Our Voice

May 2011

INSIDE: Local student recognized for volunteering • Book reviews • Preparing for college • Constitution quiz A product of the Stevens Point Journal & Boys & Girls Club

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3

May 2011

SPRINTING FOR SERVICE ON GLOBAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY

By Rachel Ley For Our Voice

P.J. Jacobs Junior High School Eighth-Grader

G

enerationOn is the global youth service movement igniting the power of all kids to make their mark on the world. Its mission is to inspire, equip, and mobilize youth to take action that changes the world and themselves through service. Through service learning, generationOn encourages youth to solve real world problems by volunteering.

Recently, generationOn created a National Youth Advisory Council to give a youth voice to their organization.

Following a nationwide search, generationOn selected 10 youth from around the country to form their first-ever National Youth Advisory Council. As a member of the council, I will serve as an ambassador for the power of all kids to make their marks on the world. In addition, I will organize five service events on specific dates throughout the year.

The first event occurred on Global Youth Service Day (GYSD), April 15th17th, 2011. GYSD is an annual campaign that celebrates youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service. The wonderful part about this day is that it’s all about the youth -- who will be the next generation of leaders in our world. After participating in GYSD for the past two years, I was ready to give it another go, this time representing the National Youth Advisory Council and encouraging other kids to promote the positive power of our generation.

This year for GYSD, I teamed up with my fellow generationOn Youth Advisory Council members to create environmentally themed service projects in our communities across the U.S. For my part, I planned and organized a service project called “Sprinting for Service” which was held at Iverson Park on Saturday, April 16. Stevens Point and Rosholt youth between the ages of 7 and 18 helped to clear part of the Green Circle Trail, par-

ticipated in a half mile fun-run through the park, and decorated paper grocery bags with an environmental message that will be distributed at the Eastside Copp’s Food Center in honor of Earth Day on April 22.

Although Saturday’s weather was a little dreary, everyone was excited to get out and volunteer!

“I came today to help out, to have fun, to clean up the trails, and to do something

for this great community,” said Connor Cook, a freshman at P.J. Jacobs High School.

My vision for “Sprinting for Service” was to engage area youth and spread the power of volunteering. Hopefully, this will create a ripple effect, and other youth will be inspired to start their own projects.

Amanda Gagas, a senior at Rosholt High School, gave the following advice about public service.

“Get out there and start volunteering.

It’s fun, and it keeps you out of trouble,” she said.

I would like to thank the many volunteers, local organizations, and businesses that supported “Sprinting for Service”.

Big Apple Bagels, Copp’s, Kwik Trip, McDonald’s, Stevens Point Parks and Rec Department, and Wal-Mart provided “Sprinting for Service” with generous donations. With their support, the volunteers were able to celebrate GYSD with food and fun in the Iverson All-Purpose Lodge.

4

May 2011

DYSTOPIAN SCIENCE FICTION: THE NEW CRAZE? Kaylyn reviews two of her favorite sci-fi books

By Kaylyn Kluck

Our Voice Staff

St. Peter Middle School Eighth-Grader

Times bestseller lists. Several of the more popular ones are in Hollywood development, and will possibly rise up as the next top film franchises once the final Harry Potter and Twilight movies are released.

Perhaps more and more people are being drawn to these types of books because they would rather read about heroic young adults rebelling against an unfair government over one about a teen discovering that he or she has a craving for human blood. Or maybe it’s the pure enjoyment of reading about a completely different version of the Earth, and discovering a whole new world of thrilling excitement.

Whatever the cause, more and more books like these seem to be popping up every day. While some of the most popular ones are “The Hunger Games” trilogy by Suzanne Collins, and James Patterson’s “Maximum Ride” and “Witch and Wizard” series, there are hundreds of other titles available. Here’s some feedback on two shining examples of the genre.

I highly doubt that I am the only one out there who thinks the young adult paranormal fantasy genre has taken over in these past couple years. It seemed that each month a slur of new novels about vampires, fairies, wizards, werewolves, demons, zombies and more vampires were filling the shelves of stores across America. I believe that at this point, we are slowly beginning to get out of this paranormal phase and shining the spotlight onto other genres, such as adventure and mystery.

But there is one type of novel that seems to be inching its way onto bestseller lists and our own bookshelves, and that is Dystopian science fiction, especially in the Young Adult category.

When people hear “science fiction,” their brains often think of Star Trek-like tales of aliens fighting wars on distant planets with laser guns. But this breed of book is challenging “Matched” that. The word “Dystopian” by Ally Condie is an antonym of the word What if you “utopian.” While utopia means had no choice “a perfect world,” dystopia is in how to run the opposite. Dystopian novels your life? What often take place in a future if someone where people live in fear or chose your job dangerous conditions. Stories for you?

What about teenagers living in these if you couldn’t scary worlds have been growing in popularity, and are scattered pick the person you married? throughout the New York What if someone else decided exactly when you die? The novel

“Matched” explores this. It’s a highly buzzed about novel that has been read and enjoyed all over, according to the positive reviews on Google Books.

The story follows 17-year-old Cassia, a girl living in a future where a ruling group called the Society makes all your decisions for you, giving other people no say in anything. But Cassia doesn’t mind. She’s just been matched with her best friend Xander. When a person is matched, it means that a face on a screen flashes before them.

This face belongs to the person the Society has deemed as their perfect mate, the one they will be forced to marry.

For Cassia, all is well in her perfect world until a face that isn’t Xander’s appears on the screen one day. The face she sees belongs to another local boy, Ky. Even though the Society tells her this was only a mistake, she finds herself drawn to Ky and his mysterious past.

Meanwhile life in her city is becoming more and more uncomfortable. Rules are made stricter, and precious items are being taken away from families, while tragedies continue to strike. Cassia’s grandfather encourages her to fight against her unjust world. Soon she finds herself taking dangerous risks and making big decisions that will affect her and her family forever.

This was a good book. I enjoyed learning all about Cassia’s world, and enjoyed the growing tension that faced the characters. It is narrated in

a lyrical and descriptive way, so the story flows like poetry. The plot went along nicely, making readers wait anxiously for what would happen next. Cassia must choose between Xander and Ky, and whether to fight her society or stay silent, and I enjoyed watching her character grow stronger.

It was a bit tragic at times though. After a while it grew slightly sad, because just about everything was going wrong for the protagonists. Also, the ending didn’t explain much, but fortunately, “Matched” is only the first book in what is promised to be a trilogy.

Overall it was beautifully told and promising, a good read for anyone who likes science fiction mixed with romance.

“Gone” by Michael Grant In the blink of an eye, life changes for the children who live in Perdido Beach, Calif.

All the adults have vanished in an instant, and whenever a person turns 15, they disappear as well. Soon the children of the town find themselves trapped in a barricade surrounding the area, and there is no known way out. Telephones, televisions, and the Internet don’t work, so they have no contact with the outside world.

Without adults running things, everything goes wrong. Bullies

take over and keep everyone in line. Children suffer from starvation, sickness and fear.

Add in the fact that some of the kids start developing dangerous new powers and animals are mutating, and you have one scary and disturbing world.

This is the first book it what will be a six-part series. The lengthy, 576-page novel is fastpaced and chilling, and grows more eerie by the chapter. There are many characters in this book, so the story frequently changes points of view, giving the reader a fuller look into this bizarre new world. It is violent and will disturb many of the people who pick it up.

It was also very strange, like a Stephen King novel for young adults. Whoever enjoys scenarios in books as creepy as this one will probably like it.

Aside from the fact that children and animals are mutating, it was a very realistic account of what kids might have to do if adults did suddenly vanish, and some of the situations the characters face aren’t pretty. Apparently, the series gets more and more disturbing as it goes on, and will make readers squirm. But overall, it is still a mysterious and intriguing read.

These are just two of the many books available in the Dystopian science fiction category. I hope that as we crawl out of a phase of paranormal thrillers and romances, people will find books like these just as interesting as any story about vampires or wizards.

5

May 2011

TEST YOUR U.S. CONSTITUTION HISTORY

Do you know your U.S. Constitution history?

Test your knowledge with these trivia questions.

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Answers: 1. 10 years, 2. For life or as long as they have good behavior, 3. 2 years, 4. 6 years, 5. 25 years old, 6. 30 years old, 7. 35 years old, 8. 14 years

Compiled By Ellen Rathe Our Voice Staff P.J. Jacobs Junior High School Ninth-Grader

1. What is the maximum number of years a person can be the president?

2. How long is a person elected to the U.S. Supreme Court?

3. How long is a person elected to the House of Representatives?

4. How long is a person elected to the Senate?

5. How old does a person have to be to be in the House of Representatives?

6. How old does a person have to be to be in the Senate?

7. How old does a person have to be to be the president?

8. How long must a person live in the United States to be president?

6

May 2011

SPASH COUNSELOR STRESSES

F

or the class of 2014, the upcoming school year is a very memorable transition — the movement from junior high to senior high school.

The same can be said about the class of 2012, but the transition is much greater.

They’ll be leaving the safe confines of high school and entering the real world, whether that includes work, higher education or the military.

If the choice is college, students need to remember that acceptance into a college is difficult. The requirements for some colleges can consist of a GPA of 3.6 or higher, at least a 30 on the ACT, and at least a 1,200 on SAT scores. As frightening as those requirements may seem, they are attainable if the student realizes how important grades in high school really are.

High school seems to be commonly misinterpreted for a MTV reality show instead of a school. A day at high school seems to consist of three D’s — dating, drama and despair. With all this going on, it’s hard to remember that the purpose of the school is to learn.

Although separating the two lives is much easier said than done, it is not impossible.

How, then, does a high school student

reach all of the required levels for a college? Each student should dedicate free time to studying, paying attention in school and doing their homework. Laura Blaska, a counselor at Stevens Point Area Senior High, said a student should also attend Post-Secondary Night, which usually takes place in March at SPASH. That allows the student to talk with representatives of the college they wish to apply to and learn crucial information about the college, such as requirements and financial aid.

Blaska said the economy is increasing the difficulty of finding a job. By possessing a college degree, you can make your quest of finding a job much simpler.

Another great tip from Blaska is to apply to more than one college. This will provide you with more than one opportunity to get accepted into a college. Also, if you get accepted into multiple colleges, you can compare financial aid and scholarship offers and talk with your counselor to choose the college that is definitely the right choice for you.

So, even though high school may seem to be all fun and games, every student needs to realize that high school is a crucial step on the path to a college degree.

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May 2011

THE BIGGEST EVENT IN

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

By Danielle Pederson Our Voice Staff P.J. Jacobs Junior High School Ninth-Grader

Editor’s note: Our Voice writer Danielle Pederson participated in the Birkenbeiner mid-February and shares her story below.

The Moon

Photo courtesy of www.birkie.com

T

he American Birkebeiner is a time honored tradition in the sport of cross-country skiing.

It is a race that goes back all the way to back to 1206. The Nor wegians are who we can thank for this huge event. The original purpose of the American Birkebeiner or Birkie was to re-create the historic Norwegian even in 1206. Two Norwegian warrior soldiers were chosen to move infant Prince Haakon to safety during the Norwegian Civil War. They traveled 50 kilometers to safety in birch bark leggings, therefore Birkebeiner.

They became the symbol of courage, perseverance and character in face of adversity in all of Norway. Currently the race is held from Hayward, Wis. to Cable, Wis. with a total of 11,000

skiers and 20,000 spectators from around the world.

This race is modeled after the Birkebeiner Rennet in Norway going back to 1932. This year was the 38th running of the “Birkie”.

The goal of the race isn’t to win.

The mission statement of this historical race is “to host one of the world’s best cross-country ski events.” It isn’t to breed Olympic skiers or create high intensity, but create a fun challenge.

This race holds not only a 50 k skate race but a 54 k classic race, 23k skate and classic race, 12k skate and classic race, 3k skate and classic race, and a 1k and 5k skate and classic race.

This event is a four day event. On Thursday is the Barnebirkie, which

is the kids race for ages 3-13 with the choice of 1k,3k or 5k race. Also on Thursday are the Elite Sprints.

On Friday is the Giant Ski Race, Barkie Birkie and the Junior Birkie which is a 3k race that is a ton of fun and is a great spectator race. This is for ages 13-18, and following that race is a relay which is open to all ages. These teams of three races are quite exciting. On Saturday is when the big event is the 50k Birkie, 23k Kortelopete “Korte” and 12k Prince Haakon. This is a huge spectacle all racers have to start at the same time.

And based on your time on the last race you are placed in certain waves ranging from Elite – 9, and the 10th wave is for 1st time skiers.

This is defiantly a huge race if not the biggest ski race in Wisconsin.

By Gabrielle Morey Our Voice Staff Home-Schooled Tenth-Grader

O, look at the moon, She’s still shining up thereO how she looks Like a lamp in the air.

Last week she was smaller, And shaped like a bow, But now she’s grown bigger And is round as an O.

8

May 2011

DREAM CATCHERS: Coming to the Rescue

By Kaylyn Kluck

Our Voice Staff

St. Peter Middle School Eighth-Grader

Summary So far, we have learned that Lydia, Kat and their friends are all Dream Catchers, mystical beings that live up in the clouds and distribute dreams at night while the earth sleeps. When Lydia and Kat were struck with lightning, they went to see Cairo, the only one who could have done this to them. They learned that he was their father and was going to kill them in order to gain their power so he could destroy the Earth.

As Lydia and Kat await their execution, they know the only ones who can save them now are their friends.

But can they make it before it’s too late?

T

he messenger ball hit Chase right in the stomach when it first arrived. Jason and Olivia witnessed him being knocked backward, but didn’t know what invisible force had done this to him. The messenger ball had been moving that fast.

They had been standing on a cloud outside of Headquarters. At first, they tried to talk about things, but then their minds drifted into worried states, and they were silent without realizing it. This had been happening a lot lately. Ever since Lyd had disappeared, they didn’t really know what to do or expect.

No one knew what had happened to Lyd. One day she had been recovering from the lightning incident, the next day, she had vanished along with Kat, who also was missing. Dream Catchers never went missing when they were at Headquarters. The only evidence that was left behind was the man who had been overseeing their recovery, Dr. Scuvvy. He had been found wrapped in duct tape in a closet. He had been in there for a day and a half, and by the time he was let out, he had gone halfcrazy, and no one really cared about anything a human had to say this high in the atmosphere. And locking a doctor in a closet was definitely something Lyd and Kat would do. But why? The girls had been hit by lightning during the game, and then awhile into their recovery, they ridded themselves of Dr. Scuvvy and vanished? It didn’t add up.

As Lyd’s friends, they had pondered how this came to be for days. They tried not to let their worry show, but

nothing like this had ever happened. So when Chase had been knocked back by the ball, Jason and Olivia jumped as well.

“Chase!” Olivia yelped.

“What just happened?” Jason ran toward Chase, who was lying on his back, moaning. The messenger ball rolled a few feet away from him.

“What was that?” Olivia ran over to the boys.

“I-I don’t know,” Chase gasped. “Something just punched me in the stomach with a lot of force.”

Olivia spotted it. “That thing, right there!”

Jason picked it up. “It’s a funny looking airball.” he examined it.

Olivia pulled Chase up swiftly. “Man, I bet it was Kat’s evil friends who programmed that thing to hit me,” he said.

“It shouldn’t hurt long. You’re a Dream Catcher. We heal really fast,” Olivia told him.

Jason was still staring suspiciously at the ball. “I don’t think this is a regular airball guys,” he told them. “It has little holes in it.”

“Like a speaker,” Chase remarked.

“Exactly. And I don’t think Kat’s friends could have done this themselves,” Jason said. “Hey, check this out.

It’s like a button is built into it.”

“Press it!” Olivia commanded excitedly.

“Wait, don’t!” Chase interrupted. “It could still be a trick. What if it explodes or something if we push it?”

“Maybe it’s a sign,” Olivia said thoughtfully.

“I think we should press it. It’s not like life can get any weirder,” Jason said.

Chase nodded and took the ball. “Fine, but I’m pushing it. It’s hurt me once today, one more time won’t matter.” He pressed down, half expecting the thing to burst into flames. It didn’t.

Instead, he heard a familiar voice say, “Hey guys. It’s me, Kat.” Upon hearing the word “Kat,” Chase threw the ball on the ground.

And then they heard another voice say, “And Lyd. I know we left unexpectedly, and we can’t even begin to explain what’s happening. All we can say from here is that you have to come quick, or we’ll die, along with the rest of the Earth.”

Kat’s voice continued, “This is real. We need your help, or it could be the end of everything. Just come. It’s not like us to ask for you to do things for us, but that doesn’t

Editor’s note: This is the ninth installment of Dream Catchers in Our Voice. The tenth will appear in the June issue.

matter anymore. Follow the ball and it will lead you to us. Over and out.”

Lyd’s voice said the final words, “Over and out.”

Chase, Olivia and Jason were stunned.

It took one hour to explain things and plan with the rest of the Thunder Flyers. They had heard the message; Jason had played it again for them. Arena, JJ and Quigley were told, and everyone knew they had to help.

No one really understood things, but they had chosen to accept what was happening to save Lyd, and sadly Kat, and the rest of the Earth, like the messenger ball had told them too.

Arena, who was possibly the wisest of them all said, “We have to tell Kat’s friends too.”

“No way,” JJ said. “Would they even believe us?”

“It involves them as much as us,” Arena stated strongly. “If we want to do our job right, telling them is the first step.”

No one was ready to argue with Arena.

Five hours later, 12 Dream Catchers were assembled outside their building. It had taken forever to convince Kat’s airball team of the truth, partly because they hated each other, and also because the whole thing was crazy.

But after hearing the message several times, they reluctantly went along with it. And then there was the planning.

“The ball is supposed to lead us right to the sender,” Chase said. “So I guess we’ll just follow it.”

“This is insane,” Avery, one of Kat’s friends said. “You know this is insane, right?”

Chase glared at her. “If you think trying to save your friend is insane, then you can just walk away.”

“I’m just saying that it makes no sense. Why are they in danger? Why is Earth in danger?”

“We don’t know,” Chase told them. “But we have to leave right away.”

“How’s the ball going to lead us to them?” JJ asked.

“There’s a little button built about a centimeter into it,” Jason said.

“I don’t see it,” Chase said. “Oh, there it is.” He noticed a button that was almost the size of a quarter of your smallest fingernail. It wasn’t on the surface of the ball like the speaker button was; instead it was built deep into it. “Why would it be so hard to press?”

“Probably so you don’t accidentally push it.”

“Good point. How do we press it though?”

9

May 2011 “Here, use my hairpin.” Olivia pulled the pin out of hair and gave it to Chase.

“Thanks,” he said and bent the pin so that it fit in the hole. As soon as the pin made contact with the button, the ball turned into a speeding comet. Chase had been holding it, and he held on for dear life as the ball flew 10 times faster than he had ever flown with his own wings.

It took off like a rocket.

“Grab on!” he yelled as the ball sped away with him, faster and faster. The other 11 struggled in the race to keep up. Finally, JJ got a hold of Chase’s foot. Arena got a hold of his, and Olivia grabbed her foot. Everyone else joined, so they were like one giant chain soaring over the clouds and Headquarters. Jason was last in the string of flying Dream Catchers.

It was so fast that if any of them loosened their grip by just a little, the chain would be broken. But more danger faced them. Because as they flew far, the clouds eased up, and the sun’s rays reappeared. Anything having to do with sun made all Dream Catchers immediately think of death. If even one inch of their bodies made contact with a solar ray, it basically turned to dust. Oh no. Chase thought. How could he steer this thing so that they didn’t all turn to bread crumbs? “Hang on!” he said as loud as he could before leaning his whole body to the right, so the ball maneuvered just a little bit. They nar-

rowly missed a huge ray. But the danger wasn’t over. A whole field of rays beat down; it was a deadly minefield to them. He leaned over the ball once so that his weight on the ball caused the entire chain to do a 360-degree flip so that they went over a diagonally streaking ray. Part of Arena’s long hair was singed off in the process. Now it went just past her shoulders instead of all the way down her back.

“Sorry about that.” Chase apologized over his shoulder.

“Just watch where we’re going! Don’t look back!”

Arena screamed.

They turned and twisted through all the rays. They were doing pretty well, until they reached two rays that were too wide to go around. Only a narrow gap about a foot and half wide was between them. “Everyone turn their bodies sideways!” Chase yelled and prayed everyone heard him, or else they would be literally fried. They all did, but right after he had squeezed through, Chase saw another deadly streak of golden sun two yards ahead of them. He knew that if he didn’t turn right away, they would all be dead. He prayed everyone had made it though, and swerved sharply. And then he heard someone scream.

That had been the final ray, and the ball slowed for the last 30 seconds. Then it was still, and so were they. They

landed on top of a thin cloud. Everyone dared to look back at who had been lost in that final deadly maneuver.

They were all there, but they saw Jason shaking. One of his hands was gone.

“Oh no,” Chase murmured in horror. There was no blood or torn flesh or anything, Jason’s arm was just a stump. The hand appeared to have been sliced cleanly off. His arm ended at the wrist.

“Your hand!” Olivia shrieked. “You lost a hand!”

Jason tried to smile with little success. “It was good it wasn’t my head.”

“Does it hurt?” Gregor, one of Kat’s accomplices, asked, concerned.

“My body’s burning right now, but it will go away,” Jason said.

“No, this is serious, you just lost a hand!” Chase yelled.

“And it’s all my fault!”

Jason shook his head. “What could you have done? It was either my hand or all of us. You did the right thing.”

Everyone knew he was right, but they still felt terrible, all of them. “Stop it guys,” Jason said as bravely as he could, “It’s just a hand. Now let’s move on. The ball stopped. We’re here.”

He was right.

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May 2011

DEAD OR ALIVE “You with the governs?”

By Hanna Burch Our Voice Staff “No! No. I don’t even know who Ben Franklin Junior High School they are. I was on an island, I mean, Eighth-Grader someone, Toady, took me there, and

Summary Angela is a 14-year-old girl who has been kidnapped and taken to an island.

She was left alone for a day. She found a dog who was also mysteriously on the island and named him Fender. After her kidnappers returned, along with a boy who she discovered on their boat named Luke, Fender disappeared.

Meanwhile, she and Luke became close friends. One night, Fender came back and led her to a trap door buried beneath sand. She woke up in a strange place where the people there claimed was under the ocean. She was taken to her own room with barely any answers to what was happening or where she was, and she got bored. Angela wandered down the hallway and discovered a door.

When she opened it, she found a huge dragon-like animal staring at her. Read on for more in Chapter 9.

T

he dragon’s nostrils flared and it roared a deafening roar. Angela shoved her hands over her ears and crouched down in fear.

“Loch! No. Sleep.” Ordered a loud, female voice. Immediately, the dragon stopped all movement and signs of life.

“H..Hello?” Angela whispered.

“Who exactly are you?” Commanded a voice.

“Angela. Uh, I was found in the tube ... I think so, at least. No one’s told me much.”

...” Angela trailed off.

“Oh,” the voice said, now obviously uninterested. Then the owner of the voice walked down a spiral staircase in the back of the room and hit some switches. Lights lit up and Angela saw a huge room, probably big enough to hold 5,000 people. In the center was the lifeless dragon and there were two staircases on each side of the room. The ceiling was about five stories up, and the entire room was a large rectangle.

“Who are you?” Angela questioned.

“Madame Olive. The Commander of all this,” she briskly stated.

The Commander was a tall woman with straight, gray hair chopped at her chin. She wore gray pants and a white blouse. Glasses were perched on her nose and her gray eyes were small and squinty. She had an authority air about her, and she stood confidently with her gray pumps planted firmly in the carpet.

“Oh,” was all Angela said.

Madame Olive marched over to the door where Angela had entered and Angela got the feeling she should follow her. The Commander marched all the way to Angela’s quarter and told her to stay here until further instruction.

Angela hurried into the room, slightly intimidated by Madame Olive’s presence.

She lay on her cot, her arms and legs spread out in an X position. She flipped over on her stomach from discomfort and something crackled. Angela stood

up and examined the bed. There was nothing there except the bare sheets and flat mattress. Then she remembered.

Angela reached into her pocket and pulled out the letter. The one Fender had gotten for her. She opened it up, and drowning in curiosity, she started to read.

Listen, you stinkin’ men. We don’t know if you realize this, because of your lack of knowledge, but you’re in deep trouble. Not just with the threatening police, but with the Authority of Plan 75. We are commanding that you bring the kids back now, by tomorrow at sun down, or there’ll be trouble. How dare you kidnap them and get them involved in this dangerous plan.

Figure it out NOW. STOP. Angela was more than confused. What was Plan 75? Why was the writer telling them to bring Angela, and possibly Luke, home?

What was going on?

Angela crumpled the paper in frustration and threw it across the small room.

It landed on a small lump in the carpet, and immediately the room began to shake and spin around. Angela grabbed hold of the bed with one hand and braced herself against the wall with

Editor’s note: This is the ninth chapter in a continuing series.

For the next chapter, see the June issue of Our Voice.

her other hand. The room spun so fast she couldn’t scream, see or move. It was the worst feeling ever. Finally, after a few minutes the room slowed down and the room started to gently rock. It felt like it was floating through air. Angela steadied herself and stumbled over to the door.

She opened it up, and water flooded the small room. She was pulled out into the ocean current, flying uncontrollably through the water at the bottom of the ocean.

11

May 2011

L W L R A ITERS! G N I L L A C A re you a junior high or high school student in Portage County who loves to write?

Are you interested in learning what it takes to put a newspaper together?

Do you want your artwork or creative writing pieces published?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, this student newspaper in Portage County needs your help.

Our Voice, a monthly product of the Stevens Point Journal and the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County, needs students to write about issues affecting them, entertainment, fashion, books, sports and more.

Co-founder Sam Dinga created this publication in summer 2006, recognizing that youths often are disengaged from newspapers. He created it to boost interest in reading and writing.

Our Voice is delivered to all households in the boundaries of the Stevens Point Area Public School

District with students in grades six to 12. It also is available at the Boys & Girls Club sites. There is no fee to join the staff and students can write as much or as little as they want.

If you are interested in learning more, call adviser Nicole Strittmater at 715345-2249 or e-mail her at nstrittmater@gannett.com.

FREEDOM PASS ST AVAILABLE MAY 1

Students: Grade School through High School.

BE GREEN THE

WOODEN CHAIR 1059 Main St., Downtown Stevens Point

Breathe Easy

• Unlimited rides during the entire summer break • Independence - No more waiting for Mom or Dad to give you a ride.

• Go where you want when you want

$

1.00 Off

ANY MEAL

Hardwood Floors, Brick Walls, Cozy Fireplace and Unique Antique Chairs Serving Natural & Healthy Foods Smoke-Free Environment

Some of the Best Omelettes, Baked Goods and Sandwiches This side of the River.

Home of Fudge Utopia.

• Safe, Reliable Transportation • Beat HIGH gas prices & enjoy the ride • Good ALL summer on all buses • Three NEW Hybrid Buses • Passes are also available at Copps East.

Transportation Available for

s

Individuals with Special Need

Maps/schedules are available at stevenspoint.com/transit or the University Center, Triggs, Copps South and East, Shopko, and City Bus. Passes are available at Trigg’s, Copps South and Shopko.

For more information call: 715-341-4490 or Visit our website stevenspoint.com/transit

WI-5001297152

WI-5001297278

135 North Division Street, Stevens Point

WI-5001297167

Daily 7 am to 2 pm 341-1133 Enjoy Old-Fashioned Charm

ave Money

Freedom Pass Offers:

Bring This Ad In For

Breakfast & Lunch

&

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO BE OPEN WE ARE WETTING OUR PLANTS Growing My Way? Look for My (Lady Bug Lynn) specials, featured throughout the greenhouse

OVER 400 Awesome Blooming Potted Roses Perfect for Mother’s Day!!!

Some of our New Varieties for 2011 • 12 New Cascading Petunias including, Black Magic, Wave Double Red, Picaso, Pinstripe, Phantom & More • Sun Patiens - New Impatiens for the Sun • Million Bells - Blackberry & Coralberry Punch • 6 New Coleus • 3 New Morning Glory & Much Much More!

Gift Certificate Anytime

Mon-Friday 8-8 Sat and Sunday 8-6

Dedicated to Growing Excellence

WI-5001296283