Jennifer Lawrence stole my heart the moment she entered the screen as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games. With the prequel now out (The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), my love for Lawerence was fueled...

I didn't always participate in the mass shopping experience Black Friday is known to be, but once I started I couldn't stop.  Black Friday is known for lines out the door, fist fights over TVs, and...

To my voice of reason–Mom Mom, you are not always calm yourself, but you make me calm. When I am overwhelmed and upset, you make me see the problem from a smaller perspective; you never diminish my...

Seniors Charlie Afman and Keaton Michalski haven’t been friends for long, but now, they can be seen together at almost all times and are well-known for having a strong bromance.   “I originally...

Senior Carlee Cumming loves organization. She can be found re-arranging a multitude of spaces at any given moment.  “This is so weird, but I love organizing my friends' rooms or cleaning their rooms,”...

I am not a Grinch. I promise I love Christmas, but only in December. Starting to celebrate Christmas before or the day after Halloween is simply excessive. I understand the hype and joy around the Christmas...

My 18th birthday came and went. Now, it is on to the more exciting change: college.  High school is over. I will no longer spend seven hours a day, five days a week, with the same people for four years....

I started my energy drink journey by trying my friend's Cherry Slush Alani Nu drink about two years ago. Then, I tried the Breezeberry flavor, which was even better than the Cherry Slush. On the rare occasion...

The movie Bottoms and Red, White, and Royal Blue (RWRB) came out around the same time and shared a main actor, Nicholas Galitzine. The character Galitzine portrayed in RWRB, Henry, is vastly different...

Glow Recipe really didn't make it to the forefront of my brain until this year, but it has been on a lot of people's radars since 2020.  In 2014, Christine Chang and Sarah Lee made Glow Recipe: a brand...

Senior Angela Yang’s fondest memory of her many years of playing piano is placing at the state competition in eighth grade. She was surrounded by friends she had grown up playing with and simply got...

I feel 1,000 times better and far more confident when I have my nails done.  So, as we enter the time of fall, I have plenty of nail inspiration saved on my ever-growing Pinterest board with ideas...

I used to hate any season that wasn’t summer.  I would waste away dreaming of a sun still shining above me. I would complain during the other seasons and act like I didn't whine the same way during...

I loathe PDA (public displays of affection).  Please don’t hold hands with your partner. And please, please, please do not kiss. Far too many times, I have witnessed it both in booths at work and...

I am an avid Starbucks drinker, bordering on addict.  Yet I am stuck in the cycle of ordering the same four drinks over and over again: the Pink Drink, Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew, Strawberry Açaí...

I am looking out towards the glistening landscape reflected at me.  I turn to the girl next to me and smile. She is the only person I knew would be in my life forever; she had been there since I...

English teacher and Theatre director Jessi Dykstra knew she wanted to become a teacher in seventh grade. Dykstra started off as a so-so student, not excelling in math or science. She didn’t believe...

Four seasons was a bit aggressive for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (HSMTMTS).  Season one made sense, but the following seasons diverted to weird paths, such as doing a documentary...

She was the top dog, and she felt like it.  Walking through the halls of the middle school, she held an air of confidence. The seventh graders looked up to her; this was her year. She felt so old and...

17. I am 17. I am seventeen years old. I am seventeen years of age.  As many times and ways that I say this, it still does not hold the ring of truth in my ears.  Nothing exciting happens...

Before discussing the spectacular film, I have to mention the outstanding marketing that led to opening day making $161 million.  Barbie has been all over the internet and in every store. So many brands...

I honestly thought this year was going to be so much harder. I have heard countless times that junior year is the hardest year of high school; it was hard, but I made it through, and it felt the same as...

Seniors have graduated, a sign of summer fast approaching.  The now-graduated seniors left their mark on the school and on the students—some seniors more than others, such as seniors with junior...

I remember when To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before was the "It" movie. I—like many others—was enthralled by Lara Jean's (Lana Condor) and Peter’s (Noah Centineo) love story. It may help that I am...

I am sitting here staring at my computer screen, and I want to scream.  It's the end of the year, so it feels as though everything has been written about already. I am completely empty. Nothing swims...

Freshman Victoria Chiaburu was walking the streets of Colmar, France, when her host family started to pretend to be American tourists pointing at buildings and saying “American phrases."  “We went...

Because it was national couples day the other day, and I do not have someone to be a couple with, allow me to explain my dream "meet-cute." In case you don’t know, a meet-cute is your first run-in with...

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/utd9uGo9zzb We can't believe that we have reached the final episode for this season! Listen in to learn all about our experience making this podcast; we've certainly...

It's getting harder to wake up.  It's getting harder to do my homework.  It's getting harder to pay attention in class.  It's getting harder to care.  It is the end of the year; seniors...

Dear Diary,  I know it has been quite a while since I last wrote an entry, and for that, I am sorry. Here is a life update, but where do I even start?  Well, I am a lot angrier than I used to be....

I think the worst thing I did as a little kid was sneakily watching Disney Channel at my friend's house. I was absolutely enthralled with Disney.  Even now I love rewatching iconic shows such as...

Senior Mackenzie Wintrich is especially looking forward to the leadership that comes with being a senior. She has played soccer since she was six and plans on using her experience to help her teammates.  “I'm...

Let me set the stage: on a Monday at 7:20 a.m., I am pulling into your driveway. You walk to my car, and we both trade comments on the horrible weather and how tired we are.  I still remember when...

Spring is coming, and with it comes warmer weather and brighter colors.  When I think of spring I think of pastels paired with white: clean but bright. I do not only look forward to spring because...

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/G0WPCLXkcyb Calling all art lovers, this episode is for you! We were joined by Jake Barnes, Tara Brace, and Abby Schnelker, who are all amazing artists, to talk...

Normally, I am not very competitive, but when I'm around my family, their drive becomes contagious. One contest I am rather confident that I have won is having the most nicknames. I have so many nicknames...

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/f2bbXGm60xb What are your feelings on country music? In this episode, discover what the hosts love and hate about the music genre with special guest, Hannah Levering!

Freshman Claire Busch is her dog's least favorite family member. Claire's family acquired their Coton de Tulear in the summer of 2020 and named him Dipper after the Gravity Falls character. While she does...

If you don’t know what a reset Sunday is, keep reading.  After a long stressful week, a reset Sunday is the light at the end of the tunnel. I wake up with so much excitement on that wonderful Sunday...

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/OZfgj724Oxb This year, FHC is putting on a production of The Wizard of Oz! In this episode, learn all about the work that goes into this fabulous musical with guests...

Most classes try to stray away from controversial topics that could lead to arguments or debates. Well, in teacher Jeff Manders's AP Government and Politics class, students spend the whole semester watching...

When I hear or think of the phrase, “fake it 'till you make it,” I picture a spy in a long gown on a crucial mission talking to the awkward main character who is uncomfortable in her fancy dress. The...

Everywhere you turn there is a high school girl with a Lululemon bag; it has taken hold of their arms. I personally did not see the hype, nor did I understand why I should add yet another bag with even...

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/TBcpojsRDxb Happy Valentine's Day! How do you feel about the holiday? Listen to hear how the hosts (who are both single) like to celebrate!

When passing through the halls of FHC, diet soda can be seen in the hands of multiple students—this could be aided by the fact that diet soda is the only type of pop available in the lunch line and vending...

Freshman Gavin O’Meara varies from his sister, junior Penelope O’Meara, in only a few ways, but for the most part, they are very similar.  Most siblings spend their time arguing and trying to differentiate...

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/zGjY3Ay7fxb FHC is going all out for Winterfest! Listen to hear all about the Spirit Week activities with English teacher Lisa Penninga and Student Council member...

Dr. Lambach sitting at his desk inside the testing center

She doesn’t giggle; she has a deep laugh that can carry on for far longer than appropriate. Now, I won’t say the over-used, ultimate-cringe phrase “she’s not like other girls” because in many...

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/2nH0FwOD4wb For this episode, we invited guests Autumn VanSolkema and Juliana Lieuwen to discuss their experiences as student drivers. What have been the biggest...

Science teacher Chad Scholten is the advisor for the HOSA club here at FHC and has been since 2017. He knows HOSA has many attributes that allow for a wide variety of students to participate. However,...

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/zkZlYwjxUwb Listen to this week's episode as we recap some of the highlights from Central High School's talent show! Hear from the perspectives of a performer, stage...

If a movie took 12 years to make and is three hours and 12 minutes long, I would expect an absolutely perfect masterpiece of a film. The sequel to Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water was most definitely not...

I am not Peter Pan.  He is terrified of the idea of growing up–so absolutely petrified of what he imagines it is like to be an adult. So, he ran to Neverland, where both the lost boys and he would...

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/alkqDLcrHwb Have you ever wondered what it's like to be in Odyssey of the Mind? Learn all about what it's like from the experience of your hosts and special guests,...

It is not Valentine's Day. It is not even February. I have no reason to look forward to the season of love, but Target clearly has someone to celebrate with and decided to break out the candles early....

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/P3v6GgGpxwb For this episode, learn about the fulfillment of being an English teacher from the perspective of Kenneth and Jordan George. What are their favorite...

Sophomore William Musgraves, or as he is more commonly known, Billy, reflects on his freshman season of basketball: his first year in high school athletics with new coaches and teammates. Billy loved the...

Tuesday in my fifth-hour Advanced Psychology class, I was asked to reflect on the past year. I was not filled with cold dread, nor did I scream in surprise as I failed to remember the past month, let alone...

We are back from break and super excited to be back in the studio! For this episode, we brought on the Alt sisters to discuss our love of reading. We talked about our favorite couples, books, and tropes....

Sophomore Madeline Chapman didn’t have a person or an artist influence her; instead, her passion came from a movie.  “I remember that I used to watch The Sound of Music every week,” Madeline...

With this episode of The Central Scoop, find out what it's like for the current freshmen at Forest Hills Central High School! Does high school live up to expectations? We loved chatting with and hearing...

There is a difference between being stuck and not leaving. I am in the middle—a feeling of enclosure and pleasure all at once.  I was always the kid with “her head up in the clouds;” it was as...

Out from the attic came box after box, my siblings laughing and the dog's tails wagging. Christmas is associated with joy, and my family felt the pure wonder of the holiday as we decorated both our house...

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'll start by saying I am immensely thankful for the nine years I had you in my life.  You quite literally shaped me to be who I am today. I definitely would not be so...

In this episode, we featured guests Cameron Penner and Sully Lower as they discussed their daily lives as musicians. Listen to learn more about the process of learning instruments and experiencing the...

In this fun episode, Lauren and Addy talk about their love for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, its evolution, and some of their favorite characters. Disclaimer: there are spoilers for Spider Man and Doctor...

For this episode, Kiera Kemppainen joins us for a trip down memory lane as we reminisce over our favorite childhood movies and TV shows along with the role they play in our lives now. https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/rdHdXlybjvb

This episode is for all the music lovers out there. We are joined by Payton Vincent and Katelynn Heilman as we discuss Harry Styles, One Direction, Taylor Swift, and her new album Midnights.  Hope you...

Welcome to the first "Day in the Life" episode! We invited the editors-in-chief of The Central Trend, Allie Beaumont and Sofia Hargis-Acevedo, to tell us about their roles. https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/Pn3G6CYajvb

Hosted by Lauren Brace and Addy Cousins, The Central Trend's official podcast, The Central Scoop, is available on Spotify with episodes published weekly. Episodes either fall into the category of "Hot...

To Claire Mast– my college trip buddy Thank you for helping me start my day right. I am so thankful for every time you turn around and ask me how my night was. I would not make it through math without...

I know a movie is top-tier when it forces tears to leak from my hazel eyes. Legitimately, five minutes into Marvel's new phase four movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, I was wiping away salty water droplets.  When...

Think of the most embarrassing moment that happened to you. Did it involve your mom showing baby pictures to the whole senior class?   Well, this occurred at this year's Senior Dinner Dance. Instead...

I do not have to fear turning into an old crazy pet lady; I am pretty sure I will not even be owning pets once I move out.  My family laughs and constantly points out how awkward I can be when I am...

Junior Noah Burke walked into his first jiu-jitsu class and left not being able to move his arm.  “On my first day,” Noah said, “my coach put me up against one of the best just to give me a feel...

Movie adaptations of books are both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. I am doused in joy at the chance to physically, rather than mentally, see some of my favorite characters, but also have to prepare...

In the opening scene, I was already greeted by a stunning dress that set the precedent for the other outfits I was about to witness.  The School for Good and Evil was not only a fantastic movie but...

Marvel has gone off the rails.  She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is the latest and craziest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe streaming on Disney+. It features Jen Walters, aka She-Hulk, played by...

Social media is a gift and a curse; junior Elizabella “Bella” Grounin has seen both sides of such platforms.  Bella is a user of multiple platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. She...

The Social Dilemma is a documentary/narrative on Netflix that, of course, delves into the topic of social media.  My parents gave me one requirement before I could press download on Instagram: sit...

Social media is defined as a website or application that enables users to create or share content or to participate in social networking. It was developed to be a new way to communicate. Ads, in a way,...

She glides through the rows and rows of dark wooden shelves. Each one is carrying a plant or bobble and the gift of knowledge, the greatest present: an escape.  She goes sliding across the width of...

Most of my peers started downloading Snapchat and other social media platforms when we were about twelve years old; I was busy acting out Harry Potter in my backyard.  I had, of course, asked my parents...

Social media is present in everyone's lives, even if you don't have one of the many apps on your phone. There is no way to hide from social media.  I have been on Instagram for about two months and...

I am a relatively new listener of the band AJR. From the few songs I have heard, I have been in awe of the band's sound and lyrics.  Over the course of my music-listening years, I have gathered that...

Junior Owen Barber fulfilled team bonding, competition, and fundraising in one experience.  Many sports teams at FHC have fundraisers since much of the equipment and other necessities cannot be paid...

Hunting is undoubtedly an American pastime largely enjoyed by the population. Junior Vaughn Cheslek is not an exception to this tradition: he started his hunting journey at the ripe age of two years old.  Hunting...

I don’t typically delight in revengeful actions, but Do Revenge held my attention in captivity, and I was immersed in each revenge-fueled action. Revenge proved to be my cup of tea.  Do Revenge...

Everything from the name to the acting is a mouthful in regards to Disney+’s spin-off show: High School Musical: The Musical The Series.  I was talking to my dad about my plan for the day during...

Nails are made from keratin or skin appendages, which can also be found in your hair. Coincidentally, both of these body parts are painted to fit the comfort of a person.  It is ever so common to see...