Liberty's Entrepreneurs

The Liberty Ledger February 2018 I S S U E 9 Liberty’s Entrepreneurs By: Camille Bugayong & Nia Ceasar What is an entrepreneur? According to Dic- Aliyah: Nature’s Pout tionary.com, an entrepreneur is “a business person who organizes and operates a busi- How did you come up with the name for ness or businesses.” Did you know that Liberty your business? Middle School has two entrepreneurs? Angie: I make rocks jewelry that you can wear.

Aliyah: It kind of came to me. I combined nature and makeup.

What kind of support did you receive at home when you decided to start your business? Angelyn Cancel, also known as Angie, 7th grader and Aliyah Kameli, 8th grader creat- Angie: My mom helped me make my etsy ed and own their own business. store and my dad sells my jewelry at his work. We wanted to interview Angie and Aliyah so that other students can gain an understand- Aliyah: My mom was very supportive and ing of entrepreneurship and what it means to helped me get all the things needed to get be anentrepreneur and to run a business. started. My family helps me out at craft festivals. How did you get your idea or concept for the business? Tell me a little bit about your business.

Angie: At my 12th birthday party, my friends Angie: Everything I sell is under $11. Every- and I made rock necklaces. I thought that thing takes over a month to make this would be a good business idea that (nonstop). The products are handmade. would make money. Aliyah: I have a website and I sell at craft Aliyah: I got the idea from a school project. I festivals. I make all natural lip glosses, lip researched chemicals and found that most balm, body scrubs, lip tint, lip scrubs, and lip makeup at Sephora and drug stores had jellies. some dangerous chemicals. How do you advertise your business? What is your business called? Angie: Rockwear Jewelry Angie: I put flyers on cars. My mom posts The Liberty Ledger

Liberty’s Entrepreneur By: Camille Bugayong & Nia Ceasar ...Continued my jewelry business on Facebook and she Aliyah: I don’t have one yet. created a Facebook page for Rockwear Jew- elry. What are your responsibilities as the business owner? Aliyah: I advertise on Facebook and Insta- gram and in a couple of magazines. Mostly, Angie: I make all the jewelry myself, pack- family members spread the word of my cos- age and ship all of my orders. metic business. Aliyah: Everything, I have to make all of the When did you start your business? How old products, and posters, and cards. were you?: To what do you attribute to your success? Angie: I started at 12. Angie: The support and help from my family. Aliyah: I started at 13, last May. Aliyah: My mom is such a big support. She What do you make/sell? encourages me when I have a lot of homework and a lot of things I need to do for the Angie: I sell fishhook earrings, necklaces and business. stud earrings (coming soon). If you had one piece of advice to someone Aliyah: I sell all natural lip glosses, lip balm, just starting out, what would it be? body scrubs, lip tint, lip scrubs, and lip jellies. Angie: You can do whatever you put your Where did you get the inspiration to create mind to. the business? Aliyah: Pursue the dream that you want. Do Angie: I liked jewelry and I wanted to make something to change the world. mature jewelry that is inexpensive. Where can we find the store? Aliyah: My family has a history of cancer and I wanted to prevent myself from getting can- Angie: Putting your cer. So, I wanted to make all natural cosmet- phone camera on ics without dangerous chemicals. the QR code will send you straight to How many products have you sold?: the etsy website.

Angie: I have sold about 26 products and https://www.etsy.com/shop/ counting. RockwearJewelry

Aliyah: I have sold about 500 products and Aliyah: http://www.naturespout.com/ made about $3,000.

Do you have a business goal?:

Angie: My goal is to own a store someday.

The Liberty Ledger

Liberty’s Entrepreneur By: Camille Bugayong & Nia Ceasar ...Continued

Rockwear Jewelry

Nature’s Pout

We hope that Angie and Aliyah will inspire you to become an entrepreneur and start your own business! The Liberty Ledger Getting to Know—Mrs. Neyburger

By: Maura Baker

What college did you graduate from and what was your major? I graduated from Rutgers University with a major in anthropology and minor in history.

What do you like most about your job? Bringing the real world into the classroom and showing that Social Studies is related to our every- day lives What do you like least about your job? Assigning homework and grading If you had to pick another profession, other than teaching, what would it be? I guess I would be a Florist. What do you like to do outside of school? What is your favorite book? As a child, my I like to take my daughter to places she’s never favorite book was “Alice in wonderland.” As been before (park, aquarium). an adult, I tend to read nonfiction. Do you have a hobby? I used to do film photography. And I do like hiking. What is your favorite movie/tv show? The Do you have any children? news, “Stranger Things” and anything Wes I have a daughter, Mira, she’s two years old. Anderson. Do you have any pets? What is your favorite food? I don’t really I have two cats, Luna and Oscar. have a favorite food, but I do really like su- shi.

POEM By: Angelie JeanBaptist

You Are

The one I love with all my might. The one I’m thinking every night. The one That helps me make things right. The one I dream of when I sleep at night. The one I think of when I hug my pillow tight. The one I’m not giving up without putting up a fight. The Liberty Ledger

By: Trynity MatosJames Helping Hands

The Helping Hands club is a group of students that have voluntarily dedicate some of their time to helping those with needs or choose to help people other than themselves. This group of students have gone on two trips so far: one to a senior center to serve the elderly lunch and the other to Washington Elementary School to celebrate Christmas with the children. They do other things as well, like make activity books for children who are too sick to go to school.

In December, they wrapped up action figures and dolls so that they could go to Washington School to give the children a surprise visit from a couple elves and Santa. Just recently, they sold candy grams during their lunch periods and handed each card and lolli- pop out personal to the person it belonged to on Valentine’s day. As the year progresses, they make more memories and continue to help others in any way they can. You can bet that the members in this group will continue to make a difference and spread kindness and joy everywhere they go!

MOVIE REVIEW By: Maya Robinson & Zoe Azille

Murder on the Orient Express

WARNING! Spoilers. Recently we saw Murder on the Orient Express and let’s just say….plot twist. This movie is packed with a lot of big name actors. The movie has a lot of Academy Award nomi- nees like Kenneth Branagh, Penelope Cruz, William Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer. Also in this movie, there is Leslie Odom Jr., Daisy Ridley and Josh Gad (voice of Olaf from Frozen).

This movie is a mystery, which you would haven known if you watched the trailer. Basically, there is a famous detective who was invited on a train ride to take a break. Howev- er, during the train ride, a man on the train gets murdered. The famous detective now has to spring back into action to find out who the murderer is and you guessed it, the murderer is on the train. Everyone who watches or reads a mystery books likes to guess who the murder is before the book or the movie is over. When I read a murder mystery book or watch a murder mystery movie, I like to guess who did it. Usually, I’m always right. However, I was wrong this time. I thought that the ending was really sad because it included the killer’s backstory. What was also very beautiful is that the detective be- lieved that there was only right and wrong, black and white. But after this experience, the detective found that there are multiple colors in our world. Real cliché. Right? There were some things that stuck out to me. The makeup was gorgeous. There was a bunch of actors, extras, in the movie that you don’t normally see in movies. I think this movie was a 8/10 because the ending seemed kind of rushed and confusing. We highly recommend this movie to those who enjoy murder mystery or sus- pense. There is also a little bit of comedy in the movie. So if murder mystery doesn’t sound interesting, then come for the laughs. The Liberty Ledger TV SHOW REVIEW Designated Survivor By: Tamyca Tunis Designated Survivor is a T.V. show on ABC about a man named Tom Kirkman (played by Kiefer Sutherland) who is the soon-to-be-fired Secretary of the Department of Housing of Ur- ban Development that becomes president when everyone in Congress is killed in the Capi- tol building when a bomb detonated inside of it during the State of Union. This included the rest of the Cabinet, Senate, and the House of Representatives. Because Tom is the only person left in the line of succession, he automati- cally becomes president. He is considered the Designated Survivor because he was chosen to supposed to survive in case of an attack and was held in a disclosed and distant place with the protection of the Secret Service when the officials in the line of succession are in one place like during the State of Union.

This is the perfect show for people that like to watch political shows and drama or like learning about the govern- ment such as myself. You also get to learn about the stress of being president and building and bringing the country back together after such a horrific and vicious attack and other things too. This is a mystery show that starts with the most difficult question, "Who was responsible for the bombing and why did they do it?" The viewers are able to see what life is like in the White House and follow Agent Hannah Wells, an FBI agent desperate to discover the vicious criminal that caused this explosion, as she hunts to find out who had committed one of the deadliest attacks in U.S. history. Viewers also get to watch Kirkman rebuild the nation as he faces many problems like lack of leadership, disrespectful politicians, solving foreign affairs, dealing with the states and its people, and so much more that comes with being president. This show helped me see just how difficult the president’s job truly is and I recommend this show to everyone, even people that aren’t into politics.

Basic Show information:  Network- ABC (Channel 7)  Stars- Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, Kal Penn as Seth Wright, Maggie Q as Hannah Wells, and LaMon- ica Garrett as Mike Ritter.  Date and Time- Most Wednesdays at 10 PM  Number of Seasons- 2 so far (2nd season is still premier- ing)  Content Rating- TV-14  Rating- 7.8  Category: Action/Drama/Mystery  Aired- 2016-Present  Episode Duration- 1 Hour The Liberty Ledger

RESTAURANT REVIEW By: Trinity Mfoafo MCarthy February Dining Recommendation

Dining Guide: Prices (most dishes) Star Rating System B- Breakfast $ Under 15 1 star: Horrible BR- Brunch $$ $15 to $25 2 stars: Bad L- Lunch $$$ Over $25 3 stars: Not Bad D- Dinner 4 stars: Really Good 5 stars: THE BEST

Bahama Breeze Serving: Lunch & Dinner Cuisine: Tropical/Island Nearest Location: 101 Route 23 South Wayne, NJ 07470 Pricing: $$ ($15-$25) Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11am-11pm | Friday-Saturday 11am-12am

It is a very authentic yet casual restaurant with an Island theme. They play great music such as Bob Marley, and the staff is always very accommodating. The food is amazing, and you will not regret stopping in for a visit!

Item Recommendation - Chicken Tortilla Soup, which is: Chicken breast, car- rots, roasted corn and avocado in a delicious broth with just a hint of lime.

Most Unusual Item on the Menu- Black Bean BBQ Burger. It is a glazed with guava BBQ sauce, served with melted pepper jack cheese, guacamole, vine-ripened tomato and Bibb lettuce on a toasted brioche bun.

Rating: 4 stars!

Cuban Pete’s Serving: Lunch & Dinner Cuisine: Cuban/ Island Nearest Location: 428 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ Pricing: $$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11:30am- 11p| Fri-Sat: 11:30am-12am|Sun: 11am-11pm

Review: Cuban Pete’s is a great restaurant with an even more vibrant atmosphere. The servers are warm and friendly. If you go there on your birthday, there is a mariachi band to play for you!! There is also a kid’s menu. I don’t recommend it if you are looking for a quiet meal, they are quite busy!

Item Recommendation: The “Bacalao Navidad”, which is Baked cod in a red tomato, peppers, potatoes sauce served with rice only for $15.95

Most Unusual Item On The Menu: The “Empanzado” which is Breaded pork steak with a guava ginger chipotle sauce for $14.95

Rating: 4 stars! The Liberty Ledger

SHORT STORY By: Breyani Grant Him & Me I think I’m pretty normal. Just a regular teenage girl who’s going to start high school next year. I don’t like crowds, meeting new people, but I like falling in love. The feeling when seeing someone just right is so amazing, I can’t help but to want to try it more and more. But when they leave you or you leave them, the pain is a different story. My parents always tell me I don’t know the meaning of love, and because of that I’m always searching for more ways to love. This story is nothing more than two people falling in love. Despite someone different, they love each other with all their might. And someday I hope this fantasy of mine comes true. It does not matter what sex you are. Love is Love and that’s final. ______

Another day of school. It’s still Winter so I have to go inside after I get off my bus. Everything seems perfectly fine, like always. As I walk into the warm school building I see everything perfectly. The popular girls who are on their phones not caring that teachers are around. The popular boys who are each laughing at each other while talking. The girls who are in their own little group talking about their own thing. The kids who aren’t popular but have a lot of friends. There are even just kids who stand in the hallway alone even though they have some friends. And then there’s my group. Nothing special, just a group of girls who like to hang out. Even though there is five of us, I don’t really talk to them. It’s not because I’m tired, just because I feel alone even when people are there. I looked around the area not seeing anything special. Except there is only one thing I notice that was not there before. A boy. He blended in right with everyone it was hard to even point him out. Pale skin, tall, a bit muscular, black hair, blue eyes, blue jeans, black shirt, and a blue backpack. He looks like any other student, but I saw something else. A new student who doesn’t know what’s going on, and hopes to get answers by looking at a piece of paper. I could tell he was confused by his expression, his backpack looked so light as if nothing was inside it., and the piece of paper looked like a schedule. Yep totally a new kid. I looked at my group of friends who were still talking about their favorite book, before walking over to him. “Hey. You must be new. My name is Bre what’s yours,” I said smiling. He looked at me putting aside his schedule. “I’m Jake. And yeah I’m new, thank god someone noticed. I need help going to my first class. You think you can help me?” he asked handing me the schedule. I looked at it noticing he had four classes with me included free time, and lunch. I kept looking at the class numbers before hearing the school bell rang. Everyone rushed to the front except me and Jake who just stood there. “Okay, I can show you your classes,” I said looking up at him. “Follow me, and make sure you don’t get lost in the crowd.” He nodded, and followed me to his class. Once we made it in front of his class I handed him back the schedule. “Okay, this is it. Your second class is gym downstairs. Your third classes is in this same hallway down the hall. And your fourth period class is on the other side of the school. I have to go but see you next period.” We waved at each other while I left to my class. By the time third period ended I walked to my next class not seeing Jake around. By the time I made it to my next class I still didn’t see him. I sat down at a desk when someone sat next to me. I looked to see Jake sitting down breathing heavily. He was sweating and his face was completely red. “What even happened?” I asked. Jake laid his head down on the desk, before speaking. “I was in the wrong class. And when I found out I ran here,” he said still out of breath. He sat up looking around the classroom before speaking again. “Judging from the class, I’m saying this is English right?” “Yeah, but we’re watching a movie and finishing old work. Since I finished everything I can either watch the movie or just work on something else,” I said opening up a notebook. Jake pushed his desk next to mine, and just stared at me. I started writing in the notebook covering most of it so he wouldn't see. When the teacher came in the classroom he just started the movie, not saying anything to Jake. “Can I see what you’re writing?” he asked quietly. I stopped writing and looked at him. “I’m just a curious person. Did you speak with the teacher or what. I mean it’s only normal for a teacher to at least speak to a new student,” I said. Jake looked shocked, and just smiled nervously. “Well, my brother spoke to all my teachers. And because of that they just know what I learned and stuff. But now that you know that, can I know what you’re writing. OH! How about this. If you let me see what you’re writing I can invite you to my house,” he said smiling. I went back to writing and just stayed quiet for a few minutes. “I’m not allowed over to male’s houses. And here,” I said handing him the notebook. “It’s just some sort of story I put together. You can read it.” He grabbed the notebook and started reading, while I watched the movie. Jake gave me back the notebook along with a folded piece of paper. I opened it and read the note. “Hey, you said something about not being able to go to male’s houses. If you don’t mind I would like to know why. And to be completely honest it would make my brother happy if I showed him I met a new friend ” I read the note and smiled, before responding. “It’s fine. Just that a while ago something happened between me and a male friend of mine, and let’s just say it didn't end so well. But maybe in a few weeks or so I can pretend to stay after school and just head over to your house.” When I finished writing I handed him the note, and to my surprise he was able to read it fast. He took about seven minutes to write something. “Hey so listen. I really like getting to know you. And I want to get to know you more and I want you to get to know me more. But baby steps y’know. Anyway I want you to know a few things about me. Let’s play a game to get to know each other by asking some questions. I’ll go first, I like to draw, swim, and to hang out my brother. Now what exactly do you like?” I started writing things I like and before I knew it we were talking about love. “So, what kind of people do you like? Oh and have you ever dated anyone?” I wrote. Jake’s face turned bright red, before writing. He took some time, and that was when I noticed he was thinking instead of writing. I started to watch the movie when he threw the paper at my desk. I turned to him, and noticed he was leaving out the room. The Liberty Ledger

SHORT STORY Him & Me By: Breyani Grant ...Continued “Honestly, it’s kind of hard to explain what I like. I’ve dated people once but I don’t like talking about it. Let’s just change the subject ok? What’s your favorite food?” I felt bad after reading the note. When he came back we stopped writing notes to each other but instead watched the movie. Once the movie ended it was time for lunch. I got up and rushed out of the classroom when I felt someone grab my hand. I turned around to see Jake looking confused at me. “I thought we had lunch together. I-I thought we were gonna walk together. Or do you just wanna walk alone,” he sad in a sad voice. I couldn’t say no to that but instead told him we can walk together. His face lit up as we walked to the cafeteria. “You know,” I said softly. “It’s been a while since someone walked with me to lunch. Thank you.” Jake blushed bright red and just smiled. Once we made it to my table I pulled up a chair next to mine. “Watcha doin,” said a familiar voice. I turned around to see one of my good friends Jess. She sat down still looking puzzled on why I was adding another chair to the group. “Oh, I met someone new who wants to sit with us,” I said calmly. “He’s buying lunch so he should be here soon.” By the time Jake sat down all eyes were on him. He stared at his food blankly. “So. My name is Jake. I hope you ladies don’t mind me sitting here,” he said quietly. And with those few words everyone welcomed him. The whole lunch period was filled with everyone smiling and I’m pretty sure Jake was happy to meet new friends. But as usual I let everyone else do the talking while I just listened. I pretend to be loud and outgoing when really I just wanna keep silent. And the whole lunch period all I could do was feel bad about what happened earlier. The more I thought about it the more dizzy I felt. I couldn’t hear. I couldn’t really see either. Everything was super foggy, and all I did was feel bad. “Bre!!,” a voice said. I blinked a few times noticing I was still in the cafeteria. I looked around to see all eyes on me. “Hey you ok, you weren’t answering me the first few times.” Jake said worriedly. “Oh I’m fine. I’m always fine. Oh look at the time, time to go heh,” I said quickly while getting up. I rushed up stairs andmade it to free time. I laid my head down on a desk and just stayed quiet as all the students came in. “It’s a shame. We were getting to know each other so well and I just ruined it. He probably thinks you’re a weirdo. Good job Bre.” I thought to myself. “Hey you ok? I got worried when you just left like that,” Jake said sitting next to me. “Hey seriously, if you aren’t feeling well I can take you to the nurse.” I sat up rubbing my eyes before speaking. “I’m fine. Just sleepy.” I said softly. “Liar. You’re upset. Since the teacher isn’t here I’m taking you to the nurse.” Jake grabbed my arm before walking me to the nurse. “How do you even know where it is?” I asked. Jake stopped walking and turned to me feeling my head. “During first period I got a tour for the first floor. Just as I thought you’re pretty warm,” he said softly. His hands were so warm on my face, and soft. I looked up at him and sighed. “Listen. I’ll go to the nurse and see what happens. Go back to free time and make sure you get a locker the teacher will be there soon I promise,” I said walking away. “Nope. I’m not feeling well either so I’m going to the nurse too,” he said walking towards me. I sighed letting it happen. When we made it to the nurse we both told her we weren’t feeling well. To my surprise Jake actually had a higher fever than me. The nurse told us to both lay on the beds while she stepped out. “So who’s picking you up?” Jake asked laying down. “No one. This is why I didn’t want you to take me to the nurse I would’ve been fine,” I said angrily “No one? There has to be someone at your house” “My mom is on vacation with her husband. My brother is too busy with college to come home. My grandma can’t drive but she’s watching over me. And my dad hasn’t picked me up from school in over 8 years. So he probably is just to ‘busy’ to get me. But oh well.” I laid back down facing the other way. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you upset. If you want when my brother comes he can drop you off.” I tried not to sound like I was crying even though I was. This is the first time I felt noticed with a friend. I turned around at him nodding. But before he can say anything I was already asleep. I felt someone grabbing my legs but I couldn’t tell what it was. I opened my eyes slowly to see I was in someone else’s room. The room was huge with blue painted walls. I looked around noticing it was extremely clean and neat. I looked at the room and noticed there was a shower going on in the bathroom. I sat up slowly as my body ached. The door to the bathroom opened up showing a boy covered in scars with a tow- el over his waste. “Oh you’re awake,” he said pushing his hair back. “We went to your house but no one answered. In fact I think you were all alone while at home.” It took me a few seconds to notice it was Jake. “So what if I did. This is creepy. Waking up in some stranger’s house,” I said angrily. Jake bit his lip and looked pissed off. “You should be thanking me!” he snapped. “Listen I didn’t ask for you or any of this crap. Best thing you can do is thank me, because I could’ve done way worse than changing your clothes .” He took a deep breath before walking out of the room. My heart ached and all I could see was the anger in his eyes. “It’s all my fault. Such an idiot. Bad enough you met someone who cares for you and you let him get angry with you. Maybe you should just die,” I thought as tears rolled down my eyes. I couldn’t help but feel bad for myself. I got up looking for my clothes. After putting them on I heard a knock on the door. I tried wiping my tears but more kept coming. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap like that. It’s just been hard for me lately. Are you ok?” Jake asked. I stayed silent as tears left my eyes. I opened the door staring down. “No It’s my fault. Honestly It’s always my fault. Everything I do always ruins everyone. I always end up alone. And it’s my fault!” I The Liberty Ledger

SHORT STORY Him & Me By: Breyani Grant ...Continued Advice Column screamed while crying. I fell on my knees feeling sorry for myself. To my surprise Jake hugged me tightly. “I’ll be here. You know, until your parents come back you can stay at my place. In fact even though we just met this will be the perfect moment to get along. Bre I’m not a stranger and I will never hurt you,” he whispered. But with those few words I felt all the love I needed. We hugged for about 10 minutes before I felt dizzy and fell asleep in his arms. I woke up on the same bed as before but this time it was warmer. I was holding onto some- Dear Crystal Ball, thing super warm but I didn’t really know what. I blinked my eyes a few times seeing a hand I’m dating this guy this guy wrapped around my waist. Then black hair near my head. And finally a face sleeping to mine. and I like him very much, but “JAKE!” I screamed backing up. I looked around the room to see a small lamp lit up, but it was he doesn’t like my friends. pitch black outside. He keeps telling me that my “Shh, no yelling sweetheart,” Jake said with his eyes squinted. friends are jealous of me “Jake… what time is it?” I asked looking around. Jake was still half asleep but managed to an- and that they are talking swer. about me behind my back. I “Night time. We don’t have school tomorrow sweetie. Now let’s sleep.” He yawned before asked my friends about it, turning around and falling asleep. I tried getting up but Jake grabbed my hand. but they said that they would “Hey, why don’t you just stay with me a little longer.” He sat up slowly and rubbed his head. never do that. I don’t know “My brother went out and he’s not gonna be back for a while.” “But I’m hungry,” I complained. “Is there anything to eat.” who to believe, my boyfriend “I can make a thing or two. You got any allergies,” he said getting up. or my friends. Whoever I “Yea, but let me go with you,” I said trying to get up. choose, I will lose someone. “No. Just lay down I’ll be fine.” What do I do? “No. I’m gonna be bored. Don’t you have a couch or something I can sit on?” From, “But why must you want to sit on the couch when you have a comfortable bed right here.” Hard Choices “Why can’t I watch a friend cook me dinner.” Jake was silent. “I just . . . I just wanna make something special. As a surprise.” He felt my head and sighed. Dear Hard Choices, “You still have a fever. I’ll make some soup for the both of us.” Have you heard your friends “I wanna watch,” I said complaining more. talking about you behind “Ugh, at least you’re cute,” he mumbled. “Just lay on the couch.” I smiled from ear to ear while your back from someone getting up. This was the first time I watched a friend make me something. I went out the room to see how huge his house really was. The room had bright sensored lights. I looked around and saw a giant else? You said that you feel couch in front of a flat screen tv There was small glass table between the two. I turned around to see as if your boyfriend doesn’t a small corner that was supposed to be the kitchen. like your friends at all. So he “It’s so small,” I said. “And is the glass table the only table you have.” could just be making this up “Yep,” Jake said smiling. “Since only the two of us live here, we just have a small table that I eat or trying to keep you away at. You can lay down on the couch.” I walked over to the couch still amazed on how this huge house from your friends. Or your was just for the two of them. I laid down on the couch and stared at the black tv in front of me. In friends could be the back- about 15 minutes Jake placed two big white bowls in front of me. stabbers. I think you need “What type of soup is it,” I said admiring it. “It’s smells pretty good to.” Jake smiled and sat just a tab more evidence next to me before turning on the tv. before you decide on who “It’s a secret recipe that my family used,” he said trying to find a movie. The soup is supposed you going to trust. make a person feel better when they’re sick. It’s hot, so let it cool down a bit.” I looked at the soup once more before looking at the movie Jake was choosing. From, “Him and me?” I asked looking at the title. “I’ve never heard of that” Crystal Ball “Most people haven’t. It’s a love story between two people, and the boyfriend of them is hid- ing a huge secret. But the girlfriend loves the him for who is he. It’s one of my favorites because it’s about undying love,” he said playing the movie. “You want the lights on or off?” “Oh, well I would like them off. I have a feeling the tv is pretty bright,” I said smiling. “Ok. I’ve seen this movie about 20 times. I’ll be back,” he said getting up. When the movie started it was like I was in a theater. The lights went off one by one, and when the movie was starting it was so bright. Jake came back and sat down next to me eating his soup slowly. I was looked around the bowl searching for the best way to eat. It almost looked so tempting I couldn’t eat it. I took a small scoop before tasting. Even though I never tasted it before It was now my new favorite food. I started eating more and more before realizing Jake was staring at me. MARCH 16th “Wow you sure eat a lot,” he said smiling. “I’m sorry. Maybe I should stop,” I said putting the bowl down. “No, I dig a girl who can eat.” Jake started blushing bright red, which made me feel embar- WEAR GREEN rassed. While watching the movie I couldn’t help but fall in love with one scene. The main character Starla was saying how even though her boyfriend was actually a girl, she still loved them. That made OR ORANGE The Liberty Ledger

SHORT STORY Him & Me By: Breyani Grant ...Continued my heart feel something that I never felt before. I started to cry a bit. “Is the movie that sad. I can turn it off,” Jake said reaching for the remote. “No,” I said grabbing his arm. “It’s ok really, I’m just sensitive.” He nodded at me before watching the movie. We both finished the soup before the movie ended. I got super sleepy and started falling asleep near Jake. The next thing I knew I was leaning on his shoulder. I woke up feeling super warm under the blankets. I thought about what had happened last night and how I’m spending the night at a stranger’s house. I looked around the bed to see Jake not there. Everything happened so fast I was sure it was just a silly dream. I noticed a blue heavy blanket on the floor, and decided to go check it out. I saw Jake under the blanket cuddling with a bright purple pillow. I smiled and blushed. “He looks so cute when sleeping. Everything is so strange too. Me, someone who’s the perfect child who obeys everything. Is at my so called friend’s house. Honestly he’s just a stranger who I ended up spending some time with. Still, who would think I would ever turn into someone who’s so easily distracted,” I thought while looking at him. I looked around to see if there was a clock, but I found nothing in the end. The window was painted in white flakes as they came down slowing. Instead of opening the window I just stared at it thinking how beautiful they look. “The view is amazing isn’t it. I like this room the best since the window is huge and the view takes my breath away,” Jake said sitting up. “Good morning. I like to stare out of a window in my freetime,” I said looking at him. I got up and laid back down on the bed. “I know this is weird but. I noticed your bedroom is huge, your living room is huge, and your house is huge. But there weren’t any pictures. Like I’m not trying to be weird or creepy but I thought the house would at least have some pictures of your family.” Jake smile sadly before laying down next to me. The room was in total silence before he can speak. “You see, this house belongs to my brother. And he’s never really had pictures to take because,” he paused for a second. “Because he doesn’t like our family. I got kicked out of my parents house for deciding on something, and then I was sent to live here. After I moved in, we just decided it would be for the best if we didn’t have photos of our ‘pretend to be happy’ family. But don’t worry I have some pictures of me and my brother on my phone.” I was at a loss for words. I wanted to say more but decided to keep quiet. When we reached 20 minutes of silence I fell asleep. I woke up, and noticed Jake was gone. I got out of bed fighting the pain, before walking out of the bedroom. I saw Jake making something on the stove. He was wearing a black and blue apron with a beanie. He was so into cooking that when I called his name, he didn’t say a word. “Jake?” I said once more. He quickly looked up and me and smiled. “Hey,” he said smiling while cooking. “I decided to make us breakfast/lunch. It’s already noon.” I was shocked since the latest I have ever woken up was around eleven. I looking over to see what exactly he was cooking. It looked like rice brown rice with some sort of black sauce in it. “What’s that?” I asked. Jake finished cooking before answering. “It’s just a simple dish my family used to make to be easy to digest when someone is sick,” he said while getting some plates. “0 No one ever really told me the name of it, just how to cook it. You can go sit down I’ll be done soon.” I laid down on the couch like I lived here. “Jake,” I began. “If you ever wanted to kick me out of the house I’ll leave. I haven’t even told my closet friends this yet but . . . I got kicked out of my house too.” A river of tears left my eyes. I tried not to make noise but the tears kept coming. “I got kicked out for not being straight. I’m bisexual, and when I told dear old mom she just . . . threw me out.” He brought me the food before looking down. “I didn’t know,” he said slowly. “I’m so sorry.” I wiped my tears and looked at him. “No. Don’t worry about it,” he said gently. He walked over to me sitting the bowl on table in front of me. “We should eat before it gets cold” I sat up and looked down at the food. “If you feel better I can probably get my brother to take us to an arcade. You see my brother is pretty hard working in the day, but during the night he’s sometimes free.” “Oh cool,” I said with a mouthful of rice. I swallowed before speaking again. “I used to love going to the arcade when I was younger. But when I was always forced to go, I ended up losing interest. So this will be fun I’m glad.” I ate more rice while Jake turned on the tv again. He was changing the channels while I just ate the food. “I was wondering,” he bagan. “What do you think of people who get bullied for liking certain things. Like if a boy likes dolls and if a girl likes toy trucks.” I looked at him thinking about it. He had an expression on that I knew too well. The face of someone who lost something. “Honestly I think it’s ok. It shouldn’t bother people just because they like different things. It’s like bullying a boy for liking toy trucks. It shouldn’t matter because after all they are just people like you and me,” I said still eating. I looked at Jake and noticed he started crying. “Oh I’m sorry. D-Did you want like a different answer. Seriously don’t cry.” “I’m sorry,” he said laughing. “I’m going to be back.” He got up and went to his room. I sighed in relief. By the time I finished my room, Jake came out the room with his face all red. His eyes were puffy, and his hair was a hot mess. I laughed to myself thinking of how he looked like a child. “Don’t laugh. I fell asleep by accident,” he said yawning. He laid down on the couch behind me closing his eyes. “Jake what time is it,” I asked softly. “I don’t know. Around 2:00,” he said mumbling. I caressed his hair before kissing his forehead. “Jakie,” I said softly. “Make sure you get a good rest. I hope you don’t mind me cuddling next to you.” I laid down next to him. His body heat was extremely warm I didn’t even need a blanket. I started thinking about if this was ok, but then realized it was. Because he cared for me, and that was the only thing that mattered. But I started to feel something in my chest that was never there before. Even though it was strange, I loved it. I looked at him one more time before getting up. I looked out the window seeing the beautiful snow slowly falling. Even though it wasn’t even late it looked a bit dark. “Bre,” Jake said sitting up. “I was thinking of telling you something important. Listen. We just met. And you don’t know me that well, and The Liberty Ledger

SHORT STORY Him & Me By: Breyani Grant ...Continued I don’t know you that well. So it’s understandable if this doesn’t make any sense. Sit down next to me.” I gave him a concerned look before sitting down besides him. He looked at his hands instead of me, which got me a little more concerned. “Wait. Let me grab a few things ok.” I nodded and he got up. About 5 minutes later he came out with a big cardboard box. “What’s all this?” I asked concerned. He smiled lightly. “My life,” he said softly. Even though he was speaking softly I forced myself to hear every word. “ I’m just gonna share a little story. I’m not thirteen or fourteen. I’m actually sixteen and Jake isn’t my birth name. My birth name is . . . June. You may be thinking that name is a bit girly. Well because I was born a girl. Let’s start from the beginning. I guess my life was fine. I have a brother, but not the one who’s at work. He’s actually my dad, but because of his age I call him my older brother.” He handed me some pictures of him when he was younger. He had long red hair and was beautiful. “Is the picture weird?” I looked up at him seeing how scared he was. “Don’t worry,” I said putting down the picture. “I’m not a judgy person. Seriously I’m not going to force you to talk about it if you don’t want to.” “No,” he said sounding more confident. “I think it’s about time I tell someone the truth about me. Well growing up was pretty rough. I hated my long hair, and the color of it. But my dad never wanted me to do anything with it. And as the years grew on the more I knew something was wrong with me. I just really hated the fact that I was a girl. When I turned 14 I told my dad I was lesbian, and to my surprise he was fine with it. About a month after I told him, I announced that I wanted to be trans. I didn’t get any surgery but was able to get my hair dyed and cut. Who would’ve thought a new hairstyle and clothing would make my dream come true. So that’s my story.” I was at a loss for words. I didn’t know weather to cry or smile. But I just got close to him “How sweet,” I said my face a few inches from his. “I uh,” he said his face bright red. I gently kissed his cheek before standing. “Since it’s the afternoon your real brother should be home soon if he’s in school. I also think we should get dressed. And maybe we can go to that arcade.” I smiled at him gently as he looked down. “Oh, that reminds me. I’m sure you had your reasons for lying to me about your life. But glad you managed to share some things. Do you have any clothes for me?” “Oh, yes. My dad got them from your house. Please don’t ask how.”

COMIC By: Alexis Dolegowski

By: Trinity MCarthy TRENDS OF 2017

Goodbye 2017, you will be dearly missed. It  Iphone X was the year of fidget spinners, unicorns , and  The more! Here are trends of 2017: Eclipse  Fidget Spinners  “Despacito”- Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, Jus- tin Bieber  Ombre  Marble nails  Rose gold  Unicorns  Virtual Reality  Stranger Things  Slime  13 Reasons Why The Liberty Ledger

By: Nia Ceasar, Camille Bugayong, Trinity MCarthy, Maya Robinson & Zoe Azille Valentine's Day Messages

Emily Morales Medina, Emma Grasso and Hey Delsa! Thank you for Dear Janette, Dear Jackson B, Brianna Dannemiller, you all drive me nuts! being my best friend and I love you my best friend. XOXO Love, Natalie Menor. always supporting me. I like you. - Tayla Juan, Dear Emma, My milk has a Valentine’s Just be happy like me! You are the best. You are spe- Happy Valentine’s Day! You are such date but I don’t. - Essence - Daniela Torres cial and unique. Love you. a great friend! Love you forever! Love, Milos (Peri) Dear Zoe Dear Novella, Dear Asada, To Lucy, Dear Alexa Love you! Destiny, You’re amazing. Happy Valentine’s Day!! Hope Love you girl! I think you’re you’re enjoying your day. Thank you for Love, your friend Hey Emily! pretty. Love, Leslie From, Isyss helping me find myself! GL Dear Tracey, Dear Lowence, Dear Stephen Trinity, You’re an From, PS Alyson, You are my I secretly love you. It has been a amazing person that Love you. best friend ever! great school has the best person- - Hope Dear Peri, Andrea, year with ality. I love you. Kia, I like you Dear Donna, you. I hope it -Your Table Buddies I love you. You’re I like you! continues. Assad! Love you! I really love you. funny and nice. Thanks for being #wife Love, Janette Dear Emily, I love you Dear Kelis, Marie, there for me. I think you are awesome. Christina. You cute! Happy Valentine’s Day! I love Love, Justyn Love you Christina From :Christina you cuz! I can’t survive this I love you Abner. George, Have Fun! Enjoy school without you. Love, B yourself . I like you. –Denia Amie, I see Dear Emma, Dear Kianna, you. Taylor, Love ya. I love you. Hey! Dear Tay Tay, Love, Hope Francisco, Happy Valentine’s Dylan, You’re the best Day! I love you so much. I love You’re awe- wifey and I Kennedy, (AKA) the way you treat and respect some! love you. Best Friend. Hap- me. You’re the one. –Del Del py Valentine’s Day.—Omayah B. Love you I love you Mrs. Mar- Para Estefany, Te quiero BooBoo tino. You are the como amiga. Hey Bestie best V.P. ever!!! Xiantelle! You’re great Joshua, I think you’re nice. Nia. You’re a great Happy Valentine’s Day Justin! friend Rhoda! You’re a great I like you Jonathan. friend Tayla.

Drawing By: Ezra Simon The Liberty Ledger

By: Alexis Dolegowski and Maura Baker Climate Change Negotiations Quote of the Month In 2015, many delegates from lots countries got together in Paris to discuss the issue of climate change. On December 15th, the honor science students pretended to be delegates from other countries to do the same thing (but in a classroom).

Ms. Zacarro was the Secretary of State and Mr. DeJesus was the Lead Scientist. They introduced MARCH 20th the climate problem that the world is facing. Par- Wear something bright & colorful. ents were invited to attend and be part of the committee. Some were fossil fuel business and others were climate activist. Students act- ed as delegates from different countries such APRIL as: India, China and the United States, Other 2, 2018 Developed Nations, the European Union, and Underdeveloped Countries. The delegates had Fierce debates, each one trying to get another country to pledge a certain amount of money to helping climate change. Former President Obama signed the Paris agreement. However, President Trump backed out from the Paris Agreement. Neverthe- less, the contract the US signed Performances for Alice in had a clause that states that the US cannot back Wonderland Jr will take out for 4-5 years. Even though the US is still tech- place on May 3rd & 4th. nically part of the Paris agreement, the US is not upholding the money that they promised to con- Tickets and t-shirts will be tribute to the climate change agreement. What on sale soon in the cafete- does this mean for us? In reality, by 2100 the ria during lunch. world’s temperature will increase by 2 degree Celsius. The US will be the problem not the so- lution to climate change. Want to see the school newspaper in color? Go

Their goal was to make sure the tempera- to the school website. ture in the climate went up by only 1.5 de- Click on For Students, grees Fahrenheit by year 2100. They dis- School Newspaper and cussed their ideas for the future of their click on the countries. But it wasn’t easy. newspaper that you want to see. Many countries felt that other countries had The Liberty Ledger

Climate Change Negotiations By: Alexis Dolegowski and Maura Baker Continued… very strong demands and not a lot of people seemed to get a long. Not to men- tion that there were Climate Change Activists (just parents visiting the school) and Fossil Fuel Lobbyists (also parents) who bribed countries and the press corp with 100 Grand candy bars. They were arguing about the effects of the U.S. pulling out of the Paris Agreement, even when the students left. The effects were not good.

There were two rounds of negotiations. After the first round, everyone there found out that the delegates got 0.2 degrees out of their goal. After the second round, they were 0.3 degrees from their goal.

We need to do all we can to recognize and help correct climate change. Remember, you’re only one person, but you’re not alone!

POEM By: Stephanie Andrade

GONE

It’s gone… The sounds that flee between us Gone… Silent The words you said to me were just a dream… Transferred to another The sound of joy, the sound of laughter… Gone. The fights I picked for you The pain I went through… It was for nothing. All I am left with is the sound of silence The words you never said… You were once strong as brick wall, Now your are like dust, blowing away in the wind Gone. The Liberty Ledger

ARTWORK By: Novella York-Boyer & Priscilla Perez

MARCH 14th Wear a math shirt (numbers) or a pie shirt.

PI Day Challenge Are you up for a challenge? Participate in one of the PI challenges and receive pride points. Ask your advisory teacher for more information.