INKWELL CAMEOS
SUMMER COFFEE GUIDE
SETTING A NEW COURSE WITH PROM
REDISCOVERING THE PAST
SUMMER OF SERVICE
BIPOC MARKET
THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
DIFFERENCIATING GOOD AND EVIL (POV)
BEAUTY AND BLOOMS ON MT. RAINIER
THE POWER OF POLLINATORS
AN INTERVIEW WITH MR. ORR
PARADISE OF THE PACIFIC
INKWELL FOOD COLUMN
EXPLORING NEW CONNECTIONS
SUMMER PLAYLISTS
FASHION SHOW PHOTOS
TOK EXHIBITION PHOTOS
SPRING SPORTS PHOTOS
Esteemed Readers,
For this Summer issue, we wanted to focus on the theme of diving into this upcoming summer break. We shared glimpses of current AWS events including how prom went this year, memories from faculty’s proms to our student-run fashion show and the BIPOC market! We also have a summer playlist ready and summer food column if you want any ideas for activities to do in the summer.
Don’t forget to look out for interviews with a few of our teachers discussing music as well as adventuring the Camino de Santiago! Lastly, a feature on how students make a difference during this time in the year on volunteer work! And don’t forget to check out our summer cameos, short blurbs that reveal light summertime places, hobbies and interests
We hope to inspire you on how to spend your break and bring some more brightness to your summer! Thank you for picking up our June 2025 issue, and we hope you enjoy!
Your editors, Eisha & Masha
Esteemed readers,
As design editor I am thrilled that you have decided to pick up Inkwell’s 72nd volume!
With fewer than two weeks of school left, we’re all gearing up for finals and studying hard. It can be very easy to get wrapped up in the stress of finals and forget how close we are to summer. So Inkwell has worked hard to bring you an issue that highlights all the amazing events and activities you can look forward to this summer.
This issue includes many summer themed articles about things to do, from recipes to farmers markets, as well as more informative articles about a variety of topics. We are also looking back on a few of the last events from the school year.
With all this and more, I hope you enjoy flipping through this issue and maybe use it as a little break from studying for your finals.
Sincerely, Ireland Jean
Co-Editor in Chief and Articles: Eisha Ahmad
Co-Editor in Chief and Articles: Masha Kotelnikov
Assistant Editors and Articles: Maia Bostock, Maria Dorner
Design Editor and Articles: Ireland Jean
Social Media Content Design and Articles: Peyton Matthews
Chloe Yoo: Articles
Kevin Nguyen: Articles and Photos
Cooper Dicks: Articles and Playlist Compilation
Gabe Droubay: Articles
Minh Nguyen: Articles
TT Nguyen: Articles and Playlist
Mr. Valdez and Evan Pham: Guest Photographers
AWS Staff and Faculty: Guest photographs and Anecdotes
USB Green Ties: Guest Playlist
By: Maria Dorner
Set right in the heart of Puyallup, the Puyallup Farmers Market in Pioneer Park features products ranging from local foods to beautiful works from local artists.
The market is filled with booths of local vendors who sell produce, baked goods, sodas, preserves, like honeys or jams, and more. There are also vendors who sell products such as jewelry, art prints, and other handmade goods. You could also browse from the numerous flower stands selling a wide variety of beautiful seasonal bouquets or stop to order at one of the many food trucks offering sweet and savory options alike.
This market is open all summer on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, allowing you to make this an early morning or afternoon activity. Whether you’re looking for some exercise or are just wanting to shop, this is a great option for hanging out with friends or even spending some time alone, all while helping and supporting local businesses.
https://www. puyallupmainstreet.com/ puyallup-farmers-market/
By: Cooper Dicks
There are many breathtaking places to run in and around the city of Tacoma. Tacoma is the perfect city for a runner, offering a wide variety of amenities. Those who want scenic trails can head to Point Defiance, America’s second largest urban park. If you’re craving something flatter, head down to the Ruston waterfront, where runners can enjoy beautiful views of the Puget Sound and plentiful amenities along the way.
Other fantastic running destinations include Chambers Bay and Titlow Park. A personal favorite location is the Stadium Bowl, which was featured in the rom-com 10 Things I Hate About You, and offers both a track and a challenging set of stairs. More adventurous runners can venture into the nearby cascade mountains for breathtaking views.
Whatever running adventure you crave, you can find it in Tacoma!!!
By: Kevin Nguyen
After 21 years, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Part 7 Steel Ball Run, the second highest rated manga, is finally getting an anime adaptation.
The plot of Part 7 takes place over several months in an alternate 1890 U.S.A. It centers around a cross country horse race dubbed the “Steel Ball Run” with a prize of 50 million dollars on the line. In this story, Johnny Joestar, a paraplegic, allies himself with Gyro Zeppeli in hopes of regaining the use of his legs by replicating Gyro’s technique referred to as Spin, a phenomenon that manipulates rotational energy. Many competitors are gifted with a special ability called a stand. Johnny’s for example, increases in strength over the story and incorporates Spin, granting him the ability to shoot his fingernails. Each Part follows a member of the Joestar bloodline with
differing side characters. The first six parts of JoJo’s take place in an interconnected universe. The later Parts take place in an adjacent reality and rely on prior knowledge. With Part 7 just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to watch the first six parts and have a bizarre experience full of twists and turns.
Johnny Joestar (left) and Gyro Zeppeli (right) https://youtu.be/RHkvkwnQbEQ?si=A1cSo5JeWr0-hD7V https://jojowiki.com/Steel_Ball_Run
By: Gabe Droubay
The magical Fourth of July in Tacoma: a day you CANNOT miss. From boating on the Puget Sound to dock jumping on Ruston Way or swimming for free at Kandle Pool, there are a multitude of ways to take advantage of the long summer days. Finally, you should end the night with an inspiring firework show over the water. There is truly no better place to celebrate the Fourth of July than Tacoma.
The Puget Sound will be freezing cold, an amazing contrast from the blistering summer heat. Temperatures peak at around 4 PM, the time when the festivities are just beginning. After the cold water refreshes your body, you let the sun kiss your skin and dry you off. You then go and grab dinner, and hang out with friends and family while anticipating the celebration of freedom that has yet to light up the evening sky, the firework show. You hear the explosions boom, pop, and crackle, and you can’t help but think to yourself, “I never want this day to end.”
Chelsea Hylton, K. N. S. (2024, July 4). Seattle area ranks among top cities for Fourth of July festivities. here’s where to go. KOMO. https://komonews.com/ news/local/seattle-arearanks-among-top-citiesfor-fourth-of-july-festivities-celebrations-fireworksshows-displays-paradespark-picnic-family-friendschildren-activities-gamesbbq-food-vendors-trucksdrone-show-wallethub
By: Chloe Yoo
I’m reminded that summer is approaching when the sky turns clear blue and warm rays of sunshine start to blind my eyes. As someone who loves watching movies, one of the ways to enjoy the beautiful traits of summer is rewatching one of my favorite summer films, Aftersun.
Taking place in Türkiye, Aftersun depicts the nostalgic characteristic of a childhood summer vacation and the warm ambience of summer amid the beautiful nature of beaches and mountains. Although the main plot focuses on the struggle with depression, the backgrounds and visual representations perfectly capture the summer atmosphere blooming and thriving in Türkiye. Furthermore, the unique narrative and scene transitions go back and forth from the main character Sophie’s childhood memory. Her present-self watching the recordings of her childhood vacation also allows the audience to recall their own fun memories of summer activities such as snorkeling in the beach, going swimming in the pool, and enjoying outdoor karaokes.
If you ever feel like enjoying a splendid summer ambience from home, consider watching Aftersun to explore beautiful sceneries and create an unforgettable summer memory.
By: Eisha Ahmad
From fresh fruits to unique antique pieces, this market is the hub for community connection and promotion for the small businesses residing in Tacoma. Located in the heart of Tacoma and opens up every Saturday from March to December is the Proctor’s Farmers’ Market, where the best produce in Tacoma is sold. There are more consumers in the summer, when local farmers and business owners get supported the most, when produce is the most in season, and weather is thriving. Buyers get the chance to interact with the people behind their food and products, naturally forming a sense of community and sustainability.
Whether you live locally or not in Tacoma, this market nevertheless offers an authentic taste of how close and welcoming the environment is. It’s more than just a small farmers’ market, it gives a view into the values and principles that are the foundation of Tacoma, supporting connection, sustainability and pride in small but hardworking businesses.
Come out this summer to support!!
By: Maia Bostock
Located in Des Moines, Washington, Saltwater State Park offers a host of opportunities to enjoy the Puget Sound and its surrounding beaches. Visitors can kayak the Sound, enjoying
the multitude of surrounding islands and the variety of wildlife. There are also many activities to be enjoyed on land, including camping and hiking the surrounding trails (which are open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers in the winter). The park is conveniently free of burn ban restrictions, allowing visitors to make their own campfires in designated areas and grill food, which makes it a particularly scenic area to picnic. Regardless of personal preference, there are countless options for visitors to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather and the diversity of the Washington landscape.
https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/saltwater-state-park
By: Masha Kotelnikov
If you are interested in a fun road trip, or day trip, consider Whidbey Island. Whidbey Island is just North of Seattle, you can take a ferry ride there and back, or drive through the beautiful Deception Pass State Park.
They have lots of cute restaurants with local seafood, as well as different shopping options. They specifically have several local artists who sell handmade goods, along with different kinds of markets. One popular market in the Whidbey Area is the ‘3 Sisters Market’. It’s a farmers market, and they sell food, produce, and handmade goods! However, my favorite part of Whidbey is the scenery. As you can see in the pictures, the sights are stunning and it’s hard to believe you are but a ferry ride from Seattle!
By: TT Nguyen
Summer is a time to explore new ideas and new music and maybe even enjoy a little silence. John Cage was an American composer and music theorist who was born in 1912 and died in 1992.
John composed various pieces but by far the piece that represents my summer the most is probably 4’33” (4 minutes and 33 seconds). 4’33” is a modernist composition composed in 1952 for all instrument and music combinations, from the title we learn that the piece lasts for 4 minutes and 33 seconds.
There are 3 movements to this piece, each movement is very unique with one lasting 30 seconds, one lasting 2 minutes and 23 seconds, and one minute and 40 seconds. Its score is one of a kind too, it specifically instructs the performer not to play their instrument over the course of all 3 of its movements.
This piece is marked by silence, except for an ambient sound which has been said to be intended to contribute towards the piece itself (Wikipedia). This piece is unique as it captures his studies on Zen Buddhism and it led to his acknowledgement of the value of silence which he then incorporated into the piece.
A biography to honor Mr. Cage was written by composer John Adams in The New York Times titled “The Zen of Silence” Summer is a great time to rest, relax and enjoy some Zen music and maybe a little silence.
A page from David Tudor’s Reconstruction of the original score of Cage’s 4’33
John Cage’s Silent Piece(s): The Composition of 4’ 33” - James Pritchett. https://rosewhitemusic.com/piano/2018/09/10/ the-compoaition-of-4-33/. Accessed 13 May 2025.
By Minh Nguyen
Coffee is a staple in our daily lives. To some of us, it’s a necessity that needs to be fulfilled to even start the day, and to others, it’s simply a nice beverage that can be enjoyed while gossiping with friends at the coffee shop. If you have no clue what any of the coffee like cappuccino or americano mean, here’s a brief explanation on how all these coffee types are differentiated.
Starting with the simplest brew of coffee, the espresso, is simply just hot water forced through finely ground coffee. Its coffee scent is really strong since it’s mostly just coffee and water. It’s the most basic and barebones form of coffee, and also the starting point for all the other types. Usually served and drunk in tiny shots because of how heavy it is.
The next is your very favorite americano, this one is just diluted espresso, the coffee addicts love this drink so much that they want it constantly, but they can’t drink the strong and heavy espresso repeatedly. Longing for a coffee that they could sip and enjoy all day without being too strong, they mixed it with a lot more water and created americano. The drink is well curated for coffee addicts to sip and enjoy a constant flow of caffeine through their tiring workday.
Cold brew would be a perfect choice for a hot summer day. Unlike iced coffee, which is just coffee with ice, cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. The result is a smooth, slightly sweet, with a less acidic taste that’s served over ice. Cold brew also retains more of the antioxidants in coffee beans and may offer a longer energy boost due to a steadier release of caffeine, making it healthier and more effective.
The next 3 very similar and famous types are macchiato, cappuccino and latte. A latte is made up of coffee and mostly steamed milk, while a cappuccino is a tiny bit more fatty with an extra layer of foam. Macchiato goes back to being the strong and bold espresso with a dash of foamed milk. These 3 are a flexible range of choice for those who want their coffee with a cute foamed milk drawing on their cup, or just a lightly caffeinated cup of milk.
Then comes down to the latte variants. First up is the flat white, which has less milk and foam than a latte and a less milky flavour with more of a rough taste when swallowed. It’s perfect for someone who likes a drier latte. Finally, we have the mocha made with steamed milk, strong espresso and either cocoa or chocolate syrup, and whipped cream on top, which is essentially a latte with a chocolate twist.
That’s it for now! Next time you go to a coffee shop, you’ll know exactly what to order and maybe even find a new favourite drink for yourself!
By Masha Kotelnikov
Prom committee members:
Emy Castle, Simmi Rohila, Serena Brewster, Caroline Overton, Elina Le, Bambi Chongdee and Peyton Matthews
What was your motivation for this year’s prom theme?
Emy - We actually wanted to do Masquerade but we decided on the Great Gatsby because we felt it would look more fanciful on the invitation.
What were you most proud of regarding prom this year?
Emy- We were so proud of the venue, it was a little far to get to but it was a beautiful area with a nice outdoor space to use for the dance.
Bambi- I was definitely most proud of the music because we were really able to get everyone dancing!
Caroline- I was most proud of the venue and we were able to represent the theme very well here, the dance floor was really good and we had so much range with this space and where people could celebrate.
What would you change to make it even better in the future?
Emy- I wish we had started planning earlier especially with the decorations and with the theme.
Bambi - I would maybe make the venue a little bit bigger since it was quite crowded in there, but other than that, the place was amazing.
What did you enjoy the most about the event?
Emy: The nicest thing was the patio at the venue being able to walk around outside and take a break from the excitement inside.
Caroline- The dance floor was really good and we had more people dancing and having fun in this space than usual.
Peyton: The outside venue was great; it felt less claustrophobic, more open and inviting, the terrace was beautiful.
Inkwell’s Staff and Faculty Prom Flashback celebrates past experiences and see how Prom has changed and stayed the same throughout the years.
Thank you Faculty and Staff for sharing your photos and stories!
The year: 2009
The name of your school: Ritzville High School
City and State of your school: Ritzville, WA
Prom was held at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, WA
Prom photo from 2016 (Knoxville, TN) Nothing epic to share, but I did tear it up on the dance floor.
Year: 1997 (My junior prom)
School: Oakwood School
City and State: North Hollywood, CA
For me and my friends, prom was never really about the event itself, it was all about the before and after. We would get ready together, take group photos, and pile into a line of limos that showed up at someone’s house. By the time we got to prom, we were already having a great time. My favorite prom memory was senior year when someone rented out an underage dance club for the after-party. That night ended up being one of the most fun and unforgettable parts of high school.
My senior prom was in 1999. I went to Charles Wright Academy, back when it was cool, here in Tacoma. I had gone to Malaysia with my family several months before and my mom bought a few rolls of silk while we were there, so she actually made my prom dress by hand. It was a beautiful dress, but red is decidedly not my color. I honestly have no idea what happened to it, sadly.
I went with one of my besties (just friends) in a group of 8, and the father of one of the friends in our group bought us a stretch limo. We got ready and then went to Seattle to Canlis (where none of us could afford anything but the view was great!), and we watched Star Wars and drank Martinelli’s in the limo.
Our prom theme was swing- I don’t recall what the slogan or whatever was, but we got 4 swing dance lessons, once per week, in the month before prom, which was very cool. We had a live swing band who would also play some DJ songs in between sets. My favorite was probably “The Lady in Red,” because of course I was wearing red. It was at a fancy train station, and everything was all decked out very 1920-30s ish, much like AWS’ recent theme. After prom, we all went to another friend’s house on the water and played billiards and hung out all night on the beach with a bonfire.
Orr No Picture Cuz ‘84.
Garfield High School, Seattle Washington
Sadly, I lived in a time when phones weren’t available to take pictures. Alas, I have no pictures of me or my prom date, Anne Fernald, who is now an acclaimed author and Professor of English at Fordham University.
Most Memorable? I completely behaved myself. I had a job interview for the or ganist’s position at Mason Church in the Proctor District at 10am the next morning. I ended up being 2nd choice for the job, which in hindsight was a good thing. Little did I know I would end up living within walking distance of the church some 10 years later and would become the Music Director of that same church in the early 2000’s.
Year: 2013
School: Crystal Springs Uplands School Hillsborough, CA
I can’t recall the prom theme, but if I remember correctly, people were very obsessed with “Heartbeat” by Childish Gambino. No epic memories to share.
Year: 2001
School: Butler Senior High School
City/State: Butler, Pennsylvania
Year: 2012
Garden Valley High School, Idaho
Theme: Starry Night
Song: “Somebody that I used to know” Gotye feathering Kimba
Junior Prom with her best friend Rolla, North Dakota in 1997
Mr. Neil
Lisa Bazzanella (16 years old)
The year: 1976
Notre Dame High School Belmont, CA
Junior Prom – San Francisco at the St. Francis Hotel on Union Square
Dinner was at the Tonga Room at the Fairmont Hotel
I’ve attached a picture of me from my senior prom. The folks in this photo are the four boys and four girls who were elected as Prom Royalty, although I did not win King.
Spring of 2013 Columbia High School Nampa, ID Best Song: “Faithfully” – by Journey
(No Photo)
I went to my high school prom during my Junior year and the theme was “Forever Young” by Alphaville in 1989. It was a very memorable night with my dad waiting for me outside my house while my date drove me home.
Year: 2019
Bellarmine Preparatory School
Tacoma, WA
I got asked to the dance by one of my really good friends and he used my favorite song lyrics to ask me! My favorite memory was going to the waterfront with my besties before the dance and taking pictures and having dinner together.
Year: 1995
School: Rutgers Preparatory School
Somerset, NJ
Prom theme: “All I Want Is You” by U2 Your Favorite song: played: anything by Beck or the Cranberries
One epic memory you’re willing to share: Earlier in the night, I found out my date had cheated on me. When the DJ invited us out to dance for the prom theme/last dance, I had him introduce the song as “All I Want is You or Jessica”.
Year: 2011
School: Washington-Wilkes High School Washington, Georgia
Prom Theme: under the sea
Epic Moment: The DJ played the music videos on the walls as we danced.
By Eisha Ahmad with assistance from T.T. Nguyen
We sent out a form to see how students in the Upper School are making use of their summer:
https://www.thehumanesociety. org/services-resources/
Many students focused on education and outreach where one student, interested in history & the humanities, tutors French to others and also volunteers at a local history museum that hand-in-hand preserves culture and spreads knowledge of language. Another student shared that they volunteer for a global nonprofit organization connecting volunteers to teach English to Ukrainian children remotely.
You can also become a mentor in your field of interest too! Whether it’s coaching at camps or the YMCA, or teaching the things you are passionate about there are so many ways to create learning opportunities for kids to grow!
Consider volunteering for a cause you care about. For example, another animal loving student expressed that they volunteered with the Tacoma Humane Society through remote advertising and helping to host a house cup donation drive to THS! Other students also spend their time helping out the staff at the zoo or with Harbor WildWatch, a nonprofit revolving around wildlife protection and conservation. It doesn’t have to be this complex either–another student mentioned helping out at the local food kitchen isn’t as high a commitment but still a way to directly give back to the vulnerable populations in Tacoma!
From remote volunteering to in-person and at school, students at Annie Wright are displaying their commitment to the community. Summer isn’t just about taking time off of school– it’s time that could be used for reaching out and helping our community in ways outside of academics!
Summer is the time to rest and recover after the school year, however, it is also the time where many students at Annie Wright Schools embark on their passions of giving back to the community such as volunteering! From advocating for conserving wildlife to peer-tutoring, there are so many ways to make Summer 2025 a fulfilling break!
By Chloe Yoo
On May 10, 2025, the various vendors of BIPOC Market filled the parking lots of Annie Wright Schools with vibrant energy.
The BIPOC Market is a noncommercial market organized by the Community (s) Elective to support local black, indigenous and people of color by providing them the platform to promote their businesses. Ranging from hand-made jewelry, soap, clothing, candle, and drawing to delicious foods from different countries, the Market created an enjoyable environment for everyone who visited the place to explore diverse cultures through the market products sold at reasonable prices.
Although the Market brought out greater beneficial effects for the vendors as they had more concentrated options and bigger sales compared to the previous year, Community (s)Elective members expressed that the process of gathering vendors wasn’t always easy due to factors like language barriers and absence of responses from vendors. However, these members also shared that it was a valuable experience before stepping into the broader society to deal with difficult situations with unfamiliar people.
Overall, the BIPOC Market is a great opportunity for small business owners to showcase their unique products with the Annie Wright community. It was also a worthy demonstration of the Community (s)Elective’s effort to organize the entire event starting from January and their positive goal to assist businesses while celebrating diversity within the local community.
Ms. Dovel by Masha Kotelnikov
The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. It has a rich history dating back to the 9th century. Interestingly, the Camino was historically a route in which pilgrims could obtain a plenary indulgence. This basically means that if a person were to finish this route, all temporal punishment due to sins, would be removed. That person would be ‘free’ of those sins. Pilgrims would receive an official document of completion after the route, which caused many replicas of this document to circulate within the catholic church.
One of our teachers here at Annie Wright got the opportunity to complete this journey over spring break! We were happy to interview Emily Dovel about her adventure hiking the Camino. Below, is an interview in which Ms. Dovel answers a few questions about her trip:
What inspired you to hike the Camino de Santiago?
“...I’ve been all over the world, and, at a certain point, it gets kind of repetitive to show up to a place and just see the tourist thing and then leave. So I’ve been interested in what they call slow travel for a while. It’s where you you’re not rushing around and you actually can walk in a lot of places. So the idea is to slow down, support the local economy. It’s a little bit more eco conscious.”
What was a typical day like on the Camino?
“I had to average about 15 miles a day… and I made the mistake of doing 20 mile days a couple times, which is hard…I got up at eight. Usually, there’s breakfast, and then I just walk till noon. I planned out stops ahead of time, so I just picked a cafe where I could stop, get some water, go to the bathroom, get something to eat, and then usually I try to make the next destination by, like, three or four pm…and I just listened to books all the time”
What was your favorite moment or place along the way?
“I definitely enjoyed the Portuguese section more than the Spanish section. It was a lot more chill and there was just walking through vineyards along rivers in the country, with few random houses, and in a field…there’s no humans. I just found a horse. So I hung out with him for a while. I named him Vino.”
Did you meet interesting people along the way, or did you focus on yourself?
“Kind of both. That’s the great thing about the Camino is that you can be social and you can be solo. It just depends on how you feel. I was solo most of the time, and I just wanted the peace and space to think about the world and my life. But at stops and at hostels, I’ve met a lot of interesting people ... .a surprising number of, like, single women… the majority of people I met were women who were there alone, which was pretty cool. That’s interesting.”
How did you prepare for the hike?
“What I did the summer before, is I walked to a different coffee shop in Tacoma every single day because I didn’t travel that summer. So I have been to every Tacoma coffee shop... I just walk there to wherever, read for a couple hours, and walk back. Sometimes it was, like, an hour’s walk, but sometimes it was longer.”
Would you do it again?
“Most definitely. It’s a really cool experience because it’s not like other types of traveling I’ve done before…with the Camino, you walk through small towns and you meet people. It’s really good to slow down and see the true countryside ... and I think it was cool to finish it because it’s not easy and it’s not guaranteed that you’re gonna finish.”
Do you have any advice for people who are interested?
“You have to train, especially your feet. The other thing is that there are luggage services where you can have your stuff sent ahead and you don’t have to carry it all day, but I carry about five and a half kilograms…And also just know, bed bugs are a huge problem.”
By Kevin Nguyen andCooper Dicks
Minecraft is a sandbox game that can be played however desired with no set story. While the game does technically have a final boss in the Ender Dragon, beating it is only the beginning. Players can create a world where they have total control, just survive, or play minigames. Generally, there are three main components to the game; building, combat, and redstone.
Redstone is the in-game equivalent to electricity and can be used to automate certain tasks or be used in tandem with builds to further elevate them. People are constantly pushing redstone to its limit, a few have even used it to create working computers and calculators. Java Edition is the PC exclusive and moddable version of Minecraft. Mods can vary in content, some offer minor quality of life changes, and others make the game unrecognizable. Overall, Minecraft is a game that fosters creativity and allows players to express themselves however they choose.
Minecraft may not be the most academic pastime, it certainly is beneficial for students in a multitude of other ways. Almost every tie color has a server built by and for students to fit each one of their distinct playstyles. The Blue Ties, for example, have a bigger focus on combat but still dabble in building while the Green Ties put more emphasis on their builds. With plenty of people joining these servers, factions are being made that work together to create something they’re proud of. The open-ended nature of the game allows people to take inspiration from other cultures or create their own unique style. At a first glance, options may seem limited by the blocky aesthetic.
TwoStudentspresenttwo differentopinionsonthis popularvideogame
Onthesurface,Minecraftappearstobe asimplegamebutinreality,itprovides endlesspossibilities.
But as players gain more experience, they learn to utilize their blocks to the fullest making use of certain textures. Early into the experience, players may follow tutorials to automate farms or create automatic doors, eventually gaining the knowledge and skill to pull off these more technical aspects of the game on their own.
When the school instituted the new cell phone policy, they hoped to foster community connection. However, what resulted, to an extent, served to divide it. Left bored and restless, students turned to the only thing they knew left - Minecraft. What started out as a fun way to spend lunch quickly spiraled. Soon, Minecraft became the source of dozens of disputes. And its use wasn’t limited to lunch. Students continued with their technological warfare throughout the school day, prioritizing the game over their sleep and class work, causing grades to plummet.
With phones, students played a little old game called Brawl Stars. In Brawl Stars, players worked together as teammates, helping their clubs succeed. The gaming community was a place of joy and camaraderie, as can be seen in our Brawl Stars article from the last issue. But now, these wholesome fellas have become monsters.
Minecraft is a tool. Like any other tool, it can be used for both good and evil, either fostering creativity, or provoking conflicts. The important thing to make sure is that it’s not the one using you.
By Maria Dorner
If you’re looking for an activity this summer that allows you to get away from the city and relax, exploring the Mount Rainier meadows and seeing the wildflowers is an amazing option. It allows you to spend time in nature while also being a unique, enjoyable summer activity.
The wildflowers on Mount Rainier normally start to bloom in the beginning of mid-July and are stunning at the first of August. There are hundreds of species of wildflowers filling beautiful meadows around the mountain creating a stunning, colorful landscape. The blooms normally last until around the end of August to the beginning of September, a little after the frosts start.
Whether your goal for hiking is the floral views or the exercise, these hikes allow you to get a wonderful mix of both.
Trails at Paradise Point:
Skyline Trail - You can choose to do a full loop at 5.5 miles or stop and turn back after Myrtle Falls which would be 1 mile.
Nisqually Vista Trail - This trail, which is a 1.2 mile hike, features views of the nisqually glacier along with meadow view.
Deadhorse Creek Trail & Moraine TrailThrough this 2.5 mile hike you can see wildflowers and glaciers.
Alta Vista Trail - Beautiful forest and meadow views line this 1.7 mile trail.
Trails at Sunrise Point:
Emmons Vista Overlooks - A 0.5 mile hike featuring beautiful views of the Emmons Glacier.
Shadow Lake Loop - Meadow and wildflower views line this 3 mile hike to Shadow Lake.
Sunrise Nature Trail - This trail leads to stunning views of Mount Rainier and the Cascades is lined with beautiful meadows all in a 1.5 mile hike.
No matter what hike interests you, take a chance on something new and go take a walk on these beautiful trails.
By Ireland Jean
Fresh peaches, crunchy green grapes, crisp watermelon, juicy strawberries, nothing says summer more than fresh fruit. However, these sweet summer treats are at risk because of the declining population of bees worldwide. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation (FAO), pollinators like bees, birds, bats, and other insects are responsible for two thirds of the crops that feed the world. This means those delicious fruits that seem to encapsulate the feeling of summer would become a rare commodity.
According to Washington State University, in 2025 alone the bee population of Washington decreased by a minimum of 60% reaching 100% in some places. This decrease is around 20%40% higher than previous years which is particularly concerning because there is no finite reason, like disease, for this sudden and unprecedented loss. The primary threat to this vital species is the changing climate. As weather patterns and tendencies become more sporadic and the temperatures rise bees face an exponentially growing number of threats. The unpredictable weather may decrease or delay the blooming of flowers leading to nutrient deficiency and famine. Another threat to these bees are Varroa mites which weaken bees by feeding on the tissues in their bodies. And unfortunately Varroa mites thrive in higher temperatures, rising global temperatures are increasing the severity of this threat. In addition to this, bees are threatened by habitat loss as deforestation increases and housing and urban development expand to accommodate the ever growing human population.
It is evident that bees are facing extreme adversity, but what does their declining population mean for society?
According to the University of Washington, if bees were to go extinct then the world as a whole would spiral into an economic crisis due to the lack of fruit and vegetables. A Cornell University study found that more than $14 billion worth of crops in the U.S are pollinated by bees, so naturally their extinction would be catastrophic. The average U.S person’s diet depends at least one third on food pollinated by bees.
What can we do to maintain or increase bee populations?
Limit the use of pesticides, use natural bug repellents like plating mint or vinegar sprays. The link to the right gives more details on where to find and how to make safe alternatives to pesticides.
Keep a bee friendly garden, plant native flowers and plants. Scan the QR code to the left to get more information on what native plants to implement in your garden, and how to plant them.
Support local bee farms, buy honey from local suppliers, use the QR code to the left to get more information about Tacoma’s Farmers Markets where there is guaranteed to be fresh local honey!
Clearly bees, like many common and critical species, face human caused threats. In order to keep enjoying the fresh produce we take for granted right now, action must be taken. Fortunately , as seen in the solutions listed above, there are many simple and straightforward changes all people can make to help revive the bee population. It is small changes like these made by many people that will ultimately make a big difference.
https://bees.wsu.edu/2025colonylosses/ https://depts.washington.edu/triolive/quest/2007/TTQ07077/consequences. html#:~:text=The%20extinction%20of%20honeybees%20will,States%20is%20 pollinated%20by%20bees.
https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/Declining-bee-populations-pose-threat-to-global-food-security-and-nutrition/en
By TT Nguyen
Rock and Roll is often viewed as a catalyst for social change as it challenges social norms and provides a platform for youth to express themselves. It can even be used to start a rebellion. I figured there would be no one better to ask about this than Mr. Orr.
Who’s your favorite rock band that you’re listening to right now?
Oh, it will be Sly and the Family Stone
Well, because I am really attracted to fallen heroes or fallen idols. I always have been. I don’t know whether or not I sometimes see myself as being someone who maybe squandered their potential.
I know that I am inherently lazy and that I could be capable of so much more but when I see it in people that really demonstrated that they had it. And for whatever reason, whether it’s drugs, whether it’s personal problems, whether it’s psychological problems that we’re never treated, they abandon their potential. Because of that, part of my heart goes out to them and I want to be their biggest fan.
The greater they are, the harder they fall, and the more I want to root for them. And such is the case with Sly.
I read Sly’s bio called thank you for letting me be myself last year and was absolutely riveted by the sheer brilliance of the guy, but at the same time, how far the guy fell to the point that he was basically unemployable, he was unreliable. He was still capable of greatness, and yet, we as a society have a really, really short attention span. When you have someone who has sort of been erased from or has been forgotten by society as a whole, it’s time to bring them back in.
When you have someone who does absolutely amazing things, a musician who can take genres, who can meld in things that you don’t normally find in pop music into pop music, that’s someone who’s absolutely brilliant. As I read, in this biography, what he was and what he was doing and the conditions that brought his downfall and it made me really curious to listen to what he did and how it resonates with music today. And it does. It totally does.
So when you hear something that you think is completely new or a crossover, your historical lens has to go away for a minute. We’re recognizing this person for what they did, but they didn’t do it on their own.
There was, back in the mid 60s, this guy who was doing all of this stuff that had never been done before. I mean, rock and rollers, we know, in the form that it had taken in the early 60s , was still relatively new. R&B had been around forever, gospel had been around forever. Motown was relatively new. And then you throw this funk element in, jazz elements and classical elements. This guy, he was just absolutely brilliant. And so that’s my favorite. Easily, that’s my favorite group right now.
What is your favorite song from a band?
That’s totally transitional. A few weeks ago, I could not stop listening to “Wildflower” by Billie Eilish. Right now, it’s probably “Stand” by Sly and the Family Stone. But a lot of that depends on if I’m in the car and if I have my choice of music. If I’m driving one of my old cars, like my old bronco, I feel like listening to Led Zeppelin. Aggressive Zeppelin, because I like making a lot of noise. Particularly in downtown Seattle, which seems so contrived and phony, uh, it’s fun to just drive through Techtown in the Bronco and harass other vehicles. Zeppelin gives me the adrenaline to do that.
Everything with music in me is about allowing my dopamine levels, whether they’re good, whether they’re sad, whether they’re reflective, it incites an emotion or a feeling in me that I really want I really want to savor.
But there’s another emotion that’s involved in music. Music for me, everything that every piece of music that I like brings up some situation or it creates a situation in my mind or my imagination and it takes me to a period of time that I’m either really, really little or I’m in my current state and there’s something about that I can relate to. It could be a memory. It could be like wildflowers. It could be I have an emotional connection with it because I’ve sort of lived that myself. So yeah. It’s really interesting.
Back to Rock a little bit, um how does it influence an advance for change?
Well, rock music or funk music or popular music can advocate for change depending on what the artist is going to do and if they have the courage to release these songs. So, old Bob Dylan is protest rock in essence, or it’s not rock yet, but it certainly has the ingredients to become rock.
So, for instance, the song “Masters of War” that Dylan did, is so far removed from what a lot of young people were listening to. Basically what he’s doing is he’s blasting. He’s creating a scathing denunciation of people that are in high positions of power who were creating these wars so that they can sell more weaponry.
They’re talking about politicians who are connected to defense firms that manufacture planes and bombs, and basically, they’re not the ones who are fighting in the war. It’s young men who are fighting in the war, who are not much older than you are, and they’re fighting in a war. Young soldiers were sent over to fight in Vietnam and endured all of these horrible things, and the Vietnamese people endured all these horrible things.
During this war, there were actions with lasting effects 60 years or 70 years after the Vietnam War, or since the start of it, which really was the early 60s. Bob Dylan basically was saying, you know, ‘yeah, come master’s of war, you know, come sell us your guns. Some, you know, we build the planes, we build the bombs, we build the guns,” right? You don’t send your kids off to the Vietnam War. You send other people’s kids off, and they die, and when they die, well, you send someone else in, give them a new gun, give them a new bomb, give them new planes.
You’re making money, you’re making tons and tons and tons of money while you have people that are less fortunate do your bidding, basically. That’s a protest. That’s advocating for social change. That’s saying, now, have we achieved social change? No, it’s because we have a short memory. We often don’t pay attention to history.
Creedence’ Clearwater Revival is the same thing in the 1960s with the song “Fortunate Son.” Okay? Basically, he’s being sarcastic. He’s talking about “it ain’t me, it ain’t me. I ain’t no Senator’s Son.” There’s what we saw during the Vietnam War, that politicians found ways to keep their boys out of Vietnam. “ I run for the hills.” That would be another one, okay? And a lot of them are anti war, okay? But at the same time, you also have songs by Sly and the Family Stone how when they say “I love everyday people, you know? There is a red one that doesn’t like the black one who doesn’t like the green one who doesn’t like the yellow one,” okay? And basically, what he’s saying is, accept that people are different, celebrate their differences, you know? And he comes out with a band that basically is not only singing about it, but practicing it because he has men, women, black and white. Okay? There’s huge racial diversity in a time where that slot of southern states, and a lot of parts of the United States said, oh, no, no, no, no, you can’t have that. I mean, this is the
era where Dr. King is going in and saying this is wrong. We shouldn’t have restrooms for white people only or for people of other races only. Shouldn’t have segregated restaurants for people to eat in. We shouldn’t have neighborhoods where people of a different race can’t live. And yet we still have that go on today, but rock and popular music has the ability to be this agent for social change.
How much social change rock can enact, though, today is a lot of the time dependent on what corporate America’s gonna allow. But because popular music tends to be the medium most people listen to, it has the greatest potential to do that.
Now, musical theater also does this. I mean, we could put musical theater in there, productions like Wicked. I mean Wicked’s all about thinking someone’s evil because of the color, there’s a color, their skin. Only this time the skin is green, right? And because someone is different, because someone is born with green skin, they’re thought to be evil, right? They don’t have any friends. Whereas, you know, Glenda, we see blonde as being All American, you know what I’m talking about. Some musical theater can do that, too, but a lot of it is, unfortunately, dependent upon what record companies are willing to put out there, what type of risk they’re willing to make promoting a particular artist.
I think in the 60s, record companies were far less afraid of taking risks. These people were speaking to young people. These artists are speaking to young people. Young people were buying records. Our nation’s in disarray now, it’s all about making money.
Thank you Mr. Orr for your time and for sharing your insights.
By Eisha Ahmad
Hawaii is known for its tropical beauty and the “dream” destination for vacation. What are the implications of being native to a one of a kind tourist destination? Locals and people who call it home often face many healthcare obstacles and lack of access to treatment due to Hawaii’s geographical demographic and separation, limited resources and effects of colonization.
Healthcare access and barriers:
Due to the separated land geographic of Hawaii, healthcare access is very limited and varies between island to island. Firstly, there are only 28 hospitals in total across the islands of Hawaii. According to the American Hospital Directory, it was reported in 2020, only 6 out of those 137 islands have hospitals. As a result, many citizens or locals have to travel between islands constantly with boats or planes, which is not only time consuming but expensive. Transportation can also be costly on top of hospital bills and payments, which can cause a financial toll on many.
There are smaller clinics in islands without a centralized hospital, but there is still a shortage of them. oftentimes they are overbeared with thousands of patients, causing longer wait times. One of the biggest islands, Maui, is known as the “retirement” island so there are more elderly people that require more services and immediate care. Overall, this creates a need for bridging the gaps in accessibility that often falls short from issues of transportation or overpopulation in clinics.
Workforce Shortage:
Simply living in Hawaii is costly, which is another reason why there’s a healthcare working force shortage. Furthering the detrimental lack of access to healthcare. All in all, these obstacles add on to the insufficient healthcare system that is prevalent in Hawaii today. In addition to not having enough hospitals, there is a lack of medical personnel available in the workforce. A main reason for this workforce shortage is the low health literacy that is prevalent in many areas that aren’t the typical tourist traps. rather, people living in lower income areas.
Images sourced from The Library of Congress https://www.loc.gov/resource/g4381e.ct008058/
In reference to the recent events of the Lahaina Fire, in 2023, the demand for doctors increased as many health care workers and patients were displaced. This is due to the destruction of the fire. This extended to the already scarce hospitals and medical facilities to be burned down, heightening the financial costs that already come with trying to access urgent medical care. This furthers the necessity for sufficient resources especially planted for locals in rural areas.
Native Hawaiians today face these health equity challenges, mostly due to their history of colonization. According to a study done by Santa Clara University, this minority group in Hawaii is more likely to develop; diabetes, cardiovascular disease and heart failure because of the lasting effects of colonization. As a result, they are more likely to require more than the average amount of healthcare service, meaning that these lasting obstacles affect them more than the average Hawaii resident.
References: https://keck.usc.edu/news/genetic-ancestry-linked-to-diabetes-heart-failure-and-obesity-among-native-hawaiians/#:~:text=Genetic%20 ancestry%20linked%20to%20diabetes%2C%20heart%20failure%20and%20 obesity%20among%20Native%20 Hawaiians,-First%2Dever%20large&text=With%20advances%20in%20 analyzing%20human,is%20affected%20 by%20their%20genetics.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/ article/pii/S2949697723000206
https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/ local-news/2024-09-06/state-fundedmedical-transport-health-care-molokai-and-lanai
treats
By Maia Bostock and Maria Dorner
For this summer edition of the food column, we wanted to choose something that is reminiscent of summer and something to look forward to. We decided to go with nice cooling treats to help you enjoy a warm summer’s day.
By Melissa Clark
Recipe Intro:
Summer is rapidly approaching, and with the end of the school year comes months of beautiful, sunny weather. No dessert is quite as synonymous with the season as smooth, sweet, cold ice cream. Ice cream itself is available in a myriad of flavors, from the mundane to the eccentric. However, for this issue, we decided to keep it relatively simple: salted caramel ice cream. This nostalgic, deceptively straightforward flavor is in actuality complex and truly captures the essence of summer.
Yield: about 1 ½ pints
Ingredients:
1¼ cups granulated sugar
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
6 large egg yolks
¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
Preparation:
Step 1
In a medium pot over medium heat, melt ¾ cup sugar with 3 tablespoons of water, swirling skillet frequently, until sugar turns mahogany brown in color (it should be almost but not quite black).
Step 2
Add heavy cream, milk, remaining ½ cup sugar and the salt; simmer mixture until caramel melts and cream mixture is completely smooth. Remove pot from heat. In a separate bowl, whisk yolks. Whisking constantly, slowly whisk about a third of the hot cream into the yolks, then whisk the yolk mixture back into the pot with the cream.
Step 3
Return pot to medium-low heat and gently cook until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170 degrees on an instant-read thermometer).
Step 4
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Cool mixture to room temperature. Cover and chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 5
Churn in an ice cream machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Sprinkle flaky sea salt into the base during the last 2 minutes of churning. Serve directly from the machine for soft serve, or store in the freezer until needed.
Recipe 2: Strawberry Sorbet (NYT Cooking)
By
Ruth Rogers and Rose Gray - Adapted by Amanda Hesser
Recipe Intro:
As the season and warm weather rolls in, sorbets are a great way to not only escape the heat but also to enjoy seasonal fruits. The strawberry season starting makes this strawberry sorbet a recipe that could utilize these amazing local berries. Light and sweet, with tangy lemon, this dessert embodies the wonderful feelings of summer.
Yield: Makes 1½ quarts
Ingredients:
1 whole lemon, seeded and roughly chopped
2 cups sugar
2 pounds strawberries, hulled Juice of 1 to 2 lemons
Preparation:
Step 1
Place the chopped lemon and sugar in a food processor, and pulse until combined. Transfer to a bowl.
Step 2
Purée the strawberries in a food processor, and add to the lemon mixture, along with the juice of 1 lemon. Taste and add more juice as desired. The lemon flavor should be intense but should not overpower the strawberries. Pour the mixture into an ice cream machine and churn until frozen.
By Maia Bostock & Cooper Dicks
What was the most memorable moment of your trip?
In early spring, many Annie Wright (s)Electives embarked on local and international trips across the globe. They discovered new cultures, experienced a myriad of different ideas, and fostered new connections as they explored the US, South America, and Asia. Inkwell conducted a survey in order to capture some of their memories and the facets of the journeys. Here are some collected answers.
Where did you go for your trip?
Copper Creek Hut
The “light at the end of the tunnel moment” where we made it to the hut. And the views of the sunset from high up. (Copper Creek Hut)
Visiting the liquid rocket teams at UC Irvine and Cal State
Long Beach. (Long Beach)
We went to see a magician which was so interesting. I was hoping he would call on me to be hypnotized but that didn’t happen. (West Seattle)
Visiting a Japanese school. It was really interesting to explore a familiar environment in a different culture. (Tokyo)
Visiting Seoul Foreign School and seeing how different schools teach IB (South Korea)
The Delegate Social (the big MUN “party”) (Washington DC)
What was your favorite tour or site that you saw?
The Museum of pop culture (West Seattle)
I really enjoyed going to the beach (Long Beach)
Shibuya was really fun highlight of Tokyo (Tokyo)
We went to Gyeonbokkung Palace which had extremely old architecture, dating back to the Joseon dynasty which gave me a different perspective of South Korea’s history. (South Korea)
The Capitol (Washington DC)
What place would you want to go back to and why?
UC Irvine, mostly because I’m thinking about applying and possibly going there because of the student diversity and the fun liquid rocket team. (Long Beach)
There were a lot of Museums in the famous Ueno Park, and I sadly did not get to explore them all. (Tokyo)
Korea Tourism Senior High School, we went there and were instantly greeted with the students holding signs with our names and art on them. It was so cool and heartwarming and completely changed the vibe of the rest of the trip. (South Korea)
Lincoln Memorial (Washington DC)
Long Beach California
West Seattle Brazil
Tokyo, Japan
South Korea
Washington DC
What foods did you enjoy?
Oat milk, Bagel, Gyro (West Seattle)
I really enjoyed the Korean food called Tteokbokki and the authentic Mexican food (Long Beach)
We got some really good Thai food! (West Seattle)
Pizza (Brazil)
Ramen (If you’re ever in Tokyo go to Ichiran, it’s worth the line) (Tokyo)
We had dumpling soup one morning, it took me by surprise with just how flavorful it was. (South Korea)
A wide variety of foods that represented the United States and the wider world (whatever was close to our hotel) (Washington DC)
What was something new about the location that you learned?
Seattle has office buildings that have concepts that aren’t office themed. (West Seattle)
Liquid rocket teams alone was something I have never been introduced to and the fact that Cali doesn’t have many launch sites due to the dense population. (Long Beach)
Brasillia was built quite recently (Brazil)
There were a lot of different cultural things there, so different ways of showing respect to others and the land was big. (Tokyo)
Honestly I had no idea it was under Japanese imperialism for almost a century. (South Korea)
I learned how easy it is to navigate DC and see all of the monuments (Washington DC)
The sheer variety of experiences above illustrates the power of exploration and the newfound understanding of the world that travel brings. The future holds even greater opportunities for local and international connection for Annie Wright students, and we cannot wait to hear everything about their adventures.
USB Green Tie Summer Daze playlist Summer Playlist
Credits and much gratitude to the following:
