LEADERSHIP IN THE MAKING: STUDENT GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS CONCLUDE
Melis Cavdar ‘28 May 29, 2026
When results of the 2026-2027 TMLA Student Council Executive Board were announced on May 27th, 2026, several races came down to extremely close margins, showing just how engaged the student body was this year. The ballots are held through Google Forms, giving students from various grade levels the chance to vote for representatives in several leadership positions, including Historian, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President.
In the days leading up to voting, candidates delivered speeches to the student body, sharing their goals and ideas for the school year. These speeches helped students get a better sense of who they were voting for, beyond just names on a ballot. The only exception was the presidential race, and since there was no opposing candidate, it resulted in an automatic win.
The newly elected student government includes Historian Eleanor Filocamo ‘29, Secretary Mairead Kuhner ‘28, Treasurer Simone Cabeca ‘28 , Vice President Alexandra Anthony ‘27, and President Lauren Sison ‘27.
Throughout the school, the election season stood out, not because of posters or announcements, but because students actually paid attention. The speeches, campaigns, and close results made it feel like the outcome mattered in a real way, not just as a formality.
In the end, the elections showed more than just who won each position they showed a student body willing to participate, pay attention, and carefully decide who represents them. Now, a new group steps into those roles with our school eagerly awaiting their leadership. On behalf of Mariel, we congratulate the newest leaders of our school community and wish them luck as they embark on an exciting journey ahead!
TMLA’S ANNUAL SPEECH AND DEBATE BANQUET
Emily Deonarain ‘28
June 11, 2026
On June 3rd, members of The Mary Louis Academy’s Speech and Debate Team gathered for their annual banquet, a special evening dedicated to celebrating a successful season as well as the friendships, accomplishments, and memories made along the way. This year’s banquet embraced a beautiful cherry blossom theme. Cherry blossoms symbolize growth and renewal, making them the perfect representation of a season that challenged students to grow as speakers, debaters, leaders, and teammates.
Throughout the evening, team members, coaches, and families celebrated the hard work and dedication that defined the season. Many awards and recognitions were given out highlighting the members’ achievements. Every team member was awarded a certificate of participation.
One notable award, the Michelle McSwain Award for “Most Spirited Speaker,” was received by Amber Kaur ‘26. Cecilia Aguinaldo ‘28 was awarded the Patricia M. Hynes Scholarship along with the highest award that is distributed.
One of the most meaningful moments of the night was the introduction of the team’s new Officers. The 2026-2027 Officers are Alexandra Szczerbinski ‘27 as President, Nervanie Prashad ‘28 as Vice President, Meryem Roman ‘28 as Secretary/Treasurer, and Cecilia Aguinaldo as Publicity Director. As they prepare to lead the team into its next chapter, the incoming Officers were welcomed with heartfelt speeches from the current Officers.
At the same time, the banquet served as a bittersweet farewell to the departing Officers, whose leadership and commitment helped shape the team's success, along with a farewell to the seniors who will be going off to college. We bid farewell to Amber Kaur, Kristen Morris, Nithya Nair, and Sophia Rivera.
As the evening came to a close, the Speech and Debate Banquet reminded everyone that while one season may end, the lessons learned, friendships formed, and memories created will continue to inspire the team for years to come. Sophomores
Photo credit: Elizabeth Frandy ‘28
HALFWAYTHERE, FULLYTOGETHER
Melis Cavdar ‘28
May 29, 2026
On May 22, 2026, the sophomore class gathered on the lawn for the annual “Halfway There” BBQ, which celebrated the fact that our Hilltoppers are officially halfway through high school. The entire grade came together for an afternoon outside, complete with music, food, games, and nonstop energy. From the start, the lawn quickly filled with students bouncing between activities, snapping photos, and dancing to the music playing across the space. Different groups formed naturally throughout the afternoon, and friends who don’t usually spend time together got the opportunity to laugh, catch up, and hang out.
What made the BBQ stand out wasn’t just the festivities, but how it felt to experience the lawn on a beautiful day and simply live in the moment. There was a rare sense of everyone being in the same place at the same time, without stress or pressure, just enjoying a moment in the middle of a busy school year. It felt less like a scheduled event and more like a pause button on everything else.
As the afternoon went on, the idea of being “halfway through high school” started to sink in for a lot of students. Between the music, the photos, and the conversations, there was a mix of excitement and realization that time was moving faster than expected, and that moments like this don’t happen often.
By the end of the BBQ, no one really rushed to leave. Students stayed on the lawn taking pictures, sitting in groups, and lingering in a way that made it clear nobody wanted it to end yet.
To put it simply, it wasn’t just a school event. It was one of those rare, rewarding afternoons during which everyone truly felt connected as a class.
THE SOUNDTRACK OF YOUR SUMMER
Nervanie Prashad ‘28
June 10, 2026
As the final bell rings and summer officially begins, there’s one thing almost every student can agree on: every enjoyable summer needs an enjoyable playlist. Whether you’re heading into freshman year and excited for a new chapter, preparing for sophomore and junior year adventures, or making the most of your final summer before senior year, music has a way of turning ordinary moments into memories. The right song can make any road trip feel cinematic, a late-night drive unforgettable, or even a few digital camera pictures even more magical!
Current hits like “Midnight Sun” by Zara Larsson, “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson, and “Snooze” by SZA, envision the vibrance the summer brings.
Picture of a beautiful sunset, with a beautiful summer playlist.
The perfect summer playlist isn’t just about adding whatever is trending on Tiktok. The best playlists mix new favorites with legendary tracks that have remained a summer staple no matter what year it is. Classics like “Meet Me Halfway” by Black Eyed Peas, “Pon de Replay” by Rihanna, and “Pocketful of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield, seize the fun and freedom that make the summer season momentous.
The secret to having a thrilling playlist is variety. Including songs for every mood: energetic tracks for adventures, relaxing songs for quiet days, and even a few nostalgic favorites you’ll associate with this summer years from now. On another note, don’t be afraid to mix genres. Hip-hop, R&B, alternative, classic rock, reggae, and so many other musical categories can all coexist on the same playlist. Believe it or not, not every summer song must be an upbeat anthem. Songs like “Pink + White” by Frank Ocean, “505” by Arctic Monkeys’, and “Mr. Brightside” by the Killers can portray the unshakeable feelings of long days and memorable nights. Consequently, teenagers in 2026 find themselves listening to hits such as “You’re Gonna Go Far” by Noah Kahan, “Call Out my Name” by the Weeknd, and “Ribs” by Lorde.
Most importantly, make the playlist your own.
The best summer soundtrack isn’t the one with the most streams–it’s the one that reminds you of your experiences. Years from now, hearing one of those songs may instantly bring you back to a specific road trip, vacation, friendship, or summer night. So as the 2025-2026 school year comes to a close, grab your headphones, start adding songs, and create the soundtrack of your summer. After all, every memorable summer deserves memorable music!
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO AN ACADEMIC RESET
Monica Naula ‘28
June 10, 2026
Now that summer break is here and you have completed another school year, it is vital that you take care of yourself through an academic reset.
Firstly, to achieve an academic reset, you should identify all your pros and cons from this school year while simultaneously identifying areas for improvement. Secondly, dedicate time to declutter your workspace by organizing both your room and your school files. Thirdly, use your free time to find new hobbies and map out your academic goals for the upcoming year. Rest is highly important to achieve an academic reset. Therefore, it's best you set up a healthy sleep schedule. Along with prioritizing your sleep, it's important to have a balanced diet as well. Make sure you have a balanced diet rich in vital nutrients. Fourthly, relax your mind by spending time with loved ones and friends.
Lastly, if you are planning to take the SAT or ACT next school year, it's best to prepare during the summer now that you have the time rather than cramming at the last minute. Remember, a successful school year starts with the mindful choices you make today.
With these tips, you will feel prepared going into the next school year! Have a wonderful, safe, and productive summer break!
Map out your academic goals for the upcoming year!
SUMMER RECIPES
Ava Ponce ‘32
June 9, 2026
Summer is here before we know it! Here are some recipes on how to make the tastiest summer treats!
It’s a must to make a shimmery sunset drink. First, take pink lemonade and pour it into a glass about 1/4 of the way in. You can add ice in this stage but it is all about preference. Then, take any fizzy or bubbly drink that you like and pour the rest of the way. Add any finishing touches and there you go!
The next recipe is one for shortbread s’mores. You will need these ingredients: 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of white granulated sugar, lemon zest, 1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour, 1 pinch of salt, 6 tbsp of chocolate spread, and 20 white marshmallows. First, beat butter, sugar and lemon zest into a bowl until it is soft and creamy.
Next, sift flour and salt. Mix until you have formed dough. Shape the dough into a log about 2 inches wide. Wrap and chill for an hour. Then, heat the oven to 325°F with a line baking sheet or tray with nonstick baking paper. Then, cut the logs with a sharp knife into 12 rounds and place on a baking sheet. Then, bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown around the edges. Cool on the baking sheet for five minutes and place on a wide rack to completely cool down. Heat in the broiler or grill line with trays with nonstick baking powder. Toast the marshmallows under a broiler until it’s light gold and it melts. Spoon a little chocolate spread on each shortbread round and finish it off by placing a top marshmallow. There you have it! Enjoy!
Photo Credit: Walker’s Shortbread
“THE DAY THE WORLD HEALS”
Alexandra Anthony ‘27 June 13, 2026
The day the world heals itself, It will rain.
Water droplets will break their backs through the sidewalk, Washing off the multilingual cursewords, Along with phone numbers and movie characters.
The sun has burned a crack in my pink umbrella, I will carry it by the empty bazaar, Past the handshakes of colorful blankets, Let the waves whisper through their dark humor, And I'll laugh, and I'll laugh!
The birds in the trees will be asleep, The people, dorming in TVs, will be Punctuation marks on the texture of the screen
The day the world heals itself The sun will arise in a second's shiver And as soon as the rainbow ends The world will commit to self-harm again
