When and why we joined the class
Abby –
We know that I am endlessly attracted to words, so when I was flipping through the high school course catalog in eighth grade and saw “Writing for Publication” amongst every other extracurricular, I was instantly intrigued. Writing for the school’s newspaper sounded exciting and intense and fast-paced and fun; the description for the class in the catalog made it sound so appealing.
But another class also sounded appealing. Strategic Debate.
I remember going back and forth, back and forth, back and forth—Strategic Debate or Writing for Publication? Write for the newspaper or debate?
I had to choose one. I had to write just one on my course sheet for my freshman year. I had to make a decision.
I scratched Writing for Publication on the sheet and just felt that it was the right thing to do. It was one of those moments where it seemed that everything I had done in my life led to that point— that starting point.
I can’t explain how or why, but it just made sense to take Writing for Publication.
And I constantly wonder where I would be if I wrote down Strategic Debate instead.
Ashlyn –
I have known Ken George my entire life.
He is my parent’s friend, my brother’s old basketball coach, and someone I have always looked up to. So, as a terrified freshman who loved to write, I decided a safe class — a class with a familiar face — would be a good idea. And that’s how I ended up in room 139 four years ago. “Writing for Publication” the class was called. I didn’t know what that meant. I didn’t even know that FHC had a school newspaper. Yet, there I was in a class I didn’t understand, full of people I didn’t know — at least not yet.
Courtney –
My story of learning about and joining the class is actually quite embarrassing, as many of my stories tend to be seeing I do embarrass myself quite frequently.
Similarly to Ashlyn, Ken George was my dad’s friend and my brother’s basketball coach. I remember watching their lessons at the MVP Courthouse and watching George’s Basketball and Me DVDs that he made with his sons.
But, it was actually my mom who first learned about The Central Trend, however completely unaware that it was a class in school. Excited and nervous, it took little prodding from her to get me to shoot an email to George asking if I write for The Sports Report. In my head, the plan was to go to a sporting event that I was already required to go to for dance and then write about it—easy peasy.
Fortunately, little freshman Courtney soon learned that The Central Trend didn’t work exactly like that. So sophomore year, I finally took the intro class, Writing For Publication, and began preparing to join regular staff my junior year. I loved The Central Trend so much that I even took a semester of an online French class, which just may have been the worst class I’ve ever taken.
TCT’s The Countless Thanks 2018: Dana Kistler
Grace Ohanesian and Molly Rupprecht– for being there to talk about anything
You both are such kind-hearted, hilarious people. I couldn’t have asked for better friends. Being around you both is so refreshing; I could have had the worst day but I always leave smiling after hanging out with you guys. I’m thankful for all our afterschool snack stops, putting up with me tugging on your shirts during The Haunt, and our conversations about anything and everything late at night. I’m so happy that we all get along so well, and I look forward to any other future memories.
Bella Piccione– for always being someone to laugh with
Our busy schedules always seem to get in the way, and normally when this happens, friends split apart, but with us, it’s different. We never seem to skip a beat. We go right back to laughing and giggling at the silliest things. Even when we don’t have anything to talk about, I’m never bored around you. We always find out a stupid inside joke somehow. Hanging out with you instantly changes the mood of my day; you never fail to make me laugh. Thank you.
Elle Oleman– for making my mornings
Every day, I walk upstairs often not thrilled about the day ahead of me, but you always greet me with a good morning and a reassuring smile. I’m thankful for your kind gestures, giggling at the posts I show you, and your overall presence that is so nice to be around. Don’t change your bubbly self.
My Divers– for giving me the extra push I needed
How has the season already ended? It seems like only yesterday we were at Calvin trying to get used to the boards. We did so well for first-year divers, even if we goofed around more than actual diving, like playing the animal game, trying to get into the Northern orientation dance, and singing along to Mamma Mia songs. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss my FHC divers. You all are so kind, patient, and hardworking; it was wonderful seeing you all put these characteristics into such a difficult sport. It makes me sad to think that you’ll be gone next year saving the world and that I can’t spend another amazing fall diving season with you all again, but I can pass on these memories to new divers.
Lauren Gesik – for all the drive home talks
After an exhilarating day of diving, it’s nice to have a conversation with the hardest working diver. I’m thankful that you were there to explain every confusing dive number for me, show me how to do a certain dive. You were always a good guide and gave me the best advice, and I’m thankful for that.
Grace Clinger – for being someone to goof around with
You were always someone I could throw out jokes with during practice, whether it was dancing to silly songs or our inside jokes; there was always something to laugh at. I love talking to you in the hallways, even if it’s some small conversation where we’re catching up with each other. It means the most to me.
Emily Briggs – for all the words of encouragement
Going to the aquatic center knowing that I’ll have to perform risky dives was always scary to think about, but whenever I felt nervous or frustrated, you always comforted me. I always appreciated this. You’re so intelligent and hard working. I’m so thankful to have a friend like you.