CRUNCH! Revista by MJHS

Crunchies! Editor-in-Chief

Kitty

Poetry Editor

Kitty

Fiction Editor

T-Shirt

Photography Editor

Crackerjack

Art Editor

Judo

Art Photographers

Kitty & Judo

Writing Tweakers

Crackerjack & Tyrex

Head Designer

Jell-o

Cover Design

Jell-o & Tyrex

Design Team

Cyanide, Judo, Kitty Tyrex, T-Shirt, Crackerjack

Faculty Advisor

Peaches (Mr. Beach)

Â 3

Content! Crunchies! (Masthead)

Letter from the Editors

Jacob Beeler, “ 30,000 on One”

6-7

Maddie Kauffman, “The Man with the Tin Foil Hat”

Owen Affolter, “Stressed Woman Art”

Logan Bruce, “Fourth of July"

Keval Patel, “Art of Foil ”

Victoria Monaco, “The Favored Tool”

Victoria Monaco: Three Photographs

13-15

Ayana Sullivan: Two Poems

16-17

Maddie Kaufman, “Absorbed into Darkness”

18-20

Arianna Ackerman, “Sushi”

Arianna Ackerman, “Avocado Toast”

Jaiden Mitchell, “A Silent House”

Tyler Haug, “Royal”

Cyan Gump, “Ugly Flower”

Marie Schiller, “The Beach”

Aaron Stout, “Glass of Water”

Cyan Gump: Two Poems

28, 32

Victoria Monaco: Two Drawings

29-30

Ayana Sullivan, “The Three Wise Dogs”

Madison Rice, “The Last Love Story”

33-37

Justin Griffiths, “Hallway of Broken Memories”

Victoria Monaco, “The Last Stride”

39-40

Contributor Bios

41-43

Dear Reader, CRUNCH! magazine is a project that we editors

are rather proud of. Our team meets once a week to discuss our ideas on adding to or improving the magazine. Our submissions are looked at carefully before they are put into the published magazine. We would like to thank all who submitted. Without you, this project would be non-existent.

CRUNCH!

We do hope you enjoy this issue of Sincerely,

CRUNCH! Editors

The

Jacob Beeler! 30, 000 on One Captain Jeff Harris had always had a love for flying, When he reached his 18th birthday he ran down to the recruitment office and signed up for the U.S Air Force, He passed training with flying colors and was lucky enough to not have to wait long for a war. Just weeks out of training Jeff was deployed to the U.S.S Redson. Jeff his squadron was tasked with ‘Special’ bombing missions of ISIS positions in Syria. One day after bombing an ammo dump when the missile warning tone filled jeff’s ear’s as a heat seeking missile streaked at Jeff’s F-22 raptor. “Break formation!’ Jeff ordered the rest of his squadron and in an instant the jets scattered all over the sky. Jeff then deployed his flares and pulled hard to the right, The missile shot harmlessly past him and blew up farther in the sky. Now another object caught jeff’s eye as a black object rose to jeff’s altitude, “Got a target at 6 o’clock low! I got ‘em!” Jeff informed as he began an dive on the rival plane. Jeff flew with the sun at his back making It almost impossible for the enemy plane to see him, Switching to his cannons, Jeff pulled the trigger unleashing the duel vulcan chain guns in the plane's nose. But the plane kept coming fearless in the face of the F-22 Raptor’s guns, But Jeff also fearless push his throttle to the max with the zipping noise of his guns. The russian made MiG 29 shattered as parts flew off. Just as Jeff turned the MiG made sharp left and flew toward jeff, Jeff tried to avoid the plane but at his speed that proved useless. With a mighty impact and noise Jeff’s plane rattled violently and rolled into a nosedive. With beeping noises and flashes overtaking the screen Jeff tried desperately to pull the joy-stick straight up, Ever so slightly the plane edged up but was still tilted to the right, Jeff pushed the stick to the right with no response, Again he pulled to the right. Jeff looked out the cockpit window and nearly had a heart attack. 6

The end of Jeff’s right wing had been sheared off, Jeff was shocked at this, He was 30,000 feet on one wing. Jeff checked again and saw brownish, Orange jet fuel leaking on the wing. In an quick movement jeff dumped all the fuel in the right tank and switched it over to his left and his left reserve tank. With the plan still slightly dipping to the right when Jeff send his first S.O.S, “This is falcon 2-5 to Redson, Over” “This is Redson go ahead Falcon 2-5 send your traffic” “I need some fighters to escort me back to base , Copy?” “Reason? Falcon 2-5” “I’ve been damaged and separated from squadron” “Copy, Escort heading to Alpha 2” Suddenly the plane shuddered and began a dive that jeff couldn’t recover immediately from, Then in an instant all around him Flak shells exploded and dotted the sky in icky black smoke. The Missile alert tone filled jeff’s headset once again as he scanned the sky quickly to find the missile, After seeing a white speak with a black smoke trail coming on his right, Jeff pulled his flares and turn sharply to the left and pushed his throttle to max and prayed. The missile zoomed past him and once again Jeff’s plane was missed. The Raptor was now almost on the ground, Jeff could now make out the sand dunes he was shooting past. After slowing down a bit jeff now knew he would not make it to the U.S.S Redson as he couldn’t climb to meet his escorts. In a split second Jeff’s right wing engulfed in flames, Then the engine shut off, Then the plane spun. Trying fruitlessly,jeff gave up trying to save the plane and grasped his hand around the ejector seat handle and pulled it.-] 7

Maddie Kauffman! The Man with the Tin Foil Hat He walks along the road, He’s just like one of us. Inside his pocket holds, The secret of a box. He knows that it is locked, He knows that it is locked, He knows just what it takes to see What lives inside the box. Alone inside the box, A twist of light and dark. Begging to be freed, The commandment as a bark, Calling to the man, Calling to the man, They’re calling to the man to see If he’ll release their thoughts. A screaming in his ear, A voice that’s razor sharp. Breeding by the hour, No other to absorb. He opens up the box, His key fills up the lock, When clouds refill the air he sees, What was inside that box.

“Stressed Woman” by Owen Affolter

Logan Bruce! Fourth of July Happiness, singing songs around the dancing flames, as they were crackling; almost to the beat of the songs. Being blinded by the light, but not from the fire. Amazement, the dark blue sky was beautiful, the stars; in marvelous shapes, dipping my eyes into the vastness of space. Fearful, walking in the woods late at night, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know where to turn, on every path, were branches, like arms waving me into their chorus of darkness.

“Art of Foil” by Kavel Patel

Victoria Monaco! The Favored Tool Soft elegant strokes on the thin sheet, It creates words within seconds, It’s ink the color of the deepest sea. It’s pitter pat sound, Echoes loud in the hands of a drummer, It’s soft familiar tone, A whisper in the hands of a writer. It’s smooth indents in the cap, Calling out P-A-P-E-R M-A-T-E as it is used to write, Writing words of its own, So soft, So light without breaking, Only needing motivation when it begins to listen. It listens to thoughts and motivates, Motivates the resting hand to guide it, Guiding it softly on the thin sheets. With Soft elegant strokes on the thin sheet, It creates words within seconds, It’s ink the color of the deepest sea, Its motivation, Greater than most others.

“Purple Flowers” by Victoria Monaco

“Mt. Maude” by Victoria Monaco

“A Waterfall” by Victoria Monaco 15

Ayana Sullivan! I See Everything I see the grass I see the sun. Nature just sung its beautiful song. I see the city. I see the smoke. I here mankind singing its chaotic song. I see the Earth. And it's pretty lights but the chaos. The destruction it makes. I see the Earth. I see the green. How pretty the leaves. And mankind is destroying it.

The Day Day The day I know the day will come tomorrow. The day when I will succeed. The day when I rise high. The day when everybody aplaudes me. The day that it will be all about me. I know the day will come. I just know it.

Maddie Kauffman! Absorbed into Darkness Alice and M came down the twisted path, long time since they enriched each other’s company. The day was just beginning, as they passed through a forest of Tum-Tum trees. “So, Alice, what have I missed with you?” M politely asked. Alice pondered over what was newsworthy enough to share with her friend. “Hm, well, I did shun a bandersnatch away earlier. With the help from Absolem, of course.” “Absolem, did he detach from his hookah long enough to do so? He’s grown quite attached to that thing if I do say so myself. I think it’s more than tobacco he’s smoking with that thing.” Alice stopped, and looked at M. She had to contain the laugh that was coming up her throat. “Well um, M, he actually just used his smoke to clear me out…” She couldn’t contain herself anymore and busted out a giggle, then two, and soon she was completely engulfed into her own laughter. M soon joined her, for Alice’s laugh was like wild fire. Soon the fire died out, and they continued on with the subject. “Why did you need to shun the bandersnatch in the first place?” M asked, sounding terribly concerned for his friend. “I determined he was sent by the White Queen for your hat” She said, and before M could get anxious, she began to speak again. “But don’t worry, your hat is safe.” M looked relieved. “Where is it?” He asked. “Well, I couldn’t walk around with that sort of target on my back, so I gave it to the JubJub.” M looked at Alice as if he was trying to determine what she was thinking. He soon determined she had no rhyme or reason to giving it to the Jub.

“Alice, have you gone completely mad?” he challenged. “No, not yet I’m afraid. I traded him for his prized kazoo, so I know we’ll get it back.” “And where might that be?” “With the Frivolous Bandersnatch!” She exclaimed. M was perplexed. Didn’t Alice just get the hat away from a bandersnatch? “Alice!” He scolded. She quickly turned to face him, and attempted to comfort him by reaching out and taking his hand. “Don’t you trust me?” She asked. M thought about it, and he did, but Alice sometimes let her madness get a hold of her. “Yes of course I do but-” “You do? Yay!” She paraded in triumph. “ This Bandersnatch is completely docile and independent from the Queen. He’s a friend.” “Okay, I’m sorry I doubted you.” In response, as an attempt to lighten the mood, Alice stood up on to her toes and compared height. “You’re still short!”Alice teased. “Not as short as you!” M mocked back. They continued walking along, babbling on and on about anything and everything. Being the only partially sane ones here, they became quite good friends. They were practically inseparable, except for when M had a new hat to make or Alice had a new foe to battle. At the end of the day, though, they were about as close as friends could get. “Do you remember the story you used to tell me about the Jabberwocky” Alice asked, turning to face him. “The Jabber-who-ey?” He replied with confusion. “Oh, I guess not then. There’s a lot you don’t remember, isn’t there?” “While that’s true, I very much remember you, Alice.” She smiled. Even though M didn’t remember everything, he remembered what mattered to him. “Well, would you like for me to tell you about the Jabberwock?” “Yes, very very much so!” “You always used to mumble this, I only remember fractions of it I’m afraid.” She took a breath, and cleared her throat. “ With his vorpal sword in hand, long time the manxome foe he sought, so rested he by the Tum-Tum tree, and stood awhile in thought-” Alice was cut off by M chiming in. 19

“And as an uffish thought he stood, the Jabberwock with eyes of flame came whiffling through the Tulgey Wood, and burbled as it came.” M completed. He looked just as surprised as Alice. “M… y-you remembered!” “Yes! How could I ever forget The Jabberwock! My mother used to sing it to me.” Alice rubbed across the back of M’s suit with her hand.

“Marvelous!” She encouraged. M smiled. “Tea time?” He proposed. “Sure!”

Arianna Ackerman! Sushi The fish swam in the warm, dark blue ocean. Far. Away. It wants to vanish from all the others. Disappear. Adventure. It was independent, free to swim all day long. Alone. Happy. The fish never stopped for anything. Swimming. Lively. Suddenly, the fish was trapped. Stuck. Confused. The trap, yanked up violently. Scared. Devastated. Pulled out of the water, the fish felt the cold air. Terrified. Pain. Staring into the bright sky from inside a bucket. Fear. Confusion. The last thing it saw: a chef. Professional. Irony. Fish, now a roll of sushi.

“Avocado Toast” by Arianna Ackerman

Jaiden Mitchell! A Silent House Drip drip drip. The kitchen sink drips, and never stops. Endless shadows cast through the old curtains over the hours of the day. The boards under the carpet never creek, as no one steps on them. Cobwebs start to form in every corner. Dust piles up on all the countertops. The food in the cupboards never opened, and will go bad, not eaten. Beds are stiff and cold when no one sleeps in them. Grass over grows, and dies slowly. Hedges are never trimmed. Nothing. No one. No sounds. No life. In an empty house.

Tyler Haug! Royal A desk, lacquered oak, covered in carbon stains, with worn ends. Signs of heavy use dot the surface. A crystalline vase, full of vibrant flowers. Oversaturated by the summer sun. Distorted metallic reflections, casted by a lustery desk lamp, patinaed by age. Muted pens and pencils crowd a mesh cup. To its side sits a stack of alabaster paper, smooth and creamy. And at the center of it all, a typewriter. A glorious matte mint in the light, grimy with ink and correction fluid. A complex machine, still working gracefully, even after fifty-two years. A clacking resonates through the room, metal striking paper. You are typing. Typing in your favourite place in the world. And basking in the pleasure of your favourite feeling in the world. Typing on your Royal. And sitting under a large picture window and being warm in its light, feeling the mechanical tension of keys under your fingertips.

“Ugly Flower” by Cyan Gump

Marie Schiller! The Beach Salty, cold, blue waves crashing against the hot, golden sand. People running, children swimming, lifeguards watching boats, jetskis, fishermen. Hot, sunny, bright. The beach.

Aaron Stout! Glass of Water As refreshing as a sea in the summer Gone as fast as a feather in the wind But that feeling will come back again and again

Cyan Gump! Feelings Can you feel emotion ? Or the way you hate being s ad ? Can you feel the wind ? or the heat of the hot boiling sun? Can you feel your heartbeat? Or when it races when you get scared ? Can you feel passion when you do something you love ? Or when you do something others hate? Can you feel the soft,warm,smooth silk ? Or the warmth and comfort when you bundle up in silk ? Can you really fee l?

“Meadows Fall” by Victoria Monaco

“Neko” by Victoria Monaco

Ayana Sullivan! The Three Wise Dogs Once upon a time there were three wise dogs. All of the dogs are very old and wise. The first dog’s name was Brook, and Brook was a female dog. The two other dogs were twins and their names were Benny and Henry. They were all siblings. They live in Florida, and they have a sister in California. Soon after that their sister had informed them that she was going to have puppies. They traveled very far to see the puppies. They got there just in time to see the puppies, she had just had her puppies Brook, Benny, and Henry all said at the same time, “Wow! What beautiful puppies!” She had seven puppies, just as many as states they traveled though. The mom of the puppies named them Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, And California. Those names were the names of the states that they travelled through. They ended up staying the night. While they were there they got also got to hold the puppies.

Cyan Gump! Colors

Madison Rice! The Last Love Story One day a girl named Noel was hanging out with some of her friends as they were standing on the street getting ready to race, Noel knew nothing about racing, But as Noel was racing her friends she rammed into someone, knocking them down and herself. When they both got up all Noel could say was, “I am so sorry.” “It's ok, my name is Ronnie.” Ronnie said, “Mine is Noel,” Noel Responded, “Well it's nice to meet you Noel.” Ronnie said. Before they left, Ronnie had asked for Noel’s facebook so they could talk, Noel accepted and they exchanged facebooks, when Noel arrived home her mom asked her why she was so happy, But when Noel explained what happened, Her mom looked at her and asked her, in the sort of way you wouldn’t want your parents to react to a happy moment, “Wait, what did you say?” “I met a boy.” Noel said in response. Her mom had become angry then said, “You’re not allowed to talk to boys.” “Ugh mom I'm 14, I can talk to boys.” “No you're not now go up to your room.” And with that, Noel furiously stomped up the stairs and slammed her door, Suddenly her phone went off, and to her surprise it was Ronnie. Noel smiled then opened the text, when she opened it her smile grew larger, the text said: Ronnie: Hey Noel want to hang out tomorrow? Noel: yes, I’ll see you tomorrow!!

After school the next day, Noel came home and she looked at the driveway. Her mom was home, Noel became upset because she knew that her mom wasn’t going to let her hang out with Ronnie. When she got in the house Noel’s mom was in the kitchen. “So how was your day Noel?” “Great what about you?” “Fine.” Noel was halfway up the stairs when she asked, “Hey, can I go hang out with Ronnie?” “No,” her mom retorted. Noel was devastated, but she knew she should’ve expected that from her mom. She didn't want to tell Ronnie that she couldn't hang out, so she snuck out. When she got to the park Ronnie was already there, sitting on a bench. Noel ran up to him, “Hi Ronnie!”. Ronnie looked up and said “Hey Noel.” Time passed, and Noel’s phone went off, when she looked at it she noticed it was her mom; ”Where are you get home now.” When Noel read the message, she said to Ronnie, “I got to go.” Ronnie then asked, “Ok can you still text me?” “Of course.” And with that, Noel left for home. When Noel got home her mom was waiting for her. Right then and there Noel thought she was in trouble, But to a shock her mom didn’t punish her, she simply said, “Tell me where you are next time ok.” Then Noel went up in her room. When Noel got to her room, her phone went off. It was Ronnie. When she opened it up the text read: Ronnie: hey why did you have to leave? Noel: my mom said I needed to come home now sorry. Ronnie: do you want to hang out tomorrow? Noel: yeah I can hang tomorrow. Ronnie: great can't wait. The next day came and Noel was so happy to see Ronnie again. Then her mom asked, “What are you doing today?”

“Nothing just going to hang with Makayla.” “Ok be back by dinner.” “Ok.” After school, she went straight to the park to meet Ronnie. When she got there Ronnie was already there, but his nose was bleeding. Noel got up to see if he was ok, he said his dad had hit him. Noel held him close to her and said “I'm so sorry Ronnie.” When Ronnie told Noel that he was going to run away, Noel told him that she was coming with him. Ronnie responded quickly, “No I don't want anything to happen to you just stay here for me, please.” Noel just looked at him and started to cry. Ronnie just grabbed her and held her and said “Trust me Noel I will be fine just know I always will love you no matter what.” “I know I just don't want to lose you.” Then Noel pushed off a little bit and said “you love me?” “I have always loved you, ever since I first met you... Noel, will you go out with me?” Noel just looked at Ronnie and said, “yes I will go out with you.” Ronnie picked her up and spun her around then kissed her. Then Noel looked up at Ronnie “Now can I run away with you?” “I'm not gonna run away now that I have you to go to when stuff goes wrong.” “Aww Ronnie you're so sweet.” , Noel said, “I know I am.”, And Noel just laughed. Two years had passed and Ronnie proposed to Noel and then they moved in together, when they moved in together Noel finally said to Ronnie that she had a health condition, she told him that she had a doctor's appointment the next day, and asked if he would accompany her. Ronnie could not possibly refuse, and he didn’t. When the next day came, they went to the doctors, and the doctor told her that her cancer is back. Noel was devastated, more than words could even explain. Then Ronnie grabbed her hand and griped it tightly, Noel

smiled, grabbing it back and asked, “Well doctor, is there anything we can do?” the doctor said “Well, we can do chemo therapy.” “Ok that’s great for me, just when will the therapy be done?’’ “ Well it could last at least 2 to 5 weeks.” “Ok..” “On another note, I have some good news.” “Well fire away, I could use some good news.” “Well, you can still start a family, but the baby is likely to have some health conditions.” “Ok, thanks doctor.” Noel was devastated, but she didn’t want to show that. After the doctor had left Ronnie said, “Well that was, interesting.” Noel laughed and said, “Yeah it was.” “There's that smile”. “Let's go home now.” “Ok.” When they got home Noel just stayed in the car and told Ronnie to go inside because she needed time alone when Ronnie was inside Noel started to cry. Ronnie came back outside to get something from the car and saw that she was crying, he ran to her side of the car and opened the door, picked her up and carried her into the house. When they got into the house he held her and said, “I'm here and I'm never going to leave.” He asked her why she was crying and Noel said “I just don't want to ever leave you and the baby what if I died?...It would just be you and the baby, and I don't want that.” “Noel I will do my best to be the best husband and father I can and I'm never going to lose you I will always have you no matter what happens.” Even through the soothing words Noel just kept crying. Ronnie wiped them away and Noel smiled. Then suddenly, one day Noel suggested they throw a party. Ronnie agreed with her, so they ended up calling all their friends and family to come to the party. At the time of the party it seemed that everyone must have showed up. About thirty minutes in the party Noel got everyone’s attention and said, “Everyone I have something to say..” Ronnie asked “What is it Noel?” Noel looked at Ronnie and gave him a box, 36

“Ronnie I need to tell you something, but I can’t bring myself to tell you, so I wanted to give you this”. Then when Ronnie opened it, he said, “Are you serious…?” He sat down and was just speechless, But he eventually brought himself to Exclaim, “Everyone I'm going to be a daddy!” Everyone grew so so happy and congratulated them, Then Noel told Ronnie, “You're going to be a great father Ronnie.” Then Ronnie kissed her happily. Nine months had passed since the party, and when Ronnie and Noel were in bed getting ready to go to sleep Noel’s water suddenly broke. Ronnie rushed Noel to the hospital, when the baby was born the doctor said it was a girl, they named her Kellendy Marie Quinn. then all of the sudden Noel became extremely weak and sick, Ronnie immediately shouted, “I NEED A DOCTOR NOW!” A doctor came running into the room, Then his face became sorrowful. The doctor informed Ronnie that Noel might only have four weeks left to live. Ronnie became devastated and depressed, He asked himself ‘why would God take away a woman who made everyone's day and was a wonderful wife and now she won't even get to see her baby girl grow up…’ The next day Ronnie was told that Noel had passed away, when Ronnie hung up he screamed, with tears falling down his cheeks, screaming ‘why’ ‘why her’ ‘why now’. The day of the funeral, with red, teary eyes, Ronnie said to himself, “I’m never going to forget you Noel.. And I will be the best father to Kellendy, and I will tell her everyday how wonderful you were and I'm never going to let you down.”

“Hallway of Broken Memories” by Justin Griffiths

Victoria Monaco! The Last Stride These legs that used to walk. The fur that used to drop. That happy face when you come to the door, It's no longer smiling anymore. Let's take a moment to remember, That happy presence, You now only see when you slumber.. Though she's no longer here, We still love her. We still call her name, And still picture her running. That ghastly happy face, Still jumping on the door.. Wondering when we're coming home.. When we come home, It's not the same. It will never be the same, Without you here. Now take your time with your last breath, Remember our scent, Remember our touch, Remember the pain that hurt soo muchâ&#x20AC;Ś

Then let it go.

In memory of my first best friend, that stayed by my side till her last breath, Rajha.

Contributors! ARIANNA ACKERMAN is an eighth-grade student, who loves to sleep.

She started writing last year. Arianna states that what inspired her was that she “drew an avocado one day, and it looked cute, so yeah.” One thing she wants to tell her readers is, “Nothing I write will be normal.”

JACOB BEELER is an eighth grader, who writes about his favorite topics,

history and war stuff. He started writing last year when his teachers forced him to. He is absolutely honored to be a part of our magazine. In his free time he likes to ride his princess bike down the street with no hands (such talent)! His favorite colour is blue and he plays with his dino friend, which he calls mommy.

LOGAN BRUCE is an eighth-grade student who enjoys going to church.

He started writing stories in fifth grade. Logan was inspired to write “Fourth of July” after a trip to Michigan.

CYAN GUMP likes to take real life instances and use them in her writings.

She also likes to draw and make Youtube videos. She first started writing when she was four. She would like her readers to know that just because she looks scary on the outside doesn’t mean she doesn’t have feelings on the inside, so keep in mind that what you say to her doesn’t just bounce off of her. Also, most of the things she writes are just the things that some people say about her, so watch what you say about me because I have feelings.

JUSTIN GRIFFITHS i s a 7th grader, who enjoys writing, photography,

design, and any other avenue for creativity. His record collection would put your grandpa’s to shame.

TYLER HAUG is an eighth-grade student, who enjoys reading, writing, and playing video games. He takes inspiration from the scenery around him and his personal experiences. He has been writing since the third grade. He would like his readers to know that writing is how he expresses feelings. Whether bored or angry, MADDIE KAUFFMAN writes to overcome. She prefers waxing poetic but writes short stories when compelled. Aside from poems and short stories, Maddie also can be found writing rock songs for her band, “The Taste of Mercury,” for which she sings and plays guitar.

JAIDEN MITCHELL is an eighth-grader, who writes when she’s inspired.

She just kind of goes with whatever she feels like at the time. Some of her hobbies include reading and drawing stuff that comes to mind at random. She started writing short stories and books about two years ago. She wants her readers to know that her favorite color is “all of them” and that she often can be found eating and having fun. She also says, “I'm terrible at describing myself in personal ways, so this last part is bad. Sorry. Oops.”

VICTORIA MONACO loves nature and all natural beauties.

She loves to hang out with friends and play video games, such as GTA and Minecraft. Victoria started writing short stories during her 6th grade year (2013). Her first story is still a work in progress. She started taking pictures ever since she got her hands on a camera, and she has always had a knack for good shots.

MADISON RICE is an eighth-grader, who was inspired to start writing by reading one of her favorite authors’ books. One of Madison’s favorite hobbies is playing her bass guitar. She started writing books and stories when she was in kindergarten. One of the things she wants her reader to know is that all of her emotions are expressed through her writing, and she hopes you enjoyed her story, “The Last Love Story!”

MARIE SCHILLER has been writing since kindergarten.

She was inspired to write this poem after her first time at the beach last summer. Aside from writing, Marie enjoys playing softball and tennis.

AARON STOUT wrote “Glass of Water” while staying at his great

grandparents’ house. It was there, sitting in a summer field with his great grandpa, that Aaron first felt inspired to write. Aaron is in the eighth grade.

AYANA SULLIVAN is a 6th-grade writer, who is inspired by nature and

puppies. She enjoys brisk walks with her stuffed kitty, Mittens. When she is not writing or walking, she can be found wakeboarding Lake Champlain in the Adirondacks.