My exploration of various genres such as News, Feature, and Opinion has engendered a passion for social issues such as equality and women’s rights. This fervor erupted into a research paper I wrote last year, which traced the fight for women’s rights through the 1970s as part of the Feminist Art Movement.
Obviously, I love art of all forms: drawing, painting, sculpture, and graphic design. This is why I take pride in designing pages using software such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. I especially enjoy formatting pieces in a web-friendly manner. My love for art also extends to the fine arts - I am currently entering my 10th year of tap dancing at the College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati, where I have also furthered my vocal and acting skills.
Through my time in journalism, I have learned to appreciate, and maybe even welcome, the uncomfortable. I even enjoy taking risks and trying new things. This applies to all my classes, particularly the sciences. For the past five years, I have explored various science projects in-depth, which I presented at the school, district, and state science fairs. I have employed statistics to validate robustness of experimental data, hypothesis testing to verify soundness of results, and have used calculus, vectors, and matrices to build mathematical models. I wish to conduct similar research in college.
My love for science extends to the medical field. Over this summer, I interned at the Cincinnati Eye Institute, where through shadowing various ophthalmologists I honed the skill of interacting with others. What was invaluable was the diversity I encountered - people of all different ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I listened to their stories and learned more about them as individuals. This experience was a self-realization: I want to make a difference in people’s lives sometime in the not-so-distant future, just as these doctors did with their patients. As the poet Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Thus, I hope to find a career that allows me to employ my knowledge and skills set to positively impact the world and make it a better place for all.
In addition to journalism, I take part in SHS’s Book Club, Math Club, and Latin Club. I am also an active member in National Honor Society. Volunteering with younger kids comes to me naturally since every day I help my two young siblings with their school work. Furthermore, I am a leader of a team working on the development and creation of an Alumni Wall for the school.
I love to read a variety of books, whether they are novels, news articles, or science-related journals. Some of my favorite books include When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, and The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. My motto is embodied by the words of Vivian Greene: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
Harsimran Makkad, Executive Web Editor-in-Chief
| May 24, 2018 | Inspiring quotes from fictional characters (Story) |
| May 10, 2018 | Nathalie Bonin, 11 (Story/Media) |
| May 07, 2018 | ‘The other side’ (Story) |
| May 07, 2018 | Students display musical talents at Senior Art Show (Story/Media) |
| May 04, 2018 | Senior Art Show decorates lobby (Story/Media) |
| May 03, 2018 | Day of Silence (Story) |
| May 02, 2018 | Seniors pick up caps, gowns (Story/Media) |
| Apr 30, 2018 | After Prom transforms school (Story) |
| Apr 29, 2018 | Aviator Chorale, Bella Voce compete at state (Story) |
| Apr 29, 2018 | ‘A Midnight in Paris’ (Story/Media) |
| May 01, 2018 | April 2018 Columns: Remembering Columbine, paper books (Media) |
| Apr 24, 2018 | Young historian advances to national competition (Story) |
| Apr 19, 2018 | Hurricanes (Story) |
| Apr 18, 2018 | Students, PTO set up After Prom decorations for weeks leading up to event (Story) |
| Apr 16, 2018 | Student Council, PTO prepare for Prom, After Prom (Media) |
| Apr 12, 2018 | Prom, After Prom tickets go on sale (Story/Media) |
| Apr 12, 2018 | Dr. Ami Klin (Story) |
| Apr 10, 2018 | Innovative students present at Buckeye Science Fair (Media) |
| Apr 09, 2018 | Young scientists take on competitions (Media) |
| Apr 02, 2018 | Melinda Looney, 12 (Story/Media) |
| Mar 31, 2018 | Young mathematicians compete at state OHMIO (Story/Media) |
| Mar 29, 2018 | Students teeter-totter with local Argentinian children (Story) |
| Mar 28, 2018 | OJCL competitors bring home awards (Story) |
| Mar 28, 2018 | Ohio government considers action in response to gun violence (Story) |
| Mar 27, 2018 | Young historians honor fallen soldiers (Story) |
| Mar 25, 2018 | When students speak (Story) |
| Apr 01, 2018 | Mader speaks on school safety (Media) |
| Mar 19, 2018 | Latin scholars win numerous accolades (Story) |
| Mar 16, 2018 | Students call for change (Story/Media) |
| Mar 14, 2018 | ‘Enough is enough’ (Story/Media) |
| Mar 14, 2018 | Student activists walk out for beliefs (Story/Media) |
| Mar 14, 2018 | Happy Pi Day (Story) |
| Mar 13, 2018 | Princess Diana of Wales (Story) |
| Mar 09, 2018 | February 2018 Columns: How journalists, ‘Wonder’ change lives (Media) |
| Mar 05, 2018 | Fine Arts Weekend wows community (Story/Media) |
| Mar 03, 2018 | Students display work in annual district art show (Story) |
| Feb 26, 2018 | TEAMS of young engineers achieve victory (Story) |
| Feb 26, 2018 | Taft ARC program opens new doors for students (Story) |
| Feb 20, 2018 | ‘More than just a drug problem’ (Story) |
| Feb 11, 2018 | President Donald Trump’s visit to Blue Ash leaves mark on area (Story/Media) |
| Feb 06, 2018 | Trump, Renacci navigate indefinite relationship, race (Media) |
| Feb 06, 2018 | SAFA Scholarship application period opens (Story) |
| Feb 05, 2018 | Trump speaks about tax overhaul, opioid crisis, midterm elections in meeting with local Sheffer Corp. (Story/Media) |
| Feb 05, 2018 | Trump speaks at Sheffer Corp. (Story) |
| Feb 02, 2018 | Sycamore closes schools due to president’s visit (Story) |
| Feb 01, 2018 | Carolyn Zhang, 11 (Story/Media) |
| Feb 01, 2018 | Bell Hooks (bell hooks) (Story) |
| Jan 27, 2018 | ‘Beyond the classroom’ (Story/Media) |
| Jan 25, 2018 | TEAMS senior team explores Blue Ash Rec on field trip (Story/Media) |
| Jan 23, 2018 | Seniors share experiences, give advice to JH students, parents (Story/Media) |
| Jan 19, 2018 | Speaking out against sexual harassment equals catalyst for change? (Story) |
| Jan 18, 2018 | Preparing for adulthood (Story) |
| Jan 11, 2018 | Beyond numbers with #MeTooK12 (Story) |
| Dec 25, 2017 | Poverty in India worsens (Story) |
| Dec 23, 2017 | Losing too much (Story) |
| Dec 07, 2017 | ‘There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.’ -’Hamlet’ by William Shakespeare (Story/Media) |
| Dec 06, 2017 | He For She panel empowers women, men alike (Story) |
| Nov 30, 2017 | National Diabetes Month raises awareness (Story) |
| Nov 20, 2017 | ‘Absolute silence leads to sadness. It is the image of death.’ – Jean-Jacques Rosseau (Story) |
| Nov 10, 2017 | November Principal’s Breakfast (Story) |
| Nov 07, 2017 | ‘Food allergies on the rise’ (Story/Media) |
| Oct 27, 2017 | Art students write their way towards field trip (Story/Media) |
| Oct 20, 2017 | Students gear up for college research (Media) |
| Oct 20, 2017 | Just how will the end of Obamacare subsidies impact you? (Story) |
| Oct 13, 2017 | ‘Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life’ -Pablo Picasso (Story) |
| Oct 06, 2017 | Long cheers through high school (Story) |
| Sep 29, 2017 | ‘I can’t see it, so it must not exist, right?’ (Story) |
| Sep 25, 2017 | Sycamore launches STEAM (Story) |
| Sep 24, 2017 | Aves win Homecoming game (Story) |
| Sep 24, 2017 | Parade showcases HOCO spirit (Story) |
| Sep 17, 2017 | Concern for coast mounts as two storms swirl in the Atlantic (Story) |
| Sep 15, 2017 | Certain Experiences Impact perspectives on future (Story/Media) |
| Sep 11, 2017 | Americans reflect upon 9/11 (Story) |
| Sep 10, 2017 | Irma continues breaking records (Story) |
| Sep 10, 2017 | ‘Most catastrophic storm ever seen before’ (Story) |
| Sep 07, 2017 | ‘Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.’ – Albert Einstein (Story) |
| Aug 31, 2017 | Elevator opens for first day after repairs (Media) |
| Aug 28, 2017 | Catastrophe strikes (Story) |
| Aug 22, 2017 | ‘Art is not what you see, but what you make others see’ – Edgar Degas, French artist (Story/Media) |
| Aug 18, 2017 | Strange animals! (Story) |
| Aug 15, 2017 | Choir sings with rock band (Story) |
| Aug 10, 2017 | Beware of faulty eclipse-wear (Story) |
| Aug 09, 2017 | Welcome back! (Media) |
| May 25, 2017 | Changes at SHS (Story) |
| May 08, 2017 | Sycamore students care for water sheds (Story) |
| May 02, 2017 | Tourism tanks (Story) |
| Apr 27, 2017 | Artists display work, win awards (Story) |
| Apr 24, 2017 | ‘Chemistry on the brain’ (Story) |
| Apr 05, 2017 | Check out heroin issue to raise awareness (Media) |
| Apr 01, 2017 | ‘Beh(eye)nd the scenes’ (Story/Media) |
| Mar 29, 2017 | Nina Byers (Story) |
| Mar 17, 2017 | Scientists continue presentations at District Science Fair (Story) |
| Mar 11, 2017 | Tie-dye to die for (Story) |
| Feb 27, 2017 | Mathematicians participate in OCTM (Story) |
| Feb 27, 2017 | Check out SHS diversity for Diversity Week (Media) |
| Feb 15, 2017 | Blood drive saves multiple lives with just one pint (Story) |
| Feb 15, 2017 | Fashion for the Cure walks down runway (Story) |
| Feb 15, 2017 | Baking beyond basics (Story) |
| Feb 15, 2017 | Natasha Trethewey (Story) |
| Feb 10, 2017 | Match the Pet (Story) |
| Feb 10, 2017 | Checklist for New Adopters (Story) |
| Feb 10, 2017 | Adoption 101 (Story) |
| Feb 10, 2017 | My Furry Valentine (Story) |
| Feb 07, 2017 | Go, baby, go! (Story) |
| Feb 02, 2017 | Early spring or six more weeks of winter? (Story) |
| Jan 31, 2017 | Science fair erupts with new ideas (Story) |
| Jan 25, 2017 | Chinese Kunqu Opera Troupe to visit (Story) |
| Jan 17, 2017 | Animal activists applaud (Story) |
| Dec 13, 2016 | Young students engage in physics (Story) |
| Dec 09, 2016 | OSU attack impacts beyond campus (Story) |
| Dec 08, 2016 | ‘Around the world’ in 15 years (Story) |
| Nov 22, 2016 | Three viruses, one mosquito (Story) |
| Nov 11, 2016 | Marching Band gives back to community (Story) |
| Nov 09, 2016 | Collegiate recognition for athletes (Story) |
| Nov 09, 2016 | Varsity football to play against Mason (Story) |
| Nov 03, 2016 | ‘Lights, drama… zombies?’ (Story/Media) |
| Oct 25, 2016 | Striking up the band for hunger (Story) |
| Oct 22, 2016 | Senior Halloween Rules (Story) |
| Oct 10, 2016 | Upcoming senior events (Story/Media) |
| Oct 10, 2016 | EpiPens cost more than just money (Story) |
| Oct 07, 2016 | French Club collects donations to help Haiti (Story) |
| Oct 05, 2016 | Mitch Radakovich receives perfect score on ACT (Story) |
| Oct 03, 2016 | Spirit Week begins (Story/Media) |
| Sep 10, 2016 | Pulitzer Prize winner plans to speak with students (Story) |
| Sep 06, 2016 | How to register to vote (Story) |
| Aug 31, 2016 | August Leafs to be distributed during ACE (Media) |
| Aug 22, 2016 | Hochstrasser wins national award (Story) |
| Aug 18, 2016 | Bridge Closure Schedule (Media) |
| Aug 18, 2016 | Extended ACE bell schedule (Media) |
| May 26, 2016 | Raising awareness about mental health (Story/Media) |
| May 20, 2016 | Faking humanity (Story) |
| May 17, 2016 | New room, new place, no sleep (Story) |
| May 13, 2016 | Eight seconds (Story/Media) |
| May 03, 2016 | Gender equality in military, combat (Story) |
| Apr 29, 2016 | Opinions about retiring Latin instructor (Story/Media) |
| Apr 29, 2016 | Q & A with Magister Torlone (Story/Media) |
| Apr 28, 2016 | Earth day brings hope for future (Story) |
| Apr 21, 2016 | Reporters receive Pulitzer Prize (Story/Media) |
| Apr 18, 2016 | Antibiotic threat (Story) |
| Apr 06, 2016 | Sophomore debates approach (Story) |
| Apr 01, 2016 | Blood tests may now detect concussions (Story) |
| Mar 18, 2016 | Zika update (Story) |
| Mar 11, 2016 | ‘Feet on’ experience (Story) |
| Mar 04, 2016 | Science Fair (Story) |
| Mar 01, 2016 | Diversity (Story) |
| Feb 10, 2016 | Hurts when it hits home (Story) |
| Feb 01, 2016 | Cruzed or Trumped? (Story) |
| Jan 07, 2016 | Effects of El Nino on weather (Story) |
| Dec 10, 2015 | El Nino’s Impact on the United States (Story) |
| Nov 24, 2015 | Attacks serve as ‘game-changer’ for world (Story) |
| Nov 19, 2015 | Understanding El Nino (Story) |
| Nov 18, 2015 | Dumbo to the rescue (Story) |
| Nov 18, 2015 | Paris attacks strike home (Story) |
| Nov 17, 2015 | Teenage Fatalities in Motor Vehicle Crashes (Story) |
| Nov 06, 2015 | Current influenza vaccine found effective (Story) |
| Oct 29, 2015 | Halloween Superstitions (Story) |
| Oct 27, 2015 | Star Wars and moles (Story/Media) |
| Oct 26, 2015 | Artificial intelligence makes it mark (Story) |
| Oct 21, 2015 | ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’ (Story) |
| Oct 08, 2015 | U.S. gun crime in 2015 (Story) |
| Oct 02, 2015 | Francis effect (Story) |
| Oct 01, 2015 | Sexual assaults on college campuses (Story) |
| Sep 22, 2015 | Mexican cucumbers sicken people across country (Story/Media) |
| Sep 16, 2015 | Walking to freedom (Story) |
| May 28, 2015 | Too hot for summer (Story/Media) |
| May 21, 2015 | Common core testing nationwide (Story) |
| May 18, 2015 | Raising awareness (Story) |
| May 07, 2015 | Giving congratulations to new inductees (Story/Media) |
| May 06, 2015 | Looking for your own Romeo or Juliet (Story/Media) |
| Apr 23, 2015 | ‘Shrek the Musical’ captivates young audience (Story/Media) |
| Apr 20, 2015 | Just great… (Story/Media) |
| Apr 14, 2015 | Maria Montessori (Story) |
| Apr 09, 2015 | Ethics vs. greater good (Story) |
| Apr 08, 2015 | Frank McCourt (Story) |
| Mar 27, 2015 | ‘I travel the world and the seven seas’ (Story) |
| Mar 25, 2015 | On my own, all alone (Story) |
| Mar 20, 2015 | Women’s History Month- Ada Lovelace (Story) |
| Mar 12, 2015 | Powerful message released from controversial dress (Story/Media) |
| Mar 12, 2015 | Circuses under bar (Story) |
| Mar 05, 2015 | Losing time (Story/Media) |
| Feb 26, 2015 | Another outbreak… this time closer to home (Story) |
| Feb 12, 2015 | ‘Washington’s Birthday’ celebrates all presidents (Story) |
| Feb 10, 2015 | Juggling, singing, dancing… Oh my! (Story) |
| Feb 10, 2015 | Cryptic Killer (Story) |
| Feb 05, 2015 | Preparing for new school year (Story) |
| Feb 03, 2015 | Lost honor leads to imperialism (Story/Media) |
| Jan 29, 2015 | Pick and choose reasonably (Story) |
| Jan 26, 2015 | Finding material without getting lost (Story) |
| Jan 09, 2015 | ‘Story of my life’ (Story/Media) |
| Dec 04, 2014 | Guest speaker talks to students about Ebola (Story/Media) |
| Dec 01, 2014 | Sales, sprees, there are tons of these (Story) |
| Dec 01, 2014 | Mock Trial releases audition information (Story/Media) |
| Dec 01, 2014 | ‘Row of lights’ light up sky (Story) |
| Dec 01, 2014 | Classroom fun equals more work (Story/Media) |
| Dec 01, 2014 | ‘He is no lawyer who cannot take two sides’ (Story) |
| Dec 01, 2014 | Tracing back lines (Story) |
| Nov 10, 2014 | Commemorating those who have served before Thanksgiving (Story) |
| Oct 27, 2014 | Giving cheers for Homecoming Day (Story) |
| Oct 16, 2014 | Class novel ends in upcoming weeks (Story/Media) |
| Oct 07, 2014 | French salons now in style (Story) |
| Sep 19, 2014 | Rules, requirements for NHS available for juniors (Story) |