Rutland Herald 2014-2015

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PHOTOOFTHEWEEK

THISWEEK: General writing

THANKSFROMYWPABOUTTHEPROJECT

Young Writers Project is an inde-pendent nonprot that engages stu-dents to write, helps them improveand connects them with authenticaudiences in newspapers, before liveaudiences and on web sites,young-writersproject.org, vpr.net, vtdigger.org, and cowbird.com. YWP also

publishes The Voice, a monthly digi-tal magazine with YWPs best writ-ing, images and features. To learnmore, go toyoungwritersproject.orgor contact YWP at (802) 324-9537.

Each week, Young Writers Project receives several

hundred submissions from students across Vermont

and New Hampshire. A team of staff, mentors and

students selects the best writing and images for

publication. This week, we present a response to the

prompt, General writing.Read more at youngwriter-

sproject.org.

YWPis supported by this news-paper and foundations, businessesand individuals who recognize the

power and value of writing. If youwould like to contribute, please gotoyoungwritersproject.org/support,or mail your donation to YWP, 47Maple St., Suite 106, Burlington,

VT 05401.

Special thanks this week to

JANESTRUST

Nate Ertle, Essex High School

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OFYWPSDIGITALMAGAZINE

Go to youngwritersproject.org

to get your FREE subscription!

PanicBYMARYBABB

Grade 8, Christ the King School

You know the queasy feeling in the pitof your stomach that you get before youwalk out in front of a bunch of people?

Well, I was having that very feeling.

What if I forget my lines while I am onstage and everyone notices and startslaughing or I have a wardrobe malfunc-tion?

I calmed my nerves a little by listen-ing to one of my favorite songs. I lookedaround the room at the other performerswho would be right up there on stagealongside me.

I could tell that compared to the otheractors on a scale of nervousness from1-10, 10 being the most nervous I was

probably a 3 or maybe a 2.5. I felt like Imight throw up because of the churningin my stomach, if that tells you anythingabout the other people in the room.

There were people practically joggingaround the room because they were sowired, hopping from one post to the next rst hair, then makeup, then to the otherside of the room where people were wait-ing patiently trying to hide their anxious-ness, usually unsuccessfully.

Seeing the panic and anxiety of my fel-low actors reminded me that I was one ofthe people who could control their nervesbest, so if they were to have any hope ofcooling off I would have to cool off rst.

If I could do it, maybe my stabilitycould inspire others to calm down a littleor at least stop skipping around and mak-ing everyone else nerved up.

I breathed a little, reminded myself thatthis was something I could do no, that I

would do successfully.A few minutes later I could sit stillwithout my ngers fumbling on my bestfriends iPod as I picked a new song.I stood up and walked over to a placewhere everyone was congregating in aittery mob.

If I could get one person to calm down,then that would help calm the tense atmo-sphere in the tiny room.

My friend Katy came right up to meand hugged me, partly because this might

be our last play together, and partly be-cause we were both nervous and we bothhad big roles, and we both needed a littlebit of a shoulder to lean on.

It made me feel better, and I think itmade her feel better, but she was stillshaking a little bit.

I am totally going to throw up, shesaid. I gave her a semi-condent, semi-shaky laugh. Hopefully it sounded morecondent than shaky.

(continued right column)

Not a chance. You nailed it last time,and the time before that, and all of thepractices. I know for a fact that you arenot going to mess this up; you have yourpart down to a science.

She didnt look very convinced butshe wasnt as jittery as before. I call thata win.

I moved on to another person. Ethanwas younger than most of us, but he en-

joyed being in plays and acting.He was nervous but I am pretty sure it

was just because he was afraid he wouldforget something. I did once. Thats thething, if you can mess up once people willfocus on that and let you mess up a hun-dred more times without noticing. So myadvice is to make your mistakes count.

He was shaking like a leaf and talkingin a high-pitched tone. By the time I wasdone with Ethan I could tell he was feel-ing lot better than before.

If you can make someone laugh for areason unrelated to what is making themnervous make them laugh a real laugh,not a nervous one I guarantee they willfeel at least a little less anxious. That iswhy I tried to make the people waiting togo on stage chuckle a little. If they couldsmile because they wanted to smile, notbecause the butteries in their stomachswere forcing them to, they would feel ahundred times better. I could clearly see

the minor panic attack Katy was havingacross the stage so I ashed her a smilethat said, Youve got this.

When I realized it was time for me togo up, I had my own mini panic attack,then forced it back down. I looked at theother actors waiting behind me and sawthat they were more comfortable thanthey had been before and could onceagain speak in full sentences. I saw themand drew up my condence.

Youve got this, I told myself. Timeto go. I started to walk on stage, readyfor whatever might happen.

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PHOTOOFTHEWEEK

THISWEEK: Happening& Lists




VT 05401.


THEBAYANDPAUL

FOUNDATIONS

Young Writers Project is an inde-pendent nonproft that engages stu-dents to write, helps them improveand connects them with authenticaudiences in newspapers, before liveaudiences and on web sites,young-writersproject.org, vpr.net, vtdigger.org, and cowbird.com. YWP also




and New Hampshire. This week, we present responses

to the prompts, Happening:Begin a piece with the

phrase, I didnt know what was happening at the

time... and Lists:What are your top likes and dis-

likes? Read more atyoungwritersproject.org.

COMINGJUNE1!

WATCHFORTHEJUNEISSUE


THEVOICE



Kristina Pretty, Essex High School

Sticks and stonesBYMICHAELBLAIS


I didnt know ... that you liked jokes.Heres one:Who says, Sticks and stones may

break my bones, but words will neverhurt me?

A guy who has never been hit with a

dictionary.

Mysterious paperBYANGELINATOMMOLA


I didnt know what was happening at thetime when I saw the substitute teacher walkingtoward the desks.She seemed to be collecting papers,but what papers these were, I did notknow.

I looked to my right to a paper on a desk,and also to my left, another lled-outpaper.What was this mysterious paper?Where was mymysterious paper?I needed this paper; but how was I to getit?The substitute was now very close.I prayed that she would understand.But when she stopped in front of me,I was silent and looked up, ashamed.

I awaited the detention slips to be re-vealed,and I even offered my pen to her.However, she bent over and whispered inmy ear,I honestly dont know what I am collect-ing.She smiled at me uneasily, continuing tocollect.But I guess neither one of us knew whatwas happening at the time.

Likes and dislikesYARENPATTON

rade 6, Shrewsbury Mountain School

IKESTaking road trips to towns in Ver-1.mont because it reminds me howbeautiful our state is

Drinking root beer after a month. when I begin to crave it because itsrefreshingReading a short novel over a vacation.while relaxingCute and uffy living animals.Well-seasoned, thick-cut meat.Singing in a group because I feel like.Im part of something bigger thanmyselfClimbing to high areas because I feel.

saferThe smell and taste of stevia.Pondering which clothes to wear.based on how the color and style gotogetherRemodeling a room to make it look10.more organized and tidy

ISLIKES

Wasting time1.Seeing someone be a bystander.Reading a long book that ends up.being terribleThe unpleasant feeling of waking up.to your mouth covered in a layer ofcrustPeople who dont seem to care about.anythingThe texture of gum that feels like silt.in your mouthThe initial, frigid feeling of snow.down your backStanding at the edge of a building.with only a railing from my waistdownListening to my heater click while.Im alone because it sends chills upmy spineThinking about and eating lentils10.because of their texture

My top 10BYBROGANGIFFIN

Grade 6, Shrewsbury Mountain School

LIKES

The way a chipmunk stops and1.shoves a nut in its mouth

Sitting on my porch and reading a2. book on a warm, sunny dayThe chirp of chickadees in the morn-3.ingWearing white checkered fedoras4.Hanging out at a friends house5.How Pink Lady apples taste similar6.to candy applesHow smooth milk chocolate melts in7.my mouthEating out at Killarneys in Ludlow8.

When my little sister learns some-9.

thing new and starts screamingaround the houseThe cool feel of the water at Butter-10.milk Falls

DISLIKES

The texture and taste of mango1.Going out into cold weather and get-2.ting sick from the cold

The brightness of neon yellow3.When platypus lay eggs even though4.they are mammalsThe bizarre medicine taste of eggnog5.The taste and texture of mayonnaise6.When someone bothers me while I7.am doing homeworkThe strong taste of dark chocolate8.Eating out at McDonalds because of9.the unhealthiness thereWhen bullies torment other kids10.

H i d bl d b d d t d d it ith

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PHOTOOFTHEWEEK

THISWEEK: Scar




VT 05401.


MGN FAMILY

FOUNDATION



Kevin Huang, Burlington High School



and New Hampshire. A team of staff, mentors and stu-

dents selects the best writing and images for publica-

tion. This week, we present responses to the prompt,

Scar:Write about a scar you have, literal or fgura-

tive.Read more at youngwritersproject.org.

Happy reminderBYMARYBABB

rade 8, Christ the King School

I have a scar. It is there clinging toe; it always will be. A scar should bring

ack bad memories, remind us of times ofain. Mine does not.

It was my favorite holiday, Halloween.

hat morning I got up and put on my Hal-oween costume and wore it to school likehe other second-graders.

It was one of my favorite traditions;t still is. My costume was a velvet dresshat was poofy and frilly and a little tooig.

Some days in the afternoons afterchool our parents would be late pick-ng us up. The second grade teacherould pick a few of the children in the

fter-school program to help clean up herlassroom. We thought of it as an honor.e would be disappointed if we werent

icked and overjoyed if we were.A couple of my close friends and I

ere chosen to help her clean that day.e put on goggles and gloves to pro-

ect ourselves from the chemicals in theleaning supplies. Since it was Halloweenhe took a picture of us in our costumesith the cleaning gear and supplies androoms in our hands and gave one to each

f our parents.It may sound boring to you, but for us

t was an honor to clean with our favoriteeacher, and since we got to hang out withur friends it was extra special.

At the time, my parents were puttingn addition on our house. There would begarage on the rst oor, a few bed-

ooms, and a new attic. When I got homewas eager to see the progress on the ad-ition. Dad told us on the ride home that

e were now able to walk in the attic asong as we stayed on the plywood sheetse had laid down. All we had to get to thettic then was a ladder. From down below,he attic was just a wooden frame in theeiling. My dad and a friend of his werealking about what they were planning too with the wall across the room.

I started climbing the ladder. Whenwas close to the top, one of my shoesaught on my oversized puffy skirt. Itarted to fall so I reached out for the

ooden frame of the attic. My handatched onto a board in front of me but theoard was not drilled or screwed down sot came loose and fell back with me.

Time seemed to stop, those few sec-nds felt like forever. It all happened inlow motion: crying out; seeing my dadurning around, twisting in midair so Iould try to break my fall; the pain in myrist when I hit the oor; the air leavingy lungs; the burning feeling on my chin;

(continued>)

my bloody bandage and traded it withan ice pack. My dad told me to hold thepack in place while we waited patientlyfor a special doctor to come and stitch upthe cut on my chin. When my arm wouldget tired of holding the pack up to myface I would switch hands but my leftarm seemed to get tired faster so I wouldswitch back to my right frequently whileI played with a magnetized board withcartoon faces that had exaggerated ex-

pressions. The doctor came to get us afterwhat felt like hours and I did my best toanswer him and do what he said. I dontremember the stitching itself. However, Iremember trying my best to hold my headback at an uncomfortable angle withoutmoving or inching.

When I was all stitched up, the doctortold me that it was a nasty scrape. He saidthat I did a great job holding still and thatI would denitely have a scar. We also

learned that my left wrist was broken.On our way back out through the ER,

the friendly woman wed seen when wearrived stopped us and asked how it hadhappened. It turned out she had been in asimilar situation, and she gave me a bagwith a pumpkin on the side that had littleHalloween treats in it.

By the time we got out of the hospital,everyone who had come to trick-or-treatwith my brothers and me had already

nished trick-or-treating and had gone tothe Halloween parade. We rushed to catchup with everyone before the parade wasover. My mother had tried to get somecandy for me but most people didnt handout candy to adults.

We got to the parade and were standingnear a family we knew, a young coupleand their baby. When the parade endedand we were about to leave, my parentsstopped to say hello to the family, andwhen they heard that I had missed mostof the parade and trick-or-treating be-cause I was in the emergency room, theygave me all the candy that they said hadtoo much sugar for the baby girl.

I have a scar; I always will. Most scarswould bring back bad memories. Minedoes not. I dont think about falling offa ladder or breaking my arm or scarringmy chin or waiting for hours in a hospitalwaiting room. Instead, I think of hang-ing out with my friends after school and

having the honor of being chosen to cleanwith one of my favorite teachers and get-ting to dress up on my favorite holiday.

I remember the friendly woman at thehospital who went out of her way to gettreats for me since we had had the sameproblem, and the friendly couple whowere kind enough to sort through theirbag on the side of the road to see that Igot some candy that night. They are smallhappy memories and I will remember

them forever

the clattering of the board next to me.I could have been lying there for half asecond or two minutes; I couldnt tell.

Someone picked me up off the groundand time went back to normal. My dadchecked me over, my mom heard the yelland thud when I hit the ground and cameto see what was wrong. When she sawwhat had happened she rushed to get abandage. What had happened? I won-dered. I struggled to breathe. My face was

starting to go numb and my arm was in

pain as well, though dull in comparison.My father drove me to the ER. The

friendly lady behind the desk sent us to sitin the waiting room.

I didnt know what I looked like, but ithurt to talk, to move my head from side toside and to sit in the car while we hit thetiniest of bumps in the road. All the waythere, I never said a word or shed a tear.

They asked me what hurt; I told them.My chin was clearly bleeding and I told

them about my arm too Someone took

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PHOTOOFTHEWEEK

THISWEEK: Manual &Happening



power and value of writing. If youwould like to contribute, please gotoyoungwritersproject.org/support,or mail your donation to YWP, 47Maple St., Suite 106, Burlington,VT 05401.


THEBAYANDPAUL

FOUNDATIONS



Jo Munson, Essex High School




to the prompts, Manual:Write instructions on how to

be a human being; and Happening:Use this line in

your piece: I didnt know what was happening at the

time... Read more at youngwritersproject.org.

How to be a humanBYRORYBELLECARRARA


STEPONE: FITIN

Laugh at all the stupid jokes. (If theperson who made the joke isnt popu-

lar, dont laugh, even if it was funny.)Wear the right clothes. (Ladies, thismeans skinny jeans only, certainbrands and obviously Uggs!) (Guys,Abercrombie and Hollister, please!And your cologne mustbe burningmy nostrils.)Be smart, but not too smart. Dontspend your free time reading anddont join Math Team. Just get OKgrades.Have a at stomach. If you dont,just really, dont bother trying; youllnever make it. (This goes for bothgenders!)Play sports! Act sporty, but dontparticipate in the weird sports likekarate or skating (only cool thingslike soccer or lacrosse.)

STEPTWO: FACE

Absolutely noacne. (I dont care howmany different acne soaps you use,gure it out!)Foundation doesnt exactlymatchyour skin tone? Dont bother.Your teeth must be as white as snow.If theyre not, you obviously arentbrushing your teeth, right?Glasses are automatically eww!Getcontacts! We only wear the hipsterchic fake glasses. Now, those arecute!

STEPTHREE: ELECTRONICS/SOCIALMEDIA

If your Instagram bio isnt cool,neither are you.Two posts in one day?! What do youthink this is?! Buy one get one free?!No way!Tweet about everything. If every-one doesnt know what you had forbreakfast, they might just *gasp* die!

Facebook is only for people over theage of 40.You better listen to the latest pop hits.(Nothing from last year!)

TEPFOUR: PEOPLEANDPERSONALITY

So, youll want to hang with the rightcrew. I mean obviously, they have tobe nice and all that but of course,they have to be the popular ones.

If you want to hang out with all kindsof people, youre out of luck.Everyone has their own personality.Dont be too much like someone else,but dont be unusual. Have the samefake laugh as the rest of the groupand same voice tone.Dont laugh too much! That getsannoying.

STEPFIVE: BEYOURSELF

So, believe all that stuff on Tumblr

with the Be yourself and Youreperfect, and pretend it doesnt botheryou when people point out youraws.When youre about ready to breakdown, dont rant to your friends be-cause before you know it, the wholealgebra class will know.And nally, dont listen to people.No one knows more about yourselfthan you do. This one is totally seri-ous, guys, no sarcasm.

What happened?BYDANISLY


I didnt know what was happeningat the time, but my mind felt ushed inideas.

My head was out of reality and into a

new world of unrealistic events, a worldwhere everything was fanciful.I knew it couldnt be real, as it is only

made from my own thoughts, but, forsome reason, I thought: What would hap-pen if it wasnt a fantasy?

Ive always thought to myself aboutthis. Although it felt like a short periodof time, the interval that passed seemedlonger than I had expected.

It always is, and I dont seem to noticethe activities happening around me de-

spite being present.All of the noise blurs out and all of my

vision is focused toward the thoughts inmy mind.

I do this a lot during class and study-ing, but it always ends with me smilingwithout my notice.

My smile stays on, although I wish mydaydreams were real.

FINALSLAMOFTHEYEAR!

YWP HEADQUARTERS

47 MAPLEST.

BURLINGTON

THURSDAY, MAY14, 6 P.M.

FREEPIZZA| FREEPOETRY

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THEVOICE



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PHOTOOFTHEWEEK

THISWEEK: Between



power and value of writing. If youwould like to contribute, please gotoyoungwritersproject.org/support,or mail your donation to YWP, 47

Maple St., Suite 106, Burlington,VT 05401.


JANESTRUST

Young Writers Project is an inde-pendent nonprofit that engages stu-dents to write, helps them improveand connects them with authenticaudiences in newspapers, before liveaudiences and on web sites,young-writersproject.org, vpr.net, vtdigger.org, and cowbird.com. YWP also






tion. This week, we present responses to the prompt,

Between:You meet a man who says he is between life

and the afterlife, suspended until he gets sorted out.

Emma Parizo, Essex High School MOREGREATWRITINGAT

YOUNGWRITERSPROJECT.ORG

Someone familiar

BYANGELINATOMMOLA


Yesterday at noontime, somethingquite marvelous happened.

I encountered this man, you see. Hestopped me just outside the cafe. A gentle

hand gripped my elbow and spun mearound, and I was caught in a strong gaze.His eyes, filled with bewilderment,

were so captivating. I was startled, evena bit scared. I was not sure about thisstranger contact.

Without a word, I let his firm handsteer me into a corner booth, far awayfrom any familiar face.

My mind was not thinking clearly,but my eyes were captured in a hypnoticstare. The color of his gleaming eyes

seemed to be rapidly changing, but myeyes remained locked to his.

There was something about this man,vaguely familiar yet very remote in hisown world.

I wondered, who was this man? Whatwas going on?

Yet, I remained. My mind began toformulate a question for this enchantingman, but he beat me to it. A rather surpris-ing inquiry at that. The man requested my

mothers name in an urgent tone, so I spatit out, Arabella von Hendrich.

I waited in suspense, becoming moreand more unsure of this situation withevery passing second.

Eyes once filled with mystery andfascination turned compassionate and fullof solace. He regained his attention, andthen shifted, about to reach his hand intohis jacket pocket.

His hand now held an aged envelopewith a name etched across the firm folds.I watched as he brushed his hand over thedelicate letters, taking in a deep breath.He reached out to my hand, placed theenvelope in my palm, and gently foldedmy fingers over it.

With an exhale, he swiftly stood up,so I followed. The mans eyes started towater the slightest bit, and then he pulledme into a tight embrace. I was stunned.

To be polite, I hugged him back, andcould hear him whisper in my ear, Your

Dad loves you, Lucy. Take good care ofyour mother for me.

Before I could understand what washappening, he was gone. I hung clutchingonto the still air, realization and sadnessfalling over me.

My eyes scanned everywhere, but hewas nowhere to be found. Attemptingto hold back the tears, I reached into theenvelope and started to read the note.

(continued >)

It read:

Dearest Lucy,As you might have guessed, I am your

father. I have been wanting to tell you thatfor as long I can remember.

You see, as your mother has probablytold you, I passed in combat when youwere 8 months old.

I never was able to see your precious

little baby face, or be the dad you somuch deserved to have with you growingup.

I apologize with my whole heart, and Ihope you can forgive me.

However, I did not go on to Heavenwhen I passed. I have been in what theycall the Between Stage, though you havechanged that.

If you are reading this, that means Ihave completed my life purpose: to meetmy darling little girl.

My eyes have spent years searchingfor yours so I could live a peaceful life ineternity.

Now that I have met you, I am able tojoin in the kingdom of Heaven, and I willbe your guardian forever and always.

Lucy, I love you, and dont you everforget me.

I love you and your mother more thananything, and I will meet you once againsomeday.

Goodbye, Lucy. Go live your life.

Love always,Dad

YWP NEWS

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FEATUREDPHOTO

THISWEEK: Unjust & General






PHYSICIANSCOMPUTERCO.

Young Writers Project is an inde-pendent nonprofit that engages stu-dents to write, helps them improveand connects them with authenticaudiences in newspapers, before liveaudiences and on web sites,young-writersproject.org, vpr.net, vtdigger.

org, and cowbird.com. YWP alsopublishes The Voice, a monthly digi-tal magazine with YWPs best writ-ing, images and features. To learnmore, go toyoungwritersproject.orgor contact YWP at (802) 324-9537.





tion. This week, we present responses to the prompts,

Unjust: Write about an injustice;and General writ-

ing. Read more atyoungwritersproject.org.

Paint smearsBYKATYDUGAN


A new art exhibit has just opened at theMuseum of Modern Art with The StarryNight by Vincent Van Gogh, one of myfavorite paintings of all time.

I gather everything that I need andhead out the door. I rush out of my NYUdorm and toward the subway stationdown the street. I hop on the F train andgo uptown. I arrive at the museum atabout 11 a.m., which means I have aboutsix hours before closing.

I walk through the museum, taking ineverything around me. At about 5 p.m. orso I make my way to the exhibit.

It is even better than I could have everimagined. I sit on a bench to rest a mo-

ment; my feet are killing me.I feel my eyelids become heavy and I

drift off to sleep.I wake up and look at my phone. It is 7

p.m.! The museum has been closed for anhour and a half and I am still here!

I hear noises, so I look up to find thepaintings are . . . moving? I pinch myselfto see if I am awake, and I am.

I walk around and watch the paint-ings. I get to The Starry Night and I

am amazed. What I saw during the daydoesnt even begin to compare to this.The stars are gleaming and the lights

of the town are shining brightly. As if in atrance, I reach out and touch the painting.

I start to get drawn in, so I close myeyes and scream as loud as I can. When Iopen my eyes again, I am inside the paint-ing. I walk around, admiring the work andthe detail put into this masterpiece.

Suddenly, I hear a growl, then an-other. I turn to see that the sky has turned

black and red and I see that the growl-ing is coming from a never-ending seaof beasts. Dog-like creatures and somethat look almost human begin creepingforward.

I turn and start to run through the for-est, the dogs now nipping at my heels.

I see bright lights ahead and I pushtoward them, only to realize that it is thetown set ablaze. The smell of smoke fillsmy nostrils.

I see a gaping hole with a view of theroom from which I entered the painting.I reach it and it is as though there is glassor a force field that I cant break.

The beasts have caught up to me, Ihave no way out.

UnjustBYRORYBELLECARRARA


He sits alonein the middle of the lunch room,ust him, at the pink allergy table.

And God only knows,

there MUST be someone without peanutbutter.But both God and I knowno one will sit with him.He might be annoying,mean,unlikable,and the list seems never ending.Butif that were any other person,there would have been 10 people getting

up and joining him.In this small, little Catholic school,I cant be the only one to have the heart,to see him,to feel bad.This injustice must be stopped.So I sit with him.Just him and me.But unfortunately, thats the only justthing about this situation.

Ten ways oflooking at poetryBYTAYLORKRUPP

Grade 8, Rutland Town ElementarySchool

ONE: Such big meaning for not so manywords.

TWO:Poetry equals reading; readingequals overrated.THREE: Poetry alone is nothing; poetryand a point is everything.FOUR:Among the thousands of speechesspoken, a silent poem shouts the loudest.FIVE:A full trash can and a blank paper:A poem must be in progress.SIX:The Bible was written in manyanguages, but it was only written in oneorm, and that was not poetry.

SEVEN:Without poetry, people wouldntbe rich for only writing down a fewwords on a piece of paper.EIGHT:A world without poetry would beike mac without cheese: Tasteless.INE:To write poetry for some is hard,

for others, its a relief.TEN:Happy, sad, overjoyed, angry. Thesere emotions. But poetry, this is them all. MOREGREATWRITINGAT

YOUNGWRITERSPROJECT.ORGA.J. Combs, Essex High School

T W V t & G lV V ! Silk ibb

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PHOTOOFTHEWEEK

THISWEEK: Vermont &General






THEBAYANDPAUL

FOUNDATIONS




hundred submissions from students across Vermont and

New Hampshire. A team of staff, mentors and students

selects the best writing and images for publication. This

week, we present responses to the prompts, Vermont:

Write aboutyourVermont; and Generalwriting. Read

more at youngwritersproject.org.

Bri Lancaster, Essex High School

NEXTPROMPTS

Hidden. A character discovers some-thing that has been hidden in the familysattic for years. This could change every-thing.Alternate: Pet.If your cat, dog,horse, ferret, or other pet could talk, whatwould be its first words to you?; or Fam-ily. Your notoriously dysfunctional familyis having a big reunion. Let the mishapsbegin. Due April 17

Vermont, Vermont!BYESAANDERSON


Vermont, Vermont, Vermont whereIve lived my whole life and made all mymemories.

When I think of Vermont, I think of fallsoccer, the colorful leaves blowing in the

wind, and watching pretty sunsets.I think of Friday night football gamesand hanging out with all my friends,apple picking with my family, going tothe Vermont State Fair and eating allkinds of junk food.

Winter comes and the ski mountainsopen and basketball season starts. Itmeans getting the winter coats out, brush-ing the snow off the cars in the morningand SNOW DAYS!

When I picture winter, I think of theRutland vs. MSJ game, going skiingon the weekends and enjoying Belgianwaffles after a long day on the mountain.

Theres also CKS basketball season,having a blast with my basketball team allseason and then CYOs at the end of thelong season.

Spring comes and its always rainy. La-crosse season starts and Im so psyched,I cant wait to get out on the field andpractice.

Maple syrup time comes and I seepeople out on my road tapping the trees.

Wherever you walk theres snowmixed with rain so its all slushy andgross.

Eventually when the snow goes awayit starts to warm up very quickly and soonsummer approaches, the time weve allbeen waiting for summer vacation!

Summer is getting out of school andstarting summer camps, swim team every

morning and getting my summer home-work done, going to the pool to hang outwith my friends, being tan in the summer,going on vacation with the family, stayingup till 12 not worrying about school.

Summer is a time for relaxation, goingfor hikes on Vermonts trails, and going tothe snack bar for ice cream on hot days.

Silk ribbonsBYKRISTENELLIOTT


Back when I was 6 my mother wouldsit me down on my frilly, pink bed and tiemy hair in two silk ribbons. She wouldsmile at me and whisper words that I willnever know because her voice was always

small and she always spoke in a whisperthat went away just as fast as the wind.When I was 8 my mother sat me at

the kitchen table because we no longerowned my frilly, pink bed. Our apart-ment was too small for a bed made fora princess, but we worked with what wehad. As I sat at the table my mom braidedmy hair and tied it with only one silk rib-bon. As I skipped out the door for schoolthat day I saw tears in her eyes, and in herright hand she held a single silk ribbonthat was frayed at the ends.

When I was 11 my mother sat me onthe porch steps because the only time shewas ever home was after school, and eventhen her mind was always somewhereelse. As her fingers ran through my hairI knew that she was wishing things weredifferent, that we werent sitting on thecold porch steps that led up to our one-bedroom apartment. As she tied off myFrench braid with a single silk ribbon she

whispered something, but it was gone justas fast as the wind.

When I was 15 my mother sat me onthe lid of the toilet seat because it was themiddle of October and the porch stepswere too cold. I sat on that tiny seat in thetiny bathroom, wearing a homecomingdress that we bought at the thrift store fora dollar. And as my mother twirled hercurling iron around my hair she closedher eyes and whispered something that

I will never know because it was gonejust as fast as the wind. That night asmy friend honked her car horn and I randown those porch steps, my mother satat the kitchen table and in her hand weretwo silk ribbons.

When I was 16 my mother sat me onthe kitchen counter because it was dayslike this when the heat wasnt workingbecause we didnt pay the bills and thelights would barely stay on, but we hadeach other. As my mother twirled a strandof my auburn hair around her finger Irealized just how tired she looked. As Isat there and looked into my mothersdull eyes in the dim light of the lamp, Irealized that this was what it was like tohit rock bottom. And in that moment Iunderstood that the only thing that tiedme to my mother were two silk ribbons.Sitting on the kitchen counter my motherlet out a long sigh, and this time it lin-gered for a minute before it was gone just

like the wind

CLIMATECHANGEWRITINGCHALLENGE

WRITEANDWINCASH! DEADLINEEXTENDED!

1st place: $100 | 2nd: $75 | 3rd: $50

PROMPTSANDMOREDETAILS:

youngwritersproject.org/climate15

DEADLINEEXTENDED! APRIL17

Presented by Vermontivate!,

Vermont Energy Education Program

& Young Writers Project

St d t Y & MSt i ht Y

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MOREGREATSTUDENTWRITINGAT


PHOTOOFTHEWEEK

Stardust, You & Message


NEXTPROMPTS



North St., Suite 8, Burlington, VT05401.


MGN FAMILYFOUNDATION





New Hampshire. This week, we present responses to

the prompts, Stardust:Youre exploring intergalactic

space and you meet someone selling stardust;You:

Youre the only one who understands; and Message:

You send a message in a bottle. What does it say?

When you turn 18BYMARIASELL

Grade 5, Killington Elementary School

One day when my best friend Mayaand I went hot tubing, I exclaimed, Look

at the stars!You know, every child has a star that

will protect them until they turn 18.Later that night, I had a dream that I

had just turned 18 and was in the galaxy.After a while, the gas in the spaceship

started to run out. As the driver filled upthe tank, I went in to get a snack.

Hello there! said the cashier as Iwalked in. How old are you?

18, I answered.

How would you like to buy your starthat has been yours since you were born?I think its a little bit too big to take

home! I answered.Dont be silly! he said. Its now

dust.He handed me a bag filled with star-

dust...

Starry nightBYEVANJOAQUIN

rade 5, Killington Elementary School

I was in my bed at around 10:30 p.m.nd I couldnt sleep. I tiptoed downstairs,ut my sweatshirt on, and slowly creakedpen the door.

Ever sense I was a toddler I have lovedhe outdoors. The outdoors calms mehen I am frustrated.When I creaked open the door, I saw

he starry black night, the mountainseaching for the heavens, the willow treeswaying in the calm, refreshing breeze.

I lay down in the soft grass andatched the stars.When a star dies, its light slowly dies

ntil you cant see it.I stayed in the soft grass, the stars

howing the path.I then saw the most peculiar thing, one

f the stars exploded. I was a little wor-ied when the star came toward me.

I thought it was just my imagination,ut that changed when yellow-white

glowing dust fell all over the lawn.Everything had a yellowish glow to it.

went inside, got in bed, and rested myyes.

In my lifetime I never thought I would

each the stars, and I never thought thetars would reach me! But they did.

Mya Burghardt, Essex High School

Message in a bottleBYNINABORZEKOWSKI


I wrote a message in a bottle, and whenI went to the beach one summer, I tookit with me. I waded into the water till itwas up to my neck. Then I gave the bottlea push and it was off. This was what Iwrote:

Hello, whoever gets this. My name isNina. I live in a small town and almosteveryone has a family member who works

at the resort. If you get this, on the backof this paper is my address and we couldbe pen pals! Also, if you find this, dont

forget about it, please! Im really lookingforward to this. You wouldnt want to let alittle girl down, would you? No, I didntthink so. Looking forward to meeting

you. YOURSOONTOBEPENPAL(I HOPE)

NINA

A year and a half later, (Id been count-ing) I came home from school to find aletter from Austria! I gingerly opened itand this is what it said (surprisingly inEnglish):

Hi, Nina! My name is Marlene. Imalso a little girl and wish to be your

pen pal... YOURPEN-PALANDFRIENDMARLENE

Marlene and I were great pen pals andwhen my family went to Europe for sum-mer vacation, we got to meet her!

It was the most spectacular break Iever had! Even though she and I lived sofar apart, we were the best of friends.

And to think it all started with a littlebottle floating in the waves. What adven-tures that little bottle must have had!

YouBYALEXMARTELL


One day my best friend rushed up tome and said, Alex, can you understandme?

Yeah, I can understand you! Whywouldnt I understand you?

I dont know, but youre the only onewho can understand me!

Oookaaay. If I can understand you,then can anyone understand me?

Nope.What?!?!?!

Climate.Take action to combat Climate Change! Respond to three prompts, using words,

sound, images -- or all three. The challenge sponsor, Vermontivate, will award three cash

prizes and honor winners at a celebration in Montpelier in May! Go toyoungwritersproject.

org/climate15for full details of the three prompts along with resources. Due April 10.

Hidden. A character discovers something that has been hidden in the familys attic for

years. This could change everything.Alternate: Pet.If your cat, dog, horse, ferret, or other

pet could talk, what would be its first words to you?; or Family. Your notoriously dysfunc-

tional family is having a big reunion Let the mishaps begin Due April 17

THIS WEEK: Vermont Writes DayWelsh Terrier YWP NEWS

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PHOTOOFTHEWEEK

THISWEEK: Vermont Writes Day






JANESTRUST



Welsh TerrierBYESAANDERSON

Grade 8, Christ the King

If I could be an animal for a day, Iwould choose a dog, a Welsh Terrier.

I love my dog Bodie, and I alwayswonder what hes thinking. What goes onin that small brain of his when he wagshis tail or tweaks his ears in differentdirections? Or when he gives me a weirdlook and when he turns his head at me?

I imagine lying on my pillow with thesun shining on me through the windows,taking in the nice heat, not being manhan-dled by little kids or talked to about theirmany problems.

I hear footsteps coming toward me andsomeone calling my name. Bodie, whereare you? Bodie-bear, are you getting in

trouble?I lie there and close my eyes, until I

feel a girls hands on me, grabbing myears, kissing my nose, hugging me until Icant breathe.

2065 is coolBYEVANDOUGAN

Grade 4, Proctor Elementary School

The coolest thing invented in 2065 is ahoverboard that is an OK size, but it hasfive other things built in: a snow cone ma-chine, head lights, a paint ball launcher,a soda machine and a robot hand to grabstuff. 2065 is cool!

Sophia Cannizzaro, Homeschool, West Glover

CLIMATECHANGE

WRITINGCHALLENGE

WRITEANDWIN!

1st place: $100 | 2nd: $75 | 3rd: $50



DEADLINE: APRIL10




In its sixth year, Vermont Writes Day sparked the

imagination of thousands of writers across the state on

March 12. With Young Writers Projects seven prompts

to guide them, students, teachers and principals stopped

what they were doing for just seven minutes and wrote!

This week, we present a sample of the writing YWP

received. Read more in the April issue of The Voice!

Improving schoolBYLACIFRENCH


I would like more activities at recess,and a longer recess. I would also like ourschool to have more lunch choices and togive us access to a microwave.

There should be some time in schoolto have a break from learning, even 20or 30 minutes, and only on Mondays orFridays.

It would be nice if we could talk alittle more in class. I understand thatschool is supposed to be a learning place,but I think we could learn and have fun atthe same time.

I would also like it if we had nohomework. We are in school for six toseven hours a day. We learn enough dur-ing school.

If our school provided these things, itwould be a more fun place to learn.

ReindeerBYRYDENRICHARDSON


Last night, at 11:11 p.m., I wished thatI could be Santas reindeer and I guessit worked because now I am in the barngetting ready for Christmas.

And in 10 minutes we are going to takea test flight around the world. I am reallynervous. I am also afraid of heights.

Ten minutes later, I am in Santas take-off lane. All the reindeer start yelling,Five, four, three, two, one!

It is the fastest moment of my life!

YWP NEWS

THEVOICE

READTHEAPRILISSUE!


to get your FREE subscription

of YWPs monthly digital magazine!

BYRORYBELLECARRARA


People are a lot like pencils.At some points, we just... break.We always want to erase our mistakes,but after a while there isnt any eraser toerase with.Others shave us down,trying to strip us down from the part

that matters the most

But we can always be sharpened again.Unless we get too short.Then, at the end,we get thrown away.We all look up to the pens,striding through life, boldly and vibrantly,leaving their mark on the world.There are plenty of pencils;what makes us think that just one is sospecial?

People are a lot like pencils

THIS WEEK: General writing YWP NEWSWinter

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PHOTOOFTHEWEEK

THISWEEK: General writing


NEXTPROMPTS





THEBAYANDPAUL

FOUNDATIONS







week, we present responses to the prompt for General

writing.Read more atyoungwritersproject.org, a safe,

civil, online community of writers.

YWP NEWS

Dylan Sayamouangkhua, Burlington High School

CLIMATECHANGE

WRITINGCHALLENGE

WRITEANDWIN!

First place: $100Second place: $75 | Third place: $50



DEADLINE: APRIL10




Unjust.Write about an injustice youvewitnessed or experienced. What shouldbe done about it?Alternates:Lists:Writetwo lists your top 10 likes and top 10dislikes; or General writingin any genre.Due April 3

Climate. Take action to combat ClimateChange! Respond to three prompts, us-ing words, sound, images -- or all three.

The challenge sponsor, Vermontivate,will award three cash prizes and honorwinners at a celebration in Montpelier inMay! See above, and go to youngwriter-sproject.org/climate15 for full details ofthe three prompts along with resourcesand tips. Due April 10

Hidden. A character discovers somethingthat has been hidden in the familys atticfor years. This could change everything.

Alternate:Pet. If your cat, dog, horse,ferret, or other pet could talk, what wouldbe its first words to you?;orFamily.Your notoriously dysfunctional familyis having a big reunion. Let the mishapsbegin. Due April 17

WinterBYMAGGIESCHILLINGER


I ran across the white plain that hadbecome the ground. Snowflakes stung mycheeks as they tumbled out of the sky, oneafter another, never the same, all of themdifferent, just like people.

The branches sagged from the heavysnow and as I shook them of their burden,they bounced back, reaching to the sky.

The world was quiet, everything fastasleep in hibernation. Not me though, Iwas enjoying the soft whoosh of windand the almost silent drop of snow as itfell from a branch, reaching the end of itsourney on the ground.

Snowflakes continued to fall as Itumbled to the ground and lay there look-

ing up at the sky.I blinked a couple times as my eyes

adjusted to the bright, white nothingness.Snowflakes stuck to my eyelashes andI blinked them away, laughing into thesilence.

Springs greetingsBYBREANNALAPRE


What is that sound?Its the awakening crittersscurrying on the thawed ground.Blue jays chirp, saying hello to the world.In the pastel blue skies, newly born mon-archs swirl.Refreshing air fills your nose,while damp grass tickles your toes.The suns colors sparkle in the sky.

This is a place to which I wouldnt wantto say goodbye.Human eyes cant see where the fieldsend.I have noticed this place has a unique,special trend.The clouds slowly pass by.Leave here? I wouldnt even try.Flocks of birds roam the air.Suddenly, in the bushes, arrives a grizzlybear.

The fresh leaves of an oak tree sway sideto side.If I say this scene isnt pretty, I will havelied.I have a feeling that I know I will beokay; heres the place I dearly want tostay.Its the start of a new season; I wonderwhat it will bring.Listen closely and youll be able to hearthe wind quietly sing.

SecondsBYHEATHERMCMANUS

Grade 11, Mount St. Joseph Academy

A flash before your eyes,no more than a second has gone by.Thats all it takesto fix your day thats gone awry.A simple smile thrown your wayas youre walking in the hall

gives you a glimpse of hope

when youve felt youve lost it all.A simple little smilecan brighten someones day,so dont forget to smileand waste your seconds away.

THIS WEEK: SecretSki racing

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THISWEEK: Secret






VERMONTBUSINESS

ROUNDTABLE







week, we present responses to the prompts, Secret:

Write about a secret that people must never know. Read

more great writing atyoungwritersproject.org.

YWP NEWSSki racingBYSYDNEYBENNETT

Grade 8, Benson Village School

They can never know that I am ter-rified of what I am about to do, if I caneven get myself together to do it. I knowthat being an alpine skier isnt the easiestthing in the world, and that we practically

sign ourselves up to ski dangerously fastdown a steep slope just to beat a competi-tors time.

But it is my life, and even though itis terrifying, I wont quit because therush you get, the smile that appears onyour face is all worth the nerves andthe thought of things going wrong. It ismy life, and even though sometimes Iam scared to live it, I know that I wouldrather be doing this than anything else.

Therefore, nobody can know I am scared;it is my secret.

Facing the fact that I am scared andterrified and filled with a terrible gutfeeling is hard as I am standing at the topof the knoll waiting in line to race downa Super-G course that is screaming myname. The course is set on Highline, agood name for a steep race trail. By nowmy fellow U14s are almost gone. Theline is shrinking as one by one, the girls

in my age group ski down the course. Iknow I shouldnt be nervous because allof them have already made it down thecourse, but there is always that what if.

I know I cant turn on the brakes andskid the turn because I will lose speed,which wont impress the mountain schoolcoaches standing at the bottom of thecourse or my dad, who is currently givingthe clear for my friends to go.

As I am the second to last to go, myheart jumps out of my chest. I am next. I

cant get out of it now. Instead of thinkingof ways to bail or what will go wrong, Iturn my attention to the incredible view.Standing at the top of a ridge lookingover a valley filled with people who looklike little ants is sort of cool. The windblows gracefully, creating tiny tornadoesmade of the soft powder that sparkles asits lifted from the ground. There arentany clouds in the sky, so the sun shineswith freedom as it illuminates the bright

blue sky. The cold surrounds me, but onlymy rosy red cheeks feel the cool blast andleave them tingling. Then I come back toreality as I hear the scratchy voice overthe radio as I am given the clear. Mydad repeats the message and I am onceagain thinking about the butterflies in mystomach.

Youre clear, Syd, he says. I hesitatefor a moment, hoping to stall for as longas I can. I know I cant for too long or hewill know my secret. He cant know.

THEVOICE

READTHEMARCHISSUE!


to get your FREE subscription

of YWPs monthly digital magazine!

CLIMATECHANGE

WRITINGCHALLENGE

WRITEANDWIN!

First place: $100Second place: $75 | Third place: $50



DEADLINE: APRIL10




I plant my poles and point my skis

down the hill. I feel like I am about tothrow up, but soon my nervousness turnsinto excitement as I pick up speed. I amalready moving fast, so I start my turnand set my edge. I want to end my turn atthe gate so I can stay ahead of the courseand not get late, which is exactly what Ido. I feel forces pushing me and pull-ing me every which way, but I do whatI know. I ski my hardest, pushing mybody to the limits. My muscles remember

most of the movements but I still have topush my hands forward at the gate. Myshoulder slams into the gate and I push itout of my way. I have a good line becausethe fastest line is closest to the gates. Myarm stings but I dont think about thepain. Adrenaline flows through my bodyand I love it.

Now I am coming to the jump at thetransition from the steep pitch to the flats.I am terrified, but I know I can do this.

As I finish the turn before the jump,

I drop into my tuck and move my hipsforward. My shins rest against my coldboots and I cross the blue lines marking

the jump. As my skis leave the ground myhands are already down near my boots.With my chest down and my body weightforward and balanced, I fly off the jump.As soon as Im in the air I am already onthe ground. I pull my hands back up andto my knees to form a tuck. On the flatsI roll my skis over nice and easy to keepmy speed. The blue and red gates disap-pear as the ski club comes into view.

I am already at the bottom and myheart is beating fast. A smile covers myface and I come to a stop next to myfriends. Theyre smiling, too. I am almostout of breath, but I am filled with joy. Iam so glad that I did it that I want to goright up to the top and do it again.

My dad skis down the side of the trailand stops at the bottom with us girls. Hesmiles and mentions how we all did greatand that if we hurry, we can get one morerun in.

As most of the girls start to skate to the

ski lift, he stops me and says, The coachwas very impressed with your run.

I smile and give him a hug. I realizethat my secret, that I am terrified to skia course for the first time, has to stay asecret because if anybody finds out, theywont makeme do it and I would missout on the fun and thrill that comes withit.

NEXTPROMPTS

Vermont.Vermont is maple syrup, Ben& Jerrys, Green Mountains, skiing/snow-boarding, farms, right? Now, describeyour Vermont.Alternates:Life. Writea crazy story about what would happento the rest of your life if a certain majorevent had gone differently the moreearth-shattering, the better; or Message.You send a message in a bottle. What doyou write? Who do you want to find it?Due March 27

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Philosopher, Regret & Queasy YWP NEWS& EVENTSResignation is badf j

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MOREGREATWRITINGAT


& THEVOICE

FEATUREDPHOTO

p , g Q y






JANESTRUST






to the prompts, Philosopher: Wax philosophic about

an issue;Regret: Write about something you regret

and cant change;and Queasy:Put a character in an

uneasy situation. More at youngwritersproject.org.

Kevin Huang, Burlington High School

VERMONTWRITESDAY

ISTHURSDAY, MARCH12!Stop everything to write for just 7 min-utes! Get your school involved! More at

youngwritersproject.org/VTWrites15.

CLIMATECHANGEWRITINGCHALLENGE

WRITEANDWINPRIZES!

FORPROMPTSANDMOREDETAILS:


DEADLINE: APRIL10

You know the storyBYOTTONISIMBLAT


The boat rocked back and forth, backand forth. The waves were shaking theboat. I regretted eating that bolognasandwich, when, suddenly, I ...You knowwhat I did.

Does it exist?

BYHEATHERMCMANUSGrade 11, Mount St. Joseph Academy

If we cant see it,is it not there?Since we cant see it,is there no air?It makes the phrase true,out of sight, out of mind;we tend to forgetthe things we cant find.

We cannot see love;we cannot see air.So does it exist,if we dont see it there?

for your jaw

BYZOERIELL

Grade 12, Homeschool, Poultney

So this is how it feels to break glassbetween my back teeth.I suppose I thought it would bewarmer, somehow, like when the bassline

fadesfrom your chest and youre left feelinga little bit empty.It feels like it did last spring when mygrandfather,embracing me, didnt rememberI had a sister.Its that void second,the nothing in between heartbeats, likewhenI smashed an amethyst on the floor

because I didnt have a pretty thingto call my own.Its a mirror fragmentreflecting my own iris; itsthe taste of blood poolingin my gums.

I need you backBYSANDRAGUYETTE

Grade 9, Mill River Union High School

I broke down and cried today,whispering things I forgot to say.My hands shook as I tried to play,tried to play the sadness away.But each strum of my guitar

just further broke my heart.You encouraged me to start;now I feel like my world is falling apart...I need you back now!Please, just tell me how!How can I make things right?When I never got to say good night.So many things I never got to say!I guess this regret will never go away,I broke down and cried today.

CHECKOUTYWPSDIGITALMAGAZINEEVERYMONTH!

Go toyoungwritersproject.org

for your FREE subscription!

THISWEEK:Sorry &Button Pushing buttonsIm so sorry

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PHOTOOFTHEWEEK

y






AMYE. TARRANT

FOUNDATION






to the prompts, Sorry:Write a story that includes

the phrase, Im sorry ... Im so sorry; andButton:

Pressing buttons can be irresistible, but wait!Read

more atyoungwritersproject.org.

Haley Thon, Essex High School

Supersilly.Come up with a hilarious, seemingly useless superpower andexplain how one might defeat a villain using it.Alternates:Secret.Write abouta secret (real or fictional) that people must never know; or People.Write about asecret people (a hidden population) that most but not all people never know.Due March 6

Decision. Think of a time you had to make a difficult decision and then create afictional character who makes the opposite choice from the decision you made (orwould make) when faced with the same situation.Alternates:Idea. Write about aseemingly bad idea that turns out great; or Manual. Write instructions on how tobe a human being.Due March 13

NEXTPROMPTS

MARKYOURCALENDARS!

Vermont Writes Day is Thursday,

March 12! Its the day we stop

everything to write for just seven

minutes! Find out more atyoung-

writersproject.org/VTWrites15.

gBYHEATHERMCMANUS

Grade 11, Mount St. Joseph Academy

I go about my day;nothing seems too strange,but as I come to a door,my lucks about to change.I press the little buzzerand all the people freeze;I try to understandwhat this all means.I press on it againand people start to move;I press on it once morelike I have something to prove.Just as before,time seems to halt;a sick feeling starts to rise,knowing its my fault.

With one final pushI set the world into motion,but this one little buttoncan stop all commotion.

so so yBYMILESALLEN

Grade 7, Rutland Town ElementarySchool

Annabeth and her fianc Finn had beenplanning their wedding for months.

Annabeth and her maid of honor Clairehad picked out a beautiful white wedding

dress.She knew Finn was the one for her.That dress is simply gorgeous, Claire

said.I know, Annabeth said, smitten. She

was getting ready to walk down the aisle.I need to go now, Annabeth, Claire

said urgently. I want to be there to seeyou walk down the aisle.

Claire left just as Annabeths fatherwalked in.

Wow, he said softly, not in his usualorotund voice.

Thanks, Dad, she said as she huggedhim.

Ready, darling?Ready, Dad.He pushed open the door to the cathe-

dral.Annabeth looked into Finns eyes and

smiled.She scanned her family and friends

until she caught the eye of DeWayne,Finns best man.

He smiled at her, and she smiled back.She walked down the aisle with her fa-

ther until she reached Finn and the priest.We are gathered here today to

celebrate the beloved marriage of Ms.Annabeth Gillian and Mr. Finn Tchaik-ovsky

Wow, DeWayne looks so hot in thattux, Annabeth thought.

The priest kept talking and talking

and talking, but all Annabeth could thinkabout was DeWayne.

Do you, Finn Tchaikovsky, takethis woman to be your lawfully wed-ded wife? the priest said in a monotonevoice.

I do.And do you, Annabeth Gillian, take

this man to be your lawfully weddedhusband?

Annabeth? Finn asked worriedly.

I love you, DeWayne, she said.What? Finn said.I guess I can leave, the priest said.DeWayne stared at Annabeth.Are you okay?Annabeth turned to Finn. Im sorry

Im so sorry.

MOREGREATWRITINGAT


AND

THEVOICE,

YWPSDIGITALMAGAZINE

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Snails, Invention & GeneralFlowers and rain Shepherds paws

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PHOTOOFTHEWEEK






NATIONALLIFEGROUP



Photographers name, xxx High School




to the prompts, Snails:Did you know snails can swal-

low you whole? Tell your own whopper;andInven-

tion:Youve invented the next big thing!; and General

writing.Read more atyoungwritersproject.org.

Try UCloudBYTAYLORKRUPP

Grade 8, Rutland Town Elementary

School

Imagine Holly walking down the hall.Holly has five textbooks, a backpack,gym clothes, a change of shoes, a lunch-box, and a cello.

She suddenly trips on a loose penciland tumbles to the ground. She falls facefirst into a pile of school supplies and acement floor. She breaks her nose andsprains her right ankle and left wrist. She

lands herself in a wheelchair for a month!How do you prevent this, you ask? BuyUCloud.

UCloud is a lightweight machine. Itcan hold over 200 pounds of luggage, butit feels like just five pounds. The beauty isthat you dont even have to carry it!

UCloud is infused with the latesthovercraft technology and floats behindyou as you walk! UCloud can also beprogrammed so that it will recognize yourshoes and follow them around at a safe

and noninvasive distance.UCloud is priced at $20 and comes in a

variety of colors. It is a great holiday gift!Think of the kids. Dont be like Holly.

Buy UCloud.

Emma Parizo, Essex High School

YWP EVENTS

MARKYOURCALENDARS!

Vermont Writes Day is Thursday,

March 12! Its the day we stop

everything to write for just seven

minutes! Find out more at young-

writersproject.org/VTWrites15.

BYLILLYKOWALCZYK


Did you know there are flowers thesize of church towers? And that there arehorses that are also hairdressers? I bet youdidnt know that cows knit sweaters andfish knit scarves.

Did you know that rainbows can growarms and legs and walk away? Yep, itsall true. I bet that you didnt know any ofthat.

How do you think rainbows go away?Youre thinking that when the rain goesaway the rainbows go away, and, yes,they do.

But rainbows dont like the sun, sothey walk away with the rain and they sitdown. And when the sun comes out, they

get up and walk to where there is rain.Rainbows and rain are best fr iends. Theynever want to leave each others side.

Yes, yes, you think that this isnt true,but it is.

BYMAGGIESCHILLINGER


My dog has a shepherds paws and eye-brows,but a black labs ears and body.When he goes to sleep he turns aroundand around in circles until he finds that

perfect spot,then he folds his legs underneath him andlies down.He is super protectiveand will go crazy if anyone he doesntknow comes near our house.He may not like strangers,but if he gets to know you hell snuggleup against you, wanting to get petted.If you start to scratch him for longer than10 seconds he will roll over onto his back

and stare up at you with the question inhis eyes, Any more?He is very smart and knows countlesstricks,however if you try to play fetch with himhell play for about 10 minutesand then get tired, sit down with the ball,and gnaw on it for a little while.He is a rescue dog, so we dont knowwho his family was, what type of breedhe is, or how old he is.

But one thing is for sure,my dog is part of my family.

THISWEEK: SecondsUnknown Seconds thatl f

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PHOTOOFTHEWEEK






MAINSTREETLANDING







week, we present responses to the prompt, Seconds.

Write about something that can happen in seconds.

Read more at youngwritersproject.org.

YWP NEWS

BYSYDNEYBENNETT

Grade 8, Benson Village School

Life is a game;you can try to play your cards right,or you can roll the dice with the hope ofluck.I chose to play my cards,

trusting logic instead of intuition.I found out it wasnt my choice; cards ordice,but that I put my life in the hands of theunknown.It only took seconds for my fate to bedecided,a fate that I could either accept or deny.People say that sugar caused it,some people say that I inherited it.But what they dont know is that I had no

control over it;after all, my life is in the hands of theunknown.I was as clueless as a newborn baby as towhat it could be.I am a teenager who is growing;why be concerned?It was a drastic change.I looked in the mirror to find only skinand bones,thirty-five pounds gone in only three

months.I felt the pain of hunger in my stomach allthe time,so I ate, pausing the pain for the shortesttime.Everlasting thirst made my mouth dry andcracked,so I drank for an eternity of satisfaction,but it never came.I felt the scratches that never healed.I tried household medicine,

but nothing worked.I fell asleep in math, which was my favor-ite subject.It wasnt boredom,it was my body turning on itself,it was my brain looking for something tohelp,my liver working too hard,my pancreas calling it quits.Who knew in seconds my life could bechanged by the unknown?

I want everyone to know that I acceptedit,that I wont let it define me,I wont let it control me,I wont let it change who I am.I accepted the unknown because it wasmy only choice,but also because it happened in onlyseconds.My heart is still beating,my brain finding no solution,

my liver working hard but slightly dazed,my pancreas declaring surrender,yet I am still here.I am still alive.Who knew in seconds that the unknowncould choose this for me and millionsmore,even within the blink of an eye?It took seconds to decide that I,a young teenage girl with her dads eyes,

a girl who was completely normal yester-day,would be thrown into the life of a respon-sible adult in seconds.Just seconds!The unknown changed my life forever,leaving me with the hope of a cure.I am Type 1 diabetic,and it only happened in seconds.

last foreverBYMATTHEWCREED


Only so many seconds left,skating down the ice.I finally have the puck on my stick,

and I skate for my life.I pass up to Oliver;he takes a shot thats blocked.I come and crash the netand shoot the puck high upover the goalies shoulder.The red light turns on.I give a big fist pumpcause we have won 2-1!

Mya Burghardt, Essex High School

NEXTPROMPTSStardust. Youre exploring in-

tergalactic space and come across avoyager selling stardust. Write yourconversation.Alternate:Regret.Isthere something you wish you haddone, but now its too late? What isit and how do you deal with it? DueFeb. 13

THEVOICE

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MAGAZINEEVERYMONTH!


for your FREE subscription!

THISWEEK: Proposal &GeneralJuliets rejection Never mind

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VERMONTBUSINESS

ROUNDTABLE



Olivia Fewell, Essex High School





tion. This week, we present responses to the prompts,

Proposal:Write about a marriage proposal that goes

terribly wrong and Generalwriting.

BYALEXMARTELL


After being rejected 99 times by Ro-meo, Juliet decided to propose marriage.She showed up at Romeos front doorwith his favorite flowers and a ring.

She rang the doorbell and when Romeo

came to the door she gave him the flowersand said, Will you marry me?

She waited for a response from Ro-meo. The answer she got was one youmight not expect.

He said, Not in this lifetime!Then he slammed the door in Juliets

face. That bruised Juliets confidence.After all, she was rejected 100 times bythe love of her life!

BYHEIDIALF


Once there was a man and a womanwho were madly in love. They were dat-ing for five years. It was time for them toget married.

The man took his lady out to a fancy

dinner place. When it was time for des-sert, the man said to the woman, Dar-ling, I have something to ask you.

The woman said, Tell me, I wontjudge.

The man went down on his knees andasked nicely, Sweetie, you were specialto me when I first saw your long brownhair and blue eyes. Your personality wasflawless to me. So, um ...

Suddenly a flying squirrel came

through the open door of the restaurant!Then a little girl came running in, yelling,Ulysses! At the sound of its name, thesquirrel turned around and looked at itsowner. The girl ran to Ulysses, huggedthe squirrel and they left the restaurant.

That was sweet, the lady said. Whatwere you trying to say?

Suddenly a waiter with a tray of hotfood bumped into the man with the ringand the ring flew over peoples heads andlanded in a bowl of spaghetti all coveredwith cheese.

The man ran over to the bowl ofspaghetti. The person who was eating thespaghetti took a bite and suddenly thering was in his mouth!

The man who had come to the restau-rant to propose at a romantic dinner couldonly say, Nooooo! as the ring disap-peared.

Later, the lady said, What was that?What were you going to ask me?

Never mind ... the man said. Andhe walked out the door and didnt say aword.

Its better this wayBYNINABORZEKOWSKI

rade 5, Killington Elementary School

A man named Bradley and a womanamed Marisa were deeply in love.

They had been dating for two yearsnd they were on vacation in the Baha-as. Marisa was getting impatient with

radley. She wanted him to propose toer on the trip.

Bradley had an engagement ring andas trying to find a time to propose butas having a hard time.

Finally, Marisa and Bradley went outo dinner and afterward went to get iceream. Bradley had brought the ring withim, thinking that this was the best timeor his proposal. They were eating theirce cream when Bradley got up, went

o the bathroom, took out the ring, wentack to Marisa and...

Will you marry me? he asked.Marisa answered, I ... will ... I will

otmarry you. I hate you because youaited so long!

Now that practically took the life outf Bradley. But he also liked being singlend he realized everything would be okay.

It turned out Marisa really wantedo be single too and was happy. So they

alked to the car, drove to the hotel,acked up their stuff and went back toheir separate homes.

That was just how it had to be.

NEXTPROMPTSChange.Write a story or poem

that includes the sentence, Thatswhen everything changed. Alter-nates:Limerick.Write a limerick: a

poem of five lines, the 1st, 2nd, and5th lines rhyming, and the 3rd and4th lines rhyming and use humor;or Child. Write a story from the per-spective of a small child who is leftalone and could be either frightenedand confused by the situation or veryresourceful and determined. DueFeb. 6

Yup, thats meBYTAYLORKRUPP

Grade 8, Rutland Town Elementary School

Are you Elsa?

Of course, Im Elsa! Do I need tofreeze you to refresh your memory?Here is the story of my life: I started

off hiding my powers from everyone.I dont know if that was a good choice

or not. I think it would have worked if Ihadnt frozen the country.

Ice queen problems ... I froze mysisters heart, almost killed her. She is oneforgiving person.

Then I figured out how to control mypowers and everything is now unfrozen!

Now people call me and ask me forsome ice cream. You know what I say?Sure thing. Let me go get my cow alongwith some hot fudge.

Obviously, I cant just whip up icecream out of thin air. Who do they think Iam? An ice cream lord?

Sorry to upset you folks but we areall sold out!

Then people ask me why I weargloves if Im an ice queen. They say,Arent you used to the cold? I kindlyexplain to them that the reason I weargloves is so I dont accidentally freezetheir head off while Im reaching to getthe salt and pepper.

Mortals these days ...Are you Elsa?

Y h

THISWEEK: Dream & InventionThe internal war Knowledge Wear

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PHOTOOFTHEWEEK


NEXTPROMPTS





PHYSICIANSCOMPUTERCO.






to the prompts, Dream:Write about a recurring or

strange dream;and Invention: Youve just invented the

next big thing! Read more atyoungwritersproject.org, a

safe, civil, online community of writers.

BYTAYLORKRUPPrade 8, Rutland Town Elementary

School

keep having this dreamnd it just keeps on occurring.o matter what I try

rom my mind, it does not pry.

start off happily walking down a cityidewalk;can hear almost everyone talk.ts so loud I can barely hear myself thinknd then everything goes quiet within alink.t is dark, too.dont know what to do.he nightmare beginsnd the panic sets in.he city actually gives me glee.

think its the silence that scares me.or silence is the most powerful forceecause it suggests something more.

Silence is like an internal war.

Dream PillowBYTAQDEESAHMAD

Grade 7, Rutland Town Elementary

School

I created a new invention. Its calledDream Pillow. It captures your dreamsso you can watch and remember them.

You sleep on the pillow and all thedreams that youve had get captured intothe pillow. You plug a cord into the pillowand your computer. The dreams downloadon to your computer so you can watchthem.

The pillow gets all your dreams. Thisway you can remember them.You might be thinking What if I have

a nightmare?Well, I thought about that, too! Before

you use the pillow you have to add whatkind of dreams you dont want to re-member. The pillow wont remember thedreams and you dont have to worry.

But wait, theres more! How do youadd the settings? Well, the pillow is areally soft pillow, and it has computer-

programmed chips. The chips wont breakThey are in a little corner in a protectedarea.

Worried about decoration? Well, itcomes with different colored dreamcatch-er pillow cases that arent removable. Youcan pick what color you want and if youwant your name on it or not.

Instructions are in the box. Now you

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Rutland Herald 2014-2015