Sarah Trunk


Name: Sarah Trunk
Position: Staff Writer
Graduation Year: 2015
Hello! I'm Sarah, and I'm one of the managing editors for SCO this year. I like writing about things and reading mystery novels. Enjoy our site!


Stories (47)


Books to read when having an existential crisis

By Sarah Trunk | April 29, 2015, 12:43 p.m. | In Books »

With end-of-year anxieties reaching a fever pitch, you may be looking for a healthy distraction from your busy, confusing life. Here's a list of SCO's books to read when having an existential crisis.

Black-Eyed Susan Book Award recommendations

By Amalia Chiapperino, Eleanor Linafelt, Neida Mbuia Joao, Arthi Vijaykumar, Zoe Johnson, Sarah Trunk | April 23, 2015, 8:42 p.m. | In Books »

As the year winds down, it's time to make a lot of decisions: which Black-Eyed Susan Book Award nominee you'll be voting for. Silver Chips Online has read, reviewed and ranked the books--so you don't have to.

#TransLivesMatter

By Sarah Trunk | April 15, 2015, 1:19 p.m. | In Op/Ed »

Around the world, transgender people are murdered, bullied to the point of suicide, denied human rights, kicked out of their homes and ignored. There needs to be more awareness of transgender problems in order to give them back their basic rights.

Who's into SuperWhoLock?

By Sarah Trunk | Feb. 24, 2015, 8:04 p.m. | In Features »

Fans of Supernatural, Doctor Who and Sherlock, popularly known as SuperWhoLock fans, are rising both in number and devotion, overtaking social media with their influence. But SuperWhoLock is an complex community.

Ground left unbroken

By Sarah Trunk | Feb. 21, 2015, 11:35 a.m. | In Books »

The concept of supernatural happenings in teen books is not a bad one, even if it is alarmingly common. But "Unbreakable," by Kami Garcia, just doesn't bring anything new.

There's no I in 'measles'

By Sarah Trunk | Feb. 15, 2015, 10:19 a.m. | In Op/Ed »

Basic safety precautions should be taken to eliminate the spread of infectious, dangerous diseases.

"Clockwork Scarab" is a waste of time

By Sarah Trunk | Jan. 21, 2015, 1:47 p.m. | In Books »

"The Clockwork Scarab," by Colleen Gleason, has an interesting concept. Evaline Stoker, the sister of "Dracula" author Bram Stoker, and Alvermina Holmes, Sherlock's niece, are sent on a mysterious mission by Irene Adler to investigate the deaths of rich white girls.

Who's strong and brave, here to save the American way?

By Harini Salgado, Sarah Trunk | Jan. 12, 2015, 9:05 p.m. | In Television »

It's a story unlike any other superhero story, because Peggy is unlike any other superhero.

Uncivil rights

By Sarah Trunk | Dec. 3, 2014, 1:15 p.m. | In Op/Ed »

Civil forfeiture is a law that allows the police to do all of the above, and it needs to be stopped. It is an unfair system that needs serious reformation in order to fulfill its intended purpose and actually help the American people.

Thanksgiving Evolution

By Sarah Trunk | Nov. 26, 2014, 6:06 p.m. | In Lifestyle Blog »

The actual holiday part of the Thanksgiving holiday has a more complex background than you might expect.

Blair holds second annual Crime and Punishment day

By Martha Morganstein, Sarah Trunk | Nov. 25, 2014, 12:43 p.m. | In Local »

On Nov. 20, Blair held their second annual Crime and Punishment day in order to give students the opportunity to explore different areas of forensic science. The day consisted of a variety of professionals from different fields coming in to speak to students.

A pirate's life for them

By Sarah Trunk | Nov. 5, 2014, 1:54 p.m. | In Plays »

The complex story, talented cast and spellbinding set make for an exciting and whimsical pirate adventure.

The election speculation sensation that's sweeping the nation

By Sarah Trunk | Oct. 24, 2014, 12:32 p.m. | In Op/Ed »

Almost since the last election ended in 2012, poor Hillary Clinton hasn't gotten a break from the press about her possible 2016 presidential campaign.

Not in the family

By Sarah Trunk | Oct. 24, 2014, 10 a.m. | In Features »

Pluto was downgraded to dwarf planet in 2006 after a short and controversial run as official planet due to its size and location. People didn't like that, and they still don't.

Muslim Education Club hopes to foster understanding about Islam

By Sarah Trunk | Sept. 12, 2014, 9:48 p.m. | In Local »

The Muslim Education club will focus on the cultural aspects of Islam instead of the religious aspects, unlike Blair's current Islamic club, the Muslim Student Association (MSA). The club also hopes to correct misconceptions and clarify students' understanding of Islam.

#RealChange from Hashtag Activism

By Sarah Trunk | June 11, 2014, 12:18 p.m. | In Op/Ed »

Social media has redefined traditional social activism.

Princes (and Princesses) Charming

By Sarah Trunk | May 20, 2014, 8:29 a.m. | In Entertainment »

There are so many vloggers out there on Youtube, it can be hard to choose which one best deserves your attention as you put off studying for APs or unwind after a long day. Here's SCO's list of the top 5 most charming, most quirky and most pleasant Youtubers to while away the time.

Princes (and Princesses) Charming

By Sarah Trunk | May 16, 2014, 7:50 a.m. | In Features »

There are so many vloggers out there on Youtube, it can be hard to choose which one best deserves your attention as you put off studying for APs or unwind after a long day. The British Youtuber sensations sweeping the internet nation certainly doesn't help, because there are countless Youtubers with pleasant accents or quirky personalities.

International News Roundup for May 1 to May 8

By Sarah Trunk | May 9, 2014, 12:52 p.m. | In International »

Updates from Ukraine, Nigeria, South Korea and Syria for the week of May 1 to May 8.

When is a joke not a joke?

By Sarah Trunk | April 21, 2014, 12:49 p.m. | In Op/Ed »

Critics fail to understand the point of satire such as Colbert's � satire, in context, is necessary to criticize essential issues.

The College Readiness Contest

By Sarah Trunk | April 8, 2014, 12:45 p.m. | In Op/Ed »

Although the new SAT has good intentions, it won't fix the old SAT’s failure to fulfill the test's purpose-- to provide colleges with a fair and accurate evaluation of students' ability to succeed in college.

Ten Disney songs that describe Blazers

By Sarah Trunk | March 20, 2014, 6:38 p.m. | In Music »

The end of the quarter is fast approaching, especially with all of those snow days, leaving Blazers scrambling for last minute grade changes to slip in before the quarter deadline closes.

LoveSCOpe: Senior Unity Date

By Zoe Johnson, Martha Morganstein, Sarah Trunk | March 9, 2014, 10:36 p.m. | In LoveSCOpe »

Seniors David Ma and Morgana D'Ottavi looked like a great match. We sent them to Pete's A-pizza in downtown Silver Spring to see if these seniors were a match made in heaven.

LoveSCOpe: Can a bowling date lead to a lucky strike?

By Zoe Johnson, Martha Morganstein, Sarah Trunk | Feb. 17, 2014, 5:40 p.m. | In LoveSCOpe »

Senior Arnelle Kodjo and junior Haki Johnson seemed like they'd get along great.

Controversy and cold weather

By Sarah Trunk | Feb. 13, 2014, 9:52 a.m. | In Op/Ed »

The recent and ridiculously named "polar vortex," "cold snap," "winter of mass destruction," "when even Hell froze over," simply "Hoth" or whatever you want to call it, prompted much heated discussion about weather patterns from scientists and talking heads alike. What is the real cause of this cold-spell?

State of the Union Recap: Obama promises more action

By Sarah Trunk | Feb. 11, 2014, 11:04 a.m. | In News Blog »

On Tuesday, Jan. 28, with more than half of Americans disapproving of his presidency, Barack Obama delivered his annual State of the Union address, promising more jobs, a better economy and less congressional gridlock.

International News Roundup for Jan. 10-Jan. 21

By Sarah Trunk | Jan. 25, 2014, 2:17 p.m. | In International »

This is not original reporting. All information has been compiled from The Washington Post, The Guardian and BBC News. Silver Chips Online posts this news summary to provide readers with a forum for discussion.

A stage away from the stage

By Sarah Trunk | Jan. 21, 2014, 8:04 a.m. | In Features »

The Performing Arts Club was founded by a mutual love of theatre and the extensive effort of seniors Isaac Jiffar, Alex Michell and junior Patty Pablo. Last year, after Blair's fall play Taming of the Shrew and Tamer Tamed ended, they missed the feeling of performing and working with their castmates. And thus, the club was born.

LoveSCOpe: Souper great time at Soupergirl

By Zoe Johnson, Martha Morganstein, Sarah Trunk | Jan. 2, 2014, 7:16 p.m. | In LoveSCOpe »

We sent Sophomore Luisa McGarvey and junior Alex Alia to Soupergirl, located on Carroll Street on the D.C. side of Takoma Park.

What's In and Out in 2014

By Martha Morganstein, Sarah Trunk | Jan. 2, 2014, 6:42 p.m. | In Lifestyle Blog »

As 2013 comes to a close, we reflect on the mistakes and successes of the year that will continue on to 2014. Here are Silver Chips Online's predictions of what will be "in" and "out" in 2014. Happy New Year!

LoveSCOpe: Crepes can't create chemistry

By Zoe Johnson, Martha Morganstein, Sarah Trunk | Dec. 13, 2013, 12:42 p.m. | In LoveSCOpe »

Both described themselves as quirky, entertaining and outgoing in their applications.

Thanksgivukkah

By Sarah Trunk | Dec. 7, 2013, 8:35 a.m. | In Features »

It's Thursday night. Your family is gathered around a table, smiling and chatting, and the food smells marvelous. The table is set with steaming sweet potatoes, bowls of stuffing, a glistening golden turkey, and in the center of the table is your old family menorah, candles cheerfully flickering.

LoveSCOpe: Soccer connections make for a winning time

By Zoe Johnson, Martha Morganstein, Sarah Trunk | Nov. 28, 2013, 5:16 p.m. | In LoveSCOpe »

Welcome to the first edition of LoveSCOpe! We set up students on free blind dates and see what happens. Dates will be published every month. Click here to apply.

"Book Thief" Steals the Show

By Sarah Trunk | Nov. 20, 2013, 8:59 p.m. | In Movies »

"One small fact: You are going to die. Despite every effort, you're not going to live forever." Thus begins the Book Thief, directed by Brian Percival and based on Marcus Zuzak's novel. It is hauntingly beautiful and although it differs from the original, it still is a great story.

International News Roundup for Nov. 7- Nov. 15

By Sarah Trunk | Nov. 18, 2013, 8:05 p.m. | In International »

One of our writers examines some of the biggest global headlines form the past week. Featuring reports about Beijing, Toronto, Cairo and the Philippines.

Cozy Pacci's Pizzeria is Superbly Delicious

By Sarah Trunk | Oct. 29, 2013, 4:12 p.m. | In Restaurant Reviews »

Pacci's Neopolitan Pizzeria in Silver Spring is tucked away in an inconspicuous corner in Downtown Silver Spring, right by the World building. Inside, Pacci's seems pretty small, with a bar, an open pizza oven, a few tables and dim lighting that adds a cozy feel. Their outdoor seating is very spacious. Although it's right on a busy road, it's quiet and tranquil, in part because of the soothing water fountain nearby. Green vines creep up the walls and bad pop music plays in the background. It's the perfect place if you want to try new things or if you are going for something traditional.

NewsChips: The IQ Question

By Sarah Trunk | Oct. 24, 2013, 8:34 p.m. | In News Blog »

But the decision should not be upheld because Hall is not mentally fit enough to be put to death and because "bright-line" death penalty laws like Florida's are unfair.

Girls' volleyball suffers tough loss to Whitman

By Sarah Trunk | Oct. 18, 2013, 4:42 p.m. | In Blair »

The Whitman Vikings (7-4-1) narrowly beat the Blair Blazers (6-6), 17-25, 21-25 and 17-25. For Blair, this was senior night, the last home game of the season, making the game more animated and exciting. Although Blazers lost, their amplified spirit and excellent teamwork helped them to play an excellent game.

Behind the curtain

By Sarah Trunk | Oct. 9, 2013, 4:12 p.m. | In Features »

Crabtree has been in charge of stage crew for the past three years, but this year is different, primarily because stage crew has nearly doubled in size.

Blair students qualify for prestigious competition

By Sarah Trunk | Oct. 3, 2013, 4 p.m. | In Local »

On October 7, the Blair math team received results from the "Who Wants to be a Mathematician Competition" which indicated that it had more students qualify for the second round of the competition than any other high school math team.

Clubs required to renew charters due to liability concerns

By Sarah Trunk | Sept. 30, 2013, 9:04 p.m. | In Local »

Blair administration called for all clubs to renew their charters before the activity fair on October 24 in order to remain active because of liability concerns.

NewsChips: Veteran's Health Administration's actions are inefficient and immoral

By Sarah Trunk | Sept. 12, 2013, 9:13 p.m. | In News Blog »

The VA desperately needs to improve both their functionality and basic moral standing in order to give war veterans the assistance and respect they deserve.

Are college sports worth the effort?

By Sarah Trunk | Sept. 10, 2013, 6:22 p.m. | In News Blog »

Playing sports in college can be a huge commitment, but it's really only worth it if students are fully invested in the sport.

Indefinite detention is definitely wrong

By Sarah Trunk | Aug. 14, 2013, 8:16 a.m. | In Op/Ed »

The NDAA of 2012 included Section 1021, a section that gave the president the right to hold suspected terrorists indefinitely in military detention without due process. The definition of suspected terrorists was vague, leaving most of the act's interpretation up to the president. Section 1021 is alarmingly unfair and should be completely eliminated as soon as possible.

Local nature lab seeks high school help

By Sarah Trunk | Aug. 12, 2013, 9:07 a.m. | In News »

The Takoma Park Nature Lab, located on Carroll Avenue in Old Town Takoma Park, is now looking to expand opportunities for high school students through more programs and lab assistance.

Conflict in Egypt could lead to democracy and independence

By Sarah Trunk | July 10, 2013, 10:47 p.m. | In News Blog »

Last week was the 4th of July. A time for eating too many hot dogs, spending time with friends and family and, most importantly, celebrating our country's independence. But what about countries that are still fighting for freedom?

Katie Lazo

By Sarah Trunk | June 17, 2013, 8:36 a.m. | In Teacher Feature »

Lazo teaches English as a Second Language (ESOL), and there is nothing she cares about more than her students. She loves talking with them, helping them and really getting to know them.