The Cost of Magic

May 12, 2016

Dear Violet,
      I'm sorry. So so sorry. I have to go. I know you don't understand but I hope that this letter will explain things a bit more.
      Simply put, I am a witch. I don't have a broom or an odd hat. I do have a wand but I rarely use it. Most witches are like me. Our "trademarks" have been forbidden for years. We used to live out in the open until your kind decided that we were "too dangerous". I really can't disagree. Since Salem all magic users have lived in the underground. There we can use and hone our magic. We also learn to cover up the signs of our powers. I am an Illusionist that dabbles in Alchemy.
      My kind is everywhere in your life, Violet. Your trusted police officers are Polygraphs or Hunters. Coroners might be your local Necromancer. Florists and gardeners are Earth mages. Artists are often Illusionists but other types have grown to create as well. You probably don't believe me and I don't blame you. It is hard to have your world view be changed. But we are here. And maybe not for much longer.
      Something is sapping our power. Recently I decided to ask around and rest at a Coven. They were suffering the same effects I am. I went to see a Numerator to try and see if they would divine my future. (I've always found that Numerators were better at that than Diviners.) Their powers were weak but warned of danger. Both that I knew and didn't know.
      I remembered this but wasn't too concerned. I should have been. I feel as though I have had a tail or that a Hunter put a tracking spell on me. Perhaps I am too paranoid.
      I enclosed a necklace for you. It has a disillusionment spell on it. With the necklace you will be able to see magic. Don't touch it unless you are sure you want to see. Go to the bridge on 7th street and underneath it there are beautiful murals. Act normal. I don't know what is after me or if it will come after you.

Best wishes,
Phee


May 23, 2016

Dear Violet,
      Have you ever had a feeling that something wasn't right? Places like broken lighthouses, rest stops, and deep in the mountains? That is us. All people connect with magic. Some call it religion or fate.  Some of us can use it. I never cared to learn why. I feel like I should have. Perhaps what is happening would make more sense.
      Deep inside me, I don't believe so though. Feelings. You learn to trust your feelings as a witch. Instinct saves lives. Great motto. It's used with you humans. Think everything's ok, but feel like you are going to be hurt? Get out. Know you did the spell right, but it feels wrong? It's wrong.
      What's my point? I feel that something is terribly wrong. An ancient witch might know what to do. I'm not sure there is even a spell for what is happening. I suppose magic could reject us. I'm taking responsibility for what is happening. I don't want to lose magic and I don't think my people could take the consequence of it. After all, we aren't too much different from you.
      I went to an apothecary to get some potion ingredients. Magic extension potions and things like that. I feel the slow trickle of magic draining from me. Chaos has started to erupt in outside magic towns. Magic gives people control over something, I guess. They can't stand not having it. I'm not sure going to a magic stronghold is a good idea. I would like see how they are dealing though. Most wise magic users avoid strongholds for as long as they can. Trust is an issue in those places.
      Don't go to the sketchy parts of town. (The sketchy feeling is a spell. For both of our races' protection.)
      I am sending these letters by owl. I know it's unconventional especially for an Unconnected like you. Thing is I don't trust your technology. Your people control too much of it. They can see what is said. My feeling says something awful has or will happen. These must be kept a secret between the two of us. Brandy is the owl's name. She will do fine on her own so long as you don't keep her in a cage. I've enchanted Brandy with a spell that prevents anyone from reading what she carries except for the recipient. (Remind me to tell you the story of the first time I preformed that spell.) Our line of communication should be safe.
      I understand you have questions. They need to be answered because I must trust you. Send a letter with Brandy and I will reply as soon as I can.

Stay safe,
Phee


May 25, 2016

Phoenix,
      Phoenix. I... I didn't believe you. I thought you were insane. No. You are insane. But I guess I'm insane with you to now.
      I didn't touch that necklace for a week. It gave me creepy vibes. Honestly I don't know how you deal with that magic stuff. Sets off the kidnapper alarm. Anyway, I touched it. At my house the first time. Everything looked normal except Brandy glowed. She looked at me like I was normal. (I've been getting weird side eyes from that owl. Teach it manners.) Let me tell you. That necklace went down as fast as I could manage.
      Next day comes. Curiosity killed the cat. I wore some gloves and put the necklace in my bag. 7th street is the definition of sketchy. Until I put that necklace on. Murals jumped out at me.  The air buzzed. I could almost hear the stories those murals told me. I kept walking. That place isn't sketchy. It's beautiful. Why would you hide that? I take the necklace off at night but I keep it on or in my bag during the day. (Don't want to take a chance with the new boss.)
      Now for the floodgate of questions. I know the first few are kind of stupid but still. Are the tooth fairy, the Easter bunny, and Santa real? Are they magic? Can kids connect with magic better? How did that stuff just appear? Are you some kind of super evolved human? How long have witches existed? What types of magic are there? Do bad witches exist? Can they be stopped? What with the "I must trust you" stuff? We are friends. Trust is in that deal. Things aren't that bad, are they?
      Most importantly, are you ok? This loss of magic stuff seems fishy to me. I mean if I was a psycho witch with a vendetta, I might just consider getting rid of magic to spite someone. Maybe. Hypothetically. I'm thinking about what humans (gosh that's weird to say) would do for power. Let me tell you, we do and would do a lot for a taste of power. I trust you and your "instinct" or whatever but be careful. I want to see my friend again. You are headed head first into something big. I don't think either of us know quite what it is yet though.
      Oh! I almost forgot. I haven't felt anything come after me. The necklace puts me on edge and I'm getting used to it. I suppose that could be someone or something but I'm happy to report no attacks on my life. I'd like to keep it that way. And I wish the same for you too.

Best of luck on your insane quest,
V


By: Rachael Battey

Read More

Did Somebody Say Improv?

Improv club usually takes place every last day of the school week in the chorus room. Because of all the days off, it’s hard to make it a certain day. For those of you that do not know, improv, short for improvisation, is when you are given a scenario and you have to come up with something to act out and say. Sometimes it comes out so random that it is just so funny. When you witness the hilariousness that comes from improv it makes you (or at least me) just want to come back every week to hear and participate in this funny and amazing club. Improv club has already had one performance this school year and will have another one before the year comes to a close. I really do encourage you to come out to improv in the chorus room for at least one day (don’t worry; you don’t have to preform).

By: Peter McAuliffe

Read More

Too Much Cheese

Read More

The New Aquinas Art Club!

Are you one of those people who loves collecting stuff and yet has no idea how to organize and make use of them? Are you one of those people who would like to try calligraphy but stuck at where to start? Are you one of those people who seek art in everyday life? Are you interested in keeping your memorable moments in a scrapbook? Are you interested in group discussions of pieces of art that you like? Do you consider yourself an artsy person?

If any of these statements describe you, then come join AQ’s new Art Club! This is a place where people who are passionate about art and life can meet and express their passion in the form of art! No skills required, all you need is your enthusiasm.

Me, as an international student, have longed to join a visual art club before I became a student here at Aquinas. However, on my first day in the school, I learned that there were no art clubs here. I am one of those students who is never able to pass a PE test, thus when I found out I was in an athletically strong school, I lost my passion for the school’s extracurricular activities. It was about eight months ago when the idea of creating an art club first came to my mind. I thought through it over and over, and I eventually found the courage to talk to Mrs. Nosky, the school’s art teacher. When I first entered the art classroom, I felt like I belonged, and that was when I learned that I was in a meaningful place.

Since there is still so much that is undecided of the club, we are holding a few workshops to start with. Our first workshop has been decided to be a calligraphy class, so if you are interested in fancy hand lettering skills, or even seeking for improvements or your handwriting, come join us! I have prepared several different fonts for the club to practice! Practicing is fun when we are doing it with our friends. So grab some of your friends and come check out the club! We will not disappoint you!

BTW our first workshop was planned on Thursday, December 15th, but was cancelled because of the snow. Information about the workshop will be announced as soon as the new date is decided.

By: Yizi Wang

Read More

Almost Maine!

               Almost Maine, recently been performed by the Aquinas Theater Department, is a comedy about love. Almost Maine, written by John Cariani, is a show about losing love, finding love, and the many aspects that love entails. We watch as nine pairs of people feel, act upon, and find love through each other. The show, comprised of two acts, a prologue, interlogue, and epilogue, is not very long though it does capture the audience through its dramatic and comedic scenes.

               Jacqui Thompson (me) portrays the character Rhonda. Rhonda is a strong female character in her late 20s who has never had any major interactions with love. Rhonda talks about working in the lumber mill, winning arm wrestling competitions since the 5^th grade, and being snow-mobiler of the year. While she is a strong, outspoken women, a woman of love and affection, she is not. But what happens when her best friend for years tries to make a move? 

by: Jacqui Thompson

Read More

Aquinas Band-Ultimate Makeover

This fall, it’s back, but with a new look. It’s the highly anticipated Aquinas Instrumental Music Program! Many changes have taken place within the program this year, so read all about it!

THE AQ WIND PROJECT

            We all know it stinks when, at the beginning of the year, we find out that we may not be able to take all of the courses that we requested the previous year because of scheduling issues. Solution: AQ Wind Project! This group is composed of students interested in music but who cannot take band during the normal school hours. They meet in the mornings, Tuesday and Thursday… at 7:00 am! That is some admirable dedication! This group also has optional Fridays for Jazz Ensemble students (see below). They perform nearly all their music with the Concert Band students who take the course during the day, so it’s truly a win-win. And I can think of nothing better than starting the day off with music!

THE AQ JAZZ ENSEMBLE

            This group also meets bright and early in the morning, but they play tunes of a different kind. Every Friday morning, the AQ Jazz Ensemble rehearses… well… jazz! But that’s not all! They play a variety of music, from rock to pop to funk, including opportunities for improvisation. Also, since a jazz band is not your typical school band, it includes some more “unusual” instruments, like string bass, electric guitar, or electric bass. If you think your instrument doesn’t fit in a traditional setting, then come along to Jazz Ensemble! They’d love to have you jam with them!

THE BAND FORMERLY KNOWN AS CONCERT BAND: THE DYNAMICS

            Okay, technically they’re still referred to as Concert Band, but now they’ve got another cool name too: The Dynamics! The students in this lively group are passionate about instrumental music, and they’re ready to show the school what amazing talent they have. Be sure to look out for them in the coming weeks, because they’re planning on performing for the school at Monday Morning Kumbaya. The Dynamics rehearse every day (period 4 this year), so they have plenty of time to practice and refine their music, as well as participate in the occasional “Snack Chat:” a day set aside to discuss important music theory concepts, learn about significant events in instrumental music history, and, of course, share snacks! Some students from this group also created a logo for the group entirely out of musical symbols (see above!). If you are an enthusiastic and DYNAMIC performer, then you’d love to be a part of this band!

Aquinas also has the Middle School Band, which includes students who are brand new to their instruments. This gives them an incredible opportunity to learn how to perform with other students as they continue to develop their own skills. Many students from all the bands also participate in the pep band, which plays at several home football games, and performs at school-wide pep assemblies.

However, whichever band is performing, they’re sure to have the energy to lift your spirits! Come out to hear these bands play some extremely fantastic music at their semi-annual concerts. Admission is free, so it’s easy to show your support! Who knows, after listening to the bands, you might be inspired to dust off that old instrument you haven’t touched since fourth grade, or learn a new one. It’s never too late to make music a part of your life!

by: Maggie McAuliffe

Read More

A Spooky Story

There once was a boy named Jeffery, but all his friends called him Jeff. Jeff woke up at 7 o’clock on a Tuesday morning and got ready for school. Jeff was walking to school when all of a sudden at 7:27 he tripped on a rock. He fell face first on the ground extremely hard. Blackout. At 3:30 that afternoon he woke up in a hospital bed. He saw many translucent ghosts clouding his vision. All the ghosts were whispering things like “We’ll always be here,” or, “I’ve come to haunt you.” He could barely see or hear anything that was going on around him. He could see both his parents and two nurses crowding around his bed all with concerned looks on their faces. His mom had a single tear running down her cheek. His dad had a very serious but concerned look on his face. Both the nurses had straight faces. Once they all noticed that Jeff was awake, they crowded even closer. His mom put her hands over her mouth and started crying. His dad’s expression suddenly changed to a happy one. Jeff's parent's took him home and for the rest of his life, he just had to deal with all of the ghosts.

by: Peter McAuliffe

Read More

AQ's Astounding Art Show

“I am still far from being what I want to be, but with God’s help I shall succeed.”                                                                    Vincent Van Gogh

        Aspiring artists at Aquinas create new masterpieces every day that portray their own aesthetic and view point while also learning new techniques and styles to construct unique and beautiful masterpieces. Aquinas supports all of the student’s artwork and loves to put them on display for all to see. 
   The annual Aquinas Art Show allows students to have their art work displayed for the public to view. From ceramics, to paintings, jewelry and drawings, the Aquinas art department provides a variety of artwork for the public to enjoy and adore. From amateur students in their first year of art to advanced drawers and painters, the art show provides a variety of fabulous artwork, chosen by the art teachers: Mrs. Malone and Mrs. Nosky. It is great way to see the wonderful talent of our very own Aquinas students. 
          The Art Show is on Friday, May 1st, 2015 and will be held in the Art center from 7-9 pm, everyone is welcome to come and admire the artwork of 7th through 12th graders. Seniors will have their very own panels dedicated to them. It is a great way for students to show who they are and the success they have had throughout their art career at Aquinas.

        As a student who has taken several art courses and hopes take more in the future, I believe that art is a way to show our own unique prospective on life. I personally love to make people happy by creating new pieces and express my own aesthetic. My mom says I was born with a pencil in my hand, and I hope that I will be able to focus in art as a graphic designer in my future endeavors. Students throughout Aquinas are able discover new ways to express themselves every day including athletics, extracurricular activities and the fine arts. The Art Show is able to bring together all different pieces of art from a variety of students that share a passion for creating something new with their own individual twist. 

By: Anna Schum

Read More