Graphic by Jack Tumpowsky
Allie Floros and Hannah Hepner
Managing Editors of News
Every year at South, students are selected to be considered for the Senior Cup award, which is awarded to three students who have made a great impact on their grade as well as the overall community.
With six finalists remaining, they agreed to sit down with Denebola to discuss what the award means to them, as well as give some insight into their high school years.
Daniel Abdulah:
As a South Senator, debater, and member of the Legacy Scholars program, Daniel Abdulah has immersed himself in a wide range of the opportunities South has to offer.
While Abdulah feels very grateful for the nomination, he was also surprised due to the majority of the extracurriculars he participates in not being fully part of the school.
He encourages underclassmen to experiment and try new things while they have the chance, while also appreciating your teachers and being social with your friends.
“High school’s a cool and tough place. It has its ups and downs, but once you get to the end you really do appreciate it. I’m glad to have had this experience, and there are lots of good things that I’ll never forget,” Abdulah said.
Lizy Szanton:
Due to her participation in South Stage, editor for Leo Magazine, Poetry Club, chorus, and lots more, Lizy Szanton has become a leader in many different aspects of South.
Szanton hasn’t always viewed herself as the typical leader and greatly appreciates the opportunity South has given her to come out of her shell and become a part of things she would’ve otherwise not tried.
Similarly to the other finalists, Szanton feels grateful that she was acknowledged, knowing the amount of talent that the senior class encompasses.
“There are so many cool people in my grade who do an amazing variety of things, so I’m really honored that I was considered among such a wonderful group of people,” Szanton said.
Szanton feels that underclassmen should strive to find a group of people that make them feel valued, as high school is hard, and having friends to encourage positive energy will make it that much more enjoyable.
Khyla Turner:
Khyla Turner has been very involved in the Newton South community through her roles in the Black Student Union, Students Aspiring in Medicine, the Legacy Scholars program, Courageous Conversations on Race, and the Girls JV Basketball team.
Through participating in all of these clubs and organizations, Turner has particularly enjoyed getting to meet people she wouldn’t have otherwise gotten the chance to meet and being able to make a change in our community.
Like other Senior Cup finalists, Turner was surprised and honored. She was not expecting to receive this nomination.
She advises younger students to join at least two or three clubs and a sport, as well as using the resources available to them in order to reach positions of leadership.
“South is fun if you make it fun,” said Turner, in the hopes of convincing incoming students to get involved in the community.
Noah Whiting:
In his time at Newton South, Noah Whiting has been the sport’s editor and editor in chief of Denebola, played 12 seasons of sports (11 of those varsity), has been an ambassador to the MIA to represent Newton South at district conferences and started the Unified Track Team.
His favorite part about being a member of so many different communities was the people that he got to meet.
“I just enjoyed being exposed to a variety of people, which helped me figure out my other interests to broaden my own horizons,” Whiting said.
Like the other nominees, he is humbled by this nomination.
He advises younger students to really get involved in school activities that aren’t necessarily within their comfort zone.
“I know it’s corny, but definitely get involved early and push yourself to try new things…it’s amazing what you’ll learn about yourself if you try out new things,” Whiting said.
Adi Shneorson:
Adi Shneorson is most known around South for being a class officer and part of the NEW club, and has demonstrated her leadership and advocated for school spirit throughout her high school years.
Shneorson is extremely honored to be nominated for this award but also recognizes that every candidate deserves to win.
“I won’t be crushed if I don’t get it, because all the nominees are deserving. It warms my heart though that people think I’m fitting for this, and that they see that in me,” Shneorson said.
She hopes that underclassmen will do in high school what they truly want, and not focus too much on what other people tell them to do.
“Do things that you want to do. Not for your best friend, for your parents, or for your teachers. Obviously make good choices, but really live for yourself,” Shneorson said.
Caleb Fried:
Caleb Fried has displayed his leadership in various extracurriculars at South such as Science Team, the Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, as well as the Symphonic Band.
Fried explains that being involved in the musical and science groups is special because everyone is working towards a common goal, which results in forming very close bonds between the members.
He advises younger students not to over stress about studies and schoolwork, and to really value and enjoy their time with friends.
“Spend a little less time studying and a little more time with close friends who you really like, because in the future you’ll remember those times better than you will math formulas,” Fried said.
