The Washington Whirl:
Literary Magazine
January 2020
Literary Magazine
January 2020
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"Blissteria” By Sloane CieckiewiczLoading...
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.
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Senator Ellman-Principal for the Day InterviewLoading...
By Jacquie Liedtke, Aarohan Joshi, and Wyatt BarnesLoading...
The interview is on the next page!Loading...
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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.Loading...
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.
An interview with MRS. LOAN
By: Alex Amato
By: Alex Amato
1) Why did you choose to become a teacher?
I knew I wanted to be a teacher at a very young age. My grandfather was a teacher and so was my mother. I also have a cousin who was a teacher. I always enjoyed school and liked my teachers growing up. I struggled at times, but most of my teachers where always there to help me. As I got older, I felt I could help students learn too. Teaching was a natural career choice. I also like being active and with younger people. Sitting in an office all day working on a computer would be very difficult on me.
2) What do you enjoy the most about teaching middle school kids? What makes you job so enjoyable?
In middle school, students change and grow so much. Students come in as timid 6th graders, but leave ready to conquer high school. It is very interesting and fun to watch the students grow and mature. Middle school students are also full of energy and ideas most days. That energy and their creativity makes the days go by fast. You all make me smile!
3) What is the hardest thing about teaching?
The hardest thing about teaching is the paperwork and meetings. Teachers became teachers to be with students. Take away the students, and all the fun is gone! Grading and recording students work can be enjoyable when you see students improve though. Teachers like seeing students succeed.
4) What are your favorite restaurants?
I really like Mexican Food, so I enjoy Las Palmas and On the Boarder. My husband used to manage On the Boarder for 15 years, so I have a lot of fond memories with that restaurant. My husband, his family and I used to own a restaurant in Chicago for 10 years called The Last Act. I loved working there and eating there also, but we sold it in 2000.
I knew I wanted to be a teacher at a very young age. My grandfather was a teacher and so was my mother. I also have a cousin who was a teacher. I always enjoyed school and liked my teachers growing up. I struggled at times, but most of my teachers where always there to help me. As I got older, I felt I could help students learn too. Teaching was a natural career choice. I also like being active and with younger people. Sitting in an office all day working on a computer would be very difficult on me.
2) What do you enjoy the most about teaching middle school kids? What makes you job so enjoyable?
In middle school, students change and grow so much. Students come in as timid 6th graders, but leave ready to conquer high school. It is very interesting and fun to watch the students grow and mature. Middle school students are also full of energy and ideas most days. That energy and their creativity makes the days go by fast. You all make me smile!
3) What is the hardest thing about teaching?
The hardest thing about teaching is the paperwork and meetings. Teachers became teachers to be with students. Take away the students, and all the fun is gone! Grading and recording students work can be enjoyable when you see students improve though. Teachers like seeing students succeed.
4) What are your favorite restaurants?
I really like Mexican Food, so I enjoy Las Palmas and On the Boarder. My husband used to manage On the Boarder for 15 years, so I have a lot of fond memories with that restaurant. My husband, his family and I used to own a restaurant in Chicago for 10 years called The Last Act. I loved working there and eating there also, but we sold it in 2000.
An interview with MRS. LOAN
By: Alex Amato
By: Alex Amato
5) What is your favorite food?
My favorite ingredient in food is cheese. So my favorite food is anything with cheese. That is one of the reasons I love Mexican food so much. But I also love pizza, pasta, cheese sticks, cheesy potatoes, etc. My favorite dessert ingredient is chocolate. So, if a meal had cheese in it and is followed up with a chocolate dessert, I am in heaven.
6) Do you have any pets?
Yes, I love animals. Right now, I have 2 dogs. I have a 5 year old male Labrador mix named D.O.G. To say his name right, you have to say the letters quickly, so it sounds like Deogy. I also have a 1 ½ year old female Dalmatian named T.K. I have a 125 gallon aquarium with 8 fish in it. I also have a huge bird cage with 9 parakeets in it. In the past, I have had mice, Guinea pigs, turtles and even a neon blue mini lobster.
7) Do you have any kids?
My husband and I do not have any biological children, but we did have a foster child for a few years. We are still very close with her, and she considers us her parents. She has 3 children of her own, so we are grandparents to her children.
8) What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I love doing a variety of things. Learning new skills is at the top of my list. I also really enjoy reading books, watching movies, walking my dogs, traveling, and being with family and friends.
My favorite ingredient in food is cheese. So my favorite food is anything with cheese. That is one of the reasons I love Mexican food so much. But I also love pizza, pasta, cheese sticks, cheesy potatoes, etc. My favorite dessert ingredient is chocolate. So, if a meal had cheese in it and is followed up with a chocolate dessert, I am in heaven.
6) Do you have any pets?
Yes, I love animals. Right now, I have 2 dogs. I have a 5 year old male Labrador mix named D.O.G. To say his name right, you have to say the letters quickly, so it sounds like Deogy. I also have a 1 ½ year old female Dalmatian named T.K. I have a 125 gallon aquarium with 8 fish in it. I also have a huge bird cage with 9 parakeets in it. In the past, I have had mice, Guinea pigs, turtles and even a neon blue mini lobster.
7) Do you have any kids?
My husband and I do not have any biological children, but we did have a foster child for a few years. We are still very close with her, and she considers us her parents. She has 3 children of her own, so we are grandparents to her children.
8) What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I love doing a variety of things. Learning new skills is at the top of my list. I also really enjoy reading books, watching movies, walking my dogs, traveling, and being with family and friends.