Student Standouts for May 8

Student Standouts: Duchars ’20, Latta ’20, Ellinwood ’22, Ellinwood ’25, Scally ’22, Gao ’29

Congratulations to this week’s standouts below. Way to go #RamNation! And as always, if you have a story to share, please email weeklynews@micds.org.

Duchars Announced as Newcomer on University of Louisville Field Hockey Team

Mia Duchars ’20 was announced on Wednesday as one of eight newcomers to the University of Louisville field hockey team. Read the announcement here. Congratulations, Mia!

Senior Earns Graduating Seniors Award from U.S. Figure Skating

Congratulations to Caroline Latta ’20 who has been awarded the Silver level Graduating Seniors Award by U.S. Figure Skating! According to the organization, “the U.S. Figure Skating Graduating Seniors Award recognizes the hard work of student-athletes who have participated in figure skating throughout high school. Awards are given at the Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze level based off a skater’s level of competitive achievement in high school. Selection for this award speaks to a skater’s continued commitment to succeeding in their athletic and academic endeavors. Fabulous job, Caroline!

Two Rams Leap to Victory at the Missouri Horse Show Association's Celebration of Champions

In February, both Ian Ellinwood ’22 and Hannah Ellinwood ’25 were recognized by Missouri Horse Show Association (MHSA). At the Missouri Horse Show Association’s Annual Celebration of Champions Awards Banquet in Columbia, Missouri, Ian was recognized as the Missouri Champion in the Beginner Rider Hunter division as well as the Reserve Champion in the Schooling Hunter division. Hannah was recognized as the Missouri Champion in the Beginner Rider Hunter division as well as the Reserve Champion in both the Children’s Hunter Pony division and the Green Pony Hunter division.

Prior to this, in July 2019, Hannah, with her horse Annahof’s Lawello, competed in the Vermont Summer Festival and became the Novice Equitation Champion.

President of MICDS Period Chapter Drafts Petition to Abolish Missouri Tampon Tax

Emma Scally ’22 is the president of the new MICDS chapter of Period, a non-profit organization that is committed to establishing period equity for menstruators across the globe. “Our goals are service, advocacy and education to end period poverty,” shares Emma. “Recently, I worked with two other Period Chapter Presidents, Sadhana Matheswaren and Holly Dickinson, to draft a petition to abolish the MO tampon tax. Currently, there is a 4.2% tax on all menstrual products in Missouri, which categorizes them as “luxury items.” Although 4.2% does not seem like a lot, the state of Missouri makes over $6 million dollars every year in revenue from tampon sales alone. The tax contributes to the unnecessarily high prices of period products. When women do not have access to products, it is both physically and emotionally damaging. Many menstruators are forced to turn to unsanitary alternatives, often resulting in dangerous reproductive diseases.”

Consider signing Emma’s petition and sharing it with those who you think would support this cause. View and sign the petition.

Piano Playing During Distance Learning

Since the middle of March, Evan Gao ’29 has adapted to remote learning for piano study and has continued his daily practice. He has played piano for three and a half years, and during the difficult time, he has been able to use music to cheer himself up and provide peace and happiness to loved ones through his piano playing. He is excited to share some pieces recorded during his practice:

Bravo, Evan!