ISSUE 5 AROUnd the fire february 7, 2018
as it gets colder outside, relax, grab a cup of cocoa, and enjoy the stories inside
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February 7, 2018
The Growl Staff, 2017- 2018
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EDITOR LETTER Hello, fellow Grizzlies! In this issue of The Growl, we tried to replicate Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats and give you that warm around-the-fire feeling. Around the Fire is filled with stories about Wish Week, the art of theatre, spotlight students, and yummy recipes! The Growl also brings back its creativity and game pages, where you can play sudoku, do a word puzzle, and read a spooky story!
Contents
Look inside the Around the Fire Special Section, where everyone takes a turn telling their story. All the pages of the section have a red, orange or yellow banner. 6 History’s turn: Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats 7 TR’s turn: History of the Bonfire 8 Community’s turn: Campfire Food 9 Staff’s turn: Awarding Teachers and Students 10 Student’s turn: Role Model Oceane Mauffrey 11 Art’s turn: Spotlight on the Theatre Also in this issue: the Back the Blue girls basketball game, ghost stories, cheerleading and swimming updates and the ever-popular games section.
STAFF
Editors-in-Chief Photographers Brenden Geiselhardt Lia Hanchett Kiana Marsan
Reporters/Editors Haven Adams Julia Anhalt Bryant Gross Cole Holiski Kaleigh Haworth Jordan Lear Maddy Stadler
Social Media Chloe Hanchett Hannah Harris Maddie Miller Jenna Scott
Brandon Chastain Kenzie Correia Caitlin Estes Nevaeh Lopez Evan Minardi David Pena Liam Schuler Evan Thompson
Broadcast
Kyle Barton Laine Bergman Gabriella Guerrero Connor Ryan Henry Truelson
February 7, 2018
THE IMPORTANCE OF WISH WEEK Kiana Marsan
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David Pena
Every 34 minutes, a child’s wish is granted. Whether they hope to travel and engage in foreign cultures, meet their idols, or experience one of Disney’s famous theme parks, the Make-AWish foundation strives to make the dreams of children with medical conditions become a reality. “We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy,” their mission statement reads. Inspired by their impact, this year marks the fifth since TR began partnering with the Make-AWish foundation. Every year, Grizzlies take one week— Wish Week—to raise as much money as possible through charity and school events to grant one child’s wish. That week, each dress-up day is themed around an aspect of the child’s personality in order to spread support and awareness. At the end of the week, the school holds an assembly where students can meet the child and can shower him/her with the spirit and compassion for which TR is known. Last year, TR sponsored 11-year-old Gracie, who suffered from leukemia, and helped fund her trip to Disney World. “It was such a wonderful change to get to see
our family enjoying magical moments together,” said her mom, Elizabeth Billups, describing their experience as “absolutely unforgettable.” Gracie is scheduled to end her treatment this February. “Her strength in the face of a scary situation is what impresses us everyday,” Billups said. “She keeps facing her situation very bravely.” This year, Wish Week is Feb. 5- 9. ThunderRidge is sponsoring 12-year-old Quade, who goes by Q, and deals with acute myeloid leukemia. His wish is to travel to New Zealand. “He loves Mexican street tacos, pop-up cakes, sour candy, and buttered popcorn,” said sophomore Student Government member Maddy
Staffieri. There are no shortage of traits that make Q special: his favorite sport is lacrosse, his favorite book is Diary of A Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, and his favorite colors are hot pink and navy blue. Every year, ThunderRidge has taken in a child like Q, it not only has had a profound impact on the child, but on the student body as well. “It’s a gratification moment,” said math teacher and Student Government sponsor Thomas Sullivan, “[At a time where] students start to forget about the little things...it gets them recentered right away.” On his goals for this year’s Wish Week, Sullivan said that he hopes “every kid [will] understand how
important Wish Week is to this child and his family.” Wish Week is a ThunderRidge tradition that is unparalleled by any other event throughout the school year. The significance Sullivan touched on can be uncovered in how it impacted last year’s family. “Even before the wish is granted, the child gets to spend a magical time wondering and hoping [and]...the family gets to enjoy the magic of expectation and anticipation,” Billups said. “At last, when the wish is granted, it gives joyous memories and experiences that truly continue to light up a dark situation. It’s more than receiving the wish— it’s a reminder of goodness and hope in the world.”
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NEW YEAR’S IN OTHER CULTURES Kaleigh Haworth
There is a crash of porcelain against wood as a plate is launched against a door, and it falls to shattered pieces on the floor. This isn’t the dramatic climax of a family feud or the result of a devastating realization. Rather, this is a traditional New Year’s celebration in Denmark. While smashing plates against a friend’s doorstep may seem bizarre, it’s actually a timeless symbol of companionship and popularity in the European country. Some of the world, however, remains remarkably oblivious to this curious custom. When asked how informed they are about New Year’s traditions in other cultures, many students admit to not knowing much about customs outside of their own. Student Elizabeth Levi agreed, saying, “I
February 7, 2018
Brenden Geiselhardt
don’t feel like I know all that much about other culture’s traditions, but I would love to learn.” As one of the most internationally recognized holidays, it shouldn’t be surprising that a variety of ways to celebrate exist. With the rapid advancement of technology occurring globally, widespread exposure to other traditions should be plausible. The creation of apps such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook make sharing experiences with the rest of the world laughably easy, yet often it seems as though the only people we are “connecting” with are close friends and family. Students at ThunderRidge have their doubts about the sufficiency of technology, as well. “Technology is good to create exposure, but not as good as experienc-
ing it in person,” junior Tracy Huynh said. “I feel like technology does a good job [of] allowing others to get informed on other traditions, but only if they look for it. If people were more mainstream with other culture’s traditions, then I feel people would understand [them] more,” continued Levi. Beyond the technicolor screens of our phones and televisions, thousands of cultures across the globe are dancing, setting off fireworks, and celebrating. In Switzerland, people begin the New Year by dropping ice cream on the floor. In some parts of Puerto Rico, citizens throw buckets of water out their windows to ward off evil spirits. In Bolivia, coins are baked into different sweets, to give those who find them good luck in the
New Year. Take a moment to consider how even our own traditions must seem bizarre to other cultures— many Americans spend all night anticipating the nationally broadcasted dropping of a giant 11,875-pound ball. It’s easy to get caught up in the splendor of our own New Year’s traditions and forget about the amazing, diverse ways it is being celebrated around the world. Viewing these customs through the use of social media often allows us to be informed on these traditions, but nothing can replace experiencing these traditions in one’s own homeland. Huynh, who celebrates both American and Vietnamese New Year with her family, said, “If I could celebrate New Year’s in another country, it would be Vietnam, so I could experience a true Vietnamese New Year surrounded by [the] people who actually celebrate it.” As enlightening as a trip to another country for New Years can be, most students won’t be able to fly out of the country anytime soon. We can’t always escape the limitations of our physicality—but, if everyone made an effort to open their minds to other traditions and seek out a more global mindset, we could take one more step on the journey of fully understanding the world.
February 7, 2018 Julia Anhalt
Kiana Marsan
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February 7, 2018
HISTORY’S TURN: ROOSEVELT’S FIRESIDE CHATS Kiana Marsan
Evan Minardi
A LOOK INSIDE THIS SPECIAL CAMPFIRE SECTION
It was the 1930s, and the United States had plummeted into the Great Depression. Stocks were dropping rapidly, millions of workers were unemployed, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt had been recently inaugurated after years of Hoover’s failed ‘trickle-down economics.’ After calling a controversial bank holiday, Roosevelt broadcasted the first ‘fireside chat’ of the 30 he would conduct throughout his term. “My friends,” he began, “I want to talk for a few minutes with the people of the United States about banking.” That night, Roosevelt spoke clearly, simply, and inclusively to his constituents. “The broadcast brought you so close to us, and you spoke in such clear concise terms—
our confidence in the Bank Holiday was greatly strengthened,” wrote one California woman to FDR, according to the Time Magazine article, “How FDR’s Radio Voice Solved a Banking Crisis,” by Jennifer Latson. A vital tool for Roosevelt to justify his New Deal policies, people began to coin them as ‘fireside chats.’ “The name [fireside chats] stuck,” wrote the staff of History.com in the article “Fireside Chats.” “It perfectly evoked the comforting intent behind Roosevelt’s words, as well as their informal, conversational tone.” The legacy of Roosevelt’s fireside chats touch on the intimacy and connections associated with campfires. Today, they are still largely viewed as a medium to build community and a testament
to the importance of storytelling. When asked, the majority of TR students described campfires with key words such as “warmth,” “togetherness,” and “happiness.” “You get to know people better, make memories, and share stories with others,” said sophomore Emily McDonald on why campfire settings are important. “It has made me closer to my friends and family,” said sophomore Elizabeth Preston on her own campfire experiences, continuing, “That’s important because you don’t always get the chance to take the time to sit down and talk to [friends and family].” Junior Maya Watanabe also reflects on campfires fondly. This past summer, she had the opportunity to gather around it and catch up with old friends. “After I moved [from California], it was really special to see [my friends] again,” she said. “We were looking back, yet making new memories at the same time.” Witnessing the powerful way campfires can resonate deeply with both people of today and people of the 1930s, The Growl has decided to replicate and emulate its effect. In this issue—Around The Campfire—we highlight the importance of
community and storytelling, and we explore how we can apply the mentality surrounding campfires to TR. With the intent of giving the student body a voice, we have given a spotlight to students, teachers, and the departments that allow them to express themselves. Each group has been given their ‘turn’ to speak their peace and make their voice heard. In addition, a portion of the issue is devoted to a ‘Creativity’ section, where students tell stories themed around the issue through mediums such as writing, art, and photography. The issue also focuses on the topic of campfires themselves. We delve into the food that gives campfires a sense of communion, and we look back on the history of the TR bonfire—one of the school’s most cherished traditions. Through cultivating this issue inspired by campfires, we have discovered how ThunderRidge has given the student body the opportunity to engage in valuable communities. “[Being involved in a community] ties a person to positive things in life,” senior Hannah Burke said. “It gives you a place to belong and makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something.”
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TR’S TURN: HISTORY OF THE BONFIRE Kaleigh Haworth
David Pena
This photo is of the annual bonfire that was held last September, during Homecoming Week, for the students of ThunderRidge.
ThunderRidge Homecoming week is famed for many things: spirit, competition, and most importantly—coming together as a school. Accompanying the various in-school activities is the bonfire, the one time a year when students can come together around a blazing inferno of heat and flame and appreciate the mere act of being together. “I think [the] bonfire is so popular because it’s so different from what events at this school usually look like. It also turns into this school-wide party/ social event, which doesn’t happen after most of the other events we hold,” said student government member Maddie Cassic, a junior. The bonfire has been a tradition for more than 10 years, and it attracts a large crowd of underclassmen, upperclassmen and teachers. Science teacher Wilbur Sameshima, who has been teaching at ThunderRidge since 1996, said the tradition came about as a result of trying to emulate college activities around homecoming. Fire has always been symbolic of new beginnings, of warmth and illumination, of destruction but also of birth and livelihood. Coming together around the fire provides an opportunity for students to reconnect with
old friends, meet new ones, and hang out. “The best part of the bonfire for me is socializing,” said freshman Kat Baker. Sophomore Rory Salcedo agreed that the best part of the bonfire for him was, “being there with all my friends in the warmth of the fire.” Attending the bonfire isn’t like other events during Homecoming week: there are no chants and songs, no dances or competitions. Instead, the experiences of the night are created by the individual by being a part of a larger community. Both Baker and Salcedo agreed that they hope the tradition will be continued in future years. “I think it shows ThunderRidge coming together as a community and having fun,” said Baker, “which I think is important for a school to do.” “The bonfire benefits ThunderRidge as a community by inadvertently bringing people together to strike up random conversations,” agreed Salcedo. The mesmerizing yellows and oranges of the flames licking the night air, accompanied by the act of bonding as a community, will continue to draw ThunderRidge together as a family.
February 7, 2018
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COMMUNITY’S TURN: CAMPFIRE FOOD Jordan Lear
Photos from Creative Commons
We all love to sit around the fire on a clear starry night and tell ghost stories, hang out with friends and family, and eat delicious s’mores. But there is more than just the regular campfire foods like hotdogs or the classic s’mores recipe. Everyone has their own ways of “dolling up” their favorite campfire foods. You don’t have to go camping to enjoy campfire food, just check out the recipes below.
OVER THE FIRE MAC’ N CHEESE Ingredients: Aluminium pie tins, 8 oz. Alfredo sauce, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup mozzarela cheese, 1/4-1/2 cup whole milk, fire and salt and pepper. 1. Cook noodles on the stove. Let cool and place noodles in pie tins. 2. Begin a fire and let it burn down to coals. 3. Stir in Alfredo sauce and the cheeses with enough milk to keep from drying out. 4. Place aluminium tins 2-3 inches above coals to cook for 8-10 minutes (or until hot). 5. ENJOY!
FUDGE STRIPE S’MORES Ingredients: marshmallows, fudge striped cookies, a fire, and any other ingredients you want to add to your s’mores. (i.e. peanut butter, more chocolate, etc). 1. Place one cookie face down on a plate. 2. Roast a marshmallow. 3. Put your s’more together by placing the marshmallow on top of the face down cookie and put the second cookie on top 4. ENJOY!
HOT DOGS IN A BLANKET Ingredients: hot dogs, crescent rolls, a fire, and skewer. 1. Skewer hot dogs. 2. Wrap hot dogs in crescent rolls once on skewer. 3. Wrap in aluminium foil and bake over fire for 15-20 minutes. 4. ENJOY!
February 7, 2018
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STAFF’S TURN: AWARDING STUDENTS & TEACHERS Bry Gross
Liam Schuler
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The Student of the Month awards are displayed in the main hall next to the library. These students have shown exceptional behavior at school. When members of has been acknowledged gives students a chance teachers in our school the ThunderRidge com- properly. to be recognized for their who are working hard evmunity go above and be“When I was Student efforts,” said Gray, “It can ery day to make sure that yond, they are honored of the Month, several of bring positive reinforce- kids are engaged and as a student or teacher of my classmates and teach- ment to students and give learning. Most of that hapthe month. Although it’s a ers congratulated me for them something to strive pens in a room with 40 highly esteemed award, my effort and encouraged for.” kids or less, so not everymany TR students don’t me to continue my hard Student of the Month one realizes what a great recognize the importance work,” said Gray. “…[They can have positive rein- job that teacher is doing. of this program. recognized] my work eth- forcements, as it can lead Many times, these teachAccording to a recent ic and my commitment to- students to try harder, ers go unrecognized... survey conducted by The wards FCA—Fellow Chris- excel their academic per- Teacher of the Month is a Growl, only one out of five tian Athletes.” formance, and get more way to let those teachers ThunderRidge students The Student and involved in the communi- who are making a differknew who the Student Teacher of the Month pro- ty. By giving students rec- ence in kids’ lives know of the Month was in their gram is incredibly signifi- ognition, more students that they are noticed and grade at that current time. cant, serving as a platform strive to be better. The appreciated,” said social Despite this statis- to build community within same belief can be ex- studies teacher Angela tic, former Student of the ThunderRidge. tended towards Teacher Newhouse, who serves on Month for the junior class, the committee to select “Student of the Month of the Month. Mason Gray feels that he is important because it “There are so many the Teacher of the Month.
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February 7, 2018
STUDENT’S TURN: ROLE MODEL OCEANE MAUFFREY Maddy Stadler
Kirsten Treece
Oceane Mauffrey poses for her senior picture. There are many students in ThunderRidge who show their amazing work and effort to the school’s community, and senior Oceane Mauffrey is an example of this. Mauffrey has a variety of diverse experiences. “I founded a non-profit organization called Give Girls A Chance... [where] we create a network made by women for women to empower girls [both] around the world
[and] locally,” said Mauffrey. Through her organization, Mauffrey has motivated and impacted many people. She has taught them the importance of helping those in need who don’t have money to make ends meet. Mauffrey has worked hard on this program to help women and their families. The group collects and brings cosmetics to a women's shelter
downtown called The Sacred Heart House of Denver. They create care packages around the holiday season when homeless people have difficulties providing food or gifts for themselves and other family members. The group also raises funds by selling Jamba Juice gift cards. In-store, they give back 50 percent of proceeds earned. Through this program, “Give Girls A Chance,” $5,000 was raised last year. Young, but wanting to help, Oceane also raised money for women who don’t have jobs or other family members to help them. “[In eighth grade], I raised $4,000. All the money was sent to a United Nations branch called Girls Up [that] provides education for women in third world countries and ensures that they’re safe,” Mauffrey said. Oceane’s passion for helping others impacted people around the world today. Being born and raised in various countries also showed her that there are women and even men everywhere who are less privileged than us. Moving to and from different countries as a little girl, Mauffrey is fluent in four different languages. Born in Italy, she has moved five separate
times since—to France, the U.K., Kentucky, back to the U.K., and finally to Colorado. After settling down in Colorado, Oceane came to ThunderRidge and has been here since. She works very hard in her school work and her daily life, but being a senior can be a very stressful time. A senior on the run, Mauffrey has a full day to look forward to. As an IB student, she has a lot of classes that load her with homework. Luckily, having an off-period where most of her homework can be finished up is helpful. When school is over for the day, Mauffrey makes her way down to practice for sports practice. Mauffrey does tennis and swimming on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Mondays and Wednesdays, she does yoga. With the stress of being a senior and having many responsibilities, being active in sports outside of school helps relieve stress for her. Oceane has impacted so many people both in the community and around the world while having so much school work piled on top of her also, there is always a time in her life where she can take a break. “She always gives 100 percent to her academics,” says Oceane’s IB teacher Donna Ferguson.
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February 7, 2018
ART’S TURN:SPOTLIGHT ON THEATRE
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Julia Anhalt
“[Theatre] serves as a creative outlet for many students. It helps students with self confidence and self expression...”— Director Kylene Hurley As the lights turn off and the murmuring hushes, a silent anticipation sweeps over the crowd. The curtains swoosh open, and the first spotlight appears. The excitement and suspense has the audience leaning forward in their seats. At ThunderRidge, the Theatre Program is full of talented artists with wonderful acting skills, amazing singing voices, and the brilliant ability to create stunning sets. These astounding students never fail to bring their audience to tears—both happy and sad. The origins of theatre began in sixth century BC with a man named Thespis. A priest of Dionysus— the Greek god of wine, madness, fertility, and theatre, Thespis engaged in a monologue with chorus. Performed on a raised stage during a festival for the god, he became the first actor known to man. He was the first to win a theatrical award; he took the prize in the first competition for tragedy, held in Athens in 534 BC. From the western hemisphere, the art form spread across the globe. Today, actors are proud to call themselves Thespians and take part in all
that the world of drama has to offer. “[Theatre] serves as a creative outlet for many students. It helps students with self confidence and self expression,” said Theatre Director and drama teacher Kylene Hurley. Theatre renders an opportunity for students to flourish in not only acting, but in other aspects of the arts as well: carpentry, sound and light tech. In this student’s case—music. “I’ve learned how to play piano through theatre because musical theatre and piano playing uses a lot of elements of other styles of music. It’s made me a better musician in that it has forced me to be up-to-par on all of the skills I need,” said senior Collin Sinclair. Not only can theatre help with acting and music, it can provide vital real-world skills that can be applied into other fields. “Theatre incorporates all of the other areas of study [in school], including Math, English, and History. [It] helps students with public speaking, leadership, and cooperation,” Hurley said. With these opportunities for personal growth, it also develops a com-
munity of hard-workers and problem-solvers who learn to be confident in front of their peers. It fosters a togetherness formed through hours of diligent work on set design, light effects, and the play itself. “[There are] so many [different] personalities to work with. Like a family, we're all stuck with each other, so you have to figure out how to get along,” Hurley said. “We spend so much time together between classes, shows, and all of the extra events [we do] such as the lockin and the Thespian Convention. Theatre is unique because we are together all year long instead of just one season. We begin the first week of school and go straight through to the last.” “I would say that many people argue that theatre is another family away from home and [that] it’s special for them,” Sinclair agreed. “There’s certainly been lots of drama, as there is with every high school group. However, there has also been lots and lots and lots of positive experiences.” TRHS school plays and musicals bring not only the kids involved closer together, but the
community as a whole. People gather together for a time of joy, and they learn vital life lessons through this unique form of storytelling. “Theatre is definitely a form of storytelling. People often feel moved after watching a theatrical performance because of its intimacy and how close it is to real life,” Sinclair voiced. This distinct form of storytelling brings the community together to watch a wonderful performance put on by students driven by hard work and collaboration. Sinclair painted the picture of the importance of theatre in these final closing words: “Outside of it being a place for people to be [themselves], to make friends in, and to express themselves and be creative, it also has very wellknown mental and physical benefits. It creates happiness and teaches communication,” He maintained, continuing, “By nature, theatre is a form of storytelling. It is the most efficient form of storytelling because it’s like a movie happening right in front of you. It’s much more personal. The point of theatre is to tell a story or teach a lesson.”
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February 7, 2018
GIRLS BASKETBALL GAME ‘BACKS THE BLUE’ Lia Hanchett
Liam Schuler and Michael Taylor
The ThunderRidge Grizzlies salute the fallen officers and the flag at the Back the Blue basketball game. On Jan. 23, the ThunderRidge Grizzlies girls basketball team dedicated their game to raising money for The Fallen Officer Fund, as a way of honoring former TRHS student Officer Taylor Davis, who was shot on New Year’s Eve. The Fallen Officers Fund is an organization dedicated to assisting the family of officers who are killed or seriously injured on the job, like Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy Zackari Parrish, who was killed during the New Year’s Eve shooting in the Copper Canyon apart-
ment complex. Along with Davis and Parrish, four other people were shot. The shooter also was killed. While the Grizzlies may not have won the game, they were successful in raising $3,100, and a crowd of about 500 people attended the game. Davis, a member of the graduating class of 2006, came to watch the event alongside ThunderRidge’s School Resource Officer Josh Hayes. Members of the community spanning from ThunderRidge alumni to faculty showed up for the event.
People pay their respects to fallen officer Zackari Parrish in front of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Highlands Ranch substation, by placing flags, flowers and notes on his patrol car.
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February 7, 2018
CHEERLEADING BRINGS SPIRIT, AWARDS TO TRHS Lia Hanchett and Jenna Scott
UCA Mile High Championship provided by Mandy Martinez
TRHS’s Varsity Coed Cheer Team wins first place at the UCA Mile High Regional Championships. It is no secret that ThunderRidge High School is home to one of the best coed cheer teams in Colorado. Not only did they take home first at the Continental League Championships, UCA Mile High Regional Championships, and the Southern Colorado Regional Championships, but they have also tucked a fourth place win under their belts at the State Championships. The coach of the cheer team, Mandy Martinez, guides her athletes
with determination, and she was rewarded the Colorado Spirit Coaches Association Cheer Coach of the Year award for her hard work. Along with Martinez, seniors Garrett Grant, Isabel Medina, Chandler Sasaoka, and Hannah Burke also won CSCA awards for their strenuous efforts. Some of the seniors on the cheerleading team explained what the team means to them and how they have been so successful this year. “Cheerleading is a
very unique sport. It requires strength, dedication, and teamwork. Unlike other sports, you only get two minutes and thirty seconds to show the skills that you have been working on for months,” Grant said. Similarly, senior Tayven Bray added, “Cheer to me is a new and exciting adventure. It’s been full of great moments, and I think the team is what really makes it fun. They’re always excited for each other when someone hits a new skill or does some-
thing cool. This team is super talented and amazing, and if you missed our performance at state, then I would recommend keeping an eye out for us at nationals as we get ready to go show the nation what ThunderRidge cheer is all about.” The team heads out soon for another big competition. If you want to watch the team perform at Nationals, you’ll have to travel out of state. The competition will be held in Orlando, Florida, on Feb. 10.
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February 7, 2018
SWIM AND DIVE OFF TO SUCCESSFUL SEASON Kaleigh Haworth and Caitlin Estes
ThunderRidge swimmers race at Arapahoe High School.
Sophomore Phoebe Croston cheers on her teammate at the turn of the 400 freestyle relay at Heritage High School.
COMICS Haven Adams
ThunderRidge diver Presley Dorsett competes at Heritage High School.
February 7, 2018
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STUDENT CREATIVITY: GHOST STORY SUBMISSIONS The Cold Room
The Cold Bullet
Creative Writing Group
The air was frigid as he ran with the money. He reached the church when his wife confronted him. He pleaded for her to understand. His heart turned cold. His collapse was echoed by the CRACK.
Cole Holiski
The wind was cold and rain rolled down my face as I walked down the never ending road. I had been on the road for weeks trying to find my way in life. The plains were baron and deserted. The black sky made me weary. My feet were soaked, which made me more uncomfortable. I kept walking until I saw a barn. The wood was rotten, and the white paint was almost completely gone. Glass bottles were spread across the floor. I found an empty spot where I could rest. As I was getting ready to sleep, a glass bottle shattered. It was pitch black, I could only see the light on the road. As my eyes were adjusting to the dark, I kept hear-
If you want to submit your writing or art for our next issue — focusing on the entertainment industry — visit The Growl’s link on the TRHS homepage.
ing clicks. It went on for five minutes. I tried to fall asleep, but a child suddenly appeared in the corner of the barn. His clothes were ragged. I asked if he was alright, but he didn't talk, his face was emotionless. I soon realized a dark figure overshadowed the child. I bolted for the barn door, but it was locked; I couldn’t get out. I turned around there was nothing in sight. The barn doors were open, and I ran back to the road. I kept walking until I reached the nearest town. The police had been looking for a child, he had gone missing 10 years ago.
Silent Haunted House Kiana Marsan
My uncle was always the one that had the knack for unearthing the spiritual. He could feel in his bones how the house was alive; the vibrating, pulsating heart of it consumed him. He used to say that his heartbeat and the house’s were one and the same, synced together, because it was waiting for him to find it. When he finally did, the spirits were so frenzied, lightning striked the house. It was so deafening, he went deaf for a week. “Don’t trust noisy haunted houses,” he told me once. “They like to scare you with distraction. But, Valerie, when a house stuns you into silence because of how badly it wants you to feel its spirits and to grasp
your raw, unadulterated fear - you have a house that is truly tormented by the dead.” As soon as he felt the house’s reverent, fearful beauty, he fell in love with it, and the house loved him back. Until the day he died, the spirits collected around him and stayed at his beck and call - he walked around enveloped by their mist. I had loved the house too, until I learned that the spirits had adored him so much they had chosen to take him as one of their own. “Valerie,” he called to me from inside the house the first time I heard him, “it’s so tragically beautiful in here. No noise, just like I told you.”
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GAMES
February 7, 2018 Newspaper Editor Comics Writer Lens Games Video Staff Podcast Photoshop Photographer Broadcast Lightroom Livestream Social Media Stories
SUDOKU
If you love taking pictures, writing, creating videos or live streaming sports, you should join Newspaper class, where you can share your talent with the rest of the school, and have fun with other students and classmates. Sign up for Newspaper class during registration.