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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
Kiran Makkad

Kiran Makkad, Executive Web Director

Hello! My name is Kiran Makkad, and I am a junior this year. This is my third year writing for The Leaf, and this year, I am excited to serve as the Managing Web Editor, overseeing web writers, writing my own stories, and actively working to make the website, shsleaf.org, more engaging for our viewers.

I originally joined journalism two years ago hoping to explore writing and find my own voice. However, journalism evolved into so much more than that—it became a place for me to explore my passions and be a part of such a welcoming community. I am so glad I joined!

In addition to journalism, I participate in Math Club, Academic Quiz Team, Mock Trial, Red Cross Club, Science Olympiad, and Ambassador’s Club. I also serve on the Youth Leadership Council for the American Red Cross.

In my free time, I love to read. Some of my favorite books are Rebel Seoul by Axie Oh, The Heart of the World by Amie Kaufman, and Of Glass and Glamour by Chanda Hahn. I also love to dance and sing. I’ve been a part of the ballet program at the College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati, for over 9 years.

Journalism has been an amazing experience for me. Writing as part of The Leaf has allowed me to grow as both a writer and a person, and I am so excited to see what this year brings. Happy reading!

All content by Kiran Makkad
I'M A FRAUD. Those with Impostor syndrome often struggle with feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy, fearful of being exposed as not worthy of their successes. This psychological phenomenon is quite prevalent in society today, especially for high-achieving individuals.

Raising awareness about impostor syndrome

Kiran Makkad, Executive Web Director
November 3, 2025
PRACTICE. SHS students prepare for the PSAT (Preliminary SAT) using books and online resources just like this one. All SHS students interested will take the PSAT test on Wednesday, October 22. Juniors who take the PSAT may use their scores to qualify as a National Merit Semi-Finalist or Commended Scholar.

SHS students gear up to take the PSAT

Kiran Makkad, Executive Web Director
October 20, 2025
Mock Trial members from Gold and Green team last year pose for a picture in front of the OCLRE building in Columbus. "We all put in so much work [last] year. I know [this] year we’ll come back improved and ready to win!” said Ogunbodede.

‘All Rise,’ new Mock Trial season is in session

Kiran Makkad, Executive Web Director
October 17, 2025
DISCUSSION. SHS students conversed about "The Anthropocene Reviewed," a collection of essays that takes the mundane, the extraordinary, and everything in between to dive deep into the life and experiences of a human.

Students discuss first nonfiction book of the year

Kiran Makkad, Executive Web Director
September 8, 2025
May 9 Sudoku

May 9 Sudoku

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
May 9, 2025
For a long time, it was me and my sisters against the world. And then my oldest sister went to college. Now, my other sister is going to college too. What comes next?

What Comes Next

The realities of adjusting to a life without my older sisters
Kiran Makkad, Web Director
April 17, 2025
Crossword: Mathematics

Crossword: Mathematics

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
April 11, 2025
Staff Spotlight: Nurse Ferris

Staff Spotlight: Nurse Ferris

A sneak peek at the enigma that is SHS’s school nurse
Kiran Makkad, Web Director
April 9, 2025
Members of both Science Olympiad teams

Science Olympiad members rock regionals

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
April 8, 2025
Scholastic Key winners pose for a photo with their pieces.

Scholastic Gold Key winners share their art process

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
April 7, 2025
Week in Review

Week in Review

March 24 - March 30
Kiran Makkad, Web Director
April 2, 2025
March 28 Sudoku

March 28 Sudoku

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
March 28, 2025
Ms. Cooper helped teach students to differentiate between acids and bases using the red and blue litmus paper test. The litmus paper turns or stays red if the solution is acidic and turns or stays blue if the solution is basic.

Chemistry students gear up to take the ACS

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
March 28, 2025
Screenshot 2025-03-14 3.05.45 PM

Happy Pi Day!

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
March 14, 2025
March 14 Sudoku

March 14 Sudoku

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
March 14, 2025
Week in Review

Week in Review

March 3 - March 9
Kiran Makkad, Web Director
March 10, 2025
Jigsaw Puzzle: March 7

Jigsaw Puzzle: March 7

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
March 7, 2025
Week in Review

Week in Review

February 24 - March 2
Kiran Makkad, Web Director
March 4, 2025
February 28 Word Search

February 28 Word Search

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
February 28, 2025
Week in Review

Week in Review

February 17 - February 23
Kiran Makkad, Web Director
February 24, 2025
Jigsaw Puzzle: February 21

Jigsaw Puzzle: February 21

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
February 21, 2025
Week In Review

Week In Review

February 10 - February 16
Kiran Makkad, Web Director
February 19, 2025
Random Acts of Kindness Bingo

Random Acts of Kindness Bingo

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
February 17, 2025
Simple and Sweet

Simple and Sweet

Seven small actions that can leave a big impact
Kiran Makkad, Web Director
February 17, 2025
Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
February 14, 2025
Jigsaw Puzzle: February 14

Jigsaw Puzzle: February 14

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
February 14, 2025
Week in Review

Week in Review

February 3 - February 9
Kiran Makkad, Web Director
February 11, 2025
Jigsaw Puzzle: February 7

Jigsaw Puzzle: February 7

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
February 7, 2025
Screenshot 2025-02-06 10.11.41 PM

[Photo] (Not) Love Actually

Charlie Green, Trends & Opinion Editor
February 27, 2025
SHS Leaf Online Pics (2)

Week In Review

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
February 3, 2025
Jigsaw Puzzle: January 31

Jigsaw Puzzle: January 31

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
January 31, 2025
Week in Review

Week in Review

January 20 - January 26
Kiran Makkad and Jaden Reyes
January 28, 2025
Jigsaw Puzzle: January 24

Jigsaw Puzzle: January 24

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
January 24, 2025
Leap Day Infographic (2)

Leap Day Infographic

Kiran Makkad, Staff Writer
February 29, 2024
"Cinder" masterfully blends skin and metal, robot and human.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer – A Book Review

A deep dive into an old book often overlooked
Kiran Makkad, Web Director
January 22, 2025
All SHS Mock Trial members from both Green Team and Gold Team..

Mock Trial Naturals

SHS Mock Trial members bring home four awards from districts
Kiran Makkad, Web Director
January 20, 2025
SHS Leaf Online Pics

Connections: January 17

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
January 17, 2025
Jigsaw Puzzle: January 10

Jigsaw Puzzle: January 10

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
January 10, 2025
Ice skating is just one fun activity you can participate in during these cold winter months.

[Photo] Out and About

Charlie Green, Trends & Sports Editor
December 30, 2024
'Tis the Season

‘Tis the Season

SHS students share their most meaningful winter holiday gifts
Kiran Makkad, Web Director
December 20, 2024
Jigsaw Puzzle: December 6

Jigsaw Puzzle: December 6

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
December 6, 2024
Simone Biles stands at the forefront of the new mental health conversation today, one that focuses on being more open about mental health and lessening mental health stigmas.

Stopping the Stigma

How the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we view mental health
Kiran Makkad, Web Director
December 5, 2024
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[Photo] Too Close to the Sun

Om Kothari, Staff Writer
November 19, 2024
Connections: November 15

Connections: November 15

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
November 15, 2024
Immigration, and who is allowed to live in the US, is one of the biggest issues that divide the US today.

[Photo] Second Nature

Natalia Korte, Focus & Sports Editor & Sales Manager
November 18, 2024
The United States of America is supposed to be, well, united. However, over time, our political beliefs have divided us. Is it possible for us to live up to our country's name?

Bridging the Divide

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
November 5, 2024
Election Connections

Election Connections

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
November 5, 2024
The president needs 270 votes to win!

[Photo] Swinging to Victory

Ophelia Sidmore, Co Editor-in-Chief
November 5, 2024
Halloween Word Search

Halloween Word Search

Kiran Makkad and Gurnoor Makkad
October 31, 2024
Jigsaw Puzzle: October 25

Jigsaw Puzzle: October 25

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
October 25, 2024
Jigsaw Puzzle: October 11

Jigsaw Puzzle: October 11

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
October 11, 2024
Bus riding is for many a must-have experience when it comes to school. The Leaf shares some general tips about bus riding.

Bus Riding Secrets

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
October 9, 2024
Connections: October 4

Connections: October 4

Kiran Makkad and Gurnoor Makkad
October 4, 2024
Congratulations to our 16 National Merit Semifinalists!

16 Seniors Announced as National Merit Semifinalists

Kiran Makkad, Web Director
September 25, 2024
Losing the Label

Losing the Label

The struggles of being put in a box
Kiran Makkad, Web Director
September 25, 2024
Decisions can be daunting for some of us. We can get stuck at a crossroads in our life, unable to choose one direction to go or one path to take. But is that really living?

[Photo] I Can’t Spend My Life Worrying

Charlie Green, Back of Book Editor & Social Media Manager
September 27, 2024
From Cinderella to Cinder and Back

From Cinderella to Cinder and Back

How the fairytale Cinderella has evolved in less than a century
Kiran Makkad, staff writer
February 8, 2024
National Navy Day

National Navy Day

The importance of appreciating the Navy
Kiran Makkad, staff writer
October 29, 2023
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Kiran Makkad