By Elijah Dale
Staff Reporter
After being one of just two photographers on The Sentry during quite possibly the strangest year ever, senior photographer Sophie Sprinkel certainly does not lack experience or expertise. The senior is one of the most talented photographers on The Sentry this year.
If her time on The Sentry proves anything, it proves she is hard-working. She expects to be even more productive this year because school is in person.
“I have the opportunity to go more places for my photos…. I am definitely glad to be back in person,” Sprinkel said.
Regardless of the virtual year, Sprinkel enjoyed her first year on staff. Although she is a photographer, Sprinkel’s favorite aspect of being on The Sentry is staying informed by reading the latest articles on our website.
While Sprinkel likes to stay informed, she doesn’t stay in one place. Sprinkel has lived in six cities across the country. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, she moved to several places in the South, including Florida and Tennessee, as well as Colorado, prior to moving to Arlington.
Tennessee, she says, is the best place she has lived. Sprinkel hopes to return to Tennessee after college. She is even looking at colleges in Nashville.
After high school, Sprinkel plans to major in biology for a pre-medical degree before attending medical school. When asked why she is interested in the medical field, Sprinkel said she hopes to be successful. Being a doctor fits her view of success.
Outside of applying herself academically, Sprinkel is an athlete. She goes to the gym frequently and ran varsity cross country until her junior year when she took a break due to COVID-19.
“I have recently started running, though, so I am working on building back up to where I was. I think adding in the work I’m doing at the gym will help,” Sprinkel said.
Though her first year on staff was unlike any other, the confident, persistent and skillful photographer proved herself an incredible asset to The Sentry and will continue to do so this coming year.
By Sophie Sprinkel
Staff Photographer
Sophomore Elijah Dale is possibly the calmest, most laid-back person you will ever meet. He is an enthusiastic reader, rock climber and friend — all things you would expect from such an easygoing person.
Dale is a Scorpio. Known to be mysterious and profound thinkers, this is a very fitting description for him.
Dale loves to spend time in nature. His favorite season is fall because he loves the beautiful outdoor scenery.
“I would go hiking in Shenandoah with my friends on my ideal day,” Dale said.
Dale can enjoy the company of his friends, but he also enjoys spending time alone or with his family. Although he does claim to be an extrovert, he gets tired easily.
“It’s nice to relax with my family sometimes,” Dale said.
In fact, he says that he is at his happiest when he is reading alone in his room.
“It’s calm,” Dale said.
Typical Dale.
It is no surprise that Dale is an avid jazz listener, along with the occasional classic rock song. His favorite tune is Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson. It is a song that is very suitable for his mellow personality.
The most intense part of his life is probably his rock-climbing career. He spends up to 30 hours a week on it.
“I like that it feels very different from any other sport. It’s both mental and physical, and it takes a lot of problem-solving skills and understanding risk assessment. It’s not just physical and it’s not just repeated motions,” Dale said.
One could easily tell just how at-ease he is when asked when the last time he cried was.
“Too long. Maybe the end of 7th grade,” Dale said.
Dale is easy to get along with, and hard to upset. His second year of reporting looks very promising, and The Sentry can’t wait to see what he will do.
