INSIDE INSIGHT Volume I Issue 3

Summer 2010

Class of 2010 Focus EditionClass of 2010 Focus EditionClass of 2010 Focus EditionClass of 2010 Focus Edition

Purpose

Inside Insight exists to provide an outlet to show-

case the God-given talents of The First Academy’s

authors, poets, essayists, photographers and artists.

“Inside Insight”

The sounds are heard,

A fog is lifted,

A heart begins to open to the world.

Exposure to the sun

Without fear of burning;

Arms open to the possibilities,

Without apprehension.

Slowly, the fists uncurl,

And the mask falls to the floor.

What others see and who we are

Become one.

The light breaks through the darkness,

The door opens to the soul.

Now all who are around see

Not just the surface but

Reality;

Inside Insight.

Inside Insight Staff

Kirk Hensley, Senior Editor

Tamara Allen, Junior Editor

Amanda Whitaker, Sophomore Editor

Mrs. Patton, Sponsor

i

The First Academy Mission Statement

The First Academy is a Christ-centered, college-preparatory school

whose mission is to prepare children for life as Christian leaders

who choose character before career, wisdom beyond scholarship,

service before self, and participation as a way of life.

1

Table of Contents

Works of Literature

Poetry

“Discuss”

“The City”

“What is Life”

“ABC’s of Coach”

“Not Just a Coach”

“There Was A Child Went

Forth”

Short Story

“Reflection in the Water”

Senior Memory Book Entries

“All I Ever Needed To Know...”

“No-Bake Kelly Cake” Recipe

Persuasive Essay

For Mr. Kowars

Art & Photography

Mrs. Patton

Emily Williams

Kristin Baker

Doug Cohen

Courtney Creeden

Olivia Cole

Josh Highburger

Courtney Fair

Savannah Posgai

Lauren Cole

Kelly Meredith

Devan Vandergrift

Stephanie Nants

Catherine Duran

Kelly Meredith

Katie English

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5

Page 8

Page 10

Pages 6-7

Page 10-11

Page 12

Page 13

Cover Art

Page 3

Page 7

Page 13

Back Cover

Back Cover

2

“Discuss”

By: Josh Highburger

Floating silent in time

Hanging

In the air, on the wall

Slowly ticking, unstopping

Limited, on the wall

To a limit they hang

All as if pointing

To something

Each other

Leaders, such fools

Knowing not what they lead

The unwary eye, to nothing

Pure nothingness

Blank being filled

Open passage, count of four

Four reduced to three and one

Whole worth more than its parts

One away from the herd

Left alone

By itself, in the middle of more

Dissimilar, they relate

Apart they are broken

The City

By: Courtney Fair

The sun climbs high over the

sprawling city,

And with it rise dreamers soaring

to the top.

Their dreams are reflected in the

fog-like smog.

Its hazy form surrounds them.

At night, city lights twinkle like the

many stars inhabiting this city.

The tall, skinny, perfect palm

trees are role models to every girl

there.

Above the chaos, huge peaks

enclose them;

The hand of God in a lonely

sin city.

And towering white letters

proclaim the message:

"This is where it all begins."

3 Emily Williams

4

“What is Life?”

By: Savannah Posgai

I’ve finally learned what is life…

It’s learning to make love out of strife.

It’s always pushing that extra mile.

It’s falling down but keeping a smile.

It’s laughing when you want to cry.

It’s bowing to pray when you’d rather shout to the sky.

It’s allowing faith and actions to collide.

It’s knowing that just because things go wrong, God hasn’t died.

It’s believing in yourself when they think you’ll fail.

It’s going forth when you want to bail.

It’s knowing sometimes your plans will be shattered.

It’s remembering that your heart will be battered.

It’s picking up broken pieces and starting anew.

It’s creating something beautiful out of the blue.

It’s looking in the mirror and being happy with who you are.

It’s not having to look back to know you’ve come far.

It’s often allowing yourself to lead with your heart.

It’s remembering sometimes your head is more smart.

It contains many chapters of saying goodbye.

It’s remembering that they’ll forever in your heart lie.

It’s becoming who God made you to be.

It’s trusting Him when trials are so thick you can’t see.

It’s knowing you can’t be lost without a destination.

It’s, therefore, choosing where to go from your current location.

It’s growing or you might as well be dying.

It’s admitting that if you’re not making progress,

you’re probably not trying.

I’ve learned lessons so painful thy cut like a knife,

But that’s how you learn to answer

What is life?

5

All I Ever Needed to Know, I Already Learned

By: Catherine Duran

Dear future child,

I am taking this chance to tell you a little about the things I wish I

would have known, things I have learned, and things I hope will

guide you through the wonderful life that lies ahead of you. I want

you to know that the purpose of life is a life of purpose. There is an

all-sufficient Savior who loves you and has ordained all the days of

your life. Live each day as the child of God you are, and glorify the

one who died so that you might live. I want you to know that in life

luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Always be prepared to

walk the path that lies before you, and I promise you good things will

come your way. May you understand that life is hard; so, be compas-

sionate to others and to yourself. There is no single person on this

earth that has never made a mistake nor will their ever be. So, com-

fort those who walk through times of trials and tribulations. I pray

you spend less time worrying about what others think. Live life, and

be the wonderful person you were made to be because no one else is

like you, and that makes you special. I hope you don’t always follow

the crowd. Stand up for what is right, and don’t stay quiet just to

blend in. Know that life is too short to waste time hating anyone. For-

give as you have been forgiven, and never hold grudges towards any-

one. Know that you can’t always be THE best, but you can always be

YOUR best. Don't compare your life to others. The Lord made each

and everyone of our days to be unique to us. You have no idea what

their journey is all about, but know that yours is going to be pretty

spectacular. I want you to never take yourself so seriously. No one

else does. Laugh when things go wrong, and smile when even if your

heart is breaking. Don't worry about life. Show up, and make the

most of it now. You woke up today for a reason; live it to its fullest.

Last, but not least, I want you to believe in miracles. Nothing is im-

possible for a perfect God. Everything is possible with faith.

Love,

Catherine

6

“Reflection in the Water”

By: Stephanie Nants

The water felt cool that morning as the young swimmer

swiftly glided down the lane. Her arms reached out and

plunged themselves before her, propelling her body in a

routine motion. How she loved her routine, full of grace

and simplicity, though hardly much of the latter. But her

gleeful hobby kept her happy through the years of her life.

It was only at the neighborhood pool that she could truly be

herself. The outside world pressured her into submission of

entering the foolish contract filled with devious lies. And

yet it did not matter how much she hated that deception; she

always found the hidden nooks and crannies to hide herself

away in, mainly the empty stairwells and locked bathroom

stalls. But it suddenly occurred to her that even with her

game of hide-and-seek, there was something missing in her

life, something important.

She let her fingertips slide across the top of the water and

press against the cement ledge of the wall. The old move-

ments that once gave her comfort were beginning to give

her pain. Frowning, the swimmer hoisted herself up onto

the edge. Her breaths were even after cooling down from

her morning exercise. She quietly wondered if maybe she

would come back again in the evening. She could always

manage to find time for a quick swim. At this revelation,

she laughed loudly, If only she could find other ways to

spend her time besides swimming.

The sun was starting to rise at that point, dancing off the

pool water in bright, shimmering ripples. The clear sky hy-

pothesized for a good day, even the prickling wind wished

her good luck as is rushed against her skin. The girl leaned

over and gazed at her reflection. It looked calm and hope-

ful, the pale face staring with wide eyes. When she smiled,

the face mimicked her in perfect harmony. Nodding, she

stood up, small beads of water running down her legs.

In that silent moment of self-communication, she realized

that the only problem in her equation was that she was miss-

ing. How could she give to others what she could not give

herself? To find the one thing she was looking for would be

to throw away her fake skin to show the beautiful one un-

derneath. By opening up to the people around her, she

could connect to those she previously thought would be im-

possible to ever identify herself with.

As she began walking to the changing room, the swimmer

gave the pool a small smile. It had taught her a valuable les-

son that fine morning.

7

Kristin Baker

“ABC’S of Coach”

By: Lauren Cole

A strong “Knott” ties us together

Because of hardships and pain

Chosen to share his story

Does not ever blame

Everything I could have asked for

Father of Jeremy Knott, forever in my heart

Gift from above

Having been through pain

Inside and outside the gym

Jimmy Knott

Knowledgeable man of God’s words

Leading by example

Mentor beyond all others

Never doubting God’s plan

Opening our eyes

Pastor I can look up to

Quiet spirit inside

Remembering the past years

Squinting tremendously as he prays

To God be the glory

Universally understood

Vivacious and funny

Wise words flowing from his lips

X-ray into my heart

You, Coach Knott, mean absolutely everything to me

Zoning and shaping my life

8

“Not Just A Coach…”

By: Kelly Meredith

As my last high school volleyball season comes to an end, I

remember the four before this

Bittersweet memories flood my mind

Can I remember a time when I did not know her?

Determination, leadership, and confidence are just some of

the things she’s taught me

Every day and in every way, she pushes me to be better

Forever I will remember the impact she’s had on my life

God has blessed me through her leadership

Having someone like her to look up to

Inspired to grow as a young woman in Christ

Just simply by her constant encouragement, I know she

truly cares

Keeping my eyes on what is truly important

Listening when I need to talk

Michele has made such an impact on my life

Not just a coach, she is a friend and a mentor, too

Open to new ideas; she keeps volleyball interesting

Pre-game pep talks, team retreats, and character building

activities

Quick to notice when I’m having a bad day

Remembering the little details in my life

Sacrificing her time and energy

Throughout every situation, she brings glory to God

Understanding that character is more important than a

simple game

Volleyball has brought us together and made us closer

Withholding nothing, she gives us her all

X-ray her life and you will find Christ

You mean so much to me, Michele

Zero to infinity is how great you are

9

“There Was a Child Went Forth”

By Devan Vandergrift

There was a child went forth every day,

And the first object she’d look upon, that object she became,

And that object became part of her for the day or a certain part of the day,

Or for many years or stretching cycle of years.

The golden rays of sun and small grains of sand became a part of this child,

Sand castles, the smell of the salty air, and warm breeze of summer became

a part of her.

Her father, the most incredible man she has ever known, his gentleness and

sincerity and unconditional love and forgiveness became a part of her.

His hard work that was ever so appreciated, but never acknowledged, and

his love for his family all became a part of this child.

Her mother, with the heart of a servant, always putting herself second and

others first and never seeking praise from anyone.

She poured her life into her children, husband, her broken family, and all

those who were close to her, she leaves a legacy admired by everyone she

comes in contact with, all became a part of this child.

Nap times, learning the ABC’s, and running around the playground, care-

lessly.

Having a permanent play-mate in her younger brother, playing the pool and

building forts, becoming brothers and sisters to the last addition to our fam-

ily, Lizzie.

Pinky promises, first sleepovers and first best friends, truth or dare, and tea

parties by the pool.

Times when it was so easy to make friends, to love all people, to live with-

out holding anything back all became part of this child.

The dirty feet, bright eye’d smiles, and open arms of the children in the

Dominican Republic became a part of her.

The hot summers spent building houses and relationships with the people

she admired the most.

Club bamboo, the festival, the rice and chicken the women of the village poured their

heart into, and Wednesday night church services all became a part of her.

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Understanding what it was like to be in love with Jesus despite her circum-

stances, understanding what it was like to love people who are different,

understanding what life was all about, all became a part of this child.

The freedom of being a teenager, the late night drives from Windermere to

her home in College Park, trying to be home in time to make curfew.

Driving Zachary to and from his friends houses, seeing him enter high

school, being able to talk together about things they both could relate to,

giving him advice, and being so proud of the young man he was becoming

all became a part of her.

Friday night football games, Saturday morning cross-country races, and

Sunday afternoon naps.

Silly arguments that turned into the ends of friendships, but the beginnings

of new ones.

First dates, first love, first real heartbreak became a part of her.

Thinking life was really like a fairytale, and that the greatest thing was dat-

ing the boy on the football team.

Striving to be perfect for those who didn’t quite understand perfection them-

selves.

Sleepless nights, believing lies that seemed so true at the time, and the emp-

tiness of not being enough became a part of her.

Seeking approval and finding value in things that were only temporary.

But in the end, finding that her strength and value comes from only her

Heavenly Father, who does not seek perfection, but accepts weakness.

Discovering that God was bigger than a broken heart became a part of this

child.

The tragedy of the earthquake in Haiti, seeing thousands of lives taken.

Knowing that the one person who had been by her side all of her life was

there,

Feeling helpless but full of hope that she would see her again became a part

of her.

Finally coming to find that no matter what the circumstance or distance, a

true friendship never ends became a part of her.

These became a part of that child who went forth every day, and

who now goes, and will always go forth every day.

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12

No-bake Kelly Cake

Seniors in Mrs. Graham’s English class had to write a recipe that

describes the ingredients in their own lives. The following is an

example of such a recipe by Kelly Meredith

2 cups friendliness

1 cup organization, or orderliness

1 cup self-control

1 cup musical talent, or appreciation

1/2 cup discernment

1/2 cup confidence

1/2 cup compassion

1/2 cup stability

1 tablespoon sassiness

1 tablespoon quick-wit

a pinch of rebelliousness

Mix all ingredients together and place in God’s hands to be

molded by His grace.

Doug Cohen

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For Mr. Kacey Kowars

By: Katie English

I fell in love with reading my junior year of High School. Mr. Kowars was a

new teacher at our school, and quickly became one of the dearest teachers I have

ever had the privilege of knowing. The Glass Castle and The Things They Carried

were books that changed my life.

The Glass Castle immediately found favor with me because I could relate it to

my own life. The Glass Castle is a memoir by Jeanette Walls of her childhood. She

describes an imperfect family using comedy to portray madness. To make the com-

pletely real in life seem distant, small, able to be handled, some use humor. In fac-

ing fear, to laugh is to cope. Laughter is magic. Laughter can conquer tears, burst

forth through streams of pain. I appreciate Jeanette Walls writing because she

chooses to face reality, but not too seriously. I believe life is fleeting, and that we

should not bury our treasure here. Though Walls has endured trials, she proves

through The Glass Castle that she has overcome. She has survived something that

she may not have ever believed she was capable of surviving. The fact is that there

are some things in life we must accept; sometimes there is just no other option.

Situations may halt our lives, but life doesn’t stop at the plea of anyone and for eve-

ryone around you, normalcy continues. In the end, life is fair. Life is fair for the

very truth that it asks the consent of no one. Not the famous, not the wealthy, not

the selfless, not the generous. Life is fair because every person has the same shot at

salvation, regardless of social status, race, goodness. The Glass Castle is a story of

hope and endurance through darkness. Reading this book contributed to strengthen-

ing my belief that life truly is what you make it, so don’t make it too solemn, but be

joyful through the pain because as Christians we hold our treasure in our hearts, and

our hearts are sold entirely to Christ.

If you told me that one year after I read The Things They Carried it would

mean more to me than the first time I read it, I couldn’t have believed you. I loved it

immediately. I loved the depth. I loved the emotional attachment the author had to

the story as a whole. I mostly loved the realness. A reflection on his military career,

Tim O’Brien compiles a collection of anecdotes into a novel. For one thing,

O’Brien is just a great writer. His imagery and irony create a masterpiece of words

in The Things They Carried. It is the kind of book that steals your emotions, steals

your heart. For some reason I was enthralled with the scars O’Brien’s past had left

upon his present. Little did I know I would experience something similar in the

coming year. Though it was nothing like a war, after experiencing the earthquake in

Haiti on January 12, 2010, I understood a certain loss of a certain piece of inno-

cence that perhaps a soldier feels. To become that familiar with death brings you to

life. After the earthquake, The Things They Carried had an entirely new meaning to

me. You realize that though your life has been permanently wounded, once again

everyone else continues with normalcy. Your story may change their day, but not

their life. Still, you’re glad to have an appreciation that you might not otherwise

have. Loss of innocence is a strange emotion. To become painfully aware of the

fragility of life and the ease of death can lead you to believe one of two things: you

either decide upon depression sparred by worthlessness or you decide to make it

beautiful while you can. Every day that you have.

God's Plan of Salvation Admit - "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Pray: Lord, I admit that I am a sinner

in need of a Savior.

Believe - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but

have everlasting life" (John3:16). Pray: Lord, I believe

that Jesus died and shed His blood for my sins. I believe this in my heart and not just my head.

Call - "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" Romans 10:13).

Pray: Lord, I call upon You to save me from my sins. I confess and repent of my sins. I know that Your Son, Jesus paid

my debt on the cross-a debt I could never pay despite all my good works-and I thankfully accept Your gift of eternal life

in Heaven that His death makes possible (Acts 2:38-39).

We hope that you have en-We hope that you have en-We hope that you have en-We hope that you have en-joyed the first year’s joyed the first year’s joyed the first year’s joyed the first year’s

editions of editions of editions of editions of Inside InsightInside InsightInside InsightInside Insight. . . .

Mrs. Patton and the staff would like to thankMrs. Patton and the staff would like to thankMrs. Patton and the staff would like to thankMrs. Patton and the staff would like to thank all the students who submitted work and thoseall the students who submitted work and thoseall the students who submitted work and thoseall the students who submitted work and those

who were published this year for their who were published this year for their who were published this year for their who were published this year for their hard work and creative talent.hard work and creative talent.hard work and creative talent.hard work and creative talent.

We thank God for blessing We thank God for blessing We thank God for blessing We thank God for blessing us with these talentsus with these talentsus with these talentsus with these talents

which we return to Him in which we return to Him in which we return to Him in which we return to Him in our praise.our praise.our praise.our praise.

Olivia Cole

Courtney Creeden