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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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