The Stentorian Newspaper

Category: Blog

  • Presidential Statement From Israel James, SBP

    By Israel James, Student Body President ’25

    As we near the end of our time here at NCSSM, I find myself not just reflecting on those moments that defined our experience, but on the people who made it truly unforgettable. When I embarked on this journey as Student Body President, I promised to lead for, and not over, the student body. And that’s exactly what I’ve tried to do, whether it was listening to your ideas, advocating for your needs, or creating new opportunities that would leave a lasting legacy.

    One of my most proud accomplishments is organizing the Inaugural Annual Alumni Career Fair, a thought that came from a brainstorm between student government and the alumni association that evolved into a spectacular event connecting students with graduates who were once in our shoes. It was a reminder that innovation is not just located in the lab or on a research poster, but also in how we build bridges for each other.

    And wow, did we have fun this year. I don’t think any of us will ever forget the chaos and the hilarity of spoons, watching people sneak around campus, spoon on the nose in a desperate attempt not to get out. Or the Lock-Ins throughout the PEC, where we played basketball to dodgeball after inspection, reminding us that NCSSM is as much heart as it is brains. Prom at the Museum of Life and Science was out of a fairy tale, and viewing everybody looking sharp taking pictures at Duke Gardens was like being in a movie. Walking through downtown Durham or 9th Street after submitting Orah passes. Going to the Eno River to have fun with friends. The annual Watermelon Club race and how watermelon was scattered all across Hill Street. Speaking of Hill, we were able to see Hill House’s transformation in the new renovations that took place earlier this year.  

    This year, the Class of 2025 became more than just students, we became a family. From singing Taylor Swift during the power outage of our junior year to celebrating each other’s accomplishments across every discipline, our bond grew deeper, stronger, and more meaningful. We’ve been role models to our juniors, showing them what it looks like to lead with kindness, creativity, and courage.

    Where do I even begin naming all of our accomplishments? Our student body received national research awards, wrote peer-reviewed articles, launched innovative start-ups, won athletic tournaments, created amazing and inspiring art pieces, and was accepted into so many spectacular schools. Another major accomplishment is getting to this point. The long night study sessions and the projects we spent hours working on has finally paid off. We really did lock-in this year!

    We showed that greatness comes in many faces and from many different places. And we accomplished all of this while attending the #1 Public High School in America, as ranked by Niche, a title earned day in and day out.

    To our faculty and staff, thank you for believing in us even when we did not believe in ourselves. Your mentorship over the past two years have been the keys to our success. And to Chancellor Roberts, thank you for your unwavering leadership and for reminding us that education is not about success, but about purpose.

    As we go forward from here, I want all of us to carry the NCSSM unicorn spirit with us in all that we do. Keep asking questions. Keep building communities that represent the values we lived here. And also, give back whether that be through mentorship, giving, or  sharing your story with future Unicorns.

    We are the new generation of changemakers. And though we’ll be all over the world pretty soon, we’ll always be part of this legacy. I want to stay connected to all and each of you. If you’re celebrating something like a graduation, wedding, job offer, probate, or anything that you want to be celebrated for, I will always love to show up. I want to keep showing up for you as you’ve been showing up for me.

    Thank you for believing in me to serve as your president. Thank you for making NCSSM a place where brilliance thrives. I am so proud of us, how much we’ve grown, how hard we’ve worked, and how we’ve carried ourselves through it all. 

    Here’s to the Class of 2025: the changemakers, the trailblazing unis, my friends for life.

    To our bright futures ahead,

    Israel M. James

    Student Body President, Class of 2025 

    North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics 

  • NCSSM Hall Theme Rankings 2025

    NCSSM Hall Theme Rankings 2025

    (Louisa Weinard & Vincent Shen/The Stentorian)

    By Lily Frank, Stentorian Staff Writer

    We spend almost half our year on campus at NCSSM, so our RLAs and CCs work hard to make the cold halls (especially in recent days) feel more lively so that one day, we might consider NCSSM home. However, not all themes create as much joy or jealousy as others. In the following pages, I will give you my completely subjective and untrained opinion on this highly pressing matter. As was the case last year, I have removed my hall, Second Beall, to remain “neutral”…

    1. 4th Bryan: Cat Cafe

    The theme board is top-tier, I can only imagine how cozy 4th Bryan must be. The RLAs also go above and beyond, adding extra cat themed decorations outside of the hall for valentines day. Thank you for making the treacherous journey to physics slightly less soul-crushing. =^._.^= 

    1. Ground Reynolds: Strawberry Shortcake

    This theme gives off so much 2010s nostalgia, and makes for such cute decorations. Because Greynolds is tucked away it might not be one of the most frequently seen themes, but the beautiful theme boards in front of the halls make the cold space of Ground Reynolds so much warmer. 

    1. 2nd East: Pokemon

    I like it: relevant, infinite decoration potential, and nostalgia. The individual Pokemon cut out for the theme board shows dedication, though I feel like you are missing a few hundred Pokemon… 

    1. 2nd Hill: 2HL Grand Prix

    NCSSM already moves fast enough, living here would just stress me out. Unless we are talking Spec Miata. For a hall displaced in the mods this is a very solid theme, and even without a themeboard, they make up for it with creative door decks.

    1. Royall: Royall’s Freezeria

    I love seeing Papa Louie on my Hillgrimage journeys staring at me from Royall Lounge. A theme that is so original, that I am stunned.

    1. 3rd East: Super Smash Brothers

    I have no notes. Just another video game-themed hall, the main difference is this one is respectable. 

    1. 3rd West: Olive Garden

    Nothing says mild disappointment like family dinners at Olive Garden. The only thing missing is the smell of breadsticks; a bribe of endless pasta wouldn’t hurt. As for the decorations, the door decks are lackluster, I mean, who wants to see a low-resolution picture of Olive Garden complimentary mints?

    1. 2nd Bryan: Hollywood cinema

    I feel like a new variation of “movies” comes around every year and 2nd Bryan just happened to be the victim this year. That being said, they committed to the concept well enough to earn a respectable spot. Though at this point, the theme itself feels more like a reboot than a blockbuster premiere.

    1. 3rd Beall: Pillow Pets

    3rd Beall does a great job of turning a seemingly simple hall theme with little possibilities for decorations into a soft patchwork blanket, pillow pets, and clouds. 

    1. 4th East: Ancient Greece

    This theme hurts no one, and exists as a good neutral, like the plain toast of hall themes. It’s not particularly exciting or in reference to something that connects our generation, but there is no reason to complain about it.

    1. Reynolds 1c2c1d: Beach Vacation

    In light of the recent weather, I am craving a sunny beach. Do you think Reynolds 1c2c1d stays warmer in the winter?

    1. 1st Hunt: Cars (The movie)

    This is like 2nd Bryan, except “movie” is singular. 

    1. 1st Beall: Tropical Rainforest

    An ambitious choice, because the only thing tropical about NCSSM’s buildings is the unpredictable temperature control.

    1. Reynolds 1e2e2d: Winx Club 

    This is a really good concept, but when I went to check out your decorations I thought that the hall theme was “Four Seasons.” Maybe I am just not a big Winx Club fan, but I feel a lack of connection between the theme and the decorations. Not mad, just sad.

    1. 1st Hill: Dune

    Dune gives lots of opportunities for great decorations and is overall a very good concept. However, 1st mod currently lacks a LOT of decorations, which as a Hill resident pointed out is due to the fact that “[they] were supposed to move into Hill a month ago,” but due to the delays are still in the mods. This excuse will not keep 1st Hill off of the bottom of the leaderboard. Do better. 

    1. 3rd Bryan: Bryan’s Arcade

    This brings sticky floors, broken controllers, and a very sad man behind the prize counter to mind. While arcades have the potential for vibrant, nostalgic fun, this execution doesn’t give much. I pass by, unfazed, and maybe a bit sad at the thought of the sad old Bryan Arcade.

    1. 4th West: Supercell games
      If the company name Supercell does not ring a bell, think Clash of Clans, Hay Day, and Brawl Stars. Just like in Clash of Clans, success here depends on how much you’re willing to invest, except instead of gems, it’s sheer willpower to live with this theme. A Second Beall resident stated, “It is odd to pick a mobile game as a hall theme.” I would have to agree. (I heard the execution was good so 4th West has been saved from last)
    2. 2nd West: 2nd West sports, it’s in the game 

    Uninspired. The buildup of secrecy around this theme made it seem like something big was coming. What was the reason for keeping it under wraps? It’s hard to imagine anyone was going to swoop in and steal sports as a theme.

  • NCSSM Spikeball Is Not For The Faint-Hearted

    NCSSM Spikeball Is Not For The Faint-Hearted

    By Hima Manne, Stentorian Staff Writer

    NCSSM Spikeball is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a high-stakes battle for pride, glory, and satisfaction of proving absolutely no one can beat your superior reflexes–at least until they do, and then you make excuses. 

    There’s an art to this madness, a rhythm that combines the agility of a jungle cat with the competitiveness of a caffeine-fueled teenager. At its core, spikeball is about spiking a ball onto a tiny trampoline with a ferocity that makes it difficult for the opposition to spike it back onto the net within three passes.

    No earlier or later than 9:30 p.m., three spikeball nets are set up on Watts Lawn with dozens of people leaving the Happy Half scene to instead witness spikeball rivalries. For a school that takes pride in its STEM prowess, you wouldn’t think people would be so excited to run around chasing a tiny ball that’s basically trying to outsmart them at every turn. Yet here we are.

    Of course, being a part of this spikeball culture means learning how to navigate the occasional failure with grace–or, at least, with a semi-acceptable excuse. If you miss the ball, it’s not because you’re bad at the game. It’s because “the wind caught it,” or “the net was uneven,” or “I wasn’t ready,” or the classic “my partner didn’t set me up right.” There’s a whole catalog of explanations ready to go at any moment, because no one ever truly misses a spikeball. It’s always the environment conspiring against you.

    Still, for all the sarcasm and the competitive edge, spikeball at NCSSM is the best kind of chaos. There’s something oddly satisfying about diving for a ball that’s already out of reach, or that rare moment when your team pulls off a combo so perfect that the other team can only stand there in awe (or confusion—either works). You bond over the shared frustration of a close game and the memories that come from all the laughter and bruises. Because let’s be real: if you’re playing spikeball and you’re not leaving with at least one new bruise, did you even play?

    At the end of the day, spikeball at NCSSM is more than just a game. It’s an unspoken tradition, a rite of passage, and a chance to momentarily forget about that upcoming test or lab report. Plus, it’s just plain fun, even when you lose. And if you do lose, there’s always the next game. 

    Or a good excuse.

  • Dear Seniors…

    Dear Seniors…

    By Tejasvi Shirolkar, Guest Contributor

    Late campus walks, no longer stressing about grades and walking to Ninth Street every day. Ding, ding, ding! That is the sound of a second-semester senior’s life at NCSSM. 

    As a current junior, I have watched this life from afar; knowing it will be mine next year, but still looking at it wishfully. 

    How Junior Year is Going

    Transitioning from a large, public high school to a smaller one was not an easy decision for me. From taking new, rigorous coursework to watching life pass by without me at my home high school, I was terrified during my first semester at NCSSM. 

    There seemed to be no end at the tunnel; with assignments piling on and winter drifting in, I settled into a familiar routine; study during the week, study during the weekend.

    However, I soon found my own pockets of community within NCSSM. With friends in my hall and classes, I realized that through all the studying, the tight-knit sense of belonging I acquired was what kept every senior going, even during their junior year.

    Dear Seniors

    “Maius Opus Moveo,” or in other words, “Accept the Greater Challenge.” With spring on the way and cap and gown ceremonies near, I would like to send my seniors off with this message: thank you for your guidance, your unwavering support, and your belief. Through you all, I have seen what NCSSM embodies; a small–yet mighty–community of future changemakers.

  • “Gilmore Girls” Raised Me and How it Continues To Do So Today

    “Gilmore Girls” Raised Me and How it Continues To Do So Today

    By Tejasvi Shirolkar, Guest Contributor

    (Tejasvi Shirolkar)

    Every October, I tend to grab some stovetop popcorn, snuggle up in a warm comforter, and relish in the joy of watching my comfort show: “Gilmore Girls.” As a devout viewer of the 2000’s based show, I recently restarted Season 1 and watched up to Season 4 over Fall Break. Not only does “Gilmore Girls” hold and teach valuable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and hardship, but the more I watched the show, the more I realized how much it mirrored my own life at NCSSM. 

    Disclaimer: this article only discusses Seasons 1-4, which is what I felt was relevant to my experience as an NCSSM student.

    Season 1

    Season 1 starts by introducing the main characters in “Gilmore Girls”: Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. Lorelai, a 32-year-old at the time, had her daughter Rory at just sixteen years old. The clash between Lorelai and her parents, Emily and Richard, is seen early on in the season, as Lorelai goes to ask her parents for tuition money for Rory’s new acceptance into an elite private school, Chilton. 

    While I had watched “Gilmore Girls” several times, the imposter syndrome Rory experiences in Season 1 resonated with me in my latest rewatch. Coming from a large, mainly sports-oriented public high school, my experience at NCSSM so far has surfaced some of the same feelings Rory encounters in Season 1. With such talented students, Chilton and NCSSM create similar atmospheres. The self-doubt, self-criticism, and fear of failure are feelings both Rory and I have encountered at our new high schools. 

    Season 2

    Season 2reveals the messy reality of adolescence for many individuals, as Jess arrives in town. Jess, a “bad boy,” toys at Rory’s heartstrings, as she struggles to grapple the balance with Dean, her boyfriend at the time, his distaste regarding Jess, and her blooming friendship with Jess. Season 2 reminds viewers of what it means to be a teenager; making a mess and trying to balance schoolwork, family, and friends, all while finding one’s identity.

    While NCSSM students live on campus, we can share similar stories. Personally, learning to live and function at a new school while balancing keeping connections with friends and family back home has been daunting. However, after stepping on campus I soon came to realize the friendships, faculty, and staff make any heartache surrounding home worth it. 

    Season 3

    Season 3 starts off on a good note. Rory is accepted into Harvard, Yale, and Princeton University. While there is some unrest in this season when Rory decides which college to commit to, the sheer amount of joy that Season 3 brings to the show is partly the reason I keep coming back to “Gilmore Girls” every October. Later, Rory graduates from Chilton as valedictorian and presents a heartwarming and emotional speech at her ceremony that even I teared up at. Rory truly becomes the pinnacle of a Chilton student here; somebody who is motivated, fierce, and a leader.

    Every person I meet at NCSSM exemplifies those same qualities–driven, passionate and lively. Coming from a large high school, I found community in very few people. In contrast, the name itself of being an NCSSM student holds weight, and the pride I have felt to be at this school is unlike any other I have experienced before. 

    Season 4

    To preface, I would like to write that when watching Season 4 for the first time, I was utterly disappointed. Season 4 is littered with Rory’s failures–from rekindling her relationship with her [now married] ex-boyfriend to struggling to navigate her new life in college. Season 4 serves as a sharp contrast to Season 3.

    We’ve all heard it: failure is a part of life. However, based on my past month at NCSSM, I have noticed that the concept seems to be less prevalent in most students’ past lives. The last two months of being on campus have provided me with a multitude of obstacles; from managing difficult classes to deciding which extracurriculars to immerse myself into, NCSSM has been incredibly overwhelming. However, I soon realized that NCSSM is the place to fail; I will truly never have such a supportive environment to grow and learn from my mistakes.

    “Gilmore Girls” is the show that raised my childhood. I began watching as a timid sixth grader, scared of the at-the-time unknown COVID-19. Following Rory’s educational journey through Chilton was inspiring as “Gilmore Girls” gave me somebody to look up to, even if they were fictional. For this reason, whenever I see the leaves turn orange and the air become crisp, I hope the little girl inside me feels proud as I click play on a new episode.

  • Did Deadpool & Wolverine Save the MCU?

    Did Deadpool & Wolverine Save the MCU?

    Lindeman & Associates.

    By Marcellus Day, Stentorian Staff Writer

    “He’s right behind me, isn’t he?” I say as the guy who I knocked out is right behind me. Comedy gold; I won the Oscar for that one. If you’ve been tuning into the recent movies to come out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) lately, you are no stranger to moments such as the one above.

    It’s no secret that the MCU has been on a decline in terms of quality ever since they started toying with the multiverse and making sure that no decision actually has any weight because everything can be undone. So, to see another Deadpool movie come out was really refreshing. Finally, something that can be compelling but not take itself too seriously; y’know how long I’ve been waitin’ for this? I saw it in theaters opening weekend, although I was unfortunately not able to snag one of the gorgeous limited-edition popcorn buckets. It’s safe to say that while I was not disappointed, Deadpool is not Marvel Jesus.

    Deadpool and Wolverine, aka Deadpool 3, is an action comedy starring Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. The movie follows Deadpool after the events of Deadpool 2 and in the plot conflict of saving his timeline as he knows it. To do so, he must find Wolverine, and after an iconic dance scene with Logan’s bones (seriously, search “Deadpool Intro Bye Bye Bye” on YouTube; I promise it is worth your time), he hops dimensions to find another Wolverine. Through a series of well-placed cameos who will make a name for themselves and a captivating emotional scene to Madonna’s “Like a Prayer”–one that I have watched too many times–they ultimately save his universe. Vague description, I know, but I’m dedicated to giving no spoilers. 

    Overall, the movie was fun and lighthearted. I recommend seeing it if you need a good laugh and are into Deadpool’s humor or if you want to get the hidden references throughout this article to a card-slinging Cajun. 

    However, overall it was the same movie we have been seeing from the MCU, but this time with more provocative jokes. It ran through the “Oh no, my timeline, gotta go save it. Look at all these wacky hijinks and weird characters made possible by the multiverse. Oops, we spent so much time with wacky hijinks we forgot to make a complex villain, but that doesn’t matter because our hero just saved the day through the power of human connection.” Which is something we’ve seen a thousand times now. 

    While Deadpool and Wolverine is definitely better than most of the stuff that we’ve seen come from this era of Marvel, I don’t think it single-handedly saved the MCU. But who knows, with movies like Blade and The Fantastic Four: First Steps scheduled for 2025, this may be the start of something new.

  • ZAD (Zooming Around Durham): Study Spots on Ninth Street

    ZAD (Zooming Around Durham): Study Spots on Ninth Street

    By Teresa Fang / March 31, 2024
    Drinks and vibes at Cloche Coffee, Durham. (Teresa Fang/Stentorian)

    Every season is study season. As such, there must be accommodations for hardworking high school students. Not just any back alley folding table, nor empty classroom or the desk in your dorm will do; a change of scenery will provide a chance to tune into your assignments with no distractions. 

    With a cozy atmosphere with good vibes, a clean feeling, and the convenience of drinks and snacks just one step away, studying at cafes calms you down while offering a sanctum to lock in at the same time. Here is the Stentorian’s review of the best studying spots around Ninth Street, in our new column Zooming Around Durham (or ZAD for short):

    Joe Van Gogh — 6-min walk

    Food: Joe’s salted caramel latte has always been my go-to drink, and this Joe Van Gogh upholds that. Their lattes have a rather strong coffee taste but manage to be easy-going at the same time. In my opinion, the Chapel Hill Joe Van Gogh makes more characteristic lattes than anywhere else but maybe it’s because I am biased for my hometown.

    Vibes: The design of the store lets in lots of natural light, and has an indie vibe because of the decorations and paintings from local artists on the walls. It has an innovative coffee-shop combo of wood tables and a colorful behind-the-counter. There are a few small outdoor tables to allow for conversation. The lofted study area is especially aesthetic and really makes you feel locked in to your work.

    Price: Though the lattes with syrup are a bit pricey at around $6 per 20 oz cup, the milk choices do not cost extra. Joe’s tends to put a lot of ice in lattes, so make sure to drink it all before the ice melts.

    Overall: 4.6/5 – NCSSM students are only 6 minutes away from an excellent study place. Though the student discount no longer applies here, if you know how to ask around the barista, you can score a free drink voucher.

    Monuts — 6-min walk

    Food: I wish I got one of the food items, but I got the normal iced caramel latte and chocolate cookie. The latte is an excellent blend of espresso and milk. There is no sandy aftertaste when you get to the bottom of your drink, as you usually do with these types of drinks. The cookie is reminiscent of home.

    Vibes: This cafe and bakery is popular with NCSSM and Duke students, though still has an exquisite, woodland but also industrial vibe that is unique among all stores on Ninth Street. The atmosphere is artsy but also not loud and dim – perfect for calm, after-school studying.

    Price: Only one size is offered with lattes, and this one was $5. It is worth it, considering the quality and international reputation of the coffee shop.

    Overall: 4.5/5 – The only thing that would make this better is extending the hours; closing at 7 pm makes studying here for long times nearly impossible.

    Möge Tee — 13-min walk

    Food: This milk tea shop makes it clear from the title that their emphasis is not on the TEA; milk-based drinks take up half the menu, not counting milk teas (since these don’t use real milk). These milky drinks are heavy on the stomach but hit the spot when needed. Sweetness levels are not the same for each drink, making it a gamble to order your favorite item. It does not help that you can’t ask the cashier about the drinks, since customers order from a kiosk.

    Vibes: Opening the door to the smells of warm boba makes this place unique on this street of bars and restaurants. However, it is not a prime place to study because of the loud music and empty store. There seem to be only 1-2 people in the store at all times, either the barista behind the counter staring at you or a customer sitting beside the kiosk, staring as you order.

    Price: The prices of all the drinks on the menu are not worth the labor behind making them, and this is coming from a former Möge Tee barista. At $6 for a large milk tea with boba, it’s expensive for what it is; there are much better options for the same price here.

    Overall: 2.5/5 – The drinks are not as good as they should be, and this is an anxiety-increasing place to stay for a long time.

    Panera Bread — 13-min walk

    Food: Staying here for dinner, I ordered the French onion soup with a portion of a baguette while my friend ordered a Cinnamon Swirl bagel. We both ordered some drink but forgot what size or type of drink. Luckily, our selections did not matter because we took a large-sized cup and had infinite refills. Though the infinite drinks part was good in helping us stay refreshed and satisfied with our studying, my soup was small, salty, and unfilling. When ordering from Panera, make sure you judge if the price is worth the portion size.

    Vibes: Very good. There is indoor and outdoor seating, but in this cold weather, the outdoor seating was not completely set up. The inside is ambient and cozy, with enough space you won’t have to worry about Duke students taking up everything. There are also enough people there to feel comfortable.

    Price: The food items are overpriced, but the bagel and drinks seem okay. Being a MyPanera member makes frequenting Panera more worth it.

    Overall: 4/5 – Good, comfortable place for long-time studying and getting a little snack. It closes late enough for NCSSM students to catch the loop from Harris Teeter back to school on Wednesdays.

    Cloche Coffee — 17-min walk

    Food: I got the salted honey iced latte since it was a unique house-made syrup flavor. There is no surprise at how good it is. There is a rather milky flavor that complements the accented honey and salt flavor. If you don’t like coffee but still want to drink it, the lattes here are up your alley.

    Vibes: Inside the cafe, good jazz and lofi are playing in the background, making it a cozy place for productivity. Outside, there are picnic tables on a small porch overlooking Duke’s track field. A good place for gossip.

    Price: $5 for the 20oz, which is pretty typical. This is on the cheaper side of lattes.

    Overall: 3.5/5 – The location and ambiance of this spot make studying here a beautiful experience, only if you beat the Duke students at getting a table first. Otherwise, you can order and pick up your coffee in around 10 minutes and walk back to school/another place to study.

    Quickly — 20-min walk

    Food: Superb boba. Superb food. My go-to is jasmine milk tea with boba, and it never disappoints. The sweetness levels are adjusted according to what you ask for, and the amount of ice has never been an issue. While the drinks do vary in temperature sometimes, the full drink is fulfilling.

    Vibes: If you like K-pop, you would jam it out in here. If you didn’t, you would jam out anyway because of the boba. The tropical-style decorations, entertainment, and variety of seating options make hanging out a very memorable experience, although the music can be a bit loud and people tend to gossip here rather than do work.

    Price: With boba, the cheapest large milk tea you can get is less than $4. 

    Overall: 3/5 – In terms of being a study spot, Quickly is not the ideal place to memorize anatomy and physiology or rack your brains over physics. However, it does have the best boba and popcorn chicken in this part of town, making the 20-minute trek worth it.