Two-Minute Thank You- Kayla Beebout

My mom always said I could tell her anything, no matter what.  Katie understood that I wasn’t as crazy as I acted.  Mrs. Gilliam taught me that sometimes being crazy wasn’t such a bad thing.  Mrs. Bosworth taught me to play Star Wars on the piano.  My dad showed me Bilbo Baggins’ long-expected birthday party.  Mrs. Nuckols said as long as I did my part, it would turn out fine.

My friends said sure, they would read my stories.  Mr. Peavler showed us Phantom of the Opera.  Tyler came to visit me in the hospital, even though he had just moved here and started his job as our new youth minister.  My grandpa always said he was proud of me, every time he saw me.  Joanna always made me laugh.  Aislinn taught me how to knit.  Lauren said, “I’ll take care of that.”

Josie told me it wasn’t my fault he stopped talking to me.  Jeanine let me laugh at my mistakes, and she would laugh too.  Jason told me I was smart enough to do anything I wanted.  Mrs. Gill helped me study, even though I wasn’t her student.  My hall mates lowered my bed so I didn’t have to climb up after I fell.  Dr. Strait told me not to listen when people told me an English major would never have a job.  Ms. Whitman taught me how to tell my story in a college entrance essay.

Two MinuteThank You - Avery B

 Bella said go to the doctor. I said that it would pass, it will go away. She told me to go to the doctor, you really need to get that checked out, or I will tell your mother and take you myself. I said yes ma'am and went and made an appointment. The doctor said I have heart disease and that they don't know what to do. She said to keep swimming but to watch what I eat. But I don't really watch what I eat. Mom said, don't buy those cheese curds. Jay said let me have some. And I said no they are all mine. Coach says to take it easy. And I tell him that people who take it easy don't get faster. My dad tells me to quit swim. My dad tells me that he won't pay for college. So I ask myself, would he pay for a heart transplant? So I go on day by day. Mom says apply to college. School says get good grades. Dad says I'm not payin'. Heart says I'm not going to work. What do I say? I say I have no idea. Just keep on going. Day by day. Damn cheese curds.

Performance Review - Sydney Taylor

My youngest sister attends SCAPA and last weekend they put on a production of Oliver! Though Holly is a creative writing major and not drama, all the 4th and 5th graders were given ensemble parts. My sister played an orphan child in the performance. Oliver! is about an orphan child who runs away from the orphanage he lives in and teams up with a group of boys trained to be pickpockets.

The kids in SCAPA are truly very talented for the age group they represent. My sister is friends with the girl who played Nancy (an eighth grader) and she had a very impressive range and acting ability. The boy who played Oliver was younger, but also very talented. The performance was put on at the Lexington Opera House and had quality set pieces for an elementary school performance.

The children's British accents were great, especially since they only rehearsed for about six weeks. The performance wasn't a professional show, but the girl who played Nancy belonged in a professional cast.

Two Minute Thank You - Sydney Taylor

My grandmother said she wouldn't tell her anything. Jess said I lava you and Hope said she always be there for me. My dad said to be careful and Maggie asked if I was okay. My mom said go to work, get good grades, practice your speeches. Then she said stop working so much, your grades suck, you stay after school too much, come home and clean. And then she asked why I hadn't paid my bills, why my grades still sucked, why I had another dent in my car, what happened? She said I destroyed our relationship. She didn't understand that we never had one. She said I lied about everything. Isabelle said shoot for the moon or settle for the Orion Nebula. He said he was sorry, but didn't know why I was mad. Kinda defeats the point of apologizing. 

Performance Review- Isabelle Rinker

When I visited New York City over fall break, I finally had the opportunity to see a production of Chicago. The show took place on October 1st, 2015 at 8:00pm at the Ambassador Theatre. The cast featured Dylis Croman as Roxie Hart and Amra-Faye Wright as Velma Kelly. The original Chicago musical was written by Maurine Dallas Watkins. The story takes place in 1920s Chicago, when Roxie Hart is arrested for  murdering her lover. In prison, Velma Kelly is a huge "star", with the best lawyer in town (Billy Flynn). She is disappointed that Roxie steals her spotlight, and her lawyer. Roxie becomes a huge celebrity in Chicago, hoping that her fame as a criminal can help her pursue the career of a performer.

Although our seats were in the balcony and quite far away from the stage, I could tell that the costumes (including hair and makeup) were fit to the time period. The characters were dressed to the time period (ladies wearing short "flapper-style" wigs and corsets, men wearing tuxedos and hats). The lighting fit the "night club" appeal of the setting, and the light would be used to enhance the performance, as the spotlight would typically move to wherever the lead singer was.

In general, the show was entertaining. The dancers' synchronization was impressive, and the lead singers (main characters) were captivating performers. My favorite songs from the production were "Roxie", "Cell Block Tango", and "When You're Good to Mama". Overall, I would rank this performance a 9.8/10, because the quality of the show was great, although at times, I was a bit bored.

Two Minute Thank You

My mom said to pedal and look straight ahead. My dad said it wasn't our fault as he packed up his clothes. Mrs. Stocker gave me puzzles. Mrs. White gave me crafts. Mrs. Brown gave me clothes post bloody noses and Mrs. Sims helped me pick out books. Michael taught me how to play my first note on clarinet. Aunt Mary Claire gave me a set of oil paints and said "I know you can create something beautiful with these." My best friend said I'm sorry after telling me she attempted suicide. My dad said "You have to maintain good grades if you want to go to Henry Clay." My mom said to never compare myself to my sisters. My older sister said goodbye then came back six months later. I waved to my best friend as she left my house. I cried 6 hours later when she texted me saying she was going to the Ridge after attempting suicide a second time. My grandma said "We're so proud of you." My sister said "Can you help me with chemistry?" My mom said to look at the road ahead of me and push down the gas pedal.

Comedy-Kate Sommer

There are many different examples of humor in the Importance of Being Earnest. Examples of physical humor include when Ernest is chasing Algernon around the couch trying to retrieve his cigarette case and also when Lady Bracknell tell Gwendolen to go to the carriage and she and Ernest make kiss faces to each other behind the Lady's back. An example of a pun is in the beginning when Algernon is playing the piano and says that "playing with expression is his forte" because forte is a musical term. Another moment that I found particularly funny was when Lady Bracknell says that she or Lord Bracknell would inform Gwendolen when she became engaged. This was funny because it was making fun of the fact that in that time period it was more likely for people of the higher to class to marry for status and money rather than love and the parents were more likely to arrange the marriage for their benefit.
A modern example of a pun would be in Shrek the Musical when Shrek and Donkey are describing Lord Farquad to Fiona and they keep making short jokes about him. An modern example of physical humor is when a taller person holds something up or puts something on a high shelf so that a shorter person can't get to it.

Two Minute Thank You Blog

My grandmother told me to never go outside with wet hair. I'll catch a cold if I do. The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places, Hemingway said. Don't run with the wrong crowd, and make sure to never stick your head out of the window of a moving car. My grandmother claims a friend of hers had his head cut off by doing that. But man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated. Don't forget about the little things he said. I gave my little brother a gift. What she did hurt in more ways than I imagined. I wanted to be better than the others. The best revenge is to live a happy life. There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow men. True nobility lies in being superior to your former self. Thanks Hemingway, I'll keep that in mind. There's always a greater cause than yourself. Theres's no "I" in team.  After all, They wrote in the old days that it is sweet and fitting to die for one's country. But in modern war, there is nothing sweet nor fitting in your dying. You will die like a dog for no good reason. But there is a "me" in team. Maybe it's not so bad to look out for yourself every once and a while. My dad told me "I'm giving you all the rope you want. You can either build a hammock or hang yourself. Your choice." What an interesting but effective way to say be careful. Be able to laugh at yourself, it makes life easier. Always keep your wits about you. If a writer knows enough about what he is writing about, he may omit things that he knows. The dignity of movement of an iceberg is due to only one ninth of it being above water. I don't think the survivors of the Titanic would appreciate that comment, Mr. Hemingway. The end. Or perhaps this is just the tip of the iceberg. Who knows? Just me.

Michael Dickson: Two-Minute Thank You

My dad called me slugger. My friends called me Fish. The teachers called me "smart." The kids at schools disagreed. Mr. G told me to never throw the first punch, but to always throw the last. The nurse told me that black eyes didn't scar. My best friend said she wanted to kiss me. Two years later I met her new girlfriend. The psychiatrist said it wouldn't hurt forever. The doctor said I was lucky to be alive. The voices in my head said otherwise. The doctor said he had some bad news, that the tumor was growing. I told him I wasn't about to lose a fight with my own body. I met a boy and told him I loved him. My dad said that he didn't know what to say, so he didn't say anything at all. My sister told me cigarettes would kill me, I told her that was the point. The boy I loved said he hated me, I told him I hated him too. I told my dog that she was the only one I could trust, she didn't say anything, but I knew what she meant.

Two-Minute Thank You-Skylar Mays

My parents told me to try harder. Mrs. G told me to read out loud. My brothers fought too much. My dad asked me what I wanted to do. My coaches asked me to be more aggressive. Mr. A made me dislike school. My friends asked if it were true. I said we would still hang out. Mrs. B told us to play icebreakers. Mr. C restored my faith in humanity. Middle school was bigger. We went to my friend's open house. And her going away party. Everyone cried. My mom told me I won the derby at the small party. Someone handed me a mason jar of m n m's. My anxiety kicked in. My coaches asked me to work harder. The doctor told me I had asthma. My brother said he was accepted into college. My other brother said he was moving out. My parents said I was the only one left. My friend asked me how the movie was, and more importantly how the guy was. Infinite Campus said my grades need to come up. My parents said the same. My councilor offered little guidance. My grandparents gave me a car. I said I was thrilled; I was so much more. The coach said we were going to State Cup. Everyone said Junior year would be hard. The boy told me to get home safe. My classes proved to be easier than the year before. The hill said I needed to wake up earlier. And earlier. And earlier. I won region on a piece I didn't like. The guy at pizza hut said it'd be another few minutes. The interview went well, but not well enough. I met a team I loved. The trainer told me I tore my labrum. My art teacher said it looked good. Then gave me a B. I helped my friends out of tough situation. They said thanks. My parents said I was getting better. He said he loved me. My boss said I would have to work during school. I said I was putting in my two week. Common- App said I needed fewer words. My councilor said I needed more activities. I didn't give up.

Two Minute Thank You- Isabelle Rinker

"Entre ser y no ser, yo soy," is the protagonist's catchphrase on my favorite telenovela, Teresa. Teresa is such a strong, ambitious female character, with whom I, myself, very much identify. That catchphrase loosely translates to, "If I have to choose between being a somebody and being a nobody, I will be a somebody." And if there's anything my mom has taught me, it's that if you know your own worth, no one can make you feel worthless. Overall, I've learned that confidence is one of the most important things for a young woman to have.

But more importantly, you have to make time for those you love. Friends and family can sometimes teach you the most valuable lessons in life. For instance, my dad, who told me, "Fake it til you make it." Or my 4th teacher/dance coach who told me to never give up, with dance, with writing, with my studies, anything. Or my youth minister, who told me to always keep my Catholic faith close to heart. Or Sydney, for bringing me back to reality when I need it. And Mia helped me study for the APUSH Exam by telling me "The Era of Good Feelings was when everyone was Gucci."

But I think I ought to thank myself, as well, for keeping my head up and having a backbone throughout all of life's trials. Because self-love is so important.

Two Minute Thank You - Anthony Tamasi

Jared showed me how to dribble a basketball. Mr. Hukill taught me how to hold a bat. I learned to use a shorter one because of my small stature. Coach Pete told me to use it to my advantage; the other team would not be expecting much. Mrs. Dewees told me, “You will be a star.” My mother explained to me about manner, to always be polite. Jacob showed me how to code. Mrs. Johnson said, “Always be a little kinder than necessary.” Roderick said, “Do you need a job?” Mr. Behler said, “You can just skim it to understand it.” My orthodontist always said that I looked nice today. Tim asked me what I had to contribute. Caleb helped carry me when I ripped open my leg. We found some Neosporin and bandages, and walked to Tyler’s house. My step brother, also named let me borrow his shoes. I know a lot of people named Tyler. Ty said, “It gets better.” Mei Yu said, “Should I fight her?” Andrew told me to put on a shirt that was not so tight. John never said much, just observed. My mother helped me paddle back to the beach, from the rip current. Dan said, “Read the instructions first.” No thanks. Mr. Combs said to learn by doing it. Robert told me to get some new shoes. Caroline told me to lose the cargo pants and graphic tees. Donna held me up as I threw up for an hour, and made me soup when I was sick. 

Two-Minute Thank You - Emily Salamanca

             Thanks. A lot. She said she did not want to see anymore. Elizabeth rolled her eyes after quickly glancing over. G. Nellen scoffed a bit more. They all lowered their brows until the resting un-impression returned. My father told me, "It is not my favorite...It has got some things..." In the room next to the sander and bench grinder, I read 1493. Paul called out to me over the sound of the roaring fan.
             Susan said, "You can stay as long as you want. You do not have to leave at five." Cynthia took a parking space by the coffee shop up the street and waited by the yellow curb. They said not to park there from 9AM until 7PM. She said to clean my face, wash my elbows, dab the oil off my cuffs. Some asked what happened to my hand, others just grasped it in awe. The passersby saw my side-step into the gutter. 104.5 suffused the dismal air. John said, "I cannot believe you are not focusing your 200 ours on canvas." Henry said, "You're doing well, keeping up." He majored in music. Jean marveled and awed at the trigonometry assignment. The feathers looked so real in that dimly lit hospital room, No. 127. The small turkey desserts were preserved in the micro-fridge. Mom said that I needed to leave before 9 o'clock. She said what I did was a good thing. Celia and David sat at the table next to ours, separated from Jean. I said to Elizabeth to explore the upstairs, count the bathtubs. I rubbed my water marker mosaic on the table cloth. The waiter said it was okay. The coffee scalded my tongue. My mom noted my dress as we walked in a unit. I did not want her to look too closely.