First Place: Princess Walsh

First Place: Holding Hands by Princess Walsh (Grade 12)

Sometimes in life you need that feeling of affection. You want that feeling of compassion. If there’s anything you’ve ever wanted in life, it’s to be loved and accepted. Most people show their emotions and their personality the best way they know how, by holding hands.

Parents hold their children’s hands when walking in the street. This is to make sure that they don’t run out into the street and get hurt. Also, it’s a sense of control, letting the child know that Mommy or Daddy is the leader. It also gives off the feeling of love towards the child. It says that the parent cares about the child a lot and they hold hands to ensure the child’s safety.

In some cases, friends hold hands too. I usually hold my friends’ hands while crossing the street (they tend just to cross without looking, as if the cars are going to magically stop just for them). Or when I want to get their attention, I take their hand in a subtle way, and usually they notice me right away. I use this same technique when I’m at work. I’m a bridal attendant at a country club – the one who informs the bride and groom of what’s going on throughout the night. It’s really hard to get their attention because they’re talking to all their guests, so I just politely take the bride’s hand and give it a gentle squeeze, and then I get to do my job. It’s my personal way of getting noticed.

Obviously we were going to get to this topic: boyfriends and girlfriends! I wouldn’t dare leave it out! My boyfriend and I hold hands all the time, even when he’s driving. One hand is on the steering wheel, and the other is interlaced with mine. When we hold hands, it’s more out of compassion than trying to get each other’s attention or keeping each other under control or making sure we don’t get hit by any cars. It’s saying, symbolically, "This is the person that I ‘belong’ to." Honestly, there are times we’re in the car and he’s not holding my hand, and I think, "Is he mad at me? Should I reach over for his hand?" But it’s as if he’s reading my thoughts, and in that same moment, before I finish my internal babbling, his fingers are between mine.

There are many ways that people hold hands, and each one has its different meaning. A firm grasp: controlling and confident person. Interlacing of one index finger means that person is playful, flirtatious. Cupping hands is domineering, showing leadership (can be used between friends and family). Holding of the wrist, completely avoiding the hand, is dominant and over-controlling, over-obsessive. Interlacing of the fingers means love, compassion, caring for that other person. There are many different ways to hold a person’s hand; it all depends on how you interpret it.

The next time you get your hand held by another person, focus on how it’s being done. Is it a strong grasp? A soothing touch? Are they playing with your fingers? Reading your palm? Anything that the other person does to your hand is a secret message to you.

Second Place: My Family History by Keith Mannion (Grade 12)

When I saw topic number four, I knew that was just the essay for me. I enjoy researching my family history. When I have a week-long-or-more vacation, I spend about two days with my grandparents, and help my grandmother on my father’s side with the family tree. We basically just follow one line. My mom’s family all came to America from Sicily in the early 1900’s, so there’s not much information on them. My father’s father’s family came over from Ireland in the 1930’s. It’s my father’s mother’s side that we trace far back, especially the women of that particular line.

We started doing this research because as a child, my grandmother was told that her great-great-grandmother was Native American, from the Mohawk tribe. We did our research, and finally found her. Her name was Phebe Ann. Sadly, the death certificate stated that she was white. My grandmother and I have come to think that maybe her mother was a Mohawk and since being biracial was taboo in those days, her husband John just told the coroner that she was white. We have managed to find a picture of her son taken in the early 1900’s. He does have many visible Native American features such as his cheekbones and his eyes. Also, my grandmother’s cousin had a gene test done and traces of Native American ancestry were found.

My favorite part about looking up my family from years past is finding out where they lived and what they did. I was amazed by how many times they moved. They lived in Harlem, Five Points, Morrisania, and even New Rochelle. I have some family that were buried here in the late 1880’s to the early 1900’s. I once brought Amanda and Veronica with me to Beechwood Cemetery to check on the graves during finals week.

I even have some famous people in my family. My family are distant cousins to the King Ranch

in Texas. My Uncle Tommy, a fireman, was dubbed "Rooftop Mannion" by the press in the mid-1900’s because he would use a rope to climb down burning buildings and rescue people when the ladder wouldn’t go that far up. My great-aunt Cecile was a singer who entertained the troops during World War II in Europe. She also gave the key to the city to Charles Lindbergh. One of my favorite family heroes is John A Schueinge. Back in 1901, he was a police officer and he saved the lives of eighteen women and children when the General Slocum ferryboat was burning in the East River.

Researching my family history, I have found out a lot about my family. I’m not only Italian and Irish, but German, Scottish, and Native American too. Doing research on them is a way of remembering my family, which I’m proud of.

Third Place: Holding Hands by Chazine Bartley (Grade 12)

Recently the New York Times printed an article on holding hands. Holding hands is part of daily life. Children hold their parents’ hands while crossing the street, for a sense of security. Best friends hold hands on the playground, while they run away from the boys with cooties. Lovers hold hands while walking down the street to show ownership and affection. Regardless of the reason, people hold hands to show that they care.

Holding hands is something that has evolved for me over the years. I know that sounds weird, but I’m not talking about the ape man. I’m talking about the way I hold hands and the reason. In my younger years, I held my mother’s hand, but then that got a little embarrassing. I used to hold my friend’s hand, but after a certain age that becomes awkward. Now I am seventeen. Of course, everyone knows most teenagers’ main focus is the opposite sex. That’s why if you do see us holding hands, it’s with the other sex. Well, for some it’s the same sex, but that’s another story.

My boyfriend and I hold hands all the time when we walk down the street. We hold hands as a sign that we belong together. When we watch scary movies, like "Texas Chainsaw Massacre," I hold his hand even though he laughs at me for being ridiculous. Sometimes we even hold hands in school. Of course, we only do it when Mr. D. isn’t around, because that would be three days’ for "affection." Trust me, I found out the hard way. Regardless of the particular reason we hold hands, I know we do it because we care about each other.

When I see other people holding hands, it gives me a warm, tingly feeling inside. It reminds me of the relationships I have with people, whether it be my mother, best friend, or boyfriend. I believe there are many underlying reasons why people hold hands, but they don’t realize them. For example, when I hold my boyfriend’s hand to let the next girl know he’s mine. Or when I hold my best friend’s hand (he’s a boy), so that other guys don’t talk to me. Everyone does these things; it just comes naturally so people really don’t think about it.

It’s amazing that something as simple as holding hands can be so complex. It is done for a number of reasons, and can cause a number of emotions. No matter whose hand you hold, or for what reason, I believe that holding hands is a sign of love.

Third Place: A Letter to Mr. Sullivan by Dreia Parker (Grade 12)

As a senior at Blessed Sacrament, I thought it would be good to write you a letter about the school year thus far. It’s only October, but I thought I would still let you know.

This year’s orientation was quite a shock, when we were told the new changes in the school. Everyone was in awe about the new dismissal time, the new teachers, the teachers that left, and having the same schedule every day. What I was most surprised about was having all four classes in the same building! I never thought that could be possible. I have to admit not having to walk across the street to the Annex is wonderful, but these hallways are packed the second the bell rings. I don’t know what it is about being in the same building that makes people just stand there holding conversations, knowing that it’s crowded. Getting to my locker is also a hassle. Everybody is by my locker except the people who actually have a locker there. I don’t mean to be the one to complain, but these things can be annoying.

Being in the same building does have its downside, but it also has its upside. I think being in the same building has made us seem like more of a high school. It’s bringing us closer together. It’s easier for us to help the freshmen, because they are right here in the building. What I like the most about this year is getting out at 1:45. I think it’s great how we don’t have to stay in school until 2:30 (unless you have detention). I get home just in time to watch my soap, "Passions." It also gives me more time to do my homework and study before 9:00. This year seems to be going by really fast. I think that it’s because of the changes. Before you know it, I will be at graduation.

I am a big believer in change. Sometimes things have to change for the better overall. I think that this year is going great. You are doing a wonderful job running the school. And because of you, I know this school year is only going to get better.

First Place: Holding Hands by Corinne Figliuzzi (Grade 11)

Depending on how you look at it, holding hands can be a trivial or a revolutionary act. In kindergarten you held hands with a random classmate on the way to lunch and thought nothing of it. However, these days the act of holding hands far surpasses its use during ring-around-the rosie at recess, and with a value of so much more.

As our goals begin to change from finding the square root of 25 to finding that perfect guy or girl, so do our perceptions of the littlest things in life. Suddenly the simple act of holding a person’s hand is put on a very high pedestal that you can’t seem, but desperately want, to reach. But when you finally do reach that momentous day in your life, it provides a totally new and improved sensation, entirely different from that of your experience in kindergarten. It’s as if you and your partner have electricity running through your veins and out through the tips of your intertwined fingers. Even if held for only a second, it can seem as if the whole world stops, and all that’s left is the two of you with all of your feelings bunched together in the tiny cubby-hole created between your palms. It is so small an act but such a large representation of the mutual affection between two people. Even after time passes, along with the electric sensation, the feelings still remain the same, despite how droopy the hold may become over time.

Considering I’ve never personally seen two people who despise each other holding hands, let alone thought of that being logical in any sense, I’ll stick to my opinion that holding hands shows the world that you and your hold-ie share a common bond, whether it be friendship, love, relation, or mutual feelings. Holding hands can be a way of showing that you care without having to say any words: at funerals, gently holding a brokenhearted family member or close friend’s hand shows support – or literally supports them to the casket when they are hysterical. When faced with such a traumatic event that causes someone close to you to be unconscious, a simple touch of that person’s hand can show a sign of life, and most importantly, a second chance. When with your spouse giving birth or simply helping someone out of a car, even if for a brief second, you’re holding their hand and giving a little piece of support to them, and without even noticing.

Holding hands is no joke; it’s a super-power within itself! One of the many characteristics of holding hands, along with stopping the world and giving support, is the amazing attribute of never going out of style. Let your head rise above the annoying cliché that says joining hands is a "love trend" – it’s a very common and very wrong misconception, for the reason that, no matter what the case, whether it be joining hands in celebration or in prayer, out of relation or friendship, in America or Africa, it always represents one thing: love. And as we know it, love will never go out of style. To put it simply, I think of holding hands as a sanctuary in your heart that tells you that there will always be a way of saying all the right words in any given situation, without having to say anything at all. And sometimes in life, that’s all the assurance we need.

It is difficult for me to choose a favorite book, but right now, I’d say it’s Wasteland by Francesca Lia Block. Its main character is a girl named Marina. She is very insightful and in the story she shows people that love is a powerful thing which cannot be broken, hidden, or denied. Her insight doesn’t come from sheer intelligence, but is the kind that comes from suffering, when the world hollows you out and puts a new pair of eyes in your head.

As a student here at BSSG, she’d risk getting ridiculed for the affair she had with her adopted brother Lex, but the more compassionate students here would hopefully sympathize with her about his suicide. Also, she would have something to teach us about how you can’t be afraid of other people, especially when they’re angry at you for loving someone. In Wasteland, before Lex dies, he tells Marina, "I’ll be the one inside who holds you. And then I won’t be." Because of this, I don’t think she’d exactly fit in with the students here, because although she is fictional, she was clearly made to stand out. Too much has happened to her for her to be one of the people who just fit in, to just not care enough about everything. She’d hold a magnifying glass up to everything she saw, one bigger than most others.

Marina seems as if she’d get along wonderfully with the teachers and administrators. Despite the fact that she is sort of a quiet type, the staff here would appreciate the unusual amount of wisdom and humility she has.

At the end of Wasteland, when Marina and her friend find out Lex was adopted, he asks her, "What does it feel like, now that you know you could have?" Everything she does seems to be a response to this question. Therefore, I think she’d most definitely change the school just by being here. She’d have a lot to teach everyone, especially not to be afraid to love, even if the person you love dies, because a real love is never lost at all.

Third Place: Letter to Mr. Sullivan by Juliana Valdovinos (Grade 11)

Dear Mr. Sullivan,

This year has been going fine. I like some things about school this year that I would have wanted last year. Also, there are a couple of things that I really don’t like. Finally, although I don’t like some things, a couple of other students would agree with me.

This year I am pleased with a couple of things. For example, I like that we don’t have to cross the street for classes. Crossing the street made me tired, and it took too long. Also, it was very cold going outside in the winter and I had to carry my jacket. Another thing I am happy about is that for half the year we get out a period early. Getting out early gives me time to do my homework and other things. In addition I like the free period and study hall. The free period and study hall let me do homework and study. Also, having two gym periods is good for me because I can spend more time on homework. There have been advantages in this school year.

There are a couple of things I have not been happy with this year. I don’t like how the hallways and classrooms are crowded. Going to my locker has been very difficult. There are a lot of people in the hallway that don’t stay on the right, so they bump into me when I am at my locker. In addition, this makes me arrive late for class. Another thing I am not happy with is the lunch food. Although it has great taste, it isn’t very healthy. I think there should be changes in the food.

This school year is a little different from last year. There have been some advantages about this year, but there have been disadvantages too. Not crossing the street has brought both good and bad changes.

Sincerely,

Juliana Valdovinas

First Place: A Main Character by Navmeet Kaur (Grade 10)

I love to read books and try reading many different genres. I dislike poems, plays, and some romance stories. I love action, adventure, mystery, horror, and comedy. One genre has been getting my attention over a couple of years. That would be fantasy, of course, leading me to my all-time favorite series, Harry Potter. I find it really different and it catches my interest. The story takes me to a different world when I’m reading it. But it brings up a lot of questions. For example, how would life be if everyone was a witch/wizard, or what would I do if I could do magic? Better yet, what would happen if Harry came to BSSG? Now that’s something to ponder.

We all know the story of Harry Potter, or most of us do, anyhow. Harry is known for his courage, bravery, and hopefulness. He always sticks to his guns and is there to save the wizarding world. Sure, he’s mischievous now and then, but who isn’t? If Harry came to BSSG, things would be strange.

He might get along with a few kids, the ones he likes. Perhaps there’d be a few verbal fights and some "accidents" here and there. His accent and way of talking might be strange. He might also get along with some teachers. But if he doesn’t like what they say, sparks will fly. For the most part, though, he’d be well-behaved. He might find things strange here, with us being Muggles. He might miss not being able to use magic and wonder how we survive. He’ll tell us about his life and his friends. If he gets a little homesick, then we’ll cheer him up. He’ll amaze people with his magic, or be seen as different.

Some ways he might change the school are by using magic to pull pranks on teachers, making things more magical and more exciting. He might open up our imaginations a little bit more. People might change their views of other people, and learn to understand people’s differences. Who knows?

In conclusion, having Harry over might be good or complete chaos. It depends on him and the school, really. I don’t think things would be chaotic, at least not a lot. It would be fun and completely different. One thing’s for sure: it would mean a lot of laughs, though for some more than others.

Second Place: Holding Hands by Aryana Arce (Grade 10)

Holding hands is a powerful action that holds a lot of meaning. There are many reasons as to why we hold hands. Children hold hands with parents for safety and comfort, couples hold hands out of affection, and people hold hands to help one another.

I have held hands in all of these situations. There are many other ways to hold hands without physical contact. Holding hands is a mental action too. Sometimes helping someone through obstacles is holding someone’s hand. When I have held hands with someone, I feel as if I am not alone because there is someone there next to me mentally, spiritually, or physically.

It is a great feeling to hold someone’s hand no matter the person, because it shows a connection between the people. I mean, you wouldn’t hold hands with someone you don’t know, unless there’s a specific reason. I enjoy holding hands with people because I feel a special bond. It fills me up with joy and happiness. That is why holding hands is an action of love. When I see people hold hands, I see a lot of emotions such as happiness, sadness, or love.

There are many reasons people hold hands physically, mentally, or spiritually. It shows we care when we hold hands with another. Holding hands is a most meaningful action of love and care.

Third Place: Vendor Heads by Anthony Giocondo (Grade 10)

Candy Man: Oh boy! Another day, another dollar, quarter, dime, whatever! Hey, "Soda Head,"got

any takers yet?

Soda Head: No, "Candy Man," it’s early. But at least I have the best corner.

Airhead: Hey, "Freeze Zone," what’s shaking? Winter is coming – I guess you’ll be lonely in your

corner (no takers).

Freeze Zone: Shut up, Airhead, every time someone buys an air head, you lose another brain cell. And

let’s face it, you don’t have much to spare! Besides, after summer school I need the rest. It was

so hot this summer they filled me up twice a day.

Chippy: Listen, guys, be quiet. I didn’t get much sleep last night – that stupid mouse is back and he

kept crawling up trying to get the chips and pretzels. I outsmarted him: I kept closing my flap,

and I swear I caught him a few times, but now I’m sore and stiff. Oh no! Here comes the

grabber. Every time he puts in his money he tries to reach in and grab an extra bag of pretzels.

One day I’m gonna grab him where it hurts.

Candy Man: Hey, "Chippy," at least you only have the grabber. I have the puncher. He keeps punch-

ing my buttons like I’m gonna give him extra. He keeps trying to short-circuit me because he

thinks then he will get all my candy. He is such a jerk. One day I’m gonna punch my M&M’s

so far up his nose he’ll need to have them surgically removed. Hey, "Free Zone," who shakes

you up?

Freeze Zone: That would have to be the drip. Every time she buys an ice cream sandwich she drips all

over my knobs. Honestly, she needs to find another snack. Maybe "Cola Boy" should take her –

he likes being messy.

Soda Head: Hey, guys, did you hear they want to replace us with healthy foods? Are they crazy?

Whose bright idea was that? I don’t want to be replaced with vitamin water and juice. No kid

wants healthy, they want junk, honest to goodness junk! I like giving kids caffeine. They need

it, especially during boring classes. Hey, guys, here comes the Principal – we’d better shut up or

they’ll pull our plugs.

Honorable Mention: Dorcas Amoah Ivy Green

First Place: A Main Character at BSSG by James Gonidakis Grade 9)

Have you ever pictured one of your favorite book characters living your life? If you have, and got the chance to see it, would you? I know I would. My favorite novel is Eragon. If I were to see Eragon at BSSG, it would be great!

Eragon is a teenage farm boy who is unexpectedly told that he is a legendary dragon rider. Can you imagine a dragon rider sitting in one of your classes? But Eragon’s life takes place a long time ago. If he were to travel to the future and attend BSSG, he would certainly stick out.

When Eragon started his adventure as a dragon rider, he faced perils beyond belief. I don’t even think Mr. D. could scare Eragon. But Eragon is a quiet boy, and always opens himself freely in service to others. So I doubt you would ever see Eragon in detention.

I think Eragon would be a model student at BSSG. During his adventure he has become very mature and intelligent. However, when Eragon still lived on his farm, he could not read. But with the help of his mentor, Brem, he has become more eager to learn. Eragon would have a great time learning new reading and writing skills in Ms. Noone’s class.

I’m positive that Eragon would make friends here. He is unique, and expresses his originality freely among others. And he has met many friends because of that.

I also think Eragon would change this school, because he could be an inspiration to all of the students here. He shows that anything is possible if you simply be yourself. Eragon knows the meaning of diversity and individuality, and he’s not afraid to teach it to others.

Second Place: A Main Character at BSSG by Will Burkhardt (Grade 9)

I am writing to tell you of the story of my favorite character from my favorite book: V, from V

Is for Vendetta by Alan Moore. He is a very interesting character, and the book is very good. I would recommend that anyone with intelligence pick it up, because you won’t be able to put it down.

V is a man who has been tortured and experimented upon by the futuristic British government, and who now seeks revenge against it. He dresses in black, wears a cape, and dons a Guy Fawkes-like mask. He plans to succeed where Guy Fawkes failed – blowing up Parliament as Fawkes attempted to do years before. V is a genius and loves literature and art. Since he does nothing but fight British injustice, he has time to read and to marvel at art. To see V in BSSG would be an amazing sight to behold.

Firstly, V would easily earn and maintain an impressive 100 average in all his courses, and would relinquish all of his reading materials because of his massive home library. While in our school he would probably join our student government and eventually have complete control, for his intelligence, brawn, and cunning wit are unmatched. However, V is a fair man of the people; he wouldn’t abuse his power and would use it to do away with all negative aspects of our school.

On the other hand, he would not respond well to discipline. He will not compromise his attire, his actions, or his thoughts, and if he disagrees with the disciplining of them or anything else he believes is truthful and just, he will make it known. Your most hated teacher, or that kid who sits across from you in home room or, dare I say, poor Mr. D. may just slip off the face of the earth, never to be heard from again. V is ruthless in his pursuit of justice and equality, and has zero tolerance for any failure of his cause.

In conclusion, V in BSSG would be a golden age: no fights, no disagreements, and no unfairness. He would resculpture  our school into a beautiful site of fairness and equality, disciplined yet fair. Just think of this man whenever Mr. D. gives you a detention for exhaling loudly, or you suffer any other injustice, because even though he’ll never exist, his thoughts and ideas do.