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...

I’m supposed to be the one with all of the words.  I’m supposed to be the one who can conjure up paragraphs in a matter of minutes and create rhyming couplets in a passing thought. But suddenly,...

There is a countdown delivering its wake-up call every morning.  5 days until her last high school concert. 8 days until Prom. 10 days until the AP Calc exam. 12 days until her official last...

Time and time again, Taylor Jenkins Reid has captured my attention with her addictive flow of words and storytelling. In the span of three books, she's made her way up to my top three favorite authors,...

She was told to embrace every moment. She was told to have the greatest time. She was told to hang tight to every memory and protect them from the void of oblivion.  Gazing around in awe, she was determined...

During his sixth-hour independent study, senior Thomas Carano learned how to become a hacker—or, at least, how to build code like one. Of the many computer science projects he has worked on, his favorite...

In the span of only a couple of years, music lovers have found “pop” radio songs spiraling into an entirely new era of music: one that is almost entirely controlled by social media.  Tuning into...

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...

Striving to help others at the Oakdale Neighbors Café, junior Jiya Patel was astounded by the profound impact she was able to make on one young girl. “This one girl I was helping was telling me how...

How is one supposed to act as if everything is normal while their insides feel as if they’re being squeezed and a war is raging in their lower abdomen? How is one supposed to work under conditions of...

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!

She wakes to the sun peaking through the curtains, enveloped in a blanket of warmth and comfort. Her mind is hazy as the last memories from her dream slip away, and she can’t avoid the smile that slowly...

My hopeless romantic personality, love for the enemies-to-lovers trope, passion for the Spanish language, and an upcoming trip to Spain aligned perfectly with the glistening book title: The Spanish Love...

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...

Hardly anyone has ever seen senior Marissa Bertocchini without makeup. Wearing it nearly 24/7, Marissa is determined to always have her face prepared for an emergency.  “I wouldn’t recommend it,...

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!

After writing a letter to my past self, I knew I couldn’t go without writing a letter to my other half. Though you’ve rolled your eyes at the paragraphs dedicated to you at the end of my Countless...

Dear Lauren, I am so incredibly proud of you.  One year ago, you watched the seniors proclaim their college decisions with growing smiles of pride. You were freaked out about the weight of your...

Although young children are often portrayed as asking for a pony for Christmas, their wishes don’t usually become reality. However, for junior Olivia Rainey, this childhood dream was one that came true...

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...

“Hello! And welcome to Dear Hank and John.” “Or as I prefer to think of it, Dear John and Hank.” The Green brothers welcome their podcast audience at the start of every episode in this manner,...

Back in 5th grade, I would desperately hope for my pre-assessments in math to come back with a circled star in the top right corner, meaning I could optionally skip the lessons and instead work on more...

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...

When arranging a school-wide lip sync, Pine Ridge principal Nathan Peltz was pleasantly surprised by the immediate enthusiasm and dedication that the staff demonstrated. In fact, the teachers became so...

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...

“POV: You stumble upon this niche band and decide to become a fan before they’re famous.” Immediately, this ideology and clever advertising tactic caught my attention and drew me into the music...

2023 The numbers glisten in gold, and I feel the weight of their presence ground me in the spiraling chaos of life. A year full of opportunities, decisions, and adventures with the ecstasy of graduating...

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,...

Genetic engineering: a process that uses laboratory-based technologies to alter the DNA makeup of an organism. Although the meaning of this scientific term is simple in its dictionary definition, its...

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...

Even though freshman Miles Gray was technically “present” in class, his mind was “out of this world” with the immersive art of doodling.  “I like to draw fictional stuff,” Miles said. “I...

Curled up with a book, a mug of coffee, and a cozy sweater, I fully embraced the reading aesthetic within the warmth of my home while a severe snowstorm swirled outside.  With the past year of excitement...

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....

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...

“Who’s open to change?” From the start of each episode, Duchess Meghan Markle’s soothing and professional voice greets the listener into her podcast revolving around one of the most important...

Ever since junior Evan Church was little, he has had the dream of flying to outer space—specifically, being the first person on Mars.  “When I was little, I always had the dream to be the first...

“How does it feel knowing that this will be your last game?” I still don’t think I’ve fully comprehended the end.  After a prolonged season—longer than I ever imagined—I was always getting...

FHC alumna Megan Piontkowsky is a senior at Albion College, double majoring in math and physics with a concentration in astrology. She plans on attending graduate school for mathematical physics or theoretical...

As children, we’re told to “shoot for the moon, and if you miss, at least you’ll land among the stars.” This, along with my parents introducing me to series such as Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey...

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...

Despite the cliches, the stars do, in fact, twinkle against the infinite darkness. They wink as the observer passes, gazing from their minimal perspective. Explosions resulting in runaway nuclear fusion...

For a planet that is constantly evolving, it seems only fitting that we expand our horizons to another destination out of this world: Mars. Named after the god of war, the planet of Mars is about 189.58...

When it comes to outer space, the sky is far from the limit. This leads to the question, where can these new heights take us? In this investigative series, I'll be explaining the benefits of exploring...

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...

In 2017 when Amy Adams was announced to reprise her role as Giselle in a sequel to the 2007 film Enchanted, I was overcome with excitement. However, I had largely forgotten about the upcoming film until...

To the staff of TCT First and foremost, I must thank the people that make me look forward to the end of every school day, the people who make room 139 a home. Each of you inspires me to continue writing...

Shimmering, sparkling, sunlit snow: the reason I ski down the slippery slopes. Sizable sums of seasonal slush: the reason I slide down South for the start of Winter.  This one word is the cause of...

While many students discover their passion in their later years, sophomore Rebecca Maddox found her love for writing back in elementary school. One year, an incredible opportunity arose to submit her work...

Some seniors at the Senior Dinner Dance

“Exquisite poison,” “gorgeous servility,” “distant hautbois,” “tremulous ecstasy,” and “munificent patron” represent a mere sample of the combinations of words found in The Picture...

Charlie Puth is a genius.  Ever since the release of “One Call Away” in 2016 when I initially fell in love with the artist’s music, Puth has had an outpouring of remarkable melodies and intriguing...

Senior Mia Martin never expected to find herself covered in peanut butter while working with the environmental club, but she found herself immensely enjoying the project nonetheless. “Recently, we...

While she loves jumping into leaf piles and running through corn mazes, sophomore Autumn VanSolkema’s favorite fall tradition is visiting the Fallsburg Arts Festival—specifically, coloring tiny pumpkins.  “It's...

“There are always two sides to the story” is a cliché that has been recounted over and over again; the aphorism burns at the heart of every issue. Throughout this site, I’ve talked about my joys:...

As the scenes pan over the elvish grace of Lindon, the mighty underground dwarf mines of Khazad-dûm, and the masterful construction of the Island Kingdom of Númenor, I couldn’t help but gasp in awe.  If...

In the movie Encanto, freshman Juana Hernandez was pleased to have only found one inaccuracy of Colombian culture: the representation of coffee. “[Encanto] was actually pretty accurate,” Juana...

Sitting uncomfortably in my 5th-grade class, my lips were sealed with a secret. I sat, stood up, and sneezed in fear because that morning, I had woken up with my legs coated in blood. My mom told me I...

An impending danger threatens the Isle of Cats, and they will perish if they aren’t rescued before the evil Lord Vesh arrives. This vital rescue mission is assigned to every game player as they also...

One simple question received 15 years ago by history teacher Brad Anderson took curiosity to an entirely new level, eventually prompting a 15-day response. “Somebody asked what it was like to fight...

Grade: 12 What excites you most about Improv Central? "I love just being myself and playing games with friends. I am always so excited to go to the practices and learn more about improv comedy." Why...

Grade: 11 What excites you most about Improv Central?  "I am always so excited to go to practice for Improv every day. We always laugh with each other and tell the funniest jokes, and I am so incredibly...

Pockets of light illuminate every attraction, and the bright and glorious Ferris wheel stands out against the quickly darkening sky. There’s a brisk fall breeze causing her to pull her jean jacket closer...

The football arcs through the air, soaring through the goalposts—a successful point after a touchdown. The football is fumbled, tumbling to the ground—the beginning of a disheartening turnover. The...

While some may obsess over character development and plot structure details when watching a movie, junior Hannah Levering is entranced by the cinematography.  “When I watch movies, I get really into...

"This is for your research. If you want, that is," my Dad said, handing me a grocery bag of Vernors Black Cherry two-liters as we unloaded the car. I smiled at the logo, delighted that my next review...

I expected it to slowly slip through my fingers—memories turning into grains of sand as they drift back to the ocean. Instead, I was bombarded with the waves, cascading over me until the sand escaped...

The crisp air crafted a picture-perfect atmosphere, and even the rain couldn’t stain my enjoyment of Iowa State’s campus. From the moment my Odyssey of the Mind team arrived, I was overwhelmed with...

While I'm still deathly afraid to disobey my parents, there is one rebellious act of my past that stands out. I’m not sure what my motive was, but I know that if my sister hadn’t been a tattle-tale,...

Name: Hannah Levering Position: Speaker TED Talk Title: Words and how they help your life Why did you apply to be a speaker? "I applied to be a speaker because I thought it would be a fun experience...

Name: Emma VanTongeren Position: Speaker TED Talk Title: Being Indecisive Why did you apply to be a speaker? "I applied to be a speaker because I really like public speaking and find it enjoyable....

Name: Lucy Yoder Position: Speaker TED Talk Title: How to make happiness a lifestyle Why did you apply to be a speaker? "I applied to be a speaker because it was a good opportunity to push...

Pink, pastel, and periwinkle pockets of color always add a special flair to the fingertips of my peers on prom night. I’ve never been one to frequently have my nails painted, but for the special occasion,...

Everywhere, I am surrounded by goodbyes. The seniors are living through all their “lasts,” embracing this vital transition of graduation for all that it’s worth. On this site, the seniors have written...

In a constantly evolving and hectic world, motivation can sometimes come from the most unexpected places. For senior Emma Zawacki, her drive partially stems from the self-care app “Finch” and her digital...

Driving my friend Dylan to zero hour at 6:30 in the morning, I wasn’t sure if my morning brain was too tired to comprehend phrases correctly, or if he actually claimed that Moon Knight was the best Disney+...

With crackling embers and a darkening sky, senior Avery Jordan found herself far out of her comfort zone—standing in front of the entire class of 2022 as she found the words to deliver her own bonfire...

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. The...

I was never one to hop onto the addictive train of Wordle, only occasionally giving the game a shot while social media became obsessed with these daily word challenges. However, as other daily puzzles...

I remember when I first decided to adopt you. I thought that I was meant to play the clarinet for the rest of my life until you showed up. When I held you for the first time, I couldn’t believe how perfectly...

Discovering the secrets of a mysterious murder, a Robin Hood scheme, and a rocky romance are all thrown into the virtual world of Lakeview in Upload season two.  Simply the premise of the show is intriguing—imagine...

For senior Holly McLenithan, a new anklet ranks at the top of her spring break souvenir must-haves. “If anything, I'll get an anklet [this spring break] because it’s something I've done since I...

From my creative peaks of passion to my fistfuls of flaws, there are a million adjectives I could use to describe myself. These words swirl around in an imperfect attempt to describe exactly what makes...

Starlight: the light that comes from stars. Knowing this simple definition of the word compounding burning balls of gas in the galaxy with the radiance from them, I struggled to understand how "starlight"...

On any given day, senior Tananya Prankprakma can be found staring at the ceiling—not in boredom, but in fascination. For Tananya, there’s so much more to enjoy in the world than the list of extracurricular...

Nostalgia: a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy, personal associations. Everywhere I go, I seem to be serenaded with the crescendoing harmonies...

From phone call rejections in quick succession to a one-minute explanation of short-selling, there isn’t an ounce of hesitation as Robby dives into his podcast: The Most Interesting Five Minutes of Your...

Did you know that the expression “OK” is credited to Martin Van Buren’s presidential campaign? Or did you know that the White House wasn’t referred to by that name until Theodore Roosevelt deemed...

I never thought that one pink slip of paper would change my life forever. I remember coming home in fourth grade to unpacked boxes and clutter across the kitchen table as my family was still in the process...

On the verge of death, one boy struggles for life after he was retrieved from the harsh ocean waters—the same boy that the main character has seen every night in his dreams. This premise is just one...