2014 Literary Magazine by 2014 Literary Magazine

“Hey honey are you awake?” my mom said. “Mhmm…” I said, half asleep. “And did you know you have Type One diabetes?” Her eyes were watering. “What?” I said as I shot up in my bed. My heart sank, I wanted to cry. What were my friends going to say? My life is over. Many doctors came in and educated my family on living a life with diabetes. “You have to take care of yourself and eat the right foods in order to stay alive.” The doctor said. “You are lucky to still be here so you need to take care of yourself. You are a true miracle.” Then he walked out of the room. I was devastated, but happy to be alive. I had so many IVs running up my arm and a weird red flashing light on my finger. All of my friends and family came to visit, and they were all very supportive. When one of my good friends came to visit we decided to go down to the play room down the hall. Walking in all I saw was the cutest little boy sitting in a wheel chair looking into the fish tank with his dad by his side. He had the most blonde hair I’ve ever seen and the cutest little blue eyes. He had IVs running up his arm, and a hospital gown just like mine. The room smelled like medicine and it was kind of disturbing. We played with the little boy for a while. His dad told us how he had been in the hospital for a month now, and he was very sick. I couldn’t imagine what this sweet little boy was going through. He gave me hope that everything was going to be alright. He made me realize how thankful I was. On the way back to my hospital room, there were these two teenage girls that came up to me and gave me a teddy bear that was as big as me! I named the bear Cameron because the hospitals name was the Betty H. Cameron Women and Children hospital. This bear was yellow with a huge nose, giant arms and legs. A fluffy little tail and ears, he was just a little bit taller than me, and he comforted me when I was scared. I was so thankful for everyone supporting me. I will never forget that brave three year old boy. I am always thankful for everything. I deal with this terrible disease every day. Some days are better than others but I’ve learned to handle it and get on with life. I agree with Robert Frost, “The best way out is always through.”

Table of Contents

“Hey honey are you awake?” my mom said. the “Mhmm…” I said, half asleep. Meet staff...........................................................................4-5 “And did you know you have Type One diabetes?” Her eyes were watering. Precepts......................................................................................6 “What?” I said as I shot up in my bed. My heart sank, I wanted to cry. What were my friends going to say? My life is over. Many doctors came in and educated my family on living Book recommendations.............................................................7-9 a life with diabetes. “You have to take care of yourself and eat the right foods in order to stay alive.” The doctor said. “You are lucky to still be here soGenres.........................................................................10 you need to take care of yourself. You are a true miracle.” Then he Favorite walked out of the room. I was devastated, but happy to be alive. I had so many IVs running up my arm and a weird red flashing light on my finger. Athelete AllInterviews..............................................................11-12 of my friends and family came to visit, and they were all very supportive. When one of my good friends came to visit we decided to go down the play room down the hall. Walking in all I saw was the cutest little Howto Well Do you Know Your Teachers?.................................13-14 boy sitting in a wheel chair looking into the fish tank with his dad by his side. He had the most blonde hair I’ve ever seen and the cutest little blue eyes. He hadContest............................................................15-20 IVs running up his arm, and a hospital gown just like mine. Photography The room smelled like medicine and it was kind of disturbing. We played with the little boy for a while. His dad told us how he had been in the hosFaction Quiz (Divergent)............................................................21 pital for a month now, and he was very sick. I couldn’t imagine what this sweet little boy was going through. He gave me hope that everything was going Review..........................................................................22 to be alright. He made me realize how thankful I was. Musical On the way back to my hospital room, there were these two teenage girls that came up to me and gave me a teddy bear that was as big as me! What is it Like to Cameron be an Actor?...................................................23 I named the bear because the hospitals name was the Betty H. Cameron Women and Children hospital. This bear was yellow with a huge nose, giant arms and legs. A fluffy little tail and ears, he was just a little bit Actor Interview.....................................................................24-25 taller than me, and he comforted me when I was scared. I was so thankful for everyone supporting me. I will never forget that brave three year old boy. I am always thankful for everything. I deal with Punny Puns................................................................................26 this terrible disease every day. Some days are better than others but I’ve learned to handle it and get on with life. I agree with Robert Frost, “The Crocs: orisHate?..................................................................27 bestLike way out always through.”

Memoirs...............................................................................28-32 Pick-up Lines.......................................................................33-34 2 Poems..................................................................................35-36 2

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holson Nic

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iam

Literary Magazine Staff Page 2013-2014 Dr. Kowalske

Favorite Candy: Kit Kat Favorite Actor: Matt Damon If she could go any where in the world, she would go to the National Parks and Germany to see best friend. She likes to Play with Bear, her dog, and playing waterfalls.

Avery McCawley

Favorite Genre: Realistic Fiction Favorite Word: Bubble She likes to do arts and crafts, and play with legos in her free time. If Avery were any animal she would would be a Peregrine Falcon.

Aireonna

Autumn

Lance

Wongchong

Favorite Actor: Benedict Cumberbatch Favorite Food: Bacon She likes to get on YouTube and tumblr- aka live the life of a fangirl. If she could go anywhere she would go to London, England.

Kendall Owens

Favorite Food: Pizza Favorite Food: Kelly Clarkson She enjoys reading, drawing, playing with cat, and spending time with her family. If Kendall could be any kind of plant, she would be a willow tree.

Blake Kinsey

Favorite Genre: Fantasy Favorite Food: Anything Edible. If he could be any type of plant, he would a beanstalk. He enjoys to acting in plays.

Favorite Candy: Skittles Favorite Actor: Will Ferrell If Autunm Wongchong could go anywhere in the world, she would go to California. Her favorite thing to do outside of school is play softball.

Azura Paulin

Favorite Book: Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex Favorite Food: General Tsoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chicken Azura likes to read and go outside. If she could go anywhere in the world she would go to Ireland.

Hannah Stertzbach

Favorite Candy: Twizzlers She likes cheerleading and photography. If she could be any animal, she would be a Hippo.

Staff Page Continued... Lisa

Hailey Port

Scarduzio

Fvaorite Band: Imagine Dragons Favorite Book: Where Things Come Back If she could be any animal, she would be an Otter She likes dancing.

Conner

Natalie Young

Favorite Book: A League of Their Own. Favorite Food: Pizza She likes reading and playing softball. If she could be any animal she would a dolphin.

Awald

Favorite Food: Pasta Favorite Book: Divergent He likes to play piano. If he could be any animal, he would be a monkey.

Favorite Genre: Realistic Fiction Favorite Food: Quesadillas She likes going biking, If Natalie could go anywhere in the world, she would go to Africa.

Mikayla

Amber

Stinnett

Detwiler

Favorite Band: Black Veil Brides Favorite Candy: Blue Berry Airheads She likes reading and drawing. She would go to Japan if she could go anywhere in the world

Favorite Band: Coldplay Favorite Candy: Buckeyes If Amber was a plant, she would be lavender. She likes horseback riding, cooking and playing her violin.

Cammi Ochs

Favorite Candy: 3 Muskateers Favorite Genre: Fantasy She likes drwaing, reading, and soccer. If she could go anywhere in the world, she would go to England.

Precepts Everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their life because we all overcometh the world. ~August Pullman A precept is a general rule or motto. Like Mr.Brown’s class from Wonder, I asked some classes to come up with their own precepts. Here’s what they came up with!

~Kendall Owens e. The s v tar lo o. blockin s will shine a u s g them yo ou d . ~Han bright as the t nah S c a ty r e h tertzba louds l i a w h ch w Greatness is not taken, Do e w Det but is a result of true v m. a Lo mber e r kindness. ur d o y ~A ~The Fiantaca Family live ; e f ur li o Don y ’t st live sey t ’ n op t aw in Do K all, r e y k ing pro how Bla Enter to learn, j ~ u g s ress t be s m a ~Mc c is pr Go forth to serve. ken ll. ogr ause y ess zie W o no m u hit ard ~Mr.Henry atte r Be yourself, everyone else is taken. “Imagine smiling after a slap in ~Carson Miller the face. Then think of doing it cle. ep twenty-four hours a day.” y c i a b ust ke Markus Zuzak g n m i d u i ~Hailey Port ke r ance yo i l n l s ba tei e i “Lif ep your rt Eins e e “I’m To k g.” Alb n d n l i a v Rober ot confu w A mo sed. t Fro er n n I’m j ~ s o M t eagan ~C us Green

lee

No matter what situation you are in, you can always choose joy. ~Mr.Bennett

t wel l mix ed

.”

By: Blake Kinsey

50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

s c i t s i at

n o i t c e S

Seventy Rugby students from all three grade levels were asked what their favorite genre was and look at the results! As the graph shows, most people like to read either fantasy or realistic fiction. We should try reading outside of our comfort zone, so we can experience genres that are new to us. You never know, you could find your new favorite book!

What

Historical Nonfiction Fantasy Fiction

is yo

ur fa

Biography

vorit e

Poetry

genr e

Graphic Novel

t o re

ad?

Realistic Fiction

Interviews! Tim Mosso What sport are you in this season? Wrestling What do you do to help the team? I get good grades and keep my eligibility up. What do you think personally of the team? I think we have a good shot at winning the conference championships this year! How do you feel personally about your improvment? I feel good because I know I’m doing my best. Valeka Ramakis What sport are you part of this season? Basketball What position are you and how does it contribute to the team? I’m guard, and I do a lot of running and passing. What are your personal thoughts on the team? I think we’re good, and do well in games. How do you feel about your personal improvment? I feel like I’ve been doing a lot better since the season started. Casey Brown What sport were you part of ? Volleyball What was it like to be part of the team? Really fun and everyone was supportive, and we treated each other like family. What did you do for the team? I was middle hitter so I blocked and hit the ball. Would you do this sport next year? Definitely. Matthew Pitcavage What sport did you play? Soccer What was it like to be part of the team? Fun and I enjoyed being with the 7th and 8th graders again. What did you do for the team? I was center defense ,and I supported the team. Would you do this sport next year? Yes, I would.

Interviews ! Jacob Burnette What position are you and what do you do for the team? Shooting guard, and I score for the team. What do you think of the team? I think we’re good and I think we’re getting better. What do you think about your personal improvment? Good, I have imporoved a lot. Ricky Mckenzie What sport did you play? Football. What was it like to be part of the team? Probably the best feeling you can get when you’re successful. What did you do for the team? I motivated them and taught them not to give up. Do you want to play this sport next year? Yes

Managers :) Hayden Joiner What sport did you manage? Football. What was it like to be part of the team? It made me feel like one of them. What did you do for the team? I was the ballboy and collected water. Do you want to do this sport next year? Yes . Mary Pennock What sport did you manage? Volleyball. What was it like to be part of the team? It was fun, and I really enjoyed it. What did you do for the team? I shagged balls, kept score, and supported the whole team. Do you want to do this sport next year? Yes

How well do you know your teachers???? 2.

This teacher says, “Fweeky! Fweeky your hair!”

This teacher wants to be a service dog trainer.

This teacher is afraid of snakes!

This teacher knows how to surf.

Answers 1Mr. Henry, 2Mr. Bennett, 3Mrs. Johnson, 4 Mrs. Lewis, 7Mrs. Denton, 8Coach Corhn, 5Dr. Kowalske, 6Mrs. Stepp

Names- Mrs. Johnson, Mr. Henry, Mr. Bennett, Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. Denton, Coach Corhn, Dr. Kowalske, Mrs. Stepp

This teacher grew up in Cooperstown, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

This teacher was going to be a math teacher but then decided to teach another subject.

This teacher was an extra and played a dead person in Hellraiser 3!

This teacher was a cheerleader in the 4th grade.

Pho

y h p a togr

t s e t Con

1st Place WInner Abby Jackson

2nd Place Eddie Sack

3rd Place Caylee Ball

Marvin Villa

Megan Anderson

Dylan Lawson

Brianna Rogers

Abby Jackson

Jesse Gosnell

Myra Strickland

Nick Voso

Hannah Stertzbach

Jesse Gosnell

Hannah Stertzbach

Oussa Bun Oussa Bun

Sienna Padilla

Megan Anderson

Natalie Young

Pressley Cox

AmandaWagner Pressley Cox

Samantha Gonski

Myra Strickland

Eddie Sack

Samantha Gonski

Nick Voso

Dylan Lawson

Sianna Gordon

Donald Banish

Caylee Ball

Karina Gonzalez

Graham Hill

Karina Gonzalez

Curren Podlesny

Jaia Wilson

Curren Podlesny Jaia Wilson

Sianna Gordon

Marvin Villa

Graham Hill

Amanda Wagner

What Faction are you Take the quiz and find out 1. What do you want most out of life? A. To give to others B. To make people laugh C. To make sure people know the truth D. Knowing you lived everyday to the fullest and had an adventure E. To be wise and knowledgeable 2. A. B. C. D. E.

How do you solve a problem? Try to solve it in a way that helps everyone You try to stop the problem before it happens You try to listen to other opinions Starting at the root Considering all the variables in the problem

3. A. B. C. D. E.

What do you like to do on the weekend? Volunteer Writing, painting, performing, or dancing Talking with friends and learning about them Doing anything that gives you a thrill Reading for fun

4. A. B. C. D. E.

You want to be seen as someone that... Will do anything to help someone or something Is liked by everyone Can be trusted Takes risks but will protect you if you need them Can give you good advice

5. A. B. C. D. E.

When you choose an outfit for the day... Whatever can get you by unnoticed Something comfortable but eye catching Something simple but expressive Anything that will be noticed Something that won’t distract or stop you from what you will be doing during the day

If you chose mostly A’s you are Abnegation. You want to help others and care more about them then yourself and only think about yourself after. It’s hard for people to get to know you because you don’t like to talk about yourself. You are generally kind and quiet. If you chose mostly B’s you are Amity. You like peace and are happiest when people are getting along. You believe aggression and hostility is most of the world’s problems. You are easygoing and warm but can be viewed as flaky and indecisive. If you chose mostly C’s you are Candor. You prefer honesty no matter what and you aren’t easily offended. You want to hear the truth even if it hurts. You think the world would be better if everyone would tell the truth. People view you as sometimes insensitive but also trustworthy and confident. If you chose mostly D’s you are Dauntless. You want to get a thrill out of something and you don’t let people tell you what to do. You do what you think is right no matter what the consequence is or what other people say. You believe the world would be better if people weren’t afraid to do whatever was necessary to do what is right. People view you as abrasive but also strong and bold. If you chose mostly E’s you are Erudite. You like to learn things and want to understand everything. You make decisions based on logic not emotion or instincts. You believe the world would be better if everyone was well educated. People view you as sometimes condescending but also intelligent and insightful.

Into the Woods Review

The opening act for Into the Woods was humorous and the actors performed it flawlessly. When the set needed to be changed it was changed in a few seconds and the play could continue without a problem. The set was always right for the scene and made it seem like you were there. It was made beautifully and was right for the play. The actors knew their lines and didn’t hesitate or stumble when they had to say them. The actors knew their dances by heart and knew exactly what to do, where to be, and how to end the dance perfectly. The actors showed real emotion and made you believe they were happy or heartbroken. The actors appeared to become the character and bring them to life. They weren’t stiff and emotionless. They were comfortable being someone other than themselves. The actors were happy and eager to perform for and audience. The actors took this play that made everyday fairytales clash and made it their own. This play would have been good if you just read it but the actors and set made it truly amazing. If this was Broadway the play would have gotten five stars and that is what the actors and crew deserve. I hope you didn’t miss your chance and went and watched the play because it was definitely worth facing the cold to watch the play Into the Woods.

What is it like to be an actor?

Drama Production 2013

Literary Magazine has gone inside the drama production. We have interviewed some students in the play “Into the Woods”

Once Upon a Time in an interview… Question: What is it like to be a part of a play? Shylee Stocks: It [was] stressful at times but also very fun. Think of it like making a cake, all the ingredients put together. Everyone plays a special part in making the production happen. Q: Is memorizing your lines difficult? Nick Dean: Not really, if you work on your lines for thirty minutes each night. Q: When you are rehearsing your character do you feel like that character or are you just acting? Amy Mayer: At some points I can relate to her, but my character is level-headed in situations where I would just flip out. Q: What is the most enjoyable part of directing a play? Mrs. Denton: The relationships with the kids. You get to know them outside of the classroom, and they get to know you too. Q: What is your favorite part in the play? Charlie Jones: I like when the baker and baker’s wife are singing, “It takes two of us,” and I am dancing in the background.

Q: What is it like to be in charge of a play? Mrs. Denton: Controlled Chaos. Luckily I thrive in chaos!

Q: Can you connect to the character you played? Bradley Langan: In some ways, but the baker really rubs me the wrong way. I don’t want to get married, and he [does]. So, that is a big difference. Q: Can you connect to the character you played? Shylee Stocks: Yes, Cinderella is running from the prince instead of to him. She is very independent, and I can really connect to that. Q: Why did you decide to play this character? Amy Mayer: She has a lot of funny lines and plenty to work with. Q: Did anything go wrong during the play? Mrs. Denton: There is a ghost named Joe that haunts WHHS. Joe is a nice ghost, but he likes to play tricks. During rehearsal, Joe would make the lights blink. He really likes disrupting rehearsal. Also, a set piece fell apart right before opening night. We had to do a last minute duct-tape job. Q: What is the most annoying thing your character does? Skylan Tomson: Little Red Riding Hood has this one line that really gets on my nerves. It goes “Into the woods to bring some bread to granny who is sick in bed. Never can tell what lies ahead, for all that I know she’s already dead.” Thank You to everyone who participated in the interview. Remember: Everyone’s story begins with Once Upon a Time, the only thing you have to do is work for your happy ending. Amy Mayer – Baker’s Wife Charlie Jones – Milkywhite (cow) Mrs. Denton - Director Nick Dean – Narrator

Skylan Tomson – Little Red Riding Hood Shylee Sktocks – Cinderalla Bradley Langan – Baker

SOME BERRY PUNNY PUNS! TO BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY!

I used to have a fear of hurdles, but I got over it.

I was going to look for my broken watch, but I never found the time.

The one who invented the door-knocker got a No-bell prize.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m glad to know sign language, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty handy.

If you lose your hearing is it earreplaceable?

When the clock is hungry, it goes back four seconds.

Lets talk about rights and lefts. Your right, so I left.

Police were called to a daycare where a threeyear old was resisting a rest.

By: Blake Kinsey

CROCS A lot of people hate crocs. In fact, some loathe them. With a passion, even. Personally, I cannot stand them at all. I don’t really have a valid reason for this opinion, but I am entitled to stand by it because this is AMERICA. But back to the subject– Crocs. Why do people invest their money in them in the first place? And yeah, they’re waterproof and yes, you can put little silicon figures between the gaps (That cost about one cent to manufacture yet can be bought for around five bucks which is a bit steep.) but honestly, do the pros about them weigh out the cons? What do Rugby students think? Read the list and survey below to find out.

PROS

CONS

1. They aren’t very durable 1. Crocs are waterproof. 2. Though they are water 2. They are easy to slip proof, they can fall off easily on and off. 3. Animals can chew them 3. Crocs are colorful. up. 4. They are comfortable. 4. Crocs are not fireproof so if you are caught in a fire Survey they will… a. Begin to melt and cause you to be stuck in a fire whilst standing in a gooey mess. b. Because it isn’t safe to inhale molten rubber so your health could be at risk.

Like-40

Dislike-140

Now I am Thankful Bianca Marie Webb

On one cold, cold December day, all of my family on the Webb side was crowded into a little tiny hotel room. I couldn’t believe it! Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Becky, Aunt Cindy, Uncle Brad, Uncle Rod, my mom, and my Dad were squeezed in that tiny room. All of my cousins were there too. Weston, Landon, Dawson, Jackson or Jax, Ryleigh, plus my brother and sis, Nick or Nicholas and Kate or Caitlin. We were in Orlando, Florida for the week. It was a rare time for all of us to be down there at once. Grandma and Grandpa had planned for each grandchild to pick out three gifts from a table this year. I didn’t feel much exited about that though. There was one thing that caught my attention though, the green box at the end of the table. Right then I knew that that was going to be one person’s and one person’s only…….MINE! I looked around to see if anyone was looking and walked up to it looking like I was interested but I wasn’t really. Of all of the people my cousin was watching me. He knows me the most and he could tell that whatever it was I probably wouldn’t like it. Of course I should have known that he was watching me from afar. I didn’t get a close look before we started to get our gifts. So we started and the order went like this. Ryleigh, Jackson, Caitlin, Dawson, Nicholas, Landon, me, and Weston. Ryleigh was only very young so she was opening her gifts and I looked around. I realized that my grandparents had probably bought a certain gift that they wanted me to pick, and that I would have to accept whatever it was. It was Jackson’s turn and that meant it was getting closer to my turn. Jackson was young as well and also had fun opening and peeling the wrappers off his gifts. Caitlin was now opening her gifts. She was taking her time. Good! My head stopped spinning like a whirlwind as I sat back on the couch. Dawson was next and everyone watched as he picked out his gift, Lego transformers. Well his pick was over already. Nicholas’s turn was very quick because he had already gone up earlier and looked at all the things up there. “My word Nick, about how many more Legos?” More Lego’s, which is not surprising. Well I was getting very antsy even though I knew it would be mine and

and no one was going to pick it for sure. Landon was next and it took him a while to pick out his gift. So maybe another two minutes off of my time. I was next though, and I wasn’t very comfortable. I must have looked like I wasn’t because Wes asked me what the matter was even though he most likely knew what the problem was. I didn’t answer. I was not ready but I went up anyways and acted professional. Great, a lite brite. A lite brite is a toy that has a black stencil that you put pegs into. Well, at least it was better than lotion, or whatever it was. Dad gave me a look that said that it was for me. I knew that Weston had saw that and I had a good idea what he might do. His turn and he walked up and picked up the lotion and said. “WOW Grandma , is this for me?”, and I hid my face. I knew she had wanted me to get the lotion, even though I hadn’t wanted it. Grandma replied “No silly that is for Bianca”. She looked proud like a mother showing off her new born baby. Well you can imagine what had happened next, I was very embarrassed. I must have looked like that too because Weston laughed aloud. I could feel my cheeks were on fire like a blazing candle. His laugh sounded as if he were a hyena. Ryleigh was opening her gift now; she was ripping the paper like she was in slow motion. Jackson was a little bit faster and I could feel the adrenaline inside of me pumping like a water pump. Caitlin was starting her turn now and she was fast with opening her present. I could see she just wanted to play. Ryleigh was starting to cry like a siren on a fire truck. I really wanted to take care of her so that I could take my mind off of the lotion, but dad said that I should stay to pick out the rest of my gifts. So I stayed. Caitlin’s turn was about over and so Dawson was next. Since everyone had had a chance to look at the stuff up there. It was very quick. I was not ready for my turn. Nicholas was up and back in a flash. Landon took his turn and he was slow looking the present over to make sure that it was what he wanted. His turn was over and I was up. I went up and saw a box with little figure horses to paint. I took that and was back in my seat in a flash. Dad again looked at me with an unhappy face. There was no more gifts for the three younger ones so we were going from Dawson to Wes so it didn’t take that long before it was my turn again and when I

was walking up to get the unwanted lotion. Then I saw something in my mind that I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to see; all my cousins and family were laughing at me. I realized that Grandpa and Grandma spent time and money to get that for me to have that gift and if it put a smile on their faces then that was enough for me or it was enough to make me happy. I learned that you need to think about the time spent to earn the money and the time spent to pick it out. When I saw that warm glow on someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face I was happy and in turn made someone else happy. When I hear the merriness and joy in the air I feel the same thing in my heart. I now know that I need to think of those who are less fortunate that I. That will be a Christmas that I will always remember. Make the time that you have with your family special.

Memoirs

Christmas Miracle Mary Pennock

Where was I? What was going on? I felt a wooden block underneath my back. I looked down to see what was going on. That was when it hit me, I was in the ER. From then on I could remember very little. Everything was dark and gloomy. It all started in the beginning of December 2011. I had gone home sick from school with what we thought was the flu. I felt really sick. A few days later I started throwing up, and we were sure it was the flu. Every time I drank something I would just throw it up. I couldn’t keep anything down. I thought that was the worst it was going to get, but I wasn’t ready for what was coming next. I started getting even sicker. That night I woke up at about twelve o’clock having trouble breathing, so my mom decided to rush me to the ER. I didn’t remember the ride there because by then my brain had already started to swell. It was dark; that’s all I remember. When we reached the emergency room my mom carried me inside. Within an hour they figured out I had Type One diabetes. They rushed me to the pediatric ICU. Then all of the sudden, I slipped into a coma. My brain was still swelling and they couldn’t get it under control. That was when the doctors decided that there was little hope for me to live, because it looked like I might be dying. They took my parents back to say goodbye. My parents were devastated their; ten year old daughter was lying there, like a ghost. Everybody I knew was praying for me like crazy. Several days later I pushed through and woke up. The doctors were flabbergasted that I was alive. I looked around. The room was full of weird machines. I was freaked out. There was a sink, a bathroom, a TV over my head, a sofa and a chair. The bed was soft, and comforting. Beside me there were IV packs that lead straight into two spots in my arms. My hair was pulled up into a very messy bun, and I had on SpongeBob pajama pants. The shirt they gave me was a very faint tie dye shirt that was cut from the top to the bottom with a little tie at the top to keep it on me. I was very pale and looked very sick. The room was silent until you noticed all of the machines. Beep beep beep beep. That really freaked me out. But wait. Why was I here?

Are you socially-awkward? Need to pick up a date? Here is the page for you!

On a scale from one to 10, You’re a 9 and I’m the 1 you need.

Are you trash? Because I want to take you out.

*Mumbles random things* You’re gorgeous. *mumbles more*

How much does a polar bear weigh? *the person makes a random guess* Enough to break the ice. Hello, my name is _______.

Not to brag or anything, but I think we’re really cute.

I must be lost. I thought paradise was further south.

*person sneezes* I’d say God bless you, but it looks like he already did.

Did God send you? Because you’re the answer to my prayer.

I lost my number, can I have yours?

You see my friend over there? *point to a friend* He/she wants to know if you think I’m cute.

I didn’t know angels flew this low.

You shouldn’t wear makeup. It messes with your perfection.

My name is _______ , but you can call me tonight.

If you were words on a page, you’d be what they call Fine Print!

You’re so sweet, you’re giving me a toothache. *steps on ice* Now that the ice is broken, what’s your name?

Are you wifi? Because I’m feeling a connection. If I had a star for every time you brightened my day, I’d be holding a galaxy.

How many boyfriends/girlfriends have you had? *The person says like 10* I can make it 11.

I learned all 21 letters of the alphabet. *There’s 26 letters* Oh yeah. I forgot u, r, a, q, t. (You are a cutie)

How is life? *Good* I asked how’s life, not how you look. Girl, you better have a license, because you’re driving me crazy. I was so enchanted by your beauty that I ran into that wall over there. I’m going to need your name and number for insurance purposes.

My friends just bet me that I couldn’t start a conversation with the prettiest girl in the room. Want to buy an ice cream with their money?

Is that a sunburn or are you just that hot? If a fat man puts you in a bag at night, don’t worry. I told Santa I wanted you for Christmas.

If kisses were snow, I’d send you a blizzard. Is your name google? Because you have everything I’m looking for. Do you know karate? Cause your body is kicking. The only thing I’d want to change about you is your last name. Is it summer? Or are you just hot. If you were a triangle, you’d be an acute one. I think you’re suffering from a lack of me. I’m no photographer, but I can picture us together. The alphabet starts with a, b, c. Numbers start with 1, 2, 3. Music starts with do, re, mi. Can love start with you and me? If I was superhero, I’d be Yourman. Don’t walk into that building, I’m afraid the sprinklers will go off! Do you have a quarter? My mom told me to call her when I found the love of my life.

Artist to Viewer

Wallflower

By: Beth Gaffney By: Drew Drake “Hey honey are you awake?” my mom said. I a wallflower “Mhmm…” I said, half asleep. Just hang there. Well I’ll tellyou you:have Type One diabetes?” Her eyes were wa “And didviewer, you know I a wallflower tering.Life for me hasn’t always been stand Alone. strokes “What?” smooth I said as I shot up in my bed. Segregated from the Others It’s curves of wrong direction My had heart sank; I wanted to cry. What wereThe myothers friends to say? just going sit and mingle, And dislikes to likes came in and educated my family on living My life is over. Many doctors while I stay yet single. And dangerous to mind a life with diabetes.thoughts “You have to take care of yourself and eat the right I guessBut ending time it always comes out right foods in order to stay alive.” The doctor said. “You are lucky toquite stilloddbe that maybe I lookTook ups and downs here so you need to take care of yourself. You are Standing a true miracle.” Then he there alone. Covering up the previous strokes of paint walked out of the room. I was devastated, but But happy to that be alive. I know I am myI had Own!so foreverup stays in arm mindand a weird red flashing light on my finger. many IVsBut running my No other flower Just arts what createcame to visit, and they were all very sup All remember of my friends andyou family that is upon the wall, What youofimagine portive. When one my good friends came to visit decided to all, go down can we judge me for my Perfect is just an illusion to the play room down the hall. Walking in all I sawI-was cutest little am athe wallflower There is no right or wrong boy sitting in a wheel chair looking into the fish tank with his dad by his no ordinary wallflower Sothe takemost it fromblonde me, hair I’ve ever seen and the cutest little blue side. He had I am Strong, Confident, do IVs whatrunning you please eyes. He had up his arm, and a hospital gown just like mine. CreationAnd life for me hasn’t always The room smelled like medicine and it was kind of just disturbing. played That happens toWe be alone. been smooth strokes with the little boy for a while. His dad told us how he had been in the hospital for a month now, and he was very sick. I couldn’t imagine what this sweet little boy was going through. He gave me hope that everything was going to be alright. He made me realize how thankful I was. You have the Power Horse to Pony On the way back to my hospital room, there were these two teenage By: Sydney Gilbert By: Brittany girls that came up to me and gave me a teddy bear that wasKordonowy as big as me! I named the bear Cameron because the hospital’s name was the Betty H. You have the Children power, Cameron Women and hospital. Well This pony, bear I’ll was a huge tellyellow you lifewith for me ain’t been every minute every hour. nose, giant arms and legs. A fluffy little tail and ears, he just a little bit nowas canter are down on the ground, tallerWhen than you I, and he comforted me when I was scared. through the field it has had I was sofaith thankful everyone supporting me.rocks I will never that and holesforget and Have with nofor disgrace. brave three olditboy. I am always I deal with rivers too wide And with oneyear breath, can turn into death, thankful for everything. this terrible disease every than others but Butbetter I have learned to dodge theI’ve rocks so just see, what you turn day. out toSome be. days are learned to handle it and get on with life. I agree with Frost,”The andRobert jump the holes Just remember, from January to December best way out is always through.” And leap the rivers so pony don’t get down You have the power, every minute every hour when there is a river or a rock in your way Now that I am done I hope you will be the one always say to be the next to stand up for the best. I know I can do it and you can conquer any task and for me I’m still learning the way around the field and life for me ain’t been no canter through the field. 35

Cricket to Grass

Lyrics to Listener By: Madi McBride

By: Rebekah Littauer

Well blade of grass I’ll tell you: Well listener, I’ll tell you: Life for me ain’t been no symphony. Life for me hasn’t been just soothing words It’s had squeaks It’s had erasers and harsh critics And shnarps And judgmental listeners and shnaturalsAnd points where I want to erase myself off Yuck. the record, But I’ve never stopped playing Forever I’m still chirping on, and coming back to find you in the dark and lonely But you downloaded me and took a listen You were my optimistic believer. field Now, I’m your favorite song. And you keep listening to me The song that picks you up when you’re down. And every long summer night So if you’re having a not-so-good day, listen to When there ain’t no conductor me! So grass, don’t die now. I’ll always be the song that no one else feels the Don’t go away same about but, I’ll still help you through your ‘Cause I can’t perform without you hard times. Don’t wither now Although someday, you may move on, I will For I’m still playing, always be that one special song. I’m still squeaking, And life for me ain’t been no symphony. And life for me hasn’t just been soothing words

By:Rebecca Giordano

I tried to fit in but I couldn’t. Then I realized I shouldn’t! I should be wild and freeand now since I’m me. I can finally seewhat life should really be! Wait is this what life should be? Should I stand out from the crowd? No longer be loud?Was I exactly where I should be? I think I’m straight in place. I’m finally my normal self. I COULD DO ANYTHING!