The MPCS Quill | Winter 2014-2015

Mount Paran Christian School

High School Student Journal

Spotlight: Ashlynn Peters pg. 4

Chambers:A Distopian ShortStory pg. 16

Eagles Bring Home Trophy pg. 14

Issue #3

Winter 2014-15

Contents

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR What to expect from the issue, apologies, and recruitment for next year’s staff.

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LITTLE MISS MARKSMAN Ranked second in the world for her age group, Ashlynn Peters stands out in shooting competi-

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GISA COMPETITION Distinguished MPCS students practice and perform with students and directors from across the state.

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JUST KEEP SWIMMING A swimmer for eleven years, junior Sarah Margaret Locke explains her passion for the sport.

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CANINE CRUSADERS Looking for a great volunteer opportunity? Love animals? Check out this great local charity.

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JUNIOR CHOREOGRAPHS FOR THEATER Junior Beau Harmon uses his God-given musical and theatrical talents for Act 3 Productions.

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1275 STANLEY RD NW Ever wonder what MPCS’ campus was like before the school was built?

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CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS The French club shares their yearly traditions, culture, history, and food.

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PHOTO GALLERY See photos from mock trial, art competitions, National Signing Day, senior winter sports athletes,

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ALL-STATE 2015 Three talented students selected to compete in the exclusive All-state competition.

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ODD SCHOLARSHIPS

Letter From the Editor

Win money for college with these peculiar scholarship opportunities.

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JUST DID IT Mark LeGate sums up our State Championship win, interviews players, and comments on the season.

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CHAMBERS Freshman Olivia Leveridge pens an intricate and gripping short story.

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LEGEND BOOK REVIEW Need a book to read over spring break? Catherine Pyle reviews the dystopian novel, Legend.

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REGINA NASRALLAH Editor-in-chief

PHOTO GALLERY View photos from this year’s Sadie Hawkins’ Dance; see how your classmates glow!

Dear Readers, In this third issue of “The Quill,” you will find a recap of some of the great things happening at MPCS in the past few months. We are now football State Champs, made a great showing at Mock Trial competitions, and have truly excelled in the arts, with three students going to the All-State competition and numerous others participating in the GISA competition. Additionally, we have highlighted a few individuals whose talents are truly exceptional.

But before we get into the meat of the issue, I have a few things I would like to address. Firstly, I would like to apologize to Haden McKay for misspelling his name in the last issue of “The Quill”. Secondly, I would like to apologize to our readers for publishing this issue so late. Due to unexpected snow days and technological complications, the staff was forced to push back publishing.

Finally, I would like to encourage anyone interested in journalism, photography, sports, or interviewing random people to consider joining “The Quill”. Next year, all “Quill” staff members will receive an art credit for participating in the class. That means no more cramming in a last minute art credit senior year. I can assure you that colleges will look favorably upon a journalism credit in any student’s resume.

Please talk to me, Mrs. Collins, or any “Quill” staff members for more information.

Sincelerly,

Little Miss Marksman MPCS SENIOR ASHLYNN PETERS ISN’T JUST A PRETTY FACE - SHE’S A WORLD CHAMPION SINGLE-ACTION MARKSMAN. 4

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Senior Ashlynn Peters is ranked among some of the top competitive shooters in the country. Eight years of experience has trained her to become the number one shooter in the state and the number two shooter in the world for her age group. Peters was inspired to shoot by her grandfather: “My grandfather has been bringing me to the range since I was in diapers, and when I was ten, I started shooting.” Every year, Ashlynn goes to different competitions around the country. Her farthest competition will either be the World Championships in New Mexico or the National Championships in Arizona.

and are willing to help me continue shooting wherever I end up. Also, the sport I’m in is not considered a professional shooting sport. There are no sponsorships or money prizes. It is purely recreational. But, this sport is a gateway to many opportunities with more modern shooting, including Practical Pistol shooting and 3-Gun race, which all have professional, paid shooters. I participate in many different shooting sports, so yes, if I work hard enough, there is a possibility I could become a professional, paid shooter sometime in the future.”

Peters explained thoroughly how an average competition works. “There are two days of each major competition. Each day we shoot five stages. At each stage we have a different scenario and different instructions on how that stage is shot (what target sequence we have to shoot, round count, etc.). Each stage is scored based on how fast you shoot the scenario, if you hit all the targets, and if you shot it correctly. Each missed target is a five second penalty, and if you shoot it out of order you get a ten second penalty. The name of the game is to shoot each stage as fast as you can the correct way and hit all the targets, but of course that doesn’t always happen.”

“My grandfather has been bringing me to the range since I was in diapers, and when I was ten I started shooting.”

At these competitions, Peters shoots a Winchester ’73 lever-action rifle, two Ruger Montado single-action revolvers, and a double-barrel shotgun. In these competitions, Peters states that she will not just face girls.

“Men certainly outnumber the ladies, but there is a good number of women who participate. In fact, a lot of the women who shoot beat most of the men. We compete within our category (which is gender based), we compete against all the women (whether they are in our category or not), and we also compete overall.” Because she is so talented and highly ranked, one would expect Peters to continue shooting at a collegiate level, but the competitor has other plans: “There are not any collegiate single action shooting teams, but I plan on continuing to shoot throughout college.

I travel the country shooting, and I have met so many people I consider family that have already reached out The Quill

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MPCSMiscellany Just Keep Swimming Junior Sarah Margaret Locke swam four events at the State Swimming Championship this February and will swim nine events at Nationals in Nashville, Tennessee. With only two weeks off at the end of summer, Locke vigorously practices year-round and trains primarily for the 100 yard Fly and the 200 yard Individual Medley. Locke has been swimming for almost eleven years, and her times show it. Her best Fly time is 57.60 seconds, and her best Individual Medley time is 2:10.68 minutes.

1 GISA All-Select Competition Being selected to play in the GISA All-Select band, chorus, or orchestra is a really big deal. Every year, the Georgia Independent School Association sponsors a weekend for select students to learn and perform with other students and acclaimed directors. MPCS, as a participating school of the event, has hosted several of the musical weekends. This year, over 200 students gathered in the MAC to learn and perform under several acclaimed directors.

“It is so fun getting to play with other musicians from other schools.” -Samuel Fulkerson: Junior, Bass, 5 years “It is cool to work with an instructor from out of state.”

-Megan Litz: Freshman, Violin, 11 years 2015 MPCS GISA All-Select Band students: Josh Arrants, Emily Finch, Ragan McCoy, Tommy Paschal, Lauren Robinson, Chandler Ruff 2015 MPCS GISA All-Select Orchestra: Otse Attah, Eric Coleman, Meredith Empie, Sam Fulkerson, Alexis Harvey, Tim Lee, Megan Litz, Hanna Yalew 2015 MPCS GISA All-Select Chorus: Meredith Crain, Lauren Stone, Kimberly Taylor, Emma Kate Wilson, Mary Ross Wilson

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Locke definitely wants to swim during and past college. She got involved in swimming when she was five, and continued swimming due to an abiding passion. Over the years, swimming has become a fulfilling activity for Sarah Margaret Locke: “My favorite thing about swimming is the relaxation that it brings to me when I am practicing or racing, the life lessons that I am taught by my coaches everyday, and the sense of a family environment that my teammates express.”

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Junior Choreographs for Local Theater According to seasoned dancer Beau Harmon, “Choreography is more than just dance moves. It’s telling a story. I try to infuse the story of the show into each dance to captivate the audience.” Harmon has danced for thirteen years, and has recently begun his choreography career at Act3 Productions in Sandy Springs.

Harmon combines his vast knowledge of dance steps with new ideas to create never-before-seen moves.

Act3 Productions noticed Harmon’s talent when he won their regional talent competition with a tap solo in 2012. From there, he became friends with Chris Ikner, one of Act3’s directors. Beau now choreographs all the productions directed by Ikner. Harmon enjoys both choreographing and dancing and hopes to be involved in dance and musical theater for the rest of his life.

“Since I was four my dream was to be on Broadway.

I hope to attend Pace University in New York City to study Musical Theater and Business Management in the Arts. I also aspire to become a Broadway choreographer.” Since Harmon is already gaining early experience as a choreographer and has many years of dancing under his belt, his future is looking bright for him to continue in musical theater.

3 Canine Crusaders Attention all dog lovers! If you love dogs and want to make their lives in a shelter more comfortable, Canine Crusaders could use a hand! Anyone interested in helping dogs can volunteer, even those under eighteen. There are no minimums for shift hours or the amount of service in a month. Also, Canine Crusaders is also always looking for foster families for dogs. Canine Crusaders is at the East Cobb Petsmart every weekend. Please consider helping this no-kill, non-profit organization on adoption Saturdays! Volunteers clean up, take the dogs out for walks, and supervise the customers.

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Where: East Cobb Petsmart 1285 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, Georgia 30068 When: Every Saturday from 12:00 to 4:00 PM Contact: Lane at 770-310-6092 or caninecrusadersatlanta@yahoo.com

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1275 STANLEY Road NW

EVER WONDER WHAT WAS HERE BEFORE MPCS WAS BUILT? TAKE A PEEK INTO THE CHARMING HISTORY OF OUR PICTURESQUE PROPERTY. In 2002, Mount Paran Christian School purchased one of the most sought after properties in Cobb County. After the death of the property owner, Eulene Murray, the land was passed to her nephew, Mr. Murray. Instead of putting the property on the market for sale, he decided to sell it to MPCS for the campus of their school. Mr. Murray knew that his aunt, a lover of the arts and education, would be proud not only to have a school on her property, but a Christian school.

to the families of students during the winter and spring of that year. Although the entire project was not completed for a few years, students and staff moved onto campus to start school after Labor Day 2003.

Many students and staff do not know that there was a second cabin where the MAC stands today. The lady who owned the cabin, Mrs. Waits, was a close friend of Eulene. Now at 90, Mrs. Waits still hosts her family reunions at the cabin around Labor Day and Christmas One of the first projects of building the campus was because of all the fond memories she has there. At one the draining the “small lake� which was where the point, project managers considered tearing down the baseball, softball, and practice fields are today. The cabin. Now the cabin has become an iconic structure project managers worked with the Department of at the school: housing necessary classroom space and Natural Resources in order to ensure that wildlife was storage. not harmed in the process. Remarkably, the campus took only 380 days to build in spite of copious amounts The cabin has become almost as established at the of rain. In January of 2003, the buildings were mostly school as beloved headmaster Dr. Tilley, who was concrete with two by fours and lightbulbs hanging eve- called back in 2004. He had been headmaster from rywhere, but it was stable enough to give tours. Wear- 1984-1988 before leaving to work at several colleges. ing hardhats and walking on gravel and raw concrete, Dr. Tilley to returned to this new campus to guide the members of the building project and board gave tours school into the MPCS we know and love today.

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“It is particularly meaningful knowing that the MPCS campus was the old homestead of Stuart and Eulene Murray. The Murray Family Foundation was established 29 years ago to support the organizations close to the heart of the Murrays.�

-Dr. David Tilley

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by Madame Bonn

#THEMPCQUILL

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

What better way to learn about Christmas traditions in France than to actually start them at your own school? This year was the second year that we celebrated The French tradition of Le Réveillon. Le Réveillon is the French dinner that is celebrated after midnight mass. It is a feast for the whole family and a wonderful chance for family interaction and great food.

Our school feast involves parents and students in the French program bringing their favorite meal to share. After the meal, there were students who performed. It was a great chance for families to be together in a casual setting with their children and just chat and eat.

As always the food was varied and delicious. Thanks to a grant from the American Association of Teachers of French, we were able to make the event even more festive by purchasing decorations and some extra food.

Students and parents agree that le Réveillon is a great tradition to bring our family of French learners and their families together.

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“There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.� - Thomas Aquinas

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All-State 2015 Josh Arrants As a result of an outstanding piano audition, Senior Josh Arrants is the sole student from MPCS who was invited to play with hundreds of talented high schoolers in Athens, Georgia on February 26-28 as part of the Georgia 2015 All-State band. Arrants has been playing piano for almost twelve years and has been in many MPCS bands. He remarked that his motivation to play “comes from God and the ability to perform for people who want to hear.”

Arrants noted that this is the first time he has made it to All-State, and he was pleasantly surprised when he was accepted. Arrants plans to seek a degree in performance and music education.

Jenna Reel Freshman Jenna Reel is one of only two students to make the Georgia 2015 All-State chorus. Reel knows how to play piano, can pick up most percussion instruments (such as drums), and would like to learn how to play guitar.

She plays piano in the Mount Paran chapel band, and she is also a member of an indoor drumline. Reel has enjoyed singing all her life and has been a MPCS Chorus member since fifth grade. According to Reel, “Music is a way to express yourself, and I guess singing is a part of that for me.” This is her third time in the All-State chorus. As far as a career in music, Reel said, “I’m probably not going to be a singer. I kind of want to be a music producer, or a studio musician (that means I play piano professionally). I may incorporate the singing, but that’s more for pleasure.”

Cassidy Ray

Junior Cassidy Ray will also be joining the Georgia 2015 All-State chorus, and for the third year. “I have had a passion for [singing] for a very long time. I guess the more I practiced the better I got, and I could hear that progress by what I was able to do with my voice, and seeing that range broaden,” Ray said. “Singing is like its own language, but with another dimension. It’s a way for someone to express themselves differently than they could in absolutely anything else! Music tends to bring a very real and vulnerable side out of people, almost more than words themselves, and that is what I appreciate and enjoy about singing.” This year is different for Ray, as she has qualified for the junior/senior mixed chorus for the first time. Ray does not initially plan to use her talents professionally, but places her future in God’s hands.

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ODDSCHOLARSHIPS EVER WONDER HOW YOU ARE GOING TO PAY FOR COLLEGE? THESE WACKY SCHOLARSHIPS MAY START YOU ON YOUR WAY. Are you planning to wear duct-tape-clothing to prom?

Did you just make a really good looking sandwich at lunch? Is your last name “Zolp”? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then you may qualify for a college scholarship.

The Duck Tape Company hosts the “Stuck at Prom” scholarship contest, where you can send a picture of yourself and your date dressed in duct-tape-clothing at prom. If you win first place, your prize will be $10,000 dollars with $5,000 given to the school. Second place gets $5,000 with $3,000 to the school, third place gets $3,000 with $2,000 to the school, and runners-up get $500 for them and another $500 for their school. The ten entries selected by judges are posted online for audience voting. Single prom-attendees can enter, but only one of them wins.

Sponsored by Jif, you may also earn a scholarship by making the “most creative sandwich.” Yes, you can earn a scholarship by simply making a good-looking sandwich. The winner earns a $25,000 scholarship, while runners-up earn $2,500. All winners earn a Jif peanut butter gift basket as well.

“If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”

-Andy McIntyre

No one at Mount Paran Christian School was apparently born with the last name “Zolp,” which is very unfortunate, considering they could earn a scholarship for just existing. This scholarship was set up by Catholic priest Father Zolp. Other than being Catholic, the only thing you have to do is plan to attend Loyola University of Chicago and submit your birth certificate for proof of your surname. Unfortunately, you cannot change your last name to Zolp and qualify.

JUST DID IT.

AFTER THE PERFECT SEASON, MPC FOOTBALL WON STATE AND BROUGHT HOME THE TROPHY. 14

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The last time a Cobb County high school football team won a GHSA state championship was in 1967. Various teams have come close, but have come up short either in the semi-finals or the GHSA championship. On December 13, 2014, MPC broke this long streak by bringing the 2014 GHSA championship trophy back to Stanley Road.

It has only taken the MPCS football program seven years to achieve this honor, as their first season was in 2008. Initially, the Eagles were considered to be underdogs after going 9-3 last year, but within a few games they became known as having one of the most explosive offenses in their region which, when combined with their reliable defense, allowed them to go undefeated this year with a record of 14-0.

again for his team on a fifty yard run to put MPC up 28-0.

With a dominant first quarter, MPC had ELCA shaking in their cleats. To start the second quarter, Jake Allen scored on an eleven-yard run in the first eight seconds. Soon afterwards, Allen threw a thirty-eight-yard pass to Jack Rowan for a touchdown, putting Mount Paran up 42-0 in the second quarter. ELCA responded with a touchdown after a thirty-eight yard pass, making the score 42-7. After a quiet beginning in the third quarter, Walker scored on a twentyone yard run to make the score 49-7. With just minutes left in the fourth quarter, Mount Paran Christian fans were getting ready to throw that white confetti up in the air and

celebrate their first state

championship. At the end of the

game, quarterback Jake Allen

said, “This is unbelievable; it’s

better than anything that I could

have imagined. These guys deserve it. This school deserves it. It’s been a long run. This offense was dynamic. We could throw it any time we wanted to, and when you have guys like Dorian, Taylor, and Emoni, that’s hard to stop fourteen games in a year. I think those guys just killed it, and they made my job easier. It feels surreal.” After a long seven years for Coach Jordan, he said at the end of the game, “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. I hope the boys enjoy it. I’m glad the fans and the coaching staff are enjoying it. I think it will hit me when we get back and start celebrating at the school.” Dorian Walker finished the game with 215 yards on twenty-three carries and three touchdowns.

“This is unbelievable; it’s better than anything I could have imagined.”

The championship wasn’t the first time that MPC and Eagles Landing Christian Academy met each other in the season. They also faced one another in week one in the Battleground Classic tourament in Columbus, Georgia.

In the game, MPCS defeated ELCA 31-14. After the game, ELCA went into a slump, losing their next six games, before winning their next seven and moving on to the championship. In order to win the coveted title, MPC had to defeat two of the most dominant Class A programs in recent history: ELCA and Aquinas High School.

Despite having beaten the ELCA Chargers in the season opener, head coach Mitch Jordan was nervous about the private school matchup for the state title. Jordan’s fears were quickly brushed aside as Mount Paran Christian took an incredible lead just after the first quarter, 28-0, and blew out the Chargers 49-7. The Eagles got the fans going by scoring in the first twenty-seven seconds with a fortytwo yard run by senior Dorian Walker. After regaining the ball, Jake Allen scored on a three yard run. Junior Taylor Trammell got a chance with the ball and took advantage, scoring on a seventeen-yard run, putting MPCS up 21-0.

Continuing his tradition of explosive speed, Walker scored

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CHAMBERS A SHORT STORY BY OLIVIA LEVERIDGE

Humans are very interesting. If they are confronted with something different or new, they lock it up. That’s what they did to us. They didn’t like that we were human but had the features of wild animals. We were a result of an environmental/genetic engineering program gone terribly wrong. Some found beauty in our looks. However, others saw us as a threat.

We were classified as a danger to all. It wasn’t our fault. The humans treated us not as equals, but as the wild animals we resembled. We were caged and studied like lab rats; abused and mistreated. Eventually, there was revolt and we fought back, but did not succeed.

As punishment for our rebellion and testament to the human’s fear, all of the animal hybrids known as Siff were transported into space. After years of drifting, we found a home on a planet called Hannion. My mother and father were among the first to inhabit the small planet. I’m all that’s left of my family…

16 Years Later: The bright beam of the moon scorches my eyes. I slowly open my eyes and let them adjust to the new night. Rolling out of bed, I moan.

“I had the same reaction when I remembered today was the day.” A voice laughed from the shadow of my room.

“You do know that this is my house!” I snap at the voice.

“But I thought we were best friends.” It pouts. All I can do is roll my eyes as the spotted male walks into the light.

“Xander, the leadership will be teleporting us to the arena any moment. You need to go home.”

“They can beam me from your house.”

“No.” “Last time I checked they could. You have to lighten up.

Just relax. The arena will take all your energy. Save what you have.” He crosses his arms and leans on the wall.

“Fine. But go to the other room so I can get ready.” I hiss shoving him out of my bedroom. I lock the door behind him.

It takes me a minute to find the clothes I’m supposed to wear for this specific event. Soon I walk out to my living room to find Xander eating the last of my bread.

“Thanks!” I sneer sarcastically.

“You’re Welcome!” He laughs with his mouth full.

“Will we make it?” I ask sitting next to him.

“Oh yeah.” He nods pulling me closer. “You and I will be just fine.”

That was music to my ears. I bite my lip to keep calm as we are both surrounded with blue light.

“Here goes everything.” He sighs kissing my forehead. The light of the moon burns my eyes again as we find ourselves in the arena.

“Welcome! This is the 1635-year of the Chamber Race. This race is a form of population control that brings entertainment for all. The rules are simple: Be smart, be fast, and be aggressive. Those who pass the race will be allowed to live as a matured adult Siff. Take your marks. We will begin shortly!”

The ringing in my ears stops soon after the announcement is over. I scan the other contestants.

“Well… You’re the only Lynx here.” Xander shrugs looking at me worriedly.

“Yup, and you’re one of five Leopards.” I shake my head.

This couldn’t be happening.

“Just stay near me and we will make it out.” He says taking his place at the start line. All I can do is nod as I stare into the dark entrance of the chamber.

“Remember, when we are accepted at mature… we can…”

Xander laughs softly as he is interrupted with the announcements. My heart melted because I knew what he was going to say. He wanted to be together, forever. Something told me that marrying Xander is a lost dream.

“Siff youth, you may begin!”

The phrase rings through the arena and all I can do is run.

Beat the traps, out run the tricks. It was a race after all.

“One, two, three…” I count the screams behind me.

“Three paces in front of it all. Keep it up!” Xander calls to me over his shoulder. I can hear the roars of excitement coming from the audience outside.

“The exit! I can see it!!” He yells at me. The yell was muffled.

It was far away.

“Xander wai-!” I am cut off with a yelp of pain. Searing pain travels across my spine. I look back and see a bright blue feather, the feather of a dart.

“I could choose to have hope.

Humans have hope. But they always seem to lose it.

So what good is hope? I am right to think this too.”

Horns blow as someone exits the Chamber. I know its Xander. I can hear him yell my name in anger and fear because I wasn’t behind him.

His yell put my heart ablaze. I keep running. Seven more darts line my back as I go. Finally, I give in. My legs crumble beneath me and my chin hits the cold concrete.

I squint looking at the moon through the exit. I was so close, yet so far. I can see the audience, announcer, and him. Xander was running back into the chamber.

I could choose to have hope. Humans have hope, but they always seem to lose it. So what good is hope? I am right to think this too.

Tears stream down my face as his body jerks with the impact. A sob escapes my throat as the audience gasps. I weep when his body hits the concrete like mine. I breathe my last breath as the announcer gives his last blast, “This years race is concluded with no survivors. The last to die: Odessa Lynx-Siff. Fallen when Blue Dragon Venom Darts hit her spine. Xander Leopard-Siff would of lived if he had not re-entered the chamber. Punishment: Death. Until next year ladies and gentlemen.”

And that was it. My love, dead, my hopes, dead, my dreams, lost. Everything was lost in the Chamber.

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LEGEND

A BOOK REVIEW BY CATHERINE PYLE

Legend by Marie Lu follows the story of two teens from the same city but completely different worlds: Day, a street con and the most wanted criminal in the Republic, and June Iparis, the Republic’s prized prodigy and a military genius.

The two only cross paths after June is tasked to investigate her brother’s murder, in which the prime suspect is Day. Throughout the story, June’s loyalty to the Republic is put to the test repeatedly, and Day’s strength, mental and physical, is put under strain over and over again. Day and June must work together in order to discover the truth about what the Republic has been hiding: the plague, the Trials, and the war against the Colonies.

This book is a wonderful thriller and keeps the reader on the edge of his seat up until the last page. The characters are relatable and three-dimensional. The shifting point of view between Day and June gives the story multiple sides without distracting from the storyline. Legend is the first in a trilogy and the following two books, Prodigy and Champion, are both out now.

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