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Coconino Has a Published Author!
Friday, September 13, 2024 by Isabella Canales
Taylor Wilkes, a high school senior, is acknowledged for her self-published book called The Last of Us. Publishing a book in high school is a big accomplishment, and even Wilkes wondered if it were possible: “I never thought any of my stuff was worth publishing and so, but I went through something, and it kind of gave me the motivation to start writing more poetry and writing stuff that I was actually able to publish,” says Taylor. The short story brings readers through a journey of the author’s feelings of heartbreak and acceptance in a series of poems, which makes it a “happy-sad” book. According to Wilkes, this book is not only for a simple read, but also for those who are also going through the process of “moving on.” Since it is her first book, there may be another book in the works, creating a possible career for this writer. Wilkes builds an inspiration for aspiring writers, and even tells them “it’s your story to write.” Like many students at Coconino High School, Wilkes loves to write.
Here is an excerpt from Wilkes’s book: “I love you was never a lie. The days and nights I uttered those three words I promised they were never fake. I never said ‘I love you’ and didn’t mean it. Maybe that’s why you stopped because you couldn’t bring yourself to say it and not mean it. These are the things I convince myself of.” Taylors poem, The truth was never a lie, is part of her book, which can be found on Amazon: The Last of Us Book. Support your fellow Panther, and, if you have ever gone through a break up, this book may help you grieve your loss and to move on.
Congratulations, Taylor Wilkes!
Isabella Canales is a senior, and founder of the Newsletter, who is passionate about writing. She is planning to major in Creative Writing and work as a Script Writer.
Clayton Rhoton Helps a Struggling Student During a Track Meet
Friday, September 13, 2024
By Isabella Canales
Four-year track runner and senior, Clayton Rhoton, is recognized for his good character during the Peaks Invitational race on the 31st of August. During this race, McGuire Law, a boy representing a Gilbert High School, was having trouble making his run; according to his father, he was flushed and out of breath: “He looked like he was about to fall; then he fell,” said Clayton. McGuire's father mentioned, “Clayton did actually possess the awareness to see how bad McGuire was struggling (despite his own pain).” Even though multiple runners passed McGuire, none stopped to help him, and people watching the meet are not allowed to intervene. However, that changed when Clayton saw McGuire on the ground. Even though it was a race, according to McGuire’s dad, Clayton, “sacrificed several seconds of his own time to help him out and pick him up, and help carry him across the finish line.” Clayton exhibited kindness and selflessness by sacrificing his own race time to help a runner on the opposing team get across the finish line so that he could get help. It is this kind of sportsmanship that we value at Coconino High School.
In past years, Clayton had achieved top 15, but he placed 43rd at the crossing line in this race, where McGuire was met by the medical team. While the race was a challenge, Clayton showed true sportsmanship by helping another player.
Isabella Canales is a senior, and founder of the Newsletter, who is passionate about writing. She is planning to major in Creative Writing and work as a Script Writer.
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