Addy is a senior, and this is her fourth and final year on The Central Trend. Addy’s love for writing inspired her to join the school newspaper, and it has helped her love writing even more and she has found some of the greatest friendships through the class. Outside of writing, she spends her time watching TV and hanging out with her friends and family.
Her Favorite Book: The Secret History by Donna Tartt
I once wrote of a happy place deep within my mind, a library I dreamed would one day be in the realm of reality rather than just in the depths of my head. I would visit this sanctuary when I needed an...
If I had to pick a woman, hands down, I would choose Zendaya. I have watched her from K.C. Undercover on Disney Channel to MJ in Spider-Man, and now in Challengers.
I knew two things when I walked...
With summer fast approaching, I have started to curate a list of things I want to experience. It is my last summer before college to make a lot of memories with my high school friends. So here is my summer...
I will always love my middle name. It is a name I share with my mom, and it comes from my great-grandma: Jean Redfern.
Now, I love my middle name even more. I get to carry you with me always.
I...
Hollywood is dried out, and I truly live in the wrong decade.
How I wish I could turn back time and live in the era of good television and when theaters were full of people excited to watch good movies.
To...
Perhaps it was the fantasy realms she dwelled in that messed up her brain.
Maybe it was the constant stream of television in front of her eyes.
She didn’t know the real reason, but she knew...
When I open any social media platform, my feed is filled with video after video of people talking about “Tankini Summer.”
Girls all over the internet are complaining about “having” to wear...
The warm breeze allows her hair to cascade around her in a gentle whirlwind.
The sun beams down to her, and everything it touches warms her until she is the fresh cookie pulled from her grandma's...
Where they once sat upon the highest point of her bed overlooking the kingdom of her bedroom, they now lay unused and untouched at the bottom of a bucket of blankets.
They were her definition of comfort....
Teleties has, yet again, wounded my wallet.
The brand decided to drop two new collections in one day, which is amazing and horrific all at once. I was beyond excited, because, quite obviously, I adore...
Netflix was not thinking of two 17-year-olds sitting on a couch in a basement lit by LED lights when they were making their latest movie Players, and it shows.
I never turn on a movie wanting to see...
Leaving the elevator and trudging down the seemingly endless hallway, she makes it to the familiar, numbered door. Sighing against the door, plastic bags cutting into her arms, she digs in her pocket for...
In middle school, Percy Jackson and the Olympians (PJO) defined my personality.
To this day, I am still enthralled by Greek mythology; I have reread PJO at least three times, have read multiple Greek...
Burning red flames crackling. The wood-smoldering flakes popping off flittering into the sky, dancing in the wind, landing and burning everything they touch. They leave small holes every time gravity forces...
I am absolutely—completely—obsessed with Teleties. I might even go as far as to say I have a problem. But, I don’t want to ever solve this problem or get over this obsession. Teleties are worth every...
She knew her soul was incomplete—a wanderer without a home—perhaps that is why she could not wait for her mom to let her read Harry Potter. Her friends had started the series already and the need to...
Senior Marie Betz joined in on the New Year's tradition of making a goal for the new year ahead of her.
Marie has been getting her hair done in braids or other protective styles since around sixth...
I don’t usually make New Year's resolutions because I know I am not likely to keep up with them.
I can admit how lazy I can be; laziness rolls over me in waves, the current pulling me to the soft...
Media teacher Jeff Manders has had the unique privilege of teaching two of his kids, Kenzie and Liam, in Media Communications, and Liam also took AP Government. Liam graduated last year, but Kenzie is...
Senior Matthew Taylor has been going up north to ski since he was two years old. He has spent almost every weekend and plenty of birthdays up north as well. His family will even go up north to have fun,...
History teacher Laura Stiles is known by students, teachers, friends, and family for her sweet treat: Long John donuts.
“Last year, for my birthday, my friends made me a Long John cake,” Stiles...
In middle school, she thought nothing could beat reading, besides, perhaps, saying she reads.
She loved escaping her boring life to worlds of magic and intrigue. She was absolutely enthralled with...
Jennifer Lawrence stole my heart the moment she entered the screen as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games. With the prequel now out (The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), my love for Lawerence was fueled...
I didn't always participate in the mass shopping experience Black Friday is known to be, but once I started I couldn't stop.
Black Friday is known for lines out the door, fist fights over TVs, and...
To my voice of reason–Mom
Mom, you are not always calm yourself, but you make me calm. When I am overwhelmed and upset, you make me see the problem from a smaller perspective; you never diminish my...
Seniors Charlie Afman and Keaton Michalski haven’t been friends for long, but now, they can be seen together at almost all times and are well-known for having a strong bromance.
“I originally...
Senior Carlee Cumming loves organization. She can be found re-arranging a multitude of spaces at any given moment.
“This is so weird, but I love organizing my friends' rooms or cleaning their rooms,”...
I am not a Grinch. I promise I love Christmas, but only in December.
Starting to celebrate Christmas before or the day after Halloween is simply excessive. I understand the hype and joy around the Christmas...
My 18th birthday came and went. Now, it is on to the more exciting change: college.
High school is over. I will no longer spend seven hours a day, five days a week, with the same people for four years....
I started my energy drink journey by trying my friend's Cherry Slush Alani Nu drink about two years ago. Then, I tried the Breezeberry flavor, which was even better than the Cherry Slush. On the rare occasion...
The movie Bottoms and Red, White, and Royal Blue (RWRB) came out around the same time and shared a main actor, Nicholas Galitzine. The character Galitzine portrayed in RWRB, Henry, is vastly different...
Glow Recipe really didn't make it to the forefront of my brain until this year, but it has been on a lot of people's radars since 2020.
In 2014, Christine Chang and Sarah Lee made Glow Recipe: a brand...
Senior Angela Yang’s fondest memory of her many years of playing piano is placing at the state competition in eighth grade. She was surrounded by friends she had grown up playing with and simply got...
I feel 1,000 times better and far more confident when I have my nails done.
So, as we enter the time of fall, I have plenty of nail inspiration saved on my ever-growing Pinterest board with ideas...
I used to hate any season that wasn’t summer.
I would waste away dreaming of a sun still shining above me. I would complain during the other seasons and act like I didn't whine the same way during...
Addy Cousins, Editor-in-Chief
• September 29, 2023
I loathe PDA (public displays of affection).
Please don’t hold hands with your partner. And please, please, please do not kiss. Far too many times, I have witnessed it both in booths at work and...
Addy Cousins, Editor-in-Chief
• September 27, 2023
I am an avid Starbucks drinker, bordering on addict.
Yet I am stuck in the cycle of ordering the same four drinks over and over again: the Pink Drink, Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew, Strawberry Açaí...
Addy Cousins, Editor-in-Chief
• September 20, 2023
I am looking out towards the glistening landscape reflected at me.
I turn to the girl next to me and smile.
She is the only person I knew would be in my life forever; she had been there since I...
Addy Cousins, Editor-in-Chief
• September 15, 2023
English teacher and Theatre director Jessi Dykstra knew she wanted to become a teacher in seventh grade.
Dykstra started off as a so-so student, not excelling in math or science. She didn’t believe...
Addy Cousins, Editor-in-Chief
• September 13, 2023
Four seasons was a bit aggressive for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (HSMTMTS).
Season one made sense, but the following seasons diverted to weird paths, such as doing a documentary...
She was the top dog, and she felt like it.
Walking through the halls of the middle school, she held an air of confidence. The seventh graders looked up to her; this was her year. She felt so old and...
17.
I am 17.
I am seventeen years old.
I am seventeen years of age.
As many times and ways that I say this, it still does not hold the ring of truth in my ears.
Nothing exciting happens...
Before discussing the spectacular film, I have to mention the outstanding marketing that led to opening day making $161 million.
Barbie has been all over the internet and in every store. So many brands...
I honestly thought this year was going to be so much harder. I have heard countless times that junior year is the hardest year of high school; it was hard, but I made it through, and it felt the same as...
Seniors have graduated, a sign of summer fast approaching.
The now-graduated seniors left their mark on the school and on the students—some seniors more than others, such as seniors with junior...
I remember when To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before was the "It" movie. I—like many others—was enthralled by Lara Jean's (Lana Condor) and Peter’s (Noah Centineo) love story. It may help that I am...
I am sitting here staring at my computer screen, and I want to scream.
It's the end of the year, so it feels as though everything has been written about already. I am completely empty. Nothing swims...
Because it was national couples day the other day, and I do not have someone to be a couple with, allow me to explain my dream "meet-cute." In case you don’t know, a meet-cute is your first run-in with...
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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...
It's getting harder to wake up.
It's getting harder to do my homework.
It's getting harder to pay attention in class.
It's getting harder to care.
It is the end of the year; seniors...
Dear Diary,
I know it has been quite a while since I last wrote an entry, and for that, I am sorry. Here is a life update, but where do I even start?
Well, I am a lot angrier than I used to be....
I think the worst thing I did as a little kid was sneakily watching Disney Channel at my friend's house. I was absolutely enthralled with Disney.
Even now I love rewatching iconic shows such as...
Senior Mackenzie Wintrich is especially looking forward to the leadership that comes with being a senior. She has played soccer since she was six and plans on using her experience to help her teammates.
“I'm...
Let me set the stage: on a Monday at 7:20 a.m., I am pulling into your driveway. You walk to my car, and we both trade comments on the horrible weather and how tired we are.
I still remember when...
Spring is coming, and with it comes warmer weather and brighter colors.
When I think of spring I think of pastels paired with white: clean but bright. I do not only look forward to spring because...
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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...
Normally, I am not very competitive, but when I'm around my family, their drive becomes contagious. One contest I am rather confident that I have won is having the most nicknames. I have so many nicknames...
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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!
Freshman Claire Busch is her dog's least favorite family member. Claire's family acquired their Coton de Tulear in the summer of 2020 and named him Dipper after the Gravity Falls character. While she does...
If you don’t know what a reset Sunday is, keep reading.
After a long stressful week, a reset Sunday is the light at the end of the tunnel. I wake up with so much excitement on that wonderful Sunday...
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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...
Most classes try to stray away from controversial topics that could lead to arguments or debates. Well, in teacher Jeff Manders's AP Government and Politics class, students spend the whole semester watching...
When I hear or think of the phrase, “fake it 'till you make it,” I picture a spy in a long gown on a crucial mission talking to the awkward main character who is uncomfortable in her fancy dress. The...
Everywhere you turn there is a high school girl with a Lululemon bag; it has taken hold of their arms.
I personally did not see the hype, nor did I understand why I should add yet another bag with even...
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Happy Valentine's Day! How do you feel about the holiday? Listen to hear how the hosts (who are both single) like to celebrate!
When passing through the halls of FHC, diet soda can be seen in the hands of multiple students—this could be aided by the fact that diet soda is the only type of pop available in the lunch line and vending...
Freshman Gavin O’Meara varies from his sister, junior Penelope O’Meara, in only a few ways, but for the most part, they are very similar.
Most siblings spend their time arguing and trying to differentiate...
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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...
She doesn’t giggle; she has a deep laugh that can carry on for far longer than appropriate. Now, I won’t say the over-used, ultimate-cringe phrase “she’s not like other girls” because in many...
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For this episode, we invited guests Autumn VanSolkema and Juliana Lieuwen to discuss their experiences as student drivers. What have been the biggest...
Science teacher Chad Scholten is the advisor for the HOSA club here at FHC and has been since 2017. He knows HOSA has many attributes that allow for a wide variety of students to participate. However,...
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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...
If a movie took 12 years to make and is three hours and 12 minutes long, I would expect an absolutely perfect masterpiece of a film. The sequel to Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water was most definitely not...
I am not Peter Pan.
He is terrified of the idea of growing up–so absolutely petrified of what he imagines it is like to be an adult. So, he ran to Neverland, where both the lost boys and he would...
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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,...
It is not Valentine's Day. It is not even February. I have no reason to look forward to the season of love, but Target clearly has someone to celebrate with and decided to break out the candles early....
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For this episode, learn about the fulfillment of being an English teacher from the perspective of Kenneth and Jordan George. What are their favorite...
Sophomore William Musgraves, or as he is more commonly known, Billy, reflects on his freshman season of basketball: his first year in high school athletics with new coaches and teammates. Billy loved the...
Tuesday in my fifth-hour Advanced Psychology class, I was asked to reflect on the past year. I was not filled with cold dread, nor did I scream in surprise as I failed to remember the past month, let alone...
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....
Sophomore Madeline Chapman didn’t have a person or an artist influence her; instead, her passion came from a movie.
“I remember that I used to watch The Sound of Music every week,” Madeline...
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...
There is a difference between being stuck and not leaving. I am in the middle—a feeling of enclosure and pleasure all at once.
I was always the kid with “her head up in the clouds;” it was as...
Out from the attic came box after box, my siblings laughing and the dog's tails wagging. Christmas is associated with joy, and my family felt the pure wonder of the holiday as we decorated both our house...
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'll start by saying I am immensely thankful for the nine years I had you in my life.
You quite literally shaped me to be who I am today. I definitely would not be so...
