Hi! My name is Deeya Prakash, and I am a senior here at SHS. Ever since I was a little girl, I have been obsessed with books. Reading has taken me to different cities, countries, realms, and universes, all while sitting in one place. I considered books to be magic, and I still do today. However, eventually, I grew tired of being the audience and decided to become the magician. As soon as I began to write, I fell in love, and I knew that this was something that I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Aside from being in the program for the last two years, I had only ever written fictional pieces and had never experimented with informative writing. That’s why I joined this class, and suffice to say, I have no regrets. I loved getting to know all of the amazing staffers at the Leaf and creating pieces for all of the students to enjoy. Having someone come up to you and tell you that they liked your piece in the magazine or on the web was one of the most rewarding feelings that I had ever experienced, and I’m back for more! This year, I will be taking on the role of the Deputy Content Editor; I will be in charge of all of the content of the magazine in all sections but primarily package. This is quite a large undertaking, but with the support of my fellow editors, I know it is going to be a great time. I love my role in this program as it allows me to meet so many new people all while still getting the opportunity to write and explore the journalistic style. I look forward to seeing what this year entails for me and I hope to grow as a writer and leader with the help of my peers and teachers, and hopefully, assist others in their writing endeavors. As a content editor, I know that I will likely be someone that my peers turn to for help, and I am hoping that I can be a good resource for anyone that needs assistance (or even just a chat or conversation!). Outside of school, I write a lot, be it memoirs, short stories, or mid-life-crisis-4am-type-beat poems. In addition, I love to read (Surprise!), draw and hang out with my friends and family. I also play on the Sycamore Girls Varsity Golf team as well as swim competitively. Both of these sports have taught me commitment, determination, hard work, and discipline, which have come in handy in other parts of my life. Some of my other favorite things include sea life (particularly orca whales!), Broadway musicals, traveling, the Jonas Brothers, and of course, Harry Potter. Can’t discount the iconic wizard Albus Dumbledore, who once said that “Words are our most inexhaustible source of magic.” I couldn’t agree more.
![TIME FOR CHANGE. As the federal government takes no steps towards major reform, the states of our nation are pushing for new laws. In response to the tragic events of the past year, 2019 will be bringing new arm legislation in several U.S states such as California, Oregon, Illinois, and Washington. “I think that we need [to regulate] who is allowed to be in the possession of a firearm… that would be an ideal law,” said Kasey Lowe, 9.](https://shsleaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Screen-Shot-2019-01-12-at-10.52.54-AM.png)
![SWEET SENSATIONS. The Cincinnati Museum Center tickles taste buds at its newest exhibition, Chocolate: The Exhibition. Explore the rich history and untold stories of this sweet treat, even taking part in some taste testing on select dates. “I had been [to the exhibit] before but was let down when there was no tasting involved… I’ll be excited to go when there is [tasting],” said Megan Radakovich, 9.](https://shsleaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/prakashaechocolatephoto-900x630.jpg)
![DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY. A heart-stopping and jaw-dropping performance was brought by freshman Julia Mott at the Variety show. Mott delivered an eloquent statement about divorced families through her emotional dance routine, which she choreographed herself. She has been dancing since a very young age and has won many awards at the local, regional, state, and even national levels. “What I love about dance is it gives me a chance to express myself. I also love it because the more I dance and teach [dance], I grow as a dancer,” Mott said.](https://shsleaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/prakashvisual2-900x632.jpg)
![TAKING THE STAGE. The award winning musical, “Cats” will be hightailing its way over to Cincinnati in June 2019. Many other shows, such as “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Rent,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Miss Saigon,” and the beloved “Hamilton” are also on their way. “Musicals are so enchanting because not only do [they] have amazing songs, but [the songs] all connect and tell a bigger story, which gives them a really authentic and real feel to them… I love it,” said Megan Radakovich, 9.](https://shsleaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/prakashaearonoffmusicalsbeat-900x467.jpg)
