Culture Archives - the bird on fire

From Harry Styles to Cinephiles: Favorite Celebrities

May 14, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

By Middle-School Blogger Elizabeth Greenwood

One of my favorite celebrities is Kris Jenner. She has built an empire, not just for herself but for her daughters. She has turned each of her daughters into entrepreneurs. Every single one of them has their own successful company: Kourtney with lemme, Kim with SKIMS, Khloé with Good American, Kendall with 818 Tequila, and Kylie with Kylie Cosmetics. Having a good work life balance is no easy task, but Kris Jenner makes it look effortless. As some people may say (at least they say it on tiktok), the devil works hard, but Kris Jenner works harder.

Have you ever wondered which celebrities are favored? Today, I asked students about their favorite celebrity and what makes them stand out from the rest. From raw talent to authenticity. I wanted to know what celebrities my peers like. I’ve gathered insights on what qualities people admire most in public figures, and the qualities that make them unforgettable. Read on to find out the top choices among my peers at PVS.

Who’s your favorite celebrity?

John Webster: “Jordan Pickford. He is very influential, and he is the best at what he does–although Steve Erwin is a close second. He is the person who got me interested in animals, and is very influential.”

Mr. Kisling: “Captain James T. Kirk because he earns the trust of his crew.”

Mateo Omier: “My favorite celebrity? Harry Styles I guess, but Dua Lipa is a close second.”

Maxwell Pretorius: “Jack Black because he is Steve.”

Ivana Vega: “I’m gonna say Drew Starkey because he is a really good actor, and because he is fine.”

Addison Uhlhorn: “Zendaya because she is a good person and has many talents.”

Emmy Kaminsky: “Ryker Evans because he is the huzz. Morgan Wallen because he is so fine, and Megan Moroney because she is a girl’s girl, or, as Elizabeth would say, Megan Merooony.”

Jaden Ramer: “Melissa McCarthy.”

Brooklyn Hatrak: “Pete Wentz.”

Edward Berg: “Lebron because he is Lebron; I think he is perfect.”

Grace Ghaly: “My favorite celebrity is myself. I’m not a celebrity–so, uhh, Billie Eilish.”

Lincoln Johnson: “Ryan Reynalds because he is a good actor.”

Zoey Guess: “Harry Styles because he is attractive and a good singer.”

Zoe Groendyke: “The Rock because I think he is really funny.”

Mia Groendyke: “My favorite celebrity is Theodore Roosevelt because he likes nature, and he was a very funny president.”

Samuel West: “My favorite celebrity is Christiano Ronaldo because he is the greatest soccer player in existence.”

Lorelei Behr: “Chad Michael Murray is my favorite celebrity because he is a good actor.”

Steve Irwin, “The Crocodile Hunter,” inspires 9th-grader John Webster. Photo Source: *The New York Times*

It’s clear that the celebrities we admire aren’t just famous–they represent things we value. Hearing from my peers gave me a new perspective on what makes people stand out in the spotlight and in everyday life.

What’s Your Favorite Candy?

April 29, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By Middle-School Bloggers Calum Webster and Mason Conway

Candy is a seemingly innocent topic, but it is heavily debated. Do you like Mounds Bars or Almond Joy? Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup or Nerds Gummy Clusters? Whoppers or Milk Duds? The topic about what candy is best gets talked about often. In order to get to the bottom of people’s opinions here at Palm Valley, 7th-graders Mason and Calum went out interviewing to discover the best candy to chomp on.

7th-grader Julian says of candy, “My favorite candies are Sweet Tarts, and Twizzlers are my least favorite.”

7th-grader Silvanita says she dislikes “Snickers because I do not like the peanuts in it, and I love Nerds because of the sweet flavor.”

8th-grader Edward replies, “Hi-Chews taste amazing, and Milky Ways . . . too sweet.”

10th-grader Rylie says she likes “Haribo Raspberry because they are crunchy on the outside, sweet in the middle; . . . she hates “black licorice because it tastes horrible.”

Teacher Mr. Killeen recommends Godiva because “it’s pretty high quality and consistent quality. He hates “Werthers.” He says, “It is blah and too sweet.”

7th-grader Sami says, “Elephant Poop Chocolate” is his favorite because of its nice texture. “This is a real thing!” Sami adds. “Dubai Chocolate” is his least favorite because he says it “tastes like grass.”

7th-grader Jaxon’s favorite candy is the “Kinder Bueno bars/eggs because they have a creamy hazelnut filling,” and he says his least favorite candies are “Milk Duds because they look and taste like over baked cookies.”

7th-grader Emmy says she likes “The lollipops from the kids’ meal at the sushi place in Mammoth,” and she doesn’t have a least favorite candy.

7th-grader Max says, “My favorite candy is chocolate-covered pretzels,” and he adds, “My least favorite candy is Vegemite.”

7th-grader Ben says, “My favorite candy is Twix because of the carmel,” and he adds, “My least favorite is Dots because they taste artificial.”

8th-grader Moses says his favorite candy is “Reese’s Pieces because the peanut butter tastes good,” and he says, “I hate Almond Joy because it tastes so bad.”

7th-grader Devlin says, “My favorite candy is og Hershey’s,” and adds “my least favorite is Whoppers because they suck.”

7th-grader Gavin says he does not have a favorite candy, but he has a favorite place to get candy–”it is by far See’s Candy.” And, he says that his least favorite is “Dots because they don’t taste like anything, but they have a weird factory taste to them.”

8th-grader Addison says she likes “Nerds Gummy Clusters or Watermelon Sour Patch Kids,” and she says my “least favorite is probably black licorice because it is gross.”

Candy sells. PVS middle schoolers mixed and matched their favorites at the CJSF candy “salad” bar.

This has been a really fun project searching for the best candy, but the PVS community has not decided upon a clear winner.

Calum and Mason received a lot of great answers–from Dubai chocolate to Vegemite–but logged no clear consensus. However, Ms. Zachik adds, “Judging from the rush for Nerds Clusters at the CJSF Candy Salad Wednesdays, I’d say Nerds are a courtyard favorite.”

Music To My Ears

April 29, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

By Middle-School Blogger Soleil Antle

Music, a harmony of emotion in which people listen to escape their lives and be free, often brings comfort. Music comes in many forms, enough to fit anyone’s personality. From the intense beats of hip hop to the soft melodies of classical symphony, music soothes and moves. I’ve asked my fellow seventh graders about what soothes and moves them.

PVS 7th-graders Emmy Kaminsky, Max Pretorius, and Ben Rouche have music tastes as varied and eclectic as they are.

What is your favorite song?

Morgan:

Right now I’m loving “Revolving door” by Tate McRae.

Max:

I need to think about that for a little. . . . “California Gurls” by Katy Perry.

Gavin:

Uhhhhh, it would be “Quarentine” by Tim Montana.

Grace:

Right now “Mrs. Whitman” by Bhad Bhabie.

Sarah:

Uh, what’s it called . . . . ”Luther” by SZA.

Julian:

“Heather” by Conan Grey.

Calum:

My favorite song is “on one tonight” by Gunna.

Ivana:

“Boomerang” by Jojo Siwa!

Silvanita:

I don’t really have one, but if I had to choose one it would be “Chess Type Beat.”

Jaxon:

“Peppa Pig” theme song.

Emerson Dunn:

Ummm, “Notion” by The Rare Occasions.

Millie:

“Birds of a Feather” by Billie Ellish.

Ben:

I don’t really have one, but if I had to choose it would be “Billie Jean,” by Michael Jackson.

Mason:

“Veggietales” theme song!!!!

Devlin:

“Immortal” by Fall Out Boy; it’s a good song.

Emmy:

”Noah” by Megan Moroney, for surezies.

Peter:

Idk, “Fireball” by Pitbull.

Jackie:

I like the Happy Birthday song.

These answers were nothing short of what was expected of the crazy, chaotic, and lively seventh grade class. All students of the graduating year of 2030 have personality and aren’t afraid to speak their mind. Maxwell Pretorius was jamming out early that day to the sounds of his favorite song “California Gurls.” Katy Perry definitely made him smile. My favorite song is anything by Tate McRae, but if I had to narrow to one, I’d have to choose “Siren Sounds (bonus).” I’ve linked the song “Siren Sounds (bonus)” below. Give it a listen. At the end of the day everyone is different, but music is a thing everyone can enjoy.

The Favorite Things Museum

April 17, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

Blog Staff has set out to log some of Palm Valley School’s favorite things. It’s what we talk about, think about, dream of, hoard, share, give to one another. 6th-grade Mark shares here his favorite things.

A Google Drawing created by Middle-School Blogger Mark Huber

In the parallel universe of pigs, there is a house that belongs to the pig version of Mark Huber. You’ll see that Pig Mark has created an addition to his house, and that addition is a relatively small museum of all of Mark’s favorite things. The Google Drawing below is a picture of Pig Mark and his brother, Pig David, in the museum studying the things in it.

The paint bucket and paintbrush representing the color green were copied from a Google Slides presentation that thanked Human Mark’s dad for bringing his Chromebook to school when he had forgotten it at home. The two pigs studying the things in the museum, Pig Mark (left) and Pig David (right) are the two main characters in any fictional story Human Mark writes, Pig Mark being the mainest character of the two.

What’s the Best Starbucks Drink?

April 10, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By 6th-Grade Bloggers Reagan Kaminsky and Greenlee Bartley

I would say that we have the most boring Starbucks orders on the planet, so we decided to ask other PVS students what drinks they like. If you were wondering, we both regularly order a Strawberry Açai Refresher, with no strawberries. We will be going to Starbucks ourselves and trying three of the drinks we think will taste the best. Then, hopefully we will each have a new favorite order!

For those of you who don’t know, Starbucks has odd names for their sizes. The smallest size is a “Short,” which is 8 oz. The next-smallest size is a “Tall,” which is 12 oz. The next size is the “Grande,” which is 16 oz. The next size is a “Venti,” which is 20 oz. Finally, a “Trenta” is 31 oz.

The first person we interviewed was Ms. Melissa in the US Office, and she said the best Starbucks drink is a Green Tea Lemonade with extra peach juice, in the Grande size. Next, we interviewed PVS teacher Ms. Maguire. She said that the best Starbucks drink is a Venti Mango Dragon Fruit Lemonade. Then, we interviewed 8th-grader Zoey. She said a Venti Strawberry Açai Refresher, with no berries. Next, we interviewed Ms. Emma at the MS Office, and she said that the best Starbucks order is a Venti shaken Espresso.

10th-grader Rylie said the best Starbucks drink was a Tall Vanilla Frappuccino. 10th-grader Evan claims the best Starbucks order is a Trenta Java Chip Frappuccino. Then, we interviewed 10th-grader Brooklyn. Brooklyn said the best Starbucks order is the new Blackberry Sage Refresher in the Tall size. Next, we interviewed fellow blogger Sophia Nayfack. She said the best Starbucks drink is the new Cherry Chai. We also interviewed a fellow blogger, Elizabeth. Brace yourself: this one’s complicated! According to Elizabeth, the best Starbucks order is a Grande Strawberry Açai Refresher, with no inclusions, water instead of lemonade, light ice, a splash of extra base, 1 pump of cane sugar, 1 pump of classic, in a tall cup with a dome lid. After that, we interviewed another fellow blogger, Mason. He says the best Starbucks order is a Trenta with oat milk base, 27 pumps of caramel, 16 pumps of ube (which doesn’t exist at Starbucks), cookie crumble, lemonade, olive oil, 11 pumps of cane sugar, and finally 20 pumps of mocha. Next, we interviewed PVS Spanish teacher Ms. Bartosik. She said to get the Cranmerry Lemonade Refresher. Then, we interviewed another fellow blogger, Soleil. She said the best Starbucks order is a Venti Strawberry Açai Refresher, with extra berries and cherry. Lastly, we interviewed PVS Coach Erenberg. He comes in with the most complicated answer yet: he says the best Starbucks drink is Water (in the grande size).

In this picture you will see the Blackberry Sage Refresher (Far Left), the Green Tea Lemonade (Middle Left), the Cherry Chai (Middle Right), and lastly the Water (Far Right). Photo Credit: Greenlee Bartley

Now comes the fun part: we try them! We tried Ms. Melissa’s drink (Green Tea Lemonade with extra peach juice), Sophia N.’s drink (Cherry Chai), and Brooklyn’s drink (Blackberry Sage Refresher). Special credit to our guest judge, (Reagan’s sister) Emmy Kaminsky! First, we tried the Cherry Chai. We all thought it was great, and it was incredibly hard to beat. Then, we tried the Blackberry Sage Refresher, and it was not our favorite. It was still amazing, just not our kind of flavors. Lastly, we tried the Green Tea Lemonade with extra peach juice. This one was also great, but it didn’t quite compare to the Cherry Chai.

Here you will see the winner, the Cherry Chai Tea Latte.

In conclusion, all of these drinks were great, but there must be a winner. According to Emmy and Greenlee, the Cherry Chai was the best. However, Reagan thought the Green Tea Lemonade was the true winner. (Now, it’s her new favorite order!) Although there were different opinions, the majority always wins. That means the Cherry Chai came in first!

What is Y2K Fashion, and Why Has It Come Back?

March 25, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

By Middle-School Blogger Sophia Bottine

What is Y2K Fashion?

Y2K fashion started in the late 90s and ran to the early 2000s. It was made most famous by the movie The Matrix Reloaded (2003), starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Gloria Foster. In the movie, Carrie-Anne Moss wore a white shirt and dark pants topped with a black metallic leather trench coat (http://lovehappensmag.com). Other movies like Mean Girls and The Simple Life also promoted Y2K fashion, sparking this new style and marking a new fashion trend in history. An example of a Y2K outfit from Mean Girls is when Amanda Seyfried, who plays Karen Smith in the movie, wears a black “Bling Bling” shirt, white with red hearts skirt, with black, open heels.

*The cast of Mean Girls sport iconic Y2K outfits (Alamy Stock).*

Celebrities like Rihanna, who in 2018 wore a The Matrix Reloaded-inspired outfit to an event in London and Missy Elliot in her “Supa Dupa Fly” music video where she wore a black blow-up jumpsuit with matching shoes, gloves, a glitter helmet, and sunglasses influenced Y2K fashion even more.

*Rihanna wears a “Matrix” style all black, leather outfit (W Magazine).*

Other famous artists like Jay Z, Nelly, Snoop Dog, Destiny’s Child, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Paris Hilton quickly caught up on this new trend wearing low-slung denim jeans with velour tracksuits, flip-flops (for a little bold touch) and Von Dutch trucker hats, jackets or tracksuits, baggy jeans, and bandanas (http://lovehappensmag.com).

*Destiny’s Child made famous the 2000s Y2K Fit (Fashion Gone Rogue).*

Y2K Fashion Comes Back!

Y2K fashion started to resurface in 2020 thanks to social media trends, music videos, and movies. Celebrities like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Paris Hilton, and Bella Hadid also greatly influenced the restart of this trend. But, you might be thinking, “I’ve never seen Bella Hadid wear this fashion trend before?” Well, you’re right, Bella Hadid did not wear Y2K in the 2000s as she was still a child. And, while Bella Hadid wasn’t one of the original icons of early Y2K fashion, she now is, wearing low-rise jeans to tiny sunglasses and chunky sneakers.

You know what else helped bring back Y2K fashion? A little sense of nostalgia. Many people, like Bella Hadid, were still children when Y2K first started up. But now that they have grown up, they want to wear Y2K. I mean, who wouldn’t? It’s a bright, fun, and edgy fashion trend.

*Storm Reid wears a modern Y2K look (Fashion Gone Rogue).*

Sources:

School Uniform Debate: Necessary or Restrictive?

March 20, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

By Middle-School Bloggers Mason Conway, Calum Webster, and Elizabeth Greenwood

Should we wear uniforms? Many schools, such as PVS, require strict attire. Most are private schools, but some public school students wear uniforms. It seems everybody’s got an opinion on whether we should switch back to no uniforms or keep them. Mason, Calum, and Elizabeth have something to say on that:

Mason says . . .

It can be a good idea to reinforce wearing uniforms as it could limit bullying and reduce distractions, but other people argue that it could limit creativity and make families struggle to buy more expensive uniform clothing. I personally believe that we should have no uniforms as in the morning I waste time trying to find my khaki shorts and my polo, which sometimes makes me late for school.

Calum says . . .

One point that Mason said is requiring uniforms can reduce bullying. I believe this is a fair point; everybody is wearing the same thing, so you can’t bully people on what they are wearing. On the other hand, you have to spend more money on uniforms, and most people are not going to wear them outside of school. In my opinion, I don’t think there should be uniforms, but there should be a dress code. First, a dress code lets people wear what they want. Choosing their own clothes will make kids feel more comfortable and relaxed during the day. They will also not have to go through the struggle of getting ready in the morning–looking for those lost khaki shorts and polos. I believe that it is easier to find my casual clothing in the morning than it is to find my uniform.

Elizabeth says . . .

Personally, I believe that uniforms should be mandatory because they create a sense of uniformity among students. One reason uniforms should be mandatory is that they help students focus on their work rather than on their appearance. And, while I slightly agree with Mason and Calum that uniforms might reduce bullying, without uniforms, students may be pressured into wearing certain clothes–which can have a negative effect on younger students because they are pressured into wearing expensive clothing. Another reason why uniforms should be mandatory is that uniforms are easier to find (way easier to find a pair shorts and a polo than putting a whole outfit together), and by wearing them it takes less time to get ready in the morning.

And, finally, Mr. Koehler says . . .

“The main reason for school uniforms is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for students to thrive in.”

It seems school uniforms have some value. They create a sense of uniformity, reduce stress, and can make mornings easier (except for Mason). By wearing uniforms, students have more freedom to focus on their work and less on external distractions. Uniforms are not just for looks but are about inclusiveness.

Mason, showcasing the Palm Valley School uniform, tells us he’s doing his “model walk.”

Who Was the Best Dressed at the Valentine’s Dance?

March 19, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By 6th-Grade Fashion Correspondents Reagan Kaminsky, Greenlee Bartley, and Sophia Nayfack

Prom is right around the corner. Are you scouring the internet for that perfect dress? pant suit? tie? shoes? Let’s see how the attire stacked up at the previous PVS dance–the 2025 Valentine’s Dance. Our Blog Fashion Correspondents Greenlee, Reagan, and Sophia lined up on the red carpet to observe dance attendees and their fashion choices. Our Fashion-on-the-Go team documented with photographs. Then, they surveyed the Palm Valley School community asking which outfits “worked” best. PVS voted.

There were many outfits in contention . . . .

Seniors Riley Jorgensen and Bianca Torres stepped out in classic black.

Freshman Nevan Owsley embraced the dance theme.

Junior Oliver Martinez sported a clean, trustworthy look.

Junior Melina Brodeur and Sophomore Shayan Habibipour complemented via opposite palettes.

The Groendycke sisters adopted festive flair.

Seniors, and dance coordinators, Lily Jones and Abigail Assefa still managed to look like they’d lounged all day, resting up to dance the night away.

But, the PVS community voted as Best Dressed at the Valentine’s Day Dance . . .

. . . 8th-grader Elizabeth Greenwood!

Elizabeth wore a stunning red velvet Catherine of Aragon inspired ensemble.

Here, Elizabeth (left) is seen with one of our other contestants, 8th-grader Lorelei Behr, at the Valentine’s Dance. Photo Credit: Greenlee Bartley

Elizabeth tells us her outfit was inspired by England’s King Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Catherine was seen wearing a similar outfit in the movie Anne Of 1000 Days which caught Elizabeth’s eye. Catherine was wearing a dark red velvet dress with beautiful gold trim, and an amber necklace. For those of you wondering, Elizabeth got her dress and necklace from Windsor.

“I choose what I believe, and say nothing. For I am not as simple as I may seem.”
Catherine of Aragon

As mentioned earlier, Catherine of Aragon was King Henry VIII’s first wife. However, Henry was her second husband after King Arthur, Henry VII’s eldest son, who died the year after he married Catherine (Historic Royal Palaces). She was born near Madrid in 1487 and died in 1536 from heart cancer (Britannica). Catherine was the youngest daughter of the Spanish rulers Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile (Britannica). When she was queen, she acted as regent while Henry was away and even oversaw an attempted invasion (Historic Royal Palaces).

In conclusion, even though everyone else’s outfits at the dance were amazing, there is nothing more interesting than an outfit with a backstory. Elizabeth Greenwood showed us just that while bringing us back to the history of England in the process.

A Dream Valentine’s Day!

February 27, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 2 Comments

A Survey Conducted by Soleil Antle

Valentine’s Day is a special time once in a year to celebrate yourself, family and friends, no matter how far. On this day the air is filled with the magic of joy and appreciation as people send gifts and sweet messages of affection to their loved ones across the globe. Curious about Valentine’s Day celebrations close to home, seventh-grade blogger Soleil Antle asked the Palm Valley School faculty to describe their perfect Valentine’s Day.

Ms. Patino from the Upper-School Office has a confident response!

Soleil: What is your perfect Valentine’s Day laid out?

Ms. Patino: Spend a day in Japan, exploring the city, and eating some Japanese food. Ending the day with my favorite donut (mochi donut) from Mr. Donut.

Soleil: What gift would you want?

Ms. Patino: Pink roses, and a Nintendo Switch.

A short and sweet response from PVS Bookkeeper Alice Burkholder!

Soleil: What would you like to do on Valentine’s Day?

Alice Burkholder: I would like a massage and a nice dinner.

Soleil: What is your dream gift?

Alice Burkholder: A fully paid expense trip to Italy.

A thoughtful reply from History teacher Mr. Satterfield.

Soleil: What is your ideal Valentine’s Day?

Mr. Satterfield: I’d go on a nice walk with my wife and my dog, and we would go to our favorite restaurant, Talay Thai. Then we would go back home and watch a movie.

French teacher Ms. Brady has a great response!

Soleil: What would you like to do on Valentine’s Day?

Ms. Brady: I’d like to have my nails done and get a facial, then get a new outfit at Bloomingdales (with new shoes). Then I want a candlelit dinner in a really nice restaurant, with crème brûlée for dessert.

Soleil: What about the perfect gift?

Ms. Brady: An all-expense paid vacation to Paris, first class tickets. Hotel stay at the Georges V!

Ms. Maguire gives a humble response.

Soleil: What is your perfect Valentine’s Day laid out?

Ms. Maguire: I would come to school in Valentine’s Day clothes and get free ice cream from Handels.

Soleil: What gift would you want?

Ms. Maguire: Somebody else makes my dinner and it tastes delicious and I don’t have to clean dishes.

Mrs. Fisher answers fiercely!

Soleil: What would be your perfect Valentine’s Day?

Mrs. Fisher: My perfect Valentine’s Day would be a really delicious meal, in a romantic setting after having spent the day with my husband either golfing or having a massage. Then capping it off with a nice meal.

Mr. Killeen gives a lengthy response.

Soleil: How would you spend your Valentine’s Day?

Mr. Killeen: Get up early, and I mean real early before the sun rises. Then get in the car, get out to a trail, not just any trail though–one with a crazy view with either a waterfall-ending or a mountain-view ending. Hike up for an hour in the dark, stop for a cup of coffee, which I make over a small camp stove while watching the sun rise. Continue up the mountain till you reach the end. Have a wonderful picnic dinner there, with a hiking buddy. Camp overnight with companions. Then hike down the next day.

Soleil: The best gift would be?

Mr. Killeen: The best gift would be to travel to Patagonia/Iceland with friends.

These are very thorough answers from our Palm Valley School faculty, quite the variety. As I interviewed people, I have learned just how unrealistic these dreamed-of days are, but it’s all about the imagination. Whether you’re on a vacation in Paris or enjoying a massage, you are spending time with those special people. “Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is growing up.” James Baldwin

–Soleil Antle

Fall Check-In: Palm Valley Class of ’25 Highlights

December 5, 2024 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

We conclude our Fall check-in with the Palm Valley School Class of ’25 with a collage compilation of seniors Kyle Knight, Kiera Nash, Preston Pillard, Riley Jorgensen, and Bianca Torres.