The Student News Site of Community School of Davidson

CSD Spartan Media
The Student News Site of Community School of Davidson

CSD Spartan Media
The Student News Site of Community School of Davidson

CSD Spartan Media
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26 reasons why 2026 was a great school year to remember

Headlines, accomplishments, thoughts and reflections from a great year
Akhilan Kumaran, Liam Hogan, Max Shealy, Elena Cunningham, Mario Hardy, and Kennedy Donley
May 12, 2026
CSD students gather for the spring pep rally in Griffin gym. More than 500 students came to the high school building for the first day of school last August and now the class of 2026 is graduating in the year is coming to a close. (CSD Journalism class photo)

In late August 2025, the collection of more than 500 students representing grades nine through 12, all a year older, returned to school to begin the academic year in new grades. Some entered the building for the first time, while for others, those “Lifers” who had attended the Community School of Davidson (CDD) since kindergarten, it was their last first day of school. School was back in session, a new year beginning for Spartans young and old.

Along with their book bags, each student brought so much more. They carried hopes and dreams and anxieties and uncertainties and anticipation, too. While everyone had an idea what the year might look like, no one knew for certain.

Now, more than nine months later, the year is coming to an end. To recap the year, and include the many ups and downs, here is a list of 26 reasons why 2026 was a great year for Spartans at CSD High School in Davidson, North Carolina.

1. “Winning states.” – Kennedy Donley (‘26)

Senior volleyball player, Kennedy Donley (center, seated) poses with members of her state champion volleyball team on Signing Day 2026. (CSD Journalism class photo)

2. Getting to hang out with Akhilan Kumaran and Maxwell

3.  “Getting to experience high school life.” – Garrett Brewton (‘29)

When the weather gets warmer, students take their studying outdoors. It’s some thing uniquely CSD. (Mario Hardy)

4. “I loved going to semi-finals for soccer.” – Tripp Browning (‘26)

5. “Prom and having a sleepover the night before!” – Bailey Lowman (‘27)

The 2026 masquerade prom was held at the Cain Center in Cornelius. (CSD Journalism class photo)

6. “Creative Writing Class is back with a new teacher!” – Sara Behnke, Creative Writing teacher

7. “I loved the conversations I’ve had with students, positive interactions, and building relationships.” – Officer Mike Prather, School Resource Officer (retiring after the 2026 school year ends)

8. “I’m about to hit 600 saves in lacrosse, making me 2nd in the state.” – Lilly Dobbs (‘26)

9. The final football season with Coach TJ.

10. “Having classes four days a week, building relationships with kids, and having more time with the [Economics] content.” – Cindy Khaleeq, Economics and Personal Finance teacher

11. “XC girls getting 2nd at NCHSAA States.” – Liam Hogan (‘26)

12. “The relationships I built with my teachers this year” – Liv McNeely (‘27)

13. “Watching my daughter Maggie dance and play lacrosse and do Maggie stuff.” – Henry Neale, Ph.D., Precalculus teacher

14. Consecutive snowstorms and multiple days off after one of North Carolina’s Top 5 biggest one day snowfalls in history made the “Winter of ‘26” one to remember.

15. The addition of new TVs around the school made spreading news about school events easier.

16. It’s not every day you find a live mouse maxed out on eating cheese sound asleep in a math hall locker.

17. New clubs formed and old clubs returned at the Club Fair during the beginning of the year.

18. Club sports, like boys volleyball, continue to grow and gain popularity.

19. The Allied Achievers and Comrades Association (AACA) brought in multiple guest speakers, including former Davidson College basketball coach Bob McKillop and newly elected Cornelius mayor Denis Bilodeau.

Legendary Davidson College men’s basketball coach, Bob, McKillop, third from right, is joined by AACA founders, from left, Max Shelly, Akhilan Kumaran, and Liam Hogan, after his speech at CSD. (Liam Hogan)

20. Intersession ‘26 was a blast like always, with students learning in groups from Museum Hopping to 3 Days on the Page (a creative writing crawl) plus mini-golf, college visits, cooking and even disc golf.

21. Mr. Yodice’s mentorship led to one of CSD’s Mock Trial team reaching the final round of a regional competition, which was the furthest the school’s Mock Trial program has ever gone in a competition.

22.. “Seeing Mr. Yodice assassinate Lincoln for the first time.” – Adriana Vinas (‘27)

Anthony Yodice, APUSH, APGOV and US History teacher, sits outside during a warm spring afternoon. Every year for his classes, he reacts and describes the Lincoln assassination. (Carter Burch)

23. Kim Keith stepped in to her new role as Student Life Leader, taking over from Leslie Bragg.

24. For the first time ever, woodarts students designed and built pinewood derby cars then raced in Arts Commons.

Bobby Hardin, woodshop teacher at left, leads students in a pinewood derby race for the first time. (CSD Journalism class photo)

25. Love to the administration and all the teachers, coaches, and staff who gave so much every day.

26. “The eight Journalism student journalists who took the Spartan Sentinel and the Spartan Specific podcast in their own direction and brought so much to the CSD community.” – Mike Savicki, Journalism advisor

The 2026 Journalism class gather outside the classroom. Front row, left to right, Elena Cunningham (‘27), Liam Hogan (‘26), Carter Burch (‘29), Akhilan Kumaran (‘26). Back row left to right Dylan Sherman (‘28), Max Shelly (‘26), Mario Hardy (‘26), Kennedy Donley (‘26). (CSD Journalism class photo)

 

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About the Contributors
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
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
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
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
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)