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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

Rowan Szpieg

Rowan Szpieg, Editor-in-Chief

Rowan is entering her second and final year on The Central Trend as Editor-in-Chief. Her love of writing developed in her recent years on The Central Trend staff. She’s found different creative outlets through the many different writing styles on the website. Although writing is a hobby that assumes a bit of her time already, you can find her playing her guitar when she’s not sitting back with a new writing piece on her computer. Any spare time she has that’s not occupied with family or friends is spent doing college research and figuring out the application process. Although it is nervewracking, she is so excited for what the future holds.

 

Favorite movie: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Best Halloween costume: Definitely the Lorax

Useless talent: Juggling

Strangest fear: Feet… don’t ask why

All content by Rowan Szpieg
TCT's The Countless Thanks 2024: Rowan Szpieg

TCT’s The Countless Thanks 2024: Rowan Szpieg

Rowan Szpieg, Editor-in-Chief November 28, 2024

The Family:  Mom You said recently that home is my safe place, and I’ve never really thought about that before, but it's absolutely true. Even through the days when school gets increasingly more...

The film industry does a pretty fair job of covering most holidays, but Thanksgiving needs more recognition.

Thanksgiving is Hollywood’s underrated season

Rowan Szpieg, Editor-in-Chief November 20, 2024

Ever since 1895, when film was first introduced as a medium of entertainment, each and every production behind these works has confronted the challenge of the many different genres and themes that have...

Myla has made friends into family through dance.

Senior Myla Morey has danced her way to the top and shown her two-year-old self that the time at the studio is worth it

Rowan Szpieg, Editor-in-Chief November 19, 2024

Anyone who knows senior Myla Morey would not describe her as having two left feet. Having been refining her dance skills since the age of two, she’s become exceptionally coordinated, not just with...

Just a few of my neighbor's records I've painted to hang on my wall.

To the person who taught me that family isn’t just genetics

Rowan Szpieg, Editor-in-Chief November 13, 2024

I never knew it would be something as insignificant as your chair that would make me cry. The feeling snuck up on me. As I walked up to your front door after the sale had ended, and strangers raided...

A group of sophomores posed outside of Hope College on the trip.

This year’s Honors English 10 college trip had many benefits besides the new look at college life

Rowan Szpieg, Editor-in-Chief November 13, 2024

For his Honors English 10 students, English teacher Jordan George decided to return to his alma mater, Hope College, but, this time, as a teacher.  George turned this year’s visit to Hope and Davenport...

Caddo Lake has quickly become one of my favorites, even if it is in the science fiction genre.

Even with its slower beginning, Caddo Lake has become one of the first sci-fi films I’ve truly enjoyed

Rowan Szpieg, Editor-in-Chief October 30, 2024

Over the years of being an avid filmgoer, I've taught myself to find the beauty in every different type of movie; the sense of humor in spoofs is irreplaceable and I still enjoy action-packed blockbusters—even...

A collage of most of my favorite costumes over the years.

From Laura Ingalls to the Lorax, my favorite Halloween costumes have been a huge source of entertainment

Rowan Szpieg, Editor-in-Chief October 24, 2024

I’m always looking for unique ways to express myself. Typically, my thoughts and sentiments translate fairly well on paper, but in the times my fingers can’t articulate what I really want to emphasize,...

The last Grand Tour special said goodbye to 22 years of friendship between the three hosts.

The Grand Tour: One For The Road is a flawless ending for Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May’s successful television partnership

Rowan Szpieg, Editor-in-Chief October 16, 2024

On Sept. 13, I felt an aspect of my childhood fall apart. I’ve begun to notice the subtle differences in my life for years now. It’s not the reality of seeing my neighborhood, once so alive with...

Aubrey posed with her first ever buck.

Junior Aubrey Sieler’s wild heart sprouted from the endless entertainment she finds in nature

Rowan Szpieg, Editor-in-Chief October 11, 2024

On a much-anticipated trip to her cabin, junior Aubrey Sieler’s Fourth of July went awry when she took on the responsibility of saving the life of a fish. It’s tradition in her family to spend the...

Emmy Norton has obtained exceptional organizational habits from her recent heavy workload.

From balancing homework in AP classes, to her social life, and the two jobs she works, Emmy Norton has learned the importance of organization

Rowan Szpieg, Editor-in-Chief October 9, 2024

Along with being labeled as a friend, a family member, and a student, junior Emmy Norton also takes on the title of “coach” and “barista” at her two jobs. To be more specific, the papers at the...

The poster for the new show featuring the brutal story of the Menendez brothers.

Besides the evident acting talent, Ryan Murphy, the producer for Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, deserves the backlash he’s facing due to the disgustingly false retelling of the case

Rowan Szpieg, Editor-in-Chief October 8, 2024

My passions come in waves. Each month brings forward a new hyperfixation for my subconscious to mull over, and the extensive research that ensues usually leaves my family well-informed on the topic,...

The cover image for my Granola Girl playlist perfectly represents all that it makes me feel.

My “granola girl” playlist provides the key to transcendental thinking

Rowan Szpieg, Editor-in-Chief October 1, 2024

I was born a Troll—below the Mackinac bridge is where my home sits—but my mindset and blood type scream Yooper.  The Upper Peninsula is the destination for annual camping trips, highly anticipated...

The new poster for one of Netflix's best movies.

The new Netflix thriller, Rebel Ridge, deserves a watch for more than just Don Johnson

Rowan Szpieg, Editor-in-Chief September 20, 2024

In some ways, my love language is sharing my hobbies with others.  I have playlists upon playlists of songs I think my friends will enjoy; the texts between my dad and I are full of Spotify links we...

One of my favorite classical Westerns from 1969.

I’ve found that the art in cinema lies beneath the plot

Rowan Szpieg, Editor-in-Chief September 16, 2024

My life has always revolved around cinema. My older brother was constantly in and out of the house with his camera, awaiting the day he was accepted into college to finally grasp his film-making dream....

Our annual celebration for my brother's 17th birthday that defies the laws of tradition.

A story of sunflowers and suffering

Rowan Szpieg, Editor-in-Chief September 13, 2024

We still watch your videos, you know. The hammering ache is permitted, just for one night, until the tape recording engraved with your name is sent under the couch, barely out of reach, where it will...

The senior class cheering for our team at this years' first football game.

The upcoming senior retreat sets the stage for the boundless social life of the seniors in the building

Rowan Szpieg, Editor-in-Chief September 6, 2024

In Sept. 2023, just as FHC alumni Jia Neimeyer began her last year of high school, the much-anticipated senior retreat became one of her favorite memories she formed as a senior. Although the day was packed...

The poster for Glen Powell's new movie reveals his plethora of different personalities.

The new Netflix original, Hit Man, showcased the impressive acting range of recent star, Glen Powell

Rowan Szpieg, Editor-in-Chief August 28, 2024

Netflix-original movies hold a distinct charm that is frequently overlooked. Being able to work within the lines of a minimal budget and a cast that, oftentimes, is relatively unknown leaves the staff...

The airport where so many memories are stored for me.

The melting pot: in memoriam

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer May 31, 2024

As my hands push the solid steel of the wrought iron gates, I take my first step into the cold, uninviting mist, and I’m plunged into the bottomless waters of grief. Nothing is out of the ordinary....

All the speakers from the show have taken this opportunity to become closer with each other.

This year’s FHC Inspires performance once again proves the students’ incredible abilities with word

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer May 27, 2024

I’ve always had a fascination with the power of words. From the first time a poem, song, or book moved me to tears, I knew I had discovered a life-changing opportunity that has the ability to make...

The juniors' homecoming flag for this year.

As the juniors step closer to their senior year, the idea of bonding is what makes the experience special

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer May 24, 2024

Throughout her high school career, junior Alex Fletcher has had one goal she’s sought to accomplish: be as involved as possible. Finding her calling in the more artistic programs and paths, her participation...

The trees surrounding my house spent a lot of time with me as a child.

The melting pot: lifetime of literature

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer May 17, 2024

I think we’re all born poets. We’re all born with the ability to choose curiosity, with the ink of our life’s novel woven into our veins, waiting to be bled into words.  But creativity is...

I really expected this movie to be better based solely on the fact that Anne Hathaway starred in it.

The Idea of You made my love for rom-coms decline

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer May 15, 2024

Deep down, I’ll have to admit, I have a secret love for romance movies.  Something is charming about watching the story of two people sharing a connection and working towards a happy, peaceful—or...

Just a few of the people that have formed my life.

The melting pot: to be defined

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer May 7, 2024

There is very little of myself that is completely original. My hands. They remain cracked and calloused—especially throughout the warmer months—in the same way my father’s are. Tough skin weathered...

Lucy plans to attend High Point University this coming fall.

Senior Lucy Yoder’s future has been defined by her Spanish experiences

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer May 1, 2024

The pathway to college for senior Lucy Yoder all started with a book. Ever since her father read about an incredibly positive experience at High Point University, the school in North Carolina has been...

Nicholas Cage's acting was good, but it wasn't enough to combat the vibe of this movie.

The comedy-drama, Dream Scenario, was disappointing in both genres

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer April 26, 2024

One of the most bizarre movies I’ve ever seen was the horror flick Hereditary. I viewed it upon my aunt’s request to find out if it truly would be “the scariest movie I’d ever watch.” My...

The streets of my soul are as open as a book.

The melting pot: language of passion

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer April 22, 2024

Unlike many intelligent people my age, I don’t know two languages. I’m not bilingual. One Spanish class during freshman year was enough for a lifetime.  I’m not even sure I’m completely...

Senior Jia Niemeyer admiring the Great Wall of China

Jia Niemeyer’s trip to China has significantly impacted her future and her relationships

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer April 22, 2024

From the baby age of two years old, senior Jia Niemeyer—instead of being in the care of a loving, devoted family—spent the most important developmental years of her life in a Chinese orphanage. Beginning...

I was expecting this to be a little better based on how much I liked the original.

The Road House remake is easily one of the worst things I’ve watched on television

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer April 15, 2024

With the recent products the film industry has released, I’ve found that it’s become harder than ever for me to really enjoy sitting through a movie. One of my last theater experiences was Uncharted,...

One of the many jaw-dropping sunsets of the Upper Peninsula

The melting pot: keys to freedom

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer April 9, 2024

In my mind, from what I can vividly remember, I’ve never left the state of Michigan.  My parents remind me time and time again that I have, in fact, been to Chicago and boarded a plane to Florida—they...

This film wasn't perfect, but it encapsulated the waves of grief well.

Dan Levy’s directorial debut in Good Grief gave me anything but grief

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer March 25, 2024

From my experience, smaller, independent movies can be one of two things: either some of the best, most thought-provoking television out there or so dreadful that I have a hard time reaching the end. I’m...

The people who filled my childhood with unforgettable moments.

The melting pot: a place to remember

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer March 19, 2024

I’ve always felt like everything was just the slightest bit brighter in my neighborhood: the sun stayed suspended above and never seemed to set until I had exhausted my time outside; the grass maintained...

Go Orange week is celebrated with change wars, spirit days, and school games.

Student council works to raise awareness for Kids’ Food Basket during Go Orange week

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer March 19, 2024

Since the beginning of the year, Adam Sandler Day has been a highly anticipated Spirit Week option, especially for senior class president, Ayla Ahmetovic. Finally, during Go Orange week, Adam Sandler...

There's no doubt that this movie was strange, but getting past those parts allowed me to see it's impactful theme

Although it had an unappealing beginning, Spaceman has quickly become one of my favorite movies this year

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer March 8, 2024

Being a movie addict, one of my long-time companions has been IMDb—an online database packed with information from every movie that’s ever seen the big screen. After every viewing of a film, I go...

All I wish is to roam outside of my enclosure

The melting pot: the zoo is no place for me

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer March 5, 2024

I was born a sensitive person in an increasingly insensitive world.  I was born imprisoned in a zoo enclosure with a brain wired to be running through the lush landscape beside the never-ending expanse...

Estella continues to stay in touch with different cultures from around the world.

Junior Estella Yaw’s past, present, and future have been heavily influenced by her Palestinian background

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer March 1, 2024

Junior Estella Yaw established her fondness for different cuisines at a very young age by taking on the challenge of learning to bake. Although her passion for golf has continued into her high school...

I was expecting a bit better production of a film so highly rated.

The Abyss was a decent film that just fell short of my expectations

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer February 23, 2024

My whole life, I’ve tended to gravitate toward the cinematic adaptation of a true story. Nothing makes the viewing of a film better than the hair-raising realization that real people were once put...

The sun is starting to peek through the clouds in my mind.

The melting pot: an uncultivated mind

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer February 20, 2024

I never considered myself an avid reader—well, not until recently. The boundless realm of writing didn’t appeal to me before I began to transcribe thoughts of my own. Now, with the knowledge of...

The process of Jacob's tattoo being finished.

Years of memories have left an indelible mark on many students in their tattoos

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer February 18, 2024

Over the summer, junior Jacob Scott’s trip to Portugal left him with a memory embedded on his body that will never be forgotten: his first tattoo. After an encounter with a tattoo artist on the street,...

Annette Bening and Jodie Foster were more than perfect for their role in this film

Friendships, adversity, and achievements make Nyad a life-changing movie

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer February 9, 2024

In 1975, Diana Nyad received widespread recognition for her record time of swimming the twenty-eight miles around Manhattan Island. It was only three years later that she announced her last competitive...

What I wouldn't give to live like Laura Ingalls Wilder

The melting pot: born in the wrong era

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer February 6, 2024

For my sixth birthday, I was gifted all ten seasons of Little House on the Prairie on DVD. For a little girl born in 2007, I was more than ready to surrender the brief life I’d constructed to live...

Meghan continues to build her trust with Meme

Senior Meghan Bonney spends her free time saddled up to the horse community

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer February 2, 2024

Earlier this year, senior Meghan Bonney competed in a horse show—an activity that ordinarily gets her heart pumping with excitement and adrenaline—but this time, her heart was filled with something...

I tend to gravitate towards movies based on true stories, and this film exceeded my expectations.

Society of the Snow is a true tale of terror that deserves its Oscar nomination in every way

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer January 31, 2024

Some say it was a tragedy. Others call it a miracle. What really happened? What happens when the world abandons you?  In Oct. 1972, a flight of Uruguayan rugby players headed to Chile for a match....

One of my favorite memories is playing guitar in the trunk of the car while watching the sun set

The melting pot: a string of opportunities

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer January 24, 2024

My dad is going into his twenty-seventh year of teaching. Seven hours a day. Seven different class periods. Seven groups of students that, day after day, choose whether or not they want to learn—to...

Senior year is full of anticipation leading up to graduation

From Covid to college, the upcoming graduating class has many feelings about high school

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer January 19, 2024

2024: a new year is now underway. COVID began four years ago, creating an atrocious start for freshmen only just commencing their high school career.  New high school students already work hard enough...

I'm starting to like the reflection I've made

The melting pot: my life simplified

Rowan Szpieg, Staff Writer January 10, 2024

I’m a junior in high school, and I’m still trying to figure out who I am.  Not the person people see at parties; not the person who walks the school halls. Me. Choosing future colleges, careers,...

Don't watch this movie if you are home alone, trust me.

Leave the World Behind is a horrifyingly realistic film

Rowan Szpieg, Junior Writer December 15, 2023

I have a love-hate relationship with scary movies. Being very verbal during a viewing of a horror or thriller is what I’ve become known for in my family.  I don’t necessarily think I would be...

If only we got extra credit for tears on our paper.

Upcoming exams have put an added weight on every students’ shoulders

Rowan Szpieg, Junior Writer December 8, 2023

Math teacher Rebecca Lipke has observed that the key to success when exam time comes is simple: organization. Being almost halfway through her twenty-seventh teaching year—facing almost every scenario...

My roommate continually stays one step ahead of me

My secret roommate always keeps me busy

Rowan Szpieg, Junior Writer December 6, 2023

I lied and said I was busy.  I was busy, but not in a way a lot of people truly understand. I was busy slaughtering my free time with my roommate.  My roommate has a way of making sure I never...

My summers used to be defined by the chalk-covered street

Summer has changed; so have I

Rowan Szpieg, Junior Writer December 1, 2023

I fail to recall certain ages or years of my life. All I recognize is the contrast between school and summer. My school days are far from over, but the ones I brood upon happen to contradict themselves...

Dia Sriram expresses her passions through the instruments she plays.

The basics of an instrument are the first priority to Dia Sriram when learning music

Rowan Szpieg, Junior Writer November 28, 2023

When junior Dia Sriram began taking piano lessons in first grade, she knew she was exactly where she belonged.  It’s hard enough in high school to meet and get acquainted with new people; although...

TCT's The Countless Thanks 2023: Rowan Szpieg

TCT’s The Countless Thanks 2023: Rowan Szpieg

Rowan Szpieg, Junior Writer November 21, 2023

Old me, for making me never want to go back Everyone I talk to says that high school is the best years of your life. All I can think about in return is, It just gets worse from here?? However, really...

Peter Gabriel performing on his 2023 tour

Peter Gabriel’s album has, once again, driven me to tears with its brilliance

Rowan Szpieg, Junior Writer November 15, 2023

Since the mid-1970s when his solo career took off, Peter Gabriel has arguably been one of the most influential musicians of our time. His progressive rock style has always pushed the artistic envelope...

The people that make me interesting entertaining themselves with bubbles

Wednesday Night Wisdom is the only thing that makes me interesting

Rowan Szpieg, Junior Writer November 10, 2023

I am not an interesting person. My life doesn’t revolve around dedicating my time to sports, pursuing significant others, draining the hours in front of the screen of a video game, or staying out...

The Curious Savage brings FHC students together in an incredible fashion

The dramatic skill and bonds between theater students have been extended with the upcoming play, The Curious Savage

Rowan Szpieg, Junior Writer November 9, 2023

The FHC theatre department is always looking for new ways to challenge themselves and take their aptitude for life on the stage to the next level. The fall play, The Curious Savage, has allowed them...

One of the only films I've ever considered abandoning

Renfield ranks low on my list of vampire movies that are worth my time

Rowan Szpieg, Junior Writer November 1, 2023

Having a movie list of over three hundred may give the impression that, over the years, I have acquired a taste for specific genres or styles. In reality, any movie has a chance of piquing my interest....

My Breedlove guitar that is still waiting to be named

Zen and the art of guitar selection

Rowan Szpieg, Junior Writer October 17, 2023

A shopping spree last March with the company of my brother resulted in my biggest purchase to date: a brand-new guitar. Truthfully, I thought my old one was perfectly acceptable; it had no major dings...

The people I hope Grief doesn't steal away from me

The ticking clock is getting too loud

Rowan Szpieg, Junior Writer September 25, 2023

I am waiting for Grief. Although I’m not exactly sure what I’m waiting for, I just know I’m expecting it soon. I’ve never properly felt Grief’s company. At least, not in a technical sense....

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