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Photo Credit: Alyssa Rodriguez
Snapshot of Photography at SAS
Snapshot of Photography at SAS
Fiona Nield
Fiona Nield
May 2, 2025
May 2, 2025
How it began:What began as a niche elective tucked into the corner of the arts hallway has grown into a coveted creative program. Over the past four years, the photography program at St. Andrews has developed from a handful of students snapping photos on their phones into a thriving, hands-on curriculum teaching students the art of storytelling through a camera lens.
Background: Launched 2 years ago the photography program was offered as a beginners arts elective, giving students a basic overview of camera functions , composition, and photo editing. As interest spread, resources, curriculum, and opportunities expanded. Today, the program includes multiple course levels, use of film cameras and developing and editing software, and showcases such as the annual student photography exhibit. Now students can explore everything from portrait photography to film photography, capturing the beauty of school.
Where we are now:The growth of the photography program is reflected in more than just the number of students enrolled, it’s obvious in the passion they bring to their work. “Mrs. Westerlund really gave me the love I have for photography,” said Mary Broocks ‘25 “She took something so complicated and made it so digestible to students.” The program has become more than just a class it’s a creative outlet. “I’m leaving with a new love for photography,” shared senior Nia. “Now it’s something I’m considering pursuing in college. This class just really made me love shooting and it made me get a lot better at it.” Students see the potential for even more growth, hoping for a larger budget, off-campus opportunities like workshops and conventions, and incorporating the student photographers into every aspect of school life documenting the richness that is the St. Andrews community.
Background: Launched 2 years ago the photography program was offered as a beginners arts elective, giving students a basic overview of camera functions , composition, and photo editing. As interest spread, resources, curriculum, and opportunities expanded. Today, the program includes multiple course levels, use of film cameras and developing and editing software, and showcases such as the annual student photography exhibit. Now students can explore everything from portrait photography to film photography, capturing the beauty of school.
Where we are now:The growth of the photography program is reflected in more than just the number of students enrolled, it’s obvious in the passion they bring to their work. “Mrs. Westerlund really gave me the love I have for photography,” said Mary Broocks ‘25 “She took something so complicated and made it so digestible to students.” The program has become more than just a class it’s a creative outlet. “I’m leaving with a new love for photography,” shared senior Nia. “Now it’s something I’m considering pursuing in college. This class just really made me love shooting and it made me get a lot better at it.” Students see the potential for even more growth, hoping for a larger budget, off-campus opportunities like workshops and conventions, and incorporating the student photographers into every aspect of school life documenting the richness that is the St. Andrews community.
Letter from the Senior Editors
Letter from the Senior Editors
by Sloan Golson and Grace Berry
by Sloan Golson and Grace Berry
May 5, 2025
May 5, 2025
Dear Reader,As we wrap up our final issue of The Tartan as senior editors, we can’t help but reflect on what this publication has come to mean to us. From chaotic layout classes to debated over images and headlines, this paper has shaped our time at St. Andrew’s in ways never expected. It’s hard to believe it’s time to say goodbye, but we are truly proud of what this team has produced over the past year. This year, we introduced the Buzz section - a space for fun, fast reads that brought new voices and lighter moments into the mix. With features like coffee talk, club corner, and Q&A, the Buzz section added personality and humor to the paper, making it more reflective of the vibrant student body behind it. We also created an Instagram page (thetartan.sas) that helps gain more readers and give updates. At the same time, we’ve worked hard to dive into deeper, more complex conversations. From social justice and gender equality to environmental concerns in local activism, our staff took on important, sometimes uncomfortable issues with courage and care. We believe a school newspaper should do more than report, it should spark thought and dialogue.We both joined this class as juniors with little experience in journalism, but we’re leaving with a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling. Writing and editing for The Tartan has sharpened our voices and taught us how to communicate clearly, creatively, and with purpose. These skills aren’t just for journalists; they’re universal, and we encourage all students to take a chance on this class. You never know what may come from it.We would like to thank our fellow writers Valeria Aramburo, Bo Aycock, Enzo Hsu, Xander Jenkyn, Sophia Kleberg, Luke McGrath, Brooks Moore, Fiona Nield, Josie Powers, Aneesa Ravula, Caroline Simmons, Charli Squire, Brooks Tolany, Aiden Tynberg, Sofia Wesbecher, Ava Barnard, Cooper Johnson, Zain Osborne, Sonia Singh, and Katherine Stone for the hard work and dedication they brought to each issue.We would also like to give our greatest gratitude to Dr. Canavan for her guidance, patience, and unwavering support. Even when we were behind on deadlines or battling formatting disasters, Dr. Canavan remained calm and refocused us on the story. She has not just taught us how to write, but how to tell a story that matters.And finally, thank you-our readers. We are grateful to have had your eyes on our pages and proud to have been a part of a community that values curiosity. We are incredibly proud to be a part of the class of 2025 and will always call St. Andrew’s our home.All the best,Grace Berry and Sloan Golson (senior editors)
Photo Credit: Sloan Golson
EWOW Third Annual Evening of Empowerment
Sloan Golson
Sloan Golson
March 12, 2025
March 12, 2025
On Tuesday, March 11th, The St. Andrew’s Empowering Women of Our World Club kicked off their 3rd Annual Evening of Empowerment in style! Senior leaders Stormy Maebius and Caroline Goldman, along with junior club members Julia Milikin and Madeline Cohen, hosted an inspiring hour-long panel featuring some incredible guests: Jeni Lowry (philanthropist), Sharyn Alfonsi (journalist), Marissa Tarleton (Business Women), and Christina Kleberg (elemental researcher/scientist). The lively discussion covered everything from the highs and challenges of each guest’s career to the obstacles they've overcome as women in their fields. The panel also shared valuable advice for young women eager to break into their industries and make their mark on the world.
Bios:
Rock Band Madness
Bo Aycock and Fiona Nield
Bo Aycock and Fiona Nield
March 12, 2025
March 12, 2025
Our SAS Rock Bands had a concert March 10th and Head on Collision, Band Purple, Blaha Blasts, and the Makeovers blew everyone away. Their technique was beyond impressive. It was clear each band had practiced incredibly hard. The different sounds and styles of each band made the whole night extremely exciting. Band members remarked on the journey with good memories and were delighted to play for the audience. “From playing my favorite songs, to making life long connections with my band mates, rock band is the best choice you’ll ever make,” explained senior Brooks Tolaney.
The arts are a great way to get involved here at St. Andrew’s and a perfect way to insert your passion into your school day. “It lets me spend more time on something I love doing outside of school,” explained junior Julia Millikin. A common theme of the artists was the gratefulness for the community formed within their bands. “I decided to join rock band during the second semester of my junior year. I realized that I only had one year left, and I felt like I wasn’t taking advantage of the amazing resources that St. Andrew’s provides. Thankfully Mr. J was on board with my plan, and now it is one of the best decisions I have made in my 12 years here,” explained senior Luke McGrath.
Photo Credit: Fiona Nield
Photo Credit: Grace Berry
Holiday Q&A
Senior Editors
Senior Editors
December 19, 2024
December 19, 2024
Favorite holiday drink?
Brandon Barker: Hot chocolate
Nia Trevillion: Hot chocolate
Parker Hall: Hot chocolate
Ms. Fuchs: When I go to Starbucks I get a small hot chocolate in a large cup and get them to fill it up to the top with whip cream.
Ms. Horne: Eggnog (spiked)
Dr. Skinner: Apple cider with cinnamon
Ms. Tollefson: Hot chocolate with whip cream
Jake Near: Hot chocolate
Favorite holiday movie?
Brandon Barker: I’ve never even watched a holiday movie.
Nia Trevillion: The Polar Express
Parker Hall: Love Actually
Ms. Fuchs: Elf
Ms. Horne: Elf
Dr. Skinner: A Christmas Story. The one with the kid that wants the gun.
Ms. Tollefson: Moonstruck
Jake Near: Elf
Favorite holiday song?
Brandon Barker: The ding dong one. Carol of the bells.
Nia Trevillion: Jingle Bell Rock
Parker Hall: Carol of the bells
Ms. Fuchs: Male Kalike Maka
Ms. Horne: I love Bruce Springsteen’s version of Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Dr. Skinner: Oh Holy Night
Ms. Tollefson: George Michael’s Last Christmas
Jake Near: It’s Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas
Favorite holiday tradition?
Brandon Barker: Seeing my family
Nia Trevillion: Bake cookies.
Parker Hall: White Elephant
Ms. Fuchs: We do an advent calendar and bake cookies and decorate a nature tree for the animals. The kids love it.
Ms. Horne: With my sister and her family we order Moravian sugar cakes that you can only get from this bakery in North Carolina.
Dr. Skinner: We usually do an Angel tree
Ms. Tollefson: My mom always would sneak out of the house Christmas Eve and she would jingle bells and pretend elves came.
Jake Near: Just the present and Christmas tree
Favorite holiday dinner side?
Brandon Barker: Ham
Nia Trevillion: Ham
Parker Hall: Lakies
Ms. Fuchs: Cranberry sauce
Ms. Horne: Mac and cheese
Dr. Skinner: We have tamales on Christmas Eve
Ms. Tollefson: We always make chicken and dumplings
Jake Near: My grandma makes lamb chops
9 Questions with Ms. Tran
Sofia Wesbecher
Sofia Wesbecher
December 19, 2024
December 19, 2024
Sofia Wesbecher interviewed Ms. Tran who teaches 3 sections of AP Comparative Government and 1 section of Honors World History.
Q: Which historical figure would you like to meet?
A: Probably Chabi… She’s the second wife of Kublai Khan, The Great Khan… She’s famous for reinventing court fashion as well as helping Kubelai incorporate Buddhism and Confucianism into his court. She was a very, very cool queen. I’m all about team queen.
Q: Any advice for students?
A: Don’t use your favorite song as your alarm, because you’ll end up despising it.
Q: Mountains or beaches?
A: Mountains.
Q: What would you do if you weren’t a teacher?
A: I would probably be an industrial designer. Probably designing kitchen utensils or furniture… or an architect!
Q: What’s your middle name?
A: Tea—T-H-I—That’s how you pronounce it.
Q: If you had a time machine, would you use it?
A: I don’t like to time travel—physically or metaphorically. I like to stay present.
Q: What class offered at SAS would you like to take?
A: Probably Mr. Eclarinal’s film class.
Q: Who is your idol?
A: Off the top of my head, I’m again team queen: Sade. I love Sade.
Q: Any words of wisdom for your economics class?
A: Mind the graph.
Q: What’s something you wish students knew about you?
A: That I’m an introvert with a capital I.
Photo Credit: Grace Berry
Photo Credit: Grace Berry
Lucy Bowles "Coffee Talk"
Senior Editors
Senior Editors
October 28, 2024
October 28, 2024
Whats your coffee order?
Iced vanilla latte with oat milk.
Whats your favorite school activity?
Probably field hockey, the musical, and also being on senate.
Do you like being student body president or junior class vice president better?
I think I like student body president because I think its more fun to get to represent every single grade instead of just mine and I have a bit more fun doing it.
What are your thoughts on your younger sister, Francie, going to Austin High?
It was definitely sad when she first transferred, but now I think it’s a great fit for her. I am sad because I see all these people getting to drive their younger siblings to school, and I wish that could be me.
What is your biggest life hack for high school?
Color coded inbox! Where you put your whole inbox into different folders and make different colors for each subject.
Who should we interview next?
Ben Gillham
Ben Gillham "Coffee Talk"
Senior Editors
Senior Editors
October 28, 2024
October 28, 2024
What’s your coffee order?
Most of the time when I'm going to someplace like Starbucks, I usually get like, a chai latte or something like that. When I used to go to coffee places with my sister, I would get a little cappuccino.
What is the most ridiculous fact you know?
You put me on the spot here man! Did you know that killer whales sneak under icebergs where seals are resting... so they fall off and then they have a snack.
How do you feel about the musical being Mama Mia?
This is going to be controversial. I don't like Mama Mia even a little bit. But there is a lot of people that like it and will get to showcase their talents and I'm excited for them to do that.
Do you think the lacrosse team is going to win back to back SPC titles?
What do you think? Of course we are.
What's one song to describe your year so far?
Some sort of like Joji song. Something like A Glimpse of Us.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?
It would probably be some musical theater person, like Stephen Sondheim.
If you were to create a new class and teach it what would it be?
I would probably do a class about random fun music stuff. Like how to find good music and listen to good music I guess.
Who should we interview next?
Elle Wallin
Photo Credit: Grace Berry
Photo Credit: Grace Berry + Ava Barnard
Elle Wallin "Coffee Talk"
Senior Editors
Senior Editors
October 28, 2024
October 28, 2024
What’s your coffee order?
I don’t really like coffee but I do like chai.
What’s the most random thing you’ve ever Googled?
Probably just random words I'm confused about.
What’s something small that makes your day instantly better?
Seeing my friends.
Do you like having an older brother at SAS and why?
I think its fun because I get to see him around during the day.
If you could swap lives with someone for a day who would it be?
Probably a celebrity like Beyonce!
If animals could talk, which one would be the rudest?
A squirrel.
If you could only use one utensil for the rest of your life (fork, spoon, or knife), which would it be and why?
A spoon. You can’t eat soup with a fork.
What's your favorite thing your involved in at school?l
I'm helping out with the Career Pathways Club.
Who should we interview next?
Ryan Wallin
Photo Credit: Ava Barnard
SAS Vocab
Senior Editors
Senior Editors
October 28, 2024
October 28, 2024
“Show Up, Be Present”
Our Head of School has turned this phrase into a campus-wide call-and-response. If you have stepped into a chapel on a Monday you have heard this. It's not just a reminder, it's our St. Andrew's motto.
Showing up and being present means fully engaging with the moment and those around you, offering your undivided attention and genuine connection. It transforms ordinary interactions into meaningful experiences and builds deeper, more authentic relationships. This is a key part of our SAS community soooooo….. “Show up!”
The crowd: “Be present!”
“Fear the Deer”
Forget Highlanders, when game time hits and 'The Herd' storms the stands at our homecoming football game night or our Dig-Pink charity game, we let out this phrase. It isn't just words—it’s a warning. Beware, the deer are here."
“WOMP”
You’ve probably heard this word thrown around when someone bombs their pre-calc BC test, or when you’re all hyped for Taco Tuesday, but then—plot twist—it’s pasta day instead. It’s basically like a verbal sigh, the kind of word that sums up the gap between your expectations and reality.
Broadway Cares "Club Corner"
Senior Editors
Senior Editors
October 28, 2024
October 28, 2024
Kaitlyn Zimmermann, David Moore, and Ben Gillham have founded the Broadway Cares Club. As members of the Advanced Theater Production and select choir programs, the trio has brought together many St. Andrew’s students to perform individual monologues, dances, and songs for a live audience. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to charity, supporting patients affected by AIDS.
Photo Credit: Ava Barnard
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