• No School - Spring Break - Mar.14 - Mar.18
  • No School - Spring Vacation Day - April 15
  • HS Theatre Spring Show - April 8-9
  • End of 3rd Quarter - Mar. 31
  • HS One Act Plays- April 13 at 7pm
  • No School - Prof. Development Day - April 25
The student voice of Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio

The Leaf

The student voice of Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio

The Leaf

The student voice of Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio

The Leaf

Grace Zhang: Media Director

Grace Zhang, Media Director

Hey there!

My name is Grace Zhang and I’m currently a senior at SHS. 

Originally joining journalism on a whim, I’ve come back year after year for an abundance of reasons. In particular, these three years have blessed me with a creative outlet as well as the opportunity to further my collaboration and communication skills while opening my mind to a diverse set of opinions and ideas. Not only have I learned so much about important current events- whether that be school, country, or sometimes even worldwide- through my time sitting in room 115, but also about the journalism industry as a whole.

Thus, words can not express how genuinely excited I am to spend my third and final year in Journalism as this year’s Media Director! As Media Director, I aim to revamp our website and social media platforms in an effort to further engage and connect with the Sycamore Community. Additionally, my role last year as Associate Web Editor equipped me with the skills to attain the acclaimed “Best of Sno” awards and the goal this year is to continue our winning streak here at The Leaf.

Outside of journalism, I continue to pursue my creative interests through working on my clothing brand (designsbygracez.com) as well as designing garments for the annual Fashion for the Cure fashion show. Additionally, I’m passionate about giving back to my community- whether that be through mentoring SHS students, fundraising for The Dragonfly Foundation, and/or teaching Sunday School. I’m also a major foodie at heart so you’ll likely find me devouring an absurd amount of grapes, finishing off a pint of gelato, or baking a personal pan of brownies at any given time.

Yet at the end of the day, you’ll likely find me hunched over my laptop, typing up a new article, drafting up Leaf social media content ideas, and of course, jamming out to Taylor Swift.

With that,

Happy reading!

All content by Grace Zhang

Summer Job Opportunities

Grace Zhang, Media Director
April 13, 2021

Holiday Gift Guide

Grace Zhang, Media Director
November 6, 2020
VOLUNTEER. As we adapt to our current environment, many traditional volunteer opportunities are unavailable. Whether you’re searching for an activity to occupy your free time or an opportunity to give back in this time of crisis, this list features eight creative volunteer opportunities that you can get involved with right now.

8 Creative Volunteer Opportunities

Grace Zhang, Media Director
September 21, 2020

7 fun activities to do at home

Grace Zhang, Assosciate Web Editor
May 17, 2020
Lazy Daisy Stitch: The lazy daisy stitch is a simple way to make flowers or other single looped stitches. For this stitch you go up at point 1 and down at point 2, but you do not pull the string all the way through, you leave a loop the size that you want your stitch. You then come up at point 3 and go over the loop you created, and bring your needle back down at point 3 securing your lazy daisy stitch. This stitch is most commonly used for making daisies, but you can modify the closeness of point 1 and 2, or the length of your loop to make other flowers as well. 

Quarantine crafts

Grace Zhang, Assosciate Web Editor
April 30, 2020
SEW FOR GOOD. Amidst the Covid-19 crisis, it may seem like there’s no way to help as we’re stuck at home. However, fashion students from Sycamore as well as sewers from the greater Cincinnati area have joined together in making masks for those in need. Through their joined effort, they’ve been able to provide masks during the shortage to protect the health professionals on the front lines.

Local sewing community pays it forward

Grace Zhang, Associate Web Editor
March 26, 2020
MORGAN. I cut my hair because last year, my childhood friend Patrick Battle lost his life to cancer. He was 17 years old with so many unfulfilled dreams and unlived adventures. Seeing him fight and miss out on life broke my heart...a battle that is all too common for many other pediatric cancer patients. Because of him, I was inspired to give back. I believe that no child or family should go through the painful war of cancer and so I felt like I could help by donating my hair.

Hair donations for the cure

Grace Zhang, Associate Web Editor
March 5, 2020
BANKRUPT. Fast fashion giant Forever 21 has officially declared bankruptcy. Due to mismanagement and failure to keep up with producing the latest, quality styles, other brands increased in popularity while Forever 21 fell. Despite the sadness some teens may face, others like Odaka see it as a good change for the enviroment.

Forever 21 files for bankruptcy

Grace Zhang, Associate Web Editor
November 9, 2019
FFTCxTDF. On Sept. 27, the Fashion for the Cure committee was recognized for their dedication to The Dragonfly Foundation. Over the years, they have donated over $148,000 to the Cincinnati non-profit. As to whats motivating the committee, co-chair Eva Armbruster said Fashion for the Cure is all about supporting The Dragonfly Foundation with the hope of easing the difficulty of having to deal with cancer that these families have to battle every day.

Fashion for the Cure receives recognition

Grace Zhang, Associate Web Editor
October 3, 2019
LEARN. First-hand learning experiences at its finest, 30 SHS Chinese class students traveled to Fuyao’s manufacturing plant in Dayton, Ohio, after watching the documentary “American Factory.” According to Chinese 5 student, Theo Eborall, 12, “...I  found it really interesting to watch and learn how the two cultures worked together.”

SHS Chinese class takes learning to a new level

Grace Zhang, Associate Web Editor
September 12, 2019
STUDY. Pictured above shows tips three, five and seven in action. While having a notetaking system has proved to be beneficial, interacting with them will solidify your understanding of the material. Additionally, you have a better chance of improving grades and efficiency by staying organized and choosing to utilize study habits that work best for you.

11 ways to study smarter

Grace Zhang, Associate Web Editor
September 5, 2019
MOM. Mothers Day quickly approaches, arriving on May 12 this year. A day to cherish moms, this article features fresh ideas to triumphantly celebrate all that our moms have done for us.

Last Minute Mother’s Day

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
May 10, 2019
Asalya Samieva, 11

Asalya Samieva, 11

Grace Zhang, Copy editor
May 6, 2019
PROM. Often seen as a rite of passage for high schoolers, the night consists of getting together with friends for a good time, whether it be dancing, eating or more. In fact, getting ready for the event can sometimes be the most fun part of all.

Prom Procrastination

Grace Zhang, copy editor
April 26, 2019
ADVENTURE. Fondly remembered by those who have been on it, the AP Euro trip journeyed to France and Italy over spring break. Activities included sightseeing major tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and living out the true italian experience on a gondola in Venice. While each city was thoroughly enjoyed, many students had a favorite out of the five visited. “My favorite city on the trip was Venice. It is a beautiful city and I loved just walking around with my friends and a cone of gelato by the canals and winding streets,” said Reagan Becker, 10.

Living in the dreamland

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
April 8, 2019
LIGHTS. CAMERA. FASHION. As a new season of Project Runway debuts, viewers will experience some new changes. Nonetheless, the fashion is still stellar. Be on the lookout for Ohio native and UC DAAP graduate, Tessa Clark.

New era of fashion

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
March 14, 2019
Mindy Kuertz, 12

Mindy Kuertz, 12

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
February 22, 2019
2019 FFTC Designer Profile

2019 FFTC Designer Profile

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
February 13, 2019
Gaby Pereda, 10

Gaby Pereda, 10

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
February 8, 2019
MOOD. As our moods fluctuate, so can our perception of clothes, especially the color of clothing. Power is often associated with the classic black and white, usually including red accents as well. On the other hand, relaxing days call for neutrals and pastels. Regardless, 
the Psychologist World suggests that “the clothes we wear send powerful signals to our peers and strangers, projecting the self image of us that we want to display.”

What your clothes say about you

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
February 4, 2019
If you enjoy shopping, you’ve probably experienced the mood-boosting qualities of retail therapy. While money can’t buy happiness, a few hours of the shopping can ease away a day’s stress. In fact, a survey conducted by the New York Post found that “More than two-thirds of people say that shopping has some therapeutic qualities.”

Retail therapy reduces stress

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
January 16, 2019
Sophia Odaka, 10

Sophia Odaka, 10

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
December 13, 2018
Samantha Youngquist, 10

Samantha Youngquist, 10

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
November 30, 2018
Trend watching: earring edition

Trend watching: earring edition

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
November 21, 2018
Trend watching

Trend watching

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
November 12, 2018
Trend watching: colors, cutouts

Trend watching: colors, cutouts

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
November 2, 2018
Anna Schulte, 10

Anna Schulte, 10

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
October 24, 2018
Trend watching: denim

Trend watching: denim

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
October 23, 2018
Fall color pallette

Fall color pallette

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
October 11, 2018
Alyssa Jones, 12

Alyssa Jones, 12

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
October 8, 2018
Pose: how to look photogenic

Pose: how to look photogenic

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
October 4, 2018
Shopping for Fall

Shopping for Fall

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
September 24, 2018
Fall brings fashion

Fall brings fashion

Grace Zhang, Copy Editor
September 12, 2018
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