Student Standouts: Zlatic ’24, Gadi ’25, Gong ’27, and Kuhlman ’27
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.
Senior Defies Gravity on Zero-G Flight
Zoe Zlatic ’24 took to the skies on Friday, March 8, from Fort Lauderdale airport on the one-of-a-kind Zero-G plane. With a small Charger the Ram, an MICDS pennant, and other mementos, she flew 30 parabolic arcs that created weightlessness for about 20 seconds at a time. This weightless environment provided the backdrop for Zlatic to successfully test Proctor & Gamble’s water purification powder in her self-designed centrifuge, which she 3D-printed in the MICDS Biggs Family Maker’s Lab.
Zoe, your curiosity and critical thinking took you (and Ram Nation) to new weightless heights….Congratulations!
And a big shout-out of appreciation to Mr. Brian Purlee, Maker and Robotics Coordinator & Science Teacher, for his unwavering guidance and support as Zlatic made numerous design iterations, each with another 3D-printed prototype, until her final centrifuge design was ready for flight.
Three MICDS Students Qualify for State Solo Ensemble Music Festival
Three highly-talented MICDS students recently qualified for the MSHSAA State Solo/Ensemble Music Festival which will be held on April 26 at the University of Missouri. Congratulations to the following Ram musicians:
- Saivi Gadi ’25 (violin, Virtuosi)
- Forest Gong ’27 (clarinet, band)
- Daniel Kuhlman ’27 (clarinet, band)
Junior Saivi described the process for qualifying. « To get to State, we first had to play at the Metro Solo and Ensemble on March 8, which was conducted by MSHSAA. In the month leading up to the event, I rehearsed once a week with Dana Self, Upper School Performing Arts Teacher, who accompanied me on piano, to perfect my piece ‘Mozart Minuet.’ I also played it at the MICDS Chamber Concert which better prepared me for the competition. The students that got an exemplary rating at Metro Solo and Ensemble go to State! »
These musicians are looking forward to the State performance. « I am excited that I received an exemplary rating at districts and will be able to participate at the State Music Festival at the end of April, » reflects Daniel. « I have practiced a lot and prepared a lot with Mr. Self in preparation for the event. »
Forest said, « I think that for me, the significance of this accomplishment is that it is an opportunity to perform at a higher level and continue improving at my instrument. »
« I am excited for State for Solo and Ensemble because it is a chance to demonstrate my violin skills and play at a higher level, » anticipates Saivi. « Also, it’s so great to see how far this piece has come through practice since I started playing it! » Bravo to Saivi, Forest, and Daniel!
