‘‘Sideline’ is an annual Essay Competition open to student-athletes attending Hopkins School in New Haven, CT. Founded in 2025, our goal is to provide an opportunity for young athletes to show their skills in writing and literature and challenge themselves with academic rigor. As part of a larger initiative, we aim to uplift the student-athlete community and bring awareness to the many amazing stories that come out of it, including triumphs, hurdles, and more.” - Thooyan Thirumaran ‘26...

Wear decent clothing for God’s sake; pop on your retainers, every night, every morning, don’t skip it, don’t have crooked teeth; brush for at least two minutes each time…this is non-negotiable; you must learn to be independent...

Damian was always sick ever since he turned 13, garnering symptom after symptom. The doctors never knew what he had, they only knew that it stemmed from his heart. Damian was now 17, a drop-out since he had too many absences from school, so he eventually stopped attending. At first, his Father would give him some home-schooled lessons, granted he always seemed condescending when he gave them, but over time he stopped....

The Maker lived a life of creation. The Maker made himself, building each individual part of himself day after day. Every day, The Maker would wake himself by winding himself, the gears in his body activating for the day. The Maker left his house and entered his workshop underneath. Before opening, he would take the zeppelin into the city center, and buy his parts. The Maker was well liked. No matter where he went, the citizens would wave to him. They would discuss with each other quietly, “I wonder what The Maker will create today?”...