Table of Contents:Beach Paradise 3Days at the Lake 3Noah’s Heart 4Friendship? 4Hopes and Dreams Like a Child 5Lasting Memories 5Nature and Destruction 6 Artwork: Rachel Ooyama-SearlsOpening Day 7Love 8When We Were Young 8My First Alaskan Adventure 9 Artwork: Bonnie ChanParadise 10Remember Me 10The Blizzard 11 Artwork: Bonnie Chan Special Memories 12The Hermit Crab 12The Box and its Shackles 13Down on Your Luck 13The Joy of Singing 14 Artwork: Bonnie ChanThe Old and the New 15The Race 15The Last Summer Rose 16 Artwork: Bonnie ChanWriter’s Block 17What Are You? 17I Am a Clock 18 Artwork: Anthony Williams

David FantoDavid Fanto

Beach ParadiseNatalie Brueckner

There is a place I always love to beIt’s very fun and a beautiful scene,Standing on the sand, so close to the seaIt makes me happy and feel so serene. The water is so blue and very clearSoft and warm sand, I feel it on my toesUnderwater, fish begin to appearAfter a day here, sunburn really shows. Building large sandcastles oh what great fun,Or playing beach volleyball on the sandEither way, its paradise in the sunIt is a feeling that is oh, so grand. When the day ends, there’s something you must seeA sunset that is pretty as can be.

Days at the LakeJillian Pancio

Crystal blue water crashes onto shore.The water will take all worries away. When it is hot you want to swim much more.All day at the lake you’ll so long to stay.I love the warm wind rushing in my hairand hearing the waves splash up on the boat.Feel the hot sunshine tan skin that is bare,Quench thirst with iced tea, relax on a float. In minutes the un-stirring body ofwater changes to a huge battle field.You’ll be in awe looking up high aboveSeeing dark clouds and bright lightning revealed.Alas summer indeed comes to an end.Sadly now it’s school that I must attend.

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Noah’s Heart Sophia Loewenguth

There was a little boy I knew who had a heart bigger than only eyes can see.He was kind to even those who were sadan amazing friend which I strive to be. Noah was his name, baseball was his gameEvery time he played he would not letyou down, he played as the biggest fameand touched the hearts of all he had met. Thinking of Noah brings my eyes to tears even from heaven I can feel his lovehe’s always looking down as it appearsand I know he’s helping me rise above.Our Noah cannot be with us todaybut among us his heart will always stay.

Friendship?Jeffrey Guo

Your luscious brown hair so awesome when youYour beautiful green eyes, in the right place.Our relationship blossoms like a rose,Growing so gorgeous like your chiseled face.Your voice is my medicine, so soothing.It flows off the tip of your tongue so smooth.Each syllable so perfectly moving,I wish I were as awesome as you.But we are only friends, yes, you and I.We’re like brothers, we’re always together;And though we don’t always see eye to eye,I’m sure that we’ll be forever. But you…..Know not my plan for world domination,You’re a pawn in my grand operation! 4

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Hopes and Dreams like a ChildMary Svintozelsky

Do you remember the days of the past?When evening comes, little one plays. The ropeThose memorable days, which always last.A gateway to the sky, not losing hope.It reminds me who I am, all those days.My dreams, like a rose, will always blossom.I am a dreamer, soaring many ways.Some may die, those that live, will be awesome.Others may try and stop you. To dreamLike doves a swift, and soft, love another.Do not let them, just keep on bright gleaming.And loving each and eve’ single brother.To by and by the ways of your actions.Will solemnly show thy reactions.

Lasting MemoriesMackenzie Maring

I wish I were there right now. My family And friends all would be all around. Gorgeous lakes Are all in view. Waves jump and dive, fully The sun shines. As you lay out your skin bakes. We swim and tube and water ski each day. Each tries to be the first to the buoyBefore the others take that pride away.And windy boat rides make my hair wacky. The darkness comes as we retreat inside. Each person gathers to have a good time. Best of all, we have crumbly s’mores outside.We also have drinks with a little lime. Good memories will always last for e’er.Don’t take precious time for granted, never.

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Nature and Destruction Nick Brown

The golden morning shines on a new world.A flower blooms from a once fruitless land.The way the living realm has unfurled,Delicately came from nature’s own hand.The swing of and axes and the buzz of a saw, Humans now start this great kingdom’s downfall.The old world is torn apart as we draw,New schemes for shining cities bright and tall.Will it end this eternally mad scheme?Will we ever fix the mistakes we sow?How will we ever find a way to deem,Righteous this plot now turned to sad sorrow?Life was once a treasure buried in deep,Being the treasure people could not keep.

Opening DayHadi Dahhan

Baseball Opening Day finally hereWait since Fall Classic an eternityFinally fans at parks can have a cheerWatching Barry Zito face Ryan FlahertyOpening Day means hope for every crewYankees, Red Sox, Rays all tied for first placeMarlins new park in a nice shade of blueOf getting hot, winning close playoff raceWill the high paid Pujols lead his new team,To the ultimate goal or to much shame.Cubs wait for Fall Classic like a false dream But the Phillies beat them and with no shameBaseball back in our daily life is goodHappiest time of year since childhood

Bonnie Chan 7

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LoveManuel Stoeckl

I scan the lengthy, multicolored rowsto seek a box, imprinted with bright face.Unique and intriguing, this box now showsthe promise of a dream, a goal, a chase.The box is taken down, then opened whilesmooth covers reveal rough hewn pages, fullof fluid rows of angular type, stylefrom tangled webs of diction to fine wool.Bought and paid for, the book to me will go.Content, I delve, to watch the birds of thoughtglide in rapid, illuminating flow.The book invites, but be put down it oughtin time, and time again, I seek the book,for deeper depths remain since that first look.

When We Were YoungKatie Cok

When we were little we played together;Like two flowers growing up in the light.With our hands clasped no matter the weather,We shared our lives, we kept back all our spite.Then clouds filled the sky, and our happinessfell short. The warmth left the air and we grewapart. The busy winds of life blew less,But I still went on my way without youYears passed and we never saw each other;We almost forgot the sunshine from then.But our younger lives we could not smother,And after ten years, we met up again.We were still friends even through all the strife;Our bond will last for the rest of my life.

My First Alaskan AdventureGreg McCord

It all began with the tiniest dreamWe all packed our bags and it’s time to goAs the excitement grows it almost seemsThat the fun I will have is all I know The friends I met and the people I knewThe tours I took and the knowledge I gainCruising in the sea, along with the crewAnd the traveling on the old time train Much time has passed and the fun has been lostBut I know that this place was meant for meWithin the days to come our paths shall crossOne day, I know, just wait and you will see Although the distance be’n so far awayI am sure that I will come back someday

Bonnie Chan

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ParadiseMarissa Fess

The bright, cool waves that roll onto the shore,The crystal sand that shines under the sun,The seashells swept up from the ocean floor,A paradise that draws in everyone.How often I do wish that I were there,I dream of it upon a winter’s day,A dream, I know, that many people share.Yet my reality is far away.But on the beach the sand does scorch my feet,And salty waves do cruelly batter me.The breezes that I first did think were sweetWhip angrily back towards the roaring sea.A place may look like it is paradise,But maybe you should think about it twice.

Remember MeCaroline McCusker

When pain gives out, and we can hear them pray,the darkness of the void of forever.No, there is not a hope for us this day.All we can wish for is to remember.The twinkling lights of stars, they start to fade.The night is becoming our dearest friend.We wish to close our fatigued eyes. We’ve paidthe debt owed to the sun, no more to lend.Now we must go to greatness far absent,and leave our remnants behind before noon,for noon is when bold sun demands payment,so instead we shall answer to soft moon.When life tires and it’s time to give in,let us be remembered for who we’ve been.

The BlizzardTim Dunn

Look all around, the snow covers the groundEach flake unique, a masterpiece of artOutside there is nobody to be foundThis sight will stay forever in my heart.Excited children run outside to playA snowball fight begins, snow hits his headand soon all of the others join the fray.They throw the snow until their arms are deadBut soon the winter’s coldness takes its tolland bitter winds keep howling through the night.The animals retreat into their holes,It snows and blows and turns that whole world white.Though right now all the children cannot play,they will just wait to play some other day.

Bonnie Chan

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Special MemoriesLiz Ferrara

My Mother and I are one in the same.The Kitchen is where it all begins, foodand laughter that we hear, smell; it’s a game.Oh cooking closely we make a great mood.The mall is where we love to be, so fun.With colors, fabrics they feel so soft. Shop,shop, shop, we hurry so. Clothes for the sun,or clothing for cold, shop until we drop.I have grown up and we have grown apart.High school brings out differences in us,we fight and argue of small things. A dartgoes through my heart, the changes make a fuss.But, love for each other will ne’er change. Weare bonded forever with so much glee.

The Hermit CrabRachel Ooyama-Searls

Trapped inside this empty shellI see the world through glassy eyesThe light, the dark, and the colorfulall blend into the nothingness of grey.Sometimes I peer out from behind my shell convincing myself that I still can.But fear soon seizes me.Back to a shell I flee like the hermit;living through the hours that feel like years, breathing through the days that are as seconds,I find myself again.Trapped forever inside this empty shell.

The Box and Its Shackles Katie Pendelberry

There is a constraining box I live inIt is always there, hanging over meIt’s small, but vast, an empty, endless binWithin my grasp I hold my future’s key.I am forever tied within its easeA prisoner of my own design. Bound,chained, free to stray. It is for change I teasethe pleasant shackles of constraint I found.To be free of the bindings of my pickTo dream of freedom I can seize. Lacks aforce I do not possess. My yearn to kickthrough my box is great. I shall try someday.I dream of leaving that constraining boxBut leaving for me is a paradox.

Down on Your LuckJamie Argento

You say never again you'll feel okay.Your entir' life now seems to be askew.I know how you feel. Having a bad dayfeels like the world has turned its back on you.But of course no matter how hard you try,you can not ignore plenty of good times;the times we snuck out and then had to lie,when we tried to make lemonade with limes.Remember your luck always comes around.Life is just like a roller coaster ride;both good and bad times are sure to abound.On life's bumpy track, good times will preside.We all have days when we feel really down,but I don't want to ever see you frown.

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The Joy of SingingAbby Coughlin

The sound of music whirling around meAs I sing to the rhythm of my mind.By humming I make music quietly.It flows from me to help my soul unwind.Emotions are let go and soon I turnThem into songs of what I hold insideAnd as the pressure melts away I learnThat music will always be at my side.The future I see has a stage so grandWith bright spotlights that shine upon my face.When I am done the audience claps their handsAnd compliment me on my gorgeous grace.Will I step out of dark shadows and seeThe spotlight centered directly on me?

Bonnie Chan

The Old and the NewAbby Davis

When I took my first steps, I was a child,Naïve and young I held my dad’s bare hand.We‘d great times together when I was mild And petite. To me, this life appeared grand.But soon arises a telephone pole And we lose our touch as we let go ofOur hands. I’m independent with a goalAnd dream of mine. I’ll make a couple ofMistakes and he’ll be my shoulder. As IGet older I will choose a separate Path. On my own I’ll know he’ll wait close byIn his lounge chair for a call that I’m great.We’ll both make new memories, but weWill cherish the old memories with much glee.

The RaceSarah Cok

I walk in and I squint at the bright light,Anticipation washes over me.I bring my bag up to the line in fright.I step onto the track and my nerves flee.The gun goes off, the journey has begun.My blood is quickly rushing through my veins.I hear dull noises, I am having fun!I am so focused, I can’t feel my pains.Going by the last turn my foot brushesThe track so quickly. As I go aroundMy name is screamed. The finish line rushes Towards me then suddenly I hit the ground.I ran so fast I could no longer walk,So when I won then I could only gawk.

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The Last Summer Rose Tess Perry

Oh, the last summer rose stands tall and proudIt is blooming in all of its gloryIt shines with dew and a color so loudAnd emanates with an unmatched beautyAlthough I admire it with fond eyesTime is wearing away its memoryI know all that will come is its demiseBut still the rose will remain dear to meSo swiftly the seasons have come and goneMarring what the last summer rose once wasIts withered petals are strewn on the lawnAnd it is unfamiliar to us Now it is fall and I’ve come back to findThe last summer rose that I left behind

Bonnie Chan

Writer’s BlockKatie Pendelberry

What I'm about to share is something thatMost people have met many many timesSomething more irksome than a pesky gnatSomething to get rid of like mucky grimesIt's found when you need it not in the leastWhen it's stuck to you like gum on your shoeIt's like a rampaging and hungry beastMore bothersome than a cow going moo!It comes to me, and I want to throw itThrow it out on the street, sent to dieIf it had a throat, then that I would slitAfter plagues of it, now I find it wryI suppose it's not really a dish cloutIt's given me something to write about

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What Are You?Skye Smith

I am a coin. Sometimes I feel like I am worth

a lot, while other times I can be worth very little. I have many small, intricate details that seem to go unnoticed. I’m very cold when you first meet me, but I warm up the longer you’re around. I’m hard and stubborn, nothing near malleable. I can be outdated and confused of which time period I’m in. I can care about the economy – and I’m even a bit political. I am very good at helping others make decisions, but I’m not so good at making my own. I can be generous and help get you what you want. Some people may find me very important, while others do not. I’m not easily impressed, but I do have impressions on my surface. I can come in many colors and sizes, and I do like mathematics and numbers. I am different in other countries. People call me by different names. Even through rough pockets in my life, I manage to stay strong, and I don’t get bent in the process. I am a coin.

I Am A ClockBy Mitchell Rybak

I am a clock. From the outside I sometimes don’t look very special and my face changes often, but if you open me up and look inside me you will see that I am very complex. I run great almost all of the time, unless someone messes with me. I am often look to for information when people need me. I have things that make me run and things that make me tic. I also love using my hands. I am full of gears that each have a specific purpose that makes me run the way the way I do. I am very punctual and almost never late unless someone give me the wrong information, and if you tell me a time will remind you about it later. I am important to the people around me because they sometimes need me to get through the day, and I am glad to help. There are times when I break, but I will be fine when someone winds me back up again. I am a clock.

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Anthony Williams

Spectrum 2011-2012 StaffEditor-In-Chief: Stephanie Fernaays

Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Michael CallariLayout: Caroline McCusker

Art Editors: Bonnie Chan and David FantoTreasurer: Rachel Ooyama-Searls

Secretary: Alexis ConnersCopy Editor: Katie Pendelberry

Advisors: Mrs. Strong, Mrs. BatesContributing Advisor: P. Ferrara

Cover Art: Brooklyn Bridge by Chris Gnam, Spectrum “S” by David Fanto

Chris Gnam