The Ascent Newsletter #2
Of the students, by the students
The Ascent Newsletter #2: November 2024! Every month, we put out an edition featuring news about the school, national events, and more. Here is this month’s issue, click here to view it.
You can find all of these articles linked to our website at theascent.news. You can also see more video coverage of school events on our Instagram @ascentnews and Youtube @theascentnews. Enjoy!
SPORTS
Two Teams. Two Trophies.
U19 Boys and Girls sweep the HFSI Tournament
By Aarav Chokhani and Pritha Nag
On November 16th, the U19 Girls Basketball Team returned to the Hiranandani Foundation School International (HFSI) tournament with one goal: defending their championship title from last years win. The following day, the boys had the same objective, to take home the gold. And both of them succeeded!
SPORTS
Boys Win at ABWA Tournament
By Arjun Shah
When Ascend’s U19 football team stepped onto the Cooperage Stadium field for the Aditya Birla tournament, they had one mission: to bring home their first victory. Through grit and teamwork, they did just that. From a nail-biting semi-final win against B.D. Somani to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout in the final against the hosts, the day never ceased to excite. Captain Aarez Zaidi said:
It’s my last year at Ascend, and I’m glad we finally have something to show for our skill
This victory marks the beginning of a promising year for the team, uniting players and supporters in celebration.
SCHOOL
CAS field trip to The Yoga Institute
By Gunika Chaudhary
Explore the transformative experience of DP1 students on their CAS field trip to The Yoga Institute, the world's oldest yoga center. From meditation and discovering the power of mindfulness to humorous attempts at Jalneeti, this trip was a blend of laughter, learning, and self-discovery. Dive into their reflections on embracing the wisdom of yoga, tackling academic stress with renewed focus, and finding balance through the art of stillness.
SPORTS, SCHOOL
House Sports Leagues
By Pritha Nag
Veer Gondal and Madhav Somaiya had a clear goal as they took on their roles as Sports Head and President: to transform the house system. The result was Ascend’s first-ever house leagues, turning recesses into moments of competition and school spirit. Veer says:
We wanted to bring the sports day spirit to everyday school life, […] to build it up, and gain that momentum.
Students now huddle in teams, strategize plays, and cheer for their houses, making the leagues a highlight of the school day. With plans to expand beyond sports into music and art competitions, this initiative is creating new ways for students to connect and show their house pride.
INTERNATIONAL
Wordle almost shuts down
By Riaan Thakar
During the lockdown, Wordle became a daily habit for millions, a way to stay connected during an uncertain time. When The New York Times bought the game, it seemed like a natural fit for their collection of puzzles. But in November, when over 600 New York Times workers went on strike for better pay, they asked fans to break their Wordle streaks in support. Many did, and for a while, it was unclear if the game would continue. While the strike disrupted things, it also led to new, creative games like Strikle and a strike-themed version of Connections. Now that the strike is over, Wordle is back, but the way it brought people together—both during the lockdown and the strike—shows how much a simple game can mean.
FEATURE, OPINION
My house smells like curry. Why is that a bad thing?
By Lara Phul
Partially growing up in New Jersey as an Indian-American, I’ve heard stereotypes about my culture all my life. A comment by far-right figure Laura Loomer that the White House would “smell like curry” if Kamala Harris won the election made me ask the question: why is that a bad thing? This statement highlights how immigrants are often reduced to stereotypes, no matter how much they contribute to America. From my dad’s journey building an Indian restaurant in Manhattan to the broader impact of immigrants in shaping the country, it’s clear that America’s diversity is its strength—something to celebrate, not mock.
