(Wikimedia) The United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage month every year from September 15 to October 15 to recognize the contributions and cultural diversity of the Hispanic community. The observance began in 1968 as a week-long celebration and extended to a month-long celebration in 1988. The start date, September 15, marks the independence anniversary of Costa…

Students engage in cultural lessons. (Courtesy/Mr. Mena) The Global Scholars Experience (GSE) program at Academy began this year to promote cultural awareness and provide mentorship. In GSE, Mr. Mena and I help 17 underclassmen discover their passions and create initiatives to benefit the community.  Global Scholars is a three-year program run by the Columbus Council…

Alli K., Lauren G., Gabby R., Lilly R., Sydney F., and Angela H. (Photo/Dr. Bundy) On Tuesday, October 3, seniors met with their kindergarten buddies in the Dining Hall to decorate pumpkins. Mr. Dow rearranged the Upper School’s schedule to accommodate the event. Sectioned by kindergarten classes, each table held a pair of pumpkins and…

(Caroline M./Staff) The entire school assembled in the Mack gym the afternoon of Friday, Saturday 29 to prepare for the football rivalry game against the Bexley Lions. Student council busied itself with preparations, and the rally began with words from student body co-presidents Angela H. and Mikey J., who introduced the Vikings, Vlad (Aanav K.)…

Memorial Commemorating First Responders (Wikimedia Commons) Upper school history teacher, Mr. Morford, spoke at assembly on Monday, September 11 to share a reflection about the attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City that occurred 22 years ago. He projected an on-screen picture from 2001 of firemen in action after the bombings and stressed…

Students collaborate with peers during Common Hour. (Melanie Q./Staff) Picture this: students playing board games, catching up on assignments, spending time outdoors. This is what our former student body co-presidents, Davey A. and Gurby V., proposed a Common Hour to our admistration as a mental health initiative for students to relax during the school day.…

Dungeons and Dragons, one of three winners at Club Fair (Melanie Q./Staff) Ian C. and Melanie Q. announced Club winners for their well-decorated tables at the September 1 Fair held on Lazarus Courtyard after a morning of all upper-school community service. Club Penguin, Dungeons and Dragons, and Pickleball Club received $100, $50, and $25, respectively.…

The Senior-Kindergarten Letter Board. (Courtesy/Milana B.) Seniors gathered in their advisories on Tuesday, September 12, to write letters to their kindergarten buddies, a newer tradition since 2018 as a way for the seniors and kindergarteners to stay in contact despite their classrooms being so far apart. Senior and K-buddy coordinator, Milana B., with the help of…

On September 8, students and faculty delighted in receiving yearbooks chronicling the 2022-2023 school year across more than 300 pages. The yearbook staff distributed the books at the back of the theater during Block 4 and lunch. Students poured over the entries in the dining hall, lounges, and the library. I loved flipping through the…

Meet Vlad and Vicky: Aanav K.and Lauren W. (Milana B./Staff) Each year, Student Council holds auditions and selects two students to be Vlad and Vicky, whose main job is to lead the student section cheers at sporting events and pep rallies. Dressed in medieval gear and viking-style helmets, seniors Aanav K. and Lauren W. are…