Letter from the Editor

9 March 2015.

With the start of March, we usher in the coming of spring: life begins anew, the number of cabin fever cases rises, and the countdowns to summer tease us even more with each new day. Daylight saving time hits once again, and though it may be hard to acclimate yourself to waking up in near-darkness, the nights are longer; clearly, summer is approaching.

In the spirit of Anna Wintour (Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, aka my spirit animal and idol), I’ve decided to write a little “Letter from the Editor” of my own. This month’s issue, as always, contains a variety of articles from our awesome staff. Many major controversies in today’s world are touched upon, from equal rights, feminism, and the struggles of shopping for plus-sized people, to the cruelty of animal testing and Monsanto’s genetic engineering. We get a glimpse into the fast-paced world of football and the Super Bowl and reminisce about the commercials and this year’s emotion-provoking theme. We discuss the latest crazes of contemporary society, including the Lush bath bomb craze and what the company is all about, as well as the reincarnated hippie movement known more familiarly as rave culture. Also included are original poetry and photographs from our very own staff. So much time and effort was put into this publication, whether it be this month’s or any other. The staff here at the Silver Scroll is truly one-of-a-kind and I applaud each and every one of our members for their creativity, individuality, and dedication.

In the latest fashion news, I both feel and see a few trends coming on:

• COLOR PROFILING: RUST One of the hit colors for the upcoming year is a deep, earthy red. Whether it be skinny jeans, a wool cardigan, the latest MAC lipstick, or a new handbag, maroon is a color rising to power as the cold months wear away. It’s one of the colors of 2015, so keep a lookout when autumn returns again!
• WHITE OUT What’s summertime without an influx of white dresses, pants, and blouses? The Spring/Summer 2015 season brings with it innumerable breathy white boho dresses, the classic white button-down shirt, and the typical pants perfect for wearing on that new yacht.
• THAT’S SO SEVENTIES Another upcoming trend for the year: throwbacks to the 1970s. Designers are inspired by the big hair, bell-bottomed pants, and fur coats that defined the decade. Fashion always repeats itself, and this is no different!
• DENIM OVERLOAD If you’ve ever wanted to channel your inner Britney Spears (at the 2001 American Music Awards, that is) and wear denim on denim, now is the chance to do it! So long as it’s tastefully done, feel free to mix and match your favorite jeans and that new jean jacket!

Style Staples

18 December 2014.

Each human is an individual, and for that very reason we all interpret “good taste” in fashion a little differently. Some like drama: bold color splashes and huge accessories are the basics of a woman or man with dramatic taste. Others, on the other hand, gravitate toward a minimalist style: simple colors (black, grey, caramel, white, etc.) and a single defining piece of jewelry comprise their range of taste.

While I may stray toward the ridiculous and wear something not so “in the norm” every once in a while, I am one of the people that does tend to enjoy the simpler things in life. I prefer my basics, and instead to add a twist here or there. I enjoy dressing timelessly regardless of the occasion (school, parties, shopping, or a walk in the city), and my style justifies my interests. I am a girl who feels her prettiest when she is adorned in the barest minimum of colors: black and white.

Recently I have read The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia (totally recommend this for any aspiring fashionista), and it inspired my train of thoughts about my own taste. That’s why I have decided to write about my own style basics.

BLACK JEANS: Something I believe every gal and guy should invest in is a good pair of black jeans. They are a must in my book, a closet staple. Not only do they match with literally everything, but they can dress up or down any outfit. They dress up a concert tee, dress down a bedazzled top, and everything in between! Plus, black jeans are timeless: stores will eternally sell them; it just proves a tough quest to conquer to find the right pair. It took me six years (from sixth to eleventh grade) to finally find the perfect pair of black jeans--ones that are the right length, fit my waist, flatter my figure, and are actually comfortable to wear. My hallelujah moment arrived when I impulsively decided to try on a pair at Forever 21; since finding that divine pair, I regret to say that I have hated all my other pairs of jeans.

DENIM JACKET: Another style staple of mine is the basic denim jacket. In my professional opinion, only one is necessary, so long as it is quality. Denim jackets fit persons of any age, size, gender, whatever. They’re casual and comfortable and not hard to find. Search for one that speaks to your heart, and if it fits where it should and goes with everything (or almost everything--please don’t perform a fashion faux pas by layering denim on denim), then invest! I guarantee you, it is a wise investment for now and years down the road. My mother gave me an Izod denim jacket for Christmas three years ago and I still wear it to this day!

TURTLENECK(S): Needless to say I adore turtlenecks, since they have their own category in my book of basics (I own approximately eight--but there’s no such thing as “too many turtlenecks”!). At the current moment I am emotionally attached to a 1970s black turtleneck with white contour lines that my art teacher has passed on to me. It fits me to a T and I've never loved a garment the way I love that one. Turtlenecks are also eternally stylish and elegant, and for the most part are always tasteful! The right fit is flattering and classy, and in my opinion looks good on nearly everyone! Just picture this for consolation: Liev Schreiber as John Clark in the 2002 movie The Sum of All Fears: he can pull off a black turtleneck like no other, and he does it just as well as a twenty year old fashion student of the modern day!

LOAFERS: Loafers are actually my number two favorite thing at the moment--they are immensely comfortable and dress up even my laziest outfits. Loafers are also immortal and genderless, and they are sold at any price range, from twenty dollars to two hundred! Not to mention they are also sold in a wide variety of colors and patterns. From cheetah print to velvet indigo to leathery black with a white toe, loafers are the ultimate flat shoe. J. Crew, though it is (in my book) four dollar signs ($$$$--expensive), offers beautiful, quality shoes, and if I could buy them all, I would in a heartbeat.

STRIPED SWEATER: When folks of my generation hear the words “striped sweater”, they immediately think of that one Spongebob episode--I am here to confirm that the lyrics “The best time to wear a striped sweater / Is all the time” ring absolutely true. Regardless of whether you choose black and white, dark green and navy, red and royal blue, or any other color combination, the striped sweater will be on the racks, shelves, and mannequins forever. The best part is that you can walk into any store and, if they have any sense, you will find a nice striped sweater. My favorite one hails from H&M (which is possibly the best store ever, regardless of budget. If the designers wear thirty-five dollar sweaters from H&M, then so can you).

BOOTS: The sun now sets before five o’clock in the evening, and the days are becoming ever more frigid; it is time to pack away the ballet flats and sandals and bring out a hardy pair (or five) of boots. This season I’m obsessed with Doc Martens, even though they’ve been around for decades. Yes, they are a little pricey but you’re not paying for the label--you are actually paying for the quality for once! My white Docs are my favorite boots; they are comfortable, keep my feet warm, and they look positively killer. But it’s not necessary to invest in a pair of Docs or Uggs or any name-brand boots for the season. Quality and style can come at a price cheaper than one hundred dollars--my best bet is always DSW. Another insider tip: if your feet are still cold, but you just can’t part with your favorite boots, then buy a pair of Dr. Scholl’s foam cushion insoles! Cut them to fit your shoe shape, slip them in, and bam!--instant warmth that stays inside the shoe! You’re welcome.

TRENCH COAT: When Burberry first introduced their timeless trench in World War I, it was an instant hit for the soldiers. Trench coats offered practicality and use, and Burberry knew how to produce them in an attractive shape. Since then, trenches have become a must-have in the closets of millions because, let’s face it, they are legit. They protect you from autumnal wind, spring rain, and really everything save the brutal winter (which is why you need more coats than just the one). I might not be able to afford Burberry, but my Banana Republic trench matches the super-expensive designer brand pretty spot on. Plus, at this age, I prefer quality over quantity; I’d rather invest a little more into a nice coat that lasts for years than pay a small sum for a coat made of shambles that is going to unravel at the seams within the season.

THE BAG: Each girl needs an “It” bag that represents her own personal taste. Whatever shape it is--shoulder bag, handbag, tote, clutch, wristlet, etc.--does not matter. Bags are one of the first things people notice, and a bag really defines who you are. A cheap, shoddy bag that you’ve been using for years, whose time to retire has long passed, does not leave a favorable impression. Take my word and don’t buy a trendy bag either--buy something made of good quality that will last a few seasons and can be reworn! My “It” bag is the black Coach handbag I bought myself as a birthday gift this past summer. It’s simple, timeless, cute, and feminine--all things that I aspire to be. But that doesn’t mean everyone’s “It” bag is black and basic. If your heart skips a beat when you see that bright orange Steve Madden shoulder bag, then go for it (just do yourself a favor and only wear it when it actually matches your outfit)! Just steer clear of the ten dollar neon bags made in China and sold on the streets--people see right through those, and they never last.

THE WATCH: For years I have been dreaming of a beautiful rose gold watch, so you can imagine my surprise when I received one for Christmas. Watches are always chic and always in style, and portray a certain elegance and intelligence so long as you know how to read them. My favorite types of watches are men’s watches; they are more or less the same come each new season, and they are massive and stylish. Women’s watches usually change with the trends, but this past year was a good season: big watches were in and you could find a gorgeous one within your budget! While my favorite brands include Michael Kors and Daniel Wellington, I am perfectly content with my New York & Company watch--it’s just as beautiful, but for half the price!

Each item I have mentioned is something that I view as crucial in my closet; but just because I adore rose gold does not mean that everyone needs to go out and spend their money on a rose gold piece of jewelry! These pieces that I hold so near and dear to my heart are effortlessly classy and forever stylish, and prove to be a fantastic foundation for your own personal style. Whether you prefer to layer all your things or show bravado in your wardrobe, these simple pieces will be tremendously helpful to keep in your closet. And if you’re a savvy shopper like me, you can find them at four-dollar-sign stores and one-dollar-sign stores! It all depends on your budget and willingness to invest, but they are great for a rainy day and perfect for that timeless look. With these pieces anyone will be able to take that next step to do greater and better things.  

AP Survival Guide

18 December 2014.

Unrestricted academic warfare, sleep-deprived nights, negative amounts of free time, drifting from friends, slow mental and physical deterioration...welcome to the junior year of an AP student. All of these characteristics have attributed themselves to my life these past few months of school, and there came a time when I just wanted to give up because AP Biology had sucked every ounce of willpower out of me. But then I started thinking about how to improve my school life so that, even though it’s not necessarily always enjoyable, it is tolerable. This is a guide on how I’m able to survive AP classes and still keep my life in check.

STUDY: AP classes are tremendously challenging and there is no way to survive them without allocating some time to studying. Good study habits are a must, so the sooner you find what works best for you, the better. Personally I have a vivid photographic memory, so I find it best to just read and reread my notes multiple times. Others discover that notecards are the best way for information to stick. Some even realize that the best way is to memorize the textbook or watch a plethora of videos to reinforce their knowledge. Whatever it is, if you find a method of studying that is beneficial to your grades and boosts your confidence in your own knowledge, then take it and run with it. It’s crucial.

SLEEP: It’s not always possible to get the recommended 8 hours of sleep every night, but here’s a simple rule of thumb: if nothing else, go to sleep before midnight. This will still allow you about 6-7 hours of sleep, depending on when you usually get up in the mornings, but by going to bed before 12 you will still wake up adequately refreshed. Plus, 6 hours is much closer to 8 than 4 is, and it’s much easier to make up for just a few lost hours of sleep over the weekend, rather than days. An additional note: if you ever feel the urge to take a nap because you are emotionally exhausted or simply can’t keep your eyes open, then do it! You will not regret it and when you wake up you will find that completing homework is also easier.

EXERCISE: Not everyone has the time to work out every single day, but it’s crucial to your health to get a few hours in each week. Exercise is stimulating for the brain and the muscles: not only are you more energized, but a good workout has a positive effect on your mindset. Even if you can only manage to go to the gym or go for a run twice a week—it’s better than nothing!

TAKE BREAKS: Studies have shown that after 1-2 hours of studying, the brain literally cannot absorb any more information. This means it is time for a 15-30 minute break to relax your mind, grab a bite to eat, or organize your thoughts. Breaks are enormously beneficial to both studying and working in general because they increase your efficiency. Actual experiments have shown that people who take breaks during studying score significantly higher than those who cram nonstop.

DO THE LEAST-TIME-CONSUMING FIRST: I have learned that attempting to work on my longest assignments first is actually detrimental because they take up so much of my time and then I’m freaking out because I don’t have enough time to complete the other. Now I work on my other classes first and start the most lengthy last, giving myself a much smaller timespan. This boosts my adrenaline and I find that I actually finish so much quicker than when I start the tough assignments right away.

SOCIALIZE: Whatever you do, and however much you’re craving to, do not abandon your friends. They will be there for you regardless of how much homework you have and they don’t care if you get a C on that biology test. Friends are the people that make you laugh when you’re in the middle of a mental breakdown, and they’re the ones that force you to go out and have fun and stop worrying about that English test you have in two days. You’ve studied enough, it’s time to leave your books and spend some time with your friends.

EAT WELL: It’s simple: if you eat bad, then you feel bad. Eating well-balanced meals is critical for your well being in stressful times like these. I always eat breakfast because it helps me think; my lunch is just big enough to fill me up but not make me drowsy; my dinner is almost always a fresh, home-cooked meal and I add fruits and veggies to my meals and snacks as supplements. Eating well not only enhances your health and energy for the time being, but it has long-term effects as well: an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Literally. I eat an apple every day and I haven’t been sick in years.

TIME MANAGEMENT: Like I mentioned earlier with the homework assignments and the studying, time management is a valuable life skill. Juggling mental and physical health along with a social life and adequate hours of sleep is not easy. But believe me when I say it’s possible. You just have to learn not to procrastinate everything and instead be proactive in your work. If you have 3 assignments due at the end of the week but you have a free night tonight, don’t be irresponsible and waste your night on stupid things. Try to start your assignments or even finish one. You will thank yourself the next day when your teachers assign approximately 6 new assignments, all also due at the end of the week.

BE ORGANIZED: It’s extremely beneficial to be organized because it saves so much time when it comes time to study or look for an assignment you completed weeks prior. I have noticed that when a student has an organized binder/folder/notebook/locker, they’re not nearly as prone to freakouts. If your school supplies are a mess, then so is your life 99% of the time.

REWARD YOURSELF: There’s nothing more satisfying than treating yourself to Chipotle, a night out with friends, or a shopping spree after a tough week. Heck, you deserve it! Rewarding yourself every now and again is a great way to repay yourself for all the work and time you’ve put into your studies, and it’s also a great motivator!

BREATHE: There’s no way to put it in simpler terms. If you feel like you are swamped in an overload of work, then take a step back and breathe. If you don’t know the answer to a cryptic multiple choice question, take a breath and move on to the next one. If you can’t finish running that mile, don’t. Walk the rest of the way. It’s not a big deal. Breathing in precious oxygen is literally critical to life, remember that.

TAKE A PERSONAL DAY: Your grades are important, but your health is even more so. If you have 7 assignments and a test tomorrow but for tonight you’re freaking out, crying, screaming, and undergoing mini seizures, then don’t go to school. I can’t stress it enough: if you are incapable, do not go to school. You can hand in those assignments when you get back the next day. You can arrange to make up the tests as soon as possible. Nothing—and I repeat, nothing—is more important than your well being. Would you rather get a C on that test and be done with it, or suffer for a week in the hospital because you have brought onto yourself a psychiatric illness? The choice is yours.

LAUGH: Laughing your way through life is healthier and easier than stressing and getting worked up over the little things. I can’t go five minutes without laughing at a corny joke in class; frankly, it’s painful for me not to smile. Amiability is key to surviving AP classes: you need to learn to enjoy the little things in life, like dropping your phone on the floor in the middle of a lecture or someone stating a mindless comment that makes no sense whatsoever. When you enjoy school, it’s so much easier—really. Having a constant source of happiness is a privilege and a necessity and you shouldn’t trade it for anything.

Now I realize that my list of tips is incredibly long and time-consuming to read, but each of these things attributes to my own survival of high school thus far. If you find something else that you find to be dire for survival, then that is fantastic. It’s all about shaping your high school career to fit the mold you’ve always dreamed of. While there is still a certain amount of unrestricted academic warfare, I no longer suffer from the sleepless nights; I can allow myself to spend an evening reading or hosting a movie marathon and still maintain strong friendships with my favorite gals; I am mentally sound and physically fit. It’s the most stressful year of my life, and I’m coping with it quite well.

The "Knight" of Mr. Sterling

5 November 2014.

The Tuesday of Spirit Week brought with it the Mr. Sterling competition--a fierce competition between twelve of Sterling’s finest senior knights to be crowned the victor. (It could also be seen as a manly pageant, as the rules draw clear parallels to other pageants such as Miss America.)

The night begins with the dimming of the lights, and the twelve knights join forces for a synchronized dance number to impress the audience as well as the judges. It is always wildly entertaining, even for the contestants themselves!

Next, the agenda calls for each contestant representing a specific month of the year; he must come out and give a simple statement about that month, and it is crucial to be creative.

Mr. January -- Thomas DiPaolo

Mr. February -- Ryan Smith

Mr. March -- Dean Troilo

Mr. April -- Paul McGroarty

Mr. May -- Tony Fedoriw

Mr. June -- Sean Macpherson

Mr. July -- Jonathan Glimp

Mr. August -- Darius Coppage-Belt

Mr. September -- Mike Ivins

Mr. October -- Liam Fisher

Mr. November -- James Carman

Mr. December -- John Macaluso

Afterward, the contestants must display a talent, and the acts usually range from the typical to the strange. Thomas DiPaolo sang the country song “Cowboys and Angels” and Ryan Smith performed his own version of “Honorable Mention”, in the end shining the spotlight on his best friend. Dean Troilo performed an entertaining dance skit with a number of crossdressing guys and girls. Paul McGroarty gave the Super Mario Bros. a new twist, and it was one for the books; that performance is something I’ll never forget. Tony Fedoriw helped heat up the auditorium by dancing to a compilation of different songs alongside friend (and Homecoming Queen) Sharon Tang. Sean Macpherson slowed down the action by singing his own rendition of the song “Dead or Alive” with his father (Sterling Geometry teacher Mr. Macpherson) playing the guitar; both men also wore over exaggerated ten-gallon hats. Jonathan Glimp performed a dance routine with two friends, and Darius Coppage-Belt followed suit by co-rapping an original song with a comrade close by. Mike Ivins, with the help of another one of Sterling’s ladies, performed an interpretive dance to the hit “Chandelier” and Liam Fisher followed with a tribute to Drake & Josh by dancing to the renown song “Soul Man” with one of his own cronies--tux, hat, shades, and all. James Carman came out on stage under the impression that he would sing “American Idiot” and play the guitar, but a last-minute change led him to sing a beautiful opera song. John Macaluso ended the night with his own tribute to the movie Napoleon Dynamite and dancing all by himself on stage exactly the way Dynamite did in the film.

From there, the show moves on to its formal wear portion, where the men dress up in their nicest evening attire and give their arm to a lady knight to hold...and you can’t forget the lovely flower arrangements that the girls receive as well!

The end of the night brings three finalists who are chosen to answer a question, each question being something different. The first finalist, opera-singer James Carman, was asked how he would represent Mr. Sterling if he won. Basically, his answer was that he would continue to be himself and be an outstanding individual. The next finalist, John Macaluso, was asked what his favorite two things about Sterling were; the answer that melted the hearts of the audience included that he transferred to Sterling in the middle of the year and he was awed at how welcoming the students and staff were. The third and final finalist was Tony Fedoriw, who was asked what his best experience at Sterling was. He stated that he was tempted to say something about volleyball, but then decided to go against it and declared instead that it was joining the varsity soccer team: this year, the boys’ soccer team became the Conference Champions for the first time in 28 years.

Ultimately, a new Mr. Sterling is knighted based on his overall score, and the People’s Choice is declared at that time as well. The People’s Choice this year was a surprising tie! The honor was split between Ryan Smith and Paul McGroarty. Mr. Sterling himself, however, was awarded to John Macaluso.

All of the contestants did a wonderful job, and an extra congratulations to John--have fun, and make our school proud!

Monochrome Monomania

30 October 2014.

If you’ve been shopping recently (for clothes, that is) then you’re bound to have noticed the latest fad in the fashion world: monochrome. Blacks, whites, and greys are making a strong comeback this autumn, attempting to pull some of the attention from the eye-popping hues of summer. I have sorted through endless clothing racks, sifting through shirts like there’s no tomorrow, only to find that the majority 90% of what falls into my hands is monochrome (the minority 10% being last season’s trends--now on clearance).

As my mother so brusquely puts it… “WHY?” Some (inadvertently hinting to my mother) are appalled by the seemingly dreary garments found in every store and its respective storefront. Plastic mannequins are covered in seemingly simple pieces: for instance, crisply-tailored black pants, a timeless striped shirt with black blazer to cover, and a dazzlingly glossy pointy-toed Oxford shoe are combined for a chic work look (add a bold, chunky sparkly diamond necklace and you’re good to go from work to play!). Inside the store, there is a shocking variety from which to chose: from stripes to checkerboard prints to basic single-toned sweaters, it’s an all-you-can-buy buffet of grayscale!

What can I say besides “It’s fashion”? Because it is. Look through any fashion-related magazine printed in the last three months and you will be bombarded by the lack of color on the pages. It’s as though we’ve abandoned the contemporary world of beautiful color and miniscule detail to travel back into the past, into a seemingly simpler place where black and white images reigned supreme, simply because there was no other option! Advertisements range from Coach to Andrew Marc to Simon to Chanel, each portraying their effortless class and typical spot-on style and sensibility.  

Once again, the question ultimately boils down to the W-word: “Why?” To put it frankly, it’s business. In our wonderful capitalistic world, businesses are free to do their own...to an extent. Designers are constantly spewing out new ideas, pushing out the old, in order to make a living (by doing what they love, of course!). If the same trend spanned over more than one season, then the market would decline--everyone and their mother would own what’s in style, and what’s the point of having more than one of the same item? There would be no need to buy anything because the same old, same old is actually still seen as new.

Some like to say their fashion sense is their own (inadvertent hint to myself), and that they simply have a sixth sense for these things. Others, however, will willingly (or grudgingly) admit that they are influenced by things they see on the internet, on various social media sites--which is perfectly acceptable! And it’s inevitable: the latest and greatest trends of many young celebrities include wearing black, white, or some lackadaisical combination of the two. I’ve seen plenty of girls post pictures of their daily monotonous outfits. Once I noted a young British girl who decided to pair a soft grey plaid pant with a razor-sharp striped sweater--thick, black noir base with thin and delicate ceramic white horizontal stripes--only to pull it off marvelously. I’ve seen girls and boys alike coat themselves in black, from their hats and necklaces all the way down to their socks and shoes--and I certainly see how it makes such an impression on others; they pull it off to a T! (It also helps that black is, indeed, a very slimming color.)

Then there are the fashion magazines, as I’ve mentioned earlier: if Vogue says black is in, and Louis Vuitton and Chanel are backing up the claim, then the masses are presented with an extremely limited pool of options. Ultimately, most wind up jumping on the bandwagon and following the trend, the more fortunate going so far as to spend $690 on a black Kim Haller wool-blend pullover.

But honestly, is it too much? Monochrome is definitely taking over for the fall/winter season, but are we over-indulging ourselves with the bleakness? In my personal stylistic opinion, a bold pop of color is critical to make this fad work. And frankly, that little pop of color can include just about anything: burgundy nails, a stunning red lip, a fun, brightly-colored hat, an attention-grabbing piece of jewelry, or even patterned socks to show a quirky and playful side (and if the sock is done right, you sure look like you have your life together, even in a professional environment)!

In the end, the issue is a toss-up; the designers have expressed their stance, and the rest of the world has shown their approval. As the age-old adage goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” And so we shall.

Music Review: Coldplay's Ghost Stories

11 June 2014.

Coldplay is a band known throughout the world for their infectious melodies and serene vibes. Their songs are as soothing to the ears as lullabies, and send shivers running down your spine with a single lyric. The band first reached a level of international success when they released their debut album titled Parachutes in 2000; the words of the song “Yellow” have reached ears all over the world, and have become an anthem to teenagers everywhere. Since then, Coldplay has unveiled multiple critically-acclaimed albums, with singles such as “Clocks,” “Viva la Vida,” “Paradise,” and their most recent, “Magic,” creeping their way up the charts and into the heads of everyone and their mother. On May nineteenth, the band released their sixth record, titled Ghost Stories, which leaves you just the slightest bit disturbed, but only in the most fantastic of ways.

The album starts out with a three and a half minute tune titled “Always In My Head” that is just that: it embeds itself into your mind with its soft lyrics and tranquil instruments. It is slow and intimate, a seamless melody to dance a waltz to at two in the morning with someone while still wearing your pajamas. The next song, “Magic”, was released prior to the album as its own single, but it retains its own magic. I listen to it and picture a secret world: fairies dance in the night air as the song plays on, the trees blossom with white, luminescent flowers, the branches smile with content, and you are left in the midst of it all with a charming ringing in your ears and slight feelings of nostalgia and deja vu as you walk back to the campsite, where the song “Ink” is already in swing. However, don’t just focus on the simple elegance of the guitar, or the synthetic firefly harmonies; the lyrics are passionate with an air as sweet as a nectarine.

From there, the album moves on to “True Love”, a song that makes me want to dance around in the darkness in a silk nightdress with my hair in curlers and some sloppily-applied chapstick. It’s a beautiful serenade that leaves the taste of sparkling grape juice in my mouth and results in my physical self stepping outside into the night and craving to stargaze, to discover new constellations, and to find myself. Now it’s “Midnight” and you’re back in the woods, in the deep dark depths of the forest, and more mythical and mystical creatures creep out of hiding as the song goes on. It is darker than the rest of the songs, but likewise it is as light as feather down,rough like sandpaper, yet as soft as duvet covers. The first few chords of “Another’s Arms” literally send you into the arms of an angel: it is compelling and features a soft operatic voice full of mystery. The raw guitar of “Oceans” beckons your name and guides you back to the camp with ease, all the while running notes down your spine and murmuring the lyrics in your ear to numb the pain and introduce your senses to the feeling of wistfulness. The next track, “A Sky Full of Stars”, is the beginning of a bittersweet goodbye; it is powerful in a different sense of the word. It leaves you feeling powerless at the end because you allow your entire being to become one with the song and you feel the full force of the words and the beat. Traces of a tangy taste are all that is left, besides a sweet melody, sweeter memories, and a slight feeling of bliss. “O” is the title of the final track, and it rotates in a perfectly full circle to match the debut track: it is serene, and a piano is offered to you as an ultimate farewell as you find yourself in the kitchen, dancing once again in the middle of the night in your pajamas. Coldplay’s Ghost Stories tells a story, as any great album should, and even leaves you feeling just the slightest bit haunted, suggesting a beautifully enchanting aftertaste.

Ever since my pre-adolescent ears perceived the first notes of “Viva la Vida”, I have found myself more and more enveloped in and obsessed with their music. As cliche as it sounds, the band’s lyrics speak to me; the words wrap around me, around my head, and my subconscious plays the verses on repeat. I’ve joined the ranks of millions of teenagers across the world: the renowned lyrics of “Yellow” creep into my dreams and soothe my thoughts like a cradlesong: “Look at the stars, look how they shine for you.” I find myself fascinated by the words of each tune. I am swept up in every melody; I just want to let loose all of my emotions and run free. It’s adventure music, but it makes you want to stay home; it’s for the clinically senseless and the diagnostically sane; it makes you want to sing along at the top of your lungs, but also breathe the words softly into the ears of a small, sleeping child; it is Coldplay, and it is magic.

Interdistrict Art Show: 2014 Chapter

16 May 2014.

When you picture an art show, many things may surface to your mind--you might picture a middle school’s “Night of the Arts,” or something similar, hosted to celebrate the arts and their advocates; or you may immediately imagine the art show held twice annually at Rittenhouse Square. But what is art? “Art” is a general term used to describe the action of spilling your imagination onto paper, molding it into a clay masterpiece, or expressing yourself and your vision through photography or graphic design. The wide range of subdivisions included in the art field provide such a broad spectrum of things to try and play with in order to create your own pièce de résistance.

Art is a symbol of many different cultures; it is a sign of life. Back before so-called “civilized” times, the cavemen used to paint murals on stone--they used pictures of bison and fire and people to tell stories and pass those tales down through the generations. Ancient Egyptians etched cryptic hieroglyphs into the inside walls of their great pyramids; Hawaiians, ancient and contemporary, have carved intimidating tiki creatures out of blocks of wood, preserving the art of their culture. European masterminds have painted brilliant murals onto the ceilings of regal castles and stained the glass windows of churches to tell the story of Christ to preserve their religion. The delicate styling and elegant simplicity of East Asian art was (and still is) created with handmade ink, thick-haired, fine-pointed brushes, and silk.

This year, we came to recognize the multiple forms of art, each different and unique but also one and the same. Small children create giant bugs out of styrofoam and finger paint; they use elbow macaroni and Elmer’s glue to make macaroni art for a parent to proudly hang on the fridge. Older children and adolescents create realistic meals out of modeling clay, paint, glitter; they paint a peaceful landscape onto an eight-by-ten canvas, wishing they could be at the scene that they are painting rather than at school. Teenagers mold likenesses of themselves out of clay, finely crafting each hair on their plastilina head; they use different mediums to create a self-portrait, whether realistic or surrealistic, in an attempt to help others understand their true colors.

Some of the art forms just described were seen at Sterling High School’s 37th Annual Inter-District Art Show. It was a fantastic night to celebrate the arts and all of their shapes and forms, from drawing to painting to mixed-media to ceramics. There was a wide range of divisions to win awards from as well (thirteen in all) and these included Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media, 3-Dimensional Design, 2-Dimensional Design, Sculpture, Printmaking, Ceramics, Art I, Graphic Design, Photography, Best Individual Display, and Best in Show. Overall, there were 92 delighted winners that night. (A full winner’s list can be found on the Sterling High School website.)

The gymnasium was where the art was unveiled and proudly shown off for all to see. Each piece was tailored to fit, with careful preparation and cautious handling. There was so much artwork in one place: it was inspirational (as always), it was a smack in the face, and it was a reality check. Tables held all sorts of clay formations and paintings were taped to the bleachers; colorful paper was rolled out onto the floor and more work gently rested on it. A nice portion of the gym was dedicated to the various middle schools that our district is composed of (Stratford, Laurel Springs, Magnolia, and Somerdale).

It’s such a wonderful feeling to walk into that gym and be surrounded by so many creations. Each is different, tailored to the artist’s style and preference, and no two pieces are alike. The younger generation also stepped up their game and showed vast amounts of talent; I even overheard some women gawking at a piece done by a sixth grader they’d never heard of. Everywhere you look, you see a vision. It does not matter whether it is a student’s perspective collage done in class or an individual’s panel--art is felt with the soul; it is what impacts you and your mind. There’s a quote by Roy Adzak that I truly adore because it is just so relative and accurate: “Good art is not what it looks like, but what it does to us.”

I’m a sophomore and therefore I’ve attended Sterling for only two years, but both years I have had the pleasure of helping set up the show. It’s actually quite magical, how everything comes together, when you get see the before and the after. Beforehand, it’s hectic and chaotic and total hysteria spreads to all four corners of the gym. There were four leaders of organization present including Sterling art teachers Ms. Maskaly and Ms. Troutz, and each oversaw the creation of the show, making sure each piece was in its proper place, each corner of each piece aligned perfectly. After a school day’s preparation, and much help from art students, the show was put together perfectly, and it was definitely a very cool sight.

This year, I once again held the honor of having my own personal panel. I was blessed to stand among the ranks of the winners; there were twelve of us, and they deserve just as much attention for their hard work. Kayla Matteo won the Painting division while Maggie Strauser and I tied in the Drawing division. Devon Marinucci prevailed in the Mixed Media category, meanwhile John Nagle triumphed in the field of 3-Dimensional Design. Julia LeBano’s collage earned her a blue ribbon in the 2-Dimensional Design category and Kylie Young was crowned victorious in the Sculpture division. The Printmaking winner proved to be Emani Bass and Tracie Shivers came out on top in the Ceramics division. Charles Naone-Carter overcame the rest in the Art I category, Enida Selmani dominated in Graphic Design, and Julia LeBano took home another gold in Photography. Last but not least, Noel Cross’ individual display was most impressive to the judges, and I, Nicole Masnicak, won Best in Show.

The day & night wasn’t just about the visual arts though! Throughout the day, Mr. Strauss entertained us with a live broadcast of popular music through Sterling Radio. In the afternoon there were some jazzy songs performed by Mr. young's Jazz band for entertainment and to keep the vibe of the show feeling personal and professional. The Silvertones under the direction of Mr. Mackes,  performed in the evening, singing songs from the spring musical, Damn Yankees, and beautifully belting the lyrics to popular Disney movies for all to sing along. The Anime Club was also there, educating those who ventured near about Japanese culture and art.

Overall, Sterling put on an impressive show for all to see! From visual arts to performing arts to the art of conversation with the teachers, there was constantly something to be up to at the art show. I already cannot wait for all of the talent and creativity next year, and find myself counting down the days as I paint away in preparation. It’s a night to be remembered and celebrated; it’s a night dedicated to the arts, and it reminds us why we should continue to invest in and support the art department and all that they do, because hard work does pay off! I’ll wrap everything up with another quote; it’s just something to leave you thinking.

The “earth” without “art” is just “eh.”