the exchange students feel comfortable, and they really go the extra mile to help us experience the cul-

ture,” said Sarayu Kolli.

After a few weeks apart from each other, the Spanish students flew over to America and reunited with their host students. On their first day at Country Day, the exchange students gave our school a very warm “thank you” as they spoke at our weekly upper school assembly.

The Spanish students were taken out to try new things during their stay in Michigan.

“We went to Somerset Mall, and to places my exchange student has never been before… like Chipotle and Mad Nice in Detroit!” said junior Ava Amezcua. Two of the Spanish exchange students were even taken as far as Chicago to celebrate St. Patrick’s Weekend.

“The city was bustling and the energy was amazing, and we both had so much fun with our girls!” stated juniors Sophie Dirlea and Sarayu Kolli.

The students who participated in the exchange program created lasting friendships and were really able to connect with their Spanish students, even in the short time that they were together. “My exchange student, Kera, quickly became one of my best friends, and I’m going back to Barcelona to visit her this summer,” exclaimed junior Sarayu Kolli.

SENIOR PROJECTS

A LOOK INTO THREE SENIORS AND THEIR PROJECTS

by RAQuELLA fIREbERG fEAtuRES StAff wRItER

AT DETROIT COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL, the Capstone Project has been a key part of the senior year experience since 1968. Each May, students leave the classroom and enter real-world environments that align with their interests and career aspirations. These projects range from internships with professional sports teams to hands-on roles in medical and dental offices, giving students valuable exposure to their chosen fields.

This year, seniors are taking on unique and inspiring projects. Here’s how three students are using their senior projects to take a first step toward their futures.

For senior Grace Lu, the Capstone Project is a chance to gain real-world marketing experience. They are working with ZEEDA Energy, a company that makes electric car chargers, and their project will focus on advertising, customer analysis, and helping build the company’s website. Planning to major in marketing, Lu saw this as the perfect opportunity to apply their skills.

“I’m most excited about the advertising part because I can help create their website,” said Lu.

Their coursework at Detroit Country Day, specifically AP Statistics, has been beneficial in analyzing customer data, a key part of marketing strategy. Reviewing company documents before the project also helped them understand how businesses research their audience.

By the end of the project, they hope to have a greater grasp of real-world marketing and confirm their interest in the field.

“It’s one thing to learn about marketing in class, but applying it in a real business is completely different—and really valuable,” said Lu.

Anna Ryan will be shadowing a pediatrician at Henry Ford Providence Park Pediatrics, where she’ll get first-hand exposure to the world of children’s healthcare. She’s always had a passion for pediatrics.

“No one is more rewarding to help than children,” said Ryan. With plans to study either pediatrics or orthopedics, this project is a key stepping stone. Rather than needing formal training beforehand, Ryan will be learning directly from someone close to her.

“She is actually the pediatrician for me and my older siblings growing up,” said Ryan.

“Patience,” she says, is one of the most important skills for pediatric care. “When kids are sick, they’re fussy and uncomfortable; it can be frustrating,” said Ryan.

She’s seen this pattern with her nieces and nephews and knows one must stay calm and patient to take good care of them.

Finally, for Ella Schueller, the senior project allows her to blend her love

for animals with her interests in psychology and medical care. She’ll be spending her final month of high school shadowing veterinarians at DePorre Veterinary Hospital, under the guidance of Sue Melcher, the practice manager.

Schueller hopes to “gain hands-on experience in a veterinary setting and develop a deeper understanding of animal behavior and medical care.” Having taken AP Psychology, she’s especially curious about how vets treat both the physical and behavioral aspects of their patients’ health.

Schueller will observe veterinarians and technicians in exam rooms and treatment areas during her project.

“I’m hoping to strengthen my communication, observation, and analysis skills,” said Schueller. “This experience will help me decide if veterinary medicine, or something related to animal psychology, is the right path for me.”

Some students know exactly where they’re headed; others are still figuring it out. Lu is diving headfirst into marketing with clear goals and is excited to put her classroom knowledge to the test. Ryan is following her heart into pediatrics, shadowing the same doctor who once cared for her as a child--now ready to care for others. Meanwhile, Schueller keeps her options open and uses her love for animals and interest in psychology to explore whether veterinary medicine is the right fit.

Whether they charge forward with certainty or use the project to explore, each senior will maximize this unique opportunity to step into their future.

ANNA RYAN WORKING IN THE OFFICE FOR SENIOR PROJECT. PHOTOS COuRTESY OF ANNA RYAN

PHOTOS FROm lEFT TO RIGHT: STudENTS vISIT PRAYER CANdlES; vIEWS IN SPAIN; A mORNING ANd A mORNING IN SPAIN PHOTOS COuRTESY OF SARAYu KOllI

BEYOND THE ACCOLADEs

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT on ELLA JEUP

by ISHA UMMADI StAff wrIter

SUCCESS CAN OFTEN measured by accolades and achievements, but for Ella Jeup, it was always something deeper—a quiet, relentless pursuit of authenticity, of heart, of becoming.

“My favorite part about high school is just how amazing the one-on-one connection is with each teacher,” said Jeup. “Whether you’ve had a class with them or not, the support around you is phenomenal.”

That support, wrapped around her from the start, became the soil where Jeup would grow—from a nervous eighth-grader auditioning for the fall play to a leader whose influence would ripple far beyond the stage.

“I went to audition for the fall play and was bombarded by the theater kids,” Jeup laughs. “It just shows you how much our school is centered on community. That’s where I found my people—and that’s what really started to shape who I am today,” said Jeup.

Through theater, Jeup built not just performances, but resilience. “I didn’t feel like I I deserved it,” Jeup admits of her first major role as Lady of the Lake in Spamalot.

“I was a freshman, surrounded by seniors. But it really taught me how to gain confidence when I came to a school that I didn’t know.”

In her senior year, playing Cady Heron in Mean Girls, Jeup found herself reflecting not just on her own growth, but on the new lives she could help shape.

“I got to find leadership in that, to be part of their lives—especially kids like Olivia Berman. It was really special,” said Jeup.

Ella’s legacy however stretches far beyond the theater. At The Day Times as Editor-in-Chief, she found another kind of stage—one built not for performance, but for conversation.

“Communication is not just a skill—it’s the number one necessity of life,” said Jeup. “Journalism really taught me how to do that. I’m so grateful I got to teach others how to be open-minded, how to truly communicate.”

In a world obsessed with doing more, stacking more, achieving more, Jeup came to understand a harder, more beautiful truth.

“You think being well-rounded means taking on everything,” said Jeup. “But it’s not about taking on everything. It’s about finding balance. Being well-rounded isn’t about your paper—it’s about your character.”

Among all her honors—awards, leadership titles, recognitions— Jeup holds something else closer to her heart: her own quiet triumph over darkness.

“I was always a very driven person,” said Jeup. “But I was driving myself towards harm.”

For years, Jeup battled an eating disorder that tried to shrink her spirit. Coming to DCDS helped her fight back — to drive herself, instead, toward passions that built her up: theater, journalism, service, family and academics.

“Learning how to drive myself toward other things— that’s one of my biggest accomplishments,” siad Jeup. It is a victory far greater than any medal could ever symbolize.

This fall, Ella will bring her compassion and brilliance to Boston University, studying linguistics and speech-language sciences—continuing her mission to give voice to those who struggle to find their own. Before she leaves, Jeup offers a message to those still making their way through these hallways: “Life isn’t about something on paper,” Jeup says. “It’s about competing with yourself to make your character better.” And with a knowing smile, she adds, “I say don’t stress, get sleep — but I’m the biggest hypocrite. I have an energy drink every day. I stress out like crazy. But at the end of the day, I got into my dream school—because I tried my best to represent who I am.”

Ella Jeup’s story is not one of perfection. It is one of perseverance. Of a girl who refused to be defined by fear, who chose to build a life stitched with joy, with service, with meaning. And as she steps into the world beyond DCDS, she leaves behind a reminder that the strongest legacies are not written in achievements, but in the courage it takes to become yourself.

ELLA PErforming in mEAn girLs Photo coUrtEsy of ELLA JEUP.

ELLA’s sEnior Photo Photo coUrtEsy of ELLA JEUP.

ELLA PLUcKing bAsiL for hEr bUsinEss Photo coUrtEsy of ELLA JEUP.

A TALE OF TWO DCDS LACROSSE TEAMS

by JACKIE CALSO StAff wrItEr

LACROSSE SEASON BEGAN in March and it started off with highly competitve games for both the men’s and women’s teams.

The women’s team beat their state champ rivals Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School (18-6), while the men’s team lost in a hard fought battle to rivals East Grand Rapids High School (8-9). Despite these varying early results, both teams have been successful in bringing high levels of energy and camradarie to their respective locker rooms.

On the women’s side, the departure of seniors left some serious gaps that have been filled by twin sisters Georgia Pavlou and Mary Pavlou, who are known for their leadership, hustle, and ability to turn a game around. Junior Adri Zuk has been a rock on defense and in the draw circle, holding things down and setting the tone. And freshman Charlotte Cook? She’s already turning heads, picking corners, and playing like a seasoned vet.

On the men’s side, the team’s been working hard, working to build chemistry between returners and new faces. Early games have shown flashes of brilliance and with each practice, they’re looking more and more like a team.

Each year, both teams adopt a motto to set the tone for the season and serve as a motivator for each match.

This year, the women’s team pasted the motto “Step by step, side by side” on the bottom of their warm-up shirts, displaying it to spectators on game day. This phrase summarizes their goal of lifting each other up, working together, and supporting each other as they progress through the season.

The men’s team motto this year is “GRIT,” which refers to the determination and strength of character that help someone stick with a challenging task. It’s about having the mental toughness to keep going, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks.

Both teams refelcted on who gets the energy up and gets the team going on game days. The men’s team voted on senior Kellen Curby, an Ohio State commit, as the one to get the team up and going. The women’s team voted for Georgia Pavlou because her pregame speeches help motivate everyone to push towards their goal on game days.

Another factor that hypes up players on both teams is the pregame music. Lacrosse team captains, Keaton Yearego and Mary Pavlou have their go-to pregame songs.

“There’s a lot of good options out there, but I got to go with ‘Better Together’ by Jack Johnson and ‘Panda’ by Desiigner,” said Yearego.

Mary Pavlou takes a different approach to her pre-game music selections.

“As a team we love to blast Rhianna in the locker room on our speaker called ‘Big Juicy Lady.’ We get in a dance circle and hype each other up by gettingvy before games.”

Both teams are currently in the running for a Division 2 state championship, which will surely be something for the whole lacrosse community to look forward to.

TWO TEAMS FOUR STARS LACROSSE SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

by MICHAEL HOwArD StAff wrItEr

Student-Athlete: Andrew Gryzenia

Sport: Men’s Lacrosse

Andrew Gryzenia, whose name has been mentioned a lot, has been defined by his all-American status and his commitment to Notre Dame, one of the best teams in the nation. Not all of these things define him, but it is his passion and determination on the field that truly make him special. His determination and love for the game were shown the most when he said, “I was pretty much only a JV level player my freshman year. That hurt; I was expecting to play in varsity, but that setback only made me better. I put in a lot of effort and work on and off the field to get where I am now.” Gryzenia is excited to do his best and contribute to

Student-Athlete: Kellen Curby

Sport: Men’s Lacrosse

Kellen Curby, has earned his recognition as an All-American and is a commit to The Ohio State University, one of the top lacrosse programs in the country. Players have commented about his composure and constant drive to improve. His journey is a testament to staying focused on long-term goals, despite obstacles. Now a two-time All-State selection and a key piece of the Yellowjackets’ run to the state championship, Curby is focused on finishing strong in his final season and helping lead his team to another title. His leadership,has helped define the standard for what it means to wear the DCDS jersey.

Student-Athlete: Georgia Pavlou

Sport: Women’s Lacrosse

Georgia Pavlou plays with a fiery edge and undeniable energy, making her one of the team’s most dynamic and competitive players. Her aggressive style and relentless motor have sparked momentum in key moments and helped set the tone in high-pressure games. Georgia Pavlou thrives on competition and has pushed herself and others to be better every season, earning her all-state second team. Like her sister, Georgia Pavlou is committed to Johns Hopkins University, where the Pavlou twins will continue their lacrosse journey side by side at one of the nation’s premier programs.

Student-Athlete: Mary Pavlou

Sport: Women’s Lacrosse

Mary Pavlou has been a strong and disciplined presence for DCDS lacrosse, known for her consistency and leadership. She plays with poise and purpose, always focused on the team’s bigger goals as she is willing to do the behindthe-scenes work that makes a difference. Over the years, Mary Pavlou earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike for her reliability and drive. She has also earned second-team all-state honors. Mary Pavlou will continue her academic and athletic career at Johns Hopkins University, where she’ll bring the same focus and dedication to the Division I level.

photos left to right: men’s lacrosse team gets hype before the game; and women’s lacrosse players walk

photos courtesy of riley raZnick and penelope lowman

photos left to right: andrew gryZenia stands ready to go; kellen curby protects the goal; georgia paVlou passing the ball upfield; and mary paValou passing the ball to a teammate

photos courtesy of riley raZnick and penelope lowman

DCDS High school Wrapped

THE HITS, THE HYPe, the moments replayed

by ELISE KIM AND OLIVIA GOLDSTEIN

AS THE 2024-25 School year comes to a end, we have a lot to report. There were many high points and some low. Long nights and early mornings - while to some this year may feel like it flew by, others cannot wait to be done. Senior Sakina Vohra says, “Graduating is a bittersweet feeling, I am excited for college but also going to miss my friends and teachers.”

From smiles and late-night cramming, spirit weeks, and senior skip days, this is the year wrapped. Only hits, no skips!

Best Field Trip

“

Choices is a yearly event put together by the Youth Action Board which is an out-of-school club that focuses on promoting teen mental health and limiting substance abuse. I was in the club for a while, and this is the first year Country Day got to go. It was a very important and meaningful event.

”

Mason Marcus (‘25)