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The Student Voice of Forest Hills Central

The Central Trend

The Student Voice of Forest Hills Central

The Central Trend

The Student Voice of Forest Hills Central

The Central Trend

Alexandra VanElls

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer

Alexandra is a sophomore entering her first year on The Central Trend. She is very excited to improve her writing skills and technique throughout the year. She loves to read and spend time with her family. Her favorite stories to write are editorials.

 

Favorite part of being on staff: improving her voice in her writing

Hobbies: playing softball and reading

Favorite book: Me Before You

It’s Friday night, you will find Alexandra: watching Grey’s Anatomy

All content by Alexandra VanElls
Dead Men Tell No Tales is an adventure like no other

Dead Men Tell No Tales is an adventure like no other

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer June 2, 2017

One weekend when I was thirteen years old, my family and I were about to leave for Disney World in Florida. We have been to Disney many times, and there is one ride that is based on Pirates of the Caribbean...

Steve Labenz gives students the opportunity to visit GR Veterans Home

Steve Labenz gives students the opportunity to visit GR Veterans Home

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer May 26, 2017

History teacher Steve Labenz decided this year to stray away from taking his AP United States History class to Greenfield Village. Instead, Labenz chose to take all of his history students, including the...

FHC says goodbye to David Mills

FHC says goodbye to David Mills

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer May 20, 2017

David Mills has been teaching and coaching at FHC for 29 years. After these many years of teaching, however, Mills has decided that this year will be his last year teaching at FHC. Those that are close...

Try to live in the moment

Try to live in the moment

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer May 19, 2017

"Live for each moment. Today well lived makes every yesterday a memory of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope." This quote is something I think everyone could learn from and make their goal...

The Heist Preview Q&A

The Heist Preview Q&A

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer May 11, 2017

Film: The Heist Producer: Dylan Matry 1. What theme would you consider your film? "The theme of our film is that sometimes falling back on your old roots from the past isn't always the best decision." 2....

The Zookeeper's Wife... a different type of war story

The Zookeeper’s Wife… a different type of war story

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer May 5, 2017

About six months ago, I began reading the Zookeeper’s Wife, a World War II story. I decided to start reading it because I saw a trailer for the movie, which came out March 31st. I have yet to see the...

Students are not responsible at FHC

Students are not responsible at FHC

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer April 21, 2017

Walking into the front doors of FHC, one of the first things you see is the table full of things dropped off for students by their parents. This table is practically the definition of irresponsible. Why...

The two-way street of sexism

The two-way street of sexism

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer April 14, 2017

I would first like to start by saying that I am a girl, and yes, I do realize that sexism is a real thing. I do, however, feel that sexism is blown far out of proportion in certain scenarios. While I am...

Why students should not abandon learning a foreign language

Why students should not abandon learning a foreign language

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer March 30, 2017

When we chose our classes last week, I heard many students in my sophomore class say that they hate taking a language class, as they are relieved that this upcoming year, junior year, they can drop whatever...

Lisa Penninga and her son, Lincoln, have gone through many hardships and were honored at GVSU fundraiser

Lisa Penninga and her son, Lincoln, have gone through many hardships and were honored at GVSU fundraiser

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer March 28, 2017

English teacher Lisa Penninga and her son Lincoln have been on an amazing journey in the last few years. Lincoln has had a heart defect since birth, resulting in numerous medical issues. When he was...

impacted tooth, Vector illustration Toothache, Tooth medical anatomy

Chipmunk cheeks and protein shakes

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer March 17, 2017

Having recently gotten my wisdom teeth removed, I can assure you it sucks. I have no idea why they are called "wisdom teeth," because they are not wise, helpful, or necessary. They are stupid. I got all...

Missing Mya

Missing Mya

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer March 10, 2017

As the 2017 high school softball season is about to begin, I've finally come to the realization that one of my best friends is not going to be playing with me. I have known Mya Herman for years, and I...

The Comets of Forest Hills covers numerous fields and is beneficial for the future

The Comets of Forest Hills covers numerous fields and is beneficial for the future

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer March 3, 2017

The Robotics Team of Forest Hills, The Comets, is not a very well known cult of individuals. Though they are not very recognized within the school, those involved could not be happier that they joined....

The no complaining project

The no complaining project

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer February 24, 2017

We all complain. There's no point in denying it. I do, you do, we all do. It just seems to be a part of life. I have recently come to learn that although we all do it, it really does not help. It may temporarily...

Why students should not leave to avoid taking a test

Why students should not leave to avoid taking a test

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer February 17, 2017

It seems as though on nearly a daily basis, students leave school to avoid taking a test.The student will be "sick," or they'll just get permission from their parent to leave. Understandably, for some...

Carolyn Tinkham and her alternative art form

Carolyn Tinkham and her alternative art form

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer February 10, 2017

Senior Carolyn Tinkham has been lacing up her skates since she was three years old. The majority of her life has been all about skating, firing Carolyn's passion for the sport and art form she loves so...

Marchers carrying banner "We march with Selma!" on street in Harlem, New York City, New York.

The sophomore class and their reaction to Selma

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer February 3, 2017

This past Wednesday, the sophomore class had the unique opportunity to sit down and watch a movie together. I was not at all disappointed in the movie or the ability to do something different; however,...

Why a dog would make my life better

Why a dog would make my life better

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer January 25, 2017

Ever since my dog, Tasha, died five years ago, I have asked my parents countless times if we could get another. The answer has always been the same: "No." Tasha was apart of my family since before I...

Sophie Bolen is set on a path to stardom

Sophie Bolen is set on a path to stardom

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer January 20, 2017

Junior Sophie Bolen has been involved in musical theatre since she was four years old. Her very first show was at FHC when they needed a little girl for Footloose, and she has been successful ever since. “My...

The empowering story of Hidden Figures

The empowering story of Hidden Figures

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer January 20, 2017

We all know that the first orbit around the moon was a big deal for NASA. There were the brave men that risked their lives to fly in the first space shuttle; however, very few people know how big of a...

Dr. Bull: The Master Puppeteer of The Courtroom

Dr. Bull: The Master Puppeteer of The Courtroom

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer January 6, 2017

CBS’s new hit show, Bull, is unlike anything on tv. It takes a unique twist on a crime drama that is more than the typical and predictable murder mystery. Dr. Jason Bull, played by Michael Weatherly,...

I don't.  And I'm glad that I don't.

I don’t. And I’m glad that I don’t.

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer December 16, 2016

Alcohol abuse. Drug use. Skipping class. These things happen at FHC and other schools on a daily basis. Some students only show up to some of their classes a few times a week, and then they fall hopelessly...

Italian restaurant proves to be not so Bravo!

Italian restaurant proves to be not so Bravo!

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer December 9, 2016
The atmosphere of Bravo! was very quiet and relaxing. After a day of shopping outside in the bitter wind, the warm and dimly lit restaurant was very welcoming.
Debate program shows the power of words

Debate program shows the power of words

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer December 4, 2016

Sharing your opinion with others can be terrifying. However, according to Debate Team member sophomore Megan Garter, it’s “not that scary if you attend a couple classes and take the time to learn it.”...

The Importance of Reading for Fun

The Importance of Reading for Fun

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer November 18, 2016

The number of students that read for fun is rapidly declining. Teenagers seem to think that reading is “uncool” or it makes them a nerd. I, however, am proud to say that I read for fun. Call me a nerd;...

Phone Usage in School- It's a Problem

Phone Usage in School- It’s a Problem

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer November 16, 2016

Nothing drives me crazier than someone staring at their phone constantly or having it sit next to them all the time. It is completely unnecessary. Yes, it’s great to see what is going on in the world...

Deepwater Horizon Review

Deepwater Horizon Review

Alexandra VanElls, Staff Writer November 11, 2016

Fire, water, and oil. Boom. I know what you’re thinking; Deepwater Horizon sounds like a “boy movie," and it is. It is definitely not the movie I thought it would be. My sister and I walked into...

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