CERBERUS SPRING 2025
CERBERUS
Cerberus
The Literary Magazine of Ashley Hall
Charleston, South Carolina
2025
EditorialTeam
Charlotte Torrez ‘25: Senior Editor-in-Chief
Helen Kourtidis ‘26: Junior Editor-in-Chief
Savvy Lewis ‘26
Ella McCall ‘26
Lucy David ‘28
Elizabeth Brisson ‘27
Charlotte Guffey ‘28
Faculty AdvisorsandEditors
Chris Hughes
Christina Trimarco
Emmad Soltan
From the Editors
Cerberus, an Ashley Hall publication since 1912, earned an esteemed place among the school’s time-honored traditions. The name derives from a stuffed dog, who traveled around campus and was placed at the Ashley Hall gates to welcome the students back every school year. Adored by many students, it became a mascot who “guarded” the school’s gates – hence its classical name, Cerberus, after the mythological guard dog.
The Cerberus team returned to the original name in 2023, after a period of being known as The Acanthus, which honored architectural features in McBee House and played on the tall plant stalks adorned with purple and white blooms.
The current Cerberus team is excited to build off of our last few publications in this Spring volume of 2025. Please join us in congratulating the Cerberus staff and many contributing students, to whom we all must say: PQV.
CERBERUS STAFF
CHARLOTTE ‘25: Senior Editor-in-Chief
Charlotte Torrez is a senior and this is her third year at Ashley Hall. She is passionate about her role on the Cerberus staff as it allows her to express her love for literature and art. She looks forward to what future editions of the Cerberus will hold!
HELEN ‘26: Junior Editor-in-Chief
Helen Kourtidis is a junior who has attended Ashley Hall since third grade. She has long enjoyed the humanities and arts, and she loves drawing, reading, writing poetry, and performing in vocal and instrumental recitals as well as theater. She has loved working on the Cerberus and can’t wait to see what future issues hold!
CHARLOTTE ‘28: Fiction Editor
Charlotte Guffey is the fiction editor of the Cerberus. She is a freshman and has been attending Ashley Hall for three years. 3
SAVANNAH ‘26: Poetry Editor
Savannah Lewis is a junior who has been at Ashley Hall for five years. She is on the Cerberus Staff as a Poetry Editor and she loves to read and write poetry. She enjoys works by Maya Angelou and Amanda Gorman. She joined Cerberus to engage more with her peers across grades, and she is thrilled to be part of a team that showcases the diverse talent within her school. She loves the collaborative nature of the publication and is excited for the upcoming edition.
ELLA ‘26: Poetry Editor
Ella McCall is a sixteen year old junior and has been attending Ashley Hall for eleven years. She is an avid writer who also enjoys drawing, reading, performing poetry, painting, and crocheting. She joined Cerberus because she loves the arts and any chance to honor the wonderful artistic community within Ashley Hall. She enjoys seeing the creativity of others and the Cerberus is a perfect chance to celebrate the photography, writing, and other artistic skills of our community.
ELIZABETH. ‘27: Staff Writer
Elizabeth Brisson is a sophomore and a member of Ashley Hall’s varsity tennis team. She is passionate about literature and art and thoroughly enjoys the diligent process of creating the Cerberus magazine.
LUCY ‘28: Staff Writer
Lucy David is a freshman at Ashley Hall who has been here for four years. She loves to read, write, and do art in her free time. Her favorite class is Classics. This is her second year on the Cerberus staff.
FromtheStaff:AroundCampus…25
AirplaneWindowbyEmmaKateSchimming...32
LiteralHeartsByAdyaSharma…33
GeometricDesigns
FeliceKillian,HazelSmith,BriggsKalick,Adeline Kriese,RebeccaSomsky,OliviaMarieSkoubo, AverySteele…36
McBeeHouseDrawingbyEvaKvarnstrand…40
MistybyVayiaKourtidis…41
SnowonShemCreekbyEmmaKate Schimming…42
McBeeHouseDrawingbyPennyGalvan…43
StatuettebyMadelineKopf…44
PrisonbyCampbellLennon…44 SwitzerlandbyEmmaKateSchimming…47
ShellHouseDrawingbyLeightonStaebell…48
AGirlEssaybyLeightonStaebell…48
StatuettebyRhettaRutledge…50
EmbroiderySamplebyGigiPowell…51
McBeeHouseDrawingbyTateErwin…52
PunchNeedleObjectbyElliotFarr…53
StatuettebyLilyBrady…54
MonsterbyHelenKourtidis…55
McBeeHouseDrawingbyAriBaker…57
EmbroiderySamplerbyAriBaker…58
StatuettebyMaryHopeLloyd…59
MonologuebyHelenKourtidis…60
InvisibleByAnnabelleLee…62
McBeeHouseDrawingbyVedaPatel…63
WallWeavingbyTateErwin…64
StatuettebyIsabellaSmith…65
A Tribute to Mrs. Sweigart
In 2024, Ashley Hall lost our beloved IP teacher, Mrs. Kiki Sweigart. Her passing was a heavy blow to our community. It is difficult to articulate the importance of a person who played such a vital role in so many childhoods; few people can touch the lives of others, and so many, like she did. Few people can make anyone want to follow their example like she did. It is difficult to remember everything, but I will attempt to share as many memories as I can. Some of my fellow Upperclassmen will remember what it was like to be her student in Lane Hall, before the IP building was built. Every inch of her classroom was decorated with posters, gadgets, and magnets. Infamous was her microphone, which she would speak into despite having no need to amplify her already powerful voice. Her lessons echoed through the Intermediate Program, background noise to every other class. When you followed the sound and stepped into her room, you were immediately overcome with her infectious energy sweeping across the space and handing that microphone to any shy fifth grader afraid to speak up. It is impossible to forget the sound of her saying “get some brainfood, kiddo,” whenever someone answered a question correctly and got to pick from the jar of candy she always kept stocked at the front of the room. When the Intermediate Program moved to the new building, she brought all that energy with her– except the microphone, which I hear she was soon asked to retire.
Many of us also remember how she’d taught us to type during study skills, guiding us through online typing games until it became second nature. Some may even remember how once, she sat the grade down, proclaimed that our emails were completely unprofessional, and taught us how to structure a proper one. The more I think of our time with her, the more I realize just how much there is to remember: how she led us through our first science experiments, encouraged us to complete the rapid “ladder-up” multiplication challenges, and seemed to live off the Coca-Cola and clementines on her desk. She was also more than an educator; she shaped our lives outside the classroom as much as she did inside. I was one of many students who were in her robotics club, programming our little bots to race around the table or kick a ball into a goalpost. Every one of her students was part of Boat Building, in which we ventured to the lawn of the Elizabeth House every Friday to build our rowboats before getting to sail them in the colonial lake. Right after boat building, she would lead us through house competitions, with fun games kicking off each weekend. She never seemed to need a break, not even when the school year ended. When she finished teaching each new class of fifth graders, she was a fun, compassionate, and supportive leader of Horizons at Ashley Hall, a program which she brought to our school and which continues to thrive.
I already know this isn’t everything, and in the coming weeks, I will keep remembering moments I forgot to include. Everywhere I look in my memory at Ashley Hall, Mrs. Sweigart is there. Every time we reminisce on our days in the Intermediate Program, she inevitably comes up. Every person who knew her was lucky indeed, and each of them knows it.
Helen Kourtidis
Contained in the next section of this publication is the proof: pictures and letters submitted by students and faculty, reminders that Mrs. Sweigart's impact on our community will never be forgotten.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Kiki Sweigart, a beloved teacher and the driving force behind Horizons at Ashley Hall. For over 50 years, Kiki dedicated her life to expanding the Horizons network, bringing the 'Horizons magic' to countless students. Kiki started teaching at the original Horizons at New Canaan Country School in 1974, and then successfully expanded Horizons to Washington, DC. in 2000. Since joining Ashley Hall in 2016, Kiki passionately led the creation of our all-girls program. As
Program Director, STEM teacher, and swim instructor, her boundless energy and love for teaching made learning a joy for our students. Throughout her career, Kiki impacted thousands of students, and her legacy will continue to inspire our community and live on through this program.
- Horizons Instagram
Kiki was a legend in the Horizons community and it was my great privilege to be a part of bringing her dream to fruition and launching Horizons at Ashley Hall in 2018. Kiki deeply understood the benefits of Horizons and she was an incredible ambassador for the program. Kiki dedicated her life to growing the Horizons network so that more students could experience the "Horizons magic". Kiki started teaching at the original Horizons in Connecticut 50 years ago, moved to Washington DC and started Horizons there before moving to Charleston. Kiki thrived in the freedom Horizons provides to teach outside the box and help students experience the joy of learning. Kiki was so good at studying her students to comprehend how they learned best, and then instructing them in a way that could help the student grasp the concepts. Kiki impacted
thousands of students through her work with Horizons and was able to see some of her first Horizons students return to the program as teachers to provide opportunities for other students. This summer Kiki still wanted to stay involved with Horizons despite undergoing chemo treatment and other than the hair loss, you never would have known what she was going through. She taught our oldest group of girls how to play water polo this summer. It was incredibly rewarding for her to see the students have a true love for the water after Kiki taught the same girls how to swim 7 years ago when they came to Horizons for the first time. It is so hard to imagine Horizons without Kiki but I am grateful for the time I had with her and the impact she made upon my family and community.
- Eric Strickland, Horizons Board
Mrs Sweigart was one of a kind. Her class was one of my very favorites. Whenever we would walk into the classroom, she would have a smile on her face and a new fun lesson to learn. She helped us through rough times and, even when things got hard, she was still right beside us. When I was out sick and in the hospital, Mrs. Sweigart took the time to drive a care package of some candy and the most adorable little hedgehog and sweet note to my house. I still keep that hedgehog on my bedside table. Mrs. Sweigart was my very first advisor at Ashley
Hall. She guided me through my first year here, which was quite stressful to say the least. I love Miss Sweigart with all my heart, and I hope that her memory continues for future Ashley Hall students.
- Lillian Tonnsen ‘31
I loved Science at first , but after Mrs.Sweigart was my teacher when I came to Ashley Hall last year I loved Science even more! She was one of the best teachers I have ever had! During the Science showcase, she encouraged me to do my best and to be eager to learn, so I thank her for that.
- Eliza Brown ‘31
I am in sixth grade, but I remember in fifth grade when my friends and I were walking to the theater and we were talking about how Mrs. Sweigart taught us every subject. She did Mummers which was theater, she helped us with our multiplication, math. She did science and technology. Helped us with our grammar. She even taught the history of science, and sometimes incorporated art into all of that with 3D printing and laser cutting. Honestly, I'm surprised she didn't run our division, because if you hadn't told me who it was I would have assumed it was her. She was that awesome.
- Charlie Siliman ‘31
I was in 5th grade her last year of teaching, so I was her last class. One of my best memories with her was at GRP. I got stung by a bunch of bees, but she stood there with me and helped me calm down. She was so adventurous and always was up to doing more things, once she started playing basketball and four square with me and some of my friends.
- Laura-Brandt Clayton ‘31
Robotics by Charlotte Strickland
This is a group from one of the 5th-grade robotics teams' final competitions. We did not win; however, the main reason any of us joined the team in the first place was Mrs. Sweigart. Merely because she made 5th grade one of the best years. Through her contagious laugh in her microphone, fun activities ending with Brainfood, and general enthusiasm for coming to Ashley Hall and teaching us every day, Mrs. Sweigart impacted me in ways words cannot describe and her lessons continue to shape me every day. An amazing educator left an amazing legacy that continues to shape lives.
- Madeleine Schimming ‘26
Horizons by Charlotte Strickland
I think Mrs. Sweigart was the best teacher I ever hadactually I know. She was always making sure we wouldn't forget anything we learned by doing fun labs. She was also a great human being, and I wouldn't understand why anybody would not like her. She would never leave anybody out and had so much spirit. She was so enjoyable to be around. I think I speak for everyone when I say I wish she was still our teacher and I miss her.
- Mae Wurzelbacher ‘31
Thank you note to GRP chaperone by Sophie Rose
Although Ms. Sweigart wasn't my official teacher, I understand her impact on the lives of my classmates. When I first shadowed Ashley Hall in 5th grade, her class was the first one I was brought into. I don't remember exactly what we did, but she welcomed me like one of her students and treated me with so much kindness. When I hear stories of her now, I wish I could've talked to her more. But I know her legacy will live on in all of the people she has touched, especially in the Class of 2025
. - Miya Brown ‘25
I would just like to say that Mrs. Sweigart was a phenomenal teacher in all ways. She pushed herself and her students to the limit and always was willing to step out of her comfort zone. She truly understood teaching and its value. Her class always made me think and work hard at whatever the activity was: from cube puzzles to boat building, Mrs. Sweigart was an amazing teacher all around. . – Caitlin Oliver ‘31
Boat Building Launch by Marisol Castro-Calzada
Ms. Sweigart was a true inspiration both as a teacher and as a person. Her calm, clear-sighted way of approaching challenges, always paired with just the right touch of humor, was a joy to witness and be a part of. In her presence, people felt confident and seen. After a conversation with her whether about a problem or an idea the clouds would lift and new, exciting possibilities would come into view. I’ll always remember the time I asked her to teach me how to use the 3D printer. She guided me through it so quickly and gracefully, with such ease, that I found myself thinking, I wish she had been my teacher growing up. But the truth is she was a teacher in every sense, because she approached the world as a student first. That beautiful paradox of the teacher who never stops learning—shaped everything she did. She was equally grounded and celebratory, full of curiosity, and deeply generous with her knowledge. What a gift it was to learn alongside her. I see her spirit reflected in the students who loved her so dearly. Her legacy lives on in them and in all of us who were lucky enough to know her.
- Aimee Phelan-Deconick, faculty
What was written at the back of Kiki’s red Jeep?
Emmad Soltan
For many years I helped Kiki Sweigart with many tech tasks. Some examples I remember were: connecting the LEGO robotics to computers, handling Chromebooks issues, preparing computer carts to the summer Horizons program, connecting the Horizons teachers to Promethean Boards and printers, preparing for events plus much
Boat Building Launch by Marisol Castro-Calzada
more. Kiki always insisted on learning how to do it herself. I would show her the steps and she would write note cards for herself then hang these cards on the nearby wall. I felt very happy teaching her and she loved it. Sometimes I am in her classroom doing a ticket and I get to listen to her teaching. I felt how much she LOVED her students and cared for each one. She was firm but kind. She had a big heart. She used to park her red Jeep at the church parking where I also parked. I always admired what was written at the back of her red Jeep: LIFE IS GOOD.
From the Staff: Around Campus
Spring has sprung at Ashley Hall! The sun is starting to shine and girls are shifting from hanging out in the library and the student life center to spreading out on the turf and enjoying the sunshine. The halls are painted with student council posters as students work hard to earn a spot on student council or honor council for the 2025-2026 school year. The school store is back open in the student life center with no shortage of panther flair. The bear cave is starting to show spring growth, just in time for the second year of Plant with a Purpose, a new but beloved day of celebration of our special earth. The community quickly snapped back into rhythm after spring break, but with only 6 weeks left and the Charleston sun so bright, spring fever is quickly spiraling into a countdown for summer!
Spring Play – Disney’s TheLionKingJr.
Helen Kourtidis
Every year, Ashley Hall’s Spring play alternates between Shakespeare on the Bear Cave and a musical. This year, with performers from fifth through twelfth grade, we staged our production of Disney’s The LionKingJr.!
The LionKing, inspired by Hamletand the biblical tales of Joseph and Moses, is a story of leadership, adversity, and perseverance. Between explosive musical numbers and iconic comedic scenes, we see Scar's manipulation, the Hyenas' greed, and Simba's inner strength as he rediscovers himself in the wake of tragedy. The carefree comedy of Timon and Pumba, the emotional ballads of Nala and Simba, and the wise leadership of Rafiki and Mufasa make this play a beloved classic. These contrasting elements also made this play so much fun to be part of, and I am so proud of the love the entire cast brought. Though the show was amazing onstage, I must admit that some of my favorite moments were singing and dancing in the wings, though no one could see us, and getting ready for each performance (where there was often even more singing and dancing).
A show is never complete without its behind-the-scenes work, and the Lion King Jr. was no different. A group of student artists designed our beautiful character makeup and helped us get ready for each show, and many of the props were made by sixth through eighth grade theater students. A handful of students worked directly with the professional tech crew, assisting with lighting and sound. Our backstage crew, after having only one week to learn the whole play, moved the set pieces to transform Davies stage from Pridelands to Desert to Jungle. Of course, the show couldn’t have come together without
our stage manager, Ms. Key, our music director, Mrs. Haskell, and our director, Mrs. Phelan! Finally, we were lucky enough to have help from amazing professionals who breathed life into this world.
Thank you to everyone who attended our performances and everyone who participated!
Cast:
Rafiki – Aziel Reed
Mufasa – Emma Antonucci
Sarabi – Sriya Banik
Zazu – Ellis Hershon
Scar – Dagny Mauro
Young Simba – Emma Ellet
Simba – London Edwards
Sarafina – Aliyah Fludd
Young Nala – Claire Finland
Nala – Vayia Kourtidis
Banzai – Ella Boughan
Shenzi – Noni Su
Ed – Caroline Smith
Mouse – Ella Donohoe
Timon – Eliza Brown
Pumbaa – Helen Kourtidis
Buzzards Puppeteer – Walker Ewing
Ensemble – Natalie Bennett, Walker Ewing, Eden Farthing, Lucy Lantz, Jane Matheson, Mia Neskey, Caitlin Oliver, Evie Pope, Avery Steele, Leila Rose Toporek
Stage Crew
Stage Manager – Alexandra Key
Assistant Stage Manager – Nela Long
Assistant Music Director – Elena Hollister
Costume Mistress – London Danyluk
Hair and Makeup – Ari Baker, Alexandra Key, Penny Galvan, Vera Galvan, Giselle Thacker
Sound and Lighting – Grace Corona, Ella McCall, Matt Varner
Backstage Crew – Grace Corona, Teddy Harrington, Wren Messervy, LouLou Ryan, Minka Tang, Kayden Hamilton-Hart
Production Team
Director and Choreographer – Aimee Phelan- Deconick
Additional Choreography Credits – Lauren Chapman, Shravya Keerthi Laasya
Music Director – Loretta Haskell, accompanist
Guest Artist – Eric Amaoquandoh, percussion
Scenic Design and Construction – Thomas Smith (Innovative Event Services), Sean Coates (painter), Michael Owens (craftsman)
Props – Mrs. Phelan’s Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade Theater Arts Students
Private Vocal Coach – Margaret Kelly Cook
Performing Arts Program Chair – Anna Brock
Travel
8th Grade Disney World Trip
This is the annual eighth grade trip to see real-world applications of physics. It’s a really great trip to really understand the things they’re learning in class. They all got several hours of free time with friends to just have fun after taking a class on physics in the parks.
The Offshore Leadership Program ~OLP
A trip that entails being on a boat for around twelve days. The students who go are anywhere from Freshmen to Seniors. They learn about boats and the ocean and about themselves too. This is an amazing opportunity to meet people you haven’t met before. Connecting and creating friendships like never before, made them all like a family. And whatbetter way to make a first impression than to live on a boat together for two weeks?
Louisiana Bayous and Byways: Cajun, Creole, and Caribbean Influences on the American South
A trip for seniors to explore the culture and traditions of New Orleans, a city influenced by the Caribbean, African, and French cultures. They saw art and architecture built over centuries of change in the political landscape. They ate food with
French influences and bold flavors. It’s a special place, and a lot of fun.
Sports Soccer
The Ashley Hall Soccer team has continued to grow and improve throughout the 2025 season. The team introduced a new coach this year, coach Allison, after Coach Alcantera’s difficult decision to pivot his focus to more department wide areas. Senior Gates McCants reflects on the “bittersweet nature” of her final season after 4 dedicated years to Ashley Hall Soccer.
Lacrosse
The Ashley Hall lacrosse team also welcomed a new coach, leading to new and exciting growth for the team. They had an impressive win against Academic Magnet. Rheagan Miller ‘27 recounts how special the team bond is and is grateful for the seniors always “hyping her up ” as goalie.
Track and
field
The Ashley Hall track and field team embodies small but mighty. This inspirational group of girls practices hard, and
their work certainly pays off in track meets. The team represents a wide array of events, from traditional sprinting to shot pot and hurdles.
Airplane Window by Emma Kate Schimming
Literal Hearts
Adya Sharma
Writtenusingvariousquotes fromthebookThe Faultin
OurStarsbyJohnGreen, puttogetherina new orderthat takesthe formofapoem
Look at it, rising up and rising down, taking everything with it: Water.
I fear oblivion
Maybe that time is coming soon and maybe it is millions of years away, but We will not survive forever
A forever within the numbered days, Love is just a shout into the void It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you
A desert blessing, an ocean curse
Look at it, rising up and rising down, taking everything with it: (everywhere) Water.
Well, and time. Do we have time?
(he smiled sadly)
If Only.
Literal Hearts by Adya Sharma
Thesepiecesare exercises in geometric repetitivedesigns thatintroducethe studentstothe mostbasicdesign principles, suchas shape, value, contrast, repetition, rhythm, etc. These principlesarethe foundation forall visualexpression. Thestudents initially createasimple 2”x2”geometricdesignandthen repeatittocreateasquarepanelcomposedof16identical modulesthatcouldbe flippedand/orrotatedandare filled withblack, gray, andwhite. Thesepiecesdemonstratethe versatility andcomplexity thatcanemerge fromasimple designandtheexercisealsobuildsthestudents’ understandingofnuance, detail, andquality in self-expression.
Raul Miyar
Geometric Design by Hazel Smith
Geometric Design by Briggs Kalick
Geometric Design by Adeline
Kriese
Geometric Design by Rebecca Somsky
Geometric Design by Olivia Marie Skoubo
Geometric Design by Avery Steele
McBee House by Eva Kvarnstrand
Vayia Kourtidis
as I stare into the misty morning the past stares back at me in the raindrops I see romance and heartbreak lovers stranded and lovers on the run, in the trees i see the birds who rule the skies for thousands of years it has been theirs, on the ground I see the plants that have nourished life I see the birth of poetry, the everlasting language, ballads and books have leaped from the hanging fog and dewy flowers,
I see those who have flung themselves to the ground and those who have danced across it with a song I see the beauty of a world we were given.
then I turn back to the screen, the phone, the computer and just like that, it is all gone.
Misty
Snow on Shem Creek by Emma Kate Schimming
McBee House by Penny Galvan
Based on Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Statuette by Madeline Kopf
Prison
Bell Lennon
Cold stone, a breath held tight. Two men, the same bars, different sight.
One, fist clenched, knuckles white, earth's stain deep. Mud, a suffocating weight, a constant, bitter weep.
Grit grinds beneath his heel, dampness seeps into his soul. Broken promises, a graveyard where his hopes unroll. He saw the cage, the world, a cruel, unyielding fist. No echo of mercy, just a desolate, gray mist. The other, Smiling true, a gaze toward the night. Past the iron bars, a starlit, fragile light. A single pinprick, a universe beyond despair. Hope, a tiny seed, planted with a silent prayer. He saw the vastness, the quiet, aching grace. A Father's hand, reaching through this desolate place. The mud, a cold,
hard truth, a burden to embrace.
But stars, they shimmer, a promise in this empty space.
A whispered plea, a trembling, broken cry.
"Even here, Lord, with these tears, do you see my eyes?"
No shouts, no grand displays, just a quiet, fragile knowing. A seed of faith, in darkness, slowly growing. That even in the deepest night, a flicker will remain.
A love that weeps with us, through sorrow and through pain. The mud, a scar of earthly wounds, a constant, heavy weight.
The stars, a distant promise, beyond this prison gate.
And in the silence, a tear falls, a heart laid bare.
A yearning upward, through the crushing weight of care.
A soul that whispers, "Are you there? Are you still there?"
Switzerland by Emma Kate Schimming
Studyhardinschool;Studyhardinschoolwedon'tacceptaB average.Thisishowyougetintocollege.Thisishowyou becomesuccessful.Ourparentsworkedhardtomakeus
Shell House Drawing by Leighton Staebell
A Girl Essay
Leighton Staebell
successful,soyoumustdothesame.Nopressure,butaverage isn'tenough.Nopressure,butworkhard.Nopressure,butyou mustbebetterthaneveryoneelse. Why do I have to be better? Can I just do my best? Yourbestisn'tgoodenough,youmust dobetter.Betterishardwork;betterishowyoubecome successful.Weworkhardforyoutobebetterthanothers. Workhardtosupportyourfuture.Yourfutureiseverything. Workhardnotonlyinschoolbutinsports.Yoursportis everything.Youhaveworkedhard.Youhavetomakethe team.Workinghardishowyoumaketheteam.Ifyoudon't maketheteam,youhavelostdedication.Ifyoudon'tmakethe team,wehavewastedtime.Ifyoudon'tmaketheteam,we havewastedourmoneyonyou.Wedon'twastemoney.Work hardnotonlyinsportsbutinthearts.Practiceyourviolin,and youhavearecital.Youcannotquitnow.Wedidn'traisea quitter. But I don’t want to play anymore. Toughluck,wehave spenttimeonthisinstrumentforyoutobethebest. Why do I have to be the best? Becausebeingthebestbuilds determination.Determinationbuildssuccess.Successbuilds thefuture.Agoodfuturecomesfromhardwork.Hardwork startsinschool.Hardworkstartswithyou.
Statuette by Rhetta Rutledge
Embroidery Sampler by Gigi Powell
McBee House Drawing by Tate Erwin
Punch Needle Object by Elliot Farr
Statuette by Lily Brady
Monster
Helen Kourtidis
my generation has a monster.
it stalks us, a looming shadow, a specter wrapping itself around us, blotting out our light. a monster.
our eyes, which once, in childhood, looked with awe to the world around us are now tugged downwards, staring sluggishly at the dull glow of our monster
our necks, which we once held up with pride, are now arched forward, yanked down, aching and cracking yet staying still, locked by the gaze of our monster.
our hands grow restless, panicked, unable to function without grabbing, unable to stay calm without reaching, always reaching for our monster.
we grow restless, anxious,
our minds deteriorate, our thoughts dissolve, we watch a once roaring river of energy become a trickle, a leak, barely enough to sustain us
we tell ourselves that we can slay it we choose to let our monster stay, we choose when we want it to leave. no. not so.
we beg ourselves to put it away, make it small, weaken it, but it has sucked away our strength, worse: it made us love it.
this Thing that stains our days has become our lifeboat
we cannot live without it and it feeds on our attention
this is the kind of sickening symbiotic relationship that, instead of nurturing us both, turns into a parasite, drains us of ourselves, and makes us believe it is our friend.
we promise our loved ones we can look away. our monster calls our bluff.
McBee House by Ari Baker
Embroidery Sampler by Ari Baker
Statuette by Mary Hope Lloyd
Monologue
Helen Kourtidis
Before I even knew to walk, All I wanted to do was talk
My eyes roamed all over the room
My mind wove thoughts like on a loom
My mouth moves faster than my brain
And sometimes I may sound insane
To me, there is no greater fun
Than dialogue with everyone
My words fly out with restless pace
And every thought, I will embrace
I can’t hold back the loudest laughs
I can’t hold back the paragraphs
And when a thought pops in my head
I often feel a sense of dread
Because I can’t avoid the urge
To let the thought out, like a purge
Whatever thoughts my head prepares
Of any genre of affairs,
Will always find its way to light
If not aloud, then when I write
Sometimes I voice thoughts audibly
But I can stop them, honestly When it’s advised to keep them in I will, instead, pick up a pen
And even with my thoughts confined I still am talking in my mind I stage articulate debates I argue with historic greats
So, like me, “Monologue” is greek Μονόλογος, when just one speaks It sometimes feels like an old friend But it gets lonely, in the end
It can be hard, I must admit A thought that I should not omit
Although I try to be clean-cut
I find I struggle to shut up
Invisible
Annabelle Lee
Am I invisible, A fraction of who I once was.
What is my purpose? Who is on my side?
Am I a puzzle piece that doesn't fit, Lonely, broken, hidden in plain sight. Where do I fit? What puzzle am I a part of?
They say everything happens for a reason. Then what is the reason?
When will the suffering subside?
When will I discover who I am?
Where do I fit?
Am I alone in the darkness, Alone in my suffering, Slowly drowning, Unable to come up for air, Will I ever get out?
Time still moving, As I lay frozen in time, And I finally know my fate.
McBee House by Veda Patel
Wall Weaving by Tate Erwin
Statuette by Isabella Smith