The news site of Hinsdale Central High School

Devils' Advocate
The news site of Hinsdale Central High School

Devils' Advocate
The news site of Hinsdale Central High School

Devils' Advocate
Brandon Belgrad

Brandon Belgrad, Writer

Brandon Belgrad, senior, is often spotted running through the streets of Hinsdale. He is a part of the cross-country and track and field teams. Along with running, he enjoys hanging out with friends and listening to music. His favorite band is Catfish and the Bottlemen, but he also listens to a variety of genres and bands. Brandon is excited to be a member of the Advocate and looks forward to writing many articles. You can contact Brandon at [email protected].

All content by Brandon Belgrad
An open letter to juniors

An open letter to juniors

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
May 21, 2019
On Tuesday, May 14, girls soccer played against York in the IHSA Regional.

Girls soccer seasons ends with a loss to York

Brandon Belgrad, Leah Stevens, Section Editor, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
May 17, 2019
On Tuesday, April 23, the Girls varsity Lacrosse Team defeated LTHS, 17-7.

Girls Lacrosse beats LT by 10 points

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
April 24, 2019
Pictured here is the Virginia basketball team as they celebrate their national championship.

Students go crazy for March Madness

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
April 16, 2019
Phones are an essential part of a student's life at Hinsdale Central. The move to 5G will make daily phone use even faster.

Students test out Remote Learning for the first time

Brandon Belgrad, News Writer
April 10, 2019
Many spring sports, such as boys volleyball, girls softball, boys baseball, and girls soccer have all started their seasons this past month.

Athletes are hopeful for spring season potential

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
March 15, 2019
Tristan Thompson (left) and Khloe Kardashian (right) have one child together, True Thompson.

Students keep up with the Kardashians

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
March 14, 2019
With the release of "Sucker," as well as a rumored album and documentary, the Jonas Brothers (pictured from left to right as Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas, and Kevin Jonas) seemed to have set themselves up for a successful 2019.

The Jonas Brothers return with hit single “Sucker”

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
March 6, 2019
Released on Monday, Feb. 4, Apex Legends is the latest addition to the battle royale genre of video games.

Apex Legends or Fortnite: Which do Devils prefer?

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
March 5, 2019
The team huddled during a timeout during their loss to Geneva on Feb. 26.

Boys Basketball’s season ends with loss to Geneva

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
March 5, 2019
In a close game on Friday, Feb. 8, the boys basketball team lost to LT.

Boys Basketball team falls short against rival LT

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
February 12, 2019
We made a list of a variety of things that were trending in the year of 2018.

2018’s top 10’s

Leah Stevens, Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
January 24, 2019
Holiday music has a variety of styles, and it has something for every listener

Best songs to listen to this holiday season

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
December 17, 2018
Born Jahseh Onfroy, XXXTENTACION had a short but chart topping rap career.

XXXTENTACION: Does he deserve to be remembered?

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
December 16, 2018
Along with the many activities being hosted around the school students can find hopscotch and board games taped to the floor.

Puzzle Club hosts annual puzzle fun week

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
December 13, 2018
The Special Olympics basketball team played on Wednesday, Nov. 28 in the field house.

Special Olympics basketball competes against D99 Hoops

Brandon Belgrad, Leah Stevens, Section Editor, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
December 4, 2018
All 16 of the committed athletes posed in their respective college t-shirts to celebrate their signings.

Senior athletes officially commit

Brandon Belgrad, Masah Mourad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
December 3, 2018
The varsity and junior varsity boys cross country team placed ninth and 11th at the Nike Regional meet.

Boys cross country travels to Indiana for Nike regionals meet

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
November 12, 2018
Piyush Mekla, sophomore, finished in the top 50 at the IHSA state cross country meet at Detweiler Park with a personal record of 15:01.

Boys and Girls cross country place 11th and 17th at state

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
November 5, 2018
Boys varsity soccer ended their season with a 2-1 loss against rival Lyons Township.

Central loses to Lyons Township in Sectional Finals

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
October 30, 2018
"The Carter V" album cover pictures a young Lil Wayne alongside his mother. The album recently dropped, making student fans eager to listen.

Lil Wayne releases long awaited new album

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
October 16, 2018
On Saturday, Oct. 6 boys varsity soccer played against Glenbrook North HS on their senior night. Central won the game 3-2.

Varsity and JV soccer win on senior night

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
October 8, 2018
On Saturday, Sept. 22 Homecoming was held in the field house.

Students dance the night away at Homecoming

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
September 25, 2018
The Habitat for Humanity 5K walk/run took place on Sunday Sept. 16; participants walked or ran through the surrounding neighborhoods near the school.

Habitat For Humanity raises money in 5K

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
September 23, 2018
Cross country runners raced against each other at Detweiller Park in Peoria on Sept. 8.

Boys Cross Country perform well at annual race

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
September 18, 2018
The tournament took place at Reavis Stadium, Marquette's home stadium.

Boys soccer travels to Indiana for tournament

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockaml, Editor-in-Chief
September 1, 2018
The album cover to Slime Language is unique, as it spells YSL in sign language.

Young Thug’s Slime Language: An Underwhelming Project

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
August 22, 2018
David Brynan, freshman class board vice president, was one of the students who took part in the car wash held in the senior lot on Saturday, May 19.

Freshman class washes cars for extra fundings

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, and Abby Stockmal
May 22, 2018
Players invited family and friends to compete against them. It cost $5 to play and all proceeds went to the Skowronski family.

Badminton raises money for the Skowronski Family

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
May 18, 2018
Runners stretch and warm up for the race they were going to participate in. The 5k runners and 3k walkers all lined up at 8:30 a.m. to begin the race.

The wellness house hosts the annual wellness walk

Brandon Belgrad, News Writer
May 9, 2018
Politician Bob Berlin spoke to con-law students Tuesday May 1.

Dupage County State’s Attorney speaks to constitutional law students

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
May 3, 2018
On Friday, April 27, the GSA club held their annual Day of Silence. Students could choose to wear pins and not speak for the day to bring attention to the silence faced by LGBT youth.

Students honor LGBT community through Day of Silence

Brandon Belgrad, Kabir Sawlani, Editor-in-Chief, and Abby Stockmal, Editor-in-Chief
May 1, 2018
Dre is a five month-old cat that is currently up for adoption.

Hinsdale Humane Society raises money through Pennies for Paws

Brandon Belgrad, Everett Eck, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
April 25, 2018
From birdie bashes to small matches, the girls have been facing all sizes of competition this season.

Badminton team places high at Invite and Birdie Bash

Brandon Belgrad, Ali Ardehali, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
April 17, 2018
Pitbull is a famous pop rapper from Cuba who will be performing at Ribfest this summer. Not only does he have many awards to his name, but he's a great educational role model. Just look at his honorary degree.

Pitbullpalooza

Brandon Belgrad, Everett Eck, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
April 9, 2018
In the morning, students collected boxes from each first period class as well as other drop-offs.

NHS hosts blood drive and “Stuff the Truck”

Brandon Belgrad, Everett Eck, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
March 15, 2018
Fortnite: Battle Royale is third-person shooter game that requires quick thinking and creative building. It has recently gained popularity with students.

Fortnite takes over Hinsdale

Brandon Belgrad, Everett Eck, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
March 13, 2018
The library is full of basketball decorations in celebration of March Madness, not to be confused with the college athletic tournament.

Popular books face off in library’s annual “March Madness”

Brandon Belgrad and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
March 6, 2018
Since the shooting, MSDHS students such as David Hogg (pictured) have pushed for stronger gun restrictions. However, some see this as a violation of constitutional rights.

Battleground: Gun control after the Parkland shooting

Brandon Belgrad, Scott Bitautas, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
March 1, 2018

Brandon Belgrad, Writer
February 28, 2018
Safi Nadir, junior, taught kids how to write their names in traditional calligraphy. Along with this, students participated in other activities such as receiving henna tattoos, listening to a speaker, and wearing a hijab for a day.

MSA hosts Islamic Awareness Week

Brandon Belgrad, Everett Eck, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
February 22, 2018
With the school's second signing day of the year, many more seniors committed to pursue their athletic and academic careers at various colleges.

Seniors commit on winter signing day

Brandon Belgrad, Everett Eck, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
February 14, 2018
On Thursday, Feb. 1, Criminal Justice Club hosted two FBI agents in the Community Room as part of the club's guest speakers.

Criminal Justice Club hosts FBI agents

Brandon Belgrad and Everett Eck, Section Editor
February 6, 2018
The college planning workshop was held throughout various parts of the school, with each skill having its own area.

College planning workshop held at the school

Brandon Belgrad, Everett Eck, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
January 31, 2018
The World Languages Department is home to Latin, Spanish, French, and German language classes. World Languages Week is a time for teachers to encourage their students to continue learning foreign languages, as well as exposing them to different cultures.

World Languages Department prepares for World Languages Week

Brandon Belgrad, Everett Eck, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
December 20, 2017
On Friday, Dec. 8, Varsity Club and NHS hosted the annual Clubs That Care event, complete with food, games, and Santa.

Clubs That Care event spreads holiday joy

Brandon Belgrad, Everett Eck, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
December 13, 2017
Salt Creek Ballet performed "The Nutcracker" on Saturday, Nov. 25 and Sunday, Nov. 26 in the school auditorium.

Salt Creek Ballet performs “The Nutcracker”

Brandon Belgrad, Everett Eck, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
November 29, 2017
Mr. Wilbur frequently encourages his students to examine politics outside the classroom, such as attending political rallies. On Wednesday, March 9, 2016, Ohio Governor John Kasich spoke in Lisle, Ill. about his campaign for the presidency.

Students volunteer for political campaigns

Brandon Belgrad, Everett Eck, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
November 21, 2017
Sadie Robertson, an actress on Duck Dynasty, talks to the crowd about overcoming anxiety and fear with personal stories.

Upper Room Christian Club attends Live Original tour

Brandon Belgrad, Everett Eck, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
November 15, 2017
The college signing was led by Mr. Dan Jones, athletic director, pictured left, on Wednesday, Nov. 8. Eight students signed to various colleges for athletic scholarships.

Seniors sign letters of commitment

Brandon Belgrad, Everett Eck, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
November 13, 2017
The annual fundraiser, Mr. Hinsdale, will take place on Dec. 7; nominees have already been chosen and will begin the selection process this week.

Mr. Hinsdale to take place in December

Brandon Belgrad, Everett Eck, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
October 25, 2017
Hundreds of people showed up for the 2017 Rotary Run Charity Classic on Sunday, Oct. 15.

Rotary Run races for charity

Brandon Belgrad and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
October 17, 2017
With all the tackling and intense plays that occur each football game, it's no surprise that many Red Devil players are out due to injuries.

Football team faces adversity with injuries

Brandon Belgrad and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
October 16, 2017
During the fundraiser, the girls swim and dive team set up an assembly line, complete with washing, rinsing, and drying. At the end of the line, there was a table for donations and bake sale items.

Girls swim and dive hosts car wash

Brandon Belgrad, Everett Eck, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
October 4, 2017
Making special memories and meeting new people in Seville and Guadix are the two main factors of this annual trip.

Students to participate in Spanish exchange program

Brandon Belgrad, Everett Eck, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
October 3, 2017
Members of the boys soccer team participated in a creative soccer-tennis hybrid in a fundraiser for the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Boys soccer kicks it for charity

Brandon Belgrad and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
September 27, 2017
The junior class board poses next to their completed E.T. homecoming float.

Students construct homecoming floats

Brandon Belgrad, Everett Eck, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
September 14, 2017
Loyola High School students participated in a day of service, similar to the one Central has planned for Sept. 30.

Students to participate in day of service

Brandon Belgrad, Everett Eck, Section Editor, and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
September 9, 2017
Students are now able to easily pull a lever for the police to arrive at school.

District adds new emergency alarm system to both schools

Brandon Belgrad and Hannah Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
August 30, 2017
The Performance in Round group celebrates after moving on from sectionals to the state competition, which took place on Feb. 17 and 18.

Forensics’ state run

Brandon Belgrad, Contributor
February 21, 2017
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