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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

Olivia Luplow

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager

Olivia Luplow is a senior and is entering her second year on The Central Trend as a staff writer. This year, she has taken over the position of Public Relations Manager alongside Meredith VanSkiver. She has always loved to write and is excited to continue to expand her opportunities and skills. She values travel, art, and music and is always ready for a challenge.

Favorite type of story: Features and profiles

Hobbies/interests: Swimming, water polo, rock climbing, camping, hiking, and traveling.

Favorite book: Brown Dog

All content by Olivia Luplow
A picture of me from the summer: before I realized the pleasant pain that is purple and gold

[Photo] Dissolving into golden warmth and purple freedom

Linus Kaechele, Managing Editor of Online Assignments January 14, 2021

A picture of me from the summer: before I realized the pleasant pain that is purple and gold

Thank you, TCT

Thank you, TCT

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager May 28, 2020

Unfinished. In the expanse of words floating in this bodiless head of mine, unfinished rises to the top. I am as unfinished as it comes, in regards to staff and my essence of entirety, just like this year....

Leon Bridges and Khruangbin’s newest album “Texas Sun” is the musical embodiment of a road trip 

Leon Bridges and Khruangbin’s newest album “Texas Sun” is the musical embodiment of a road trip 

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager March 10, 2020

By nature, I possess the chronic inability to listen to the entirety of a song. Texas Sun, a four-song EP crafted by Leon Bridges and psychedelic group Khruangbin, however, has turned my world into a place...

Ivan Wheland’s bond with his father has gifted him with a more mature life perspective

Ivan Wheland’s bond with his father has gifted him with a more mature life perspective

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager March 5, 2020

Sophomore Ivan Wheland is purely a people person. The words funny and carefree, yet thoughtful and respectful come to mind when discussing Ivan, and, through his friendly soul and mature mindset, he strives...

“Lucky to have people in my life with the power to break my heart” 

“Lucky to have people in my life with the power to break my heart” 

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager March 3, 2020

It truly is a privilege to have your heartbroken. Coming from a person who has had their heart shattered by approximately three boys, one dog, two best friends, and one boss, heartbreak, however painful,...

The taboo topic: politics’ role in education

The taboo topic: politics’ role in education

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager February 25, 2020

Politics is inherently embedded in every aspect of our culture, so why does our education system make the conscious decision to stray away from the topic in classroom discussions? For sophomore Tananya...

Mt. Joy’s latest release squashes winter blues 

Mt. Joy’s latest release squashes winter blues 

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager February 25, 2020

Even among this mildest of winters, the overwhelming, or possibly underwhelming, lack of sunshine serves to suffocate us all. Just as I began to feel like I had lost the feeling of breathing forever, Mt....

An empty generation

An empty generation

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager February 18, 2020

I don’t have many, but one of my greatest and everlasting pet peeves is emptiness. Not a physical emptiness, like that of a depleted cookie jar or gas tank, but one that bears a closer resemblance to...

Sahil Sawant uses his robotic skills in hopes of idealizing the future

Sahil Sawant uses his robotic skills in hopes of idealizing the future

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager February 6, 2020

Sophomore Sahil Sawant is a natural inventor. When in need of something new, Sahil's first instinct isn't centered upon purchase; he opts to find a different solution.  After his brother took the family’s...

Despite my tumultuous soul, peace prevails

Despite my tumultuous soul, peace prevails

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager February 4, 2020

A rapidly increasing climate crisis is tearing through our precious earth. Millions of misused weapons take the lives of the most innocent members of society each and every day. Social injustice prevails....

Athletes and the administration share their differing viewpoints surrounding sports equality

Athletes and the administration share their differing viewpoints surrounding sports equality

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager January 30, 2020

Senior Hannah Becker, a part of the relatively recently formed girls’ wrestling team, experiences the effects of inequality within her sport each and every day, leaving her to ponder if all sports are...

Youtube channel Cut puts life into perspective 

Youtube channel Cut puts life into perspective 

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager January 27, 2020

Hidden among the vlog channels, lifestyle blogs, mommy youtubers, craft videos, and countless other categories of content that litter Youtube’s virtual storage room, there is one that looks at things...

Photo Credit: sustainable.onbeon.com

Students and faculty are actively working to cultivate a greener community 

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager January 23, 2020

With each passing year, the community involved with sustainable living has been steadily increasing. Awareness of the benefits of living greener stems from sources such as social media, familial efforts,...

Show yourself 

Show yourself 

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager January 21, 2020

It is in today’s era of modern thought and self-expression that I find the most peculiar discrepancy. Plastered across the various platforms of social media are people, millions of people, who yearn...

RAT Q&A: Zach Wright

RAT Q&A: Zach Wright

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager January 14, 2020

Name: Zach Wright  Grade: 10 1. What is your act? “I sing and play guitar.” 2. How did you prepare? “It’s just a lot of practice; I’ve been playing [guitar] for about three...

Podcast “This is Love” puts a curious and modern spin on true love, heartbreak, and everything in between

Podcast “This is Love” puts a curious and modern spin on true love, heartbreak, and everything in between

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager January 13, 2020

“How to be alone, how to live forever, how to wait, how to worry, and yes, how to love.”  In its very own words, this is Criminal’s podcast “This is Love.” Hosted and co-created by Phoebe...

RAT Q&A: Sam Musgraves

RAT Q&A: Sam Musgraves

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager January 13, 2020

Name: Sam Musgraves Grade: 11 1. What is your act? “I breakdance.” 2. How did you prepare? “Well, unlike last year, I tried to go more in depth with my choreography. Last year was...

A letter to my first three soulmates

A letter to my first three soulmates

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager January 7, 2020

I found my first soulmate when I was in kindergarten. His name was Luca, and he didn’t go a day without crying on the playground. Through most of 2007 and part of 2008, tears never ceased to spill onto...

Instagram’s newest update is the change we’ve been waiting for 

Instagram’s newest update is the change we’ve been waiting for 

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager December 19, 2019

In a world before the number of double taps on a post was the definition of self-confidence, before the number of digits under a picture labeled its worth, life was simpler. Before you felt the need to...

With 5 members, one EP, and a laid-back disposition, Pay with Pesos perfectly sums up what it means to be a teenager 

With 5 members, one EP, and a laid-back disposition, Pay with Pesos perfectly sums up what it means to be a teenager 

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager December 12, 2019

A string of chords flowing from the painted fingernails of a 17-year-old. An attic bedroom with too many instruments filling all of the empty space. An aged computer. A friend’s garage. A group of boys...

Pay with Pesos Mini Profiles

Pay with Pesos Mini Profiles

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager December 12, 2019

Ian Walschots

Ian Walschots

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager December 12, 2019

It's one thing to be a high schooler whose music has garnered a fan base, but it's a whole other level of success to have a following that is so engaged that they send care packages. Ian Walschots, a senior...

Jake Domeier

Jake Domeier

Olivia Luplow, Publica Relations Manager December 12, 2019

Similar to Thom Loos, Jake Domeier’s introduction to Pay with Pesos is also one of chance. After crossing paths with Henry Lovejoy Vandenburg at a party, he was asked if he would be interested in joining...

Thom Loos

Thom Loos

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager December 12, 2019

Thom’s story regarding his introduction to music is seemingly one of chance. After walking home one day and finding a guitar pick on the ground, his thoughts were, “well, I’m halfway there; now I...

Henry Lovejoy Vandenburg 

Henry Lovejoy Vandenburg 

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager December 12, 2019

Approximately one year ago, Henry Lovejoy Vandenburg attended his very first house show. Although he enjoyed it overall, his thoughts consisted of, “this is a good experience, but I wish the bands were...

Micah Baron

Micah Baron

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager December 12, 2019

Micah Baron, lead singer of Pay with Pesos and junior at East Grand Rapids High School, has always had an affinity for music. With an air of confident swagger combined with the seemingly effortless way...

The privilege of disposal 

The privilege of disposal 

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager December 5, 2019

In a world of instant credit and Black Friday purges, amidst the constant stream of conflicting advertisements encouraging the purchase of more things in order to make the things you already have invisible,...

To dye or not to dye: a discussion of the stigma surrounding hair color 

To dye or not to dye: a discussion of the stigma surrounding hair color 

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager December 2, 2019

Our attachment to our hair is rooted in the traditional values which encompass our idea of beauty. What makes a person beautiful? For seemingly centuries, we have looked for this beauty in the “natural”...

Part-time job series Q&A: Jordyn Carlson

Part-time job series Q&A: Jordyn Carlson

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager November 22, 2019

What is your work schedule like? “I work at Chick-fil-a, and I usually work about three days a week, sometimes less, sometimes more. [I work] Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and I usually work about...

Does my cat think about me when I’m not around? An exploration of existence and its physical and metaphorical permanence 

Does my cat think about me when I’m not around? An exploration of existence and its physical and metaphorical permanence 

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager November 21, 2019

Does my cat think about me when I’m not around? When I depart for school, does she spend the day pondering my return? When I finally snuggle into the warm embrace of nighttime, does she remember that...

TCT's The Countless Thanks 2019: Olivia Luplow

TCT’s The Countless Thanks 2019: Olivia Luplow

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager November 19, 2019

Abby Wright To Abby, for being my gentle reminder each and every day that life is beautiful. Thank you for practicing yoga on concrete sidewalks with me, for letting music completely engulf you and...

Grace Ohanesian’s love for nature and art stems from her roots at Goodwillie

Grace Ohanesian’s love for nature and art stems from her roots at Goodwillie

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager November 18, 2019

Senior Grace Ohanesian has always had a love for beautiful things. Birds, watercolor pallets, breathtaking landscapes, and all things nature are what she continually finds peace in, she says. This...

Kai'Enna Tucker

Kai’Enna Tucker

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager November 16, 2019

Name: Kai'Enna Tucker Grade: 12 Role: Sarah Good 1. What part of being in the play makes you the most nervous? "The thought of everyone watching is [scary] and exciting. The thought of messing...

Season two of End of the F****ing World is an introspective look into the complicated lives of UK teenagers

Season two of End of the F****ing World is an introspective look into the complicated lives of UK teenagers

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager November 14, 2019

 “I learned about punishment from a young age; I learned it happens because of love.”  The very first line of The End of the F****ing World is so powerful it almost becomes indescribable. To hear...

Aaron Jachim

Aaron Jachim

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager November 12, 2019

Name: Aaron Jachim Grade: 12 Role: John Proctor 1. What part of being in the play makes you the most nervous? "The line load [makes me the most nevous]. I have the largest amount of lines of...

New Of Monsters and Men album Fever Dream is an unexpected change from their previous works 

New Of Monsters and Men album Fever Dream is an unexpected change from their previous works 

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager November 7, 2019

Over the summer, the beloved band since 2010 Of Monsters and Men released a new album Fever Dream, which, to say the least, is a timely departure from their previous works.  Overall, the album can...

Students discuss the lack of discussion surrounding Planned Parenthood

Students discuss the lack of discussion surrounding Planned Parenthood

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager November 4, 2019

Planned. Parenthood.  Two words that have the power to evoke enormous controversy and unimaginable rage.  Two words.  Resting upon these two words is the health and safety of millions, yet...

God is in the waterfalls; God is in the trees

God is in the waterfalls; God is in the trees

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager October 31, 2019

God is in the waterfalls; God is in the trees.  God has never spoken to me inside the walls of a church. Sitting in a pew watching the red and orange stained glass hues fall lightly over the faces...

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[Photo] To vibe or not to vibe

Linus Kaechele, Staff Writer October 28, 2019

“I don’t know where home is, and the doors wide open"

“I don’t know where home is, and the doors wide open”

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager October 24, 2019

“I don’t know where home is, and the doors wide open” -Mt. Joy.  The name of a street scribbled hastily onto legal forms. The simple text description sent off into the abyss: “the white one...

Senior Nicole Aquino  poses in the hallway of Forest Hills Central High School

Nicole Aquino recognizes growth among differences 

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager October 21, 2019

100 origami cranes. 100 origami butterflies. 100 origami stars. 100 origami llamas.  Senior Nicole Aquino first got the idea for her annual origami gifts in middle school, and she hasn’t stopped...

My speakers don’t work  

My speakers don’t work  

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager October 17, 2019

My speakers don’t work.  July of 2019 will forever mark the day that the speakers in my car stopped working. A stutter and a spit of musical tunes shot out one morning, unknowingly uttering the last...

Outgrowing something is not the same as quitting something 

Outgrowing something is not the same as quitting something 

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager October 10, 2019

We outgrow our clothes. We outgrow our shoes. We outgrow our classes and our beds and the immense interest that we had for ballet at the age of eight.  Outgrowing, as oxymoronic as it might be, is...

Image depicts how social media can alter how love effects teens.

Teenagers discuss the importance of love in high school 

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager October 7, 2019

Let’s face it: teenagers are in love.  And, let's face it: adults don’t want to admit it.  Love is one of the most essential parts of life. We love our friends, we love our families, we love...

Stop asking me to be sweet

Stop asking me to be sweet

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager October 3, 2019

Anyone who describes me as “sweet” has clearly never met me.  I am a lot things—personable, punctual, passionate—but sweet is not one of them.  It seems as though “sweet” has become...

“If you’re not doing everything, you’re not doing enough”

“If you’re not doing everything, you’re not doing enough”

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager September 26, 2019

“If you don’t use plastic straws but continue to use plastic bags, you’re a hypocrite.” “If you repost pictures screaming for change on your social media but don’t take physical action,...

Dan Johnson remains interested in life around the world without losing what’s most important 

Dan Johnson remains interested in life around the world without losing what’s most important 

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager September 23, 2019

“Basically, I’m broke because I [spend] all of my money on traveling.” Summed up, this is new student and senior Dan Johnson. After being born in the Netherlands and living there for nine years,...

Improv Team Q&A: Meredith VanSkiver

Improv Team Q&A: Meredith VanSkiver

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager September 23, 2019

1. What bug are you? “I’m a bumblebee.” 2. What is your favorite improv game?  “My favorite improv game is probably debate. It’s where there are two debaters against each other, but...

Don't let the education system fool you; you are not a paper doll

Don’t let the education system fool you; you are not a paper doll

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager September 19, 2019

I used to love to read.  I used to write just for the fun of it.  I used to look forward to jumping into the pool to swim countless laps.  I used to love to do a lot of things.  Over the...

Unchain yourself from 'the cave'

Unchain yourself from ‘the cave’

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager September 12, 2019

In his work entitled Allegory of the Cave, Plato said, “Human beings living in an underground cave, which has a mouth open towards the light and reaching all along the cave; here they have been from...

The improv team helps members develop a variety of skills

The improv team helps members develop a variety of skills

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager September 9, 2019

When Senior Aaron Jachim entered the auditorium in the spring of 2018, he had absolutely no intention of trying out for the improv team.  “I wasn’t even going to audition,” Aaron said. “I just...

You're worth more than just a name

You’re worth more than just a name

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager September 5, 2019

September 7th, 2007 was the first time I slipped my feet into a pair of ballet shoes. Engulfed in a sea of other children, I aimed to stand out. Standing on my tiptoes, I tried to be taller than everyone....

Busier does not equal happier

Busier does not equal happier

Olivia Luplow, Public Relations Manager August 29, 2019

It feels as though I am constantly busy. I’m busy doing things I love to do. I’m busy doing things I don't care about. I’m busy doing things that seem to take eons to complete. For a long time, I...

I’m tired of feeling small

I’m tired of feeling small

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer May 30, 2019

“You can make a big college feel small, but you can’t make a small college feel big.” These words that came out of our University of Michigan tour guide’s mouth last Friday have taken root...

Student Council Q&A: Roman Kalaczinksi

Student Council Q&A: Roman Kalaczinksi

Olivia Luplow, Managing Editor-Public Relations May 29, 2019

Name: Roman Kalaczinksi Grade: Freshman Running for: Secretary 1. Why are you running? "I am running because I am always open to trying new things, and Student Council seems like a great...

Sofia Johnson manages to stay connected with family and friends despite moving schools mid-year

Sofia Johnson manages to stay connected with family and friends despite moving schools mid-year

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer May 29, 2019

Born and raised in Okemos, Michigan, freshman Sofia Johnson has been surrounding herself with family, friends, and sports for as long as she can remember. After her father got a new job in Grand Rapids,...

Student Council Q&A: Rachel Lynch

Student Council Q&A: Rachel Lynch

Olivia Luplow, Managing Editor-Public Relations May 29, 2019

Name: Rachel Lynch Grade: Sophomore Running for: Class Secretary 1. Why are you running? "I am running in the election because I hope not only to improve the class participation but also to...

Student Council Q&A: Wilson Godfrey

Student Council Q&A: Wilson Godfrey

Olivia Luplow, Managing Editor-Public Relations May 29, 2019

Name: Wilson Godfrey Grade: Freshman Running for: Vice President Why are you running?  "I am running for the leadership experience. It will be fun, and I think it would be a good position...

The latest Mac Demarco album Here Comes the Cowboy is an interesting exploration of his craft

The latest Mac Demarco album Here Comes the Cowboy is an interesting exploration of his craft

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer May 24, 2019

Canadian singer-songwriter Mac Demarco is not at all new to the world of funky tunes. Over the course of his six total albums, he has dabbled in the genres of Indie rock, Psychedelic rock, Jangle, and...

Payment apps like Venmo are changing the way we think about money

Payment apps like Venmo are changing the way we think about money

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer May 16, 2019

In a world riddled with virtual everything, the reality of cash transactions has been phased out. Payment apps such as Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, and Square Cash have push-started yet another trend of instant...

2019 Seniors reveal their feelings about upcoming graduation

2019 Seniors reveal their feelings about upcoming graduation

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer May 14, 2019

May 21, 2019. This is the day that the seniors will take the final step away from FHC and make the first step towards college. For many, high school has been a rewarding experience, full of friends, memories,...

New Vampire Weekend album Father of the Bride is long awaited and refuses to disappoint

New Vampire Weekend album Father of the Bride is long awaited and refuses to disappoint

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer May 9, 2019

After a six year hiatus, indie pop band Vampire Weekend has released their long-awaited album Father of the Bride. The band’s members, consisting of Ezra Koenig, Chris Baio, Chris Tomson, and Rostam...

Confinement - Filmfest Preview Q&A

Confinement – Filmfest Preview Q&A

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer May 6, 2019

Film: Confinement Producers: Sydney Kushak and Joe Clancy Interviewee: Sydney Kushak 1. What’s your film about? "Our film is about a teenage boy that causes trouble, and his parents have...

Life is a series of transactions, and you’re spending too much

Life is a series of transactions, and you’re spending too much

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer May 2, 2019

Money exchanged for items. Favors exchanged for feelings. Time exchanged for tears. In a society characterized by time spent working, time spent helping and time spent simply doing, we forget that...

Cristina Gardner finds warmth and compassion across the world

Cristina Gardner finds warmth and compassion across the world

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer April 30, 2019

It all started with a dream. A wonderful, bubbly, passion-filled dream of beaches, hot weather, and a West Coast life. Senior Cristina Gardner has always dreamt of going to California. Ever since she was...

New Netflix original “Someone Great” manages to be both heartwarming and comedic

New Netflix original “Someone Great” manages to be both heartwarming and comedic

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer April 25, 2019

Five minutes in and I’m already crying. The story of Jenny Young (Gina Rodriguez) is one that many, if not all of us, can relate to. When her boyfriend of nine years, Nate (LaKeith Stanfield) breaks...

Walk For Water: Photo Gallery 2019

Walk For Water: Photo Gallery 2019

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer April 22, 2019

Enforcing the idea of dieting on today’s youth is a destructive mentality

Enforcing the idea of dieting on today’s youth is a destructive mentality

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer April 18, 2019

Even if you don’t follow social media influencers like the Kardashians or other celebrities on apps like Instagram and Twitter, you’ve probably encountered at least one ad for something like “Flat...

Humans of FHC: Sofia Johnson

Humans of FHC: Sofia Johnson

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer April 16, 2019

“I started doing lesson drop-ins at the end of sixth grade. I played soccer at that time, and I was getting kind of bored with it. My friend said, 'You should play water polo,' and I was like, 'Alright,...

Humans of FHC: Selina Franovic

Humans of FHC: Selina Franovic

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer April 11, 2019

“Every summer, I go to Montenegro and visit my family. My dad's entire family lives there, so we go and basically live there for the summer. We have a cottage-type house. For a few summers, I even trained...

Netflix's Australian show Instant Hotel grips Americans with its unique plot and entertaining contestants

Netflix’s Australian show Instant Hotel grips Americans with its unique plot and entertaining contestants

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer April 11, 2019

Airbnb is one of the most popular ways to spend a vacation in a faraway place. The hospitable energy, exotic locations, and privacy continue to entice travelers since the year 2008. What you don’t always...

Jaden Smith’s company Just Water is working with Flint to help resolve the ongoing water crisis

Jaden Smith’s company Just Water is working with Flint to help resolve the ongoing water crisis

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer March 28, 2019

Ever since 2014, Flint, Michigan and its 96,448 residents have been in a crisis for the most basic human necessity. Water. In recent years, First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church has been a large...

Moving from place to place has inspired Pranav Nalam to find constants in his varying hobbies

Moving from place to place has inspired Pranav Nalam to find constants in his varying hobbies

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer March 26, 2019

Prior to 6th grade, all junior Pranav Nalam had known was his life in India. When his family decided to move to Virginia, though, everything changed. The schools were different, the culture was different,...

New Single “King James” is an interesting preview to Anderson .Paak's upcoming album Ventura

New Single “King James” is an interesting preview to Anderson .Paak’s upcoming album Ventura

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer March 21, 2019

Powerful and politically charged. These are the words that can be used to describe both the emotions inflicted as well as the subliminal messages produced by the typically soul-funk artist Anderson .Paak....

Dear State Administration, please take pity on us

Dear State Administration, please take pity on us

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer March 14, 2019

Polar Vortex. Snowpocalypse. Biggest winter storm since the Blizzard of ‘78. 13 snow days. Overall, it's no stretch to say that this winter has been a complete and total mess. And the mess doesn’t...

Scheduling showcase: does it allow students to choose classes more wisely?

Scheduling showcase: does it allow students to choose classes more wisely?

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer March 12, 2019

As sophomore Sarah Chesner stared down at her blank, blue sheet of paper, the seemingly millions of class choices threatened to overwhelm her. The idea of choosing an entire year of classes with limited...

Cold Pursuit hides humor inside its chilling plot

Cold Pursuit hides humor inside its chilling plot

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer March 7, 2019

I entered the Celebration Cinema North theater last Saturday night with my ticket in hand, expecting to walk into a movie full of blood, gore, and murder. This preconceived idea of mine can be attributed...

"The Big Chop" has the potential to change your life

“The Big Chop” has the potential to change your life

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer February 28, 2019

If you’re looking for a sign, this is it. As a person who has drastically cut her hair more times than I would like to admit, it's easy for me to preach at people, girls especially, who are on the...

Humans of FHC: Katherine Bell

Humans of FHC: Katherine Bell

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer February 27, 2019

“I have a lot of pets; ever since I was born, we’ve never had less than five cats in our household, so I’ve always been around animals. It’s really crazy, but it's nothing that I would change....

Amina Makic refuses to be confined to “the box”

Amina Makic refuses to be confined to “the box”

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer February 26, 2019

Ever since the age of five, senior Amina Makic hasn’t been afraid to pursue her many, varying hobbies. From fashion, baking, and her interest in the medical field, Amina manages to break free from traditional,...

This American Life provokes thoughtful conversation through true stories

This American Life provokes thoughtful conversation through true stories

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer February 21, 2019

June 9th, 2018. It’s a warm, sun-filled day, and my mom and I are crammed into our gray, 2012 Honda Civic. All the windows are open, including the sunroof. We forgot all the hair ties at home, and our...

Humans of FHC: Jannis Jacobs

Humans of FHC: Jannis Jacobs

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer February 20, 2019

“Being raised in a different culture is something that has always been a part of my life. I was born in Germany, but I didn’t spend a lot of time there. I moved to Northern Ireland when I was two....

Why “the best years of our lives” may not actually be the best

Why “the best years of our lives” may not actually be the best

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer February 14, 2019

“These four years are the best years of your life; enjoy them while they last.” This piece of “advice” is something that has been said to me more times than I’d like to admit throughout the...

Winterfest Spirit Week 2019 - Day 1: Pajama Day

Winterfest Spirit Week 2019 – Day 1: Pajama Day

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer February 12, 2019

   

Solo and Ensemble gives students an important opportunity to learn and grow

Solo and Ensemble gives students an important opportunity to learn and grow

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer February 12, 2019

Participating in the orchestra or the band is quite a large feat. Students who choose to do so must attend classes during school, as well as attend camps and rehearsals outside of normal school operating...

Ginza Sushi and Ramen Bar is fast, friendly, and not far from home

Ginza Sushi and Ramen Bar is fast, friendly, and not far from home

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer February 7, 2019

The ever-expanding plethora of restaurants in Grand Rapids is littered with sushi bars, burger joints, ice cream shops, and places that specialize in foods that many haven’t even heard of before. Many...

You may not be as informed as you think you are

You may not be as informed as you think you are

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer January 31, 2019

In a time of such social injustice and prominent unrest between the different political parties, it is rare that one can observe two people actually listening to another. Although many may disregard this...

Grace Clinger finds community in everyone around her

Grace Clinger finds community in everyone around her

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer January 29, 2019

The word "community" has multiple, varying definitions. Some say that it means a whole society working together, while others will tell you that it's individual people linked by some type of force or motive....

Cosmic Playlists are an insightful addition to Spotify

Cosmic Playlists are an insightful addition to Spotify

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer January 24, 2019

Traditionally, horoscope readings are generally used to make predictions about love, loss, relationships, feelings, and experiences that people are predicted to have each month. Based on your birthday,...

The Middle of Parenting

The Middle of Parenting

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer January 17, 2019

“Aim for the middle.” This is a saying that regularly spills from my mother's mouth, a saying that is regularly brought up during times of stress, and a saying that has always helped me to stay...

Students and staff weigh in on the prevalence of college sports

Students and staff weigh in on the prevalence of college sports

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer January 15, 2019

There are currently around eight million high school students who are participating in a sport of their choice at this very moment. Of these eight million, however, only 480,000 athletes continue on to...

Terra Firma: a more interesting way to exercise

Terra Firma: a more interesting way to exercise

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer January 10, 2019

Working out is hard. Going to the gym is a hassle, and one can’t help but feel intimidated by the daunting, muscular people that inhabit it. The “gym culture” is not one that personally appeals to...

The art of microadventures should be valued more

The art of microadventures should be valued more

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer December 20, 2018

One of my biggest pet peeves is when people ruin a perfectly good experience by trying to make it excessively fun or last forever. For me, there comes a point when all the fun has been used up, and continuing...

Ella Byam finds a story worth telling in everything

Ella Byam finds a story worth telling in everything

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer December 18, 2018

Everything begins with a story. Some people choose to listen to the story, and others choose to share it with the world. For junior Ella Byam, there is a story worth telling in everything. Whether...

Netflix's latest film, Dumplin’, is a fresh take on the idea of a makeover  

Netflix’s latest film, Dumplin’, is a fresh take on the idea of a makeover  

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer December 13, 2018

I am a movie crier. Happy movies. Sad movies. Action movies. I cry at them all. Most people close to me know this by now and simply shrug and look away when they see me shed a tear over Disney’s Inside...

Perceptions of Planned Parenthood: what we aren't talking about

Perceptions of Planned Parenthood: what we aren’t talking about

Olivia Luplow, Staff Writer December 6, 2018

For many citizens in America, Planned Parenthood is merely an afterthought, something that they may not necessarily know about but hate anyway. Some wealthy men and women, particularly those in positions...

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