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!
