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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

Meredith VanSkiver

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager

Meredith VanSkiver is a senior entering her final year on staff, which makes her bittersweet but still ready to work. In addition to The Central Trend, she is also involved in student council (board president) and is a part of both the improv and debate team. She participates in theatre and has been a part of last year's musical and this year's play. She has lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan her whole life but hopes to travel more in the future.

Favorite thing about being on staff: Getting to be around some of the most interesting people at FHC and getting to write about some of the most interesting people at FHC

Favorite type of story: Reviews!

Hobbies/interests: Reading, writing, arguing, movie watching, sleeping, being with her dog, and advocating for the oxford comma.

Favorite book: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

On a Friday night, you will probably find her: Cheering on the rangers at a football game, (re)watching a movie, or spending time with friends.

Zodiac sign: Capricorn

Meyer-Briggs Personality Type: ENFP

All content by Meredith VanSkiver
10 movie recommendations for quarantine

10 movie recommendations for quarantine

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager April 23, 2020

Here are two indisputable facts: I love movies, and I have way too much free time thanks to quarantine. So, I have been gifted with ample time to rewatch old favorites or enjoy movies I’ve never seen...

Onward is neither a step forward nor backwards for Pixar

Onward is neither a step forward nor backwards for Pixar

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager March 12, 2020

With the Pixar legacy already having left its profound and deep impact on society and pop culture, there is a great expectation on each new film the studio puts out. The Disney side company’s latest...

Myka Hoyer isn’t afraid of big decisions

Myka Hoyer isn’t afraid of big decisions

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager March 11, 2020

It isn’t very hard to come to the conclusion that our physical appearance is usually the very first thing people notice about us. When meeting someone new you take notice of their clothing, their smile,...

The injustices of the pink tax, or why women are being taxed for existing

The injustices of the pink tax, or why women are being taxed for existing

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager March 5, 2020

One thing I love about women is how unique they all are. From backgrounds differing in culture and region to the various pasts we have and the various futures we will one day possess, each and every one...

Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey is the prime example of a popcorn movie

Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey is the prime example of a popcorn movie

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager February 27, 2020

An extended bit of snow day boredom led to my friends and I arriving at the movie theatre to purchase tickets to one of the few movies showing that I both hadn’t seen yet and had an interest in: Harley...

Sports are prioritized over the arts, or, confessions of a former varsity athlete

Sports are prioritized over the arts, or, confessions of a former varsity athlete

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager February 27, 2020

Here’s an obvious observation about Central; sports are idolized. And not for nothing. We’ve consistently had a state champion in one sport or another every year for what seems like the past one thousand...

Changes to Special Olympics basketball game unify the student body

Changes to Special Olympics basketball game unify the student body

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager February 25, 2020

The assemblies at FHC range all the way from watching teenagers race each other on tricycles, to court members performing tik tok dances, to stellar performances from our now top ten dance team, to quasi...

Loud and proud: how I found my voice

Loud and proud: how I found my voice

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager February 20, 2020

Chubby, cherub cheeks framed my boastful smile as my grabby fingers clung to the picture book. My jittery leg kept up its tap tap tap in rhythm with my anxious heartbeats. It felt like the small and compact...

Cats fails at all its intentions but succeeds in mysterious ways

Cats fails at all its intentions but succeeds in mysterious ways

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager February 13, 2020

When Tom Hooper announced that his next project was adapting the stage musical Cats to the big screen, I was instantly intrigued. His 2014 version of Les Miserables was an excellent example of what a broadway...

Sarah Chesners hard work and personality is paying off

Sarah Chesner’s hard work and personality is paying off

Meredith VanSkiver, Editor in Chief February 12, 2020

It has long been a known idea that hard work and strong character is rewarded with success. Sarah Chesner is proof that this ideology is not just a made-up fantasy to inspire motivation.  After six...

Your guide to the 2020 Oscars

Your guide to the 2020 Oscars

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager February 6, 2020

Over time, I’ve developed a deeper love for movies with each passing year; the more movies that I watch, the more refined my taste becomes, and I am able to more easily distinguish the good movies from...

Little Women delivers big

Little Women delivers big

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager January 30, 2020

Of all media in the world, Louisa May Alcott’s timeless classic, Little Women, seemed to be a story that was not lacking. In addition to the original novel, there have been four movies, three mini-series,...

My anatomy: fire and ice

My anatomy: fire and ice

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager January 23, 2020

I sometimes feel like I am a being of flame--not on fire, but made up of it. Heat and passion and energy pulse through me as I go through life with a smile that could melt metal. My laughter is encompassed...

RAT Q&A: Kaylee McGuire

RAT Q&A: Kaylee McGuire

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager January 16, 2020

Name: Kaylee McGuire Grade: 12 1. What is your act?  "Hula Hoop Dance." 2. How did you prepare? "A lot of practice." 3. What made you audition with your act?  "I love it." 4....

RAT Q&A: Susan Toppen

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager January 16, 2020

Name: Susan Toppen Grade: 12 1. What is your act? "For RAT I will [be] playing a song on the ukulele and singing." 2. How did you prepare? "I have prepared for RAT by practicing for a good...

1917 is the new standard of what a movie can be

1917 is the new standard of what a movie can be

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager January 16, 2020

There’s something eerily powerful about starting a movie with “based on a true story,” knowing that what you are about to watch is rooted in reality, with real-life serving as almost more than inspiration.  1917...

Abby McAlindon’s active ski life is worth the sacrifice

Abby McAlindon’s active ski life is worth the sacrifice

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager January 14, 2020

When junior Abby McAlindon was only in fifth grade, her life so far had consisted of two main driving forces: school and gymnastics.  But with the introduction of a new sport, and the realization that...

The forgotten privilege of a high school education

The forgotten privilege of a high school education

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager January 9, 2020

A few pertinent facts: I’m eighteen years old, I’m an American, I’m a female, and in one hundred and thirty-two days I am going to graduate from high school and receive my diploma. The culmination...

Taj Dhillon is growing and adapting to the trials of moving

Taj Dhillon is growing and adapting to the trials of moving

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager January 2, 2020

Moving schools is a difficult challenge for anyone to have to endure. Moving as an upperclassman, when most constants in high school are already established, makes the feat even more formidable. Moving...

Harry Styles’ Fine Line blends the sounds of yesterday and today while providing a bright hope for the music of tomorrow

Harry Styles’ Fine Line blends the sounds of yesterday and today while providing a bright hope for the music of tomorrow

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager December 17, 2019

When Harry Styles’ self-titled solo debut came out in 2017, comparisons were easily drawn to the permissive, ‘70s feeling of music legends before him. Artists like Bowie, McArtney, and Fleetwood Mac...

Marriage Story strikes the balance between heartache and crucial catharsis

Marriage Story strikes the balance between heartache and crucial catharsis

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager December 10, 2019

I think that all movies can be boiled down, reduced to their very core, and ultimately sorted into two clear-cut categories: movies about events and movies about people. Of course, all movies have a plot...

Im not good at painting my nails

I’m not good at painting my nails

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager December 3, 2019

I am not good at painting nails; I never have been.  Maybe it started by the horrible fine motor skills that I have had since I was a child or maybe it was so difficult because of my lack of confidence...

Life happens in the hidden moments

Life happens in the hidden moments

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager November 26, 2019

There are moments that are less like reality and more like floating. Those fleeting flakes of existence lie somewhere off the realm of normalcy. They are real-life that has been soaked in a movie and delineated...

TCTs The Countless Thanks: Meredith VanSkiver

TCT’s The Countless Thanks: Meredith VanSkiver

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager November 21, 2019

Susan Toppen  My wonderful Sus, my homecoming queen. You’re a lightning bug. You’re a bright beacon of bliss at this school. You shine your light unabashedly, warming others to you. You’ve left...

I am the oldest; I am the youngest

I am the oldest; I am the youngest

Meredith VanSkiver and Sarah Buchanan November 20, 2019

*To preface, Sarah's words are italicized and Meredith's are not. I’m the oldest of three girls. I’m the youngest of three girls. I’m the trial subject—the guinea pig kid. I was the first...

Caroline Logan sets herself apart with an advanced schedule

Caroline Logan sets herself apart with an advanced schedule

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager November 14, 2019

With the word “ten” literally in the title of the course, one would expect Honors English Ten to be a class full of all tenth graders. Despite this, Freshman Caroline Logan finds herself sitting in...

Books are my own brand of magic

Books are my own brand of magic

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager November 12, 2019

“Books are uniquely portable magic.” -Stephen King  With a trip to the mall this past weekend to fulfill some errands on my checklist, I found myself having completed everything on my docket...

A quiet change

A quiet change

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager November 5, 2019

“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.” -Marry Shelley in Frankenstein With a weekend bracketed by one of my last high school football games and the senior dinner...

Whats in a name?

What’s in a name?

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager October 29, 2019

“What's in a name? that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” -William Shakespeare Amongst a candid conversation with my family, I learned that the next choice for my name,...

The Laundromat fails at becoming anything greater

The Laundromat fails at becoming anything greater

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager October 22, 2019

Now I’m not usually one for sports metaphors, but let me give this a try. Sometimes there is a team that is so stacked, their roster filled with the best players the sport has to offer, and they still...

Jenny Baer is starting off her senior year in the spotlight

Jenny Baer is starting off her senior year in the spotlight

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager October 17, 2019

When senior Jenny Baer’s name got announced in front of the entire school last Friday, she didn’t even process it at first. It wasn’t until Mr. Labenz asked if she was even at school that day that...

The Addams Family is family-oriented fun but lacking any oomph

The Addams Family is family-oriented fun but lacking any oomph

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager October 15, 2019

Halloween is for pumpkins and ghost stories and candy and costumes. The thirty first of October, and the entire month preceding it, are reserved for the silliest and the scary and the spookiest society...

Homecoming spirit days

Homecoming spirit days

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager October 9, 2019

Monday Pajama day + "The Shirt"   Tuesday  Tie dye Tuesday   Wednesday Workout Wednesday   Thursday Throwback Thursday/Retro day   Friday  Green...

Joker is an honorable homage to the past and a powerful premonition of the future

Joker is an honorable homage to the past and a powerful premonition of the future

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager October 8, 2019

The first true line of dialogue in Joker is “is it just me or is it getting crazier out there?” Spoken from the lips of a man at a therapy session who will later become the clown in the titular...

One of four homemade recycling bins made by members of the environmental club

The environmental club hopes to engender change and provide awareness

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager October 7, 2019

All the way in Grandville, then sophomore Dani Ahmetovic found himself pondering the environment at a swim meet. “I don't know why I just really started thinking about global warming,” Dani said,...

The Lion King is a roaring disappointment

The Lion King is a roaring disappointment

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager October 1, 2019

I think that the best movies are the ones that make a point—the ones that have something to say. All successful movies have a message, though said message may vary in level of profoundness.  That’s...

Downton Abbey is a royal delight

Downton Abbey is a royal delight

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager September 24, 2019

The Downton Abbey movie was akin to enjoying a warm cup of tea with a friend you haven’t seen in many years, knowing you won’t see them again for a very long time. It was warming, though heavily...

Student Q&A - Maxime Larmande

Student Q&A – Maxime Larmande

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager September 20, 2019

1. When did you first learn about the new phone policy? "In the summer around August." 2. What was your initial reaction? "I was pretty mad [about] it." 3. What did you think the implementation of...

Student Q&A - Ella Kelly

Student Q&A – Ella Kelly

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager September 20, 2019

1. When did you first learn about the new phone policy? "I learned about it from my mom [at] the beginning of August." 2. What was your initial reaction? "I was really surprised, and I wasn't sure...

Lydia Burrs life is populated with music

Lydia Burr’s life is populated with music

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer September 19, 2019

At the early and alarming time of 6:45, junior Lydia Burr’s perfunctory day begins an hour before the vast majority of her peers. While most students would think that waking up that early would be tantamount...

The Goldfinch is a surface level flop

The Goldfinch is a surface level flop

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager September 17, 2019

In order to practice the movie-obsessed mindset that I preach about every day and in other works on this site, I try to stay as up-to-date on Hollywood’s latest endeavors. So, when it was first announced...

It Chapter Two delights, not frights

It Chapter Two delights, not frights

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager September 10, 2019

With a monstrous tome of over 1100 pages as source material, a part one installment that was the most commercially successful horror movie of all time, and loyal fans of both, it suffices to say It Chapter...

Student sections leaders are fired up, and they want you to be too

Student sections leaders are fired up, and they want you to be too

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager September 5, 2019

For Senior Maizey Sczpanek, the hard-fought reward at the end of the school week each fall is but one word: football. “Every single Friday, I get so excited,” Maizey said. “Even just waking up,...

Falling Inn Love only falls flat

Falling Inn Love only falls flat

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager September 3, 2019

Surprising no one who knows me, I can proudly say that I love rom coms.  Let me amend that; I love good rom coms. A romantic comedy that’s sharp, fresh, and well thought out can become an instant...

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood fits perfectly into Quentin Tarantino’s oeuvre

Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood fits perfectly into Quentin Tarantino’s oeuvre

Meredith VanSkiver, Public Relations Manager August 27, 2019

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood might be the most heartwarming movie about the Manson murders ever created.  While that sounds a bit like the punchline of a black-humored joke, prolific director Quentin...

Mason Yarnell found happiness in his pursuit of theatre

Mason Yarnell found happiness in his pursuit of theatre

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer May 30, 2019

As the bright lights shone down with heat and clarity on roughly thirty high schoolers full of nerves and ready to make people laugh, sophomore Mason Yarnell took in the familiar feeling of being onstage....

Student Council Q&A: Sean Stone

Student Council Q&A: Sean Stone

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer May 29, 2019

Name: Sean Stone Grade: Freshman Running for: Treasurer 1. Why are you running? "I've always liked treasurer and what they have to do." 2. How do you believe you can help your grade? "I can...

Student Council Q&A: Meredith VanSkiver

Student Council Q&A: Meredith VanSkiver

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer May 29, 2019

Name: Meredith VanSkiver Grade: Junior Running for: Student Council Board President 1. Why are you running? "Student Council has been a constant throughout the entirety of my high school career....

Student Council Q&A: Maurielle Hayes

Student Council Q&A: Maurielle Hayes

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer May 29, 2019

Name: Maurielle Hayes Grade: Freshman Running for: Trustee 1. Why are you running? “One of the main reasons I am running is because I want to be involved more within our school. I believe...

Student Council Q&A: Ben Lowen

Student Council Q&A: Ben Lowen

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer May 29, 2019

Name: Ben Lowen Grade: Sophomore Running for: Secretary 1. Why are you running? "Because I want to see a change in the way that our class handles its challenges." 2. How do you believe you can...

Student Council Q&A: Meribell Varghese

Student Council Q&A: Meribell Varghese

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer May 29, 2019

Name: Meribell Varghese Grade: Freshman Running for: Trustee 1. Why are you running? “I am running because I love Student Council, and I generally love being involved in behind-the-scenes...

The Aladdin remake was shining, shimmering, and splendid

The Aladdin remake was shining, shimmering, and splendid

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer May 28, 2019

Upon my original viewing of the first teaser trailer for Guy Ritchie’s live-action remake of Aladdin, I had to fight back metaphorical vomit at the reveal of the creepy, cerulean creature that was the...

Linus Kaechele values the importance of strong relationships

Linus Kaechele values the importance of strong relationships

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer May 24, 2019

Through word of mouth and the ever-growing shadow of pop culture, all signs point to junior year being the most stressful of the four students spend at high school. Although here at FHC, a school notoriously...

I refuse to have a whitewashed education

I refuse to have a whitewashed education

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer May 23, 2019

As is not unusual, during the start of my sixth hour, I caught up with my fellow journalists and friends on The Central Trend about what's new in their ephemeral last few weeks of school. One of them brought...

The switches brought to Connect Day engender mixed feelings

The switches brought to Connect Day engender mixed feelings

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer May 20, 2019

Last year, junior Jasmine Dawson, a proud, former “new kid,” confidently led around a small group of eighth grade CMS students around the school after she had spent two years there learning and absorbing....

Disney’s Dumbo was entertaining though unnecessary

Disney’s Dumbo was entertaining though unnecessary

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer May 13, 2019

Disney, being the precocious, powerful, present company that it is, understands the powerful marketing tool that is nostalgia. A connecting factor that spans between cultures, distances, and generational...

Class of 2020, its almost time

Class of 2020, it’s almost time

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer May 9, 2019

Ever since the start of second semester, in my opinion at least, it has felt as though the conversation of the senior class almost leaving was a topic bordering on taboo for the juniors. The threads of...

Ujean - Filmfest Preview Q&A

Ujean – Filmfest Preview Q&A

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer May 3, 2019

Film: Ujean Producers: Brendan Wendlandt, Will Cammell, Jake Lenderink, Ian  Interviewee: Brendan Wendlandt 1. What’s your film about? "Our film is about a character from the film we made...

Humans of FHC: Meribell Varghese

Humans of FHC: Meribell Varghese

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer May 2, 2019

“I’m doing track and field this spring. It’s going okay. I’m doing discus, which is different for me. [Discus] is just like throwing a hard disk. It is full of boys, so I’m like the only girl....

Humans of FHC: Cakki Mehney

Humans of FHC: Cakki Mehney

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer May 1, 2019

“I went to Europe with my dad this past summer, and that was really fun. We went to London, Paris, and Amsterdam. That has probably been my favorite vacation. We were actually in Paris the day France...

Homecoming documentary and surprise live album showcase Beyoncés importance

Homecoming documentary and surprise live album showcase Beyoncé’s importance

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer April 30, 2019

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has been around for nearly twenty years, and each spring when it comes around, it adds something new to the ever-growing melting pot that is pop culture. Last year,...

Romantic comedies provide a slanted view of reality

Romantic comedies provide a slanted view of reality

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer April 25, 2019

In my last review, I mentioned my deep affinity with romantic comedies. And spoiler alert, I wasn’t lying. I’m a massive movie lover and the genre of romantic comedies rank high on my list of favorites....

Are AP exams worth the steep price and year of stress?

Are AP exams worth the steep price and year of stress?

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer April 22, 2019

As the school year winds down and the pleasing thought of summer increases, many students begin to relax and prepare themselves to simply “ride the wave” until they’ve successfully coasted through...

The Perfect Date is another vapid installation into the tired rom-com genre

The Perfect Date is another vapid installation into the tired rom-com genre

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer April 15, 2019

Regardless of how cynical the title of this review may make me seem to be, I am, in fact, a great lover of romantic comedies. I can consistently count on their gooey, often hard to believe, sugar-coated...

Do everyday people have the right to mourn celebrity deaths?

Do everyday people have the right to mourn celebrity deaths?

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer April 11, 2019

There are some moments in my life where no matter how much time passes, I know I will never forget them. As years pass, many mundane memories will turn yellow with the decay of forgetfulness. Some moments...

Brooke Munson appreciates the value of soccer during her freshman year

Brooke Munson appreciates the value of soccer during her freshman year

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer April 8, 2019

Freshman Brooke Munson is often found after school at the soccer field, fulfilling her duties as a defensive player on the JV girls soccer team. As one of nineteen underclassmen on the team, Brooke is...

Five things the musical has taught me

Five things the musical has taught me

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer March 21, 2019

In the early days of a seemingly lack-luster December, I made the decision to try out for the spring musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I had been vacillating between whether or not...

Everything I Never Told You is a breezy, intelligent read

Everything I Never Told You is a breezy, intelligent read

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer March 11, 2019

As a busy high school junior with a passionate love for reading, I often find myself in a difficult quandary.  I regularly have mountains of homework topped with practices, rehearsals, and a plethora...

Humans of FHC: Sarah North

Humans of FHC: Sarah North

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer March 8, 2019

"We're doing crew right now; we have non-mandatory practices. A week ago, I was running sprints before the warm up, and I partially tore my hamstring. Normally, I don't get super upset when I get hurt....

Humans of FHC: Parker David

Humans of FHC: Parker David

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer March 7, 2019

“Freshman year, during The Little Mermaid musical, I was sitting, waiting for my cue for the finale, and a bunch of the ensemble kids were just sitting on the floor. Now-graduated Evan Kuiper was fake...

We need to crave the moments in between

We need to crave the moments in between

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer March 7, 2019

I think that it comes as no shock for me to say that we as humans define and measure our lives by the massive, memorable, and mesmerizing moments. We focus on the scrapbook-worthy, framable events that...

While dance team found success at nationals, Abby Drueke found success in dance team

While dance team found success at nationals, Abby Drueke found success in dance team

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer March 4, 2019

Hundreds of dance teams flooded to Orlando, Florida two weeks ago to participate in the 2019 UDA National Dance Team Championship. FHC’s celebrated team was one of many groups anxiously waiting to perform...

Last Sunday’s Oscars contained the predictable amount of unpredictability

Last Sunday’s Oscars contained the predictable amount of unpredictability

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer February 26, 2019

The 91st Academy Awards were surrounded in controversy before the ceremony even began. Decisions to add new categories, air existing categories during commercial breaks, and forgo the tradition of a host...

The fastest growing teen epidemic is also the most illogical

The fastest growing teen epidemic is also the most illogical

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer February 21, 2019

To my knowledge, I do not think that I have ever witnessed, been aware of, or seen photo evidence of someone under the age of twenty smoking a cigarette. The reason for this is easily identifiable. Since...

Meghan Trainor’s EP THE LOVE TRAIN is a delightful surprise

Meghan Trainor’s EP THE LOVE TRAIN is a delightful surprise

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer February 11, 2019

Meghan Trainor is probably best known to the general public because of her large and successful pop songs. Countless radio hits like “All About That Bass,” “NO,” “Lips Are Movin,” and “Dear...

A frozen world

A frozen world

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer February 11, 2019

I woke up, and the world was frozen. Not glistening with frost or fluffy with snow, but frozen. The previous night’s freezing rain had left behind a coating that was as thick as a pinkie finger and...

Meredith Carpenter finds fulfillment in cheerleading

Meredith Carpenter finds fulfillment in cheerleading

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer February 4, 2019

At just nine years old, junior Meredith Carpenter had no idea that her decision to participate in a fun fall sport would impact the rest of her life. “I started sideline cheer in fourth grade after...

Podcast Crime Junkie is the perfect source of entertainment for a busy life

Podcast Crime Junkie is the perfect source of entertainment for a busy life

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer January 31, 2019

My friend and fellow The Central Trend writer, Olivia Luplow, has talked my ear off on multiple occasions about her love for true crime podcasts. The expression of ‘I just can’t wait to get home and...

Oscar nominations: who’s in, who’s out, and who has a shot at a golden statue

Oscar nominations: who’s in, who’s out, and who has a shot at a golden statue

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer January 24, 2019

This past Tuesday morning, film fanatics across the country eagerly waited with bated breath for the announcement of the 91st Academy Award nominations. The Oscars have long represented the peak of cinema...

Despite its flaws, Mary, Queen of Scots remains an appealing film

Despite its flaws, Mary, Queen of Scots remains an appealing film

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer January 14, 2019

For just $11.75, I traveled to 16th century England for a night. The movie Mary, Queen of Scots was an immersive experience that depicted the story of the ephemeral Queen Mary (Saoirse Ronan) in exquisite...

I’m seventeen, what’s the big deal?

I’m seventeen, what’s the big deal?

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer January 10, 2019

I am a newly-crowned seventeen-year-old. It’s odd, really. It doesn’t bring about the promise of being able to drive like turning sixteen does. It doesn’t signify the start of adulthood like eighteen...

Freshman Maxime Larmande is bright, bilingual, and a basketball enthusiast

Freshman Maxime Larmande is bright, bilingual, and a basketball enthusiast

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer January 7, 2019

For many students, the start of winter break is tantamount to taking a deep sigh of relief and signifies the start of two weeks devoted to doing absolutely nothing. However, for freshman Maxime Larmande,...

Dunkin’ Donuts on 28th Street falls flat in its final hours

Dunkin’ Donuts on 28th Street falls flat in its final hours

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer December 17, 2018

Like many of my fellow high school peers, I have a caffeine addiction. An affinity for coffee might be a more pleasant way to phrase it, but nonetheless, it remains a present and driving factor in my busy,...

Sound is the best part of our lives

Sound is the best part of our lives

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer December 13, 2018

My over-imaginative brain has provided me with many inquiries that occupy thoughts and keep me awake. I’m always one to bug my friends and family with odd, hypothetical 'would you rathers' and 'what...

University of Michigan applications and their timing engender similar mentalities among applicants

University of Michigan applications and their timing engender similar mentalities among applicants

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer December 10, 2018

For many students, holiday break means relief. It’s quite literally a break from school, but also one from the stress, business, and intense rigor of school. However, for a large percentage of seniors...

Netflix original Battle adds little to a tired genre

Netflix original Battle adds little to a tired genre

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer December 3, 2018

I’m a self-proclaimed film aficionado. That’s not meant to be pretentious or haughty by any means; it's only to show that I have a deep love for movies, good movies at that. I like to think that...

Ellie Bond makes her mark at FHC as the final Bond child

Ellie Bond makes her mark at FHC as the final Bond child

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer November 29, 2018

The first day of high school is one that will be remembered for all time by any student who's gone through it. Freshman Ellie Bond was no exception as she will certainly remember her first day. “I...

Words are my world

Words are my world

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer November 26, 2018

I’ve always had a thing for words, almost an obsession with them-- how they look on a page, how they taste in your mouth, their cadence and pattern; the power they hold is infectious. As a child,...

2am Thoughts makes for an introspective and easy read

2am Thoughts makes for an introspective and easy read

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer November 19, 2018

Let me start by saying that I do not like poetry. Whether it be because I find most of it angsty and cliche or because I’m frustrated over the fact that I myself can’t write it, the fact remains:...

TCTs The Countless Thanks 2018: Meredith VanSkiver

TCT’s The Countless Thanks 2018: Meredith VanSkiver

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer November 19, 2018

Tess Bond- for being the best role model ever I’ve always wanted to have an older sister, and you’re the closest thing I’ve got to that, Tess. Literally since the day after I was born, I’ve...

The life of an oldest child

The life of an oldest child

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer November 15, 2018

Being an oldest child is kind of like being the president; it’s a fun position in theory, but a ton of repercussions come with it. It's a glamorous, glorified, golden title that I’ve had all my life,...

Amanda Bartolovic puts creativity into everything she does

Amanda Bartolovic puts creativity into everything she does

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer November 13, 2018

The definition of an introvert is, according to Merriam-Webster, a reserved or shy person who enjoys spending time alone. They’re often introspective and quiet. Junior Amanda Bartolovic considers herself...

FHC’s newest club is set to inspire creativity

FHC’s newest club is set to inspire creativity

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer November 12, 2018

Senior Adrianna Donald has been gifted with one constant in her life: art. It’s something that has always just been there for her; it’s a passion that has fueled her academic life so much so that she...

A Star Is Born remake dazzles the newest generation

A Star Is Born remake dazzles the newest generation

Meredith VanSkiver, Staff Writer November 5, 2018

Critics fawned over it, audiences fell for it, and my mother cried because of it. A Star Is Born has captivated crowds all across the globe, and I am now proud to count myself among the ranks of the ever-growing...

The Goldfinch is a breathtaking novel that’s worthy of its lengthy page count

The Goldfinch is a breathtaking novel that’s worthy of its lengthy page count

Meredith VanSkiver October 9, 2018

If a novel leaves you with a warm, content feeling upon its finish, if it makes you smile when you see it’s cover, and if you want to recommend it to all your friends, it’s a good book. If a novel...

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