Sydney Ziemniak has been a Zephyrus staff member for two wondrous years, and it has been a true highlight in her high school career. Even though she claimed to only join staff because she “needed something to do,” anyone can tell that she was truly destined to join the Zephyrus team. Sydney started as a staff writer for the 2021-22 school year, and then served as the features section editor the following year. “Being a staff member has given me better communication skills and has really improved my writing,” Sydney said.

 From a young age, Sydney has had a fascination with the written word and considers herself “a bit of a bookworm.” She also enjoys spending time outside in nature, running for the Edina Track and Field and Cross Country teams.

Sydney’s friends claim that she is both a “thorn in my side” and “slightly irritating” which can only be interpreted as words of love for our former section editor. 

Sydney is immensely proud of her accomplishments in and outside of the Zephyrus classroom. She started the Philosophy club (which turned into more of a rant club towards the end of its existence). She also started the Edina Speed Walking Club which is most certainly a real club and not an excuse for Sydney and her best chum (Meredith Nemerov) to create T-shirts with their faces on them. She also takes great pride in her article featuring the Edina Lego Club. “I like Legos,” she said. 

Even though the prospect of leaving the wonderful Edina High School brings a tear to Sydney’s eye, she is overjoyed to be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall. “I’m really excited to meet new people and take interesting classes,” Sydney said.

Sydney has high hopes for Zephyrus after she leaves. “I hope that future Zeph writers are able to get out of their comfort zone and are able to face their fears.” 

Even though Sydney has proven to be a real thorn in our side, the Zephyrus staff will truly miss her wonderful sense of humor and contagious laugh, and we wish her the best of luck in all her endeavors. 

This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on May 18, 2023.