Falcon Finale

Wednesday night we had our awards night at the school. I had cello that night and Karlton had his first Pine Wood Derby so scheduling was a bit tight. So right after cello dad dropped me off at the school. I was there an hour early, and a half an hour earlier than I needed to be. Alex and Julia showed up at about the same time as me so we started to talk. We checked to see if the locker combination's had been changed yet, they hadn't. We were just talking and laughing, it was a lot of fun.

We found out that Mr. Bailey was here so we decided to start setting up. We were a little confused as to which side which musical group was on, but when Mrs. Tuke came that was all sorted out. We set up and the band set up. I was sort of the Commanding voice telling people where to put things and how to do it.

By the time we were all set up it was about 15 minutes before we were to start. So I went and got my cello and my music. We got all set up and were ready to go. The only problem was that I forgot a rock stop so I had to cope without. We finally started prelude at about 7. We were supposed to start before that. Then we had welcome by our Student Body President. After the presentation of the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. Then we had Group Award presentations. followed by "The Lion King" played by yours truly and the orchestra. Following the piece we started the spotlight recognitions.

The Art one was done, Alyssa Stewart, and then Mrs. L got up there. She started with the Best student of drama award. Anna got that and she deserved it one hundred percent! Then Clytie got best Actress and TJ got best actor. Both deserved it. Then the band award went to Chandler, the Business to Megan, and the Choral to Nick. After that the English Language Learner went to Yerko and the FaCS to Micki, who didn't know she was getting an award. Then the French award. Sara and I had been dreading this one. Both of us have been working Autonomously all year. so if she had picked either of us it would almost be like picking a favorite. Because we had a clear line of sight to each other we had been communicating the whole time. We were talking during this one too. She knew it was me from the very beginning. And sure enough it was.

After me, it was the General Studies which went to Kaitlynn. After her the Language Arts award. Mr. T couldn't be there, which was disappointing, but Mrs. V did it. From the very first sentence of Mr. T's spiel we all knew who it was. And during the rest we were all looking at each other and saying: "Brad," "Yup, that's Brad too" And other things along those lines.

After Brad it was the Outstanding Reading award and I'm not sure who got that. Then the band played a number which woke us all up. it was called "Tangents Angular." Ironically after the piece Mrs. C got up to give the Math award which went to Tanner. Then the Orchestra award. Which went to my stand partner, Austin. He's an amazing cellist. Then the peer Tutor award went to Golda, and eighth grader. And then Makayla Warren got the Peer Support award. After Makayla, Rachel got the female athlete award, and Zerek got the male athlete award. Then Mr. Erickson got up and gave the Science award. I knew it was Sara. She denied it, but I knew the whole time. Sure enough it was.

After that there was the Social Studies award, given to Gibson, and then the Spanish which was given to Brighton. Carlee received the Yearbook award and she completely and utterly deserved it.Then the choir sang "Mr. Blue Sky"

Then the Administration recognized the PTSA board and gave the Honorary Falcon Award.

Then they did the First Falcon Nominees. To my surprise mine was the first name called. I went up on the stage and they put the medal on my neck. Directed me where to go and told my parents to come up. Then they read a paragraph about me. Then Rachel, Yerko, TJ, Sara, and Zerek were called up each in turn. I knew Sara would be nominated. Then Mr. B asked Ben to give a drum roll. He did and then Mr. B said "This year's First Falcon is . . . Brigitte ____" I was so surprised and so happy. My grin was literally from ear to ear. I was so happy.

I went to sit down for the school song, and as I did Ashkeya stood up and gave me a big hug. after the school song and the Farewell, I had to get pictures with the Administration and my parents. Then I took my cello back to the orchestra room. I headed back to the Cafeteria to locate Sara. We had a very long, very wonderful hug. Then she had to take stands back and I went to find Anna and Clytie. I found them in the back of the cafeteria with Annie and Rachel. Annie attacked me in a big hug and Anna told me how she knew the whole time. I pulled Clytie into a hug and then Rachel. Finally when Clytie and Anna were arguing about who knew first I simply said to Anna "Shut up and give me a hug!" Then I got a few other things. I think all the congratulations turned my head.

We finally went home and something else happened to keep me grinning for the next four days, at least.

The End of Honors English

Dear Friends from Honors English and Mr. T,

This year has been amazing! It has literally flown by. I can't believe that it is already the last two weeks of my, and your, final year at Fairfield.

I am so glad I made the choice to join Honors English, and I'm sure you are too. I've enjoyed everything from the very beginning. Falcon Forum was a little addicting I admit, but so was Shelfari. Through those forums and discussion boards I have gotten to know each one of you a little better, and honestly, on the whole it was a fantastic experience.

I have enjoyed blogging too. The little comments I get from each of you really do make a difference, they make me feel "warm and fuzzy" on the inside. They are all so nice and informative. I have improved in my writing style because of those comments.

This year I have come out of my 'shell' a whole bunch more, and I have to say that a lot of that was because of this class. I have been less afraid to speak my mind. I have been more willing to say what I feel needs to be said. All of you added to this feeling and you can't deny it. I have grown because of you. It's not something that I did by myself. It's because you pushed me and encouraged me. I don't think I would have grown nearly as much if I hadn't had that gentle encouragement.

The atmosphere of this class, even though it wasn't in a classroom, has been reassuring and encouraging. We don't criticize each other in a harsh way. If someone needs a little bit of redirecting we just help them in the gentlest possible way. We don't worry about harsh criticism. In this way we have the ideal class. It is the best class I could ever imagine. We are amazing, I don't think it's bragging to say so.

There's something about this curriculum that makes me want to work to get it done. Maybe it's the addictiveness of the programs we use, maybe it's the people I work with and talk to about this stuff. When I wanted to quit I kept persevering, I think it was because of the fact that I knew that at least 10 other people were also struggling.

I loved the books we read, with the exception of the Ray Bradbury's. In second term I had to read two Ray Bradbury's because I've already read Pride and Prejudice. Honestly, It was hard for me, but I did it and that's what counts. The other books, writing contests and other things we did were amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

I have a challenge for all of you. I think we should keep blogging and posting on the discussion posts. I have enjoyed learning about each of you through your writing. It's been fantastic! If we quit all of this when the class is over, was there really a point? It would also be a great way to lead by example and get the new Honors class excited. What do you say? I know that I for one will keep posting.

You are all awesome! I look forward to seeing what each person does from now on. Knowing each of you, there will be great things coming from this class!

Thank you all,
Brigitte

Stories

Last night I was at the Orchestra concert and after our portion I sat next to Anna. While we were listening to the Davis Chamber Strings they played a song called simply "Adagio for Strings" by Barber. I closed my eyes and envisioned a story. after the last of their songs I leaned over to Anna and asked if she had a pen or pencil. I simply had to write that down! So instead I told her about it so that I would remember. Today during Orchestra I started writing the prologue type part of this story that made itself to the background of "Adagio for Strings." So here it is. Enjoy!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A fiery red-orange sunset bathes the sea a bloody color, but the girl on the shore doesn't care.
All she feels is the salt spray on her face. All she smells is the crisp air around her. Her eyes are glazed over and a dreamy smile lies delicately on her lips. Sitting on that sand, the cares of the world disappear and a beautiful daydream takes their place.

Watching in the distance is a young man. The ghost of a smile flickers across his face as he watches the young woman in the sunset. Suddenly he stands and hesitantly takes a few steps away from the figure. He stops, mutters to himself. His back straightens up and his shoulders straighten. All at once he swings around and in his eyes is a frightening look of fiery determination.
________________________________________________________

I'm also going to add "the way too" Poem for English. It's the way to come up with a story and is exactly what happened to me on Wednesday night.

The way to come up with a story

Close your eyes and listen well

The orchestra plays a song just for you

All that now remains is for you,

Yes, you, to find the story.

The story hidden within the notes

Close your eyes,

Wipe your mind blank,

Let it wander,

Unloose the shackles of your logic

Feel the music

Internalize it,

Then slowly, your mind will fill,

Fill with colorful images

A story will grow and flourish,

The images will glow and bloom

Burning into your mind

Then take pencil and paper

And write, write until your mind

Is blank once more

And the story is written

Then, once more

Close your eyes

And listen

Listen

Friends

As I approach the end of my freshman year I'm increasingly more grateful for wonderful friends.

I have grown so much in what I have done because of them. I have grown to know more people. I have definitely laughed a whole lot more. As I have been walking down the hall lately I hear calls of "Hi Brigitte" and turn around and see someone I know. For me this is a new, but rewarding, experience.

One of my best friends, and most definitely one of the one's that has made the most difference in my life, is Sara.

Sara and I met in the second semester of seventh grade in French. I think she might have been a little annoyed with me the first few times I talked to her, but I think she got over it . . . eventually.

In eighth grade she and I, along with 2 boys, were bumped into 3rd year French. For us it was a very interesting experience. During this time we grew closer as friends and came to rely on each other in all things French.

In the summer before ninth grade I invited her to my house. Together we watched the new "Alice in Wonderland" with Johnny Depp (? I think that's how you spell it.) She and I found out that we both enjoy commenting as we watch movies. As we laughed and commented our way through that movie I came to realize how much fun I had with this amazing girl who was my friend.

In ninth grade we bonded even farther. She and I have French together again and we work together in the Library( since we did French 3 last year we're doing the next book on our own.) I admit we don't really get a lot done, but hey! we're getting a lot more done than our friends who are stuck in the classroom! Together we've grown in our friendship. At least, that's the way I see it.

As I have been Sara's friend I've watched her. She is amazing. She is so caring and watchful of others feelings. She is so intelligent and wonderful. Her talents aren't limited to school things however, she is talented in music and dance as well. She manages to fit in Piano (she's amazing!), Flute, Ballet, Modern, and Jazz (I think I got all of them) plus Science Olympiad. On top of it all we've got homework. She manages to fit it all in and to help others on their way as well.

When I started Davis Youth last fall I was so frustrated. The music was ten times harder than I ever thought it would be. I posted about it on this blog and Sara read it. The next morning I went to the locker and there was a nice note with Hershey kisses and Starburst's. Needless to say, this was Sara's doing. Because of her I have been uplifted many,many times.

I know she's going to laugh when she sees this post, but I had to get it off my chest. She is one of the best role models I've ever had. Thank you Sara!!!

Singpore:City of Fear or Model City?

The Statements made below are most often my opinion. Those represented as facts are facts given to me by my Geography teacher in an article

Singapore: City of Fear or Model City?

Singapore is a small country on the end of the Malay Peninsula. The country itself is a single city that is only 240 square miles. For so small a country you would think that they would have now end of trouble in government and other situations, not so, Singapore is very clean and there aren’t any homeless people or beggars. Truth be known, people don’t know whether to call it a model city or a city of fear. For me it represents a city of fear. Everywhere in the city there are reasons to fear. From the daily school regimes, to the strict policies on chewing gum and other foodstuffs, to the policies on other aspects of daily life. To me all of those regimes and policies spell fear. From a city of fear what more can you expect than strictly observed school policies.

In Singapore sporadic tests are given to see if a student is doing well in a specific subject. This happens most often in English. When a student does not perform as expected then that student is ‘streamed’ to vocation and technical schools. Those who perform as expected, and better, go to ‘superschools’ where they prepare for professional careers and going to a university. I don’t know about anybody else, but the constant fear of not doing well in one of these sporadic tests would leave me so stressed that once those tests came I wouldn’t be able to think. To me this spells fear. Just because I seem to be really smart it’s often because I practice, study and work. The sporadic tests would just about kill me, and that spells fear for me. Strict policies don’t only apply to the school situations they apply out on the streets to things like chewing gum.

Here in America it’s almost strange not to see a teenager chewing gum, but on the streets of Singapore, or anywhere in Singapore for that matter, chewing gum is against the law. It is against the law because of vandalism. They have begun to sell it again, but only pharmacists are allowed to sell it. If you sell Chewing gum without a license you owe the country $1600. The same goes for eating on the subway. If you eat on the subway you have to pay a $300 fine. Many other restrictions apply. However, the strictest policy would be that of drug trafficking. If you enter the country with so much as an ounce of marijuana on you it earns you the death penalty with no trial or anything. Another reason Singapore, to me, is a city of fear. Chewing gum, foodstuffs, and drugs all have fines or penalties attached, but the government has tried to put laws on other things too.

The government has always had this policy: “The Government Knows Best.” However, with some of their recent schemes many are starting to doubt this. The Government actually started to make abortions much easier to get and encouraged families to only have children. Then they took a huge step back and realized this would seriously decrease the population. They changed their tune really fast, and made abortions harder to get and encouraged families to go for three children. However, family life is not the only thing they try to control. They control how much people use the roads (in order to keep downtown traffic down) and they keep stiff control of their small city/country. Can you see now why I think this is definitely a city of fear? All these fines, no trials and other startling facts all reach the conclusion that this city is not all it seems.

As I think more and more about Singapore I realize how much of a dystopian society all of the governments laws have made it. Imagine the fear that must enter a child's heart when they realize that they have not lived up to expectations, and, consequently, are being moved to a different school. Many of the trivial things like chewing gum that have been banned. What about the death penalty for simply have some drugs on you, yes this is bad, but does it really require death without a trial? And last, but not least, the government encouragement of abortion and then its quick turnaround later. Is the government really all it’s cracked up to be? I don’t think so. I couldn’t imagine ever living in a place like Singapore. Their strict regimes are more than I could take. To me, it’s a city of fear.