Breaking News
  • September 25SENIORS: buy your Senior Dinner Dance tickets!
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

Arpita Das

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor

Arpita is a senior entering her third and final year as a staff writer on The Central Trend. She has been a part of the Science Olympiad team since the 9th grade and made the choice to step down this year but joined Model United Nations and DECA her junior year. When Arpita isn't writing, you will often find her rewatching The Flash on Netflix, playing the piano, doing press on nails, going on walks, studying at the library, and visiting new coffee shops. Despite the fact that it's her last year of high school, she is so excited to see what senior year has in store for her and is excited for the pieces of writing that she will produce.

Favorite book: Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Favorite food: Fettuccine Alfredo

Favorite color: Navy Blue

Favorite class: Advanced Writing for Publication and Honors Model UN

 

All content by Arpita Das
Im in my senior year of high school.

Dear present me: and so begins chapter 12

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor November 28, 2023

I used to dislike having black hair growing up. Whenever I would look at my friends, I longed for the days I could have highlights.  But now, I adore the way my hair looks because so many people have...

Senior Arpita Das.

TCT’s The Countless Thanks 2023: Arpita Das

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor November 21, 2023

There's a lot that I am thankful for this year, and although I could go on and on about all the people in my life that I am thankful for—I have decided to pay thanks to these special people in my life. Thank...

Inspiration is all around us.

These are the places where I get the best sources of inspiration – Part two

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor November 14, 2023

When it comes to entertainment, it doesn't take a lot to amuse me. I've never really been picky when it comes to how I utilize my free time. However—from time to time—I do find myself making the continual...

The piano that sits so peacefully on my desk just waiting to be played.

Dear Present Me: Your peace is within the piano

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor November 7, 2023

Dear Present me, Why do you play? There's a lot you don't know about me, and there's so much left for you to discover. Some aspects of my life will either remain hidden forever, like the president's...

The cover for the So Far So Good podcast which definitely gives off Jess and Gabriel vibes.

The So Far, So Good podcast was more than just good

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor November 2, 2023

Over the past few years of my life, I have become accustomed to encompassing social media into my life. In one way or another, it finds some way to fiddle with my life. Even though technology isn't...

A picture of Senior Joey Sitarski.

Joey Sitarski creates a connection with his siblings through the extracurriculars he participates in.

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor November 1, 2023

From the beginning of senior Joey Sitarski’s life, the importance of having a close-knit relationship with his family has always been a constant.  From being the youngest in the family to having...

A collage of where I get my inspiration from.

These are the places where I get the best sources of inspiration

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor November 1, 2023

I have always been one of those kids who spent a copious amount of time on the internet. This consists of being a consistent fan of influencers’ lives on YouTube, grabbing cheesy life quotes from Instagram,...

The place where I work.

Dear present me: what if? – part two

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor October 26, 2023

Dear Present me,  Why is my life the way it is?  Why does it feel like I’m running on the seven seas, yet when I want to reach the highs and lows, I still can't stop? It feels like the highs...

If interested, learn more about Wall Street Journals article titled Generation Z’s 7 Lessons for Surviving in Our Tech-Obsessed World.

Phrases are on a never ending cycle of being taken out of context

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor October 17, 2023

As the world continues to spin on its invisible yet important axis, we are continually being brought to tomorrow's future today.  No matter what generation someone was born into, where their origin...

My wallpaper thats currently on my home screen right now.

Dear Present me: The Flash through my lens

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor October 10, 2023

Dear Present me, You have been and always will be a massive Fan of The Flash. I don’t think there will ever be any show that I won’t have an emotional connection to after watching. Whether I’m...

Homecoming Court Q&A’s 2023

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor October 8, 2023

 c1) What was your reaction when you found out you were nominated? 2) Why do you think you got nominated for court? 3) What’s your favorite breakfast food?  4) What are you most excited for...

If Taylor Swift was the only course I was taking, Id never have to worry about falling asleep in class.

Taylor Swift is migrating into the realm of literature

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor October 6, 2023

Ever since I've removed myself from what is probably the most popular app at our school—TikTok—I have found myself relying on another source of entertainment, Instagram Reels. Although I wish my habit...

Puppy Love officially aired on August 18th of this year on Amazon Prime.

Puppy Love is a friendly film for anyone

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor October 4, 2023

If I had to pick just one celebrity out of all the ones in the universe, it would be Grant Gustin. It's not only because he's in my favorite TV show, but also because he's just an all-around impeccable...

Improv Central 2023 Q&A’s

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor September 26, 2023

Photo Gallery: 2023 Community Tailgate

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor September 28, 2023

A picture of me moments before visiting a college I would never apply to in Boston.

Dear Present me: don’t forget the outliers

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor September 26, 2023

Dear present me,  What about the outliers? Senior year:  The twelfth grade is a student's fourth and final year of high school education. The year and the student are both referred to as senior.  This...

Paige Hallock, our newest Health and Fit for Life teacher.

New Health teacher Paige Hallock immerses herself into the uplifting environment that FHC has to offer

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor September 21, 2023

The new Health and Fit for Life teacher Paige Hallock was shocked when students didn’t recognize her from relatives who previously attended FHC, and, as a result, she has gravitated toward the environment...

The Newest Staff members of FHC

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor September 19, 2023

The Flash movie officially released in theatres June 16th 2023, and is available to watch on certain streaming platforms.

The Flash movie was fragmented for any fervent fan of the film

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor September 19, 2023

After making the decision to finally finish The Flash TV series this summer, I got the word that there was a The Flash movie coming out; my excitement doubled over the amount that was already there.  Prior...

Photos of stories that Ive written over the past two years.

Dear Present me: This is why I write

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor September 12, 2023

Dear Present me,  Why do you write? A girl once asked me, “Where do you get the ideas to write your stories?”  I responded with, “I write about the current events that envelop my life...

Iris-West Allen played by Candice Patton in The Flash.

These are my thoughts on the most underrated moments of the Flash

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor September 7, 2023

When I’m, sad I write. When I’m happy, I write. When I want to word vomit, I write. Whatever I’m feeling at the moment; I will write about it. Yet whenever I’m feeling tranquil, words just never...

The S.T.A.R labs logo which is also on my hoodie

My personal takes on unpopular opinions about The Flash

Arpita Das , Publicity Editor September 5, 2023

This summer, I decided to run back in time and rewatch one of my all-time favorite shows, The Flash, which is a show about Barry Allen (Grant Gustin), a 25-year-old forensic scientist who gets struck by...

A picture of me my first day of senior year.

Dear Present me: Senior year, right now, in this moment

Arpita Das, Publicity Editor August 29, 2023

Yes, it’s finally here: my senior year. It’s hard to believe the words “my” and “senior year” are in the same sentence. But, for some reason, whenever I think about senior year all that...

A picture of my middle school art project 2 months after school shut down.

Life as she knew it

Arpita Das , Staff Writer June 1, 2023

She thought she would go to school on Friday. That one day of the week, she was ecstatic to attend school for two reasons: the day before, she was nominated for student of the month, and the next day was...

Some of the many senior tiles that have been been painted in room 139.

Out with the old, in with the new

Arpita Das , Staff Writer May 31, 2023

I never thought that I would be here writing this, but the time has now come when the school parts with the seniors and prepares itself to welcome the freshman; in with the new, out with the old.  Before...

What the UVM campus looks like at night and a picture I never wouldve captured if I had turned down the oppurtunity to attend such a memorable conference.

What if?

Arpita Das , Staff Writer May 24, 2023

What if I had gone in-person freshman year?  What if I had never taken APUSH sophomore year? What if I had never joined The Central Trend? What if I had never tested out of Algebra 1?  What...

My belongings and what most of my days are spent thinking about; school on repeat

Little did she know

Arpita Das, Staff Writer May 18, 2023

It happened—exactly what happened, do you ask? That one event that every writer dreads to experience: writer's block. Don’t get me wrong—it’s not that I’ve lost a passion for writing; it’s...

Senior Bernice Sam who is set on majoring in Pre-med at Calvin College.

Bernice Sam has found the little joys in life through discovering her passion for dermatology

Arpita Das , Staff Writer May 4, 2023

Ever since senior Bernice Sam was a little girl, she has always had this everlasting dream of becoming some sort of doctor, but it wasn’t until high school that her passion for becoming one really started...

Prom Court Q&As 2023: Audrey Kind

Prom Court Q&As 2023: Audrey Kind

Arpita Das , Staff Writer May 4, 2023

What was your reaction to the court announcement? "Initially I didn't know because people were cheering for their friends so I didn't hear my name [called]. I left 5th hour and went to class [but] I...

Prom Court Q&As 2023: Thomas Carano

Prom Court Q&As 2023: Thomas Carano

Arpita Das , Staff Writer May 4, 2023

What was your reaction to the court announcement? "To be completely frank, it was the most random thing in the world. I was not expecting it whatsoever. It was fifth hour [and] I was in [AP] Statistics...

The bullet journal/planner I literally use for anything and everything.

At the end of the day, we’re human

Arpita Das , Staff Writer May 4, 2023

My planner sits empty like a blank canvas that has something to say but is silenced by the pens and pencils that just aren’t willing to dance. Pages and pages are filled with endless tasks just waiting...

A picture of senior Kyle Friar.

Kyle Friar soaks up the last few moments of his high school career

Arpita Das , Staff Writer May 2, 2023

Everyone’s experiences with senior year can vary, but for senior Kyle Friar, although he is enthusiastic for what college will have to offer, he will definitely miss all the memories that he has made...

Fight or Flight, is a coping mechanism.

What is the “fight-or-flight” response, and how does it affect the body?

Arpita Das , Staff Writer April 27, 2023

Whether we’re aware of it or not, coping mechanisms are a common apparatus utilized by people. Whether this be fidgeting with your fingers, lightly tapping your foot, or even continuously clicking a...

This plan was created by Joseph Califano.

Do you know what the “504 Plan” is?

Arpita Das , Staff Writer April 25, 2023

It has always been a preconceived idea for me that every single student got the same amount of time on tests. Everyone would walk into the classroom, start the test, and then all finish the assessment...

It’s not goodbye; it’s see you later

Arpita Das, Staff Writer April 16, 2023

Dear Diya K., I am in awe over the fact that we’ve had a friendship for almost a decade now. Although it’s been almost a year since I’ve seen you, I still recall when you first moved here. The...

A picture of me at the age of one years old.

The coincidences that make up my life

Arpita Das , Staff Writer March 23, 2023

Coincidences intrigue me until they scare me; a ghost from my treacherous past I continue to bury the more I move away from it. It’s interesting how coincidences happen, but the irony that occurs within...

Youtubers, Dhar Mann and Brent Rivera.

Lately, the media has cultivated a cancel culture of its own

Arpita Das , Staff Writer March 15, 2023

Opinions expressed in editorials on The Central Trend are the view of the individual writer and are not the opinion of the entire staff of The Central Trend or the Forest Hills Central staff or administration. A...

A picture of a group of students that attend the ASL field trips.

School trips give students the chance to embark on an adventure with endless opportunities

Arpita Das , Staff Writer March 13, 2023

Field trips in high school can have a plethora of interpretations, but for American Sign Language teacher Kimberly Anderson, they are eye-opening opportunities for students to bond.  “I think it's...

January 30th, 2022, the day after my 2nd Science Olympiad Competition.

My photographs have created a timeline that I’m not even fully aware of

Arpita Das , Staff Writer March 13, 2023

I seem to remember everything nowadays, except for the important stuff. For example, when to wake up or when certain assignments or assessments need to be completed. Regardless of what I can keep track...

One of many shows Ive watched within my life to sit back and relax.

TV shows have continually become a source of contentment for me

Arpita Das , Staff Writer March 1, 2023

I know that I’m not a robot, but sometimes I feel like one because of the facial expressions that I make. Usually, when I’m upset, the first feature to convey that to you is my face, and I can’t...

A picture of current AP seminar students that are presenting.

The second semester AP Seminar exam presents students with the ability to improve vital skills

Arpita Das , Staff Writer February 28, 2023

For any college-level course, it’s expected that there’s an exam to follow, but the elements of each exam can vary from class to class. For AP Seminar teacher Morgan Beckett, the fundamentals are what's...

Me second semester of 10th grade attending brunch with a friend when I should have been doing homework.

Asking others “How are you?” can have more of an impact than you think

Arpita Das , Staff Writer February 22, 2023

These months of the year can either go one of two ways for me: stressful or joyful. It’s the start of a new year, and that’s exciting for me, but it either goes down one path or another. This time...

The center of the sweater that I wore on valentines day.

The fourteen special valentines in my life

Arpita Das , Staff Writer February 20, 2023

I dislike Valentine's Day, but that could just be because I spend it alone every year. I like the concept behind it, but It starts to get old the more I see the infinite string of stories of couples posting...

I always find myself taking the form of a baby when I go to bed.

What your sleeping position says about your persona

Arpita Das , Staff Writer February 8, 2023

Earth is a miraculous planet, but it’s hard to find appreciation in things when you don’t stop to pause and take in everything around you. This is something I have been trying to do more lately.  Being...

Senior exemption gives students a chance to be excused from their final high school exams.

Senior Exemption presents students with the oppurtunity to be excused from their final exams

Arpita Das , Staff Writer February 6, 2023

When history teacher Kyle Carhart first heard about senior exemption, he was unsure as to what it entailed for students, simply because it was never a policy that was enacted when he was a high school...

A picture of one of many press on nails that Ive applied on my hands.

Here are my personal favorite purchases from Amazon

Arpita Das , Staff Writer February 2, 2023

I loathe shopping. Just kidding, I adore it, but only if it’s online. For some reason, going inside stores has never really been my forte. I’ve always been someone who loves to purchase items from...

A picture I took during the awards ceremony.

My first Model UN Conference was better than I expected

Arpita Das , Staff Writer January 24, 2023

If I had to describe myself in one word from the perspective of someone who just met me, it would be "shy." I am a very shy person. In fact, I’m shy to the point that when you talk to me, we won’t...

A picture of some of the former smile squad members, from left to right (Afomia, Markian).

Smile Squad brings the universe together one chuckle at a time

Arpita Das , Staff Writer January 18, 2023

Entertainment; that’s the first thing that comes to mind when I think of the word "break." Whether that be watching shows on Netflix, short videos on TikTok, or even people’s lives on YouTube, this...

A picture of the symbol that represents the icon for our AP World History class.

Why we should stay up-to-date on the world around us

Arpita Das , Staff Writer January 11, 2023

Before I started high school, I never really considered myself someone who liked to be affiliated with history. It was always a monotonous subject for me. I always thought that you had to be constantly...

A picture of me my first semester of junior year before attending homecoming.

If my junior year were a person

Arpita Das , Staff Writer January 8, 2023

Dear junior year, I’m going to be completely honest, I am not loving junior year, and it’s weird for me to even say those words that are coming out of my mouth right now. It’s nothing like I thought...

A combination of some of the many social media platforms that we use today.

Social media can be used as more than just a way to connect with friends

Arpita Das , Staff Writer December 12, 2022

Tiktok, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, and so on. I’m sure we’ve all heard of these words before, right? But what’s the one thing that comes to mind when you think about these platforms?...

Senior Sammy Deridder with one of her many pets.

Sammy DeRidder finds her passion for veterinary school that is animals.

Arpita Das, Staff Writer December 12, 2022

For many people, owning pets can mean as little as one or two animals, but for senior Sammy Deridder, this means 35. Since she lives on a farm, she is constantly surrounded by animals; these creatures...

Me on my birthday, the same day as black friday and when our school went to state championships.

And so begins chapter 17

Arpita Das , Staff Writer November 28, 2022

A couple of days ago, I turned 17, and although it’s never really been a special number, I knew that my birthday would feel a little different this year. Whenever I think of birthdays, I don’t think...

A picture of me and Katelynn back in March in my favorite room in the school, room 140.

To my other half

Arpita Das , Staff Writer November 23, 2022

Dear Katelynn,  It wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school that I realized that there were such kind people in this world, and I never realized the true gravity that friendships held until...

TCT’s The Countless Thanks 2022: Arpita Das

TCT’s The Countless Thanks 2022: Arpita Das

Arpita Das , Staff writer November 22, 2022

Thank you to… Mom - For always being there for me  Despite how stubborn I can be, you never choose to give up on me, and I think that’s what makes you such an amazing person. You always make...

The symbol for the student advisory council.

Forest Hills Central Student Advisory Council strives for improving the environment that is our school

Arpita Das , Staff writer November 21, 2022

When most people think about a club, they often think about collaborating with other students within their school. Junior Lucy Wu, one of the eight members representing the Student Advisory Council for...

October 28th, the day I told one of my teachers he resembled a superhero.

I associate the special moments in my life with the objects that I encounter

Arpita Das, Staff Writer November 14, 2022

Lately, I’ve been feeling the need to hold on to the present for as long as I can. It’s my junior year of high school, and it’s now just hit me that I’m not living out my high school experience...

Black Friday, a holidays that always seems to creep up on me.

What are the best ways to get the best Black Friday deals?

Arpita Das , Staff Writer November 10, 2022

I love November, but to be honest, who doesn’t? It’s one of the last months before the end of the semester, my birth month, and a month for giving thanks. Ironically, it’s also the month when Black...

Senior Emma Costello who has her sights set on studying Kinesiology, the science of muscles.

Emma Costello finds a passion for kinesiology through her philanthropy for helping people

Arpita Das , Staff Writer November 7, 2022

For as long as senior Emma Costello could remember, she has always held a passion for the medical field. But, she never anticipated that she would find such satisfaction in doing simple tasks such as being...

What most of us envision when we think about the end of high school.

Grades can only reveal so much about the persona of a high school student

Arpita Das , Staff Writer November 3, 2022

AP US History teacher Steve Labenz has had students with parent's expectations set so high he thought they had to be joking. Because Labenz teaches one of the most difficult AP classes at FHC, he understands...

What a regular week looks like.

Three-day weekends should become a weekly thing

Arpita Das , Staff Writer October 31, 2022

Growing up, I was a very curious person, and whenever I would inquire about my parents' childhood, it would always revolve around their life in school.  My parents are from India, and back then, they...

Grades and the significance behind them Q&As: Ava Redmond

Grades and the significance behind them Q&As: Ava Redmond

Arpita Das, Staff Writer October 27, 2022

Name: Ava Redmond Grade: 12 What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the word 'grades'? “Hard work, studying, and tests.” What advice you would give to someone who stresses...

Grades and the significance behind them Q&As: Ian Mahoney

Grades and the significance behind them Q&A’s: Ian Mahoney

Arpita Das, Staff Writer October 27, 2022

Name: Ian Mahoney Grade: 12 What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the word "grades"? "The thing that comes to my mind when I think of grades is spending nights studying for tests...

A moment of one of the many intense monopoly games that we play during the period.

Dear Chloe

Arpita Das , Staff Writer October 26, 2022

Dear Chloe,  Joining Model UN in my junior year of high school was one of the best decisions that I ever made.  Before I met you, I never realized the power of friendship, and I can honestly say...

Grades are more than just an measurement of good or bad on the spectrum.

Arpita Das , Staff Writer October 26, 2022

Grades: they’re all something high schoolers have to deal with. Homework and assessments along with GPAs and AP classes are all factors that determine the trajectory for our future, right? Wrong. Although...

A picture of me my sophomore year of high school

My numbers are no longer in control of me

Arpita Das, Staff Writer October 26, 2022

I know that feeling.  That angst-ridden feeling you get when you're just aching to know what score you got on an assessment seconds after turning it in.  The lump sensation you get in your throat...

Investigative series: Arpita Das - Grades and the significance behind them

Investigative series: Arpita Das – Grades and the significance behind them

Arpita Das , Staff Writer October 24, 2022

I am someone who would revolve my life around grades. No matter what I had to sacrifice, what mattered to me most was the numerical value upon completing any assignment or assessment.  But, over the...

Moments after I found out that I had passed my drivers test.

I finally got my driver’s license

Arpita Das , Staff Writer October 17, 2022

When I was younger, I remember telling my mother that I would simply walk or bike everywhere because I was too afraid to drive.  But, when my mom would ask me, “What will happen when it rains or...

A photograph of senior Addy Scholtens.

Addy Scholtens finds a passion for nursing through the irony of her last name.

Arpita Das , Staff Writer October 13, 2022

Senior Addy Scholtens finds it funny every time she is asked if she is related to Human Anatomy teacher Chad Scholten. Although they have similar (but not the same) last names, there is no relation; however,...

Google

Mowing the lawn: a curse or a courtesy

Arpita Das , Staff Writer October 12, 2022

I have never been someone who was ever really worried about the way our environment functions, but ever since I started taking AP Environmental Science, I realized that we impact the world more than we...

A picture of the improv team at the end of their show.

Improv Central 2022 prompted laughs from start to finish

Arpita Das , Staff Writer October 3, 2022

This Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending Improv Central, provided by FHC’s theater department in the auditorium. Although this show was neither a play nor a musical, I was entertained throughout...

A picture of me and my friends during the long weekend.

Goodbye sophomore year, hello junior year

Arpita Das , Staff Writer October 3, 2022

In high school, they say that junior year is supposed to be the most stressful, yet important, year of high school. But my year so far has felt neither strenuous nor pressurizing, and it’s hard for me...

A picture of my math homework with the parametric functions included.

What is the significance of using calculators in math?

Arpita Das , Staff Writer September 28, 2022

The first word that comes to mind when I think of the word math is 'numbers.' But, the first object that comes to mind is a calculator. Ever since the 6th grade, I have always used a calculator when it...

Choir teacher Sean Ivory and some of the current members of Central Singers before one of their performances last year.

After three years, Vocal Jazz Night is making a comeback stronger than ever

Arpita Das , Staff Writer September 27, 2022

For the first time in three years, Central Singers will be attending Vocal Jazz Night, a one-day event at the Fine Arts Center on Oct. 20, giving choirs from different schools a chance to come together...

A picture of me multitasking,eating while watching television, something I do without even realizing.

How multitasking affects our eating habits

Arpita Das , Staff Writer September 19, 2022

As someone who is stuck in the continuous cycle of going to school, participating in extracurriculars, and constantly doing schoolwork for upcoming assessments, it would be dishonest if I said that no...

Load More Stories

Comments (0)

All The Central Trend Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest