For weeks, Sophomore students of Ms. Gray’s Honors English class read the classic Shakespearean play, “Macbeth,” also known as “The Tragedy of Macbeth” – which tells the story of a man who receives a prophecy from three witches that predicts that he will become the king of Scotland.
Students were tasked with the job of creating 3D artistic representations based off of the play which had to represent a certain character or a particular moment within the story. Students were paired up into groups of four or five to work on the project. Together, the class came up with a plethora of creative ideas and shared their opinions on what they wanted to do and what they thought would look best. While there were a few struggles here and there, the collaborative efforts of each group paid off and made way for some amazing artistic interpretations.
One group created this very interesting cardboard diorama that depicts the moment in which Macbeth kills the king, Duncan. They used an American Girl doll to represent Lady Macbeth–Macbeth’s wife– who manipulated him into killing the king. She holds Macbeth by marionette strings which represents her manipulative nature in the story. The students who created this used fabric to make their own little dolls of Macbeth and Duncan which look great, and they made a fabric and cardboard bed as well as some green curtains that represent Lady Macbeth’s envy and greed. This representation was done very nicely and is unique in its use of both pre-made and handmade objects.
This group’s idea was to create a scale representing the character Macduff.
The group constructed the model out of cardboard, glue, and tape and painted it with gold and black acrylic paints. What makes the model stand out especially is the golden chains and the dagger through the center. The scale holds a clay dagger and two handmade angel dolls on the heavy end, and a floral crown and a flag on the light end. Everything was made very well with a unique use of materials.
The next group decided to use mostly pre-existing objects, namely Barbie dolls, but also used cardboard and paper to create the box and the drawing above.
The large drawing is of three witches from the movie Hercules which were used to represent the three witches in Macbeth. They hold strings to control characters, and the representation of Macbeth in this project is especially different and unique. A mermaid Ken doll was used to represent the deceased Macbeth, who is represented as a mermaid because he cannot walk on his own two feet because he is always being under someone else’s control. I think this idea is very different and I quite like it.
The last group created another diorama which interestingly portrayed the light and the dark side of Macbeth– who, like the last diorama, is represented by a Ken doll dressed in a military-style uniform. On the light side, crowds are shown cheering which shows how noble Macbeth was considered before turning to the dark side. He has his horse and his religion to also portray his nobility, and a framed picture is shown in the background of him and Lady Macbeth with a bloody slash through the photograph to depict their damaged and unhealthy relationship. On the dark side, there is blood and scattered gravestones to represent those that he has killed. In addition, there is a silhouette of a whispering lady to portray Lady Macbeth, evilly commanding him to commit these treacheries to become the king and bring power to Lady Macbeth as well.
These projects are all very interesting with their themes and use of different objects and materials. The best part of this project was that students were able to have fun with it while learning collaborative and constructive skills. Students learned how to compromise on ideas and receive feedback as well. Overall, the project was a really great learning experience for the class involved. It helped students explore different themes and symbolic representations that they could incorporate into their work. We are all hoping that there will be more book-based creative projects to see in the future as the school year continues!
February, as many already know, is another holiday-oriented month with both Valentine’s Day and February Vacation taking place during this time. However, many forget that this month is one of greater importance which goes beyond holidays and breaks for students. This month is Black History Month.
Black History Month is celebrated all throughout February in honor of the many strong individuals who have fought relentlessly to diminish racism throughout the world. During Black History Month, we celebrate both people of color from the past and from the present.
Rosa Parks was a black woman who refused to submit to the world’s racial inequality and favoring of white people.
“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.” – Rosa Parks
When expected to give up her seat on public transport to a white passenger, she protested and remained seated. At that time, the law in Montgomery, Alabama required black passengers to give up their seats to make room for white passengers. White people were treated as if they were of more importance than those who were black. Rosa Parks, along with others, knew that this was not true. For bravely resisting, she was unfortunately arrested, but of course, this didn’t stop her. The ordeal became known as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and by protest, the separation of white and black people aboard buses was declared unconstitutional. Rosa Parks’ story continues to inspire people from all walks of life and is an important part of black history.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a black man who advocated for the freedom and rights of African American citizens. He fought towards the goal of achieving equal rights for black Americans and doing so peacefully without violence.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.… We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”
Martin Luther King Jr. was, coincidentally, one of the main organizers of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. He is arguably one of the most influential figures in history, with a bold and mature way of thinking. He protested peacefully, but loudly, his words holding immeasurable power each and every time. His most famous speech, the “I Have a Dream” speech, was known to be the most powerful. It was a long speech, but a shorter version of it was;
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal.
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, that one day right down in Alabama little black boys and little black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.”
There are so many inspiring people to represent the black community and Black History Month, but the one person I must include is a man that I myself, as a student, look up to the most and aspire to be akin to; Michael Jackson.
“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.”
Words cannot express how much Michael Jackson has done for the black community and for the world as a whole in general. This man was undeniably–and still is, known as one of the most talented and beloved people to have ever graced the Earth.
Raised in Gary, Indiana, he started out as a member of the Jackson 5, a band that his brothers were in. His talent was noticed early by his family and those around him, so that was how he became the lead singer in the Jackson 5. As he got older, Michael realized that he really wanted to create his own music. He wanted to do what he wanted to do. It was quite an argument with the family, but he pursued this feeling anyway and broke off from the band to create his own album in 1979, Off the Wall. From there, he grew in popularity, especially with his later release of Thriller which boosted his career to a whole new level.
Michael was and still is world-famous today. Most people with that kind of fame often change with their new-found success and money. However, that is what separated Michael from other celebrities. He was sweet, gentle, and kind. He cared deeply for children and animals and donated a miraculous amount of money to charities of all kinds: USA for Africa, American Cancer Society, Make-a-Wish Foundation, and many, many more organizations. He would even donate nearly all of his earnings from different concerts to charity. Countless songs of his were created in regard to specific social issues. “Heal the World,” a hit song of his, was created to bring awareness to our world and how it is slowly deteriorating, fueling the need to care for it and pick up after ourselves, as well as to help children around the world and be a kind and generous person.
Michael’s reputation had been tarnished by false allegations made by money-hungry people. He was easy to target because of his kindness and tolerance of others, as well as his fame and fortune, and eccentricities that came with it.
Long story short, Michael Jackson fell victim to the cruel hands of the press.
His skin-lightening condition, called Vitiligo, spawned rumors that he had bleached his skin to become white, which was false. What especially destroyed his life was the ongoing allegations that he was a child predator, which predictably, were also false. Michael was an innocent man who was targeted for his wealth and his kindness and sensitivity to others were taken advantage of by many he had become close with. He is someone to be honored, a black man who broke records and became known in nearly every part of the world. He is loved, sorely missed, and remains an icon of the Black community and of the music industry in general.
Prince Rogers Nelson was a black American pop star whose androgyny and self-expression challenged societal norms.
“There are no accidents. And if there are, it’s up to us to look at them as something else. And that bravery is what creates new flowers.”
Prince, while more popular back in the 80s, still continues to be an inspiration and a role model for people of color and for those in the LGBTQ community, Despite not being a part of the LGBTQ community, Prince’s exuberant style and personality give others the courage to express themselves and be who they want. Gender norms are a very ridiculous concept that unfortunately still exists, but Prince broke down boundaries with his outrageous fashions. He and Michael Jackson were both quite flamboyant stars, but Prince often brought it to a whole other level, sporting high heels, crop tops, sequins, feathers, and other stand-out pieces throughout his lifetime. He was notably an amazing guitarist, prevalent in the funk and pop genres. It’s safe to say that he still stands as a pop culture icon around the world, and his hits are still played on the radio to this day.
There are so many inspiring people to represent Black History Month it can be hard to mention them all in one go. I, as a student, have increasing concerns for the Black community. Progress has been made, but it is still not enough. As long as there is discrimination, the fight is not over. I wanted to create an article to feature some of the most inspiring people to represent this month. I cannot include everyone, but I picked those who I found most inspiring. I want to remind both kids and adults that the world will never get better if we do not all unite and stick together. It is true that who we are as people, inside our hearts and our minds, is how we should be judged. Our skin colors, genders, sexualities, disabilities, and other traits are a part of us that should be–and needs to be–accepted and celebrated. Our actions, our empathy, and our nature are how we are meant to be read, and it’s how we reach each other, teach each other, and heal the world.
Art is one of the many important things in our day-to-day lives. It is all around us and in many forms, too. The Portland Museum of Art is just one of the many places in Maine where you can see a collection of unique art pieces from both local and international artists. I made a stop at this museum while on an important trip to Portland a week ago. I am not usually that interested in museums unless they are based around music or certain niche interests of mine, but the distinct art pieces made it worth my time, and I felt inclined to take pictures of a few pieces I found most interesting, some of which I, unfortunately, didn’t catch the creators of.
This one was one of the first pieces I saw in the gallery and it’s also one of my favorites.
It seems to be made out of a type of wood and/or clay with a variety of different jungle creatures as well. In person, it was even bigger than it looks in the picture. It would be amazing to own as decor, but I don’t think it would fit in my room, anyway.
Something I really like is lineless artwork, which is more common in paintings than it is in traditional or digital art. It’s very appealing, especially when it has a bit of a messy appearance. This painting was very cute to me and had a lovely realistic color palette that is easy on the eyes and would make for a great decorative piece if it were for sale.
These wooden carvings were my favorite among everything I’d seen. I almost wanted to pick one up and walk out with it because these were honestly so charming. I don’t think I have seen something similar to these before, so it makes me wonder what materials these are composed of besides wood.
This piece was one of the few that I was able to catch the creator of. The creator of this piece, Valerie Hegarty, is most known for creating unique and “warped” modern art pieces such as this one, which is titled: Warped Clipper Ship. Despite its old appearance, the piece is actually from 2016. It was definitely an interesting sight to behold.
This art piece, coincidentally, is one that I own a replica of. I initially thought that this was another piece by Valerie Hegarty, but it is actually created by Franklin Stanwood, an artist from Maine.
While this piece is very simple, it speaks many words just in its existence alone. Marcus Leslie Singleton, the artist, reflects on his family members’ experience in prison. This really spoke to me, because it breaks my heart to see the way that marginalized groups of people are treated in these circumstances. It further inspired me to work to help others and the world.
I think that the most important thing about art is the story that every piece tells; the way it can inspire others and teach them about the experiences of other individuals or show them a different perspective or way of doing things. The Portland Museum of Art is an overall great place to visit whether you live in Portland or are just stopping by. The staff there welcome you warmly and the space is very LGBTQ friendly as all places should be. There is even a little gift shop where you can purchase different merchandise such as games, books, water bottles, and even dog collars as well. The gift shop is a great place to find a unique gift for a friend or family member. The museum is even working on a new level in the building to display more artwork, which gives you all the more reason to visit this year. I am excited to see what will be displayed next.
What a lot of people look forward to on Christmas is what they get. Personally, that’s what I look forward to a lot as well, because there are so many things to wish for. AirPods, expensive perfumes, and maybe even a new drawing tablet. However, I tried to think of at least one Christmas where I went without presents or a stocking, and I realized that there hasn’t been even a single Christmas in which I’ve gone without.
It really struck a chord in me when I read the wishes on the cards of the RSU3 Holiday Tree in our school’s lobby. The tree was adorned with several of these cards, and at first, I took two of them home with me and read them. I was surprised at the simplicity of the wishes. There were no Apple products or high-tech toys and gadgets. Instead, there were things like gloves, shirts, dolls, and toy dinosaurs. In my mind, I could think of the thousands and potentially millions of kids around the world who’d receive not a single blessing on Christmas eve or day.
I thought about my own wishes, and I came to the realization that most of the things that I want are things I don’t need and things that I could probably save up for and buy later this year. Meanwhile, there are kids whose parents work numerous jobs and are still unable to scrape together enough to buy their children gifts for the holidays. There are so many possible scenarios and so many who will have t0 go without, so for at least this year and hopefully more to come, I wanted to do something. Prices of even the most basic items have risen to an all-time high which I cannot believe. I was left gawking at the prices of children’s jackets, boots, shirts, and most notably; toys. Even in the early 2010s, I can remember some of the most popular toys in stores for only a dollar or two. I am not any millionaire of the sort, so I didn’t have hundreds to thousands of dollars at my disposal, but what I did have was money from my own Christmas budget, and that was something that I decided to sacrifice most of.
In the long run, it wasn’t much of a loss knowing that I could be the one to bring joy and hope to at least a few kids. Gifts are not everything, but in my honest opinion, I think that every child who celebrates it should be able to experience Christmas. I bought some comfortable clothes for the kids and some high-end toys that have been all the rage this year; LOL dolls, Jurassic Park, LEGO, etc. I wish that I could’ve donated even more gifts, but unfortunately, even just four kids was already quite expensive, and there are so many more kids in the world to buy gifts for; so many people in general, actually. I think that is something that needs to be spoken about, too, as it is very important that we as people put in the effort to make positive changes and impacts in the short lives we lead.
We need to create opportunities for others and share our wealth if we have some to share. Greed is a very common problem and it is the catalyst for global poverty. For everyday people, it seems hard to make a difference, but if you really give it your all, great impacts are to be made. Even something small such as donating a gift or planting a tree is a step in the right direction. Hope is a very important thing, but we cannot just hope for things to get better; we must act.
This Sunday, (Christmas Day) cherish every gift and every meal you get, because for every meal you eat, another goes hungry, and for every gift you receive is another stocking or tree without a single treat or present to behold. Even if you do not get everything you want, be happy that you get something, and relish the time that you spend with those who you love.
There will be a lot of mixed reactions in the coming days for Biology students who are gearing up for a new, hands-on assignment that is not for those who are squeamish.
In Ms. Lowes’ Biology class, students will soon be doing a frog dissection project to learn more about the muscular system and how it may differ between species.
A lot of kids are totally excited, and a lot of them, well, not so much! Participants will be required to wear gloves and goggles for their safety because there will be a lot of icky stuff involved in this project. However, it will be a very educational experience, and luckily, all frogs being used for this project have been ethically sourced (meaning that they have passed on naturally, not killed intentionally for this experiment.)
There is also an assessment in coordination to this which covers the body systems and compares the muscular system of a frog to the muscular system of a human and how different parts may work. For those who would rather not perform the dissection on a real frog, there is an online dissection you can do instead, so everyone is able to participate comfortably! Best of luck to Biology students on this interesting project!
November 22, 2022 / hirofoye / Comments Off on The best dog accessories to consider while doing your holiday shopping
by Jack Foye
In recent years, the demand for pet products has skyrocketed when pet parents across the globe decided to start spoiling their critters. First, it was treats and toys, but now, pets have begun to enter the fashion scene with beautiful and elaborate collars and accessories.
A lot of times, it feels like you have to give up an arm and a leg just to get something nice, unique, and fashionable for your pet. If you’re a student pet owner like me, then you know this struggle all too well. But luckily, I know some of the best places to get the cutest pet accessories without spending hundreds, and all at the same time supporting small and upcoming businesses! So here are my top three picks for the best and most affordable dog accessory brands!
MaryDogJewelry
MaryDogJewelry is a five-star seller on Etsy with a dozen different listings of beautiful, intricately crafted dog necklaces. They have gorgeous pearl beads with lovely embellishments and diamonds that are simply to die for. One of the most exciting parts is that their necklaces go up in size to fit larger pets such as labradors and huskies!
Price: $19.00-$34.00
LuaandNel
Snap on bandanas are my favorite accessory for dogs! They are so easy and simple to put on my pups and I just love the ones that this brand has to offer! Most brands only offer tie-on bandanas or over-the-collar ones, so I was relieved when I found this shop! LuaandNel is another five-star shop with great prices and sizing! These bandanas will be a great addition to your dog’s casual wardrobe.
Price: $9.00-$15.00
Gatorggrl
Okay, now, the harnesses from this shop are unbelievably precious. I mean, a sushi harness?! It doesn’t get cuter than that. This shop is full of great ensembles which are all very high quality, secure, and comfortable. I love the embellishments added to each harness. Some harnesses have patches, some have buttons, some have bows, etc. Those little add-ons are the cherry on top!
Price: $28.00-$34.00
I have purchased from all three of these brands, and it’s safe to say that purchasing from a trustworthy small business is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Not only do small businesses usually have more intricate and high-quality products, but by purchasing them, you are supporting an artist and hardworking shop owner!
October 25, 2022 / hirofoye / Comments Off on $100 Cash Prize Contest in Recognition of National Homeless
by Hiro Foye
$100 Cash Prize Contest in Recognition of National Homeless
Youth Awareness Month
With October already coming to end in just a few weeks, the month of November is upon us. However, November is an important month, and it’s not just because of Thanksgiving.
The month of November is known as “National Homeless Youth Awareness Month.”
Unfortunately, many children, teens, and adults in our community and around the world are forced to live without a home and oftentimes without basic needs such as food, water, and clean clothing. It is easy to take what we have for granted, but when we remember even the smallest things such as the food on our plates or the clean water we have to drink, we realize that there is much to be grateful for, even if it doesn’t seem like it.
To keep this in mind, an event is being planned in collaboration with But Still I Am One to host a contest in which the winner will win a cash prize of $100 as well as a feature in the newspaper. In this contest, you must create and submit either an essay, poem, or an art piece with the central theme of homelessness and how you would feel if you did not have a home. Submissions for the contest will be displayed at the Soup Kitchen throughout the week of the event. If you decide to submit an essay or poem, it must be in 14 point font, double-spaced, and be a maximum of two pages. As for the art submissions, there is no required size. If you would like to enter, remember to sign your work with either your name or a pen name of your choosing.
All submissions must be completed and ready to be picked up on October 31st.
The winner of the contest will be announced on November 19th during the Conversation event at the Belfast Soup Kitchen, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
If you plan on submitting work for the contest, let us know, and contact Neva Allen by email or number if you have any questions.
This year, the library is looking for creative, crafty, and artistic students to make artwork to put on display in the front window. This can include drawings, sketches, paintings, collages, etc.
It is important to have a splash of color or creativity in your life. It is motivating, inspiring, and it gives students a chance to showcase their talent. There are many talented artists in this school, and their work is very much appreciated. If you are an artist and are looking for ideas, here is a list of some of the things you could draw or paint.
A forest or city landscape
Your favorite character(s)
Your favorite animal(s)
The school mascot
A recreation of a famous artwork
Your own book/movie cover
Your favorite singer/youtuber, etc.
Your own made-up animal/creature
Your favorite video game
A collage of your favorite things/people
A motivational poster
Your own planet
If you decide you would like to make something, remember to have fun but still be school appropriate with your artwork! If you have something to submit, head to the front desk at the library to pass it in. Anonymous submissions are allowed, therefore, you do not need to sign your work if you do not want to. Happy crafting!
This week, students will be participating in the event of Spirit Week–where each day will have a unique and fun theme to encourage school spirit and creativity.
On Monday, there will be a country vs. country club theme. If you’d like to choose country club as your theme, grab your polo shirts and cargo shorts, and if you’d like to choose country as your theme, get your flannels and cowboy hats, and get ready to dress up!
For Tuesday, the theme will be monochromatic, which means that participants will be dressing in only one color. From red and yellow to blue and purple, there are many different colors and shades to choose from, so pick whichever one you’d like.
On Wednesday, it will be pajama day. Whether you have a matching pajama set, a onesie, some slippers, or even just your regular clothes, you just have to make sure not to fall asleep in class.
Thursday will be “dress as your favorite character” day. Think of your favorite show, movie, book, or any other type of media with a character you really like in it. Dress your best to match them!
Friday, as per usual, students will be dressing in the school colors, green and white, to show school spirit.
All of the days of Spirit Week are optional. You are not required to participate, just do your work and do well in class as always. Also, homecoming tickets will be sold at lunch all throughout this week. Friday will be the last day to grab a ticket, so make sure you get one ahead of time If you plan on attending.
