Day Times March 2023

DAY TIMES

IT’S ACTUALLY BRAIN SURGERY

DCDS Student Researchers present their projects for the 2023 Science Research Season

by DAY TIMES NEWS STAFF

Spring 2023 marks the close of this year’s DCDS Science Research Program. Students were researching, experimenting, and analyzing since the season began this past Fall, and, depending on their projects, they presented their research at either the DCDSx Fair, the Science and Engineering Fair of Metro Detroit (SEFMD), or both. The in-school DCDSx Fair took place on Wednesday, March 8th, and was a showcase of every student researcher at DCDS. Projects were split up by category and judged by DCDS alumni who are experts in the field to which the research applies. Talking more about this process and his experience as a researcher is Junior Nishan Inampudi. “My project was about how hackers can use electromagnetic fields to interrupt the connection between the motor of an electric vehicle and the rest of the car’s functions. I enjoyed being able to educate people on my topic because the sustainability sector has been growing exponentially over the past year, and, as it grows, the vulnerability of electric vehicles becomes more and more important,” says Inampudi.

In a broader sense, he says, his years participating in the school’s science fair have opened new doors for growth as

a learner, a researcher, and more.

“I value the resources our DCDSx Fair provides and the mentors who alllow an opportunity for growth. I’ve developed as a student through the science research program: It taught me to solve a problem that there was no solution to yet, and how to use previous research to develop a base to solve that problem.”

The Science and Engineering Fair of Metro Detroit, or SEFMD, took place one week after the DCDSx Fair, on March 15th. Thankfully, all DCDS researchers were able to present their projects in-person at Huntington Place (formerly Cobo Hall) this year, as many students felt the previous years’ SEFMD zoom-judging did not do their projects justice.

Given the large scale of the competition at Huntington Place, schools could only select a certain number of projects to be presented at the SEFMD. Those who didn’t attend the Metro Detroit Fair wrote detailed research papers discussing their findings instead.

Due to the SEFMD’s size and location in relation to the rest of the state, fair organizers held the Michigan Science and Engineering Fair (MSEF) concurrently with the Met-

Artistic & Literary Excellence

Students receive regional Scholastic Art & Writing awards

by ACHYUT REDDY NewS co-SecTioN ediTor ANd NELL

The DCDS program has always had great success in its rich history of participation in the Art and Writing Scholastic Awards! This year is no different as several of our members had outstanding performances, receiving Gold and Silver key awards. The arts play a huge role at DCDS, and our participating students and faculty deserve an enormous amount of credit and recognition for their hard work! Every year, the Arts have played an enormous role for the talent and well-being of the students. They have played a role in nurturing the passion of young artists to express their creativity and to try something new! Sophomore Allen Song, who started his passion for art 10 years ago, expresses the progress he has made over the years.

“I’m pretty proud of how far I’ve come with exploring different mediums and art styles, and that’s pretty much why I want to continue. Becoming better at one of the only things I’m really good at is inciting to me. This silver key holds more of a sentimental value in terms of how much I’ve improved. I was very proud of “Virtuoso” when I made it, and really hoped it would win a silver or even gold key. The silver shows me how I’ve grown as an artist, and motivates me to grind harder to win something bigger and better in the future.”

Senior Bella Cook, who won a silver key for her portfolio, is also a lifelong artist. She describes her relationship with art and its significance to her life.

“I have been creating art ever since I was little. (...) I continued my passion for art because I really just love getting the time to be creative and make something. Whether it’s a photograph that I spend days planning or just a quick little craft, I find joy in being able to translate my emotions or thoughts into a piece of art.”

Along with the amazing talent of art DCDS has, we also hold a prolific number of strong writers who performed well in the Scholastic Writing event. Our participation in the writing events helps foster the growth of passionate writers who can express their emotions. Junior David Yun, who received 2 Silver keys, talks about the emotional connection to his pieces.

“One of my pieces was about the struggles I face as a Ko-

rean-American and searching for my identity and balance between these two cultures. My favorite aspect of this piece was that I could express who I am as an individual and use writing as a form of this expression.” says Yun David entered the Scholastic Writing competition in hopes to continue his journey in writing in the future!

“I think this definitely inspired me to write more and come up with new ideas for future pieces. I am constantly writing and as I get older, I love the aspect of constantly learning and improving myself even more,” says Yun.

Senior Himani Yarlagadda, who won a gold key and an honorable mention, is a devoted writer who says she uses her pieces as means of self expression and self growth.

“I have found that writing for me is incredibly personal, so it is also an outlet for me to process my emotions or opinions and show them to others. Oftentimes, poetry and prose brings out introspection and ideas that I never knew I had, which is perhaps the fundamental reason why I find the writing process so rewarding.”

Yarlagadda finds that she can use the Scholastic competition to push her limits and grow as a writer.

“I think these Scholastic awards have encouraged me to experiment a little more with my genre of writing. (...) Also, I try to avoid this thinking as much as possible, but sometimes, the idea of submitting to a competition gives me some additional motivation to keep writing consistently.”

Win or lose, students still relish the opportunity to submit to the Scholastic Awards. English department faculty member Mr. Sadler observes that students appreciate the opportunity for their work to be considered outside of the classroom.

“I think students like the opportunity to be recognized and read beyond the building. I think students like that their work is read based on its quality and not for a grade. And I think students like the opportunity to grow as a writer, not just as an academic writer that’s training to go to college, but to do stuff that they care about.”’

Furthermore, Sadler recognizes that the act of submitting work takes courage and thus becomes a learning experi-

ro Detroit fair. Students who presented for the SEFMD at Huntington Place were automatically considered in the larger MSEF competition as well. Those whose projects earned the highest praise from judges received Grand Awards, the highest distinction offered by the fair. Grand Award winners are invited to participate in the International Science and Engineering Fair, or ISEF, in May. After many months of research and a successful series of presentations at Huntington Place on Wednesday, two of our own DCDS student researchers earned Grand Awards. Vikram Goddla received a Grand Award from the SEFMD on the city level, and will attend ISEF for the second time in his high school career this May, after presenting as a Sophomore last year. Connor Kalkanis received a Grand Award from the Michigan Science and Engineering Fair, and was chosen to represent the entire State of Michigan at the ISEF in May. The two of them will move on to present their research in Dallas, Texas, the host location for this year’s international fair. Congratulations to all DCDS students who participated in science research this year, and wish Vikram and Connor luck as they move on to the ISEF!

ence in itself.

“it’s an opportunity to put yourself out there on a national level and see what happens. (...) A lot of people get disappointment and learn how to deal with rejection, but a lot of people get a success story out of it as well.”

This year, Country day students earned many success stories. The arts and writing at DCDS continue to excel and give the student body the opportunity to cultivate their passions through these competitions. The participation from students and faculty continue to impress us with their hard work and dedication, and deserve enormous support from the DCDS community.

CONNOR KALKANIS PRESENTS his novel brain cancer therapy

STOVER STAFF wriTer

regional award winners are honored for their work PC: Abigail Burdette

VIKRAM GODDLA DETAILS his microbot solution for drug delivery Photos courtesy of Mrs. McMillan

NISHAN INAMPUDI EXPLAINS the vulnerabilities of electric cars

THE DAY TIMES

editorial staff

Editors-in-Chief:

Tanisha Khare

Kaitlyn Hopkins

Managing Editors:

Sameeksha Sampath

William Beachum

Content Editor:

Hiba Asadula

Josie-Marie Pachla

Layout Editors:

Atlas Harris

Grace Liu

Senior Staff:

Jiu Won

Arya Chalasani

Photo/Graphics:

Grace Liu

Abigail Burdette

Zach Yeh

Section Editors:

Arya Chalasani

Riley Mcalpine

Achyut Reddy

Connor Kalkanis

Raj Rao

Amnmar Siddiqui

Zach Rodger

Stephen Brentano

Atlas Harris

Daniel Kiarash

Interns and Staff Writers:

Arjun Atwall, Andrew Brentano, Sharon Chang, Alex Eby, Jiya

Gill, Ella Juep, Nathan Maibach, Matthew Metrose, Jamie Nation, Zeheng Nie, Mei Quinn, Maddy Rocchi, Lila Salamin, Nell Stover, Eddy Wang, Naomi Zakalik, Luke Zhang

Advisors:

HEATHER HUHN

MATTHEW SADLER

IS SADIE’S SEXIST?

Contemplating the potentially sexist origins of the Sadie Hawkins tradition.

by NATHAN MAIBACH staff writer

The Day Times is a member of The American Scholastic Press Association, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, The Michigan Interscholastic Press Association, and the Quill and Scroll Society.

Contact The Day Times at: The Day Times

Detroit Country Day School

22305 W. 13 Mile Rd. Beverly Hills, MI 48025

(248) 646-7717

Recently on February 17th, 2023, our school had its annual Sadie Hawkins dance. This dance, organized by the class board, is focused on the historical tradition of the girls asking the guys out to the dance, which “switches” the gender norms where the guy usually asks the girl to the dance for homecoming.

The Sadie Hawkins dance came from the cartoonist Al Capp, in his character Sadie Hawkins. Sadie was the “homeliest gal in all the hills” and the daughter of Hezekiah, the wealthiest man in the town. Seeing how Sadie’s repulsive appearance frightened men away, Hezekiah declared a “Sadie Hawkins” day where all unmarried men were to be chased by Sadie. If Sadie caught one, he would have to marry her. This day and history translated to the yearly Sadies dance, where women ask men to dance. This dance has a lot of degrading and sexist history. But it is also a fun tradition enjoyed by high school students. What do students think about this dance and its history?

Maddy Rocchi, vice president of the Class Board, said, “I think we should just have school dances without the expectation of a guy asking a girl or vice versa. We should just have a school dance.”

In today’s day in age, Country Day should consider changing the name of the dance to something different so that everyone can feel included and respected. Schools like Marian don’t have a Sadies dance; in-

stead, they have Winter Formal, which provides for and respects all.

Some students think that the traditional theme of the dance is a fun tradition and switches things up.

Beka Borgia, a Junior, said, “I like the theme of the dance because it is more of a different dance and changes the dance. It is just a fun dance.”

Sophomore Elena Tatai said, “I didn’t know the history of the dance, but I still think the dance is just a fun tradition and has nothing to do with the real realities of sexism.”

Based on my interviews and interactions with the DCDS student community, most students don’t know the complex history of Sadies; they see the dance as a fun time with their friends where girls ask out boys.

Sophomore Mason Marcus said, “I don’t know the history of it, but I just think it is a fun time. But I think that Country Day should consider changing the name.”

Sophomore Mary Pavlou, a class board member, said, “Sadies is a great time for people to get together and dance and have fun with their friends. It’s an exciting time and it’s also an opportunity for girls to ask out boys when homecoming is the other way around. I think it’s a great opportunity for everybody to have some fun and be with their friends.”

Overall the history and name of the Sadie Hawkins dance is sexist and degrading to-

LIFE SKILLS

What do students want in health class?

by LILA SALAIMIN staff writer

The school offers a health class that can be taken any year, which includes facts about nutrition, advice about alcohol and driving and what I’m here to talk about-- sex ed. My class was taught by Ms. Marcone, Ms. Geyman, and Ms. Hamway.

After asking around, I found a couple freshmen who were particularly opinionated about the health class. They decided to remain anonymous. One of the freshmen said how “the class went too in depth into STD and STI information (including very graphic images)” The graphic imagery problem wasn’t that they were showing graphic imagery, it was that there was no warning for it. In the class you would be caught off guard with little to no warning for heavy topics. In my experience the class was told that there would be a film about suicide but no mention at how horrific and jarring the scenes showed would be. The student also mentioned how the video about animal and dairy products was too graphic and depressing.

The freshman also mentioned “yet they never mentioned birth control or how to get on birth control and the discussions needed to have with parents.”

Junior Hannah Redman also

ward women. But it is still a fun tradition that many students love. A way to appease everyone is to change the name to something like winter formal and change the norms of the dance so that it is more inclusive for everyone.

SENIOR COLUMN

Semester 1 retrospective

by JAMIE NATION staff writer

brought this up in our interview, “They also teach abstinence, which isn’t realistic.” In an article from the Washington Post it states “In other words, comprehensive sexuality education helps young people remain abstinent, while abstinence-only education does not.”

Two of the freshmen agreed that they don’t believe that they learned much in the class. The teachers were said to be great but the curriculum was lacking. One thing that many people agreed on was that they wished that LGBTQIA+ students would be included in the sex ed discussions. Redman also remarked on how, “ It should be remade for current times and more realistic situations.” Which goes along with how the freshman mentioned how the LGBTQIA community was largely unmentioned and unincluded from the class education. Also, some of the information in the course was from up to 6 years ago. Information from six years ago might not be relevant today and will not help best teach students.

While it wasn’t my favorite class I can still be aware that there were some merits to the course. I enjoyed the more health aspects about nutrition, working out, and mental health. Yet, I and some others found the sex ed aspect to be slightly lacking. In my experience I had great health teachers, yet the curriculum wasn’t the best.

Semester 1 has ended through Detroit Country Day. Semester 1 was months long and filled with tests, quizzes, midterms, stress, and anxiety. As we are now in Semester 2 it is time to reflect on our past semester. Think back to what made it difficult, what made it easy, and the lesson that we can take away from Semester 1. Nitya Reddy said what made Semester 1 difficult was as follows, “The classes that I am taking. I’m taking American Studies and IB Precalculus. When I asked her if her junior year Semester 1 is harder or if her sophomore year Semester 1 was harder she said, “I think this year, my Junior year is harder because last year we didn’t really have midterms but besides that, I feel that Semester 1 was pretty easy”. I also felt the same way as Nitya. For me, without having direct experience with midterms made them even scarier. This led to me feeling prepared in terms of the material but not knowing what to expect and how to conserve my time while taking the midterm. A sophomore Zara Rehman also felt that this year’s Semester 1 was more difficult than last year’s Semester 1. “I think my sophomore year Semester 1 was a lot harder than my freshman year Semester 1. Especially since I upped my level of hard classes. I am taking all honors and Ap Euro ‘’. Even after this demanding course load, Zara feels that overall Semester 1 wasn’t too difficult. “But I would say overall it wasn’t terrible. I know some other people found it very difficult but I thought

that it was okay”. When I asked Zara about the lesson that she learned from Semester 1 she said time management. As she says, “I could have managed time better but that’s me. Going forward through Semester 2 I will make sure to use my time wisely”. Like Zara, I also had problems with time management. Many times I scrolled through TikTok knowing that I had the assignment to complete. As I go throughout Semester 2 I will try like Zara to use my time wisely. Although Semester 1, like many students, had me tired and counting down the days until the next break, it made me realize how to improve as a student and the ways to continue to build on my strengths. I figured out what times of the day I should study and the different ways to take notes in different classes. I figured my strength is asking questions so I am sure I understand the material. As we go through this semester it’s important for us to look back at past experiences and see how we can improve them in the future.

“They should be focused on teaching things instead of scaring people.”

-

Hannah Redman

Photos courtesty of Al Capp

What preferences do DCDS students have for colleges?

by ARYA CHALASANI

COLLEGE IS THE END of the run of high school, but a new beginning at the same time. It’s a way to test our adaptation to society and the expansion of our interests and hobbies. Whether this be in the form of finding new friends, joining a frat, or even experimenting with what you want to study, it is safe to say that going to college almost always means pressing the “reset” button. However, the university that you land up in must align with your personal desires and high school accomplishments. While there are many types of universities out there, it is safe to say that one day we will all find our desired university. However, the question still remains as to whether or not small universities or big universities are preferred in today’s world.

Senior Arnav Modi says, “I want to go to a university where I can study my desired major. Preferably I want to go to a larger university because I will get to mingle with a vast number of activities; however, I wouldn’t mind going to a smaller university.”

Senior Alyssa Rahmani says, “I only see myself going to a bigger university. I really want that college experience, and I feel like at a smaller university you don’t really catch that experience. All of my siblings have also gone to bigger universities, so I kind of have to carry that legacy on.

opinions section

editor

While bigger universities appeal to our generation more due to the “college experience” that you can only experience once, there are also people who would prefer a smaller university due to less competition and ways that they can fully stay focused on their dreams.

Senior Elliott Shaw says, “I’m just trying to stay focused in high school. I got really distracted in high school, but I’m finally starting to learn how to stay focused. I don’t really care where I end up, but I want to stay focused. A smaller university doesn’t sound too bad.”

Senior Alexis Corrigan says, “I’ve always been on the quieter side, moreover, I want to be able to accomplish my goal of becoming a successful doctor. I don’t learn well in an environment with many people, or parties going on constantly. I think a smaller university would have a better long term impact on myself and my future. Wherever we end up in life, it happens for a reason; however, with college we are given a vast majority of choices. The future lies within our hands, and it’s better we choose what appeals to us before it becomes too late. The best we can do is try our best and work as hard as possible to get to our desired destination in life.

EDITORIAL

The supposed “downfall” of DCD

by ATLAS HARRIS layout & section editor

DETROIT COUNTRY DAY

aims to provide as much rigor as possible in its academics. Teachers expect students to complete assignments, perform on tests, and balance their learning with extracurriculars, clubs, and student leadership. However, many community members, students and teachers alike, misunderstand what rigor is. Rigor does not mean difficulty, challenge, or time spent doing homework-- academic rigor is the amount of learning achieved through schooling.

In recent years I’ve heard many people say DCDS is going “downhill,” that we don’t have standards anymore, that we don’t care about dress code, and most importantly, that we’ve lost the academic rigor we’re known for. The idea that DCDS lacks rigor compared to the past is a grand misconception. Students may not spend as long on homework and no longer work themselves into a grave each night, but for these exact reasons, DCDS promotes academic rigor more than ever.

It’s almost universally agreed upon that excessive homework is a detriment to students’ physical and mental health and, thus, their learning. For this reason, teachers at DCDS have begun as-

signing less homework each night. Where once each class was expected to have 40 minutes to an hour of work each night, with 6 or 7 subjects each day, students now have four classes each day, with less homework assigned each. Some may argue that this reduces the rigor of the curriculum. Still, Denise Pope’s Stanford research on the effectiveness of homework shows that too much homework, even ignoring health drawbacks, negatively impacts students’ learning. Therefore, DCDS promotes a more reasonable and healthy amount of homework that benefits students’ health and increases the rigor of our academics by better facilitating students’ understanding of the content they learn.

We at the Day Times believe that DCDS is not “going soft,” losing itself, or lacking rigor. But, even if this was the case, sacrificing the well-being of students for the artificial difficulty isn’t a good tradeoff. DCDS does a better job facilitating learning than when teachers used to assign more homework. In fact, it could do even better by accommodating students’ mental health and making extracurriculars an equal priority to academics.

THE ROOSTERTAIL VS. THE TOWNSEND

Detroit Country Day prom holds a history. It holds high standards amongst students, faculty, and parents. Of course, every school dance is something to be cherished and remembered, but there’s something about prom that’s a little more special, especially at Country Day. The reason for this is that we always obtain a special location. In the past it’s been tradition for us to hold prom at the Townsend in Birmingham. Due to COVID, we’ve had to switch things up in recent years. For instance, last year’s prom was held at the M1 Concourse race track, in Pontiac. Students seem to agree that this venue worked out well because it was both inside and outside, allowing students to spread apart and erasing concerns regarding the pandemic.

Since we strayed away from our tradition of holding prom at The Townsend, students took it upon themselves to find another cool, different location for this year. Seniors Aaryn Sherman, Alexa Thomas, Chandler McCree and members of the class board came to Mr. Corrigan with the idea of having the dance at the Roostertail, an event venue located alongside the Detroit river. A google form was sent out to the juniors and seniors asking them to choose between The Townsend and The Roostertail. The Roostertail ended up winning with 80 to 20% of votes, but the Administration made the executive decision to hold the prom at The Townsend instead…

Several faculty members and parents were worried about the drive and the distance. The Roostertail is in Detroit, roughly 30 to 35 minutes away from students who live near Country Day. The distance differentiates when you consider students who don’t live in the area,

Consideirng the debate over the location of Prom

by JOSIE PACHLA managing editor

some of which happen to live in Detroit. Regardless, the distance is worthy of consideration because several students, like myself, live far from Detroit. I live around 45 minutes from the Roostertail, one of the further distances to consider. It makes sense that parents wouldn’t want their kids driving far. However, it’s well known that the majority of students take party buses to school dances, so “the drive” wouldn’t be a concern for many.

“The logistics behind it was The Townsend still had our money from 2020, from Covid. They called and said, we need to know. And that was why we did what we did” said Mr. Corrigan. The administration was in fact in a time crunch for the decision on the prom location because The Townsend needed an answer from us at a certain time. According to Mr. Corrigan, another school wanted to book The Townsend on the same date.

Not only were parents and faculty leaning towards The Townsend, several students preferred this location as well. Senior Amina Alkhafaji made note of her opinion on the matter.

“I feel like just because it’s been a tradition for so long it makes it feel more normal especially because my siblings had it there too and they have always talked about it. I also feel like driving all the way to Detroit can be dangerous in several different ways. Lastly, The Townsend is a very elegant and well known place, which is why it’s perfect for holding a prom” said Alkhafaji.

Alkhafaji makes a good point to consider. Country Day is known for its traditions. We stick to things, like the mother daughter breakfast, which has been running for years on end, or the tradition of having the homecoming game

Saturday, the day of homecoming, or like having prom at The Townsend. It’s surely something to respect and makes sense to hold on to. However, other students feel like it’s time for change.

“So essentially, I wanted the prom to be at The Roostertail because I’ve been there for an event before! It’s a beautiful venue, on the water, with proper security, fencing, and a large amount of parking, and it’s in its own secluded area and the building itself is amazing” says Senior Aaryn Sherman.

“I felt really disappointed that they decided to change the location, mostly because it’s not what the students wanted. The students were allowed to vote for a reason, and the rooster tail was chosen, 80 to 20. Therefore, it should be at the rooster tail, end of discussion.”

As a member of the classboard, junior Lainey Mihalich also played a large role in the planning and decision making of the prom location. She provided some insight on the process she was involved in and mentioned hearing the concerns raised by parents about the location of the Rooster Tail.

“Wanting to do anything I could to ease concerns, I called the Roostertail representative that we had been communicating with to ask whether they had seen these concerns arise in the past. She said that the Roostertail holds over 150 events a year, and safety has never been an issue. She also offered that any DCDS Upper School parents could take a tour of the Roostertail before the night of prom to show what a unique and safe location it is” says Lainey.

She said that after having this conversation, she talked with the board, her advisors and Corrigan. The class board then discussed finding forms of transportation for students to eliminate concerns about the drive. After this discussion the class board members assumed the prom would likely be at the Roostertail and they

would begin choosing dates for the tour to happen. “Later that same night, the next thing I heard was that prom would be held at the Townsend Hotel” concluded Mihalich.

However, Mihalich and other students understand that there was a deadline for the decision, making it difficult for administrators to fully look into the Roostertail. If there were more time for us to make the decision, then it may have been possible to go through with the tour and plan arrangements for transportation.

Mihalich also assured that there should be no worries about the success of this year’s prom. “While this situation was complicated and in some ways disappointing, I have gained a lot of valuable insight. I can assure that absolutely no one is entirely at fault for this. I believe that our community will learn from this experience and become stronger because of it. Ultimately, regardless of the location, I can promise the Junior Class Board will ensure an amazing prom night for the students!”

Many students were upset about the prom decision. Like Sherman and Mihalich, many were mad about the reasoning for the choice to have prom at Townsend and the lack of respect for the students’ opinions. Several students were simply excited to hold prom at the Roostertail because it would be something different. This is where we run into a dilemma: should we do different things at a school that is known for holding traditions? Some would say no because our traditions are too precious to put at stake. It can be scary to do something new, something that’s never been done before. But at the end of the day, traditions have to start somewhere. And once in a while new traditions can be good. This doesn’t mean that old traditions have to be replaced, but from time to time it may be good to do something different.

Photo courtesy of The Townsend

Photo courtesy of The Roostertail

A look at Himani Yarlagadda’s achievements

by JIU WON editior

lar math class. “I lead their math club where we compete in Canadian or college math competitions. ICAE became my home away from home,” said Yarlagadda.

(Creative) Writing Yarlagadda began writing for the creative writing conservatory, but with Mrs.Hannet’s support, she developed a true love for this hobby. Yarlagadda considers herself to be analytical and STEM-oriented, so she always viewed creative writing as a good challenge.

“Mrs.Hannett instructed me to write one piece a week. She encouraged me to write for Spectrum and for the Optimist Club. Without Mrs.Hannett, I wouldn’t have been this intrigued by creative writing,” Yarlagadda said. Because of this journey, Yarlagadda constantly brainstorms creative writing in her journal.

Yarlagadda claimed that writing her first essays in English class was her most influential learning experience. She was a middle school student who would shut down after receiving a grade that was not up to her standard. “There are very right and incorrect ways to solve math, which is why I used to love math so much. However, I was scared of English because you have to argue your way,” Yarlagadda said. She challenged herself to grow as a student by understanding that it’s okay to start off weak and get stronger and improve.

portunities at DCDS. I wouldn’t have been this comfortable about trying new things without DCDS,” Yarlagadda says. Because of the opportunities here, she participated in clubs she otherwise would not have, such as sailing, Model UN, and Spectrum. “I became more confident, flexible, and grounded in who I am. I realized that I’m not just a math kid, but that there’s more to me,” Yarlagadda said.

Advice for Underclassmen

I recently had the opportunity to discuss the incredible achievements senior Himani Yarlagadda has accomplished during her tenure at the school. Yarlagadda aspires to live by these words of her parents: “Your job as a student is to be a sponge: soak up all the knowledge around you and grow from it.”

Medicine

“My passion for medicine started because of my pediatrician,” said Yarlagadda. She suffered from numerous severe food allergies as a young child, and many doubted she could overcome this. Her pediatrician, however, was one of the few who made an effort to assist Yarlagadda and treat her allergies not as a barrier, but rather as something she has to work with. Her pediatrician would always answer all her questions and encourage her curiosity.

Yarlagadda kept up her interest in medicine in middle school by attending an ER camp in Boston. “I learned how to triage, suture wounds, and received first aid and CPR certification. I also visited a hospital training center to practice medical procedures on dummies. And that’s when I knew I wanted to pursue this interest further,” Yarlagadda said.

In addition, Yarlagadda conducted studies on allergies in high school, such as using chemical agents to stop the reactivity of proteins; essentially, she investigated ways to prevent peanut proteins from being as reactive to humans. Math Math has played a significant role in Yarlagadda’s life. Math challenges her to think outside the box. “I enjoy the problem solving behind the math, and understanding the ‘why’ and the ‘how.’ It’s a lot of fun when you think of math as puzzles,” said Yarlagadda.

She is also a member of the DCDS Math Competitions Club, where they frequently participate in math contests like Math Madness, a bracket-style competition where they face off against other high school teams. The DCDS club came in second place this year.

In third grade, she joined ICAE, an extracurricu-

“I asked my teacher for advice on how to write essays better in my freshman English class. I even revised the essay and then asked if it was any better. This was a crucial experience for my freshman self to have,” said Yarlagadda. From this moment, she also realized teachers are there for you to improve.

Favorite Classes

Although Yarlagadda has a strong STEM focus, her favorite class has always been Latin. “From sixth grade till now, Latin has consistently been the class that I know I’ll have fun in. We are always encouraged by Doc (McNellen) to learn more about Latin and the history of the Roman Empire. I didn’t anticipate being this interested in it. Although Latin is really challenging, it’s always a breath of fresh air,” Yarlagadda says.

Another one of Yarlagadda’s favorite classes deviates from STEM: Honors Symphonic Orchestra (HSO). As a flutist, she relates the flute to creative writing in that it allows her creativity to flow while relaxing. Yarlagadda appreciates HSO because of Mr. Oliphant’s encouragement and genuine care for his students: “Mr. Oliphant is always up to date, and he’s always interested in what students are doing and how they are doing. He’s always checking up on us and helps to make our day a little better in small ways. Yarlagadda picked up the flute randomly in fifth grade to avoid playing the violin, but she’ll forever be grateful for the experiences she had and the memories she made.

Model UN

As a member of Model-UN, she must frequently participate in public speaking. “If I told my 7th grade self that my primary club is a speaking club, she would have thought I was insane. I was terrified of speaking in front of other people back then,” said Yarlagadda. Her passion for global health topics like public health and epidemiology inspired her to seek out a Model-UN experience; through this experience, she became more enthusiastic about speaking and exchanging views.

DCDS Lessons

DCDS can have a competitive, stressful environment. Nonetheless, Yarlagadda has gained a lot of life lessons as a result of it. “I learned about how to explore what was around me. We’re encouraged to take advantage of the op-

SOLO & ENSEMBLE

One, two, ready, and!

by LUKE ZHANG news staff writer

Many students are accustomed to the unhealthy routine of studying for hours on end, and sleeping for only five hours a day; Yarlagadda is no exception. “Even though we’re fortunate to study in an opportunity-rich environment, I felt the need to do everything. Because we were pushed to do everything, I really struggled with knowing when to take a step back and take a day for myself. Understand that it’s okay to be a part of something, but you can’t devote yourself to everything. Realize other people have different strengths than you, and that’s not a weakness on your end; after all, we all work hard in our own ways. Instead of feeling toxic competition, know that it’s a way for you guys to mesh together and work together and support each other. Also, just remember there’s people there for you at DCDS. Everyone’s willing to help you. Recognize your teachers as people who want to help you learn, and become more mature and educated individuals,” Yarlagadda said.

“I envision myself going to medical school and becoming a pediatric surgeon. I realized I want to continue studying math in college, like applied mathematics with a focus in biology. I might even minor in public health. The possibilities are endless,” said Yarlagadda.

Yarlagadda has left a lasting legacy that will always be remembered. Although she may not realize it, her influence and kindness are felt across the entire school, and she has made a significant positive impact on many peoples’ lives.

“Start when you’re ready,” says Mr. Otto, giving Kenji Farrell the go-ahead to start with “Nocturno” by Franz Strauss for the District Solo and Ensemble Festival. Every year, the District Solo and Ensemble is held in early to mid-February where soloists or ensembles perform for a panel of judges. There are a variety of different events, including solos, duets, trios, quartets, and even quintets. While rehearsing alone is difficult enough, rehearsing with an ensemble can be very demanding. Junior Natalie Chang has had 3 years of experience in DCDS’ premier chamber music group, the Honors Chamber Music Ensemble.

“We practice every Monday and Thursday during lunch and Wednesday during office hours. Practicing Tsiolkovsky is arduous and hard: a small slip up in rhythm can

cascade and bring the ensemble to a grinding halt. A loose octave can cause a pizzicato to be out of tune, making the phrase awkward,” says Chang.

The Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, or MSBOA, allows students to register for the Solo and Ensemble Festival in an unlimited number of events. However, as some students have come to learn, signing up for multiple events can bring some challenges.

“Solo and Ensemble is extra difficult because while we are stressing about working with other people, we must also practice our own solo pieces at home, which is hard to do with many homework assignments leading up to midgoal,” says Chang. Chang performed at Imlay City High School on February 11th, her chamber ensemble earning a

first division rating - the highest rating given by the MSBOA.

Junior Kenji Farrell comments on the differences between this year’s Solo and Ensemble and the ones in year’s past: “This year was better for the band players because we didn’t have to wear masks. It was also a lot better than the online versions because the judges could hear us more clearly.” All groups participating in Solo and Ensemble received a second division rating or higher, yielding 47 State Qualifiers from this year’s Honors Symphonic Orchestra.

“Wonderful playing-” says Mr. Otto, as Kenji blows off the last F-sharp in his Nocturno, de- crescendoing to a softer and softer note.

himani and her dog. Photo courtesy of the Day Times.

himani works in a lab Photo courtesy of the Day Times.

photos courtesy of “Miniature Instruments.”

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STANDARDIZED TESTING AND NATIONAL MERIT

Students and counselors weigh in on the PSAT and PACT

by ACHYUT REDDY news section editor

The PSAT and PACT are two different standardized tests given to Sophomores, Juniors, and Freshmen each year. These tests allow students to better understand what to expect on the actual SAT/ACT. Juniors who take the PSAT and receive high scores have the opportunity to receive scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Program. With that being said, here are some thoughts from students who completed the practice standardized tests!

Freshman, Krish Reddy had his first go with standardized tests, taking the PACT this year.

“I did not prepare for this test at all. I think that I could have done a better job on certain sections but I know that I can get a much better score with some preparation. However, this test gave me a great idea of what a standardized test would look like and also prepared me for some stuff I will actually see on a real ACT,” says Reddy.

Another freshman, Mathew Metrose, also shared his preparation and reaction to the PACT.

“I originally planned to prepare, but other school work and weekend laziness got in the way. I did very well in some sections, like reading comprehension, but I struggled in others, like Science, primarily due to lack of time. Overall I am happy with my performance, considering I could have prepared better and it helped me gain a much better understanding of standardized tests in general.”

Sophomores and Juniors both had the opportunity to take the PSAT, as well. Junior Ansh Patel talks about his thoughts on this test.

“I would say the PSAT was much better than the PACT, however, I was in 9th grade when I took the PACT. I didn’t really prepare much since I was prepping for the SAT, but I was decently happy. Although, I do wish I did just a little better in both the reading and math sections,” says Patel.

Juniors prepare for the SAT mainly due to National Merit. What is National Merit? Mrs. Sullivan from the college counseling team explains:

“National Merit Semifinalists are selected from the pool of high school juniors who scored in the top 1% of their state. Finalists can earn the chance for a college scholarship. Some colleges do not grant a scholarship for semifinalists but many do,” says Mrs. Sullivan. Good luck to all the test takers!

POET WILLIE PERDOMO VISITS DCDS

Welcome, Willie!

by ARJUN ATWALL staff writer

On March 16, 2023, poet and author Willie Perdomo will pay a visit to Detroit Country Day School, marking the first time an author has visited the school in 2.5 years. During his visit, he will reflect on his many works of sophisticated writing.

English Department Chair Dr. Kowaleski reflected on the upcoming visit.

“For all students, I hope this artist’s visit will help bring literature and especially poetry to life. Mr. Perdomo is a spoken-word poet so the performance of his work is as important as the words on the page. I think students will be entertained by the assembly, but I’m also excited that they will see a poet who they studied in English class (all students will studying some of his poems in the weeks before his visit) in the flesh; maybe it will help them imagine J.D. Salinger or Lorraine Hansbury or William Shakespeare as real people!” said Dr. Kowaleski.

Willie Perdomo is the author of Smoking Lovely: The Remix, The Crazy Bunch, The Essential Hits of Shorty Bon Bon, and Where a Nickel Costs of Dime. He has won the Foundation for Contemporary Arts Cy Twombly Award for Poetry, the New York City Book Award in Poetry, and the PEN Open Book Award; Perdomo was also a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the Poetry Society of America Norma Farber First Book Award. He is co-editor of the anthology, Latínext, and his works have appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Poetry, The Washington Post, The Best American Poetry 2019, and African Voices. He is currently a Lucas Arts Literary Fellow, a primary faculty member at VONA/Voices of our Nation Writing Workshop, and a teacher at Phillips Exeter Academy.

Mr. Perdomo strongly believes in the importance for young people to embrace writing and strory telling!

“Writing is a way to process chaos, confusion, conflict, love, a way of seeking a truth, of honoring family members. Most of your lives are driven by storytelling!” says Mr. Perdomo.

Dr. Kowaleski added, “Mr. Perdomo went to a school like Country Day when he was in high school, and he is now teaching at Phillips Exeter Academy, another independent school out east. I’m excited to think that students in our community will see in his experience a path for themselves as writers in the future. We hope that while he is visiting he will be leading workshops in creative writing classrooms and meeting in small groups with students who write for Spectrum and other DCD publications.”

We look forward to our future visiting authors at DCDS!

“You Lose Something Every Day”

MRS. SULLIVAN GIVES advice about testing from her Colledge Counseling Office!

Photo Courtesy of Abigail Burdette.

POET WILLIE PERDOMO at his home at Exeter, N.H.

Photo courtesy of NBC News.

“You Lose Something Every Day” - published in Perdomo’s poetry collection titled The Crazy Bunch.

IT ENDS WITH US

Coleen Hoover’s popular novel will soon hit the big screen

by NAOMI ZAKALIK entertainment staff writer

“SOMETIMES the one who loves you is the one who hurts you the most, “is a memorable quote from the novel It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. Speculation has risen, and rumors have spread, but the verdict is final; it Ends With Us will be hitting the screens, starring Blake Lively as (Lily Bloom) and Justin Baldoni as the main love interest (Ryle Kincaid).

The movie will be an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s hit 2016 novel, which follows the life of Lily Bloom, a recent college graduate who moved to Boston from a small town in Maine. Lily is a driven young woman who starts her own business while recovering from years of abuse from her late father. Lily’s life changes when she meets the charming Ryle Kincaid, whose unpredictability and assertiveness lead to excitement, intensity, and even heartbreak.

Colleen Hoover’s made the big announcement on January 26, 2023, via her Instagram and TikTok pages. In her announcement video, Hoover displays the house in which she grew up and further explains how the book’s plot line was “loosely inspired by her mother,” as well as the conditions in which Hoover grew up. She further revealed that Justin Baldoni, who will be playing Ryle Kincaid, will also direct the film. Hoover claims that Baldoni and Lively “have what it takes to bring the characters to life.” However, this cast announcement has received some backlash amongst fans of the novel. Instead of Lively, many fans expressed a preference for having preferred Abigail Cowen, a young actress known for starring in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, to play

Lily. Because fans have incessantly pushed for actors other than Lively and Baldoni, the fact that Hoover picked them as the leads is a choice that fans feel disregarded their desires.

To transition back to the movie, Colleen has yet to reveal the upcoming film’s release date. However, the project is currently in development within Sony Pictures and Wayfar Studios.

To summarize her success, Hoover’s It Ends With Us has captivated TikTok’s sub-platform, ‘BookTok,’ garnering over 2 billion views. Although Hoover released the book in 2016, it has only recently started to gain popularity online. That being said, It Ends with Us is only one of Hoover’s many best-selling books. November 9, Ugly Love, and Verity are all books that have captivated readers across the globe. Hoover has recently released a sequel to the soon-to-hit-screen novel. It Ends With Us, called It Starts With Us. Unsurprisingly, the sequel’s release has raised questions about whether such a novel will also become a film. Overall, Hoover is best known for her expertise in the Romance genre, and so many of these novels incorporate love, in one way or another, into their pages.

A testament to her mother and her childhood, It Ends With Us is bound to be funny, sad, and heart-filled, yet emotional, just like the book. With two notably talented actors portraying the main characters of a book that so many people love, there is much to look forward to and expect from the upcoming film It ends with us.

GONE ARE THE DAYS OF CHILD STARS

by NAOMI ZAKALIK and MADDY ROCCHI entertainment staff writers

AS high school teenagers, we are all familiar with the realities of teen life; how people dress, various types of slang, or trends in youth culture are all areas of which we are familiar. But why do Netflix shows always seem to get it wrong? Why does Netflix constantly cast actors twice the age of the teens they are portraying? Is adolescent life only understandable to those who live it, or does Netflix just not get the memo?

One common theme amongst these Netflix shows is the unrealistic age of most actors, many of whom are adults in their late twenties playing teens ranging ages 15 to 18. For example, in the new hit show Ginny and Georgia, Antonia Gentry, who plays Ginny, a sixteen year old girl, is 25 years old. Or take Outer Banks; the main characters are 16 but are played by actors whose ages range from 22 to 28. There are several other examples, but the fact is that casting actors significantly older than their characters puts forth a false beauty standard to the millions of teens who watch these shows. If a teenage girl is watching Outer Banks and sees Madeline Cline, a 24 year old playing a 16 year old, they may then believe that, as a 16 year old, they

must look like her. This outlook is completely unrealistic considering Cline is well into adulthood. Are there no teen actors in the world who have the capability to act in a show such as Outer Banks or Ginny and Georgia? Or does Netflix simply not want to cast actors under the age of twenty? Overall, it’s almost comical how drastic the age gap is between actors playing the role and the character they are playing.

When asked about these flaws regarding Netflix’s TV shows and movies, Sophomore Niya Brown states that, “They [the actors] are not our age, the stuff that happens is artificial. For example, if you watch Ginny and Georgia, the plot and anything they say is unrealistic. It sounds as if a millennial is talking for a teenager.” Niya’s point not only perfectly encompasses the sentiment of many teens towards this issue, but it’s also very true. Modern teen Netflix shows are often written by people well over the age of teens. Therefore, they don’t have a true outlook into the realities of teen life.

Additionally the usages of modern teen slang within Netflix’s TV shows is nothing short of unreal-

istic and many teens describe such attempted slang to be cringey and embarrassing. In The Kissing Booth, for example, the so-called “OMG Girls” say phrases like “Give me your numerals, we should def catch up!” or “Hey girl, what’s Gucci?”. Most teens simply do not say phrases like “what’s Gucci” or “numerals”. Although using such phrases in media may be entertaining, it does not have relevance to modern teenage slang. Slang used in many shows may have been relevant in past years, but overtime it developed a cringey reputation.

As new seasons of shows begin to come out, these fatal characteristics have proven to become more and more common, and, in all honesty, more and more cringey. If you are a teen, do you ever find yourself noticing Netflix’s unrealistic portrayal of teenagers? Does it bother you as it does many others? Oftentimes, there is a pressure to look and act more mature because of the way teenagers are presented on shows and TV. Hopefully, one day in the future, there will be a better representation of teens on shows.

Netflix’s tendency to cast grown adults as children has become more and more apparent

elordi age 25 plays Noah Flynn age 18-19, and Joey king age 23 plays Elle Evans age 17 Cortesy of Teen Vogue. brianne howie age 25 plays Ginny, age 15, Brianne Howey age 33 plays her mom, Georgia, age 30. Cortesy of Radio Times.

madelyn cline age 25 plays Sarah Cameron age 16 and Chase Stokes, age 30, plays John B. age 17 Courtesy of Radio Times.

THE AESTHETICS OF THE MENU

The art of fashion in films

by KAITLYN HOPKINS editor in chief

The Menu has gained a lot of popularity following its release on the streaming service HBO Max for its satirical portrayal of an entitled upperclass group and the way they treat members of the service industry. There are many layers of the film that contribute to the film’s message, but one of the most interesting ones is the fashion. Each character wears outfits that contribute to their characterization, and further push specific messages about their roles in the film.

The main character Margo, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, is, without any spoilers, not a character that ‘belongs’ in the group or at the restaurant, which is considered to be one of the most high end places to dine in the world. At many points in the film, Margo is reminded of her status as socioeconomically less than the rest of the patrons in the restaurant. She wears a Fleur du Mal lace silk dress, which is a high end lingerie company, and anyone who has seen the movie recognizes the significance of the brand in the context of her character. The dress is beautifully made, and probably the most expensive thing she owns.

Margo’s companion, Tyler, wears a very high end suit that emphasizes his status as well as his emotional attachment to the restaurant itself. He dresses in a well fitted suit, probably one he had made for the dinner experience and specifically tailored, to show that he wants to be there more than anything.

Lilan, the food critic, wears a jacket with very thick fabric with floral designs that looks very high end and expensive, but also very refined in the same way that she is. It’s pretentious and shows her social status.

The Movie Star wears an outfit that is very casual, with a scarf, a black tee shirt, and jeans while his assistant dresses in a simple black dress with white polka dots. It’s nothing that would distract from the attention of her boss, but it’s also appropriate for the setting, which isn’t necessarily true for the movie star. The contrast represents two different perspectives: one very immature and careless and the other very mature and perceptive, much like their characters in the film.

The older couple, Richard and Anne, wear elegant dark clothes that emphasize their affluence. Richard wears a suit and tie, not as nice looking as Tyler’s outfit, which is his way of showing that he is a regular guy. He’s rich enough to go to the restaurant more than once and doesn’t have to dress up in his most expensive suit because he feels a sense of familiarity and casualty. Anne wears a very modest black dress, which is almost the opposite of what Margot is wearing. Everything about her look is very conservative and while it represents affluence, it’s probably just a dress to her, whereas Margo’s slip dress is probably the most expensive thing she owns.

Finally, the table of three finance bros all wear outfits that represent their financial status but they’re more of a modern style. Soren wears a sand colored button down that is slightly casual, but appropriate. Bryce wears a classic suit jacket with a dark button down under it with no tie, also more casual but not to the extent of the Movie Star. Dave wears a hoodie with a suit jacket under it and a chain which shows his youth. All of these men are financially dependent on the man who owns the restaurant and they try to weaponize that, making them very unlikable characters, but their outfits disguise them as approachable especially to a younger audience.

The fashion in The Menu is used as a tool to characterize each individual and does so very successfully. The emphasis on status is a theme throughout the movie and the choice to incorporate fashion and appearance into that was one that enhanced the viewing experience as a whole.

THE RISE OF THE CIRCLE CROISSANT

An unexpected new dessert is on bakery menus across the world

by MADELINE ROCCHI managing editor

When you think of a croissant, what shape do you envision? A half moon shape? What about a circle? Recently the circle croissant has begun to make an appearance amongst respected bakeries around the world, also known as the Suprême, filled with different flavors of delectable cream and dipped in chocolate. It started at Lafayette Bakery in New York City, circle croissants have circled the globe.

Different flavors can be found at different bakeries, Lafayette Bakery serves flavors such as Peaches N’ Cream and Corn Berry Crunch. Each croissant averages $8.00 each, which in comparison to authentic Paris croissants, is very expensive. Although the expense is high, TikTokers continue to market the Suprême and praise it.

Croissant enthusiast, Naomi Zakalik, tells us her opinion on the Suprême: “I first saw it off of TikTok and ever since then I have wanted to try one! I would not consider the Suprême a croissant because an authentic and iconic croissant (in my opinion) is in the shape of a half dome.” Naomi brings up a good point: is the Suprême really a croissant? Or is the Suprême popularized using classic croissant branding?

Nothing can quite compare to the authentic and original croissant. With all of these facts in mind about the Suprême, would you try it? Arguably it is a circular pastry with cream inside, not a croissant. Regardless, the next time you’re in New York City, check out Lafayette Bakery and get a circle croissant, and maybe it will circle your heart.

photo courtesy of Reuters News Outlet. photo courtesy of the Honeycombers Trends.

photo courtesy of streaming service Disney Plus.

photo courtesy of Den of Geek.

THE MORALISTIC PYROMANIAC

by William Beachum staff writer

It was the first day of my junior year of high school and I was impatiently waiting to hear another reading of a syllabus in Mr. Salamin’s film class.

Mr. Salamin subverted the formula and introduced a new student to the class named Zach Yeh, a transfer student from Canada that was “really interested in all things film.” Zach just had this sense of wonder in his eyes. You could tell how passionate, driven, and creative he was by the way he listened. During my next two years of high school, my assumptions about Zach would be proven more than correct. I can say with full confidence that I don’t know what this school looks like without him.

Zach mainly deals in three realms: the DCDS film program, Sting Media, and sports photography. In the film program, Zach has been a leader and mentor, serving as first assistant director on last year’s feature film “Cherry on Top,” as well as this year’s offering, “It’s Going Down.” Zach is a film conservatory member and has been recognized with a Gold Key for “Sisters,” a Silver Key for his self-made film “Farewell,” as well as an Honorable Mention for “Concluded.” Commenting on Zach’s leadership, Mr. Salamin, the film teacher, stated that “no one outworks Zach–and with his talent, there is no doubt he will be working in this industry. He’s an amazing young man.”

Zach has also pioneered the success of the school’s news organization, Sting Media. As president, Zach has started a brand new weekly school-recap show called “Live from the Hive.” “Live from the Hive” has been an incredible success, with its engaging interviews, guest hosts and wacky shenanigans providing a weekly surprise for the school to look forward to. Sting Media advisor, Ms. Kay, commented on Zach’s leadership: “[Zach’s] talent and skills have brought a new dimension to Sting Media that has upped the game of our video production more so than any of our years past,” said Kay.

Zach’s largest impact has been with his sports photography. Zach has revolutionized the way student athletes are able to promote themselves, providing quality footage for friends, family, and recruiters to admire. Zach photographed every one of the fall sports, with long-term commitments with the football and lacrosse teams also being of note. Zach disperses his photography through his self-owned company, “Pyro Pictures,” with videos gaining up to 10,000 views. He is also a part of the photography conservatory and has been awarded with a Scholastic Gold key, three Silver keys, and two Honorable mentions for his Sports photography. Zach has also supplied his sports photography for the school’s yearbook, where he serves as Senior Editor and Chief Photographer.

After going through all of his accomplishments, I asked Zach why he puts in all of this hard work. “I do all this because it’s really fun. From the bottom of my heart I enjoy doing it. It’s super fulfilling to me,” said Yeh.

I would be remiss to not mention Zach’s self-proclaimed proudest accomplishment, his “Buzzing Heart” award for kindness in January of 2023. Zach earned this award for good reason. He is a person that will make you feel comfortable but will also push you to be your best. He’s humble, he’s kind, and compassionate to no end. He is driven by his morals and it shows in every aspect of his work and his friendships.

At the end of our interview, I asked Zach what advice he has for incoming students at DCDS and how they can follow his example. He gave me this unedited response: “Don’t be intimidated by the institution. This can very much seem like a place where if you didn’t start here in Kindergarten, you’re done for, but that‘s not the case. Everyone can make a splash if they want. Everyone can be a leader if that’s what you want. Everyone can pursue an art if you want. Everyone can pursue a sport if they want. There are so many doors here that are just waiting for you to open. If you do, and if you enjoy it, you can go very far while still only being in high school.”

Fitting for his company name, Zach started a fire in our student body that you simply can’t put out.

NEW STUDENT AFFINITY GROUPS

by Mei Quinn and Jiya Gill staff writers

Country Day prides itself on diversity and inclusivity. Students of different backgrounds have created clubs known as affinity groups. There have been multiple new additions in the past year, including the Female Student Alliance, Asian/Pacific Islander Student Alliance, Jewish Student Union, and Indian Community Club. These new clubs help diversify the Country Day community. Remember to always ask respectful questions if curiosity arises and these clubs welcome everybody to stop by and continue learning!

Female Student Alliance APISA

The Female Student Alliance is a safe space that welcomes everyone to discuss surrounding feminism. It was founded last summer by Josie Pachla with the help of Mr. Porter, Ms. Bowen, and Ms. Corwin, who is the club’s advisor.

Club Advisor Ms. Corwin said, “In the club we watch documentaries concerning feminism and sex discrimination. Lately we watched the Amanda Knox documentary, and next we’re gonna be watching White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch. We then have conversations about those documentaries and anyone is invited to come.”

People benefit from joining the club because you are able to be a part of valuable discussions.“We get to hear how our experiences are similar and have an audience that we feel comfortable sharing those experiences with,” Ms. Corwin said.

For the future of the club, the members of the FSA would like to see it expand and grow, by taking on fundraisers and work outside of school. For anyone who is looking for a place to talk about these issues, the FSA is a safe space to discuss with others.

APISA, or the Asian/Pacific Islander Student Alliance is a club that welcomes all. Senior Lucy Pund said of the club: “APISA was started last year because of the discrimination against Asian Americans during the COVID pandemic, and giving people a safe place to talk. Also, we were inspired by BSA because we saw all the great things that they were doing and we wanted to be part of that,” senior Lucy Pund says.

APISA is for people to be able to find like minded people and to feel supported and understood. “The Goal of APISA is just to make everyone feel heard and connected, and maybe someone who is unsure of their identity can find their place to fit in” Pund says. Similar to a majority of these clubs, APISA is a safe place that is open to anyone to talk to others and feel heard.

The Jewish Student Union is a way to bring the Jewish community together within the school. The founders of this club have dreamed of having a student alliance for the Jewish community for a while at Country Day, and this vision was finally put into action. This club has become a large and successful student union, first starting with 3 members, and now it has about 25 members at each meeting.

Sophomore Mason Marcus said, “It’s a way for people to learn more about their religion and the people around them.”

Students will benefit by joining the club to feel a strong sense of community within their religion. During the designated time for clubs, members can go over the Torah portion for the week, celebrate the most relevant holiday going on at the time, or just come together and bond over their religion.

Junior Oliver Aaron also noted that, “People come together during clubs, whether they are Jewish or not, to bond over the little thing.”

The Jewish Student Alliance is an open minded club, welcoming non-Jewish students to come in and share their own religion and traditions. They also want to encourage people to come and ask questions to help dispel any stereotypes or misconceptions.

The Indian Community Club (ICC) brings students together through dance and a shared desire to spread awareness of their culture. The founders of the club wanted a way to share their culture with the rest of the Country Day community, looking at other high schools with Indian dance clubs.

Senior Veer Agarwal said, “Since I was little, Indian dance was a very central part of my childhood.” Dance is a huge part of Indian culture, and the founders of the club have participated in these traditions since childhood. During the time for this club, students can learn and practice Indian dances. It’s a fun and active way to participate in Indian culture. The club members plan on putting on a show towards the end of the year, as well as helping plan a dance for the Variety Show. The Indian Community Club is open to students of all backgrounds and diversity, inviting everyone to come in. The students are very excited to perform for everyone in June.

ZACH YEH IN action as a director. Photo courtesy of Zach Yeh.

Jewish Student Alliance Indian Community Club

CASINO NIGHT!

Try your luck at the 2023 prom

By RAJ RAO Features Section Editor

Prom is one of the most anticipated events in the lives of high school students. It’s a night filled with excitement, glamor, and memories that will last a lifetime. For many students, prom is a rite of passage and a symbol of the transition to the real world. Whether it’s dancing the night away with friends, dressing up in formal attire, or taking part in the many traditions that have come to define prom, this event is a celebration of youth, friendship, and the end of a school year. As the excitement builds for this year’s prom, Student Board members Nishan Inampudi and Zach Rodger were eager to share the details of the event with fellow students. Inampudi spoke about the theme of this year’s prom and how it will be used to ensure that all attendees have a fantastic time.

“We are thrilled to announce that this year’s prom theme is ‘Casino Night.’ Our goal for the night is to create a fun, exciting atmosphere where students can enjoy themselves and make lasting memories,” said Inampudi.

Inampudi went on to explain how the theme will be brought to life: “To fully embrace the ‘Casino Night’ theme, we will be setting up casino-style games like poker, blackjack, and roulette. These games will not only be a great way for students to have fun and socialize, but they will also provide a unique learning opportunity. We want to give students the chance to try their luck at these classic games and maybe even learn a thing or two.”

In his discussion of this year’s prom, Inampudi also touched upon the venue and the atmosphere that will be created: “We are pleased to announce that this year’s prom will take place at Townsend,” said Inampudi. “There was a bit of a debate regarding the voting for the location, but in the end, everything worked out, and we are excited to host the event there.”

Rodger shared his thoughts on how the venue will impact the overall atmosphere of the event.

“The Townsend is a beautiful and spacious venue, and we are confident that it will provide the perfect backdrop for our ‘Casino Night’ theme. We have some exciting decorations and lighting planned, and we believe that the combination of the venue and the atmosphere we create will make for a truly unforgettable night,” said Rodger.

With the attention to detail and commitment to creating an enjoyable atmosphere, it is clear that Student Board members are putting in a great effort to make this year’s prom a success. The combination of the stunning venue, engaging theme, and fun activities is sure to make this a night to remember for all who attend.

This year’s prom promises to be a memorable and exciting event. With the Student Board team working tirelessly to bring the theme of “Casino Night” to life, students can expect a night to remember. With all of these exciting elements in place, it’s no wonder that students and staff alike are eagerly looking forward to this year’s prom.

SADIE HAWKINS RECAP

Freshmen and Sophomore Class Boards put on a successful event

Dances are usually a way for people to have a fun time and share these moments with friends. With the second semester starting, the Sadies Dance is an exciting event that allows DCDS students to take a break from ongoing events and relieves the stress of being a DCDS student. The Sadies Dance was hosted in the Shaw Gymnasium by the Freshmen and Sophomore Class Boards. The event was hosted from 7 pm to 10 pm, available for all with a ticket on February 12th.

When people go to an event, they don’t usually realize the hard work involved in the organization and the planning. Most people only see the fore of the Sadies dance and not the background work done by their hard-working classmates on the Freshmen and Sophomore Class Boards. Freshmen Class Board member Ray Sun said, “We start-

By ZEHENG NIE Features Staff Writer

ed planning for around the week before winter break and continued on every Tuesday during lunch.”

The class boards had to face a few challenges.

Sun said, “We were underclassmen so we didn’t have as much of a budget; it was hard to come up with ideas, it was also hard to communicate, and we were also running out of time.” However, they were ready with solutions. Sun added, “We came up with a budget that allowed us to get everything we wanted, and we spent a lot of time outside of meetings inorder to make the deadline.”

The planning was divided between the class boards. Sun added, “the Sophomore Class Board set up the dance and the Freshmen Class Board cleaned up.” Thanks to the combined efforts of the two class boards, we had a dance containing many different things: “There was food

during the dance, main chocolates, and sugar cookies, but there was also popcorn” and “We had Cameras for photos. We had games on Benq boards, and a professional DJ came,” said Sun.

The students also found this dance a great way to relax while being stress-free. Luke Zhang, a Sadies-goer, said of the event: “It was really fun, especially being able to hang out with friends.”

Although it was only for a few hours, the dance successfully removed the stress, pressure, anxiety, or anything that was going on in a student’s mind, replacing it with a fun few hours with friends. The Freshmen and Sophomore Class Boards put together an amazing event. Give your thanks to them for the hard work they had put in!

students prepare for their exciting night at the Sadie Hawkins dance. Photo courtesy of Tanisha Khare.

photo Courtesy of The Day Times.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: CARRINTON THOMAS

An inside look at a multi-sport athletic phenomenon

by DANIEL KIARASH sports section editor

DEALING WITH BOTH the pressure of academics and multiple sports is hard for any Country Day student. However, some people thrive in those circumstances, handling sports during all 3 seasons. Carrinton Thomas is one of those students that can handle that tough task. Thomas has had outstanding careers in basketball, football, and baseball.

As captain of the basketball team, Thomas leads the team both on and off the court. Thomas says, “I try to build a brother-like environment within the team. I also try to lead with the effort I put in on the court and in the classroom.” Thomas also plays two other varsity sports: baseball and football. He reflects on his time with

the football team: “Football was unlike any other sport I’ve played. Playing football for Country Day was one of the greatest experiences of my life.” Thomas also looks forward to his final baseball season. “We have something to prove this year. I am very excited to see what the season has in store for us. We are a hungry team with a lot of veterans that feel the need to prove themselves,” says Thomas. Thomas also excels in his academics. He finished Cum Laude last year. Carrinton Thomas showcases the difficulty of handling 3 varsity sports, but also thrives in doing so and performs well academically. Thomas looks to end his senior year the best way possible!

PRESEASON WORKOUTS

Athletes prepare themselves for their upcoming sports seasons

by STEPHEN

PRESEASON WORKOUTS

ARE an essential part of preparing for a successful sports season. Whether you’re a professional athlete or just starting to get into fitness, preseason workouts can help you build the strength, endurance, and skills you need to perform at your best. These workouts are typically structured, intense and designed to target specific areas that are critical for success in your sport. They can include a combination of weightlifting, cardiovascular exercises, agility drills, and other functional movements that mimic game-like scenarios. The goal of these workouts is to get you physically and mentally prepared for the demands of the upcoming season and to help you avoid injury.

The Men’s Lacrosse team is currently in the midst of their pre-season workouts. The team lost in the State Finals last season, so they are working to enter this season strong and ready to hopefully win the title. Junior Captain

Will Thompson reflected on what their workouts look like.

“We work out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and these workouts always start with 45 minutes of running, which varies every day depending on the trainer we have. After we run, we then lift for 45 minutes. The lift changes every day and we usually alternate between hitting upper body and lower body, and we max out every now and then to check our progress. The trainers create new workout sets for us each day with lifts that are specifically made to help the athletes with their sport,” said Thompson. Here at Detroit Country Day School we are very fortunate to have trainers that work with the athletes at the school. Our trainers from Impact Sports Performance specialize in training athletes and create workouts that are optimal to improve in certain aspects that transfer to sports. We asked our trainer John Dalson what he hopes the athletes will achieve through these pre-season work-

outs.

“When we are preparing the athletes for their seasons, we want to target two things. The first thing that we target with the workouts is sport specific strength. With these workouts we hope that the athletes will then develop the strength to better perform during the game. The second thing that we want to accomplish with our workouts is endurance. We want the athletes ready to run forever come game time,” said Dalson.

Preseason workouts have been shown to be highly effective in preparing athletes for the demands of their sport. By incorporating specific exercises and drills that target the necessary muscle groups and movement patterns, athletes can improve their strength, endurance, agility, and overall athleticism. In addition to physical benefits, preseason workouts also provide opportunities for team building and mental preparation, helping athletes develop the focus and mindset necessary for success.

BEHIND THE CAMERA

The students behind Country Day’s sports photo and video

by ZACH RODGER

ATHLETES ARE INTEGRAL to Country Day sports events, but the work of photography and videography students to capture these athletes is equally important. Two such students are Senior Zachariah Yeh and Junior Connor Lee.

Yeh, who goes by Pyro Pictures Digital on social media, delved into the origin of his passion.

“I started doing photography as a hobby when I was 15. It was three years before that where I made my first short film. I didn’t have my own camera until late 2021, which was a nikon dslr, a very modest amateur camera. I was intrigued by camera imaging, since I was fascinated by how a moment in real life can just be captured. At that time, it was a hobby and nothing more. Then, during covid, I spent a lot of my free time with my camera. I decided to go to photography school or film school, but film school took center stage, since I had an interest in acting and grew up in theater. I still did photography, and the first picture that I was actually proud of was a picture of fire in my old backyard, hence the name pyro,” said Yeh.

Lee, known as Lightfocus on social media, discussed the preparations he makes before an event.

“For the preparation of a game, there are three things to check. First are batteries. I need to know if they’re charged or not. Next are my SD cards. I check if I need to clear them or if I can manage 500 more photos. Finally, I double check if I have my lenses and camera all set. The preparation doesn’t normally take too long. I’m usually 30 minutes to an hour early to games if it’s an away game mainly to see the setting and what adjustments I might need to make. I then stay for the whole game and leave right when it’s done. When I get home, I tend to pop the SD card into my computer and just file through which clips/photos were good or bad. The day after, depending on how much time I have until the client wants the video/photos, I will edit. I would say it’s around a 5-6 hour commitment,” said Lee.

editor

Lee also mentioned the opportunities that he has had outside of school sports photography to work on his craft.

“Sometimes, I’ll get some DMs from outside of school athletes asking me to come to their games. I had an opportunity to go shoot at a Purdue football game, which was an amazing experience. I also use my videography/photo activities in the film department. On a set, I will usually be the ‘director of photography’ or a camera operator,” said Lee.

Being a senior, Yeh is certain that he wants to pursue photography and videography in the future.

“I see myself continuing this craft for the rest of my life. This changed with my college acceptances. I told myself as a damage controller that I would either high reach for filmmaking or go to journalism school. It is clear though that even if I end up as a journalist, I would be focusing on photojournalism or the video creation side of things. More specifically, I would hone in on the sports side of things. This is my passion and will remain my passion for the foreseeable future, and this market is not going anywhere. If anything, it will expand like never before,” said Yeh.

As a junior, Lee has thought seriously about his future in the field.

“I’ve definitely considered pursuing sports photography/videography In the future. I think I will definitely continue to hone this skill in college. I am hoping to get into a good film school that also has a good sports program, so I will be able to carry it on in the future. I would love to be either a successful freelancer or a sports photographer working for ESPN or a large sports broadcasting company,” said Lee. The work of Lee and Yeh goes often underappreciated. Without these two students, Country Day’s incredible sports moments would not be captured. The athletes thank Lee and Yeh and best of luck in your future endeavors!

THOMAS GETS READY to jump into a basketball game. Photo courtesy of Zach Yeh.

sports section

BRENTANO sports staff writer

Zach in action as a school videographer. Courtesy of Zach Yeh

the lax bros prep for the season. Courtesy of IG

FAREWELL TO KADY

Goodbye to Trainer Kady O’Connell

by ALEX EBY sports staff writer

AS MANY OF you know by now, a familiar face has been around for a few weeks now. Kady O’Connell, former DCDS athletic trainer, has left the school for a new opportunity. She has meant a lot to the students of the school, helping many athletes get back on the playing field. Even though she has moved on, her impact on the community will not be forgotten.

Senior Captain of the Men’s Soccer team, Gabe Hunter said, “Kady has personally helped me out throughout my high school career. Playing a varsity sport for all four years of high school, I have undergone many injuries. Specifically, when I pulled my groin during the season, she was the reason I was able to get back on the field so quickly. Not only did she help with the physical and healing aspect, she also helped me out mentally.

I really struggled not being out there with my team playing and practicing. Every day, Kady’s words of encouragement helped me get through this tough time.” These words of encouragement really meant a lot to the athletes undergoing difficult times.

There are countless stories of other athletes similar to this one. Hunter said, “From other students, I know they have all had similar experiences with Kady. She always puts the students first and is the first to help everyone. Speaking on behalf of student athletes at DCDS, we will really miss Kady and thank her for all the work she has done.”

Personally, as an athlete, I have also had many encounters with Kady, and I can agree with all of this. Thank you so much for all the work you have done!

THE NEXT LEVEL

A conversation with college-committed seniors

by MATTHEW METROSE sports section intern

WHETHER IT’S BECOMING a starting pitcher at Michigan, playing singles at Stanford, or starting at quarterback for Alabama, many young athletes have dreamed about taking their talents to the college level. As these young athletes grow older, they begin to take the recruiting process more seriously, a process that is often more complex than it seems. The Day Times had the opportunity to ask two DCDS student athletes who will be taking their talents to the college level next year about their recruiting experience to help provide quality information to other athletes looking to compete in college athletics, along with shining light on some of our school’s most talented athletes.

Many young athletes dream of playing college sports at a young age, but that dream usually doesn’t become serious until they reach high school. When asked when he started to consider playing football at the next level, Lucas Shallal, a Dayton Football commit, answered, “I considered playing football at the next level when I got into high school. I dreamed of it in middle school, but it became a reality in high school.”

Clay Hartje is a three-sport varsity athlete at Country Day, a feat even some of the most talented athletes who have attended DCDS didn’t achieve. So naturally, this would lead many to question whether it is possible to become a college-level athlete in a sport whilst playing two other sports at the varsity level. When asked about this, Hartje said, “It’s a challenge staying sharp in three sports while trying to pursue a single college sport, which is why I think many kids specialize nowadays. It takes hard work and some long nights. Sacrifice is key, as it’s truly impossible to play three sports all at once, so you have to manage your time and get some work in whenever possible for whatever sport it may be.”

When someone plays three varsity sports, it’s easy to wonder which one is their favorite. When asked about this, Hartje, a future Johns Hopkins baseball player,

said, “Early in high school, I was pretty set on wanting to play hockey at the next level, but my love for the two sports kind of flipped after freshman year. My passion for practicing hockey kind of wavered, and I just started to prefer practicing baseball.” So for everyone reading this, especially the underclassmen, don’t be afraid to move on from one thing to pursue another. You never know what is on the horizon.

Sports are very glamorous, especially the Friday night lights. This glamor may lead fans to forget the student part of “student athlete” when asked about the importance of time management skills required to be a strong student and athlete Shallal said, “Time management is everything. From watching film at lunch to getting home at 6:30, getting your homework done and studying can be hard with such little free time. Taking advantage of your free time is a way student athletes can succeed.”

As athletes start to separate themselves from the rest of high school athletic fields all around the country and, in some cases, the world, colleges begin to notice and start what is known as the recruiting process. This process is different in each sport. For example, when asked about baseball recruiting, Hartje said, “The college baseball recruiting process for me started around sophomore year. Although coaches technically can’t communicate until September 1 of junior year, there are ways to work around this rule. First, the player emails the college coach, who then communicates with the player’s club or high school coach and sets up a time to talk on the phone. Then, once junior year hits, we can text and call each other whenever. The summer of junior year is crunch time because there are a lot of big tournaments where a lot of coaches all go. After that, coaches invite you to campus for a tour and hopefully an offer.” All aspiring college athletes should be sure to spend time researching their sport’s NCAA recruiting schedule and regulations.

As an athlete’s recruiting process heats up and

offers flood in, it is exhilarating for a student athlete aspiring to play at the college level. I’m sure many reading this article would be interested in what schools offered the DCD student-athletes being interviewed. When Shallal was asked about this, he said, “I had a lot of Division 2 attention before Dayton offered me, but the Dayton offer started a chain reaction. After Dayton, I quickly got Butler, Valparaiso and Presbyterian, which are all schools in Dayton’s league. I committed to Dayton quickly, so other schools focused on other guys.”

As the recruiting deadline approaches, future college student athletes need to cut their list to one, an exciting yet stressful situation for them and their family. When asked why he chose Johns Hopkins, Hartje said, “I chose Johns Hopkins due to the baseball program’s consistent success and ability to compete for a national championship each year. The head coach has been there for 40+ years, which really appealed to me. Additionally, the school’s prestige was truly the deciding factor for me, as Hopkins has been consistently ranked around 6-9 among national universities. Getting a Hopkins education will set me up for innumerable opportunities after college, which was a huge factor in my decision.”

Lastly, Shallal and Hartje were asked what advice they would give to aspiring college athletes. Shallal said, “The advice I would give athletes is never to stop trying. Late into my senior year, I thought I wasn’t going to play football. However, I never stopped sending film to coaches, and I stayed patient, eventually getting the Dayton offer.” When asked the same question, Hartje said, “I would advise prospective college student-athletes to be proactive. The adage that coaches will ‘find you’ is far from the truth. There are simply too many talented players for coaches to randomly find you amongst the crowd. Be proactive and reach out to coaches a lot. Obviously, you must also practice often and ensure you have the necessary skill to play at the next level.”

Kady O’Connell (far right). Photo courtesy of Kady O’Connell