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26 reasons why the 2026 CSD school year will be a special one

Welcome back, Spartans. Here’s what the Journalism team believes make the cut.
Max Shealy, Elena Cunningham, Dylan Sherman, Akhilan Kumaran, Mario Hardy, Kennedy Donley, Liam Hogan, and Carter Burch
September 2, 2025
Liam Hogan
A larger than life Spartan mural along the gym hall welcomes students daily and serves as a visual reminder of the spirit and energy that fill the school. From pep rallies and advisory to service learning and sports (and lots more in between) it’s a great time to be a CSD student.

As CSD students come back and prepare for another year, excitement is high in one of the most unique high schools in the state. Here are the Journalism staff’s picks for 26 things that will make this 2026 year a special one.

1. New year, new school pictures. Smile if that’s your thing.

2. Service Fridays help the community and teach students new skills.

3. New advisories lead to lasting friendships.

4. Pep rallies and sporting events bring the hype.

5. Arts Night always delivers creative expression.

6. Homecoming festivities (that start with building and parading floats) are crazy.

7. Big TVs now share news and cool Spartan stuff, enhancing school culture.

The new TV at the end of Learning Street promotes CSD’S Money Matters Club.  As one of three new screens, students can now better stay up-to-date on items and events around the school. (Kennedy Donley)

8. The buildup, unveiling the Prom theme, then the big night make memories.

9. “Mama Mia” theater performances energize the Black Box.

10. New teachers, we love and appreciate you

A humorous sign sits on the desk of a long time English teacher. As the new school year begins, students appreciate their teachers, especially new ones, (CSD Journalism staff photo.)

11. Robin Hood dance performance? Yes,

12. Year two with Top Dog.

13. Halloween and all the spookiness that comes with it is amazing. (It’s on a Friday night this year, too!)

14. Spartan Specific podcasts becoming bigger and better.

15. The return of those tasty meatball subs on the hot lunch menu. Thanks.

16. New athletic conferences mean chances to win.

Griffin Gym is home to many CSD middle school plus junior varsity and varsity teams. As the Spartans move to a new NCHSAA conference, it will be the home to many exciting contests this season. (Carter Burch)

17. It’s the third year with those delicious muffins at Spartan Perk plus drinks and great service

18. Clubs promise tons of fun and connections.

19. We can’t say enough about more opportunities to take a class with Dr. Neale. How can any teacher make complicated math so enjoyable?

Dr. Henry Neale watches the ‘25 Spartans varsity football home opener football game from the student section. Dr. Neale is a familiar face at most Spartans sporting events. In the classroom, he has a special way of making advanced math not only enjoyable, but also amazingly fun. (CSD Journalism staff photo)

20. Senior mini-golf can’t get here soon enough.

21. Bringing back the creative writing class is great.

22. We are looking forward to Intersession choices and the real world learning that comes with them.

23. Spartan Day is the best day of the year.

24.  Senior Skip Day, unofficially.

25. We love learning about college choices through another year of great college visits.

26. The Class of ‘26 is (finally) moving to the top.

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About the Contributors
Max Shealy
Max Shealy, Editor-in-Chief
Max Shealy is a senior and a CSD lifer. A lifer is a Spartan who has attended CSD since kindergarten. Although this is his first year taking Journalism, he chose to take the role of Editor-in-Chief due to his long history and experiences in the school. Additionally, he is currently the leader of the Allied Achievers and Comrades Association (AACA), a leadership club, and also participates in the CSD Mock Trial club. Max has had experience in a variety of sports, including baseball, tennis and cross-country. This year, he’s experimenting with volleyball, too. A fun Max fact is that he’s currently editing a short film with one of his friends. In his free time, he’s been getting more into running, as well as playing guitar and piano. Quote: “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find true strength.” – Marcus Aurelius Walk-up song: New Person, Same Old Mistakes – Tame Impala
Elena Cunningham
Elena Cunningham, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Creative Content Manager
Elena Cunningham is a junior in her second year of Journalism. She is excited to build on her first year and do even more across many areas of the Spartan Sentinel. In her first year, Elena’s passion for creative writing helped inspire the Creativity Corner, a new dropdown on the website which features student and teacher contributions including art, poetry, haiku and short stories. She loves reading and wants to have a job in publishing one day. Elena’s most recent favorite book is “In the Wild Light.” When she is not holding a book, Elena enjoys playing varsity volleyball and lacrosse. Elena came to CSD in her freshman year from Pioneer Springs and maintains friendships with lots of people from both schools. Her favorite things to do with friends include walking around Birkdale, playing beach volleyball and conquering escape rooms. Favorite Quote: “You are your best thing.” – Toni Morrison, “Beloved” Walkup song: Glitter & Gold – Barns Courtney
Dylan Sherman
Dylan Sherman, Sports Editor, Copy Editor
Dylan Sherman is a sophomore in his second year at CSD after coming from Bailey Middle School. This is also his second year in Journalism and he likes to write about sports as well as play them. As a freshman, Dylan dug deep into sports journalism and wrote about what was going on at CSD including athlete injuries and recovery. He enjoys writing because he says it helps build creativity. This year Dylan is looking forward to playing baseball for the school while also writing about many different aspects of the variety of sports at school. He wants to write in detail about the impact of sports and other interesting topics. In his spare time, Dylan plays travel baseball and his main positions are third base and pitcher. He also enjoys traveling to new countries and islands for vacation. Some of his favorite places are Aruba and Curacao. When he has extra time, he likes to play video games and hang out with his friends. Quote: “If you don’t know where you are going, you will end up someplace else” -Yogi Berra Walkup Song: Seven Nation Army– The White Stripes
Akhilan Kumaran
Akhilan Kumaran, News Editor, Features Editor
Akhilan Kumaran is a senior who has been at CSD since 8th grade. His time at CSD is the longest he’s been at one school. Akhilan loves to get involved with his school community through tutoring math and other subjects. He also co-founded a club with two other students during his junior year, the Allied Achievers and Comrades Association (AACA). He’s looking forward to leading the club in his final year at CSD. Outside of school, Akhilan loves watching and analyzing movies. He’s even written his own screenplay. Some of his favorite movies include “Inglorious Basterds,” “Chinatown,” “Aftersun” and “Punch Drunk Love.” He is constantly looking for new movies to watch. This is Akhilan’s first year as a student journalist. He looks forward to being able to write engaging stories about CSD and the students, and learning and improving his writing skills. Quote: “As little as possible.” – “Chinatown” Walk-up song: Electric Avenue, – Eddy Grant
Mario Hardy
Mario Hardy, Arts & Entertainment Editor, New Ideas and Initiatives Manager
Mario Hardy is a senior who has been a Spartan since 7th grade. He is taking Journalism because he believes it is a cool course that will really help him with his dream of working in politics. He really loves cars and music. Some of his favorite cars are the Crown Majesta S 140 and the Mazda RX-7. He also keeps a list of global car shows and cars he wants to see there on his phone. Just in case. As for music, Mario really likes exploring different artists. Some of his favorite artists are Milkzy, J. Cole, KidTokio and Nino Paid. Quote: “No such thing as a life that’s better than yours” – J. Cole Walkout song : “I Need a Reason” – KidTokio
Kennedy Donley
Kennedy Donley, Visual Media and Public Relations Editor, Student Life Editor
Kennedy Donley is a senior who has attended CSD since kindergarten. She is a “lifer.” This is Kennedy’s first year taking Journalism and she is looking forward to being involved with capturing happenings around her school and community. She is excited to be involved by being a visual media and public relations editor and student life editor. She also plans to write about sports that are currently in season and how athletes deal with school while playing a school sport. In her spare time Kennedy spends a lot of time at volleyball practice where she is right side varsity volleyball hitter. She  has played volleyball for all four years of her high school career. If she’s not at volleyball, Kennedy is hanging out with her friends and family or watching a movie. Quote: “ Do the next right thing in faith, with excellence and for the glory of God.” – Allie Beth Stuckey Song: 98 braves – Morgan Wallen
Liam Hogan
Liam Hogan, Podcast Editor, Student Life Editor
Liam Hogan is a senior who is very happy that he gets the honor of being called a “lifer” (a CSD student who has attended since kindergarten). Since this is first year taking Journalism, he’s hoping to learn about the process that goes into crafting a solid story as well as contributing to the team. He will be working on some of the podcast materials, too. Liam is an active member on both the cross-country and volleyball teams. He is a co-founder of the Allied Achievers and Comrades Association club (AACA) with two other student journalists. Liam really enjoys roasting marshmallows with friends, playing disc golf and running. Personal Quote: “You can not have a positive life with a negative mind” Quote: “I’m going to bring some organization to this organization”- Akhilan Kumaran Walkup song: Can’t Stop – RHCP
Carter Burch
Carter Burch, Opinions Editor, Deputy Sports Editor
Carter Burch is a true CSD freshman. That means this is not only his first year in Journalism, it is also his first year at the school. He had many unenjoyable experiences at other schools, but while being here he has learned many things that will hopefully lead him to some even better years in the future. Carter chose to take Journalism to write in a new way. Carter says soccer is a big deal. He enjoys playing center back both on the school’s JV team and for the Charlotte Independence Club. His favorite soccer player is Lionel Messi. In his spare time, Carter enjoys video gaming and going fishing with his father. His video game choices include Rocket League, Minecraft and Fortnite. His favorite types of fish to catch are trout, bluefish and catfish. Quote: “The only constant in life is change.” – Heraclitus Walk up Song: Don’t Stop Belivin’– Journey (Escape Tour)