Hi, I’m Leila! I’m one of the editors of The Tartan and the secretary of Upper School. I’ve been part of the Stuart community since eighth grade, and it has truly shaped who I am as a student, a writer, and a friend. I feel so grateful for the chance to help lead the paper this year.

Writing, especially poetry, is where I feel most connected to myself. Putting words on a page helps me untangle my thoughts and brings me a little peace. The Tartan has given me a space to share those ideas, explore new topics, and keep growing as a writer.

When I’m not at school, you might find me in the kitchen baking something sweet, trying out a new recipe, or reading a love story. I’ve been playing basketball since I was little, and it continues to be one of the things that makes me feel the most alive.

Faith is an important part of my life, and I try to live with honesty, gratitude, and kindness because you never know what challenges someone else might be facing.

As for the little joys, I live for crisp fall days with cozy drinks in hand, beach days playing mermaids with fresh fruit, and listening to Mariah the Scientist on repeat. Her lyrics always seem to put exactly what I’m feeling into words. Looking ahead, I hope to pursue a career in medicine, either working with babies or in dermatology.

This year, I’m excited to mentor younger writers, share stories that matter, and create pieces that might make you pause, think, or even smile. I can’t wait for everything we’ll bring to life together in the Tartan.

Hi! I’m Sami! I’m the other editor of The Tartan. I’ve been part of the Stuart community since 9th grade, and I truly believe that being here has made me a stronger and even more outgoing student. I am so excited that I have now been given the chance to help run the paper this year!

I love writing for The Tartan, especially when it’s an interview piece or a piece on a life lesson I have recently learned. I love being given the platform to share my thoughts and experiences with my community. I am also a Writing Center tutor here at Stuart, so I am given the opportunity to help other students cultivate their writing.

When I am not in class or at field hockey practice, you can find me at home watching TV with my dog, writing articles for the Tartan, listening to music, or talking to my family/friends. When it is not field hockey season, you could also find me at my Taekwondo studio. Martial arts has been a significant part of my life and personal development, as I have been practicing it for over ten years. The same can be said for my volunteering at my synagogue, which I have done every Sunday for more than four years. I love helping teach young children about all the Jewish holidays and traditions!

I also have a great interest in photography! I love to take photos with my camera, especially of animals, the outdoors, and flowers. But some of my favorite photographs are the unplanned and unstaged portraits of people. My other main interest is hippos. Calling them my favorite animal would not truly encapsulate the love and interest I have for them. I have traveled many places for the sole purpose of seeing a new hippo, I had a hippo-themed Bat Mitzvah, and I have read almost every hippo book there is. My brain is full of random hippo facts, and sharing them brings me immense amounts of joy. 

This year, I am so excited to continue aiding younger writers in cultivating their writing style and voice! I am also very excited to continue writing my own pieces for The Tartan. Keep an eye out for all the new pieces coming soon!