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The Washington Whirl:Literary Magazine
January 2020
"Blissteria” By Sloane Cieckiewicz
This painting was lovingly created by me with acrylic and watercolor on watercolor paper.
What this piece means to me is much more than what comes across on the surface. This scene depicts a whimsical wisteria tree with many tones of light coming through and behind the branches. When I envisioned this concept, I was aiming for a calm, almost solemn peaceful scene. What I ended up with was a complex blend of content, joy, wishfulness, solitude, hope, and more. By sharing this piece with the Whirl, I hope you too can find great meaning under the colorful leaves of my piece.
What this piece means to me is much more than what comes across on the surface. This scene depicts a whimsical wisteria tree with many tones of light coming through and behind the branches. When I envisioned this concept, I was aiming for a calm, almost solemn peaceful scene. What I ended up with was a complex blend of content, joy, wishfulness, solitude, hope, and more. By sharing this piece with the Whirl, I hope you too can find great meaning under the colorful leaves of my piece.
Senator Ellman-Principal for the Day Interview
By Jacquie Liedtke, Aarohan Joshi, and Wyatt Barnes
The interview is on the next page!
On Friday, November 22, the three of us were given the honor of interviewing Senator Ellman. She came to WJHS for the day and shadowed Mr. Vogel around to all of our classrooms. Senator Ellman also had lunch with the Student Council Executive Board and met with us for an interview. We got to learn all about her experience in the Senate, as well as lots of fun facts about her life as a child. If you want to learn more about Senator Ellman, you can go to her website, www.senatorlauraellman.com.
Senator Ellman-Principal for the Day Interview
By Jacquie Liedtke, Aarohan Joshi, and Wyatt Barnes
Q: Why did you want to become the Principal for the day?
Senator’s Thoughts: Senator Ellman had little experience in the field of teaching. She was a professor for a little while but didn’t know much, so she took up the offer in order to learn the ins and outs of being a principal of a junior high. She learned just how much the principal works with other members of the staff, such as secretaries and assistants. Principals have to effectively problem-solve and make sure the school is running properly. Senator Ellman experienced the life of a principal and understands just how important a principle is to the success of a school.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being in the Senate?
Senator’s Thoughts: The Senator’s favorite part about being in the Senate is talking to so many different people. She gets to look at life in new ways and through multiple viewpoints. She says this is a great way to get passionate about other things because other people have similar or different interests than her. “It is a joy to learn.”
Q: What is the most interesting topic that you have voted on in the Senate?
Senator’s Thoughts: Although Senator Ellman has voted on many topics, she says the most interesting one came in just the second week in session. It was a bill about exotic animals. This caught her attention as she had not heard much about this particular topic. The issue was people were transporting exotic animals such as elephants and zebras while on roadshows. While on the road, the animals suffered. However, many people were passionate about their animals and their roadshows. It was an interesting topic because it opened her eyes to passions that may seem out of the ordinary.
Q: Do you have any goals that you would like to accomplish in the Senate?
Senator’s Thoughts: She wants to make Illinois a place to be proud of again. Illinois has had a bad reputation over the last few years, and many people are saying how they want to move from Illinois. Senator Ellman says that we do indeed have a problem. But we have everything it takes to solve it. Illinois has skilled workers and our economy has everything it needs. We have good transportation, agriculture, workers, you name it. She wants to use these tools to make Illinois a proud state and one where people will want to stay for years to come.
Senator’s Thoughts: Senator Ellman had little experience in the field of teaching. She was a professor for a little while but didn’t know much, so she took up the offer in order to learn the ins and outs of being a principal of a junior high. She learned just how much the principal works with other members of the staff, such as secretaries and assistants. Principals have to effectively problem-solve and make sure the school is running properly. Senator Ellman experienced the life of a principal and understands just how important a principle is to the success of a school.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being in the Senate?
Senator’s Thoughts: The Senator’s favorite part about being in the Senate is talking to so many different people. She gets to look at life in new ways and through multiple viewpoints. She says this is a great way to get passionate about other things because other people have similar or different interests than her. “It is a joy to learn.”
Q: What is the most interesting topic that you have voted on in the Senate?
Senator’s Thoughts: Although Senator Ellman has voted on many topics, she says the most interesting one came in just the second week in session. It was a bill about exotic animals. This caught her attention as she had not heard much about this particular topic. The issue was people were transporting exotic animals such as elephants and zebras while on roadshows. While on the road, the animals suffered. However, many people were passionate about their animals and their roadshows. It was an interesting topic because it opened her eyes to passions that may seem out of the ordinary.
Q: Do you have any goals that you would like to accomplish in the Senate?
Senator’s Thoughts: She wants to make Illinois a place to be proud of again. Illinois has had a bad reputation over the last few years, and many people are saying how they want to move from Illinois. Senator Ellman says that we do indeed have a problem. But we have everything it takes to solve it. Illinois has skilled workers and our economy has everything it needs. We have good transportation, agriculture, workers, you name it. She wants to use these tools to make Illinois a proud state and one where people will want to stay for years to come.
By: Kate Ahlfeld
"No Teeth" a poem
By: Taylor Watson
By: Taylor Watson
No-Teeth they called him.
A small, pleasant critter.
No-Teeth they called him.
A precious soul.
No-Teeth they called him.
Though eerie and closeted
No-Teeth they called him.
Held many troubled whispers.
No-Teeth they called him.
Found in the oaks depths.
No-Teeth they called him.
Presumed to have no fears.
No-Teeth they called him.
Wars battling out in his mentality.
No-Teeth they called him.
“Never again,” were his final utters.
No-Teeth they called him.
Disappeared into the shades of black.
No-Teeth they called him.
Trails of white left behind.
A small, pleasant critter.
No-Teeth they called him.
A precious soul.
No-Teeth they called him.
Though eerie and closeted
No-Teeth they called him.
Held many troubled whispers.
No-Teeth they called him.
Found in the oaks depths.
No-Teeth they called him.
Presumed to have no fears.
No-Teeth they called him.
Wars battling out in his mentality.
No-Teeth they called him.
“Never again,” were his final utters.
No-Teeth they called him.
Disappeared into the shades of black.
No-Teeth they called him.
Trails of white left behind.