Wordworks
Wordworks
Literary Magazine Volume 4 Spring 2020
Editor-in-Chief:
Brendan McEachern, Sixth Grade Language Arts
Student Editor:
Haley Baker, Emily Bolan, Sophie Brouwer, & Ceci Viveros Valdepeña
Graphic Design & Page Layout:
Megan McGrath
Special Thanks to the Following Faculty Members for Guiding Our Students in Writing & Art: Hilary Carvitti, Third & Fourth Grade Art Meghan Cole, Fifth Grade Language Arts Samantha England, Fifth & Sixth Grade Art Katy Gallagher, Seventh Grade Language Arts Megan Gardner, Third Grade Language Arts Frances Keller, Fourth Grade Language Arts Stacey Remke, Third Grade Language Arts Paula B. Yarnell-Sundermann, Fifth and Seventh Grade Art
Welcome to our fourth issue of Wordworks. This magazine contains one piece of writing from students in grades three to seven. This is our biggest issue ever with the inclusion of grades three and seven! Each student is showcasing his or her writing ability in a variety of prompts ranging from biographies, book reviews, monsters, to daily life in a quarantine. In order to show steady writing progression by grade, the staff has attempted to keep the author’s voice as authentic as possible without too many editorial changes. Many of these pieces, particularly the biographies, were condensed solely to fit the magazine. Other pieces showcase only an “excerpt” of a much longer story. The ultimate goal of this magazine is to show student writing talent across five grades at The Summit. Congratulations for a great school year to all our writers. Enjoy our fourth issue!
Brendan McEachern 1
The Summit Country Day School
Authors Parker Adams Henry Ahouse Chike Anusionwu George Baker Haley Baker Jack Baker Jadon Barnes Christian Basler Abby Bastos Katelyn Bastos Megan Bastos Javi Beatty Audrey Beltran Olivia Beltran Leah Berhanu Noah Berhanu Trey Berry Alexis Beyerbach Daniel Beyerbach Maggie Bissmeyer Sophia Blackshaw-Brown Aubrey Blakely Quinn Bohmer Eileen Bolan Emily Bolan EJ Bone Daniel Borman Mirabella Bosse Ava Boyer Braden Bricking Beckett Brinkman Sydney Brinkman Anneliese Brouwer Sophie Brouwer Katie Buckius Liam Buckius Logan Butler Kenyon Byrd Jefferson Campbell Natalie Campbell Manuel Cantillo Beckham Carrasquillo
30 29 60 9, 75 46, 74 47 46 16, 79 22 31, 72 67 11 28 23 65 34 40 30 23 25 11 17 15, 75 51, 74 39 41 46 68, 75 51 13 45 50, 73 13 18 33, 70 60 59 17 43 7 16 29
Cannon Casey Coleton Chadwell Finley Chavez Jillian Chavez Forrest Cloran Hana Conte Rowan Cosgrove Sofia Costea Sebastien Cox Heidi Crowther Meghana Curran Evelyn Curt Jackson Curt Devlan Daniel Xavier Davis Lily de Lacy Olivia de Lacy Tessa Dennemann Jack Devitt Kiersten Diaz Joey DiPaola Benedict Domville Ava Dona Caleb Driessen Carson Dwyer Iggy Dwyer Kayla Dwyer Kylie Eastman Lexi Eastman Allison Ebken Faye Edmondson Jack Erbeck Lily Fecher Carolyn Federle Molly Fitzpatrick Callie Fox Dillon Fox Will Fox Aaron Fraley Miles Friedman Kyan Gatewood EJ Gay 2
14 57 45 5 62 60, 71 37 16 45 58 6, 80 19, 70 34, 80 21 5 25, 73 10 59, 74 8 48 18 65 53 49 65 4, 74 29 46 65 19 36 6 50, 77 32 54 56 27 62 36 8, 73 42, 78 64
Jack Geers Caroline Gehring Lily Gentes Vivian Gibbs Tyler Gier Rosie Gieseke Théo Ginggen Nate Gockerman Wyatt Gockerman Esmé Gonyo Carleigh Gottenbusch Jonathan Grooms Brenden Hamilton William Hartmann Lucy Hayes Charles Healy Bebe Heekin Jake Heekin Jacob Heimbouch Maxim Heimbouch Jack Hendrix Gladys Hill Sam Hinton Elsa Hobbins Tom Hobbins Margaret Hobbins Elena Hodge Owen Hodge Benjamin Hofmann Blake Hollenbeck Henry Holsinger Emmett Hood Gael Huguet Marcel Huguet Baer Huttenbauer Marguerite Jackson Samuel Jacobs-Ramey Charles Jenkins Rylee Jewell Alaric Jones Quentin Jones Zaina Kamran
23 44, 75 41 45 30, 77 42, 76 64 5, 79 34 35 32 52 32, 76 50 66 52, 78 14 27 29 20 68 62 37 26 39 7 33, 78 19 49 47 27 14 26 57, 70 44 24 56 53 25 39 55, 71 48
Wordworks
Callie Karageorges Stefen Karageorges Ama Karikari Kwadwo Karikari Kadyn Keeney Natalie Kenter Axel Kindel Gabby Knight Colin Koran Bennett Kreeger Finn Kropp Paige Kropp Maren Lafley Annette LaLonde Andrew Lam Isaac Lam Claire Lamarre Jordyn Lauckner Jocelyn Lauckner Holland Lippert Trey Lippert Cammy Lorentz Josie Lyons Leo Lyons Vivie Lyons Shriyan Masineni Leelah Mason Mila Matarazzo Aliviah McCarter Jasmine McCarter Kate McLane Lennard Mellin Madeline Mescher Austin Miller Wyatt Miller Anne Marie Misrach Peter Misrach Hannah Mitchell Dominic Montaque Malcolm Moore Nia Neal Beatrice Nery
12 18 60 38 52 63, 79 33 69 15 38 65 55 35 57 59 36 10 23 38 67, 75 34 63, 72 18 20 17 53 10 35 7 48 24 4 19 49, 79 54 21, 76 43 58 62 55, 80 24 20
Sophia Nery Edward Neyra Natalie Neyra Kira Njegovan Nicolas Palacio-Vega Luke Pappano Dallas Parker Jacob Patino Abigayle Penote Carlo Quintero Rocco Quintero Chloe Ragland Kaitlyn Rassi Enya Renfrow Caroline Reynolds Jack Reynolds Mercer Reynolds Shaun Rice Charlie Ritch Jack Roberts Jordan Roebel Gracie Sanders Connor Schaaf Madeline Schaefer Diego Schurmann Emy Schurmann Katherine Shuey Lilly Sievering Nabil Sinno Kali Smith Kayden Smith Madelyn Smith Isabella Soper Dylan Sougstad Parker Sougstad Samuel Sprengard Elena Stone Brian Sullivan Johnny Sumnar Sabian Swan Sebastian Swan Charlotte Thompson 3
56, 77 37, 72 31, 71 66, 73 9, 69 15 12 67 22, 70 59 50 53 51 38 8 42 37, 76 44 47 61 11 27 12 8, 72 68 22 66 58 63 40 10, 69 28 4 54 20 68 61 64 60 57 9, 72 22
Anna Toebben Grace Tounge Ethan Traiforos John Trokan Louis Uy Ceci Viveros Valdepeña Lucy Viveros Valdepeña Allen Wang Mia Warden Anna Wiltshire Claire Wiltshire Harper Wood Ryka Woodruff Sasha Woodard Cailyn Youtsey
40 43 58 6 30 26, 71 31 13 45 61, 73 21, 77 67 28 11 52
Cover Art Olivia Beltran Beckett Brinkman Emily Bolan Katie Buckius Forrest Cloran Aaron Fraley Caroline Gehring Vivian Gibbs Tom Hobbins Ben Hofmann Zaina Kamran Hannah Mitchell Nabil Sinno Samuel Sprengard Sabian Swan Anna Wiltshire
The Summit Country Day School
2019 Iggy Dwyer Gr. 4 2019 was a great year. One thing that happened that I will remember for the rest of my life, is when I got a first place ribbon in a track meet. I was running a 200 meter race, and I was right beside the runner in first. I edged past him, but he kept catching up with me. I was running as fast as I could. I used all my might and ran even faster. I ran past through the finish line, and the judges handed me a first place ribbon. It was hard to breathe because I had been sprinting so fast. I walked to my dad who was waiting for me at the finish line. He took me to my mom and brother. Our family headed to celebrate with lunch at a restaurant. Winning the 200 meter race is something that I will remember for the rest of my life. Abigail Adams – an excerpt Isabella Soper Gr. 5 Abigail Adams was a self-taught woman. She would read books in her father’s library when she was young in age. Abagail Adams showed courage by the times she was told by the congress to go away because she was a woman not a man. She was one of the best-read women of her time. She stood up for women’s educational rights. The Continental Congress disliked the fact that she would stand up for women’s educational rights. She would write letters to her husband while he was in office. The letters would say how to do more simple things in congress. She also fought for marriage rights as well. This shows how Abigail Adams showed courage in her lifetime. Agents Academy – a book review Lennard Mellin Gr. 7 The setting of this book is in Hamburg, Germany in a small town. The main character is Billy, but his agent name is Liam. He is in a secret agent academy where he learned how to be a professional spy. He is super smart and he knows many dangerous things. He works in a group with two other kids. Naiomi who is from France and Charles who is from America. They all work together and they have to stop the “Boss.” He is a criminal mastermind. They go through journeys of explosions and gunshots and an adventure of many close calls. The plot of the story is that they have to go undercover and help the cities groundwater. The boss takes the valuable metals out of the cellphones and while they do it dangerous chemicals leak out into the groundwater which can kill everyone. They have to find the leak and stop it from getting to city in time. The boss is on their heels and wants to capture and kill them. Billy has to be careful because anyone can be an undercover evil mastermind. Liam and his friends need to find a way to blow the whole depot up with homemade bombs.
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Wordworks
Alex the Snow Girl Jillian Chavez Gr. 6 Hi, my name is Alex the snow girl. I lived in Arendelle with Elsa and Anna before Olaf came. Olaf was made after me. I was an original snow statue, but when he came, he ruined my life. I was made with normal snow not magic so I could walk and talk, only at night. When he came, I showed him the ropes. I was kind of like his mother. He was attached to me for a long time and gave my warm hugs. I told him about my dreams of going to some place warm. Soon Elsa and Anna started playing with him at night. I looked through the window, as I saw Olaf giving me smug looks, suddenly my dream of summer vanished as the warmth of Elsa and Anna’s love did too. I melted in a nice lump then into a puddle. The next winter Olaf stepped all over me like I was nothing. Olaf is evil and no one should ever trust him. Winter came again and again, and no one loved me. My life was melancholy. Every day became an ordeal until Richard. Richard turned me from an innocent bystander to a snowball fight. Soon he turned me into puny then huge snow girl. I felt free from my past until I saw him. Olaf casually walked up to me and a darkness filled my soul. I jumped on him. Elsa and Anna came and started screaming at me. I glanced in the window of Richard’s house and I saw the gleam of his eyes shining from the moon. Everything went black. Alexander Hamilton – a “Wax Museum of Courage” excerpt Nate Gockerman Gr. 5 Courage is the strength of mind that makes one able to meet danger. Alexander Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury, an artillery captain, and a great lawyer. In all these areas he showed great courage. Hamilton didn’t let enemies stop him, he kept on working. He helped make his country great. Alexander Hamilton led an eventful life. He was born on January 11, 1755 in Nevis, England. His first job was a newspaper writer at a young age, and then he went to college with future patriots. He finished college in 2 years. He joined the Revolutionary War at the start of the fighting and became an artillery captain. His skill quickly came to the attention of the lead generals. Hamilton was treated as the child George Washington never had. With all this going on Hamilton still longed to fight for his country and finally fought in Yorktown at the end of the war. He decided to become a lawyer, and he was very successful. Hamilton was chosen as a delegate to the Continental Congress and was elected to be New York’s legislator. He signed the Constitution and his ideas created a good portion of it. Then he wrote “The Federalist” with John Jay and James Madison; Hamilton wrote 51 essays out of 85. He soon became the first Secretary of the Treasury. As his fame grew, so did his enemies. Alien News – Object X Xavier Davis Gr. 4 Greetings! This is Alien Xavier reporting on Alien News. There has been a discovery of a new food source. This discovery is being called object X has come from a planet called Earth. The object looks like a talking triangle, and there appears to be some sort of foil to protect it from getting dirty and wet. Perhaps the foil is to keep object x from dissolving. The foil does its job well. The object’s outer layer is rough and crinkly, but the bottom it is smooth as a whale’s skin. When you drop the object, it makes a thud. Removing the foil on object x creates a crinkly sound like a present being unwrapped. Inside, object x is a rich brown color, and it is very smooth and cool to touch. The object smells sweet almost like caramel. The object tastes rich and creamy. Object x is unlike any food I have tasted.
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The Summit Country Day School
Alfred Conteh – an excerpt John Trokan Gr. 4 Alfred Conteh created The Sweet Spot I make this look easy in 2018. The style of painting is contemporary and acrylic on canvas. I think that the medium that he used effected the painting because with that medium he was able to layer and make things look more realistic because the medium allowed him to mix colors together. I believe that the warehouse might represent slavery and segregation that the African Americans went through in U.S.A. I believe this because the warehouse is sad to look at and segregation was sad. In addition, I believe that the clouds represent freedom and justice because they are happy to look at. The figure on the ladder seems to be praying to the heavens for comfort or courage to have a better life. Alfred Conteh commonly used lines to attract your attention to objects. It seems odd that the man is on the ladder because there is a sign on the warehouse that says, “Danger Keep Off Roof.” The title of this painting is odd to me, as I do not think a broken-down building is a good or pleasant spot to be. I think that since the artist was African American that is why he only featured an African American in his painting, The Sweet Spot. He might have created this painting because he wanted to represent the inequality that African Americans go through with, instead of words, a painting. Aliens – a persuasive essay excerpt Meghana Curran Gr. 6 Some people may think intelligent life is unsustainable beyond Earth, but aliens do exist, somewhere in the universe. People have believed in aliens for thousands of years, going back to the Bible. Also, discoveries by scientists have reinforced this belief. Lastly, a star system has been spotted that could support life. I intend to show that there are other places in the universe that can support life. People have believed in aliens for a long time. There are a few stories that describe encounters very specifically. The earliest written record of aliens is in the book of Ezekiel. When God told Ezekiel to be a prophet, he was encountered by four man-like creatures. The creatures shone like bronze, had wings, and each had four faces. The passage also had a description of wheels with eyes that could move in any direction. The first people to claim to see extraterrestrial life off the Earth’s surface were the members of the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. The team saw what looked like a spaceship. They asked Mission Control where the most recent part of their deployed ship was. They were told it was 6,000 miles away. On September 18, 1973, future president Jimmy Carter reported seeing a UFO. He was waiting outside for a meeting to start when he saw a very bright object as big as the moon with blinking lights. Also, The Beatles’ John Lennon saw a flying device shaped like a giant flattened cone, with a row of lights that ran around the rim of the aircraft on August 23, 1974 in New York City. Almanac: Benjamin Banneker Jack Erbeck Gr. 3 Benjamin Banneker was born in 1731 in Maryland. He was very interested in mathematics as a boy. He also liked looking at the stars. Many consider him to be the first black man of science. He worked the tobacco farm every day. At night he taught himself astronomy. Benjamin wanted to write his own almanac. Almanacs were very important to people because they showed weather patterns. They also showed when the sun would rise and set. This information helped them know when to plant their crops. No one believed that a black man was smart enough to write his own almanac. Benjamin wanted to prove them wrong. Benjamin was happy that his almanac was published, but also disappointed that so many black people would not be allowed to read it or able to read it because they were enslaved or uneducated. He decided to write a letter to Thomas Jefferson to point out this unfairness. His letter reminded Jefferson that the Declaration of Independence, which Jefferson wrote, states that “all men are created equal.” How could Jefferson own slaves, yet believe in equality for all? Jefferson wrote Benjamin back and agreed with him and said he hoped things would change for black people. 6
Wordworks
Althea Gibson Natalie Campbell Gr. 3 Althea Gibson was born on August 25, 1927 in Silver, S. Carolina. When she was just three years old, she moved with her family to New Your due to crops failing. She would be the first African American woman in history to be invited to play tennis and win at Wimbledon. Althea skipped school a lot and adults said she was nothing but trouble. One day a man named Buddy Walker saw she had talent and helped her with her start. She loved to play any sport as a kid. Buddy Walker got her into the Cosmopolitan Club, the best tennis club in Harlem where she had people pay for her lessons. She had some challenges, one of them was she grew up very poor. Another one was she had a bad temper. When she learned how to control it, she became very successful. She won the English singles and doubles championships, and she won the U.S. National singles championship. Althea opened the door for African Americans of both genders in tennis. She won multiple titles in her career. She retired to play professional golf and tennis. Annabel – a Gathering Blue book reflection Margaret Hobbins Gr. 7 The guardians, cruel rulers, steal the village’s beautiful talents. They make every attempt to control and take from their people. When Annabel begins to tell a small truth they react quickly, and she’s gone the next day. “The guardians with their stern faces had no creative power. But they had strength and cunning, and they had found a way to steal and harness other people’s powers for their own needs” (Gathering Blue, page 212). It is shown here in Kira’s realization how cruel and controlling they truly are. This really exposes how someone they stole from, feels about the situation after she came to know the whole truth. The guardians are shown throughout the book to hold immense power and control over the people, as the truth became exposed, we saw their true colors. Angel – a Monster essay Aliviah McCarter Gr. 5 Have you always wanted a monster that helps you through rough times, talks, does homework if you don’t feel like it, can fly and looks like an Arctic reindeer/fox! My monster’s name is Angel. She is white and black. She helps you through rough times and calms you, so all your stress is gone. She does your homework if you don’t feel like it, you can fly her and ride her. She has two eyes and she looks like an animal. She talks and she does anything you want her to. She cost $50 and she is only 5 years old. This monster does not bite only if you tell her to. She looks like an arctic reindeer/fox and she has very sharp teeth. It survives on grass, meat and, loves the cold. Baths take place once a month. Her favorite food is snow and ice and she loves to travel. Her favorite places to visit are Florida, Hawaii, and Myrtle Beach. Angel can help you through rough times.
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The Summit Country Day School
Anne Frank – a book review excerpt Madeline Schaefer Gr. 7 Anne Frank and the Children of the Holocaust by Carol Anne Lee is the non-fiction book I chose for this book report. This book gives a deeper look into the lives of the children in the holocaust. The main focus of the book is how Anne Frank experienced the holocaust. Anne Frank had a normal life with her older sister Margot, and her parents Edith and Otto. Anne Frank and her family were Jewish, which put them in danger. Hitler was taking Jews to concentration camps or just killing them. The Frank family had to hide in an apartment (the secret Annex) from the Nazis. Anne Frank’s life in the Annex was very interesting to read about. The Annex was part of the office building Otto worked in. Only trusted employees knew about the Annex. There was little to do in the Annex, but Anne frank managed. She passed time by reading, studying, and writing in her journal. Life was increasingly hard in the Annex. The trusted employees would sneak food and newspapers into the Annex. The employees would tell them what was going on outside of the Annex. Anne Frank and her family were sadly only safe for 2 years. Aretha Franklin Caroline Reynolds Gr. 3 Aretha Franklin was born in 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee. She is a famous African American singer. You might know her song called Respect. She learned how to sing when she was younger in the church. Her dad was a preacher. She was so good that she went on to get movie and record deals. She had so many famous songs that she was in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and given the Presidential Medal of Freedom and sang for Barack Obama. She was named the Greatest Singer of All Time by the Rolling Stone magazine. She retired from singing in 2017 and died on August 16, 2018. Art Criticism: Migration Series #40 Miles Friedman Gr. 4 Migration Series #40 is painted in the style of a dynamic cubism and folk art. This artist used tempera paint board to create this painting. Jacob Lawrence, the artist mixed his own pigments to create the paint. It shows African Americans moving, and they appear sad to leave their old homes. Even though this painting is two-dimensional, it has texture. The ground has little pieces of grass that gives the painting texture. The sky has texture too because it has lines of different colors of blue that look like very light clouds are moving in the sky. Jacob Lawrence uses very dark shades of colors in this masterpiece. The one thing I would change is the ground because there is not much grass on the ground. I think Lawrence created the series because he wanted to show the history of the African Americans migrating north after the Civil War. He wanted to share the experiences of his ancestors. Babe Ruth – an excerpt Jack Devitt Gr. 3 Babe Ruth was a famous baseball player. His real name was George Herman. He was known to be one of the greatest baseball hitters of all time. He was an exceptionally large man being 6 foot 2 inches and weighing 215 pounds. He had a lifetime batting average of .342. He was born on February 6, 1895 in Baltimore, Maryland. He was one of eight children. Six of his siblings died early. When he was seven years old, he got into a lot of trouble so, his parents sent him to Catholic School. This is where he learned to play baseball. When he was 19 years old, he began playing for the Baltimore Orioles. This was only for a short time. He was a left-handed pitcher. He led the Red Sox to three championships. Then he went to play for the New York Yankees. He showed a level of power that had never been seen before.
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Baker – Where I’m From George Baker Gr. 7 I’m from creaky floors and burnt bacon, birthday cake on Thanksgiving, From Juicy burgers from Johnny rockets and tasty 3-ways from skyline I’m from baking cakes and dad always telling me they were “great” From Skateboards and snowboards, putting holes in the lacrosse goal, Making a hole in one and making a hole in a window, riding bikes up and down the street, Strangers passing by, dreaming of being in the Olympics. I’m from stringing lacrosse sticks, scoring goals, and doing celebrations. From playing violin at nursing homes and also for my grandpa. I’m from the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee vols, Viva La Vida, Rocky top, fireworks, The smell of chicken nuggets, the grunts of Lego Batman From pillow forts in the basement, and pillow fights in the basement. From wanting a dog and, and never getting one I’m from dribbling, kicking, throwing, and hitting balls in the living room From college essays, and more college essays. Super smash bros with my brothers, Lego batman with my best friend, and violin with my sister. From mom comforting me, dad motivating me, brothers inspiring me, sister having my back, friends laughing with me, teachers and coaches guiding me, and God protecting me. Barack Obama Nico Palacio-Vega Gr. 3 He was born in the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu, in 1969. His mother’s name was Ann and his father’s name was Barack same as his son. Barack’s nickname was Barry. After graduating from Columbia, he moved to Chicago and became a community organizer, which is to help poor people. He thought he could help more people by practicing law. After his first year he returned to Chicago and got a job at a law firm. The first day a beautiful young woman showed him his office, her name was Michelle. They had lunch together that day, and Barack was instantly drawn to her. By the time Barack returned to law school, he and Michelle were in love. In 1995 Barack ran state senate of Illinois and he won. After a while in his new job, he thought about running for a seat in the US house of representatives in 2000. But sadly, he lost by 30 points, so he returned to Chicago to his job until 2005. After his job as state senate he ran for president of the US in February 2007. On January 20, 2009 on the steps of the Capitol building in Washington DC, he took the Oath of the Office on the exact same bible Abraham Lincoln used! Barcelona Sebastian Swan Gr. 4 My favorite memory of 2019 was going to Barcelona with my family. One of the best things about the trip was visiting El Drac and Park Guell. The park is on top of a mountain overlooking the city, and El Drac is at the main entrance sitting on the stairs that lead to the park. The artist, Antoni Gaudi, created the salamander called El Drac out of clay and tile. It is bright blue, yellow, and orange. There are other creations by Antoni Gaudi in the park and Barcelona, but El Drac was my favorite. I believe that everyone should visit Barcelona and El Drac. Seeing it was one of the most special memories that I have of 2019.
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The Summit Country Day School
Becoming – a book review excerpt Claire Lamarre Gr. 7 Becoming, by Michelle Obama, is a very inspirational book. It tells you the story of Michelle’s life. The book includes every challenge and every triumph, every obstacle and every success. Michelle Obama proves that struggles can be overcome, that hard work leads to success, and that love is the solution to almost every problem. Her book teaches perseverance, courage, and, most of all, how Michelle eventually became who she was meant to be in the world. The most interesting thing I learned is that Michelle Obama was always herself, and throughout her life, she found her voice. She would never give up on anything no matter how difficult- no one could ever bring her down. She found what she felt was her calling and continued her dream. She worked hard to get where she wanted to go. She never backed down or ran away, she faced the world head on, fearlessly. Benjamin Banneker Kayden Smith Gr. 3 Benjamin Banneker was born November 9th, 1731 in Baltimore Maryland. His parents were Robert and Mary Banneker who were good farmers. Unlike most other eighteenth-century African American children, Benjamin was a son of a father and grandfather who were not slaves. His family name was created by his grandpa combining his first and last name. Because of his family’s freedom he was free to explore the world all around him. Unlike his family, Benjamin was not interested in farming. He spent his childhood learning about astronomy. Using his passion for astronomy Benjamin created an almanac for the states around Maryland. He was also able to use his knowledge to predict the 1789 solar eclipse. Benjamin also became first African American to gain international recognition as a scientist. However, his biggest moment probably came when he was chosen to be a part of the design team for Washington D.C. Benjamin created the design plans for D.C. from memory after the main architect quit. This moment proved to the rest of the nation what Benjamin already knew. African Americans were just as capable as any man when it came to academic ability. In fact, he spent his life proving this point up until his death in October of 1806. Berry Smoothie Olivia de Lacy Gr. 5 I would describe myself has a berry smoothie. The berries make the smoothie taste good and it makes the smoothie have a fun flavor and I try and make things fun. You can add honey to smoothies to make them have a little more flavor and it makes it sweet and I am sweet. You must add ice to a smoothie to make it come together and I am good at making people come together and be friends. In conclusion, I am just like a berry smoothie. Best Part of Me Leelah Mason Gr. 5 A body part that is the best part of me is my mouth. I like my mouth because it helps me talk to my friends and other people. My mouth makes me look good and I can make faces with my mouth. I also like my mouth because I can open my mouth so you can see me smile. Those are the reason I love my mouth!
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Better Medicine Jordan Roebel Gr. 4 In my lifetime, the world will be a better place because of medical advances. I think better medicine and treatment for illnesses and diseases will make the world a better place because so many people die from sicknesses that doctors do not know how to cure. There needs to be more research about ways to cure sicknesses and new treatments developed. Governments need to spend more money on figuring out ways to cure and treat people. Too many people die unnecessarily from disease each year. That is why I want to be a doctor, and why I think better medicine and treatments will make the world a better place. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar – a Capstone speech Javi Beatty Gr. 5 Hello. I am Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. Being the 13th child of a Dalit Mahar family, I know that it is hard to become a high political official in India. In my country, the class of family you are born in mainly determines your status in life. People think that if you are not as strong or as rich as them, you’ll never be important in life. They think they are more important and will always be better than you. I can relate to this. During my life, I was bullied and tormented by richer and taller students. They always told me that I was going to be nothing. But I didn’t listen to them. Instead, I only listened to one person in school, my advisor. My advisor helped me with everything. He gave me the courage to keep my head held high and not listen to bullies or tormentors. Because of this, I was able to become the 1st law minister of India. My advice is, don’t let the negative words of others stop you from achieving your goals. Turn the negatives into a positive and make your own decisions. Pursue your dreams. Follow your heart. Thank you, for listening to my story. Blended – a book review in poetic form Sasha Woodard Gr. 6 People See Me As Does the color of my skin matter? Am I chocolate or vanilla batter? I want to know what people see me as. Do I play rock and roll, or do I play smooth jazz? Whatever that means I honestly do not care. Even if it gives an explanation about my hair. Sometimes I’ll get a weird look. It just makes me want to hide in a nook. Do I celebrate fourth of July or do I celebrate June nineteenth. But I still wonder what people see. Bob the Leprechaun Sophia Blackshaw-Brown Gr. 6 The little leprechaun became sick with influenza. His friends became judgmental of him because he was sick. He was scared his friends would judge him, so he decided to never share any of his gold with them. Bob the leprechaun flushed the gold down the well, so his friends would not steal it. The next day when he was going to bed, he was thinking that it was illegal to flush the gold. In the morning there was a knock at the door and Bob went to see who it was. There was an aristocrat at the door. The aristocrat is fluent in Leprechaunian. This is a language Bob did not know. The aristocrat handed Bob a paper that said, “Do not flush gold or there will be an anarchy in the neighborhood.” Bob decided he would have to bring the gold up from the bottom of the well. Bob climbed down and managed to grab the gold from the flume that was at the bottom. When Bob felt better, he understood that having gold was a privilege. He handed out gold to his friends because he wanted to leave a positive legacy.
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The Summit Country Day School
Bold Painting: Jacob Lawrence Dallas Parker Gr. 3 Jacob Lawrence was born on September 7, 1917 in New Jersey. When Jacob was younger his mom, Rosa Lee could not take care of Jacob and his younger brother and sister because she needed to find work in New York City. In 1930 Rosa Lee brought her children to Harlem in New York City. Since his mom was busy at work after school Jacob went to a settlement house and that’s when he got into art. Jacob remembered patterns from rugs and that inspired him to do amazing patterns. In 1934 he had the chance to take art classes at WPA and he said yes. Jacob had his own style of painting instead of switching to oil paint he stayed with water-based paint so his art was bolder and brighter. He painter what he saw every day in Harlem like he painted funerals and people living their everyday lives. Jacob was interested in black people history because they never talked about it in public schools which was unfair. Jacob painted a series. A series is when someone makes a line of books or paintings or other things that all connect in some way. Jacob is most famous for The Migration of Negro series which had 60 paintings. Browns Essay: Why my Parents Should Take me to a Game – an excerpt Callie Karageorges Gr. 6 We have been Browns fans for a long time. You have always talked to me about taking me to a game but never have. I have a lot of Browns gear but never have been to a real game. It’s so annoying when there is a Steelers fan at a restaurant booing every play we make. So, I think the only solution would be to take me to a Browns game in Cleveland. I think my parents should definitely take me to a Browns game. The Browns are starting to win more games. The Browns have been working hard to find the right quarterback and coach, I think they found their quarterback, Baker Mayfield. Since they found him, their record has been getting better. In 2017-2018 season, they won zero games and that was before they had Mayfield. Once they drafted him in the 2018, in the 2018-2019 season, they won seven games. The year after that when they were struggling with their coach, they managed to win six games in the 2019-2020 season which includes beating the Steelers! Since the Browns are getting better the tickets are only going to get more expensive. Since the Browns are winning more games, more people are going to want to see them play, and they will gain new fans many who are just joining them as a bandwagon fan. The tickets are going to be increased seven percent for the 2020 season which means they will just keep increasing as the Browns win more games. Bubble – a book review Connor Schaaf Gr. 6 For my report I read the book, Bubble. Bubble is about a kid named Joe. Joe has been stuck in a hospital for his whole life. He lives with a lot of kids who have SCID, or Severe Combined Immunodeficiency. Joe has super SCID, which means he has no immune system. He meets a new doctor named Amir. He soon becomes friends with Joe along with Hannah and Henry who has Super SCID too. When NASA designs a suit to keep them safe when they go outside, everyone is excited. Henry and Joe go outside, but they both get sick and a tragedy follows. In the end Joe is glad he got to live, even if he’s was still stuck in a bubble. As for Henry, well, at least there are no bubbles in heaven.
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Camp Campbell Gard – an excerpt Braden Bricking Gr. 6 Sunday night when I was packing, I was so excited for the trip the following day. I told my mom, “I won’t be able to fall asleep because I’m so excited.” I do this every year because I go to West Virginia and I somehow manage to fall asleep. I was so animated when I was going to bed. Overall, I was so ready to get on the bus and go to camp. The first day of camp was a blast. We just finished Human Clue and went to Campfire. At Campfire, we had a lot of fun. The songs we did were very funny. My favorite part was when one of the counselors made a candy shop out of miscellaneous candy played by people. When she finished, she roasted the kids playing the parts of the building. That was probably my favorite night at camp. On the second day, we went to breakfast then went to the zipline. I was a little peevish at first but when I did the zipline, it wasn’t that bad. We got to do it twice, so I did the rope swing. It was kind of scary because it would pull you off the platform. It was very fun doing the zipline even though I have done one before. Cave – an excerpt Allen Wang Gr. 7 Right now, I am in the cave, which is pitch black, I am just mindlessly walking, I feel like something is pulling me more towards this direction, but I don’t know what it is, but then I start to fall, I feel nothingness while falling for a couple of seconds then “thump.” I don’t feel anything, and I slowly feel the breaths of life fading from me, after a few seconds I feel unconsciousness, I’m just lying in the darkness and suddenly I’m standing and I am staring straight forward, I am feeling the sting from before, and I’m also in the spot where I walked off the plane, except there is no plane behind me. Chains – a book review excerpt Anneliese Brouwer Gr. 7 The setting of the story, Chains, was during the Revolutionary War, between the years 1776 and 1777. Most of the events take place in New York. Isabel, the protagonist, is a 13-year old girl who was a slave and lived through on the onset of the American revolution doing the best she could to help free herself and her little sister from slavery. Isabel’s sister, Ruth, is mentally disabled and when she starts to have seizures, she is accused of demonic possession and is “sold.” Madam Anne Lockton, the antagonist, is a wealthy merchant in Manhattan who plans to buy Isabel and Ruth as new servants but gets irritated with Isabel and uses Ruth as her personal slave to separate the sisters. Curzon is a slave who lives nearby and asks her to be a spy to help the revolution. Isabel and Ruth had originally belonged to Miss Mary Finch who had promised to free them in her will when she died but her brother denies the promise after her death. He sells them to Madam Anne and Elihu Lockton, who are British merchants in New York. Madam abuses both of the girls, keeping Ruth at her side at all times trying to separate the sisters. Isabel soon meets a fellow slave, Curzon, who is a part of the revolution and she agrees to acts as a spy for his patriot officer on the Lockton property. Curzon promises his friendship and to help the girls get freed for this exchange. When Isabel catches wind of an assassination attempt on George Washington, she tells Colonial Regan and begs Curzon to free her in exchange for this information. Lockton escapes to England, but his wife remains in the colonies. She sells Ruth without telling Isabel because the younger girl started having seizures which scared her mistress. Isabel soon begins to complain and is branded with the letter “I” on her cheek for rude and disrespectful behavior.
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The Summit Country Day School
Charlie Sifford Cannon Casey Gr. 3 Charlie Sifford was born June 2, 1992 in Charlotte, North Carolina. When Charlie was just a kid he fell in love with the sport of golf! He could strike the ball farther and truer than anyone at his local golf course. Little did Charlie know he would impact the sport of golf forever! Charlie stared playing golf at a young age with his father. In 1932 at the age of thirteen Charlie started earning money as a caddie. He made sixty cents a day which he gave fifty cents to his mom to help keep the household going and he kept ten cents for himself. He worked at an all-white golf course. At the age of 17 Charlie started playing against local black golfers and he coached young golfers. The African American golfers created their own tournament called the UGA. For many years he dominated the UGA. Charlie was a topflight player by his mid-twenties. Charlie he was the person to break the color barrier in golf. Charlie went on to win 22 professional golf tournaments including the PGA. The Cincinnati Fable Emmet Hood Gr. 5 Under the sea, Pluto, the God of the Underworld, was plotting something big. No, bigger than big. HUGE! He was plotting to make a DEMONIC CITY. He called it Cincinnati, which backwards almost said “It is mystic.” He planned for a volcano to arise from his home and unleash pure horror on December 28, 1788. He planned that date because it was his social security number (12281788). He sent the worst demons of all, the COLONISTS. He made them cheer Satan and then set them off to “discover” this profound land. Their leader? Christopher Columbus. But then, his own creations turned on themselves and ATTACKED EACH OTHER! No matter! Pluto cared more about his colonists now because he did not need the British anymore, so he made the colonists win the Revolutionary War. And then, he set off to build his headquarters, Cincinnati. But then, Jupiter discovered Pluto’s demonic plan, and put a stop to it. He sent his best angels to turn the city to good, and they created Kroger, Graeter’s, and Skyline. Now, the city is beautiful and has many good people. Cincinnati’s Origin – a fable Bebe Heekin Gr. 5 In a faraway land there was a little boy looking for his sister. When Kiara went missing, Conner looked everywhere for her. The last place anyone saw her was near a tree. Conner went to it and saw an opening in the tree trunk. Curious, Conner went in the tree. Then he came to Cincinnati, but the name was not our Cincinnati, it didn’t have a name. Conner saw a girl that looked just like his sister. It wasn’t Kiara. “It’s ok, my name is Bree,” said the girl. Conner asked, “Have you seen a girl named Kiara around here?” Bree looked puzzled. Then she said, “No I haven’t seen a girl around here for a week!” Conner thought that the time was faster here because she went missing three days ago. Conner said, “The girl what did she look like?” Bree said, “Well, she had blond hair bright blue eyes, she looked scared and confused, she kind of looked like you.” Conner said, “That’s what my sister looks like!” Then Conner went to town. He saw a girl with blond hair and blue eyes. Conner yelled, “Kiara!” Kiara turned around and ran to Conner. Kiara said, “Where’s mom and dad?” Conner replied, “At home.” Then they saw their parents run to them! Their parents said, “We are staying here, since there is no founder of Cincinnati, we decided to find it!” “What?” Conner said. “Cincinnati is a nice name!” Kiara exclaimed, “How did you name it?” Their parents said, “Since our last name is Cincinnati! We never told you are last name because no one needed their last name but here you do!” That is how Cincinnati was founded. Conner’s family lives here to this day.
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The City of Ur – a Social Studies research paper excerpt Colin Koran Gr. 7 The city of Ur was founded in the 4000s B.C. and was the original home of Abraham from the Bible (Oxford 2019.). The name “Ur” had a very unclear meaning. Some people thought that it was from the word “Uru” for town, and others read the cuneiform and it read, “The place of dwelling of light.” According to tradition, Ur was founded before the great flood (Judaica 2019). Ur had a very complex society because of the many jobs that you would have had to do to live up to their standards. They had to keep very detailed records of every tiny transaction. It also had the oldest known written code, the Code of Ur-Nammu. In around 2000 B.C. Ur had a population of about 60,000 people in the city (Lawler 2016). Classroom Teacher – A Sisters of Notre Dame excerpt Quinn Bohmer Gr. 6 I have been working as a classroom teacher in 1890. There was a small classroom, with a chalkboard, wooden desks, one window, and an arched roof. My favorite subject to teach was 7th grade Religion because this is what I practice and study every day. I have a very obedient class. My students have their knees together, spines straight, and attention to the front of the room. I redirect student misbehavior with a firm discussion outside or sometimes even scolding them. College Athletes Should Be Paid – an excerpt Luke Pappano Gr. 7 Should college athletes be allowed to be paid and sponsored? Some people believe college athletes should not be allowed to be paid or sponsored. They think this because they shouldn’t get paid for playing a game, but it is way more than a game. They should be allowed to get paid just like any other job. You can work and get paid in college, but these games are the athlete’s jobs, they should get paid like others for their talents. Bernie Sanders said, “College Athletes are workers” (Sanders). Every time they step on the court or field, they are risking injury while playing these sports. One injury could ruin their whole career and their careers can be shorter than other professions. Everyone thinks it is easy to just play a game but every day they are training and going to the weight room getting stronger and faster, also some athletes are good enough to go straight out of high school. Colleges make money when their team wins the championship or goes to a bowl game and the reason, they are there is because the players on the team. Another reason is the coaches get paid which they should but at the end of the day the players determine if the school gets the win or loss. The first reason college athletes should be able to get paid is because every time they step on the court or field there are at harm for injury. If they went to the NBA, they could have made money immediately. For example, Zion Williamson was good enough to where he could have straight to the NBA. He went to college and didn’t get paid when he should have made a ton but now, he got injured and might only make a few million from his rookie contract instead of 100’s of millions. Zion should have gotten paid in college because every single time he steps on the court he is risking getting injured when he could have signed a contract to the NBA right out of high school and make millions.
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The Summit Country Day School
Contemporary Artwork: The Sweet Spot – an excerpt Manuel Cantillo Gr. 4 The Sweet Spot by Alfred Conteh is a contemporary artwork painted with acrylics in 2018. I chose to write about this piece because it is very vibrant and colorful. One of the things I notice is the giant head next to the building. I notice that the light is reflecting on the man’s face. However, I also notice that the building is rusting and looks very old. It does not look like it has been kept up or taken care of. I see clouds that have different shades of the sunset. The light that seems to be shining on the giant face is light from above or God in heaven. The dark and light on the building is also something I notice. I think the dark on the building means evil and the light means goodness mixed with some pain. I think the giant head is the man’s face so we can study his expression. I think the painting means that things in the future will change in a good way. I also believe that the building represents the old ways when we had slavery. The sky and the clouds mean freedom and goodness. Coretta Scott King – an excerpt Sofia Costea Gr. 3 Coretta Scott King was born in Marion, Alabama on April 27, 1927. Her parents were Obie Scott and Bernice McMurry. Her siblings were Edythe and Obie Jr. They lived in a small plain home with two rooms, a kitchen and a bedroom. Even though slavery ended over sixty years ago, life was still very difficult for African Americans. Black people were segregated from white people. She graduated from high school in 1945 and went to Antioch College in Ohio. While there she realized she needed more education and equal rights. At this time, she joined The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She continued her studies at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. She met M.L.K through a friend while he studied religion at Boston University, they shared many of the same thoughts and ideas on change and equality. Coretta and Martin married in 1953. They eventually moved back to the south. After MLK was killed, she continued working immediately by leading a Mother’s Day parade to support poor families. She opened an office in her basement to teach non-violent protests. Coretta continued to march, speak, and fight for people’s rights. She died in 2006 and people around the world mourned her death. She had given and cared for black and white people, women, children and the poor. At her funeral, one speaker said, “She was a woman born to struggle and she has overcome her struggles.” Cypress Gardens Christian Basler Gr 4 Last summer, I went to Isle of Palms, South Carolina. We visited a place called Cypress Gardens. It is amazing. The area is a protected wildlife preserve, swamp, and garden. The huge swamp has alligators and all sorts of wildlife, and it is covered in cypress trees. We went on a boat tour through the swamp and saw alligators and snapping turtles up close. We even saw lizards swimming through the swamp. Cypress Gardens was an awesome place to visit, and we had a great time there.
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Dalai Lama – a “Wax Museum of Courage” excerpt Vivie Lyons Gr. 5 In 1933 the thirteenth Dalai Lama died; all his followers went looking for an omen that would lead them to their successor. Dalai Lama had always said he does not want a watch, because he does not want to be reminded what time it is, only if he is going to bed and waking up. Dalai Lama is leading an eventful life. He was born on July 6, 1935, in Tibet. When Dalai Lama was two, he was recognized as the Tibetan Buddhist. All of Dalai Lama’s followers believe that he is the 14 reincarnation in a spiritual line that goes all the way back to 1930. When Kyitsang Rinpoch visited the 3-year-old Dalai Lama, Rinpoch gave him a drum that had belong to the 13 Dalai Lama. He is known as the “holy one, divine wisdom.” He had met with Professor Thurman. Thurman once said, “Dalai Lama, you are a genuine person, and a really nice guy who remains unspoiled.” Dalai Lama won the Noble Peace Prize in 1998. Since winning the Noble Peace Prize he has been traveling all over the India and other countries. He has created the Dalai Lama Peace Gatherings, which anyone can attend. Dale White Aubrey Blakely Gr. 3 Dale White was born in 1899 in Minden, Louisiana USA. He was an African American pilot starting in 1939. Dale was famous for fighting for African Americans to be able to fly planes. His character traits were that he was kind and funny. Dale started flight school on August 18, 1933 at Curtiss Wright Aeronautical University. He got his flying license in June of 1936. Dale was an African American pilot in 1939, he flew the “Goodwill flight” from Chicago, Illinois to Washington, D.C. to fight for African Americans to be able to join the United States Army Air Corps. In 1940, Dale started to work as an aircraft mechanic at Wright Patterson. He retired from Wright Patterson about 15 years later. He wanted to apply to join the Tuskegee Airman, but he was unable because of his older age. He continued flying until he died in 1977. Darby O’Gill Kenyon Byrd Gr. 6 There once was a man named Darby O’Gill who everyone would harshly judge because he talked about a leprechaun king on the mountain. Darby wanted to catch the leprechaun king so he would leave a legacy. The mountain he had to go to was illegal to climb up, but Darby had a plan. He decided to sneak up the mountain to the ancient castle ruins. Darby found the leprechaun dancing on a pot of gold, the king spoke a different language, but Darby spoke it with perfect fluency. The king said, “Get out before I curse you,” Darby was calm because he knew it was all an act. “I will make your life full of anarchy,” the Leprechaun said. “Stop with your lies and grant me my wishes,” Darby replied. “3 wishes ye receive ask for any more your wishes will be no more,” the leprechaun king sang. Darby clouded by greed and excited by this privilege he did not hear the warning. “Your first wish,” the King asked, “I wish to be a judge,” Darby said. “Done” the king said. The dancing man inquired, “I wish to be a rich man,” Darby said. The king responded, “You got it, and your third wish?” the king said eagerly. “I wish to never be misjudged again” Darby said. “Your fourth wish?” the leprechaun asked snickering, “I wish for a gigantic pot of gold,” Darby said. The King laughed and danced 1 2 3, 3 wishes ye receive ask for any more your wishes will be no more! The leprechaun king danced and disappeared. Darby was heartbroken and would never prejudge a magical creature.
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The Summit Country Day School
Dave the Potter Stefen Karageorges Gr. 3 Dave was born in 1801, but we do not know what his exact birth date is because he was a slave. He lived a happier life than most slaves. He was a potter and a poet and even better he combined both of his skills! So sometimes after he made a jar he would do poetry on the jar but he did it on the side because slaves were not allowed to be able to read or write but to this day we still don’t know how he knew how to write. Dave also had some tough times in his life. One day he lost his family and that changed his life forever. At the age of 35 he lost his legs, but his friend’s Henry’s arms were crippled so that day his friend spun the potter’s wheel while Dave shaped the Potter! He died in 1865 in Edgefield, South Carolina. Over his life we think he made 4,000 pots but we could not have known him if it was not for the poems he left behind. The Delicious Neighborhood Sophie Brouwer Gr. 6 My friend and I were walking one day, and we saw a portal. So, we both decided to go to the portal, and when we were on the other side of the portal, we saw that the whole neighborhood was made out of gingerbread! I could not believe my eyes. There were so many types of candy and a lot of gingerbread. My friend and I decided to visit all the houses. When we got to a house and knocked on the door, the person who answered the door was made out of gingerbread. We asked him if we could eat his house and surprisingly, he said that we could. Then after we finished eating his house, we asked if we could eat everyone’s houses and everyone said that we could. After we finished eating 10 houses, we were so full that we could not walk to the portal. After a while we got better, and we walked to the portal, said goodbye to the gingerbread men, and we walked into the portal for home. Determination: Jackie Robinson Josie Lyons Gr. 3 Jackie Robinson was born on January 31, 1919. He was in the Hall of Fame. He grew up poor, and he was very smart. Jackie is famous for being the first black man to play major league baseball. Robinson was a great hero. Soon enough they were letting black people on the all white teams. Jackie’s character traits are that he stood up for what was right, he was brave and determined. Jackie Robinson died on October 24, 1972. Do Longer Lunch Breaks Help Reduce Stress? – a persuasive excerpt Joey DiPaola Gr. 7 A lengthy lunch break would give more time for clubs. Clubs allow for students to express themselves. Clubs help improve social skills and will allow more social time that we may otherwise not have. According to Mckayla Nolan and Keuka College, clubs reduce stress because we would enjoy the clubs that we are in and we don’t feel obligated to them (“The Odyssey”). The more club time for clubs that a student can get the better. Having longer lunch breaks would give students and teachers more time to work. It would reduce the stress from students’ homework. It would reduce the workload and let us have more social time out of school. It would allow more time for teachers to work and grade papers. A study from Stanford University shows that homework is the primary source of stress (Oxfordlearning.com). Having more time to do homework during lunch would be a beneficial for students.
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Dollar a Day – a reflection Allison Ebken Gr. 6 I think the most difficult part of living in Pena Blanca would be money management. I probably wouldn’t survive since I would waste my money on wants instead of needs. The people in Pena Blanca must save their money in order to get a tiny amount of food, while we just buy it without thinking about the others. Anthony participated in a group where you all chip in twelve dollars a month then they randomly pick who will get the money. Anthony got the money one month, so he bought a much-needed stove for his family. The twelve dollars a month he saved was a form of money management. He had to find a way to save twelve dollars and also set aside money for food. We don’t really think about what we are spending money on, but Anthony’s family and the rest of Pena Blanca do. I think Chino and I experience Christmas both similarly and differently. We experience Christmas similarly because we both would have a special dinner and celebrate with our family. The difference in this would be that his meal would cost his family a fortune and they would be crowded in the house while in my family money wouldn’t really affect anything. Chino also wouldn’t be able to decorate his house since his family needed to save their money for food. This wouldn’t bother him though since he is always happy with what he has. Even in bad times Chino always found a way to be happy. If Chino didn’t get presents, I’m sure he’d still be happy. Dorothy Johnson Vaughan Evie Curt Gr. 3 Dorothy Johnson Vaughan was born on September 20th, 1910 in Kansas City, Missouri. At the age of eight, her family moved to West Virginia. She later received a full scholarship to attend Wilberforce University, a black college in Ohio, where she graduated at the age of 19 with a degree in math. Later she became a high school math teacher and married Howard Vaughan. In 1943, she left her teaching position to work for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautic (NACA) as a “human computer.” NACA was segregated. She had to use the “colored” restrooms and sit at the “colored” lunch tables. She worked her way up to become the first African American supervisor after the war ended. During the Space Race, Dorothy taught herself FORTRAN to program the first actual computer. She later taught the department that became the first team of NACA computer programmers. Dorothy achieved many things in her life and never gave up no matter what stood in her way. Dr. Pepper Owen Hodge Gr. 5 I think I am an ice-cold Dr. Pepper. Three reasons I think I am this drink is I am a sweet person just like Dr. Pepper. Another reason I am this drink is because if something heats Dr. Pepper up it goes bad, just like me when someone gets me angry, I get mad. My final reason is that Doctor Pepper is amazing with ice, so I would thing that my ice is my family and that is how I am a great person. I think I am an ice-cold Dr. Pepper. Driving Age Should Be Raised To 18 – an excerpt Madeline Mescher Gr. 7 In 2017, 1,830 teens were killed in car crashes due to being drunk or on drugs. At this rate, roughly 152 teenagers were killed every month. Although it is a large range, this represents a 4 percent decrease from the 1,916 young drivers who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2016. The safeguard site states, “The rate of fatal crashes per mile driven is around half as high for teens aged 18 or 19 as for 16- and 17-yearolds. It is thought that raising the driving age to 18 could help lower the overall rate of fatal crashes” (Pros and Cons of Raising the Driving Age). This is why the driving age should be raised to 18 because teens are being self-absorbed, immature, and are starting to drink and become addicted to drugs.
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EA Sports – a persuasive essay excerpt Leo Lyons Gr. 6 EA sports are a gaming company and they host gaming tournaments or their own games like Madden or 2K. They try to inspire others to play video games and get better at them. EA makes games for people to play, have fun, and do what they love. Gaming is fun. It also takes skills and perfect practice to get good or even great. Taking time and practicing can pay off later in life. A hard-working gamer or streamer can make half a million dollars a year. Bugh Kyle played in the Fortnite World Cup and he is 16 and won 3 million dollars. You can make money from playing video games and streaming it live. You also make money from people donating money or just watching them. So, an average doctor makes $35,000 a month, but a gamer makes $22,000 a month and he or she just plays video games. You have to practice every day and keep working on it so you get better. Twitch is a streaming device you can make money on. People pay to watch you and can make a career from it. I will start streaming soon hopefully and get some money from it. Eddie Mabo Parker Sougstad Gr. 5 Eddie Mabo was a courageous gentleman because of his help to his people. He used speeches to help assist his people and island. Mabo was born of the 29th of June in 1936 in Torres Strait Island, Australia. He wasn’t very obedient so at the age of 16 Mabo was kicked off the island. His surname was changed from Sambo to Mabo. In 1981 Mabo was courageous by giving a speech. The speech was about how unfair it was that his people could not have their land rights in Australia. A lawyer listened to his speech and encouraged him to fight further. So together Mabo and four others began to fight to win ownership of the island. The legal battle was hard, long, and frustrating. Sadly, Mabo died from health issues during the process. Five months after he died, the court announced a rule that since the people were there first, they were granted ownership of the island. They now have the island instead of the government. Eddie Mabo died for his land and he is a true hero because of his hard work to own back their island. Edith Cavell – an excerpt Beatrice Nery Gr. 5 Edith Cavell was born on December 4, 1865 in Swardeston Norfolk, England. Cavell was the oldest of four children to Reverend Frederick and Louisa Sophia Cavell. She went to Belgium as a governess, but returned to care for her sick father in the 1890’s. Then she decided to become a nurse and trained with Eva Lückes. After this, Cavell worked at Shoreditch Infirmary and Salford Sick Poor and Private Nursing Institution. Under Dr. Antoine Depage, she trained nurses in the 1910’s. Her training school became a hospital for both sides of the war. Unfortunately, Cavell was executed on October 12, 1915. Elijah McCoy Max Heimbouch Gr. 3 Elijah McCoy was born in Colchester, Ontario, Canada, on May 2, 1844. His family were former slaves that escaped through the Kentucky Underground Railroad. At sixteen years old he was sent by his parents across the Atlantic Ocean to Scotland to study engineering. At the end of his training when the civil war ended and he was a free man, Elijah came back to the United States and settled in Michigan. He was able to find work only as a fireman, stoking the engines of a locomotive and oiling its parts. Elijah invented an automatic lubricator possibly the original – THE REAL MCCOY! And went on to invent other devices. In 1916, Elijah developed the graphite lubricator, the invention was his MOST proud. He started his own company with his wife Mary. Elijah McCoy’s legacy to American technology and innovation remains with us today. McCoy’s success story demonstrates one man’s tremendous dedication to his work. It is fitting that his name “the real McCoy” has come to mean perfection. 20
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Elijah of Buxton – a book review and original poem Devlan Daniel Gr. 6 The book is about an eleven-year-old boy Elijah Freeman and he is from Buxton, Canada. The book taught about how they started in the Elgin settlement. It was a refugee camp for African American runaways away from where they were slaves. It was also where the slaves gained freedom after going through the underground railroad. Elijah is the first person to be born in the settlement. He goes to the United States to help his friend with a person trying to steal the friend’s money. When he goes, he finds out that freedom is something to not take for granted. Elijah also finds out about how the preacher was murdered by people that were trying to get slaves from Canada. Elijah Runs thinking there is a hoop / He fears what the preacher says And he doesn’t give a lot of whoops / And he said the United States we head He doesn’t like to run / He doesn’t think it’s great Nor does he think it’s fun / When it’s like he just got a well-done steak. Endling – a book review excerpt Claire Wiltshire Gr. 6 My book is called Endling-THE LAST. It is the first in a series by Katherine Applegate. In this book Byx-a Dairne (a mythical species) is the runt of her family. Dairnes are going extinct. Byx’s family believes that they are the last Dairnes in the world. Dairnes have been hunted for centuries, for their unimaginably soft golden fur. They are about as tall as adult humans and walk on their hind legs. Although they look like dogs, they find it offensive when people call them this. For example, Dogs don’t speak common tonge, or Dairnish. The Dairnes have a very old legend, telling of Dairnes that live on a floating island called Dairneholme. The Dairnes were taught of this legend as pups, and although no one believed this legend, this is all Byx now has, hope. A little while ago the Murdano (king of Nedarra) sent soldiers to kill the Dairnes. It was daytime when Byx’s pack decided to head north to Dairneholme. Byx knew this would be her last chance to ever see the ocean, which she had never done before. She decided she would just see a glimpse of it and then head back home. While she was at the “beach” she saw a boat being smashed around by the waves, and inside was a Wobbyx. After Byx saves the Wobbyx’s life, she returns home and finds her whole pack has been killed by the Murdanos soldiers. Now she is facing dangers she never even thought exist, just to find out if a “silly myth” is true. Equality for All: Katherine Johnson Anne Marie Misrach Gr. 3 Katherine Johnson was born on August 26, 1918 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. She loved math. She had four siblings and she was the youngest. Katherine would also try to go to school with her siblings to learn more. It was unfair to Katherine and other African Americans that there were no high schools to attend. Her father moved their family to Institute, West Virginia. Here, Katherine went to school and was so smart that she skipped two grades. Katherine became a research mathematician at NASA. She did the math that they needed to make an American complete a partial orbit around earth, along with many other space achievements. She received the Presidential Medal of Honor in 2015, and that is the top honor any person can receive. Katherine lived a great like helping people. She helped in space, women’s rights, and race equality, so there is fairness for every person. Katherine passes away on February 24, 2020.
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Explorers – a fable on how Cincinnati was Founded Abigail Bastos Gr. 5 Two explorers named Cincy and Nati were out near Kentucky. His friends Kent and Ucky had already established it. Cincy and Nati really wanted to establish a place so they were walking in Kentucky and came across a big river and swam it together but the land on the other side didn’t look like it had been established yet. He knew his other friends Indi and Ana wanted to establish a place too. When they reached the other side, they were so happy they were trying to think of a name for it. Then an idea popped into Cincy’s head and he thought they should name it Cincinnati but with different spelling and Nati agreed. Then out of nowhere pink flying pigs started flying in the sky. One came right next to both of them and they both hopped on. As they were flying Cincy thought they should name it the flying pig state. Then suddenly out of nowhere a buckeye appeared in his hand and he looked down and the state looked like a buckeye so he decided it would be Cincinnati the buckeye state. Fable: How Cincinnati was Founded Abigayle Penote Gr. 5 Once upon the time there were two boys named Orange and Blue. They lived in area with no name, no address, and not on map. Orange and Blue were enemies. One day they had to do a project in Math and the teacher put them as partners. Once they got together and they would not even look at each other. Since they did not finish it in class, they set up when they were going to meet after school. When they met, they started to have fun together, when everybody saw them the next day at school, they were all confused. They started hanging out even more and became friends. Even more time passed, and they became best friends. Since they were best friends, they made a soccer team. They thought a while and they decided to call their soccer team F. C. Cincinnati. And little did they know that ended up being the name of their new city. FC Cincinnati – an excerpt Charlotte Thompson Gr. 7 “It is a wonderful day for a game here at Nippert Stadium. Your guys home team is FC Cincinnati. Then the away team we have today is Houston Dynamo. These teams aren’t huge fans of each other. It looks like they are growling at each other on the field when they are supposed to be warming up, but I guess not,” said the news reporter. The crowd was already going crazy over the game, and they are just in warmups. Hopefully the game can dial down a little bit and maybe there wouldn’t be any fights by the end of the game. Then everyone stood up and started singing the national anthem. There was a small choir who was invited to sing the national anthem. After the national anthem the players were announced. First went Houston Dynamo, after each of the players name and position the crowd said, “Boo!” Then when they started saying FC Cincinnati players and position. This one is a little different then the away team, for this one the crowd shouted the last name of the player that was getting announced at the moment. Fifth Grade Reflections Emy Schurmann Gr. 5 It all begins when we first started. When we first got to do our first science fair, we had to work very hard on it. Then a few days later in 5th grade, we began to do our capstone project. I didn’t know what it was about until now. Later we are designing our costumes and after making the costumes. We also started doing a new project of writing called a monster essay.
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Finish It: The Sweetest Fig Olivia Beltran Gr. 4 I tried to scream but all that came out was a loud bark. I could not believe it. I thought Marcel was too afraid to fall asleep after I chased him around the house, but no, he dreamed of something horrible for me and good for him. I cannot believe he would do this to me or be able to think of something like this. Did I not treat him the way a dog should be treated? He must hate me to have dreamed this. Marcel attached a leash to my collar. No, I thought, but I knew it was time for a walk. Marcel pulled me from the apartment and down the stairs. When we walked outside, I felt the urge to chase my tail and play. It was horrible. Then something worse happened, I lunged for a passing dog and was pulled back quickly. The tightening on my throat was awful. Marcel let go of the collar and looked at me as if to say, this is how I felt. Then, I felt bad for Marcel. How bad did I really treat him? I did not let him on the couch. I did not help him down the stairs. I did not let him play in the park with other dogs. He did not even have a dog bed. He had to sleep on the floor. Once this dream is over, I will make it up to Marcel. I am the rude one. Five Chimneys – an excerpt Jordyn Lauckner Gr. 7 Olga Lengyel, a Romanian trained surgical assistant, writes a passionate account of the brutal discipline and omnipresent threat of death she along with her family, navigate at the infamous Auschwitz and Birkenau extermination camps. She quickly learns of the dehumanizing living conditions as an inmate at Auschwitz. However, Olga’s first day of work at the infirmary gives her a sense of jubilance as she is no longer functioning in the indescribable filth of her koia. The calculating Nazi policies reduce prisoners to their lowest morale level, Olga recalls carrying heavy stones over a hundred yards just to drag them back to their original places the next day. The smell of death fills the air, gas chambers exclusively reserved for Jews and Gypsies, each rising with a high chimney fed by nine fires, consuming enormous numbers of bodies, serve as a constant reminder of Olga’s fragile mortality. Additionally, Olga learns she must avoid the attention of German doctors using hundreds and thousands of slaves at their disposal to conduct scientific diagnostics that are cruel games rather than serious quests for the truth. Successfully navigating and adapting to the horrifying realities of Auschwitz safeguard Olga’s survival. Fluid Friction Daniel Beyerbach Gr. 5 Fluid friction is the friction of objects sliding against water. Surface area is the space taking up the surface of a 3D object. Force is a push or pull on an object. Pressure is force in units. In this experiment, I wanted to find out which irregular hand position would make me swim the fastest. I hypothesized that the option “Slightly Spread” would win. For this experiment, I used a swimsuit, 25-yard pool, two lane lines, a towel, a stopwatch, and goggles. I put on the swimsuit and had my mom time me for 55 lengths of a 25-yard pool, 5 for each hand position. In the end, I swam the fastest with my fingers slightly spread out (excluding normal hands for the sake of comparison). In conclusion, I felt like “slightly spread” and “completely spread” positions were sort of dominating. If I were to repeat this set of tests, I would repeat the experiments without those options. You could apply my results to improve submarine and helicopter propeller designs.
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Frederick Douglass Marguerite Jackson Gr. 3 Frederick Douglass was an African American who was brave and fought for equal rights. He was born February 14, 1818 and died February 20, 1895. Frederick Douglass learned to read from his owner’s wife. Slaves were not allowed to read but he was determined. Frederick Douglass escaped from slavery when he was 20 by dressing up as a sailor. He went to New York where he was free. When slave catchers came to find him, he traveled to Ireland or England. He was an abolitionist. That is a person who is against slavery. He encouraged other slaves to run away too. After Frederick Douglass was free, he became a part of the Underground Railroad and fought for fairness. He made speeches to crowds of people and wanted women’s right to vote. He also created a newspaper called The North Star that encouraged other slaves to follow the north star to freedom. He became an advisor to Abraham Lincoln. Both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln wanted everyone to be treated fairly and get what they need! From which I come Kate McLane Gr. 7 I am from YouTube, Netflix, and Oculus. I am from the dogs barking during Teams meetings, From staying up late, sleeping in, and watching my dogs. I am from missing friends; they keep me sane. I’m from missing Joseph-Beth and Queen City Fencers Club, From my dogs, Freya and Odin. I’m from reading books I used to love, curling up in a leather chair with tea. From working hard and getting right on my schoolwork. I’m from keeping others safe, not going out in public. I’m from watching TV and taking time to be appreciative. From the Zoom calls with my team. I’m from Google Duo at noon, From long calls with friends, listening to music, blocking out the chaotic world. I’m from looking outside and from appreciating spring. Front Desk – a book review excerpt Nia Neal This book is taking place in the 1990’s at a motel called the Calivista in Anaheim, California. One of the main characters in the story is Mia. Mia is a caring, clever, and an audacious character who loves her family and friends very much. Jason, who annoys Mia most of the time, is a churlish, discordant character who told her he likes her, even though she disdains him, but he has become nicer at the end of the book. Another character is Mr. Yao. He is very racist and thinks of everyone as frivolous. Lupe is a loving, genial, caring friend who is always there when Mia comes up with crazy plans. The theme of the story is to persevere through adversity and do what is right. In the story, the author describes Mia’s story in great depth, and she makes the book so interesting. But the author could have made the book better by basing the book off her personal experiences, because at the end, it says that most of the story has never happened to the author. I would recommend this book to other classmates I know, because it’s very interesting and very intriguing to read.
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Gap Year – an excerpt Maggie Bissmeyer Gr. 7 J.K. Rowling, Vera Wang, Emma Watson, and Steve Jobs have all taken gap years to study abroad (winterine.com). At first, glance taking a gap year may seem like a waste of time and effort. When hearing about someone taking a gap year, assumptions such as not wanting to go to school anymore are immediately judged. However, when taking a gap year, it can make life a lot easier in college. Students should consider taking a gap year after high school to experience different education paths, develop skills, and prepare financially, so they can pay off student debts later. Gary – a Monster Rylee Jewell Gr. 5 Have you ever wanted a monster that can be your best friend? If you have, then Gary is the perfect fit! He is an intelligent and talented monster; Gary can shapeshift and knows everything that you know and more! He can do your homework, play video games, basketball, and even comfort you when you are feeling down. He is 12 years old. He is 5-foot-tall and weighs 80 pounds. He is selling for $369.99. Gary is a wonderful companion. He is linked to your mind and has access to your thoughts, feelings, and knowledge! Are you the oldest, youngest, or only child and have no one else to do things with? If you want to play video games or sports, and your siblings are too young or aren’t good at them, Gary will be an equal competitor for you. and knows how to make you happy. Gary could make a wonderful companion for anyone! Gary is a healing monster. He is immune to all illnesses, even the Coronavirus. Gary can heal people in a snap of the fingers. You won’t have to miss school or playing with your friends any longer as he will heal your ailment in the snap of his fingers. Also, anything that Gary touches is disinfected immediately. He can provide you and your families guaranteed heath safety with the Coronavirus out there. Gathering Blue: Kira – a book reflection excerpt Lily de Lacy Gr. 7 Kira, a weaver, will make a change in the hostile village in order to create a better future for everyone. She would like to change the fact that if someone is crippled, then they are useless, the way people are treated in the Fen, and provide freedom for the artists. When Kira was born, she had a twisted leg, which Kira often thinks to herself, “pain makes me proud.” Kira has a passion for helping people, and that’s why she would like to make sure everyone in the Fen is equal, and why all the artists get freedom. I think all of these are important factors in the book, that Kira can relate to, and that need to be changed. George Washington Carver Jack Geers Gr. 3 George Washington Carver was born on January 1, 1864 in Diamond, Missouri near the end of the civil war. George was a born a slave, but his master treated his family like her own. He lived on the Carver farm. Somebody stole George when he was a baby, along with his brother and his mom. George’s dad managed to get George and his brother back, but not his mom. After high school, George went to college at Iowa State University. In college he took art classes and classes about plants. He loved plants and liked to make beautiful pictures of plants. In Tuskegee, Alabama, George taught and helped other people plant their plants and save plants. Like he knew if you planted cotton it could dry your soil, but that peanuts could make the soil richer. He started to show farm women how to preserve fruits and vegetables for the winter. One day he got together with some college students and he made dinner. When they were done the students were surprised to hear that all that they just ate was made from peanuts. The next day people started to call him peanut man because he made 300 things out of peanuts! George’s work with peanuts was very important. 25
The Summit Country Day School
Gold and the Leprechauns Ceci Viveros Valdepeña Gr. 6 In a forest there are trees, and in the leaves, there are leprechaun. Every single one of them has the same task and that is finding gold and giving it to the government. It is illegal at any time to not give them your gold. If you don’t give them your gold, they take away your powers. The leprechauns are starting to get frustrated and even sometimes they lose the control of their own powers, which is bad. They want to have the privilege of using their gold. Gold in this society is like our money, but more important. They use gold for their powers. To make them stronger. All the leprechaun are classified when they turn 13. So, every single leprechaun wishes they could be classified as silver. And that is what happened to Andrea. She was so amazed that all her feelings started to fluctuate. All the silver leprechauns got to be a part of the government. She instantly was promoted to a legislator. She was going to end the government taking peoples gold. She was tired of being prejudged and wanted to make a difference. She brought one of her friends and told him to read the minds of the leprechaun that were affected by the fact that their gold was taken away. That made the government realize that they were wrong. They legalized the use of gold at any time. Not any single leprechaun was sad again. Guatemala Elsa Hobbins Gr. 6 Guatemala is in Central America. The country is bordered by the Caribbean Sea, the Pacific Ocean, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Guatemala’s flag contains two blue stripes symbolizing how the country is sandwiched between two oceans. The blue also represents the blue skies of the country. The middle white of the flag is said to represent the virtues of purity and peace. Guatemala has almost 18 million people living there. The official language is Spanish. It is used in schools and government offices. Apart from Spanish, there are 21 Mayan languages, 1 Arawakan, and 2 indigenous languages spoken. Minerals such as uranium, nickel, coal, gold, silver, copper, and iron play a significant role in providing investment potential in the country. The government of Guatemala is a representative democratic republic. Their leader is Alejandro Giammattei. There are 21 different dialects spoken in this country. There are also more than 30 volcanoes and the first chocolate bar was invented here. Hide and Seek Gael Huguet Gr. 4 One year while we were visiting Peru for Christmas, my brothers and I played hide and seek. My little brother went to hide in the laundry room. We knew that he went in there, but when it was time to come out, he did not. We were looking all over the room and could not find him. I was so scared. I opened the washing machine door, and he was inside. I told him to get out, but he would not listen to me. I was glad he was okay that I did not get mad. Thank goodness, the machine did not turn on. That was a scary game of hide and seek. History of Cincinnati Jacob Heimbouch Gr. 5 Cincinnati began in 1788 when Mathias Denman, Colonel Robert Patterson, and Israel Ludlow landed at a spot at the Northern bank of Ohio opposite the mouth of the Licking River and decided to settle there. The original surveyor, John Filson, named it Losantiville.” Cincinnati was founded as a city on March 1, 1819.
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Hopeful – an I am from poem Quarantine Edition Gracie Sanders Gr. 7 I’m from the television, Xbox and the Nintendo Switch I’m from the pondside house in the hidden drive, soft radio, pesky sunlight, and bees upon bees I’m from the quarantine weather, unluckily bright, car rides, limitlessly entertaining I’m from hoping this will eventually end, missing my grandparents and my cousins I’m from enjoying being alone, going stir crazy, loving peace and quiet for my own song to play From Charlie and Colonel, brothers for a half year, daydreaming whisking me away from Boredom, gaming, distracting me from the darkness of the real world From “get off there” to “spend more time with us”, making mac n’ cheese for lunch I’m from hiding away, simply lonely, jigsaw puzzles, and never-ending workloads From the Animal Crossing with peace, the Minecraft world I build piece-by-piece I’m from the pleasant loneliness of quarantine’s existence. Horace Pippin Henry Holsinger Gr. 3 Horace Pippin was an American artist. He was born in West Chester, PA on February 22, 1888. In school Horace loved to draw a lot. He’d always draw pictures on his papers. He was always helping his family out with his big hands. His dad left home, at the age of 8 Horace had to quit school to help take care of his family. His big hands were always doing jobs like fixing fences on farms, working at a factory, and shoveling coal. Eventually he left the US for France to join the army and fight in World War I. He would make art for the soldiers in his notebooks. He got shot by a bullet in his right arm, and struggled to use it, and could not draw with it. Horace later began to create more art by observing his subjects everywhere. He produced nearly 140 works of art and opened his own gallery. Horace was not only brave, kind, thoughtful, bold, loving, and respectful, but he was one of the greatest self-taught folk artists of our time. How Cincinnati Was Created – a fable Dillon Fox Gr. 5 This is how Cincinnati was created. Before the aliens came there was just land, no buildings nor people. Then the aliens came with a big dome and a few small buildings. The small buildings were called Skyline from their home planet Skyliniton. When they put the dome down half of it fell and only left the other half. The aliens cleared the mess of the dome and when they found new items, they would put it in there to show off to other aliens. They lived in peace there living their lives, then a different alien type came and destroyed the alien race and they left. 10 centuries later humans came and found the half dome, Skyline and houses there. They found the word Cincinnati and decided to name that city Cincinnati. They made food in the Skyline and built houses. The half dome became a museum and the humans lived happy there to this day.
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How My Cat and I Founded Cincinnati Madelyn Smith Gr. 5 There I was standing looking over the vast empty land the wind billowing from the east. “We made it Cinder.” She curled her tail around my feet and purred in excitement. “What should we name it?” “How about Cincy after you,” I asked my cat. We had been traveling to see if we could find our own place, we had both run away. My name is Madelyn and Cinder is my cat. We walked up to the open land and I planted my staff there to mark the territory. I had already thought of a name on the way here. I had decided on Cincinnati. A little long I know, but it has a nice ring to it. I had also brought other people with me; they also ran away from home. Over a couple of months, we built a few houses and a meeting house. And more and more people came we had a big pig market. And more people kept coming. And that is how my cat and I founded Cincinnati. How San Antonio Became San Antonio – an excerpt Audrey Beltran Gr. 5 There are two stories’ on how San Antonio became what it is today. This is my story. Once upon a time there were two girls whose names were Audrey and Olivia. They got lost and couldn’t find anywhere to stay. They were walking for days and nights just to find somewhere to stay for shelter. Later, Olivia saw a little cave and then they both walked into the cave and there in the cave was a unicorn herd. Olivia just stood and didn’t say anything. Though on the other hand Audrey was already trying to get on one of the unicorns but that did not end well... Olivia walked over to Audrey and was just watching Audrey’s funny show of trying to get on the unicorn. Audrey finally got on but then fell of the unicorn. Olivia hopped on a unicorn and got on just fine. Audrey finally got on and they started riding into the cave. Deeper...Deeper... and deeper. Soon they got to the end of the cave and there was a dead end. “We came over here for nothing!” Cried Olivia. “Not true,” said Audrey. Olivia leaned against the wall. “Well I thought there was going to be a surprise down here! Oliva fell into the wall. “Olivia!” screamed Audrey. I am From – a poem Ryka Woodruff Gr. 7 I am from a computer screen and a one drive account. From hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes. I am from a loud house full of my family of five and a happy dog, From a snoring bulldog, family on calls, and hearing the spring weather outside. I am from missing reading time and talking in the hallways, seeing friends happy and achieving in school. I’m from missing friends and missing going places, From cuddling my bulldog and seeing my family happy to be together. I’m from the lengthy bike rides in the gorgeous spring weather, where all the birds are chirping and wind blowing on my face, From my dad reminding all of us to “wash our hands” and “don’t touch your face.” I’m from keeping my distance, away from friends and neighbors. I’m from bonding with my family, calling relatives, and cherishing the times with everyone. From the oven baking my cakes, cookies, and delicious dinners, that my family can enjoy. I’m from being grateful for what I have and for what God has done for my family.
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Ida B. Wells Beckham Carrasquillo Gr. 3 Ida Bell Wells was born on the sixteenth of July 1862, in Holly Springs, Mississippi. She was the first child of James Wells and Elizabeth Wells. At the time slavery was legal. Three years later the Constitution of the United States was changed, and slavery was illegal. Ida was a teacher and enjoyed writing. One day Ida was on a train and conductor said to move she refused, and the conductor tried pulling her to the back. She wouldn’t budge so he asked some strong men to help she got off the train and walked home. She sued the railroad and won and wrote about it in her church paper. She became a full-time writer, and everyone liked to read her stories. Ida wrote about the truth and what was happening to black people. She wanted all people to have equal rights and marched with many other women for the right to vote. Ida was very brave and helped women have equal rights to men. In My Lifetime Kayla Dwyer Gr. 4 I hope that many things will be better in my lifetime. The change I want the most is for there to be less garbage. If there is less garbage, everything benefits. The main place I want less garbage is in the ocean. There are huge areas of the ocean that are like garbage dumps. The garbage is affecting the animals and it is washing on to beaches. There are also overcrowded land fields all over the world. We produce too much garbage, and there is not enough room for it all. We need to recycle more and use reusable items when we can. With less garbage, the oceans, forests, beaches, and cities will be cleaner, and everyone will be able to enjoy them more. It will let us see the beautiful world that God created. That is how I hope the world is better in my lifetime. Inventor: George Washington Carver Henry Ahouse Gr. 3 He was born in the Missouri Ozark Region during the Civil War (1861-65). Growing up he liked to explore. Carver often started his day with an early morning walk. He liked to do art. You needed fresh peanuts to grow a peanut plant. Arachis hypogea is the peanut’s scientific name. By the 1930’s Carver was poor in health. Carver died on January 5, 1943. From dirt Carver made not only whitewash but also pottery. Carver had many interests in his life. Isaac Murphy: Worlds Greatest Jockey Jake Heekin Gr. 3 Isaac Murphy was born in Lexington, KY in 1861. When Isaac was young, he worked for his mom’s laundry business. During one of his deliveries Isaac first saw a horse and knew he wanted to ride it. When Isaac was 12 years old the first horse Isaac tried to ride was named Volcano and he threw him to the ground. He was determined to do it again, so he got up and tried again and stayed on the horse this time. Since he stayed on the horse, he was invited to jockey school, where he rode horses all day. Isaac listened to the older jockeys to understand how to ride a horse. He won his first race when he was 13 years old. He became the best jockey in the world and won three Kentucky derby races and three major races in one week. He gained so many fans. He was really famous and the next final race he was competing against another big jockey and he won that race. He shook hands and said you did well and two weeks later he passed away in 1896. There were more than 500 people at his funeral.
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Jackie Robinson Louie Uy Gr. 3 Jackie Roosevelt Robinson was born on January 31, 1919. He was the youngest of five. Jackie was athletic starting at a young age. When his family moved to CA, Jackie played varsity football, basketball, baseball and track. Jackie played baseball in college. Jackie went to the military and the military was not nice to Jackie. He got discharged. Jackie joined a segregated baseball team. He was so good that he got moved to the Major leagues. He played his first game for the Dodgers in 1947. He was one of the first African American players. Jackie never lost his temper and it was hard for him, but he stayed positive. Jackie entered the hall of fame in 1962. Jackie was a talented athlete and a great person. Jacob Lawrence – an excerpt Tyler Gier Gr. 4 Jacob Lawrence painted the Migration Series #40 in 1940. The painting was folk art, dynamic cubism, and a popular Mexican style. In Migration Series #40, I see people that do not look 3D. There is no shading, no texture, and it just does not pop out at me like 3D things do. I personally do not know if he was trying to make it 3D, but I think it does not look 3D. Jacob Lawrence painted black first then went up the color wheel in the picture. I think what the picture was trying to show people moving north after slavery ended. Every person in the painting is wearing a hat, and there are many children in the image. Most of the people look like they are carrying something. It looks like they are carrying a suitcase full of their belongings. All the people are African American, and they all are marching or walking a certain direction for what looks a like a long time. Jesse Owens Parker Adams Gr. 3 James Cleveland “Jesse” Owens was born on September 12, 1913 in Oakville, Alabama. In his early life he lived in a one room shack, on a farm with eight brothers and two sisters. He had to walk nine miles to get to school. When he was nine years old, his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio to have a better life. Jesse was a strong, fast and a confident athlete. He joined the track team in high school. He won 75 out of 79 races in high school. After high school he went to The Ohio State University where he got the nickname “Buckeye Bullet.” But he didn’t graduate because he went to the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany. In the Olympics he raced against professional racers and beat them. He ran the 100-meter dash in 10.3 seconds, in the rain! He won 4 gold medals, broke three world records and tied another. When he came back to school after the Olympics, his grades weren’t good enough, so he left college to get a job. He finally got an honorary degree from The Ohio State University in 1972. On March 31, 1980, he died from lung cancer in Tucson, Arizona. To honor him, the street leading to Berlin’s Olympic Stadium was named Jesse Owens Strasse. The track and field stadium at Ohio State University is named Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. He was one of the greatest athletes in the world. Jimmy Winkfield Lexy Beyerbach Gr. 3 Jimmy Winkfield was born in 1882, in Chilesburg, Kentucky. Jimmy was the youngest of seventeen kids. His parents were poor and so he had to live on a farm. Although Jimmy was the smallest, he never let his size stop him from doing anything he set his heart to. He would carry the heaviest bucket, he would climb the tallest tree, chase the fastest chicken. Whether at work or at play Jimmy always gave his all. Jimmy would ride a horse bare back and pretend he was a jockey. He dreamed of becoming a jockey for the rest of his life. As a teenager, Jimmy spent his time at the racetracks on weekends. Jimmy had achieved his life-long goal! He was only twenty when he won his first race, and he was almost the first jockey to win three races in a row. Before Jimmy was a jockey, black people weren’t allowed to become jockeys, which wasn’t fair. But when Jimmy became a jockey, black people were allowed to become jockeys which was a lot fairer. 30
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Katelyn – a Where I’m from poem Katelyn Bastos Gr. 7 I am from a tennis court, Pure Leaf Tea, and Craft Mac and Cheese, Yellow house on the corner, welcoming, comfortable, and lush I am from a hydrangea, Christmas monkey bread and creative in the kitchen From my dogs Harbor and Sandy, exploring and procrastinating, fire table and be a leader. I am from going to church on Christmas Eve and the Easter baskets, Washington D.C. Monkey bread, Zucchini bread, and Irish soda bread From the time when my cousins flew off the tube and almost hit another boat. The time in Maine when people set off fireworks on the beach and it started a fire. The photos go on the wall or in SmugMug, from a world of excitement Amazing world with my family, looking at the stars, roasting marshmallows in Maine Boats splashing on water and flying around the world, exploring and doing schoolwork. I am from game night and movie night Katherine Johnson Lucy Viveros Valdepeña Gr. 3 Katherine Johnson was born in 1918. Judging by the way she took to math; you would think it was her first language. As a child, she counted everything. She skipped seven grades and graduated ahead of her older siblings. As a young woman, she became a math teacher but her mentor at the University of West Virginia encouraged her to pursue a career as a research mathematician. In 1953, Katherine got her chance. NASA’s Langley Research Center lab hired African Americans mathematicians in a time before there were digital calculators, cell phones, or computer machines. The women and men who performed computations were called “computers.” The United States was in the middle of the space race. The teams’ goal: to get a man to the moon. Katherine was one of the people who helped make it happen. Her job was to calculate the flight path for the first mission in space. Imagine: the earth is rotating, the moon is revolving, and a rocket must follow a very specific trajectory in order to reach its moving target. Even when mechanical computers were introduced, Katherine was still crucial. She continued computing at NASA until her retirement in 1986. During the Friendship 7 mission in 1962, John Glenn, the first American to orbit earth refused to launch without verification that Katherine herself had double-checked the math. In 2015, President Obama awarded Katherine the Presidential Medal of Freedom, American’s highest civilian honor. Kibby Natalie Neyra Gr. 5 My monster’s name is Kibby, and she is 18 years old. Kibby is a purple and yellow monster. She has soft fur like a dog but doesn’t shed. She is small and weighs 20 pounds. Kibby’s giraffe like antlers act like antennas giving her the ability to access the internet. She is funny and nice, helpful to her owner, and a wiz at homework! Kibby is an awesome monster. Kibby loves to tell jokes and make people laugh. Kibby will make funny faces and silly voices when you are having a bad day. Kibby likes to uplift your spirit with kind jokes. She loves to do her humorous dance moves when you are down. If you need a funny monster Kibby will be there! Kibby cares for you and comforts you. She will cook your favorite food for breakfast lunch and dinner. Kibby is a good snugger because she has fuzzy fur. Kibby is an excellent driver; she will get you were you need to go safely and on time. Kibby will also help you with your homework. She will also organize your work and what you need to do. She is patient when you struggle. Kibby is helpful for answering questions because she can access the internet from her antlers. Kibby is kind, and funny. She is helpful and cares for you. She is easy to transport and carry but can drive. Kibby is amazing because she would be your best friend. She is for sale for $20.00.
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King David – an excerpt Brenden Hamilton Gr. 7 King David was a king of Israel who started out to be not so special, but he ended up becoming a great king, conquering many empires, and became loved by many people during his reign. He was the greatest king that Israel ever had. David was now the second king of Israel after the reign of Saul (ancient.eu, 2017). David and Goliath are one of the most well-known stories in the bible. It is about the young King David fighting a giant named Goliath. David and Goliath were standing face to face with their army in a little town (ancient.eu, 2017). Goliath starts to say bad words about Israel and God, so David chooses to fight him because the rest of his army fears Goliath (ancient.eu, 2017). David takes stones and throws them at Goliath (ancient.eu, 2017). David is the greatest king that Israel ever had, and he started out to be a shepherd that, but he ended up having many accomplishments, conquered many empires, and was loved by many people of Israel. Kira – a Gathering Blue book review excerpt Carleigh Gottenbusch Gr. 7 Kira, a powerful girl with the will to make change, has a strong belief that she can modify this dystopian society. She will lead a revolution against freedom for others along with Jo. This would happen because she saw chains around his ankles. When Kira needs to remember dyes, she cannot read or write. Because of this she would feel the need to give women more rights, but she would be hesitant to do this because of punishments. Kira would be pushed by her beliefs to give all babies a chance at life no matter what circumstances they are faced with because “pain gives you strength.” Kira is a symbol of hope and courage in her society and an impactful person to all. Kittens – a Camp Campbell Gard excerpt Carolyn Federle Gr. 6 Monday morning, I had to pack, and it was very stressful because there was so much stuff out. I was very excited about the trip because I have never gone to an overnight camp before and there were so many fun activities planned. When I arrived, my friends greeted me. After, we went to go play gaga. After recess, we went to lunch. The kittens, oh the kittens, finally arrived. On Monday afternoon, Mrs. England saw little kittens. That day, I got to pet the runt in the kitten family, there was the smallest little kitten that would fit in my hand that had these blue eyes that were looking into my eyes. He was the only kitten that was calm and let Cammy and I come close to it. It was a little hesitant, but we got to pet him, and I was the first person to pet him! Tuesday morning, we went to check on the kitten and they were all there in a little ball all together. I got to pet him again when all the kittens left him, and he was cold. We gave him a little blanket when we had to leave. Tuesday evening was probably the best evening ever there for me. I got to hold the kitten! We named him Owen. That night, we went on the hayride and the night hike. Wednesday was a very sad day because we were leaving camp and the kittens (mostly Owen). We never got to say goodbye to Owen.
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Komodo Dragons Should Be Protected – an excerpt Katie Buckius Gr. 6 Komodo dragons are amazing creatures. With their giant body and fierce appearance these giant reptiles deserve to be protected. Komodo dragons can get up to 10 feet long and 200 pounds. These real-life dinosaurs are in trouble though, they are being poached and kidnaped from their homes. If we don’t do something, this remarkable species may be gone forever. Komodo dragons have a unique style of hunting found in no other animal. Their saliva has germs in it that can lower blood pressure, causes massive bleeding, prevents clotting, and inducing shock. They bite their victims with their sharp teeth and wait for them to slowly parish. As far as we know, they are the only animals who hunt their prey like this. If they are gone, this unique style of hunting food may go with it. Komodo dragons help keep their ecosystem running well by hunting prey animals. They are the only carnivore on the island of Komodo, which is the place they are found. If they are gone, the prey creatures will rapidly reproduce. With no predator to keep the population down, they will slowly run out of food. All the animals will eventually die of starvation and sickness, and the island will be in ruins. Laney Elena Hodge Gr. 5 Loving, fun, sweet, and responsible. Lover of puppies and dogs. Who wonders if she’ll ever see space? Who dreams of being a vet when she grows up? Who fears of spiders when they come near her? Who cares about her Family? Who feels happy when she is near all dogs? Who wants to be remembered for loving all dogs? Lebron Axel Kindel Gr. 6 There once was a leprechaun named Lebron. Lebron worked as a judge and fairly rich. One day he misjudged a crime, setting free an illegal taxpayer. His country was not a democracy, it was communist. In his country, if you make a mistake, you were fired. He filed for unemployment and thought, since I am 16 years old and have made a lot of money, maybe I should retire. But one month later he was almost broke. Then he had a legitimate idea. He would go to America. He was worried people would be judgmental because he didn’t have a mask and Coronavirus was going around. So, he bought a mask with all the money he had left. Afterall, he was a good athlete and ought to be able to make the trip. He knew this could not be his legacy and he wanted to be something more. He ran to the end of the rainbow as fast as he could. There was a pot of thirteen million dollars. He headed toward Cleveland and became the best basketball player of all time and a part time legislator. He enjoyed winning championships and he loved to legislate bills. Twenty-five years later, when he retired, he told his leprechaun friends about gold being at the end of the rainbow and how the Celtics are now a winning team, and leprechauns are at the end of rainbows.
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Lego – a persuasive essay excerpt Jackson Curt Gr. 6 We all know Lego; and whether we know it as a single brick or a big set, it has been a huge part of our childhood for years. You may think that Lego has it all and has no need for further improvements and expansion; but you are wrong. There still so many ways for Lego to grow and expand their franchise. I have come up with three different ways I think will help Lego grow as a whole and as a company, and to continue to be a part of many children’s lives. I will share them in hope that you will agree with me. Just because we are young does not mean we can’t change the way things work for the better. My first claim is that Lego should build bigger and more stores outside of malls. Whenever I see or go to a Lego store, it is always small, and in a mall, surrounded by other stores. Lego has only about 90 independent stores in the U.S and is planning to expand to 130 stores and put stores in China. As far as I know they have not done this yet. The size and location of most Lego stores is a big setback for Lego because nobody notices their stores in between all the other stores! If Lego built larger and more independent stores, they would make a lot more money. This is because more people notice something if it is large and not next to other things. That is why I think this expansion would be good for Lego. I think that another thing Lego need is a charity or an organization to raise awareness for something like world hunger or cancer. This would be good for Lego because it would show people that Lego is a kind and caring company instead of a greedy and powerful one. This would mean more customers wanting to come to Lego’s stores and better item sales. Legs: The Best Part of Me Noah Berhanu Gr. 5 My best feature are my legs because I can walk. I can play soccer. I can play kickball. I can run. I can stand. I can jump. I can kick. I can climb a rock wall. I can climb up stairs. Therefore, my legs are the best part of me. Lemon Lime Sprite Wyatt Gockerman Gr. 5 I am a lemon-lime Sprite. I describe myself as this drink because like the fizz of Sprite I can be energetic and unexpected. Like Sprite’s sweetness I can be funny and nice, but also like the sourness of the lemon-lime flavor I can be angry at times too. Also, like how Sprite doesn’t have any caffeine or real energy I am tired at times. I think that Sprite is a good drink and it fits me. Less Hunting – an excerpt Trey Lippert Gr. 7 I think there should be less hunting. People say that hunting balances nature, but that’s not necessarily true. The environment would be better with less hunting because animals are close to extinction because of hunting. There are a lot of hunting accidents that could occur. And the families are going to get split up. That is why I think there should be less hunting. In conclusion, there should be less hunting. Animals are close to and or are extinct from hunting. If this keeps happening, animals keep getting extinct then the whole ecosystem could get wiped out. Animals are sometimes not the only thing that get killed, bad accidents could occur but its uncommon. People or animals get teared apart from their family when there killed. That is why less hunting would be a lot better for the environment.
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LGBTQ+ – an excerpt Esmé Gonyo Gr. 7 Schools need to be more LGBTQ+ friendly. Students need to feel like themselves and be in a positive environment. In a world of homophobic and transphobic people, many students have this negative ideas and environment at their schools. This essay will talk about why we need to be more LGBTQ+ friendly and how we can do it. Students need to be educated on how to accept and treat the LGBTQ+ community. Surprisingly seventy five percent on non LBGTQ+ are okay with their peers being LGBTQ+ but many still are verbally harassed online or are physically harassed during school. If we stop brushing away the topics of sexuality and gender when we get into serious schoolwide topics, we will be able to have more allies. This will also stop homophobic and transphobic remarks. This will hopefully open students’ minds and expand their views on people. Life in Plymoth Colony Maren Lafley Gr. 4 Life in Plymouth Colony is quite different than the home I left behind in England. My poor father must stay out all day from dusk to dawn, planting things like corn, wheat, barley, squash, and pumpkins. I am thinking how perfectly dreadful it must be to stay out all day doing that! Father also must hunt all sorts of things like deer, wild turkey, ducks, and geese. Mother works very hard preparing meals, sewing new clothes, and looking after my brothers and me. Mother has taught me how to shuck corn, turn spit while the meats Father hunted for us cook on it, and how to knit stockings. I especially enjoy baking in the outdoor oven next to our house, cooking and serving the meals, and picking the sweet, juicy berries that grow here. When there is time, I play with my friends. We sometimes play with our rag dolls or tell riddles to each other. Little Boat Mila Matarazzo Gr. 4 When I visited Paris with my family, one of the places we went was a beautiful park. Instead of creaking swings and rusted slides, there was a lake with little boats. Kids were pushing the little boats around the lake with wooden sticks. One of the coolest things was that the boats all had flags from different countries, France, the US, Spain, and many more. My brother and I chose the United States boat. It was really hard to keep up with the boat. It kept floating to the middle of the lake, and it was tough getting the boat back. It was so much fun though, and we kept on trying. If you are in Paris look for the lake with the little boats.
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Living on One Aaron Fraley Gr. 6 The people of the village of Pena Blanca have many troubles and hardships, and they don’t have enough energy to fight them. Inhabitants and residents all suffer from malnutrition and hunger, and they don’t have enough calories and energy to live like we do. Their babies don’t grow as much, they can’t feed their children, and they don’t know when their next paycheck is coming. The hurdle Pena Blanca’s also must face, is the cycle of poverty. They can’t afford to send their children to school and college, so they can get a job, which means they must stay home and work. Because of that, they can’t pay the cost of educating their sons and daughters, and the cycle keeps going and going. The biggest obstructions that stand between Pena Blanca and a better life are money, malnutrition, and the cycle of poverty. Chino and US residents have two opposite ways of life. Chino gets up and goes to school or works in the field, and probably doesn’t have a lot to eat for breakfast. Meanwhile, we get up, take a shower, put on clean clothes, have the option of a nice breakfast, go to school, and have a bus or car to take us there. For Christmas, Chino might not celebrate it, and even if he does, chances are he doesn’t get any big or expensive presents. We can ask for cool things, but Chino does not have the opportunity to have even some schoolbooks. We both probably have one thing though, and that is a Christmas spirit, a loving family, and a happy attitude. Chino and USA residents have different Christmas mornings. Lizzy Faye Edmondson Gr. 5 You should buy my monster for only $5,555. Lizzy is so sweet and helps and cares for everything. One time she helped an elderly couple cross the street when there were so many speeding cars everywhere. She cleans up her own messes because she also cares about other people’s homes. Her helpful deeds have helped a lot of people. Lizzy is always peppy and will always make people’s day. She is always there for when people are sad. One time, I had a bad day at school and then she hugged me with her nice, soft, and furry fur. Also, when a stranger was crying on the street who Lizzy did not know she went right to the stranger to comfort her and she managed to get her to stop crying. Her friendly things that she always does like that make her a great person. Lonnie Johnson Isaac Lam Gr. 3 Lonnie Jonson was born October 6, 1949 in Mobile, Alabama. As a child he loved to make rockets from scratch. He made a robot called Linex which he used later for a science fair. But he needed to fix the transmission. He fixed the transmission and went to the science fair. At the science fair he won 1st place for his robot. As an adult, he built the Galileo and helped it launch into space. He also built the water gun which used a pump to squirt out water. He asked a bunch of companies if they wanted to invest in his product. All the companies rejected his invention. Eventually, a company said they wanted to invest in his idea. After they invested in his product, he decided to quit his day job to create more water guns. But that plan failed because not enough people bought them. He went out of town to Philadelphia because he didn’t have a job. But in Philadelphia, he created more water guns. It was a success. The water gun, called the Super Soaker, was popular among children. His toys are still popular today. Lonnie Johnson was a very determined man whose hard work still impacts us today.
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Louis Armstrong – an excerpt Edward Neyra Gr. 3 Louis Armstrong was born August 4th, 1901 in New Orleans. Growing up, Louis’ family was very poor. Louis’ dad died in 1906. Louis mom and dad broke up in 1905, which was right before his dad died. Louis had many jobs when he was a boy to making money. When Louis was 11, on New Year’s Eve, his friend brought a cap gun and shot the cap gun in the air. Louis also brought a gun, but he did not know it was a real gun. When the police heard the noise, they ran over and caught Louis. The next day Louis was in court. Louis was sent to a boy’s sport camp for 12 years as the punishment. 2 years later he started to play a tambourine then he started to play the drums. Louis was too good for these instruments, so he also started to play the cornet. 1 year later he was in the sports camp band. He was so good the people let Louis play in the front of the band. The Lucky Family names Cincinnati – a fable Rowan Cosgrove Gr. 5 Long ago there was a family that lived in Kentucky. Their father was a builder named Bob. Bob had 2 kids and a wife. He and a lot of the other workers saw there was a land across the river. So, they decided that they were going to go over and search the land. But they did not know how to get across. A bridge would take too long to build, and a boat would not work because the raven was too deep to get to the boat. After an hour of thinking they had no good ideas. Out of nowhere were flying pigs picking them up and flew them across the river. They found that Kentucky was getting crowded and thought this land would be good for a new city. So, the pigs flew them back across the river and the builders started working day and night to build a bridge that would be able to get people across the river. After 2 years of building they were able to cross the river and get to the land they called Cincinnati. Machine – an excerpt Mercer Reynolds Gr. 7 I ran as fast as I could, but he took off. So, when I went to the jet, I jumped, and I barely made it. Then he was putting it into a clone machine. I think. So, I stopped him. I fought him. Punch, slap, kick. I saved the day! I told the pilot to land into the mountains. The Man with Red Eyes – a Wrinkle in Time book character reflection Sam Hinton Gr. 6 The man with Red Eyes is a robot-like person that has red eyes. This character tries to hypnotize Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin. He was found in the Central Central Intelligence building. He said, “Clever, aren’t you? Focusing your eyes would help, but there are other ways, little man. Oh, yes there are other ways.” This quote is on page 134 and it is important because the creature called It introduced the main character to the Man with Red Eyes, and it made Charles frightened, angry, and suggested violence. I would not be friends with this character because the Man with Red Eyes is violent and could hurt others easily.
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The Man Who Had a Dream Kwadwo Karikari Gr. 7 Preaching with his voice so strong/ Saying his dream with no fear His crissum black hair shining/ Like the midnight sky People look at this man they whisper/ This man comes to heal what was hurt Other say that he is a voice that needs to be silenced/ But all agree this man brings change He walks into see a place of love/ Helping to heal those who were broken Seeing his children with love and care/ Loving his with who sparkles to I look is see a man/ Who comes to speak the truth With the authority of a king/ Who loves and cares for all I see a man who had a dream/ A dream too big for some people So, they took it away/ But still his dream lives through us Marcel – Finish It Bennett Kreeger Gr. 4 Marcel grabbed Bibot out from under the bed and put his old leash on Bibot. Marcel dragged Bibot down the steep stairs. Bibot’s thoughts were racing but all he could do was whimper. No matter how hard Bibot tugged against the leash, Marcel was stronger. How can this be raced through Bibot’s head. “This is payback for all those years,” said Marcel. “Now come on, we are going to the park.” Out of Bibot’s mouth came, “Arf, Arf.” Translated to – “Why am I a dog!” Marcel pulled Bibot to the park not letting the dog sniff or explore. When they got to the park, things were no better. Marcel pulled Bibot away from the trees when he got close. He was unable to run and play with the other dogs. Bibot thought of the way that he had treated Marcel over the years, and he was filled with dread. “Arf, Arf, Arf, Arf.” Translated to- “This is miserable. Is this my life now?” Maria Jocelyn Lauckner Gr. 7 The streets of La Paz, Mexico, are now home to Maria, an orphaned teenage girl scrambling to make ends meet and yearning for a family. Originally from Texas, Maria’s family, whom she adores, fatally passes away in a tragic car accident when she was at the tender age of two. Multiple family members seek custody of Maria, but ultimately her Aunt Natalia, a devoted, nurturing caregiver residing in Mexico, gains custody; however, working seven days a week compromises her health. At the age of twelve, Maria catastrophically becomes a caregiver for her aunt, battling stage IV kidney cancer, and faces the possibility of being orphaned once again. The following year Maria confronts her worst fear: Aunt Natalia passing away. Alone and grieving, she finds herself navigating the all too familiar streets of La Paz, longing for the warmth of a family. Mary Church Terrell Enya Renfrow Gr. 3 Mary Church was born on 9/3/1863 in Memphis, Tennessee to Louisa and Robert Church. In her family was her mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, and brother. She was born during the Civil War. Her parents were born mixed races. Her family was rich. She went to school in Yellow Springs and then Oberlin where she went to college. She lived with the Hunsters in Yellow Springs and in a boardinghouse during her high school years. She married Robert Terrell. She met him while teaching Latin. She had two children and her husband was a federal judge. She lost a baby because the black hospitals for black were not as good as whites. She went to Europe and got her master’s degree and was the most educated black women in America. Her career was teaching modern languages and she taught languages in Washington. Her life achievement was making all restaurants serve all people. She held protests outside of restaurants because there were not enough restaurants for black people. She was a member of the NAACP. Mary Terrell died on July 24, 1954, when she was 91 years old. 38
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Mason Buttle – a book review Tom Hobbins Gr. 6 The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle (2018) by Leslie Connor is a middle-grade novel following Mason Buttle, a 12-year-old boy with learning disabilities who has recently been grieving the recent loss of his best friend, Benny. Mason found Benny dead in his family orchard, and the police suspect there is more to the story than Mason will reveal because Mason has been acting differently (I think it’s because he accidentally found a dead body, but not just any dead body his friends dead body). Mason soon makes a new friend, Calvin Chumsky; when Calvin goes missing too, Mason wonders if his bad luck is a curse that he won’t be able to break. The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle was a National Book Award finalist for Young People’s Literature in 2018, and it won several other awards, including a Schneider Family Book Award and a Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award. Me Alaric Jones Gr. 7 I’m from two badges protecting the city From a background of two different races both the same in humankind I’m come from a heart for my four-legged, pointy eared friend I come from strength and size and he comes from submission and small I’m from the end of a controller where worlds are created, where competition is vital, and winning is key I’m from music that comes from white pods in my ears and several devices that come from an Apple I’m from a school seen through a screen and friends in quarantine and group chats and texts and sleeping in late I’m from bouncing a ball and making a shot and lifting weights in sweaty clothes I’m from Sunday morning pancakes Most of all I’m from a family that matters That make their savings from a lake full of fish and a God mom who held me first This is who I am Mended – a Ch. 9 excerpt from a multichapter Capstone book Emily Bolan Gr. 6 My alarm went off too early on Thursday morning. It goes off at 6:30 every morning, but I always feel like I need three more hours of sleep before I feel remotely rested. I pulled myself out of bed, brushed my teeth, got dressed, and lumbered down the stairs. I reached the bottom as Jaden came bouncing down the stairs. By step three, he tripped and fell. He tumbled down the stairs until he bumped into my feet, hitting the limestone tiles making up our hallway floor. As he burst into tears he screamed in my face. “Ciana! You distracted me! You stared at me...” Jaden trailed off at the end of the sentence, pausing to clutch his head and wail. “You knew that I would fall! Just when we were finally becoming friends you had to be mean again!” The words hit me hard and tears filled my eyes. “Jaden, we are still friends. You’ve got to understand that! I wasn’t trying to stare at you as you came down the stairs.” I prayed that the words would soothe Jaden, but he simply scoffed. “Whatever.” He said in a snarky tone and ran out the front door. My eyes widened as I ran to the window to see him running through the neighborhood. “Jaden come back! What about Mom and Dad! They’re going to freak out! Come back!” Jaden kept running, and I became desperate. “If you come back, I’ll sneak you a bowl of ice cream!” “I don’t like you anymore,” Jaden screamed. He picked up his pace and disappeared from my line of sight.
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Meet the First Lady: Michelle Obama – a book review excerpt Kali Smith Gr. 7 On January 17, 1964, Mrs. Michelle Obama was born. Her parents’ names are Fraser Robinson III and Marian Robinson. She has an older brother named Craig Robinson. Michelle grew up in a small apartment on the upper floor of a brick house. The address was 7436 South Euclid Avenue, on the south side of Chicago. Her father worked for the Chicago water department for his whole life. Her mother was a secretary for various businesses. Michelle went to two high schools and two colleges. Her two high schools were Perry High School and Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. Her two colleges were Princeton University and Harvard University. She worked as an associate at the Chicago office of the law firm Sidley & Austin. While working at the firm she worked on marketing and intellectual property law. That’s where she met her husband and the former president Barack Obama. Three words that describe Michelle Obama are spontaneous, confident, and creative. In conclusion Michelle Obama is an inspiring woman that should run for president. Mentos – a Science Fair Abstract Trey Berry Gr. 5 The purpose of my science project is to investigate how the number of Mentos I add will affect the height of my volcano eruption. The background of the experiment is the chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar which is similar to what happens in a real volcano. I hypothesized that adding more Mentos would create a more powerful explosion because the Mentos candy will sink to the bottom of the bottle, causing more carbon dioxide bubbles and pushing everything to the top causing the height and width of the volcano eruption to increase. I used vinegar, Mentos, baking soda, and an empty bottle. I put baking soda and vinegar in the bottle as well as a different amount of Mentos each time, then measured the height of the spray using a measuring stick and a video showed. For, my results when I added the Mentos to the baking soda and vinegar then the volcano showed less of an eruption. I think I got these results because maybe since the Mentos normally is mixed with Coke to get the eruption effect, and I didn’t use any, it didn’t go as high. Mia – a Front Desk book review excerpt Anna Toebben Gr. 7 The story Front Desk took place in the Calivista Motel in Anaheim, California in the 1990’s. Mia is the main protagonist because she faces racism and trying to be an immigrant in the USA and everyone thinking she is so smart and can never fail because she is Chinese. Mr.Yao is the main antagonist because he is mean and cruel when it comes to money and when it comes to a motel. He does not pay Mia’s parents the right amount of money. He only pays them barely anything, so they are in poverty. Jason is Mr.Yao’s son and is churlish and has a big crush on Mia and tries to convince his dad that Mia and her family are not so bad and they collaborate but he did not believe it for one minute. Jason saw immigrants leaving congested room 6 while Mia was being yelled at by Mr.Yao for possibly stealing pants from a young girl who stayed at the motel to go to Disneyland. Jason has proved that he can be trusted with a big thing that could ruin Mia’s family’s life. The External conflict of the story is Mia and her family facing poverty and being Chinese immigrants. The rising conflict is Mia’s family being poor because they can’t buy whatever they want, they can barely buy anything. They were not durable when it comes to finances. The climax is when they get the money for the motel and when Mia is struggling in school and she feels maimed compared to the other kids. Jason seeing the immigrants leaving and does not tell anyone. The falling action is when Mr.Yao says there is another client for the motel and they go to the loan sharks. The resolution is when they got the motel and jumped in the pool.
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Michael Jordan EJ Bone Gr. 3 I selected Michael Jeffrey Jordan also known as MJ because he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. MJ was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1963. He was one of five children. When he was young his family moved to North Carolina. His father was a supervisor at a General Electric Company. His mother worked at a bank. His father taught MJ to work hard and ignore street life. His mother taught him to sew, clean, and do laundry. MJ loved sports. MJ failed to make the basketball team the first year of high school. He practiced very hard and succeeded the second year and made the team. MJ received a basketball scholarship at the University of North Carolina. The very first year he was named basketball Rookie of the Year! In 1984 MJ was the third NBA Draft pick and was chosen by the Chicago Bulls. He won 6 NBA championships while playing for the Bulls. He was voted Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the league 5 times in his career. Michael Jordon had some tough times: broke his foot and missed 64 games, the death of his father; and personal issues that led to an unexpected retirement. At 57 MJ is the first billionaire athlete and owner of the NBA team Charlotte Hornets. Jordan says: “Winning a championship as an owner would be more gratifying than any of the 6 rings he won as a player.” MJ is a highly successful businessperson. He told his daughter that a person has to stay focused and pursue his/her dreams. MJ is very generous by supporting hospitals, teachers, police and law enforcement institutions and more than 23 charities. Michelle Obama – an excerpt Lily Gentes Gr. 7 Michelle Robinson grew up on the south side of Chicago, in a lower middle-class neighborhood. Michelle has an older brother named Craig who looked out for her growing up and they spent time playing basketball together. They lived in a small apartment above their landlord who was also Michelle’s piano teach. When Michelle was younger her neighborhood and school were very diverse, and she was not exposed to racism. In fact, Craig and Michelle’s best friends were part of a mixed family, but when they moved away Craig and Michelle went lo oking for a basketball game in a white neighborhood and they encountered racism for the first time, when some white kids accosted her brother. This incident had a profound impact on Michelle and opened her eyes to the injustice in the world. Michelle studied hard and went to the prestigious Princeton University for college. Racism was also problem at Princeton, and less than 9 percent of Michelle’s freshman class were black students. She stood out in the classroom because of the color of her skin and it made her feel uncomfortable and she began to think she was not good enough. At Princeton she remembers that her former roommate’s mom requested that Princeton separate the two roommates, because of the color of Michelle skin. During her senior year at Princeton Michelle applied to Harvard Law School, from which Michelle graduated in 1990. After law school she moved back to Chicago and took a job with the prestigious law firm Sidney & Austin. It was there she met Barack Obama, who was doing an internship there. In fact, she was his supervisor at the firm.
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The Migration Series #40 – an excerpt Kyan Gatewood Gr. 4 The Migration Series #40 is in a series of 60 paintings created by Jacob Lawrence in 1940-1941. This painting is contemporary art influenced by American Folk Art and Cubism. Jacob Lawrence used tempera paint on board to create the series. I like that he made his own paint by using dry pigment. It creates consistency in the color and makes this creation draw the viewer into the image. The way that Jacob Lawrence layered the colors, one at a time starting with black, create strength in the painting. The clothes and luggage are made of triangles, squares, rectangles, and other geometric shapes. The strong red, black, blue, green, yellow, and white are dramatic to see, and the heavy use of red, green, and yellow signify Africa. The blending and the waves in the sky create motion and movement. I see African Americans walking in groups. The painting reminds me of the time when Moses led the Israelites to freedom. You cannot see the facial features clearly, but you can see the outline of the mouth and nose. Some people are walking with their heads held high, and that tells me they are determined and proud. Others have their heads down showing they are weary and tired. Many are wearing long-sleeve shirts so I know they are migrating in the autumn or wintertime. They are all carrying the heavy bags with purpose. Mischievous Leprechaun Rosie Gieseke Gr. 6 Once there was a leprechaun named Elijah. He did not have any love in his heart. He had a rainbow with gold, but was all the gold he had his? The answer is no! Leprechauns have to earn their gold by doing good deeds, for he did not. So he has done illegal leprechaun crimes. He has stolen from his pretend friends gold. Though Elijah was living a life of lies, he had one dream, to be an anarchist. He has always had a strong belief in the idea of an anarchy. There was a problem, he is very mean and is at the bottom of the leprechaun hierarchy. It’s not that Elijah wanted to be hated and alone, it’s just that since he lost his family. When Elijah was little, he had a chance to make his dream come true, but after his family left, he flushed his dream down the toilet. He also dreamed to pass his test of being a nice leprechaun and ride the flume from the top of the rainbow, all the way to the bottom, where the gold would be. The judge who decides if you are a true, kind, leprechaun, is very judgmental. The judge has a legacy for turning peoples dreams, upside down. Sometimes the judge misjudges people too quickly. But Elijah had a plan. He was going to try to influence the judge to give him a chance that he is worthy to be a good leprechaun. Though, Elijah was sure that his plan would work, one of his leprechaun friends came up to him and said, “Buddy, we got a problem, only the people who have met the judge, which I have, know that the judge only speaks one language, Icelantic.” Elijah said, “Really? That’s perfect! I am fluent in Icelantic!” Will Elijah be able to achieve his dreams and get gold? Find out on his web site. Mister Babbas – an excerpt Jack Reynolds Gr. 5 My monster’s name is Mister Babbas. He is green, short, really fat, and also hairy. He can shape shift to become invisible. He can smell really well because of his big snout. How could you not want this monster? At $1 per pound it’s a real bargain! Invisibility can be very valuable in a monster. He can go on missions for you and report back with nobody knowing. You could use him to scare your brothers or sisters. He can also cut to the front of a line to get something for you. In conclusion, my monster has the power of invisibility, and it’s very valuable. Shapeshifting can be useful in a monster. They can shapeshift to go to school for you. He cold also turn into you to do your chores. Finally, he could change into your dog so you could play with it. In conclusion, my monster can shape-shift and it’s very useful.
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Monster – an excerpt Jefferson Campbell Gr. 5 Have you ever wanted to have a friend that makes your life easier? Then Mr. Fuzzy Feet is the monster for you! He is many shades of blue, and he is only 3’4” tall and weighs 26 pounds. He is the perfect size to have with you anywhere. He has many special features including helping with homework, shape shifting and comforting you. Mr. Fuzzy Feet is an excellent homework helper. He has so much knowledge that he is like having a walking Google with you all the time. He makes learning fun and exciting for even the one kid that doesn’t like school. He will check your homework before you turn it in so that you can get straight A’s. I know that some might call this cheating, but he doesn’t give you the answers, he will just check it and tell you if you are wrong. You must do the corrections yourself. Helping with homework is only one of the amazing ways he can make your life easier. He can also shapeshift. Have you ever thought about how bad it is to sit in traffic? Well with Mr. Fuzzy Feet he can shapeshift to a plane and fly you wherever you want to go. He can also provide your family with the ultimate protection by shapeshifting into any protective animal. He can be anything from a guard dog, a giant hawk or fire-breathing dragon. He is willing to do anything to protect and provide comfort for you and your family. Mother Teresa – an excerpt Grace Tounge Gr. 7 On August 26, 1910, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu was born in Skopje, North Macedonia. At only one day old, she was baptized under that name. Sadly, when Agnes was only 8, her father died quickly from an illness. Her mother opened her home to the destitute, even though they were not rich. Her mother said, “My child, never eat a single mouthful unless you are sharing it with others.” When Agnes asked who the people in her house were, she responded, “Some of them are our relations, but all of them are our people.” This shows how caring and loving Dranafile was to everyone (Biography 2019). Agnes had a beautiful voice, so she sang in the Sacred Heart Church Choir. The people of this church took a yearly pilgrimage to the Church of the Black Madonna in Letnice. When Agnes was 18, she made the decision to become a nun. On September 10, 1946, God spoke to her and told her to leave her school and to start teaching the poor. She then wandered in Calcutta helping “the unwanted, the unloved, and the uncared for.” She had a major heart disease and was okay with dying if her time was up, but many people donated money and she went to one of the best hospitals. Charles Keating donated $500,000 and the use of a private jet to get to the hospital (The Economist 2020). Mountain Dew Peter Misrach Gr. 5 If had to classify myself as a drink it would be a Mountain Dew because I have a lot of energy and I have a sugar tooth. I am usually not tired, and I am special, not everyone likes me. I consider myself as good, energetic, cool, interesting. Not everybody knows that I exist. People have said I’m bad and some people think I’m good.
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Muhammad Ali – a Capstone speech Shaun Rice Gr. 5 I was born on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. My birth name was Cassius Clay Jr, but when I joined the Nation of Islam, I changed my name to Muhammad Ali. When I was 12 years old, my bike was stolen, as a result of the incident, I called the Louisville police. The officer that arrived taught boxing, and since I wanted revenge against the person who stole my bike, I asked to join his boxing lessons. After a while, it wasn’t about getting revenge. Eventually, I decided to fully commit to boxing. When I was twenty-seven years old, the Vietnam War was taking place. I had been publicly outspoken about my views against the war because thousands of American soldiers were dying. Unfortunately, in April of 1967, I was drafted into the military. Since I was a practicing minister with religious beliefs that prevented me from going to war, I refused to serve in the military. Because of this, I was arrested and eventually had to go to jail. Also, my boxing titles were removed, and the government didn’t allow me to box for five years. I fought for what I believed in and I worked to give everyone equal rights in America. I hope to inspire people to stand up for what they believe in and to persevere through rough times, no matter what crosses their path. Courage is persevering through times of hardship. And I showed courage throughout my life. I led an eventful life in which I fought for equality for all people. My 2019 Memories Baer Huttenbauer Gr. 4 I think I will always remember my HAUNTED HOUSE birthday party that my mom planned for me when I turned 10 years old. It was so fun. We all camped out in my backyard. Some of the activities were “SHOOT THE ZOMBIE” which is when you shoot a “zombie” with nerf guns, a movie, and the best part... A HAUNTED HOUSE! Everyone thought the haunted house was awesome and super scary! We put a LIVE SNAKE IN THE HAUNTED HOUSE! Everyone loved the snake. During the movie, some of the kids played with nerf guns, but the rest of us watched the movie. The movie was GREMLINS! It was an amazing movie. We all stayed up super late. When we all woke up, we had a little bit of time to play before everyone started to leave. I will always remember my awesome 10th birthday party. My Concentration Camp Story Caroline Gehring Gr. 4 My great grandmother and her family lived in Debrecen, Hungary. They were Catholic, but a generation before they were Jewish. During World War II, the Germans invaded Hungary and forced them and others from their home. My family had to leave all their possessions behind. They were taken to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp where they lived for a year and a half. My great-grandma, Marianna, made bombs in the camp. Sadly, my great-great grandparents and great-great uncle did not survive. In 1945, Americans liberated the camp. Marianna got a job working for the Red Cross in Germany. The Red Cross feed her and gave her a place to live. As way of thanking the American soldiers, she made them donuts. While she was working for the Red Cross, she met my great grandpa. They were married in Europe. My Great-Grandpa Nelson wanted Marianna to come to the United States, and she was on the first bride ship to New York after the war. She settled in New Jersey with my great-grandpa and had my grandfather. Marianna was happy, but she wanted to see her brother, Peter. A professor told her that her brother was alive and well. Marianna began to exchange letters with her brother, and after 16 years to separation, they finally saw each other again. Marianna died 8 years ago from old age, and my great-great uncle, Peter, is still alive.
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My New Puppy Finley Chavez Gr. 4 I have many memories from 2019, but the one that stands out the most is getting my dog. My sister and I had gone to a basketball tournament in Tennessee. When we pulled into our driveway after the long drive home, one of my other sisters came running out of the house. I thought that she was going to water the plants, but as she stepped closer, I could see a little more. I saw that she had something in her arms. I thought it was a cat, and I do not like cats. I was kind of mad, but I did not say anything. Then, my sister yelled, “It’s a dog!” I felt so happy and full of surprise. I ran inside to play with our new puppy, Georgia. She was so tiny, only 5 pounds. She was the cutest puppy ever. I love Georgia and getting her is my favorite memory of 2019. Mysterious Object X Beckett Brinkman Gr. 4 While I was visiting earth, I found a mysterious substance. It was a small object shaped like a mountain with a little white flag on top and a gibberish word on top. On the outside, it was glittery and shiny like polished metal. When I touched it. It felt rough and bumpy. When I accidentally dropped it. It made a solid thud. It smelled like fresh cocoa and metal, so I decided to open it. When I unwrapped it, it sounded crinkly and reminded me of opening a potato chip bag. The object was smooth and brown inside the foil wrapper. It smelled creamy and buttery. I decided to put it in my mouth. In my mouth it melted into a soft delicious liquid. It tasted delicious, rich, velvety, and sweet. I hope you can guess what it is. New Years on the Beach Mia Warden Gr. 4 My favorite memory of 2019 is going to Florida with my entire family. There were 25 people there which was awesome. We spent a lot of time on the beach, and it was fun. We created a game where we dug a hole and we would then spin really fast. The first person to fall into the hole was out for the next round and had to sit in the hole. We had so much fun playing the game. Another really fun part of the trip was New Year’s Eve. We spent it on the beach. We made a huge fire in the sand, and at midnight, we threw our drinks into the fire. That is something I will never forget. The Next Day – The Sweetest Fig Vivian Gibbs Gr. 4 Marcel was so happy that he was now a human because now he could finally sit on the chairs and do as he pleased. Meanwhile, Bibot was not pleased with himself as he found that he could no longer talk but could only bark as Marcel had. For breakfast, he looked longingly at Marcel’s plate of food and with disgust at the bowl of dog food in front of him. Later that day, Marcel took Bibot on a walk, but did not let poor Bibot bark or play with the other dogs. Now Bibot knew what Marcel use to feel like and felt bad for the poor little dog. At the end of the day, when Marcel’s dream wore off Bibot gave Marcel all the care he could give the little dog and never treated the dog poorly ever again. Object X Sebastien Cox Gr. 4 I have just discovered something new. It is called object x. It looked like a miniature red volcano with a little white flag on it. It was the shape of a triangle. In addition, it had a coating of red wrapping paper on it. After I tried touching it, it felt smooth and the bottom felt round. It also felt solid, and it was slippery my hands. It felt like it was just made. And what I heard out of it was the best. It was like wrapping paper when I opened it. When I dropped it, the sound was like someone knocking at a door. The smell was the second-best thing about object x. It smelled creamy, rich and like cocoa. When I took a bite out of it, melty hot cocoa deliciousness. I savored every bite that I took. I hope I can discover more foods this. 45
The Summit Country Day School
Ocean Haley Baker Gr. 6 Lapping gently at Dead Horse beach, Salem is a contemporary city, Yet there is a lot of pollution here, My waters are warmer, There is less ice here in the frigid winter, If I get much warmer, There will be extreme weather more often, Sea captains sail my waters, Bringing briny-loving buddies, I see them stopping to pick up litter, Helping, Can you help? One thing I will remember forever is... Daniel Borman Gr. 4 Going to Mexico for spring break in 2019 is something I will remember for the rest of my life. I will remember that time forever because it was amazing. We went snorkeling and saw fish and sea creatures in the reef. We also had so much fun at the pool and going to the beach. We built sandcastles, searched for crabs at night, and spent time together as a family. Playing tennis was also a lot of fun. The food was delicious too. We had a wonderful spring break, and I had a wonderful time. I will remember this trip forever. Open Cage – a Pepper and Midnight Adventure excerpt Kylie Eastman Gr. 6 Pepper and Midnight are relaxing on a Friday afternoon in their cage. Students leave and the cage is left open. They eat some of their pellets. Midnight jumps out of his cage and Pepper follows. They look around the room then they hear a door open. They run into a room leading to the boiler room. They hide under blankets. Then all of a sudden a janitor opens the boiler room door and they follow. They get scared when they hear a trickle, but it was just water. Pepper and Midnight kept wandering. They woke up in the boiler room not remembering. So they decided to look around more. The found a ball so they played with it. They were tired from playing so they laid down and looked up to see a furry friend looking at them. They jumped onto a ladder and then to the shaking boiler. They tried to jump again when a piece of the boiler fell. Finally, Pepper and Midnight Chinchilla realized that this furry friend was not one of them, it was a vicious rat. Open Tabs – Science Fair Abstract Jadon Barnes Gr. 5 Having no tabs open will cause the battery to drain slow. Having open tabs in a web browser will also cause the battery to drain slow also. Do open tabs on a laptop run out the battery faster? The hypothesis proved that if I have more tabs open in the web browser, the battery will not drain more quickly. There was very little difference in the amount of energy coming from the battery usage with 20 tabs open reduced to 4 tabs being open. A HP Laptop computer was used along with the power cord, internet, wall outlet, computer desk, mouse and mouse pad. Each test was done for 30 minutes, three different times starting with 20 tabs open decreasing by closing 4 tabs. Before each test the laptop was charged back to 100%. The results proved that if there are more tabs open in the web browser, the battery will not drain quickly. There was very little difference in the amount of energy coming from the battery usage with 20 tabs open reduced to 4 tabs being open. The battery did drain slowly. The results did support the hypothesis because there was some battery usage. 46
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Out of the Burning Darkness Jack Baker Gr. 4 In the article, Out of the Burning Darkness, Albert Buckle survived a coalmine fire. On November 13, 1909 at Cherry Mine, one of the most devastating coalmine fires in American History happened. The day started off normal, arriving at 6:30 to the hard work of mining coal. Coal is a fossil fuel that had increased in demand because of the Industrial Revolution and more train and ship travel. Children and men worked in the mines because of the higher pay. However, it was difficult and dangerous; for example, they used dynamite to mine coal. Albert’s job in the coalmine was a “trapper.” He sat there to open a door to let mules in and out. Many times, he would sit there for hours without seeing another miner. The fire started by oil dripping on to a hay cart and quickly got out of control. Albert escaped along with 200 other miners. The company made a brutal decision to close the airshaft to stop the fire, but they knew more than 200 miners were still trapped and needed oxygen. It was a terrible disaster, and because if it, they made new laws that that made mines safer and outlawed child labor. Overnight Camp – a Camp Campbell Gard excerpt Blake Hollenbeck Gr. 6 On Sunday night my mom and I packed for camp. I piled all the clothes I needed onto my bed. I put sunscreen and a lot of bug spray because I hated bugs. After I packed up all of it, it looked substantial. I looked worried and my mom asked what was wrong. “I am just anxious about it.” She said it was okay, and I went to sleep. On Monday, I sat with Kadyn and tried to solve a Rubik cube. When we got to camp I was very excited. I dropped off my things and played with the counselors in the field. After a good lunch I played 9 Square. We did games until dark and played Human Clue. We finished with a campfire before going to bed. On the second day, we did the zipline. It was very scary because I felt like I was going to fall. We had time to do it twice, so I did it again, but I was still scared. The scariest part was getting off the unstable ladder. Later I did the Challenge Olympics. We were able to socialize. We also did a night hike and a hayride. I didn’t like the hayride because it had no hay. Packing – a Camp Campbell Gard excerpt Charlie Ritch Gr. 6 It was a warm Sunday night, and my mom and I were getting ready for my camp trip the next day. We were packing my things that I needed like sweatshirts and shorts for when it gets cold. I was very excited and could not wait to see my friends. I haven’t really gone to camp or left the city without my parents. I was still very excited and couldn’t wait to have a great time. Once we got to camp, we enjoyed many different games and met our really nice counselors Eric and Danielle. Later that night we played a game called Human Clue where there are 4 teams that asked questions to the different counselors around the camp to find out who the murderer is, the victim, the location and the weapon of the crime. The next day we woke up in the morning and it was beautiful! Mr. Schaaf took a couple of the boys to the playground to play gaga. After we left for breakfast we headed to the zipline coarse. At the course I was the first person in the line for the zipline and was nervous I was going to mess up. Once I got on the zipline it was so much fun!
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Painting: The Sweet Spot – an excerpt Kiersten Diaz Gr. 4 In this painting, The Sweet Spot, created by Alfred Conteh in 2018 your eye is drawn to a huge head on the side of a rusty old building. The head’s face is contorted with lines of worry and anger. I think the head is angered about the unfair treatment that African Americans receive. The building that the head is next to has chipped paint. It gives you the idea that the building feels rough and rundown. The building has a faded sign that says, DANGER, KEEP OFF ROOF. The building also has two windows that have bars over them. Considering these details, I think the building is an abandoned prison. I have the idea that the giant head is a close-up of the man’s face. I think the prison bars on the building and the man standing on the building represent freedom. His worry filled face signifies a weight he is carrying on his shoulders. This piece of artwork uses acrylic on canvas, and that changes how it looks because with acrylic paint you can do a lot more shading and layering. For instance, if he used watercolors, the painting would have looked different. There is a lot of texture in this artwork giving it a three-dimensional feel. The shadowing also adds in that. Patrick the Leprechaun Jasmine McCarter Gr. 6 In a time in a faraway land lived a Leprechaun named Patrick, and his skin was flush green. His sister’s name was Classic, and she was human. Classic was the one who got all the privileges. She is also a plutocrat. Patrick was a judgmental leprechaun meaning he judged everything he saw in a negative way. He also dreamed of getting a big pot of GOLD. Patrick is a patriarch. When he woke up from his 10-hour nap and forgot that there was a Gold contest. On the way to the Airport he was judging the outfit that his sister was wearing. She did not like the way that her brother was talking about her outfit, so she had the privilege to make it illegal for boys not to get a pot of gold. When Patrick heard that it was illegal for boys to get a pot of gold, he flew to Hawaii and went to the President’s desk to legalize that boys could get a pot of gold. When he left the President’s desk, he flew to Gold Town, Maine, to see if the contest was still going. Patrick got their just in time to meet and greet the oligarch. After he was finished talking to the ruler of the city there was anarchy occurring. When the horrible storm passed by, the ruler gave Patrick a big huge pot of GOLD, he became Leprechaun of the world. He was bragging to his sister about what he got but she did not even care. Pepper and Midnight’s Misadventures – an excerpt Zaina Kamran Gr. 6 When we woke up it was Saturday and we were up and moving. As we went to our cage to get food Midnight said, “Hey I`ve always wanted to go swimming” when she said that I just blankly stared at her. I was confused because Midnight just said she wants to go swimming in the pond, I mean come on can we even swim? Though, I still said yes because to be honest it sounded fun. When we went in it was freezing, though we still swam no matter how difficult it was. Though, in the end we got pretty good at it When we got out of the pond, we were soaked, and that`s when we realized that our fur wasn’t meant for this. As a result, we went to the bathroom to get dried off but we couldn`t reach the paper towel. So, we scurried back to our cage and rolled in the wood pieces to take a bath. Once we were done drying of Midnight said, “Hey you want to hang in the cage for now?” I agreed with Midnight and went with her to the cage. As the sun rose Midnight and I got up and this time instead of Midnight asking where we were looking forward to an adventure. So, we scurried through the lunchroom rummaging for the gigantic fro-yo machine. When we finally found the machine, we sat down and put a cone on our head pretending to be the lunch ladies. Suddenly, I heard Midnight say, “Let her rip!” and just like the different flavors of ice-cream came pouring down. We stuffed our faces with so much ice-cream not being aware of how much we were eating. Even though, ice-cream can give you energy in the end you`ll feel bloated and ti red. 48
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Phillis Wheatley: the First African-American Poet Austin Miller Gr. 3 Phillis Wheatley was born in Senegambia, West Africa in 1753. When she was about eight she went on a slave ship to Boston with her mother. Her owners taught her how to read and write and that’s when she became the first African American poet. When she arrived in Boston she lost her mom. After that a family bought her and they named her Phillis because that was the name of the ship they came on. The owners names were John and Susannah Wheatley and their daughter taught Phillis English and how to read. By the time Phillis was 12 she could read poems and the Bible! Also, when she was about 17, she was known as one of the best poets in America and Phillis got to meet George Washington. Throughout Phillis’ life she had many challenges and achievements. One of her biggest challenges was coming over to be a slave. Also, Phillis had three babies but all died. But she also had very good achievements. Phillis learned English very fast and she visited England where her first book was published. Phillis later became known as the mother of black literature in America. Pilgrim Letter Ben Hofmann Gr. 4 It is rather frightening living in the New World. A few days ago, an Indian came into our village! I ran to Mother and Father. The Indian said that he was peaceful, but he had a bow and two arrows. He was most embarrassing to us because he had no clothes on his upper body! Mother, Father, and I gave him some clothes, jewelry, and a knife. As I scrambled away, I was surprised to hear him say thank you in English. He said he learned English from a few fishermen some time ago. He said his name was Samoset. Thankfully, Samoset brought a native named Squanto to meet us, and he spoke the best English a native could have spoken. He told us that he had been captured by English traders and that he spent years in England as a slave. When he finally came back home, he found all the members of his tribe had died. We said that we were sorry that he was captured from some Englishmen who came before us. One of the things we learned from him was planting fish in the soil near the plants will give rich nutrients to the plants. Because of our friendship with Squanto, he brought the chief of the tribe he lived with now, the Wampanoag tribe. Their chief, Massasoit and our town governor went to our town governor’s house and chatted about a peace treaty; I know this because I spied on them. Since I am very sneaky and stealthy, they didn’t hear a single step of mine. One of the agreements made in the treaty was that the natives and Pilgrims would not harm each other. Whoever broke that agreement would be punished. I was relieved at the sound of that! Playground Proposal Item Caleb Driessen Gr. 6 I have had a love for baseball ever since I picked up a bat. I remember going to the original Yankee stadium when I was two. My love for baseball has doubled since then and I like to incorporate baseball everywhere I look. My mathematical playground item to create was a bullpen that pitchers could practice throwing into. I choose this because at school there is nothing fun related to baseball. The bullpen’s size is how tall you are by 18 inches (home plate) in width. It would be in the grassy area behind the basketball hoop, so nobody gets hurt. $250 is how much I think it would cost. I do think its value is good for the cost because the Summit has a lot of resources, land, and its own middle and high school baseball teams.
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Plymouth Lily Fecher Gr. 4 I like my new home, but I miss you. The waters of Plymouth are clean and fresh! This is very different from the waters in England that were filled with garbage. There are geese, swans, herons, and ducks nested along the shore. Near the forest there are strawberries, raspberries, herbs, watercress, leeks, and onions. There are pine, walnut, birch, ash, beech and sassafras trees in the forest. The wood is being used for building homes. The sandy bottoms of the ocean are filled with shellfish. Big trees take the forest, and it is hard to cut the trees down. It is taking a long time to cut just cut one tree down with an ax. As we arrived when winter was coming, it was decided we would stay on the Mayflower while the men built the homes. It was not the best choice. Many men have died this this winter. Sickness spread easily in the small space that we are living in. Those who died were buried at night because we did not want the Indians to see how little people there were. There was fear the Indians would attack us if they knew. So far, they have left us alone. We hope to make it through the winter without any more sickness or loss. Warmer weather will be here soon, and we will be able to plant crops. I cannot wait to have good food to eat! Powerade Rocco Quintero Gr. 5 I would describe myself as Powerade. One of the reasons I would describe myself as Powerade is I am very energetic. The second reason I describe myself as Powerade is because I do a lot of sports and Powerade is a sport drink. The last reason I describe myself as Powerade is because it has a lot of sugar and I like to drink or eat foods or drinks with sugar. That is why I think I would be best described as Powerade. Proud – a book review Sydney Brinkman Gr. 6 PROUD: Living My American Dream by Ibtihaj Muhammad. This book is a memoir in which Ibtihaj explains about her struggles and how she overcame them in her life and career. Ibtihaj grew up in suburban New Jersey in the 1990s. She is African-American and Muslim and wears a hijab, so she faced many obstacles such as discrimination along her journey. When Ibtihaj first started fencing during middle school, she did not like it at all. However, she kept practicing and loved it. She became one of the top fencers at her level and continued to work hard. Ibtihaj went to Duke for college because it was a strong school and had a fencing team. She persevered through her time on the team despite massive discrimination. After college, Ibtihaj quit fencing. After 2 years without fencing, she decided to pick it up again because she was not sure of her career yet. She practiced and practiced and qualified for the United States saber team. Some of Ibtihaj’s most memorable moments in life are going to the World Cup, Grand Prix, and Olympics in which she won silver and bronze medals. Quarantine Edition – Where I am From poem William Hartmann Gr. 7 I am from a phone and the good From a lot of people in my house, more baking, happy, everyone is home I am from seeing friends and miss talking to them I’m from missing hanging with friends and vacations From Roxy my dog and family I’m from Netflix, watching a show From putting on hand sanitizer and not hanging with friends I’m from social distancing staying 6 feet away from each other I’m from spending time with my family, kindness, watching TV I’m from getting a lot more time to be with my whole family. 50
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Rabbits’ Return – an excerpt Kaitlyn Rassi Gr. 6 After the wedding, the Rabbit couple moved to a peaceful town in the middle of the forest named Pippron. Since January, they had been living there for two months. The happy newlyweds had three kids (Mittens, Clover, and Michael). They loved each other very much. They had lots of friends and everybody was happy. The parents were named Snow and Midnight. One night they heard a loud “Bong” and then a “Crack.” Everyone came running out of their burrows to hear what the sounds were. The mayor Jack came over to the family, grabbed Midnight and said, “This bunny is a robber, he stripped our town of our winter storage supplies.” Snow said, “No, he was with me and the children.” Midnight was taken away and the family was shunned even the children by their friends. Midnight was determined to prove he didn’t do it! So, one night he got up the courage and bravery to break out of Bunny Bad Burrow. He ran to his burrow knocked on the door three times. The door opened and it was Snow she hopped for joy and called the kids down. Raven Wilkinson – a biography excerpt Eileen Bolan Gr. 3 Raven Wilkinson was born in New York City on February 2, 1935. Her dream to be a ballerina started when she was five. Her parents brought her to Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and she was bouncing up and down on her seat even before the curtain rose. For her ninth birthday, her uncle gifted her with ballet lessons. She went to Columbia University in 1953. It was hard for her to be a black dancer when she was in a class with only white dancers. In 1954, the court ordered schools to be integrated. But that only made the K.K.K (the ku klux klan) even angrier and more violent! More houses and crosses of black people were burned. This made it harder for Raven to dance on the same stage as whites. In college, even a friend had commented, “They can’t take you because of your race.” After many years of struggling, in 1967, Raven danced before Queen Juliane and she was offered a part in Dutch ballet Holland. In 1985, she also danced in an opera house. Raven realized and said that finally, “People were far more interested in who I was than what I was.” In 2015, 60 years after she joined the ballet team, a new African American joined and got the part of both Odette and Odile in Swan Lake. As the first African American ever to get those roles, she made the front page of the worldwide newspaper. She gave Raven credit for guiding her to her place in dance. Raye Montague Ava Boyer Gr. 3 I chose to do my report on Raye Montague. I chose her because while she faced many difficulties throughout her life, she overcame them to inspire so many people. She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on January 21, 1935. While growing up in Little Rock, the black and whites were separated. Raye’s dream of being an engineer started young. It was at the age of 7 Raye toured her first submarine. This tour would spark her interest in engineering. When she would tell people her plan, they would laugh. Raye’s career started to take off when she was promoted to computer systems analyst in 1962. In 1984, Raye became the first female manager of ships. That was quite an achievement. Raye retired from the US Navy in 1990. The US Navy gave Raye a flag to honor her for all her achievements. Raye’s life was full of achievements. In 1971, Raye completed the world’s first ship design. This was done by computer. It took 18 hours and 26 minutes to complete. The US Navy acknowledged Raye’s achievements in various ways. One way was when Raye was also honored by the US Navy when she received the Navy Meritorious civilian service award in 1972. The US Navy also honored Raye by giving her the first “hidden figure” award.
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Recess Time – a Persuasive essay excerpt Jonathan Grooms Gr. 7 Recess time should be longer. Students would appreciate this and so would teachers. Students and teachers could both benefit from the extra time to do other things. Students are constantly growing and if they do not exercise, their bodies will not be healthy. Teachers would like to have extra time to plan activities and do other things. We should have longer recess because, it provides time for more exercise. This is very important for students who don’t play sports or exercise after school. Some students might eat a lot during lunch. They will need to burn off the food by running around and being active. If students don’t run around, they might be sleepy and tired in the afternoon. Overall, students need more time to exercise during recess. Rebound – a book review in poetic form Kadyn Keeney Gr. 6 Basketball sets my soul free My feet are wings The court is where I’m meant to be When I score, the shot clock dings Basketball will always be a part of me When I’m on the court my heart sings Basketball sets my soul free Relaxing – a Pepper and Midnight excerpt Charles Healy Gr. 6 Pepper and Midnight are relaxing on a Friday afternoon in their cage. Students leave. The cage is accidentally left open after Mrs. Rademacher leaves for the weekend. They then hop out of the cage and look around the classroom. They are surprised because they have never seen the classroom like this and freely move around. They decided to go to sleep after a bit. They woke up hopped up on a table and turned a knob. Water came gushing out fast, so they turned it the other way and it stopped. They decided to find the place the students always talked about. They walked into the GYM. They find a lot of balls and start throwing them at each other and call it ball dodge. They then get bored and go outside to an area surrounded by wood. They get a ball and try to hit it at each other’s legs if they get hit on the leg then they are out. They call the game gega. They do this for a while then get bored. They the go back inside. Rigoberta Menchú – a Capstone excerpt Cailyn Youtsey Gr. 5 Rigoberta Menchú led an eventful life. She was born in 1959 in Guatemala and grew up with eight siblings (most of which died). She grew up in a mountainous area and did not go to school and did not even know Spanish until age 20. Ms. Menchú did not really ever play either, in fact, most of her childhood was spent working on a coffee bean farm. When she was a teenager she worked for a rich family and was treated poorly, but she went back home because her father was captured and imprisoned by the government but got out after fifteen days. When she grew up, she went to the Spanish courts to ensure people of the Guatemalan army would be tried for torture and human rights violations against the Indian people of Guatemalan. I would like to be more like Rigoberta Menchú by fighting for what I believe in, standing up against those who are bullies, being kind and never giving up.
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Robert Smalls Charlie Jenkins Gr. 3 Robert Smalls was born around 1841, in Beaufort, South Carolina. His mother, Lydia, was born on a rice plantation and Robert was his mother’s only child. Robert and his mother were the property of Henry McKee, one of South Carolina’s wealthiest citizens. When Robert was a boy his mother forced him to watch slaves be bought and sold. She wanted him to have a desire for freedom. When Robert was 12 his master sent him to work at a hotel. He had a reputation for being a hard worker which led him to a job at the shipyard. As a young man Robert was hired as a sailor on the Planter, a ship designed for hauling cotton. While working on the Planter some slaves and Robert decided to steal the Planter and they were successful. He escaped and became a part of the Union Army. Robert worked as a ship captain for the Union. He eventually became the United States Congressman serving 5 terms. For the rest of his life Robert worked to support newly freed slaves in the South. He even helped eliminate the race laws in Philadelphia. Romiette and Julio – a book review and original poem Ava Dona Gr. 6 Romiette and Julio is a spin off to Romeo and Juliet but with a more realistic twist to it. Romiette is a pretty and happy 16-year-old living her best life in Cincinnati. The only thing that is getting in her way is that she can’t swim and has dreams of drowning. The weird thing is that she hears a young man’s voice trying to save her, and she doesn’t know whose voice it is. Her best friend Destiny tells her that it is her soulmate. Julio is a guy who is from Corpus Christi, Texas. He hates Cincinnati ever since he moved here, until he comes upon Romiette They first meet online before they even knew they went to the same school. They finally meet and fall in love with each other. Romiette and Julio are two lovers that will forever be soul mates, Until one day their love story turned into fate, Their boat turned into dust while they were separated apart, For then they went missing and their love was not called art, They were finally found after they were declared missing, Their love grew back never reminiscing, They never hated each other like cats and dogs fighting, For they are Romiette and Julio their love was as strong as lightning Root Beer Float Shriyan Masineni Gr. 5 I would say I am a root beer float. The root beer describes me because I am relaxed throughout the day. The ice cream describes how I am nice to others. The root beer and the ice cream in the single root beer float represents how I have two different personalities. In conclusion I think of myself as a root beer float. Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s Dissent Collar – a Capstone reflection Chloe Ragland Gr. 5 In my research for my capstone project, I learned a lot about the life of Ruth Bader Ginsberg. She is a Justice on the United States Supreme Court and is a very courageous woman. One thing that I learned that is a symbol of her strength to so many people is the collar that she wears when she presents a dissent in court. She chooses to wear a special collar over her robe when she has a different opinion than the majority of the court and she reads her own opinion out loud for everyone to hear. This is called her dissent. Many people see this collar as a symbol of her courage because she makes sure that her voice is heard, even if it is not the most popular opinion.
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Sally and the Leprechaun Molly Fitzpatrick Gr. 6 Sally did not plan on making a leprechaun trap this year. Her little brother tried to get her to make one until he finally influenced her to do so. They thought of all kinds of ideas until they settled on one big plan. They were going to put a leprechaun house on the toilet with a trap door. Then they were going flush the leprechaun down the toilet. They would even give him a boat so it could be like the log flume. They thought that they would trick them, but the leprechauns knew how much that they misjudged the leprechaun’s abilities. They judged them as being clumsy fools. But the leprechauns knew how judgmental they are. They thought of the privilege of catching a leprechaun. Their older sister would not help them with the trap for she thought that catching a leprechaun is illegal. Even when they told her that they would legalize it she still would not help. That night the leprechauns came. Sally and her brother thought their dog might catch them, but leprechauns speak fluent dog. Just like every year the leprechauns came in put some gold around the house and left without a trace. Science Fair Abstract Wyatt Miller Gr. 5 When water currents travel past plastic, the plastic can get caught in the current. This can be a big problem for the ocean and the creatures in it. What are the effects of how they spread plastic and other kinds of trash in water? My hypothesis was that trash would move in a current because the trash is a light-weight material. If I use a strong current, the trash would move faster, while if I used a slower current, the trash would take longer to get to where the current is moving. For this project, I used a small fan, water tank, water, some plastic, and a ruler. My results were unexpected; a lot of the plastic went to the front left of the tank but rarely went to the back right. For my conclusions section my hypothesis did not support my results and I tried to learn more about how plastic clumps together from this information. The sea creatures affected by the plastic could benefit from my research. Science Fair Conclusion Dylan Sougstad Gr. 5 For my science fair project, I was trying to learn what temperature makes the sugar cookies bake faster. I hypothesize that the higher temperature would bake faster than the lower temperature. My results did support my hypothesis. I know this because I said the higher temperature was going to bake faster than the lower temperature and the higher temperature burnt the sugar cookie, which means it would have taken a shorter time than 13 minutes. I think that I got these results because the higher the temperature the faster it will bake the sugar cookie. My results could have several important applications. I could help bakeries so they can make their cakes and cupcakes faster so they can get to their customers as quickly as possible. This experiment made me wonder if there was a way to bake the sugar cookies in a minute or less. To find out if I can test using a convection oven vs. a regular oven to see which one bakes faster.
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Scott Joplin Quentin Jones Gr. 3 Scott Joplin was born on November 24, 1868 in Texarkana, Texas. There were six kids in his family. The whole family loved music. This love of music would stay with him his whole life. He took piano lessons as a boy. His family didn’t have enough money to pay for the lessons. They traded goods for each lesson. His dad didn’t think the lessons were a good idea because making a living as a musician was hard for a black person during this time. His parents argued a lot. Scott’s dad left his family in 1880 when he was 12 years old. Shortly after his dad left, Scott joined the church and his love of music grew. His first job was on a steamboat. This was with a new kind of music called ragtime. In 1890 he went to St. Louis and started playing saloons. People came from all around to hear Scott play but his true dream was to be a composer. Scott composed many songs but was unable to sell them. He was disappointed but not discouraged. Most publishers preferred to work with white composers. Scott felt his songs were better. He published his first song in 1899. While Scott did have some success making ragtime popular, his life was not happy. He faced racism, personal tragedy, loneliness, and bad health. He died on April 1, 1917. Scurrying – a Pepper and Midnight Adventure- excerpt Paige Kropp Gr. 6 Pepper and Midnight were scurrying with each other. Sooner or later Mrs. Rademacher left for the weekend. She accidently left the door on the cage for the chinchillas open. Pepper and Midnight noticed that the door was open. They hopped out and went on their way to explore a school. Pepper and Midnight went into the hallway and hopped up a few stairs, hurtled down the hallway, and ended up at Paige’s locker. They tried to get inside so many ways, they finally got in by making a hole in her locker. There was so many things in her locker. They got overwhelmed about how many decorations were in the locker. They hopped out and went back to the office. They went downright toward the teacher’s lounge to see where teachers hang out and gets things. They saw the table and the cooler. They wanted some food, but they couldn’t reach the food. When they got some food, their stomachs started to hurt, and they left admittedly. They went on their way to get some water and fresh air. Seattle: The Trip Malcolm Moore Gr. 4 Last year, I went on vacation to Seattle with my mom. The trip was great once we got there, but we almost did not make it. We woke up late for our flight and had to race to the airport. My mom and I got to the airport at 6:35am, and our flight was at 7am. We dashed through the airport. I could not keep up with my mom, and my legs felt like jelly. When we got to the gate, they had already started boarding the plane. We were panting after running through the airport, but we made it in time. Once we got on the plane, we were actually 10 minutes early! I was very relieved. I sat back and relaxed playing on my iPad and gazing out the window. The white clouds blinded me. I was so glad that we made it, and I could not wait to get to Seattle.
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Shattered Heart – an original short story Sophia Nery Gr. 7 Suddenly, a human thrust another projectile at Avian’s mother. She reflexively swung a talon at it, batting it away. Huge cracks yawned in the cave floor, and the rock gave a creaky moan. Time seemed to slow. Avian’s mother looked in his direction. Eyes as bright as fire met eyes as blue as ice. The rocks underneath Avian’s mother crumbled away, and she fell alongside them, down a drop no dragon could live. He froze, forced to hear her fading screams. Until they were drowned out by a horrible chanting. He peeked above again and saw that the men were forcing his two brothers to the cliff as well. Shrill screeches split the air. Avian felt his heart crack. His head pounded, and stars spun in his vision. Blue eyes clouded with grief, he stumbled out of the cleft. The humans were already leaving. They wore triumphant expressions. Avian watched them numbly as they disappeared from the cave and gradually faded away. He hunched over the edge of the cliff. It was nearly dusk when he finally moved. He had sat there for hours, reflecting on the tragedy in a shocked, disbelieving state. He breathed deeply and looked over the edge. Down, hundreds of feet below, he could just see a crumpled shape through the fog. Mother. His sadness boiled up like a volcano, but then, it rapidly solidified into something else. Something alien to him before. Fury. Hate. Rage. His heart burned with the icy desire of revenge. Silver Raindrop – Object X Sammy Jacobs-Ramey Gr. 4 Object X has been analyzed. Here are the details. Appearance: It looks like a silver raindrop with a small piece of paper sticking out from its pointed top. The paper has letters on it and wraps around Object X inside the chrome-like foil. Touch: It feels wrinkly on the outside, but the inner portion is very smooth. The object is light but solid. Sound: When dropped, Object X makes a thud like a rock hitting the ground. Touch: Object X makes a crinkly sound when touched like paper being crumpled. Smell: Its smell is rich and creamy. A sweetness comes from the object, but there is also a bitter smell. Taste: It tastes like a very sweet caramel. It coats my tongue with a thick, rich layer. The texture of it in my mouth in my mouth is soft and creamy. Object X is a very exciting discovery. We are learning so much more about humans. Sister Evina SND – an excerpt Callie Fox Gr. 6 Soon the other sisters and I get on a riverboat to Cincinnati. We have almost arrived in Pittsburgh after two entire days on a horse-drawn carriage. I am relieved that I am no longer on the ship, Eliza Thornton. For nearly six weeks, the 22 passengers on the ship, including me, were rocked back and forth. The other sisters and I traveled to Antwerp to board the ship, but shortly after we boarded, a storm emerged which went on for days. Our journey was punishing and unforgettable with heavy wind, rough seas, and ice. Food was scarce, and I got food poisoning from an old piece of bread that I was given to eat. Luckily, all of the passengers survived the terrible journey. However, almost everybody on the vessel caught an illness. A family of five had to be quarantined because their eight-year-old child got a disease and started to spread it to the other passengers. In the vast Atlantic Ocean, I did see a few sea creatures, like dolphins and small fish. I desperately wanted to spot a whale, but I saw none. After weeks of endless seas, I was able to catch a glimpse of New York City, one of the first interesting things that I saw. Although I miss my family very much, I am not homesick. Traveling to America was the right decision for me.
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Sister Sabina SND – an excerpt Sabian Swan Gr. 6 Yes, I am headed to America. I have always wanted to go there. I heard there is a city with the nickname “Porkopolis.” I have never thought I would actually be able to go there after living in Belgium. Without my family, I know that God has a plan for everyone. One of my biggest worries is getting lost in a storm on our sea travel and falling off the edge of the earth. Other than those things, I’m really excited. At the end of my life, my final reflections are: live life the best way you can and love God with all your heart. Also never regret anything. Keep looking forward never back and have as much fun as you can. I am happy living this earth knowing I helped students learn. Sisters of Notre Dame – a historic fiction creative excerpt Marcel Huguet Gr. 6 The Big Goodbye – September 1, 1920 At the age of 100, I was very proud of what I have done. I have taught children all around the United States. I have also changed with technology throughout the years. I know that my sisters and I will always be remembered for what we have done in the schools across our country. I am very proud of my family, the Sisters of Notre Dame. Sleeping – a Pepper and Midnight Adventure excerpt Coleton Chadwell Gr. 6 One Friday Pepper and Midnight were “sleeping” in their cage when Mrs. Rademacher left the room. Pepper said to Midnight, “Hey, let’s go the door is open!” So, they hopped out of their cage and ran into the halls. Then a teacher came by and went upstairs, and Pepper and Midnight snuck by the door the teacher opened. They alighted upstairs and looked around. They went through the halls and found some lockers. The two chinchillas are master code breakers because students talk about them. After they opened the lockers, they traded stuff. Pepper said, “I’ll trade a comb for an old sandwich.” Midnight said, “Is the comb clean or hairy?” and Pepper replied, “Oh this isn’t clean its hairy.” Soon, they wandered through the high school. They found a shop with a bunch of Summit merchandise. They went in and found the chinchilla clothes motherload. There were shirts, pants, toys, sweaters, etc. in chinchilla sizes! They put some on and took a few toys. They ran out in the halls and headed off to their next destination. Social Distancing – I am From Poem Annette LaLonde Gr. 7 I am from my computer that is constantly on, soap and hand sanitizer, and the hoarding of toilet paper, tanning on the lounge chairs next to my pool and the barking of dogs all the time. From listening to music especially the Wallows, seeing my neighbors walk in the new Spring Sun, and my dog devouring an enormous stick that fell from a tree from the storm before. I miss seeing my friends and teachers at school, talks in advisement, engaging in classes, and Forgetting my locker combination, missing hanging out with my friends, lacrosse practice and Games that we would have done amazing in, and not being able to travel, my family and my Pets: Lady, Forrest, Rusty, and Tomato, and FaceTime calls with my friends so we can still talk To each other, playing lacrosse against the backboard, making friendship bracelets, and long Boarding when the sun is setting with orange, pink, purple, and blue painted on the sky. From washing your hands, social distancing, the Corona Virus, our economy dropping, and why Toilet paper for people to go crazy for, from making 3D printed masks for people who need them The most and staying home and washing my hands, from outside dinners and screaming LADY Because our neighbors found her in their pool because she can’t go in ours, from doing online School, friendship bracelets, and watching All America, The Vampire Diaries, and Tiger King on Netflix, from the warm weather, the interactions with my family and memories that are kept for forever. 57
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Something on Earth – Object X Hannah Mitchell Gr. 4 I have discovered something on Earth. I am calling it Object X. It is unlike anything I have encountered before. Object X looks like there is paper coming out of the top of it like a streamer, and there are small blue letters on the paper. It is a shiny silver color that appears to be something like tin foil. Object X is a triangular shape. It is wrinkly on the outside. It is pointy on the top and flat on the bottom. Object X feels light. When I touch Object X it sounds like I am unwrapping something. It has the crinkling sound of wrapping paper. When I drop it, there is a big thumping noise. Object X smells like cocoa. It smells milky and creamy. It smells rich. When I eat Object X, it feels like my mouth is being covered in layers. Object X’ s flavor coats my mouth. It is like a milkshake. These are my observations on Object X. I will bring samples of it when I return. Stay-At-Home Ethan Traiforos Gr. 7 I am from my stay-at-home brain From 99.9% germ killing hand sanitizer and giant jugs of Dawn dish soap I am from the sunny dungeon of home From the dog barking at every neighborhood jogger, the yelling of a group video game Friends and frozen mini homemade pancakes with overripe bananas I am from sunny outdoor gym classes with soccer, football, and capture the flag Sharing with the World Lilly Sievering Gr. 7 7th grade, it’s like a can of beans that’s hard to open We are like the beans, on the outside all human but on the inside not the same Teachers, they’re like the sauce, they bring out our best self Our Specials are like the wrapping, they’re fun, but will soon fade away Science, it’s like the structure around the beans, it sets the structure for all that we do Math, it’s like the numbers on the can, it compares us repeatedly Social Studies, it’s like the farm, we all grow from the past Language Arts, it’s like the words on the can, its spells out our stories Bullies, they’re the opener, they open us up and make us vulnerable, so we must find strength to be our true selves And our friends, they’re like the whole meal which comes together, and as we sit the around the table together, it feeds us and ends our loneliness So once again, 7th grade, it’s like a can that’s hard to open, but once its open, we share with the world our positivity. Sheepadoodles – an excerpt Heidi Crowther Gr. 7 Sheepadoodles are loving, friendly, and playful family dogs. Some people may think that dogs can be trouble and are a lot of work. We need another dog because Louis is lonely. My sister, Katie, and I will take great care of another dog. A Sheepadoodle is perfect. Dogs form a bond when interacted with others. Our family will have a health veterinarian and groomer for Louis and a new puppy. Katie and I have done research on the right dog for us. An additional dog to join our family will create a loving home for a new life. We never know what Louis does when we are not at home, but we think he is lonely. When we come, he is wagging his tail, excited to see us. I realize that he is lonely and may need a friend. Sheepadoodles are happy, loyal, and relaxing. Louis would enjoy being home alone with a Sheepadoodle while dad is at work and mom is at yoga. Also, they would create a loving bond and support each other. I know if we get another dog, Louis won’t be lonely. 58
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The Siblings and their Offerings Andrew Lam Gr. 5 Once upon a time, Hestia, the mighty goddess of peace, wanted a new name for her city on Earth. “SuperMaximus3” was not pleasing to her. She found three siblings who had gained her favor. She appeared in a dream and told them to make offerings to her on the first day of the next month. The next day, the three children went to get their animals. They took care of these animals for a lot of time. Finally, on the first of May, the children brought up their offerings in a wagon under a curtain. The first child, Billabimbary, uncovered his animal. Underneath the curtain was a cow! Hestia was delighted, until she saw how he treated the cow. He beat it and shoved it into the fire, and the cow burned. Hestia was furious! She sent a blaze of fire down onto Billabimbary, and now it was his turn to burn. Next came the second child, Joe, revealed her animal. It was nothing but a weak, unhealthy chicken. Hestia saw how she treated it. She noticed Joe hadn’t fed the chicken much and hadn’t brushed its feathers. Joe gently put the chicken into the fire. Hestia sent another beam of fire at Joe. Finally, the last child came. Her name was Milidemary. She revealed a goat. A beautiful, silver, fluffy, soft goat. This goat was well fed, fat, and had been petted and brushed very carefully and gently. The goat was in the fire, but this time Hestia was pleased. She wanted the goat for her very own pet, so she brought the goat to Mount Olympus. Hestia came back and said to Milidemary, “Your name will be remembered forever. You will be the next queen of this town... Milidemary”. Moral: Do not dishonor Hestia Sidney Crosby Logan Butler Gr. 3 Hockey is one of the most popular sports in Canada. One of the best players is Sidney Patrick Crosby, born on August 7, 1987 in Nova Scotia, Canada. As a child he was known as Sid the kid. He was also a straight A student. Because he was treated unfairly by his classmates, he transferred to a boarding school in Minnesota. He said, “It’s a pretty unbelievable thing, you dream of that a thousand times growing up for it to come true is amazing.” In 2010 his team won the Olympic gold medal for Canada. His team won the Stanley Cup in 2009, 2016, and 2017. He began playing hockey when he was just two. In 2019 he was selected to the NHL’s All Decade First team. Smoothie Tessa Dennemann Gr. 5 I am like a smoothie for many reasons. I am like a smoothie because they can be made of different fruits, some sweet, some bitter, and I can be sweet or kind, but other times I can be bitter or rude. Another reason I am like a smoothie is because a lot of people like smoothies and a lot of people like me. I am also like a smoothie because smoothies are refreshing on a summer day and they can make people happy because they taste good, and I can make people happy. That is why I am like a smoothie. Steve Jobs – an excerpt Carlo Quintero Gr. 7 Steve Jobs is an interesting guy; he wasn’t like the rest of his family who were all into reading and that’s the only thing they ever did. His family also encouraged him to work a lot to try and get an education so he can support the family because at that time his parents were getting old and they knew that they were going to have to retire soon, which meant that Steve would have to work to support two people. He knew that he wanted to live a basic life so after he got rich he bought a mansion in California that cost about 2.4 million. He put absolutely no furniture, none, every room was just plain with nothing, well except he had a single lamp in every room but that was it. He didn’t even buy a desk to do his work, he just sat down on his floor and did his work there. He also only had 1 fork, 1 spoon, 1 knife, 1 ice cream scooper, and 1 very sharp knife. He also had daily objects too, so he wasn’t just doing nothing, but it was still a lot less than most people. Other than that, most of his time was gone into taking apart computers and other type of electronics, plus he had a very interesting personality. 59
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Storm Keepers Island – a book review Hana Conte Gr. 6 Fionn is a boy whose dad died on his home island Arranmore off the coast of Ireland. He is going back to the island to stay with his grandfather when he discovers a time-lost secret. The residents know that the island is magical, and a long time ago a wizard called Dagda defeated an evil sorceress, but she is not dead, only buried deep beneath the island. Dagda left his magic in the island, and it is passed down generation after generation through the storm keeper. He also made a cave, where Morrigan is buried, that grants one wish per generation. Fionn wants the wish but the cave can be dangerous too. Fionn’s grandfather is the current storm keeper and Fionn has to learn his ways so he can protect the island and its people from Morrigan, if she ever returns. My character is Morrigan, the evil sorceress. A long time ago she went on a rampage to try to conquer the earth. She had an army of soulstakers, which are like zombies. She was so close, with only one obstacle in her way, Dagda. Dagda was a wizard. She stormed the island, but Dagda was ready. He had teamed up with the tribes to defeat her, and they had an epic battle on the island. Dagda defeated Morrigan and buried her deep below the island. Many people believed that she was dead but rose again from the ashes. Storma – a fable excerpt Johnny Sumnar Gr. 5 The next day Zeus came down again and thought what good amazing pottery is going to do to Storma if we can not share it. That is when he told everybody about the art of trade. This meant they could have pottery but make money from it. That is when they got the idea to trade pottery to towns and cities. And doing that got them money and things from the new city-states. A moral is that even mistakes can turn into good things in life. Strange Thing – Object X Liam Buckius Gr. 4 Dear Commander, On my mission to Earth, I found a strange thing called object x. Object x looked like a small mountain that was red, shiny, and wrinkled. The object felt smooth and fragile. Object x clicks when touched, bangs when dropped, and tears when scratched. It smelled rich, creamy, and milky. Object x tasted smooth, creamy, and milky. Strawberry Smoothie Ama Karikari Gr. 5 I would describe myself as a berry smoothie. I am a strawberry in my smoothie because I am sweet. For the blueberries I am sometimes bitter and sad. For the raspberries and the blackberries shows I have different sides of me such as I can be very determined but also frustrated. The whipped cream on my smoothie shows the very fun cheerful part of me. In conclusion, I am a berry smoothie. The Storm of Aeolus Chike Anusionwu Gr. 7 The storm of Aeolus is when Juno, the queen of the gods goes to Aeolia. Then she meets Aeolus the god of winds and promises that if Aeolus helps her, she will let him marry the most pretty of the 14-sea nymphs since she is the goddess of marriage. So, he strikes his spear on the side of the mountain and unleashed a huge amount of wind that made a storm on the Trojans. Aeneas’ crew started to panic as they saw the sky turned dark and thunder booming. The storm caused Ilioneus’ ship to go down along with Achates’. The storm got the attention of Neptune, god of the sea. Neptune got angry and told the winds who was master of the sea. The waves started to settle. Neptune told his son, Triton, and a sea nymph, Cymathoe, to push the ships away from some rocks. While they were doing that, Neptune with the help of his trident, lifted the ships from a sandbank. 60
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The Sweet Spot – an excerpt Anna Wiltshire Gr. 4 Alfred Conteh painted The Sweet Spot in 2018. This contemporary artwork looks very realistic with its subject matter and use of color, but on closer inspection, the viewer recognizes the improbable elements. There is a man on a rusty, old, building that says, DANGER, KEEP OFF ROOF. To make it more dangerous, he is perched at the top of a red ladder, on the roof, and his heels hang off the edge. There is also the head of a man staring off into the distance. He looks unhappy and unsatisfied with something. In the distance, the beautiful clouds of dawn rise around the people and the building, making vibrant, peaceful colors come back in view around the dusty, dull, colors of the painting. This piece was created by blending acrylic paints, swirling them to make the painting come to life. That is why the clouds look so majestic, and the people look like they could be in a real picture. In addition, it is why the building looks so abandoned and dull. The way Conteh painted this picture is organized in a way of color. All the dark and dirty colors connect and are not just everywhere in different spots. The entire misty, dreamy, peaceful colors fill in the light blue sky with a look that makes elements of the piece not relate making it feel good and sad at the same time. Sweetest Fig: Epilogue Jack Roberts Gr. 4 When Bibot realized what Marcel’s dream was, he was TERRIFIED! Bibot was a dog, and Marcell was a human! Marcel reached farther under the bed and grabbed Bibot. Then Marcel pulled him out of the bed and put a leash on him. “This is what Marcel must feel like. I should be nicer to him when I wake up tomorrow,” thought Bibot. Then Marcel said, “Come on, Bibot. Let’s go on a walk.” Bibot did not like to go on walks! But, before he could even bark, Marcel was dragging him down the stairs on his leash. “I should be REALLY nice to Marcel when I wake up tomorrow,” raced through Bibot’s mind. “REALLY nice.” But today was not tomorrow. Today was today. Taking Flight – a book review excerpt Elena Stone Gr. 7 Michaela DePrince, or Mabinty Bangura, is an American ballerina from Sierra Leone who was adopted by Elaine and Charles DePrince, her mother and father. When Michaela was four years old, she and her sister Mia were adopted from the same orphanage. Mia and Michaela were very happy to be going together because they had been like sisters at the orphanage, and they were happy to be in the same family. However, Michaela did not know this at first. This had been relayed to her at the time they had arrived at the airport to go home with their new families. When Michaela and Mia first met their mother, they knew that they would be the girls they dreamed of, with pink and purple dresses, not having rice for dinner every night, and having a real bed to sleep in. Right away, Michaela knew her match with her new mother was meant to be, and that no one would ever take Michaela away from her. Taking Flight was an inspiring story that forced me to think about the fact that my life is unimaginable to some children who were in a situation like Michaela’s when she was a young child. I cannot even fathom the idea that one day Michaela was happy with her mother and father, and that one day her father died at his job, and a couple weeks later, her mother died due to a terrible disease. It is hard to imagine that someday, that could happen to anyone. I learned that you cannot take for granted what you have, and you should enjoy every moment of your life you have because one day, what was once unimaginable, could be your reality. What was also taught to me from this book is that even people who start in a terrible situation can reach the dream they want and succeed.
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The Tell-Tail Heart – a summary Gladys Hill Gr. 7 The villain, a man who has lost his mind, murders the sickly eyed old man. He then becomes mad with guilt for killing the man because of his gruesome eye. When he kills the old man, he hides his heart in the floorboards. When the police come the next morning, he invites them in for some tea. Soon after, he says, “The noise grew louder. And then I knew what it was.” He starts to hear the heartbeat and starts to go crazy because of it. He soon starts to feel grief and guilt after the beating of the heart takes over him. He soon confesses what he did after the horrid feeling overtakes him. Revealing the theme of the story “Guilt can drive you mad.” There Were Giants – a book review on Marie and Gramps showing love Will Fox Gr. 4 In the story, Marie and Gramps show their love for each other by doing things together and playing together. Marie listens to Gramps story about giants over and over, and Gramps shares his story with Marie. Another way that they show their love together is by helping each other when they need it. An example is when Marie helped Gramps out when he fell outside. She helped him by taking him inside and wrapping him up in a blanket. Marie and Gramps can depend on each other. These are the ways Marie and Gramps show their love. They Were Giants Forrest Cloran Gr. 4 In There Were Giants, Gramps shows love for Marie in many ways. Every morning, Gramps wakes up, goes outside in the cold weather, chops wood for a fire, and makes breakfast. Gramps shares the story that has been passed down through many generations with Marie, so she can tell it to her grandkids. Marie loves Gramps because when she does not see him, she goes outside to find him. She also loves him by starting a fire to get him warmed. When Marie could not carry him up the stairs, she pushed him up inch by inch. She also crossed very cold water to get their neighbor who was able to call in help for Gramps. When she returned, Marie held Gramps’ hand and told him the story that he had told her all those mornings. She did that because she knew it would make him happy and not worry. These are the ways that Marie and Gramps show love for each other. Thurgood Marshall Dominic Montaque Gr. 3 Thurgood Marshall was born on July 2nd 1908, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the son of William and Norma Marshall. As a child, Thurgood visited the courthouse with his dad very often. He and his dad watched trials and this sparked Thurgood’s interest in the law. Thurgood Marshall was very smart and got good grades in high schools, but he was also mischievous and got in trouble sometimes. As punishment, he was sent to the furnace room at his high school to read the U.S. Constitution. He was sent to the furnace room so many times that he memorized the entire Constitution. Following his graduation from law school, Thurgood tried to start his own practice but it failed. He then went to work for Charles Houston at the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). It was here that Thurgood began working on cases to dismantle legalized and systematic racism. Thurgood continued to fight for equality and as a result he was appointed to high profiled positions including U.S. solicitor general and Supreme Court justice where he made very important decisions. Thurgood retired from the Supreme court in 1991. He later died on January 24, 1993, at the age of 84.
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Toy Story on Newton’s Law of Motion Cammy Lorentz Gr. 6 This is a scene from Toy Story when Woody takes out one of the toys from the boxes, which is an RC car and uses it to retrieve to Buzz. Woody falls out of the van and steers the car to rescue him. He and Buzz get closer to the moving van, when Slinky Dog stretches out to get them, but they get to be too far apart from each other, and he springs back into the van. This scene represents the 1st law, Inertia. It represents this law because while trying to catch up with the toys, Buzz and Woody are riding on a remote-control car. The remote-control car will keep moving unless a force stops it. For example, if Woody stops the car with the remote, his action of stopping it is a force that will make the car stop moving. Inertia is represented because the remote-control car that Buzz and Woody are riding on will not stop moving unless Woody stops it with the remote or the car is stopped by another force. An example of speed in this clip is the moving truck is setting the speed for Woody and Buzz to catch up. It is an example of the second law, F=ma, because the remote-control car is accelerating towards the moving van. This scene represents balanced forces in two ways. One way is Woody is hanging the end of the car, so he has no force that is on the other end pushing against him. A second example of an unbalanced force is Slinky Dog because he is dangling out of the back of the truck to try and save Buzz and Woody. Transgender Discrimination – a persuasive essay excerpt Natalie Kenter Gr. 6 Transgender youths are being discriminated and having to make decisions that no other child should have to make. Definition of transgender: (According to Oxford dictionary) (adj.) Denotating or Relating to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex. Being transgender simply means to change your gender from your birth sex. For example: Let’s say you were born as a female but wanted to transition into a male. You might decide to have a couple of surgeries done and take some testosterone. Then you can identify as a male in your eyes. Being transgender is very controversial, especially if you are under the age of 18. Children should be growing up not having to worry about which bathroom to use or what team is okay for them to try out for. They also shouldn’t have to worry about what people are saying about them on social media. All this stress is causing children’s mental health to decline. Transgender youth should be allowed to use facilities and participate in activities according to the gender they identify as. Children may feel like outcasts when they identify as one gender but participate in activities as another. Imagine that you tell all your friends that you are a girl. Then you want to try out for the basketball team. Your teachers make you try out for the boys’ basketball team, (your natural born gender). How would you feel? Angry? Sad? Upset? Think about what your peer would think. You would probably feel very upset right? Sadly, this is a reality for some students in the US public school system. Trash Can – a Pepper and Midnight Chinchilla Adventure excerpt Nabil Sinno Gr. 6 After Pepper and Midnight leave the bathroom, they go to the trash can. In the trash can, the two chinchillas have delicious food such as apples, oranges, and meat. While in the trash, they play hide and seek and they play soccer. The reason the are such good soccer players is because they were born in Argentina.
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Trendsetter: George Washington Carver EJ Gay Gr. 3 George Washington Carver was born into slavery in 1864. As a boy George enjoyed helping his friends and family with their gardens. He would later use this passion to become one of the world’s greatest scientists. While growing up on the Carver farm, George helped grow corn and potatoes. He also took care of the plants and animals on the farm. When George arrived at the college he was turned away because of his skin color. During this time, many schools would not allow blacks to attend. George was determined to learn and eventually got accepted to a college Simpson College in Iowa. George accepted an offer to teach at Booker T. Washington’s Institute in Tuskegee Alabama. George wrote many books that helped farmers improve their land. He also helped farmers move away from their dependency on cotton by teaching farmers to grow other crops. George did many great things but he became very famous for his contributions to the peanut industry. George discovered many uses for the peanut and was honored by the Royal Society of Arts in London, in 1916. He was also awarded a NAACP medal for his service to science. In addition, George was the second black man to be pictured on the United States postage stamp. Trevor Noah – a Capstone excerpt Théo Ginggen Gr. 5 Trevor Noah, the world-famous comedian, is, and always has been, an interesting man. Not only is he courageous, but he also perseveres in promoting black equality. Noah makes serious topics appear funny to the world. February 20, 1984 was the beginning of Trevor Noah’s eventful life. His mom lived in Highlands North, a rich white neighborhood that had few black people other than servants. He was born of a Swiss-German father and a Xhosa mother. This was a problem at the time because apartheid did not allow that. It was illegal to have a child born of a black and white couple. Even though he went to church, he was not the purest boy. He was either burning his initials into a wooden door with a magnifying glass or taking all the overhead projector lenses out at school. Trevor Noah always has been a very courageous person. As a kid, Noah lived in a world ravaged by racism and violence. At the age of four, he knew commands like “Run” and “Run for cover.” He was surrounded by criminals, drug dealers, and gangs. Another reason he was courageous is that he was born a child of a black and white couple which was illegal during apartheid so he could never be with his parents in public. Trevor Noah was, thus, born a crime. Today he is a stand-up comedian which takes an enormous amount of courage. The Trip Brian Sullivan Gr. 4 I woke up at 6 AM to pack all my stuff for our trip to Washington D.C. My parents, my sister, and I piled into the car. The bag of snacks between us. I knew the rations would not last. We had barely been traveling for an hour, and we were already trying to get the Cheetos and root beer to last longer. The 8 hour trip was going to be very long. We decided we needed to restock the supplies and made our first stop. Not long after, a bathroom break was needed, stop number 2. I rushed to the bathroom and the line was long. I finally made it inside, and there were flies everywhere. I returned to the car and my dad said something I will never forget, “No more stops, period!” I thought to myself that it was going to be a very, very long drive. Finally, at 5 PM we finally made it. The trip ended up taking longer than 8 hours, but it was worth it. I cannot wait to go back.
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Trip – a Camp Campbell Gard excerpt Lexi Eastman Gr. 6 Sunday night, I was almost done packing and just had to add a couple more things. I couldn’t wait to go to camp. I couldn’t fall asleep because of how excited I was for camp. Eventually, I got tired and fell fast asleep. I think this trip to camp will be more unique than any other trip I’ve ever taken. The next day I was at camp right before you even knew it! We had to get in our trail groups to go to the Zip Line and Drop Swing. When we got there this man was telling us what to do. When he was done, we got on our suits or gear we had to wear. When one person went down the Zip Line there was a drone noise. This was big and was very high. I started to climb up the tower, up where the Zip Line was. When I got to the top, I looked down and saw how high up I was. He told me what to do and he started counting to 3 and when he said 3, I took off into the wind across the Zip Line. It was awesome! I got off and started walking back towards the tower. Now I was going to go on the big swing. I got to the where the Big Swing was. It was not as scary because it was closed in and it was lower. When it was my turn I got hooked on and when I was hooked on it felt like it was trying to pull me off the platform. It was a far drop down. It was time for lift off! I slowly pushed myself off the platform. Vacuum Finn Kropp Gr. 7 One day there was a milk steamer and a vacuum. The vacuum would steam milk for people. But then a milk steamer came to steam milk for people. But the vacuum did not like that. So, they had a competition. The vacuum won because the town did not like the steamer. He was rude. But then a milk steamer came and destroyed the vacuum. But he could not be murdered because he was metal. They have another competition, and the milk steamer won this time. The vacuum was weak from the last competition. He got a cup of milk and sprayed it all over the vacuum. Then the vacuum finally died from getting a short circuit. The milk steamer then started to steam milk for people regularly. Vanilla Bean Frappe Leah Berhanu Gr. 5 I am Vanilla Bean Frappe with 2 pumps of raspberry. I have different parts and emotions and the drink has different ingredients that is how I am like the vanilla bean. One pump of raspberry represents my creative side. The other pump of raspberry represents my crazy and unique side. I am fun and enjoy so many things which is like the structure of the vanilla bean. Another name for me is a cotton and candy frappe, but some people don’t know that. In conclusion if I was not a person and I was a drink I would be the vanilla bean frappe with 2 pumps of raspberry. Village – a Gathering Blue book reflection Benedict Domville Gr. 7 Kira, a gifted girl, stays in the horrible village, to help with living conditions, to better the community. She would change the rules so there would be less arguing to have a nicer environment for both the tykes and other people. When Kira finishes with the first rule she would probably make it so women and men could read so they could do other things then weave and stay at home. On page 24, “Only the council of Guardians: 12 men” Kira would probably use this to integrate the Council so there would be men and women. These are all the most predominant things Kira would most likely change. Villain – a Tell-Tale Heart Summary Carson Dwyer Gr. 7 The villain, a man who has lost his mind, kills the ghostly eyed old man to close his eye forever. He then feels extremely guilty for his actions. When the old man invites him in he feels terribly bad and it got back at him. The villain says, “The men were mocking me with their innocent smiles and sips of tea,” this is because the police could hear the heart pounding, but they were acting like they didn’t know he was guilty. The villain should have never killed the man just because of his silky eye. 65
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Wangari Maathai – a “Wax Museum of Courage” excerpt Katherine Shuey Gr. 5 Wangari Maathai had a courageous response to the environmental problems she saw around her. Making use of her studies, she decided to explain to the world that a forest is one of the most precious treasures of humanity. To Maathai, a tree was worth not only its wood, but much more: shade, fruit, pure air, a resting place for birds and insects, and a source of inspiration for poets. Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement and established tree nurseries across Kenya, entrusting them to village women to manage. The women were given a small amount of money for every tree grown. She was convinced that women have important roles to play in their families, villages, and the entire African continent. By organizing others under the Green Belt Movement, millions of trees were planted in deforested areas. Her words traveled everywhere. Not everyone supported Maathai’s work and ideas. With her friends, she stood up to the bulldozers and held her ground, preventing more trees from being cut down. As a result, several deforestation projects were abandoned. The government considered her a threat, and officials frequently tried to stop her. Many times, she was humiliated, hit, hurt, and even sent to prison. Maathai spoke against torture, played a part in liberating political prisoners, and kept planting trees whenever she was released. Windle Mill – a Rabbits’ Return excerpt Lucy Hayes Gr. 6 The black and white rabbit returned home on Saturday after their honeymoon. They were excited to be back in Windle Mill! They went to the daisy patch they got engaged in and ate lunch. The deer Felicity was secretly watching the new couple eat lunch together. Felicity and the black rabbit had always been close so she thought he would marry her and not the white rabbit. Felicity vowed she would make them pay. She wasn’t going to give up. One day the black rabbit sat down and looked sad. The little white rabbit said, “What’s wrong?” he said, “Oh I’m just thinking.” The white rabbit had gotten annoyed that he was always thinking. “What are you thinking about?” “ I have a name. It’s Payton!” “I have a name too, my name is Annie.” They both rejoiced together! The deer Felicity was fuming. She had a name too but the black rabbit didn’t care about that. Felicity had anger problems. She ran up and said hello to Payton and Annie. She kept shooting Annie bad looks. Annie gave Payton a look of distress and they said they had to leave. They hopped home singing songs. The deer knew she had to make a move and fast. In the middle of the night she grabbed Annie and dropped her in the middle of the forest. She told Annie that Paton had taken her to the woods and she had just found her abandoned here. She told Payton that Annie had left him. They were heartbroken. A few days later the two rabbits crossed paths. They both burst into tears and Payton said why would you do this to me? Annie was confused she explained to him what Felicity had said and they both understood what happened. They confronted Felicity and she apologized. Where I’m From Kira Njegovan Gr. 7 I am from the Sears tower From popsicles on warm, summer days, and woolen gloves on bitter winter nights I am from the beautiful suburbs of an exciting state, full of sightseers I am from Lily of the valleys, and fresh raspberries atop my childish fingertips I am from Easter egg hunts, and bold freckles, mixed with bright hazel eyes
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White Chocolate Mocha Megan Bastos Gr. 5 I would describe myself as a white chocolate mocha with cream. I think this because during the day I am active just like the caffeine in it. When you have a couple sips it might get bitter or sweet because, sometimes I can be sweet, or I can be annoyed or just in a bad mood. The cream is like me because sometimes my mind goes blank or I just don’t pay attention because I am in a tired or foggy mood. The white chocolate mocha is the drink that I think would describe me. Why I Should Have a Dog – a persuasive excerpt Jacob Patino Gr. 7 I’ve always wanted a dog, even though I’m allergic to their hair. I still think that a dog will help me to become a better person and to be better in my social life. My first reason is that dogs benefit relationships. According to Kristien Sturt, “Dogs improve your heart health. Dogs don’t just fill your heart, they actually make it stronger” (Huffpost.com). Dogs also reduce stress, prevent depression, and add meaning and purpose. Having a dog will give me time off of electronics to play with them. Dogs are also good for your physical health. Dogs decrease your risk of asthma, it helps physical health, emotional health, and entertainment. Why Squirrels Should Be Domesticated – a persuasive excerpt Harper Wood Gr. 6 Stereotypes about squirrels often portray them as carrying many diseases, but however, this is barely the case. Like most animals, domestic or not, squirrels do carry diseases. These diseases only number down to about three. These diseases are not found just in squirrels, but in other animals as well. Many others think that squirrels carry rabies, but there are only about two cases of this happening. Rabies in squirrels is very rare. The other diseases (Tularemia and Listeriosis) are classified as easily eradicable bacterial diseases. Of course, there are vaccinations for both. Other than the ones mentioned, squirrels carry no other diseases. Just like dogs and cats, a simple trip to the vet will make your squirrel the perfect pet. Why a pet though? Aren’t they afraid of humans? Squirrels are usually thought of as being afraid of humans, but studies show that this very rarely happens. A study at Miami University took into question how close a squirrel would allow a human to get to them. The trials ended up resulting in “squirrel hugs” as they put it. In other words, squirrels will let humans very close to them with no obvious threats which is very similar to most domesticated pets. Another problem is food. One stereotype about squirrels is that most of their diet consists of nuts, but that is simply not fully correct. A squirrel’s real main diet consists of seeds, fruits, and veggies. All things you can get at your local grocery store. For treats, squirrels are one of the only animals whose liver can handle OREO cookies. Squirrels are easy to take care of; they are very loveable and cute. They should be our pets! Why Students Want a Longer Recess – an excerpt Holland Lippert Gr. 7 Some principals or teachers believe that having a shorter recess and lunch is beneficial to the students so you can be more actively engaged in class and not to be disruptive. I believe students should have a longer lunch and recess because we have no time to eat and let out all our energy. Also at the end of recess, students are listening and attending to what the teacher has to say. I think every student at lunch or recess needs to clear their mind from what is happening in school whether they are stressed or thinking about how they forgot to do their homework. Reason 3 is if students won’t focus in class, won’t get enough exercise to be healthy or interact with other kids to make friends. If students get a longer recess, they will burn calories and can focus in class. Students need enough time to absorb and clear their minds of what they learned. Students look forward to recess which will make them work harder in school.
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William Kamakwamba Jack Hendrix Gr. 5 I chose William Kamakwamba because he was brave and risked everything to help his village. Kamakwamba and his village were very poor. He was born in 1987 in the village of Kangsu, Malawi. Food and water were very scarce in his village. He was courageous because his village was in desperate need of food and water, so William got to work to help them. He taught people to create a windmill that digs into a well to get clean water, until a setback happened: Kamakwamba needed his dad’s bike to build the windmill. However, the bicycle was his father’s the only transportation. After a long time of people telling him and his group, they could not do it, his dad finally came to a decision to give them the bike. After Kamakwamba created the windmill, his village had water for crops and drinking. Eventually, he earned a full ride scholarship to college. William Kamakwamba showed courage because he persevered even though everyone thought he was crazy. I would like to be courageous like him. Someday if people tell me I will not be able to do something then I will try my hardest to do it anyway. Winning the Super Bowl Samuel Sprengard Gr. 4 My favorite memory of 2019 is when my football team won the Super Bowl. It felt good to win the Super Bowl because last year my team made it to the Super Bowl but did not win it. Having my family there to cheer me and my team on made it even more special. After the game, my family and I went to Buffalo Wild Wings to celebrate the win. It was super fun to spend time with my family. I will always remember winning the Super Bowl of 2019, and my team’s big win. The Wonder of Apocalypse – a Where I am From poem Mirabella Bosse Gr. 7 I am from the bright blaring light of my computer screen, my phone’s hazardous screen that is Filled with social media, and my bed with the fluffy sheets and the dangerous comfort of pillows I am from the room redo with the toxic smell of paint and new furniture with empty drawers ` From chocolate chip cookies, sunsets through the windows, the stressful feeling of a virus Seeing friends that make your day easier, and the fun of choosing hairstyles I’m from the sleeping in, warm blankets, a fan slightly blowing through my matted hair From wear a mask no matter what and who knows if you will get a summer I’m from staying faithful, some think that it is an apocalypse while other thinks it’s a hoax I’m from boardgames, friendly competition, FaceTime with friends that are your only source of Outside connection, while also reminding you that you don’t know how much longer this will be Part of your daily routine World War Z – a book review Diego Schurmann Gr. 7 The rising action started with a virus in China. It expanded mainly by infected people traveling to other countries, as well as with illegal organ transplant from China. At first, most governments, except Israel, didn’t believe the threat. Also, there was corruption and fraud. Some people created a rumor that some countries had medicine to cure their loved ones so many infected people paid a lot of money and bribed officials to be smuggled in other countries. A pharmaceutical company claimed to have created a vaccine which was false as it was against the rabies. The climax of the zombie war was when a person in South Africa created the Redeker plan to save humanity. The Redeker plan was controversial. It included the creation of a safe zone where only a minority of the population would be evacuated. The rest of the civilians would be moved to isolated places and serve as baits for the zombies. The falling action described how the countries executed the Redeker plan. In the resolution the author shows that the virus is more under control but not totally destroyed, and how the survivors are dealing in the new world.
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Wordworks
Year-Round Soccer – a persuasive essay excerpt Gabby Knight Gr. 6 Usually we only have sports in the fall and spring, and we always must wait so long. So I think we should have sport seasons year round. This is not a bad idea, and the school would make more money. I never have sports in the winter unless I play for a club team. I have always wanted to play soccer with people at my school. Only 6.4 million people have soccer year-round for school. I think this would be a time to hang out with my friends. This is one reason why I would like to play soccer with my school. I would want our soccer team to better in many ways. I wish we could have more soccer practices and longer. It would not be that hard. We would have it at the complex and you would not need to go to practice every time, only 3 days a week. The soccer team would mostly work on skills and running. You would also be able to quit a season and come back the next. This is how we are going to become a good and fun team.
Artwork
Nicolas Palacio-Vega, Gr. 3
Kayden Smith, Gr. 3
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The Summit Country Day School
Abigayle Penote, Gr. 5
Katie Buckius, Gr. 6
Marcel Huguet, Gr. 6 Evie Curt, Gr. 3
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Wordworks
Hana Conte, Gr. 6 Quentin Jones, Gr. 3
Ceci Viveros Valdepeña, Gr. 6 Natalie Neyra, Gr. 5
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The Summit Country Day School
Cammy Lorentz, Gr. 6
Sebastian Swan, Gr. 4
Edward Neyra, Gr. 3
Katelyn Bastos, Gr. 7 Madeline Schaefer, Gr. 7
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Wordworks
Lily de Lacy, Gr. 7 Kira Njegovan, Gr. 7
Sydney Brinkman, Gr. 6
Miles Friedman, Gr. 4
Anna Wiltshire, Gr. 4
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The Summit Country Day School
Haley Baker, Gr. 6 Tessa Dennemann, Gr. 5
Iggy Dwyer, Gr. 4 Eileen Bolan, Gr. 3
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Wordworks
Quinn Bohmer, Gr. 6 George Baker, Gr. 7
Mirabella Bosse, Gr. 7 Holland Lippert, Gr. 7 Caroline Gehring, Gr. 4
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The Summit Country Day School
Brenden Hamilton, Gr. 7
Anne Marie Misrach, Gr. 3
Mercer Reynolds, Gr. 7 Rosie Gieseke, Gr. 6
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Wordworks
Claire Wiltshire, Gr. 6 Lily Fecher, Gr. 4
Tyler Gier, Gr. 4 Sophia Nery, Gr. 7
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The Summit Country Day School
Laney Hodge, Gr. 5 Kyan Gatewood, Gr. 4
Jillian Chavez, Gr. 6
Charles Healy, Gr. 6
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Wordworks
Natalie Kenter, Gr. 6 Austin Miller, Gr. 3
Nate Gockerman, Gr. 5 Christian Basler, Gr. 4
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The Summit Country Day School
Joey DiPaola, Gr. 7 Colin Koran, Gr. 7
Meghana Curran, Gr. 6
Malcolm Moore, Gr. 4
Jackson Curt, Gr. 6
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