ISLAND TREES MEMORIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL
THE WRITE STUFF
2019-2020 “Lemons” by, Bella Lin pg. 3 “Christmas Pantoum” by Ava Incendio pg. 34 “Summer Sun” by, Miles Santivasci pg. 4 “Christmas” by Hooria Abid pg. 35 “Sunflower” by, Olivia Cutrone pg. 5 “Christmas” by Violet Chichotky pg. 36 “Summer” by, Isabella Digena pg. 6 “Christmas Poem” by Allie Sackman pg. 37 “Under the Sea” by Sophia Cutrone pg. 7 “Snow Day Pantoum” by Abigail Bassmir pg. 38 “Raindrops” by Sarah Sevo pg. 8 “Peppa Pig” by Jillian Sandez pg. 39 “Flowers” by Hannah Hernandez pg. 9 “Powerpuff Girls” by Kylie Kagen pg. 40 “Ladybug” By Christopher McCoil pg. 10 “Interview of Justin Clark” by Evangeline Caridade pg. 41 “Fifth Grade” by Nayeli Garcia pg. 11 “Life is a Challenge” by Andrew Baker pg. 12 *Cover art by Ava Pinto* “Hope!” by Justine Bunkley pg. 13 “Online Learning” by Trinity Fitzpatrick pg. 14 “The Ball” by Ryan Rieger pg. 15 “My Hero” by Amulya Bhandare pg. 16 “The Final Lap” by Alexander Gelvez pg. 17 “A New Beginning” by Camryn Chase pg. 18 “The Yankees Game” by Matthew Morandi pg. 19 “The Story of Manhattan” by Antonio Negron pg. 20 “Pocono Fears” by Eva Guo pg. 21 “Mess Up” by Jasvindre Bajwa pg. 22 “The Birthday Girl” by Alejandra Reyes pg. 23 “Creature Breach” by Hunter Durham pg. 24-25 “The Forbidden Tunnel of Doom” by Juliana Koo pg. 26-27 “Untitled” by Bailey Keesee pg. 28 “The True Beginning” by Jillian Sandez pg. 29-30 “Thanksgiving” by Luis Mendoza pg. 31 “Thanksgiving” by Michelle Digiacomo pg. 32 “Thanksgiving Poem” by Meghan Fielding pg. 33
Lemons
Bittersweet, juicy, fresh, sour Plump, golden, yellow, ripe, strong Rough, bumpy, damp, moist Zest, tart, tangy, acidic, sharp Fragrant, piquant, fuzzy, harsh Sharp-tongued
By, Bella Lin Summer Sun
Shining in the sky So hot and mighty As the warmth hits my head, I smile in delight I look up to the sky The bright light blinds me So beautiful and great I play in the sunny rays Hours upon hours of fun Nothing beats summer in the sun
By Miles Santivasci
SUNFLOWER
In the hot sun all day, BUZZ! Is all I hear, from busy bees in the hot sun Yellow, tall, and a bee’s best friend In summer they come, and in winter they end Always in the sun the sunflower shines The floral scent of the golden sunflower reminds me of a warm summer day at the lake I can taste the sweet flavor of the sunflowers; dancing through the air Sunflower seeds have a crisp and a crunch, Some people even eat them with lunch
By Olivia Cutrone Summer
Children playing in the sprinklers “It’s so hot” Ice Cream truck coming down the block “Turn the air conditioner on”
Sun, pool, bathing suits, ice cream, beach “Ice cream truck coming down the block” Lifeguards, counselor, ice cream man, bikers swimmers “Turn the air conditioner on”
Big, bright, beautiful sun Sun, pool, bathing suits, ice cream, beach “Splash” Lifeguards, counselor, ice cream man, bikers swimmers
“Splash” Big, bright, beautiful sun “It’s so hot” Children playing in the sprinklers
By Isabella Digena Under the Sea
Tropical fish swimming happily “Splash” Big grey shark prowling through the waters “ blub blub”
Starfish, scuba divers, coral, seaweed, sand Big grey shark prowling the waters Whales, dolphins, clams, sea shells, turtles “ blub blub”
Diving deeper into the deep dark sea Starfish, scuba divers, coral, seaweed, sand “Swish swish” Whales, dolphins, clams, sea shells, turtles
“Swish Swish” Diving deeper into the deep dark sea “Splash” Tropical fish swimming happily
By Sophia Cutrone
Raindrops
I Hear the Raindrops thumping On the roof-side The sound is rhythmic, so I Get a peek through my window I see raindrops falling down like the Music notes on a staff. I open my window to Smell the fresh as a cucumber air. I stick my hand outside To feel nature’s creation. I touch some droplets That feel the opposite of what they sound like They sound, they’re cold, I get a taste of fall
By Sarah Sevo FLOWERS I hear the wind gust through the I see rows and rows of flowers the most incredible making the petals blossoms you will ever see fly away I taste the sweet bouquet of flowers just by walking across the field I touch the soft and I smell the wonderful gentle petals on all fragrance the the flowers in the flowers spread field across the field
By Hannah Hernandez Ladybug
The ladybug flies through the air Under sunny skies of blue The soft grass is green and smells sweet I hear the birds tweet in the tall trees with rough bark, And smell flowers The ladybug tickles my hand when I pick it up Spotted and red, tiny and crawling I count the tiny black spots and hear the buzzing of bees It is time to eat ice cream So sweet “Ladybug, want some too?” My baby brother runs to see and screams in delight We watch the fluttering wings as the ladybug flies away. We hope it will come back and visit some day.
By Christopher McCoil Forever believe in yourself Inspire others Friends will fight for you Thank your teachers for everything they do Help others when they need you
Gain confidence in yourself Respect others Anyday people need you Do good things Every accomplishment is a road to new beginnings
By, Nayeli Garcia Life is a challenge
Life is a challenge- meet it Life is a gift- accept it Life is a sorrow- overcome it Life is a tragedy- face it Life is a mystery- unfold it Life is an opportunity- take it Life is a promise- complete it Life is a struggle- fight it
Life is a goal- achieve it Life is love- love it Life is adventurous- have fun Life is a duty- perform it Life is a game- outsmart it Life is a beauty- praise it Life is great- make something good of it So life is a celebration- eat, laugh, and do meditation
By Andrew Baker HOPE!
“Hope!” You may think I’m stealing that from Barack Obama, but it makes me feel positive. Positivity is really important, and not everybody is very good at it, but I try to be. Right now I’m in quarantine because there is a disease called Coronavirus, and my family is trying to stay as safe as possible. There is no school, and I miss my friends, playing basketball at recess, and even waiting for the lunch bell to ring. Sitting at home is really boring. I hope that this ends soon. Staying hopeful isn’t always easy, but always try.
By Justine Bunkley Online Learning
Online learning is not much fun Regular school is number one School is hard on the computer Thankfully my friends and teachers act like a tutor Can’t wait to go back to school The Coronavirus is not cool Schoolwork on paper is the best Now we have to use our Chromebooks to take a test Although we get to sleep in Seeing my friends at school takes the win by Trinity Fitzpatrick The Ball
On the ride home, I thought, “I will never forget today.”
It was September 4th, 2019 and I was going to a Yankees game. I was going to get out of school early because the game was at 4:00 and there would be traffic. The ride was about 2 hours. When we got there a worker asked, “Where are you sitting?” My dad told him our seats. Turns out he had Judge’s chambers tickets. We traded tickets. “Allright!” My dad exclaimed.
When we got to Judge’s chambers we got a Yankee robe and a foam gavel. When I got the robe I thought, “Now I have a new way to torture my brother.” A couple of innings went by, and I was shown on TV! We didn’t see it live until one of my dad’s friends took a picture of us on his TV. “I can’t believe it! I really can’t believe it!” I exclaimed.
When the 9th inning was about to start , I was at the right field wall anxiously waiting with some other kids. It is common that before every inning Aaron Judge would give a fan a ball . Every game I went to I hoped that that fan was me. Aaron Judge was just about to give a fan a ball. My dad lifted me up and I luckily got the ball. “I couldn’t believe it,” I thought.
The Yankees won that game. When I got home, I put the ball on my bookshelf. After I put it on my bookshelf, I went to bed because we got home very late When I was in bed, I wondered, “Was this all a big dream because I have never had a day like this?” I was so eager to tell all my friends.
The next morning I got dressed and went off to school. When I saw my friends, I told them what happened on the best day of my young life.
From here on out, I will keep and cherish valuable things.
By Ryan Rieger My Hero
A lot of people love superheroes like SpiderMan, Batman, Captain America etc. Sometimes we even wish that they were real. But we actually have lots of superheroes in real life who are normal people like us who deserve a lot. They are doctors. A doctor’s job is to restore and cure people´s health. Not only that, they also make a lot of contributions to the community. One of them is staying up late and saving people. Spending more time at a hospital also means not having much time for their family too. I am just amazed by how much doctors do for other people. They are very brave, determined, generous, kind, hardworking, and so much more! Also, because of what is happening in the world right now, they have to work even harder. In addition to that, they have to wear masks everyday which leads to irritating rashes and rough skin. So now do you think that doctors are way better than SpiderMan, Batman, Captain America and the others? Well I do! Plus, they are real and don't need shields and webs to save people. Anyone can be one. They are absolute superheroes!
By: Amulya Bhandare The Final Lap I finally touched the wall and I realized that me and my team won the race. The man with the mic told everyone to clap for I could feel my bones getting so tired of swimming in the my team. My parents even gave me vanilla cake to celebrate my water and I was really nervous that I thought that the other teams victory. The news spread all over to my family that I have in would catch up to me so I went as fast as I could. Also, as I kept America and South America. getting tired of swimming the harder it was to pull the water and I didn't want to let my team down. I was in first place and I worked The next day I went to swimming practice. Everyone was even harder to stay there. talking about the victory and I didn’t realize that we won a big trophy. I had butterflies in my stomach. At the end of practice my 3 hours ago… coaches came up to me and gave me a gold medal. I was so happy and also my parents were proud. I learned that if you work hard When I went to the place for the competition it was huge, on something then you will get good prizes in life. and I was excited and nervous at the same time. I was waiting for I will never forget the day where I was swimming and going my turn to swim and when it was time ,me and my teammates were as fast as I could to win a gold medal. Also I hope we will be just as nervous. The team was cheering for us, and we couldn’t stop lucky and fast to win another race and have the best time to get shaking because there were so many people watching us. more medals in the future. If I let my team down then when I went back to them they would be mad and my parents would be disappointed. Also, I would By, Alexander Gelvez be disappointed in myself that I didn’t go with all my energy in the race. I was still in the water going as fast as I could. I saw a boy catching up to me. I ignored him and I pretended that there was a shark behind me just like my dad told me to make go faster. A New Beginning
“ Don’t worry, everything will be okay, You are strong. You got this,” my mom said. Those words kept repeating over and over in my head the morning of October 2, 2019. Although I am in 6th grade, this was truly like the first day of school for me. Why, you may ask? Since I started school in Kindergarten, I have had an aide to help me manage my T1D ( Type one Diabetes). However, October 2nd was a “New Beginning.” I would no longer have someone by my side, and I was scared to death. Even though this day was scary, and it took some time to develop a routine, this “New Beginning” taught me a lot. I learned my friends are a really good support system. They always look out for me, ask how I’m feeling, and even wait until I have checked my sugar to eat their own lunch. Another lesson I learned, although it was tough, is that I am different! I can’t always do what others are doing. An example of this is the biggest 6th grade event, Greenkill. Unfortunately, due to my T1D I was unable to attend. This taught me to accept things that I cannot change and to make the best of every situation. Lastly, I have learned so much about myself since October. I am so much stronger than I may have given myself credit for. My smile never disappeared and my attitude never changed. I continued to participate in school activities such as the school play and cheer/kickline. “Don’t worry”, everything will be okay,” I got this!! Those are the words I now say to my mom.
By: Camryn Chase The Yankees Game
A dream of mine is to go to a New York Yankees game. It was about to happen. I was shopping with my mom at Target. It was a sunny June day. We left the store and my mom, with a HUGE smile on her face, looked back at me. She said we were going to a Yankees game. I was screaming and I was about to jump up, but my seat belt stopped me. I could not control my excitement. I had to wait a whole two days. When we went to the car and we were on the way, I got excited and I wanted to jump, but the seat belt stopped me again. We finally got there! I walked in and all I hear is LETS GO YANKEES! My excitement was crazy and I could not wait to watch. We went to our seats and looked around and there were thousands of people. “I am here at the New York Yankees game”, I was so excited. The game started and it was crazy and the Yankees were losing. I was so sad, but next thing I know I look at the plate and BOOM! Home run to tie the game! The crowd went wild! I was screaming and the best part of all I saw was in slow motion. Next there was a ball straight to left field the runner on second went home. The Yankees won! I was so happy and I could not believe it. I will never forget the game and how my heart was pounding when I saw it went over the wall. I wish I could see another game like this.
By, Matthew Morandi The Story of Manhattan
I had to travel into Manhattan with my mom, my Aunt Kimmie, my grandma, and my cousin Aiden. We went in 2017 to take my mom to Memorial Sloan Kettering. My aunt was driving us. When we got off the parkway, I saw all these tall buildings. I got excited to be in Manhattan. I couldn't believe how big and awesome all the buildings were. We had to take my mom to Memorial Sloan Kettering because she had cancer and was not feeling good. My mom had to be checked out by the doctors to make sure she was ok. There were a lot of sick people. It made me very sad. When the doctors came out to call my mom, I got nervous. I was nervous because I wanted her to be ok. I felt so scared. I knew the doctors would help my mom. When they said that my mom had to stay in the hospital, it made me very sad. I didn’t want to leave my mom. I wanted to stay with her. My Aunt Kimmie said she would take me back to go visit my mom the next day. When we went back the next day, I got to see my mom. We hung out and talked. I felt happy because I got to see my mom, and I got to tell her everything that happened when she wasn't there. It was that day I will never forget because I got to see my mom again.
By: Antonio Negron Pocono Fears We were almost at the top, I could hear the loud speaker warning us the slope was up ahead, my fears rushed out. I felt confident, for once. The cold metal Slish-Slosh Slish-Slosh , I was on line for the greatest thing, skiing. bar started to rise up, I didn't look down, I just looked up and got ready to ski. I Skiing is my favorite sport. It doesn't require you to be short or tall, and the skied off the lift and skied down the snow. I fell on the ice cold snow, but it was sports that require you to be short or tall, like Basketball or Volleyball. Right a cool sloshy fall. My mom and dad helped me up. I saw four different ways now all I could think about was me, in the air, on a ski-lift, ready to go on the down, the green way ( the easiest way ), the blue way ( the hardest way), the biggest ski mountain I’ve ever been on. Me, my mom, my dad, and brother red way, and another green way. I asked my dad which way we were going. He were all going on the Pocono Mountain at Camelback. It was three-hundred said that we were going on the green way because we are beginners. I quickly feet tall, and we were going on it for the first time! I knew we were all nervous. skied over to the green route and took a deep breath and quickly slid down the “What if we fell off the mountain?” All my fears washed away because I wanted slope and skied down the hill. The snow went everywhere and hit my helmet to ski down the mountain confidently. I patiently waited and we were next! The and goggles. sloshing of the snow filled my mind as I slid to the bright neon yellow caution line. I thought I would never be here, but I was, standing straight but still When I was nearly two fifths down the mountain, I could see adults small. The cold Pennsylvania breeze quickly brushed my face and gave me falling down all over the place! I tried to dodge a fellow person on the ground goosebumps. The goosebumps were both me being scared and that it was cold. taking a break. I tripped, the snow was everywhere, in my hair, face and my ski I tried to brush it off, but I had to go on the ski lift. I skied to the lift and sat on gear all over. My boot even fell off! the lift. Immediately we were lifted in the air, the bar went down, and I got bigger goosebumps. I have never been this high, not even when I had ridden a When I got up, I went back to skiing. My mom fell too, she didn't want roller coaster. And this time there were no loops, just up! us to wait for her so I skied down the hill. I was near the bottom! I saw my dad taking a video and my brother was right behind me. When I reached the bottom We were about one-hundred feet in the air when the lift suddenly my dad asked if I was up for hot cocoa, I said after another round! stopped moving. The lift swung back and forth. I was scared that I would fall off the lift. I wanted to look up, but what if I fell? So I looked down ( bad idea)and I By, saw the yellowish-green grass. I even saw some dirty clothes and shoes Eva Guo scattered on the cold winter ground. BEEP BEEP! The lift suddenly stopped moving, then we started to rise one hundred fifty feet in the air. Mess Up My dad was too busy taking pictures of my mom on a rocky part that looked like a rock beach to notice. My mom was too busy posing for
It was a beautiful sunny day during summer vacation. I could smell the pictures to notice either, so I just got back up without anyone the salty air, I could see the fast boats soaring over the water, the noticing that I fell . fish swimming like their fling underwater, waiting for me to catch I was devastated. Then my mom noticed. She came over to me and them. You guessed it! I was at the docks to fish! I was with my mom shared a great idea. What if we attached a new hook and cut the line and dad. I was very excited since it was my first time. Ever since after the first knot so we can let the line slide into the water and summer vacation started, I would beg my mom to get me fishing when it does hit my fingers it will get caught and stop sliding down the supplies and take me fishing. Finally, I won the war when my mom and water?Then we could pull the line back up when we felt a tug. I thought dad agreed to take me fishing. that was an awesome idea! There wasn't any more weight left, so the I put some dough on the small copper colored hook, summoned all hook only went down a little bit. But a little was enough for me, as long my strength, and threw the line into the water. That was a horrible as I was able to fish. The bee flew by stopping once on the bench move. At first I didn't realize anything was wrong but then it hit me. sitting down watching me fish like he was interested in my mom's Oh no. What am I going to do!?! solution! The weight wasn’t heavy enough to bring the line all the way down We all had so much fun! We almost caught a fish! It was a little and so in a result the line got tangled into a thousand knots! Also, a fish dark green fish with some silver bits on it. Also it had the body must have been gnawing on the hook and eventually bit it off because structure of a big mouth bass. Unfortunately, as soon as it came out when I reeled the line back in the hook disappeared. The fish must of the water, the hook detached from its mouth, and it went back into have been off the weight because it was gone too! I tried to untie all the water. I wasn't that disappointed. After all, I would come back of the knots, but they were just too many and too hard to untie. After either way. I was going to let go of that fish anyway. All in all, it was a a while, I gave up and sat on the nearest Oak bench. I was furious at very exciting trip/day. Next time though the fish won't be so lucky! myself and at the same time disappointed. A bee flew by 3 seconds later. I got scared and jumped back off the bench and almost hit my By Jasvindre Bajwa head. Luckily, I caught myself just in time. My legs were still partially on the bench. The Birthday Girl
I was all right. Nothing was wrong, I didn't even have to use a It was the month of September, when we all went back to wheelchair or crutches, NOTHING. No cast either. Then we played school. That month, on a Saturday, I went to a friend's house for a some more games. Soon, it was time to cut the cake and sing happy birthday party. It was cool, although it took at least an hour or two to get birthday to Mia. We did. We cut the cake and everything. The last cake there. My friends were there. Their names are Toby, Abigail, Mia, and was lying around. Then Elsa said that she will get the last slice. But Elsa. It was Mia's birthday that day and she was turning 3. We went to then Mia said that she is the birthday girl, so she should get the last the basement and saw all the party decorations. There were even cake. "Listen Mia, I'm older than you so I should get the last slice. I musical instruments. Elsa thought it was a great idea to make a song know it's your birthday today and not mine but I'm older than you so for Mia. It was about how she's turning 3 and that next year she will be give me the last slice!" Elsa yelled. "That's the point. Today is MY turning 4. Then, we were playing games, we were playing this game (I BIRTHDAY and not yours. In fact, your birthday has already passed don't know what it's called but what you need in order to play the game cuz, it's in June, and because it's my birthday, I'm getting the last slice!" is that you need a few chairs and then you play some music and the Mia exclaimed. "PERIOD!" "Now now Mia, just because it's your first few that sit on the chairs are the winners and the one who doesn't birthday doesn't mean you get the last slice, and because I am much sit on a chair because all of the chairs are taken, is the loser and so the older than you I'm getting the last slice." Elsa explained. "GUYS STOP loser has to be out. Meanwhile ... the last winner gets a prize) So we FIGHTING!" Abigail yelled. "Because it is Mia's birthday, she'll get the were playing the game and then something crazy happened. As I was last slice ok. End of Story." Abigail said. "This isn't a story Abigail this is going to sit in a chair, I tripped over a part of the chair and almost broke a situation." Elsa said. "Yeah but still, she's getting the last slice but I'm it. I was on the floor and somehow I fell asleep. Then an hour later I much older than her." Elsa explained. "Elsa let her get the last slice. woke up. I saw Elsa sitting next to me. "Huh, what happened?" I said. Even if you're older than her, it's Mia's birthday. If it was your birthday Elsa said that while I was playing that game of chairs and music, I then that would be different." Abigail said. "Okay okay, you win." Elsa accidently tripped over and somehow fell asleep. Then Abigail tried to said. wake me up with Mia but it didn't work. So they rushed me to the hospital and they said that I was fine, no broken bones or anything and so they decided to take me back because the doctors said that it was By Alejandra Reyes best for them to take me back. Creature Breach
By Hunter Durham
Crackle! Crackle! Someone was trying to speak on Hunter’s radio. When it cleared up, Hunter heard some sort of alarm. “H-hello?” asked Hunter nervously. “Hunter, a creature just breached the facility!” screamed Jake, “All the cameras are down!” Hunter tried to think of how something could possibly break out when all of a sudden, Mr J, the town’s technician, called him. “Help! Some big, red, hairy creature that’s ten feet tall, with sharp teeth on top of teeth is attacking me!” Hunter jumped up and ran down the hallway to the special weapons room. He took the hyper beam, plasma taser, treats (you never know), night vision goggles, and a particle accelerator. He decided to investigate. Hunter thought the woods would be a good place to start looking for clues. Out of nowhere, Hunter spotted a tree that was covered in a gooey, sticky substance that smelled like really old bacon. “What kind of creature or thing did this?” he thought. He continued into the woods. Hunter became aware that the forest, which was usually loud, was silent. Dead silent. Something was wrong. Sounds like birds chirping, crickets chirping, and the occasional roaring of bears occasionally was gone. “What the heck is going on here?” he muttered to himself. Hunter reached the perimeter of where the breach occurred. The building was huge, but had no lights on. In fact, the entire area was pitch black. Hunter didn’t hear the alarm. “There must be a power outage. It’s almost impossible to search this five story building in the dark. I’m going to need some backup,” he thought. “Jake? Come in Jake,” he whispered, “Come in. I need reinforcements!” (continue on next page) “Okay, we have nineteen helitroopers, four apaches, nine tanks, and the meanest, toughest, most ferocious platoon of marines,” Jake drawled. “Make it happen!” Hunter snapped. Hunter started to enter the grounds when he, unexpectedly, heard a menacing growl followed by a squeal. Like a shot, Mr J came sprinting around the corner. “Hunter, you got to help me! The creature is following me!” Mr J exclaimed. “Get behind me!” Hunter shouted. Almost instantly, floodlights poured on to the building. The power turned back on. “Where is this creature?” He asked. “J-just behind the corner.” Mr J stammered. Hunter started to move near the left corner where he heard a noise. He knew he was close when he saw the thing’s shadow on the wall. The creature’s shadow was huge, and Hunter could see its sharp teeth and massive amounts of drool hanging from its mouth. “Wow! This thing must be at least 20 feet tall!” Hunter noticed. The shadow moved and seemed to drop something. Whatever it dropped, it was getting closer to him. He remained hidden when a small yellow ball hit the tip of his shoe. “Ummm huh?” Hunter wondered. Bravely, he peeked around the corner to find a tiny, cute black lab with it’s tongue hanging out and wagging it’s tail. The dog growled playfully and jumped on Hunter, causing him to fall down. It then licked Hunter’s face. “Ahhhh! It’s eating his face!” squealed Mr J. “Dude, chill. It’s just a puppy,” Hunter chuckled. “But puppies are cute, not dangerous,” whimpered Mr J. “My point exactly,” hissed Hunter. ”Jake, we might need to cancel the reinforcements.” Hunter radioed as he gave the puppy the treats he had brought.
The Forbidden Tunnel of Doom
For the record, I voted against exploring the Forbidden Tunnel of Doom... The Forbidden Tunnel of Doom had been undiscovered for hundreds and thousands of years. Just recently, a reckless group of teenagers, who were exploring a forest, had come across a discrete rock door. The trees and nature around it had completely disguised it for all these years. The strange markings and symbols carved onto the door tempted the daring teens into wanting to uncover the mysteries of the other side. They filmed themselves attempting to open the door, but failed miserably. After multiple failed attempts of getting it open, they gave up and shared these videos onto their social media accounts. This quickly became viral, its views and likes increasing rapidly by the minute. Soon, it was the number one thing everyone was talking about. I walked down the busy streets of the city, making my way to my office. “What do you think is behind it?” I overheard people asking their friends. Everyone had their own theories about what could possibly be on the other side. Monsters? Demons? A lifetime supply of peanut butter? No one knew for sure. A few days had passed, but the topic of the strange door had only grown bigger. A person on the internet had started a petition to go explore the mysterious door. A large amount of curious people had already agreed to show up, in an attempt to see the mysteries that were far beyond the door. I personally was against it since whatever was behind that door was hidden away for a reason. Despite my opinion, my close friend had forced me to go with him. On the day of the exploration, a ton of people, including me and my friend, had created a crowd in front of the door. People waited in anticipation as more people had started to gather. After a couple of long minutes, we all started to think of ways to open the door. Some people suggested blowing it up, or hitting something into it. Others had suggested using everyone’s strength to push it open. Eventually, we came to an agreement to try the most logical solution, pushing it open. Everyone was basically on top of each other, using all their strength to contribute to opening the door. After about 10 minutes of everyone giving all their might, the door slowly creaked open... The Forbidden Tunnel of Doom Continued
...The inside was pitch black, the only light illuminating the area was the few flashlights that people had brought from their own homes. A few people fled from the area in fear of the complete darkness. The remaining people walked and walked for a few minutes. For the first time, we heard an alarming noise. The noise sent an eerie chill down my entire body. I heard a few gasps from the people around me. Some people hesitantly walked forward, continuing on the journey. That was, until something came into view. The dim lights from the flashlights somewhat lit up a hideous looking creature. Even through the darkness, I could sense the fear around me. Everyone immediately started sprinting the opposite way. The creature just watched us running away, almost as if it was giving us a head start. We were barely halfway to the exit when the creature came and took some of the explorers away. The shrieks of the remaining people spread a feeling of pure horror all throughout my body. I could see the light from the outside as we got closer and closer to the exit. A wave of relief hit me as I exited the terrifying tunnel. During the next few months after the incident, the tunnel had been in the headlines of all newspapers and articles on the web. For safety reasons, the government had decided to enclose the tunnel so no one else could get in. Many mourned the assumed deaths of the taken explorers. The tunnel even gained its own name. They decided to name it the Forbidden Tunnel of Doom. But sooner or later, the whole thing was barely talked about anymore. I tend to wonder from time to time, what else is in the brutal tunnel. We’ve only uncovered a small percentage of the mysteries of the Forbidden Tunnel of Doom, so what else could the tunnel consist of? I guess we’ll never know.
By Juliana Koo “Hello and welcome to our campsite! Over here you’ll find the…” I zoned out. There’s a chance that I’m not fully human. I look like an This was so boring. “....please let us know. Have fun!”Finally, she was done. average(ish?) girl with pale skin and jet black hair and pointy eye teeth. “Come on, let’s go pitch the tent!” Ann and I walked over to a flat area and I woke up and got dressed in all black, like I normally do. I went began to set up our tent. When I took out the plastic pegs, she looked downstairs and ate breakfast with plastic cutlery. Why we didn’t have silver puzzled. “I know, my mom’s being way overprotective. We don’t have to use cutlery, I’ll never know. I drank my tomato juice and headed to my room to get them if you don’t want to.” “No, it doesn’t make a difference to me.” Ann is so packed. My school was going on a camping trip overnight! I was so excited to understanding. After we pitched the tent, we walked over to the dining hall. hang out with all of my friends. I opened my backpack and started packing. I “Tonight for dinner, spaghetti and garlic bread!” Great. I’m allergic to garlic. was new to the school, so my friends and I had only just met. I packed my “I’ll be right back,” I told Ann. I walked over to the chef. “Hello, I’m allergic to things and noticed my mother staring at me through the doorway. She held garlic. Are there any leftovers you might have in the kitchen?” He looked up a bag filled with plastic tent stakes. “Mom, why can’t I use the wooden around and grabbed a raw steak. “I have this steak, but I don’t have any time ones?” “They’re not safe, dear,” my mom said, and handed me the bag. I to cook it right now. Do you want to cook it at the firepit?” “No, I like it very rolled my eyes and packed the plastic stakes, even though I was sure I would rare.” I walked over to Ann and started eating the steak. She looked very be just fine with the wooden ones. I gave my mom a kiss on the cheek and confused. “Did you cook it?” I looked down at my steak. “No, why would I?” walked outside, only to instantly regret it. My very skin was on fire, and I was She looked like she was going to be sick. “Because when it’s raw it tastes like in agonizing pain. I ran back inside and grabbed my umbrella. I always forgot blo….I just prefer it well done.” I shrugged and went back to eating. We were it, and without it I always get terrible sunburns. I took a deep breath,opened all supposed to sit around the campfire, but I hate fires. They just scare me. the umbrella, and waved to my friend Ann at the bus stop. We chatted and “Listen, Ann, I’m afraid of fire. I think I’m going to wait in the tent.” “Ok, I’ll see got on the bus. In the rearview mirror, I saw Ann. “Woah,” I said and tapped you later.” I walked back to the tent and got changed into my pajamas. I wish her shoulder. She turned around and looked at the mirror. “What?” “You’re in I could have been at the fire. I’m not ashamed of my fear or anything, the mirror.” She sighed. “Yeah, that’s a reflection. Everyone has one.” I because everyone is human. walked past the mirror, but sadly found no reflection. “Not me,” Ann looked At least I think so. puzzled. “That’s really weird. Anyway, let’s sit down.” We sat down and talked for the entire bus ride. She sipped on her water, and I sipped on my tomato By Bailey Keesee juice. When we got to the camp, I opened up my umbrella and stepped out of the bus. I was so excited. Our camp counselor came to meet us. The True Beginning Everybody loves him, but being the emo boy from across the street having Nash talk to you was a miracle. He talked to the kind people, not just the screaming fans in the stands at the football games. I wonder what Careless. One simple word. Two syllables. Nobody knew how much he saw in me. I still wonder what he saw. I know what I saw, and it was this one word can affect one person. Nobody...nobody what? Nobody Not, with a capital N, pretty. At. All. watches when I succeed, but everybody watches when I fail. Everybody, Since Nash lived across from me, I saw his house. We walked to school I thought, Will I ever be everybody? Being the careless, weird kid was and I would cross the street to pick him up, until one morning I heard a always fun for me. People feel bad for me. Not me, though. Why feel scream come from his house. I ran over and saw something I wish I bad for yourself when you’re capable of much more? Well, I think being hadn’t. Nash had killed his dad. No need for details but I saw it. The cops weird is cool, I guess. Some say I’m a weirdo, but maybe I’m normal and came after I called them and Nash saw, removing any evidence that it was everyone else is weird? Who knows, maybe I can’t be kept alone with his doing, and ran outside to where I was. Normally, someone would yell my thoughts for too long. Alone. A powerful word. Why are you always or ask their friend questions but not me. alone you freak? Stop being alone and go meet people. You’re always so Being the quiet boy with no personality led me to say nothing. When the alone. I’m sick of it. Just because someone hasn’t heard my story cops came Nash faked tears and the cops comforted him and asked him doesn’t mean it’s not important. I’m the new kid. New as of two years questions. Then, out of the blue, Nash told the cops it was me who killed ago but nobody seemed to notice. Whatever. I walk the halls with my his father, me who commited the crime and ruined his world. All I same black Vans every day, not daring to meet anyone’s eye unless it’s remember was sirens burning my eardrums and getting handcuffed and the one in my mirror. I can’t let it happen again. At least not here. Back pushed in the cop car. As I drove away I saw Nash’s smirk and I passed in my old school everyone was down looking at their phones. A classical out. After being in jail for three days I was bailed out by yours truly, Nash. school where the football players meet the cheerleaders and stay I don’t know why. The rest of the student body treated me like trash. I sat together blah blah blah. Here, it’s a different world. You’re one way or alone at lunch and Nash turned everyone against me. The sad thing is, I the other. That’s just the way it is. Everyone here is colorful, the same admitted that I did it. Even though I didn’t do it. I thought when I was jocks and cheerleaders, computer geniuses and crazy math kids, punks bailed out Nash would be my first real friend since I took the blame for and socialists. That’s where I fit in. You’re probably wondering, Where? him. My parents even thought it was me. They called me, and I quote, “a With the math kids? I don’t see a group for loners as you keep careless boy with no purpose who doesn’t belong in this family.” That saying...But that’s the thing. There’s no room for loners. Loners with night I left. I walked the street and starved and smelled of sewer. And colorless outfits and no personality. I think I have a personality more you know what’s down in those filthy things. Then, magically, I was taken than dark and sad, creative. Before I said, “I can’t let it happen again.” in as some “foster kid” as they called it. And that’s back to present time Oh, “it.” Such a great story, NOT. So back at my old, normalish school, I now. was best friends with him. Nash Hayman, jock, #23 quarterback, (continued on next page) already looked at by multiple colleges in Freshman year, ladies man, straight A+ student. The second day of school. I already don’t belong here. I’m currently sitting in Study Hall, my free period to write this. I’m going to look around the room, and that’s when I see this group of 4 people, 2 girls and 2 boys, one boy with blonde hair wearing a football jacket with his arm around a brunette girl in a cheerleading zip-up sweatshirt. Across from them is a boy with red, curly hair glasses showing a girl with super dark brown hair a math equation, while she is wearing a black leather jacket and a chain. What a great group of friends. The cheerleader noticed me staring and now they’re all trying to look at me casually. Being a “careless” 15 year old I’m not supposed to be insecure. But, I do. I feel my cheeks start to pink on my somewhat pale face as I look down to see my black Vans, black jeans with a hole on my right knee, a black t-shirt, and a black, plastic bracelet that has “Believe, Life, Goodbye” in bold, white letters. I always wear this bracelet because there is something negative in something that’s supposed to be positive. For instance, there is “Lie” in the word “Believe,” “If” in the word “Life,” and “Good” in “Goodbye.” These are kind of positive, showing my little hope that my life will work out...not negatively. Then, out of the blue, the jock with blonde hair waves me over while flashing his perfect, white smile at me, and I hesitantly accept. I go over to find out that the jock’s name is Caleb, the math genius’ name is Liam, the cheerleader’s name is Lizzy, and the rocker girl’s name is Blair. I tell them that I am Hunter and I am 2 years new and they all let out a slight chuckle, saying that they knew. They knew. I am known. These kids know who I am and for the first time since ages ago I’ve never felt more relieved. I tell them my story, they tell me theirs’ and we laughed and we stayed silent so many times. The bell just had to cut us off, I was looking forward to talking to these kids again. We head off our separate ways to our lockers and I head to lunch. I miss them already. I walk in through one entrance as I see the other four doing the same at my entrance. They go around me and make me center, as if I’m a part of their group. I look around at them to see them all smiling at me, and for the first time in a very long time, I smile a genuine smile back. And I can tell, already, just by standing in a lunchroom, in the center of an already well formed friend group, that this, is only the beginning. by Jillian Sandez Thanksgiving
Tables filled with food “Look at that turkey!” White mashed potatoes “I’m stuffed!”
Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, ham White mashed potatoes Mom, dad, brother, sister, grandma, grandpa “I’m stuffed”
Family sitting at the table Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, ham “I’m thankful” Mom, dad, brother, sister, grandma, grandpa
“I’m thankful” Family sitting at the table “Look at that turkey!” Tables filled with food
By Luis Mendoza Thanksgiving
The smell of food lingering through the house ”Smells good” Families all together ”I'm so full”
Turkey, corn, mashed potatoes, cranberries, stuffing Families all together Cousins, aunts, uncles, mom, dad "I'm so full”
Turkey, corn, mashed potatoes, cranberries, stuffing “Let's Give Thanks” Cousins, aunts, uncles, mom, dad Football “Let's give thanks”
”Smells good” The smell of food lingering through the house
By Michelle Digiacomo Thanksgiving Poem
Food scattered around the table “Happy Thanksgiving” Playing with cousins “Gobble Gobble”
Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, pie Playing with cousins Cousins, aunts, uncles, parents, grandparents “Gobble Gobble”
Watching the parade on television Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes “Happy Thanksgiving” Cousins, aunts, uncles, parents, grandparents
“Happy Thanksgiving” Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, pie “Happy Thanksgiving” Food scattered around the table
By Meghan Fielding Christmas Pantoum
Presents under the Christmas tree “Merry Christmas” Matching Christmas pajamas for pictures “Ho ho ho”
Christmas trees, presents, candycanes, stockings, fireplace Matching Christmas pajamas for pictures Santa Claus, reindeers, Mrs.Claus, elves “Ho ho ho”
Waking up early to open up presents Christmas trees, presents, candycanes, stockings, fireplace “Happy holidays” Santa Claus, reindeers, Mrs.Claus, elves
“Happy holidays” Matching Christmas pajamas for pictures “Merry Christmas” Presents under the Christmas tree
By, Ava Incendio Christmas
Houses covered in different colored lights “Merry Christmas!” Elf on the Shelves in your home “Santa Clause!”
Christmas trees, snowmen, ornaments, reindeers, sleighs Elf on the Shelves in your home Stockings, presents, pinecones, candy canes, stars “Santa Clause!”
Red and white candy canes Lights, Hot chocolate, gingerbread houses, music, snowmen “Jingle bells, Jingle bells!” Stockings, presents, pinecones, candy canes, stars
“Jingle bells, Jingle bells!” Red and white candy canes “Merry Christmas!” Houses covered in different colored lights
By Hooria Abid Christmas
Many wrapped presents under the Christmas tree ¨ Merry Christmas!¨ Sparkly lights hanging on the tree ¨Happy Holidays!¨
Hot cocoa, stockings, cookies, presents, and Rudolph Sparkly lights hanging on the tree Santa Claus, reindeers, elves, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch ¨Happy Holidays!¨
Red and white candy canes Hot cocoa, stockings, cookies, presents, and Rudolph ¨ho ho ho¨ Sparkly lights hanging on the tree
¨ho ho ho¨ Red and white candy canes ¨ Merry Christmas!¨ Many wrapped presents under the christmas tree
By Violet Chichotky Christmas Poem
Presents under the Christmas tree “HoHoHo” Decorating the Christmas tree with family “Merry Christmas to all”
Ornaments, presents, candy canes, snow, stockings Decorating the Christmas tree with family Santa, Mrs.Claus, reindeer, elves, snowman “Merry Christmas to all”
Red and white candy canes Ornaments, presents, Christmas lights ,snow, stockings “Open your presents” Santa, Mrs.Claus, reindeer, elves, snowman
“Open your presents” Red and white candy canes “HoHoHo” Presents under the Christmas tree
By Allie Sackman Snow Day Pantoum
Everything outside white with snow. “Let’s go outside!!” People shoveling the blankets of snow. “No school!”
Snowflakes, shovels, snowmen, snow angles, sledding People shoveling blankets of snow Snowboarding, skiing, snow tubing, jackets. gloves “No School!”
Kids having a big snowball fight Snowflakes, shovels, snowmen, snow angles, sledding “Yay, it’s snowing!’ Snowboarding, skiing, snow tubing, sackets, gloves
“Yay, it’s snowing!” Kids having a big snowball fight “Let’s go outside!” Everything outside white with snow
By: Abigail Bassmir Peppa Pig
Splashes of muddy puddles fill the air “George!” House on the hill with the little red car “I’m Peppa Pig!”
Pigs, puddles, playgrounds, family, ducks House on the hill with the little red car Glasses, princess, dinosaur, Teddy, apple tree “I’m Peppa Pig!”
Picnics and feeding the ducks Pigs, puddles, playgrounds, family, ducks “Dinosaur, grrrr” Glasses, princess, dinosaur, Teddy, apple tree
“Dinosaur, grrrr” Picnics and feeding the ducks “George” Splashes of muddy puddles fill the air
By Jillian Sandez Powerpuff Girls
Flashes Of Pink,Green,and Blue running down the street “Who You calling cute?” Winning another battle against crime “Let’s Give Em some sugar!”
Lazers, Chemical x, Townsville, Explosions, Powerpuff Hotline Winning another battle against crime Bubbles,Blossom.Buttercup,Mojo Jojo, Professor Utonium “Let’s Give Em some sugar!”
Explosions of Chemical x Lazers, Chemical x, Townsville, Explosions, Powerpuff Hotline “You can’t Just buy superpowers” Bubbles,Blossom.Buttercup,Mojo Jojo, Professor Utonium
“You can’t Just buy superpowers” Explosions of Chemical x “Who You calling cute?” Flashes Of Pink,Green,and Blue running down the street
By Kylie Kagen Interview of Justin Clark By: Evangeline Caridade
Q.) What branch of the Armed Services did you serve in? A.) I served in the United States Marine Corps.
Q.) What was your rank? A.) The last rank I obtained was the rank of sergeant.
Q.) How long did you serve? A.) I served in the Marine Corps for 12 years and 9 months.
Q.) What was the most interesting place you’ve ever been deployed in? Why? A.) Hmm… I would say the Middle East would be the most interesting because I was able to see multiple countries in the region due to the mission I was assigned. Each country was unique in their own ways, yet similar. Sort of like how our 50 states are all different in their own right.
Q.) Are you still serving? If not, what is your current occupation? A.) No, I am not currently serving. I am currently serving as a firefighter and EMT in my hometown of Chicopee, Massachusetts since 2015.
Q.) Do you miss being in the military? A.) I do miss being in the military. I miss the accountability amongst peers and the camaraderie. But I am thankful for my time that I did serve because there are so many who want to serve but cannot for various reasons. I consider myself one of the lucky ones.