BLUE Literary Magazine 2018-19

BLUE

Literary Magazine 2018-19

BLUE Literary Magazine The Independent Middle School 8333 E. Douglas Ave. Wichita, Kansas 67207

Cover Art: The Kansas Sun Flyer Photography

by Hailey Williams (6)

Student Editors: Shreya Reddy Sierra Tinsley Class Members: Olivia Ablah Sofia Aguiniga Finley Andrews Hadasa Barmor Julian Bartel Scarlett Barrientos Joe Bergeson Alex Boone Henry Brooks Ella Collins Eloise Crabb Nura Farahnakian Edie Gill Isaac Hernandez Mia Hoeflicker Leah Hong Jayda Kelly Vivian Kliewer Kaitlyn McEntaffer Nicole Moussa Chapman Osborne Julia Ramirez Shreya Reddy Sonia Richardet Lauren Schmeidler Jett Schmidt Kennedy Stover Jaci Taylor Sierra Tinsley Isabella Snow Nicholas Workman

Magazine Staff

Advisor: Mrs. Debra Cole

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Our Words & Images 2

The Kansas Sun Flyer by Hailey Williams……………………………………….…………………………….Front Cover King of the Loops by Julia Ramirez……..…………………………………..…………………..……………….…………..6 Concern by Shreya Reddy…………………………………………………….………………..………………………..……6 Suffocation by Sierra Tinsley……………………………………………………………….……………………..…..…..…6 Anarchy by Jayda Kelly ………………………………………………….………………….……………………..………..7 Summer Days by Hailey Williams…………………….…………………………………………………………….….……7 Dear Younger Me by Jayda Kelly…………………………………………………………………………………………….8 The Lost Art by Leah Hong…………………………………………………………………………………………………10 Yes, I Can! By Hadasa Barmor…………………………………………………………..…………………………….……10 Light in the Dark by Hailey Williams…………….………………………….…………………………………..………..10 Candyland by Julia Ramirez…………………………………………………………………………………….……..……11 Me by Isabella Snow……………………….………………………………………………………………………….…..…11 DJ by Devon Surrell ………………………………………………….…………………………………………..……..…..12 Inner Thoughts by Eloise Crabb…………………………………………………………………………………..…….….13 My Mind by Alex Boone…………………………………………………………………………………………..…..….…13 Multi-Universe by Alex Boone………………………………………………………………………………………..……14 Modern Design by Hailey Williams and Isaac Hernandez………………………………………………………………16 Brown-Eyed Girl by Sofia Aguiniga…………………………………………………..………………………………..…17 Eyes by Hadasa Barmor………………………………………………………..……………………………………..…….17 My Eyes Tell a Story by Nicole Moussa………………………………………..…………………………………………17 Real by Jett Schmidt…………………………………………………………………………………………………………18 Coming to Kill by Vivian Kliewer……………………………………………..…………………………………..……….19 Worth It? By Sofia Aguiniga……………………………………………….………..…………………………………..…19 A Day’s Work by Julia Ramirez (8)……….………………………………..………………………………………..……..19 Sunrise by Adam Stultz……………………………………………………..……………………………………..……..…20 It by Stella Veazey………………….…………………………………………..…………………………………..…….….20 America by Jayda Kelly…………………………………………………………………………………………..…..……..20 Gorgeous by Sierra Tinsley………………………………………………………………………………………..…….….21 Holding on to Something Sweet by Jayda Kelly……………….…………………………………………………………21 The Price to Pay by Shreya Reddy………………………………………..………………………………………….……22 Not Knowing by Jett Schmidt…………………………………………..…………………………………………..………22 Tea by Mia Hoeflicker…………………………………………………..…………………………………………..………22 The Demand and Trust of Love by Sofia Aguiniga…………………..…………………………………………..…….…23 Intuition by Sonia Richardet………………………………………..………………………………………………..……..23 From the Blue by Sierra Tinsley………………………………….…………………………………………………………23 Lily by Sierra Tinsley…………………………………….………………………………………………………………….23 Fury by Costa Veletas………………………………………..………………………………………………………..……..24 The Haunted Doll by Vivian Kliewer……………………………………………………………………………..…….…25 Anxiety by Jett Schmidt……………………………………………………………………………………………..…..….25 Abandoned by Olivia Ablah………………………………………………………………………………………………..25 Boi by Mia Hoeflicker…………………………………………………………..……………………………………….….25 The Best Part of Me by Ben Coke………………………………………………………………………………………….26 Sad Girl by Sofia Aguiniga……………………………………………………………………………………………….…26 Tatianna by Jett Schmidt………………………………………………………….…………………………………….….26 The Invisible Bottle by Finley Craig Andrews…………………………………………………………………..……….27 Fragile Dreams by Shreya Reddy…………………………………………………………………………………….……31 Beauty in Brick by Sierra Tinsley………..………………………………….………………………………………..……31 Black and White Dreams by Olivia Ablah…………………………………………………………………………….…32 Pranks of the Past by Jayda Kelly……………………………………………………………………………………….…33 Trinity by Julian Bartel………………………………………………………………………………………………………34 Anime Girl by Julia Ramirez………………………………………………………………………………………………..35 Julia by Mia Hoeflicker……………………………..…………………………………………………………………..…..35 Haunted House by Julia Ramirez…………………………………………………………………………………..………35 Beyond Belief by Jayda Kelly………………………………………………………………………………………..…..…35 Trapped by Vivian Kliewer………………………………………………………………………………………..………..36 Cosplay by Mia Hoeflicker………………………………………………………………………………………..………..36 Trapped by Vivian Kliewer……………………………………………………………………………………..…………..36 Cosplay by Mia Hoeflicker……………………………………………………………………………………..…………..36 NOT Hoping by Jayda Kelly……………………………………………………………………………………………..….36 Blue by Olivia Ablah………………………………………………………………………………………………..………37 May He Rest by Adam Stultz……………………………………………………………………………………..……..…37 Inner Thoughts by Shreya Reddy……………………………………………………………………………………..……37 King Life by Nicholas Workman……………………………………………………………………………………..…….38 In My Shoes by Chapman Osborne, Isaac Hernandez, and Nura Farahnakian………………………………………………………………………………………………………39 Breaking Her Heart by Sierra Tinsley……………………………………………………………………………..……….40

Clutches of Nature by Shreya Reddy…………………………………………………….………….……………40 Autumn Sunsets by Hailey Williams………………………………………………………………………………40 Illuminations by Leah Hong, Isabella Snow, and Jett Schmidt…………………………………………………41 3 Faces by Eloise Crabb…………………………………………………………….………………………………..42 Dolls by Ella Collins……………………………………………………………..………………………………..…42 Fire by Eloise Crabb……………………………………………………………………………………………….…42 Blood by Jaci Taylor…………………………………………………………………………………………………..42 Ari by Hadasa Barmor………………………………………………………………………………………………..43 Me by Harlee Fowler………………………………………………………………………………………………….44 Through the Generations by Jett Schmidt…………………………………………………………………………..45 Dropped Dead by Eloise Crabb and Kaitlyn Olsen…………………………………………………………..……45 Tiger’s Vision by Bridget Bleakley………………………………………………………………………………..…45 What’s the Point? By Ella Collins………………………………………………………………………….……..…46 Standing Tall by Sierra Tinsley…………………………………………………………………………..…………46 Out of the Garden by Sierra Tinsley………………………………………………………………………..………46 The Favorite Part of Me by Hailey Williams………………………………………………………………..……..47 Big Flaw by Julia Longsworth………………………………………………………………………………………47 Lost and Alone by Piper Short………………………………………………………………………………………47 Apparition by Sofia Aguiniga………………………………………………………………………………….……48 We’ve Got You by Ben Coke…………………………………………………………………………………………48 Eyes by Hadasa Barmor……………………………………………………………………………………..………49 Intuition by Sonia Richardet………………………………………………………..………………………………49 Careless Murder by Lauren Schmeidler………………………………………………………………………….…50 Trail Back Home by Nicolas Zayat………………………………………………………………………………….50 RM (BTS) by Mia Hoeflicker………………………………………………………………………………….……..50 Darkness by Scarlett Barrientos……………………………………………………………………………………..51 The Things My Hands Will Touch by Shreya Reddy…………………………………………………………..…51 Lines by Shreya Reddy…………………………………………………………………………………………….…51 Murder in the Household by Grace Hong and Bridget Bleakly…………………………………………………..52 Single Vision by Sonia Richardet……………………………………………………………………………………52 Reflections by Sonia Richardet………………………………………………………………………………………53 Just a Memory by Shreya Reddy……………………………………………………………………………………54 Joey by Shreya Reddy………………………………………………………………………………………………..54 Run by Sammy Cox………………………………………………………………………………………………..…54 Futures by Joseph Recalde-Phillips………………………………………………………………………………….55 My True Love by Kennedy Stover……………………………………………………………………………..……55 Help by Isaiah Page………………………………………………………………………………………………..…55 Me Too by Edie Gill…………………………………………………………………………………………………..55 In Bloom by Hadasa Bloom……………………………………………………………………………………..…..55 Road Blocks by Isabella Snow………………………………………………………………………………………55 Orange You Glad I Didn’t Say Banana by Jeff Schmidt……………………………………………………..……56 Threads by Shreya Reddy………………………………………………………………………………………….…56 Butterflies by Julia Ramirez……………………………………………………………………………………….…57 Clowns by Finley Andrews…………………………………………………………………………………………..57 Not Funny by Eloise Crabb…………………………………………………………………………………………..57 Clowns by Eloise Crabb……………………………………………………………………………………….……..57 Dropped Dead by Grace Hong………………………………………………………………………………………58 When Fear Speaks by Jayda Kelly…………………………………………………………………………..………58 Phone Wielding Japanese Farmer by Chapman Osborne………………………………………………………..58 Ice Castle by Jaci Taylor…………………………………………………………………………………………..…59 My Eyes Will Tell Stories by Sofia Aguiniga………………………………………………………………………59 The Monster in the Closet by Sierra Tinsley…………………………………………………………………….…60 Murder by Shreya Reddy………………………………………………………………………………………….…60 In the Dark by Sierra Tinsley…………………………………………………………………………………….…..60 Soda Pop by Sierra Tinsley………………………………………………………………………………………..…61 Knowledge is Power by Charlie Daood……………………………………………………………………….……62 Normal by Lauren Schmeidler…………………………………………………………………………………..….67 Refugio Beach by Sofia Aguiniga……………………………………………………………………………………67 Violet is Blue by Edie Gill……………………………………………………………………………………………68 Star Girl by Scarlett Barrientos …………………………………………………………………………………….77 Pink Ninja by Piper Short………………………………………………………………………….…BACK COVER

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King of the Loops Photography

by Julia Ramirez (8)

Suffocation Concern

By Shreya Reddy (8)

The girl stood innocently in a meadow A girl who had mastered the art of making people laugh A girl who had been known for her helpfulness A girl that longed to be loved There she stood, the long grass tickling the back of her legs As she stared vacantly into the bleak, dark sky She wondered why everyone laughed at her and hated her When all she was trying to do was point out That being too concerned may lead you down a path you never intended to go

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By Sierra Tinsley (7) getting tighter no air racing heart getting darker, darker thoughts racing time slows air gone it’s gone suffocation Will I escape?

Anarchy

By Jayda Kelly (8) When the Earth Spins, does the world shatter?

When the Sun shines, does the sky burn?

If this is true, then you and me are just destructive meteoroids that act as glue.

And if one of us falls, or one of us flies, then the whole entire universe dies.

Summer Days Photograph

by Hailey Williams (6)

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Dear Younger Me,

By Jayda Kelly (8) You’ve got a full life ahead.

But you’ll be fine, you’re a fighter, So much stronger than you seem, not a flame, but a fire.

When they tell you they won’t be friends with you because you talk black You tell them it’s their loss because they can’t take it back Darling don’t carry your worries upon your crown Because a queen can’t walk with her head weighed down Don’t fear your own strength that’s other people's job They’ll try to steal your self worth But black gold can be robbed When they try to break you down, laugh in their faces, because little do they know that your ancestors built themselves back up time and time again Your roots run deep Like the tears you weep, they run from the Nile Honey your a child Your whole life is a story of erased mistakes It’s going to be hard I mean blood, sweat and tears Late night research papers are like whole new frontiers When you finally hit Middle school you’ll feel like a pioneer But you’re not the first one to fight through these years A minuses are not the end of the world Being a student athlete isn’t too hard for a girl When they try to define you by your sex and your race You stop them in their tracks Because words can not grasp the elegance that you have They will touch your hair without permission But it’s only because their on a mission to find out why your curls spiral towards the sun They make fun of your weave because they can’t have one When he tells you that you look like Medusa You smirk and say yes,”My beauty can turn you into stone” The temperature dips at the voice from your milk chocolate lips Darling voice your opinion For no one else can When you believe something’s wrong It’s your duty to stand...or kneel Only pledge your allegiance to freedom that’s real.

Continued…

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When they tell you they only want the white or light skinned ones you tell them that the white and light skinned ones use gold bond tanning lotion to look just like the dark skinned ones But anyway it doesn’t matter because only the righteous ones will make it through the gates of heaven Which reminds me, by the time you’re eleven boys will enter the picture You’ll think you’re in a relationship, but it’s really just a stalemate The usual, “Hi how are you?”

“Fine, good day mate.”

But the man who respects you will treat you as royal He will love you for you, he’ll be kind and truly loyal Honey, your a cocoa butter queen You have shea butter in your roots Ancestors bled for your dreams You’ll be bullied in elementary school for being who you are They will stare and laugh And when they do, me dear, put on a show Tell them, “angels like me were meant to glow” Shine like the star you were born to be And when they question your ways remind yourself that “being them isn’t being me.”

Though you say that you hate them Your siblings are you closest friends But they don’t need to know you would die for them.

You will feel stuck between two personalities Black girl from the hood and Private school kid mentality They will question your slang They will rave at your grades But they will never understand the hardships you face Being a student-athlete is like a full time job When your body’s in pain your brain starts to throb It’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be fun But a life well lived is spent with those that you love.

You will feel like you’re standing at the edge of a cliff.

But “sometimes our only form of transportation is leap of faith.”

So why wait.

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The Lost Art

By Leah Hong (7) The most beautiful thing of all was a small woman with her precious blue knitted scarf.

She sat on the same stepping stone everyday and molded herself swans out of bland wax.

Soon, the joy of creativity faded, and she refused to continue.

Years after the small woman passed away, a young child was sitting on the same stone.

The child cleared the vines near the stone only to find a marvelous cave.

There, a wonderful sight emerged. Beautiful little wax swans were swimming about the lake and the images reflected on its glassy surface.

Yes, I Can!

By Hadasa Barmor (8) (Monologue - Female - Kim Possible) I am appalled. They all said “ She needs Ron Stoppable doesn’t she? She can’t do anything herself!” Yes I can… or can I? Wait. Stop! Kim yes you can! You are the Kim Possible! You can do literally anything, except for doing things myself.

Because I am a woman in this world, I apparently cannot do anything by myself.

I always need a “man’s” help! Why exactly is this a “man’s world”? Women should get to do everything a man does, even if you are not a superhero! Everyone is a human being… we are just not seen as important? Look at superman! Everybody loves him! He saves the world. Well so does wonder woman! She saves anyone she can, but she does not get recognized.

Yeah, so what is the difference? I’ll tell you the difference! He has one body part that I don’t! There. I said it. So what?

Light in the Dark

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Photograph

by Hailey Williams (6)

Candyland Pencil and Ink

by Julia Ramirez (8)

Me

By Isabella Snow (8) The self-conscious girl cried herself to sleep.

She is becoming nocturnal from the last of sleep night after night.

She wants to be satisfied with herself.

All the other girls zealously run around in their crop tops and short shorts.

This girl hides away in her sweatpants and sweatshirt.

She thinks she will need be good enough.

She tries not to think about the criticism.

She didn’t know why she felt this way.

Self-conscious is an understatement.

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DJ Ink

by Devon Surrell (6)

Inner Thoughts

By Eloise Crabb (6) (Monologue - Unknown Gender - Groot) I am Groot, that’s mostly what people hear me say, but here’s the truth. I try and try and try, I want to lead group (Guardians of the Galaxy) but the just kind of ignore me. I even tried different languages.

Nope. They don’t listen. But you get me right???? I try again, and you guessed it, all they hear is “I am Groot.” Maybe later I should try a couple more languages. Sometimes I feel like no one gets me, but other times I feel like a superhero!!! I mean I think I like to be with them. But sometimes I feel very small compared to the others. They are so big and tall and strong. But I’m small and mighty!! I feel like I’m going from sad to happy, well here’s some more sadness. Sometimes, I feel like a little, small tree stump.Well now the happiness, I really feel like I fit in with these guys (and girls), and I think I’m mostly a happy little Groot.

My Mind Photography and Computer Manipulation

by Alex Boone (8)

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Multi-Universe First Pages of Her Novel

By Alex Boone (8) One day in the fall during school, a visitor came to the the school (just the middle school) to the students something incredible. The visitor didn’t want to called by a name just Sr. Alex a girl in 8th grade thought that was a little weird but didn’t say anything. The visitor showed the students a few potions that completely changed what the object look like (explain more here). Then he asked for a volunteer so he could show one potion that could change a person, a lot of the students raised their hand but he choose a 8th grade boy named Hunter. When the man turned around to grab the potion to throw on Hunter, Alex saw the symbol for Hydra on the man back. Alex tried to get Hunter to not do this but it didn’t work. (Mostly because Alex and Hunter don’t get along well.)

Alex realizes that on the potion bottle it shows another Hydra symbol. Then without thinking she jumps off from the bleachers and runs to shove Hunter out of the way of the bottle. Hunter doesn’t get hit but Alex does. She screams in agonizing pain as the potion starts to work, but instead of being turned into a living Hydra she turns into something much more. The potion took her characters from the stories in her head and turned her into all of them. There’s only 3, Spirit the Alicorn her oldest one, Nala the Dragonborn, and Moonstone (Moon) the newest one. While she is screaming the Hydra man yells “This is not what was supposed to happen!” And Hunter says “What the Heck, Alex”.

The transformation was complete and Alex was all of her characters from her stories, she was a freak.

The Hydra person was furious and he lunged at her, Alex quickly coming to her senses jumps at the man at the man pins him to a wall and asks “Wwwhat haaave youuu ddone?” Her voice want normal because of the transformation. Then the man replies with “Thanos will come and, you will be his. Hail Hydra.” Then he drank something that caused him to teleport somewhere else. Alex then turns to Hunter and says “Youuu arrrre aaa narrrrcisssssistic ooonne.” After that the Principal came up to her and said, “What was that all about? Hunter got called on and you didn’t, so why?” Alex explained why and the Principal still didn’t understand, but she knew she was trying to help.

One Month Later Alex’s voice has gotten better but, not 100%. School was a lot harder for her now, no one wanted to be around her, talk to her, or be in the room as her. That all changed when the news said that “An alien spaceship has landed in Downtown and, is demanding that the Creature comes forth.” Alex immediately knew that they were asking for her, so she ran out for her classroom and flew as quickly as she could to Downtown. Once she reaches Downtown she realizes that “alien spaceship” is Thanos ship and, Ebony Maw is holding a person threatening to kill him. Alex flew herself in between Maw and the man, and she knew that now she wasn’t coming back home for a long time.

Maw then said “So, you did show up after all. I am…” I said “Ebony Maw. Hooow arrre youu herre?”

He was impressed that a she knew him. He didn’t answer her question, he simply smirked and told

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the the other Thanos “family” people to attack. Alex didn’t know how to truly fight them so, she turned into Moon and started to run. The Maw then gave chase while the other went to the ship. Alex then ran to the only place where she knew she could hide the zoo, it wasn’t open today so no one would be harmed as well. While she running Maw was using his magic to throw literally everything he could at her. When Alex got to the zoo, somehow intact, she went to the elephant habitat because it is very big and, many hiding places.

She was safe for the duration of time when Thanos’ children were searching, but the one thing Alex didn’t expect was Thanos himself coming. He told the others to go back to prepare, he would look around more. He was walking right to where she was hiding. Alex just took one step, some leafs broke, and she knew Thanos was coming for her. “You know, I never intended for this to happen.” He looked over the edge when he finished, and he only saw the end of her tail. “I know you’re frightened, my child, but you have no reason to.” “Whhy?” “So, you do speak, and I did it because of reasons that I cannot say now.” Thanos kept talking to her trying to get her to show herself.

Eventually she did come out from hiding but, it didn’t feel right. “I’m sorry little one.” Thanos said then something hit Alex and when she saw that it was a tranquilizer she was in trouble. She fell down but still conscious she saw that it was Boba Fett that shot her. Thanos and Boba talked for minute then he left. Thanos then pick Alex up and carried her to his ship. He flew Once Alex has given herself up to Thanos and everyone else, Taskmaster tells thanos to put her in the arena so he can see what she does. She fights many different goons (will be put in here) and other main villains .She nearly survives, but Taskmaster still needs more info.Then he tells Thanos “Put her threw some ‘test’ I’ll be watching and learning. Every now and then I’ll attack her to see what I still need.” Thanos will agree because he need information from her. Once Taskmaster learns “everything” about Alex him and the main villains from Ps4 Spider-Man game will fight her in the arena with the help of Kylo Ren to break her mind as in the first fight they broke her body…. (to be continued in Alex’s novel)

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Modern Design - Top Left by Hailey Williams (6), Top Right by Isaac Hernandez (8), Bottom Left by Isaac Hernandez (8), Bottom Right by Hailey Williams (6)

Brown-Eyed Girl Photography

by Sofia Aguiniga

My Eyes Tell a Story

By Nicole Moussa (8)

Eyes

By Hadasa Barmor (8) shaking slightly never known you consume can’t hide watching peering endlessly scratching not tasteful stalking hauntingly dark pain

The best part of me is my light brown eyesmy story tellers, the part of me that lets me see the beautiful world around me. They’re not just light brown eyes but they change colors as the sun gets brighter. They show when I’m scared or excited, happy or sad but most importantly, they show all my feelings and all my emotions. My light brown eyes don’t just tell stories but they let me see them. My eyes help me to experience all the happy, sad, dark, and light experiences in life. My eyes show people how I feel, but also they show me how they feel. My eyes help me to see every beautiful thing whether it’s on the inside or on the outside.

Can you see me from a different perspective?

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Real

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Paper Collage

by Jett Schmidt (8)

Coming to Kill

By Vivian Kliewer (7) Always ready To kill screams, blood Piercing through Skin Always watching Suffocating, you’ll Never know when they come Will you be next?

A Day’s Work Photography

by Julia Ramirez (8)

Worth It?

By Sofia Aguiniga (8) (Monologue - Female - Wonder Woman) I am Wonder Woman. But am I really? All through growing up in Themyscira, I have been known as Diana. I was raised to be strong like all the other Amazonian women. Ever since I left my home, I’ve felt different. I no longer feel like “Wonder Woman”, which is the name I was given when i moved, but I feel more like “Wonder Object”. Instead of being seen as the strong woman I am, I’ve been looked at like, like a, a sex symbol! Why does my outfit have to be so..not there? Why can’t I wear what I used to wear? Is everything in these peoples’ world based off of looks and appearance? I dream of the days i return home so i can wear my pants and deerskin shirt, and I don’t have to worry about how much I sweat or bleed or bruise. Looking back, I regret coming here. But, I guess if i would have never come, my beautiful home would be gone. Was it really worth it though?

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Sunrise Block Print

by Adam Stultz (7)

America

By Jayda Kelly (8)

It

By Stella Veazey (7) She was over the sea.

I could not imagine such things.

What a new life she would lead.

I don’t understand.

I must look into this.

I don’t know what it all means.

2018

We’re all immigrants.

Black vs White.

Rich over Poor.

Community.

Insanity.

Free.

Independent.

Strong.

One nation under God. You know the rest, but do you believe it?

Gorgeous

By Sierra Tinsley (7) The sun rises then falls.

We rely on its magnificent golden burst of light to come back to us after the darkness.

Just imagine the beauty in the only thing we know gone.

From the crystal waters reflecting the perfect sphere sky to aging trees telling their lively stories.

We must realize how absolutely gorgeous this is before it is gone. “Oh now pretty. It is done,�the ladies will cry.

Holding on to Something Sweet Photography

by Jayda Kelly (8)

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The Price to Pay

By Shreya Reddy (8) Happy What does it mean to be happy?

How much pain will you have to endure?

How much work do you have to put in To achieve this feeling This feeling that everyone wants to feel At least once throughout the course of their life A feeling that requires every fiber of your being To work past the pain To ignore the things people say about you To surround yourself with people who you know Will never let you down Only then will you truly be happy

Not Knowing

By Jett Schmidt (8) They were amusingly singing to some cliche romance song On the radio until it abruptly stopped.

Their wide eyes met full of grim tension.

A crash to the right A scream to the left Suddenly their wild driving was the least of her fears.

Not knowing what is coming next.

That was her biggest weakness.

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Tea Photography

by Mia Hoeflicker (8)

The Demand and Trust of Love

By Sofia Aguiniga (8) The demanding need of trusting Mixing the feeling of love with worry Worry that hastily flounders around your head As you wonder if trusting was the right move The talent of loving someone was used, But was also wasted on an individual you trusted An individual who demanded your trusting heart Only to break it, and make you like awake At night realizing The demanding need of of trusting breaks the talent of loving.

Intuition

By Sonia Richardet (8) gut wrenching chronic ration paranoid glances universal unrest rotting possessed feelings reckless instinct heartless abandon clinical intellect trapped When will it end?

Top: From the Blue

By Sierra Tinsley (7) Bottom: Lily

By Sierra Tinsley (7)

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Fury Pencil Drawing

by Costa Veletas (8)

Anxiety

The Haunted Doll

By Vivian Kliewer (7)

By Jett Schmitt (8)

Possessed doll Endless staring Endless nightmares Always watching Always

something’s wrong squeezed chest heart racing no reason help always there possessed thoughts tears burning go away! never

bloody, determined To kill No soul Not dead Yet

will it ever leave?

When will it end?

Never

Abandoned

By Olivia Ablah (8th) racing thoughts open wounds burning skin unsaid words cold never ending slowly falling drifting away silent cries forgotten Why do you hurt me?

Boi Ink Drawing

by Mia Hoeflicker (8)

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The Best Part of Me

By Ben Coke (7) My favorite part of my body is my braces since the beautiful Mediterranean Blue color of the rubber bands are perfect! My braces have a consistent, smooth shape attached to each individual tooth. Some of them are metallic, while others are transparent. They follow my mouth as I eat, when I talk, and even when I’m using the computer! My braces are always hard at work to move my teeth to the correct arrangement.

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Sad Girl

Tatiannna

Oil Pastel

by Sofia Aguiniga (8)

Oil Pastel

by Jett Schmidt (8)

The Invisible Bottle

By Finley Craig Andrews (6) SYNOPSIS: Sometimes friends get into a little trouble, but bottom line, they are there for each other.

CAST: Derek: playful - good friend Jake: worrier but a good friend Joyce: Creative and misunderstood Joyce’s Mom: voice only from off stage SETTING: soccer field - front porch TIME PERIOD: modern day

SCENE 1: (Lights come up on Derek and Jake playing soccer on stage. They should be kicking the ball back and forth.)

Derek: (happily) I like playing soccer with you, Jake. You make me look pretty good. (laughs) Jake: Ha! While you are pretty good at your kicks, Derek, I could beat you with my eyes closed.

Derek: Keep dreaming, friend. Have you seen my head butts? I have massive force behind them.

Jake: Sure. Like the time you head butted and knocked yourself out?

Derek: Let’s not talk about that. (looks concerned off stage right) Hey, what’s that?

Jake: (Looks where Derek is pointing - confused) What? What did you see?

(While Jake isn’t looking, Derek kicks the soccer ball off stage right.)

Derek: (proudly) GOOOAAALL!!! Ha, I tricked you!

Jake: You are a snake, Derek. It’s a good thing I like you. Welp, you won, man. Good game!

Derek: Good game. (high fives Jake) Go get the ball, loser.

Jake: I think winners should get the ball. It’s only fair.

Derek: Fine (Derek walks to retrieve the ball and instead reaches down to pick up something) Check this out. (holds up a small bottle) Jake: Hey! Maybe you can add it to your trinket collection!

Derek: Are you serious? This thing is probably pretty valuable. Look at the glass. It looks over 100 years old.

Jake: What’s inside?

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Derek: (looks at it) It looks like water. You know, I’m pretty thirsty after our game. Maybe I’ll just drink it.

Jake: Don’t do it, Derek. You don’t know what it is.

Derek: Don’t be such a worrier. I won’t drink the whole thing.

(Derek drinks out of the bottle, and the lights blink off and on, and off and on. During the lights, Dereck heads off stage right.)

Jake: Derek? (looking around) Where did you go?

Derek: (voice from off stage) What are you talking about? I’m right here.

Jake: (scared) Derek? You’re not here, dude. (feeling around) You’re invisible.

Derek: Hey, you’re right. I can’t even see my own hands! Jake! That drink made invisible! HOW COOL IS THAT? Jake: Derk, do you realize what we have?

Derek: An ordinary water bottle and me being invisible?

Jake: No! A magic bottle! I heard about this from a legend! If this is the bottle I’ve heard about, it was created by an eccentric wizard named Izzraktor the Powerful.

Derek: HOW do you know this stuff?

Jake: I read. No big deal.

Derek: Awesome!(seriously) We probably need to keep this a secret. We need to keep this away from other people.

You know, not let this kind of power fall into the wrong hands.

Jake: Good idea. Think of all the trouble people could get into.

Derek: Exactly. I have a great idea. Didn’t you say Joyce was making fun of you at school?

Jake: Yes. Why? Derek: I think it’s time to have little fun. You up for it?

Jake: Why do I think I’m going to regret this? (lights out)

SCENE 2: (The lights come back up outside on a house porch. Joyce is playing with ceramic chickens all by herself. Jake enters stage right and tries to stay out of sight of Joyce.)

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Joyce: I finally finished my chicken sculpture collection! To think, some people think it is weird. Ha! Derek: (voice from off stage) Alright, Jake. Here’s the plan. Drink what’s left of the bottle, and the two of us will scare Joyce.

Jake: Whoa. I don’t like the sound of this. Let’s just go home. Joyce isn’t that bad.

Derek: I did. Now it’s your turn. Are you ready? 3… 2… 1… Go! Jake: Here goes nothing. (Jake takes a big drink) (The lights blink off and on, and off and on. During the lights, Jake heads off stage right.)

Derek: And, you’re gone!

Jake: It worked!

Derek: Now let the scaring begin.

Joyce: Hmm… how should I organize these?

(Banging noises begin.) (scared) What was that?

Jake: (spooky voice) Joooooyyyyccccee… Joooooyyyyycccee…

Joyce: (still scared) Who is that?

Jake: I’m the ghost of the boys you tease.

Joyce: (traumatized) What?!

(More banging. ) Derek: And I’m the ghost of …those chickens you collect.

Joyce: (wises up) Who are you, really? I know that my ceramic chickens never were alive. So show yourselves.

Jake: We can’t show ourselves. We’re ghosts. (giggles) Derek: Right, (giggles) we are invisible. Start being nice to Jake, or we will keep haunting you.

Joyce: I’m only tease Jake because…well…I like him.

Jake: What?

Derek: You like Jake?

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Joyce: I can tell you, because you know, you’re ghosts. But I don’t know to talk with Jake, so I just tease him. He is so cute. I love the way his long fingers turn the pages of our textbooks, and I love the way he blinks when he is nervous.

(Suddenly a voice is heard from off stage.)

Joyce’s Mom: (voice) Joyce, who is out there?

Joyce: No one, Mom. Joyce’s Mom: Oh, good. It’s time for the sprinkler to go on. I didn’t want to get any of the your friends wet.

Jake: (whispering) What happens to us in water?

Derek: We are about to find out, friend.

(Sprinkler sounds can be heard. Both boys scream as lights blink on and off. When the lights come back up, Both Jake and Derek can be seen. Both are soaking wet.)

Joyce: JAKE! DEREK! What are you doing here?

Jake: Uh….we….uhm….. (blinks over and over again) Derek: (jumping in to save Jake) We wanted to know if you wanted to buy…Gopher Scout cookies.

Jake: Yeah, Gopher Scout cookies. (blinks over and over again) Joyce: Gopher Scout cookies? Are you sure you weren’t the ghosts I just heard. (realizes something) Oh, no. Please tell me you weren’t those ghosts. I might have just said something that I didn’t want anyone to know.

Derek: Oh, no, Joyce. We just showed up.

Jake: And found ourselves caught in your sprinklers. (blinks over and over again) Joyce: (relieved) Whew. Good. In that case I would like to buy 2 boxes. Do you have Snickerdoodles?

Jake: (nervously) Snickerdoodles? (blinks over and over again) Derek: (saving Jake) It looks like we’re all out. (grabbing Jake) See you tomorrow at school Joyce.

(Derek drags Jake off to upstage left as Joyce exits into the house.)

Jake: That was close. What was I supposed to say to her?

Derek: I have no idea.

Jake: Well, thanks for saving me, Derek. You didn’t have to.

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Derek: Well, that’s what friends do. They help each other…especially with girls.

Jake: Want to drink some more of that magic bottle?

Derek: I don’t know, friend. I’m starting to think we need to get rid of that magic bottle. I’m starting to think that Izzraktor the Powerful was crazy.

Jake: Why? Derek: I now believe that boys should never hear what’s really inside girls’ heads. (lights out) THE END

Fragile Dreams

By Shreya Reddy (8) Atop the mountain he sits His legs dangling off the jagged cliff The deep blue ocean beneath him Threatening to engulf his fragile body His fragile heart That was broken only a few minutes before But he knows that the ocean is his sanctuary Its deep blue waters welcome him They give him a new hope A hope that someday he will be happy With the people he loves And with the ocean still there to catch him If he were ever to fall again

Beauty in Brick Photography

by Sierra Tinsley (7)

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Black and White Dreams

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Pencil Drawing

by Olivia Ablah (8)

Pranks of the Past

By Jayda Kelly (8) I could feel the vibration of the bell ringing from my place outside on the stiff brick wall. It sounded like a stampede was rushing by, and all at once you could see a flow of human bodies spill from the front doors. The eighth hour bell released most middle schoolers, that is unless you’ve freed yourself.

As a sixteen year old in middle school, I had lost all hope for learning anything in that dump, so I never went. I made sure to pay my dues by scaring all the sixlets, sticking gum in seventh graders’ hair, and putting wretched animals in the school lunches. Whenever I got the chance, I always paid a visit to the teachers’ lounge, and toilet papered it up real good! People used to call me Tammy -”the Devil” -Lane, but now no one calls me.

It was the fall of 1998, and I was pretty well adjusted to my system. Pretend to go to school so Judith Anne, my caretaker, wouldn’t worry, then bust downtown to meet with my gang. Then, just ten minutes before the bell rang, I would wait outside Harper Lee Middle School to see what trouble I could stir-up. My gang was pretty tough for a bunch of rundown young adults who were still in middle school. I guess I just thought I was too tough, and when you get cocky, you make the biggest mistakes of your life.

One day, I had to stop by an old drugstore to pick up some things for Judith Anne. I never liked doing stuff for her. It always made me feel responsible, so most of the time I just ignored her requests.

Today was different though, it was the Eve of Halloween, and I had plans, big prankster plans. I remember walking down to Larry’s Shop with the list from Judith Anne. As soon as I stepped foot in the dusty old store, something caught my eye.

“Are you sick of adults telling you what to do? Well then buy our ‘put ‘em in a pumpkin’ solution! Just $1.99.”

I handed Larry a wad of cash, and an old stick of bubble gum in case the cash wasn’t enough. As I walked out of the store, I read the label over three times to make sure I wasn’t seeing things. This was all I’d ever needed. You see I haven’t had the best history with adults. My ma ‘n pa had me too young and were both ashamed of me. My pa ran away, and my ma just gave me to the system. Well, the system couldn’t “handle” me, so they sent me to ole’ Judith Anne, because “she’s always been able to handle troubled youth.” After a while, you get sick and tired of not being wanted by adults, and soon enough you don’t want them either! I was so determined to try this configuration on Judith Anne that I forgot to buy the stuff on her stupid list.

Judith raged when she found out that I didn’t get the stuff on her list, but I didn’t care.

‘Bout halfway through her lecture about being mature and respectful, I left the house. As the screen door squeaked close behind me, I could here Judith yelling after me. “ You get back here Tammy Lane, I swear you are the devil himself! You answer me when I’m talking…” Judith Anne yelled after me.

Her raspy voice faded as I walked further down the Rickety Ave. I took a sharp turn at the end of our cul de sac, then walked along the chain-link fences until I reached an abandoned lot. I took out the “Put ‘em in a pumpkin box,” and went to work.

The next night, was Halloween, and per usual, Judith Anne made pumpkin pie for all the families in the neighborhood. How disgustingly nice of her. Well this year, she was going to find a surprise while cutting up one of her pumpkins! I took a front row seat at the island in the kitchen, pretending to be

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interested in all her kindness nonsense. She had finished cutting two pumpkins already, but little did she know the last one would have a little twist. The aroma of pumpkin spices floated around the kitchen. A pumpkin seed dropped from the counter and fell onto Judith Anne’s white apron. Her fingers turned pale from the intensity of her grip on the knife, and “As she lowered the knife ‘the pumpkin’ grew brighter.” Just as the directions on the package had explained. I smirked and thought to myself, “She's getting what all adults deserve.”

The last thing I remember was watching Judith Anne’s eyes lighting up, and seeing drops of sweat trickle from her rich black bob. I recall starting to feel weird, and then dissolving. It was like my whole body disappeared, and it flew straight into the pumpkin! That ridiculous advertisement, scammed me. The aroma from the pumpkin was supposed to make whoever was closests to it droop, and the idea was that they would fall face first into the pumpkin! A strange far off voice told me that the only way I would ever be free, as if someone cut into the pumpkin that beheld me, and set me free. Judith Anne threw me away, and never looked back. A homeless man found me, and almost cut me open, but as he lowered his knife, the pumpkin grew brighter, which scared him away. So I’ve traveled here and there, and I’ve seen sights that unfortunately I can’t unsee. The pumpkin I’m in has been rotting for so long that people who get even a mile within the smell and run away. I sit and watch the world go by from an ally close to ole’ Judith Anne’s house. If a child ever comes near enough to listen, I will warn them of the terminating pain that immaturity can contrive, but they never come near. So, I sit, and I wait for Halloween. It’s then that I hear innocent trick-or-treaters tell frightening tales of the evil Tammy “the Devil” Lane. Little do they know, my ghost doesn't haunt them, but my soul watches their every move!

Trilogy

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Photography

by Julian Bartel (8)

Julia

Anime Girl Photography

by Julia Ramirez (8)

Photography

by Mia Hoeflicker (8)

Haunted House

By Julia Ramirez (8) Heart racing rapidly From calm to surprised in seconds Swords swinging from left to right Rapidly running down the hall Looking for an exit Fear filling my body Loud voices filling the air Slicing the air

Beyond Belief

By Jayda Kelly (8) We have so many differences on the outsides.

It’s hard to believe there are a million more inside us.

But for once, can you just look at me for the me you can’t see?

Because she is so much more than you’d ever think she’d be.

Light fills me with joy

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Trapped

By Vivian Kliewer (7) (Monologue - Unknown Gender - Groot) I am groot. I’m not who you think I am. Yeah, I talk. Surprised? Let me start with my story. I started out in a lab, I was a normal, little tree. Then, this scientist started experimenting on me. It really hurt. I still remember when I woke up after the procedure. That's when I saw Rocket. He helped me escape. After that, we have been fighting crimes for as long as I remember. Oh yeah, we also met some other friends along the way. Star Lord (at least that's what he calls himself), Gamora, and Drax. We all met by fighting over this weird purple stone. I don’t know what it’s called. But after that, we’ve had so many adventures together. If you are a big fan of Guardians of the Galaxy, you might notice that I’m a little out of it. You’re right, I don’t really have an explanation about that. I just don’t really care about missions. All I want to do is hang out with my friends. But I realized this, without me… they would literally all die. For example, I was the one who put them all in a wooden ball when we were falling from the ship. Like, they don’t even appreciate what I do for them. I even like died for them. That was pretty scary. After that, when I came back as a little tree, they all treated me like I was some baby that couldn't do things on its own. I also really like to dance. That’s how I don’t die in missions. Oh, you also might be wondering why I don’t talk. Even though the scientist dude made me alive, he didn’t even think to make me speak! Like what the heck? I kinda feel alone, because I can’t talk. It’s like almost being trapped. Imagine if you could never say any of your inner thoughts. Yeah, scary. I always have these deep thoughts, but can’t say them. Oh, by the way, this is my diary. Ok, don’t make fun of me.

What would you do if you couldn’t talk? Yeah, write in a diary. Ok, but don’t tell anyone, because then they’ll think that like I’m capable of doing things and I don’t want that. Where was I? Oh yeah, not speaking. So anyways… oh wait, they’re coming! “I am Groot”

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Cosplay Pencil Drawing

by Mia Hoeflicker (8)

NOT Hoping

By Jayda Kelly (8) I feel like this is goodbye.

I hope it’s not.

I think I just might cry.

I hope I will not.

I feel like you’re leaving me.

I hop you are not.

Maybe I’m leaving you.

I hope I am not.

The thing that is true, thought it is not, Is hope is meaningless, when it is not.

Blue Oil Pastels

by Olivia Ablah (8)

Inner Thoughts

By Shreya Reddy (8)

May He Rest

By Adam Stultz (7) I loved my dog.

He loved to lick.

I was sitting the day away, when he became sick.

We rushed him to the vet, but we were out of time.

The doctor had to put him down.

My mom wanted to cheer me up with ice cream.

I whispered, “Oh, this is splendid. Just as I planned.�

swirling around deep inside rising slowly brooding darkly consuming arriving quickly threatening continuously never ending thinking constantly spiraling Will you break me?

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King Life

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Paper Collage

by Nicholas Workman (6)

In My Shoes Photography Top Left by Chapman Osborne (7) Top Right by Isaac Hernandez (8) Bottom Left by Sofia Aguiniga (8) Bottom Right by Nura Farahnakian (8)

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Breaking Her Heart

By Sierra Tinsley (7) Love, what a questionable experience In the beginning, she felt her heart Jumping eagerly for her new found interest Although as it vanished her confidence fell like a pebble into a deep empty well She never meant to love him She never expected to feel the pain of a broken heart Love, an experience indeed

Clutches of Nature

By Shreya Reddy (8) She was surrounded by a lush green forest Huge trees towering over Like a Bigfoot too terrified to move A ring of leaves sat at her feet Like a halo over an angel’s head The smells and the sights of the forest Engulfed her The shadows called to her But she was already too far gone Nobody could save her from The clutches of nature

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Autumn Sunsets Photography

by Hailey Williams (6)

Illuminations Photography Top Left by Leah Hong (7) Top Right: Isabella Snow (8) Bottom Left: Jett Schmidt (8) Bottom Right: Isabella Snow (8)

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3 Faces Photography

by Eloise Crabb (6)

Dolls

Fire

Blood

By Ella Collins (8)

By Eloise Crabb (6)

By Jaci Taylor (8)

coming alive watching me haunting me judging me possessed

burning flames match strike heat fire never cold hot burning

red blood cuts open gushes out keeps going drips

constant terror never alone shows herself too late dead

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What will tomorrow’s playtime bring?

wood fire gas fire always hot never cold popping flames

red blood gets everywhere can’t stop never stops never Can it stop?

Ari Oil Pastels

by Hadasa Barmor (8)

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Me

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Ink Drawing

by Harlee Fowler (6)

Tiger’s Vision

By Bridget Bleakley (6) His small, sharp eyes flickered sidewise.

The great tiger watched as his prey unknowingly walked into his sight, putting itself in a death trap. weak, small, and helpless hidden, famished, and survival Could the little creature escape his powerful grasp?

Through the Generations Photography

by Jett Schmidt (8)

Dropped Dead

By Eloise Crabb (6) and Kaitlyn Olsen (6) Their eyes meet briefly.

It was his that fell.

He fell to the ground.

Heart attack.

Deadly, melancholy, and sorrowful Loving, slow, and mysterious How did this happen?

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What’s the Point?

By Ella Collins (8) (Monologue - Unknown Gender - Groot) I am Groot. That’s all anyone ever hears when I talk. I have thoughts, I have feelings that I need to share with the world. My team, The Guardians of The Galaxy, NEVER listen to what I have to say. I’m like, come on people I have good ideas too. There have been several times that we’ve almost died because you had to listen to Rocket, instead of me. I’ve tried everything to get my point across. I’ve tried talking, which obviously doesn’t work. I´ve tried pictures and I have even tried sign language. So I decided what´s the point. Then I decided to have one final heroic act before ago. I wrapped myself around my team as the the plane crashed and said I am Groot. When I came out of that alive I thought in my head,¨Thank God I´m still alive, I wasn’t ready to go.¨ I am truly glad to be Groot.

Standing Tall Photography

by Sierra Tinsley (7)

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Out of the Garden Photography

by Sierra Tinsley (7)

The Favorite Part of Me

By Hailey Williams (6) My favorite part of me is my feet because without them I wouldn’t be able to travel or jump or feel the ground beneath my feet after, I get off a plane. I wouldn’t be able to run and feel the leaves crunch under my feet during chilly fall days. My feet are my favorite part of me because of all of those things and because they’re a part of me. I would hate to lose any part of me because it makes up myself and I love myself as everyone should.

Big Flaw

Lost and Alone

By Julia Longsworth (6)

By Piper Short (6)

The yellow snags of teeth showed in a grin.

This, however, was a rare occurrence for she hated her smile and kept her mood neutral as to not show her flawed smile.

She blinked like a women coming out of darkness into a dazzling sunlight.

She was so scared of these dark woods but glad she was out of the dark whole she was in before.

crooked, discolored, and vermillion embarrassing, unnatural, and scraggily

frightened, along, and glad lost, hurt, and sad

Has she finally accepted her big flaw as something that makes her unique?

How did she get into the water?

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Apparition

By Sofia Aguiniga (8) Evil “thing” Dark figure?

Slow movement Trapped soul Apparition Coming closer Holding something?

Movement stopped Please no Ahhhh!

Was that really a dream?

We’ve Got You

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Photography

by Ben Coke (7)

Eyes

By Hadasa Barmor (8) Shaking slightly Never known You consume Can’t ride Watching Peering endlessly Scratching not Tasteful stalking Hauntingly dark Pain Can you see me from a different perspective?

Intuition

By Sonia Richardet (8) gut wrenching chronic nation paranoid glances universal unrest rotting possessed feelings reckless instinct heartless abandon clinical intellect trapped When will it end?

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Trail Back Home

By Nicolas Zayat (6) She was completely cut off from the outside world.

Stranded in the desolate and uncharted land.

Careless Murder

By Lauren Schmeidler (8) help me always around laughing hysterically careless murder terror chasing me killing me never alone hate blood death Why does it have to be me?

RM (BTS)

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Ink

by Mia Hoeflicker (8)

empty, uncomfortable, and unknown scared, frightened, and sad Why is she uncomfortable where she is?

Darkness

By Scarlett Barientos (8) endless fear stuck alone being enfolded endless spiral alone can’t escape can’t hide it sees it’s watching run What resides in the darkness?

The Things my Hands Will Touch

By Shreya Reddy (8) My hands are the best part of me. The lines engraved into my palms tell my story. Written in stone, they pave a path to my future. Someday, I will look down at my hands and wonder how far I’ve traveled and how much longer I have. The lines will be a trademark and a milestone for my future. The things they will touch and the things they will feel. How much more will my hands touch?

Lines Photography

by Shreya Reddy (8)

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Murder in the Household

By Grace Hong (6) and Bridget Bleakly (6) He snapped the lip open and held open the case.

Thinking it wasn’t his own, the police officer unveiled his identity as the murderer. The inscription on the weapon read his name. bloody, cold, and dead violent, scared, and suspicious Would his colleagues’ find out?

Single Vision

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Oil Pastel

by Sonia Richardet (8)

Reflections Photography

by Sonia Richardet (8)

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Joey

Just a Memory

Photography

by Shreya Reddy (8)

By Shreya Reddy (8) She watches as the sun Dares to surface beneath the pitch black sky The pinks and oranges blurring together Like the never-ending thoughts inside her head Her hair blows and mixes with the salty ocean breeze The breeze that clouds her thoughts Day after day after day She wants it to stop But it never does The sunrise and the ocean breeze Are just a memory of who she doesn’t want to be

Run

By Sammy Cox (7) Olivia picked up a leaf, just to imagine To imagine so strongly and deeply That the leaf was a person running away Running so fast that Olivia stopped thinking Then stood up just to let the leaf go and On floated the leaf, further and further

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My True Love

By Kennedy Stover (7) I was preparing for the big day.

I was thinking about the man who’s hair blows in the wind.

I was fooling myself.

I was marrying the wrong man.

I arrived at the church, and tears began to fall down my cheeks.

I turned around and ran away to the woods.

There, I met the right man.

The ceremony was over.

Help

By Isaiah Page (7) John and his companion struck the man with a dark vengeance.

They inflicted injuries too gruesome to describe.

After many hours, the man lay comatose on the floor.

John realized what he did, and started to panic.

He turned to the companion, looking for help and guidance.

John did all that his companion told him to do.

Futures Collage

by Joseph Recalde-Phillips (8)

Me Too

In Bloom

Road Blocks

Photography

by Edie Gill (8)

Photography

by Hadasa Barmor (8)

Photography

by Isabella Snow (8)

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Orange You Glad I Didn’t Say Banana?

Photography

by Jett Schmidt (8)

Threads

By Shreya Reddy (8)

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Big city lights shone above his head As he stared off across the vast city The city of lights The city where you were supposed to find true love But he didn’t believe in such fantasies Love was just a silly thing That could be thrown away Just as easily as it was obtained Love could break the broken down even further Love could mend and bend The threads of your reality The threads of your very existence

Butterflies Paper Collage

by Julia Ramirez (8)

Clowns

Clowns

By Finley Andrews (6)

By Eloise Crabb (6)

weird hair red nose bloddy knife creepy smile terrifying

hiding deep in the dark knives cut through chainsaws roar blood

lurking darkness disappearing people kids screaming something laughing scary

giant shoes clump creepy laugh cant’ run down the hall waiting

When will the killing end?

Not Funny Photography

by Eloise Crabb

How will you escape the terror?

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Dropped Dead

By Grace Hong (6) For a suspended moment, there was utter silence, As he sat on his bed alone.

Tearful, depressed, and melancholy Frightened, anxious, and distressed Would anyone ever know I did it?

When Fear Speaks

By Jayda Kelly (8) My hand itches for the page, but I fear they’ll mistake my age.

Stereotypes have driven men away, so the girl you see now was not here yesterday.

The life I’m living has been impacted.

Most will say I’m just distracted.

But I’ve changed.

Yet, my hand still itches for the page.

Phone Wielding Japanese Farmer in Snow Photography

by Chapman Osborne (7)

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Ice Castle

By Jaci Taylor (8) (Monologue - Female - Elsa) Why did I hurt Anna's heart. What was I thinking. I mean now she going to hate me forever. I just wanted her to leave but she never did. Its kinda her fault but anyways I need to go find her. Elsa what are you talking about you can't go find her she's going to bring the whole town up to my ice castle. Also I have ice powers if you didn't know. That's why i have a ice castle. I need to find a new castle.. Oh even better HIDE. They are all going to kill me. Ok so let's get packing. Oh wait I didn't bring anything, well i guess i'm going now. Omg i think someone is coming. Ok now i really need to hide. (Steps forward) ok where do I go now.

Wait it stopped. This is so creepy! Wait now it's getting louder and louder and LOUDER… oh wait it's a rabbit. Omg this rabbit is just lucky it's an animal because I would've… wait another noice.(steps back) ok let me just block the door with my ice powers.

Oh wait, it's Olaf!

My Eyes Will Tell Stories

By Sofia Aguiñiga (8) The best part of me is my eyes. The hazel will always catch the sunlight’s shine in the perfect place. I look forward to the days when my eyes will tell stories to generations of children below me. There will be hurt. There will be sadness, but there will also be laughter and happiness to show the greater days my eyes have seen. My mother’s face, the first time I went to the beach, my first broken heart, and maybe a death. My eyes will forever contain stories that people will read.

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The Monster in the Closet

By Sierra Tinsley (7) the monster hidden within creeping hiding following listening watching finally gone is he? not dead always there everlasting Have you found me yet?

Murder

By Shreya Reddy (8) slowly stalking bloddy knives creeping darkly

surrounding carefully scared

of you watching her breaking apart into pieces so broken Is she really worth the risk?

In the Dark Photography

by Sierra Tinsley (7)

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Soda Pop Photography

by Sierra Tinsley (7)

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Knowledge is Power Blind

By Jeffery Charles Daood (8) (8)

by Jennifer Brosius SYNOPSIS: Though stupidity free, you can’t buy knowledge… until now.

She fakes a smile everyisday She fakes a laugh every day CAST: She says she is fine Docy John (M):she couldn’t be bettersmart, scammer, and wearing a doctors’ white coat She says Charles (M):People believe her rich, good looking, garish clothing, and gullible But they don’t see Security (M/F) X2: security with a single badge in a suit She is falling apart Security Leader(M/F): security, but with an extra badge She is crying inside Timmy (M): stupid, attached to Jimmy with duct tape by his back She is dying inside Jimmy (M): stupid, attached to Timmy with duct tape by his back But no one sees it SETTING: All because she is office with sign that says “CASH ONLY - NO REFUNDS” good at faking a smile TIME PERIOD: modern day

(Light come up on a normal office with a desk and chairs. A man with a white coat and glasses sits behind the desk. A garish man is buying some sort of medication. A door is off to stage right. Windows feature a brick wall.)

Docy John: I am sure you will find that my knowledge shots are worth much more than $5,000 a piece! (scoffs) I don’t think you are a viable client for my business, Charles. You come with strong references.

Charles: My father does own half of New Jersey. Plus, I’ll pay anything to pass this next math test Docy John. (whispers to himself) If Daddy isn’t happy with my grade, he said he’s going to take away my butler! Are you sure these knowledge shots really work, Docy John. Docy John… what a strange name for a REAL doctor.

Docy John: Oh, never mind the name, just know that these knowledge shots really do work. Trust me. I’m a doctor….at least in the Bahamas.

(Timmy and Jimmy burst through the door, literally, the door falls of its hinges and they land with Jimmy on his face and Timmy on top of him facing upward. They attempt to stand until their lines are almost ready) Docy John: (angrily) Timmy! Jimmy! I told you two to stay out of my office!

Charles: Who are these… (pause and makes a questioning look) ...people?

(Timmy and Jimmy manage to stand and spin in a full circle to have Timmy facing towards the audience) Timmy: I’m Timmy.

(They spin to face the audience whenever they speak.)

Jimmy: I’m Jimmy.

Timmy and Jimmy: (in unison - with enthusiasm) And we’re idiots!

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Docy John: Please excuse them, Charles. These are my…(sickened) brothers. They can clearly not afford the knowledge shots like you can. They are…. just a nuisance to my business. (angrily whispering) What is it boys?

Timmy: (hurt) Sorry for barging in Johnny. (pauses sullenly until he remembers something) But there is a riot outside and they are chanting really loudly.

(Timmy motions toward the door as if he expects him to go outside and meet them. He is forced to turn around because Jimmy has something to say.)

Jimmy: Yeah, they are either really into it, or really angry. They are screaming (makes a funny voice) ”WE WANT THE DOC! WE WANT THE DOC! WE WANT THE DOC! WE WANT TH…” Docy John: (Interrupting) I GET IT! Wait, there's a riot!?

(Timmy and Jimmy spin to face the audience whenever they talk.)

Jimmy: Yep. Timmy: There.

Jimmy: Is. Timmy: Definitely.

Jimmy: A. (They fall over when they go to turn the last time on the floor.)

Timmy and Jimmy: (singing the last note with harmony) Riiiiiiiiiiiioooooooooooooooooot!

Docy John: (annoyed) I can’t believe that I have these idiot twins for brothers. (composing himself) Ok, hold the doors shut until we can make our escape… (whispers to the brothers) I have to make one last sale.

Timmy and Jimmy: (sideways to the audience and standing) Got it!

(They run to the doors and put the door back on the wall. They take turns pushing until they are broken through shortly before their lines.)

Docy John: (turning back to Charles) Alright, now need to worry about those…disgruntled…scientist…yeah… scientists. They are just jealous they didn’t discover knowledge shots. Now, I have a one time offer just for you! If buy all of the shots I have in stock I have right now, let’s see…..18, 19, 20 knowledge shots, I can shave a dollar off of the original price. They are now just $25,000 dollars a piece.

Charles: (quickly answering) Math will be a breeze! I’ll take them! Just think how proud Daddy will be. He may even buy me a housekeeper…and a cook! (thinks) I hope she can make grilled cheese.

(Charles hands over a suitcase and opens it to show tons of cash. The transaction occurs and they shake hands.)

Docy John: Thank you, Charles! You are clearly smarter already.

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(Suddenly the door is pushed open and the two security guards run into the room.)

Timmy: (in a bad Brooklyn accent) Its da’ popo!

Jimmy: (in a bad Brooklyn accent) Everybody scram!

Security 2X: Security! Everybody freeze.

(The pair break into a fit of giggles and one of the security guards runs over and handcuffs them to his/herself.)

Docy John: My…clearly you have found the scammers. Who else would duck tap themselves todather? (grabs the suitcase with the money and heads toward the door.) Good luck, boys.

(He runs off stage left and bumps into Security Leader who is standing firm.)

Charles: What is going on here? This man is a brilliant doctor.

Security Leader: This man was a fraud! His ‘knowledge shots’ are just milk, nothing more! Those people out there bought the shots thinking they would be smarter, but instead they found out they were just lacrosse intolerant. Quite an…uncomfortable scene out there. Lost of….horrible smells.

Charles: Are you kidding me! I just spent half of my life savings on those things! I want my money back! My dad is going to think I’m really dumb…well, dumber than he already thought I was.

(Docy John sprints across the stage and the security guard close behind. He still has the briefcase with the money.)

Security Leader: Your days of scamming are over…what is your name?

Timmy and Jimmy: (in unison) His name is Docy John, but he’s not a real doctor.

Docy John: Zip it, you idiots.

Security #2: Now that you’ve been caught, how exactly did this whole thing start?

Docy John: Actually, it all started when my idiot brothers used all the milk for chocolate milk... and then they wanted normal milk.

(Flashback begins with sparkly lights and sounds.)

Timmy: Johnny, can you go buy some milk?

Jimmy: Yeah, after we got lost in that super market...(shudders) Lets just say the duct tape is necessary.

Docy John: We can get milk when I get my duct tape back! When you become at least competent, I will consider buying you more milk.

Timmy: But, Johnny, milk might be the answer. Didn’t some article say that milk is clackenly proven to make you smarter.

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Jimmy: It’s pronounced “clipinly.”

Docy John: (rolling eyes) …clinically, you morons.

Timmy: Sorry, clinically proven that milk improves brain friction…

Jimmy: It’s pronounced “fraction.”

Timmy: Sorry, “fraction.”

Docy John: (rolling eyes) ….function, idiots.

Timmy: So milk will make us hearter?

Jimmy: No, milk will make us parter.

Docy John: (rolls eyes) Milk could make you smarter, idiots.

Timmy: That’s what we said….duh.

Docy John: Does milk really improve brain function? Sure, it helps bones grow stronger, but brain function? (realizes something) But, you two morons I believed it, and other people might too! Boys, I’ve got an idea!!! I’m going to be RICH! (Flashback ends with sparkly lights and sounds and the scene is back to modern times.)

Timmy: (depressed) Sorry for barging in Johnny. (pauses sullenly until he remembers something) But the riot outside said that they needed you right now.

(Timmy motions toward the door as if he expects him to go outside and meet them. He is forced to turn around because Jimmy has something to say.)

Docy John: Thank you Charles!

(Docy John hands Charles a briefcase. After Docy John hands the briefcase over the door is pushed open and the two normal security guards run in chasing Docy John and the twins.)

Timmy: (in a bad Brooklyn accent) Its da’ popo!

Jimmy: (in a bad Brooklyn accent) Everybody scram!

Security 2X: Security!

(The pair break into a fit of giggles and one of the security guards runs over and handcuffs them to his/herself.)

Docy John: So, there it was. I was hoping that anyone who thought knowledge was as easy as a shot would be an easy mark, and I was right.

Security Leader: Knowledge comes from studying and working hard. There is no short cut.

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Jimmy: I once cut a banana.

Timmy: You once cut a kiwi.

Jimmy: Aren’t those like apples?

Timmy: They are oranges.

Jimmy: They’re all the same thing.

Docy John: Let’s go, you fools! If I’m going down for this, you are too.

Security #2: Hold on one, minute fake doctor. Your brothers may be idiots, but they were the smart ones here. They never committed any fraud. (places handcuffs on Docy John) Timmy and Jimmy: (surprised) We’re smart?

Security Leader: In this case, yes.

Charles: Since your brother is fraud, I need to find someone who can help me be smarter. Any chance you two can do math?

Timmy: Absolutely.

Jimmy: We. Timmy: Are. Jimmy: GREAT. Timmy: At. Jimmy: Math.

Timmy: Just don’t ask us to identify fruit. It all looks the same to us. (lights out) THE END

66

Normal

By Lauren Schmeidler (8) (Monologue - Male - Loki of Asgard) Why do I feel like a piece of unloved trash. Everyone in my life has either tried to hurt me or push me away from them, even my own brother. I am always labeled as an untrustworthy trickster or for a lack of a better words a man obsessed with power. I hear to tell you that it's not true, none of what people say about me has even a shred of the truth. I mean sure I tried to take over Asgard once, but I was only doing it because I want desperately want to be loved. Ever since I was a little boy stolen from my home, I just wanted to be normal. It may seem like Oden saved me but NO, he didn't he took me from the only place I called home.

And If you were taken from your home and forced to be loyal and stand at the foot of a thrown and at the tippy-top of the heap is the man that took you. Ya you would be acting out too.

And I mean maybe trying to take over the planet was a bit of an overstep but you can't blame me for wanting to be noticed, and not having Thor taking up all of the spotlight. I mean even he hates me and doesn't trust me, does anyone acknowledge that maybe I want to be just like him; okay I said it I just want to be like him, a normal person not the trickster, not the man that tried to take over the planet, just a person like anybody else.

Refugio Beach Watercolor

by Sofia Aguiniga (8)

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Violet is Blue

By Edie Gill SYNOPSIS: A mouse who like to make things like an engineer. She never shows anyone her ideas because her male classmates told her that she can’t be an engineer because she is a girl. She learns that girls are just as capable as boys, and the only way to fail completely is to quit (thanks to a little advice from her grandmother). As the creators fair is coming up and she is up against Tommy she starts to think maybe he was right.

CAST: Violet (F): young, girl mouse who loves science - polite but determined Britney (F): young, girl mouse who is “boy crazy” Tommy (M): young, boy mouse who is arrogant Mason (M): young, boy mouse - cool, hip, and kind Mr. Adler (M): arrogant and mysogynistic Grandma(F): elderly, kind, and wise Judge (M): arrogant Daisy: girl mouse, also love engineering SETTING: classroom, fair, bedroom TIME PERIOD: any SCENE 1: (Lights come up on a classroom with a teacher and students. The students are a little noisy.)

Mr. Adler: Okay class, let’s refocus. Who can tell me what the powerhouse of the cell is?

Violet: Ooo! I know (raises hand excitedly) Pick me!

Mr. Adler: (confused) No, not you. Tommy how about you answer.

Tommy: Mitocondria, duh (Violet drops her head in defeat.)

Mr. Alder: How much of Earth is covered by water? Mason, how about you answer this one?

Mason: Bruh, I don’t know.

Violet: (raises hand) I know!

Mr Adler: Umm, how about we have Tommy answer again.

Tommy: 70 percent.

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Mr. Adler: Correct! Okay class, start working on your assignments.

Britney: (flirtatiously) Mason, can we be work buddies for this assignment?

Mason: Uh sure, that would be tight.

Violet: Britney, I thought I was your partner.

(Britney pulls Violet away.)

Britney: (in a hushed voice) Come on! Are you TRYING to sabotage me?

(Bell rings and all the kids leave except Britney and Violet and Mr. Adler.)

Britney: Ugh, you see what you did?

Violet: I’m sorry. I didn’t know how much being Mason’s partner meant to you.

Britney: I know you did not mean to ruin my entire life so I guess it’s fine. You just don’t pick up on those kind of social cues. Let’s be honest us girls don’t need science or math. We just need english to practice our handwriting. The hearts over my “i’s” are so cute!

(Britney exits stage.)

Violet: Mr. Adler? Do you have a minute to talk?

Mr. Adler: Yes, of course.

Violet: (politely) Why do you never call on me to give the answer in class?

Mr. Adler: Well, the answer is quite simple, and that is you’ll never need this information in your lifetime. However, the boy mice will need it when they grow up to have successful jobs.

Violet: (excitedly) I am going to be an engineer. I will need this information!

Mr. Adler: (surprised) Honey, you aren’t going to be an engineer.

Violet: Why not? What is stopping me?

Mr. Adler: You’re a girl mouse, and girl mice aren’t engineers, doctors, or lawyers. That's the truth.

Violet: (getting less polite, still sweet) But sir

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Mr. Adler: Sweetie, you should smile more. I am sure all the mouse boys would be interested in you then. Also, boy mice find it disrespectful if you correct them. I’ve overheard you in the hallway.

Violet: (inhale and exhale) With all due respect sir…

Mr. Adler: (mocking her) With all due respect, I don’t really care about your feelings. I’m trying to protect you from failure, but if you refuse to listen… (he has a realization and has a “I got it” expression) Oh! That’s right. Girl mice talk more than they listen.

Violet: (anger fills her eyes) Oh, I hear plenty. (immediately regrets it) Mr Adler: (surprised) Woah! A little too much sass. You need to learn to bite your tiny mouse tongue while in a man’s presence.

Violet: (swallowing her pride) I am so sorry, Mr. Adler! I should not have said that. Trust me it won’t happen again!

Mr. Adler: (annoyed) It better not. You’ll get nowhere as a girl mouse with an attitude like that. (lights out) SCENE 2: (Lights come up inside a cozy house. Violet is sitting next to her Grandmother and is clearly upset.)

Grandmother: Hello my little cheese chunk, what is wrong? Why so blue?

Violet: (sobbing) Mr. Adler never lets me answer any questions in class, and when I asked him why he told me it was because I was a girl. He also told me I couldn’t be an engineer because girls just didn’t have those types of jobs. He acted like I was crazy, and tried to make a bunch of excuses for why I might be speaking my mind. Then Britney said I just need to practice my handwriting instead of worrying about my math and science grades. Being an engineer has been my biggest dream for so long, and now, I know that it will never happen!

Grandmother: (in a soft and sweet voice) Oh darling, you still have so much to learn. It doesn't matter your gender, color of your fur, or who you love. What matters is inside your heart and inside your head. If you accept people for who they are and who they want to be, you can only hope that they will do the same to you. If those dumb boy mice don’t think that you have what it takes, prove them wrong.

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Violet: Are you sure that will work? What if they still don’t even give me a chance? Mr. Adler said I won’t get anywhere with a girl’s life I am supposed to have when I only think about science class. Maybe he is right. I won’t, but there is no way I’m going to make it as a girl at all.

Grandmother: Vi, you can’t lose hope. Keep fighting it, keep showing you’re stronger than the one thing they have against you. You might be a girl mouse, but that’s who you are. All they’re ever going to be is mean, and that is their choice. You decide who you are and who you want to become with every word that rolls off your sweet pink mouse tongue and through your whiskers.

Just because these boys told you how you should be, write your own story. You can have whatever ending you want, but if you want it you have to go for it, and never, ever quit. What about that robot fight thingie? Isn’t that coming up soon?

Violet: (in a panicked voice) That is in TWO WEEKS! Grandmother: Violet, I know you have a notebook full of your brilliant designs. One of them has to be perfect! It’s sure to win.

Violet: (in good spirits now) Okay! I will go look and start building! (lights out) SCENE 3: (Lights come back up in the classroom.)

Violet: Guess what guys! I am entering in the state robotics duel!

Britney: Seriously Vi, we don’t do stuff like that. We’re just sweet little mice.. (slightly snarky) Maybe you should go get your nails primed and polished instead of working with all that dumb machinery. When will it cross your tiny mouse brain that you’re not going to be an engineer.

Violet: (looks hurt) But…..I Mr. Adler: (interrupting Violet)Violet, I thought we discussed this. What you’re trying to do is unrealistic. You should start listening to your little friend.

Tommy: Ha! Actually it is okay if she wants to enter into the duel. It’s not like she has a chance of beating me anyway, she’s a dumb mouse girl. She never even answers the questions in class.

Bell rings and all mice exit but Mason and Violet.)

Mason: Hey, I think what you’re doing is really cool. Proving everyone wrong is hard, but if anyone can do it, it’s you. Let me know if I can do anything to help.

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Violet: Thanks, I really appreciate that, but if I’m going to do this I have to do it by myself.

Mason: Got it! I just want you to know, I have faith in you. I just can’t say it in public cause ya know, my rep.

Violet: (slightly disappointed) Oh……… okay. Bye Mason: See ya (lights out) SCENE 4: (Lights up in classroom rearranged.)

Judge: Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the 10th annual state robotics duel! Here today we have some incredible entries. You will get to see it all when our gates open in thirty minutes. You will get to go around and ask all of the contestants about their designs, and then at 4:00, we will have the duel. Only one will win!

(Judge has clipboard to check people in.)

Tommy: Hi, I’m Tommy Miller!

Judge: Congrats Tommy, you have the front display!

Tommy: Gee, thanks!

(Tommy runs to center stage, the three still in line whisper to each other excitedly.)

Daisy: Hello, my name is Daisy Smith.

Judge: Alright, Daisy you can go over to that display over there.

(Judge gestures to the corner of the stage where a single folding table sits.)

Violet: Hi! My name is Violet Thompson, and I just want to say how lucky I feel to be here!

Judge: (not listening to violet) Violet, violet, Ah right here. Alright you can head over there.

(Judge points to the table where Daisy is setting up.)

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Violet: Wait, but Tommy practically has an entire stage. Why do we have to share a single table in the corner?

Judge: (clearly annoyed) Just go!

Violet: Okay! I’m so sorry!

(Judge scribbles something on his clipboard.)

Judge: NEXT! Brandon: Brandon Holmes, sir.

Judge: Alright you’re right over there. (points to a table just a few feet from Tommy’s) (Brandon walks over to the table.)

Judge: Alright my little busy builders you have five minutes to get set up, and think of some questions you might have to answer.

(Judge exits stage.)

(Brandon and Tommy begin to set up quietly, can whisper to each other.)

Daisy: (to Violet) Don’t you think it’s kind of weird that we were stuck all the way back in their corner?

Violet: Yes, but I’ve had to come so far and fight so many obstacles to even get here. I can’t even tell you how many people didn’t believe in me, or tried to stop me from competing here today.

Daisy: Trust me, I get it. So many people told me to quit because little mouse girls don’t build. It is crazy how there is all this awful stuff going on in the world and still people put their energy into keeping us girls unsuccessful.

Violet: I know! Think of all….

Judge: (interrupting violet) Places, places! The gates are officially open!

Mason: Wait… I’m sorry I am late!

Judge: A minute later and you would’ve been disqualified! Name?

Mason: Mason Walker, sir.

Judge: Right over there. (points to the other side of Tommy)

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(Mason sets his robot down and walks over to where Daisy and Violet are set up.)

Mason: (nervously) Uh…. hey. I uh.. (clears throat) didn’t mean to bother you, um I just wanted to say good luck.

Violet: Thank you. Same to you.

Mason: I was actually wondering if you could look at my robot and maybe, uh, give me some last minute pointers.

Violet: Um, yeah I guess so.

(Violet inspects the small robot and her eyes light up.)

Violet: Where did you get this piece? It is almost impossible to find and even harder to make!

Mason: I don’t know bruh, it was in the bucket of supplies that Mr. Adler gave us.

Violet: (shocked) Mr. Adler just GAVE you supplies? (sad again) I should have known.

Mason: I uh guess you could have it, or maybe we could like team up or something like that. Only if you want though.

Violet: (excitedly) Yeah! If we joined forces we could win for sure! (spirits drop) Wait. The display has already started.

Mason: Look at them! They’re in such awe of Tommy's robot they won’t even see us back here anyway!

Violet: (worried) Oh right, I forgot about Tommy. Do you think it’s even worth it to try beating him?

Mason: If you didn’t think you could win, or it wasn’t worth a shot, you would have given up the first time someone knocked you down because you’re a girl. But you didn’t. You stood right back up and told them that it’s going to take a lot more than your gender to get you to quit. You can do this!

Violet: Okay! Let’s do this!

Mason: Alright I’ll go get my extra supplies. I was going to take them back to Mr. Adler right after the duel.

(Mason walks over to his table and grabs a bucket he turns to leave but Tommy whispers to him.)

Daisy: (shocked) Wow, Mason is the first guy I have ever come across who actually believes in a girl.

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(Mason walks back over.)

Mason: Tommy is such a jerk! I wish he would just leave me alone!

Violet: What did he say to you?

Mason: He said I must be a new level of desperate to partner up with a girl.

Violet: All he’s ever going to be is mean, and you don’t get anywhere in life with an attitude like that. Now let’s get working! (lights out) SCENE 6: (lights up on everyone standing in a circle cheering they quiet down when Judge starts speaking the circle parts) Judge: Alright, and for our Championship duel. Winning two fights, to get here, is the “Flower Power”. Huh, that is an awful name for a robot! It sounds (disgusted) girly. Anyway facing off with the “Flower Power” is the “CRUSHERATOR” now that’s a robot name! I’m pretty sure all of our money is on the “CRUSHERATOR” Only the best mouse will win!

Violet: Oh no!

Mason: Hey don’t worry about it! We’ve got this. YOU’ve got this!

(Crowd gathers in a circle around what is the duel. Audience does not see. Sound effects go off with everyone cheering.)

Judge: Looks like we have a winner! Congratulations to the “CRUSHERATOR” for you amazing work! ( Someone whispers to the judge - looks confused) This is the “Flower Power”? Wow, I apologize for my mistake does and bucks. The “Flower Power” had won our 10th annual state robotics duel!

Tommy: You’re kidding me, right? HA! What a funny joke! I can’t lose! SHE’S A GIRL!!! There is no way that I just lost! (stomps off stage) Daisy: OMG congrats! You guys did so well! Thank goodness you put Tommy in his place. Look who is waiting for you over there! (she points through the crowd of people conversing) (Mason is standing alone nervously looking at Violet hoping she would come over.)

Violet: (runs over to Mason and gives him a big hug) We did it!

Mason: (blushing) I knew you could do it!

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Judge: (interrupting) Lady mice and more importantly gentlemen mice, I would like to thank you for all coming out today to support our talented future engineers! At this time we will be presenting the trophy! (checks clipboard) This is odd. It looks like we have a slight misspelling, (laughing) It looks like it says Violet. Violet? That sounds like a girl’s name. Oh it can’t be, it must be Victor!

Anyway we have a group entry! Would Mason and Victor come up here to accept your trophy?

(Mason and Violet make their way to Judge) (to Violet) Hi, are you Victor’s little sister? Can you scurry and go get him?

Violet: Sir… Judge: Don’t talk back, just go! Victor? Is Victor here somewhere?

(Violet does not try to fight it again, but steps back.)

Mason: Excuse me sir, but there was no misspelling. My partner was Violet, this powerful mouse standing right here.

Violet: (surprised and nervous) Mason, wow, I… uh I didn’t know… that you um thought about me that way.

Mason: How could I not? With all you’ve overcome? The barriers you’ve knocked down? You have done things to prove that you’re stronger than half of the males in this room. And right now you glow inside and out! (hands her the trophy) This belongs to you.

Violet: Thank you, Mason (smiles sheepishly) Judge: No, we can’t have a girl winner! That is not the way it is supposed to be, someone come get the trophy!

Violet: (in an impatient tone) Enough! This needs to stop! I’ve held my tongue and gotten nowhere! I think it’s time to see what speaking my mind will do. I AM A GIRL, it’s true. I like science. I like math. I’m not an alien because my cursive isn’t perfect. I am not an outcast because I am not boy obsessed. I am an outcast because certain males refuse to listen to a girl. How am I supposed to respect these males if they won’t respect me? I will go back to being soft spoken, but I will never go back to being unheard. I worked hard for this trophy, and I deserve it!

Judge: Wow. I’ve been really rude to you. You know, I have a daughter. Maybe I need to start seeing her with new eyes.

Violet: That’s all it takes! Just hear her out once in a while. Sometimes she’ll have some great ideas, ideas that shouldn’t be shut up in a journal. It is okay to have a different color fur, it is okay to feel like you’re not who you were supposed to be, it is okay to be different, but it is NEVER okay to tell people that they can’t be themselves. If you don’t mind, I challenge you to take a risk, do something you never thought you could. I’m here to tell you it feels amazing!

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(Violet walks over to where Mason is standing.)

Violet: Thanks for believing in me.

Mason: I never really saw you as a girl, I just saw you as Violet Violet: I like that. Maybe someday you’ll see me being a girl as a positive thing. (smiles) Probably in high school.

(Mason’s eyes get big.) (lights out) THE END

Star Girl Markers

by Scarlett Barrientos (8)

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Pink Ninja Photography

by Piper Short (6)