QUARANTINE EDITION
A Puzzle Worth Solving
By: Kimai M. ('20)
I’ve always been intrigued by puzzles. Whether it be a Rubik’s Cube, image puzzle, maze, or anagram, I’ve always liked watching people complete them. Yet, despite my interest in these unusually appealing riddles, I never really did them myself. They always seemed so mind-bogglingly intricate, as though they were made to trap everyone who tried to solve them. However, I feel as though there are few things that parallel the satisfaction of seeing someone effortlessly finish a puzzle. I love seeing the rush of pride that fills their face when they swiftly finish the last step. Just thinking about it gives chills!
When I first started my Presidency the spring of my Junior year, I truly did not know what to expect. The thought of leading Senate seemed daunting and the idea of frequently speaking in front of the school filled my stomach with butterflies. So, I decided it would be best to come up with a list of goals for Senate and to work towards achieving them throughout the school year. Little did I know, I would soon find myself trying to solve the biggest puzzle I’ve ever encountered. However, instead of puzzle pieces, I had the important thoughts and emotions of my peers, a guidebook that also happened to be my greatest critic, and a model image that was a COMPLETELY different riddle. As the year continued, the problems only became more challenging. The number of factors I had to think about stressed me out and the timer seemed to be ticking rapidly. I truly was stressed and felt myself panicking in ways I never knew possible!
It wasn’t until I sat back and truly reflected on my goals that I realized what I was doing wrong: I was so focused on the end goal that I forgot about the process. The reason why these puzzle masters looked so prideful when completing their puzzles was because they enjoyed playing the game. Yes, they concentrated and yes, they were serious, but they also enjoyed solving the mystery at hand. If we focus too much on completing our goals rather than doing them, we lose sight of why we were doing them in the first place. I wanted for my Presidency to be focused on student wellness because I knew that several members of our community were struggling immensely and seeing our community happy made me happy. When I remembered my reasons it finally felt like the pieces were coming together.
Although my presidency was cut short and Senate was unable to finish the plans we had for this semester, it does not feel that way at all. I thoroughly enjoyed being your Student Body President. While I was presented with challenges, challenges far more perplexing than I ever expected to encounter, it made me so happy to see your smiles every single day. My timer happened to be stopped short, but I am more than happy with what we have completed. Thank you Country Day for the love, support, and kindness you have given me these past four years. I was finally able to figure out how to put my puzzle pieces together, and I will never forget that you taught me this skill. I look forward to hearing about all the accomplishments you will achieve and the puzzles you will solve!
Dress Code During Coronavirus
By: Sammy A. ('23)
Staying in Country Day dress code is not really a concern for students during this stay-at-home mandate.
In fact, most freshmen find comfortable clothing fashionable while attending online courses.
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“I’ve been wearing lounge clothes most days,” says Mary Reagan M. “I haven’t been seeing anyone besides my family, so I don’t have much reason for dressing up.”
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Katie F. agrees. “I’m really enjoying not having to dress up.”
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Lily J. uses this time as an opportunity to exercise more after her lacrosse season was canceled. “I’ve been wearing a lot of athletic clothes so I can try and exercise and get outside more.”
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Some students started new hobbies to keep themselves occupied during quarantine. Courtney G. has been wearing a lot of tie dye she made herself. “I’ve been making tie dye clothes and wearing and selling them,” says Courtney. “I’ve been doing it just because it’s something to keep me busy.”
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Not having to go to the actual school is the biggest change during this time, but so are outfits on a day to day basis. Yes, I miss being at school but loungewear being the “new skirt” has it perks. The whole spring of fashion even including the Met Gala and new trends have been halted during this time.
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I do enjoy dressing down while attending online school, but I really miss dressing up. It’s almost a trade-off between the usual spring formal wear to comfort clothes which I’ve enjoyed. I don’t want another virus taking a season of fashion, but I’m very comfortable at home. If I had known what was coming, I would’ve never shopped for floral skirts. Can’t wait to see what summer brings!
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Kay B.’s work from home look
Two CCDS fifth graders, Ellen C. and Baylor M., in their PJs
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Katie F.’s babysitting outfit
Lulu Lemon athletic outfit
Anne Carden C. in her quarantine outfit in DeBordieu
Tie Dye set by Michael Lauren to bake banana bread
Netflix
By: Hall M.('21)
Outer Banks – TV-MA
The show that is absolutely sweeping the nation right now is Outer Banks. If you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend you hop on the trend. You might be thinking right now, “Hall, I don’t need another soapy and unrealistic teen drama in my life right now." Well, while I’m sure most TV critics probably disagree, I think this one is special. The show has a flair of mystery and violence that, while a bit outlandish, makes the show unique. We all immediately root for the four main teen protagonists, but I think what’s most important about this show for us is the connection to North Carolina. The show is set on Figure Eight Island and the Outer Banks, so there is definitely some mirroring of the lifestyles we are familiar with. I would suggest viewing the show with an open mind, and, while the conflict is clearly dramatized, I think there is a lesson to learn from the story. And finally, the wardrobes of these characters are mandatory for whenever we can all enjoy Summer 2020 together.
Hollywood – TV-MA
Hollywood is a Ryan Murphy (Glee, American Horror Story, The Politician) produced show that rewrites the factual events of Hollywood in the 1940’s after World War II. The show’s plot revolves around a group of young actors who all have big dreams to become famous in the movie industry, but they each face adversity. Murphy focuses on how the racism and homophobia of the era, that still linger today, block the opportunity for meaningful and authentic art to be made. The story is incredibly moving and proves that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed, not just in Hollywood, but life. The cast of actors (David Corenswet, Jeremy Pope, Darren Criss, Patti Lupone and more) give incredibly convincing performances that really cause the audience to root for them. This show has beautiful storytelling through the glamorous Hollywood style, and is a great binge at only 7 episodes.
Disclaimer: The show contains nudity.
Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé – TV-MA
All of my friends have heard me absolutely rave about this music documentary of Beyoncé’s iconic 2018 Coachella performance. The Queen Bey was slated to perform the year prior but became pregnant and went on a hiatus from the public spotlight. So, she themed her Coachella performance the following year Homecoming to model the event that occurs every year at HBCU’s (Historically Black College and Universities). Her performance is on a new level compared to most festival shows in that her music, dancers, live band, costumes, set, (literally everything!) perfectly tell her story of black education and empowerment. Not to mention the enormous production value that allows Beyoncé to create her art without boundaries. And if that isn't enough to convince you, it’s two hours of Beyoncé singing her most iconic music and dancing like an absolute goddess with one hundred other people on stage with her! What more could you ask for? I have spent many hours during this quarantine learning the incredibly difficult dances from the performance that Bey somehow does in addition to singing all of her songs? The entire production is simply unbelievable, and the camerawork and audio capture it perfectly. If you’re like me, you will be in awe of the Queen for two straight hours.
Cheer – TV-MA
While this show was much trendier a few months ago, I just got around to watching it around spring break, and it is just so enjoyable. Anyone that doesn’t like cheer or know anything about it, I promise, keep reading because the show is still a great watch. Before I saw Cheer I didn’t really think much of college cheerleaders but did the show ever change my mind. This documentary shows the insane highs and brutal lows of the sport at tiny Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas. While it’s just a small community college you’ve never heard of, it’s actually one of the top cheer programs in the country that Coach Monica Aldama leads to victory nearly every year. She takes in kids often from unfortunate home situations and turns them into champions, and more importantly, good people. She is one of the most inspiring women I have ever witnessed, and by the end of the show I wanted to put my body through the pain of those cheerleaders for her. The show depicts the beautiful atmosphere of family, but also the heated competition to “make mat” and perform. I watched this show within 24 hours because I really craved to see the success of the kids whose entire lives are this sport. I recommend this to anyone who wants a weekend binge that’s a feel good, but also gripping experience.
Skincare
By: Ella M. ('21)
For most of you who might know me, you probably know that skincare is my weakness. I have always been into skincare and I can never get enough of it. You also probably know that I get sunburnt very easily, and I am known for showing up to school and dances with a very noticeable sunburn. Because of this, I have had to take very good care of my skin. Actually, there is a pretty funny story of what was probably my worst sunburn… I was kitesurfing at Real Watersports in the Outer Banks with my dad about 2 summers ago. When you are kitesurfing you have to look up at the sun pretty much the whole time, because you have to concentrate on the kite that propels you through the water. Because I was out on the water for so long, I could not reapply sunscreen. So, when I woke up the next day, my face was about 2 sizes bigger and my eyes were swollen shut; I was pretty much unrecognizable. I went to urgent care and they told me I had gotten sun poisoning. The best way that I can describe the feeling of sun poisoning is that it's like a layer of paper mache on fire on your face. It is extremely uncomfortable and anytime you touch your face it is very painful. Long story short, this experience pretty much scarred me for life, which is why I now wear sunscreen every day, even in the winter! I have come up with a list of what I use mostly every day, if not weekly. When you read my list, you will probably think I am crazy, but skin care is something I'm passionate about, especially after my sunburn horror stories. Here is a list of the products I use, and my daily skincare routine!
Morning routine:
Avéne Cleansing Foam
Skin Ceuticals Equalizing Toner
Avéne Hydrance Aqua Gel
Elta MD Broad-Spectrum Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen SPF 30 (everyday)
Avéne Eau Thermale Spring Water spray
Evening Routine:
Avéne Cleansing Foam
Skin Ceuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub (3x a week)
Skin Ceuticals Equalizing Toner
Avéne Skin Recovery Cream Rich
Avéne Hydrance Aqua Gel
Avéne Soothing Eye Cream
Avéne Eau Thermale Spring Water Spray
Caualíe Beauty Elixir Spray (3x a week)
m-61 Power Spot Blemish Lotion (occasionally)
OSEA Anti-Aging body balm
body lotion (rose body lotion, Au Lait Body Butter)
Moroccan Rhassoul clay (mixed with water to make a mask) (used about 2x a week)
UV Light Mask
List of products:
Avéne Cleansing Foam
Skin Ceuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
Skin Ceuticals Equalizing Toner
Avéne Skin Recovery Cream Rich
Avéne Hydrance Aqua Gel
Avéne Soothing Eye Cream
Avéne Eau Thermale Spring Water spray
Caualíe Beauty Elixir Spray
m-61 Power Spot Blemish Lotion
Elta MD Broad-Spectrum Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen SPF 30
Skin Ceuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50
OSEA Anti-Aging body balm
Other body lotions: rose body lotion, Au Lait Body Butter
Moroccan Rhassoul clay
UV Light Mask
How Students Survive the Virus
By: Jake R. ('22)
The COVID-19 Virus has taken over the minds of not just American citizens but the entire globe itself. The virus has shaken up every human’s way of life somehow in some way. Workers have been laid off and almost all non-essential figures have been told to self-quarantine themselves for the next couple of weeks. Students now must work from home by staying in contact with their teachers daily for new assignments and work. Day in and day out with little human contact, Charlotte Country Day students say they are starting to lose their minds.
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“Not a fan,” simply put by Sophomore Cole M. Cole has been in quarantine at his beach house in Bald Head Island for the past couple of weeks and is slowly becoming irritated with his situation.
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“It's harder to concentrate and finish work,” says Cole.
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Some students say the isolation has made the work less effective as boredom, the less strict learning environment, and the seriousness of COVID-19 has become overwhelming.
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“There is little contact with teachers,” says Cole. He says sometimes he’s not able to fully comprehend the assignments he’s working on. The absence of in person contact and availability can steepen the pressure on students to figure things out on their own.
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Sophomore Steven R. says he kind of enjoys online learning. “I don’t mind the home school that much, but I hate the quarantine,” he says.
"Not only I can't see my friends, but I can’t go see my dad,” says Steven
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Steven brings up, while most kids only just miss their friends, he has direct family that he also has to worry about. Although it is possible for him to go see his father, Steven says he respects his civil duty to stay at home and self-isolate.
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Though these are tough times for all of America and the world, both students agree: we must self-isolate and help flatten the curve so we can get back to our normal society because this virus has no bias on who it affects.
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Steven says, “It’s gonna be a while, but for right now we need to stay inside to get this over with!”
Sophomore Jake R. doing his online schooling.
A day in the Covid life of a Country Day student
By: Mrs. Gardner's Journalism Class
My Sticker Journey
By: Kate K.('20)
KKStickers is my custom college and sorority sticker business. The premise is anyone can request any college or sorority and I will make them stickers. The idea started last summer when my sister talked about her want for “trendy” stickers for her college past the usual logo. It immediately caused me to think about why I couldn't make these myself. I quickly began experimenting in photoshop with various fonts and styles in hopes that something would look decent. As I solidified the designs I liked, I found the website Redbubble where I could put my designs on products, like stickers, and they would print them for me. I found these designs fun to make so I made other schools and submitted them. The products began selling but I barely saw any profit for these designs. I started to debate the idea of making the stickers on my own. I calculated the costs to start between getting waterproof paper and a machine to cut them, but the cost quickly increased. Finally having enough time during quarantine to commit to the business, I took the leap. I took my profits from Redbubble and invested them in the supplies. I spent two weeks experimenting with size, color calibrations, and styles. At the beginning of May, I was ready to launch. It was and still is difficult. It’s hard to gain followers and consistently make popular schools to post every day, but it’s fun. I hope to continue to grow this business maybe even expanding to clothes and other products.
Grace's Top 5 Quarantine Books
By: Grace C.('22)
1. Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
2. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
3. The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
4. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
5. Eragon by Christopher Paolini
COVID-Madness
By: Tyler S.('21)
First, the NBA, second, the MLS, then COVID-19 took down March Madness from the NCAA, and now the Olympics. The most famous strand of the coronavirus, COVID-19 has seemingly taken control of the world.
COVID-19 has infected over two million people worldwide and has killed nearly sixty thousand. Most people didn’t realize how serious the virus really was at first. According to npr.org, on March 17, only 56% of people saw the coronavirus as a serious threat. The coronavirus has nearly shut down the USA and much of North Carolina.
“I have been alive for over 70 years and this is the first time that I have ever seen America completely shut down,” said Frank S. a senior citizen from North Carolina.
The cancellation of the sports world seemed to make more people believers in this pandemic.
“I think the cancellation and suspension of the sports world is something that seemed an impossibility. It reflects how serious the country and the world are taking this virus,” said Dustin S., Director of Community Engagement for the Charlotte MLS and the boys soccer coach at Charlotte Country Day School.
“Sports being cancelled in some ways hits home the deepest for many people because sports are a foundational fabric to our culture,” said Coach S. “I think it was the turning point to making people realize how serious this was, when sports were cancelled, especially March Madness.”
In most teenagers and basketball fanatics lives, the cancellation of March Madness was a heartbreaker. Many of them wish Covid-19 came during a different month, as March is the center of the college basketball world.
Mac R., a junior at Grace Academy and college basketball lover, was particularly upset with the timing of COVID-19. “It stinks that it had to come at the worst time because it’s usually the best month for sports.”
The next big sports event to be cancelled was the Olympics. The 2020 Olympic games will be postponed until next summer. This postponement leaves people with some questions: will we have a 2021 Summer Olympics? What about the next Olympic Games?
“They only happen every 4 years, so that is a big hit,” said Mac.
The cancellation of all professional sports has left a void for many people. “Makes life a lot more boring, there is not a lot to watch but Netflix, but I think they are doing the right thing,” said sophomore Bryce S.
People have found interesting things to do instead of watching sports during their free time: working out, playing sports, watching movies, painting, riding bikes, studying for the SAT and hanging out with family. These are just a few of the activities people say they have been doing to entertain themselves since the cancellation of sports.
COVID-19 has derailed people’s lives, and just the general society. The world is just watching and waiting to see how this will turn out. People have different activities they do to stay active and entertained, from sleeping to working out, from playing video games to posting challenges. Regardless of how people are handling their boredom and free time, there is no doubt the country and the world will come out of this pandemic different than when it went in.
Do it for the Community: Stay Quarantined!
By: Sammy A.('23)
"It’s kinda boring being home, but at the same time we have to stay safe," says Michael A. The sixth grader at Charlotte Country Day understands the importance of staying home. He also knows a lot of people across the country are not listening to the government and staying safe at home.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, only a certain amount of people can be helped who have Covid-19. This is called the healthcare capacity. Once hospitals reach their healthcare capacity, they must choose who they can help. The CDC chart called “Flattening the Curve” describes how people can stay home and avoid contact with others. If everyone listens to the government, we can reduce the curve resulting in less cases; and hospitals will not reach their max capacity.
"I think the government isn't at fault, and it’s more the citizens for not staying home," says Jessica A. The Charlotte mom worries for loved ones vulnerable to the virus.
The CDC says the people who are at higher risk for severe illness are those over 65 and people of all ages with underlying medical conditions. Jessica’s father, Jack M., is one of these people.
"They don’t have many beds left in the hospital near me," says Jack. Not only is he scared of getting the virus but wonders if he would be treated.
"I just want to keep away from everybody," Jack continues to say. If everyone could have the same mentality, he believes lives could be saved. "The stay at home order should not be taken lightly."
The Florida resident has given up some of his favorite activities. "I can’t go to Williams Island and that I miss a lot," says Jack.
While he’s staying home, he also tries to stay busy. "I watch tv and I do my paperwork.”
Jack M.'s family in Charlotte is trying to enjoy the extra time around the house as well. "I've been going on walks and cooking a little more," says Jessica.
Jessica’s sixth grade son is working more on his lacrosse skills. “I’ve been staying home, going outside and playing lax,” says Michael.
Both Michael and his mom are thankful for the sunny days in Charlotte. She adds, "we are lucky we live in a beautiful city where we can walk around.”