# data[].attributes.body
It was the day of the 50 back final.The race began, my feet pushed off the wall and my back bent into an arch. My body submerged into the chlorine. I felt a rush of adrenaline. I was the youngest one and the underdog there. My arms went faster, I started focusing on my tempo 1-2-1-2. I flipped onto my stomach, into a flip turn. Pushed off of the wall into the final stretch. Then I touched the wall. I had won the final, I felt like an olympic gold medalist and to me I was one.

Eva McEvoy

Grade 6

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I’m a sardine between my kindergarten classmates. They hate naptime, but it’s my escape into The Witches. I cling to my teacher’s words. Witches have blue saliva, square toes, and an acute sense of smell. Suddenly, I’m elsewhere.

My bedroom became a warehouse of books, worn spines beside mine. Mom worries they’ll fall on me, but I know I’ll absorb the impact. My stories and I becoming one.

My thoughts are shaped by my books. Every page woven into my mind, a mosaic of voices. Blue saliva, teetering stacks, every novel I love—these words are my anatomy. Sacred to me.

Sylvia Sargent

Grade 12

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The July sky was still slightly orange, and the air was a little chill. The steps of my parents' shuttling back and forth, with the whispers to remind me not to forget anything. I hurriedly pulled up my suitcase and the sound of the wheels was clear in the quiet corridor. The nice warm smell of bacon and bread still lingered in the kitchen. Flowers on the window were gently waving in the breeze. The car slowly drove away from the door, everything started to move backward. I leaned against the window, feeling something was blurring my vision.

Caitlyn Liang

Grade 10

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I walk in that room, the same room I’ve walked into everyday for my whole life. The room that overflows me with nostalgia from my childhood from every inch. The room that I have stored my whole life into. But only this time it's different. I’m thirteen, I walk into that room reeking of freshly painted walls. The walls are white. But what happened to the pink? As I look around at the pink faded away, the little girl inside of me faded away too, from myself, and from the only place I’ve kept my childhood safe in, my room.

Zoey Moua

Grade 10

# data[].attributes.body
The girl on the opposing team pushed the hard ball to her teammate in front of me. She raised her stick, getting ready to drive the ball into the goal. I turned my head for a moment. The ball whacked me right on my cheek bone, inflicting pain on the whole side of my face. I collapsed on the ground and my mouth guard fell right out of my mouth. My cheek looked like the size of a grapefruit. The Trainer said nothing was broken, but everything hurt. Mom rushed over, and I said “at least I blocked that goal.”

Finley Lambert

Grade 6

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Beep. Beep. Beep.

I roll over in the cot I’m laying in and immediately feel a stab of sharp pain in my arm. An IV? What for? Where am I? It’s dark and the only lights are the red and green ones on the… monitors? I’m too tired to be scared of them.

Why am I here?

A nurse comes in, checks my monitors, then leaves. I hear her muffled whispers to another person just outside my room. Everything has been muffled the past few days. But what annoys me most is that I can’t hear what they are saying.

Ellie Doerner

Grade 6

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“I’m supposed to pick up this hitchhiking robot, but I’m not going to make it to Philly in time. Can you please get it for me?” I hadn’t heard of Hitchbot, but liked the idea of strangers uniting to show a robot a good time in their city. The GPS coordinates told me I was there, but it wasn’t until I peered over a small brick wall that I found it. I put Hitchbot’s pieces in car, and headed to the aquarium, as planned. Later, I gave it to the next person on the list, unaware of my upcoming celebrity.

Rebecca Tennnebaum

Faculty/Staff

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On my way back to Becky’s, the street light shimmered on the slippery sidewalk. The trees that lined her house joined arms, creating a graceful arch that, normally, I found comforting. I saw the imprints of angels in the snow, where 4 hours ago Becky and I played, and I lost my mom’s earring. All 24 solid carats sank deep, somewhere in the 8 inch snow. I scoured our tracks, even Becky’s dog’s tracks, but clearly my mom would soon find out I’d lost the last present her father gave her before he died. She’d cry. I’d disappointed her again.

Maya Teredesai

Faculty/Staff

# data[].attributes.headline
Eulogy for a Beloved Layer (Rose, 2022-2024)

# data[].attributes.subject
Eulogy for a Beloved Layer (Rose, 2022-2024)

# data[].attributes.body
Chickens close their eyes bottom-to-top. It is disconcerting, but you don’t see it much. At dusk, each member of the flock ascends into the coop, climbs the roosting bar, and conducts her own zero-gravity ocular experiment. You just slide a door shut behind them.

Rose didn’t flap her wings when I picked her up. Then she closed her eyes in my arms. Alarm bells. She went the next day, some hideously dark biled avian GI thing. We miss her. She’s not a lesson about life cycles or resilience. It was so nice to have her, and now we don’t.

Erin Dougherty

Faculty/Staff

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I laughed, she didn’t. It was just a joke, right? “I gotta go to class, see ya later”. She’s definitely mad, how could she not? It was a stupid joke and I just ruined our friendship. Now I can’t focus while the teacher’s talking. After class, I passed her in the hall. “Hey!” she walked past. Oh my gosh, I was right, she hates me. At lunch, I will recite a big apology hoping she will forgive me. “What are you even talking about,” she says. “I had headphones in.”

Bridget Bowers

Grade 10

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I loved these compact memoirs, especially the images that anchor them--the snow angels and dog tracks, the graphite and rubber, the blue saliva, the sound of suitcase wheels, a chicken's eyelid, the smell of fresh paint. And also the way the authors steer us into ambivalence, not wrapping it up with a tidy moral. We are left, as the author is, with the poignant memory still resonating.

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All these Mini-Memoirs highlight the concerns, joys, and sorrows of being a Middle Schooler. From the love of their dogs to their appreciation of time spent with and away from family, these girls have encapsulated those particular events that stick in their memories as essential to who they are.

While all are engaging and enlightening, the winners excel in describing the events in such a way that I felt a part of the action. Other top entries differentiate themselves by their creative and lyrical use of language. Every one of them, however, is successful in surfacing the heart and experience of being a Middle School girl. Well done to all of you!

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Bum ba da da and, SEIZE THE DAY! Set off the call and JOIN THE FRAY! Those are the words I was thinking about before “it”. At Least I think, everything before “it” is fuzzy, everything after too, I just remember “it” those 20 seconds that play in my mind on repeat, my fall. We were walking up onto the stage. I was first in line, and then, I tripped. With a loud thud I hit the floor. I started panicking so being me, I said two words that still make me laugh to this day, “I’m Okay!”

Sydney Moritz

Grade 7

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My four-year-old brain was not amused about sprinting laps around the Chick-Fik-A playground. I heard the stampede of kids my age playing tag. It’s a lot better than this . I thought. I walk over, tripping over my feet because that's what you do when you're four.

“Can I play with you guys?” I asked kindly.

“NO!” A boy respond with such passion, I wondered if he enjoyed it.

“Why?”

“Cause your face is UGLY!”

He fell to the ground immediately, his head barely missing the bottom of the red slide.

Huh, I wonder why my wrists hurt…

Helen Comly

Grade 7

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A shout. A scream. A shrill yell.

Clasping my tiny hands with my mouth sealed shut, I sat hunched at an empty fireplace as a dispute raged between two people I once thought of as “guardians.”‘ What’s it about this time?

Longingly staring at the unlit timber, I mused as I had done many times before. Pondering. Why weren't we like the families in movies that could just kneel beside a lit furnace? Sitting together as one.

I reached out, extending for the heat of burning embers that weren’t quite there.

Seeking for warmth in a barren hearth without flame.

Aubrey McCants-Murphy

Grade 7

# data[].attributes.body
Kindergarten wars chapters 67, 68, 69. The WORST chapters of my life. I whipped out my phone, curling up in my sheets. Pulling up the book, the chapters I had missed gleamed brightly, blinding my sleepy eyes. The past few chapters had been a flashback for Luke. My favorite character. My stomach felt queasy but I kept reading. All up until chapter 69… He died and I cried silently, hitting my pillow in frustration.

“I want to live at the very least for you” Is the names of the chapters that ruined my life put together. Rip Luke, fly high.

Alana McDonald

Grade 7

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Like clockwork, I find myself mumbling to Avva (grandmother in Telugu) Comment after comment, the weight of her speech overflows my brain. I shrug to her words, then smile awkwardly. I hear about how I’m so American, and how I need to do this and that to fit her expectations for girls. Mom’s gaze drifts to me as I slump my shoulders, but what can one do to their mother-in-law, who dislikes her? I feel paralyzed, hearing the grit of my teeth, as she praises my brothers, “Amazing!”, she exclaims as they simply exist. Does she like my brownies?

Annika Bommi

Grade 7

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Walking into class, I knew what was coming. I knew I hadn't studied enough while taking the test last week. I had a busy week with school and practice and only studied the night before until 1 am. My teachers weren't lying when they said that it was an ineffective way of studying. Once class started, my teacher placed the tests face down on our desks. I picture the disappointment on my mother's face. My stomach is in a knot as I turn the quiz around. My face gets hot as I read the number on the page. 71.

Wynn Hastings

Grade 10

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A flame starts to provoke my insides. Rushes of heat ignite through my body. Will this feeling of warmth ever go away? Quick! The fire extinguisher is the only thing that will put this steam to bed. Firefighters…WHERE ARE YOU!? In for 4, out for 8. Take your time, the fire is going nowhere, oh wait! I only know this will happen again, like the fake candles at your birthday that NEVER GO OUT. They just keep rising, and you just want to grab the candles, and throw them as far as you can. Breath, Breath, Breath. Again and Again.

Mila Bucci

Grade 7

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Weeks and weeks I have prepared, shot out of class and sprinted outside with my friend Ella by my side. My stomach is churning but my body is alert, we set the music up and get the stopwatch ready and we’re sprinting again. Everyday we repeat our cycle, a long seven hour day followed by sprints and practice is no small feat but we know what's ahead of us. Tomorrow is the big day, we will get on the line for the last time and showcase all of the effort we’ve put in and we are completely terrified but excited.

Dwyer Corrigan

Grade 10

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I gaze up and admire the stars that cover the sky like a blanket. The crescent moon gives enough light to see the countless American flags hanging from the cabins. The glow of my father’s lighter catches my eye, while he sets aflame our first firework. I watch as it launches up like it's headed to the clouds. The firework combusts in the sky, the embers falling lightning fast. I realize the embers are falling above my head and start to panic. I clench my mom’s arm trying to back up as far as possible, but they just get closer.

Wynnie Hayes

Grade 6

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My cousins, they didn’t care for me, but I cared for them. Sobbing an ocean as I watched them run into that airport. I wouldn’t see them for a whole summer. Watching paint dry was more fun than that. I waited for the day I’d see them.

That night, I cried to my parents hoping they landed safely. I nervously glid my hands against my legs saying “I won’t get more than a hi from them.” When leaving, they see me, giving me a hug. I lost my vision for a second.

”We missed you” they exclaimed!

Now I’m confused.

Bella Akinsemoyin

Grade 7

# data[].attributes.body
I can recall my happiest memories spent with family with the familiar sound of Coldplay’s music humming in the background. To this day Coldplay is my favorite band because their music’s signature instrumental sound never fails to uplift me and bring a smile to my face. Throughout my life, Coldplay’s music has remained a lyrical sanctuary for me and I always find a particular Coldplay song that resonates with me during each stage in my life to replay. Whether I’m experiencing a big transition or learning to navigate themes in my life, Coldplay’s songs help bring me comfort and wisdom.

Eve Alimansky

Grade 12

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Meld. Marriage. Jacks around. Pinochle. My eyes eagerly scan the dinner table, watching cards get shuffled rapidly. The once ordinary dinner table now housed the greatest competition I had ever witnessed. The intricacies of Pinochle were thought to be too complex for my young mind, so I became a watcher. I begged for glimpses of everyone’s hands, each glance giving me a deeper understanding of the game’s silent signals, rivalries, and subtle betrayals. After constant rejection, I learned to read each member through their body language, understanding their strategies without seeing their cards.

Elizabeth King

Grade 12

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I found it odd when awoke without the chimes of my alarm in my ear. As I slowly came to my senses, I could feel the light that basked on me from the window. I jumped out of bed and ran into my bathroom, getting ready in a blur. I rushed from my pajamas and into my uniform, ready to get out the door. I finally turned to my mom’s room, ready to tell her the news. She looked my way with a heavy sigh, her words nearly making me cry with joy: “You don’t have school today. It’s Saturday.”

La'Tye Jordan

Grade 10

# data[].attributes.body
I plunged into the cold water, ducking under the biggest wave in the world. My surfboard pulled my left ankle as it dragged behind me. I took a gulp of air and paddled out to my family. The surfboard I covered in stickers jumped over the waves, nearly crashing on my head. After I paddled there, I waited for the right wave. Every wave seemed to tower over me, even though everyone was telling me to go. Suddenly the smallest, perfect wave appeared. I took off with all my might. I stood up slowly and felt like I was flying.

Piper Seibert

Grade 6

# data[].attributes.body
After a stop for lunch, my cabin headed for our next campsite. We got to the middle of the lake, when the waves turned bigger and wind blew louder. Steering the canoe to stay on track, I hear a big BOOM and see lightning strike behind me, lighting up the gray sky. My consular starts yelling to paddle in. While yelling at my partner “PADDLE FASTER!” everyone’s crying in fear when we made it to a forest. We're hiding on a soggy moss hill while rain pounds down. Finally, the rain stopped and we headed for the campsite with relief!

Maggie Etherington

Grade 6

# data[].attributes.body
Nine years ago. How could you explain to four-year-old Aria that Murray Savar would no longer be in her life? I wouldn’t be able to participate in his passionate games, sing along to his energetic piano, or most importantly, I wouldn’t be able to view his hilarious dress up outfits. In October 2023, salty tears trickle down my face as my mom cautiously assessed an email about Mr. Savar’s passing. When I heard this I felt like snow in a desert. Melting. I remind myself that even though he is no longer here, he will always remain my greatest mentor.

Aria Bijlani

Grade 7

# data[].attributes.body
The wind ran through my blonde hair as I gazed around at a world of imagination: Disney World. Eight years ago, sitting on my uncle’s shoulders, I absorbed the moment, smiling from ear to ear with no worries or fears. Just the joy of the Disney magic. I could tell my Uncle Jo was having a blast too with his enormous smile, and how his eyes sparkled in the sunlight. I felt so elated like a balloon that I could do anything I put my hands to. I giggled as we strolled to the first remarkable performance of the day.

SydneyBlair Kitchens

Grade 7

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My eyes are settled on crimson colored blood in the crevices of my fingers and the skin missing from them. I practically beg my heart not to do this to me.

My legs bounce up and down as my breathing quickens. my fingers are shoved in the holes of my sweater, simply trying to stay unnoticed because the last thing I want is attention. My tears are just rain waiting to fall. My mom calls them panic attacks, but the word “panic” does not describe that feeling of crippling anxiety. My heart becomes numb, my words? Are stuck.

Anonymous

Grade 7

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It’s finally time to eat. Dozens of plates are lining the table. All of the kids have a familiar feeling of excitement and hunger, as we start to take our seats at the big table. We all make our plates filled with food like my green bean casserole, muffins, turkey, and mashed potatoes. As everyone sat and started to dig into the meal, we went around and said what we were thankful for. I am thankful for this night, Thanksgiving, for it is one of the rare occasions in which my whole family gathers together to share a delicious meal.

Maya Duckwitz

Grade 7

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It was a Friday, after tiring school, I was excited to get home. Our car entered the garage when my dad said we’ll get a “small surprise”. As soon as I got out of the car, I had this feeling that we were getting a dog. I quickly dismissed the idea because he said “small”. He called upstairs to bring him down. “Who’s he?” I thought. My mom appeared in the hallway holding what looked to be a teddy bear. My brother screeched at the sight of him. As I held him I thought, “This really is a small surprise.”

Halima Connelly

Grade 6

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Why why why! I am only five! Getting tired more than usual and drinking a lot of water. My mom told me, but it didn’t go through. Only five and having an auto-immune disease. Why me? My face is getting wet and salty as I hid in the guest room, screaming. I might run out of tears if this keeps on. My mom approached me suddenly and grabbed me so I couldn’t run away from this crisis. My mom said it was time to go, but I said no.

Grace Levis

Grade 6

# data[].attributes.headline
I Bumped My Head While Reading an Email 

# data[].attributes.subject
I Bumped My Head While Reading an Email 

# data[].attributes.body
I sprint down the stairs to check my iPad’s overflowing email. I was expecting an email all day. I had a heavy heart, as it weighed with worry. The email would either be congratulating me for making the squash team, or, never mind. I decided not to think about it. The first thing I came across was an email on my lock screen. “Congratulations…..” I jumped and hit the top of the supporting beam which was attached to my wall. Ouch, my head throbbed. The pain was not concerning. I was just flabbergasted and exhilarated that I finally made it.

Jihan Ghani

Grade 6

# data[].attributes.body
The tears streamed down my face as I embraced my teammates. It took a second, but I realized it was the last time I would ever play with them. As I stepped off the court, it was the last time I would. While it was a bittersweet ending, I held my best friends close and tried to think about the bright side. The fact that even though it was over, at least it happened.

Grace Getz

Grade 12

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Snap crackle pop, oh crap that was my ankle. holding in a waterfall of tears continuing on with the next step, 3 doctors later and I am booted up crutching my way through the halls. “You can't dance for a month” the doctor said, but then a month turned into 6. A dark cloud followed me everywhere I went, sitting out of dance classes wishing my ankle would magically heal. But when the 6 months was up I thought the worst was behind me until I heard the words “you need another MRI”.

Maddie Jones-Blisard

Grade 10

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Birthday party.

Birthday party.

Birthday party.

That was all that was going through my head on the date of March 13 2020.

My best friend had her birthday party Friday night and all I knew was that after school, I would go to her house. As I arrived at the party, her mom got the call.

NO SCHOOL FOR TWO WEEKS DUE TO THE COVID OUTBREAK IN MALVERN. Little did I know what was going to happen once I got home.

Little did I know how my life was going to change.

Little did I know how much I lost.

Violet Clancy

Grade 10

# data[].attributes.body
He teaches us about forgiveness and patience, to love everyone despite their flaws and differences. We’re taught that as followers we’re supposed to model our life after him and strive for the selfless, forgiving, loving life that he led. But how am I supposed to forgive him after taking the life of a sweet innocent soul? They told me “forgiveness is one of the hardest things for a human to do” Following and believing is the easiest part but no one talks about how hard it is to actually abide and live life like our savior.

Lily Gilligan

Grade 10

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“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul” (Proverbs 27:9). Making friends can be challenging, and it can be intimidating, but there is always something about a new friend, the feeling when you get close with someone new, something so special. One of my friends in particular holds a special place in my heart. No matter how long we go without talking to one another, seeing each other, the bond we have never fades. A friendship like this is hard to come by and is something I will be forever grateful for.

Maddie Santoro

Grade 10

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We left the house for the trip up to the Poconos like any other day. The roads were soaked from the storm, but we weren’t too worried. We got onto 476, and were prepared for a ride like any other. We turned the corner on the highway, and in only a few seconds, the car was spinning in circles flying right towards the side rail, when BAM! We landed facing the traffic, but upright. My mom made sure my sister and I were okay, and an hour and a half later we were safe and sound in our house.

BB Bulllitt

Grade 10

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Friday, I saw a musical with Avnie and Greer. This was a funny night and video we watched. I will never forget. At intermission Avnie showed us a video, we were laughing and it was like we were pigs. This made me realize how nice it is to hangout with people I don’t normally hangout with. I definitely will hangout with Avnie and Greer again because it was one of the best nights. I learned that in life don’t just hangout with all the same people, maybe you will like it just like me. Try something new!

Emma Topolewski

Grade 6

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When my mom flicked the light switch off, muffling the phosphorescence, darkness filled my room. With the dark came loneliness. Alone. No mom, no dad, no friends, just me. Everything came crashing down at once. Only at night I relived my biggest fear - being alone terrified me more than any monster ever could. As I was an only child, I was forced to face my demons and fears just because the lights were turned off. No matter how fast I ran, loneliness always caught up. It engulfed me as soon as the lights turned off. But then I grew up.

Zayda Davis

Grade 11

# data[].attributes.headline
When I et silver the true survivor of all fish

# data[].attributes.subject
When I et silver the true survivor of all fish

# data[].attributes.body
Hey , can I wash the egg” ?

I asked her even though I knew the answer already. No, she said you can dump out the vinegar. Great now my fingers would smell because I’d have to scoop out the egg that had a vinegar soak in the cup. I put my hand in. After the egg was out of the cup. and then watched the snails in Mr. Miller’s the fish tank. Then I noticed a fish, an actual tiny fish in the tank. It was so tiny and …silver . Now I’m trying to get the whole school to notice silver

Emerson Makin

Grade 6

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Sitting in the car and receiving the call made me sick to my stomach. Unable to decipher every word drove me insane. Through the muffled phone against someone else’s ear, I could tell by her voice. Her tone. Just unusual. Then the change in expression, like seeing a dog's tail go down unexpectedly. Subsequently, tears poured down my face. I didn't know why. But I knew it was bad. Just a week ago I was gently holding the tip of your leash. Now, I have to endlessly grasp to keep you present with me.

Erin Viola

Grade 7

# data[].attributes.body
The one and only feeling possible was excitement as we bounced up and down on the ocean. Any sounds in the background were inaudible considering the boat's motor was drowning them out. I could faintly hear the boys shouting at us to fall. Grinning ear to ear I glance over at the other person on the tube. She wasn’t there. I began to giggle when I spotted Cadence in the middle of the Ocean. The boat was going slow enough for me to be able to hear the boys’ cackles.

Anonymous

Grade 7

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It was my first time taking the bus to camp. I would be riding alone, with no one I knew! I was scared, even petrified. What if everybody hated me? What if no one talked to me? After final goodbyes to my parents at the rundown rest stop, I crept my first steps onto the cold, dirty bus. I look out the window as my eyes start to water. But no, I can’t let anyone see me cry. I felt a jolt and we were off, on my way to the most marvelous month of my life, but all alone.

Evelyn Ford

Grade 7

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The end of a hike. The gusts of wind as the dark clouds close the view. I bite into a sweet apple, finishing at last. I toss it off the mountain towards the cliff. What did I do? No one can see her. Where has she gone? My mom makes her way to the edge of the cliff. She looks over, and there, sitting on a ledge is Ginger. My mom reaches to free her from the small ledge. Ginger is safe, all is well. Now we just have to brave the storm that’s drenching us as we hike down.

Genevieve Pratt

Grade 6

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The white Mercedes exits my driveway and turns the corner leaving my sight. Don't go. What if something happens? I didn’t get to say goodbye. Please don’t leave me. I miss my Nana and Deda. On the couch with my feet on my Deda’s lap, watching Tom and Jerry. Why do they leave? Nana driving us to Target, I won’t pick up any junk. I promise. Looking at blue walls hugging my pink unicorn Nana gave me. Crying on the side of my bed. Maybe they know I’m sad and are coming back. No, why are they gone?

Katherine MacDonald

Grade 7

# data[].attributes.body
There was golden sand on the ground but no footsteps anywhere. Alone. Why wouldn’t the door open? What if I was stuck in here forever? My adrenaline kicked in and I started twisting the handle with all my might. Silence surrounded me. I inhaled and pushed the door with all my might. “Deep breath Juliet, deep breath.” All I heard was a creaking sound then the sun was shining on my face. My face was turning left and right, am I outside? The warm sand on my feet concluded it. The tingling sensation was the best feeling in the world.

Juliet Weisser

Grade 7

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A quote that has guided me in life, “It doesn’t matter what happens to you, it’s what you do with it that counts.” Growing up in an unstable environment, I faced constant uncertainty due to my mother’s addiction and absence. Her struggles severely affected me, leading to anger, isolation, and self-doubt. In high school, I reached a breaking point and began prioritizing my health and well-being. I started focusing on self-care and building meaningful relationships. Today, I am resilient, learning to love myself, and embracing life’s challenges, knowing my response to adversity shapes who I am and who I’m becoming.

Julia Ann Gardenhour

Grade 12

# data[].attributes.body
I feel the warmth of the fire warming my feet. The smell of gingerbread, cookies, and homemade meals fill the air. The smell of Christmas. Christmas feels like a warm hug on a cold winter's day. I take a bite of a warm homemade cookie and let the chocolate seep into my tongue. Me and my siblings can’t fall asleep knowing that Santa Clause will be there soon. I imagine shiny gifts beautifully wrapped sitting under the tree. I soon fall asleep and dream of all the wonderful presents I will receive. This night was better than I could have ever imagined. I hope this feeling lasts forever.

Haven Holuba

Grade 6

# data[].attributes.body
When I left school I was so excIted that it was Friday and I got on the JV team for basketball. I was pulling good gossip and fun things so when my sister, Madigan came home on Sunday we could talk about everythIng that happened. When I got home I heard my sister , Finley saying “ I saved you some strawberry acaI refresher” she was also videotaping me, which seemed normal at first for her “vlogs”. I walk to FInley and I heard “ hi I’m back” I turn around and see my sIster and I feel myself start to cry.

Reagan Morrissey

Grade 6

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Darkness became reality as a new person entered my family: unwanted and unwelcomed. Just

as someone new came in someone cherished left and we did not know

if or when he would

return. Damage was done, sadness and disbelief flooded my brain. Oh if I only knew what going

on in his brain. How could I fix it? How could the proffessionals let this

happen? As I was

walking towards my bed, with one less goodnight kiss, I hoped and

prayed that he would come

home. The unwanted left, but he did not return. Home now, we were

whole again.

Anonymous

Grade 11

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Slowly walking to the ride, staring in fear. My mom excitedly said “It will be fun”. I start to second guess myself after hearing terrifying screams. I pull down the lap bar tightly making sure it's secure. As we are about to go, I start to freak out. “It’s ok, it will be over soon” my mom reassures. We start moving back slowly, I clench onto my mom’s hand. We shoot up, my stomach drops. “AHHHH” I scream. I look over to my mom and surprisingly say “I did it, can we go again?”.

Anya Wong

Grade 7

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Agnes is her name, yet my ten other cousins along with my three siblings know her as Aggie. She started our family with which once was eight and has now turned to twenty eight well-loved members. Aggie has nourished, provided, and taken care of all fourteen of her grandchildren, six of her own children, five in-laws who have become a part of our family, and her own husband. Everyday, I aspire to love like Aggie. To hold the amount of care and sympathy she has in her heart, to be as selfless, and to guide with as much bravery.

Colette Daniels

Grade 9

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The water in Greece was as blue as a sapphire. Fish swimming and ripples shining, while the boat rocked back and forth ever so slightly. The mountains on the coastline were a home to goats and plants. There was no action around us, just peace and quiet. The goggles were tight around my face while I saw the beautiful fish swimming around and the tiny patches of seaweed sway side to side. I climbed back on the boat and took my goggles off. My brothers and I climbed up on the side of the boat and jumped off for hours.

Caroline MacColl

Grade 6

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Her little bare feet were clacking against the wood floor, as she carried her doll. Looking into her eyes made me long for those times. Those times when we didn’t have to care about schoolwork, friends, or perfect makeup. We could still have fun without a phone an inch from our face. I could easily see myself in her eyes, filled with laughter and energy. I had never watched a movie while babysitting before, so I could finally sit down. But she couldn’t. Her endless energy filled the room up as she bounced around, giggling at the screen.

Lucia Rhoads

Grade 7

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‘‘I can see him!’’ I say as my mom and I finally exit the cold, Singapore Airport international security checkpoint. My mom and I are looking for my dad, who’s at the car park. We haven’t seen him for 2 years since Covid, because he lives in HK. It’s great to move after 18 hours on a direct flight from JFK. My mom and I enter the car park where my dad is, and my heart leaps in my chest. Then, as my dad’s eyes meet mine, I walk even faster so I can give him a huge, loving hug.

Chloe Lan

Grade 6

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I was in the auditorium listening to the muffle of the crowd as they said their good-byes to their sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters leaving for West Point. We had thirty seconds to say good-bye, but it wasn’t enough time to say bye to my brother. My mother cried, my other brother stayed stoic while my father held back tears. I gave him my final hug as he walked away. He smiled then winked and I smiled back.He was really gone. I sucked it up, until I got home. I lay there in my bed crying myself to sleep.

Maryn DiRocco

Grade 6

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As I watch my brother playing video games and watching dinosaur shows, I wait for the commercials. I patiently sit hoping it will be about a Barbie doll or a stuffed animal. I have my pen and paper ready. Earlier that week my parents asked me what I wanted for Christmas. The truth was I didn’t know. So I sit there waiting for the toy commercials to come onto the tv so I could, scribble it down and give it to my parents. As I look back to my 6 year old self I think “ where did the time go?”

Abby Green

Grade 6

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It was the start of the second half, we were losing by 1 point. My team was doing well but their team was so much rougher, tougher, faster, and so much taller, the girls on the other team seemed 3 feet taller than us. When my team got the ball Gulianna threw it to me quickly. When I went in to score I managed to get past one of the defenders who was extremely rough. I went in to score extremely motivated and excited. When I scored I was so overjoyed because it was my first lacrosse goal ever.

Hadley Plourde

Grade 6.

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I was sitting on the bus as it rolled onto the street. The diver was listening to loud rock music. My watch began to vibrate, the call was from an unknown number. I answered scared and tired from a long day. The person was quiet first, and then they asked where I was. I told them “I am on the bus.” I made sure not to tell them any details. I figured I’d be fine because they would have to search every single bus. When I told my Mom she was horrified and I never answered an unknown call again.

Grace Gnall

Grade 6

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At a park. Pictures of ultrasound, “Who’s baby is that?” “Ours”

Can’t be true, but it is.

Watching it grow, watching, waiting.

Boy or Girl? A picture. Pink, blue, pink. There’s more pink!

It’s a girl!

Watch her grow, waiting for the moment. Waiting for a name.

Hospital, what will happen. Stressing, crying, stressing more. Calling mom, missing her terribly.

Home. No news. Waiting, sleeping.

Awake. Finally born. Guessing name, waiting to visit, waiting, waiting.

Visiting, seeing mom. Sweet tiny child in my arms.

Home, watching her grow. Loving, holding, cradling. Playing, sleeping.

Waiting all paid off.

Blaire Morris Reese!

Elsa Reese

Grade 6

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It was a hot summer and we were going to my cousin's pool party. I was excited to see my cousin, but little did I know this pool party would change my life. When we pulled into the driveway I saw my uncle approaching us quietly. He said “we got two new puppies, so we have to be quiet in the house.” When they brought out the second puppy named Stoney I kept saying “That needs to be my dog” and my aunt said “well I’m glad you say that because he is your dog”.

Claire Cook

Grade 6

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245,658…245,660…245,662. As his Snap Score goes up I overthink every situation that has happened in my life. What have I done? He doesn't want me. Are we done? Thoughts flutter my brain, the memories of summer. Was it casual? I swipe out of Snapchat, put my phone down, and sigh. 10 minutes pass, still on delivered. As he snaps more people, I sit in bed listening to the All Too Well 10-minute version. Suddenly, I got a notification, that he was typing. As my heart races, I open his chat, it reads, “I miss you.”

Stephanie Heckscher

Grade 10

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Hustled into a building, with words such as “caution”, “threat”, and “bomb” rushing into my ears and swirling through my perplexed mind. At only 8 years old visiting family in London, I was confused as my father grabbed me by my shoulders and led me off the street and into an office building where we took refuge. I sat around a large white table surrounded by silent adults and watched world news on a random channel, trying to consider all that I had perceived. No 8 year old should have to try to understand the gravity of a bomb threat.

Maggie Keidel

Grade 10

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Moving. Leaving behind a piece of yourself. 

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Moving. Leaving behind a piece of yourself. 

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Sometimes it's exciting, New environments to explore, new surroundings—but an unfamiliarity hits you. Missing the familiar faces, the place I once called home. Those saying goodbye, felt like pieces missing from a puzzle. This new county, I’ve never even heard of, having to start from the beginning, losing that sense of belonging. It's like trying to grow roots in soil that is broken and missing the necessities. Moving forces you to rebuild your sense of self, but it also teaches you that your home isn’t just a place—it's something you carry inside you.

Kiyoko Kubach

Grade Eight

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Chloe had been with me my entire life and was a very good dog. Chloe was a lab that had white fur with patches of gray fur. One day my parents had to take Chloe to the vet. They told me that I had to say goodbye to Chloe. Goodbye? Why? I would see her again when she got home... right? But when they got home, Chloe was not with them. My eyes were drowning in tears; everything was so blurry. I missed combing her hair in the warm sunshine, and giving her belly rubs. I miss my best friend.

Brynley Tilghman

Grade 8

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Chloe had been with me my entire life and was a very good dog. Chloe was a lab that had white fur with patches of gray fur. One day my parents had to take Chloe to the vet. They told me that I had to say goodbye to Chloe. Goodbye? Why? I would see her again when she got home... right? But when they got home, Chloe was not with them. My eyes were drowning in tears; everything was so blurry. I missed combing her hair in the warm sunshine, and giving her belly rubs. I miss my best friend.

Brynley Tilghman

Grade 8

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Instead of sitting back and relaxing, I was faced with one of the most important decisions of my life. I could either stay on a toxic club lacrosse team I have been with for three years or decide to switch to one of the best clubs in Pennsylvania, not even knowing if I could make the team. Considering how I value happiness and enjoyment over skill, I felt that the switch would be better for me in highschool, and I was right. Being part of this new team has taught me this valuable lesson, allowing me to be my best.

Amanda Yocum

Grade 10

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I just learned Ella Jenkins passed. In kindergarten, Mom asked, “Who is your best friend?” I exclaimed, “Ms. Jenkins!” My teacher’s name was Ms. Thompson. I loved her dearly. She played Ella Jenkins on the record player endlessly and let me play the "Clean Up Time" song on the old piano that was in the classroom. Mom assumed Ms. Jenkins was an assistant. Mom finally met with Ms. Thompson, and discovered that Ms. Jenkins was the singer of all of the songs I heard on the record player and came home belting out each day. I love you Ms. Jenkins.

Terri Saulin

Faculty/Staff

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I’m not sentimental about objects. What I remember is the sunny day, the dimly lit store, and the baloney sandwich. He met me there and said I needed to pick a setting for the ring. The proprietor brought out a large tray full. I looked and saw the one. I didn’t stop to realize how amazing it was that I had no doubts. Later, over lunch, he said he liked the same one too. He had even picked it up and put it back before I arrived. Magic, no doubt. I was too excited to eat.

Dolores Verdeur

Faculty/Staff

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I decided to leave the day before, and packed my car surreptitiously with just my necessary clothes and the cat’s food. I visited my mother, who understood, and offered twenty dollars. I took that, because it unburdened her. The next morning I woke him, broke the news. He, too, asked if I needed money. I didn’t take that. The cat and I got into the car and drove to a friend’s place where we’d stay until we found our own. I cried the whole rainy drive, but not, as I anticipated, from despair. Instead, I cried triumphantly, like a gladiator.

Ellen Bilson

Faculty/Staff

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Old Testament: “The Birthmark”

Genesis & Sentimental Education & Great Expectations & A Moveable Feast & The Sellout & The Fall & Paradise Lost.

New Testament: Infinite Jest

Under the Volcano, Their Eyes were Watching God. The Turn of the Screw: Pride and Prejudice, Crime and Punishment, War and Peace–Enemies of Promise.

The Symposium: Kindred, Beloved, “The Dead” & The Things They Carried–The Glass Menagerie.

A Room of One’s Own: Notes of a Native Son, The Making of Americans–The Critique of Judgment.

One Hundred Years of Solitude, The Secret History, Middlemarch, Remains of the Day, & Nightwood.

Absalom, Absalom!

Endgame.

Colbert Root

Faculty/Staff

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Dried lavender buds tickle my nostrils; here comes the insomnia spiral. My eyes yawn backwards, as I tug my mask down to silence unwanted temptation: the light, a picture of you, a glass of warm milk. It does nothing. My mind wanders back to Philadelphia City Hall. Reciting our vows in my brown leather clogs. It’ll be 5 years soon. So why am I here now, alone? Two pillows sketch out the shape of you. My hands reach, pretending, as I sink into the curves. For a mere moment, I’m an ice cube in water. Floating. Until another wave comes.

Ashley Deckert

Faculty/Staff

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My sister is “missing”, still. When it happened, it pushed me into a twilight state. Police and FBI spun around me. To protect myself from any emotion that could override the path to find her I did what others thought I should do. I was in survival mode but wanted to leave the twilight and the fog. I continue to live inside a scene from a horrific movie. I question the methods executed. Where is she? Who took her? Who’s secret is this? Do I want to know? Grief is just a word until you live and breathe it daily.

Cath Mozino

Faculty/Staff

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I let go of my partner’s hand and hid behind a tree. Phew! – the teacher didn’t notice. Peeking out, I watched Frau Schaltecker lead the line of paired kindergarteners deeper into the woods.

It was all too much. No one spoke English, and every day after lunch we did the strangest thing – we took long hikes in the forest. So I turned and ran away.

The next day my parents made me apologize to my teacher. Starting school in a different country is scary. But it must have been much scarier for Frau Schaltecker who lost the little American boy.

Dan Slack

Faculty/Staff

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The feeling of pure joy and excitement fills my body when I realize it's the first week of August again. My smile becomes brighter, and my face begins to glow as bright as a firefly in the night. Our first stop in Lake Placid is always Emma's Creamery; the taste of the first bite of twist soft serve as it melts on my tongue fulfills me. The feeling of the clean, fresh air flowing through my body the minute I step out of the car revives me, and I instantly can feel my demeanor changing.

Rowan Lawrence

Grade 12

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BOOM! My head snapped back, then forward. It happened so fast, I barely processed it. My mom rushed over, panicked. “What happened?” she asked as she scanned my face. My lip hurt and her expression told me everything I needed to know. Finally convincing her to let me use the mirror, I saw blood dripping from the gash above my lip. Everything started from a stupid argument with my brother but ended with eight stitches and missing out on activities. Now I’m left with a scar that reminds me how a split second of anger can leave a permanent mark.

Sydney Henderson

Grade 12

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It was the fall of my sophomore year, and I had the opportunity to attend a semester school for the first half of the year, in which I could travel and gain more out of my high school experience. As the final day of the semester progressed we brought the last of our things down the hill to the buses which we hopped on shortly after and waved goodbye to our campus, which became home in only a short couple of months. I arrived home, and began dreading going back to school for the first time again.

Susannah Doherty

Grade 12

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Heart pumping. Mind pounding. Handwriting. Scribble, scratch, the pencil on paper. Leaving graphite and rubber marks all over my hands. Circle. Erase. Write. Erase. Flip page. Erase. Erase. Erase. Flip page. Rewrite. Last page, finally. All questions answered. But how many are right? How many are wrong? So many questions arise. Times up. I need to hand it in. I give it in. My heart is still pumping, but softly. My mind is quiet. My hands are tired. But all is calm. Everything is normal. It is time to go to my next class and continue along with my day.

Lila Barrett

Grade 10

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It was spring break, 2016; me, my mom, and my dad were in the Gare du Nord train station in Paris, France. Suddenly, a man appeared behind us with a knife. Instantly, a police officer tackled him to the ground and we had to sprint from the station. Outside of the station, thousands of people gathered, crying and scared; I was one of them. After three hours out in front of the station, we were finally let back in and boarded our train. As we pulled out of the station, Paris suddenly appeared much less beautiful to me than before.

Sophie Barnett

Grade 10

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“Annyeonghaseyo. Eotteohge jinaeseyo?”, says a relative. “Hello!” I say, hoping they don’t notice the panic in me. I look around the room hoping that maybe an uncle can come help me. I feel so bad, as I wish I could communicate with them more, but that is all I know. “Gamsahabnida,” I say hoping that they respond, but all I get back is a puzzled look. They walk away and move onto the next cousin. They say the same thing, yet the Korean coming out of her mouth sounds perfect. At least I said something, even though it was wrong.

Piper Rodgers

Grade 10