Expressions 20-21

Expressions Hillcrest Middle School Arts & Literature Online Magazine 2020 - 2021 Faculty Advisors: Joshua Watsky Lori O’Brien Julianna Pomposello Gr. 8

Table of Contents Original Artwork/Photography by ● Bravery ~ Arshia Mamidanna (in order of appearance) ● What I Want, What I Need ~ Jenny Hua ● Based on the poem by William Carlos Williams, Julianna Pomposello (Cover) Rafaela Queiroz “This is Just to Say” ~ Hannah Kaitharath, Caitlin Visconti and Christina Cao Isabella Rocke Anna Li ● Zip Code Poems ~ Garrett Wood, Yashita Chaudhary and Vivian Zhong Brooke Fowler Moses Arden ● Cousin’s Day ~ Nylah Gonzalez Caitlyn Elmo ● Because of the Flowers ~Ryan Rastgar Agah Katie Murano ● Or So They You Say ~ Arshia Mamidanna Julia Nunes ● The Days Buried Deep ~ Jiya Malhotra Anika Shukla ● Dear Diary ~ Caitlin Visconti Amber Tesluk ● The Letter ~ Riley Branyan Eden Shipley ● The Negative Effects Homework has on Student’s Lives ~ Ryan Verbitsky Justin Roth Michael Rio ● In her Room ~ Kemora Stephenson Miley Morawski ● Only Nine Seats ~ Penelope Cheng, Andria Gerold, Lena Heinig, Gianna Lemma, Richard Xiong, Caitlin Kelly, Tyrell Nicole Laurentino Lewis, Reese McKinney, James Callaghan, Alexa Colombo, Taleeda Hantash Nadia Ramon Minchalo, Lily Seltenreich, Tessa Fabrizio, Keira Maura Marchetti Westerfield, Noemi Farkas, Maya Minella, Caitlyn Elmo Hannah Felicione ● Blues Lyrics ~ Kseniia Tomashevskaia Annie McMorris Anoushka Agrawal Ava Kunkel Lia Mora Piper Andersen Lilliana Bissonnette Alexandra Jakubowski Hannah Wong Grace Park

Op Art with Emphasis of Color Gr.8 Rafaela Queiroz Christina Cao

BRAVERY What I Want, What I Need What I need, what I want There is a monster under my bed Of all the things above and beyond… and I don't know what to do Blue skies, yummy pies I look all around Green grass, stained glass and then I see you Whispering trees, hard candies Mountaintops, lemon drops Be it swimming or skiing when I try something new Pouring rain, candy cane you are sitting in the stands Helpful bugs, fancy rugs cheering me up and saying WoHoOoOoO! Ocean wide, hit a fly Deer and elk, leather belt Whenever you stay by my side Nutritious food, chocolate tastes good I can travel so far A safe house, a pet mouse Bravery... Warm sweater, always great weather You make me a shining star. Medicine, toys in a bin Veggies and worms, no germs - Arshia Mamidanna Moms and Dads, stylish hats Principals and teachers, the newest surfboards I need life on Earth, the gift of birth The world and its love, below and above What I want and what I need Everybody, you and me - Jenny Hua

Based on William Carlos Williams's Poem, \"This is Just to Say\" I have eaten I have still not done I have taken the gummy bears the homework the last brownie That were on top that was assigned that was in the tray Of the microwave three weeks ago and which and which and which I got a second chance with because you were probably you were probably you were probably intending on eating Saving for all of going to give me us to eat full credit Forgive me they were Forgive me Forgive me so good they were delicious it was not my mistake but and chocolatey so sweet so tragic on my dog’s part and so fun looking and so completely factual that he ate it Isabella Rocke Hannah Kaitharath Caitlin Visconti

Still Life with Colored Pencil Anna Li Gr. 6 Vivian Zhong Gr. 6

Zip Ode poems - A poem that celebrates one's zip code 0 Trumbull baseball 0 I think 6 Spring field, birds chirping, bees buzzing. 6 Trumbull is a really nice town 6 Gum chewing, seeds cracking, fun, exciting. 6 it sits at the suburbs of 1 Play 1 New 1 ball 1 York Garrett Wood Yashita Chaudhary 0 Trumbull is a beautiful town. 6 It brings joy to people everywhere 6 You should move here because it’s 1 truly 1 amazing Brooke Fowler Trumbull, CT

Moses Arden Gr. 7 Caitlyn Elmo Gr. 8 Outdoor Scenes with Colored Pencil

Stream of Consciousness Writing Cousin’s Day It’s a very sunny hot day and my cousins are coming over we're having a playdate it’s going to be so fun we´re going to the park the doorbell rings “eee” I’m so excited they’re finally here my mom packing sandwiches in the kitchen my brother opens the door one by one each of the cousins comes through the door and my aunt comes through with my 3-month old baby cousin she is so cute and then my cousin Ariana - we love to play soccer - and then my other cousin Aaliyah. The park we were going to had two sections, a park and then a beach and while the younger kids stayed at the park the moms went to check the beach for a few. Ariana and I were playing tag I was running so fast I was getting out of breath so we all sat down and had a sandwich with either Lays chips or Doritos I wanted both so I shared with my brother he wasn’t too happy about it but he got to have soda so he was fine and we continued to play. Aaliyah said that she would bet $5 that she was faster than me so we all started racing each other, on 3,2,1, GO! I was running super fast like Dash from the Incredibles but then as I got faster and faster my shoe got untied and as I tied my shoe my cousin ran right past me I tried to catch up but it was too late she had already won. I thought that was so unfair it wasn’t my fault my shoe got untied well maybe it was because I was running so fast but that isn’t fair I wanted a rematch I said but Aaliyah said no so she got to keep her money but to make me feel better we split the money I got $3 and she got $2. It was getting better and better so we got ice cream on the beach and chill but it was getting cold and late so we all decided to go home. I had fun today and I hope my cousin did too. I said goodbye to my cousins and aunt and my little tiny little lemon head baby cousin. I went home and they went home to their own house. I was so tired I took a shower and fell right asleep. Nylah Gonzalez

Because of the Flowers there is no reason to jump with two feet because at the expense of speed and efficiency I tie my shoes because of the flowers I am saving a flower’s life they have never done anything to me why should I crush them with a flying rope the size of their heads The flower that I save with these precautions is a good flower I may not be able to stop stepping on them a hardworking flower but I can certainly try a flower that works every day to survive and someday create little flowers that will go through the same process I stand on my tiptoes because of the flowers so when Joe creates a new flower, I see his child, there is no reason for them to be crushed by my heel Joe JR. That flower is a person coming down on their heads like the vessel of impending doom that flower has a story I may not be able to stop my toes from smashing a few of them but I can elongate the life of the others I cry because of the flowers when I crush them I jump around because of the flowers they have never done anything to me there is no reason for feet to slowly come down on them I cry because if I were a flower I would have been squashed as easily as that torturing them because they know it will hit And that must make the flowers feel small but they stand rooted to the ground so for every flower I kill I can jump so that I go farther over the flowers I bury them and the ones I do stomp go quickly so that they hopefully can fulfill their goal of creating little Joe JR. I jump on one foot because of the flowers Ryan Rastgar Agah with two feet I kill twice as many flowers as I would with one foot

Creative Line Design Gr.7 Katie Murano Julia Nunes

Or so they you say… You listened to the loud voice in the center of the room, The voice with the gold medal, There it is, The voice with the spotlight overhead. The cunning, Inhuman, Then you repeat, Noxious, “There it is, Freak. The cunning, Or so they say.. Inhuman, Noxious, It prowls in the shadows of the unhinged, Freak.” Waiting for the innocent invasive fawn, Or so you say to graze the belladonna cemented grass. Or so they say.. You face that so called wretched freak, And scream back in its face. It may seem fragile, but put your head up, Then you repeat once more, It shall smile...that wicked smile “There it is, It shall sing...that heavy shriek The cunning, But you shall not back down, Inhuman, You shall keep your guard up, Noxious, And face that freak Freak.” Or so they say Or so you say (Continued)

Or so they you say… (continued) But did you think? No, You listened, No you did not think, But did you really think? You just put the led cylinder in the barrel, Did you think of that creature’s blood or kin? The cylinder that can puncture blood, But did you really think? The cylinder that can puncture a heart, Did you think about the god/goddess, the angel, hidden Yes, the cylinder that can puncture the gift of life itself, beneath those horns? You put it in the barrel, But did you really think? You pulled out your arm, Did you think of how “they”, And put your finger on the trigger, “They” in the spotlight And your merciless mind commanded the finger to “They” with the gold medal, release Did you think that “they” and that loud voice were lying BOOM… for their own selfish needs? Arshia Mamidanna

Still Life with Colored Pencil Anika Shukla Gr. 8 Amber Tesluk Gr.8

Eden Shipley Gr. 8 Ryan Verbitsky Gr. 7 Still Life with Colored Pencil

The Days Buried Deep Holding my back, I crouched onto the worn-out carpet. Surrounding me were the cardboard boxes I had found nestled deep in the garage.Within each box contained priceless artifacts, connecting to this house in one way or another. I looked around once more. Embedded into this house, were countless memories made with me and my four siblings. As time passed by, I certainly did not become any younger. There was no way for me to handle this house by myself, and as much as it hurt, I would have to say goodbye. One by one, I began to empty the boxes filled to the brim with clothes, books, toys, and trophies. All of which reminded me of the good old days, from when I would run down the hallways of this house, not worrying about sore knees, and broken backs. These boxes contained a lifetime full of memories, I wasn’t ready to let go just yet. A gleaming light caught my eye, and while reaching for my glasses, I examined the tiny trophy. My mind wandered back to the day when I had won this with my sister, Layla. “Sheila!” my sister called, and beckoned me over into the water that day. “Wait, wait, I’m coming,” I said and swam over to meet my sister.

The Days Buried Deep (Continued) It was as if I was reliving that day, with the sour smell of seaweed, and the crash of waves hitting the shore. I closed my eyes and entered the water. With each step, a chill was sent up my body, and caused my teeth to rattle. First, my fingertips grazed the water, and soon my whole body was submerged inside. I vigorously swam to meet Layla, and there, we competed in a tiresome game of volleyball against two other boys. After hitting the winning shot, I was lifted off the sand, and into my dad’s arms. My heart swelled up as I clutched the trophy to my chest. Tears threatened to slip out from the corners of my eyes, but I blinked them back. Gone were the days of fun and mischief, how I wished those days would return. Regardless, I cherished every second of my childhood, especially the memories buried deep. Jiya Malhotra

Michael Rio Miley Morawski Creative Line Design Gr.7

Dear Diary (GORE/PSYCHOPATH WARNING) October 30th, 2020 Dear Diary, my teachers dressed up as Shrek characters today. It was pretty cool. Usually, I would be more excited, but I haven’t had a good feeling about today. Something’s...off. I’ve been home for a little while, and I can’t put my finger on it. It has been bugging me all day during school. Mom told me that it’s just pre-Halloween jitters, but...I don’t know. Forget I ever said anything, I guess. This year has been crazy and I think it’s just getting to me. Thanks for helping me talk some sense into myself. You’re always there for me, Diary! Mom leaves for her night shift at 10:30 and Dad is still in Rhode Island for business. Anyway, I think I’m going to call Sydney! She always helps me feel happy! XOXO, Isabella Black I walked over to my phone and looked at the time: 9:29 PM I paused for a second, taking the worrisome thoughts out of my mind, and FaceTimed Sydney. “Hey, Bella! I was just about to call you! Happy Halloween Eve! I love Halloween!” exclaimed Syndey. She is my absolute best friend. Or, was. “Hey, Syd! It is our holiday! We’re still dressing up together, right?” I asked, trying to move my mind away from the still-lingering thoughts of fear that something is going to go wrong.

I brushed it off and we talked for hours, as we do every day. 11:04 PM Sydney decided to come over from her house, five minutes away, so that we could have a sleepover and stay up with each other until 12:00 AM; Halloween! 11:10 PM I welcomed her inside, we got a snack from the fridge, and we talked about school for a little while. But, the feeling was back, stronger than before. It rushed to my fingertips, and there was a bang from the next room. 11:59 PM We looked at each other. We were home alone. My heart was beating faster and faster, and the lights went out. 12:00 AM Sydney screamed. I couldn’t handle it anymore, and...I guess I fainted. I blacked out. That whole night was a terrifying blur. All I know now is that she’s...dead. Then I heard the sirens, and now I’m in the interrogation room. With you. The guy who arrested me. “Listen, Isabella. We just want to know what happened. You were the only person with Sydney. Your fingerprints are everywhere. The evidence is not in your favor,” said Officer Haven sympathetically. “She was my best friend,” Tears started streaming down my cheeks. “I’m twelve, for Pete’s sake! What’s wrong with you people!? I-” “ISABELLA BLACK. Stop talking. Immediately,” spoke my lawyer, Bea.

October 30th, 2021 Dear Diary, It’s...It’s been one year now. I couldn’t stay in that town after what happened. So, after I was made to be “not guilty” in the trial, we left. I think I swayed the jury with my heartfelt, tear-filled speech, “I know everything is pointing back to me, but, why would I murder her? We fantasized about growing up together and our futures together. It hurts so much to be without her, and I miss her inexplicably. She was my best friend. I loved her with all of my heart.” The thing about a lawyer and a courtroom is that, people... don’t seem to do their research. Isabella Smith, Izzie Maloy, Bella Cooper, Isabel Pherb, Isabella Black The list goes on, Diary. Different names, but the same little girl in the articles around the world being talked about how she is going to court. I had to move after the Sydney trial. I’m not Isabella Black from Trumbull. Maybe I was a year ago… My diary entry from last year was...insurance for the courtroom to prove my faulty innocence. I had that cover story planned for the interrogation room and the speech written for months before the murder. But, I’m not Isabella Black. My name is Isabela Post, and I live in L.A. My best friend in the whole wide world’s name is Vicky. Halloween is our special holiday. She’s coming over tonight so that we can see 12:00 AM come and spend the first minute of Halloween together. Just as I did with Ronnie, Val, Sophie, Ally, and...Sydney. Halloween was our holiday, as well. They all happened to die with me, too, and I happened to have blacked out when they died. I have to move after every trial. But, I have very supportive parents. They leave me to be on the night of Halloween Eve with each of my new best friends. Every. Single. Year. I have uncontrollable urges to…well...put a knife into a person’s heart. It’s even better watching their hurt and betrayed eyes as you stab them. Watching their soul slowly leave their body is one of the best parts of the kill. My parents understand that. They said they are the same way. It’s really easy to manipulate a jury with a heartfelt speech. But, cry me a river. Syd was nothing but a piece of flesh. She was solely prey for me to feed on. I killed Sydney. No, Isabella Black did. And she loved it. Isabela Post...is going to kill Vicky. Never underestimate a child who can cry on cue. It’s almost 12:00 AM and…I think I hear Vicky at the door! Happy Halloween... XOXO, Isabela Post Caitlin Visconti

Pictures in the Style of Juan Miró Gr.6 Nicole Laurentino Taleeda Hantash

The Letter “What mom?” I called out. I placed the swiffer down and headed down the stairs. When I heard my sister coming down behind me, I was pretty sure she was thinking the same thing as me; Why is she calling us? When I got downstairs, I saw my mother’s face and felt my stomach drop. I already knew what she was going to tell us. It had to be. We haven't heard from her in weeks. She must have done something and by the look on my mom’s face, it wasn’t good. “Girls, come sit down,” She said, motioning towards the couch. “Ok,” I replied, feeling my heartbeat pick up, “We have something to tell you,” She said as I saw her eyes drift toward the ground. Oh no. Either we are getting a dog or moving to China. Then, she said it; “Your grandma sent a letter.” I felt a little spark of hope light up in me like a candle. What came out of her mouth next put it out like a bucket of water. “It’s not a good letter.” I felt my heart lurch into my throat as I managed to spit out, “What did she say?” My mom opened her mouth to speak, then closed it again; hesitating. “We can’t tell you exactly what she said but….” “What?” I said, my voice cracking. “What did she say? I need to know.” I felt heat on my face as I felt it getting red and hot. My throat felt dry as sandpaper as I swallowed, waiting for her to talk. I looked down at my hands glistening with sweat. Why is she taking so long? Is her news that bad? This anticipation is killing me inside.

“She doesn’t approve of you Riley” My mom said, looking at me. Her eyelids droopy like a dog that just got dropped off at the pound. I said nothing. But, I did notice that tears were streaming down my face. So I sat there, crying. All I could think is Why? How could she do this to me? My “loving” grandma, the one who is supposed to help me through everything, turned her back on me in the blink of an eye. The thoughts crushed me inside. Slowly, lifted my head from my lap to face my family. My eyes first moved to my mom. Her body hunched and her face trying to hide her defeated feeling. I watched a single tear run down her cheek, followed by others. My sister's face was impossible to read. Her expression blank and her face white. She was staring at the ground, but I could see her jaw clenched from across the room. Finally, I looked at my dad. He was trying to keep a straight face. Suddenly, a wave of guilt rushed over me. I did this. How could I have done this to them? I made my grandma hate us. I made her send us a hate letter. I caused all of this pain and suffering for all the people in my family. How could I have done this? I knew my guilt was nonsensical but that didn't make it any less powerful. Suddenly, that guilt and sadness turned into something else. Something so raw and powerful, I didn’t know if it could ever be stopped. I felt like I could take my fist and smash a hole in the ground. I could have got on a plane and flew to Utah right then and there to scream at her. I would make her feel the way she was making me feel. Before I knew what I was doing, I was on my feet, screaming,

“HOW COULD SHE DO THIS TO ME? HOW DOES HE THINK THIS IS OK? AS IF SHE REALLY KNOWS MY FATE. WHY DOES SHE THINK SHE CAN CONTROL ME?!” “Riley,” My dad said calmly. In that moment, I felt my anger, rage, and urge to smash absolutely everything that I could touch, melt away. My eyes started burning as I held back tears. Finally, after a long silence, a tear slipped out. I looked over to see that my dad had outstretched his arms. Slowly, I walked over, and collapsed into him. “Why did she do this dad? Why doesn't she love me?” I asked him in between sobs. Deep down, I knew that I already knew that answer. “I don’t know Riley,” He said, stroking my hair. I felt my whole body collapse as I took a deep breath. I felt the warmth of his hug spreading throughout my entire body. I felt as if all my problems vanished. All I could do was breathe and wonder… someday, will it get better? Someday, will she love me again? “What did I do wrong?” I wondered aloud. “Nothing sweetie,” he said. I could hear the concern and anger in his voice and I tried desperately to hold back the army of tears that were fighting at the back of my eyes. Then, the army broke free. There I was, curled up in my dad’s lap, crying. Hurt, sad, and confused. How could she do this? How can she just decide not to love me anymore. I thought she was better than that. I thought she would be there. She was supposed to be there. Comfort me when I am sad, make me feel better. She was causing me this pain. She made me sit in my basement, a giant ball of running mascara and despair. Why would she cause me this much pain? Would this ever get better? Will I ever feel like that happy, chipper kid I was?

And to be honest, I wasn't sure. Would I ever get my spunk back? Would I ever get over this? “Riley? Where are you?” The sound of my mother’s voice snapped me back to reality. Slowly, I pushed myself off of my bed. My legs felt like jello as I finally stood all the way up and took a step forward. Then another, then another. I looked all around my room. The cross painting, bible, and the giant pride flag that had been neatly displayed brought me to realize; I year ago, I was a mess. She had taken my happiness, my courage, and my zest for life. But, she didn’t take away what mattered the most. The 3 people who help me through everything; no matter what. The people who are always in my corner. My cheerleaders, my #1 fans. Without them, I wouldn't have made it through the dark. And from that day forward, I knew that the love and support of my family could get me through anything. Riley Branyan

Maura Marchetti Hannah Felicione Pictures in the Style of Juan Miró Gr.6

The Negative effects homework has on student´s lives The Negative effects homework has on student´s lives Kids all across the world are having to deal with the stress of homework and some have to deal with the huge impact homework makes on them and their family life. Some have to deal with the mental and physical impacts it has on their lives. Others have to deal with the impact it makes on their social lives. Even though some may say homework helps with students' education, homework is unhealthy for students' mental and physical health, therefore students should not receive homework. Students should not receive homework because homework takes a toll on students' mental health. First, it causes students chronic stress. According to Sandra Levy, Should schools give students homework, “That study, which appeared in Frontiers in Psychology, noted serious health effects for high schoolers, such as chronic stress”. This shows that students find homework stressful and too much to handle, and can affect students later in life because of the chronic stress. Because of this, schools should not give homework, because of the amount of stress it puts on them. In addition, homework causes pressure on students to be perfect. According to Sandra Levy, in the same article, Should schools give students homework, “students at elite private high schools cope with the combined pressures of school work, college

applications, extracurricular activities, and parents’ expectations.” This is important because it can affect the student later in life thinking that they have to be perfect, it can also put unhealthy amounts of stress on the student too. This impacts student mental health because school already puts enough stress on students, but homework and the need to be perfect is too much for their mental health. Above all, homework is unhealthy to students because it causes drug and alcohol abuse. According to Sandra Levy´s article, “two thirds of students in high schools use alcohol or drugs like marijuna to cope with stress.” This shows that students take drugs and alcohol to deal with stress that homework causes. All of this shows that homework should be banned because of potential effects on mental health. Another reason students should not have homework is because of the impact it makes on their social life. First, too much homework limits students from after school activities which limits their social interactions with their peers/friends. Again according to Sandra Levy, the “No-homework policy has taken the stress out of their afternoons and evenings. In addition, it’s been easier for their children to participate in after-school activities.” (without homework) This shows that homework takes away time that students have with their friends. This can affect students later in life if they don’t have any friends, which can cause loneliness. In addition, homework impacts students' lives because it takes away time from their family. According to Teachnology.com, “it reduces the amount of time that children could be spending with

their families”. This shows that homework takes away time that students have with their families. This can make it so the bond between the student and the parent can be broken because of homework. Furthermore, homework causes conflicts within the family. According to Teachnology.com, “homework can cause conflicts between the children and the parent”. This shows that homework isn’t good for the student because of the conflicts it causes. As a result, the student and the parent may have a weaker relationship. This shows why homework impacts students' social life. Finally, kids should not have homework because it’s counterproductive and has no benefit. According to Clifton B., in the article More than two hours of homework may be counterproductive, research suggests, “too much homework can diminish its effectiveness and even be counterproductive.” Also “They cite prior research indicating that homework benefits plateau at about two hours per night, and that 90 minutes to two and a half hours is optimal for high school.” This shows that too much homework is counterproductive and not beneficial, which diminishes the entire purpose of homework. Another reason homework is counterproductive is because of its impact on students' mental health. According to Clifton B. in the article just cited, “In their open-ended answers, many students said their homework load led to sleep deprivation and other health problems.” This shows that homework doesn’t help students learn more and makes them unprepared for the next day because they're too tired. To sum it up, Homework is counterintuitive

because of the impact it has on students' social life. Again, according to Clifton B., “Young people are spending more time alone, which means less time for family and fewer opportunities to engage in their communities.” This shows that students are missing out on social skills because of homework. All of this shows that homework is counterproductive therefore students should not receive homework. The articles cited above suggest that homework is unhealthy for students' mental and physical health. Without homework students will be less stressed, and less likely to form bad habits like abusing alcohol and drugs; students will have more free time to spend time with their friends and family, and won’t be wasting time on something that doesn’t help them. It is crucial to see how important banning homework is, so that students can have a better quality of life. Justin Roth

Annie McMorris

In her room she hides her tears Anoushka Agrawal She has been like this for 3 whole years She hasn’t tried to eat or sleep The bags under her eyes carry a great heap She’ll say that she’s fine if you ask Whatever you need she is up to the task She will ask you if you are ok And ask you every other day She loves everyone with all her heart But she cares so much it is tearing her apart She will share the burden of your feeling But nobody knows of what she is dealing I’m sorry she will say for no reason Alas, alas her sad sad season. Kemora Stephenson

“Only Nine Seats” Poems During our reading of Daniel Brown’s The Boys in the Boat, our 8th graders wrote a poem called “Only Nine Seats.” Inspired by words from the text and their own opinions of the protagonist, Joe Rantz, students created these poems. Below are samples of student work. The only nine seats, There were only nine seats Only nine seats left Or nine chances So much at stake And I must be in one of them To live a life that wasn’t on the streets Only nine seats Nine seats He can only hope that he advances We cannot make any mistakes They decide my future Only nine seats Will the pain continue? For food and shelter All on own now Or will I reach my goal College and money Only nine seats Only nine seats left He must do better Gotta make someone proud To sit in one and to prove my family wrong And hope not to be clumsy Only nine seats Nine seats Cause home can’t be counted on They are the gateway to my success It all depends on the nine seats Only nine seats Will the Journey end with a light at the end of In the one boat Make sure they’re not all gone the tunnel? Against all other athletes Cause there’s only nine seats Or will I continue to walk in the darkness? He hopes to stay afloat And one of them is for me Only nine seats ~Penelope Cheng ~Andria Gerold ~Lena Heinig

Nine seats left, please let one be me Only nine seats of the boat is what everybody is after I’ve tried so hard, give me one seat, please But first there are rules and techniques that they must master My family’s gone, I’ve got nothing left Joe is more than prepared because his childhood was a disaster My final hope is a seat in this craft Joe practices and works hard while the quitters room is filled with laughter Eight seats left, the memories came Joe's childhood is what helps him work hard and thrive The day after they left, I remembered it His hard work will pay off and the boat is what he will ride rained While the others give up Joe works hard outside. Seven seats left, there’s still a chance ~Tyrell Lewis I’m sweating so hard when they say, Joe “Only Nine Seats” These nine seats Rantz That cause so much stress ~Richard Xiong Joe needs to get one Or he will not be able to rest Only nine seats. He needs to try his best I don't row for pride, As so much is at stake Nor dignity, But that is a risk he is willing to take I row for my home. I have no one anymore. He is ready to commit I row to find myself. As in the end if he does it To find my home. It will all be worth it. Only nine seats. ~Gianna Lemma ~Caitlin Kelly

A rookie at life in a group of wealthy's There are nine seats They were at the bitter end And now there's only nine seats Yet there is only one filled There was no time to spare Holding my own and doing my part Driving on the highway of life Nine little spots could be taken which was a All to lead to one of nine seats Will his dream be fulfilled? big scare Many of the group were grateful, but some Death, fires, and being alone He gets older did not care Just to sit in one of the applauded nine seats But still no seats have been taken Some only wanted this opportunity to claim Been useless and a burden trying to be Still driving they got a spot worthy But his dream seems to be forsaken While others needed this opportunity to But will I be worthy, when there's only nine prove that they were made of a whole lot seats? Now he is close to the exit Mixed emotions filled the air, but who would But he never fulfilled his dream that spot go to? ~Reese McKinney Feeling so desperate The ones who were in despair, or the ones He was not good enough it seems who showed little to no care Nine little spots could be taken which was a He has found his exit big scare He never got his wish But only those who had a heart so sweet, But life is hard could earn a seat Not everything comes out on a silver dish ~Alexa Colombo ~James Callaghan “Only Nine Seats”

The phrase only nine seats has been Hundreds of boys, but only 9 seats engraved in my head Anxiety and self-doubt flowed with every stroke of the oar It feels almost as all of us our dead Hands battered and body beat, all for 1 seat Our muscles are sore, takes effort to move Cold winds and icy water all to keep him afloat But I am not going to give up my ninth spot Humiliation and exhaustion to build his life to you His whole life revolved around 1 seat That spot will be mine, it will lead me to success ~Tessa Fabrizio It is the gateway from all of this mess, Soon enough I'll be living proud, And then there were nine Only nine seats that mean everything to me. All my hard work has paid off till now. nine special spots Determination fills my body, and the ache of nine spots that can change a life the strong bashes against me ~Nadia Ramon Minchalo Nine special people Wondering if i can make it through these nine spots that can create family and rough waves friends The pain of family never seems to go away hundreds competing Wondering if it’s really worth it Blood Sweat and Tears Hoping I can still make it, for so much is on you need this, you don't want to get cut the line but there are only nine What will I do without this How will i survive ~Lily Seltenreich ~Keira Westerfield “Only Nine Seats”

As I sat there the water splashing into I stuck my chin up strong the boat I made myself a vision My hands aching I would need to trust myself My entire body hurting Watch my every move and instinct As much as I wanted to stop I couldn’t The future of my life depended on one The smell, the sound of the nine seats The direction, the intention The movement of the water So I continued to row on Let it decide my every decision I rowed as if my life depended on it I knew the only way for me to stay in Who would get the ninth seat? Let us be one, as a whole College was to work for one of those Was it him, or was it them? We work together nine seats You won't get it… they yelled in his face In synchronized harmony So that's exactly what I did He would prove them wrong For one wrong move and it’s over I continued to practice as hard as I Every test they took they had failed could Maybe none of them would get the seat The chance of a lifetime And most importantly I didn’t quit On the last day, they would tell them The chance to be one of the Greats The future of my life depended on one They patiently waited, all of them hoping I must make myself proud of those nine seats One by one they told them to leave I must prove the man I have become Until it got to him ~Noemi Farkas Only nine seats ~Caitlyn Elmo ~Maya Minella “Only Nine Seats”

Ava Kunkel Lia Mora Still Life with Colored Pencil

Blues Lyrics I’ve got to find a pillow, lots of frustration to vent. I’ve got to find a pillow, lots of frustration to vent. I wanna eat some ice cream, but I’m lactose intolerant. Kseniia Tomashevskaia Piper Andersen

Lilliana Bissonnette Alexandra Jakubowski Pictures in the Style of Juan Miró Gr.6

Hannah Wong Grace Park Op Art with Emphasis of Color Gr.8