Signing off

Most students couldn't wait for this day to come; I don't mean the last day of school (though they couldn't wait for that either), but the final day they had to turn in a blog. Nearly everyone in the class had never heard of this thing caled a "blog." I can still remember the looks on their faces when I described just what a weblog was (where is the camera when you need it?). For many of them, writing weekly blogs was nothing more than a regular assignment, a chore. But for me, it was a chance to get to know them better, to learn what made them tick. It was also a chance for them to do something they are rarely asked to do in school: express themselves. I thought many of the entries were thoughtful and thought-provoking. We read everything from poetry to personal thoughts to their opinions on politics, and of course, school. I learned a lot about each blogger, and I learned many things from them. I hope you, our visitors, did, too.

Thanks for stopping by! See you in September!

Ms. Hoffler

No Boredom in the Call of Duty

This is one of the best games in a long time. It has a everything you can ever desire in a game. You can interact with others online do team battles, free-for-alls, or even do old school and have to walk around and pick up guns. This game has it all. It is rated a ten out ten stars in both XBOX 360 magazine and PS3 magazine. How much more can you want? I have had this game for about two in a half moths or more. I still am nowhere near bored or tired of it. If I need something to do I just pop in call of duty and call it a day. This game is going to be around for a while until a summer game comes out that changes everyone's minds. The hit game GTA has not even changed my mind. I will always and forever be a die hard Call of Duty fan, even though I always look the other way when asked am I going to enlist.

By Paul Hart

Summer Anticipation

I have recently found out some very interesting plans for my summer. My Aunt Joyce just moved to Florida and bought a house. She is coming up for my graduation in June and after which I am flying to Florida for five weeks. My Aunt has already set up a job for me when I get down there to afford me the opportunity to make some money before college. I can’t wait to go; I am so excited! On April 8, 2008 I took my driving test so that when I get down there I can borrow my uncle’s car to get to work! Finally some independence....well at least a little! Woot woot! It would be a nice change to see some different family before I go off to college; I haven’t seen them in over a year! When my Aunt and Uncle used to live in Virginia I would vacation there all of the time, it will be nice to spend some time together!

By Paul Maiellano

Greenback and forth

Money is said to come and go just like that. That couldn't be any more truthful. This senior year was so focused on money it's crazy. You turn left and right and another hand is held out for you to pay them. The biggest robbers are the schools. We have to pay so much money for dues, prom, class trip, and etc. I'm not just talkin' about our school. Oh no, there are bigger robbers out there and it is called higher education.

For example, Penn State's engineering program offers a Master's degree for six years of learning. It sounds awesome. Good environment, big campus, excellent education, and yet you are in so much debt after this good life. It is estimated that I will have to spend $20,000 a year. Im not rich so that means I'll need loans. Count that up: $20,000 times six years means I will be in debt almost $120,000 dollars, give or take grants and scholarships. Why do you have to pay so much to make your life better?

By Paul Hart

Without Friends

Do you know what the relationship
is between your eyes?
They blink together,
They move together,
They cry together,
They see things together
and they sleep together,
BUT THEY NEVER SEE EACH OTHER
... that's what friendship is.
Your aspiration is your motivation,
your motivation is your belief, Your belief is your peace,
your peace is your target,
Your target is heaven,
and life is like hell without FRIENDS.

By Tresurea Nelson

Plebe Days

My trip to the United States Naval Academy was so much fun. We did everything from drill to seatrails. You have to look up their website. The third and fourth day we did two of their physical tests to get into the school. I want to go back. My sqaud leaders were so cool; they told stories about the year that just finished. They are now second classmen; they just finished their plebe year, the worst year for anybody. I know this is short but it was a great time. For the rest you would have to talk to me in person.

By Sara Watson

Love everlasting

Friends come and go
Why be upset and stress
yourself with other peoples problems?
I mean I have my own problems
to deal with
But family
Family is a different twist
No matter what your family does
you love them regardless
Mom for instance
All it seems she does is fuss and complain
In your eyes it's a pain in the ---
In her eyes its called looking out
Just because of the fact that she loves you
When life comes at you with different obstacles
All mom can do is tell, hope and pray
that her baby is alright
A friend's love is temporary
But a family's love is everlasting
People say once you loose your grandma
You lost the best friend you can ever have
Grandma loves you and has your back no matter
what the circumstance

By Tresurea Nelson

Chewing in Stride

This is another consumer report blog, but this time not about deodorant. This time it is my preference of chewing gum. Many of years ago gum used to be a sugary stick of rubbery candy that a kid could chew on for hours on end. Now, the stick of chewing gum has evolved as much as mankind its self. In today’s chewing gum society there are very different kinds of chewing gum. Some gum is the same sugary goodness that many of our parents remember as kids, others promise to whiten teeth or give an individual a boost of energy throughout a dreary day. Even some gums target bad habits such as smoking or overeating. My favorite gum is new on the market and its name is STRIDE. Its flavor lasts forever and it never gets hard from over chewing. It doesn’t cure bad habits or whiten my teeth. Nope, it just tastes good and freshens my breath after a boring class or at the conclusion of my mid day feast. It’s not fancy in any way, nor does it come in a fancy case like a metallic tin or individually wrapped tinfoil casings. Just wrapped in paper and put in a paper case. Thank the heavens for STRIDE, the ridiculously long lasting gum!

By Paul Maiellano

21 is low enough

Should the drinking age be lowered?The answer to that question is HELL NO! The drinking age is 21 for a reason! Children are not responsible enough to drink at a low age. They might think it's "cool" to get drunk but really they are hurting themselves. Some teenagers say that the drinking age should be lowered! But I don't think so. An example is... in Journalism class I read an article about two teen boys and one teen girl who cut school and were drinking and ultimately the girl was found dead in the one boy's house. The boys had left, and the girl died from alcohol poisoning. I think the consequenses of underage drinking should be much higher, especially because the main reason kids do it is because they know that the consequenses are little to nothing! If a child who is not 18 and is caught drinking alcoholic beverages I think that their parents should not be held accountable and only the child should if the child was aware that what they were doing was wrong.

By Glenda Barnett

Friends make it all better

Going out with your friends is the most fun thing ever. It’s that one thing that I can always do and always be satisfied after the day is over. The worst thing could happen to me while I’m out with them, but it doesn’t bother me because I’m with them. I can always be myself around them and that’s the best part.

I’m known for acting silly around my friends. I’m usually the one making everyone else laugh. It’s not the fact that I’m really funny, it’s just people really put themselves out there to be played. Now, I’m not saying I make fun of other people; I am still funny without doing that. All right, here’s what happened my friends and I went to the Gallery. While we were there we got something to eat and bumped into a few people from our school.

I know it was pretty boring in the beginning, but then we decided to go to the movies so we went to Manayunk. We got on the train back up to Olney and on the way up there we realized that North Philly’s stop looked the worst. It just lets you know that it’s North Philly. The name isn’t even posted on the wall and it’s been like that for almost a year. It seriously looks like an unfinished project. If someone got off there they would probably get scared and run back on the train. Then we got on the bus and this girl got on with this hoody that was chopped up into little pieces. Why would you wear that? Why? Then this lady sat in the seat next to me that was clearly too small for her to sit in. She basically was putting pressure on my rib cage the entire ride. It was crazy.

Anyway, we saw the movie; it was a waste of ten dollars and predictable, but the important part is I had fun with my friends on the way and laughed every chance I got.

By Cierra Porter

Prom night

No, I'm not talking about the movie, which was good, but this is about the real thing. Please tell me why parents always scramble to get everything together at the last minute when they knew for eighteen years that this day was coming??? Shouldn't parents already be set and ready to pay for our stuff? It is amazing how everything is then blamed on us for waiting on the last minute. Then we have the quick draw out parents. The ones who wait for the moment we mess up on something to pull out on the prom. I mean as soon as it happens "Uh oh, it looks like I don't have to pay no more"--parents are so cruel. But we have our ways around that with the sensible parent who realized the game the other parent was playing and made them pay for it. 100 cool points goes to the parent congrats now keep on scoring. Parents go for the high score...

By Paul Hart

Bonding through blitzes and bruises

I miss football so much. The season has been over for a long time now, and I still reminisce about all of the fun things I experienced on the team. Although it was not always fun, I wouldn’t trade my experience for the world. We used to practice from three o’clock to at least nine at night. Running drills and plays until we knew our blocking assignment and everyone else’s, just in case they forgot; which they never did. During the summer we would have two-a-days, causing many players to have heat-related injuries. I can remember regurgitating at almost every morning practice. It was always so hot during the mornings. The night practices were our only solace, apart from the twenty second water breaks and concussions brought on by the bone crushing hits of Shahid Bundy and Raymond Holiday.

There is something about sweating and hitting that bonds a player to another that no one else can understand. There were many instances where we would pick up for each other. One in particular, I fractured a rib and had a concussion because of an interception that I tried to rectify on the behalf of my quarterback. There was just something about the team that I couldn’t let them down. They were my family, and I will love them forever. Many of us still stay in touch, but we all have changed. One thing that hasn’t changed was our love for the game and for the team.

By Paul Maiellano

Music Addict

Again I'm lost in my thoughts and the music which is playing on my mp3 player. My mind is bouncing off the walls and dancing to "I Feel The Earth Move." This song makes me emboldened despite all the horrible emotions that try to tear me down and make me feel bad.

Music is like my soul and the second happiness in my life. The first is my boyfriend and his smiles I see all day. I love music because it's powerful and it explains a lot when you listen to the lyrics. Yes, I did say listen to the words they sing/rap--they have more meaning than any beat on the CD, albums, iTunes, mp3 and mp4. The lyrics give the song/rap soul and life of the meaning to all ages in society. Some songs talk about sorrow, love, gangsters and thugs, and pain they suffered through rough time in their lives. Then once the music is off and you come down from the music high and reality sets in, you'll miss what was on. Music is my drug; music is my high; it is my crack. I Am ADDICTED TO MUSIC!

By Sara Watson

Presdential heat

The race for president is heating up. I am voting for Barack Obama, but he still has not won the democratic nomination yet. I don't understand why. If people understood what is really going on in this race I believe a lot of people would change their minds. Don't get me wrong, Hillary Clinton is a good candidate but she has a lot of deceptive ways. Do you ever watch when Hillary is asked questions about her plans for presidency? She goes right to attack Obama when he has nothing to do with the question. A lot of people have not noticed it, but I picked up on it perfectly. She uses deceit and horrible accusations against Obama to cover up her having to answer a single question. So, my mind is made up; my vote is for Obama. So take that, Hillary, you just went down .01 percent, haha.

By Paul Hart

The way I feel about you!

I feel like you are my smile that wakes up everyday to warm the earth. Your smile is is so bright it wouldn't rain for days. I feel safe whenever you're near. I know i'm safe and nothing will never hurt me. Your touch is so soft that it could replace silk and I could sleep on it forever. You mean so much that iI would give the world to see to you smile and be in my arms any day. Your love is the warmth that keeps my heart beating. Just to see you smile and get to say "Good morning, my KIdemonas" and see the best sunrise any day. I love you with everything on this earth and the universe. I would give up anything just so you can call me yours. My love is so strong it could build an army or even a country, that's how big it is. When ever I say 'I love you,' I mean it from the bottom of my heart.

By Sara Watson

Mother's Day

Happy (belated) Mother's Day to all the loving mothers. I congratulate you all on your achievements and hard work. Now let's be real, we all know that mothers can sometimes be a pain in the glutes (Iam so funny) but all in all they still deserve all the praise for pushing your big head out of them. Is birth not special--of course not the sight of it--but just in general?

Now while I knew that Mother's Day was on the way and had a gift in mind...... Yet I forgot. How is that possible, you ask? Well when you think hard on something usually that same thing leaves your mind; yup it is a known fact, and here is another case. Hey I know I'm not the only one who forgot, I mean it is possible. But I made up for it and still got her a little something something but I know I can't forget anymore.

By Paul Hart

'That won't be me'

What’s up with the fact that teens are now listening to the same exact music their parents listen to. When I’m in the car with my parents they are listening to old classics like Gerald LeVert’s “I’d Give Anything,” while I’m in the back with my headphones on listening to “Take You Down” by Chris Brown. My mom doesn’t even know the beats to half of the songs I listen to. Don’t get me wrong, I like some of the old classics and I have some on my phone, but never will you catch me singing it with my mom. That’s not happening. It’s just not right if both the parent and child are in the car singing “Lollipop” by Lil Wayne and they know every word. There are just some songs that shouldn’t be sung by both the child and adult. A line has to be drawn here. Why does a thirty year old even want to listen to Lil Wayne? All I know is that won’t be me ten years from now.

By Cierra Porter

Someone throw her an idea!

This blog is about... not knowing what to write about. Not knowing what to write about when it really matters can be nerve wrecking. For example I have to write a blog for Journalism and guess what...I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO WRITE ABOUT. I have to write 150 words about any topic of my choice and for some odd reason... I can't think of anything to write about. I remember when I was in 10th grade and my English teacher Ms. Frechie said "IF YOU DON'T KNOW TO WRITE ABOUT JUST WRITE ...'I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE' AND EVENTUALLY SOMETHING WILL COME TO MIND."

So maybe I should give it a try.. I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE..I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE I CAN'T THINK OF WHAT TO WRITE. The funniest thing just happened to me... I STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT TO WRITE ABOUT.

By Glenda Barnett

No more love

There's no more love here
My heart is all drained out
There's no more you can say to me
Except 'bye'
The more you holler
The more you push me to the point where I'm gonna
leave and never return again
Sometimes I wish you would just do that
Just up and leave me
My world, my life
I mean gosh, if I get on your nerves so much just let me be free
And flee from this misery
CauseI can't take this stress
Being depressed
Day in and day out
I mean, is this where you want to be?
I know it's not where I want to be
Loving you is hard because you make it hard
I mean what more can I say except
There's no more love here

By Tresurea Nelson

Just why

just why
why would you want to hurt me and tear me inside
you told me you loved me
but it's clear to see what you really wanted was my body
but you tell me nothin could stop and
nothin could change the so-called love you had for me.
i call you every night to just hear your soft voice
but all i get " is he not here" or " he'll call you back"
but you never call back.
why would you want to hurt me
did i do somthing that made you upset with me?
but i ask myself why am i tryin so hard
to get through to you when you don't care about me at all
why, why
why, why

By Shirley Gaither

Salacious politics

Plagued with controversy, many politicians are becoming more and more morally corrupt. The latest being the Governor of New York, Eliot Spitzer's sex scandal. Having the world in the palm of his hand wasn't enough for him, I guess. Why do people in his position of authority believe that they are above the law? Contrary to what former Gov. Spitzer had thought, he is now out of a job and disgraced his family's name. The young lady that was involved in this prostitution scandal has minimal to lose when compared to the gravity of this situation for former Gov. Spitzer. He has two teenage daughters and a wife, I wonder if he ever thought how they were supposed to recover. Not to mention that his career is down the drain. From what the media says, Gov. Spitzer was a stand-up kind of politician, not the sort to do something like this, and to many the shock is still settling in.

by Paul Maiellano

Standardized Jitters

Friday night: It's the SATs again... They make me nervous because I don't do well on any standardized tests. The last time I got 1230. I studied for the longest time and got a horrible score. This time I was paying attenion in class and listened to pointers from people about how to concentrate and stay foucsed on the test to get a better score.

Tonight i'm going to bed earlier, like in a half of hour. Now it is 7:00. Jeff helped me the most this time around with staying on track with the questions and ways to stay calm through the whole thing. Last time I rushed through because I wanted it done and over with. I'm just hoping it works this time around. I'm trying not to stress out right now and it isn't working.

By Sara Watson

Dumb Questions

I hate people who ask the dumbest questions. One that I get often is do you work at Sears? No I don’t, I just like wearing a big nametag that says Sears and “How may I help you?” across it. I used to get a lot of dumb questions from my older brother. He would come from upstairs through the living room and dinning to the kitchen where I was eating and ask, “Where’s mom?” Well, if you do a process of elimination the only other possible place she could be is the basement and since you know she’s in the house I think she just might be down there. Yup, she has to be down there.

I mean, how stupid can people be? I get the most stupid questions at work now. One example is “Do you know how much this is? Because there is no tag.” Well, how do you expect me to know how much the item is without the tag? The only way I can find out is if I go back to the clothes rack and look at the big sign with the price on it or just simply pick another item with the tag on it. You know that’s something you could have done yourself. All I want is for people to just think before they ask things. It’s extremely annoying. You could really save yourself and me some valuable time. Life is too short to waste.

By Cierra Porter

Love or Lust?

Love or Lust

Loving him
Is that what we really have
Love?
Or is it just lust?
Do you really think we're made for each other
Or do you think we were put in this situation to learn from it
Love isn't for everyone
But maybe love is for both of us
Just not made for you and I
Maybe I just have love for you
Or maybe I am in Love with you
But my heart just won't admit it
I mean my heart says, 'You don't love him'
But my mind says, 'Girl, you know you love him'
People say, 'Apples just listen to your heart
It knows best'
But I want to figure this one out for myself
But answer this, how do you loose grasp of something you never had grip on?
I mean if you never had my heart then how can you be afraid to lose me?
IS THIS LOVE OR LUST?

By Tresurea Nelson

Looking ahead..through tears

High school is coming to an end. I should be happy, right? Well, I'm not because I sat down and thought about it, and as I thought about it...tears formed in my eyes. I thought about all the tears I shed over the past four years. It seems like just yesterday I was a candidate for PMA. I thought about all the laughs and good days. I even thought about all the regular high school drama, like rumors and boyfriends and stuff like that.

No more catching the bus early in the morning with my friends. No more "Where's your assignment?" or "Stay in your seat" or "Stop playing in class." Now, since school won't be free for me anymore, I can't do all the immature stuff. Life after high school seems so scary.

By Glenda Barnett

The Decision

The decison was finally made, you guys; Morgan State it is!!!! It was a very tough decision that had to be made. I couldn't stall it any longer, and as a matter of fact I had to make my decison by May 1st. I decided my school on April 29th. The other school I was considering was Wesley College, and they weren't offering a full scholarship because it is a Division III school, however they were giving me as much financial aid as possible. The major factor that made me lean towards Morgan was because when I did the math I learned I would be paying the same amount if I went to Morgan as I would at Wesley.. Also Morgan is Division I, and they promise FULL scholarships after your first year if they feel you deserve it and you have earned it. Now I just have to find a way to tell the coach at Wesley... They were really excited about me coming......who knows, I might change my mind????????

By Jon Mason

Sassy summer? Or just plain nudity?

With temperatures on the rise, and new fashion revealed, my question is what will be expected from females this summer ? Will the styles of clothing go to miniskirts and strapless shirts? These days you will never know. As the weather goes up the clothing drops to a ridiculous low.

I think that they should start a new style on clothing that will keep you cool but also is in style. I think that with this change the next generation of style would change how some guys would think of us. Some guys think that the reason why some girls wear tight and short stuff is because we want to show off what we got. But while in some cases it's true, the girls I know said that the reason why they waer stuff like that is because it's just plain hot. So my suggestion is wear clothing that shows that you are a respectful person who's just trying to keep cool.

By Shirley Gaither

iBlog About iPods

Are iPods addictive? I believe that they are because I can't live without mine. Every day before I go to sleep at night I plug mine into its dock that also functions as a boom box. Many people who have iPods have at least one accessory for them. When I go to the gym I see tons of arm bands for the iPod.

Nike even makes a shoe that is compatible with the iPod; its called the Nike + shoe and ccomes in a variety of styles. When activated a little chip goes into the sole of your shoe and transmits a wireless signal to your iPod and syncs music to your running pace. If you are running at a rapid pace the music would be more up beat and fast paced. If you are running at a slow jog then the song will be slower and more subdued. This feature also allows you to track how far and at what pace you have run. When you sync your iPod with iTunes, it publishes your results on the web-based tracker that allows you to compete with friends around the world. This proves my point of how addictive they are!

By Paul Maiellano

Mexico's Hard Workers

This year, when I went to Mexico to fix a family problem and to visit them, I had a chance to work with my cousins and see how hard it was to work for such little money. I would wake up at 5 am, and feed the horses, give them water, then saddle them up to ride them down to rally up the cattle.

Let me tell you, this job wasn't as easy as it sounds. Cows start to wander off; if the horse doesn't recognize you it starts to freak out, and sometimes you come across another herd but instead of cows they're bulls. They have to do this twice a day and usually it's harder in the afternoon because of all the dirt that is flying in the air.

This was the reason why I came back with a tan because the sun down there burns and I would always be out either working or just seeing my people have fun with each other. No wonder Mexicans are such good workers in America (lol).

By Jorge Rangel

Two Poems

Poem #1:
Let me tell you about Carol, this girl I met
She had rhythm like no other in all her duets
she thought that the way she dressed
could impress the people she met
but yet she knew that the lifestyle
she was tryin' to live wouldn't do.
She still pursued a career singing like Erykah Badu.


Poem #2
One day I caught the L Bus trying to get home
not knowing that I would find my true love
The first tihng I saw was how tall he was
I turned around thanking the stars above
He walked my way, I started to pray,
He asked for a name and all I could say
was "Marry, marry me."
That's all I have to say about this special day.

By Shirley Gaither

Or your money back?

I am completely dissatisfied with the Verizon Phone Company. Over the past year I have had to replace my phone over four times before the company gave me a different phone, if you would even call it that. First my phone stopped working out of the blue. In the middle of a call it just cut off and never worked again. Second, the touch pad on the phone became unresponsive. It would automatically call someone when it was in my pocket, causing my minutes to go over without my knowledge. The third time my phone's vibrating mechanism wouldn’t work. If someone were to call me while I was at school it would ring at the highest tone and disturb the class. And finally the fourth, when I closed my phone the screen went blank and wouldn’t work.

For a while thereafter I could make calls with my phone if I knew the number, but eventually that even stopped working. During the time that I was waiting to get a new phone, I had to use one that was prehistoric in its entirety. The phone had no camera or calendar for that matter. It wasn’t until two weeks later that I received a replacement phone. The catch was that I get the exact phone that I had before, but it was a newer model. I have had the phone for two weeks now, and I must say that it performs well. But why did I have to bring my phone back four times before they switched it out? Why?

By Paul Maiellano

Boredom

Topics of writing are usually hard for me to think of because I really don't like to write. I usually write when I have something on my mind, but I have to write a blog for journalism class. I'll guess I'll tell you about my day. It is going well but I have a lot of homwework to do for tomorrow. I really don't feel like doing any of it but I have to because I don't want to fail any of my class at any time. I'm really bored, I'm sorry I sound bored if you're reading this; well that's just because I am. I guess it's the day everybody's been bored all day. But then all of a sudden my day got bad when a certain chain of events made it bad enough to the point where we (my first and I) don't want too much of anything at this point. I guess the good thing at this point is we all are here together and to make life easier for everybody to enjoy.

By Sara Watson

You can't please everyone

Naturally I’m a people person. I like to see everyone happy and try my hardest to be the best friend I can be. Yeah I’ve made mistakes a couple of times. I mean I’m only human, but I just realized how tired I am of trying to make others feel good. Everyday it’s new drama over the dumbest stuff. If you want to get mad then get mad because the last thing I’m going to do is run after you every single time. I need to worry about myself for once. I know that might seem selfish, but I’m just tired of it. If you want to be mad over something stupid and no longer decide to be my friend then that’s your loss.

Not to be cocky or anything, but I think I’m a great friend. I’m always there listening even when I don’t want to, giving advice, sticking up for them, consoling them, and buying them things just because I wanted to. I’m so tired of those who claim to be your friends when they’re not and expecting you to kiss their behind every time. I’m too old to be playing little kid games. I’m so done with it. Don’t get me wrong I will always be a true friend to those who are to me. It’s just so exhausting trying to make everyone happy and you know what I just learned something new today. You really can’t make everyone happy.

By Cierra Porter

Confusion

I believe I am in lost in my head about what to do and where to go.
But I will find my way back to you one day,
I will stay postive and open about us and what will happen.
Time is not on our side not now, but time will not stop me from me meeting you again
I tell you over again you are and will be my love forever and I know you will watch over me
When things aren' t so good. I know you will make things better.
I will wait for that day to come around so we can be together again and live out life as we once did. I just hope you will not get tried of waiting for me.
I will make anything happen just to see you smile and laugh everyday.
You're my sunshine who makes my day so much brighter than how it started.
I hope this is just a phase. But I'm still confused about what to do.

By Sara Watson

Songs of Experience

A Woman’s Worth
“Songs of Experience”

Yes you work. Yes you provide.
Through the rough waves of tears, sweat and pain, yes you helped us survive.
Being the man you are, chest out head held high.

You taught me to hunt and for my rights I should to stand up and speak up.
The man I should want to become I see beating the one who once laid down in anguish and perspiration and had your son, soon to be greater man than you.

You should be embarrassed and repentant for hitting the one who feeds you, gave you children, cleans your back, and taught your one and only son to not only to walk , but talk.

The worst thing to see is an angry, vengeful woman so I suggest you to wake up and step up and be the black man that you try to teach me to be and not the coward and week man that appears to me.

By: Cierra Porter

So Hard

There's something weighing heavilyon my mind
I don't want to hold back my emotions
Some say I'll be OK if I give love a try again
I gave him my heart
But that brother never cared
Thinking to myself, I wish
I wouldn't have gone there
Afraid to love again
Thinking all men are the same
I know I'm hurting for certain
I won't feel love and that's real
Without ample time to heal
Learning to trust without fear
To move beyond the past and my tears
No memories remain
No heartaches or pain
It's hard for a sister who's had her heart broken numerous times

By Tresurea Nelson

Tough Decisions

Here I am, returning to my blog. I recently went to visit Wesley College. Last Friday, if anybody noticed, I wasn't in school because I made my way down to Dover, Delaware to visit Wesley College. It wasn't like a college tour; this was a planned visit specifically for basketball recruits. The purpose of having this trip was for us recruits to get a feel of how the campus life at Wesley would be and how the basketball life would be as well.

I must say this visit to Wesley really helped me with deciding which university I will attend in the Fall. Wesley is obviously one of my choices, but Morgan is still on my mind. What I liked most about Wesley is that they treat you like you are the president, not because you are on the basketball team, but because they are just nice people who care about you and your well being.

Another thing I enjoyed at Wesley, besides the people and the atmosphere, was the treatment and care they give to their athletes. Not only do they want you to win on the basketball court but they also want you to win in the classroom. They make sure you are passing all of your classes and if your not they say "You will definitely pay AFTER practice." But overall the campus was nice, as were the staff and students. This will be the biggest decision of my life and it is getting harder and harder every day. I visit Morgan on April 30th, so by May 1st I will know where I'm going...wish me luck.

By Jon Mason

Sprung over Spring

Spring is here!!! It has been feeling too good outside!! This is the best time of the year! Everybody is all happy and the sun is out; it’s just a beautiful season. You want to know the best part about it? School is almost over. Especially for seniors, we have at least a good month left. Aren’t you excited? Especially for those students who caught senioritis in September…haha.

For some people the start of Spring automatically means Summertime. People start planning trips, vacations, school preparation...you know, normal stuff. So what am I going to do? Who knows? As long as school over, that’s a vacation for me.

I wonder what teachers do over the break? Do they go to teaching school? Haha, or maybe they have summer school that’s why they’re always trying to get students to come so they have company. Or maybe they trade schools over the summer to see if they like the other school better. O well, that’s a true mystery.

By Adler Roseau

Too Late!

During spring break, all I could think about was school! How can that be? For my spring break I worked at my Aunt Ardia’s shop. Not exactly the party time that I thought it would be; no waking up at noon or staying up past one in the morning. Nope, I spent the majority of my time waking up at six in the morning and working until six at night. Although I enjoyed making money, I somewhat look forward to the day when I can sleep past sunrise and get a good night's rest. We only have a few weeks left of school, and personally I wish that we could have skipped spring break and stayed at school only to get out a week earlier! But that’s not the case. June 18th is late to get out of school. In my opinion its too late!

By Paul Maiellano

The clouds made a crimson crown

The clouds made a crimson crown
Above the mountains high
The stormy sun was going down
In a stormy sky
Why did you let your eyes rest on me
And hold your breath between
In all the ages this can never be
As if it had not been in love before
This was breathtaking
I felt as if you took me off my feet
I was floating above the clouds
It was as if we were the only people in the world that mattered
The love we have, will it last?
Will the love you have for me be everlasting?
It just seems too good to be true
But here I am thinking about all the things I would dream of
But I wonder if love is really for me
I wait and wait
For the right person to find me
But maybe just maybe he'll come later on in life
Someone that can hold his own
Someone that can love me for who I am

By Tresurea Nelson

Stop whining already!

I hate petty stuff. I think I really started getting tired of it as I got older. This is one reason I surround myself with mature people. However, it doesn’t seem to stop petty people from surrounding themselves with me. It’s so annoying; grow up already.

People have even stopped being my friend because of petty stuff. For example, someone stopped talking to me for a whole week for not walking them to the piano. Another example is when people get mad at you because you didn’t pay them any attention for a day. It’s really tiring.

Another thing that irritates me is people who cry about every little thing. Yeah, I do it sometimes, but that’s only to get on Ms. Hoffler's nerves (Ed's note: Haha!). Every time I hear or see someone cry over something small the first thing that comes to mind is, "Suck it up!" For real though, what is up with that? There are a lot of worse things that could possibly happen. Get a freaking flipping back bone!

By Cierra Porter

Obama Girl

I just read Paul's blog about Barack Obama, and personally I think Paul is crazy not to think Barack is the best choice for the 2008 Presidential election! And NO IT'S NOT BECAUSE BARACK IS BLACK...because we all know that he is not all black so I don't think it's right to call him black. Biracial is a better term. But anyway, race has nothing to do with it.

I believe that Obama will make a GREAT president because unlike Hilary Clinton he doesn't seem to waste any of his time on unimportant things, such as bashing his opponent. He has better things to do and more important things to worry about. Clinton, on the other hand, has been wasting ALL of her time trying to make Obama look bad that she has forgot to make herself look good. She rarely talks about lowering taxes, or how to help poor school districts, but what she does do is talk about how Obama is affiliated with negative people or what Obama is doing wrong. And not to mention-SHE'S A CRY BABY! She's not strong enough to have such a responsibility as running a country. I think she's just running so that if she does win (that will never happen) she can make history. So everyone voting this year will hopefully make the RIGHT decision and vote for Barack Obama!

"I'm Cadet Glenda Barnett and I approve this message!"

By Glenda Barnett

No Competition Like the Real Competition

Last Saturday, the P.M.A. Fitness Team traveled to New York City to compete with four other fitness teams. At the competition, I witnessed an amazing feat. A competitor had only one arm and he was kicking our butts. At first no one on P.M.A.'s team noticed the competitor’s difference. The drill instructors asked us to separate into group levels; we were separated into the Alpha, Bravo, and Golf teams. Alpha was supposed to be our best team, with the highest scores and fastest runners in the school. Bravo was just as good, but with slower timed runs. Golf, the girls' team, was by far the most physically fit females in the school, some females topping out at 55 push ups and 73 sit ups.

As the lines were formed the TACs went around giving encouragement to those competing by offering pats on the back and a "hoo-rah" here or there. As the competition got underway, we knew we were in for a stiff competition. The competitor with the amputated arm was in Cadet May's squad. Not even noticing, May was gearing his mind for the exercise, getting his head in the game, so to speak. Alpha team was up, all the non-competitors from P.M.A. began to cheer and offer encouragement from the top of their lungs. It was all over in two minutes, two minutes of pushing and struggling, trying to do their best.

Some of our best competitors only topped out at 70 push ups or so. After the competitors gave their score to the graders we all convened. Thirty seconds later we heard loud shouts of encouragement, "Come on man, you're doing great!" they said, or "Only a minute left man, give 'em hell!" After hearing the 5..4..3..2..1..STOP count, I saw a competitor jump up and start to yell. Soon after he was joined by his team mates, I heard the score: Jack, 129 push ups. My gosh, 129 push ups with one arm. Some one get this kid a medal, he is an amazing athlete, in my opinion.

By Paul Maiellano

(Yet Another) Blog About Nothing

In my blog this week, I’m going to talk about how I have nothing to talk about this week. There is nothing interesting that has happened this week. It was a slow week considering that we just came back from spring break. Hmmmmmm…..what is there to talk about???? Oh I know one thing…..School is getting seriously boring now…….nothing to do….Seniors don’t come to school……it’s like every day is Senior Cut Day…lol….wouldn’t that be funny??? It seems like the classes are longer…teachers talk more……days pass slower…..June needs to come ASAP…!!!!

Oh, there is one thing: Prom King and Queen nominations are beginning, so VOTE BRITTANY SCOTT for Prom Queen!! Don’t vote for me 'cause I’m not going…lol…….is there anything else new??? Drill Team made citywide champs 3 years in a row… guess you can support that or them…whatever…I just need to reach 150 words….. I’m at 145 now…wait 150 words…I’m done…lol.

By Adler Roseau

Come Correct!

I can’t stand boys at times. They do the dumbest, and most ignorant, retarded things. I just don’t understand why they do the things they do. For one thing, if we are at least seventeen or older you must come at me correctly. Some people say I have high standards and that I’m a heartbreaker, but I just wont stand for anything less than what I feel I deserve. Now that’s not wrong, is it? Of course it’s not.

For another thing, do not try to come at me if you don’t know how to dress. It's one thing to just not know how to match things up, but when you come up to me with your pants hanging off your behind and a dirty white tee, that’s really trifling. That style ended like five years ago; jump on board.

The third thing is, you are definitely not going to think you can talk to me any type of way. Respect me like I would respect you. Also, you need to be doing something with your life. Do not just be sitting up in the house with your feet up. You either need to be in school or working. I prefer in school. The fifth thing is they need to be smart. Yeah you could go to school, but that doesn’t mean anything. The sixth thing is you definitely need to know how to hold a good conversation and make me laugh. We are not on the phone to hold a breathing competition.

The last thing is you have to be somewhat attractive. If you got a little something going for you, it will bring you so much further. Trust me. So as you see, it’s not me. This is all just common sense. I’m not a heartbreaker if you step to me right. Oh yeah, one more thing: do not try taking me out and you know you don’t have money. The last thing I'm going to do is take money out of my pocket for a man. Not happening!

By Cierra Porter

It ain't over yet!

Spring break is over, and now we're heading into the final quarter of the school year. New Year's seems like a distant memory... Thanksgiving a speck on my brain. And our first graduating class is about to say goodbye in just 12 weeks! Wow.

Speaking of the senior class and spring break, it seems the break also meant a break from the blog. Our last poll, which asked How many of our seniors have seniorits, received an unprecedented rate of responses. One could conclude that the lack of responses--we in fact, received NONE at all--is a clear sign of the pandemic at PMA. From a teacher's perspective (and I promise to be brief), it seems senioritis is spreading like mold. Some students think they can coast along and do nothing, if they show up at all, because Senior Projects are done. But it's startling that one-third of the class hasn't even completed the requirement... You can't declare yourself a winner in the third quarter of the game, especially if you rode the bench since half time. It ain't over yet, folks!

Meanwhile, our next poll asks how students feel about their senior year. Was it what you expected? Do you wish it had been better? Tell us! You have until April 14!

Ms Hoffler

Yes, I like my new hair style

Over my spring break it was great not being home, and I even donated my hair for a good cause. Half of my week consisted of walking everywhere I could and working Monday and Friday. Monday I worked from mid morning to early afternoon. Friday I worked in the afternoon from 2 to 6. The rest of the week I did my chores, and projects for school. On Wednesday I donated my hair to Locks of Love and went out for lunch with Jay at a pizza shop that was close by. Then we just hung around the neighborhood. Thursday was just hanging out with Jay at his house.

Yes, my spring break may be considered boring to some but fine with me. Guess what it rocked for me enough to write about it. And, yes I like my new hair style. If you don't you're not affecting me and my life, so grow up. Besides it's too late to say anything about it. I would love to hear about your spring break.

By Sara Watson

The feelings I get...

The feelings I get when you’re around me
Are indescribable
Why do I feel this way?
I mean you’re a human just like me
But you’re not an average person
The typical male
Yes you’re fly, yes you get money and do your thang
But this is not what differentiates you from the others
The feeling I get when you’re around makes my stomach just twist and turn
I mean is this even real
Maybe I need to just wake up from this dream
But this isn’t a dream
This is real
This is reality
Why don’t you act like the typical male
Why don’t you use people
Why don’t you show disrespect towards me
I know I get on your nerves once in a while
Why don’t you just let me be free and just flee
But I don’t want to flee I just want to know if you have the guts to just let someone you love dearly go that fast and easy I’m glad you’re not the typical male
I’m glad you’re different
Because it’s safe to know that I can trust you and know I’m not getting played
Amen for non-average men

By Tresurea Nelson

Senior Year Woes

Once again the Philadelphia Military Academy has jerked the senior class out of another activity. First it was our senior class trip; now it's our senior prom. They told us that is was going to be at the Bellvue at Broad and Walnut, a very high-class area where the best of the best have their shindigs, but now we are combing the senior prom with the junior prom at Romano's Banquet Hall, nowhere near as nice as the Bellvue and in a neighborhood where...well let's just say it's not Broad and Walnut.

But my beef is not the location of the prom but why in the world they would combine our prom with the juniors'? I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the junior class, but how many seniors do you know want to have their prom with juniors'? The student council and our class representatives told us that not enough people paid their class dues, and therefore they had to change everything around.

Well, I have a couple of things to say about that. First of all some of the people who didn't pay their dues probably just don't have $260 to give away like that, and for the people who do have it who can blame them for not giving it up. We were promised a class trip and now we have nothing; our prom is going to be combined with the junior prom! Why would anybody give a school that type of money when they are getting very little in return?

Another thing our class could have done is had way more fundrasiers than they did. Selling pretzels and soda two days a week ain't nothing compared to what other schools are doing, such as fashion shows and talent shows. It's just a shame to see our senior year go down the drain like this, but oh well it's nothing we can do, so we just have to deal with it.

By Jon Mason

Scent Sans Smudge

This blog is a consumer report on Old Spice deodorizer versus Speed Stick. In my personal opinion, Old Spice is the best deodorant on the market today. I have used many brands prior to declaring Old Spice the best. Prior to my devotion to Old Spice, I used Speed Stick.

The problem with Speed Stick is that when dressing, you must be careful to not let your shirt touch your underarms after freshly applying deodorant. If this happens then the entire affected area will have a track of white smudges dirtying your shirt. Also, if you use Speed Stick while wearing a white undershirt, it will turn the underarms of your white undershirt yellow. This is not the best thing while trying to keep undergarments in presentable condition. Last but not least, Speed Stick fades over a short period of time. When applying Speed Stick in the morning and then commuting to school, it is best to keep a spare deodorant in ones backpack to reapply during lunch or throughout the day as needed.

However, with Old Spice I have not had any of these problems. It lasts throughout the day, doesn’t leave yellow marks, and more importantly doesn’t smudge my clothes after a fresh application.

By Paul Maiellano

You know what, I find it crazy how some people think that a male and female can't be close friends with no ulterior motive. I have plenty of friends of the opposite sex and don’t have any intentions of making the friendship something "more serious." Of course, you’re going to naturally be attracted to them--that’s just human nature--but that doesn’t mean you want to be more than friends. Some people are just better off as friends.

Now, I don’t have a problem hooking up my male friends with one of my female friends because I know that he is a good and attractive guy, but just not for me. As a matter of fact I just recently hooked up one of my friends the other day. The best thing about having a close friend of the opposite sex is that you can ask them all kinds of things that you always wanted to know about that gender. You find yourself teaching each other new things, and that’s what life is all about, learning new things. So if I were you, I'd say go for it and really seek for that friend of the opposite sex because it will benefit you in a big way. You’ll end up with a great friend and a brand new understanding of the opposite sex.

By Cierra Porter

wHaTeVeR?!!

I want to know why our spring break isn’t longer. We get one measly week to reenergize and make up work and…blah blah blah. For the pain I’ve suffered this school year I need more than a week. Can I at least get two? Sheeesh!

It’s bad enough that school was ever created because now I think it would have been better if we all walked around dumb. Because education is causing trouble. The more dropouts we have means more drug dealers on the streets…more murders and more kids being unnecessarily yborn. In fact you want to know the real cause of these dropouts?
….SENIOR PROJECTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....

They are the stupidest thing ever created. At least kids at other schools get to do theirs in a different way, like community service…..or just a 10-page paper with NO presentation……but no, our school always has to be different and do some stupid ish…..it’s bad enough we have to pay attention during our senior year and worry about college then they lay a senior project on us…Good Grief… this is why spring break should be longer, because some people can’t handle all this ish.

By Adler Roseau

Pray

Pray
Yesterday has passed and a new day has begun
There’s no more turning back what has been done
Lord knows I need to change my ways
But as I look left and right there’s no one to be found
So I get down on my knees and pray for a better day
But as I pray and reminisce on the day
I sit back and say thank you for all you brought me through
Because if it wasn’t for you where would I be
But should I regret what I did in the past or just keep moving forward with my life and just thank the man up stairs for everything that has been done
I mean he shields me from the enemy everyday
And opens up a new pathway so I can not stray
He knows my faults and flaws
And my wishes and all
But are my wishes what I really need
Maybe I need to just take a breather and just relieve
All the stress that comes my way and the stress that causes me to stray
But like he said leave all your burdens with him and keep on going
So I just sit there and pray and wait for the move to be made

By Tresurea Nelson

In SEPTA's defense....

Many people say that SEPTA is unreliable. Well, I don’t think that. Wherever I need to go, and my mom won’t take me, I know I can depend on SEPTA to get me there. Sure, the buses and trains are not always on time, and certainly they are not the cleanest but that can be overlooked. After all, I catch SEPTA almost every day to school.

Sure, the buses are always packed, and so are the terminals, but nothing is more relaxing than riding the bus with friends after a long, hard day at school—but more importantly, NO TEACHERS!. Well, at least none of our teachers ride the buses and trains we ride. Sure we have to adjust our schedules to match SEPTA’s timing, but I don’t have a problem with that.

By Glenda Barnett

Am I a Phenomenal Woman?

Am I a Phenomenal Woman

Am I a phenomenal woman?

I mean is it because of the flow of my hair

The way I gaze in the sky

Or is it the way I stand

So bold and tall

Is it how my legs are shaped

Answer me

Why must you play these games with me

Speak louder

I CANT HEAR YOU

Am I a phenomenal woman?

Speak louder I need to hear it come out your mouth

The more I ask you

The more I feel I’m talking to a wall

Am I phenomenal?

I know the swiftness of my walk

the gap in my teeth and the butterfly kisses as I blink

Makes me feel phenomenal

But I want to hear it from you

Say it

Speak louder

Am I a phenomenal woman?

By Tresurea Nelson

Decisions, decisions, decisions

Another acceptance; it just doesn't get any better than this. It usually doesn't feel as good when you open your second acceptance letter, but not in my case; it felt just as good, maybe even better. This time it was Niagara University, another school that I really wanted to get into.

At first when I heard about Niagara, I wasn't too excited to apply, but once I went on their website my whole POV changed. On the website was pictures of their beutiful campus, it is like you are at UNC or DUKE, but another thing that stood out to me was their athletics. As soon as their page came up I saw a good friend of mine that used to go to Imhotep Charter School. Apparently, he committed to Niagara, so immediately I thought of their program as a succesful one. After several hours of research my assumption of Niagara as a succesful program was correct; the school also is the number 1 team in its conference and is also host to the number 1 scorer in the conference.

It seems to me that I have a hell of a decision to make as far as college; not only did I get into Wesley but also Morgan and I have two scholarship offers from Cheyney University and Wesley College.

By Jon Mason

Who's Ready?

Really, Barack Obama isn't ready to be president of a nation such as ours. It's not that he is Black, it's just his inexperience that will be his downfall. We live in a world that just started seeing women as a man's equal. In some of the many cultures in the world men do not view women to be their equal. Therefore it is my opinion that Hillary Clinton is not equiped to deal with the pressures of being President of the United States. Her emotions are too all over the place; she displayed this by crying on national T.V. over losing the Mass. election.

In my opinion, we are choosing the lesser of two evils by electing Sen. Jon McCain. Although he is a Republican, he is considered the most liberal of the Republicans. As a graduate of the United States Naval Academy he possesses one of the finest educations in America. As a Prisoner of War during the Vietnam war, he gave up no information to the enemy, showing the steadfast courage and displaying the core values of the service in which he entered: Honor, Courage, and Commitment. All of the traits that are necessary to be able to lead our country.

By Paul Maiellano

Taking Stock in School

Stocks..stocks... stocks... a way to become rich and a way to lose the moneyyou invested. For my second period class, the teacher has assigned all of the senios to invest 200,000 dollars in multiple shares. Althoughthe money is fake you can still double or lose it. I take this class seriously, only because my future may be involved with it. Hopefully this class will help me with my investment planning in the real world.

By Ryan Haggerty

Great Potential

I have great potential
But I am lazy
I know I can do anything I put my mind to
And this is so true
I mean, I don't have to major in it
But I will be able to share my talents with everyone
To be multi-talented is a blessing that people long for
And I have it
Dancing, singing, acting, writing poetry,
having a black belt in karate, playing the violin and the trumpet
I mean that's a lot to me
But I don't take advantage of it
Something I do lack in
I need to make it happen for myself
So I can share my talents with others
Great Potential is what I have

By Tresurea Nelson

Time to Let Go

As a parent you want the best for your child. Nothing's wrong with that. You love them and cherish them, no matter what they do. They might do the most annoying, stupid, and disrespectful things you can think of, but you still love them no less than before. However, is it wrong for a parent to be overprotective? I understand they want to protect their children from bad things and think that kids should go about things a certain way, but I believe parents should let them go.

The best way to learn is from your own experiences and mistakes. Parents may not want their children to get hurt in any way, but sometimes you need to get hurt. But parents should make sure to be there to comfort them after they do get hurt and be their support. It may hurt you to see them in such distress, but at least they came back to you for guidance in the long run. A real parent is someone who’s there to listen and guide, but once the child reaches a certain age it’s time to let them go and hope that they will take what you taught them and do right.

By Cierra Porter

A question

Recently I was asked the question if a four-year-old boy could be gay. I answered no, because I don’t believe kids really know their sexual orientation until an older age. I believe that because as a kid you’re not really worried about your sexual orientation; all you are worried about is having fun. As a kid I was into girls only because that’s what I was raised around. I believe a kid's outcome is predicted from their experiences and what they where raised around. So blame MOMMY and DADDY!!!!!!

By Paul Hart

But it's free of flavor!

In school these days, students are always fighting to get a free lunch. I understand it’s free but you shouldn’t have to fight and try to be the first one to get lunch. The food they eat is not even a snack. It isn’t even as good as people make it to be. Like the other day, I remember I was in the front of the line and Colonel Young was trying to get everyone lined up in 2 lines. All I remember was that nobody was listening, and then everyone just started pushing trying to get through the doors to get the food. It’s hilarious because everyone was trying to get through but he was still holding everyone back with force. So what is the point for students to fight for food when it isn’t even good or fulfilling?
By Jorge Rangel

Snow Day

Last Friday's inclement weather was cause for a snow day. But why wasn't a snow day called? Buses and trains were very late and up to an hour behind schedule. Roads were deemed treacherous and hazardous during the commute to work and school. It is my opinion that the School District of Philadelphia made a bad decision. That almost every other institution of higher learning closed its doors on that blustery Friday should have sent a message to the district officials.

After waking up at 0500 to go to school I had spent the better part of an hour stragetizing how I was going to get to school on time. On a normal day it takes me 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach school. I can only imagine how long that trip would have been if I had elected to come to school. Because of the hazardous road conditions I was unable to attend school--with my parents' permission of course. Later that morning, the School District Of Philadelphia decided to send home the kids at 1130. So I would have spent 3 hours total on the bus, presuming that everything was still on regular schedule, to go to school for 3hours and 30 minutes. This is not a very well-planned decision; what were our educational administrators thinking! I'm sure that our teachers could have used a healthy day off as well.

By Paul Maiellano

No More Drama

No more Drama
No more drama
I'm too young to be going through what I'm going through
No more drama
Why don't you all just leave me alone
Be gone
Flee from me
No more drama
Just let me breathe
No more drama
The stress
It’s all just a test
But when will I pass it?
I know it’s natural
But is it natural for my age group?
Is it possible to just drop the drama?
I mean I thought life would be smooth sailing
Cruising without bailing
No more drama
I guess I was totally wrong
It’s so much to learn
But my head needs to be clear of this drama
Lord I’m crying out for you
I need help Lord
I’m taking more than I can bear
I just need
No more drama

By Tresurea Nelson

Mars to Venus: What's the deal?

I want to know why women are so freakin difficult. They cry about everything …like come on everything is not worth crying over. They say one thing and do another. They’re not serious about anything….they're always complaining…like what’s going on!! When they say they want to get serious …..you do it and whatnot….but when push comes to shove they quit. They are just a bunch of quitters….heartbreakers and liars…..they can’t be trusted and are not worth saying anything to. Like why did God create these evil things….when you try to be nice they are mean…when your mean all of a sudden they are nice…bunch of dummies….they never try to agree with you and always want to argue…sometimes you have to let them win…cause they're dumb….like what the flip…..the thing I hate the most…is the jealously …they love asking questions about your female friends like …like you don’t have the right to do that…like fallback….

By Adler Roseau

American Intelligence

Americans do some of the oddest, weirdiest, and disrespectful things to each other. When I Googled weird news, I discovered many things. For example, in Colorado, Girl Scouts were given a fake 100 dollar bill. To me this is funny, but it also shows our disrespect to each other.

Another odd event that happened was in Michigan. A man was arrested for stealing 127 boxes of Stovetop (stuffing). This event brings out the weirdness in America. Also a man reportly made over 27,000 phone calls to the police and countinued to hang up. To me this is very odd. Not that many people like the police, let alone call them. But this dude finally got caught after making all those phone calls. As aresult he has now been arrested. So the question I have is why do we, Americans, live around stupidity?

By Ryan Haggerty

The love....

The love I have for you grew when the time came,
I will always be yours and you will always be mine.
The love we have is pure as water from the tallest mountian,
Is fresher and livelier than any rainforest in any jungle.
What I said to you
"I love and will always be there no matter what the issues are, whos there,
I will always be your Kallnoi,"
Every word I said had meaning of my love.
It's all for you, when said yes that's all I thought about was you.
I think about you every minute, of every day, of every month.
You're the air I breathe, the food I eat and the heartbeat in my chest which keeps me alive.
In the morning I wish you are there just to see your wonderful face
Also to see the sun rise right next to me with the warmth of a new day.
This is how I feel about you day to day and everyday I'm with you.

What we have is special; no other can compare,
It's pure, humble, honest, trustworthy of each other.
Sas narki iliakada kia panta bouilis eimai.
What I said to you on February 15, 2008
I mean it every word of it.
I love you so much that I smile when I talk to you and to hear your voice throught the phone.
You see me as your best friend, and your girlfriend.
We are grateful for both of us being in each other's lives.
I can't see myself being without you
You can't see yourself without me.
I love you!!!

By Sara Watson

Stuck on Ice

Last Tuesday night around 9:30, I was on the 18 bus. I was coming from Alicia's house. I was supposed to go to an interview at the movie theather where she works, but we never did due to the bad weather that day. So I was on my way home around 9:30, when really I should have left ealier. But Sergio got on the bus too, so I wasn't lonely.

The bus ride was going fine until we got to the Peach House. I named that house the Peach House because it's a beautiful Peach color and it's like a mansion. In my opinion it's the prettiest house in Philadelphia. But anyway.... after we passed the Peach House the bus started to slide on the ice. I was a little worried, but not a lot. Then the bus turned onto Vernon Road and got stuck in the ice. Vernon Road does have a little hill. It was late and REALLY COLD... and my feet were EXTREMELY cold so I didn't get off and walk to the other bus stop. It was getting late and I was getting sleepy.

So I decided to take a nap, thinking that when I woke up we would be moving... but we weren't. So I called my mom to tell her. By then it was around 10:30. So I took yet another nap. When I woke up it was 11:45 and we were in the same spot. So I went back to sleep. By the time the dippy bus driver decided he wanted to back up and take another route it was 1:00A.M!!! I was soooo pissed. Since we got to B&O so late the train was closed soIhad to stay on the 18 and wake the rest of the way home !!!

By Glenda Barnett

Growing Pains

Growing up is difficult. You come in contact with different people and you think that those you meet and call your friend will be there forever. However the sad part is they most likely won’t. You we’ll have to grow up and move on and you guys will go your separate ways. Yeah you can always stay in contact but it’s something about seeing people in person that’s completely different from talking over the phone.

I will miss all my friends to death once I graduate. I just regret getting that close to them because now I can’t imagine my life without them. That’s how life is; though nothing’s promised and nothing stays the same. You have to pick up everything and move with the flow of things. The crazy thing is once I graduate and go to college I will meet different people and make new friends, but something tells me they’ll never be like the ones I have in high school.

By Cierra Porter

Half Days

Half days are a good idea for teachers and students. The teachers have meetings after school on half days. By having more half days the teachers are able to discuss the students' grades, behavior in class, any improvements and what is going well within their classes. This is seen from the morning's work and from the classes that are being taught. By having a half day the teachers are able to see the students and are able to make last thoughts, questions, or comments about what what can happen with their students.This is also a good idea because the teachers get a relief from the students. So we should have half day every few weeks. Sometime the last decision are crucial to the core curriculum and what other teachers think about the students in the classes.
These half days are important to the students as well. The students get tried of dealing with school work, teachers, tests, and whatever else happens at school. These days relieve the students from everyday activies. This way they can do homework and do whatever they want to do in the afternoon. By having a half day everybody is relieved by the end of the day but the teachers have meetings. The students have a longer weekend on half days when the school ends at noon or 10 after noon. The rush is great to know you can do whatever you want and have more time for homework so it can get done.
By Sara Watson

NBA All-Star

I don’t think that the NBA All-Star game is that big anymore. It isn’t like they even play to win. Like, they don’t even play defense and what's the sense of having All-Star star game if the best all star in the NBA isn’t even playing? Like Kobe Bryant is really the best player since Michael Jordan. People say Lebron James is, but I say even though Lebron capbable as doing everything Kobe does, he will NEVER accomplish as many things as Kobe did. He might have gotten a couple of awards and what not but Kobe got titles more than Lebron will ever have, for real for real. I just don’t see the point of having the game anymore if people aren’t going to play at the best of their ability because to get in the NBA you have to play your best and that’s exactly what they're not doing. Tell me how many more there are if yah can please....................

By Jacob Biggs

I WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS THE PROBLEM??

LATELY THERE HAS BEEN TALK IN LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS THAT SOON THERE WILL BE A TEST GIVEN TO HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS TO DETERMINE IF THEY DESERVE A DIPLOMA. WHAT KIND OF GARBAGE IS THAT?? IT’S BAD ENOUGH WE HAVE TO DO A SENIOR PROJECT, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME YOU HAVE TO KEEP YOUR GRADES UP. NOT ONLY DO WE HAVE TO DO A SENIOR PROJECT, WE HAVE TO ALSO PRESENT IT TOO. LIKE COME ON!!!

DON’T WE HAVE ENOUGH PRESSURE? DIDN’T WE TAKE ENOUGH STANDARDIZED TESTS OVER THESE FOUR YEARS? SOME PEOPLE MIGHT NOT BE GOOD TEST TAKERS. SO IF THEY FAIL I GUESS THEY HAVE TO DO THE WHOLE YEAR OVER JUST BECAUSE OF A STUPID TEST. DOES THAT MAKE ANY SENSE TO YOU. THAT’S A LOT OF HARD WORK DOWN THE DRAIN. IT WOULD BE ESPECIALLY MESSED UP FOR A PERSON WHO IS NUMBER 1 IN THEIR CLASS WITH A 4.0 GPA AND THEY FAIL THEIR TEST AND HAVE TO DO THEIR WHOLE YEAR OVER. WOW!! I FEEL SORRY FOR THAT GUY!! LOL!!

By Adler Roseau

Being Accepted

"Congratulations! You have been admitted to Morgan State as a degree canidate for the FALL 2008 semester."

I thought it was all a dream,; it was about ten degrees outside and I was opening up my mail while waiting for the bus. As I opened up the letter I said to myself, this can't be it--what I've been waiting for the longest--a college acceptance letter. This meant so much to me because in the past two months, I recieved two letters declining me from their institution. The first was from the University of South Florida and the second was Penn State, so I thought, what was the difference with this letter.

Well the difference was the first word was 'Congratulations' and not 'Sorry.' The first thing I wanted to do was go back home and tell my dad and grandmom, but instead I just called my mom and told her to tell everybody for me so that I could go to school. This was the best moment of my life, hands down. This means so much to me. Even if I don't go I know that I accomplished something in my life. February 12, 2008, 10:39am, at Haines and Stenton Avenue, I will never forget it.

By Jon Mason

By Jon Mason

Promises Broken?

In the late summer of 2004 the class of 2008 recited their oaths as cadets of the Philadelphia Military Academy. During this time most of the cadets were very excited to start their high school careers. Before coming to the Academy parents and cadets were well briefed on the school and its policies. We were promised many sports teams, teachers that hold terminal degrees in their chosen profession, the chance to go to college, and that no military recruiters would come to the school to recruit.

First off, we have NO sports teams that are PMA sports teams--no football or baseball, basketball, or wrestling, like we were promised. Although we did manage to get wrestling mats, it seems like they're used for everything except wrestling.

For the most part, our teachers are well educated professionals although lately student teachers have been coming in and "teaching" some of our core subjects such as English 4 and Civics class. Is that irregular? I know at college some professors elect to have student teachers lecture some courses, but not in high school. Also, some of the teachers do not posses terminal degrees in their profession, which was promised to us. I guess that's out of the picture too.

Finally, the recruiters have been coming into the school. Many parents were concerned about their kids being coerced into joining one of the branches of the Armed Services. This major concern was remedied with the consensus that military recruiters would not be involved with our school because of its primary role as a college preparatory institution. Since then, I personally have been contacted by all of the services through information obtained by my school and the recruiters always find themselves at the College Fairs that PMA hosts.

Many students at PMA are offended by the lies that the administration has told us. If there is one thing that I have learned at PMA is that not everything it may seem.

By Paul Maiellano

Senior Blues

In this week's blog, I want to say how I feel about out senior year and the plans that are being destroyed. We were planning to have our senior trip to King's Dominion, Virginia, but because of the behavior of some people we can't go anywhere. At times we can be a little playful, but who isn't? But for them to take away our senior trip, that is just wrong. Germantown, King, and Gratz have school trips, but the Philadelphia Military Academy doesn't. I'm not taking anything away from those schools, but our academics and behavior are definitely way better than theirs.

Another problem that I have is that our senior prom is over at 11:00 pm. That is when the party is supposed to be getting started; I don't think that is anything we did, but the teachers not wanting to stay out late. Jamz, a teenage night club, is over at 11:30 pm, and we are 17 and 18 years old young adults and we cant stay at our prom past 11:00. They tried to use the curfew excuse, but we are all 17 and older, so there is no reason why the time should not be extended.

The last thing that I have a problem with is the fact that we graduate the day before school gets out. As I was talking around the city I found out that some schools graduate one and two weeks before school gets out. That is totally unfair, as seniors graduating you should be out of school at least the last week, but not at the Academy, we MUST stay in school.

By Jon Mason

Not Myself

The things this (past) week were weird. Monday and Tuesday I was happy about life. But Tuesday night I started to get sad all of a sudden. Then the sadness stayed for Wednesday, when really I wasn't happy about anything at all. Thursday wasn't much better than the day before. I was upset with everything that went on; the smiles on everybody for some reason were making me sick. Now I feel somewhat better. I don't know what hit me for those last three days. I don't want to talk about anything that happened during that time. Honestly I really can't remember anything from school or my house. I felt that bad. Yeah people think I don't have emotions. Yes Is do have emotions and feeling. I'm not black-hearted; my heart is hurt and working. It's also red. I'm saying sorry for anything I did to anyone over the last few days.

By Sara Watson

How Things Should BE

If you ask me, when people--I mean everybody you possibly know--say something that they think should happen. Like if you say that two people should be together their whole lives, then I really get the picture that those two people should be together.

I dislike when only one person thinks differently, but see that one person makes the whole difference. That’s what gets me mad though, that one person can change the whole way something could be or how it definitely should be. I just hate it when people don’t see what’s right in front of them when they know that they have something better but they still just put it off until later on in the future. But see, then it might be too late. I just hope in the future people will realize what’s real and what’s fake but some people never know what they have until its gone…….

By Jacob Biggs

Wants and needs

Follow cadets the things you want and need are different. They may sound similar in meaning. The main difference is you want something for pleasure or just to have it. But to need means you must have it for a particular use. There's clearly a difference people don't see. Let me start with material wants.

Material wants are things people like for pleasure or to have things that make them look good. These things waste money from your parents, and your pocket. It is a waste of money. If you want something badly, then wait before you get it because you might actually need it later. Yes, these things may look good at first, but over time they really have no purpose for anything; they just sit there and look pretty.

Material needs are things you need right away. There is a reason and a purpose for you to have them. It just doesn't just it and look pretty it is actually being used for something other than to look good. Also then you're not wasting your money on something worthless, that will never be used.

Yes there is a clear difference between the two, needs and wants. I hope you think about this next time want or need something important to you.

By Sara Watson

Pau Gasol Going to the Lakers

I think that the Lakers getting Pau Gasol was a great idea, because if you ask me, he and Kobe Bryant are definitely going to be unstoppable. They already won two games in a row and they only had Gasol for two games. I also think that he will dominate the Western Conference.

The next trade the Lakers are trying for is Jason Kidd. If they pull that trade off they will be one of the most dominant Lakers teams ever. Kobe will definitely win MVP because they won't ever be able to be stopped.

It would be a big change for the NBA because everyone thinks that the Celtics are going to take the chip, but not with a team built like the Lakers because the Lakers will dominate every team. Every competition that comes their way, the Lakers will win.

By Jacob Biggs

Better Luck?

Well, so much for the playoffs. That is all that everybody was saying around the locker room after our game against Edison. If we had won, we would have easily been in the playoffs.

How did we lose? Well let's just say that our coaching staff made some horrible decisions. For instance, in the first quarter I had an easy five points and four rebounds in the first three minutes, and sat the rest of the quarter. Our coach believes in giving the freshmen and sophomores some time and experience. However, we are seniors and this will be our last time playing all of these teams, we want to get all the playing time we can. That is why we go hard in practice.

I think I was the senior who was jerked out of my time the most; the one time I played the most was the game I had 30 points. That was definitely a break-out game and I looked to build off of that game, but it didn't work out that way. Instead I went back to going to the bench as soon as I do something wrong. I expected more out of my senior season, but things went another way. I just gotta go all out in college.

By Jon Mason

Classes we don’t have to take!!!

I have a couple of classes that I don’t think I should really have to take. Seriously, we should be working on the classes that we really need, but school policy is so dumb. I have 21 credits, but the thing about that is we need 23.5, which means that I only need 2.5 credits to graduate. But I have to take 8 classes, when I should only be worried about Pre-Calculus because that class might stop me from graduating and if that does you are not going to hear the end of it. I can promise you that. I also think that we should just get to pick our classes, but nope!

Another thing is that a lot of people aren’t the same since school started. They're being stupid; really I just think that they are big wastes of time.

By Jacob Biggs

Denzel's Impact

Denzel Washington has impacted my life, and has showed me that no
matter what, I can be what I want to be long as I apply myself. According to Wikipedia,
Washington was born in Mount Vernon, New York on December 28, 1954.
His goal for college was to attend Texas Tech in Lubbock, but only because
they’re called the Red Raiders. When he was younger he went to the Boys
Club and they called themselves the Red Raiders. While didn't achieve that dream, he attended Fordham University in Oklahoma instead. But he later dropped out because he felt he wasn’t achieving what he needed to be achieving. He later attained a B.A. in a drama and journalism from Fordham University in 1977. That’s when he found his love for acting. For one year he attended the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, California. This was the beginning of Washington’s career, which he does very well.

By Tresurea Nelson

C's Venting Again

What I find unfair is the fact we can’t take old poems that we have written and post them on the blog page. Why is it that I would only receive half credit? I still wrote it. I put my heart and soul into that poem.

Another thing is the 150 word thing. That is out of control. It is no way I can write 150 words on a blog. Right now I’m just righting anything. I’m struggling just trying to get to 150 words. So to make it to the rest of the time I’m going to tell you what we talked about in the class while I was writing this. First Glenda said that she didn’t like Alicia Keys because her new album seemed like it was geared towards older people. I realized all love songs sound exactly the same. Paul was singing along with the music that was playing (It Sucked). Now that I reached 150 words I will talk to you guys next week.

By Cierra Porter

Is There A Curse

Congratulations it’s a boy,
Another one in the world thinks the doctor,
His mind wanders to the racist poster,
He has stored in his locker.

The boy is growing, getting to see the world,
People's smiles as he goes by are all too fake,
They believe that they owe his kind something,
And they hope that’s all it takes.

He thinks to himself, why does the world seem so dull,
Could it be because of him; should he take the blame?
He reads a little history and sees something,
His skin and the slave’s skin are the same.

He still doesn’t understand why he is being ignored,
He believes his life should be acknowledged and he can do great things,
Yet he wonders is there a curse
That his skin color brings.

His mom says he is just a child,
He shouldn’t worry about these things.

By Paul Hart

Today's News

What is today's news about? To me it seems like violence and near-death experiences, war, the economy, and the rich are what makes the news. To me, stories about the rich, and near-death experiences are not news. Sadly, we are addicted to irony, death, and dreams, these topics will make us stay tuned to the channel. But what is it that makes us so hungry for more? Is it the hope of change? Is it because we could be endangared? Is it to show our downfall? There is a reason: the media, as well as the viewers, know what the people want to see. We create the news but when it is not to our attention or needs it is worthless.

By Ryan Haggerty

I'M CONFUSED????

How does the price of gas go up? Is it because we don't have enough gas? Or is it because they are being stingy with it? Oorrrrrr are they just trying to be greedy for more money? Like, I don't get it!!!! And now I've heard because the price of gas went up…so everything has to go up….what kind of stupidity is that…..People will make a dollar anyway possible these days!!! Hold On…I thought we went to Iraq for their oil and stuff…….don't we have it by now….shouldn't we be rich? So there is no reason for the price to go up?...Right??

Adler Roseau

Lunchtime

Our most recent poll asked your opinions about that extended period between 4th and 6th periods. Some of you may refer to this period as "Lunch"--but based on the votes in our poll, it is more like a locker break. After all, it seems once you pack your bag and then visit your locker, there are 15 minutes left in the period.



So we asked you whether you thought there was enough time during the lunch period. No one voted that the 30 minute period was acceptable, or that we don't need lunch at all.



However, 33 percent of you voted that 15 more minutes would make lunch feel more like, well, lunch. But 66 percent voted, "Wait...we have a lunch period?" With 327 students and one hot lunch line, it seems brown-bagging it is the way to go...just make sure you don't leave it in your locker.

Until next time,
Ms. Hoffler

A throwback

My favorite singer is Babyface. He is truly one of a kind. His music can get to me in many different ways, and no matter what mood I'm in, Babyface can always put a smile on my face.

My favorite song of his is "Never Keeping Secrets." It's just something about that song that just gives me the urge to forget about anything I'm going through at that moment and just be happy.

By Glenda Barnett

Have some respect!

Some adults can be so disrespectful on so many levels. I don't think it's right that adults can talk to children any type of way they want and nothing is done about that, but AS SOON AS CHILDREN DO IT BACK IT'S A BIG PROBLEM!! I was always told that I can say whatever I want as long as it is in a respectful manner. But SOME adults still take it as disrespect. I think something should be done about the way adults speak to children.

By Glenda Barnett

Cell Phones in School Policy

I think it was dumb to start a rule where they take the kids cell phones because it was way too crazy after school having to get your cell phones. I am just glad that they came around to realize that things were hectic when they kept our phones. I am glad we have them now because what happens if there is a emergency and no one can get in touch at school? It's a good thing to have that cell phone in your pocket.

I know there are people who abuse their privileges, but hey they are the kids whose phones get taken away from them. That's on them but if they would have kept that cell phone policy with P.M.A getting more kids every year, it would have been complete mayhem with 200 kids in line trying to get there phones. I wouldn't have been getting home until probably around 5:00 and I couldn't have it getting home that late.

By Jacob Biggs

The ride to school

Ilive 2 hours away from school and it is the worst to get there everyday. But like the school thinks that we should always be there earlier. I already leave my house at 5:45 and don't get to school until like 7:40 and that's if the buses aren't being stupid, because a lot of the buses are stupid It is the worst when it is cold out.

I live in Kensington and go to school all the way in Mt. Airy. I never went to Mt. Airy until I started going to that school. I take 2 buses and 2 trains to school and let me tell you that more than likely the trains and buses are not on time they don't even try to run on time. For real like I only get lucky if I get to catch a bus back to back. I feel like it will be a good day and that's sad because it should happen more often but that is very unlikely to happen.

By Jacob Biggs

For the kid in all of us

Disney channel is THE BEST TV channel. They play shows and movies for all ages. In the morning they play shows like "Mickey's Playhouse" and "Disney's Little Einsteins." Those shows are very educational for small children who aren't in school yet. In the afternoon they show shows like "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody," which happens to be one of my favorite shows.

By Glenda Barnett

V is for Victory

Man it feels so good. That's all you heard around the Germantown Bears' locker room on Tuesday January 15. We finally broke the 10 game losing streak with a well deserved win over Central High School on our home court. The mood was somewhat playful in the gym without the coach around, but once the well known Ted Silary walked in the gym, all that changed. Everybody immediately got up and started to clean up, and prepare for the game.

For those who don't know who Ted Silary is, he is a high school reporter famous around the entire Philadelphia area. He is known for turning nobodys into somebodys, and that is what he came to do at Germantown. We have two players on our team that are brought up as our main "scorers." When other high schools talk about G-Town's scorers, those two are Jon Mason (yours truly) and Khalief Mason (no relation).

However, after last Tuesday, I believe teams will be doing a lot more than just talking;some planning will be done as well. Ted Silary gave Khalief an amazing write up in the Daily News, and gave me some nice shoutouts, and overall it was a good day. But we are just keeping one thing on our minds, and that is don't get happy, everything is strictly business.

By Jon Mason

Fun in School

I believe that school should be fun. Teachers should take up this philosophy. If teachers don’t know, it is easier to learn things when it is fun to learn about the subject. I think I could be way
smarter if I actually enjoyed what I am learning about.

Teachers' defense is that you can’t have fun in the work field. The people who actually enjoy and have fun at their jobs actually do a way better job and have a higher success rate. Basically what I am saying is, LIGHTEN UP.

By Paul Hart

Chris Paul

Is he the greatest point guard in the NBA? Yes, he is. Chris Paul is number 3 on the MVP ratings. His team is 26-12. They are tied for the sixth best record in the league. Chris is a shoe-in for the All-Star game.

Many people do not know much about Chris Paul and his skills. In the McDonalds All-Star game Lebron James was phenomenal. Yet what people don’t know is that it was Chris Paul who dished Lebron every alley-oop he dunked. Yes Chris Paul is the greatest and soon will be the greatest of all time.

By Paul Hart

Medicine for the soul

Music
I believe music is one of the greatest discoveries of all. I could have the worst day of my life and all I have to do is play the right songs and I will mellow out quickly.

These days the role of music has changed there is no longer a specific crowd that listens to a certain kind of music. Usually African Americans listen to hip hop and R&B. Now more teenaged Caucasians are listening to rap and R&B. And while Caucasians usually listen to Alternative and rock, now there are more African Americans listening to both. I believe that people are starting to realize that it is the MUSIC that counts the person or race that is making it. Way to go America………….

By Paul Hart

We're successful!

As the date of graduation steadily approaches, many cadets have started the beginning of the rest of their lives. For the Seniors, the last half of the school is here and everyone is buzzing around with excitement. Everywhere I go, I seem to hear "Where did you get accepted?" as cadets ask each other what colleges they've been accepted to for the fall of 2008. To my pleasant surprise, many cadets have been accepted into four year institutions with great credentials.

I still remember my first day at the Philadelphia Military Academ; it was filled with nervousness and excitement. As I walked through the door I saw two large and muscular sergeants with brimmed hats on, much like the drill sergeants in the movies. I walked up to the table to report in and I noticed all of the other nervous faces around me. I began to think to myself, "What did i get myself into?" Little did I know that was the entry way through the rest of my life. Much of my experiences came from P.M.A., all good of course.

It was once said to me that "The only bad experience was one that you did not learn from." I began to try to practice that ideal with every endeavor that I encountered. I quickly began to make friends that would last me through the next four years. Now in 2008, everyone is seeing the lightat the end of the tunnel that everyone talks about. "We're almost done, it's finally here" is the most overused phrase at P.M.A., but Ican not blame them. After four years of classes, formations, push-ups, and homework, its all coming to an end. For those who didn't make it into a four year college or didn't apply, most I spoke to are going to the Community College of Philadelphia or to a trade school. We're actually doing it, we are proving to every one that our school works. We're successful!

By Paul Maiellano

Ever since I was about fourteen I have been working at my aunt's shop. While barely making minimum wage I slaved through the hot summers at what I affectionately like to call the sweat factory. I call it this because the shop is well over 119 degrees in the summer.

In the early 1990's my aunt Ardia began her business in New York City. Her company was called Provost Displays and Character Translations Incorporated. What my aunt's business specializes is costumes and scenery for major motion pictures and events. While working with her I have had many experiences, both good and bad, and have learned from all of them.

Since I was eligible to work I have taken advantage of that opportunity. I also know the meaning of a dollar, and that also means what it takes to get one, not just the fact that if one spends it they can procure material things. Some things money can't buy, for everything else , theres master card! Really, I may be the boss' nephew but I work just as hard as any one at the shop. Some of my duties include taking out trash, tediously drilling holes into wood, sweeping, and carrying heavy plastic on roofs. I love my job!

By Paul Maiellano