TEEN WRITING & ART SHOWCASE
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SPRING
We hope you enjoy reading Gail Borden’s first Teen Art and Writing Showcase! This issue includes submissions from forty students who attend more than a dozen local schools. Each one has their own unique style. We have published each entry exactly as it was submitted.
JUDGES CHOSE FOUR ENTRIES TO RECEIVE PRIZES BASED ON THEIR ORIGINALITY AND LITERARY OR ARTISTIC QUALITY.
CongratulationS to the winners \ FIRST PLACE, ART (TIE) [
\ FIRST PLACE, ART (TIE) [ MIND OF AN ARTIST
NIGHTMARE
BY CATHERINE VIRGINIA KESSUVAN
BY EMILY LIPINSKI
\ FIRST PLACE, WRITING [ BEYOND THE BACKYARD BY ALLISON HOLLOWAY
\ SECOND PLACE, WRITING [ THE COMPLICATED LIFE OF EMMA CLAIRE BY FAITH MARANION
For information about how to submit work for publication in a future showcase, please visit www.gailborden.info/teen-art-writing. We want to see your amazing creations! 1
WRITING
THE COMPLICATED LIFE OF EMMA CLAIRE QUEST FOR MINECRAFT (EXCERPT) LIFE FROM THE PUDDLE BLUE THE BURNING SKY VETERAN’S DAY BEYOND THE BACKYARD A SURPRISING RESCUE MY SPECIAL COMPANION
ART
NIGHTMARE MEMORIES IN THE DISTANCE STARRY SKYLINE ALONE MIND OF AN ARTIST TWILIGHT HIBISCUS APPLE MY HOUSE, WINTER DARK SUNSET COOL AS A CUCUMBER BUYING TIME LAZY DAY DEPRESSION TOOTHPICK PEACOCK ILLUSTRATION LOVE NEVER SINKS ARMOR OF GOD BEYOND THE TREE WHIMSICAL TREE UNTITLED “UP” IN ABSTRACT FORM PIZZAMANITY THE “BIRD”GER MEAL A VINTAGE WILDERNESS I USED TO LIVE AMONG THE STARS RED DRESS UNTITLED UNTITLED CARDS WITHOUT ORDER COLLEGE SOFTBALL SPYRO CHICAGO’S BEST
CONTENTS
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BY FAITH MARANION (GRADE 8, ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN SCHOOL) ...................... 4-6
BY JENNA MCKEE (GRADE 6, LOWRIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL)................................ 17-18 BY ALICIA HORN (GRADE 7, TEFFT MIDDLE SCHOOL).............................................. 13-14 BY ASIYAH ARASTU (GRADE 7, LARSEN MIDDLE SCHOOL)...................................... 7-10 BY ZACHARY HERING (GRADE 10, ELGIN ACADEMY) ............................................. 11 BY MARY SABO (GRADE 6, ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN) ................................................... 15 BY ALLISON HOLLOWAY (GRADE 11, LARKIN HIGH SCHOOL) ............................. 3
BY ELISE ANNE MILLER (GRADE 7, KENYON WOODS MIDDLE SCHOOL) ............ 19 BY SAMANTHA HARVILLE (GRADE 10, CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL)....................... 16
BY EMILY LIPINSKI (GRADE 11, ST. EDWARD CCHS) ............................................. COVER BY JENNIFER VERNON (GRADE 10, ELGIN ACADEMY) ........................................... 4A BY ANA ISABEL MENDOZA (GRADE 11, ST. EDWARD CCHS)............................ 6B
BY GLORIA MORA (GRADE 8, KIMBALL MIDDLE SCHOOL) ...................................... 7C
BY CATHERINE VIRGINIA KESSUVAN (GRADE 12, ST. EDWARD CCHS) ....... 8D BY SIERRA PAUL (GRADE 7, PRAIRIE KNOLLS MIDDLE SCHOOL)............................. 9E BY CORA HOLLOWAY (GRADE 8, HOMESCHOOL) .................................................... 9 F
BY MADELINE HONIG (GRADE 11, HOMESCHOOL)................................................. 10 G
BY WILLIAM PEREZ (GRADE 10, ST. EDWARD CCHS)........................................... 11H
BY ADRIANA CASTRO (GRADE 12, ST. EDWARD CCHS) ...................................... 11-12I BY MELANIE SCHMIDT (GRADE 11, ST. EDWARD CCHS) .................................... 12J
BY WESLEY ENRIQUEZ (GRADE 11, BURLINGTON CENTRAL HS)......................... 13K BY CLAUDIA MARIE SAJTAR (GRADE 9, ST. EDWARD CCHS) ............................ 14L
BY NICOLETTE SYLVAIN (GRADE 12, ST. EDWARD CCHS).................................. 14M BY MARY SABO (GRADE 6, ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN).................................................... 15 N
BY MARY DRAFTZ (GRADE 9, ST. EDWARD CCHS)................................................. 15 O BY JADEN CHAMBERS (GRADE 8, HOMESCHOOL) ................................................... 15 P
BY SHANNON MARIE MCSHANE (GRADE 12, ST. EDWARD CCHS)................ 16Q BY KATIE HOLLOWAY (GRADE 6, HOMESCHOOL) .................................................... 16 R BY OWEN MOLLSEN (GRADE 11, ST. EDWARD CCHS) ......................................... 17S
BY ANNA SILVA (GRADE 11, ST. EDWARD CCHS).................................................... 18T
BY DERRICK SOROKA (GRADE 10, ST. EDWARD CCHS)...................................... 19U BY REBECCA L. RICKERT (GRADE 9, RICKERT HOMESCHOOL) .............................. 20V
BY JAMES EICH (GRADE 11, ST. EDWARD CCHS) ................................................... 20 W BY ALISHA RAMOS (GRADE 8, CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL).................................... 21X BY ZOE BECKER (GRADE 7, KIMBALL MIDDLE SCHOOL) .......................................... 21Y
BY HANNAH LEE (GRADE 7, HOMESCHOOL)............................................................... 21 Z
BY LAURA VELEZ (GRADE 6, DUNDEE MIDDLE SCHOOL) ........................................ 21AA BY ZACHARY REEDY (GRADE 12, ST. EDWARD CCHS)......................................... 22BB
BY DEVYN ERNST (GRADE 10, ST. EDWARD CCHS)............................................... 22 CC
BY CARLY ERLING (GRADE 7, KENYON WOODS MIDDLE SCHOOL)....................... 22DD BY NATALIE MCQUEEN (GRADE 11, ST. EDWARD CCHS) ................................... 22EE
Beyond the Backyard BY ALLY HOLLOWAY Wigwams in the Pine Trees House on the Playset Castle on the Hill Magical, adventure, imagination Place of our dreams: They tell me you are battered and I believe them, for I see the trees bend and crack in the wind and I see the flowers die. And they tell me you are no longer magical and I answer: Yes, it is true that the magic died when we no longer played in your kingdom. And they tell me you are going away and I know the future is inevitable. And having answered them, I turn to those who crush my childhood place, and I say to them: Come and show me a place that is filled with as many dreams, adventures, and aspirations. As magical as storming the castle with Robin Hood, as devious as Harry under the invisibility cloak. Laughing Plotting Building Scheming Planning, acting, playing In the yard lies our youth wearing a crown of flowers in her hair, on top of her sun tanned face. In the trees our stories live on in the imagination of a princess with a sword and an archer. Magical are the plots, schemes, and playings of our youth. We are proud of our castles, wigwams, and houses. We own the place of our dreams.
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The Complicated Life of Emma Claire BY FAITH MARANION
A
EMMA CLAIRE I don’t understand how, in two minutes, your life can go upside down, turn around, and break into pieces. It’s as if my life went from sleeping to sky diving in a matter of seconds. Weird analogy, but that’s exactly what BY FAITH MARANION happened. And my skydiving life can either be of the few who has a broken parachute, or it can land safely on the ground with the help of a parachute. I hope the parachute isn’t broken. EMMA CLAIRE I don’t understand how, in two minutes, your life can go upside down, turn around, and break into pieces. It’s as if my life went from sleeping to sky diving in a matter of seconds. Weird analogy, but that’s exactly what ALEC happened. I’m not really And my sick. skydiving I’m just life sick canofeither my parents. be of theI just few who needed hasto a broken clear my parachute, head, instead or it can of filling land safely it withon facts the groundthe about with American the helpRevolution. of a parachute. I hope the parachute isn’t broken. I run down the stairs of my house, grab my keys, slip on my sneakers, and open the door to my car. And I drive. Now I’ll explain my sudden want to leave. ALEC I’m not really sick. I’m just sick of my parents. I just needed to clear my head, instead of filling it with facts about the American Revolution. I run down the stairs of my house, grab my keys, slip on my sneakers, and open the door to my car. And I drive. Now I’ll explain my sudden want to leave.
The Complicated Life of Emma Claire
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CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
I quickly get dressed for school and I grab a banana for breakfast and right when I’m about to leave, my parents me.with a bright morning, with the birds It allstop started I lookand at them and see their faces. is. I’ve seen it all chirping, the sky asIblue as it always The start of before. The was ‘I’m atrying tolie. look happy but I have bad the morning big, fat news’ face. get dressed for school and I grab a banana I quickly moving. for “We’re breakfast and ”right when I’m about to leave, my IIt don’t allstop started remember what morning, really happened with the birds after parents me.with a bright those chirping, twoand words. the sky But asnext as it always Ifaces. knowis. I’m The in my start of I look at them and Iblue see thing their I’ve seen itbed all feeling the morning horrible. I big, don’t fat golie. to school. I stay therebad all before. The was ‘I’m atrying to look happy but I have day I realize I can’t just camp here theaenemy’s Iuntil quickly get dressed for school and Iin grab banana news’ face. realm. for “We’re breakfast Haven’t and I watched like I’m every about warto movie. leave,You my moving. ”right when have leave, flee, especially you’re happened outnumbered. parents stopremember me. I to don’t whatifreally after I look them and I see thing their Ifaces. seen all those twoat words. But next know I’ve I’m in myitbed As Ihorrible. drive along theto highway, I ponder of bad the before. The ‘I’m trying look happy but I all have feeling I don’t go to school. I stay there all things news’ face. that I’m leaving I’mhere leaving myenemy’s friends. day until I realize I can’tbehind. just camp in the My football team. My Em.war I’mmovie. leaving You Em. “We’re moving. ” popularity. realm. Haven’t I watched like every Ihave can’t leave Emma Laursen. I can’t leave thisafter city. I to don’t remember what happened leave, flee, Clare especially ifreally you’re outnumbered. Or those anything two words. insideBut it. next That’s thing when I know I see I’mthe in my lights. bed When hear crash. I hear nothing but feeling I don’t go to school. I stayall there all As IIhorrible. drivethe along the When highway, I ponder of the eerie sound of an And when look up all I day until I realize Iambulance. can’tbehind. just camp inIthe things that I’m leaving I’mhere leaving myenemy’s friends. see is the bright, Barely anywar clouds. What a realm. Haven’t I blue watched like every You My football team. My sky. popularity. Em. I’mmovie. leaving Em. lie. leave, flee, Clare especially if you’re outnumbered. Ihave can’ttoleave Emma Laursen. I can’t leave this city. Or anything inside it. That’s when I see the lights. As II hear drivethe along the When highway, I ponder allbut of the When crash. I hear nothing JULIE thingssound that I’m leaving behind. And I’m leaving my friends. eerie of an ambulance. when I look up all I My Ifootball My sky. popularity. Em. I’m leaving Em. asteam. a pediatric nurse, at Thompson Hospital. see iswork the bright, blue Barely any clouds. What a I can’tthe leave Emma Clare I can’t thismake city. And thing about theLaursen. job is that you leave have to lie. Or anything inside it. You That’s when I see the sure everything is okay. have to smile like it’slights. okay. When I hear thelike crash. WhenBut I hear nothing You have to talk it’s okay. it never is. but the eerie sound of an ambulance. And when lookmom up allofI I think that that skill has helped me asI the JULIE seetwo the bright, blue sky. Barely any clouds.Hospital. What a my children, Emma Claire and Benjamin. Iiswork as a pediatric nurse, at Thompson lie. When theyabout scrapethe their It’syou okay. And the thing jobknee. is that have to make they accidentally break toy. sureWhen everything is okay. You have to their smile favorite like it’s okay. It’s Youokay. have to talk like it’s okay. But it never is. JULIE When make winning in the I think he thatdoesn’t that skill has the helped me ascatch the mom of I work as a pediatric nurse,and at Thompson football game. It’sEmma ok. Claire my two children, Benjamin. Hospital. AndWhen the thing about the jobknee. is that you have to make she made fun of forIt’s being different and theygets scrape their okay. sureWhen is okay. You have to their smile favorite like it’s okay. not aeverything paperthey cut out. It’s okay. accidentally break toy. Youokay. have to talk like it’s okay. But it never is. It’s I think that thathome, skill has helped me that ascatch thethe mom of As I’m he driving I remember When doesn’t make the winning inmain the my twoI children, Emma Claire Benjamin. street usually drive onand is backed up, so I take football game. It’s ok.home theygets scrape their It’s okay. the When highway instead. It’sknee. beautiful day today. she made fun ofa for being different and they accidentally breakAnd their toy. Warmer than usually fall day. thefavorite sun seems not When a paper cutaout. It’s okay. It’s okay. Much brighter. It’s too late when I realize the brighter. When doesn’t make the winning catch the lightAs isn’t coming from sun, but from I’m he driving home, I the remember that theinmain footballI usually game. It’s ok.homeheadlights much-too-bright, artificial of a up, car.so I take street drive on is backed she gets made fun being different and the When highway instead. It’s ofa for beautiful day today. not a paper cutaout. It’s okay. Warmer than usually fall day. And the sun seems brighter. Much brighter. It’s too late when I realize the I’m driving remember that from the main lightAsisn’t cominghome, from I the sun, but the street I usually drive homeheadlights on is backed much-too-bright, artificial of a up, car.so I take the highway instead. It’s a beautiful day today. Warmer than a usually fall day. And the sun seems brighter. Much brighter. It’s too late when I realize the
EMMA CLAIRE It’s too late for someone to tell me that it’s okay As my drive to isthe time is because allday my and ears Ican hear thehospital, much-too-loud, definitely not of onanour side. Each second feels like a blaring sound ambulance. century and every minute an eternity. Thankfully we only live 10 minutes away from Thompson Hospital. Oh, the irony. mom leaves Thompson It’s too late forMy someone to tell me that Hospital it’s okay EMMA CLAIRE just because to get alldriven my and ears back. hear thehospital, much-too-loud, As my day Ican drive to isthe time is blaring We sound finally arrive ambulance. toside. the place smells distinctly definitely not of onanour Eachthat second feels like a of cleaning and flowers. And myThankfully dad and I run century andsupplies every minute an eternity. we inside. my brother inside already Hospital. and I run only live I10see minutes away from Thompson straight into his arms. I don’t what we were EMMA Oh, CLAIRE the irony. My mom leavescare Thompson Hospital fighting my about dayonly and a Ifew drive hours to ago. the hospital, It doesn’t time matter is justAs to get driven back. now. definitely not arrive on ourtoside. Eachthat second feels like a We finally the place smells distinctly century There and isn’t every much minute that an occurs eternity. besides we of cleaning supplies and flowers. And myThankfully dadpanic and I and run worry. only live I10see minutes away from Thompson inside. my brother inside already Hospital. and I run And Oh, the then irony. the My mom tells leaves us what Thompson happened. Hospital straight into his doctor arms. I don’t care what we were A different driver must’ve not been watching because just to get driven back. fighting about only a few hours ago. It doesn’t matter his car into the my mom was.distinctly They hit Weswerved finally arrive tolane thewhere place that smells now. head on and only one of them was lucky. It wasn’t my of cleaning supplies and flowers. And my dadpanic and I and run There isn’t much that occurs besides mom. othermy driver only suffered from a broken inside.The I see brother inside already and I arm run worry. and a few scratches. My mom’s head hit the window straight into the his doctor arms. tells I don’t carehappened. what we much were And then us what too hard, whichdriver causedmust’ve her a very head injury.because She’s in A different notbad been watching fighting about only a few hours ago. It doesn’t matter a coma and sheinto alsothe fractured a few heThey tells hit us his car swerved lane where myribs, mombut was. now. she’s still holding on and that it’s a 50% chance she’ll wake headThere on and only one of them was lucky. It panic wasn’tand my isn’t much that occurs besides up in the next 24 hours. The doctor tells us that the mom. other driver only suffered from a broken arm worry.The accident occurred only the time span three seconds. and And a fewthen scratches. Myinmom’s head hit of the window much the doctor tells us what happened. Three seconds.
too hard, whichdriver causedmust’ve her a very head injury.because She’s in A different notbad been watching In the grand scheme of things, three seconds is onlyus a a coma and sheinto alsothe fractured a few ribs, but heThey tells his car swerved lane where my mom was. hit fraction of a fraction that. shouldn’t matter. It she’s holding onone andof it’s was aIt50% chance wake head still on and only ofthat them lucky. It she’ll wasn’t my shouldn’t be able to have the power to create a up in the next 24 hours. The doctor tellsa broken us that arm the mom. The other driver only suffered from catastrophe. But to meinthose three seconds did matter, accident only the time span three seconds. andthat’s a fewoccurred scratches. My mom’s head hit of the window much for how long it took for my world to fall apart and Threewhich seconds. too hard, caused her a very bad head injury. She’s in shatter. In the grand scheme of things, three seconds is only a a coma and she also fractured a few ribs, but he tells us fraction a fraction ofthat that. aIt50% shouldn’t matter. It she’sI don’t stillof holding on and chance she’ll wake know how long it’sit’s been, but theretohasn’t been shouldn’t be able to have the power create a up in progress. the next 24 hours. The doctor tells us that the much But her heart is still beating. catastrophe. But to meinthose three seconds did matter, accident occurred only the time span of three seconds. I don’t know how long it’s been when I apart see Alec for that’s how long it took for my world to fall and Three seconds. walking out of one of the hospital rooms with a broken shatter. arm.In the grand scheme of things, three seconds is only a fraction ofknow a fraction of that. It when shouldn’t matter. It II don’t don’t how long long it’s been, been I go hasn’t talk tobeen him. know how it’s but there shouldn’t be able to have the power to create I’m about to ask But him her what happened to him, but then I seea much progress. heart is still beating. catastrophe. But to me those three seconds did matter, his arm and know I realize. The other driver only suffered a I don’t how long it’s been when I apart seefrom Alec for that’s how long it took for my world to fall and broken arm. Timmons. My bestfriend. I look up into walking out Alec of one of the hospital rooms with a broken shatter. brown-eyed face and I don’t his all-too-familiar, arm. remember pushing Butbeen I do. I don’t remember II don’t don’t know know howhim. long it’s it’s I go hasn’t talk tobeen him. how long been, when but there yelling at him. But I do. I’m about to ask him what happened to him, but then I see much progress. But her heart is still beating. his arm and I realize. The other driver only suffered from a I don’t know how long it’s been when I see Alec broken Timmons. My bestfriend. I look up into walkingarm. out Alec of one of the hospital rooms with a broken brown-eyed face and I don’t his all-too-familiar, arm. remember pushing Butbeen I do.when I don’t remember I don’t know howhim. long it’s I go talk to him. yelling at him. But I do. I’m about to ask him what happened to him, but then I see his arm and I realize. The other driver only suffered from a broken arm. Alec Timmons. My bestfriend. I look up into 5 his all-too-familiar, brown-eyed face and I don’t remember pushing him. But I do. I don’t remember
B
All I feel now are my brother’s arms holding me back from pushing the guy who put my mom in a coma. All I see is Alec mouthing “I’m so sorry, Em” before he leaves me in my brother’s arms with my own tears streaming down my face. It’s and him we were We both All Ilike feelme now are mywhen brother’s arms7.holding mebroke back one of our arms. Today, his arm is broken. Today, myI from pushing the guy who put my mom in a coma. All heart see is is. Alec mouthing “I’m so sorry, Em” before he leaves me in my brother’s arms with my own tears streaming down my face. ALEC It’s like me and him when we were 7. We both broke parents willToday, be so mad at me. oneMy of our arms. his arm is broken. Today, my I’m in one of the hospital rooms getting a cast for my heart is. broken arm. The doctor says that I am very lucky. The other driver is in a coma. As the nurse is bandaging some other cuts from the ALEC accident, all I can hear is mad the loud, slightly familiar wail My parents will be so at me. of a I’m girlin screaming. one of the hospital rooms getting a cast for my I ask the about says it, “Who’s broken arm. nurse The doctor that Iscreaming?” am very lucky. The The nurse sadly, “The daughter of the other other driver is replies in a coma. driver. As”the nurse is bandaging some other cuts from the She finishes with tells familiar me thatwail I’m accident, all I canup hear is my the arm loud,and slightly good to go. So I grab my phone and my keys, well I guess of a girl screaming. I won’t these anymore since my car is I ask be the needing nurse about it, “Who’s screaming?” totaled. The nurse replies sadly, “The daughter of the other As” I walk out the door I match face with the driver. screaming. Em. up with my arm and tells me that I’m She finishes I don’t she walks me.I guess good to go.do Soanything I grab myas phone and mytoward keys, well I won’t be needing these anymore since my car is totaled. As I walk out the door I match face with the screaming. Em. I don’t do anything as she walks toward me.
She looks confused, but still has tears streaming down her face. “Why are yo-” She looks down at my broken arm, and then it all clicks for her. She must have known that the other lucky driver of the car accident only got a broken arm. I don’t feel so lucky She looks confused, but still has tears streaming anymore. down her face. “Why yo-” me Sheand looks downhitting at my She charges at me are pushing weakly broken arm, and then it all clicks for her. She must me. have known that the other lucky driver “I thought you were sick, liar, ” she yells. of the car accident onlywrong got a with broken arm.she I don’t lucky “What’s you?” yells feel evensolouder anymore. than before. She charges at meand pushing me my andheart. weakly hitting I look at her face it breaks me.That’s all the damage she could do before Ben “I thought you were liar,” she yells. takes her arms. And shesick, collapses in his chest, crying “What’s wrong with you?” she yells even louder and still yelling. Ben just looks at me and shakes his than before. head. I looksoatsorry, her face it breaks “I’m Em.and I didn’t meanmy to,”heart. I weakly try to That’s all the damage she could do before Ben explain. She yells even louder than before. She tells takes arms. And sheI collapses in his me toher leave. And I do. turn around andchest, walkcrying down and hallway still yelling. Ben just looks at mebuilding. and shakes his the of this horrible-smelling I don’t head. know where I’m going but I’m leaving her. I think “I’mwhat so sorry, Em.thinking I didn’t mean to,”when I weakly to about I was about thetry cars explain. She yells even thanLeaving before. this She tells crashed. Leaving my louder friends. city. me to leave. And I do. I turn around and walk down Leaving her. I’m leave her now just like how I’m going thewhen hallway of this horrible-smelling building. I don’t to I more. know where I’m but Emotional I’m leavingand her.unwilling. I think Confused and going dejected. about what I was thinking about when the Em would want me to move away anyway. cars She crashed. mylike friends. this ago. city. wants me toLeaving leave just she said aLeaving few minutes Leavingit’s her.a sign. I’m leave herit’s now how I’m going Maybe Maybe forjust thelike better. to when I more. 6 Confused and dejected. Emotional and unwilling. Em would want me to move away anyway. She
BY ASIYAH ARASTU I jolted awake, my eyes searching for the time on my alarm clock. “What have I done?” I thought fearfully. It was 9:26 a.m. on a Friday and school started atBY 8:00. ASIYAH ARASTU When I first saw the time on my clock, I thought I jolted awake, my eyesMy searching for the time I must’ve been mistaken. eyes must’ve not on my alarm “What have I done?” thought adjusted yet. clock. My thoughts must’ve beenI weighed fearfully. It was a.m.shook on a my Friday down by sleep. So 9:26 I blinked, head,and and school stared started at 8:00. at the clock again. Its face stared back at me, plainly I first saw or theeven time 7:27. on myIclock, I thought saying When 9:27, not 6:27, had definitely I must’ve been mistaken. Myofeyes must’ve not slept through half of the last day school. adjusted yet. My Luckily, thoughts must’ve weighed I panicked! I was alreadybeen dressed from down by sleep. So I blinked, shook my head, and stared when I had woken up for the Morning Prayer. I was at the clock again. faceI had stared backto atlook me, nice plainly wearing a blue dressIts since wanted on saying notschool, 6:27, or 7:27.probably I had definitely the last9:27, day of andeven I would not see sleptof through half of the or lastteachers day of school. any my classmates ever again. My panicked! Luckily, I was already dressedThose from family Iand I would be moving that summer. when I had woken up to for the the mixture Morning of Prayer. thoughts just added panicI was and wearingfeelings a blue dress I had wanted to look nice on gloomy I wassince already experiencing. the lastSomething day of school, I would probably see aboutand my situation suddenlynot clicked anymyofstill-sleepy my classmates or teachers ever together. again. MyI in mind, and I pulled myself family I would be loft moving that summer. Those slid off and the ladder of my bed, yanked my turquoise thoughts just added to the mixture of panicto and headscarf on, and bolted across the hallway my gloomy feelings I was already experiencing. parents’ bedroom. Something my situation suddenly clicked The house about was silent; no one else was up, in my still-sleepy mind,schools and I pulled together. because my siblings’ had myself finished the dayI slid off the ladder of my loft bed, yanked my turquoise headscarf on, and bolted across the hallway to my parents’ bedroom. The house was silent; no one else was up, because my siblings’ schools had finished the day
BLUE
before and my parents didn’t have to work that day. “Mummy, Baba,” I half-whispered, half-sobbed. “I’m so late for school! Can one of you please drop me off?” “Alright,” my mother groaned groggily. “I’ll be beforeinand myminutes. parents”didn’t have to work that day. down a few “Mummy, Baba, ” I two half-whispered, After waiting for minutes thathalf-sobbed. seemed to “I’m forever, so late for Can of you me last myschool! mother andone I were in please the cardrop on our off?”to my school. way “Alright, ” my mother groanedthrough groggily. be When we arrived, we walked the“I’ll front down in a fewthe minutes. ” doors, across deserted hallway, and into the silent for two minutes to office. After Whilewaiting my mother signed me that in, Iseemed anxiously last forever,about my mother and going I wereon in in theclass. car on our wondered what was What way tomy myteachers school. thinking? I had emailed each one were When we arrived, we walked front yesterday, specifically asking what through suppliesthe I would doors,for across the deserted hallway,going and into silent need class since we weren’t to the be doing office. What Whilewould my mother signed meI didn’t in, I anxiously much. they think when show up wondered what was goingthem? on inWhat class.period What after takingabout the trouble to email were my teachers thinking? I had emailed each one would it be now? Since it was a half-day, yesterday, specifically askinghalf what I would would be shortened to about an supplies hour. That need for class since we gym, weren’t going to be mean I’d already missed which wasn’t toodoing bad. much. What would they think when I didn’t show up after taking the trouble to email them? What period would it be now? Since it was a half-day, each one would be shortened to about half an hour. That would mean I’d already missed gym, which wasn’t too bad.
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But I had also missed English and maybe even math class, which were my favorite classes. I sighed. By the time I had stopped daydreaming, my mom was done. The secretary told me to check in with my advisory teacher. After saying good-bye to my But I hadI walked also missed English and maybe even math mother, outside and down the hall towards class, which were my favorite I sighed.to be my my advisory classroom, whichclasses. also happened By the classroom. time I hadOn stopped daydreaming, my social studies my way there, I peered mom wasthe done. The secretary told into me to check in with through windows of the doors my classrooms my advisory teacher. After good-bye my to see what was going on andsaying if my class was in to there. But hadI walked also English and maybe even math mother, outside and down theteacher, hall towards As I Ipassed mymissed English classroom, my Mrs. class, which were favorite I sighed. my advisory classroom, which also to be my Nicolea, caught amy glimpse ofclasses. me happened through the open By the classroom. time I hadOn stopped daydreaming, my social studies way there, peered door. “Fatimah, where’ve youmybeen? I was Iworried mom done. The secretary told into me to check in with through the windows of the doors my classrooms aboutwas you!” she exclaimed. mysee advisory good-bye my to what going andsaying if mymuch, class in to there. “Well,was Iteacher. slept in on aAfter little too ” was I responded, mother, walked outside the hall As I passed myThe English Mrs. forcing aIsmile. class classroom, inand herdown roommy wasteacher, not towards mine, so my advisory classroom, which also happened to be my Nicolea, caught glimpse ofto me through the open I guessed that I’da have to go my 3rd period class, social studies classroom. way there, peered door. “Fatimah, where’ve youmybeen? I was Iworried math, after I did my check On in. through the windows of the doors my walls classrooms about you!” she exclaimed. My footsteps echoed eerilyinto off the of the to see what going and if my class” was in there.I “Well, I slept in on a little too much, Iclassroom. responded, hallway as I was walked down to my advisory As I passed myThe English classroom, my Mrs. forcing athe smile. in her room wasteacher, not mine, so opened door andclass tentatively stepped inside. glimpse oftome the class, open INicolea, guessedcaught that I’da have to go mythrough 3rd period door. after “Fatimah, where’ve you been? I was worried math, I did my check in. about you!” she exclaimed. My footsteps echoed eerily off the walls of the I slept down in a little tooadvisory much,” Iclassroom. responded,I hallway“Well, as I walked to my forcing athe smile. in her room was inside. not mine, so opened doorThe andclass tentatively stepped I guessed that I’d have to go to my 3rd period class, math, after I did my check in. My footsteps echoed eerily off the walls of the hallway as I walked down to my advisory classroom. I
I could feel the class’s eyes on me. I walked up to my teacher, Mr. Kaleb, and quickly explained why I was late. Then, to escape the class’s gaze, I walked out of the classroom as fast as I could, back up the hallway, D past my English classroom, and towards my math class. I could feel the class’s eyes on me. I walked up to my teacher, andI could quickly explained why I ThroughMr. theKaleb, window, see that the lights was Then, toclass escape the class’s gaze, I walked werelate. off and the was watching a movie. But out the of the was classroom as fast as I could, back up theonly hallway, class not mine. I felt miserable. The two past myleft English classroom, andsocial towards my which math classes now were science and studies, I could feel the class’s eyesbeen on me. I walked up class. were pretty boring. I had literally sleeping during to teacher, Mr. Kaleb, andI could quickly explained why Through the window, see thathall the to lights mymy two favorite ones. I trudged down the myI was late. Then, toclass escape the class’s I walked were offclassroom and the was watching a movie. But out the science and walked in. gaze, of thewas classroom as everyone fast as I could, back up the hallway, class not mine. I felt miserable. The only two Once again, stared at me, making me past myleft English classroom, andThey towards my math classes now were science and social studies, which feel awkward and embarrassed. were all sitting class. were pretty boring. I had literally sleeping on their desks, apparently playingbeen some kind ofduring game. Through the window, I could see the that the lights my favoriteMs. ones. I trudged down to my My two teacher, Stohma, greeted me,hall looking were offclassroom and the class was watching a movie. the science and walked in. surprised. I walked towards the back of theBut room class mine. Iand felt slowly miserable. Themaking only two Once again, everyone staredsat at me, me wherewas my not desk was down. Feeling classes left now were science andclassmates socialwere studies, which feel awkward and embarrassed. They all sitting completely lost, I glanced at my for a clue were boring. I hadon. literally been sleeping during on desks, playing some kind game. as their to pretty what wasapparently going I could hear Ms. of Stohma my two favoriteMs. ones. I trudged down the to my My teacher, Stohma, greeted me,halllooking science classroom and walked in. surprised. I walked towards the back of the room again, everyone staredsat at me, making me where Once my desk was and slowly down. Feeling feel awkward and embarrassed. They were for all sitting completely lost, I glanced at my classmates a clue on their desks, game. as to what wasapparently going on.playing I couldsome hearkind Ms. of Stohma My teacher, Ms. Stohma, greeted me, looking PAGE surprised. I walked towardsCONTINUED the back ON of NEXT the room 8 where my desk was and slowly sat down. Feeling completely lost, I glanced at my classmates for a clue
way, what I had imagined it to be. After a few minutes, Ms. Stohma announced talking, but time her words overclass. me, without meI that it was to go washed to our next “Wow, so comprehending any of wasn’t interested in missed pretty much allit.ofI really this class too?” I thought what she was saying Thissense? day was in any glumly. “But how doesanyway. that make On not, a half-day, way, what imagined to have be. over an hour until we get outI had at 11:05. We it still Afterona afew minutes, Ms. Stohma then! Even normal day, social studies isannounced barely 50 that it was time to go of to how our next “Wow, so talking, butRegardless her words washed overclass. me, without meI minutes!” disproportionate the missed pretty much all this class I thought comprehending any it.ofI really wasn’t interested in class times were, myof classmates and Itoo?” walked across glumly. “But how does that make On not, a half-day, what she saying anyway. Thissense? day was in any the hall towas our social studies class. we outI had atI11:05. Weatit still an hour way,get what imagined to have be. When sat down my desk,over I really didn’tuntil feel then! Even normal day, social studiespicture isannounced barely 50 Afteron a afew minutes, Ms.cheerful Stohma up to doing much. The fun-filled, I had minutes!” Regardless of disproportionate the that it the waslast time toofgoschool to how our next class. “Wow, had of day had evaporated fromso myI class my all classmates andspend Itoo?” walked across missed much of this class I thought mind.times I pretty hadwere, imagined that I would the entire the to our social studies class. glumly. “But how does that sense? On a half-day, timehall saying good-bye to make my teachers and friends. When sat down atstill my desk, I really didn’t feel we getnot outonly atI11:05. We over an hour Now, would I not behave seeing them until until next up doing much. The fun-filled, cheerful picture I had then! Even a normal day, social studies is barely 50 fall,tobut alsoon I would probably never see them again. had of the last dayofofchitchatting school haddisproportionate evaporated from myI minutes!” Regardless of how the So instead like everyone else, mind. Imyself hadwere, imagined thatinI my would themy entire class my classmates andspend I walked across busiedtimes by doodling planner with blue time saying to my teachers and friends. the to ourgood-bye social studies class. pen.hall At least my mind could temporarily escape my Now, not onlyI sat would I not be desk, seeingI really them didn’t until next When down at my feel present predicament. fall, alsomuch. I would probably never see them again. up tobut doing The fun-filled, cheerful picture I had So instead like everyone else, had of the last dayofofchitchatting school had evaporated from myI busied by doodling planner with blue mind. Imyself had imagined thatinI my would spend themy entire pen. leastgood-bye my mind could escape my time At saying to mytemporarily teachers and friends. present Now, notpredicament. only would I not be seeing them until next fall, but also I would probably never see them again. So instead of chitchatting like everyone else, I busied myself by doodling in my planner with my blue pen. At least my mind could temporarily escape my present predicament.
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While doodling away, I could hear Mr. Kaleb talking, but I didn’t really process much of what he was saying. What I could tell was that he was talking about F going outside and socializing until school ended. The only connection I made to that was that it explained While hearseemed Mr. Kaleb why the lastdoodling period away, of theI could day had so talking, but Ilong didn’t excessively at really first. process much of what he was saying.To What couldclass tell was wasand talking about my Irelief, wasthat overhesoon everyone going outside andI socializing until TheI stood up to leave. quickly stood upschool as well,ended. although only connection I made to to socializing that was that it explained wasn’t looking forward nearly as much why the lastelse. period of theI could day had so While doodling away, hearseemed Mr. of Kaleb as everyone Nonetheless, I walked out the excessively at really first. talking, butthe Ilong didn’t process ofhallway, what he was door with rest of my class, much up the and mythe class wasthat overhesoon everyone saying. What Irelief, could tell was wasand talking about outsideTo into schoolyard. stood to leave. quickly up as Nicolea well,ended. although going up outside andIIsocializing until school TheI Right after made itstood out, Mrs. caught wasn’t looking socializing nearly as much only I made to to thathappened? was that itEven explained up toconnection me. “So, forward Fatimah, what after as Nonetheless, Itowalked out of she the why the that lastelse. period the day had school?” seemed so youeveryone sent email, youofdecided skip door of my class, up the hallway, and excessively longrest at first. joked.with the outsideTo into schoolyard. my class was overto soon and“Ieveryone “No, ” the I relief, replied, pretending laugh. went to Right after made itstood out, Mrs. Nicolea caught stood up tolast leave. IIquickly as for well, although sleep late night, so I woke upup late school! YouI up to Ime. “So, forward Fatimah, what happened? Even after wasn’t looking to socializing nearly as much know wouldn’t miss your class on purpose!” The very you sent thatelse. email, youbeing decided skip school?” she as Nonetheless, Itowalked out ofwhat the ideaeveryone was absurd. I hated absent, no matter joked. door with the of myit class, up the appointment hallway, and the reason was,rest whether be a doctor’s ” the I replied, pretending to laugh. “I went to outside schoolyard. or even“No, ainto vacation. Being absent meant missing out on sleep lastafter night, so I woke upMrs. late for school! You Right I made it out, Nicolea caught a lot. late know miss yourwhat classhappened? on purpose!” Theafter very up to Ime. “So, Fatimah, Even Iwouldn’t scanned the schoolyard slowly, searching for idea was absurd. I hated absent, nohad matter what you that email, youbeing decided to skip school?” she my sent math teacher, Mrs. Huscit. She been an the reason was, whether it be a to doctor’s appointment joked. excellent teacher, and I wanted say goodbye to her. or a vacation. Being absent missing out on “No, ”I Ilooked replied, pretending to laugh. “I went to Buteven when back insidemeant through the tinted a lot. late sleep sodoor, I woke up her lateconversing for school!with You window onlast thenight, closed I saw scanned the schoolyard slowly, searching for know I Iwouldn’t your on purpose!” very another teacher.miss “Wow, ” I class thought, not at all The pleased. my teacher, Mrs.being Huscit. had been an idea was I hated absent, matter what “I’m math not absurd. allowed inside again, soShe I no can’t even say excellent teacher, and I teacher?” wanted say goodbye to her. the reason was, whether it be a to doctor’s appointment goodbye to my favorite But when I lookedBeing backabsent insidemeant through the out tinted or even a vacation. missing on window on the closed door, I saw her conversing with a lot. anotherI scanned teacher. the “Wow, ” I thought, not at all pleased. schoolyard slowly, searching for “I’m not allowed I can’t my math teacher,inside Mrs. again, Huscit.soShe had even been say an goodbye my favorite excellentto teacher, and I teacher?” wanted to say goodbye to her. But when I looked back inside through the tinted window on the closed door, I saw her conversing with 9 another teacher. “Wow,” I thought, not at all pleased.
I wandered around aimlessly for a few minutes, looking for something to do, someone to talk to. Cheerful chatter surrounded me from all sides, but I just stood in the middle. The sky was blue, a bright blue, like bubblegum. My pen was blue, a deep cobalt blue, like I wandered the depths around of theaimlessly ocean or for a twilight a few minutes, sky. My looking dress was for blue, something a calm and topeaceful do, someone blue, like to atalk serene to. Cheerful chatter surrounded meblue, frombut allthey sides, but aI and still sea. My thoughts were were gloomy cloud and grey. just stood in of theblue middle. The sky was blue, a bright blue, like Time bubblegum. dragged on My and pen on,was butblue, finally, a deep aftercobalt a long blue,lonely and like the half depths hour,ofitthe wasocean timeor toago twilight home.sky. Oddly My dress was blue, a calm and peaceful blue, like a serene and still sea. My thoughts were blue, but they were a gloomy cloud of blue and grey. Time dragged on and on, but finally, after a long and lonely half hour, it was time to go home. Oddly
enough, I was looking forward to going home even though I had been so agitated about being late for school. Nothing had gone well for me, and being at school only exacerbated the awful feelings I had about missing it since I had slept through the parts I had been enough,forward looking I was looking to most.forward to going home even thoughThough I had been many so kids agitated would’ve aboutloved being to latehave for school. half missed Nothing of thehad lastgone day of well school, for me, I certainly and being didn’t. at school only Maybe the exacerbated reason why Ithe feltawful so awful feelings wasI had because aboutI missing knew I would it sincebe I had moving. slept through What athe disappointing parts I had been and drab dayforward to haveto dressed looking most. up for! Though many kids would’ve loved to have missed half of the last day of school, I certainly didn’t. Maybe the reason why I felt so awful was because I knew I would be moving. What a disappointing and drab day to have dressed up for!
G 10
The Burning Sky
BY ZACHARY HERING Today I am Zachary Hering. I am a shark in a school of minnows. I am bigger, stronger than the rest. I am the best of the best. Yesterday, I was “Beyond Gold.” I shone like a star compared to the dull lightbulbs of the school. Everyone thought I was very cool. At night, I am “Burning Skywalker.” I watch the sunset Along with Rio, my pet. It is like the sky is engulfed in a glowing red flame. It is a shame That it can’t always be like this, But that’s what makes it as good as it is. I pray That someday I will go to a heaven with this type of sky When I say good-bye And I finally die.
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I 12
Life from the Puddle BY ALICIA HORN
One cloudy October day one girl was about to learn something that would change her life forever. Kelsi was working on her homework as usual, when she heard talking. It wasn’t very loud but it was talking still BY ALICIA HORN the same. That’s weird she thought, putting down her One cloudy pencil and closing October herday math one book, girlI’m was theabout only one to learn here. something Maybe Marie, thatmywould little change sister is her trying lifetoforever. scare me Kelsi or was working something. That’s on the heronly homework logical explanation, as usual, when unless she the heard is house talking. being robbed It wasn’t or very something. loud but it was talking still the same. “Marie! That’s Stop weird it! I’m shetrying thought, to concentrate!” putting downKelsi her K pencil and yelled walking closing down herthe math stairs. book, I’m the only one here. Maybe “Oh Marie, now myyou’ve little sister reallyis done trying it, to Trix! scare You’re me or going to getThat’s us allthe in trouble!” something. only logical explanation, unless the “Ok, so you wanted us to tell you about our that? It’s not funny; I’m going to call house is“Who being said robbed or something. existence and such, well here we go. All stuffed the cops in a minute if I’m youtrying don’tto show yourself!” Kelsi “Marie! Stop it! concentrate!” animals originate or have ancestors from Galanda. threatened “One” “Two” “ thr-”. yelled walking down the stairs. “Oh now “Okay, okay, you’ve I’m right reallyhere” done proclaimed it, Trix! You’re Trix The original stuffed animals were imported from Galanda. There were four types; dogs, cats, horses and going to get stepping outus ofall Kelsi’s in trouble!” room. Those animals created a new race about of stuffed “Ok, so you wanted us to tell you our “Who “What?said But, that? but It’s you’re notafunny; stuffed I’manimal!” going toKelsi call bunnies. animals, having the parents into a existencebyand such,two wellof here we go. step All stuffed stammered, thedon’t stairs.show yourself!” Kelsi the cops in awalking minute up if you water so that theirancestors child, who from will come from animalsoforiginate or have Galanda. “True,“One” true. Your threatened “Two”point?” “ thr-”. Trix asked “Hey, do you puddle The that original puddle, stuffed will have animals characteristics were imported from from both want some lemonade!?!” “Okay, okay, I’m right here” proclaimed Trix Galanda. Galanda There were used four to be types; a safe dogs, place cats, forhorses all stuffed and “No get room. over it. Not everyone wants parents. stepping outTrix, of Kelsi’s animals but has become inhabitable to most bunnies. Those animals created a new race of stuffed lemonade 24/7” Bunny stepping “What? But,interjected but you’re aBlue stuffed animal!” Kelsi of the cold, except animals, because by having twoextreme of the parents step for intothe a stammered, forward. “I’mwalking Blue Bunny. up the Sorry stairs. about that Kelsi. If you animals that adapted for that type ofwill environment, puddle ofhave water so that their child, who come from” say yes“True, to lemonade true. Your once point?” you’llTrix never asked hear “Hey, the do endyou of few Blue Bunny explained. “So most of us are from a that puddle, will have characteristics from both it, andsome believe me, he’s been going on about that ever want lemonade!?!” hidden tunnels run all overfor Indiana, but parents.ofGalanda used to that be a safe place all stuffed since he “No wasTrix, a brand getnew over stuffed it. Not animal. everyone ” wants system animals when we but turn has 3 become which is inhabitable our age of adolescence, to most stuffed we lemonade 24/7” interjected Blue Bunny “What are you talking about? You’re astepping stuffed animals because the extreme cold,and except for the forced to leaveofexcept for five girls five boys of forward.You animal! “I’m can’t Blue Bunny. make lemonade Sorry about orthat talk,Kelsi. you Ifdon’t you are few that adaptedanimal for thatwhich type of typehave of stuffed getenvironment, to stay and” say yes to lemonade onceexclaimed. you’ll never hear the end of each even have a brain!” Kelsi Blue continue Bunny to make explained. more of “So that most type of of stuffed us are animal. from a” it, and believe me, he’s going about that ever “Well, maybe hebeen doesn’t buton most of us have a system“Yeah of hidden tunnels thatthey runkeep all over but that’s also how theIndiana, population since he was aand brand new stuffed animal.”you humans brain, DNA cells and everything when we turn 3 which is our age of adolescence, we down so the tunnels aren’t over crowded, ” added Trix “What Blue are you talking about? You’re a stuffed have,” replied Bunny. are forcedatocracker leave except girls “After and fiveGalanda boys of grabbing from for thefive bowl. animal!“Hey!” You can’t make lemonade or talk, you don’t interjected Trix. each type get few to stay and froze, due of to stuffed a freakanimal storm,which only the stuffed even have exclaimed. “Ok,a brain!” if you Kelsi can talk for some weird reason, continue to make more of that type of stuffed animal. ” animals that had thicker fur could stay, and to escape maybe he doesn’t but most of a explain“Well, it to me, ” demanded Kelsi, walking to us herhave room. “Yeah that’sofalso howto they theon population the rest us had getkeep a ride a freight brain, DNA andoncells everything youtwo humans Kelsi sat her and bed and picked up other the cold down so the tunnels aren’t over crowded, ” added Trix train, which turned out to stop in Indiana. ” have,” replied Blue Bunny. stuffed animals, Patriot and Pimlico to help explain to a cracker from the bowl. turn “After Galanda “Wait! How do those puddles into actual “Hey!” Trix.and Blue Bunny jumped grabbing her why they interjected could talk. Trix froze, due to a freak storm, only the few stuffed stuffed animals?” Kelsi asked. “Ok,them. if youKelsi can placed talk fora some reason, up beside bowl weird of Cheeze-its animals that had thicker fur could stay, and to escape “Oh, it’s pretty simple. Each stuffed animal goes explainthem it to me, walking to her room. beside and” demanded popped oneKelsi, into her mouth. the cold four the rest of us had to get aorride on athey freight stages, development when are Kelsi sat on her bed and picked up two other through train, which turned out to stop in Indiana. ” stuffed animals, Patriot and Pimlico to help explain to “Wait! How do those puddles turn into actual her why they could talk. Trix and Blue Bunny jumped up beside them. Kelsi placed a bowl of Cheeze-its stuffed animals?” Kelsi asked. 13 “Oh, it’s pretty simple. Each stuffed animal goes beside them and popped one into her mouth.
Life from the Puddle
adolescence or when they are old enough to live on their own and adulthood which is when they are old enough to reproduce.” Pimlico responded. growing “Let in the me puddle, get this childhood straight, you when guys they areare all from out of a the puddle series of hidden but too tunnels small and under young Indiana to bebecause on their own, your adolescence homeland gotor ruined. whenHow theydo are you oldguys enough even to getlive to the on their own stores where and adulthood you arewhich bought?” is whenasked they areKelsi old enough to reproduce.” Pimlico responded. suspiciously. “The “Let me tunnels get this of course. straight,They you have guys links are all tofrom every a series ofanimal stuffed hidden distribution tunnels undercenter Indiana and because the SALC your homeland divides us into got ruined. groups How to godo to specific you guystunnels, even get ” replied to the Patriot “Blueare Bunny was on the committee stores knowingly. where you bought?” asked Kelsi once and directed me, Trix and Pimlico to the same suspiciously. distribution “The tunnels center,” of course. They have links to every stuffed“Oh, animal and the distribution SALC stands center for and Stuffed theAnimal SALC divides us into Leadership Committee, groups to” go chimed to specific in Pimlico tunnels, excitedly. ” replied Patriot“Okay, knowingly. that “Blue makesBunny sense was in itsonown theweird committee way,” once and directed commented Kelsi. “So me,what Trixdo and you Pimlico guys do toallthe day?” same “We listen to” SALC podcasts to get updated on distribution center, current“Oh, newsand andthe events, ” Trix replied. SALC stands for Stuffed Animal “But Committee, there’s one” chimed thing we need to ask you, Leadership in Pimlico excitedly. relating“Okay, to that. this four year oldway, girl,” thatApparently makes sense in its own weird commented Megan, has started Kelsi. “So towhat collect dostuffed you guys animals do all day?” and has been demanding “We listenall to stuffed SALC podcasts animal owners to get updated to give up on their stuffed for” her current news animals and events, Trix collection, replied. ” Blue Bunny began. “But “The news there’s was one that thing she takes we need themtoand ask totally you, relatingthem to that. Apparently this of four oldfrom girl, abuses and she just got hold the year records Megan, haswe started collect animalsbegun and has the store cameto from andstuffed has already to been demanding all stuffed animal owners to give up their stuffed animals for her collection,” Blue Bunny began. “The news was that she takes them and totally abuses them and she just got hold of the records from the store we came from and has already begun to
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interrogate owners of stuffed animals from that M store.” “And you might be targeted next,” Pimlico finished nervously. “So what do you want me to do? Call the cops? Call the store?” Kelsi asked. interrogate owners of stuffed animals from that store.” “No, just be on the lookout and refuse to sell us! I don’t want “And to you endmight up with bemy targeted head ripped next,off ” Pimlico and on her wall of ‘bad stuffed animals’!” Trix whimpered. finished nervously. “So what “Trix don’tdo beyou ridiculous, want meKelsi to do? would Call never the cops? sell Call assured the store?” Kelsi asked. us!” Patriot. “No, just be the lookout refusesuggested to sell us! “Unless sheon does, then and what!” I don’t want to end up with my head ripped off and on Pimlico nervously. her wall“You of ‘bad stuffed animals’!” Trix whimpered. won’t right?” Patriot begged earnestly. “Trixcourse don’t be ridiculous, KelsiI?would neverhave sell “Of not! Why would You guys us!” assured been with mePatriot. my whole life, I would never betray you!” “Unless she does, then what!” suggested Kelsi promised. Pimlico“Yay! nervously. See Patriot, I told you she wouldn’t sell “You won’t right?” Patriot begged earnestly. us!” Trix cheered. “Of course not! would I? sell Youus!” guys have “What? I told youWhy she wouldn’t Patriot been with me my whole life, I would never betray you!” interjected. Kelsi promised. “Did not!” “Yay!too!” See Patriot, I told you she wouldn’t sell “Did us!” Trix cheered. “Guys, chill. It doesn’t really matter. What’s “What? I told shesell wouldn’t sell us!” Patriot important is that sheyou won’t us,” Pimlico broke in. interjected. “This calls for a celebration!” Blue Bunny “Did not!” announced. “Did too!” the lemonade!” Trix exclaimed. “I brought “Guys,animals chill. Itand doesn’t What’s The stuffed Kelsi really drankmatter. lemonade and important that she won’t us,” Pimlico chatted tois celebrate the sell beginning of abroke long in. and “Thisfriendship. calls for a celebration!” Blue Bunny everlasting announced. “I brought the lemonade!” Trix exclaimed. The stuffed animals and Kelsi drank lemonade and chatted to celebrate the beginning of a long and everlasting friendship.
14
Veteran’s Day BY MARY SABO
A day we commemorate the soldiers, and sailors who fought in our worlds battles, the brave, and humble veterans who live on forever in our eyes. On this day we celebrate them all, who fought in righteous war, fought for lives not just their own in a nasty brawl. We pray for all who have died, they stand in honor, justice, and pride. In the nations arm forces they serve, they kept their heads up high and receive the recognition they deserve. They live on forever with bravery and strength, and they fight until days length. The noble men and women who have dedicated their lives, we honor them and the sacrifices they have made, it is for those nobles in which we have prayed. It is unknown the battle each died, but forever you will know many tears were cried. May the Lord bless them as they rise up to heaven, and may they never feel forgotten, you are my hero’s. For all the righteous leaders they may be young or old, they stand in glory, and fought and pleated for freedom, strong and bold. America’s heroes have been put to rest, in honor they have all been blest. Every veteran is unknown their birthday, or name, but we honor and thank them all the same. They fought strong and hard to receive our strong willing rights, they have suffered through cold, and long nights. They have served our country strong and proud, and deserve the right to speak aloud. They have fought for our country and to be free, and forever they stand in Liberty. We thanks these nobles for all they do, and we always pray, and we celebrate them on Veterans Day.
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P O 15
My Special Companion BY SAMANTHA HARVILLE
Magnificent weeping willow tree, Why do your soft tendrils seem to reach out to me? Your gentle, fluttering caress, Offers sympathy when I’m feeling stressed. Swish your shimmering skirt, In the soft summer breeze. It whispers soothing sounds, In my quiet time of need. I rest in your cooling shade, As your mystic silence washes over me. Your comforting, benevolent nod, Is why you’re my favorite tree. Perched up in your slender branches, To gaze at the setting sun. I can stand on top of the world, And secretly watch everyone.
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Your swaying green veil, Parts to let the light shine through. Beautiful flickering images, Dance across my worn shoes. For no tree will ever be as special, Although misunderstood, As the wonderful weeping willow, My living, sheltering hood.
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One Life. One Server. Two People. Millions of Monsters. How The Heck will They Survive? One Life. Find Out In: One Server. Two People. Millions of Monsters. How The Heck will They Survive? Find Out In:
QUEST FOR MINECRAFT
BY JENNA L. MCKEE
QUEST FOR CHAPTERMINECRAFT SIX: Differences
The portal glowed an unearthly green, instead of BY JENNA L. MCKEE purple. “Yeah, can we get out of here?” Aiden murmured through coughing, as is if someone was going to hear him. So the boys went through, but instead CHAPTER of the SIX:underground Differences chamber they found, they ended The portal up in aglowed dark room an unearthly with an iron green, door. No instead button. of “Oh purple. my “Yeah, gosh! Were can we stuck!!! get out I’m beginning of here?” to Aiden like Minecraft murmured less through and coughing, less.” Hunter as issaid. if someone Then Aiden was noticed serieshim. of signs in a boys row. “Look. Signs.” “Cool. going toa hear So the went through, but You want it this time, Aiden?”they Hunter smiled. instead of to theread underground chamber found, they “No, you’re at reading it.”iron Aiden became very ended up in abetter dark room with an door. No button. interested in hisWere feet. stuck!!! “C’mon man! You’re probably “Oh my gosh! I’m beginning to like better Minecraft thanless me!” and A less. tear” dripped Hunter on said. theThen ground Aiden as Aiden noticedlooked a series up.of“No! signs I can’t! in a row. I have “Look. dyslexia, Signs.and ” “Cool. I’m the Youworst want reader to readand it this writer time, in Aiden?” the world! Hunter Why smiled. do you think I neverbetter respond to you on computer? “No, you’re at reading it.”the Aiden becameI can’t very read! I legitinhave the reading a 5thprobably grader!” interested his feet. “C’mon level man!ofYou’re Aiden “Look, my grandma once told me that better paused. than me!” A tear dripped on the ground as by middle school, I would ace reading and writing. Aiden looked up. “No! I can’t! I have dyslexia, and I’m in themiddle worst school. reader and I letwriter her down, in theand world! thenWhy she do gotyou ill. She thinkgot I never put in respond a nursing to you home. on the Shecomputer? may be dead I can’t by now. read! I’ve I legit always havewanted the reading to belevel like you. of a You 5th grader!” have no problems, I do.”“Look, Huntermy winced and once looked at Aiden. “I Aiden paused. grandma told me that have by middle ADHD. school, I thought I would you aceknew reading since and I was writing. always I’m hyper. in middle I guess school. not.IAnd let her no, you down, do and not have thenproblems. she got ill.I Shenot gothave put problems. in a nursing She may beWe dead by do Wehome. have differences. were now. with I’ve always wanted to be likeYou you.don’t You just havedeal no born them. It’s not our fault. problems, I do.” Hunter winced andthem, lookedmake at Aiden. “I with the differences. You embrace it your have ADHD. I thought youOdd knew since’ IJust was us. always power. We can be ‘The Squad. My hyper. I guessTodd not. And no, youtold do not grandfather, E. Canon, mehave one problems. time that I do not problems. We haveItdifferences. WeIwere was hishave favorite grandchild. was because had born with It’sI didn’t not our fault. You don’t justI deal ADHD. At them. the time understand, but now do. I withhaving the differences. YouYou embrace them, make having it your like ADHD now. need to embrace power. We ‘The Odd Squad. Just My dyslexia. Gotcan it?” be Aiden nodded. “Now ’ go overus.there grandfather, E. Canon, me one time at that and read thatTodd freaking sign!!”told Hunter pointed theI was his favorite grandchild. It was because I had ADHD. At the time I didn’t understand, but now I do. I
row of signs. Aiden looked at Hunter and saw that Hunter believed in him. He could do this. Aiden walked over to the signs and put one blocky hand on the first one. He took it off. “You read brail?” Hunter asked. “No.” Aiden stared hard at the words chiseled into the wood. row of “F-I-nd signs. Aiden the looked But-tonatSo-o-ome Hunter and where saw that I-In thiiiiissssss roo-om. Hunter believed in him.The-then, He could doun-lo-lock this. Aidenthe-the walked door. over ”toAiden the signs beamed and put at Hunter. one blocky “Good handJob on Aiden!!” the first Aiden one. He actually took itran off.up“You to Hunter read brail?” and hugged Hunter him. asked. “So, where “No.” Aiden the heck staredishard this at button?!” the words Hunter chiseled let into go and the searched wood. “F-I-nd the room. the But-ton He found So-o-ome a loose where sectionI-In of floor-board thiiiiissssss and roo-om. lifted The-then, it up. A chest un-lo-lock lay rightthe-the under. Aiden door.” Aiden opened beamed it, andatinside, Hunter. was “Good a single Job Aiden!!” wooden button. Aiden actually Aiden ran placed up to the Hunter buttonand onhugged the side him. of “So, the door where and the pushed heck is it. The this iron button?!” door flew Hunter open. letThe goboys and walked searched through the room. to find Hethat found on the a loose other side section wasof a small floor-board room with and an lifted Enditportal up. A in chest the middle. lay right Another under. note Aidenwas opened nailed it, to the andside. inside, was a single wooden button. You’re Aiden here! placed I have already the button set the onender the pearls side ofin the the desired door and spots pushed so you it. can Thejump iron right door in! flew Hope open. you’re Theready boys for walked a battle! through to find that on the other side was a small room From-with an End portal in the middle. Another I believe you guys! note was nailed tointhe side. Hunter read it aloud, Getting Aiden blinked. You’re here! I have already setexited. the ender pearls in the “Well, happens the in! End, Hunter, I will desired whatever spots so you can jumpinright Hope you’re ready always think of you as a brother.” Aiden said. “Love you for a battle! to, Aiden. ” both boys fist bumped, got out their gear, Fromand jumped I believe in the in portal. you guys! Hunter read it aloud, Getting exited. Aiden blinked. “Well, whatever happens in the End, Hunter, I will always think of you as a brother.” Aiden said. “Love you to, Aiden.” both boys fist bumped, got out their gear, and jumped in the portal.
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CHAPTER SEVEN: The end Tall, midnight-black creatures with purple eyes crowded the large floating island called the End. “Enderman.” Aiden whispered in awe. “Yeah, lots of ‘em.” Hunter added. The boys pulled out their weapons CHAPTERand SEVEN: started The shooting end the lights atop the towers, Tall, midnight-black and put theircreatures pumpkin with headspurple on. Hunter eyes turned crowded to see the another large floating person with island a Steve called skin, theexcept End. the “Enderman. person” Aiden had white whispered eyes.in “HOLY awe. “Yeah, COW lotsITS of HEROBRINE!” ‘em.” Hunter added. he yelled. TheAiden boys whipped pulled out his head their around weaponstoand see started the same shooting sight. “Yep, the that’s lights him. atop” The the reason towers,Aiden and put was their so calm pumpkin was that heads he was on.inHunter shock. Hunter turned to drew see another his sword person and with aimed a Steve it at Herobrine’s skin, except chest. The man disappeared, to reappear the person had white eyes. “HOLY behind COW him. ITS He slashed at Herobrine, left whipped a large gash the HEROBRINE!” he yelled.and Aiden his inhead man’s aroundchest. to see Lightning the same flashed sight.around “Yep, that’s Herobrine him.” The and his reason eyesAiden flashed was brighter. so calmJust wasthen, that the he was Enderdragon in shock. decided Hunter drew to show hisup. sword It was and about aimed the it size at of Herobrine’s a 50 story building, chest. The with man huge disappeared, wings and to a tail reappear the sizebehind of 5 school him. buses. It flew down and on. He slashed at Herobrine, andHerobrine left a largehopped gash in the “Hunter, remember in the Nether? When we magically man’s chest. Lightning flashed around Herobrine and morphed into one?” Hunter nodded a frown. “We his eyes flashed brighter. Just then,with the Enderdragon need to todoshow thatup. again. thethe only Hunter decided It wasIt’s about sizeway. of a” 50 story nodded again.wings So the back toschool back. building,once with huge andboys a tailwent the size of 5 They buses.morphed It flew into down Haiter. and InHerobrine the morph’s hopped mind, the on. two “Hunter, boysremember talked. “For in the Nether? Minecraft?” When we magically “For Minecraft. ” And the Hunter morph nodded chargedwith withaafrown. battle“We cry, morphed into one?” and needshot to do a volley that of again. arrows It’sinto the the only leftway. flank ” Hunter of the nodded once again.did So the boys flip wentofback dragon overhead, a back one toofback. the They morphed into Haiter. In the theEnderdragon. morph’s mind, the buildings, and landed on top of “FOR two boys talked. “For “For MINECRAFT!!!” the morphMinecraft?” yelled in both the boy’s Minecraft. ” And slashed the morph withwhose a battleeyes cry, voices. Haiter at charged Herobrine, and shotina the volley of arrows into thedied. left flank of was the dimmed moment as the man A note dragon overhead, did aignored back flip of stabbed one of the left in its place. Haiter it. He buildings, and landed on top Enderdragon. dragon multiple times in of thetheback and the “FOR giant MINECRAFT!!!” the towards morph yelled in both the boy’s monster plummeted the ground. Before it hit, voices. Haiter at balls Herobrine, whosepoints eyes it exploded into slashed small neon of experience dimmed the moment as bedrock the man appeared. died. A note was (XP) and in a portal made of Before left in its place. Haiter the ignored stabbed and the anything happened, boysit. He departed, dragon multiple times in the backHunter and the giant plummeted into the portal. Before hit it, he monster plummeted towards the ground. Before it hit, caught the note. it exploded into small neon balls of experience points (XP) and a portal made of bedrock appeared. Before /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/ anything happened, the boys departed, and plummeted into the portal. Before Hunter hit it, he caught the note. /*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/
Aiden and Hunter ended up in a dark room, with little squares of light. The room was a little smoky, otherwise fine. The thing was, they were human. T Hunter walked over to a light switch and flipped it on. They were in the computer lab. Hunter read the noteAidenYou andhave Hunter ended up inYou a dark room, with little saved me. How? showed your bravery squares of and light. The room was learned a little lots, smoky, to save me, yourselves. You have and otherwise fine. The thing was, they human.I used your own knowledge to get out of this.were I am nobody. Hunter walked light switch andyou flipped on. am nothing. Justover Ink to ona paper. But yet savedit me. They were in the&computer Thank you, Aiden Hunter. lab. Hunter read the noteYou haveallsaved How? Youinside showed your bravery I appreciate you me. have done, and outside of to save me, and yourselves. You have learned lots, and Minecraft. used your own knowledge to get out of this. I am nobody. I Fromam nothing. NobodyJust - Ink on paper. But yet you saved me. Thank you, Aiden“Well & Hunter. Hunter smiled. friend, I think there is only one I appreciate all you have done,“Would inside and outside of thing to do- want to go home?” I?!” so Hunter Minecraft. & Aiden, Aiden & Hunter, The Odd Squad, whatever youFromcall them, started walking towards their houses, their Nobody homes,-and guess what? They got on the Hunter smiled. “Well Minecraft. friend, I think there is only one computer, and played thing to do-END want to go home?” “Would I?!” so Hunter THE & Aiden, Aiden & Hunter, The Odd Squad, whatever you call them, started walking towards their houses, their homes, and guess what? They got on the computer, and played Minecraft. THE END
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A Surprising Rescue (Chapter One) BY ELISE ANN MILLER
I was in the eye of a sudden hurricane, I saw what happened in there and now it was happening to me! I made a split second choice and called “Help!!” But help came sooner than planned. Let me tell you how I got here first off. Walking home from the last day of school, when a strong gust lifted me from the earth, my supplies scattered all over but in my arms was my large black binder of writing. Now, back to “Help!!” A boy who looked like a blond superman with glasses then he grabbed me by the waist, tight like a metal clamp. I kept thrashing around until I was out of breath. I was breathless, but no one was hurt too bad. Besides the fact, that he got a few bruises when I was moving around, very minor.
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“Hi, I’m Jason Grace, and” he stopped “who are you?” Jason asked. I replied back “Elise Miller, and thank you!” I started blushing. “Let’s get her to safety.” A man said in the driver’s seat. “Do I have to get in the van?” I complained. Then a man on a horse came up and said “You don’t have to my dear. When he showed up I thought he was riding a horse, but I found out was half horse and the other was human. All three stared at me. Then “Jason, go with Argus. Please.” Pleaded Chiron. “Ok sir.” They started driving away “Now, can you climb on my back? Please.” He asked of me. “Ok.” I said very confused. Since, I wasn’t able to get on, he helped a lot then started at a trot east. When racing to an unknown place I asked “Where am I going?” “Somewhere your kind will be safe.” Puzzled I didn’t ask any more questions until we got there. “CAMP-HALF BLOOD” I read faintly in the distance “Amazing sight child.” he complimented. I tried to pull off a thank you without blushing. But it didn’t happen he claimed I was cherry red. When we arrived, I was amazed at the beauty of camp.
“These two pieces are birdhouses that I made out of clay and glazed this past fall. They were made and fired at a ceramics class I took at Elgin Community College. To give you some perspective, together these birdhouses weigh over fifteen pounds. ... I will also be making a double birdhouse drink to accompany the meal.�
-REBECCA RICKERT V
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