2 MB 981-Spring-2010 - Sterling High School

The Silver Scroll
Faculty Advisor: Mrs. Jennifer Murphy
Editor-in-Chief: Sierra Hanson
Managing Editor: Katelyn Sullivan
THE SILVER SCROLL
Sterling High School
501 South Warwick Road
Somerdale, NJ 08083
Contributors
Rachel Clark
Caitlyn Counts
Kelly Deichert
Carlyn Frye
Krystn Glenn
Madeline Schmidt
Laurie Senior
Sharayah Williams
Phone: 856-784-1333 ext. 4671
Fax: 856-784-7661
Email: jmurphy@sterling.k12.nj.us
Movie Review: How to Train Your Dragon
By Caitlyn Counts
One of the most
popular children‟s books of
the last decade is the 2003 title How to
Train Your Dragon.
The book was
loosely adapted into the March 2010
computer-animated fantasy film by the
same name.
Dreamworks studio produced the film, the latest in a series of
smash hits such as Madagascar, Kung F
Panda, and Shrek. The film stars the
voice talents of Jay Baruchel, Gerard
Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, T.J. Miller, Kristen
Wiig, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse.
How to Train Your Dragon is
set in the mythical world of the burly
Vikings and crazy dragons, and tells the
story of the main character, Hiccup.
Hiccup is a young Viking teenager who
is an outcast in his tribe‟s tradition of
heroic dragon slayers. It is not until Hiccup encounters a new dragon challenge
that turns his life, and the rest of his
tribe's, upside down that he begins to
see the world from a different point of
view.
How To Train Your Dragon was
an if not slightly risqué, absolutely adorable watch; the end being the only risqué part. I absolutely loved this movie,
and would recommend it to anyone who
loves a good story and a good moral in
the form of a childhood memory. Take
your children, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents;
the whole family it‟s sure to delight.
The dragons were fun although
some were temperamental. The hero
was one anyone could not only relate to
but also fall head over heels for. The love
story was a little out of the norm, but
completely worth it when it comes down
to price. This film also has the honor of
boasting a whopping ninety-eight percent positive reviews on the popular
movie review website, RottenTomatoes.com. I would give this movie a ten
out of ten. It‟s definitely a popcorn flick
as well as being fun for all.
Volume 50 Issue 3
The Official Publication of Sterling High School
Spring 2010
Mr. Patrick Retires After 40 Years at the Castle
By: Rachel Clark and Carlyn Frye
Sterling, he has done an array of different things. He has taught every grade,
Many
well ability level, and elective other than
educated
and
re- Horror and Science Fiction. Mr. Patrick
spected people have has also served as the head of the Engcome and gone through lish Department for seven years, and
the halls of Sterling served as the principal of summer school
High School. Mr. Pat- for twelve years. Mr. Patrick‟s main role
rick, who is well was an English teacher; but he has also
known and loved by directed the Fall Drama for the past
those who have had thirty-five years. Although he is retirthe honor of being ing after this year, he will return to
taught by him, is one help direct next year‟s performance.
The past forty years have left
of these people. His career in education
began when he entered his college Mr. Patrick with many memories.
years. Mr. Patrick went to several dif- What he remembers most is being
ferent colleges where he bettered him- Teacher of the Year in 1993. He is
self in his knowledge of English lan- proud of his achievements, but even
guage and literature.
He attended more proud of his students for striving
Western Maryland College, which is to better themselves in every aspect of
currently known as McDaniel College. life. One of his former students is a
He furthered his education at Rutgers, great example of achievement. This
and received his Master‟s degree in student, Dr. Dennis Vespe, is the current principal here at Sterling High
Theater at Villanova.
After college, he was married School. Over the years, Mr. Patrick, has
and had two sons. Both of his sons are encountered many people who have
very successful; one is a college teacher bettered his life. These men and women
have done great things and
and the other is in business.
left great memories in their
Some time later, he began a
wake. To know that he has
new part of his life with his
given back would be the best
second wife and their three
reward after he has left.
dogs. Just like any other perMr. Patrick relates
son, Mr. Patrick has hobbies
to his students, “I have alwhich he enjoys. He likes to
ways tried to remember
watch documentaries on Hiswhat it was like to be seventory and Science, and, of
teen.” This mindset has led
course, likes to read. Alto a mutual respect between
though he doesn‟t read often,
both himself and his stuhe longs to apply more time
dents. These students have
to it. Art is one of his favorite
kept him young throughout
subjects, which has led him
his life at Sterling. The stuto spend his time painting
dents may have kept him
and appreciating artwork.
Mr. Patrick has devoted
40 years of service to
young, but his co-workers
Mr. Patrick has had
the Silver Knights.
have always been there for
success not only in his perhim to fall back on. Mr. Patsonal life, but also in his education career. He has been teaching for rick has a great respect for the faculty
forty years at Sterling, and he felt this here; he would trust them to teach his
was a nice round number to end with. own children.
Mr. Patrick said that not much
Throughout his teaching career here at
has changed over the years here at
Sterling. The communities have stayed
similar to how they once were. The most
noticeable change is the new technology
like
computers, but
he‟s proud
to say that
he‟s been a
q u i c k
learner and
that
he
loves
his
projector
with wireless connection! When
asked if he
had
any
Mr. Patrick in his 1993
major disapSHS yearbook photo.
pointments,
he had to go back to his student days
when Sterling‟s boys‟ basketball team
got all the way to the state finals before
losing the championship game to a team
from West New York, New Jersey. As
sports editor for the Accolade, he had
closely followed the team‟s efforts all
that year.
After finishing his undergraduate degree, and completing active duty
training in the Army Reserve, he returned to Sterling. A lot of good things
have come about since his return here
to teach. One of these things is the
drama program. Mr. Patrick and Mr.
Mackes have co-directed the musicals
here at Sterling. The latest musical
“Beauty and the Beast” was one of the
best productions put on here so far.
Mr. Mackes only has the nicest
things to say of his colleague and friend.
“We have produced 22 musical productions together. After my first year here
I began to collaborate when he came.
We co-directed and he produced. He has
been the producer which is a very significant job.
Continued on page 6
T HE SI LV ER SC R OL L
PAGE 2
V O LU ME 5 0 I SS UE 3
T HE SI LV ER SC R OL L
V O LU ME 5 0 I SS UE 3
The Poetry Corner
The Silver Scroll Celebrates 50th Anniversary
By Katelyn Sullivan
The Silver Scroll has
been an important institution
of Sterling High School since
its inception in December
1960. Spanning half a century, this newspaper has touched the lives of five generations, is enjoyed by students and faculty
today, and remembered fondly by retired
staff and alumni. The Silver Scroll has
undergone many different transformations
over the five decades it has been in print
and has reported the many events of the
school with enthusiasm, dedication, and
pride.
The Silver Scroll was not always
in the form you see now. When it was first
printed in 1960, it appeared in a newspaper format, with large black and white
sheets that folded like the Sunday paper.
It wasn‟t until recently, around the year
2000, that the paper was printed in color
and was given its now trademark magazine format by then adviser, Mr. Carpenter, who also gave the paper the literary
magazine flair that you see today.
Originally, the paper had three
main sections. The news was on the front
page, the sports section was located on the
back page, and the middle pages were
devoted to student interviews, surveys,
and editorial or opinion pages. These
pages could sometimes get a little controversial, but not as controversial as the
paper that came in 1971.
In the late „60s and early „70s,
students on high school and college campuses around the country were protesting
U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
Sterling students were no different. A
group of students, dissatisfied with the
representation their views had in the traditional school newspaper, pooled their
money together to print the first issue of
an “underground” school newspaper
known as Pavlov’s Dogs. Named after a
famous psychological experiment performed on dogs by Dr. Pavlov, this paper
featured many controversial articles, poems, and surveys that probably would not
have appeared in the regular paper.
Whether or not you agree with the opinions of these students, you cannot deny
that Pavlov’s Dogs is a fascinating part of
Sterling history.
The Silver Scroll continued its
run well beyond Pavlov’s Dogs into the
present day. Always operated by a student
club, the paper was written and edited by
students interested in writing and journalism. Occasionally, Journalism and Creative Writing classes would also contribute
to the paper, including a wider variety of
students in its representation of the
school‟s voice. The newspaper was originally printed off-site by a professional
printing company, but it is now printed
right here in Sterling High School and
folded by the journalists who write for the
paper.
The Silver Scroll has been with
Sterling from the beginning, serving students, teachers, administrators, and parents alike. I was informed by Ms. Morgan
and Mr. Randazzo that students and
teachers would excitedly wait for the latest edition to be released each month and
would line up with money for their copy.
The Silver Scroll used to be released in
monthly installments, but due to monetary and time constraints, it has now been
reduced to a quarterly release. People still
enjoy perusing its pages, however, and
students of the last decade seem to have
enjoyed the addition of the Poetry Corner
and the Short Story Section.
There has been some discussion
in the past of taking the Silver Scroll to
the next level: online. It is unclear
whether this will be able to happen anytime soon, but it is surely the next step for
this historic publication. Most newspapers
can now be found online as it is a costefficient, convenient, and environmentally
friendly way to spread the news. Hopefully, the paper will be able to modernize
in time for the upcoming generations of
tech savvy students.
One of the special things about
The Silver Scroll is that it can speak to
anyone. If you are into sports, there are
highlights of each seasonal sports team
here at Sterling and sometimes even of
professional or major league teams. If you
like creative writing and poetry, there is a
section devoted to each. If you enjoy reading editorials, book, television, or movie
reviews, the paper offers that as well. Or,
if you are interested in a good, old-
fashioned news story, we have that too.
Across generations, race, gender,
and social status, in a time and place
“The Myth”
By Kelly Deichert
Story told a million times
Brings images of another lifetime
With repetition of sound and sight
The mind strains under it
Trying to understand
Something so much bigger than us
Sterling’s historic “underground”
paper Pavlov’s Dogs.
where all of those things are stereotypically portrayed in the media as being
“important” in high school, The Silver
Scroll has bridged them all. It has offered
so many different people the opportunity
to express themselves in a variety of different ways, or to simply curl up and enjoy
a good story. That is, after all, what we‟re
here for: to entertain, express, and most of
all, to inform. So, here‟s to The Silver
Scroll, fifty years of providing Sterling
High School a little bit of something for
everyone.
Special Thanks to (in order of interviews):
Mr. Randazzo
Ms. Morgan
Dr. McCulley
Mrs. DiPiazza
Mr. Patrick
Dr. Vespe
Mr. Carpenter
Thank you for all of your support and
valuable information and suggestions
that made this article possible.
P A GE 15
We will never unlock the gate
That holds the flood of knowledge
Never shall we know what is there
Always guessing
Declaring all-knowing of only foolery
The mortal world will never obtain the immortal flame
“When Dragons Flew Over
the Moon”
By Katelyn Sullivan
Dark was the world when the first breath of wind
came whistling over the moor
Starlight through clouds was shining quite dim
as it does in most ancient of lore
Soft was the movement of creatures of night
when still they existed in thought
Valiant were the motives of forces of light
with evil they grappled and fought
Wild was the sea and the toss of the waves
and so the dreams of the mortals
Of dragons and serpents brooding in caves
living forever, immortal
Bright were the days when griffins did fly
and men would tell great stories
Of heroes and gods, at home in the sky
and the golden ages of glory
Magic were the days of the ancient and old
something that will surely be missed
Unsolved riddles of sphinxes once told
princesses never been kissed
Dark was the world when men had to face
this fact an age too soon
That the world was a much happier place
when dragons flew over the moon
“Her Book”
By Carlyn Frye
An empty book
The pen‟s right there
Her time to write
Her time to bear
She filled all the pages
Except the last one
Her story to finish
Was her life done?
Her pages consisted
Of hatred and pride
No love could be found
And drugs were her guide
Why should she continue?
As she picked up the pen
No friends, No family
Was all hope dead?
She had a choice
And that of her own
A house, or a home
As the page called her name
She began to breathe life
Her pen raced on about
Dreams without strife
Boyfriend walked out
He left something though
It lives within her
The anger that grows
Confused… Careworn
Her heart started pounding
The screaming, The beating
She could hear it sounding
Why should she start
A new book tonight
The horrible memories
Such terror, such fright
Her mind riddled
With the sound of the pen
The question, Start new?
Or would it soon end?
This is life
A long lesson my friend
This is reality
But it doesn‟t have to end
The choice is yours
Work hard or slack
Change your wrong ways
And never look back
T HE SI LV ER SC R OL L
P A GE 1 4
V O LU ME 5 0 I SS UE 3
V O LU ME 5 0 I SS UE 3
T HE SI LV ER SC R OL L
The Poetry Corner
“Just How You Feel”
“I Think”
By Katelyn Sullivan
By Carlyn Frye
Spring Sports
The Silver Scroll congratulates all spring
sports on a successful season.
Lacrosse
You often hear about broken hearts
Of pieces ripped into separate parts
Yet you never understand its truth
That is – until it‟s happened to you
The situations are always varied
Feelings lie dormant, deep and buried
Yet every heart has something common to share
At least one of you feels that you always will care
Of this subject many have something to say
A poem like this is considered cliché
But what brings us together – the struggle, the strain
Everyone knows the heartache, the pain
All of us know of the tears that we‟ve cried
Many know of the regret and the lies
A fair few of the wait by the phone
Now you know that you‟re not alone
I think you‟re rude
I think you‟re mean
You say you‟re the best
You say you‟re the queen
I know you‟re weird
I smell your funk
You say you‟re nice
But straight up punk
I know you‟re crude
I know you‟re cruel
You act so sweet
You think you rule
I think you‟re loopy
Mini-devil
You go mad on no one‟s
Level
I‟m tired of the way
you talk, act, and smell
Sorry honey, I‟m not for sale
So the next time you‟re looking at somebody new
Don‟t be afraid of them hurting you
You may just need some time to heal
But we all know just how you feel
“Life Lived to the Fullest”
By Sharayah Williams
I‟m in love with today
I broke up with yesterday
I live everyday knowing that I‟ll be dissing today for a tomorrow
I live everyday learning from my relationship with yesterday
Striving for a better tomorrow
But, not forgetting the love that today gives me
Never taking life for granted
Trying to take advantage of today; realizing that I‟m not promised tomorrow
Yes, I take advantage of now for the greater good of an unpromised then
I don‟t understand why I give today so many chances because it never works out between - us
By the end of the day, today is yesterday and I‟ve already moved on to tomorrow
With me it‟s like our love can only last 24 hours
I have to keep it moving
Time isn‟t on my side; that‟s why today and I never stay together
Time isn‟t on my side; that‟s why yesterday and I can‟t hang out
But, sometimes, time gives me a break; I guess that‟s why I‟m always checking out - tomorrow…
P A GE 3
Sterling‟s lacrosse team was led
by Mrs. Claybourn, whose assistant coach
was Miss LoCastro. This year‟s outstanding team players were freshman
Tori Shinkowitz, sophomore Erica Hoffman, junior Gina Doto, and senior Crystal Morales. The lacrosse team practiced
every day except for Sunday. As a member of the team, each athlete was expected to put forth effort in all games, at
all times. This year the goals for the lacrosse team were to improve each player‟s
skills individually while also developing
goalies for the years to come. After each
game, the team as a whole reflected on
their goals and came up with ways to
ultimately reach these aspirations. The
lacrosse team addressed their individual
strengths and weaknesses and worked
together to improve on both. For all aspiring lacrosse players, don‟t be afraid to
come out for the team even if you have
never played before. Anyone who is committed to
the
team and
gives
their best
effort
is able to
play a
major role
on the
team. The
physical demands
of lacrosse
consist
of running
and
weight
lifting.
To be a
good
The 2010 Girls Softball team celebrates
one of their many victories this season.
player you must be strong and in shape.
Volleyball
Boys‟ volleyball was another
great sport that was offered at Sterling
High school. The team practiced every
day, unless they had a game. Max Rambow, Brett Holiday, Ryan Shutts, David
Lofland, Ryan Cooper, and Donte Smith
were the players to watch this year. The
team captains were Max Rambow, Nick
Fredericks, and Mike Santoro. The main
goals for the volleyball team were to attain a better record than previous years,
to improve each player‟s skill level, and to
make the playoffs. For upcoming players,
the coaches advise that you work hard
and try your best. Players who show
their skill in practice get more court time.
aspiring golfers practice on their own, on
and off the course. Finally, all upcoming
golfers should educate themselves about
the game of golf and prepare to compete
on the varsity level. To be a good golfer,
one should be flexible and strong.
Final Spring
Sports Record
Sterling athletes help lead the Spring
Track team to a successful season, as seen
here in a meet vs. Haddonfield.
Volleyball consists of lots of jumping,
diving, and running. On a typical day of
practice, the team works on serves, back
line passing, blocking, and passing the
serve and spikes.
Golf
The golf team was run by Mr.
Greg Yeager who is assisted by Mr. John
Baker. The captains of the team were
Alex Cybulski and Matt Slevenski. To be
a successful golfer one must develop a
routine. The golf team spent a great
amount of time working and practicing
pre-match routines and pre-shot routines.
The coaches incorporated fun exercises
that keep the athletes loose and stress
free. One of the goals of the year was for
the golf team to have a winning record.
They are accomplished that goal with a
record of 10-8. Another goal was recruiting new golfers for next year‟s season.
Before matches the golf team stretches
and performs breathing exercises. The
coaches of the golf team advise that all
Boys Baseball
15-7
Co-Champs Liberty Division
South Jersey Sportsmanship Award
Girls Softball
23-5
Co-Champs Liberty Division
South Jersey Sportsmanship Award
Boys Lacrosse
2-15
Golf
10-8
Boys Volleyball
10-13
Girls Track
6-5
Boys Track
6-5
Boys Tennis
13-5
The 2010 Boys Tennis team poses with
Coaches Atene and McCullough.
PAGE 4
T HE SI LV ER SC R OL L
Special Short Story Section
V O LU ME 5 0 I SS UE 3
Travel Club Visits Spain Over Spring Break
By Krystn Glenn
day- the very
ping at a whole bunch of venEvery year students always first bull fight all
dors along the walkway with
get excited for spring break. season. Knowing
161 steps down to the beach. It
What more do you need to be what to expect, I
might seem like a lot, but it
excited about than not hav- didn‟t find it as
was well worth walking all
ing school for a week? But this year gruesome as I
that way to get to the water.
three friends and I had something else thought I might.
The sights were spectacular.
to look forward to; we had the opportu- At
the
same
On our very last night there,
nity to travel to Spain with Mr. Gar- time, every fight
our tour guide, Eduardo, took
diner and the travel club! We left from six bulls die. We
us to a Karaoke Club where
New York City on April 2nd and arrived only stayed for
my friends, Ms. Maskaly, a
Students witness a bull in Madrid.
in Madrid the following morning. After two, which was
couple students from a school
leaving the airport, Alexandra Meyer, enough for me.
in Burlington and I totally
Alex Carideo, Rachel Overpeck, Ms.
After Madrid, our next destina- rocked out “Barbie Girl.” It was a great
Maskaly, Mr. Gardiner and I toured the tion was Seville. But one of the most way to end the trip as a group all tocity.
interesting parts of the trip was stop- gether. Touring Spain was definitely the
Madrid is
ping in little towns along the way. We experience of a lifetime. I‟m a firm befull of pedestrian
had lunch and toured a beautiful cathe- liever in education outside of the classareas and plazas
dral in a town called Cordoba which is room, and traveling is one of the best
where cars cannot
the final resting place of Christopher ways to do that. Therefore, I encourage
go. It was fun just
Columbus. We experienced life in a anyone and everyone to travel if the
to get lost in a cousmall town, rather than a big Spanish opportunity ever comes. My spring
ple of alley ways.
city. Not to mention, the drive from Ma- break in Spain was absolutely amazing,
We got the ever-sodrid was pretty, full of hills and popu- and I‟m so glad that I decided to go.
good gelato and
lated by lots of olive trees. In Seville, we
walked
around
saw all sorts cathedrals and explored
Plaza Mayor. The
the city. The paella (more or less rice
next day in Madrid
with meat or seafood) was delicious. At
we
toured
night, we took Flamenco dancing
the city with The Travel Club poses at a park in Seville. lessons. After our horrid performBottom (L-R) Krystnn Glenn, Mr. Garour
tour
ance, we were able to watch some
diner, Alex Carrideo.
guide, Emvery talented Flamenco dancers
Middle (L-R) Ms. Maskaly, Alex Myer.
manuel
at the show during dinner.
Top - Rachel Overpeck
a.k.a. EduLeaving Seville, we stopped at
ardo. We took a bus around the city to Alhambra and explored parts of Spain
see the sights, and then went to two with Moorish influence. We toured an
world renowned museums, the Reina old palace with many different mosaics,
Sofia and the Prado Museum. After and then we got to see how the mosaics
Students visited Prado in Madrid.
spending much time viewing paintings were actually made. From Seville we
by Picasso and El Greco, we were re- went to the very south of Spain on the
lieved to spend part of the gorgeous day Mediterranean Sea to a city named Toroutside at a bull fight! It was opening remolinos. There, we did tons of shop-
Join the Travel Club
Next year, the club will be traveling to Italy!
See Mr. Gardiner for more details and listen
for announcements beginning early next year.
The Silver Scroll is excited to present a section for short story writers. This edition, we present
Katelyn Sullivan’s “Sparks Fly” and a short narrative from Madeline Schmidt, “Night Light.”
Sparks Fly
Katelyn Sullivan
“What about….Misty?” she sug- most pathetic and sad look she could muster.
“It doesn‟t fit her,” said Corbic,
“All right, all right,” sighed Corbic.
shaking his head.
He picked Sparks up and put her on the bed.
“What about Claw?” asked Volin.
She immediately went up to his pillow and
“Not feminine enough.”
curled up on it with a contented sigh, folding
“How about Delilah?”
her wings neatly over her back.
“Too feminine.”
“You‟ll never get her back into that
“How do you like the name… box,” remarked Volin.
Sparks?” asked Corbic‟s father.
“I know,” said Corbic.
“I like that,” agreed Corbic.
“What made you change your
mind?” asked Volin. “I mean buying her
When Corbic and Volin went to instead of the saddle. You knew Mother and
bed, Corbic attempted to put Sparks into her Father would probably have a fit over this
box. Sparks wouldn‟t have it. She mewled and I know how much you want to work for
and made a high screeching noise that could the Courier.”
have woken the dead. Her talons scratched
“She was worth it,” said Corbic
the sides of the box. When that failed to simply. “I just had this feeling, I guess.”
persuade him, she stared up at him with the
“So are you saving up for a new
gested.
saddle again?”
“Nope.”
“You don‟t want to work for the
Courier anymore?”
“I never said that.”
“But without a saddle, you‟d have
to ride Nehlig bareback and that‟s not allowed. And with no saddlebags, where are
you going to put the mail?”
“First of all, you put most of the
mail in a satchel. Second of all, I think in a
few years, I‟m going to completely revolutionize the Courier.”
“How?”
Corbic grinned. “Let‟s just say the
people in this town had better get used to
the idea of air mail.”
Night Light
By Madeline Schmidt
I'm walking down the sidewalk at 11:47 at night. I'm alone, warm, and sticky. The
air‟s thick, but I work to cut through it. I'm almost home, I'm almost out.
Sweat forms on my brow as I push harder through the daze. Suddenly, you
come to mind, never mind where or why, but you do. I've remembered you.
And I'm stalled. I slow involuntarily. Something has stopped me. Something
other than the humidity. Something that weighs considerably more.
Now the streetlights seem to chide me. They're much too bright in
contrast with the night; they loom at me. They shine in through microscopic cracks, shedding
light to my corners, the corners I never want anyone to see. I want to sink into the side walk
just to get away from their harsh judgment. But this is always the way it is, when I remember you. A panic, an unpleasant reminder. Not that you were ever unpleasant. Not that we
were ever less than we were in my mind. Don't take this personally. It's not the remembrance
of us that breaks me down. It's thinking of my hand in it all, really, though I guess I didn't
even have much of a choice in how I responded. Each second of my being led me to that final
conclusion, just as I've been led to this particular sidewalk. If I ever vocalized any of this, you
wouldn't catch on to the meaning. I guess it's much more dramatic in my head than how it
sounds out loud, in the open. But I remember it through my eyes. I knew my intentions. I
knew what might happen and I continued. No, I'm not admitting to something anyone didn't
know about. It's really a simple point once you break it down.
A piece of sidewalk is slanting upwards slightly and I trip on it. I save myself from
falling down, but without much grace otherwise.
I miss you. I wish I could tell you that. I do. I wish things had been different. I wish
I still had your number somewhere, or an old picture. I didn't steal or lie, but I did wrong in
other ways. I'm aware of this. I want you to know.
I hear footsteps behind me and I spin around, foolishly thinking it could be you, but
no, of course, it isn't. It's someone who means nothing to me in any grand scheme. It‟s funny,
though; however much I'm sorry for you, for him, for them, I won't ever be cured of these
flaws. They are as much a part of me as my small intestine or kidney. You had it wrong
too, though; we all did.
A streetlight goes out and I jump. Somehow the air's not so thick anymore.
There's a barking in the distance. I'd better hurry. I pick up my pace again.
The Silver Scroll
would like to wish
all of the Knights
a safe
and happy
summer!
V O LU ME 5 0 I SS UE 3
T HE SI LV ER SC R OL L
PAGE 10
V O LU ME 5 0 I SS UE 3
Behind the Pen: The Silver Scroll
Lost: The Series Finale: Continued
question was really asking. I believe
writers for having no apparent answers
that everything on the island was real
or “master plan” for the overarching myand that it actually happened. The
thology that helped to bridge the show
only thing that wasn‟t “real” was the
and the characters together. One re“flashsideways” timeline, where the
viewer online however, made an excelcharacters worked out issues and relent point. One of the recurring themes
connected on another plane of exisof the show is the “folly of master plans.”
tence. This was why Hurley was lucky,
Every person who claimed to know or
Jack had a son, Desmond was accepted
tried to know all of the complexities of
by Widmore, and Sawyer was a cop;
the nature of the island and its inhabithey all wanted to have the very things
tants really didn‟t know very much at
that they were denied in their real
all, and therefore, their endeavors failed.
lives. As to why only certain people
At the beginning of the show, we
were in the church, I believe that some
thought, along with the characters, that
people were simply not ready to move
the Others had all the answers. As we
on (i.e. Ben and Eloise Hawking), but
began to know the Others, we thought
One of the LOST promotional photos from ABC.com
will do so eventually. I also think that
maybe Ben had the answers, or Richard,
the people who were closest to Jack or
or Widmore, or Jacob. It was only when
meant something significant to him (i.e.
with Lost‟s music and it was masterfully
the episode “Across the Sea” aired, which
Boone, the first person to die under his
executed in those final scenes. In the
depicted the early lives of Jacob and the
care on the island) were there for him.
Jimmy Kimmel special that followed, most
Man in Black, that we realized that no one
Locke mentions something along the lines
of the studio audience members were crytruly had the answers, not even Jacob‟s
of, “We‟ve been waiting for you,” and Kate
ing as they watched the last few moments
“mother.” And that‟s life; never knowing
says how much she has missed him. Beof the finale. I think their host was too.
the answers to the most important quescause there is no time, Jack has arrived
The major complaint of those
tions, but always seeking them, many
when everyone he most values is there,
who detested the finale and even those
times from each other.
which gives me the impression that this is
who liked it was that it didn‟t answer
In my last article, I talked about
his “farewell party” so to speak.
enough questions. Some are angry at the
how Lost would be a cultural phenomenon
There
have
far into the future. Now,
been mixed reactions to Fun Facts:
knowing the end, I still
this ending, as I knew
stand by that statement.
there would be when I
There are talks of spinfirst saw it. Action  The Man in Black’s real name is Samuel. It wasn’t used in the
offs, comics, even convenshow because the writers wanted to preserve the character’s
News posted comments
tions (who‟s in for dressentity-like feel. Samuel is Hebrew for “Man of God.”
on television that viewing up like the smoke
ers had written on their
monster?) But I don‟t
website. One viewer
think anything will ever
 The candidate of Kwon referred to Jin. Sun, like Kate, was
said that it was the
compare to the original
crossed off when she became a mother.
most amazing and emosix seasons of Lost. To
tional thing they had
those of you who hated
ever seen. Another  The person inside the cabin in the Season 3 episode, “The Man
the finale, remember the
called it awful. I
old saying, “It‟s not the
Behind the Curtain” was the Man in Black (or Samuel) in the
thought both were a
destination, it‟s the jourform of Christian Shepherd. “Help me,” referred to his wish to ney.” I think the writers
little extreme. I loved
leave the island.
the ending for its emowould agree. To those of
tional impact, espeyou who loved the finale,
cially with the whole Polls:
I‟m glad you enjoyed the
“end where it began”
full ride this wonderful
thing (one of the first Taken by abcnews.com immediately following the finale:
series has had to offer. I
rules in writing), but
think both parties can
my not-so-inner science
agree upon one thing,
Liked It: 70%
fiction
geek
was
however: there will never
Didn’t Like It: 30%
screaming, to quote
be another series like
Hurley, “I want some
Lost. I‟m already lost
friggin‟ answers!” Still, TVGuide.com:
without it.
it was definitely an
“emotionally satisfying
Liked It: 55%
ending” just as the
Didn’t Like It: 28%
writers promised. I‟ve
Undecided: 17%
always been in love
T HE SI LV ER SC R OL L
PAGE 7
By Laurie Senior
Well, a year has
come, and a year has gone.
We have seen so much
accomplished this past
year, and much of it was recorded in
The Silver Scroll. From sports teams to
the musical and Battle of the Bands to
Social Studies Seminar, we have covered it all. This is the final edition of
the Scroll, so we decided to bring out a
few of the people who work behind the
scenes at the newspaper.
Sierra Hanson is a senior and
our newspaper‟s Editor-in-Chief. While
juggling her duties generating ideas,
communicating with the staff, and editing articles, Sierra has also contributed to each edition of the Silver Scroll
with an article. The fall issue contained an article about Social Studies
Seminar, and the winter issue included
an editorial regarding recent movies.
Out of those two editions, Sierra said
that she prefers the fall one because
she enjoyed reading the column on Halloween.
Sierra will continue her education at the University of Delaware
this fall, where she plans to study agriculture.
When asked why she likes to
write for the newspaper, Sierra responded, “I like writing for The Silver
Scroll because I feel like I should take
every opportunity to gain experience.
The Scroll has allowed me to try out
editing and writing, and I have found a
fun hobby to enjoy.” When it comes
down to the growth of the Silver Scroll
this past year, Sierra had some powerful words that I think most of us contributors have to agree on: “I think the
Scroll has grown a lot this year in members and experience. The Silver Scroll
was really just getting to its feet with a
slew of new members and new management in Mrs. Murphy.”
Rounding out the management
team is Katelyn Sullivan, currently
serving as the Managing Editor. Katelyn is a Junior and one of the most
active contributors to The Silver Scroll.
She wrote a short story called “The
Devil‟s Eye” and a TV review about the
recently premiered TV show Flashforward for the fall edition. Then in the
winter edition, she wrote another TV
review for the TV series, Lost. Between
the two, Katelyn said she likes the fall
issue best simply because the winter
season is slower and in the fall there is
more to write about. When it comes
down to why she likes to write for the
Silver Scroll Katelyn stated t hat she
feels it gives her the opportunity to
share her writing with others. When
asked about how she felt about the
growth of the school newspaper this
The staff of the Silver Scroll poses.
past year, Katelyn responded: “I was
excited about the growth of The Silver
Scroll this year. Last year was kind of
an odd year; we only released one issue
because our original advisor was unable
to run the paper due to health issues.
When Mrs. Murphy stepped up, we had
a limited staff to publish the paper, but
it actually turned out to be a really
great issue. This year, we had a lot
of participation, more organization, and
the additions of editor positions. This
really helped the paper to rebound back
to what it used to be and I was
really pleased with the results.”
Kelly Deichert is another one
of the juniors involved in contributing
to The Silver Scroll. In the fall issue,
she wrote a poem called “Taboo,” and in
the winter issue wrote a poem called
“Clouded Glass” and helped make the
crossword puzzle with Nazli Kalfazade.
In choosing between the two, she preferred the second issue because it was
more organized and there were more
people contributing. Her reason for
writing for the newspaper is simply
put, “I like writing in general, if I can
have a few more people read what I
write, the happier I am.” When Kelly
was asked about the growth of The Silver Scroll she responded, “Well, I just
hope we'll continue moving forward
next year.”
Caitlin Counts is a junior who
just began writing for The Silver Scroll
in the winter 2010 edition. In that issue she wrote a poem called the “Worst
Way” and a book review of the Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales.
When
asked why she likes to write for The
Silver Scroll, Caitlin simply stated
that she enjoys to write. As for her
opinion on the growth of the newspaper, she replied, “I feel The Silver Scroll
has really done well for itself this past
year.” Caitlin looks forward to continuing to write in the future.
As for me, I‟m Laurie Senior, a
sophomore who joined The Silver Scroll
in the beginning of this year. For the
fall issue I contributed the article about
the new teachers at Sterling as well as
a paranormal article about some of the
haunted places in New Jersey. Then in
the winter edition I wrote the article
about this year‟s Battle of the Bands.
My favorite of the two issues, though,
was the fall edition. This is because I
am very proud of the two articles I
wrote in the fall issue, especially the
one on ghost stories. However, I also
feel that that issue had a little bit more
mixture of topics than in the winter. I
like to contribute to The Silver Scroll
because it changed my view on writing
and gave me a chance to apply it somewhere aside from school essays. To
quote my favorite music artist, Five for
Fighting, “Though endings are never
ever happy, it‟s the happy moments
along the way, that in the end, make it
okay.”
PAGE 8
T HE SI LV ER SC R OL L
V O LU ME 5 0 I SS UE 3
V O LU ME 5 0 I SS UE 3
Sterling’s Knight of Art
Photos and Article by Kelly Deichert
Sterling’s annual tradition showcases artwork from multiple mediums.
Once again, the art teachers of
throughout the year to make the show posmusic. As such, Sterling‟s own Silvertones
the inter-district have pulled off the 33rd
sible. Students also take a hand in setting
were present. The Silvertones, directed by
Annual Art Show without a hitch. Our Art
up the artwork as well as contributing
Mr. Mackes, are a very talented bunch.
Show is one of the longest running in the
their pieces.
They sang excerpts from their Halloween,
country, which is all thanks to Ms. Morgan
Now that I believe I have given
Irish, and Spring shows. They also sang
who started the show all those years ago.
credit where credit is due, there are other
their revue from 42nd Street.
Sterling‟s art teachers are the most dediattributes to the art show. The Anime
The Inter-district Art Show is
cated and talented individuals, who have
Club, run by Mr. Kelsey, has again set up
one of the best traditions at Sterling. It
worked towards bringing forth the students
at the art show. Personally, I think it was
showcases the talent of the students at
artistic potential. I think we can agree that
their best display presented so far. All
their best. It helps students feel proud of
they have succeeded.
members were dressed in costume and
their work. It gives them a chance to
Each year awards are given out to
were very enthusiastic. Two tables were
show off to their parents and friends. If
selected students for their artistic expresarranged in the hallway. One table had tea
you missed it this year be sure to check it
sions. The awards are broken up into 13
and sushi; the other had artwork by the
out next year for our thirty-fourth.
divisions: art 1 foundation, design, drawclub and video clips of anime shows.
ing, painting, printmaking, photography,
Art as a whole applies to much
mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, threemore than just art pieces; it also applies to
dimensional
design,
computer
graphics,
best
individual exhibitor, and best in
show.
Overall,
there are a lot of
awards. Each division awards the
usual first, second,
third and honorable
mentions.
There are a lot of
winners, but that‟s
not what‟s important about the
show, it‟s about
“Night and Day” by Kelsey Gilligan.
getting your pieces
A pencil study by Courtney Bradis,
out there and just
“Kayla and Jake.”
having fun doing
it.
A self-portrait by Jennifer Adams.
As it is
an
Inter-district
show, there are
many participating schools from
Somerdale, Magnolia,
Stratford,
Laurel Springs, Hi
Nella, and Sterling
High. A lot of
preparation takes
place to make the
show the best it
can be. As I mentioned before Ms.
Kellsie Costigan’s
Morgan, as well as
“Color Theory Design” by
“Chinese Silk Painting.”
Ms. Maskaly, and
Brianna Bettlesjenski.
Ms.
Crosthwait
Megan Bazin’s “Celestial Rainbow.”
work
hard
T HE SI LV ER SC R OL L
PAGE 9
Lost: The Series Finale
By Katelyn Sullivan
SPOILER ALERT:
If you haven’t seen
the series finale
episode, you will
definitely not want
to read this article
at this time.
Lost. One of the most mindbending, groundbreaking, thought provoking shows has come to an end. But
the last six years of mystery, intrigue,
romance, adventure, and friendship has
made the journey even sweeter than the
destination, though the destination was
pretty sweet in itself.
During the course of the finale,
Jack, newly anointed as the protector of
Wall of Fame
Actor Matthew Fox in one of his final
scenes as the character Jack.
the island, faces off with the Man in
Black. Both seek Desmond due to his
special resistance to electromagnetic
energy, one believing that lowering him
into the glowing water will destroy the
island, the other believing it will destroy
the evil that is the Man in Black. As it
turns out, both the Man in Black and
Jack are correct. As Desmond quite literally “uncorks” the island, pulling a plugshaped stone from the center of the pool
of light, the island begins to rumble and
vibrate and large fissures appear
(whether from a volcano or the Gates of
Hell is debatable; I personally think it
was the former). The island is slowly
being destroyed, just as the Man in
Black said it would be. But in the absence of the light, the Man in Black has
also become mortal once more and Jack
is able to injure him. The two fight; Jack
eye closing to a death that is much more
is stabbed, but Kate rushes to the rescue
comforting than life, a fitting ending to a
by shooting the Man in Black and killing
show that was about everything that
him. Most of the remainder of the finale
couldn‟t be seen, but could be felt.
is devoted to a desperate race against
I thought that the ending was
time; Kate and Sawyer try to reach the
pretty straightforward myself, but a
Ajira plane to escape, Frank, Miles, and
quick glance online has shown me that it
Richard try to repair the plane before
was not the case for everyone. I‟ve read
the island is destroyed, and Jack tries to
fix things before the island is completely
demolished.
Ultimately, the plane takes off
with all of its passengers and Jack is
able to re-cork the island, but not before
passing the torch on to Hurley, who will
be the next protector of the island, with
Ben to help as number two. But it is
what‟s in the flashsideways that shocks
us the most. Throughout the episode,
characters are reunited and brought to
the same place: the church where the
Dharma Initiative station, The
Lamp Post, was located under
the care of Eloise Hawking. Jack
goes into the church and opens
up the coffin where he believes
his father is resting (I confess
that I expected to see Jack in the
Jacob and his brother, The Man in Black,
coffin instead and though it was
have a discussion on the beach.
empty, I wasn‟t too far off the
truth). Instead, he finds his father standing there, looking perseveral different interpretations and I
fectly healthy and alive. And
find most of them similar to mine, dithen Jack realizes that he, himverging on only a few points. When the
self, is dead too; the whole flashfirst or second season had finished, fans
sideways universe was a place
had guessed that the plane crash survicreated by the survivors who
vors hadn‟t survived at all and that the
had passed on in order to conisland was a sort of purgatory. The writnect with each other before movers assured us that this was not the
ing on.
case. Some people are calling them liars
The final scenes are a touching
now, but I believe the writers were anmontage of characters reuniting in the
swering the question based on the nachurch interwoven with Jack‟s final
ture of the island, which was what the
walk through the jungle.
The stab wound in his
chest is fatal and he collapses in the bamboo
grove where he had first
awakened from the plane
crash. Vincent comes
running to his side and
lays beside him and
above, the Ajira plane
flies overhead, bearing
his friends to safety. The
very first scene of Lost is
of Jack‟s eye opening to a
Several of the main characters gather in a church
whole new life on the
during the final scene of the series.
island. The very last
scene of Lost is of Jack‟s
Special Short Story Section
The Silver Scroll is excited to present a section for short story writers. This edition, we present
Katelyn Sullivan’s “Sparks Fly” and a short narrative from Madeline Schmidt, “Night Light.”
Sparks Fly
V O LU ME 5 0 I SS UE 3
T HE SI LV ER SC R OL L
P A GE 5
Senior Wills and Testaments
A Sterling Tradition
By: Katelyn Sullivan
Corbic walked back down the
street, holding the griffin securely. She
made small
chirruping sounds and clicking noises with
her beak. Corbic stopped and bought a book
concerning magical creatures with his remaining money because it contained a section on griffins.
When Corbic arrived home, he ran
upstairs and hid the book underneath his
bed. Next, he lit a lantern and hung it up on
a hook in his closet. Then, concealing the
griffin under his coat, he ran to the barn
and took some hay and part of the food that
had been left out for the cats. He dashed up
to his room and put the hay inside an empty
box in his closet along with the food.
“Stay here,” Corbic told the griffin
as he placed her inside the box and then put
the box inside the closet. He prayed his
little brother, Volin, wouldn‟t need to get in
there anytime soon.
His mother greeted him as he
entered the kitchen.
“Did you get the saddle you
wanted?” she asked him.
“It was too expensive,” he lied.
“Really?” his mother asked. Her
voice was slightly skeptical and Corbic
cringed. “Well, that‟s a shame.” Corbic was
glad she had decided not to press the matter.
“What‟s for dinner?”
“Chicken. We‟ll be eating shortly.”
At dinner, Corbic asked his father
what he knew about griffins.
“There‟s a fellow a few miles from
here who has one guarding his home.
They‟re supposed to be extremely intelligent.”
“As intelligent as people?” inquired Volin.
“More so, supposedly. They have a
language, but only people with the Gift of
Tongues can understand them.”
“Can they understand us?” asked
Corbic.
His father replied, “Yes, I believe
they can.”
“Are they good?” asked Volin.
“They‟ve helped us out in a few
wars, I believe. They‟re dangerous though
and unpredictable. Never cross one or make
one angry. They‟re valuable allies, but
deadly enemies.”
“How would you feel…” asked
Corbic, choosing his words carefully, “if
we…had one….to guard our house?”
“Why would we need something
like that?” his father said sharply.
“Ro bbe rs?
C attle
thie ve s?
Wolves?” Corbic suggested.
“Interesting thought, Corbic, but it
would be too much money, not to mention
trouble. We don‟t speak their language….we
wouldn‟t know what they were thinking.”
“But they can understand us,
right?”
“That‟s correct.” His father‟s patience was starting to wear thin.
“Then, what‟s the problem?”
“The problem is, we wouldn‟t truly
be able to communicate! Why are you so
interested in griffins anyway?”
Corbic took a deep breath. He
could either tell the truth, or spend the next
few months desperately trying to hide his
griffin. He didn‟t think his parents or his
brother would take too kindly to his secret.
And if he was going to make this work, he
would need the support of his entire family,
even if it meant risking some of his hide for
it.
“Because I bought one today. It
was my savings and my money. I know I
shouldn‟t have done it, I know I should‟ve
gotten the saddle instead, but….you should
see her. She‟s beautiful.” He struggled to
find more words to describe her, but none
came to mind. There wasn‟t exactly a word
for the precise thing he wanted to say.
There was a stunned silence from
his parents and brother. They were all looking at him as if he had just sprouted wings
and had turned into a dragon. Corbic didn‟t
like the look of their expressions.
Finally, his father said, “Where is
it now, son?”
“She’s in my closet. I‟ll go get her.”
Corbic ran upstairs before anyone
could stop him and opened up the door. The
griffin, who had been sleeping, curled up in
a ball, stirred at the noise. The moment she
awoke and saw Corbic, she gave an excited
squeak and toppled out of the box. Corbic
scooped her up into his arms.
“Yes, I missed you too,” he said,
laughing softly as she nipped at his hair,
tugging on one of the strands. Then his tone
became serious. “You‟re going to meet my
family now,” he murmured into her fur, “so
be on your best behavior.” She chirruped
softly once, as if to acknowledge what he
had said. He began walking slowly down the
stairs, moving with a slight hint of trepidation. He dared not think what would happen if the rest of the family didn‟t warm up
to her.
When he reached the kitchen, he
held the griffin up a little higher so that his
family could see her better. She made a soft
noise that sounded sort of like a purr.
“Awww! Isn‟t she adorable?” Corbic‟s mother crooned.
“Can I hold her?” asked Volin,
fascinated by her unusual appearance.
“May I see her?” asked Corbic‟s
father.
Corbic reluctantly handed her over
to him. He examined her thoroughly, checking for signs of malnutrition and other
forms of neglect.
“She seems to be healthy, but why
a person would sell such a being…Corbic,
this is not a pet. She is a being with an intelligence and strength that will soon surpass our own. When she grows, she‟ll be
between three and five hundred pounds
with a sixteen foot wingspan and an insatiable appetite for flesh. I‟m not sure we can
handle that.”
“But if we raise her like we would
a child – “
“Corbic, do you really think that
would be enough?”
“If we work together. Maybe we
could get that fellow‟s griffin‟s help too. And
I‟ve got a book. And surely there‟s someone
here who knows something about griffins…”
“It‟s not as if we can return her to
the vendor either,” added Corbic‟s mother.
“And she can‟t live in the wilderness,” put in Volin.
“All right, all right. She can stay –
for now. We‟ll see how it goes,” conceded
Corbic‟s father.
The rest of the evening was spent
admiring the baby griffin. Everyone had
fallen in love with her by this time – even
Corbic‟s father.
“Have you given her a name yet?”
Corbic‟s mother asked him.
“No, I haven‟t.”
“Do you have any ideas?”
“No, not really.”
I, Stephanie Lees, being of sound mind and body, do hereby leave my cross-country skills to any girls who stick with it. Also, my bus experience to the whole cross country team. I leave Blumenstein my love for the team and thank him for putting up with me. I offer my intellectual skills to anyone who needs them. I leave my World Language murals to dress the school. I leave my pole vault skills to Shannon
McGowan. I leave my distance skills to Kayla Williams. To Coach Mac, I leave him hope for another pole vaulter. To all my teachers I leave
my thanks.
I, Alicia Papa, being of sound mind and body, do hereby leave my boyfriend, Thomas Lelache a music stand to replace me holding his music
at football games and pep rallies. I know it’s not as cute as me, but it will get the job done. You know I’ll miss being there with you a lot. I
love you.
I, John Eley, being of sound mind and body, do hereby leave my athletic ability to Mr. Reagle.
I, Christina Lees, being of sound mind and body do hereby leave all my crazy morning chorus class to Hope and Tierney, my pole vaulting
skills to Shannon McGowan, my name on the record board, and to Coach Mac, I leave my legacy of pole vault victories.
I, Shane Ford, being of sound mind and body, do hereby leave Matt Pancrazio my ability to rap, grambie, and get headbutted by Jeremiah
in the eye and be too scared to defend myself. Don’t go home and cry again. I leave Cris Zale my ability to steal random people’s boats and
cruise around Laurel Lake for hours at a time, then return the boat after we’re done, and adventure into the woods some more. I leave
Zach Hovern my ability to be the coolest senior of 2011. I leave Doo Kennelly my ability to run really fast, jump really high, and do 360
spins. I leave Danny Baldino my ability to be horse like. I leave my ability to fist pump like a champ to Ryan Morrissey.
I, Brian Barrett, being of sound mind and body, do hereby leave my charm and musical talent to my cousin Johnny, who will undoubtedly
take over this school.
I, Jessica Giambri, being of sound mind and body do hereby leave my sister, Alyssa Giambri, my stunning chatterbox vocal ability to talk an
ear off. I leave my little brother Matt Giambri my ability to get good grades and survive through his next four years at the castle. Lastly, I
leave my talented ways to manage a basketball team/teams to Carleigh Davis and Marie Sechuk. You were trained by the original princess
of the castle.
I, Taylor McGrory, being of sound mind and body, do hereby leave Zach Hovern my remaining GPA.
I, Kerstin Shukaitis, being of sound mind and body, do hereby leave all my memories, good times, and love to Cady. To Shanice, I leave my
ability to study my butt off and still have time to have fun. I’ll miss you and will never forget the crazy fun times we had. To my little
brothers, I leave my ability to stay out of trouble. Please take it. To Omie, I leave you my ability to somehow go four years without having
a locker partner. Enjoy! I love you both. To Rachel, Jessie, Kylie I leave you the best of luck to do great net year. I’m sure you’ll shine. To
the freshies, best of luck. Enjoy the experience. The journey is just as important as the destination. And to the teachers and staff, I leave
you all the greatest respect, love, and fond memories.
The Silver Scroll wishes good luck and best wishes
to all Sterling High School’s seniors.
T HE SI LV ER SC R OL L
PAGE 6
V O LU ME 5 0 I SS UE 3
Mr. Patrick retirement continued
Continued from page 1
We function with complete and
symphonic harmony together. Mr. Patrick
is a talented and professional gentleman.
He is a man who knows his theater very
well. Our partnership has been marked
with good humor and a business-like approach to guiding the students‟ efforts.
This includes the yearly difficult project
monitoring a high caliber Broadway production. Finally, I will miss his presence
on a daily basis, but I am happy to say
that he will continue to help in our annual
spring musical,” praises Mr. Mackes.
Mr. Patrick has always wanted
the drama program to reach its full potential; he believes that in these past years it
has. Throughout the years the pair of directors has discovered new equipment to
better the program. This is a part of Ster-
ling Mr. Patrick will not be leaving just
yet; he plans to return for next year‟s production.
Mr. Patrick instructs a class
early in his career.
A man like Mr. Patrick will never
be forgotten in our school‟s history. He
was a man of jokes and fun, love and discipline, but most importantly a man of wis-
dom and integrity. He enjoyed talking
with the students and spending time with
younger teachers. The connection between
his work and his personality fit well together. Mr. Patrick will always be a part of
this school, he will be forever missed.
Dr. Vespe speaks very highly of
his former teacher, “Mr. Patrick is the
greatest. He taught me when I was in
high school and he taught me everything.”
“To me, Dan Patrick has been a
friend, a brother, a mentor, and a role
model. He‟s indescribable. I will miss him
forever,” Mr. Kelsey remembers.
On behalf of the entire Sterling
Community, we would like to wish
Mr. Patrick a happy and healthy
retirement!
NOTABLE SENIOR AWARDS
Channel 6 ABC recognized senior
Kerstin Shukaitis as Sterling High
School‟s representative for Best in
Class. The station chose Kerstin‟s academic excellence throughout her high
school career to represent Sterling for
the prestigious award. Kerstin‟s segment will be aired on July 31st at 7:35
pm on 6ABC.
The following seniors are congratulated
for their “Best of Class” awards.
Pictured from left to right
Leadership: Sierra Hanson
Most Improved: Jakina McCrea
Best Overall: Michele Applegate
Community Service: MaryKathryn Harte
Performing Arts: Joe Ottenthal
Most Courageous: Chad Demore
Special Short Story Section
The Silver Scroll is excited to present a section for short story writers. This edition, we present
Katelyn Sullivan’s “Sparks Fly” and a short narrative from Madeline Schmidt, “Night Light.”
Sparks Fly
By: Katelyn Sullivan
Corbic walked into town, listening with satisfaction to the money jingling
merrily in his pockets. There was something truly magical about the sound. After
a few months of saving, countless extra
chores around the house, and working at
other people‟s farms for barely anything,
he finally had enough money to buy a new
saddle for his horse, Nehlig. The saddle he
currently had was falling apart and he
needed a new one if he wished to work for
the Courier, which paid decently, especially for someone of his age.
So basically I’m spending money
in order to get more money, he thought
with a laugh as he walked down the cobbled street. He could smell the familiar
scent of kettle corn and roasted peanuts
that came from one of the food stalls. The
street was particularly busy today and
people from all over town were busy bartering, buying, and selling. The usual
sounds of customers trying to unsuccessfully haggle with the shopkeepers filled
the warm summer air. He looked around
at the vendors, eyeing up some of the
things they had for sale. There was one
stall that sold only protective amulets and
charms. Corbic‟s father always said that
such things were designed to fool customers into giving money for nothing in return. There was another cart that sold
books and scrolls, claiming that some were
“magical.” Corbic‟s father scoffed at these
things too, saying that there was no such
thing as “magic.”
As Corbic walked closer to a shop
that sold tack and horse feed, something
caught his eye. A man was standing on the
side of the street, dressed in a peculiar
purple suit that was oddly complemented
by a cloak of the same color. He looked
rather absurd, especially considering the
fact that he was holding an unmarked box
which shook violently in his hands.
Strange sounds emanated from the box,
weird chirruping growls. Corbic was torn
between his curiosity at the man holding
the box and his eagerness to buy the new
saddle. Finally his curiosity won him over.
He walked over to the man, who immediately attempted to keep a better hold on
the box, which continued to rock back and
forth.
“Hello, young sir,” said the man
cheerfully just as the box gave a rather
violent lurch. “My name is Hadrian. How
are you today?”
“Fine, thank you,” replied Corbic.
“What have you got there?”
“Come closer,” said Hadrian,
beckoning him forward.
Corbic took a few more steps
toward the man and peered down in wonder. Four strange little creatures were
inside the box, the likes of which Corbic
had never seen before. They had been running around the box, but upon seeing him,
they stood up on their hind legs and
peeked at him over the box‟s edge. They
were a brownish gold color. The front part
of their bodies was that of an eagle with
soft feathery tufts for ears. They had
wings, which were folded haphazardly
over their backs. The back part of their
bodies resembled the hindquarters of a
lion. Their eyes were something of a cross
between eagle and lion, but they shone
with a bright intelligence that was
strangely human. Their paws and eagle
talons were oversized as were their beaks
and eyes. They looked quite cuddly and
cute, if a little strange.
“Baby griffins!” cried Hadrian
jubilantly. “Aren‟t they adorable?”
“Griffins?” asked Corbic. The
name sounded familiar. They were some
sort of a magical creature he had heard
about in songs and ballads.
“Aye. Griffins! Their mother was
killed in battle, so I decided to take care of
them.”
“You‟re not selling them, are
you?” asked Corbic suspiciously.
The man beamed. “I thought
you‟d never ask!”
“I never said I wanted to buy
one.”
“But that‟s what you meant! I‟ll
let you have pick of the litter!”
“Aren‟t griffins magical creatures?”
“Yes,” said Hadrian nodding, “but
I‟ll give you a bargain.”
“But doesn‟t that mean they‟re
dangerous?”
“Dangerous?” Hadrian began to
laugh. “Of course they‟re dangerous! But if
you raise them this young, you shouldn‟t
have any problems. When they get bigger,
you‟ll be able to use them as guardians.
They‟re great at protecting valuables.”
Corbic looked down at the little
griffins. The smallest one let out a startled
squeak when the other three all decided to
pounce on it. The one being squashed
looked pretty pathetic. From the few songs
mentioning griffins that Corbic could remember, he knew that they were supposed
to be very noble, not at all like this.
“Is that the runt?” Corbic asked.
“No, there are no runts in griffin
litters. That‟s the only female. But watch –
she‟s crafty. Females aren‟t necessarily
smarter than males, but they can definitely think on their feet better.”
Corbic watched. The three males
were all on top of her, pinning her down in
submission. The female let herself go completely limp and then, when the males
weren‟t expecting it, exploded into a ferocious volley of kicking, biting, and clawing.
“She‟s funny, isn‟t she?”
“She sure is.”
“Why don‟t you pick her up and
hold her?” Hadrian reached down and
picked up the little female, who was still
trying to get a last swipe at her littermates and handed her to Corbic. The little
griffin was surprisingly soft and light. She
stopped squirming at once and stared up
at Corbic with big round eyes. Corbic
stared back, mesmerized. It was almost as
if the moment they had both looked, some
inseparable bond had formed between
them. Neither Corbic nor the griffin could
have explained it; it was just one of those
things that happens every once in a few
lifetimes.
“How much for her?”
“For you, half off.” He then told
Corbic the price.
“That much?” asked Corbic, his
eyes widening.
“For you, half off,” repeated Hadrian.
“It‟s still a lot,” said Corbic, but
he paid him anyway. She was worth it.
She was worth almost anything.