Issue #5 - Delaware Valley School District

Del.Aware - January 31, 2014Page 13BY RYAN CURRYStaff WriterSpotlight WriterDallas ErnstAn avid author and hard-workingstudent, senior Dallas Ernst has made hermark as a standout writer amongst DV’sfinest.Dallas’ interest in writing tracesback to her early middle school careerwhen she began to develop an idea for afantasy novel. While this particular storyhas not been finished, Dallas still keepsit in mind, as it served as her impetus tocontinue her writing.Years later, she has now completedmany pieces, both fiction and nonfiction,and is working on an action-adventurefantasy novel series in her spare time.As far as teacher inspiration isconcerned, Dallas credits Mrs. DanyelBoyce as a positive influence on herwriting. Specifically, Dallas cited herwriting prompt assignments as a sourceof her enjoyment.“I like being told what to write,” shenoted, “it allows for nice feedback andhelpful criticism.”Other influences on Dallas’ writinginclude acclaimed authors J.K. Rowling,James Patterson and L. Frank Baum,specifically influencing her interest infantasy.Dallas has taken AP EnglishComposition and is currently enrolledin AP American Literature. In addition,she is taking Effective Writing and is amember of the Creative Writing Club, aswell as an editor for the Del. Aware.Dallas encourages new writers tonever give up their passion.“Never completely scrap an idea. YouBook Reviewcan always return to it when you improveas a writer. Remember to keep all of yourold pieces, too.”Writer’s SampleWhen I was fi nally contentwith my surveillance I turned toleave, but was met by a wall oftrees. My heart jolted. I spunagain, only to face more foliage.I was surrounded and there wasno sign of civilization. I took adeep breath.“Stay calm…” I toldmyself, scanning the area. Icould visualize the house, but itwas nowhere to be seen. With adry throat and fl uttering heart, Ichose a general direction in hopesthat I could fi nd my way back.After several yards, I cameacross a cluster of boulders Ididn’t recognize. I glanced at mywatch, and when I realized anentire hour had passed my heartsank. I sat down on one of therocks, clutching my temples. Itwas a struggle to think clearly,for my head was spinning.BY KRISTI LICAUSIArts & Literature Co-EditorEleanor & Park, Rainbow Rowell’s highlycelebrated Young Adult novel, follows thebudding romance of the titular characters,two misfits living in the Midwest circa 1980.Eleanor is the new weird girl with too-redto-be-realhair, silly outfits and a messed-upback story. Park is the resident Asian kid—which we are never allowed to forget—in apredominately white neighborhood. AfterEleanor is forced to sit with the less-thanfriendlyPark on the bus, the pair bond overArt students excel inScholastic competitionDuring the month of December, DV art teachers chose multiple students’art work to send to the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition.There were four types of recognition given; American Visions (five areawarded in each region), Gold Keys, Silver Keys, and Honorable Mentions.American Visions and Gold Key winners are then judged at the Nationallevel.Seniors Elena Eshleman and Amanda Corrieri received an AmericanVisions nomination plus a Gold Key for Digital Art work and Jewelry.Eshleman also received a Gold Key for her Photographs titled “Bare” and“Washington Avenue.”Also, senior Travis Dacey was awarded three Gold Keys, one for his artportfolio and the other two for sculptures titled “Lost Souls” and “TestSubject.”Two more Gold Keys were given to seniors Sarah Negron and VictoriaCatalano for their sculptures titled “Sigh of Relief” and “Memento Mori.”The last three Gold Keys were given to sophomore Amanda Bogusta forphotography. Her photographs were titled “Can You Say Insane,” “Warrior”and “Adventure.”Ten Silver Keys were awarded to other students for their work and 19students received Honorable Mention.Photo and Caption by Jenny WisniewskiWatchmen comics and mixtapes until theirintense, completely justified love for eachother overtakes them.From a Top 10 novel with heaps ofcompliments and flattery behind it, Iexpected more.My main problem is with the overallromance—in other words, the entire plot.For weeks, Eleanor and Park sit togetheron the bus and say nothing to each other.They sit in silence; she reads comics over hisshoulder and he politely turns the pages whenhe assumes she’s finished reading. Eventuallywords are shared, and out of nowhere, Parkneeds Eleanor and Eleanor lives for Park. Ithappened so quickly I was left backtrackingthrough pages to make sure I hadn’t missed achapter… or several hundred.On a scale of “Healthy Relationship” to“Romeo and Juliet,” Eleanor and Park’s epiclove story falls closer to Shakespeare’s goldencouple than anything teens should aim for.The irony in this is Eleanor actively putsdown and criticizes needy teen romancesbefore telling Park she “doesn’t breathewithout him.”I suppose there’s nothing wrong withlove at first sight, or at least first conversation,but I couldn’t get on board with Eleanor andPark, nor could I with this book.