The Seniors of AP English Literature and Composition class banded together (with the help of Instructor Chris Griffin) to create a compilation of short stories, editorial pieces, poetry, prose, and graphics. Says senior editor Rebecca Rhoades, “Exceptional talent needs a place to reveal itself. The English Department at the Palm Valley School is a place where young writers discover and hone their writing skills.” Students needed a venue. Rebecca and the AP Lit class created one: The Order of the Phoenix, the PVS Upper School Literary Journal. The inaugural edition hit newsstands two weeks ago. They are available at the Upper School front desk for a donation of $3.
Below is a sample from Volume 1, The Order of the Phoenix. Sam Kocen, in verse, provides advice on “Stayin’ Alive.” Cover artwork for The Order of the Phoenix and the graphic art of senior Cody Coleman are also featured. Photo credit: Winnie Chien.
Stayin’ Alive
1. Hydrate or Die!!
2. Move forward or get out of the way.
3. You can stay alive for 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without protection from the elements. 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food.
4. Never take a knife to a gunfight.
5. If there is a monster in your room, then follow this rule: If you can’t see the monster then it can’t see you.
6. Sometimes in life you have to just sleep it off.
7. Don’t Act; React
8. Take care of your feet and they’ll take care of you.
9. Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable.
10. Why worry about tomorrow; we may not make it through today.
—Sam Kocen
Awesome first publication. Congratulations to Rebecca for her creative spearheading of this first edition. The variety and creativity of the offerings are exceptional. We will look forward to future editions.