Outside the Box: Katie Trace
By McDaniel Hartranft, ’17
Junior Katie Trace made an Olympic trial cut in the 400 IM with the time of 453.1 this summer in Greensboro, North Carolina.
“The top eight swimmers in that event make it into the semi finals,” Trace said. “Then they swim again for the finals and the top two swimmers go on to swim for team USA.”
Katie’s summer was spent in constant training with UA swim club.
“We had two practices everyday. In the morning we got into the water at 5:45 at Northwest swim club and got out at 7:30. Mon., Wed. and Fri. we would head over to the high school to lift.” She said. “Everyday we would also have a practice 2-4 at the high school.”
With a successful summer coming to an end, Katie feels that she spent her break in the right way.
“It was definitely so much fun to spend so much time with the girls even that we spend so much time together,” she said. “Really seeing how much time I put into that race and seeing it all pay off, it was a very relieving and exciting feeling.”
In the Arts: Grant Jones
By Jenny Jiao, ’16
Senior Grant Jones spent his summer creating a documentary showcasing his summer experiences.
“The idea originated last summer when my friends and I would spend a lot of time doing outdoor activities,” Jones said. “This summer, we wanted to create something that we could show other people to share our experiences.”
Activities documented include hiking, jumping off waterfalls, and exploring abandoned buildings.
Jones took a documentary approach to the film to capture the candid experiences.
“All the footage is unscripted. It’s all taken while it’s happening,” he said. “Also, I incorporate interviews that are conducted during, or after we do something on film.”
Jones has an interest in cinematography and says this summer’s experience has enhanced his abilities and skills.
“I’ve never worked on a full-on documentary,” he said. “It’s taught me how to capture the moment better because there’s no second take.
The film is set to release in late Sept.
For the Community: Mary Greenlee
By McDaniel Hartranft, ’17
Senior Mary Greenlee went to Malowi, Africa on a mission trip this summer, through Northwest Bible Church in Hilliard.
“I went because my cousin went last summer and hearing all about her experience made me want to go and I think I will use Africa in my capstone,” she said. “I also have always wanted to get a new perspective.”
Spending two weeks in the city of Zomba, Greenlee was able to help out at a multipurpose orphanage called Passion Center.
While staying in Zomba, Greenlee was able to run a mini school, vacation bible school, visit hospitals and bring people care packages.
“There was this one time when we ran a mini school and I was in the computer room. We had brought computers over from the states and they never had seen a computer.” She said “It was amazing that I was able to be the one to teach them how to use a mouse.”
Greenlee recommends the trip to anyone and plans to spend a month there next year.
Beyond the Classroom: Jennifer Mox
By Jenny Jiao, ’16
Jennifer Mox is the new assistant principal at UAHS; she will oversee the sophomore class and part of the freshman class. Ms. Mox has over 20 years of experience in education and before her current position, she served as the assistant principal at Baldwin Road Junior High School in Reynoldsburg.
In addition, Mox is leading the new Culture and Diversity Club this year.
“In this community, we are going to be interacting with different types of people… so we need to figure out our own values and ideas,” Mox said. “The goal is to figure out who we are as individuals versus who we are as a community within the building.”
Mox’s experience in education has led her to believe being active and present in student life is an integral part of being successful at her job.
“My biggest focal point is to get to know the kids, get to know what [they’re] involved in,” Mox said. “[Students] should feel really comfortable having an assistant principal walk into [a] classroom and interact and taking part in [their] learning.”