Welcome to the home of all things creative! This section of the website is where you will find artwork, reviews, puzzles, comics, lists, poems, stories, and more created by the students of Wilson Area Intermediate School. These posts were originally published in April 2021

Her Own Hero

By Kirstyanna W.

April 30, 2021

She was a girl, who lived by “ what goes around comes around”,

She always gave all she had thinking one day someone would do the same,

She never gave up hope,

Day after Day she waited with still no return,

One day while waiting things in her life took a turn for the worst,

She prayed for a hero, only for no one to ever show ,

One day after another she kept praying with that little bit of hope that just barely remained throughout the days,

It got harder and harder for her to keep her head held high and a smile on her face,

But like the strong girl she was,

she didn’t ever give up,

Instead after all the days she prayed and waited for her hero to show,

She looked in the mirror on one of the worst days she thought she could ever face,

And said “ I am and always have been that hero I prayed for,

I got myself through all this alone,

Because I am strong and I believed in myself,

even when I was at the highest of doubt.”

10 Fascinating Facts about Animals

By Emily M.

April 30, 2021

Here are some crazy animal facts I learned on Thoughtco:

1. Frogs have eardrums on the outside of their heads. While frogs don't have an external ear as humans do, they have an inner ear, middle ear, and an outer ear drum or tympanum.

2. Sea otters always float on their backs when they eat. These marine mammals dine on animals including mussels, sea urchins, clams, and snails, all while floating on their backs. Their extremely dense fur protects them from the cold waters as they eat.

3. Polar bears look white, but they actually have black skin. Unlike other bears, their fur is transparent and reflects visible light. This allows polar bears, which live in the arctic tundra, to blend in with their snow covered environment.

4. Snakes always keep their eyes open, even when they are asleep. Snakes can't close their eyes because they do not have eyelids. They do have eye scales which cover their eyes and shed when the snake sheds its skin.

5. Crickets have ears on their front legs. Located just below the knees, their ears are among the smallest in the animal kingdom. In addition to crickets, grasshoppers and locusts also have ears on their legs.

6. Aardvarks can hear and smell termites and ants. An aardvark uses its long tongue to reach deep into termite and ant mounds. These animals can eat tens of thousands of insects in a single night.

7. Cobras are able to kill with a bite as soon as they are born. Baby cobra venom is just as potent as an adult cobra's venom. Their bite is dangerous because cobras can inject large amounts of venom in a single bite. Cobra venom contains a neurotoxin that affects the central nervous system and can lead to paralysis, respiratory system failure, and death.

8. Flamingos have knees that can bend backward. Well actually, what looks like knees are really its ankles and heels. A flamingo's knees are located closer to its body and hidden under its feathers.

9. The pistol shrimp catches its prey by surprising it with a loud banging noise made with its claws. The sound is so loud that it stuns or even kills their prey. The sound made by pistol shrimp claws can be as loud as 210 decibels, which is louder than a gunshot.

10. Some species of Australian Flower Spiders eat their mother when food becomes limited. The mother spider sacrifices herself by encouraging her young babies to attack her, dissolve her insides, and feed on her body.

Ten Disturbing Facts?

By Isabella P.

April 30, 2021

Sometimes you find "facts" on the internet that make you wonder whether people know the difference between fact and fiction! A fact is something that can be proven to be true. Which of these disturbing "facts" do you think might be true?

1: If you have a cat, when you die your cat will have the urge to eat you.

2: In PA there is a $10,000 fine for stalking.

3: The average person sheds 40 pounds of skin in their lifetime.

4: A singular jar of peanut butter can have 5, yes 5 rodent hairs.

5: You consume as much plastic as a credit card each month.

6: You are 13.8 percent more likely to die on your birthday.

7: You can’t raise your head.

8. More than 7,000 people die due to doctors' bad handwriting.

9: Bananas are radioactive.

10: Your cellphone has more bacteria than a public toilet.

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

April 23, 2021

By Jazaiyah W.

Here’s What You Need

• 3 Large Eggs

• 1 Cup of Half and Half Cream

• 2 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

• ½ cup of heavy whipped cream

• 5 Cups of Whole Milk

• 1 Cup of Sugar

• A Ice cream Maker

Directions

Step 1: In a large heavy saucepan, whisk eggs and sugar until blended; stir in milk. Cook over low heat until mixture is just thick enough to coat a metal spoon and a thermometer reads at least 160°, stirring constantly. (Do not allow it to boil)

Step 2: Quickly transfer mixture into a large bowl; place the bowl in a pan of ice water. Let sit for 2 minutes, occasionally stirring gently. Stir in half-and-half, heavy cream and vanilla. Press plastic wrap onto the surface of the custard. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.

Step 3: Fill cylinder of ice cream maker no more than two-thirds full; freeze according to manufacturer’s directions.

Step 4: Transfer ice cream to freezer containers, allowing headspace for expansion. Freeze until firm. ( At least 4 hours)

Step 5: Place your ice cream in a bowl or Cone and Enjoy!

The Lake One Day

April 23, 2021

By Emily D.

She walked down to the lake one day,

and saw the sun light shining away.

Bunnies bounced in the grass.

Humming birds flew by fast.

The flowers swayed in the breeze.

Round the flowers buzzed the bees

as busy as a bee could be.

When night falls they all did leave.

The stars were there through out the night,

and lead her home without any fright.

The Blackout

April 19, 2021

By Kalla B.

In 1963, the busy streets of Los Angeles were home to one place that made me even shake, The Golden Leagues Resort. It’s famous - known for its incredible service. Of course, I used to work at this remarkable hotel as bellboy, luggage runner, and also the one who works the elevator. I found the elevator interesting, the mechanics to make it go up and down anyways.

“Eugene!” I whipped around and rushed towards the backroom. Mr. Adonalle, my boss, was seated at his desk. He was signing and writing on papers, while his daughter, Emma, played in the corner. Emma looked just like her father, blonde hair, blue eyes, everything expected of some rich bratty girl. “I wanted to congratulate you,” he started, puffing some smoke right into my face. I held back a gag, I hated cigars. “You got employee of the month. Guests like you, every task you needed to do is done, and you haven’t been given a complaint since you got here.” he said, sitting up straight.

“Thank you sir, I just simply wanted to do my best.” Oh boy, that lie was so big I’m surprised he didn’t notice. The only reason I did it was for the money, but not for myself. He handed me a small bonus and shooed me from his office. I immediately rushed to the lounge area.

"Caroline! Caroline!” I hollered. Caroline Flank was the only person who I saw as a mother here. For as long as I can remember I never really had a family. I used to be on the streets and mostly other newsies were my only family. It was common, especially since my family was full of immigrants. That’s when she took me here. Of course it caused her trouble, but the boss eventually saw me as an opportunity.

Her black shiny hair was drooping over one of her eyes, the rest flowing behind her. She looked as white as a ghost, and her green eyes were just like emeralds. “Look!” I said, handing her the money. A soft smile appeared on her face.

“This is great. I’m so glad you did this for yourself, you deserve it.” She said softly, handing the money back to me.

“No, no, no, this is for you!” I said, holding it out. She looked shocked. I’ve been saving up bits of money for her, so she can get out of this place. She doesn’t deserve the treatment they give her.

“Oh no, I couldn’t possibly-”

“I insist. The least I could do.” I said. Her smile was never so big, she thanked me a dozen times.

“Hurry up!” Her face struck once again with fear as she hid the money in her pocket and rushed over to some rude man.

“Fat cats…” I mumbled.

Caroline was always used like a pawn. She was treated so poorly, by guests, the boss, and even other co-workers. She didn’t deserve it. “What about fat cats?” I froze. Darn! What do I do?! I thought. This was it. I whirled around and started apologizing profusely. When I heard a laugh, I knew who it was.

“Jumpy one aren’t ya?” Darwin said, pushing his cap up. Jeez, what a jerk, but my favorite jerk.

“Don’t do that! I thought I was going to be swimming with the fishes!”

Darwin cracked up and patted my back. “Well then maybe stop thinking aloud, huh? And learn to be more quiet, big mouth. ” He said. He brushed his brown hair back into a ponytail, showing off his blue eyes. He was a very tall and muscular guy. Guests, mostly the ladies, liked him and he often was seen talking to some big time mobsters and such.

We walked down a row of rooms, him bragging about all the credit he had just gotten from the boss. BOOM! I fell down hard, hitting my head on the floor. I heard a faint apology from a couple of people. Apologies? I never really received one. The only one I had ever gotten was when a lady from room 204 apologized for having me run to get her purse. Someone was continuously snapping at me. I opened an eye to see Darwin's blurry face in front of me.

“There ya are kid, c'mon.” Darwin said, shaking my shoulder.

I sat up. It had to be only a couple of minutes, but I was somewhere I wasn’t before. I was in one of the rooms, on a chair. I started to focus to see Darwin smile. “There you are! See his just fine little lady.” He said looking over his shoulder. Little lady? That’s when I saw her, an absolute beauty. Her hair was the darkest black, and her eyes were just breathtaking.

“I-I am so sorry. Are you okay?” She said, her voice softening and gentle. I nodded. I touched the back of my head only to pull away wincing. Blood. I seriously didn’t wanna faint just for the sight of blood. “Oh no! I-”

“Trust me, I’m just fine. Accidents happen, and I wasn’t paying attention.” I said, putting a smile on my face. That was rule 4 in this hotel for me, never stop smiling. It would be obvious I was lying. My head did hurt, but nothing too bad. Darwin pulls me to my feet.

“He’s just fine! The kid has a hard head, y’know?” he said. I was thirteen! And he was only four years older than me, so I don know why he calls me kid. The girl smiled and laughed.

“I’m Darwin! Nice to meet you!” he said, sticking his hand out.

The girl's smile made my heart stop. “Cynthia. Cynthia Walldolf.” she said.

I lit up. “Walldolf?! L-like the writer?” I yelled.

Darwin hit me in the shoulder and Cynthia laughed. “Yes? Are you a fan?”

“O-of course! Your father’s work is incredible!” She smiled, boy that’s what set me head over heels.

“Maybe someday you guys can meet up.” she said.

“Thank you, but we best be going. We have to get back to work.” Darwin said. He grabbed my arm and ran out.

“Well then, I know my little pest has a crush.” he yelled. I hit him in the arm and he laughed. Then… it happened.

“The lights!” I yelled. I stuck by a wall and heard screaming from a bunch of rooms. Cries and pleads, and I heard a cough from Darwin.

“Stay close!” he said pushing me into Cynthia’s room once more then blocking the door. She grabbed onto me, shaking and all I could do was pound on the door.

“Darwin! Please open the door!” I hollered. It was almost a half hour, maybe more, where everything was dark. Cynthia shook as I tried to bust open the door. The lights flickered back on and he opened the door. I was mortified. He was cut and bruised. He fell face first onto the floor. I need to check on Caroline. Is the only thought I had.

“M-may he stay? Please?” Cynthia debated, but nodded. I ran out and down the hall. I couldn't lose her. My mother, the person who took me in when my parents left me. When she was having her own hardship, she still took in a runt like me. Running to the main hall, I see Caroline crying.

“What-” I stopped. It… was horrible. Guests were all gone. The main room was covered in fear.

Top Ten Easter Candies

April 19, 2021

By Jessica B.

Are you still finishing up your candy from Easter? How many of these top ten Easter candies did you get?

• Peeps

• Sweet Tarts Chicks, Ducks, and Bunnies

• Whoppers Mini Robin Eggs

• Starburst Jelly Beans

• Cadbury Creme Egg

• Russell Stover Milk Chocolate Easter Bunny

• Cadbury Mini Eggs

• Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs

• Kinder Joy

• Chocolate Eggs

SIX SMOOTHIE RECIPES

April 19, 2021

By Sa'Vannah S.

All you need to do is put one smoothie bowl recipe into a blender. If anything gets stuck, stop the blender and stir the ingredients a little bit. When it is smooth, you are done. Hope you enjoy the recipes!

PITAYA BOWL SMOOTHIE

2 cups frozen mango

2 cups frozen pineapple

1 pink pitaya (frozen)

½ cup coconut milk or milk of choice

BLUE CRUSH SMOOTHIE

2 cups frozen bananas

2 cups frozen pineapple

1 tsp blue spirulina

½ coconut milk or milk of choice

SUNRISE BOWL SMOOTHIE

2 cups frozen mango

2 cups frozen pineapple

12 cup orange juice

1 scoop protein powder

ISLAND BOWL SMOOTHIE

1 cup frozen mango

1 cup frozen strawberries

1 cup pineapple

½ cup frozen bananas

Splash of orange juice

ORANGE CRUSH SMOOTHIE

1 can frozen orange juice

2 frozen bananas

½ cup almond milk or milk of choice

GREEN BOWL SMOOTHIE

Handful of kale

2 cups frozen mango

2 frozen bananas

½ cup orange juice

Top Ten Shows on Disney +

April 19, 2021

By Emily M.

Looking for something good to watch after homework? Check out these top ten programs on Disney +.

1. Hamilton

2. Star Wars

3. DuckTales

4. Wanda Vision

5. Secrets of Sulphur Springs

6. Raven’s Home

7. Marvel: Falcon and Winter Soldier

8. Avengers Endgame

9. Mary Poppins

10. The Mandalorian