The Eagle Flyer

The Monthly Newspaper of Acaciawood School

Issue 1, Spring 2011 Edition

March 22, 2011

Golden Eagles’ Basketball Season 2010-2011: How Do You Measure Success? In This Issue: By Jesse Cope Highlights Of The 1 Subsequently, the coaches were made Each morning during the summer, a small aware that, to compete in this league, the team 2010-2011 Golden group of dedicated Acaciawood students would needed the extra edge—the edge to attain success. come together to improve on their basketball skills. Eagles’ Basketball Through the course of the beginning weeks of the Although these few were dedicated, they did not season, the coaches and the players both realized Season look much like basketball players. They were few that this “road to glory” was nothing supernatural; th in number and small in stature. If one took a AWS 7 Grader Wins 2 rather, success was attained through passion, hard gander at this scraggy, ragtag group of high th work, and the daily slog (if you will). All coaches 12 Holocaust Annual schoolers, he would probably not believe that these would have liked to start with a group of pre‐ guys were ballers at all, let alone the future of the Art and Writing groomed, basketball warriors with an insatiable Acaciawood varsity basketball team. desire and drive to compete and win. However, this Contest The previous Acaciawood team was wildly was almost never the case. For Acaciawood, this successful. In fact, they carried on with the school’s was absolutely not the case. In order to do well and AWS Senior’s Memoir 2 tradition of basketball excellence and became the succeed, this group of players would need to undisputed league champions. However, their team Awarded Scholastic develop a heart for the game and a drive to do was disbanded. Six of the team’s main players Writing Silver Key whatever it would take to compete and win. As either moved to another high school or graduated. they played more games and continued to practice, The Acaciawood varsity basketball team’s future Behind The Scenes: 2, 4 an unspoken togetherness began to formulate on success teetered on the brinks of uncertainty, and off the court between the players—they began Introducing This Year’s where the fate rested on a new breed of to respect each other and support one another, and Acaciawoodians. Student Journalists & eventually they came together as a team. Success was a ways away for the few Ultimately, this story ended in success. Special Note From WJC summer ball diehards that remained, but their One could have said that the odds were heavily attitude was not one of defeat; rather, in their President against this year’s team, or given the excuse that mindset, it was their time to shine. As time most were inexperienced. In a sense, this was true: A Student’s Perspective: 3 progressed, these few dedicated individuals many had never played in a pick‐up game nor ever emerged to become the backbone of this year’s The Internet as an even touched a basketball, and they were not the team. Pre‐season began a month earlier this year, biggest or the most skilled. But, with all said and Impetus for Social so Coach Cope (along with the two assistant done, the Acaciawood Golden Eagles varsity coaches, Coach Kuan and Coach Miller), eager to Revolution basketball team managed to pull off a strong get started and do well in his first year of coaching, season. Their overall record was (8‐14) and their did not waste any time initiating the 6‐month‐long The Eagle Flyer 3 league record (3‐7). It was not too outstanding, process of turning boys into men, training the but because of some key wins against tough teams, Creative Corner: This unskilled into the skilled, and molding individuals they attained an incredible 13th place out of 56 into a team. Practice after practice, drill after drill, Issue’s Featured Story teams in their division. This ranking made them the boys worked on their dribbling, passing, serious contenders for the playoffs. Moreover, in a shooting, and conditioning. Their first game against deeper way, their success could not be measured Tarbut V’ Torah was creeping around the corner merely in rankings, wins, and losses. Measurable and Coach Cope was worried about their progress. improvement became apparent as the amount of It usually takes years for a person’s basketball effort and desire in the practices increased from skills to develop, but the team was trying to cram each of the players. They began to talk to one Noteworthy Events for the Upcoming their training into months. So the question another and motivate each other to do better. Month (March­May 2011): remained for Coach Cope: would Acaciawood’s new Many began to play and workout outside of the March 25‐27 – High School Conferences team of novices be ready in time for the start of the designated practice times, and not surprisingly, March 30 – End of Q3 season? As the team began the season, it became their overall team game improved. As they April 1‐10 – Spring Break 2011 blazingly apparent that they were not. Not only continued to play, they started to see that each April 8‐10 – Junior High Conferences were they unready, but the coaches were also faced minute with a basketball and each minute on the April 11 – School Resumes with growing pains. With complaints, put‐downs, team was worth their while. During the course of April 12 – AGATE Writing Contest Entries chronic tardies, and commitment issues, the the season the team inherently learned something Due coaches and the players found out that the “glory more valuable than peripheral observer would April 19‐21 – Standardized Testing road” experience was going to be a long one, see—they learned the values of the game, to (Grades 1‐11) frequented with many unforeseen, arduous respect one another, and to play as a team. So was April 25 – Talent Night/Q3 Awards challenges. it a successful season? I believe so! Assembly

April 25‐28 – Scholastic Book Fair @ AWS

May 6‐8 – 6th Grade Conferences Golden Eagles’ Basketball Season 2010-2011: End-of-Season Banquet

By Sarah-Gail Permantier Writing and Journalism Club Members: This year's basketball banquet was a

special night for everyone involved with our After the coaches recognized each player, Golden Eagles. After a long season of hard work the team had an opportunity to recognize and President: Kyle Cheng and diligent effort, the coaches were given an thank their coaches. Since a team is not only made Editor-in-Chief: Ruthannah Wang opportunity to recognize each player for their up of coaches and players, the Eagles had several Vice President: Elyse Joseph individual strengths. Coaches Jesse Cope, James caring team moms for support. Mrs. Doering, Mrs. Secretary: Joana Morales Kuan and Aaron Miller took turns speaking about Valdez, Mrs. Kuai, and Ms. Allison may not all have Treasurer: Selina Tan each player, describing their specific talents on the had sons on the team, but they all took great care of Communications Chair: Sarah-Gail court and acknowledging their improvements over the boys by helping keep score during games, Permantier the course of the season. Also, Head Coach Cope making snacks, providing transportation, opening Members: Rachel Nash, Ben Cho, gave three awards to recognize three of his players. their homes and even planning and coordinating First, he awarded sophomore Gordon Wong with for the banquet itself. The final portion of the David Montiel the Coach's Award for upholding a positive attitude banquet was the highlight video, made by Enoch Club Advisor: Jesse Cope and commitment to the team. He gave a second Yim, Ben Cho, and other members of the dedicated Coach's Award to senior David Montiel for showing MPC. It showed footage of each player on the court. Interested in submitting an article? Send dedication and leadership. The final award went to It was exciting to relive the high points of each an email to [email protected] for Enoch Yim, naming him the Acaciawood Golden game together. Overall, the basketball season came more information on submissions. Eagles’ Most Valuable Player. to a happy and successful end.

7th Grader Lisa Cho Takes First Place in 12th Annual Holocaust Art and Writing Contest

By Noemi Quinones-Rosado Acaciawood School has participated in the annual Art and Writing Contest since the competition began at Chapman University. Every year our Congratulations to Lisa Cho, one of our 7th graders! Lisa took students are encouraged to participate in this very prestigious contest as first prize in the 12th Annual Art and Writing Contest, sponsored by part of the Holocaust reading unit. The 7th and 8th grade students visited the Chapman University through the Rodger Center for Holocaust Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles accompanied by their teachers Mr. Education, The Sala and Aron Samueli Holocaust Memorial Library, and Cope, Mrs. Quinones, and principal Mr. Miyake to help them understand the the 1939 Club. This year’s theme, The Holocaust: Spaces of Memory, Holocaust in both historic and contemporary contexts and confront involved the participation of 111 schools, including 68 middle schools prejudice and discrimination in our world today. Students had the and 43 high schools. Lisa’s work, entitled “Connecting the Pieces – Past opportunity to meet Holocaust survivors, as well as listen to and view and Present” awarded her first place in the middle school art category. survivor testimonials both at school and at home. They read different books She received a monetary award, and an all‐expenses paid educational such as Night by Elie Weisel and The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, in trip to visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and other addition to other books and materials. All this served to prepare them to sites in Washington D.C. from June 26‐30, 2011, accompanied by her enter the writing contest and produce a winner. Congratulations again to mother and teacher. Lisa Cho!

Senior Ruthannah Wang Awarded Silver Key in 2011 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

By Rachel Nash trying to communicate with others in that language at the same time.” This significant experience in her life enabled her to become who she is Our very own Ruthannah Wang, a senior here at Acaciawood, is today. one whose writings simply must be read. I had the pleasure of asking Writing, along with music, has been a hobby and passion of her a few straightforward questions concerning her passion for writing, Ruthannah’s since before her elementary school years. Being the love of languages and the award she received this past month, a Silver polyglot that she is, her words can serve as inspiration to others. Though Key in the Personal Essay/Memoir category of the 2011 Scholastic she is not likely to pursue writing as a career out of which to make a Writing Awards Competition. living, it will enable her to effectively communicate with clarity and A lovely piece regarding Ruthannah’s first time attending school understanding. in Montreal is a moving and gripping one. Her time at the elementary school so vividly described in her work was, according to Ruthannah, a Editor’s Note: Ruthannah has agreed to have the original copy of her life‐altering one. “I was fully immersed in a language I was unfamiliar winning essay published in this issue. It appears below. with, and had to grapple with acquiring it as quickly as possible while

Learning Peace: A Memoir

By Ruthannah Wang

Prompt: Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.

The old school building is on the corner of a quiet street. Its doors are locked and its lights are turned off in preparation for summer. The schoolyard is no longer filled with the cries of children at play: a smothering silence has now taken their place. I look upon this deserted scene, gazing wistfully at the softly fluttering flags of Canada and Quebec at the school’s entrance. A flying dove with an olive branch in its beak is painted on the building’s side, reinforcing the school’s name: Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix – Our Lady of Peace. Though I cannot physically enter the building, my mind can. With the help of memory and imagination, it pushes open the heavy doors and steps into the silent hallway, instantly overwhelmed with invaluable memories from a year well spent.

I see myself arriving at a black wooden staircase, listening to each step’s creak as I make my way up. Each creak is distinct, resounding in my ears like the vocalizations of my third grade class during a French lesson eight years ago: ba, be, bi, bo, bu. The sounds remind me of my own third-grade self, and an image of a shy, inquisitive child emerges, with sparks of curiosity and eagerness leaping in her eyes as she attempts to mentally weave the sounds into patterns she can understand. Un bébé. A baby. Un bébé boit. A baby drinks. Un bébé boit une boisson chaude. A baby drinks a hot beverage. As I watch, I see the child – myself – learning just like a baby, learning to manipulate the pieces of each sentence. The process is awkward at first: there are plenty of mispronunciations and incorrect uses of words, but it gradually becomes more rapid and fluid. The pieces form words, sentences, paragraphs, and finally the very essence of thoughts and dreams. My newfound voice reaches out to other souls whom I would otherwise never have dreamed of contacting: cracking jokes, asking them about their day, and apologizing after spilling something onto their laps. Through these experiences, they have now become treasures that will always be close to my heart.

The sounds of ba, be, bi, bo, bu suddenly come to an end, and I notice that I have reached the top of the staircase, near a place that is also a treasure to me. I turn left and enter. The door that leads to it swings open readily, welcoming me back. Rows of books meet my eyes, clamoring to be read and digested by my mind. I gently leaf through one of them, as though reuniting with an old friend. I recall the long hours spent here with a dictionary in hand, carefully poring over pages of a new language. The feeling of excitement that accompanies comprehension spreads through my entire being. In that instant, the quiver of meaning darts through my mind like a lightning bolt and electrifies it, filling me with a sense of wonder and novelty. I fully immerse myself, as though I am not simply reading about the characters but am the characters themselves. This new language allows me to feel the anguish of unfortunate protagonists, hear the thick accent of a farmhand, and laugh at the antics of bumbling detectives, all in a light I have never imagined before. This is a sanctuary of magic and learning, of realizing the multidimensional nature of understanding, and of creating new outlets for my own soul.

Meanwhile, my body stands still in the same spot opposite the school, as though transfixed by something unspeakable. My eyes shift slowly back to the painted dove. Despite the building’s deteriorated condition, the dove is just as I remembered it from eight years ago – wings spread wide, eyes heavenward, a pure, untainted promise of friendship, freedom, and peace. As I trace the outline of the dove in my mind, memorizing each detail, I notice that the sun has cast its rays upon it. My own face lights up with a smile of liberation, and I feel privileged to have known this place.

Introducing Acaciawood’s Writing and Journalism Club (WJC): The Brilliant Young Minds Behind The Scenes

By Kyle Cheng and Ruthannah Wang

with up‐to‐date events. Listed on the fourth page of this issue are short The Writing and Journalism Club (WJC) has just been implemented in biographical blurbs of some of the members of the club, highlighting Acaciawood School this past February. However, it is not a brand new club. The both their diverse interests and their intellectual vitality. We believe first writing club was founded in 2001, assuming the newspaper title of The that the creative potential of our members this year is very promising, Generations Rag, as well as producing a literary journal called Text Squared. The and greatly look forward to collaborating with them to hone their WJC seeks to revive the popularity of the Generations paper and imbue The Eagle writing skills and to bring back the tradition of having a newspaper at Flyer with the voices of the Acaciawood student body, along with providing an Acaciawood School. outlet for creativity and expression and keeping the school community informed

Opinion: The Role of the Internet in Worldwide Political Tensions

By Gordon Wong countless videos about the military and police with riot gear have surfaced, which serve to highlight how the government is responding to the protests. In the past several months, stories about recent protests in a few As I went through videos of policemen shooting protesters at point blank nations have been grabbing headlines all over the world. They started in range to tanks being deployed to the cities, I also read some comments from Tunisia before spreading like wildfire to Egypt and other countries such as people who did not understand what was going on. Thus, in another sense, Yemen, Bahrain, and Libya. The younger generations of protesters in these these videos serve to educate the surprisingly large number of people who countries used the Internet to organize the rallies, as well as to upload live were unaware of the protests going on in Bahrain. footage of the protests. As tensions between the government and the people As I went looking for some of the videos about protests on the escalated to a boiling point, more drastic measures were taken in order to Internet, I was reminded of a video that showed a diplomatic car running stop the protesting. Before the advent of the Internet, a protest, even a through at least twenty people in Cairo, Egypt. To me the video was just peaceful one, would be more likely to result in bloodshed due to the inability surreal. The scene of flying bodies and terrified people was reminiscent of a of the outside world to know what was going on and what means the GTA: San Andreas video game. Though the scene was gruesome, it certainly government used to stop the demonstrations. The most famous instance was got me thinking. The Internet has revolutionized the way the world views the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in China, where university students potentially sticky situations. With the world watching, it is currently rare for gathered to protest and mourn the death of a politician. Before long, it situations of protests to get out of hand. For us as the viewers, however, it is turned sour, and the resulting death toll was estimated to be about 10,000. far more important to think about why people are protesting instead of In contrast, the plight of the people in the countries that are faced focusing on what means the government is using to stop the protests. Such with protests today can be clearly seen all over the world, especially through protests happen due to years of dissatisfaction between the government and YouTube. The largest video sharing website currently has a section on the the people, so even the notion of thousands of people protesting in front of right side of the homepage that features videos that are trending. Right now the White House demanding some kind of change would not surprise me. trending videos show that as Bahrain declares a state of emergency, After all, the only way you will be heard is when you choose to make your voice heard.

THIS ISSUE’S FEATURED STORY: “I WILL SERVE YOU”

By Kyle Cheng

Shivering, I tried to conserve what little heat I had by crunching into a ball. The air around me was so cold, it bit me like a knife wherever there was exposed skin, which was pretty much everywhere. My hands were bound behind me with strong ropes, as were my legs. No matter how much I tried, I could not manipulate them to get out of range from the battle. Men were all around me, fighting with huge broadswords and ugly‐looking axes. My enemies and my captors were dressed in the colors of the shadows: the darkest shade of purple with plenty of black. My allies, the ones who have come to defeat my captors and rescue all their captured comrades, were dressed in stunning silver, gold, and white: the colors of light. I struggled against my binds, trying to break free. However, they were too strong. I needed help. I was tired, hungry, and low on strength. I knew I had to break free, to join the fight the Rofenod, but I just could not. I was losing hope. How can I ever free myself? It was all my fault. After all, it was I who took my captors on their word for riches and life‐long pleasure. I watched as the battle raged on. My people, the Ecarg, seemed to be prevailing… which was hardly surprising. Our leader, the King, was the greatest commander in history. He was more than a match for the General, who was once His highest ranking officer. And right now, He sat upon His white steed and swept His piercing eyes over the battle. His gaze slowly met mine, and in that instant, I felt fear, love, compassion, strength, and courage flame through my body. I watched as His lips formed some words. I can barely make out what He is saying, but it feels like He is inside my mind, prodding me with His inaudible words. He wants me to struggle more. He wants me to come to Him. I hesitated, remembering my rebellion against Him. What will He do to me if I return? Could it be any worse than what the Rofenod had already done? As I considered my options, I noticed a man standing near me. I have never seen him before, but judging by his attire, I can rightfully assume that he is also a captive. “Hey,” he said, “need some help?” Some assistance can’t hurt, and I felt excitement pump through my veins at the thought. This could be my only chance of escape! “Yes please!” I replied. He pulled out a knife and began to cut away at my binds. Not for the first time, I was thankful that they did not use metal fetters on me. I waited and waited, but still the binds had not broken. Finally, I heard the man say “It looks like you’ll need to struggle against the ropes a little bit. I can’t cut right through them because I might hurt you.” Surprised, I agreed, and painfully began struggling against my binds once more. Slowly, they began to loosen. As my newfound comrade helped by cutting the loosened ropes, I found it easier to loosen the rest of my binds. Pretty soon, I was free. I was so elated! “Now comes the hard part.” exclaimed the man. He looked across the battlefield to where the King was standing. “We need to get through all the soldiers to get across to the other side.” He turned to me. “Ready?” I hesitated. I might not make it through, but if I stay, I’d probably die anyway. “Yes.” Together, we began running through the field. Some soldiers chased us, but because we are not burdened with armor and weapons, we easily outran them. Sometimes we caught hold of Ecarg soldiers and were allowed to hide behind their skillful swordsmanship and large shields. Soon we managed to pick up weapons and shields of our own. I hefted my broadsword, testing to see if I can still fight after the long exposure to starvation. I could. I lifted my shield, and marveled at its strength. Our shields were designed so that no sword or arrow can penetrate it, not even flaming arrows. Throughout our escapade, however, I felt strangely energized. I’m not supposed to feel this way, I thought. Why am I so full of life, so easily evasive towards the enemy? After weeks of captivity, low rations, and constant abuse, I should be worn out and exhausted! Confused, I thought it best to direct my mind to the enemy soldiers and concentrate on getting past them all. The mysterious man and I fought our way through the last line of soldiers and broke through to stand before our King. My companion dropped to his knees, and I followed suit. Looking around, I saw the other soldiers also kneel in respect. “Rotnem!” the King exclaimed. “You’ve brought another one to safety. I am most proud of you, my Son. Tell me, do you know how many prisoners are left?” “Too many to count, sir.” Rotnem replied. “Shall I go and fetch some more?” “Yes, Rotnem. I know you will be successful in another rescue. Go with my blessing.” I looked from Rotnem to the King, and back to Rotnem again. Rotnem is no ordinary soldier, I thought, for the King spoke to him as if he is a person of authority. Who is he anyway? As Rotnem hurried back down to the battlefield, the King turned to me. His piercing eyes seemed to look straight into the confines of my soul, and I shivered in fear and exhilaration. What will He do to me? He knows what I have done, since I was caught out of the safety of His empire. Then His eyes softened. “My son,” he exclaimed, “I am so happy to see you. I have been waiting a long time for you to understand the err of your ways and turn back to me. You may not know it, but trusting Rotnem and following him here to Me is a sign of courage, faithfulness, and true repentance. Well done.” I was speechless. What can I say? I had sinned against the King and Him alone, and yet He has not mentioned what I had done. It is like it had never happened. When I found my tongue again, I asked rather boldly, “Sir, why is it that you treat me as one who has done no wrong?” He looked at me sharply. After a few minutes, He replied, “Remember the man who rescued you?” “Yes sir.” “He is my only Son. Once, a long time ago, there was a war much like this one. In order to reach all the prisoners, He sacrificed Himself to bring thousands of men, women, and children to safety. As a result, He knows exactly what you have all gone through, no matter how horrible the situation. Now He cannot be touched by the enemy, for in giving Himself up to death, He lives. He has also requested that those who trust in Him be rescued and spared from any punishment for whatever they have done. They are guilty of nothing.” I looked at the King, stunned. I had not known about this. Surely my parents, relatives, and friends knew about this story, at least some of them. But I had never heard the slightest hint of such an occurrence. Once again, I was at a loss for words. “Another thing,” the King continued, “When a person believes in my Son, they receive the same gift bestowed on Him: eternal safety from attacks from the Rofenod. You will be attacked, but there will always be a way out. You are also given the energy to come to Me, as you’ve felt when Rotnem led you here. You can’t do it on your own; you need my help. My power is more powerful and mysterious than you can ever fathom.” He paused for emphasis, and His eyes looked at me critically for a moment. “I have a task for you, if you so choose to accept it. Right now we are short on men to rescue the rest of the prisoners. Many are turning back to me; I know it. However, they need guides who will lead them through the dangerous battle back here. As you have safely returned and am now safe from the Rofenod, will you be willing to train for some time, and perhaps in time help rescue the rest of the prisoners?” I thought about it. I know that the rescues prove successful; it’s not like I will be helping a lost cause. Besides, it is the least I can do to repay the King and His Son for their kindness, so why not help Him and my fellow soldiers? Smiling, I made my decision. “Yes, my Lord.” I replied. “I will serve you.”

WJC Bios: Featuring This Year’s Student Writers

Kyle Cheng Founder and President of WJC Favorite quote: “If you strive to write well, you will at the same time be striving to think well." (Abraham Piper) Favorite author/book: The Inheritance Cycle (Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr) by Christopher Paolini Unknown fact about yourself: I write reviews and receive free books in return. Reason for joining WJC: I founded the club because of my immense love and passion for writing. I also believe that producing a school newspaper for Acaciawood would be a memorable and profitable experience for my high school years.

Ruthannah Wang Editor­in­Chief of The Eagle Flyer Favorite quote: "To strive, to seek, to find, and never to yield." (Lord Alfred Tennyson) Favorite books: The Bible, Catch‐22, Brave New World, The Great Gatsby, And Then There Were None Unknown fact about yourself: When I was in first grade, I attended an all‐girls' elementary school in Singapore where creativity and self‐expression were discouraged, and where every class was accused by every teacher of being "the worst class they had ever seen." Once, I was writing a little story to myself instead of paying attention in class because I was already familiar with the lesson. My teacher humiliated me in front of the whole class, declaring that I was "writing rubbish" and smacked my palms with a ruler. I am proud to say that I never took what she said seriously. Reason for joining WJC: From an early age, I enjoyed reading, writing, and language in general. The beauty of writing is that it is so easy to manipulate in order to express a certain thought or emotion, and just a bit of editing is necessary to change a piece's intention and appeal to a specific audience. I joined this club because of pure enthusiasm for writing, and also because I hope to learn a bit more about both myself and the other members through a shared interest.

Elyse Joseph Vice­President of WJC Favorite quotes: "Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is.” (Anonymous); “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” (Dr. Seuss); “The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say but what we are unable to say.” (Anais Nin) Favorite author/book: Langston Hughes is definitely one of the authors that I appreciate very much, but I think that it would be unfair to writers past, present, and future whose works I have not yet read if I set for myself a solid “favorite” author or book. Unknown fact about yourself: I think that something commonly unknown about me is the scarcity of things that are really unknown about me. As a person, I am loud – occasionally obnoxious – and generally go around with my heart on my sleeve. If there is something unknown about me it will either remain unknown or be broadcasted very soon. Stay tuned and you’ll find everything you need to know. (If you have any questions feel free to come to me and ask at any time during which I am not already engaged in conversation, engrossed in some awesome new book I found at the library, or scrambling to finish my homework 3 minutes before class starts.) Reason for joining WJC: One of the main reasons that I joined the writing club is because I like writing. Perhaps it doesn’t sound like so much fun when you have to write a report on a book you didn’t read because it bored you half to death. However, writing can be comforting when you have no one to talk to, relaxing when you are stressed, or entertaining when you have nothing to do. This also seemed to me like the kind of club where everyone could be a part of the coordination, the process, and the big picture without having to shove someone out of the way first. It also seemed like the kind of club where combining creativity, something that needs to be said, and many ways to say it would not result in something that would require the evacuation of a city and its surrounding areas, the preparation of refugee camps in remote areas, or nuclear explosives. So far, so good! I also saw this club as an opportunity to broaden and increase my writing ability.

Joana Morales Secretary of WJC Favorite quote: “I am crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20) Favorite author/book: God; the Bible Unknown fact about yourself: I do NOT like chocolate. Reason for joining WJC: I was inspired to join the club because I have always loved to write. It also sounded like a great opportunity to help out the school with the monthly newsletter. In addition, this club encouraged me to improve my writing skills.

Selina Tan Treasurer of WJC Favorite quote: “The greatest barrier of success is the fear of failure.” (Sven Goran Eriksson) Favorite author/book: The Mysterious Benedict Society Unknown fact about yourself: I can chug three cups of water in one minute. Reason for joining WJC: I was thinking about how I can improve my writing skills.

Sarah­Gail Permantier Communications Chair of WJC Favorite quote: “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” (Albert Einstein) Favorite author/book: William Shakespeare; “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens Unknown fact about yourself: I love black and white movies from the 40’s with actors like Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and Jimmy Stewart. I prefer them to anything that comes out these days. Reason for joining WJC: I believe that by reading others’ work, you can catch a glimpse into their soul that you can’t see in any other way. It holds true when reading your own work. What you write reflects who you are and what you feel. It is one of the healthiest outlets for young people when used properly. Also, writing is fun!

Rachel Nash Staff Writer for The Eagle Flyer; member of WJC Favorite quote: “The mind in its own place, and in itself, can make heaven of hell, and a hell of heaven.” Favorite book: Twelve Baskets Full Favorite authors: Ernest Hemingway/ William Shakespeare Reason for joining WJC: I have a passion for writing and love words.

David Montiel Staff Writer for The Eagle Flyer; member of WJC Favorite quotes: “Everything negative – pressure, challenges – is all an opportunity for me to rise.” (Kobe Bryant); “I’ve failed over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.” (Michael Jordan); “I’ve never been afraid to fail.” (Michael Jordan) Favorite books: Encyclopedia Brown; The Sherlock Holmes Series Unknown fact about yourself: I like to play every single sport that is out there. Reason for joining WJC: The reason why I joined this club was to improve my writing skills and be part of something that is able to give to the school.

Special Note From The President of WJC: Dear Reader, Thank you for picking up this very first issue of The Eagle Flyer! We are proud of all the members of the Writing and Journalism Club who worked so hard to contribute to this final project. We aim to be a student voice in the school: a voice that declares our creativity and our perspectives; a voice that shows the world that Acaciawood is Strong in Creativity, High in Proficiency. This issue is dedicated to the hard work of one member of the WJC: our editor‐in‐chief, Ruthannah Wang. Even though she had already done her share of the work by editing every article, she contributed more to the paper than anyone would know. As we experienced some turbulence, if you will, in publishing the Eagle Flyer, she stayed up late at night for hours for several days pulling the paper together, creating the Flyer’s template, and formatting everything into what the Eagle Flyer is now. This issue will probably have never been released save for her hard work and dedication to the Journalism club. Once again, thank you Ruthannah for being such a valuable asset to the WJC. We wish you success the rest of this school year and on to whichever college you may choose. And thank you, reader, for reading the Eagle Flyer. We appreciate any feedback you may have, and look forward to publishing the next issue next month! Kyle Cheng Writing and Journalism Club President The Eagle Flyer Staff