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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

Madison Szczepanski

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations

Madison is a senior this year at FHC and has an ineffable amount of excitement for what this year has in-store for her. Madison will be attending Calvin College in the fall and is looking forward to what the future holds. She is planning on studying English secondary education. She is looking forward to developing a wider span of readers of The Central Trend this year through her position as the ME of Public Relations, and can not wait to work with her fellow staff members to do so.

Favorite thing about being on staff: Being able to express my thoughts and unique voice through writing, and sharing it with others.

Favorite type of stories to write: Columns, but also profiles because they highlight students and teachers that are doing amazing things for both FHC and the surrounding community.

Hobbies/Interests: Drinking coffee, New York City, photography, and writing.

On a Friday night, you'll probably find Madison: Either working or hanging out with her friends.

All content by Madison Szczepanski
Room 139

Room 139

Madison Szczepanski, Staff Writer May 21, 2018

It seems like only a few weeks ago, I was sitting in Room 139 watching the 2017 seniors paint their bricks and prepare for their next steps beyond FHC. I was watching in admiration; I could not wait any...

The downfall of classic literature in classrooms will cause more harm than good

The downfall of classic literature in classrooms will cause more harm than good

Madison Szczepanski, Staff Writer April 24, 2018

For decades, classic literature has been studied and discussed within the walls of high school classrooms. The debate today concerning classic literature pertains to the idea that studying the content...

Spotify playlist "Confidence Boost" gives a refreshing face to pop music

Spotify playlist “Confidence Boost” gives a refreshing face to pop music

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations March 5, 2018

Who doesn't need a refreshing burst of confidence every now and again? I know that it never hurts me to have an elevated mood and self-image. One way that I have always been able to reflect my moods and...

Humans of FHC: Tori Macleod

Humans of FHC: Tori Macleod

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations January 27, 2018

"I volunteer at the animal shelter, Mackenzie's Animal Sanctuary, and I fell in love with all these dogs. I really wanted them to get adopted because it doesn't really make any sense to me why they weren't...

Senior Josh Bacon prepares for his future as a Marine

Senior Josh Bacon prepares for his future as a Marine

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations January 14, 2018

Senior Josh Bacon has always known he wanted to enlist in the military. With his family's vast history of military involvement, he had grown up knowing it was what he was destined to do with his life....

My future, my decisions

My future, my decisions

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations January 12, 2018

As a senior in high school, everyone is asking me about myself. Only, they're not asking directly about me, but my plans for the rest of my life. And sometimes I'm not so sure that everyone is asking to...

I'm happy tonight

I’m happy tonight

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations December 17, 2017

December 13, 2017. 9:08 p.m. Tonight I was happy. I saw my dog hopping around in the snow outside chasing after the ball. That's his favorite thing to do, I think. He'll chase the ball for hours...

In support of the decision

In support of the decision

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations December 12, 2017

In previous semesters, students who wished to make changes to their schedules for the upcoming semester would be able to log into Class Choice for a period of time to adjust their schedules as they please....

Pentatonix continues to impress with new Christmas album

Pentatonix continues to impress with new Christmas album

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations December 3, 2017

Welcome to December-- when jolly tunes are played endlessly everywhere you go. Between the radio, the grocery store, restaurants, and coffee shops, one cannot seem to escape the never ending voices of...

Humans of FHC: Keefer Silverstein

Humans of FHC: Keefer Silverstein

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations December 2, 2017

"So my buddy Steve Reminga and I decided that it would be a great idea, while we were at his cottage about two years ago during the summer, to go in the lake when there was no beach, and the waves were...

The Section

The Section

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations December 1, 2017

Leadership, marketing, and gaining valuable first-hand business experience are all parts of FHC's Intro to Business class taught by teacher Jared Lowe. FHC students Daniel Deindorfer, Amit Grewal,...

How did I get here?

How did I get here?

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations November 25, 2017

How do I see myself? How did I get to this point in my life and this mindset? I do not see myself the same way anyone else sees me. I am the way I am; I'm different now. I see the world and myself...

Sophomore Olivia Williams finds herself through her artwork

Sophomore Olivia Williams finds herself through her artwork

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations November 20, 2017

Little drawings all over the place-- all over homework, random papers, and sketchbooks. Sophomore Olivia Williams practices her skill whenever and wherever she has the time. The inspiration for art can...

Photo Gallery: Marching Band at Pine Ridge- October 31st

Photo Gallery: Marching Band at Pine Ridge- October 31st

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations November 15, 2017

Spotify's "Your Favorite Coffeehouse" playlist brings comfort

Spotify’s “Your Favorite Coffeehouse” playlist brings comfort

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations November 12, 2017

Soft voices, steady beats, and emotions. These are all elements of Spotify's "Your Favorite Coffeehouse" playlist. This acoustic, mellow grouping of songs will transport your mind and soul to anywhere...

Humans of FHC: Elena Nasser

Humans of FHC: Elena Nasser

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations November 11, 2017

"So I moved here in August 2015. Before this, I lived in Kentucky, and before that, I lived in Mexico, and before that, I lived in Pennsylvania. My dad's a priest, so we've moved around a lot for his job....

Noises Off Q&A: Katie Hicks

Noises Off Q&A: Katie Hicks

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations November 6, 2017

Name: Katie Hicks Grade: Senior Role: Dotty/Mrs. Clackett 1.) What are you most excited about? "I am most excited about being in a role that really pushes me to be a better actress; I've...

TCT's The Countless Thanks: Day 2- Madison Szczepanski

TCT’s The Countless Thanks: Day 2- Madison Szczepanski

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations November 2, 2017

The Bethea Family - for inviting me into your home and letting me find true relationships with your kids Over the past three years, I have spent countless hours in the Bethea household or with the Bethea...

Let's go back to the summer days

Let’s go back to the summer days

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations October 30, 2017

Let's go back. Back to the summer days when we would dance around barefoot in the grass, and no one would say a thing. Back to the laughter that roared above any criticism. Let us twirl around and around,...

Freshman Ben Lowen makes his mark during lip sync

Freshman Ben Lowen makes his mark during lip sync

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations October 26, 2017

Most freshman, especially after having moved to a new school district, try to lay low and not draw attention to themselves to avoid unwanted attention. Freshman Ben Lowen had the exact opposite idea. Moving...

The counseling office deserves a thank you

The counseling office deserves a thank you

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations October 23, 2017

300 seniors applying to college. An average of four college applications per student. Four counselors responsible for helping everyone along the way. The counseling office is constantly working hard to...

The Cookie Dough Cafe brings edible cookie dough to stores in Forest Hills

The Cookie Dough Cafe brings edible cookie dough to stores in Forest Hills

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations October 19, 2017

Walking around Forest Hills Foods one afternoon, I mentioned to my friend that I was craving edible cookie dough and wanted to make some. She then pointed out that in the cooler right in front of me, there...

Humans of FHC: Holly Wierenga

Humans of FHC: Holly Wierenga

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations October 17, 2017

"So, my junior year of college, I studied abroad with my roommate and best friend. During our last week after our program in London was done, we made a big trip out of it and flew to Rome. We landed in...

Abby Burr finds talent and growth through Bible journaling

Abby Burr finds talent and growth through Bible journaling

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations October 12, 2017

As senior Abby Burr arrives home and gets ready to relax and reflect after youth group, she pulls out her usual supplies for Bible study: her Bible, of course, and paint. After seeing posts on Instagram...

Thanks for being my rock

Thanks for being my rock

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations October 9, 2017

Hey Bails, You're important to me, and I can tell by the way you talk to me that I'm important to you. I met you last year and for a while, you were just a co-worker to me. Just someone that I talked...

Powderpuff is an enjoyable tradition that unites juniors and seniors with their classmates

Powderpuff is an enjoyable tradition that unites juniors and seniors with their classmates

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations October 5, 2017

The long tradition of the homecoming week Powderpuff game is known for the intense rivalry surrounding the junior and senior girls. Last year, the Class of 2018 lost against the Class of 2017, so this...

I am more than my future plans

I am more than my future plans

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations October 2, 2017

Why is it that the first thing people say to me after they find out I am a senior in high school is, "Where are you going to college?" or, "What are you majoring in?" I am not my college decision nor am...

Jake Ball uses cross country skills in ultimate frisbee

Jake Ball uses cross country skills in ultimate frisbee

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations September 29, 2017

It's important to find a way to connect with your friends outside of the stressful school schedule. Junior Jake Ball and his friends find fun in playing ultimate frisbee. For Jake, summers are filled with...

Rihanna impresses with new Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r foundation

Rihanna impresses with new Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r foundation

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations September 25, 2017

Singer, actress, style icon, makeup line designer: Rihanna. Rihanna Fenty has been known of for a while as a talented singer/songwriter, and now, Rihanna is continuing to impress the pop culture crowd...

Ask me why I work so much

Ask me why I work so much

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations September 19, 2017

Why do you work so much? This is a question that I am asked far too often. Because I work two jobs, I rarely have any time to spend at home just for myself. Though a valid question it may be, I never had...

Humans of FHC: Megan Stockenauer

Humans of FHC: Megan Stockenauer

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations September 14, 2017

"I just moved here the summer before my freshman year, so I've only been here for high school. I'm going into my junior year, [and] I'm on the swim and water polo team. Having the swim team was probably...

Kingma's Market in Ada is not the typical grocery store

Kingma’s Market in Ada is not the typical grocery store

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations September 14, 2017

Are you tired of going into Meijer every day and seeing the same products and Starbucks coffee that most other grocery stores possess? Let yourself steer away from the Meijer and Forest Hills Foods chains...

Seniors should have a voice in who is in their group at the senior retreat

Seniors should have a voice in who is in their group at the senior retreat

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations September 7, 2017

Senior year is the year of lasts. Students will soon be graduating and moving onto their new lives. Some students stay close to home, while others travel thousands of miles away. During senior year, friends...

IHOP's new French Toast Doughnuts are a delightful treat

IHOP’s new French Toast Doughnuts are a delightful treat

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations September 4, 2017

When and why does one decide to go to the old, classic IHOP? Two occasions: it's morning, and you're craving a stack of fresh pancakes. Or it's midnight, and you and your friends are looking for a late...

Keep your spirits high and your stress levels low

Keep your spirits high and your stress levels low

Madison Szczepanski, Managing Editor of Public Relations August 31, 2017

August: The last month of summer vacation begins. It's important to cram in those last few beach days, weekends up north, and nights sitting around a bonfire with friends. The realization that school starts...

Ryan Talbot shows off his parkour skills in the western United States

Ryan Talbot shows off his parkour skills in the western United States

Madison Szczepanski, Public Relations Manager August 28, 2017

Traveling out of Grand Rapids is one of the most common summer activities for students at FHC. Some students and families travel to places near such as Empire or Mackinac Island, while other people travel...

Christian Donald (left) and Josh Sweeney (right)

Students from Class of 2018 prepare for military involvement

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Social Media Manager May 25, 2017

Junior Josh Sweeney is proud of his family's history of military involvement. He is excited to be continuing the family tradition with his enlistment in the United States Army. "I come from a long...

Student Council Q&A- Meredith Carpenter

Student Council Q&A- Meredith Carpenter

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Social Media Manager May 23, 2017

Name: Meredith Carpenter Grade: Freshman 1.) Why did you decide to run for Secretary? "I decided to run for Student Council Secretary of the Class of 2020 because I wanted to be involved with...

Student Council Q&A- Arshon Saadati

Student Council Q&A- Arshon Saadati

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Social Media Manager May 23, 2017

Name: Arshon Saadati Grade: Junior 1.) Why did you decide to run for Secretary? "I decided to run for Secretary because I want to make a positive change at our school." 2.) What do you hope...

Novel 13 Reasons Why shows the importance of suicide awareness

Novel 13 Reasons Why shows the importance of suicide awareness

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Social Media Manager May 18, 2017

When I read a book, I look for a story that draws me in from the beginning and doesn't let go until the last word written. 13 Reasons Why is a breathtakingly powerful novel that changed my perspective...

FHC alumna Karen Custer is honored in the Hall of Fame for her work in developing the FHC community

FHC alumna Karen Custer is honored in the Hall of Fame for her work in developing the FHC community

FHC alumni Karen Custer can be considered an FHC legend. Without her tireless efforts to create a community within FHC, we wouldn't have many of the programs and traditions that we have come to love and...

Spring is a time for positive thoughts

Spring is a time for positive thoughts

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Managing Editor of Social Media May 11, 2017

Take a minute, for me, and think about all of the positive things in your life. Make a list in your head, or on paper if that works for you. Focus on everything that you love about your day, from the moment...

In the Time of the Butterflies is hard to keep up with

In the Time of the Butterflies is hard to keep up with

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Social Media Manager April 27, 2017

Recently in my English class, we concluded our Julia Alvarez author study by watching the movie adaption of one of her most popular books, In the Time of the Butterflies. The book is based off a true story...

Schnitz Deli in Ada offers enjoyable food at affordable prices

Schnitz Deli in Ada offers enjoyable food at affordable prices

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Social Media Manager April 20, 2017

Going out to lunch with friends is one of my favorite things to do, but finding the right place to go to is always a struggle. About a week ago, a friend and I decided to grab lunch together after leaving...

You're my biggest fan

You’re my biggest fan

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Social Media Manager April 13, 2017

Cousins are often the first friends we make in life. We are forced to spend time with each other at family events and interact with each other. Sometimes, relationships between family members fail or just...

stone sinking in water

Rocks are heavy… the ocean is vast

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Managing Editor of Social Media March 30, 2017

I am sinking. I am a rock that is submerging deeper and deeper into the ocean. All of my worries and all of my unjustifiable agitation builds up on top of me and causes me to sink faster. Schoolwork, SATs,...

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff proves to be a helpful component of stress relief

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff proves to be a helpful component of stress relief

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Social Media Manager March 23, 2017

Stress is a common thing that can take over many of our lives. Stress can come from almost anywhere, such as work, school, family, friends, or anything else. Finding things that make you feel calm and...

The cast of FHC's Little Shop of Horrors exceeds expectations

The cast of FHC’s Little Shop of Horrors exceeds expectations

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Social Media Manager March 19, 2017

Thursday night, I saw the opening performance of FHC's spring musical, Little Shop of Horrors. The show is set in Skid Row: an urban area that offers virtually no opportunities for its inhabitants. Seymour...

I want to say thanks

I want to say thanks

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Social Media Manager March 16, 2017

I want to say thanks for all you have done for me: for inviting me into your home, trusting me to take care of your kids, and helping me grow and learn what I love to do. I really hate to leave you now,...

Caroline Whyte - Musical Q&A

Caroline Whyte – Musical Q&A

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Social Media Manager March 9, 2017

Caroline Whyte Role: Audrey What are you most excited about? "I am really excited to get to know the cast and crew really well and to share this show with the public!" What makes you fit your...

Sutton Steensma- Musical Q&A

Sutton Steensma- Musical Q&A

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Social Media Manager March 6, 2017

Sutton Steensma Role: Chiffon What are you most excited about? "I really love performing on stage and being able to play dress up for a little bit. The fact that we, as a cast, have the ability...

Project Chuck encourages middle school students to stay away from illegal substances

Project Chuck encourages middle school students to stay away from illegal substances

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Managing Editor of Social Media March 3, 2017

Project Chuck is a very important educational opportunity for both middle and high school students. Every year, a select group of juniors and seniors are chosen to go to Forest Hills Central Middle School...

Hamilton in Chicago is filled with non-stop entertainment

Hamilton in Chicago is filled with non-stop entertainment

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Social Media Manager March 1, 2017

This past weekend, I was blessed to have the incredible opportunity to travel to Chicago and watch Hamilton: An American Musical live on stage. Hamilton takes place in colonial America, starting in 1776....

Writing is my outlet

Writing is my outlet

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Social Media Manager February 23, 2017

From the beginning of elementary school, we were first taught how to write out letters and words in our own handwriting. Then, as we progressed, we learned how to form our first sentence: "The quick brown...

A journey to finding a steady source of happiness

A journey to finding a steady source of happiness

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Social Media Manager February 16, 2017

A list of nice sounds: Steady raindrops Turning pages of a book Coffee being poured Skate blades on ice Typing Hearing a smile in someone's voice Sleepy voices Sounds constantly...

Novel This is Where it Ends lessons the importance of trust in relationships

Novel This is Where it Ends lessons the importance of trust in relationships

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Social Media Manager February 9, 2017

On the first day of a new semester, everything is playing out normally with the same routine that happens every semester, every year. The principal makes her speech, the students get up and rush to the...

A coffee snob's guide to the best java in Forest Hills

A coffee snob’s guide to the best java in Forest Hills

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Social Media Manager February 2, 2017

If you know me, whether you are my best friend or even just a brief acquaintance, you probably know that I have a slight obsession with coffee. I am a sucker for a satisfying vanilla latte, a specialty...

The power of words

The power of words

Madison Szczepanski, Assistant Social Media Manager January 26, 2017

The words people say to or around others can be impactful. A large issue with a lot of humans is that we don't think before we speak. Sometimes, we get caught up in the excitement of conversations, but...

Lisa Penninga's Senior Literature and Cinema class becomes a favorite among students

Lisa Penninga’s Senior Literature and Cinema class becomes a favorite among students

Madison Szczepanski, Staff Writer January 24, 2017

“A lot of students walk away from this class realizing that literature really offers more of an in-depth look at characters, and you can feel connected to them, angry with them, and they can really take...

Teachers playing favorites is fine... to a point

Teachers playing favorites is fine… to a point

Madison Szczepanski, Staff Writer January 9, 2017

Most students have their favorite teachers. What is more commonly denied though, is the concept of teachers having their favorite students. The so-called ‘favored student’ could be the student with...

Why I watch so many shows on Netflix

Why I watch so many shows on Netflix

Madison Szczepanski, Staff Writer January 4, 2017

I have a Netflix addiction. My dad has threatened on more than one occasion to cancel our Netflix subscription because I waste too much time watching shows when I should be studying. I admit, this is an...

New Marzano system takes over the evaluation process at FHC

New Marzano system takes over the evaluation process at FHC

Madison Szczepanski, Staff Writer December 20, 2016

The idea of the administrators of FHC evaluating teachers is to make sure teachers are accomplishing the main goal of being an instructor: having the students learn. The administration is in the process...

From A's to B's - in one sick day

From A’s to B’s – in one sick day

Madison Szczepanski, Staff Writer December 12, 2016

I'm sure that most high school students have experienced the confusion of seeing a 0% in PowerSchool after being absent for a few days. I have recently experienced the issue of missing a 70 point math...

Disney animation continues to impress with Moana

Disney animation continues to impress with Moana

Madison Szczepanski, Staff Writer December 5, 2016

Disney movies are typically classified as something only a child would enjoy. They are thought to only appeal to the 12-and-under crowd. But, as an avid Disney fan, I will tell you that with each movie...

A whole new world: Maritza Romero Esteban

A whole new world: Maritza Romero Esteban

Madison Szczepanski, Staff Writer November 21, 2016

Imagine attending a new school, in a new country, and not speaking the same language as everyone else. Scary, right? This situation is exactly what freshman Maritza Romero Esteban is going through. Having...

The Coincidence of Coconut Cake proves to be similar to widely loved Hallmark Channel movies

The Coincidence of Coconut Cake proves to be similar to widely loved Hallmark Channel movies

Madison Szczepanski, Staff Writer November 14, 2016

Have you ever seen a Hallmark movie? You know, the ones where the girl and the guy meet and after a few twists and turns, they unexpectedly fall in love. Well, an adorable, lovable Hallmark movie is exactly...

The little things

The little things

Madison Szczepanski, Staff Writer November 7, 2016

It’s the little things in life that tend to make all the difference. I tend to appreciate the little things that are brought into my life more than the big events. The larger moments are exciting for...

The tragic tale of Eleanor and Park

The tragic tale of Eleanor and Park

Madison Szczepanski, Staff Writer October 24, 2016

Boys in books are better. The ill-imagined boy is drawn up in the minds of authors everywhere, forcing girls to fantasize about dating that fictional perfection. But in reality, that isn’t necessarily...

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