Welcome to the spring issue of Inkwell, “New Horizons.” As the seniors approach their final days at Annie Wright, we thought it was only fitting to focus on broadening our horizons, trying new activities, and pushing ourselves past our comfort zones.
In this issue, you’ll find a variety of smaller pieces highlighting lesser-known movies, places, news sites, and foods. You’ll also find longer pieces focusing on topics like cooking advice, a neutral and thoughtful reflection on the presidential election and its aftermath, coverage of various school events, conservation opportunities, and much more.
This issue also marks my and Lucy’s final contributions and edits to Inkwell. I’ve been so proud to be a part of the team this year and witness the growth and evolution of this (s)Elective. I wish the new leadership team all the best and can’t wait to see what Inkwell will continue to create. As always, thank you for reading and supporting our school newspaper.
Sincerely, Ellis
Hey everyone, welcome to the Senior’s final issue of the year!
This Inkwell issue focuses on getting each of our writers to step out of their comfort zones as the year concludes and we all enter into new chapters of our lives! With personalized reviews and lesser-known recommendations, I believe that this issue is one of the most thorough depictions of who our writers are and what they find joy in doing.
This will be the last issue that is released with Ellis Giller and me as the lead editors. We now pass on the leadership to our wonderful and capable Red and Green Ties.
Throughout my three years in Inkwell I have gotten to work alongside some incredible writers who have each inspired me with their unique styles. I joined this (s)Elective alongside four members and am now surrounded by 15 incredible writers and creators. I have loved watching this (s)Elective grow into what it is today and have enjoyed getting to know all of our members a little bit better through their writing.
I cannot wait to see what Inkwell continues to craft throughout these next years.
Signing off from the margins, where I’ve lived and loved these past three years,
Lucy Hall
STAFF
Esteemed readers,
As we spring into the final months of the year we have another wonderful issue of Inkwell, and all of us in Inkwell are so excited to have people like you reading and enjoying our work! This season’s issue is focusing on expanding and broadening the reader’s (you!) horizons, hence the title ‘New Horizons’. Not only has everyone put their ideas and hard work into this issue, but our Yellow Tie seniors are signing off with this as their last hurrah in Inkwell.
This issue is full of informative and innovative ideas, so while you flip through the pages try and look for something that inspires you, and perhaps you could be our next student guest writer!
So without further ado, the editors, writers, and myself, design editor, have been hard at work to bring you this issue so we hope you enjoy it!
Sincerly, Ireland Jean
Co-Editor in Chief and Articles: Lucy Hall
Co-Editor in Chief and Articles: Ellis Giller
Design Editor and Articles: Ireland Jean
Social Media Content Design and Articles: Peyton Matthews
The Simpsons is one of the most iconic TV shows out there. It has a runtime of 36 years and is still very popular today. The show is filled with plenty of Easter eggs—hidden messages and allusions—for viewers to puzzle out. One example is in the 4th episode of the 26th season, called Treehouse of Horror XXV. In this episode, the Easter egg is found in the third section called The Others. This episode features a scene where after being summoned by Homer, the Simpson family’s former selves dress up as different characters from other popular cartoon series.
The Easter egg is that Marge is dressed up as Rengiku from Bleach, Homer as Zoro from One Piece, Bart as Naruto from Naruto, Lisa as Mikasa from Attack on Titan, Maggie as Pikachu from Pokemon, and their dog, Santa’s Little Helper, as Haku from Spirited Away. I find it interesting to see how these different cartoon shows add Easter eggs within each episode to recognize, honor and commemorate each other. The Easter eggs found in these shows creates a sense of unity and nostalgia within their entertainment, encouraging viewers to look for small details that could bring back forgotten memories.
Estonia: Estonia is a small country, boarding Russia from the South. I have a family with a home there, so I have been lucky to see this country many times. Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, is a lesser known city that is quite the hidden gem. Estonia has roughly one million citizens, half of which live in the “Old Town” area of Tallinn. Tallinn’s architecture is hundreds of years old, and the town is a cultural hub with many unique cafes and shops. The city’s tourism rates have gone up as people discover this hidden little town. Its gothic town hall, built in the 13th century, sits in the main square surrounded by a multitude of stores and restaurants. Overall,Tallinn is a historic city with museums and many beautiful sights with plenty of activities for visitors and tourists. This beautiful city is slowly making it on the map.
Things to do in Tallinn:
TANGLE
By: Ellis Giller
The newsletter, Tangle, has quickly become a daily staple for me. This free, independent, non-partisan newsletter is the first email I check in the morning. Founded by Issac Saul in 2019, Tangle is built on the idea that we need a dedicated space for the biggest news stories to be
covered with fair, factual, and unbiased writing.
Each day, the newsletter starts off with a neutral summary of the biggest topic in the news, followed by what each of the left, right, and center are saying about it. Saul then shares his own honest take in his “My take section” where he balances both sides and then discusses his own opinion. There’s also an “Under the Radar” section, which highlights stories that don’t get the attention they deserve, and “The Most Interesting Numbers from the Last 24 Hours” that pulls out quick important data points for those who are drawn in by factual numbers. Also, each newsletter is at most 10 minutes, which in my opinion, makes it fairly digestible.
Tangle’s living up to its non-biased mission which is proven by its statistics, out of over 275,000 readers, about 40% of readers self-identify as liberal, 30% as conservative, and the rest as independent or somewhere in between. Unlike many other news sources, which often leave me feeling overwhelmed and confused,Tangle actually leaves me feeling informed.
I recommend this newsletter for anyone looking for fair, factual and thoughtful political coverage. While the newsletter is growing in its scope, it’s still niche in the sense that it appeals to readers seeking a break from the usual political noise.
Check out Tangle’s “About Us”
SUMMER CAMP SUSPENCE
By: Maia Bostock
Liz Moore’s The God of the Woods was published in July of 2024, and its recent publication date has not yet allowed it to reach mainstream fame. Despite this, it has managed to captivate its readers’ imaginations. This novel is far more than it initially seems: improbable connections are forged between each character, gripping twists permeate its pages, and the titular forest gets darker and wilder with each chapter. Although its page count may seem daunting (at almost 500 pages), the multi-perspective drama is difficult to put down. What begins as a straightforward tale of a young girl’s disappearance at a summer camp in the 1970s quickly evolves into a thrilling exploration of family, identity, and the human experience.
Read if you like: the Adirondack mountains, The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean, log cabins, ‘70s music references, or ghost stories.
WILLOW AVOLON
By: Peyton Mathews
Willow Avalon is a country folk artist from Georgia who taught herself guitar at the age of 12 and has used music as her salvation ever since. She released her debut album Stranger in early 2024, and recently released Southern Belle Raising Hell. Her most popular songs uncover the truth about heartbreak and the struggles of a young woman. Willow’s collaboration with country artist Maggie Antone and her opening for Cage the Elephant during their world tour have helped her grow a following. She also frequents small-town bars for spontaneous shows. At just 25, Willow is already making an impact in her industry
with hits like “Homewrecker” and “Tequila or Whiskey.”Look out for her upcoming tour dates!
Liz Moore’s The God of the Woods wThe Whale is a dramatic, poignant film directed by Darren Aronofsky and released in 2022. It’s based on a play with the same title written by Samuel D. Hunter released in 2012 creating a career-defining role played by Brendan Fraser. The film is about a morbidly obese English teacher, Charlie, who struggles with severe emotional issues and guilt from his past. The movie focuses on the theme of loneliness and the complexities of his relationship with Ellie, his teenage daughter, who he tries to reconnect with. Although the movie has received countless awards, and professional recognition and its record-breaking make-up transformation of Brendan Fraser, putting on a 300-pound prosthetic, to play Charlie which brought him the Oscar prize for Male Actor in a Leading Role, it’s still a hard to swallow film due to its crude images of the protagonist, therefore it receives very little recognition among the general audience. I personally adore The Whale because of its emotional appeal and intrigue, as his seemingly helpless fantasies start to blend with reality and motivate change in his life. This is a subtle and pervasive movie; worth the watch.
ILLUSIONS OF APOCOLYPSE
By: Lucy Hall
Your soldier-laden ship proceeds down a river in a warring Vietnam. Every man who enters on this journey emerges changed. The line between the overt cruelty of the misguided pawns following orders and its similar presence in those giving them dissolves. Each tick of the motor comes with the anticipation of the horror that is to come. Oh, the horror.
Apocalypse Now, a film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and released in 1979 follows a group of men during the Vietnam war. This film was based on Heart of Darkness, a book rooted in a racist colonial perspective which cannot be ignored in any analysis of the film.
The film follows a soldier and the mission he was given to assassinate American Colonel Kurtz. The further the group travels down the river, the more depraved the world around them becomes and the violence reaches its peak. The most cruelty is experienced upon reaching Kurtz, the soldier most removed from civilization. The soldier is introduced to a world revolving around violence, and while it is an appalling site, there is a minuscule level of comfort in its honesty. The evil that has been brought out through the film is no longer masked; the horror is instead allowed to be seen in plain sight. This journey down the river shows the unraveling of humanity and allows the audience to see behind the facade of the soldiers working to defend their home countries. It brings into light the cruelty that makes up the majority of military systems.
MANCHESTER BY THE SEA
Whatgriefcanteachyouaboutliving
By: Chloe Yoo
Manchester by the Sea, a movie directed by Kenneth Lonergan, explores grief and its effects on people over time. The film follows the life of Lee Chandler, played by Casey Affleck, who returns to his hometown after the death of his brother Joe, leaving his workplace in Boston. Lee’s past is marked with guilt and sorrow over the death of his family, which occurred in his hometown. Lee’s past is subtly revealed throughout the movie. In the film, Lee’s nephew, Patrick, also encounters new confusion and difficulty in moving forward after his father’s death. Manchester by the Sea not only explores the interaction with
grief but also touches on the intimate and sentimental values of shared memories within families. The film’s humorous writing helps balance the film’s heavier themes of grief, adding a sense of warmth. Although the film has a calm image depicted by minimized camera movements and simple color palettes, it’s worth recognizing the diverse exploration of emotions and the ultimate realization at the end of the movie about what it means to continue with life in the face of grief.
EXPLORE ICELAND’S HISTORY
By: Jack Cushman
Over the summer, my family and I traveled to Iceland to celebrate my brother’s graduation from college. Our destination was Akureyri, a large city in northern Iceland. There, the summer sun never sets, yet the days are brisk and windy, even during the warmer months. The city is built along the coast of a large natural harbor, which is popular for its lack of ice during the winter. Much of the city remains original from the original pioneers, and certain sections feel like they never progressed past the early industrial age. Uniquely, the city is heated entirely by natural hot springs and relies on electricity only for lights and appliances. Visiting this city opens up the rest of the northern Icelandic highlands, and is a perfect example of a town frozen in time.
Aukuyeri was one of the first cities in Iceland, and its antiquity is evident. Dotting the rocky countryside lay ruins of low stone walls, and the people of Akureyri
are proud to share the history of their city. My favorite of these ancient, lore-rich places was a massive waterfall in the countryside, Goðafoss. When Christianity was introduced to Iceland, the decision to convert was left to a Pagan Chieftain, who was forced to decide between converting the people of Iceland or retaining their traditions. Ultimately, the Chieftain decided to convert, and in a final act of solidarity with his decision, he threw his pagan idols into Goðafoss— literally “Waterfall of the Gods.”
Akureyri was an amazing city to explore, and I strongly recommend a guided tour of the surrounding area. The locals thoroughly enjoy telling visitors the history of the area, and relish in the continuation of their oral traditions. To visit the beautiful island of Iceland and not experience Akureyri would be a tremendous misstep.
Terrarium design is a very rewarding hobby that inspires curiosity. You have the creative freedom to design your own little world. A terrarium is a small self-sustaining ecosystem that allows you to explore your creative free will. They are usually enclosed inside a jar or other glass containers. Most include a drainage layer for excess water, moss or mesh to separate
the drainage layer from the soil, and soil to provide nutrients. On the surface, you can place a variety of plants, moss, and any other natural items you desire. Animals commonly held in terrariums include small insects such as springtails and isopods, which help maintain the ecosystem by eating decomposed items. The unique thing about terrariums is that they are completely self sufficient. Additionally, the entire process is very therapeutic and calming, and they make for interesting conversation pieces once completed. I would highly recommend this hobby!
EXPANDING HORIZONS
By: Eisha Ahmad
Metamorphosis, by definition, is a change of form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means. From a caterpillar to a butterfly, or seedling to a blossoming flower, metamorphosis can be transformative and beautiful. However the beauty of this experience was lost on protagonist Gregor Samsa who emerged as a crippling insect from a man in the novel Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. He goes to sleep as a typical man and inevitably awakens as a grotesque insect, a physical manifestation of the crushing weight of societal expectations and the dehumanizing demands placed upon him.
This transformation Gregor experienced represents what many people struggle with today, which is finding your own identity and self-expression in a world full of expectations and pressures. It has heavily influenced the music industry such as the album Metamorphosis made by the Rolling Stones, a well known band, that turns the message of the novel as a form of self-expression through music!
Pandaman is a character that appears in One Piece numerous times but can be easily missed despite his overwhelming presence in both the Manga and the Anime. He often appears in the background as part of a crowd or referenced through an object. His current bounty is 3,333,333 berries, the main form of currency in One Piece, more than double Luffy’s first bounty.
One Piece is one of the longest running and most well known Manga in the world. It revolves around a pirate captain named Monkey D. Luffy and his journey in search of a treasure left behind by Gol D. Roger, the one piece. In addition to Toei Animation’s One Piece anime, WIT Studio is remaking the series from the beginning with modern animation and with all pacing issues corrected. You should look out for it if you want a nostalgic, emotional ride.
ARTIST LAUREATE SHOWCASE:
ZOMBIE PROM INTERVIEWS By Chloe Yoo
At the start of March, “Zombie Prom” was presented as Annie Wright’s Spring Musical production.
With a unique sense of satire and wit incorporated into the story, the show provided audiences with dynamic and hilarious entertainment throughout its three day performance. To dive deeper behind the scenes and explore new perspectives from the view of the performers, Inkwell reached out to a few of the principal actors. We were able to collect some insight about their personal challenges, favorite parts of the show, and interesting stories behind the making of the musical.
Tyler Weston, character: Jonny
Joanna Gim, character: Taffy
What was the biggest challenge you faced throughout the play? How did you overcome it?
“I think getting into the character of Taffy was the biggest challenge. In the beginning it was hard for me to put myself into the character’s shoes, like with the context of a highschool in the 50s. Taffy is usually a really hardworking and self-driven character. But the one time she made a decision based on other’s opinions, it led to her boyfriend’s death and I struggled to get into the mindset of the character. The way I overcame my struggles was by having a lot of conversations with cast members and directors. I think talking through how my character related to me helped perform better.”
What are you most proud of regarding your performance?
“I’m most proud that I overcame my own self doubt regarding how well I can do and then I really just enjoyed the whole experience, especially with the people I was working with. I’m also proud that I decided to actually do the musical because I was skeptical at first since I wasn’t sure if I wanted to put myself on stage and perform in front of an audience.”
What did you like best about the play and/or your performance?
“I loved working with my cast members. They’re the sweetest and funniest people and I’m glad that I got to know them through this experience.”
What was your favorite or line in the play? Why?
“‘Together, Jonny Plain and simple. Case closed.’ I liked this because that’s when my character Taffy overcame the influence of other people, especially her parents and Ms. Strict, and then followed her heart and made a decision based on her own mind to stay with her boyfriend Jonny.”
What was the biggest challenge you faced throughout the play? How did you overcome it?
“Not having time to fully commit to it as well as getting sick made it hard to attend all rehearsals and to focus on memorizing lines and developing character within the earlier rehearsals. It wasn’t till the last few weeks when I could attend the entirety of all rehearsals that I really nailed down and created Jonny Warners character.”
What are you most proud of regarding your performance?
“I’m glad that I felt so confident with most of the show. There weren’t very many big slip up’s during the run of it which made it overall more consistent each night. Also I’m proud of how much the audience enjoyed it because that just says something about the entire cast’s overall great performance.”
What did you like best about the play and/or your performance?
“Getting to know the cast and crew was a lot of fun. This was definitely the closest cast I’ve been a part of.”
What was your favorite or line in the play? Why?
“‘My favorite line was “I’m no good with speeches Taffy, I grew up an orphan, I didn’t have the things other kids had, no Mom, no Dad, no fancy birthdays with ice cream and cake” I like this like because it shows how campy and unserious the entirety of the show is.”
Griffin Snow, character: Eddie Flagrante
What was the biggest challenge you faced throughout the play? How did you overcome it?
“I think the biggest challenge was finding a balance between my character’s charm and kind of creepiness. He wasn’t a good guy but he also wasn’t all bad, and that was difficult to portray. I worked with the director and other characters to try different methods and ways to add emphasis on the character and his motivations. It was good to throw ideas at the wall for that and engage with others to see what worked best for the show.”
What are you most proud of regarding your performance?
“I am most proud of perfecting and refining the timing of the choreography, dialogue and singing. Developing the skill to connect all these components cohesively and fluidly for the audience was difficult.”
What did you like best about the play and/or your performance?
“It was a really fun musical, it was like just playing around with your friends and exploring a different word through the storyline, music and choreography. Each part of the set, costume, storyline and songs helped us get into that world and bring it to life.”
What was your favorite or line in the play? Why?
“My favorite song was “Lid’s been Blown”- it’s a shorter song but fast paced and even though I had a major role in that song it was a little more simplistic. This allowed me to perform the choreography and singing but really play up my character.”
Liv Wenzel, character: Ginger, dance Captain
What was the biggest challenge you faced throughout the play? How did you overcome it?
“The biggest challenge was balancing out responsibilities of dance captain and principal characters. I had to memorize all my lines and songs as well as all the moves and choreography for everyone on stage. We had an awesome choreographer who was open to all my suggestions and made it so easy to review dances which helped everyone learn quickly in a way that was relatively stress free.”
What are you most proud of regarding your performance?
“I am most proud of the stage presence I had with Aaron Cook. We had so much fun working together on stage and it showed in our performance bringing it to life and making the whole performance more fun for everyone watching too.”
What did you like best about the play and/or your performance?
“I think the best thing about the play was the relationships and friendships I made in theatre and particularly in this performance with cast and crew. They’re really fun people and I’m very grateful to have had the chance to get to know them all better.”
What was your favorite or line in the play? Why?
“My favorite song was “Rules, Regulation and Respect.” I helped design most of the choreography for this song and it was such a fun challenge. It was great to see it all come together.”
Laila Green, character: Coco
What was the biggest challenge you faced throughout the play? How did you overcome it?
“The biggest challenge was the dancing and choreography. Coordinating my lines, singing and dancing all at once was an additional challenge. Without a background in dancing it was more difficult to align myself with the timing and beat within the group sets so that we could present a clean and uniform performance.”
What are you most proud of regarding your performance?
“I am most proud of the people who have never done a musical before who brought their all to the performances, learning choreography, dancing and songs. They’ve never been through a process like this and they stepped up, worked hard and performed so wonderfully. It’s impressive how they embraced the commitment and accepted the challenges.”
What did you like best about the play and/or your performance?
“The thing I liked best was the sense of community within this ensemble. There was so much connection, encouragement and support from everyone and that made us all bring more energy and have more confidence which really improved the performance. When we have more energy that reflects back on the audience who can then enjoy it more, and become even more excited about the show.”
What was your favorite or line in the play? Why?
“My favorite line or song was “Blast from The Past.” It is such a cool set moment when the lockers break apart for the song and highlights the unique lighting, set design, makeup and costume design. All these unique aspects are designed by the crew, tech and backstage support and their skills are really highlighted throughout that song. It brings attention to the small details that are often overlooked but these are the very aspects which bring this song to life.”
Thank you to the amazing team and crew and directors and all my friends in the musical with me for making this such an awesome experience!
CROWNING THE USB CHAMPION
On Thursday, February 20th, the USB met for the inaugural USB Olympics. The competition, meant to rival the USG’s, Annies Vs. Gators, was a roaring success. If you didn’t attend this year, I would highly recommend attending in the future. Teams consisted of 10 to 12 players. Although not intentionally separated by tie color, each grade ended up sending one team. The result was a fun and competitive battle for grade superiority. Over 40 contestants competed in a variety of competitions testing strength, skill, and intellect.
After the first round, which consisted of a table tennis tournament, a game of codenames, and a basketball shooting contest, the team of Blue Ties took an early lead. However, the Green Ties came roaring back, and after a strong showing in the final two rounds the green tie team won with a score of 53 points.
By Cooper Dicks
INKWELL FOOD COLUMN
By Maria Dorner and Maia Bostock
For our second edition of the food column, here at Inkwell we decided that for spring we would choose to make hors d’œuvres. These are small and quick but tasty bites that you can make for a group or yourself!
Spring is a time of warmth and growth, and we hope that by being recipes common in both Washington and International spaces, that these recipes help embody those feelings, not only filling you with warmth and comfort, but helping relationships and perspectives grow through food. The concept of exploration not only encompasses experiences far away from one’s home, but also those yet to be discovered nearby.
Recipe 1: Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms
For our first appetizer, we chose a classic: stuffed mushrooms. Spring is a time of gathering as the cold weather begins to subside and sunlight returns to Tacoma, and hors d’œuvres are a staple of shared experiences and communal eating. Mushrooms themselves are especially significant in our geographic area, as many species are native to Washington and are available to be foraged in late spring.
YEILD: 24 mushrooms (6 to 8 servings)
INGREDIENTS: 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing pan, 24 large cremini mushrooms (about 1¼ pounds), each about 2 inches wide, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, Kosher salt and black pepper, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 small stalks celery, finely chopped (about ⅔ cup), plus 1 tablespoon minced celery leaves, 2 large shallots, minced, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, 1 teaspoon celery seeds,
6 ounces cornbread crumbled into small pieces (about 2 loose cups), 1 to 1½ cups grated Gruyere or Emmental cheese, 4 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, 2 large eggs
PREPERATION:
STEP 1:
Heat the oven to 400 degrees and lightly brush a large rimmed sheet pan with olive oil.
STEP 2:
Using barely moist paper towels, wipe the mushroom stems and caps clean. Carefully tear off the mushroom stems, setting them aside in a medium bowl. Set each mushroom cap on its side and slice off the excess mushroom cap that curls over the gills. (The goal here is to create a flatter surface area so the mushrooms caramelize instead of steam, and so you can pile more stuffing on top.) Transfer the mushroom scraps to the bowl with the mushroom stems, then transfer the trimmed mushroom caps to the sheet pan, cut-side up.
STEP 3:
Brush the tops of the trimmed mushrooms with 3 tablespoons oil. In a small bowl, stir together the garlic powder, onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper; sprinkle the mixture over the tops of the mushrooms. Flip the mushrooms so they are cutside down, and roast until they have released their liquid and are starting to caramelize, about 15 minutes. Remove sheet pan from heat, and set aside.
STEP 4:
While the mushrooms roast, prepare the filling: Finely chop the mushroom stems and scraps or transfer them to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. (You will have about 2 cups.)
STEP 5:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped celery, shallots, garlic, rosemary, poultry seasoning and celery seeds. Season generously with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer vegetable mixture to a large bowl to cool, at least 15 minutes.
STEP 6:
Once the vegetable mixture has cooled, stir in the cornbread, cheese, celery leaves and 3 tablespoons chopped parsley. Season generously with salt and pepper. Whisk the eggs together in a small bowl, then stir into the cornbread filling until combined. (Makes about 4 cups.)
STEP 7:
Wipe the sheet pan clean, then brush again with olive oil to coat. Mound about 1 to 2 tablespoons filling into each mushroom cap, patting them gently without packing them tightly, then transfer to the sheet pan, spacing them evenly apart. Bake until mixture on top is warmed through, 10 to 15 minutes. Broil until browned in spots, 2 to 4 minutes. Let cool a few minutes, then transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon minced parsley to serve.
TOTAL TIME: 1 hour
Recipe credit to Alexa Weibel
Recipe 2: Pakoras
In a season of changes and blooming, exploring new horizons is an exciting way to embrace the season, and expand your tastes.
For a second appetizer we expanded and went global with pakoras. This tasty, fried Indian snack is reminiscent of all things delicious. If you’re looking for a new thing to try, or even just leaning back on things you’ve enjoyed before, this recipe is a great option for you.
YEILD: Enough for 4 people
INGREDIENTS: 8 ounces gram flour, ½ teaspoon chilli powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon ground coriander seeds, Salt to taste, ¼ teaspoon baking powder, Water to mix, 4 ounces of potatoes, 1 eggplant, A few spinach, cabbage, or spring green leaves, Oil for deep frying
STEP 1: Sieve the flour, chilli powder, turmeric, coriander, salt, and baking powder into a mixing bowl together
STEP 2:
Add water to the mixing bowl until the batter becomes thick
STEP 3:
Cut the vegetables into thin slices
STEP 4:
Dip the vegetables in the batter so they are coated to your liking
STEP 5:
Deep fry the coated vegetables in hot oil until they become crisp
STEP 6:
Enjoy! You can serve with a chutney of choice or enjoy them on their own.
TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes
Recipe credit to Premila Lal in Complete Indian Cooking (1998)
PRESERVE AND PROTECT
By Maria Dorner
Living in Washington, one of the most geographically diverse states, we get to experience the beauty and peace that exploring these areas provide. These areas need and deserve to be maintained and protected. Luckily, there are programs in place to help us do just that.
Conservation Districts and Land Trusts are organizations that work to protect and preserve our state’s natural beauty and resources. From the Olympic Mountains to the Yakima Valley to the Columbia River Gorge, these organizations work to restore and protect habitats while educating communities, providing support to local communities.
Helping to restore and preserve the beautiful habitat and natural resources within their communities, Conservation Districts work to help give citizens the ability to cooperate with one another. They are “community-based hubs of natural resource expertise and funding… staffed and led by locals who understand the needs of landscapes and fellow community-members that they serve.” (Washington State Conservation Commission). These districts are abundant throughout Washington state and the United States as a whole, on average, there is at least one conservation district for every county within the state. (Washington State Conservation Commission) They are each “directed by a five member-board” three of which are elected by the public, each member volunteers their time. (Washington State Conservation Commission) Conservation districts also offer many volunteer opportunities for the public, granting people a chance to help their community and work towards positive change together.
Land Trusts are all non-profits, this means that they do this work without expecting these communities to pay them back, instead they get funding from grants, donations, and more. It is a “community-based, nonprofit organization that actively works to permanently conserve land.” (Land Trust Alliance) They work to “conserve habitat for wildlife and plants, secure water quality, ensure land is available for future generations, provide equitable access to nature, protect family farms and ranches, tackle climate change, build healthy communities, and so much more.” (Land Trust Alliance) These groups help preserve and protect natural resources, habitats, and native ecosystems. They do this through buying or having land donated, and through conservation easements. Land Trusts, like Conservation Districts, offer many volunteer opportunities that can help us all become more involved in our communities and environments.
Whether you’re interested in helping restore habitats or care for gardens within your community, or even helping to prevent fires, there are volunteer opportunities for you!
Here’s a list of some of the opportunities and programs these organizations offer:
Pierce Conservation District:
Habitat Program - Volunteer to plant trees next to streams and remove invasive plants in natural areas
Water Quality Program - Help to install rain gardens and depave
Harvest Program - Help to support community gardens
Gleaning Program - Volunteers go into communities to farms or backyards with fruit or vegetable gardens with too much produce and will harvest extra produce. Volunteers get to keep some and the rest donated farm program helps animal owners or crop growers with property things that protect water quality and prevent soil erosion
Firewise Program - Help rural areas protect properties from wildfire
Local Land Trusts:
There are tree plantings opportunities to help restore habitat and to remove invasive plants
Land Trust Alliance. “About Land Trusts.” Land Trust Alliance, landtrustalliance.org/why-land-matters/land-conservation/about-land-trusts. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
Washington State Conservation Commission. “Elections & Appointments.” Elections & Appointments, www.scc.wa.gov/elections-and-appointments. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
Washington State Conservation Commission. “What Are Conservation Districts?” Washington State Conservation Commission, www.scc.wa.gov/ what-are-conservation-districts. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
Two volunteers work together to help plant trees and restore naturalhabitat.(JeanetteDorner)
WHAT DO STUDENTS THINK ABOUT THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION RESULTS?
By Masha Kotelinkov
In November, we sent out a google form in which students anonymously shared their opinions on the 2024 presidential election. Students also had the choice to sign up to be interviewed about their opinions on the election. Yellow Tie Kamiyah Vitartas-Miller and Red Tie Victor Peterson volunteered to answer a few questions. Below, you can see some of their responses to our questions in regards to the election.
What changes, if any, would you like to see in future elections in terms of government funding or media coverage, why or why not?
KAMIYAH: “I feel like both parties kinda play towards who they think the majority of their voters are …for Kamala, it was young voters…even though that didn’t work because the demographic she was trying to approach were people that couldn’t vote legally anyway.”
“ So I think having just a non biased interview form or coverage is like the best way to do it…I feel like sticking to the facts of what you know, and understanding that no politician is ever perfect. I mean, whoever the president is, they’re not gonna have a clean state, and that’s just what comes with politics and trying to fight obviously to get to the top”
VICTOR: “I think that we need to see really serious campaign finance reform, not just about clarity around funding…but specifically about the amount that can be spent. It [unequal government campaign funding] isolates third parties, and it isolates people that are maybe coming into politics as outsiders or without wealth. [They] have a voice and want to represent their community but can’t.”
What issues do you believe were underrepresented or ignored in this election cycle?
KAMIYAH: “Just health care. You know? I think it’s such a taboo topic in debates now and it’s valuable,… I mean, that’s not something everyone has access to.”
In your view, what are the biggest challenges the new administration will face? Why or why not?
VICTOR: “Cost of living is really critical in the US. One of my favorite Kamala Harris policies actually was trying to build 3,000,000 homes and ending a really strict housing regulation that was enacted in the country to racially segregate people. Ultimately, when it comes to housing, the best way to tackle the housing crisis is to build more social housing that is rent controlled and gets maintained.”
How do you feel about the level of unity or division the election has created amongst AWS students or in general in the US?
KAMIYAH: “I think it creates a big, you know, drift, and I think people have their assumptions. And I just think at the end of the day, who you vote for can reflect you as a person, but at the same time it doesn’t have to.”
VICTOR:” I think the issue with the Democrats is that they haven’t made a specific effort to connect with working class voters. And I think that in general their policies are good for the working class, but they don’t communicate that.”
What issues would you want to be solved, or at least worked on, in the upcoming presidential term?
KAMIYAH: “I think,, with Americans and the whole focus on,, Israel and Palestine and Russia and Ukraine, I think since so many Americans are kinda focused on that, I think they’re gonna wanna, a president that reflects that and reflects on ultimately what they believe in. So I think they’re gonna try and focus on that.”
What issues do you think were highlighted?
VICTOR: “For me one of the issues over represented was Trump’s transphobic rhetoric…I mean less than 1% of the US population is transgender. Like, if we’re talking about kids in sports, I mean look, there’s a valid conversation to be had there, but it should be had between the sports leagues. That should not be a national debate.”
“Like, I can’t remember any real positivity in American politics, and I think that [the Democrats campaign] was really powerful. I think for the Republicans, part of what helped them get so much traction was going into spaces that Kamala Harris just didn’t.”
What are your hopes for the country moving forward after this election, and how do you think this will best be achieved?
VICTOR: “Funding specifically for border enforcement agencies, fixing the problem with understaffing, increasing salaries, that was all going to happen in that last border bill that that was incredibly conservative…it was killed because Trump didn’t want it passed under Biden’s presidency because that would pull over some of his voters. And he told the Republicans to vote against it”
In this section, I attempted to best encapsulate the majority student opinion while incorporating statistics into my findings. When asked the question,“are you surprised about the outcome of this election?” students had the option to write a response on how they felt. We got 75 student responses, and we appreciate everyone who participated. Although we wish we could incorporate every student’s opinion, we commented on what the majority of the responses highlighted due to spacing issues. Thank you to all of the students who voiced their opinions on the subject.
ENCAPSULATING THE STUDENT OPINION:
In the presidential elections, youth consistently reflect low voter turnout(1) despite social media being a space for political activism amongst young demographics. Furthermore, it comes as no shock that social media can be used as a pathway to gain support of young voters. Many students reported seeing specifically media surrounding the Democratic party. In fact, Kamala Harris catered to young voters by participating in popular trends and tying them into her campaign. An Annie Wright student anonymously responded, “Kamala’s campaign was very social media oriented which influenced many youths instead of the targeted demographic of adult voters.”
Seemingly, this tactic did not workout in her favor. Contradictory to her intent, there was an 8% spike in youth voters voting for Trump(2). This spike can beg the question, is there simply a rise in conservatism within youth voters or is there some sort of external factor about Harris that encouraged young voters to vote for Trump? One student wrote, “She is also a black/ asian woman running for president, all things which may unfortunately hinder her popularity in conservative opinion.” The conversations surrounding gender and race as an influence on Harris’ voter demographic have been prevalent in the media. After all, Harris would have been the first female president of the United States. However, the percentage of male voters that vote blue has only gone down one percent between the 2020 presidential election and the 2024 presidential election. One student responded to the question with the statement,“the democratic campaign was weak, but there’s been a rise in far-right and conservative ideology, particularly among boys/men (amongst other factors affecting the election).”
Additionally, the democratic campaign faced more setbacks such as their inability to separate themselves from Biden’s presidency and appeal to rural and middle class voters. One student anonymously stated, “Kamala also had difficulty differentiating her administration from the Biden administration which led to greater voter uncertainty especially among people who had been unhappy with the Biden administration.” It is clear that there are a plethora of reasons why the Democratic party fell behind in this election. It is up for debate whether these reasons were out of Harris’s control or not. However, what is it about the Republican party that enticed more voters and specifically caused a rise in young voter turnout?
Well, amongst Annie Wright, the feedback was significantly more left leaning. In fact, 66% of the survey respondents identified themselves as a Democrat and only 8% identified themselves as Republican. Additionally, 84% of the respondents were unhappy with the outcome of the presidential election, while 16% of respondents were pleased with the outcome.
Majority of students stated that they were surprised with the outcome of this election, one of the reasons being, “I think coming from a blue state and with social media being so catered directly to people, I saw mostly pro democrat and Harris support so it was quite jarring having not been privy to the amount of Trump supporters there still are despite his previous impeachment and multiple felonies.” This theme seemed to be popular amongst young voters. Although the percent of young voters voting red is increasing, the younger voter demographic tends to vote blue. So it comes as no surprise that, with social media being so highly curated, and the heated discussions amongst peers in the days leading up to the election, students and young voters are surprised at the outcome.
Overall, the student consensus on why the Republican party won and whether or not they were surprised, was this: The Republican voter demographic was able to target struggling middle class voters in a way that the democratic party couldn’t. Young voters are already more likely to vote blue. Thus, the tactic of using social media to target young voters was not as effective as was planned. Instead, an emphasis on economic policy and foreign policy would have been more enticing for a large voter demographic.
Note: The views expressed in this article are encapsulated by those of the student body and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or stance of Inkwell.
To the left is a graph that represents each student submission into an overarching category based on opinion. This graph reflects the initial reactions of the student body, specifically, whether or not students are surprised about the result. Overwhelmingly, students were not surprised about the results.
HOW HAVE OPINIONS CHANGED OVER TIME?
Approximately four months after I sent out the initial survey, I sent out another one asking if student opinions have changed over time. The student body responded to these questions: What has surprised you about the Trump presidency so far? Have your opinions changed/expanded since Trump has been in office?
After a few months, students have reflected severe dissatisfaction with Trump’s presidency. Notably, there are more neutral or indifferent opinions now that Trump has been in office for several months. Unlike the last round of feedback, there were no students who commented on media perception. However, the data seems pretty consistent with that of the last survey.
Lip Sync, one of the most anticipated school events of the year at Annie Wright, marked a strong start to the second semester on February 7, 2025.
Along with prospective students from scholar search joining current Annie Wright students, the audience seats and stage of Kemper Theater were filled with enthusiastic energy and excited students. Kicking off with the faculty performance that opened the event, the night of Lip Sync featured video submissions from various (s)Electives showcasing their individual song choices, dance battles among different tie colors from USG and USB, live performances with classmates, and, last but not least, the AWS Dance Team’s amazing dance performances.
Although it was my first year watching Lip Sync at Annie Wright, I quickly came to realize that this school event is a fantastic opportunity to build friendships, learn to collaborate with peers, and even form positive connections with teachers. To gain a broader perspective on Lip Sync, I reached out to other peers at Annie Wright so I could learn from their thoughts on the event and received responses from students across Blue Tie to Red Tie in both USG and USB divisions.
[Inkwell] What was your favorite thing about this year’s Lip Sync? (e.g. performances, scripts, song choices etc.)
[Sanders ’26] Billy Jean by Turner was absolutely amazing! I also just enjoy that everyone is willing to be funny and themselves.
[Zautner ‘27] Seeing Mr. Konstantinos as Maui and Mr. Sidman as the candle guy.
[Trelstad ‘28] Definitely the different selective performances and videos(labs)
[Wilner ‘28] I enjoyed the performances and the overall feeling in the week leading up to it.
[Wang ‘28] The songs were well chosen. They were positive, engaging and popular which made the audience engage more because they were able to sing along.
[Inkwell] If you took part via video or live stage, what is one thing you are most proud of about your performance?
[Wilner ‘28] I did both, and it was nice to see the way people were supportive, even if it obviously wasn’t the greatest.
[Martin‘27] I was proud of my (s) Elective for being able to quickly adapt to changed conditions for our performance.
[Castle ‘26] Getting in front of the whole school with one other person.
[Inkwell] Do you have any suggestions for improving next year’s lip sync?
[Martin ‘27] Having more communication about performance order and call times would be really helpful.
[Farach ‘28] Make sure everyone has checked in with Richter about song choices and timestamps!!
[Inkwell] Are you willing to join next year’s lip sync? What’s something new you would like to try for your performance?
[Martin ‘27] Yes. I will do my selective performance and class dance next year.
[Zautner ‘27] Yes, some of my friends and I are going to try an epic Just Dance video.
[Wilner ‘28] I would love to join next year’s lip sync. I think doing a bit less would allow me to be more relaxed and enjoy the show better.
[Wang ‘28] I would probably participate in performances led by teachers again, because I think I would need the extra credit and it’s a good opportunity to go crazy with my friends.
[Inkwell] What do you think was the best performance of them all (USG, USB, and faculty) and why?
[Sanders’26] Turner was able to take a risk and go up solo in front of everyone, and he absolutely swept the floor with his performance. I admire his ability to do that as it takes so much confidence and self assurance not to mention how much time it took to learn and practice. Also shout out to candelabra Mr. Sidman that was perfect! [Wang‘28] I would say the faculty one since teachers I know participated, and it was super fun to watch them revealing their true self. [Wilner ‘28] I really enjoyed them all. Although it might not be considered a performance, I think that the grade-level dance battle was really fun
While gathering a large group in a project requiring harmony, respect, and time management isn’t always easy, Annie Wright students were able to meet every aspect of the requirement and created a work that showcased the positive qualities of teamwork. Furthermore, the involvement of not only the students but also the faculty members was another impressive aspect. Watching upper school faculty members give their best in their parts of the performance left me with a strong impression of everyone’s commitment and passion for Lip Sync at Annie Wright. Engagement from faculty who are usually our instructors in school helped contribute to transforming the event into an opportunity to break down the simple teacher-student barrier, encouraging everyone to enjoy the moment together as a united group. Additionally, it was an amazing opportunity to broaden horizons, especially for someone experiencing Lip Sync for the first time.
This unique experience made me realize that dancing to music and having fun with classmates and teachers can also deepen our appreciation for community values. Overall, it was a valuable experience where I learned a lot while enjoying the moment, and I hope the tradition of Lip Sync at Annie Wright continues to inspire other communities as well to adopt similar meaningful traditions to enhance harmony.
BRAWL STARS AT ANNIE WRIGHT
By Kevin Nguyen and Cooper Dicks
The popular mobile game Brawl Stars was released globally in 2018 and it immediately found massive success. Brawl Stars is an online third-person multiplayer game produced by Supercell, the same company behind some of the biggest mobile games including Clash of Clans, Boom Beach, and Hayday. Over the years, numerous features have been added that revitalized the game and kept players active. These new features include new Brawlers, game modes, abilities, and limited time events. Brawlers are unlockable characters that each have their own unique talents that fit a variety of playstyles.
The Annie Wright community has dozens of Brawl Stars players at Annie Wright. Many of these players have invested hundreds of hours into the game and almost every one of them favors one Brawler above the rest. One fan favorite Brawler is Berry, a unicorn dressed employee. Berry is a versatile support Brawler who has the ability to throw his attacks over walls similar to the artillery class. All of his attacks have the ability to both deal damage to enemies as well as to heal allies. Another favorite is Brock, an easily accessible character when starting the game, and a marksman who deals splash damage.
Liam Johnstone, an Annie Wright graduate from the class of 2024, recalled his experience playing the game and watching both the game and community grow. Johnstone reflected upon his early years of Brawl Stars gameplay, recalling that he played Clash Royale and Clash of Clans before. Naturally, when Supercell released a new game, he immediately hopped aboard. Johnstone admits to being somewhat of a “video game addict,” which was evidenced by his rapid progression through the game. After only a couple years, he was considered one of the premier players in the school. He also described the Brawl Stars community at AWS as getting, “a lot larger.” He stated, “I think that the game became popular at AWS because people have made new friends through the game.”
While the school believes in “cell phone collection for community connection,” the Brawl Stars players of Annie Wright would like to argue otherwise. Many came into high school with no friends and, thanks to Brawl Stars, joined a diverse and vibrant community. On a personal note if not for Brawl Stars, we would never have connected to many people who are now our lifelong friends. If you want a great way to make new friends, consider downloading Brawl Stars. We promise, it’s the best decision you’ll ever make.
Annie Wright students enjoying a game of Brawl Stars
BRAZIL FOOD OVERVIEW
ExpandingOurExperiencesandPalate
By Jack Cushman
During our time in Brazil, we were fortunate enough to enjoy many cuisines offered in São Paulo and Brasilia restaurants. Throughout the trip, we explored everything from acai to artisan pizza to American-style burgers. Each place had its own unique flavor profile, and each place provided a wonderful dining experience.
Based on my conversations with locals and vendors, a lot of the traditional foods of Brazil are a rich blend of Indigenous, African, and European origins. During the height of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, the Brazilian coast had the largest amount of enslaved people brought to farm sugar cane, cacao, lumber, and precious metals. Brazil had more enslaved people than any other New World nation; roughly 40% of all Africans brought across the Atlantic were sent to Brazil, roughly 4.5 million people. The African influence on Brazilian cuisine is heavily seen in the usage of yams, okra, and bananas in many dishes, and we saw this in our visits to local fruit and vegetable markets in São Paulo.
Brazil also held many familiar favorites in the form of steakhouses and burger joints. The restaurant we visited in Brasilia, Maderero, claimed to have the ‘best burger in Brazil.’ Their menu was the traditional American casual grill menu, with burgers, fries, and shakes front and center. While the burgers served may not hold a candle to American style grill, it was certainly the best burger I had in Brazil And offered its own unique take on this classic American dish. With such a wide variety of influences on the food of Brazil, I was eager to explore as many as I could. The indigenous people of Brazil heavily use cassava, corn, fish, and acai in their dishes. We had acai as one of our first meals in Brazil, and the freshness of the ingredients, from the acai to the fruits, was unparalleled. Brazilian fresh produce is sold in large open-air markets in the major cities, and the quality of fruit and vegetables found in these markets cannot be found anywhere else. Restaurants having access to these stores of fresh ingredients allowed for incredibly flavorful and fantastic dishes we enjoyed on our visit to Brazil.
If you’re looking for a destination with a wide variety of fantastic food shaped by a dynamic history and range of cultural influences from local to native to international, Brazil is the place to go!
ART OF BRAZILIAN CULTURE
MuseuNacionaldaRepública
By Eisha Ahmad
On day 6 of our Brazil trip, our last but not least stop was at The National Museum of the Republic. There were a variety of artworks displayed from abstract sculptures to extravagant paintings to even photographs. It was designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and the museum acts as a symbol of Brazil’s rich blend of history, culture, politics and art located in the capital of Brazil, Brasilia. Even the design of the building itself is an artwork itself, being shaped as a dome, carrying symbolic meaning of universality & inclusivity with no corners or edges. This further adds more to the city’s futuristic landscape to represent rapid progress and modernity. Upon stepping inside, as the domes are connected with cosmic symbolism, it shapes the purpose of this museum to not only exhibit all types of unique art but also acts as a space for creativity and elevated thought.
More than just a gallery, this museum reflects the country’s modernist roots and political optimism from the time Brasília was born as a planned city in the 1960s. Stepping inside is like entering a dialogue between Brazil’s past and future, with every curve and exhibit telling a story of innovation, resistance, and cultural pride. Many artworks from Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous artists are exhibited as well, bringing that colonization history into light and making visitors feel the displacement and resilience that were widely marginalized socially in Brazil. This part of the country’s history is notable through art as it speaks for the past and present of the diverse populations in Brazil. It tells stories of people who have struggled but stayed resilient for their backgrounds which fosters the idea that the nation holds high hopes for its people and their identities. With many forests, nature and rivers being exhibited throughout the art signals that Brazil holds pride of their vast landscape and also bringing awareness to how its been exploited through colonization. These patterns in the paintings challenge observers to view how their environment was also affected through displacement of Indigenous communities. As a whole these artworks go beyond to act as symbols of the injustices they’ve faced through history and their erasure of their identities. The photographs offer a record and homage to the modernized diversity and lifestyles from those in the country to the elegance of vast cities. Impressionistic and abstract art emphasizes inclusion to how different artists express themselves as well as the message that is trying to be conveyed in each piece.
CULINARY CONNECTIONS
By Maia Bostock
Food goes beyond just nourishment. It is a connector across continents, a symbol of gathering and of our common humanity. Even in the darkest of times, the shared experience of cooking unites us.
Renad Attalah, a 10-year-old girl living in Gaza, has used the combination of social media and cooking as a means of raising awareness for the ongoing conflict and as a platform of hope. In many of her videos, Attalah comments on the newfound scarcity of resources—including many basic cooking materials, such as sugar—and the increasing hunger faced by many displaced people. Despite the challenges she faces, her content maintains its emphasis on optimism under harsh conditions and the universal experience of sharing food. The concept of hospitality and, more specifically, of feeding loved ones, spans cultures and demonstrates our similarity.
RECIPE:
Fried Tomatoes
INGREDIENTS:
- Tomatoes
- Green chili peppers
- Vegetable oil
- Salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Slice the tomatoes and halve the peppers.
2)Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add in the peppers and cook until golden.
3)Add tomatoes and a pinch of salt and cover. Cook until soft.
This is an adapted version of a recipe that Attalah posted on Instagram in May of 2024. She shares a traditional Gazan recipe that can be made with minimal resources and effort.
Although Renad has limited access to food and supplies, she maintains her positive outlook and uses her platform as a means of highlighting her experience and that of those in similar situations around the world. She illustrates just how food and the sharing of tradition transcends language and political barriers. Regardless of political leaning, we can set our biases aside and rediscover the similarities that unite us.
The Amazon Rainforest spans 2.6 million square miles, covering almost 40% of South America and housing 1/4th of the world’s fresh water and 1/5th of the world’s forests. The Rainforest occupies Brazil and Peru, with over 60% located in Brazil. The Amazon Rainforest is an essential location to protect in the world, unfortunately in the last 20 years 54.2 million hectares of forest in the Amazon Has been logged, and there are plans to log more. The reasons behind this are mainly export-driven deforestation: Clearing large plots of land for raising cattle and harvesting soy that gets exported to the US and China. There are also many areas that are logged for profit or to build roads. These roads are often built to access farms or by tourists to get to their hotels or activities. An unfortunate side effect of these roads being built is many of them are poorly planned and give loggers access to sections of forest that previously were not vulnerable to deforestation, meaning much more of the forest can be lost as it can be accessed. The road infrastructure in the Amazon Rainforest has more than doubled since 2012 and is perpetually expanding.
Tourism has an complicated relationship with the rainforest, on one hand it comes with many benefits to the community such as economic growth, job opportunities and conversation efforts. But on the other hand tourists cause development in previously protected areas, they also cause more traffic on roads and activity in the forest that can be damaging. Oftentimes minimizing the human impact on our national and state parks comes at a great monetary cost but there are ways to reduce that. When visiting, many tourists choose to partake in excursions such as a river cruise or visiting animals in cages for photos which harm the rainforest. These activities profit off of people who don’t know what they are signing up for or the long term ramifications. The cruise boats are often found dumping waste water and oil into the river, this is devastating to so many of the wonderful unique animals that live in the river. Paying for photos with the animals is also harmful, as many of the animals are kept in dangerous conditions and are taken from their ecosystems in harmful ways. Currently having these animals is illegal due to the nature in which they collect these animals. Wildlife is often illegally captured at a young age in order to be exploited for money from tourists.
Eco-tourism is a bit different, this term defines those who come in to explore and take in the natural beauty around them. They put money into the local economy and aid in conservation efforts, in the Amazon Rainforest this type of tourism generates around 8 billion dollars each year. This proves that the Amazon is much more valuable protected then deforested due to the money tourism puts back into the economy. The tourists will cause harm but when you weigh that against destroying the land entirely the correct option is clear.
The logging that takes place is such an essential aspect of Brazil’s economic infrastructure so the tragedy of the loss of these beautiful trees is often excused or ignored. The exploitation of the Amazon Rainforest has been contested by people all over the nation: Environmentalists who know the importance of it to the world, tourists who hope to one day explore it, even foreign governments have called attention to the exploitation of this natural resource. Many NGOs are involved in the protection of this land, Greenpeace focus on the environmental impacts of deforestation and climate change, World Wildlife Foundation helps the animals who are being affected by the loss of their natural habitat, and Amazon Watch puts their efforts into helping the indigenous communities whose lifestyles and culture is impacted due to the loss of their land. They do this by raising awareness, and funds to help them regain some of their land that has been logged or to help support their cultrale lifestyle through the loss of resources.
As previously mentioned, export driven deforestation, primarily the exports of soy, beef and wood products generate almost 50% of Brazil’s GDP. Thus proving that Brazil’s income is based on exports that are putting their natural resources at risk. In the Amazon Rainforest to make room for the cattle to graze and grow they flash burn acres of natural rainforest home to many native species of plants and animals. This process is not legal, often to “wash” these cows they sell them for cheap to local farms for slaughter and processing. This meat ends up being exported all over the world, primarily to China and Hong Kong, who buy over 50% of their beef, if it is grown legally or not. Those cows that are illegally pastured are also fed soy that farmers burn down rainforest land to grow. This process is highly unethical and has led to many businesses, like McDonalds, to stop importing beef from Brazil that couldn’t be traced back to an ethical source, indicating that these detrimental processes can in the long run lose business as they are unsustainable and unethical. . The destruction that was caused in the Amazon was much more prevalent in the early 2000’s. But the damage that was done is permanent, over 10% of the deforested land in the Amazon is used for soy farming, much less than the 75% that is used for cattle, but still negatively impacting the environment and those who live there.
The Amazon is not only important to those who do live there though, it is important to the health of the world. The Amazon Rainforest houses almost 400 billion trees from 16,000 different species, those same trees that are being logged each absorb around 40 pounds of carbon dioxide annually totalling up to over 100 billion pounds of stored carbon dioxide in the Amazon. As these trees get deforested and burned down, the CO2 they store gets released back into the atmosphere, furthering the damage done to the atmosphere and environment. There are things that you can do to help this situation, you can educate yourself on what is going on, keeping up with the news is incredibly valuable! You can also do further research into what companies are still purchasing their beef from the farms that support this illegal activity and destruction of the Amazon.
BIBLIORGRAPHY
Amazon Conservation Association. “Deforestation in the Amazon.” Amazon Conservation Association, Amazon Conservation Association, 2022, www.amazonconservation.org/the-challenge/threats/.
“Amazon Rainforest.” The Nature Conservancy, www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/amazon-rainforest/.
“Can Tourism Help Save the Amazon Rainforest.” Www.responsiblevacation.com, www.responsiblevacation.com/vacations/amazon/travel-guide/can-tourism-save-the-amazon.
Colussi, Joana, et al. “The United States, Brazil, and China Soybean Triangle: A 20-Year Analysis.” Farmdoc Daily, vol. 14, no. 35, 20 Feb. 2024, farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/2024/02/the-united-states-brazil-and-china-soybean-triangle-a-20-year-analysis.html.
Image credits: Rai Reis
BRASILLIA TOUR
Acitywhereideasbecomereality
By TT Nguyen
Brasilia was a city designed by JK, who constructed it as a symbol of advancement and to promote the prosperity of the nation. It contains a manmade lake, The Brasilia Digital Tower influenced by the Eiffel Tower, the Santuario Sao Joao Bosco and Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida, amazing works of modern art.
While in Brasilia we were able to tour a few of these important sites. First we went on a tour of the Santuário São João Bosco, a church that was designed by Cláudio Naves and engineer Calculista Joaquim Cardozo. and demonstrates our similarity.
It was consecrated in 1970, the church is widely known for its Gothic-modern style with the interior featuring 80 tall, narrow stained-glass windows in shades of blue, white, and pink, these are symbolic of the night sky and the endless stars. The pink tones are meant to symbolize the sunset. The church is placed so that when the sun sets, the light shines through the entire church.it also has a massive wooden altar carved from a single tree trunk from the Amazon.
The church was consecrated to be dedicated to St. John Bosco, an Italian priest whose dream in 1883 is said to have predicted the location of Brasíliam, The sanctuary honors his vision of a “promised land” between the 15th and 20th parallels — exactly where Brasilia is located.
We then toured the 21st president of Brazil Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira’s memorial. Known fondly as JK, this president was a driving force developing national industry. He cared a great deal about the construction of transregional roads throughout the nation and has numerous medals awarded to him by nations and leaders across the globe for his contributions to international affairs and progress.
The memorial was designed by Oscar Niemeyer, a key figure in modern Brazilian architecture and inaugurated in 1981. Its design featured a tall pedestal with a bronze statue of JK waving to the city and a reflecting pool in front of the building.
Inside of the memorial there is a mausoleum with JK’s remains, his personal belongings (glasses, hats, books, etc.), some historical documents, photographs of Brasília’s construction, original office furniture from his presidency as well as artifacts highlighting his political life and contributions in developing national industry.
Brasilia is an example of how a vision of progress can be made a lasting reality. It demonstrates how the architecture and shape of a city can represent and inspire hope for a greater and brighter future.
ANNIE WRIGHT ARTIST FOCUS
An interview of Aiden Davis by Cooper Dicks
Aiden Davis is a USB Green Tie photographer and regular contributor to Inkwell and the Annie Wright Community with his photos of Gator sports and activities. Despite only starting recently, Aiden has made great leaps, producing high quality photos of Annie Wright community events while also following his own interests. Aiden, thank you so much for sharing your talents and skill!
How
did you get started in your work?
“I started my work by taking landscape and nature pictures with my iPhone, and then I progressed to sports photography with a camera I borrowed from my family.”
What
inspires you in your art?
“My art is inspired by capturing emotions in a moment. I try to create a picture in which the viewer can feel the same emotions as the subject.”
How do you feel your work has shaped who you are?
“My work has shaped me by allowing me to show the community happiness, struggle, and/or peace; by bringing light to problems, I can help the communities around me facing issues such as pollution. My pictures inspire students by capturing emotions, difficulties, and hope.”
How do you see your high school art shaping your future as an artist and thinker?
“My photography will shape my future by teaching me that no matter how difficult a situation is, it’s always possible to look at it from a different perspective.”
How do you know when a piece is finished, or do you find yourself continuing to add to it as time goes on?(either a photograph, painting, or poem)
“I know when I’m done with a picture when I come back the next day and look at it and feel the emotion the subject felt the instant the photograph was taken and the similar emotion that I felt when taking the picture.”
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve felt has opposed your medium or art?
“The largest problem I’ve faced in photography is capturing authentic candid moments close up. People tend to pose every time they see a camera, which subtracts from the emotion of the moment. My thought process is best described as emotional.”
How would you describe your creative thought process?
“The things I think about most are angles and lighting, I think about the feelings that are strengthened and/or weakened and changed to fit the emotion I’m trying to capture.”
What do you feel most proud of in your work (whether that be progress, skill development or a specific piece)
“I am most proud of the emotions I capture and the reactions the subjects have; I enjoy seeing the room light up when two football players see the picture of their touchdown celebration, when a basketball player is amazed by the image of them when they made a play they were incredibly proud of.”
Aiden has become a flourishing young photographer, as you can see in the photos highlighted below.
Walking down the Annie Wright halls at 8 AM, I was struck by the multitude of dark circles under students’ eyes and blank stares I encountered. Admittedly, it was the week before winter break, with tests galore and stress at its peak; however, it did make me question how much sleep we teenagers truly need. Harvard Health Publishing states that teenagers should get 8-10 hours of sleep each night; however, most teens only get about 6.5- 7.5 hours (1). This lack of sleep can be caused by various factors, a prominent one being hormonal shifts which are changes that generally push a teenager’s body clock forward by 1- 2 hours. Additionally, screen time (sigh..I know) has been scientifically shown to reduce the amount of sleep (2). Hectic after-school schedules filled with (s)Electives, and then sports, and finally homework, can additionally contribute to an overall deficit of sleep.
But why is sleep actually so important for teens? Sleep is essential for many processes including the ability to think logically. Not getting enough sleep can impact these processes and also cause tumultuous moods as well as lead to a weaker immune system.
So,whatcanyoudotogetbettersleep?
There are strategies to get better sleep, some of which you may not have heard of:
1) Drink warm things: Warm milk contains tryptophan, which induces relaxation and helps lead to a deeper sleep(3). Similarly, a “Sleepy Girl Mocktail”--as coined on TikTok (4), made of tart cherry juice and magnesium powder, chamomile tea, or hot water with lemon and honey, can help make it easier to fall and stay asleep.
2) Exercise regularly: Physical activity boosts melatonin which is a natural sleep hormone. Harvard Health does recommend being careful not to exercise too close to bedtime, as working out too close to bedtime can actually trigger your brain to wake up (5). Morning workouts, especially ones where you’re exposed to sunlight can help regulate your natural circadian rhythm and lead to relaxation later on in the day(6).
3) Reserve your bed for sleep: Don’t check your phone or computer before bed. Keeping your bed exclusively for sleeping creates a subconscious linkage in your brain between your bed and being relaxed, making it easier to fall asleep each night. Blue light exposure from electronics suppresses melatonin production, messing up your circadian rhythm, and ultimately making it overall more difficult to actually fall asleep.(7)
4) Create a pre-bedtime routine: This strategy is all about telling your brain that it is time to unwind and go to sleep. Routines could include reading a book, practicing mindfulness, or taking a hot shower while listening to calming music. Whatever your body needs to decompress. Oftentimes we think that social media does this, but it actually overloads the information we are receiving and causes sensory overload that does not lessen stress long term.
RevengeSleepProcrastination:
Something I have heard mentioned—without actually being named—is a decision that people make called revenge sleep procrastination. According to the Sleep Foundation, this is “the decision to sacrifice sleep for leisure time due to a daily schedule that lacks free time.” In other words, after a long day of school, (s) Electives, sports and finally homework, the only time that feels truly yours may be late at night. Thus, you end up scrolling or watching netflix— knowing that you’ll regret it in the morning— but doing it anyway because it feels like your only chance to relax. Revenge sleep procrastination is counterproductive, however, and ultimately takes away from the rest that your body, both physically and mentally, really needs.
Conclusion
While the 8-hour rule might seem like just an arbitrary number, it’s based on real research . Teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep for optimal health, but too often, especially at a rigorous and busy school like Annie Wright, activities and revenge sleep procrastination can get in the way. Consider trying some of these strategies to get the rest you really need.
The Amazon Rainforest spans 2.6 million square miles, coveringAlexandre Vianna, a famous contemporary artist from São Paulo, Brazil, explores the symbolic and emotional layers of human emotions. He expresses his findings through “fabrics, textures, paints, movements, lights, pixels and forms of assembly and presentation” (Vianna). His unique art style came from the combination of photography and painting. With a solid background in photography and the arts, Alexandre Vianna transcends the traditional limits of contemporary art.
Using expanded photography techniques, videos, and films, his work is about the fading of memory and identity. This is represented by layers of inks, fabrics, and projections. His artistic expression, marked by the opacity of the figures, invites reflection and contemplation on human nature. Vianna, a master in the fusion of painting with photography, brings to life a visual narrative that is rich in authenticity and originality.
During the Brazil (s)Elective trip, we had the opportunity to meet with him in person and take a look at his work. We asked him some questions about his newest works and most recent gallery named Quantum. Here’s the summary of all that we got from Alexandre himself.
Creation:
Through his background in photography and arts, Alexandre Vianna transcends the traditional limits of contemporary art. He combined photography with painting, adding layers and depths to his pieces with layers of gold leaf. He also tries out embroidery in an effort to add more emotional layers to his pieces, trying to bring these feelings to the audience through the texture of the art. Another unique piece of his is the tempered glass imprinted with shadows in multiple different poses, layered on each other, creating a sense of depth and depicting a flow of emotion through multiple static images.
Inspiration:
Alexandre told us that he got inspiration from his own experience during Covid-19, when he was especially listening to a form of music called “healing music”, his idea was to try and represent the healing journey depicted through human shapes, ripples of paints and texture of the painting to create and deliver and evoke the feelings of recovery and resonance in his audience. Expressed through shadows drifting behind veils captured and imprinted on glass, silhouettes of emotions with layers of colours and glorified with the touch of gold leaf, each piece presents the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty that can emerge from pain.
