By Kelly Chian, ’16 and Jenny Jiao, ’16
Bear Guides
By Sophia Fisher
I entered UAHS as a freshman with only one friend from my school. As a student from outside the district (I had come from Saint Andrew) I was hyper-aware of how foreign public high school was. But the welcoming committee (called Link Crew way back then) made me feel at home and excited to make friends. So sophomore year when Bear Guides replaced Link Crew, I jumped at the opportunity to welcome new freshmen the way I had been welcomed— with enthusiasm, kindness, and understanding. I participated in the Freshman Orientation efforts at the high school for three years, and have always cherished the ability to make new students feel safe and connected. Bear Guides allowed upperclassmen to bridge the divide that often forms between grade levels in a way that was fun for everyone— with awkward icebreakers, scavenger hunts and building tours that make anyone’s first day of high school unforgettable.
Basketball State Finals
By Jake Kern
Going to the Schottenstein Center to play for a state championship my sophomore year was probably the best experience of my basketball career. I was only a sophomore so I didn’t really play that much all year on varsity and only got to dress. However, in the state semifinal game we were up by 25 and our coach started to put all of us younger guys in the game. So for about 25 seconds, I got to experience my dream since I was a little kid to play in the Schott in front of a huge crowd. That’s another thing that made the experience so amazing: the crowd. The support from our entire student body and the whole Upper Arlington community was what made the experience so much fun for us on the team. Although we didn’t end up winning in the end, the run to the state title game really showed what an amazing community we have in UA.
Junior Prom
By Danny Tomaszewski
Oh prom, how do I describe you?
A simple passage just couldn’t do
But poetry will suffice.
So I’ll begin with something nice
Preparation wasn’t too bad.
A few meetings with Boesch we had
We agreed on a theme, chose the food
And made shirts for the gals and dudes.
A day before the big night
We arrived and wow, what a sight!
The convention center was big
With two floors, we had a great gig.
We got to work setting up
Putting out t-shirts as our warm up
Then we reviewed all the plans
And forbid any Natty cans.
Soon enough, the prom was here
Upperclassmen getting in gear
Dates and friends took lots of pics
Everyone sporting fresh new kicks.
But oh prom, you scoundrel you
What did you do to our good food?
The meat as rare as snow days
The bread hard like getting straight A’s
The DJ, where was he from?
He spun beats like a Cali bum
Table talk was awkward like
“Sooo do you like to walk or bike?”
But oh prom, you witty thing
These memories keep us laughing
Although it could have been better
Nothing is perfect, remember?
From embarrassing our youth
By dressing up at the photo booth
To not caring anymore
While dabbing on the dance floor
Make the most of time left here
And live carefree, not without fear
For life simply runs too fast
To regret moments in the past
Fourth of July
By Rose Paulson
I think I can enjoy UA’s Fourth of July parade more now that I know my marching days are over. Our directors always say it’s the hardest thing we do all year. We had to wake up early, wear thick black pants totally inappropriate for July, and stand and march at attention for an hour, playing the four same songs over and over. Reaching the end of the parade has been one of the purest joys I’ve experienced in band. It’s always such a relief to take off my sweaty neck strap, grab a bottle of water, and find some friends to commiserate with.
But through all the early mornings and sweaty parades, the hours of memorizing music and learning drills, I feel nothing but gratitude for my time with the band. It doesn’t matter if we’re at end of the parade on the Fourth of July, drenched in sweat, in our cabin at band camp, laughing uncontrollably, or under the stadium lights of the Marv, marching eight steps to five yards; my friendships have made band worthwhile for me. I wouldn’t have wanted to march the parade with anyone else.
Sixth Grade Camp
By Grace Brethel
Being a counselor was one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done. It allowed me to take the pressure off myself and allowed me to focus on having fun with the kids. We spent our mornings and afternoons hiking, while our nights were filled with hoedowns and skits. Although spending three days with a bunch of sixth graders doesn’t sound very relaxing, those three days were probably the most relaxed day I had had in months. Being able to hang out and spend time outside with the kids allowed all of the other counselors and myself to feel like we were back in sixth grade. It was amazing to be able to facilitate learning and connections between the kids and watch new friendships be made. My favorite moment of Sixth Grade Camp was definitely watching the kids’ faces as they made it up Back Breaker Hill; they were all so excited and felt so accomplished. I would do anything to go back to camp and recommend applying to everyone who can.
Scottish Exchange
By Ethan Fischer
Going on the Scotland Exchange doesn’t really have a comparison, as it isn’t the typical spring break trip to Cabo or Siesta Key. What Scotland lacks in idyllic weather it replaces with awe-inspiring antiquity. Every place we visited welcomed us with buildings and traditions that predated the American Revolution. I stayed in an area that looked like a transplant of San Francisco with steep streets lined by identical houses – houses that mimicked San Franciscan architecture, replacing the wooden siding with stone bricks the size of a tire. We filled our days traveling to the various cities of Scotland, including St. Andrews, Edinburgh and of course, Dundee. Our trip was defined by the freedom we were given to explore the country how we desired. Although the day’s general location was predetermined, what we saw and where we went was up to us. Nights filled hanging out downtown or relaxing at someone’s house completed the experience. The relationships made with my host family persevere long after the return plane departs. After leaving Scotland, a feeling lingers in your gut. A feeling of longing and nostalgia that cannot be expressed. The essence of an entire country cannot be captured in just a few words. You have to experience it.
Andros Island
By Will Sullivan
The Andros Island Trip was an unforgettable week filled with snorkeling next to stingrays and sharks, hiking up rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean, swimming around a sunken ship, island hopping and eating native Bahamian food. We stayed on a field station located right on the beach of the Atlantic Ocean, which made waking up every morning a little easier. Days were broken up into three boat days and three bus days. On boat days, we would wake up and take a boat to an island, stopping along the way to snorkel in the Andros Barrier Reef, or swim in the Tongue of the Ocean or look for starfish. Everyday we would eat lunch on the beach of random islands before swimming some more. On bus days, we would take buses to different cliffs or landmarks around the island including a historic lighthouse, a cave and two blue holes. Every day held new experiences and adventures that were unlike anything else. Even though all of these things were incredible, the best part of the trip was experiencing all of these things with my classmates. Traveling to a different country and experiencing a new culture with your friends is unlike anything else. If you have an interest in learning about different cultures, studying biology or just swimming in the ocean alongside marine life, then Andros is the place for you.
Edwin Drood
By Natalie Amling
The Mystery of Edwin Drood was a great experience. As my last musical at the high school, I was sad to leave an amazing group of friends but I loved watching each of them grow musically. I remember one day we ran through every ending to the show, (there are over 400) and all the chorus members just sat in awe at everyone’s talent. It was hilarious and fun to interact with the audience before the show. Each night we went out and welcomed everyone to the ‘Music Hall Royale’ with our British accents and our 19th century attitudes. But the best memory is each night before we went out, each of the seniors gave a farewell speech to the underclassmen. It was really emotional and a lot of people cried but it was a true testament to all the fun and friends we’ve made. Off to the Races!
Senior Spring Break
By Lexie Czerwonka
This past spring break I went to the Island of Aruba, also known as “The Happy Island.” The island was very true to its nickname because all of the locals we met were extremely outgoing and friendly. The island itself was relaxing, peaceful and full of sun from seven in the morning until eight or nine at night. Although the majority of the island speaks English, many of the locals also speak Dutch, Spanish and Papiamento. My friends and I jumped off boats into the clear 80 degree water to snorkel alongside colorful fish and the other aquatic life. We explored caves near black sand beaches where we found pink, yellow and even purple seashells. Most nights we would eat at one of the many restaurants located on the beaches of Aruba, literally in the sand. Wild dogs ran around the island and slept under umbrellas on the beach along with bright green and blue lizards and large, multicolored birds. The weather was incredibly hot all of the time, but with a strong wind you could barely feel yourself getting burnt!
Community School
By Corinne Stowe
Community School can be summed up into one word: unpredictable. You could walk into class ready to have a discussion about the reading due, but something would happen in the news and we would focus on that instead that day. I impulsively clicked on CS-Literature 11 while registering for classes sophomore year. I never expected that just two short years in the program would lead me to my closest friends, great teachers who care about every student, and my passion for learning. Once you step into the crowded humid room at the end of the hall, you are welcomed with open ears, an open seat or a spot in the windowsill. My time in Community School showed me that everyone is just a person, simple as that. Everyone has a voice and deserves to be heard. No one is better or worse than anyone else, we are all here learning together. Many of the kids in that room are so compassionate towards one another, helping with an assignment or bringing food to each other. I am incredibly thankful I had the opportunity to spend my time in that crowded humid room.
Orchestra Takes NYC
By Chloe Amsterdam
I have been fortunate enough to go on many orchestra trips during my time at UAHS, traveling to places from Disney World to China. However, I am glad I was able to end my high school year and orchestra career by going to New York City. We visited iconic places like Times Square and Radio City Music Hall, saw historic sites like the 9/11 Memorial and the Statue of Liberty, but most memorable for me was our visit to the United Nations Headquarters. We visited not once, but twice! Once to perform and the following day for a tour. It was incredible to see the various chambers and the artifacts the building housed. I imagined it being full of delegates from around the world, all working together to represent their countries interests while moving forward to accomplish the goals of the UN. I pictured President Obama or Ban Ki-Moon giving a speech from the podium that stood before us. The best part was sharing that experience with some of my closest friends from high school, and then walking around the streets of New York for our last night in the city.
Senior Tag
By Paul Kruse
Soaked and defeated, many Upper Arlington seniors set down their water guns this week as Senior Tag continues to eliminate more teams. Senior Tag is a game played by hundred of students in the senior class. The objective of the game is to eliminate other teams by spraying them with squirt guns without getting soaked yourself. As the game progresses teams are required to eliminate more enemies to stay alive. After going through several rounds, students may begin to feel blasé about the game, as it requires a large time commitment. Though all players can find their passion once again when they think of the 650 dollar prize winning. I myself dreamed day and night about those 650 Washingtons. Enough money to pay for my Taco Bell purchases for almost a month. Though, to my dismay our team fell short getting eliminated first round. Even though I want to blame my teammates (Jurgen Wilkes). I know we tried our hardest from pretending to be a Pizza Delivery Boy to hiding under a boat for over 3 hours. And even though we lost we had an “H E double hockey stick” of a time doing it.